220 / 05 / 23 - Stonewall, Defender of Chirin

Stonewall, Commander of the Guard, Champion of Freedom, and Defender of Chirin. A near legendary figure in the region you cannot tell the history of this town without mentioning him. Many tales have grown up about him, but his deeds need no embellishment. In order to present an accurate picture of who he his and how he came to lead the town's protectors, the council have been kind enough to open up some old records for me, and the Commander himself agreed to speak with me.
By his own admission, Stonewall's history is inextricably linked with Chirin and the Years of Darkness, so let us begin by going back to a time just before the Years of Darkness.
The previous Chirin was not the democracy we enjoy today. Instead it was ruled by a Lord appointed by the emperors court. Under the city's last appointed Lord, Nathaniel, the city was run for his own benefit and that of his close associates. Even when the area was threatened with encroaching demon horde, Nathaniel and his cronies thought only of themselves. The resources of the region were devoted to two ambitious projects. The creation of a shelter in which to outlast the plague of demons and the forging of a force capable of defending that shelter. The mines in the Olion hills were transformed at great expense into a stronghold where Nathaniel and his fellows could enjoy a comfortable life. Fortunately for our ancestors, those nobles had no intention of carrying out the menial tasks required to maintain their new home, so they provided sufficient space for those who would grow food, cook, clean, and provide entertainment. While this shelter cost a fortune to build and equip, the cost paled into insignificance compared to the cost of creating the force to defend it. They dubbed it project false life and its goal was to create an artificial army that could withstand the demons.
Blending master-crafting with magics both arcane and divine, they aimed to created a warrior made of wood and metal, but able to think for itself. It would not need food or drink, would not age, and would be more loyal than people. They called their creation the Warforged. To ensure their prototype worked, the creators of the warforged ensured it was made of the finest materials, and crafted to the highest standards, rejecting bodies with even the smallest imperfections. Unsure of the power needed to bring life to their creation 3 times as many clerics and wizards were involved in the ceremony to wake the prototype than they thought were needed. When the ritual ended and the prototype began to move the cheers from the participants were a mixture of relief and elation. Thinking of the prototype as nothing more than a weapon, the wizards named it 1.
From the moment the ceremony ended, 1 began training in combat and tactics, with shifts of instructors working with it 16 hours a day. 1 quickly showed how well it could use the knowledge it had been imbued with, and how quickly it could learn and adapt. The only complaint any of it's instructors had was that trying to hold a conversation with it was like talking to a stone wall. Despite a reluctance to engage in small talk there was no doubt about 1's understanding about why it had been created and an acceptance of it's role. At times it almost seemed excited about what would become it's decades long task.
With the concept proved production of more of the warforged began. Pressed for time, and with a greater understanding of the steps essential to the creation the later warforged were not crafted with the same care as was used in 1's forging. Indeed, some of the bodies rejected for 1 were used for later warforged. This did not seem to impede them in any way, and some ended up being, stronger, faster, or more resilient than 1. Each of the warforged were given a number based on the order they were created in, and they began training with 1 as soon as they could move. The soldiers that worked with the warforged quickly realised that each one had it's own personality and started giving them nicknames rather than using their numbers. Though more talkative than when he had first awoken, 1's former instructors decided to name it Stonewall.
Running out of time and materials as the demon horde approached, the creation of warforged was stopped after 100. Before leaving for the shelter, Nathaniel presented Stonewall with a set of heavy plate armour, and appointed it the commander of the shelter's defences. Stonewall's first action on being given command was to restructure his forces. Their creators had assumed each warforged would be equally capable at different forms of combat and assigned them to 10 equally sized squads, filling each squad as the warforged were made. Knowing this was not the case, Stonewall created six core squads, balancing the capabilities within each squad between defenders, strikers, and ranged. Two warforged were designated as Lieutenants, and several others were made scouts and retrievers. With his forces rearranged to his satisfaction Stonewall marched them to Niltun Shelter.
