Guardians of Order

The Guardians of Order, typically just called Guardians, is a religious military order originally founded by the earliest Vaynites, but has since spread across Miran. While many Guardians have traveled to other lands the worship of Vayne is not strong enough to form a Chapter House

The Guardians were first gathered in fellowship by a dedicated priest of Vayne named Asmund. While many have declared themselves followers of Vayne, it was Asumnd that gathered those around him with the vision to create something larger. The followers of Vayne often fought themselves as much as the chaos and evil of the world - this was expected in order to ensure that the best warriors were anointed by the Chosen of Vayne.

Asmund saw something more in his daily prayers. He gathered those who listened into a circle - where all were equal and none could hide their face from their fellows. In time the circle grew and the need for houses, smithies, carpenters, and tanners made the construction of a Chapter House necessary. These Chapter Houses often gathered a small village around them, but most preferred to see to their own needs.

As the Chapter Houses spread the concept of a single circle was lost and instead Masters and then the title of Grandmaster were created. This allowed the house to be commanded by a single voice, but still maintained the original concept of a circle of equals. For the members of the chapter house they formed Guard Units in fellowship where each member of the unit was the equal of the others. In place of a single circle within two hundred years there were several circles of fellowship each supporting those above them.

There are now dozens of Chapter Houses scattered across the world; although the majority are still located in Miran where the fellowship began.

While the structure and daily life of the Chapter House is steeped in tradition and doctrine, those Guardians who wander the world are expected to maintain their own lives and dedication.

Most Chapter Houses are located in human lands as the dedication and discipline are unsuitable for others. Only among the dwarves can be found Chapter House not started or commanded by humans. There are many non-humans among the Guardians, but few rise in rank high enough to be named a Master - and the number of non-human Grandmasters ever can be counted on one hand.

The central tenant of the Order is to prepare one's self for the Final Battle. Those selected by Vayne for their courage, dedication, and strength of arms will become one of his Undying Warriors who stand before the Titan Gate holding back the powers of Entropy from destroying everything. It is not enough to master skill at arms, but to also strengthen your true spirit.

Each Chapter House is overseen by a single Grandmaster whose duties including approving new initiates, overseeing each of the Masters, and dealing with any external issue. The Grandmaster is served by one or more Masters that dedicate themselves to overseeing some part of the house - often sponsoring one of the Guards of the house.

The Chapter House will also have one or more Masters whose duties are assigned to them by the title(s) they hold. Not all Chapter Houses will have all of these positions - instead this is just a list of the most common.

• Master of the Horse: Tends to the needs of any animals and oversees training of mount and rider.
• Master of the Sword: Oversees the smithy and the training of all Guardians within the house.
• Master of the Axe: Outdated title typically called the Master of the Sword in most houses.
• High Priest: Occasionally referred to as Master of the Spirit. Tends to the religious doctrine and spiritually advises the other masters.
• Master of the Green: Trains archery and crossbow. Oversees any carpentry and clothiers.
• Master of the Shield: Commonly referred to as the Gatekeeper - not only shield training, but commands the elite house guard of each chapter.

A Guard unit is a fellowship within the order whose members gather for support and very rarely because of religious schism. The largest Guard Units span multiple Chapter Houses, but there are a few that can be found only in certain regions or even a single house. The honor of the unit is carried by its members and each unit has their own badge and flag to carry into battle.

Competition among Guard Units is not uncommon, with many of the largest fellowships occasionally settling disputes over single combat - occasionally to the death.

The House Guard is a special guard unit whose members are dedicated solely to the protection of the Chapter House. Most members of the House Guard do belong other another fellowship, but the duties of the House Guard override any duties to their other guard. The House Guard is commanded by the Master of the Shield - in Chapter Houses where this title does not exist it is commanded by the Grandmaster.

Each Chapter House is required to have a House Guard, even if it consists of only a single member. Serving as a member of the House Guard is considered a very high honor and those leaving the guard in good order can still wear a variation of the badge and honor on their shield.

• Alanna
• Dae
• Raga Durbin