Lightguard

The Lightguard are a religious militant group, that has existed in multiple forms throughout history. Currently the Lightguard are a branch of the military within the Kingdom of Whytehold, who serve the Church of the Light, and are often lead by priests and paladins wielding Light Magic.
Soldiers of the Lightguard are distinguishable from standard soldiers of Whytehold by their religious iconography, and their intense devotion to the Light Gods. Most members of the Lightguard don't have any form of magic, but often can perform minor rites and incantations, or wear holy symbols to ward away the Darkness.
Leaders of the Lightguard are granted special magical abilities which allow them to see traces of magic in other people. These are known as Lightguard Bastions.
The Lightguard are subservient first and foremost to the priests of the Light Church, which also includes monks of the Elders. They will prioritise commands from these religious authorities above those given by commanders, which can cause some contention on the battlefield.
There are two places where Lightguard are specially hired to be an Honour Guard. These are the Cathedral at Kirkenhold, and Sollan Temple.
== History ==
=== Origin ===
The first form of the Lightguard were mercenaries hired by the Sollan Dominion, to expand their territory and defend their holdings in the White Bay. Though originally only hired for money, these mercenaries were quickly indoctrinated into the Light and soon fought out of devotion. After the reduction of Sollan during the Tyrranean Coalition, this force was mostly disbanded, with only a few retained to guard Sollan Isle itself.
=== Nikovid's Reformation ===
In 20.15, a knight called Nikovid Von Karstein re-formed the Lightguard from Whytehold Soldiers, and even attained support from the Heirophant of Sollan, who named him "High Persecutor" of the Lightguard. Nikovid's form of the Lightguard was more of a political faction than just a military force, and he gained a lot of support. In 20.17 he used this support to become High Marshal of the Whytehold Commonwealth, and General of the Military of the Tyrranean Coalition. He then spread the Lightguard across Tyrrus, persecuting people for believed heresy. He was eventually taken out of power by The Saviours, and the Lightguard was then taken over by Wolfgang Geltrich.
=== Wolfgang's Reformation ===
Under the command of Wolfgang Geltrich, working alongside the new High Marshal Leona Carrus, the Lightguard was reformed again to become less influential, and less destructive. It became what it is today, just another branch of the military.