Order of the Guardian Step
Adventurer
The Order of the Guardian Step is a popular organization of Parfin adherents who protect travelers coming into and out of the city of Avandar, and into or out of Essillion. The Order does not discriminate against travelers; however, they will not aid obviously evil or threatening people. The members of the Order defend travelers from harm if necessary, but they primarily provide guidance, assist with travel plans or routes, and ensure proper precautions have been taken for the journey.
The main headquarters of the order lies in the Merchant District of Avandar, but they have way stations, and gathering spots all over the city and surrounding area, including the mainland. They travel into the Ancient Plains of Alucar, and are on good terms with the Order of the Reclamation, in their quest to discover the lost paths of Avandar. However, they shy away from the more fervent and militaristic aspects of that organization. They are often hired out by rich and powerful merchants who need safe passage, by adventurers looking for an easy route, or even farm folk who just want to explore and travel.
In Essillion, the headquarters is in a small shelter near Horizon Bridge and Walker’s Way. It is much smaller than their Avandaran counterpart, and they have travelers that head north toward Hollow’s Point, or south toward Meadowspring or Shalehaven. They rarely head east toward Aspenshield or Azdurok, but it does occasionally happen.
History
Founded by a devout cleric of Parfin, named Brisby Hornhallow, the Order of the Guardian Step was designed to protect travelers to and from Avandar. The constant fighting of the Humans and Goblins, the tricky paths through the swamps and bogs of the Grippli, and countless pitfalls and natural hazards made it very difficult to reach Avandar safely, and it deterred others from even leaving the city. Brisby was visited by Parfin one evening, while he was looking out over New Harbour, lamenting the lack of easy travel that was Parfin’s hallmark. A whispering wind called to Brisby from across the water, he could hear it as easily as if it was standing in front of him. A family called for help. Brisby found a boat that just happened to be sitting idle at a dock, and he followed the whispering wind. The fog was setting in pretty thick, but a glowing mote of light guided him to the shore, avoiding all dangers from the elements or creatures. Shortly after landfall Brisby found a family of Halflings that were looking for shelter and a way to eventually get over to Avandar. They were most grateful for the appearance of Brisby, and before long they were behind the sheltering walls of Avandar and on their way to a new life. Brisby was most pleased with himself, and vowed to help any who wanted nothing more than the blessings of a safe travel. He gathered others from his church, and more would join including sailors, scouts, guides, and the occasional warrior. Soon the Order of the Guardian Step was officially founded, spreading out to smaller areas, even as far as Essillion. It continues to this day, helping travelers in need, and securing a safe passage for those who desire it.Current Membership
Made up entirely of worshippers of Parfin, the Order of the Guardian Step does not discriminate to any of good intent. Those who wish to harm others, or have obvious evil intent are not welcome. In fact, they are the ones the Order looks to protect others from. Any profession, background, race, or sex is welcome in the Order, and Parfin and his adherents prefer a varied group to enhance the experience for everyone. The figurehead leader of the order is technically Parfin, but for worldly matters their leader is a Gnomish woman named Gervania Verlorian, a priest of Parfin who has managed to wear out 2 sets of boots in her long career. The order has built up a good reputation in the city, mostly owed to the tireless work of Gervania. The leader of the Essillion arm of the Order of the Guardian Step is Cullen Fairtrail, a Human of middle age, who enjoys his travels southward. He typically delegates any trips that head north or east.Goals
The simple and obvious goal of the Order of the Guardian Step is to ensure travel is safe, secure, without too much hardship, and filled with great experiences. The guides who ensure a safe journey do not prevent naturally occurring events, or help people avoid nature. They will, however, teach travelers how to avoid these dangers themselves, choose favourable paths, avoid harmful creatures, and most importantly, how to enjoy the experience.Resources
Aside from their skills and experience as guides, the Order of the Guardian Step also provide resources to help the traveler, like maps, traveling gear (boots, walking stick, well-made traveling clothes, spyglasses, and various other tools and trinkets to help. Often people will hire them out to map an area ahead of a trip, and provide maps, reconnaissance, or intel on the route. Some may also use them to make the trip in their place, to avoid the potential dangers. Parfinites do not typically encourage this behaviour, but they also find it hard to resist any opportunity to go and travel, even to place they have been before. ‘The rock I spy in the morning light, is not the same when the moon shines bright’ is a popular Parfinite saying.Notable Personalities
- Gervania Verlorian – Order of the Guardian Step leader and head priest to Parfin (f/gnome)
- Cullen Fairtrail – Order of the Guardian Step leader in Essillion (m/human)
Type
Guild, Adventuring
Location
Membership: Clerics of Parfin, Rangers, Scouts, Guides
Base of Operations: Avandar; Essillion
Symbol: A pair of worn boots across a plain shield
Notable Members: Gervania Verlorian (leader and head priest of Parfin)
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