The Wardens of Elvenesse
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The Wardens of Elvenesse were a faction of elven warriors who served the god Amaethon. They were founded by High Warden Amaesil Vuln'miruel in 12 SA and led by him until 53 SA. The Order was akin to knights in human traditions, but they did not adhere to pedigree and familial ties. The Wardens wore bronze armor and carried kindred blades that were forged during their final trial. Each Warden also carried a title of their choosing. For example, the first Warden was Aerendyl Hawksong, the Lord of Moonsong.
The Wardens vacated the Elvenesse military in 53 SA in order to lend support to the Glaiveguard of Elvendom. The Order remains intact but is strictly informal.
Contents
History
Founding
At the dawn of the Second Age, the woodland elves of Aegrothond and Siramenor had forged an elven nation akin to the great powers of old — Elvenesse. This realm had prospered in the early days of its existence, but it soon came under threat from the Rexdom of Krugmar to the northwest. Under the authority of Lord Commander Aesilnoth Tundrak, the Sentinels rallied to the defense of the nation; however, they were soon slaughtered and broken by the ravaging warbands of the orcs. Elvenesse seemed all but lost.
Then, Amaesil Vuln'miruel, a young elf and former student of Celiasil, established the first of the Wardens: Lord Aerendyl Hawksong, Lord Relevas Vuln’miruel, Lord Matthias Al’Rin and Lady Yae’vel Des’nox. It was with these warriors that the Order was born. At the conclusion of the orc conflict, the Wardens amassed new members. In this time of peace, however, they grew sluggish and too reliant on the vanquishing of monsters rather than the fury of Descendant battlefields. It was then that Lord Amaesil Vuln’miruel hosted the first Trials of Culling. Three members were stripped of their ranks: Lord Relevas Vuln’miruel, Lady Valerya Iliven and Lady Lavinia Vayne. The order grew small but fierce.
At the onset of the First Tribute War, Lord Amaesil Vuln’miruel was appointed Lord Commander of Elvenesse. With this change came the official absorption of the Wardens into the military of Elvenesse. As such, the Wardens became the guardians of Amaethea and the Hinterlands.
Tenets of the Order
The Wardens followed a strict set of guidelines, but they were not ruled by any other than themselves. The worship of Amaethon was suggested due to the close marriage of morals, but it was not required. Every Warden must have exemplified all of the following: parenthood, the caring for those under your protection; leadership, the value of helping and commanding; courage, the abandonment of fear; justice, the pursuit of fairness rather than revenge; and duty, the servitude for the greater good. In the words of their oath:
Under the stars of the sky; Within the fellowship of kinsmen: The black of night passes. A new dawn arrives.
I am a Warden. I will protect absolutely; Lead absolutely; Slay absolutely; Serve absolutely; and Justify absolutely. The black of night passes. A new dawn arrives.
I seek justice; not vengeance. I serve people; not their creations. I slay threats; not brothers. I lead earnestly; not deceptively. I protect all; not few. I am a Warden.
By creed and word; By oath and steel: By all that I stand for and against. The black of night passes. A new dawn arrives.
Doctrine
Parenthood — To be a parent is a commitment unmatched. Whether by blood or favor, we must act as parents to our kin. Support the endeavors of those we look after and push them to become the best at all they set their mind to. Allow natural lessons to run their course and be prepared to comfort and support loved ones when they fall. Love all who you take under your wings and never betray the compassion and faith you have in one another. Many servants of the path opt to have apprentices, children and students in their pursuit of parenthood. Actively training, raising and teaching a young child provides ample opportunity and incentive in fulfilling the need to guide as a father or mother. Parenthood takes many forms, but it should always be at the forefront of a follower’s mind.
Leadership — Do not wait to become a leader — become one. Lead your kin and give them the motivation to follow. If someone needs support, you will offer it. If a call to action arises, you will accept. If someone gives you their trust, give them a reason to. Lead from among your kin and never stand above them. To become leaders, followers create guilds or join militant groups. Communities like these allow us to nurture our skills and desires while also providing servitude to those we care for. Others actively teach people outside of their inner circle and become a leader of culture.
Courage — Never allow yourself to be the second to rise to a challenge — always be the first to step forward. You must take responsibility and punishment when it is due to you. Do not falter in your convictions. Do not allow fear to drive you — only ambition, pride and duty. Never turn your back to a foe. Courage is fostered by making yourself uncomfortable. Conflict is natural and to run away from it is useless. Stand before debates, trials, combat and insults regardless of the source. If you choose to stand, you will remain standing. Having this courage is the only way to truly find justice in the world.
Justice — Never allow injustice to go unanswered — even if it brings undue prejudice and danger. Evil dies in the light, and you shall be its torchbearer. You must also willfully admit your faults when a mistake has been made. To be truthful and earnest is required to deliver justice. The punishments you deal must be reserved: wanton destruction brings no peace.
Duty — You must draw arms — be them physical or otherwise — when a threat comes for your loved ones, community or natural order. You must serve without hesitation and encourage others to do so, too. You must protect the weak and defenseless — to actively seek out the evils of our world and purge them. You must strive to remove unfairness, cruelness and deception from the realm. To falter in one’s commitments and servitude is to be marred with cowardice. Duty is spawned from a sense of pride in that which you serve. Be it a nation, a guild or a druidic order, you must take joy in that which you give to and honor that joy by devoting yourself to it. The obligation of duty can only exist if you will it.
Traditions and Practices
Lords, Ladies and Kindred Blades
When a Warden swore their oath, they were granted a title. This title was similar to druid totems, but it carried with it an official Lord or Lady prefix. The title was chosen by the Warden being sworn in and gifted to them by the High Warden during their ceremony. The title was formal and was referenced as often as their kin prefer to. Kindred blades were the weapons forged by Wardens during their induction ceremony. These weapons were given names and used to swear in the newfound member. The weapons were meant to stay at the side of the Warden until the day they died.
Book of the Red Oak
The Book of the Red Oak is a chronicle of deeds and heroics done by the Wardens of the order. Each member was given a space in the book upon being sworn in and their actions of merit were recorded by the High Warden until the day of their passing, their retirement or their disbandment. Few members were removed from the tome, but those who stained the order with their presence were removed for the safety of the order’s future success.
Trials of Culling
There came a time every few decades where the order was evaluated by the High Warden. The High Warden announced the Trials of Culling to thin the numbers of the Wardens. Three trials of varying purposes were given to every member of the order to test their merit in combat, their morals and their readiness. Those who failed two of these trials would have their title of Warden removed until they could prove themselves worthy of the position once more. The purpose of these trials was to keep the Wardens strong.
