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-====== Redguard ======
+====== Red Guard ======
-The Red Guard were the last of the free people to still resist the corruption of the [[Dark Age]]. Shielded by powerful magic and armed with legendary weapons they did battle with the blighted forces of [[people:Gelin]] to save the few remaining free cities.
+The Red Guard was formed by [[people:Mavros]], a famed Necromancer from the [[lore:age_of_magic]]. He initially sought out Necromancy to further his own quest for power, but he almost died in a horrible accident. After his recovery Mavros was a changed man — he now sought to use his vast knowledge and power to aid other people.
+To accomplish this Mavros gathered a large host of aimless wanderers to his tower. Those that agreed to follow his new vision were granted entrance into the elite fighting force he called the RED GUARD. For years the guard fought across the land aiding those that struggled against the chaos around them.
-<WRAP right box 280px>
+Finally a large host gathered against the guard and they were pushed back to their tower. Mavros quickly pulled his best warriors and their commanders into his tower. There he cast a spell that changed them into stone statues and scattered them throughout the levels below the ground in his tower. He foresaw that one day the evil would rise again and his guard would be needed. He left instructions for the spell of awakening for the proper people.
-<wrap centeralign>//**Redguard**//</wrap>
-\\
-images
-| **Leader**  | [[people:Malachi]]  |
+When the attackers were ready to overrun the tower he scattered the remaining guard to the four winds and told them to fight evil wherever they found it for as long as they could. He then destroyed his tower and everyone within sight.
-| **Prominent Members**  | [[people:Jorack]] \\ [[people:Rhian]] \\ [[people:Silver]] \\ [[people:Living Shadow]] \\ [[people:Un'Lor]]  |
-| **Temporal Range**  | [[lore:Dark Age]] \\ [[lore:Age of Heroes]]  |
-</WRAP>
-===== History =====
-==== Creation ====
-The Red Guard were fashioned by Mavros, one of the most powerful Necromancers during the [[Age of Legends]], as a weapon to help the maji close the gates of power and overthrown the dark lords. Each member of the guard was chosen for the strength of their spiritual energy. To this strength was bonded something that only Mavros knows for sure. The result was the ability of the soldier to call upon the raw magic of the world and shape it with their own spiritual energy.
-After he had fashioned one-thousand guardsmen, Mavros rode at their head and came upon a battle between the [[Maji]] and [[Dark Lords]] in the [[atlas:Jinni river valley]]. The Dark Lords rejoiced when Mavros arrived, for he had aided their cause in the past — when he rode down and swept through their ranks the Lords instead cursed him as they were reaped by guard. For the next ten years the Red Guard, as they were called because of their red armour, battled the Dark Lords whenever they took to the battlefield. During each battle the Red Guard was weakened, but those who survived seem to take on an almost fanatical devotion to Mavros.
-==== Final Assault ====
-Finally Mavros faced [[people:Bloodlord Rathlok]], who led the most powerful dark army left in the world. For two years the two groups fought, died, advanced, and retreated across the world. Mountains shook in their roots with the power of the magical energies the two armies threw at each other. Finally it was the Red Guard that was forced to retreat. With their numbers reduced to less that two hundred effective guardsmen Mavros pulled the guard back to his tower. He took half of his guards within the walls, while the rest defended the outer gate.
-What happened next nobody really knows for sure, but the famous [[lore:Red Tower]] exploded in a fireball that was seen from hundreds of miles away. While the earth itself was not torn asunder all living beings touched by the power of the gates within a hundred miles was instantly destroyed. When the smoke finally cleared the tower was gone. With the largest dark army now destroyed the maji were able to close the last gate and return the world to its rightful place.
-==== Age of Heroes ====
-In the year 1441 the Red Tower mysteriously appeared in the same physical location it left those ages ago. While nobody even remembered the Red Tower — or even legends about it, a few of the oldest texts did mention it and its powerful owner. The noble lords of the land who border the tower (Phoenix Force) went to investigate. As they breached the tower's outer walls and found the vault in the lowest chamber they awoke Mavros and his remaining guard.
