Grailguard Wardens

Grailguard, Clankers, Wardens

“What worth is a sword if it cannot protect?

What worth is a soldier if they cannot save lives?”

-- Cid the Sky Sword

Symbol

While each of the Grailic Orders have their own symbol, a simple goblet-style cup is used by most Grailguard. In some instances, it is surrounded by light rays.

Lore Level: Medium

Grailguard lore is more involved, with the traditions and histories of a person’s Order of being prime importance. However, the concept of a knight or a wizard is easy enough to grasp for most players.

Aesthetic: 

The Grailguard are immediately recognizable for their distinct armor, fluttering banners, and heraldric shields. That said, they only resemble the warriors and crusaders of old. They are set apart by the scavenged metals that they use, the ballistic arsenals that they employ, and various Eldritch technologies that augment their ranks. Another aspect that sets them apart from their ancient peers is their choice of helmet: Grailguard Wardens prefer headwear that keep their ears and eyes open, using goggles or similar garments instead of greathelms or bassinets.

Outlook

Charity: The first of the Axiomatic Virtues, dedicated to compassion, mercy, and helping others. Grailguard who abide by this virtue are willing to lend their aid to those who need it or protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Clarity: This Virtue demands that a Warden speaks no lies or engages in no falsehood with their allies. This usually results in Grailguard being forthright and honest with themselves and with others. Occasionally, it ends up with an individual that is “too honest for their own good” and thus, vulnerable to manipulation. 

Courage: The Virtue of Courage insists that those who follow it must persevere against adversity and face challenges without backing down. Many Grailguard insist on being the last on the field during retreats or the first to meet the enemy in battle. 

Courtesy: This is a Virtue that reflects the rigidity of the Grailguard social structure. It demands that a Warden respect their peers, follow their superiors, and take care of their subordinates. Grailguard are cognizant of the chain of command but are also polite or at least, neutral, to those they meet unless given cause to do otherwise.

Covenant: This is a Virtue of loyalty and commitment. It insists that its adherents protect and nurture their sworn allies and family; betrayal and treason are terrible injustices to humanity. Covenant also demands any oaths and promises must be fulfilled.

Names:

Most of the Grailguard that the world interacts with are of the organization’s warrior ranks. Upon becoming “Anointed”, these individuals assume a new name and the knightly title of “Ser,” in homage to the classical world of ancient Europa from centuries or even millennia past with the few tomes that they have scavenged. Others draw inspiration from the monarchs, heroes, or saints of ancient Asiatic or African cultures instead.

However, even those outside the frontlines of this organization follow a similar pattern if their section within the organization anoints them worthy. Anointed Magi are granted a color or a hue for their achievement, depending on which of the Prismatic Tomes they follow. Anointed Smiths are granted the title of Artificer as well, though often without the epithet than normally suffixes a knightly name.

Example Names:

• Ser Corinthia the Pure is a Knight-Protector, anointed by the Grailguard for her defense of the innocent and her destruction of horrors. 

• Bishamon of the Azure Tome has taken up the moniker of an ancient warrior, reflecting his own place as an Arcanist on the frontlines and skills with defensive magics. Some of his allies call him “Blue,” a moniker he dislikes for its brevity and the fact that there are other Azure Magi. 

• Artificer Titanius is esteemed among his peers for his elixirs and his tonics, though they wonder why he takes up missions far afield with his talents. 

Example Character Ideas:

The following are some character concepts that may be seen from this Free Tribe. If desired, feel free to use or alter one of these for your character.

Librarian of the Tome: The “Grail” sought and protected by the Grailguard is information and knowledge. A key tenet to this purpose is finding, keeping, and understanding these secrets. Librarians of the Tome are responsible for the deciphering and reproduction of technical manuals and other lores of interest. The Grail-Knights sally forth and the Shield-Smiths equip them, but the Librarians are the brains of the Orders and integral to their goal of using this retrieved knowledge to revitalize the World Beyond the Fall. 

Suggested Classes: Arcanist, Counselor

Grail-Magus: Few are the Arcanists among the Grailguard, though they are usually found among the Librarians and Tomekeepers rather than the Knighthood. Grail-magi have chosen a different path from their allies, wielding shield and spell in defense of humanity. Some are Infusers that radiate magical barriers and reinforce their allies. Others utilize the healing magics of the Restoration Sphere to bring their peers back into fighting shape and to save those that have fallen.  

Suggested Classes: Arcanist, Warrior

Knight-Protector: The Grailguard Wardens are known and respected for their impenetrable formations and teamwork. While slaying foes with sword, spear, or pistol, they are able to flow into tight groups and loosen into scattered formations with ease, depending on the thickness of their armor and their mutual cooperation to keep each other safe. This protective mindset is bolstered by the Grailhome Axioms—words that they live by that espouse heroism, selflessness, and compassion. 

Suggested Classes: Counselor, Warrior

Shield-Smith: “A Warden without armor and shield is one ready to fall,” say the Grailhome Axioms. While these words refer to metaphorical vigilance rather than physical accoutrements, it is the task of the Shield-Smiths to keep their peers and superiors ready to face the horrors of the night and the darkness within the Shroud. These individuals are weavers, weaponers, and doctors, capable of supporting their fellows on and off the battlefield. While they are not on the forefront as the Knights and the Paladins of the Grailguard, they are no less important and no less celebrated. 

Suggested Classes: Arcanist, Builder

Vindicator-Errant: At the end of the Ember War, a vocal minority of the Grailguard demanded more from their leadership. They wanted to eschew the rest and recovery that the Knight-General decided upon, calling instead to be allowed to expand their operations across the Mid-Atlantic. Whether their demands were made in bloodlust or in compassion, they were ultimately denied. A significant portion of these individuals actually broke from the Grailguard, becoming “Errant,” abandoning most of the Axioms, and slaying horrors whenever they find them, especially those Vindicators that had fallen too far in their pursuit of the Lightless One. 

Suggested Classes: Ranger, Warrior

Leadership:

The Grailguard Wardens follow the leadership of their Grailseeker General and the Chalicine Circle. The General is elected by the members of the Circle, who themselves are rostered by the leaders of the five Grailic Orders. 

Galavan the True is the current Grailseeker General, raised from the Order of the Shielding Palms. At his command, the military might of the Wardens can be mustered and brought to bear. On the other hand, it is tradition that the Chalicine Circle handle most of the Grailguards’ management, especially within their own Order.