THE ORDER OF THE OPHIDIAN WARDENS
One of the oldest organizations in Eaton, the Ophidian Wardens are an elite retinue personally sworn to House Croy, and the Count or Countess of Eaton. Formed in 130 AC by the 1st Count Eaton, Lord Preston Croy, these sentinels have defended and served the noble House of Croy for nearly two centuries. While House Croy does possess a regular guard force of men-at-arms, the Wardens do not fall under the same category by any stretch of the imagination. To be admitted takes a personal skill set of combat and ferocity, as well as requiring personal service to the Count of Eaton, and usually specific knowledge retaining to the Tower one may be appointed to. Therefore, the Order is an extremely small band, as they all serve specific functions, or might be pledged to various members of the house, all depending on why they may have been sworn in.
Eleven Wardens can occupy the Order's number, though most of the time, there are less than that. Each Warden represents both physically and figuratively one of the eleven towers of Adeane's (the Eaton capital city) outer curtain walls. Each tower is taller than all three districts of Adeane, and is connected to the Elysian Quarter by eleven total promenades. While these towers serve a defensive and military purpose, they also function as the personal home of each Ophidian Warden, even if not all of them actually live there. Five of the Eleven are afforded a company of men at their command. The 1st Warden is always one of these 5, though the other four change whenever necessary. The Order is relatively equal, however, and being one of these five does not mean they outrank the others. In fact, due to these members usually being required to live full-time in Adeane, it can often be a less desirable duty due to the lack of action. Furthermore, the 1st Warden, while nominally a higher rank, is not really in command of anyone, as it's more of a ceremonial and moral command.
Ophidians represent their Tower within their armor's coloring, though some opt for cloaks or capes.
ARMS AND ARMOR
Ophidian Wardens all wear similar armor, being full plate, fully covered blacksteel, with a distinct Sea Serpent motif. For the most part, these all match, but each one takes a color that corresponds to their respective tower. The towers and their colors are as follows: Aurum [Gold], Silver, Niveus [White], Sable [Black], Aereus [Bronze], Solis [Yellow], Red, Indigo, Lunar [Blue], and Aestas [Green]. The Shadow Tower is the only tower to not be associated with any color. For weaponry, halberds are the most common, but only for ceremonial reasons, meaning many arms may be used by any Warden. Ophidian Wardens are not molded to fit a set of standards set by the Count, but rather, the position is malleable and flexible, meaning the role is shaped to the occupant. Many weapons may be used by an Ophidian, to maximize their strength and play to their advantages. Above all else, Wardens are meant to be as deadly as possible, and to force one of them to use a martial skill they are not comfortable in would hamper that ability. One exception to this is, usually, the White Tower Warden, as more often than not this is a battlemage, who does not use a weapon, but rather arcane abilities.
A Herald of Carnage; the Red Tower Warden is often associated with violence and slaughter, steeped in blood.
THE ELEVEN TOWERS
As previously stated, there are 11 total Wardens that can possibly exist. The role does not require more, and can function with less, as each Warden may do specific tasks or have completely new roles entirely within the scope of their duty. A great many of the Warden Towers have historical jobs, functions, or roles, meaning that by now in the current times, most Towers actually mean something in regards to what a Warden may be assigned to do. Strictly speaking, this is not always the case. For example: while the Niveus Tower is historically home to a court mage, it by no means has to be and can be someone completely mundane. Nominally, there is a leader of the Order, being the 1st Warden, who occupies the Aurum Tower, but this role is mostly ceremonial and commands little more than official duties and moral leadership. Individual Wardens are also provided given names, though not all are required to use them. Here is a list of the current and vacant Warden positions:
The Great Eleven Towers of Adeane stretch towards the skies, casting a pall over the city.
RELEVANCE OF THE WARDENS IN ROLEPLAY
Playing an Ophidian Warden for House Croy comes with a number of rights and privileges, but also can be a demanding and lore-heavy position. Due to the lack of combat roleplay House Croy engages in, it also may not be the most exciting role in truth. However, the Wardens have varying relevance in relation to House Croy, the Count, the nobility itself, and their fellow Wardens. They also can partake in various combat scenarios should they wish, depending on what exactly that is to be.
Wardens are effectively the Honor Guard of House Croy, though not explicitly the house guard. It is the most prestigious position a guard character can occupy within the scope House Croy is allowed to provide in roleplay. These characters are afforded a spectacular home in Adeane, being their relevant Tower, and possess a backstory experience completely tailored to them. Depending on the level of competency of a Warden, he or she may be incredibly important to Croy lore, both in a military sense but also an advisory sense.
