Towerguard
Archetype: Warrior
Loyalty: Aspalarian Sovereignty
Tier 1 Skills: Weaponry
Tier 2 Skills: Maneuvers plus two of Retaliation, Edgecasting or Maiming
Tier 3 Skills: Strategy plus Destroyer, Blademaster or Sentinel
"I'm not impressed."
-- Marshal Arinson Draech, upon receiving the latest batch of recruits
It is well known that the Ebon Tower's finest are the Arcanists, the mages of the Sovereignty, the platform upon which their hopes and dreams are built. Yet magic alone cannot forge a sovereign state and hold it tightly within an unbreakable grip.
It is the Towerguard that protects them from the myriad forces arranged to subvert and sabotage the Sovereignty's aspirations. It is the Towerguard that stands as a wall of muscle, steel and power against the onrushing hordes. The Towerguard is the first to meet the enemy, first strike them down and very occasionally the first to be struck down in turn.
The trials and training processes to forge a Towerguard often take years, with many children being earmarked from their early teenage years as prospective recruits. Whispered rumors suggest that only a small fraction make it to the final tests, though it is well known that the majority of those who fail are either re-purposed for service as rank and file guards in the Iron Hand, or contracted as security for Aspalaria's major noble families.
As a result of the Ebon Tower's methodology, in addition to the expected weapon disciplines, each Towerguard is trained in the use of various armors both with and without magical enhancement. As a result, the common image of a Towerguard in full plate with a sword and shield is only a partial truth: the use of lighter mails and two-handed weapons are more common than one might expect, especially among those who have picked up a bit of magical talent of their own.
"Ah, yes, of course, my sincerest apologies. I completely neglected to mention that I would be accompanied by my honor guard. I assure you that there is no need for concern, the signing of our agreement will not be impacted by their presence."
-- Archmage Velrynne Adalis, shortly before ordering the Towerguard to purge Castle Northgreen