Lancers

The Lancers are an international syndicate of mystics, mages, mercenaries, and enforcers. They are the world's foremost provider of mercenary services, bodyguards, advisors, expeditioners, survey crews, and assassins. The Lancers initially began several centuries ago as a group of warriors that discovered how to tap into the power of Aspects, granting them unique abilities. They called this technique Lancing, and they passed their knowledge down through the generations. The Lancers have since become a tremendously powerful political and economic enterprise. They are contracted with the national governments of several nations, including Lakernia, Veidtland, and Noma, to provide law enforcement and border patrol services. They maintain a presence everywhere, even within regions that have no official ties to the syndicate.

## Structure

The Lancers are divided into several branches based on location. Each branch is overseen by a Luminary, the highest rank in the syndicate.

**Lakernian Branches**

* Central Lakernia Branch
* North Falls Branch
* Eastside Branch
* West Bend Branch

**National Branches**

* Nomani Branch
* Veidtland Branch
* Kaspios Branch
* Mbala Branch
* Bosenya Branch
* Karambwe Branch
* Azuristan Branch
* Yerga Branch
* Falos Branch
* Rotburg Branch
* Xatuil Branch
* Muktoth Branch

## Ranks

There are six total ranks within the Lancers: Apprentice, Journeyman, Adept, Warden, Magister, and Luminary.

Every new Lancer begins their career by becoming an Apprentice to a Lancer with at least the Warden rank. In rare cases, a new Lancer may begin at a higher rank if their abilities are already well beyond those of a typical Apprentice. Whenever a teacher deems an Apprentice ready to advance in rank, they may release them from their tutelage at any time and grant them the rank of Journeyman.

Journeymen are authorized to request transfers to different branches and complete jobs without a teacher present. The majority of Lancers never advance past this rank. In order to go beyond it, a Lancer must demonstrate exceptional skill in the bi-annual Lancers tournament. After a tournament, any Luminary present may choose to endorse a Journeyman for advancement. Anyone is endorsed in this way will be voted on by all of the Luminaries. If at least 12 of the 16 vote yes, they will be promoted to the Adept rank.

Adepts are elite warriors that receive much higher pay and are afforded all the benefits of a full-fledged Lancer veteran. After at least 10 years of exceptional service as an Adept, they may apply to become a Warden. This advancement can be authorized by their branch Luminary. This request is almost always approved, barring any indications that the Lancer should not be allowed to train others.

Wardens are authorized to take on up to three Apprentices at any given time. This is the highest rank that a Lancer can achieve through time and effort. The remaining two ranks give a Lancer additional administrative power, and they have a limited number of positions. Each branch has one Luminary and anywhere from 2-6 Magisters, depending on the size of the branch. Magisters are appointed by the branch Luminary when a position needs to be filled, and they choose their own successor whenever a Luminary decides to step down. If a Luminary dies before choosing a successor, the longest tenured Magister of the branch is automatically given the position.