| The Arbor Wardens | |
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Coat of Arms: |
A Galuyn tree. |
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Current Head: |
Lord Alastar Woodcourt |
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Base of Operations: |
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Loyalty: |
Duchy of the Ashen Coast |
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Purpose: |
To protect and represent The Reach. To protect and serve the House of Greyfield. |
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Status: |
Active. |
An Arbor Warden.
The Arbor Wardens are an elite order of knights and warriors sworn to The Reach and the House of Greyfield. Extremely well armored and trained, these warriors are accompanied by their mighty Chimaera companions that serve as both mounts and beasts of war. Made following the Second Range Rebellion to better facilitate a more devoted and easier to access means of protection in combat for the Reach, the Arbor Wardens were sanctioned by Duke Berenal Grayblade. Christened by Derrik Greyfield, the Wardens are currently led by Lord Alastar Woodcourt of Highroost.
Practices[]
Armor of the Arbor Wardens vary in design.
Typically filled with those of Old Ways practitioners, the Arbor Wardens rise helped signify the change in religion and tradition in The Reach as well. The Chimeras are exclusively trained in Galui, so as to avoid their being turned against the reachmen should they be captured. Highroost it's self is also immensely steeped in Old Ways tradition, with Lord Woodcourt a devout worshiper and a man of minor Galuyn blood.
Originally, each Arbor Warden was meant to bond with a Chimaera or Rylak, though the difficulty in procuring these steeds led to only the elite being granted such privileges. Since the fall of the Wicker King, the Arbor Wardens are now mostly Keepers, druidic warriors that use the blessings of their pantheon to defend the Reach. They are also the bridge between worlds, as the Wardens are made up of both Galuyn and Gilnean men and women.
Each elite of the Arbor Wardens is required to bond with a Chimera from its hatchling status, which they ride into battle. Traditionally, the Wardens will have some form of companion, one of the most common being an owl, the symbol of House Woodcourt.
Weaponry and Arms[]
Weaponry of the Arbor Wardens is typically that of swords and bows.
The Wardens are mandated to wear either silver or brown colored armor (or a mix of the two) with a deep crimson cloak to signify their status. The head Warden is given a special cloak with a mix of all three colors. In terms of armor, it may be anything from cloth to plate, though many are advised to wear something that allows better mobility.
Armaments for the Arbor Wardens are standard. Those who cannot use magic are given a sword and bow, as they must be multi-purposed. Chimeras are all instructed in the art of Froststorm, allowing for ranged attacks when not mounted.
Arbor Wardens are trained to be elite fighters in terms of usage of their Keeper powers. As a result, many follow the conclave of the Ravager, with Kryfta being the most popular patron.
A female Arbor Warden.