The Guardians

There are childhood tales of mystical times, in an age of strife and servitude, where a hero would rise to lead their people to glory. Our reality is different, but the sentiment remains, only now it is known as the Guardian Path. A Guardian is one who puts all others before them, who know that true leadership is to guide their allies in their own search of betterment. Spirited, tenacious and loyal, you will often find Guardians banded together to truly be the heroes the world needs. When you are in greatest need, you call the Guardians. But take heed, for death, dishonour and disgrace await those unfit to stand under the noble sigil. Are you worthy of the Guardian Path? Only in your heart will you know.

**I shall lead those who are lost, and fight for those who can’t. Upon my honour, it will be so.** *~ Laurel de Lacy, Guardian of the ‘00’ Guard, swearing fealty.*

## The Guard

Guardians are not so much made, but born. The Path of the Guardian speaks to those who will choose the greater good, and it is a rare enough thing in the world that a person can risk everything to put all others before them, to put themselves in harm's way for the sake of strangers. This is the Way of the Guardian, and it is not something that can be learned. Selfless and noble, Guardians live by a moral code, and to break from this code is to abandon the values that so define the faction. Banishment or even death are punishments set out for a Guardian who fails in their sworn duty, and for those that do, judgement is swift.

## Guardians in The City

The Guardian Faction is primarily located in the Western Suburbs of the city, in an area known as The Western Spring, an area of considerable wealth. The region's architecture, a blend of classical and contemporary, is the finest in the city, vast skyscrapers and high rise buildings reaching far into the sky, the spires piercing the clouds. Sunlight glimmers from the glass as shadows are cast on the districts below, the Guardian’s power and importance displayed with not too subtle impudence. For those living in the shade, Guardian hubris is clear to see.

**Houses and Governance**

The Guardian Way is one steeped in legacy, heritage and tradition. The Guardians exist within a class structure and are led by a ruling elite comprised of a handful of Noble Houses who preside over the faction in a plutocracy. Decrees are set through way of the Guardian Court, where law and judgement is passed. This system, though undeniably successful, so much so that the Guardian Faction is indeed the most powerful in terms of wealth and number, has also caused problems within Guardian society, and to some, the harmonious and just system that the faction tries so hard to present to the city is in fact fractious to the point of rebellion. Those new to the Faction, without the history and pedigree the Guardians so desire and admire, are often considered lesser members and are not given the same status or opportunities those more established are afforded. Nepotism is a common source of contention. For those who do have the power in the Guardian Court, a watchful eye is required, because for those who have less or for those who want more, ambition can make a man do strange things. The shadows hide many dangers, and the night is full of threat.

## Military Use

**‘fortem esse audere’**

**Selection Report for Resistance Fighters (Approved Documentation)**

Selection for Guardian ranks based on candidates’ tenacity, stoicism and cooperative skills. Successful Guardian candidates form ideal tactical units and are the cornerstone of any offensive strike. Loyalty and consideration towards fellow Guardians is a must, as a squadron's success hails from the ability to press forward as one collective unit. True Guardians will hold the line for their brothers and sisters in arms, and take no backward step.

Guardians are indeed at the heart of any military operation. They form the backbone of any tactical manoeuvring, hold the centre line with steadfast determination, and will act as a rearguard should the need arise. Guardians fight under heralds and banners displaying images and inscriptions of glories past. History, and the heroics of those who came before weigh heavy on the Guardian Faction, as does the need to prove themselves as leaders to all. Their pride and resoluteness is admirable, if a little fool-hardy, as Guardians are known to stand in the face of an enemy assault that they long should have run from, such is their dedication to the cause and to victory. Guardians of lower status will often use this theatre as a means of progression, for should a senior Guardian fall, then an admirable display in front of the regiment can see someone promoted in both rank and social status. Brave, dedicated, with no man left behind, the Guardians are a sight to behold.

**Weapons and Armour**

Guardians display the finest technology in weapons, armour and armament of the three Factions. Such is the wealth that the Guardians possess, only the best is good enough for these warriors. The Guardians carry both hand-to-hand and ranged weapons, as being a versatile fighting force they need to be prepared for any eventuality. With laser guided projectiles, as well as the sharpest and strongest swords, they are a formidable unit. Guardian armour is both protective and aesthetically pleasing, with members blending fashion with military functioning in their choice of attire. Each outfit will also display rank insignia, as well as the House sigil to which they belong, situated over the heart.

## **Battles**

Below is a list of famous battles that the Guardians have been involved in:

* ***The Mercantile Suppression*** - Guardian regiments successfully quelled a riot in the Mercantile quarter where a protest against new taxes turned violent.
* ***The Prophet, Gustav Flint and the Slumdog Uprising*** - False Prophet Flint led an aggressive skirmish against the city elites with his cult-like following the ‘Slumdogs’, leading to a bloody and ferocious series of battles finally put down by Guardian troops.
* ***The Border Wars*** - Guardian regiments were sent to patrol the City borders to prevent a series of high intensity attacks aimed at breaching the City walls from those who live in the outland wastes.
* ***The Awakening*** (Active Campaign)

## Ways and Culture

Guardian culture is generally very civil. Well-natured and good-humoured, the Guardians are at the face of it the very people they profess to be. Leaders of the lost, tireless servants to the found, they are a fine example to the citizens of New Central. Yet for all their nobility and service towards the greater good, there is a ruthless streak that is barely hidden amongst some in the faction. Be it wealth, ambition, power, there are some who would go to any length to get what they want, and sacrifice the very people they have sworn to stand alongside. There are some who feel the Guardians stand at a crossroads, and the path they will take as a faction is as yet unclear. It is hoped that the new breed of Guardian who take the path at The Three Gates, can restore the virtues of this long admired group, as the city is in dire need of its Guardians.

## Famous Guardians

***Silent George of the Guardian 4th*** - Silent George was a farm boy from the lower valleys. When plague ran through his village and took both his mother and father, as well as most of his people, he made the way as others had before, to seek his fortune in New Central City. George was a boy of great strength and low intelligence. He was amiable, but seldom spoke, less so since the tragedy that had befallen him. His kind heart led him to the Guardian path and into the city walls, where he joined up with the faction at the height of their war with the Slumdogs and the false prophet, Gustav Flint. Tasting battle, George was put into the front row, as was the way with new recruits in this war, for why let the veterans be cut down when these prospects could take their place. Years on the plough had made George grow strong, his power with the spear far beyond that of those he faced, especially those who scratched a living in The Slums, poisoned as they were by their leader and his lies. A natural in the ranks, George found himself alone with his enemy lying prone before him or in full retreat, a great display of martial prowess for such a raw recruit ensuring his commanders eyes were on him in the ensuing fray. Yet it was George’s next actions that earned him the respect of the regiment and the veterans he fought alongside. Picking up the bodies of two of his squad, he strung them across his back and took their injured forms back behind his lines, living true to the mantra of no man left behind. With his comrades safe, he picked up his spear once more, and led the line, the first of many heroics in a long and illustrious career.