The Earthgarde

An active and aggressive coalition of dryads who live and operate in the Asur Misoa. Stand in staunch opposition of Drekaya and the dragonkin for perpetrating the Great Burning.

The Earthgarde is a militant coalition of dryads unified by their staunch opposition to the Drekaya Empire and its ruling dragonkin class. Emerging as a voice for the oppressed and a champion of reparations, the Earthgarde seeks to dismantle the empire’s dominance and challenge the injustices they believe have been inflicted upon their kind and the natural world. While their methods are polarizing and often deemed extreme, their cause resonates deeply with dryads and other marginalized groups across Eren.

The Earthgarde was founded in response to centuries of perceived oppression and exploitation under the Sulon dynasty, the ruling bloodline of dragonkin. The Drekaya Empire’s expansion and dominion over the Earth Region, where dryads have their ancestral roots, have led to significant deforestation, displacement of dryad communities, and disregard for the sacred balance between nature and civilization. They push for justice through the restoration of dryad lands, reparations for historical grievances, and recognition of their rights and sovereignty. They also aim to disrupt the empire’s systems of control, striking at symbols of dragonkin power and dominance to force acknowledgment of their cause.

While the Earthgarde supports social movements and protests, their focus lies in direct action, which has earned them a reputation as a radical organization. The Earthgarde has orchestrated blockades, barricades, and sabotage targeting imperial shipping routes and caravans. These disruptions have significantly impacted the flow of resources and goods, drawing attention to their demands. Members of the Earthgarde have vandalized and destroyed dragonkin monuments, public art, and imperial architecture, striking at symbols of the Drekaya Empire’s pride and control. As dryads, they leverage their natural affinity for the environment, using forests, groves, and hidden trails as bases of operation and launching points for their missions. Their actions are often swift, leaving little trace of their presence.

Many dryads, even those not directly involved with the Earthgarde, express quiet support for their efforts. The coalition’s message resonates deeply, with their struggle seen as a fight for justice and survival in the face of imperial expansion.

Within the Drekaya Empire, the Earthgarde is labeled as an extremist group and a threat to public order. Their acts of sabotage are portrayed as terrorism, and the empire has placed bounties on the heads of known leaders and members.

While some citizens of the empire view the Earthgarde as dangerous agitators, others secretly admire their tenacity, particularly those who feel alienated by the dragonkin elite.