The Scarlet Bulwark
Tier: II, Weak Hold
Once an unassailable force in Awarth, the Scarlet Bulwark dominated mercenary operations, enforcing protection rackets and crushing rivals with precision. Their crimson banners symbolized strength and discipline, but a failed operation against the Council of Anchors shattered their command and fractured their reputation. Now derisively referred to as The Scars, they wear the name with grim pride, a reminder of the wounds they’ve endured and the vengeance they seek.
Turf
A hidden redoubt in Salve built into the ruins of an old foundry along the polluted banks of The Wound (HQ). Small enclaves in Ashrow and Smokestone.
Notable Assets
- Crimson Regalia: These blood-red cloaks and insignias are more than symbolic—they're treated with gree-infused dyes that make them resistant to fire and toxins, allowing members to withstand The Blast’s brutal conditions.
- The Forgehold: A fortified compound in the Rustway where the Bulwark gathers for strategy, rituals, and armament production. It includes a hidden weapons cache and training grounds.
- The Banners of Ash and Blood: These tattered crimson banners are infused with the ashes of fallen Bulwark members. Carried into battle, they are believed to grant the bearer protection and courage. Superstitious members claim that the banners whisper the names of the dead when danger is near.
Quirks
- Scars as Oaths: Members mark significant victories or betrayals by carving scars into their flesh. Each scar tells a story of loyalty, defiance, or vengeance.
- Warbands and Rivals: The faction’s fractured state leads to internal power struggles. Different warbands, led by ambitious lieutenants, vie for dominance.
- Symbolism of Crimson: Their obsession with the color red is more than aesthetic—it represents sacrifice, endurance, and the blood debts they seek to repay.
Allies
Widows of the Wound, The Slicksters
Enemies
Culture
The Scarlet Bulwark embodies a culture forged in blood, discipline, and loyalty. Members are bound by an unyielding code of honor, valuing action and results over words or empty promises. Their fractured state has amplified internal rivalries, with individuals constantly proving their worth through combat prowess, tactical cunning, or unwavering dedication to their banner. Scars are worn as marks of honor, each a testament to battles fought and hardships endured. Rituals of initiation involve enduring trials of pain and endurance, symbolizing a rebirth into the ranks of the Bulwark.
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