Wardens

Wardens are highly trained guides and navigators who once spent much of their time mapping out the Labyrinth and guiding herdmates through the dangerous tunnels. Now with the herds move to the surface, wardens have been forced to start from scratch as they seek out to navigate, map out, and understand their new home in SIrith's plains.

A horse must be at least 20 years old to become a full fledged warden, though their apprenticeship can begin as soon as their basic education has been completed.

## Overview

The world of Sirith is unknown, vast, and full of new dangers the herd has never experienced, and Wardens are the dedicated equines who have set out to learn all they can about safely traveling across it. Limited in numbers, the Wardens are considered an extension of the Royal Family’s force of workers given their special permission to travel at will.

Often called on by Royal Overseers and the Watch, Wardens act as official escorts for all kinds of inter herd travel. They are also often asked to take traveling merchants from city to city as well, as the strangers still aren't trusted to do so alone. During these trips, Wardens must ensure their traveler’s paperwork is prepared or risk questions by the Watch who stand guard at the checkpoints of each city. Those that do not follow procedure risk arrest.

Warden work is considered to be a tough, but is one of the few official government careers outsiders can take advantage of. While most guides own little, they are often given bonuses by the Royal Overseers for their hard work and may even receive rations early after years of service. Every month, Wardens must check in at Fort Agate to continue their certification. Those that fail to do so risk losing their license as well as loss of rations. Continued absence will often result in their tracking and imprisonment.

### Becoming a Warden

In order to become a Wardens, one must first receive certification from the Royal Overseers which allows them to travel the cities at will. This is done by application and, given an equines record is unblemished, is accepted into official records.

Wardens begin their training by apprenticeship under another guide, who will teach them the ins and outs of the job. They learn the fastest and safest routes, how to pack for long journey’s, first aid, and the requirements needed to be met at checkpoints. They are also required to complete several combat courses in Fort Agate alongside the Watch, in order to learn important techniques that could be necessary wandering the dangers of both the Surface and the Labyrinth. Once finished, their mentor will sign off on their Warden application making them official workers.

## Rank Levels

* **25 AP|** Traveling is your life, and living on the road is no easy feat. Its hard work but to you its worth it. Receive a **rank 1 talent** early..
* **50 AP|** When on the road, you carry only what fits on your back. A minimalist lifestyle but at least you don't have to travel with a dingy bag. Receive a **saddlebag or lantern** for free.
* **75 AP|** Long days of walking has really built up your stamina and made you wise to the world around. You know every path between Nariah and the Sterling. **+15 SP to vitality or speed.**
* **100 AP|** You are a veteran warden now, and many call on you to show them the way. You are reliable and quick, and like the cat you know where to place your steps in the dark. Receive a **Level 2 Breimian Familiar (except rare)** for free.