Rootwarden

Among the people of Altera, few titles have inspired such admiration as the Rootwardens. Possessing a variety of magical abilities granted by the Ygdril, these individuals have long stood as the greatest defenders of the Alteran people against the myriad threats that risen in the wake of The Fracturing. As the people of Altera expand further into the unknown regions of the world, and as new threats continue to rise, the Rootwardens continue to play a vital role across the broken world.

Qualifications

All Rootwardens must pass the Trials, a series of tests meant to guage their combat ability, their grasp on their abilities, and their ability to work alone or as a team.

Requirements

Rootwardens are recruited in early adulthood, and must possess a combat aptitude on par with a typical military recruit.

Appointment

New Rootwardens are officially inducted following the completion of the Trials, with a senior Rootwarden overseeing the ceremony.

Duties

As the greatest defenders of Altera, Rootwardens typically fill such roles as combating Rooteaters (including leading strikes on their nests), providing protection for groups such as nobility or Skyseeker crews, and aiding the military (the highest ranking military officials in the Kaedran Empire are all Rootwardens).

Responsibilities

Rootwardens are responsible for protecting the people of Altera against the various threats that were spawned in the wake of the Fracturing.

Benefits

Rootwardens are often highly respected members of whatever organisations they've chosen to align themselves with, and are highly regarded among the common folk of Altera.

Accoutrements & Equipment

Rootwardens make use of much of the same equipment as most militaries in Altera, though they also have access to equipment crafted from rarer materials such as Amber and Skysteel.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

A Rootwarden is dismissed from duty if they've become too injured for frontline service, or if they've acted against the purpose of the Rootwardens.

History

Like many things in Altera, the history of the Rootwardens is closely tied to the history of the Fracturing. It's said that the Rootwardens were modeled after Elan, the first to manifest the various abilities common to all Rootwardens, and all future generations strive to carry on his mission of protecting the common folk from the myriad threats that have arisen in the wake of the Fracturing.

Cultural Significance

Rootwardens are viewed with great admiration by the people of Altera, with many becoming cultural heroes.

Type

Magical, Honorific

Status

In use

Length of Term

Lifetime

Ranks

While the Rootwardens are spread out across various groups, there is a ranking system observed among them. Rootwardens can rise through these ranks based on their deeds.

S: The highest rank a Rootwarden can hold. Only a handful of them have existed in the world at a time, and all are regarded as legends.

A: The highest rank most Rootwardens can achieve. Typically occupy high-ranking positions in whatever group they've joined.

B: Rootwardens of this rank typically begin operating in small, independant bands.

C: The rank held by the majority of Rootwardens.

D: The lowest rank a rootwarden can hold. Typically deal with small-scale threats.