The Sacred Star
Vanguard
"Its our choices that show what we truly are far more then our ability"
The Vanguard are mostly known as mercenaries and rogues. They are a collected bunch of misfits mostly, comprised of outcasts and those who do not wish to be tied down except to someone of their own choosing. They can be those with neutral morals, those with good thoughts but do not wish laws to bind their actions, or those who have evil tendencies but do not wish to stomach the pure evil of the Shadar. They like profit and being free.
Current Leader: Corlask.
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Killing or maiming other faction members is not permitted, any such activity out side the faction is the members own doing and will be dealt with by the ruling party of the area.The vanguard will rarely take action against their own but won't often defend them if their is evidence against them.
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Disputes between faction members are decided by a council of well regarded members, but can be appealed to the beacon for serious matters. Any matter can also be settled by a duel but only if both parties agree to terms. Multiple disputes by the same person can lead to punishment handed down by the beacon, usually in terms of required services or exile.
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Your personal relationships are no interest to the faction, as long as in times of trouble you know where your loyalties lie
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Freedom is the factions main devotion - any form of slavery or indentured servitude is considered a sever offense.
Rules of Vanguard
"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer."
Bars and inns are major places of socialization in the vanguard - and people are as loyal to their chosen place as to their own families.
Being the only faction that is ground bound stables are common and horses and other mounts plentiful.
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Social Customs
- First Melt -
A holiday dating back to before any one can remember, it starts when the first drips of water from the melting snow on the mountain above them begin to trickle down into the vanguard (Usually mid to late spring). It probably originated with the celebration of easily available water, but has snowballed like many vanguard events into a week of activities. Starting with hunting and marksmen competitions , it leads into tournaments for sword play, wrestling and even dancing. The biggest draw in the revealing and tasting of the years new ales and beers, with a vote on which lucky brew will be the main drink for the rest of the years activities.
- Fading Lights Festival -
A more somber event held when the first leaves begin to turn, it is a time to remember fallen faction members, family, and friends. The festival is famous for the intricate crowns, and gowns woven with dried flowers collected during the year. The main event is placing small written messages to the deceased in the saddle bags of highly painted and decorated dragons, who after a display of flying skill and speed, release the papers into the wind.
Ale is served and party ends the night.
- Vanguard wedding -
As with most moments in a vanguards life the exact events of a vanguard wedding are up to the individual. Though after a wedding along with the usual vanguard drinking and dancing a strange tradition of each new spouse picking a valued friend or family member to have a duel with practice swords to determine who is the luckiest spouse has developed, with the spouse whose chosen fighter wins declaring that they, are indeed, the luckiest person in the world for having the right to marry the other.
Traditions and Holidays
