Guardians

The New World, unlike the Old World, is a world of constant threat and danger. Death can come at a moments notice; disease and famine, predators and enemies all licking at the heels of surviving Humanity. It is the Guardians who stand in mankind's defence.
Guardians are men and women who decide to fight to protect their clan from whatever may come, even at the cost of their own soul; Cleaving their soul, Guardians can each bond an Owai to fill the gap in their soul. All for the power to protect their friends, their family, their home. And they are never the same. Every shrub hides a crouching Owai preparing to strike, every shadow holds an assassin in the wings scouting to prepare an assault that will doom your clan. You learn to live like that outside the clan home. You learn or you die. And once you learn, it can be so hard to forget.
There are generally varying levels of Guardians throughout the New World, With each Guardian taking a mentor of the higher level to train them as they progress (assuming that they are not surpassed). They can be broken up into the following categories.

Guard

The earliest level. This level is for newly bonded Guardians as they learn to work with their Owai, and deal with all the side effects of the Bonding Ceremony, said to tear a piece of your soul. Guards also begin learning how to use the strengths and abilities gained from the bonding ceremony.
Guard Duties involve Defending the immediate Clan home from invaders and predators. they are the last line of defence. Weaker Predators are sometimes permitted to "sneak past" further patrols in order to train Guards at the duties of a Guardian.

Scout and Far Scout

The Next Level or two (They are often blurred by necessity). This level is for Guardians experienced in their bond with their Owai and with their new strengths and abilities. Although they are capable Guardians in their own right there is still much in the New World that can simply walk all over them, and good judgement of what they should pass on to higher authorities or deal with themselves is a hallmark for a good Scout
These are the Guardians who deal with the stronger Owai close to home, and scouting the surrounding world to educate clan chiefs on what is happening in the immediate areas in order to best serve the Clan. Far Scouts do the same, however their territory is expanded to include the territories of other clans and Enemy Forces

City Walker

The Third Level of Guardians, and often the highest most Guardians will ever achieve. This level is for Guardians capable of surviving in the most dangerous environments of Newman's Valley and other like places; The City. A true test of skill, survival and judgement the Cities in the new world have challenges that no Ishkwan could ever hope to surpass (save for in the stories), and rewards to match.
It is there in the Cities that Every Clan of Every Tribe of Every Alliance vie for the resources that will ensure the safety of their people. It is here that The Great Ones come moon after moon for reasons unknown, and Powerful Owai of all varieties gather. It is there in the Cities that a Guardians can fully defend his people against all of the threats of the New World with all of its Scavv and wonders. It's too bad that there isn't enough to go around.

Outlander

Outlander is the Highest position that one can hold as a Guardian, and none but the bare few of these elite could possibly train you for it. For although dangerous, there are many who travel the Cities in the New World for their own purposes, and they learn to survive. Not so in the Outlands, Where the Far Scavvers roam.
City Walker --- nor any Ishkwan save for the Drakken, Sylvan and the Clanless --- would dare tread the deadly wastes in The Outlands. It is a place for the desperate, a refining fire that destroys most, but turns those that can -- or have so far -- survive in The Outlands living legends. Living legends that are given a wide berth once their position is known.
"How long until he becomes Clanless?" "What the hell IS she?" "He just looks like one of us. He's just another Drakken when you get down there" are all words that echo in the finely tuned ears of every Far Scavver. It is a world of loneliness above all others. It is a sacrifice that some will make to save those they loved.

Career

Qualifications

In order for one to begin on the path to become a Guardian, they must meet the approval of their band leader. I addition, one must find a willing Guardian of at least the rank of City Walker to mentor them. The mentor does not choose the Type of Guardian the student will become, such a decision is for the spirits, however the Spirits will often choose for the Student the same as their Mentor.
Once a Mentor is found their mentorship goes on for two years, which is finalised by ceremonial trial to see whether or not the spirits accept the Student as a Guardian. Those who fail this test do not leave the trial alive.

Career Progression

In order to achieve the next tier toward the peak of Guardianhood, Spirit Trials are held much like that to become a guardian. These trials become progressively more dangerous and should be accomplished at one's own risk

Other Benefits

Guardians are of the highest status, and are the only ones allowed leadership in most bands and clans. The greatest of Guardians become Heroes and Legends.

Type

Military