The Iron Vanguard
The Iron Vanguard is a renowned fighters' guild scattered throughout the land, admired and feared for its members' prowess in battle. Warriors from different walks of life, wielding varied weapons and techniques, unite under its banner, pledging to lend their might to those in need - for the right price. Its members are not mere mercenaries; they are a brotherhood bound by honor, discipline, and a shared respect for martial skill. The guild offers services like protecting caravans, neutralizing threats, and training militia, while also providing a structure for fighter development, specialty training, and exclusive missions for its members.
Structure
Guild Hierarchy:
High Commander: The ultimate leader, usually a seasoned warrior with both battlefield and leadership experience. 250 gold per month Warlord: Senior members who manage the guild's various outposts and regional operations. 200 gold per month Battle Master: Responsible for training, mission assignment, and strategizing combat scenarios. 150 gold per month Iron Shield: Veteran fighters specialized in defense and protection missions. 100 gold per month Iron Blade: Agile and offensive fighters who specialize in assault and strike missions. 50 gold per month Initiate: New members under probation, learning the ropes and proving their worth. 25 gold per monthCulture
Tenets of The Iron Vanguard
1. Unyielding Strength
Uphold physical and mental fortitude.
Cultivate resilience against adversity, remaining steadfast in the mission and duties.
2. Unbreakable Unity
Honor the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the guild.
Stand unwavering alongside guildmates, regardless of the peril.
3. Relentless Honor
Maintain a personal and collective sense of honor, even when faced with moral quandaries.
Refrain from deception and conduct that tarnishes the guild's reputation.
4. Sacred Duty
Honor contracts and commitments with utmost sincerity and diligence.
Never forsake a mission, and protect those under the guild’s wing.
5. Tempered Aggression
Exercise control over one's own power and aggression.
Deploy violence only as a means to an end, avoiding unnecessary cruelty.
6. Defenders of the Weak
Shield those who cannot protect themselves, even outside contractual obligations.
Uphold a sense of justice, intervening when the innocent are oppressed.
7. Martial Mastery
Pursue excellence and mastery in combat skills and strategies.
Uphold the belief that the well-honed warrior is the greatest asset on the battlefield.
8. Preservation of Knowledge
Value the wisdom derived from strategy, history, and past battles.
Share knowledge within the guild, ensuring the collective wisdom is passed through generations.
9. Guardians of Legacy
Honor the memory and sacrifices of fallen comrades.
Ensure that the kin of the fallen are safeguarded and respected.
10. Valiant Sacrifice
Be prepared to lay down one's life in service to the guild, its principles, and those it vows to protect.
Recognize and honor those who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
11. Wisdom in Leadership
Respect and uphold the decisions of the guild’s leadership.
Offer counsel when needed and dissent respectfully within the bounds of the guild’s hierarchy.
12. Forge of Innovations
Embrace and foster innovations that enhance combat and strategic prowess.
Encourage the development of new tactics, weapons, and armor to ensure the guild remains formidable.
Public Agenda
Initiation Process
Initiation takes place across 3 phases Fitness and athletics testHistory
Onset of The Maddening Frost: 1152
Under the stewardship of Korag Bloodaxe, a renowned warrior with an unyielding spirit, The Iron Vanguard was established amidst the initial upheaval caused by The Maddening Frost. Korag, together with Thrain Ironbeard, Elira Moonwhisper, Branok Stormshield, and Daela Swiftblade, implemented the first combative and protective measures, fusing their different specializations to form a cohesive and effective unit. They united not just warriors, but also scholars, mystics, and ordinary folk under a common banner.
Struggle and Study of the Maddening Frost: 1153-1165
Korag perished heroically in 1159, during a brutal onslaught by the afflicted beasts, leading to Thrain, a pragmatic and grounded warriot, to step into the role of leadership. He channeled the grief of loss into a rigorous study of the Maddening Frost, ensuring that every fallen member of the guild was honored through the advancement of their collective knowledge and understanding of the affliction.
Frost’s Thaw: Neutralizing the Threat: 1166
Elira, a sage of unparalleled prowess, took the mantle following Thrain's passing due to the prolonged exposure to the frost’s malign energy during the research. Her ingenuity and leadership ushered in a new era where the guild successfully neutralized the Maddening Frost, albeit with significant and irreversible consequences for the region.
