Protectors of the Valley

Elite troops in the valley of old, the Protectors were soldiers tasked with safeguarding the valley in even its most foul corners. They would spend most of their time training and patrolling, occasionally escorting Rune Masters. But whenever a threat arose, they would be the first to rush into danger.
Due to economical problems it became more and more expensive to construct their required equipment, causing their numbers to decline. But even then they were met with revere and admiration. Descendants of the valley still brag about any ancestors that managed to join the Protector ranks.

Skill Level

Elite

Number

Between 50 and 600

Training

It is said that to become a Protector, one would first have to be nominated, then pass a gruelling training lasting an entire month. This tested their physique, their mentality, as well as their knowledge and their skills with various weapons. How many failed is unknown, but sources indicate a significant amount failed once, but those that dared again tended to pass.

Equipment

Weapon-wise they used a large variety, capable of dealing with various creatures and other enemies. Additionally they always wore heavy suits of armour with underpadding that were engraved with Ancient Runes. It is said they would even sleep in the underpadding.
As these pieces of armour were very expensive, it took entire communities to save up for them. Due to the underpadding being engraved, these unfortunately did not last as long as the runes carved into stone pillars. As resources grew scarce, this natural decay caused their numbers to decline.

Location

We know that their primary base was the old Watchtower located between the old capital, the Forestry Village near the Eastern Forest, and the Northern Swamp. On top of having nearby farms providing them with their primary supplies, this place was supposedly near most places where their assistance might be needed.
Additionally, smaller groups were permanently detached in some locations. Which ones we do not know, as this too was kept a secret. But it seems there were at least half a dozen locations, until numbers began to decline so much that some places could no longer be permanently guarded.

Duties

Quite simply, the Protectors had to defend the valley from any encroaching dangers. The emphasis on this term suggests this was not just metaphorical, but about a very specific threat. If that is true, it seems they lost the fight. The scholars suggest we quickly find out how and why, so that we shall not follow in their footsteps.