The Dawn Wardens
Hunters of the Dark
The Dawn Wardens are a group of hunters devoted to the study and eradication of dark forces that plague Alboric—witches, demons, vampires, and other malevolent entities that lurk in the shadows. Operating from their secret stronghold in The Bittercrag Mountains, they reside in the ruins of an ancient castle known as Shadow's Rest Keep. Though many members are devout followers of the Church, The Church of the Devout Orders has distanced itself from the Wardens, publicly denouncing them and asserting that the hunting of demons should be left solely to the Church. Despite this, Imperial citizens in The Gift have expressed gratitude for the Wardens' presence, as much of Alboric remains unsettled. The Church’s focus away from the hunt has left many vulnerable, and the Wardens stand as a necessary safeguard against the creatures of the night that would otherwise prey upon the defenseless.History of The Wardens
Founded in A375 by Elios and Allara Duskbane, former members of the Order of the Wayward Warriors, the Dawn Wardens were born out of a deep disillusionment with the Church’s increasing militarization of the Son’s Paladins. Concerned that the Church had shifted its focus from protecting the people to political gain, the Duskbanes sought to create an organization that would return to the core mission of safeguarding the innocent. They established their base in the ruins of a long-forgotten castle nestled in the Bittercrag mountains, and what started as a small band of eight hunters would eventually grow to over fifty by A400, becoming a formidable force in their own right.Becoming a Warden
The Dawn Wardens are a secretive and elusive order, constantly seeking individuals with the skill and determination to join their ranks. Most members are either personally invited or “grandfathered” in through family ties or long-standing alliances. However, a rare few have earned their place by uncovering the hidden location of Shadow’s Rest—the Wardens’ fortified stronghold. Those who manage this feat demonstrate not only their relentless pursuit of knowledge but also the instincts and resourcefulness required of a true hunter, proving their worth before ever taking up the mantle of a Warden. The initiation process within the Dawn Wardens is unconventional—there are no elaborate ceremonies, no grand oaths sworn under the watchful eyes of peers. Instead, prospective members must demonstrate their skills and commitment through action. They must track down and confront dark creatures, bringing back proof of their victories. Once inducted, little is required beyond the continual pursuit of their mission. Wardens are expected to hunt and gather knowledge about the evil creatures that roam the lands. This information is then shared with the organization, helping to refine their strategies and keep future generations prepared for the darkness they will inevitably face. Due to low numbers, wardens are expected to hunt alone or in the occasional pair. The Wardens place greater value on results than formality—if one can prove their worth in the field and contribute to the collective knowledge, they are considered a member in good standing. It is a brotherhood bound by shared purpose, forged not by rites of passage, but by the trials of the hunt.Forbidden Knowledge
Church doctrine dictates that all unholy creatures must be eradicated and their remains burned to purify the land. The Dawn Wardens, however, reject such rigid practices, believing that true victory lies in understanding the enemy. Rather than destroying their prey outright, they recover the corpses for study, uncovering invaluable knowledge that has sharpened their skills as hunters. Some Wardens have even incorporated the remains of these creatures into their weapons and armor—crafting protective gear from werewolf pelts to mask their scent, or forging blades infused with demon blood to better pierce unholy flesh. This unsettling practice has only deepened the Church’s condemnation of them, yet their effectiveness as hunters cannot be denied.The Tragic Fate of the Duskbanes
In A377, Elios and Allara Duskbane, captured Nyxavor, The Demon Imp, a lesser demon. Rather than banishing him, they chose to imprison him within the depths of Shadow Crest’s dungeons. Bound by a powerful and ancient prayer, they used Nyxavor as a reluctant source of knowledge, extracting critical information about demons and dark forces to aid their ongoing hunts. In A388, acting on a cryptic tip from Nyxavor, Elios and Allara embarked on a dangerous mission to hunt The Hollow King, a formidable demon lord. The couple ventured into the treacherous jungles of Keryec but never returned. Shortly after their disappearance, the binding prayer that held Nyxavor shattered, freeing him from captivity. The prayer’s power was unbreakable unless the speakers were killed, and since Elios and Allara were the only ones who could maintain it, it was widely believed they had perished in the jungle, their deaths inadvertently releasing the demon. The Wardens were left to ponder whether Elios and Allara had fallen victim to the Hollow King’s manipulations or if the demon had orchestrated their downfall using Nyxavor as a pawn. In their wake, the Duskbanes left behind a son, Veckhan, who, though just ten years old, swore to avenge their deaths by hunting down both Nyxavor and the Hollow King. With the family’s organization's legacy in peril, leadership of the Dawn Wardens passed to Vespera Rune, who was entrusted with guiding the group through its darkest hour.Known Members
Armor of a decorated Dawn Warden, adorned with the pelt of a slain werewolf and crowned by the skull of a demon. Each piece a hard-won trophy, a testament to battles survived and monsters vanquished.
A bottle of
Gloombite Powder — a volatile alchemical creation crafted by the Dawn Wardens. One of many ingenious inventions, used to subdue humans who may wish them harm.
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