Rebuilding and Vigilance: 1167-1250
Daela, who had always possessed a knack for engineering and reconstruction, became the leader in this pivotal time of rebuilding. Her empathetic and determined leadership brought about a new era for the guild, focusing on reconstruction, growth, and fortifying defenses to safeguard against future threats.
Epoch of Stability: 1251-1300
Daela's leadership persisted through the Epoch of Stability, where she facilitated a network of alliances and friendships among the diverse tribes and clans across Frostholme. The people, once scattered and divided, found a semblance of unity and shared purpose under her guidance.
Desolation Winter: 1301-1320
The abrupt onset of the supernatural winter prompted a change in leadership to Khren Roughshove, a strategic and sturdy leader with an aptitude for survival tactics. Under his guardianship, The Iron Vanguard secured vital resources and maintained a semblance of order during this trying period.
The Rekindling: 1321-1350
Nirelle Snowheart, a charismatic and visionary leader, succeeded Khren who fell during the Desolation Winter. Her leadership was characterized by The Ember Initiative, which aimed not only to physically rebuild but to emotionally and spiritually revitalize the weary inhabitants of Frostholme.
The Icy Divide: 1351-1380
The internal strife and fracturing of The Iron Vanguard demanded a leader of solid moral compass and unwavering resolve, and Varum Steelshaper rose to the occasion. His steadfast adherence to the guild’s foundational principles guided them through this tumultuous period.
Frostfire Rebellion: 1381-1400
Vaela Frostbloom took over leadership during this politically intricate period. A diplomat and negotiator, she managed to navigate the delicate balance of suppressing rebellion while addressing and validating the concerns and frustrations of the rebellious factions.
Dawn of Healing: 1401-1430
Elidon Whisperwind assumed leadership, navigating the delicate post-rebellion period with grace. Under Elidon, The Concord of Frost and Flame wasn’t merely a political treaty but a holistic approach to healing the wounds carved by conflict and dissent.
The Crystal Epoch: 1431-1460
Ysmira Crystalwill guided the guild during this time, placing a newfound emphasis on arts, culture, and intellectual pursuits as tools for maintaining peace and prosperity within Frostholme, ensuring the stability and vibrancy of the region.
Present Vigil: 1461-1463
In present-day, Borug Stonecrusher, a seasoned warrior with a history deeply intertwined with the guild's, leads The Iron Vanguard. His leadership balances the collective wisdom from the guild's history with innovative strategies to safeguard Frostholme, ensuring that the guild remains a sturdy shield against the shadows of past and emerging threats.
Under the stewardship of Korag Bloodaxe, a renowned warrior with an unyielding spirit, The Iron Vanguard was established amidst the initial upheaval caused by The Maddening Frost. Korag, together with Thrain Ironbeard, Elira Moonwhisper, Branok Stormshield, and Daela Swiftblade, implemented the first combative and protective measures, fusing their different specializations to form a cohesive and effective unit. They united not just warriors, but also scholars, mystics, and ordinary folk under a common banner.
Struggle and Study of the Maddening Frost: 1153-1165
Korag perished heroically in 1159, during a brutal onslaught by the afflicted beasts, leading to Thrain, a pragmatic and grounded warriot, to step into the role of leadership. He channeled the grief of loss into a rigorous study of the Maddening Frost, ensuring that every fallen member of the guild was honored through the advancement of their collective knowledge and understanding of the affliction.
Frost’s Thaw: Neutralizing the Threat: 1166
Elira, a sage of unparalleled prowess, took the mantle following Thrain's passing due to the prolonged exposure to the frost’s malign energy during the research. Her ingenuity and leadership ushered in a new era where the guild successfully neutralized the Maddening Frost, albeit with significant and irreversible consequences for the region.
Rebuilding and Vigilance: 1167-1250
Daela, who had always possessed a knack for engineering and reconstruction, became the leader in this pivotal time of rebuilding. Her empathetic and determined leadership brought about a new era for the guild, focusing on reconstruction, growth, and fortifying defenses to safeguard against future threats.
Epoch of Stability: 1251-1300
Daela's leadership persisted through the Epoch of Stability, where she facilitated a network of alliances and friendships among the diverse tribes and clans across Frostholme. The people, once scattered and divided, found a semblance of unity and shared purpose under her guidance.
