Tree Wardens

The tree wardens historically care for and guard the groves of the trees of life, as well as harvest their leaves and produce aesul elixir.
It is very important for a warden to posses an animus link to properly monitor the health of the trees of life, which means that if such an individual isn’t interested in pursuing the life of a paladin, they may choose to become a tree warden instead. Tree wardens are independent from the paladins, with their own lifestyles and hierarchy, but as an organization they often work hand in hand as neutral entities.
Like paladins, tree wardens are gathered at young ages to be raised into their duties. However, unlike the paladins they are less willing to take on older initiates, because of the detailed secrets tree wardens are expected to learn.
Full tree wardens train rigorously in their own form of martial arts, which is now largely just a holdover from more militant times, but it is still in their fundamental duties to protect their groves from incursion and ruination. Because this training starts at a young age, it also affects the development and growth of their bodies, building leaner muscle mass and generally retaining more flexibility of movement.
Their militant past as an order is also reflected in their garb. Even their informal working attire is expected to include simple spaulders, poleyn, and metal plates sewn into the chest. Ceremonial garb includes full pauldrons, a tailor fitted gambeson covered in decorative quilting that creates scaled patterns, and a riveted brigandine vest.
Tree wardens are also expected to study extensively over the course of at least two, if not three, decades in a variety of subjects, not the least of which is alchemy, anatomy for multiple species, tree cultivation, geology, and healing techniques.
The tree warden elders hold courses for those who will become the less formal tree keepers of their households, for homesteads that care for and cultivate their own trees.

Type

Civilian, Knightly Order

Alternative Names

Wardens of the Trees

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Trained

Related Species

• Tree of Life