Amongst the practitioners and followers of mysticism who study at the Citadel of Light, are a small force of fighting men and women who guard the mystics. The role of this fighting force, known as the Citadel Guardians, is to defend the mystics from their enemies, which has ranged from the Knights of Takhisis, to the Qué-Nal barbarians and many others. The Citadel Guardians are followers of the teachings of Goldmoon, however most of them were unable to harness the powers of the heart, and have instead chosen to defend the mystics so as to serve the followers of mysticism in their own way. A smaller number of Citadel Guardians are fighters who did manage to harness the mystical powers, but instead chose to take up arms to better protect their fellow mystics.
The duties of a Citadel Guardian range from defending the Citadel of Light, to traveling to other parts of Ansalon with a mystic and serving as a bodyguard. The main duty of any Guardian is to protect the Citadel and all mystics. All Guardians spend much of their time in weapons training, honing their skills to better protect their charges. Guardians normally are attired in sky-blue tunics, which bear the symbol of the Citadel of Light in front, except when on missions beyond the Citadel, when they are dressed normally to blend in with fellow travelers. Citadel Guardians bear a medallion with the symbol of the Citadel, just like any other Citadel mystic. Most Guardians have the plain medallion of an aspirant of the Citadel, however a small number have medallions with their mystic rank before they entered into the service of the Citadel Guardians.
Guardians are often found assisting the Knights of Solamnia who are based at Schallsea Island, aiding the Solamnics in escorting travelers from the Port of Schallsea to the Citadel. On odd occasions, the Guardians have also been known to aid the Qué-Nal after or during raids by the Knights of Takhisis.
The elven adventurer Iryl Songbrook first formed the Citadel Guardians, shortly after the Citadel of Light was raised. The Qué-Nal barbarians had attacked some dwarven crystal miners, which prompted the elf to encourage Goldmoon that she needed warriors to defend her flock. In 396 AC, Goldmoon sought the aid of one of her followers, Kolan Tyel, who was a former knight of the Legion of Steel, to organize the Guardians from a loose-knit band of warriors into a proper fighting unit. Kolan introduced a four-rank system within the Citadel Guardians, to better structure the defenders of the Citadel.
Four-Rank System[]
The lowest rank of warriors is simply known as Guardians, serving as the rank and file for the defending force. These fighters must serve within the Citadel itself, defending its walls and the mystics within. After a period of eighteen months of service, any warrior becomes eligible to be promoted to the rank of Senior Guardian. Senior Guardians are allowed to travel beyond the realm of Schallsea, guarding mystics as their bodyguards. After a service period of three years, Senior Guardians are eligible to be promoted to the rank of Guardian Commanders. The Guardian Commanders lead entire patrols in the streets of Schallsea and put forward their lower-ranked Guardians up for promotion.
The fourth rank is that of the Master Guardian. The Master Guardian was expected to be skilled in weaponry and commanding troops, as well as being an experienced mystic who could advise of matters that best looked after the interest of the Citadel of Light and it's mystics. The first Master Guardian to serve in this capacity was Jasper Fireforge, however he was replaced soon after by Kolan Tyel, who served in the role for ten years, before being slain by Elian assassins whilst defending Goldmoon. Kolan's second in charge, Kentry, ultimately filled the position and served in the role of Master Guardian right up to the War of Souls, until he was succeeded by Mac Wellfinder.
References[]
- Citadel of Light (Sourcebook): Book 1, p.30, 33, 56-58
- Legends of the Lance: Issue 4, p.8-9
- Holy Orders of the Stars, (Sourcebook) p.15
- Bertrem's Guide to the War of Souls, Volume 2, p.50