-Currently the Red Guard number almost 100 soliders, with at least one quarter of their number guarding their fortress in [[atlas:Western Dakar]]. This has caused a considerable amount of trouble in the Dakarian court as Mavros refuses to recognize the claim of the Dakarian throne upon his land. He has a treaty from the Elven Queen predating the Dakarian treaty giving him full rights to his land for as long as he lives — the fact that he was thought dead for hundreds of years did not nulify the treaty. Because he serves as a constant thorn in the side of the Dakarian noblity the elven court as fully recognized his claim to the land.
-==== Membership ====
-Currently the Red Guard number almost 100 soliders, with at least one quarter of their number guarding their fortress in Western Dakar. The remainder operate in small companies of 8-10 soliders with a commander and sub-commander. The commander holds the ruby sun amulet that allows them to communicate with the fortress.
-Mavros (High Commander)
-Once known as one of the most power Necromancers during the Dark Ages, Mavros had a epiphany and joined with the Maji to defeat his one-time allies and close the gates forever. To assist he formed the Red Guard, giving those who rode under his banner great magical powers. It was Mavros' greatest spell that enabled the Red Guard to survive to the Age of Heroes so that their heroism would again have a chance to blaze with glory.
-Markail (Battle Commander)
-He serves as the overall battle commander for the guard, looking after even the smallest detail. Well liked by the common soldiers, he masterfully knows when to push them and when to back off. This comardie stems from several incidents when he was a company commander and charged into several impossible situations to save one of his men. Although he now realizes that his position makes these stunts impossible, he still might do it if the battle lust in within him. When he does engage in battle, Markail is considerable skilled in the use of two small swords — blocking and striking with either hand in turn. Mavros gifted Markail with the battle foresight and the ability to call upon the spirits of some of the best field commanders of all time.
-Tamrin (Second in Command)
-Tamrin's fighting skills would not hold their own against a very skilled warrior, but she is more than willing to fight on the defensive until her opponent makes a mistake and then strike. Although she has ridden under Mavros' banner longer than Markail she does not regret his decision to make Markail the Battle Commander. Like her fighting she feels that when Mavros finally decides to step down she will be named as the High Commander. Her patience and mastery of magic make her the perfect choice. This is further reinforced by Mavros teaching her many of the speciality spells to maintain the Red Guard's abilities.
-Jorg (Commander)
-Even though the Red Guard counts many unusual members, Jorg makes many of them seem normal to many people. The product of a union between a ice giant and an ogre shamaness, Jorg stands over 18 feet tall. His great strength is unmatched by anyone beside a true giant. In fact, not even Mavros knows the true extent of his strength as the harder something resists him the stronger he becomes.
-Silver (Commander)
-Silver is the smallest commander standing only 6 inches tall. Her bright silver hair and colorful butterfly wings mark her as a fae by most people, but they would be wrong. Only Silver knows where she was born, but Mavros knows that she is not a native of the Shadowrealms. Mavros was impressed by her charm and nature, so after she helped him escape from a very deadly trap he named her a full commander of the guard. She never actually leads any group of soldiers and has shown very little interest in learning about any form of combat, but her ability to do the seemingly impossible as made her a very popular commander.
-Prominent Guardsmen
-Daniel of Littlehaf (human male)
-Daniel's family were herders with no history of great warriors or chief to draw upon. Instead, like many of the people they followed whichever current leader claimed their land and simply waited for them to die or be replaced. Given this it is nearly impossible to believe Daniel was anything less that a miracle for the Red Guard and a disappointment to his family. This is because Daniel happens to be an extremely skilled swordsman who has defeat ten men in a single combat without recieving a scratch in return.
-Daniel serves Commander Tamrin, who has tried to give him command of any number of squads in vain. Each time he seems give the effort everything he has, but his lack of leadership and natural charisma doom it to failure. Likewise he doesn't make an exceptionally good soldier because he cares little for the life he has choosen to lead. Instead, Tamrin keeps him as her personal bodyguard rather than risk such a natural talent leaving the Guard. In this job, Daniel seems to have finally found some purpose for his gift.
