Gate Guardians

The Gate Guardians of Thiselwood are the stuff of legend. It is said that their ranks never consist of more than 10-12 soldiers, for the Gilded Gates seldom need more than 6 to defend it. Since The War of the Gods, the Gates have usually been manned in shifts which contain at least one Lieutenant at all times. Widely known and respected across Azith are the two current lieutenants - an Aasimar named Ser Thaumiel and a High Elf named Ser Raloric.

Composition

Manpower

The total number of forces rarely exceeds 12 - in which there would be two lieutenants commanding units of 5 men. This has become the most common formation of the Gate Guardians as the War of the Gods rages on.

Equipment

Whilst Guardians are free to choose armour and weapons, the colours and shields remain the same. All Guardians must wear a shield for when fighting in formation to defend the city, however it is not necessary when fighting in general. The standard colours on the armour and shields are silver, gold and blue, and the sigil emblazoned on the shields is often the symbol of Kafziel painted in those same colours, implying that the Gate Guardians are the divine protectors of Thiselwood.

Weaponry

The most common load out of a Gate Guardian is a longsword and shield, for a more finessed method of fighting. Despite this, all forms of sword are allowed, and it is not uncommon for a Gate Guardian to wield a greatsword or a rapier. Regardless of their weapon choice, all Guardians know that if Gate formation is called, it is required that they use their shields, and will often drop the weapon they are currently using in order to draw their sword and shield.

Tactics

The Gate Guardians train to learn specialised tactics for fighting around the Gilded Gate of Thiselwood. They are often masters of a sizable majority of fighting styles and are able to use and switch between them as easily as a duck entering water - just another factor cementing these elite warriors as one of the most powerful forces in Erroth. The only tactic known to the general populace is the famous Gate Formation. This formidable last-ditch formation involves the use of an ancient incantation which creates a magical barrier connecting each Guardian's shield together, to create an impenetrable shield wall, through which the Guardians are still able to swing weaponry such as spears and swords. The Gate Formation has not been used in over 4000 years - since around the beginning of the Second Era.

Training

The members of the Gate Guardians undergo incredibly intense training, learning all forms of fighting style over the course of 5 years. A Guardian is trained to their fullest potential and it is not uncommon for recruits to drop out upon realising that they simply do not have what it takes to endure such hardship. Those who do pass training will hold their position until death takes them or for 50 years - whichever comes first. Should a Guardian serve their tenure, they are allowed to simply retire, or choose to continue until their death. Those who die, even after retirement, are given a hero's funeral, publicly, in the centre of the town of Thiselwood, where all will cease work for the duration in order to attend and honour a fallen Guardian.

Type

Special Forces