[quote="Emblematic Phrase"] Guardians of the Deep, Shields of Ironhearth. [/quote] **Role:** Guardians of the Deep, Shields of Ironhearth. Defenders of the Deep Warrens ==== Description ==== The Deepguard isare an elite force chargmilitary unit tasked with patrolling and securingexploring and defending the treacherous depths beneath Ironhearth. They are renowned for their resilience, tactical prowess, and unwavering loyalty. **Values:** Courage, Discipline, Loyalty, Sacrifice **Leader:** [[Warden Sereth Kaine]] **Symbol:** A crossed pickaxe and sword, representing their dual role as miners and warriors. ==== Goals ==== * Explore and map the Deep Warrens, the vast and labyrinthine network of tunnels beneath Ironhearth. These tunnels are critical to the dwarves’ survival, containing the mines that produce the rare minerals and magical crystals essential for. * Protect Ironhearth’'s industry. However, they are also fraught with danger, fromvital mining operations. * Combat Abyssal anomalies and monstrous creatures to natural hazards like cave-ins and molten flows. The Deepguard is the first and often only line of defense against these threats. Equal parts miners, warriors, and survivalists, they are trained to navigate the subterranean dangers and protect the workers who toil in the mines. Their vigilance ensures that Ironhearth’s lifeblood—its resources and its people—remains secureincursions within the Deep Warrens. * Maintain order and security within the underground. ==== Structure and Membership ==== The Deepguard operates under a strict hierarchical structure to maintain order in the treacherous and chaotic depths: * **Warden Commander:** The leader of the Deepguard, responsible for strategy and overseeing operations across the Warrens. Currently, this role is held by Warden Sereth Kaine, a stoic and seasoned dwarf known for his tactical brilliance. * **Section Captains**: Each captain commands a region of the Warrens, coordinating patrols, defenses, andAllegiance ==== **Primary:** [[Ironhearth]] **Secondary:** [[The Forge Assembly]] (for resource extractions. * **Wardens**: Veteran warriors who lead smaller patrols and serve as the backbone of the Deepguard. * **Tunnelrunners**: Scouts and messengers trained to move quickly through the tunnels, often the first to spot dangers or deliver critical information. * **Steelhearts**: The rank-and-file soldiers, miners, and support staff who ensure the Deepguard’s operations run smoothly. ==== Duties and Responsibilities ==== The Deepguard’s role extends beyond simple defense. Their responsibilities include: * **Patrolling the Deep Warrens**: Regular patrols ensure that tunnels remain safe for miners and transport caravans. * **Fighting Abyssal Threats**: Abyssal incursions are a constant danger, and the Deepguard is tasked with repelling them before they spread. * **Protecting Resources**: Defending critical mining operations and transport routes from monsters, raiders, and sabotage. * **Relic Recovery**: Exploring uncharted or collapsed sections of the Warrens to uncover ancient dwarven relics or forgotten technologies. * **Emergency Response**: Rapidly responding to disasters such as cave-ins, lava breaches, or hostile incursions. ==== Training and Equipment ==== The Deepguard undergo rigorous training to prepare for the unique challenges of subterranean warfare: * **Combat Training**: Focused on close-quarters combat, utilizing axes, hammers, and shields optimized for confined spaces. * **Survival Skills**: Includes navigating treacherous tunnels, detecting hazards, and surviving on limited resources. * **Abyssal Resistance**: Specialized training to identify and counter Abyssal corruption, with enchanted gear to protect against its effects. ==== Standard Equipment ==== * **Frostforged Armor**: Durable and lightweight, designed to withstand both physical and magical threats. * **Lantern Shields**: Shields with built-in magical lanterns to illuminate tunnels and ward off shadowy creatures. * **Runed Pickaxes**: Dual-purpose tools for mining and combat, often enchanted to break through both stone and Abyssal flesh. ==== Key Figures ==== * [[Warden Sereth Kaine]]: A legendary figure within the Deepguard, known for his leadership and ability to hold the line in dire situations. * [[Captain Vryn Deepstone]]: Oversees the Molten Vein sector, balancing resource extraction with safety. * [[Archivist Delra Ironroot]]: A Deepguard historian tasked with cataloging relics and recording expeditionsand technological advancements), [[Frostwardens]] (for surface support and intelligence gathering).