While the lord and his retinue were settled into their quarters Stonewall began the process of improving the shelter's defences. Set deep in the mines, the shelter was warded against creatures simply teleporting in, but the same could not be said for the tunnels. Many of the tunnels closest to the shelter were blocked off, but the ones nearer the surface were left clear to provide a confusing maze. A week after arriving at the shelter, the scouts brought word that the horde was approaching and Stonewall gave the order to seal the entrances to the mines.
Weeks passed before the first demons found the mines, time Stonewall spent further improving the tunnel defences and training the newest warforged. In this he was regularly accompanied by Tomas Donaldson, a priest of Tarin. Tomas had helped with the ritual to create the warforged, and according to the warforged that knew him well, he felt it his duty to stand beside them in their fight. His presence proved fortuitous when an accident in clearing some rubble left one of the warforged seriously damaged. Tomas rushed forward without thinking to help heal the warforged, discovering in the process that, though made rather than born, the warforged responded to divine healing.
Not long after the accident the first of the demons found the outer tunnels. Though these creatures were small and of little threat Stonewall led his squads to exterminate them in order to give his troops some practice in real combat to ensure word about the tunnels did not get out. These early threats were mostly smaller fiends with either bloated grey-green bodies, or a more muscular build with heads resembling pigs. Though numerous these creatures simply charged on mass, which proved to be a disastrous tactic against the disciplined warforged in the tight confines of the tunnels. As the attacks increased in frequency, the warforged squads began operating in shifts, with either Stonewall or one of his lieutenants in command.
In the midst of these attacks came the rebellion against the Nathaniel and the demand for Stonewall to assign his troops to the Lord's defence. It was at this point that it was made clear to everyone that the warforged were not simply a more intelligent golem. They had minds of their own, and in Stonewall's case a very different idea of what his role was compared to Nathaniel's view. Backed by his friend Tomas, who had more than a little influence with the rebels, Stonewall made a case to the rebels for his people being recognised as intelligent beings with the same rights as any other person. In exchange, he offered his help in overthrowing Nathaniel. Knowing they could only succeed with the warforged's assistance, the rebels agreed to his terms. As soon as the deal was made, Stonewall stood up from the table and asked to borrow a club. When the leaders of the rebellion wondered why he wanted a club, Stonewall responded, "Another attack could come at any time. It is best to deal with this matter now." When the rebels began trying to explain that everything wasn't in place, Stonewall simply turned and walked out of the chamber. Having expected this, Tomas intercepted those who tried to follow Stonewall, trying to contain his amusement. According to a journal left behind by Tomas, he and Stonewall had discussed what would be necessary if an agreement was reached with the rebels.
Stonewall marched through the shelter towards Nathaniel's chambers until he was stopped by Nathaniel's personal guard. As his heavy plate made him almost impervious to thir attacks, Stonewall had no difficulty in rendering them unconcious. Moving into Nathaniel's chambers Stonewall demanded that Nathaniel surrender peacefully. Unable to believe what was happening, Nathaniel's reaction was typical for a noble. He insisted that Stonewall couldn't arrest him, and that Stonewall was oathbound to follow his orders. Stonewall's response showed just how much Nathaniel had underestimated the warforged. "What oath? You always assumed I couldn't disobey you and never demanded one. The only oath I took was of my own will, and that was to defend the people in this shelter from any threat." Incensed by what he viewed as Stonewall's betrayal, Nathaniel attempted to attack him. Picking up a chair Nathaniel charged the warforged. His futile attempts to harm Stonewall provided much amusement for the servants until Stonewall knocked him out.
