The Wardens

The Wardens are a confederation of smaller circles dedicated to protecting settlements and keeping the roads safe. They're often hired by merchants or travelers who need protection from bandits or monsters along the way. Their members are usually adventurers who have retired from adventuring but still want to keep their skills sharp. They prefer not to take on jobs that involve fighting between settlements or nations.

Some smaller circles dedicate themselves to protecting specific sites, such as a sacred grove or even an Iron Pillar. These groups may be called upon in times of crisis to help defend such places. Circles can also call on the aid of other circles when they're needed for large-scale operations. On a day-to-day basis, though, each circle operates independently with very little oversight by the other circles.