Common Legends and Lore: Mansguard
by Sir Rezaldo Perelli, Master of the Adventurers Guild
Year - 747
“Thank you for reading, brave adventurers, this issue I bring you to the lush forests and towering castles of Mansguard!
In the dense viridian reaches of the vast continent of Pyrennia, along the River Lyris juts a magnificent stone castle. Suspended high above the bustling river town in it’s shade, is Greatstone, the mighty capital of Mansguard, and home of the Guardians.
Mansguard is defined by conflict and adventure. From every angle a different threat harries the territory.
To the east lies the savage Confederacy, a conglomeration of savage goblinoids hell-bent on pillaging any vulnerable homestead, settlement, or traveling caravan.
To the north runs Mansguard Wall, a massive fortification separating the staunchly xenophobic Guardians and the agressive and territorial Dwarven Holds. For a hundred years war ravaged the land between these two powerful forces. That is until even these two stubborn foes could agree that peace, albiet a strained one, was preferable.
In it’s deepest southern reaches, the deadly Lockjaw Gnoll Pack causes havoc to farmers and caravans, raiding deeper and deeper into the belly of civilization.
Most troublingly, in it’s heartland a mysterious portal to the feywilds was opened, unleashing all sorts of strange and dangerous monsters into the adjacent thickets.
The Kingdom of Mansguard is a member of The Pact of the Fist, the five-membered human alliance, though they are the most likely to leave the union due to the increasing threats to their borders and the lack of aid from the other pact members.
Mansguard is ruled by Queen Gertrude of House Foebal of the lost town Reedstone, holding the royal throne of Greatstone. Her authority is absolute, barring organized resistence from a cabal of wealthy nobles scattered through the territory. The political situation in Mansguard is complicated, with power often shifting hands due to court intrigue and changing times. As a native witness to the political machine that governs Tempesta, it was eye-opening to learn of the inner working of The Kingdom of Mansguard, as it's customs and laws seem to find their footing not in thorough legal weight, but in the power of honor and it's shadow, shame.
The main values of a guardian are honor, purity, and glory. Above all things, a guardian is human, and embraces anything they deem “humanic”. Arts and song, masonry and horseback riding, chivalry and piety are all seen as vital ingredients to a worthwhile life. To this end grand tales are shared amongst taverns and hovels of incredible heroes beating back horrible monsters, saving princesses, and defending castles. The goal of every Guardian Knight is to create a name for himself and be remembered as a great hero.
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