Runners were sent to fetch the leaders of the rebels and Nathaniel's associates. Stonewall placed Nathaniel in the custody of the rebels, reminded them of their agreement, and then went back out to check on the defences. In the days and weeks that followed the rebels began setting the groundwork for what would become th council. We are fortunate that in a desire to be open about what was happening, many of their meetings and decisions were recorded and from these records we can learn more about who Stonewall is, and how he helped to shape Chirin. The new leaders of the shelter wanted Stonewall to take a place in running the shelter but he refused. When I asked him about why he didn't tale a role in the early council (and why he doesn't stand as a councillor now) he replied that, "I am first and foremost a soldier. I could best help then, and now, by focusing on the defence on the people. If I was to take a role ine the council I would have to resign from my position as Commander.." When I pointed out that there was no rule in place that prevented him doing both jobs he said, "You are quite right there isn't. Maybe there should be. I wasn't just taught tactics, I also learned history. Any time someone with troops under their commaand begins taking a part in ruling it ends badly. I have no desire to see that happen in Chirin. I will advise, and make best use of the resources, but I will not dictate the direction the council takes." He paused briefly before adding, "Unless of course they seek to harm the people I am sworn to protect".
As the years went on, the attacks escalated in frequency and in the power of the demons. The confines of the tunnels gave the defenders an advantage until the night of fear. A grotesque demon with the massive body of an overweight ape and the deformed head of a boar, known as a Nalfenshnee, squeezed down into the tunnels. Though the warforged were concerned, knowing that creatures like this would be highly resistant to their attacks, they believed they had the tactics to deal with it. What they didn't know was that this fiend's presence could cause fear in the bravest of warriors, and it wasn't long before their ranks broke and they fled deeper into the tunnels, pursued by the demons. As the demons penetrated the tunnels deeper than ever before it seemed that none could stand against the Nalfeshnee. With panic spreading as the terrified warforged retreated, Stonewall led his reserves to a choke-point in the tunnels to mount a defence and, hopefully, a counter-attack. With him went Eliza Turner, a priest who had replaced Tomas after his death. Although she offered to imbue Stonewall with magic to ward off fear he refused as it would last too short a time. He instead asked her to bless his front-line troops and be ready to heal them as needed.
As the fleeing warforged reached their commander, they began to feel ashamed and found enough resolve to form up behind him. Just behind the warforged came a wave of lesser demons that broke against the line of warriors with Stonewall at it's centre. Then came the Nalfenshee, it's presence reigniting the terror that had set the warforged to flight. One group though did not succumb to fear. Flanked by Tower, Bane, Plate, and Bastion, and with Eliza chanting prayers to Tarin close behind, Stonewall advanced on the fiend. As Stonewall typically avoids discussing this fight, it is to a record written by Bane that we need to turn to for details.
His sword glowing, Stonewall began slicing into the creature. Realising that their best chance lay in protecting Eliza and the power she was channelling to Stonewall, the other four warforged formed up around her, keeping the lesser fiends at bay. His abilities enhanced by the power of Eliza's deity, Stonewall seemed a match for the fiend, even though it stood several feet taller and broader. Every blow he landed with his sword left a searing wound, and though he suffered some heavy blows in return his black plate armour prevented any of them being crippling. Finally, with the beast reeling from its wounds, stonewall lunged forward and unleashed the remaining power from Eliza's spell. This blow left a crater in the creature's chest before it disintegrated into a black ooze.
Though the greatest threat had been removed, the battle was not yet over. Though deprived of their leader, the lesser demons needed no instructions to tear apart enemies. Plate was pulled down by a swarm of demons, and Bane's weapon was pulled from his grasp within minutes. With Eliza also suffering a broken arm, the situation was looking dire for the remaining five. Nexf to fall was Bastion, who charged into the demons, attempting to buy his comrades some time. Though he was torn to pieces by the demons, his sacrifice bought enough time for the warforged who had fled to regain their courage and come to the rescue.
A small contingent escorted the four badly injured survivors back to the shelter while the rest of the warforged began clearing the lower tunnels. It was in this fight that the full benefit of constructed soldiers reached was realised. Natural soldiers would have quickly tired by the unrelenting mass of demons, but the warforged fought for days, clearing the lower and then the upper tunnels. Throughout it all, after being healed, Stonewall was on the front lines.
