Public Reputation
To the average citizen of the Seven Wood Afloat, the Dripguard represents a sturdy, unshakeable safety net. When the roots slick over with algae or a rogue wave threatens to capsize a district, these are the people who pull you out of the brine. They are viewed as heroic disaster responders first and soldiers second. However, among the merchant princes and ambitious guild leaders, the Dripguard is viewed as a suffocating wet blanket. Because their mandate is to stop anyone from establishing a "kingdom," they are often the ones breaking up monopolies, arresting power-hungry barons, and enforcing the Dripcrown's terrifyingly neutral will. They are the check and balance that keeps the society afloat, even if the rich resent the weight of their boots.
Style & Identifiers
A member of the Dripguard is unmistakable, mostly due to their "Buoyancy Plate." This is a distinctive armour made from treated, lacquered leather and thin sheets of bronze that won't rust in the spray. The metal is almost always oxidised to a distinct verdigris green, paired with waterproof cloaks of deep teal or slate grey. They do not wear heavy capes that would drag them down. Instead, they wear short, weighted tabards that stay close to the body in high winds. Look for the "Tide-Breaker" boots, which have hooked soles designed to grip wet roots and swaying riggings. If you see someone in a tavern who looks like they are wearing the hull of a ship as armour and standing with a wide, swaying gait even on solid ground, that is a Dripguard.
Values & Code
The core tenet of the Dripguard is "The Water Levels All." They believe that authority, like the sea, must be fluid and shared. No single tree should grow so tall it drowns the others in shadow.
Presence & Headquarters
While small squads are stationed on every major root-cluster of the Seven Wood, their central headquarters is The High Water Mark. This is not a building, but a massive, fortress-like catamaran that is constantly on the move. It circles the central zones of the Seven Wood, acting as a mobile court and barracks. Players can usually find a Dripguard recruiter or representative at the harbourmaster's office of any major settlement, usually sitting at the table with the clearest view of the incoming tide.
Membership Perks
Joining the Dripguard is one of the few ways to gain "The Gill-Grant." This is a minor divine blessing bestowed by the Dripcrown that allows the initiate to hold their breath for up to fifteen minutes, a massive tactical advantage in their line of work. Mechanically, members also gain proficiency with the trident and net, access to the fastest ships in the Woods for travel, and legal immunity when commandeering civilian vessels during a declared emergency. They are also given free lodging at any dockhouse in Mornvahl, provided they sleep in the common room to keep watch.
How to Join
The Dripguard cares little for lineage or coin. They care about lung capacity and balance. To join, a player must approach a Captain on The High Water Mark or a local Sergeant. The trial is known as " The Treading." The applicant is donned in the standard issue Buoyancy Plate (which is heavy, despite the name) and pushed off the dock. They must tread water and stay afloat for one hour while answering questions about the Dripcrown's laws. It tests physical endurance and mental panic response simultaneously. If you sink, they pull you out, but you don't get the job.
Rumours
It is whispered that if a Dripcrown becomes corrupt, the Dripguard's first duty of "protection" flips instantly to execution, but this has never been proven in history.
Comments