Desolation Winter: 1301-1320
The abrupt onset of the supernatural winter prompted a change in leadership to Khren Roughshove, a strategic and sturdy leader with an aptitude for survival tactics. Under his guardianship, The Iron Vanguard secured vital resources and maintained a semblance of order during this trying period.
The Rekindling: 1321-1350
Nirelle Snowheart, a charismatic and visionary leader, succeeded Khren who fell during the Desolation Winter. Her leadership was characterized by The Ember Initiative, which aimed not only to physically rebuild but to emotionally and spiritually revitalize the weary inhabitants of Frostholme.
The Icy Divide: 1351-1380
The internal strife and fracturing of The Iron Vanguard demanded a leader of solid moral compass and unwavering resolve, and Varum Steelshaper rose to the occasion. His steadfast adherence to the guild’s foundational principles guided them through this tumultuous period.
Frostfire Rebellion: 1381-1400
Vaela Frostbloom took over leadership during this politically intricate period. A diplomat and negotiator, she managed to navigate the delicate balance of suppressing rebellion while addressing and validating the concerns and frustrations of the rebellious factions.
Dawn of Healing: 1401-1430
Elidon Whisperwind assumed leadership, navigating the delicate post-rebellion period with grace. Under Elidon, The Concord of Frost and Flame wasn’t merely a political treaty but a holistic approach to healing the wounds carved by conflict and dissent.
The Crystal Epoch: 1431-1460
Ysmira Crystalwill guided the guild during this time, placing a newfound emphasis on arts, culture, and intellectual pursuits as tools for maintaining peace and prosperity within Frostholme, ensuring the stability and vibrancy of the region.
Present Vigil: 1461-1463
In present-day, Borug Stonecrusher, a seasoned warrior with a history deeply intertwined with the guild's, leads The Iron Vanguard. His leadership balances the collective wisdom from the guild's history with innovative strategies to safeguard Frostholme, ensuring that the guild remains a sturdy shield against the shadows of past and emerging threats.
Laws
The Guild's Agenda
1. Establishing Order Through Strength
The guild seeks to become a symbol of order and stability amidst a chaotic world, offering their martial prowess to keep the peace and deter those who would sow seeds of chaos and destruction.
2. Protection of the Helpless
A core part of their mission involves safeguarding innocent lives from threats they cannot counter themselves. This involves taking contracts to defend towns, caravans, and individuals who are beset by monsters, marauders, or any malevolent entities.
3. Enhancement of Martial Prowess
The Iron Vanguard perpetually seeks to enhance their combat skills and weaponry, both to honor their martial culture and to ensure they are always prepared to counter any threat. This involves seeking ancient martial arts, discovering new blacksmithing techniques, and innovating new combat strategies.
4. Honor the Fallen
The guild is dedicated to preserving the legacies of their fallen members, ensuring that their sacrifices are not forgotten and that their families are cared for. This may involve quests to retrieve the remains of fallen members from battlefields or fulfilling a deceased member’s unfinished quest.
5. Maintaining Neutrality
The guild strives to avoid being a pawn in the political squabbles of kingdoms and empires, maintaining a neutral stance unless the dispute directly impacts the guild or innocents are being harmed. However, they will intervene if a political situation threatens to plunge the region into chaos and bloodshed.
6. Ensuring the Ethicality of Contracts
All contracts and missions undertaken by the guild must align with their ethical code and principles. They refuse jobs that involve assassination, coercion, or any action that may result in unjust harm towards the innocent.
7. Cultivating the Next Generation
Dedication towards raising and training the younger generation of warriors in the ways of the guild. This involves recruiting young warriors who show promise and providing them with the training and ethical guidelines to become Vanguard members.
8. Uphold Allies and Agreements
Remaining steadfast and reliable in their alliances, The Iron Vanguard honors agreements and pacts with other guilds, factions, and entities that align with their principles.
9. Counter Dark Forces
A fundamental aspect of their mission is to act as a bulwark against dark forces – entities, cults, and creatures that seek to engulf the world in chaos, darkness, and destruction.
10. Preserving and Recovering Knowledge
Embark on quests and missions that aim to recover lost martial knowledge, ancient artifacts, and weapons that could enhance the fighting capability of the guild and prevent such power from falling into malevolent hands.
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