Wardens
A guardian spirit in the form of a cat wandering amonst the humans- that is a Warden. A human being who provides aid to humans or cats in the living world, before dissappearing in a flick when you try to look for them- that's also a Warden. A fierce fighter for the living against the evil forces- that is definitely a Warden.
Wardens are the toughest fighters among the cats of Dominicus Felinus, blessed with magic power and ability beyond others. They go through a grueling training regime in their younger days, and are tested through a harrowing initiation trial. And through that, they gain the blessings of Catus to become the eternal guardians of the living and spirit worlds. A Warden does not die easily. Neither does a Warden age. But neither does a Warden live a tranquil life. Bound to eternity to serve Catus on behalf of the kingdom and to defend the living world, a Warden can be resurrected a number of times, rewewing their lives. But when the number of lives is fully used, the soul of the Warden will dissappear as final death, wiping all chances of existence, reincarnation, transmigration or any other form. There are many opportunities for a Warden, no matter how powerful, to forfeit their lives. Dark creatures that seep out from the Grimmfell must be defeated on a regular basis. Then there are the more neutral, clueless souls of cats that limbo between the Grimmfell and Dominicus Felinus that must be ferried over. But the Grimmfell is the easier issue. As Wardens can shift between human form and cat form even in the living world, they are tasked with missions to the living world, a world where their powers are not as naturally amplified as in Dominicus Felinus. There they can seek out Summoners, humans who can understand them and utilize their powers. But while Summoners can aid Wardens as a familiar can aid a mage, they must still be careful. Afterall, the creatures of the Grimmfell were created by humans, who covet the ancient spirit powers of cats in the olden days. And what's a more powerful cat than a Warden in magic power?
Career
Qualifications
The Wardens qualification system starts early. Initial potential Trainees are identified as they enter Dominicus Felinus, usually identified by Sergeants and Senschals. If the potential Trainee agrees, they are formally enrolled in one of the four Warden Training Academy, located in the four regional capitals. The training program duration can last for anywhere from ten years to forty years, depending on the skill of the Trainees involved. Trainees are there trained in utilizing their Manifest magic powers, physical combat abilities, and learn basic rituals alongside the Acolytes from the Keepers of the Divine Leaf.
When Trainees are ready for the graduation final trials, they are informed by the Senschals at the regional academies. Then they are led to the border of the Misty Vale in the eastern reaches, to a specific area called the Trial Grounds, a portal that sends Trainees to an enclosed space which recreates the powers of the Grimmfell. There Trainees are tested in combat, magic and willpower. The fastest Trainees could finish as quickly as hours, while records show some that lasted days. Successful completion of the final trials means graduation into the ranks as a Cadet. For those who are unsuccessful, they can retrain and re-try years later, or give up the path to become a Warden.
Career Progression
The Wardens are ranked from highest to lowest as follows.
- Lord Warden
- Grand Marshal
- Senschal
- Sergeant
- Cadet
- Trainee
Payment & Reimbursement
Wardens are usually given a small stipend, roughly enough to purchase food when necessary, and some smaller luxuries. In general, Wardens live quite modestly, and when reaching final death will have any wealth remaining donated to the Order and redistributed throughout the kingdom.
Other Benefits
Housing
Wardens are generally given housing based in the city they service and guard for. Usually the housing is something inherited rather than newly built. While the housing is of modest size, it is usually modestly furnished and spacious enough to allow a Warden and a Summoner to live in. Lord Wardens generally reside in the main governmental residence of the regional capital city, which is usually more luxurious than most homes in the kingdom. Additionally, as Wardens are usually on duty and may be away from home for an extended period of time, the houses are cared for by members of the Hospitaliers.Summoners
Wardens at or above Sergeant level, are usually allowed to link with a human summoner. Lower ranked Cadets are also allowed a human summoner if they frequently take tasks in the living world. Summoners function as an agent of the Warden, and usually also aid in fights with their own magic, individual or borrowed from the Warden. This usually offsets the fact Wardens are slightly weaker in the living realm. In the spirit realm, Summoners can also aid and borrow power to the Warden. The main benefit though, is that with a summoner linked, Wardens tend to be protected from death, and when resurrected do not shave off one of the lives of the Warden, allowing a Warden to live far longer.Perception
History
The initial forerunners of Wardens were cats viewed as guardians by humans, who were already quite skilled at combat and attuned to the spirit realm. After entering the spirit realm, they often returned to help in the world of the living as guardian spirits or guides, helping cats and humans alike, usually at the bequest of Catus. A small informal circle formed, mainly consisting of cat guardians who frequented among the humans. And tales of cat-like guardian spirits who aided those in need, guarding homes, even beckoning in fortune for humans who treated them well, spread among humans.
It was due to their frequent forays into the living world that cats detected that something was wrong, and that something, or someone was trying to sap the powers of the cats from the spirit world. When the First Great War of the Realms broke out, and the foul forces threatened the cats and humans, these cat guardian spirits followed Asir into battle, and with aid from humans, achieved victory. Afterwards they were formally organized as Wardens of the Everbloom, a branch of the Order.
by xan_xen using Google Gemini
Other Associated professions
Used By
Ranks & Titles
It's hard to imagine a Warden ever retiring in peace- majority usually die in battle and truly do give up their lives for the kingdom. And even if retired, in times of need, they would also be called back on active duty. Historically there were a few Wardens recorded to have stepped down and live in relative peace, usually given a comfortable place of living and stipend to live out in relative peace, powers partially stripped. There are also documentation of some Wardens who were close enough to their Summoners, that they requested leave to retire and live out in peace in the living human world.