-Peter Randelson (human male)
-One of the few people to serve under Silver, Peter was happy as a wandering minstrel until he was waylaid by some rather heavy-handed bandits. They were just about to slice him open when one of the Red Guard swooped in and killed the lot. So impressed, and with little other options (since he wasn't a very skilled minstrel), Peter decided he was going to join this band of heroes. Now instead of singing about heroics he would be living them.
-The major roadblock to this was that Peter knew only the basics of defending himself and was more than a bit unhinged about the idea of slicing someone open. Still, there is room in the Guard for one of skill and courage and under the leadership of Silver he found that niche. His skills he learned while performing on the road make him the perfect person to gather information ahead of the Guard. Working together with Silver the Guard has access to a great deal of information and rumors about their target.
-Ana Lightshield (elven female)
-A skilled magician who studied not only under the Master Brandon the Bray, but has recently been pouring over the books provided by Mavros for her further understanding. While she has become a specialist in defensive wards and circles — she has begun learning the difficult skill of overcoming outer-realm creatures and banishing them to their own home realm. Because of the difficult nature of this study, Ana is only in the field when teh entire Guard is called out or any specific commander requests a skilled magician.
-Samual (orc male)
-The fact that Samual is still alive is a testement to both his skill and the blessing of the gods that lay upon his head. A fierce beserker from the frozen wastes, Samual has caused entire commands to flee the field of battle rather than face his dance of death. Instead of a shield, Samual prefers mace and sword so that he may strike with both hands. Even with that and a kick or two from spiked kneecops the death of his enemies still cannot come fast enough. Before his last victim falls he is already moving on to the next.
-While technically Samual falls under the command of Captain Willhouse's Night Axe squad — in reality it would take a stronger man that Willhouse to control him. Instead, once the Night Axes have engaged the enemy in combat Samual is given free reign over his nature. Captain Willhouse then uses Samual as a lead point in his drive to thrust a wedge between the enemy line. Once breached the rest of the company can move in and exploit the new weakness.
-Maria de Klerk (human female)
-The daughter of the Daconian clan chief and the granddaughter of its greatest hero and shaman — many people in her clan had high hopes for Maria. Unfortunately Maria had her own dreams, which were driven by Vaynan, the god of battle. She knew from an early age that she was to die in a some great battle where the balance between good and evil would be decided. With this knowledge she was driven like a moth to Mavros' flame. She still awaits that final battle, but that is the nature of the gods.
-Maria is the captain of the Leopards under the leadership of Jorg. The Leopards have a reputation, even within the Guard, for never giving ground once they have engaged in melee. Like Maria, most of the other Leopards have adopted the heavy spear or axe and shield in battle. The Leopards would give their lives to protect Maria and she would no nothing less to save them.
-Modus Operandi
-The Red Guard now operates in small companies numbering between 8 and 10 soliders led by a commander and sub-commander. Not since the Dark Ages has the entire Guard marched as one led by Mavros. Before leaving the Red Tower each group is given their orders and will not return until those orders are fulfilled or it is impossible for them to be carried out.
 Abilities
-To aid them in their fight against darkness Mavros spent considerable amount of time and mystical effort to give each guardsman the power they would need. While most of these spells have weakened over the years, they are still powerful enough to make each Red Guard more than a match for just about any skilled warrior of this new age. In addition to the common abilities below, each commander was given their own special magicks.
+To aid them in their fight against evil Mavros spend considerable amount of time and effort to insure that the guard would not find themselves outmatched. Every guardsman was given the power to summon forth mystical armor, weapons, and even a mount.
 Armor
-This spell creates deep-red armor in the style in use during the Age of Legends, which mean that it appears far more cumbersome and useless than it actually is in reality. With multiply flutes, shart angles, spikes, and short heavy plates the wearer appears more like a demon from the fiery depths than any knight. Mavros has worked to change the design of the spell while maintaining the armour's heavy protections, but because the spell draws upon the wearer's own spiritual energies changing the shape may change the wearer's perception.