Many Wardens compete amongst each other for usefulness, as being a personal Warden to the Count comes with its own set of prestige and personal benefits. Historically, Wardens who are extremely cunning have been able to earn their way to being an advisor and courtier, advising the Count on multiple issues, and being able to influence his decisions on vital matters that might be personal to them. There is much inner-competition amongst the Wardens as a result, and even some have gone so far as to quietly have their rivals killed, or see to the killing personally, in order to remove potential challenges. Should many Wardens become active in Croy roleplay, additional accommodations, sparring locations, and barracks will be created.
Being an Ophidian Warden can have the ability to place a character at the center of noble roleplay, should one be interested in it. Many of them are able to guard wherever they please on Croy property, even in private meetings, and also can typically attend Croy events depending on their level of decorum and grace. This can open doors to interacting with the realms peers, when otherwise they may not have had the chance. Characters can use this position to enact their own political narratives or plotlines, for better or for worse.
Wardens receive custom armor and arms for their service, as well as substantial pay depending on what role they may play in things. The Eleven Wardens have personal chefs, servants, physicians and squires to attend to them, in order to maintain themselves to focus entirely on serving the Count of Eaton without complications. Specific Wardens have increased privileges and perks when necessary, such as the 3rd Ophidian Warden of the Niveus Tower, who typically doubles as a court battlemage, which has its own set of courtly advantages and rewards.
This all being said, it is not easy to become a Warden. A character typically has to earn such a position, but sometimes specific characters might be offered a position should he or she just so happen to fit something perfectly. Equally so, sometimes a vacant Wardenship may be granted to someone as a favor, or to a friend to be able to officialize their participation in the Count's social and/or political life. Applying outright for an Ophidian Warden is not something to do out of hand, as if it is a character the Count has not interacted with, it may be difficult to receive due to a lack of trust. Existing Wardens can also be applied for, and a new character created for them in their place. The best place to discuss this would be by sending a DM to @muffinns on Discord.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Should you wish to apply for this out of roleplay, OR if you would like to have your character apply directly instead of approaching it in game, you may do so on this thread. Any Vacant Warden can be applied for with any OC, existing or new. Likewise, the existing Wardens are placeholders. For most of them, they can be killed off, rewritten, fired, etc. to be replaced with your OC historically or as a new hire.
If you are proposing an entirely new character for this role, provide a basic idea of the character, which Warden he or she would be, and some general concepts/information.
If you are wanting to have an existing OC join the Ophidian Wardens, you are allowed to send a letter on this page detailing the application. It is free form, as this is not an official recruitment page.
Likewise, any character can approach the Count of Eaton about this in game. This is mostly information obtainable in lore, and thus can be known by a character and followed up about without prompting.
One of the oldest organizations in Eaton, the Ophidian Wardens are an elite retinue personally sworn to House Croy, and the Count or Countess of Eaton. Formed in 130 AC by the 1st Count Eaton, Lord Preston Croy, these sentinels have defended and served the noble House of Croy for nearly two centuries. While House Croy does possess a regular guard force of men-at-arms, the Wardens do not fall under the same category by any stretch of the imagination. To be admitted takes a personal skill set of combat and ferocity, as well as requiring personal service to the Count of Eaton, and usually specific knowledge retaining to the Tower one may be appointed to. Therefore, the Order is an extremely small band, as they all serve specific functions, or might be pledged to various members of the house, all depending on why they may have been sworn in.
Eleven Wardens can occupy the Order's number, though most of the time, there are less than that. Each Warden represents both physically and figuratively one of the eleven towers of Adeane's (the Eaton capital city) outer curtain walls. Each tower is taller than all three districts of Adeane, and is connected to the Elysian Quarter by eleven total promenades. While these towers serve a defensive and military purpose, they also function as the personal home of each Ophidian Warden, even if not all of them actually live there. Five of the Eleven are afforded a company of men at their command. The 1st Warden is always one of these 5, though the other four change whenever necessary. The Order is relatively equal, however, and being one of these five does not mean they outrank the others. In fact, due to these members usually being required to live full-time in Adeane, it can often be a less desirable duty due to the lack of action. Furthermore, the 1st Warden, while nominally a higher rank, is not really in command of anyone, as it's more of a ceremonial and moral command.
Ophidians represent their Tower within their armor's coloring, though some opt for cloaks or capes.
