Name:
The Vanguard

Race/Faction:
The Vanguard

Age:
356

Motivation:
To protect the royal throne and the country as a whole.

History:
The Vanguard has been around for several hundred years, and to do their history justice would take more time to describe than I have available to me. Some of the most important events however are these.

In the beginning the Vanguard was a small guild devoted to being highly skilled mercenaries who worked out of Cordath, however in their 15th year of founding the then King, King Byron Reise Cordathian, hired them to act as bodyguards to his daughter Princess Ameliadae, who was considered the most beautiful woman in her time, from being kidnapped by a group of renegades during a rebellion. After protecting her for 16 years faithfully, King Byron rehired them as the personal bodyguards for the entire royal family.

20 years later, and the group had grown into the military during the war with Corridia. Their abilities on the battlefield had thrown everyone into madness. After destroying the front lines they began to give Cordath the upper hand leading to the first signing of the peace with Corridia and Cordath, Queen Ameliadae being extremely proud of her warriors and bestowing on them lands and influence above most of the present forces and guilds. After being elevated in such a way they began recruiting people directly from the military and the provost's (to clarify, the police.) and rotating them between whatever war front (if applicable) and patrolling the streets. Unlike most elite groups they did not prevent commoners from entering their group, however the prejudice did exist and the majority of individuals remained nobles' second sons or the lower houses.

For the next 200 years the Vanguard held up as the strongest force on Shadrech (the continent this takes place in) and have only increased the rigor of training and expectation. At this time, there is no known force that is more powerful.

Strengths
The Vanguard are an elite force of swordsmen and shield-bearers, experienced fighters who know both the front lines of war, and patrol in the mean streets of the poorest neighborhoods. On top of that, they are trained in disaster relief and first aid, they are the first teams sent out in reaction to national emergencies. A select few are trained in counter measures of magic work and know most of the common ways of preventing or subverting magic.

Weaknesses
The Vanguard tends to follow the King blindly, however upon General Fenros' induction into a leadership role he shook that foundation some leading to split among the member. Some are steadfastly loyal and unquestioning towards the king, some are more aware of the consequences of that mindset. They are also prejudiced against magic users on a more general level, which pits them against most magical groups and guilds.

What is the most important thing to know about your Faction?
The Vanguard is the King's personal bodyguards and attack dogs. They do not hesitate when involving their duty. Each one of these men (and their lone woman) are extremely capable powerhouses in their own regard.

What is your Faction's greatest flaw?
They follow the King without hesitation or question. While the people who are a part of the Vanguard are not evil, they commit acts that would be recognized as such if not for their protection from moral questioning by those who are dead.

Why should this Faction be in a position to influence an entire country?
The Vanguard is the elite force belonging directly to the throne. They influence the country through defense of their king and domination of their enemies through their king's commands.