The night of fear proved to be the toughest test of years of darkness, with the demon's strength slowly starting to decrease as the years went on. With the threat decreasing Stonewall was able to make good on a promise he had made to the warforged decades before and begin freeing some of them from their duties as soldiers so that they could pursue whatever trade they wished.
When the Years of Darkness were drawing to a close, it was Stonewall himself who made the first expeditions into the open air. When he was satisfied that the the threat had decreased enough, he began sending scouts out on a regular basis. Seeing a need to change to the new situation Stonewall disbanded the warforge forces and asked for vulnteers for a new guard force from across all the races. With the prospect of being allowed outside there were no shortage of volunteers. The enthusiasm quickly waned from many of them when they discovered how hard Stonewall was going to work them to learn the skills for fighting on the surface. Though the council at the time was reluctant to move out quickly into this new world, Stonewall trained his troops to be ready the moment the council decreed that it was time to move back to Chirin.
When the time to leave the shelter finally came, it was Stonewall who led the first guard units to the ruins of Chirin. There they found that others had claimed the ruins and were unwilling to leave. The council sent a representative to negotiate with these intruders, in the hope that the two groups could learn to coexist, but they killed the negotiator and displayed his mutilated corpse on the remains of the town walls. Acting with the decisiveness he is known for, Stonewall ordered an attack on the murderers, leading the charge into Chirin. The disorganised group of ruffians proved no much for the well trained and equipped forces from the shelter and it wasn't long before Chirin was once again availble for settlement. Though it surprised many of the soldiers, Stonewall ordered that all prisoners would be kept alive until they could be tried for their part in the murder. When the trial did happen, Stonewall spoke on some of the priisoners' behalf, ensuring that those who had no part in the murder were allowed to go free.
As the population in Chirin grew it became clear that some form of law enforcement would be necessary. At first soldiers were used for this, but it soon became clear that they weren't suited to he task. As Stonewall explains, "What I had were people traineed to react with overwhelming force to any perceived threats. On the battlefield there isn't time for the nuances of why someone is doing something. If they are a threat you deal with that threat quickly and then sort out the reasons later. This wasn't right for enforcing the law where you need to understand the why before you react."
The need for a separate force led to the creation of the Inner and Outer Guard, though the council at the time insisted that Stonewall remain in overall command of both groups. When i put it to him that given the different skill sets required, it might make more sense if the two sets of guards were totally separate he responded that, "It may be better arrangement and if the council makes the decision to do this then I won't have any objections, though the council needs to avoid influencing the Inner guard for any personal benefit."
We next moved on to dicussing some of the more recent innovations in the guard including the Independent Investigators. The Eyes aas they are known have been a ccontentious issue for some years due to their authority as because they don't fulfill the traditional dutues of the guard. "It was Rufus Oneclaw who gave me the idea. He was frustrated by the fact that the guard didn't have the skills to follow up on anything where the culprit wasn't caught in the act." Rufus was previously a Sergeant in the guard. After he retired, he took a post looking after Stonewall's dwelling. "We needed to try something new we worked out a proposal to take to the council for funding. There had been some incidents where some influential people had suffered from what appeared to be an organsied group of criminals, so it was relatively easy to convince the council at the time of the need for people to solve the crimes." Asked about whether there was still a need for them now, Stonewall said, "There will always be a need for this sort of group. Though many people will never directly see the impact of their work, there are many dangerous criminals taken off the streets by their work. Even when investigating corruption amongst the wealthy they are protecting the peoples' interests by making sure that they aren't being cheated and ensuring taxes are paid."
So what does the future hold for Stonewall. "That depends on the council. I will continue to serve as long as they want me to. I've been protecting the people of this town for centuries, I see no reason to stop now."