ARMS AND ARMOR
Ophidian Wardens all wear similar armor, being full plate, fully covered blacksteel, with a distinct Sea Serpent motif. For the most part, these all match, but each one takes a color that corresponds to their respective tower. The towers and their colors are as follows: Aurum [Gold], Silver, Niveus [White], Sable [Black], Aereus [Bronze], Solis [Yellow], Red, Indigo, Lunar [Blue], and Aestas [Green]. The Shadow Tower is the only tower to not be associated with any color. For weaponry, halberds are the most common, but only for ceremonial reasons, meaning many arms may be used by any Warden. Ophidian Wardens are not molded to fit a set of standards set by the Count, but rather, the position is malleable and flexible, meaning the role is shaped to the occupant. Many weapons may be used by an Ophidian, to maximize their strength and play to their advantages. Above all else, Wardens are meant to be as deadly as possible, and to force one of them to use a martial skill they are not comfortable in would hamper that ability. One exception to this is, usually, the White Tower Warden, as more often than not this is a battlemage, who does not use a weapon, but rather arcane abilities.
A Herald of Carnage; the Red Tower Warden is often associated with violence and slaughter, steeped in blood.
As previously stated, there are 11 total Wardens that can possibly exist. The role does not require more, and can function with less, as each Warden may do specific tasks or have completely new roles entirely within the scope of their duty. A great many of the Warden Towers have historical jobs, functions, or roles, meaning that by now in the current times, most Towers actually mean something in regards to what a Warden may be assigned to do. Strictly speaking, this is not always the case. For example: while the Niveus Tower is historically home to a court mage, it by no means has to be and can be someone completely mundane. Nominally, there is a leader of the Order, being the 1st Warden, who occupies the Aurum Tower, but this role is mostly ceremonial and commands little more than official duties and moral leadership. Individual Wardens are also provided given names, though not all are required to use them. Here is a list of the current and vacant Warden positions:
- Gallus the Golden, 1st Ophidian Warden of the Aurum Tower.
- Gallus is the nominal head of the Wardens, possessing an unofficial supremacy over the other towers. As per tradition, he retains the byname "the Golden", due to this. Gallus is quite old, though, being an Ailor male in his 60s. He holds the Aurum Tower, being the tallest, centermost tower of the wall, and stays in Adeane mostly full-time, where he doubles as head of the city guard force. The Aurum Tower Warden historically is a war leader, being a commander to levies and retinues, and Gallus is no different, being a qualified general in his own right.
- The Aurum Tower is associated with the color gold, thus is sometimes called the Gold Tower, and his armor possesses gold motifs.
- Scaevola, 2nd Ophidian Warden of the Silver Tower.
- Scaevola is the Silver Tower Warden in the current times. Despite what it may seem, the 2nd Warden is no higher in rank than the 11th Warden, or even the 1st for the most part. The Silver Warden is mostly a courtly role, however, being seen as the Tower with the most grace and decorum. In recent memory, most Silver Wardens have been nobility or minor peers sworn to House Croy, being almost a representative of local houses. Currently, Scaevola, otherwise known by his real name, Lord Simon Sarrett, Baron of Needam, occupies the position, being a personal courtier to the Count most of the time.
- The Silver Tower is associated with the color silver, and his armor possesses silver motifs.
- VACANT, 3rd Ophidian Warden of the Niveus Tower.
- A vacant tower, the Niveus Tower Warden is often an interesting position, though critically underused. Historically speaking, Counts often appoint a personal mage or arcane-oriented spellcaster or seer to this role, being something of a mage advisor to the Count. The previous titleholder, Count Lyman, never appointed one of these, leaving the White Tower empty for decades. Despite this lack of attention, some of the most famed battlemages of Rosendale have found their home within the Niveus Tower in history.
- The Niveus Tower is associated with the color white, thus is sometimes called the White Tower, and his or her armor would possess white/ivory motifs.
- VACANT, 4th Ophidian Warden of the Sable Tower.
- At present, the Sable Tower is vacant, and this is more common than one may think for this particular role. The 4th Warden is not a desirable appointment, but is one of the most important. Sable Tower Wardens are the most devoted bodyguards, and historically have been the ones closest in proximity to the Count of Eaton and their kin. Due to this, they also die the most, either in battle, or in personal service. Commonly, the Sable Tower Warden is called the Hound Tower, or the Hound Warden, being seen as something of a personal attack dog of the Count. This tower has a bloody history, with infamous accounts of said Warden running down peasants in the street, leaving warhammer-cracked bodies upon the Adeane pavement due to a serf looking at the Count the wrong way.
