Wardens of Xan
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Overview
Background
Born of the great ocean of power that is Xan, and guided into being through the heavy effort of multiple Paladins, the Wardens of Xan exist as testaments to their undying faith. In their natural state they are a creation born entirely of Xan, with an innate sense of his Creeds burned into them upon their arrival in the mortal planes. It is possible however to call forth the Paladins of old, should they accept, from their new home in Xan’s realm to once more serve his cause and actively fight for order. Whereas Paladins are easily compared to the sword and shield of Xan, a Warden can be compared to a stalwart wall in the same regard. Unmoving in their fierce devotion, and bound to protect the most sacred of Xan’s holy spaces; The Chanceries.
Wardens of Xan are considered to be the protectors of Chanceries upon their creation, the ones who stand as the gatekeepers to determine who is allowed to enter and what occurs within. This is not forced, though to disrespect a Warden so would be a grave error, as they may opt to deny anyone entry to what is now considered theirs. Protecting such a place is the reason for their existence.
Creation
Creating a Warden of Xan is a painstaking process for Paladins to endure. To begin with, one must create a suitable vessel capable of not shattering under the immense strain of Xan’s Sapphire Mists - As the ritual for bringing one into being takes place within a Chancery. Creating this armor is done at a Light Forge, where on the inside of each piece of armor various runes are inscribed and blessed daily with the Holding enchantment. This allows the armor to withstand the presence of a Warden being birthed within it, and serve as their vessel. The process of this takes a week IRL, and causes the Paladin to expend 2 Spell Slots daily during the process(lowering their spell slots to 3 for the week). Should this be interrupted by death or any other factor, the entire process must begin anew.
At the end of this week, the armor created is ready to serve as a vessel for the ritual required. Three Tier 5 Paladins must be present for such, praying together and drawing forth Xan’s Sapphire Mists within the sacred space of a Chancery. Weaving these mists through the armor, they may either create a new conscious, a fresh mind to learn as though a newborn Construct and eventually develop personality, or they may call upon one of Xan’s fallen servants. Should the person be willing(OOCly and RPly) to play their character in such a state, they will be drawn forth from Xan’s realm to once again serve his will on the mortal plane.
It should be noted that only two Wardens may be born per Chancery, though if a Warden has been inactive for two weeks on that character or on LOTC in general, their CA may be revoked in place for a new Warden instead. Additionally, should they willingly break one of Xan’s Creeds, they will instantly suffer death as a PK as the mists that maintain them vanish. Finally, should a Warden perish at any point, they respawn as any other - though only if another set of armor is made for them, requiring a week of no playing the character and the downsides on the one who creates said armor. They cannot manifest without such a vessel present, and neither can there be saved up vessels for them, for the enchantments would wear down.
Physical Description
Appearance
Wardens of Xan stand as armored figures of any descendant height, from dwarven to Orc. Their appearance is that of whatever armor they inhabit at the time, though they as well possess Mist like any paladin(though not a Paladin themselves). That is to say, one can see within their armor their given mist color swirling around as a pool of energy. When within a Chancery, however, this energy turns Sapphire as Xan’s presence flows through them.
Strength
The given strength of a Warden of Xan changes drastically depending on where they are. Though able to be played as a character in their own right and explore the world, they only have access to their true strength in and around the Chancery that they are bound to. When within their Chancery, their strength is comparable to an Olog. When in the direct vicinity of such(i.e. A Paladin base around the Chancery), their strength is lessened to that of a very fit orc. While in the region their chancery is in, they will possess the strength of a very fit soldier. Any further than this however, and their strength is comparable to a fit enough individual, able to function as your average fighter. It should be noted that regardless of where a Warden is, they are slow, comparable almost to a golem. The weight of their armor keeps them very much incapable of chasing people down easily. Lastly, a Warden is capable of casting Mist Manipulation wherever they are present, the same as a T5 Paladin; remembering this is an aesthetic-only ability.
Weakness
Though it is already detailed that as they leave their Chancery, a Wardens strength lowers drastically until they’re weaker than an average fighter, it has not yet been detailed the process of beating a Warden in combat. This is easy - Destroying their armor is the same as destroying the vessel that holds them. The easiest method is to destroy their helmet entirely as their given weak point. Do such, and their energies will escape the armor and they will be “killed.” Outside of this, when their armor’s structural integrity hits about halfway destroyed, they as well perish in the same way. It should be noted that they do register pain as well, though they can shoulder it much better than one of flesh and blood. Dark magic of any variety would cause pain as though they were lit aflame where it touched them, though it does not necessarily damage the Warden any more than a regular person.
Mental Description
Mindset
A Warden of Xan is set entirely in their ways. If forged of a past Paladin, they hold onto their values in life jealously and are incredibly stubborn in changing such. If forged of a fresh mind, they will learn how to behave and act as a person, and gain emotions over the course of a month’s time IRL - though even then they are difficult to change once they have decided how they shall act.
A Warden is, regardless, severely devoted to Xan’s Creeds and the protection of his Chanceries. To dishonor a Chancery is a slight upon Xan himself, and one of the most vile crimes one can perform to a Warden. They exist to guard these Chanceries, and will take it upon themselves to be the overseer of the one in which they were born from.
It should be noted that once created, a Warden does not have any inclination or requirement to obey a Paladin. They are equals, and both a part of the Creed. Attacking a Warden because it does not obey you is breaking a Creed and can get a Paladin disconnected. They do not even need Paladins for upkeep unless they perish in battle and need new armor altogether. Otherwise, they will heal slowly in their Chancery when out of combat/roleplay at a rate of 10% of their armor’s integrity per IRL day.
Mental State
Wardens of Xan suffer from the memories of their battles. Though slower progressing in fresh minded ones who have not yet fought, all Wardens will find that when at rest in their Chancery, memories of past conflicts they partook in flood through them. Particularly, memories related to Xan’s work, be it working for or against his Creeds. Perhaps they might suffer silently the agony of their failures, or dream gloriously of their victories and honor. Regardless, each of these possibilities should have a profound impact on the general mindset of a Warden. They as well are incapable of going against Xan’s Creeds. Within their mind, it is the singular most defining aspect of their existence. It’s physically possible for them to do such, but they should never wish for it. If, for some reason, they do break a Creed, the consequence is death, and banishment from Xan’s afterlife.
Additionally, it is possible to corrupt a Warden. Chanceries themselves are easily capable of corruption, and such is why the Warden exists to protect it. But should the Wardens not be present or be bested, and the Chancery corrupted, their attitudes and behaviors will shift dramatically. Though they will not explicitly break the Creed, their perception of it will become warped with dark influences. Their view of order so forceful that they must enact it upon others. Perhaps they shall close off the Chancery and refuse to allow any Paladins to use it for connection, or demand that those of Xan’s ilk be brought forth for non-existent crimes. Though they should still not attempt breaking a creed purposefully, while in this state they are granted forgiveness enough to not be PK’d or killed for doing it. Paladin duties should draw them to try and save the Warden through purifying the Chancery, not destroy it.
Redlines
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| General Redlines
•Wardens cannot practice magic.
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