+The actual look of the armor is left up to the individual when they are alone. If they are with another then the armor is always the same. This "dress" armor is bright red full plate with a decorative helm. The guardsman can also have a shield if they desire. The actual function of the armor is the same no matter what it resembles. The only reason for the similar style when acting together is to instill fear into the enemy. The armor will protect its wearer as high-quality plate.
 Weapons
-The exact nature of the weapon is left up to the individual wielder. Because it is made with spiritual energy they have to ability to focus it into any shape they desire, even if that shape make no sense.
+The weapon is left to individual when they summon it from the energies of the other realms. If the weapon ever leaves their hands then it disappears and another one must be called forth. The guardsman can only have one weapon at a time.
 Mount
-When called, the mount will appear to rise from the ground inside of a giant glowling red triangle within a few seconds. The mounts fur is black with red boots on all four feet. They wear a deep red and gold cloth that functions like heavy plate armor.
+The mount will appear rise from the ground within a few seconds of being summoned. Draped in bright red full plate armor that does not hamper any movement. The mount is actually a pegasus; although the wings are hidden and protected by the armor unless flying.
+Leaders
+Mavros (human male)
+Out of the original commanders only 5 were chosen for their ability to work together and effectively lead the new guard. Tamrin was chosen for her intelligence and strategic planning. Jorg was chosen for his great strength and compassion for others. Markail was the best overall commander and well respected by the guardsman. Silver keeps the guards ties to the fae and other natural creatures stong. The last commander is a shadowy being that remains nameless. His position within the guard is unknown, but Mavros insists that he remain in command rank.
+Mavros provides the overall leadership for the entire guard. He personally lead the group in his younger years, but now relies upon Markail for the decisions in battle. He gifted each one of the commanders with special abilities that will aid them in keeping the guard alive. These abilities will be detailed under the personal descriptions.
+Appearance
+Interaction
 Notes
-Dark Ages
+Mavros the Red
-    Mavros forms the Red Guard and rides to the aid of the maji trying to close the gates.
+Race: Human, Daiven tribe
-    The long sleep begins
+Sex: Male
+Age: 43, although 582 years passed
-    Discovered by Phoenix Force after the reappearance of the Red Tower on their western border, thus the long slumber is ended.
+Status: Commands the Red Guard
+Background
+Born over six hundred years ago in the frozen wastelands of the north to a simple woodcutter and a nameless woman he rescued during a blizzard. Although his mother disappeared once he was born, his father raised him with a strong moral code. However, during his ninth year raiders came and killed his father and made Mavros their slave. Just two years later the raiders were mysteriously attacked by a bloodthirsty pack of wolves and only Mavros escaped into the deep snows.
+Tired and hungry he was found by a witchwoman just hours from dying. She took him in and taught him the was of the spiritworld. He stayed with her and learned her ways until she pushed him out just as he turned twenty. With some coin and a spirit guide, Mavros made his way south towards the scattered Northman tribes.
+The Black Wizard
+It was there that he rose to power, using his magic to destroy his foemen and take their possessions for himself. Without the witch to curb his tendencies he was drunk on his own power and sought to forge his own empire upon the frozen earth. For thirty years he turned his fortunes into a vast army, which he used to conquer all those that stood against him. It was after the battle of Yagrs Pass that he walked away from everything he had become.
+While his second took up his mantle and sought to follow his leader's bloody example — Mavros wandered lost. One day he found himself in the house of a young woman whose husband he had killed two years previously. When he left that house five years later, Mavros was a changed man and the village had three more children to raise. Taking the name Mavros the Red, he raised the village's banner and gathered another army to destroy the evil that he started thirty-five years previously.
+Red Guard
-===== Return =====
+With his magic having matured and tempered by battle he sought out others with an inner peace and sense of justice. To those that flocked to his banner he taught them a small taste of his magic and knowledge so that would realize his vision. This core of his army became known as the Red Guard in honor of their tabbards and glowing red magical armor they wore into battle.