- The Sable Tower is associated with the color black, thus is sometimes called the Black Tower, and his or her armor would possess black motifs.
- Thracius, 5th Ophidian Warden of the Aereus Tower.
- The Aereus Tower Warden is one of the less glamorous roles, but none less important. Currently occupied by Thracius, this tower is oftentimes known as the Grain Tower, being closest to overseeing most of the farmland outside of Adeane. While not directly in charge of it, the Grain Warden often works closely with the tenant farmers around the city, overseeing their personal security and the defense of these lands. Normally, in an act of bizarre humility by the Croy Counts, they often let the tenants choose a Warden from amongst themselves, making the 5th Warden something of the only elective role in the system.
- The Aereus Tower is associated with the color bronze, thus is sometimes called the Bronze Tower, and his armor possesses bronze/brown motifs.
- Aquilinus, 6th Ophidian Warden of the Solis Tower.
- Aquilinus is the 6th Warden, being the occupant of the Solis Tower. This tower occupies the thankless task of being a sort of archer captain, specifically of the Croy Crossbowmen that seem endless along the curtain wall battlements. The role also extends to cannonry and other artillery matters, should the Warden be qualified for it. The Solis Warden spends almost all their time in Adeane, walking and inspecting the battlements, and training the men-at-arms in proper crossbow conduct.
- The Solis Tower is associated with the color yellow, thus is sometimes called the Yellow Tower, and his armor possesses yellow motifs.
- Caedes, 7th Ophidian Warden of the Red Tower. [@Patsie]
- Caedes is the Red Tower Warden, sometimes also called the Crimson Tower, Blood Tower, or Ruby Tower. 7th Ophidian Wardens are usually the most violent, combative, and skillful warriors amongst the Eleven. The Red Tower is also the most macabre locale of all eleven, at least visually, known to stink of death from slain sparring partners, and stained with blood on parts of the stone. Occupants of the Red Tower represent the blood they are willing to spill in service to House Croy, usually meaning the blood of others. At present, Caedes is personal Warden to the Countess Eaton, Alisanne Croy, acting as a gladiator in the Regalian Capital.
- The Red Tower is associated with the color red, and her armor possesses red motifs.
- Varinia, 8th Ophidian Warden of the Indigo Tower.
- Held currently by Varinia, the 8th Warden cooperates very often with the civil courts of Adeane and Eaton. This is probably the Tower the least associated with combat, and is more of a civilian role, though not all the time necessarily. The Indigo Tower Warden acts as a kind of Sergeant-at-Arms for the public courts in Adeane, especially so when the Count is called to preside over them. Varinia's day-to-day duties mostly revolve around ensuring the safety of judges and jurors, and overseeing a county bailiff role, though is plenty able to fight should the need arise.
- The Indigo Tower is associated with the color indigo, and her armor possesses indigo motifs.
- VACANT, 9th Ophidian Warden of the Lunar Tower.
- The Lunar Tower Warden is an often unfilled position within the Eleven, being something of a scribe and recordkeeper for the other Towers and their feats/duties. The 9th Warden also oversees the relevant funeral rites and expenses for Tower Wardens who die while still in service. Needless to say, this is not a position often filled, as usually there is little need for it, so more often than not Lunar Tower Wardens are simply assigned to prominent, elite guardsmen who have proven themselves, and their duties are custom made.
- The Lunar Tower is associated with the color blue, thus is sometimes called the Blue Tower, and his or her armor would possess blue motifs.
- VACANT, 10th Ophidian Warden of the Aestas Tower.
- Currently vacant, the Aestas Tower Warden is sometimes called the Summer Guardian, being a rather envious position within the hierarchy. The Aestas Warden is usually a mounted warrior of great repute, skilled in the jousts and tournaments akin to the stereotypical knighthoods. Normally, the Aestas Warden is known for honor, chivalry, and merciful conduct, being a moral guide to others in the Eleven. Oftentimes the 10th Warden is known to advise the Count on matters pertaining to the Realm's knightly orders. This has always been a difficult role to fill, as it often requires someone versed in chivalric code, but not actually a member of existing Imperial orders.
- The Aestas Tower is associated with the color green, thus is sometimes called the Green Tower, and his or her armor would possess green motifs.
- Lupus, 11th Ophidian Warden of the Shadow Tower.
