Drakeguard

The Drakeguard is an elite order of enforcers within the Aurelian Empire, personally established by Emperor Lucian Mordrake to uphold the Edict of Dominion and ensure absolute control over magic. These formidable warriors serve as the emperor’s hand in maintaining order, tracking down rogue spellcasters, and eliminating threats to imperial rule. The Drakeguard operates independently from the imperial military, answering only to Mordrake himself.

Origins and Purpose

The Drakeguard was formed in 477 AC, shortly after Mordrake's ascension to the throne. With the enactment of the Edict of Dominion, the emperor needed an organization capable of enforcing his absolute authority over magic. Unlike traditional knights or battlemages, the Drakeguard was designed as a specialized force trained in both martial and arcane combat, capable of countering Magisters and rogue sorcerers alike.

The order was built from handpicked warriors and spellcasters, many of whom had served as elite battlemages in the imperial legions. Their loyalty was assured through rigorous indoctrination, ensuring that they saw themselves as guardians of Mordrake’s vision—a world where magic was a tool of the empire, not a force beyond its control.

Structure and Ranks

The Drakeguard is structured into several divisions, each with a specific role in enforcing the Edict of Dominion:

Inquisitors: The most feared agents of the Drakeguard, tasked with identifying and interrogating suspected rogue mages. They specialize in magical suppression techniques and have the authority to execute those deemed threats to the empire.
Shadow Wardens: Operatives trained in infiltration and reconnaissance, often sent ahead to gather intelligence on rebel Magisters or hidden enclaves.
Dragon Knights: The frontline warriors of the Drakeguard, clad in enchanted armor and wielding weapons imbued with imperial magic. They engage directly with magical insurgents in battle.
Arcanists: Former Magisters or imperial spellcasters loyal to Mordrake, responsible for countering enemy magic and developing arcane tactics to maintain imperial dominance.
Grand Inquisitor: The highest-ranking member of the Drakeguard, directly reporting to Mordrake. The current Grand Inquisitor is Malrik Veyne, a ruthless enforcer known for his unwavering devotion to the empire.

Methods and Tactics

The Drakeguard employs brutal efficiency in its operations. They are known for their use of anti-magic restraints, enchanted weapons, and suppression fields that nullify spellcasting. Their approach is swift and merciless—when they arrive in a city or settlement, it is often a sign of impending purges or mass arrests.

One of their most infamous actions was the purge of 478 AC, during which the Enclave of Silverlight was razed. The Drakeguard, led by Grand Inquisitor Malrik Veyne, spearheaded the attack, overwhelming the Magisters with a combination of brute force and anti-magic measures. Survivors of this purge spread fearsome tales of the Drakeguard’s precision and cruelty.

Reputation and Fear

To the Common citizens of the Aurelian Empire, the Drakeguard is a terrifying but distant force—rarely seen unless there is magical unrest. To Magisters, scholars, and rogue spellcasters, they are relentless hunters, viewed with a mix of fear and hatred. Their blackened armor, often adorned with crimson insignias representing their allegiance to Mordrake, has become a symbol of oppression across the empire.

Despite their fearsome reputation, some whisper of growing resentment within their ranks. There are rumors that a few Drakeguard members have begun to question the extent of Mordrake’s control, especially as his rule becomes increasingly paranoid and oppressive.