-During the darkest times of the [[lore:Dark Age]] one army refused to surrender to [[people:Gelin]], the Redguard. These warrior-magicians were gathered under the banner of [[people:Malachi]], considered by many to be the greatest [[lore:Enchanter]] to live during the [[lore:Age of Legends]]. When he saw the storm of chaos approaching he traveled the world looking for those strong enough to stand with him against the madness.
+For three years Mavros plunged into the empire he founded, each time whittling away more of their strength. Finally, on the fourth year he sent his army to the south while he and a small contingent went directly for the seat of power. With their armies battling in the north Mavros and his trusted second crossed blades. As his closest friends were falling before the palace guards, Mavros cast a spell that reduced the entire palace to a smoking crater.
-He crafted for them powerful arms and armor, then taught them enough magic so they could withstand mystical assault. His army was called the Redguard because their armor and weapons fashioned from the pure power gave off a dull reddish-black light. This army traveled anywhere people needed assistance against the growing darkness.
+With a leader the empire collapsed and all of the villages again found themselves free to live their own lives. All of the Red Guard journeyed to the hidden tower where they trained and were never seen again. Still, the legend of Mavros lives.
+Rebirth
-However, as Gelin’s evil spread, more cities fell under his sway or were destroyed. The Redguard were shrinking, as more of their number was lost to the madness or upon the field of battle. Malachi knew that his was a lost cause, but he saw hope on the horizon — in the form of the return of the [[bestiary:gods]].  As his army was battling Gelin’s troops, he was constructing a place were they could wait until needed again.
+Phoenix Force found the Red Guard asleep in their tower and when they woke them up to help them clean up an evil presense — the guard quickly found and revived Mavros. Now that they have fulfilled their obligation to their saviors, Mavros and the Guard travel the world to explore what has changed in the nearly five-hundred years they slept.
-Malachi knew that he followers could not survive without access to the pure power. He constructed a large tower that would act as a leech upon their bodies. Over time it would leech out the power that ran through them, which would allow them to live in a world without the gates. This would happen slowly enough that their bodies’, mind, and spirit should survive intact.
+Mavros is a force to be watched. Once considered a man of limitless evil, he instead because a force for good — for reasons history never records and he will not talk about. Now he and the Guard travel throughout the land imposing their own definition of law and justice.
+Appearance
-After the last of the Redguard were inside the main chamber, Malachi sunk the whole tower beneath the earth — never to be seen again. However, he did leave behind his word that if the world were again under sorcerous assault the he would return at the head of the Redguard army and march to victory.
+Mavros has dark brown hair streaked with gray at the temple and sideburns. His eyes are hazel and close together on his face, giving him a hawkish appearance. At just a little over five and a half feet he is dwarfed by many of his fellow tribesmen, but his tenor voice is clear and presents both a feeling of underlying power and obvious culture.
-[[Phoenix Company]], a group of [[atlas:Kingdom of Dakar|Dakarian]] mercenaries found the tower and uncovered its secret. Many of the statues were already broken, scattered across the floor; however, most of the 500 soldiers were still intact. Malachi rose his tower and once again sent his followers out into a strange New World to fight the forces of corruption and tyranny.
+When at court he favors tunics of burgundy with black trim and gold embroidery worked throughout. While the style is currently out of fashion his tight leather breeches and half-cape are holdovers from the style when he disappeared from this world. When riding often wears a rakish hat and braids his hair.
+When he goes to war as the commander of the Red Guard, Mavros shows he is no mere nobleman. His armor is black leather reinforced with plates seemingly made from rubies; although no gemstone could be so perfectly cut to withstand the punishment his endures. With a silvered sword, heavy dwarven steel axe, and lance — Mavros leads his company from the front and is often the last to leave the battlefield.
-{{tag>martial magic dark_age age_of_legends}}
+{{tag>organization}}