- Lastly, the 11th Warden occupies the Shadow Tower, which currently is held by Lupus. Not much is known about it, however, as it's something of a secretive role. What is known of this tower by outsiders and other Wardens is that its holder is a spymaster and inquisitor, answering only to the Count himself. The brutal truth of this Warden is that they usually are an assassin, used by the Eaton Counts to carry out the more brutal side of Regalian politics, but this is a very well-kept secret. Outwardly, the Shadow Tower is that of inquisitor, investigating those the Count tells them to and conducting extensive "interrogation" within the bowels of the tower's maze-like prisons. The current occupant is Lupus, whom none of the other Tower members have ever met.
- The Shadow Tower is not associated with any color, being the odd man out. This is due to it being the most secretive of the Eleven, and the occupant the least flashy role. It is thus simply referred to as the Shadow Tower, and is denoted by no ceremonial color for armor, cape, nor heraldry, outside of a personal one.
The Great Eleven Towers of Adeane stretch towards the skies, casting a pall over the city.
Playing an Ophidian Warden for House Croy comes with a number of rights and privileges, but also can be a demanding and lore-heavy position. Due to the lack of combat roleplay House Croy engages in, it also may not be the most exciting role in truth. However, the Wardens have varying relevance in relation to House Croy, the Count, the nobility itself, and their fellow Wardens. They also can partake in various combat scenarios should they wish, depending on what exactly that is to be.
Wardens are effectively the Honor Guard of House Croy, though not explicitly the house guard. It is the most prestigious position a guard character can occupy within the scope House Croy is allowed to provide in roleplay. These characters are afforded a spectacular home in Adeane, being their relevant Tower, and possess a backstory experience completely tailored to them. Depending on the level of competency of a Warden, he or she may be incredibly important to Croy lore, both in a military sense but also an advisory sense.
Many Wardens compete amongst each other for usefulness, as being a personal Warden to the Count comes with its own set of prestige and personal benefits. Historically, Wardens who are extremely cunning have been able to earn their way to being an advisor and courtier, advising the Count on multiple issues, and being able to influence his decisions on vital matters that might be personal to them. There is much inner-competition amongst the Wardens as a result, and even some have gone so far as to quietly have their rivals killed, or see to the killing personally, in order to remove potential challenges. Should many Wardens become active in Croy roleplay, additional accommodations, sparring locations, and barracks will be created.
Being an Ophidian Warden can have the ability to place a character at the center of noble roleplay, should one be interested in it. Many of them are able to guard wherever they please on Croy property, even in private meetings, and also can typically attend Croy events depending on their level of decorum and grace. This can open doors to interacting with the realms peers, when otherwise they may not have had the chance. Characters can use this position to enact their own political narratives or plotlines, for better or for worse.
Wardens receive custom armor and arms for their service, as well as substantial pay depending on what role they may play in things. The Eleven Wardens have personal chefs, servants, physicians and squires to attend to them, in order to maintain themselves to focus entirely on serving the Count of Eaton without complications. Specific Wardens have increased privileges and perks when necessary, such as the 3rd Ophidian Warden of the Niveus Tower, who typically doubles as a court battlemage, which has its own set of courtly advantages and rewards.
This all being said, it is not easy to become a Warden. A character typically has to earn such a position, but sometimes specific characters might be offered a position should he or she just so happen to fit something perfectly. Equally so, sometimes a vacant Wardenship may be granted to someone as a favor, or to a friend to be able to officialize their participation in the Count's social and/or political life. Applying outright for an Ophidian Warden is not something to do out of hand, as if it is a character the Count has not interacted with, it may be difficult to receive due to a lack of trust. Existing Wardens can also be applied for, and a new character created for them in their place. The best place to discuss this would be by sending a DM to @muffinns on Discord.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Should you wish to apply for this out of roleplay, OR if you would like to have your character apply directly instead of approaching it in game, you may do so on this thread. Any Vacant Warden can be applied for with any OC, existing or new. Likewise, the existing Wardens are placeholders. For most of them, they can be killed off, rewritten, fired, etc. to be replaced with your OC historically or as a new hire.
If you are proposing an entirely new character for this role, provide a basic idea of the character, which Warden he or she would be, and some general concepts/information.
If you are wanting to have an existing OC join the Ophidian Wardens, you are allowed to send a letter on this page detailing the application. It is free form, as this is not an official recruitment page.
Likewise, any character can approach the Count of Eaton about this in game. This is mostly information obtainable in lore, and thus can be known by a character and followed up about without prompting.
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