Highguard groups
Overview
There are many chapters in Highguard, but only a small number are involved in the affairs of the Empire and send representatives to seasonal summits at Anvil. Prominent chapters may have significant involvement in Imperial affairs, but that is not always a reflection of their influence within the nation itself.
This list was compiled by Ahzrukhal of the Suns of Couros after the Summer Solstice 381YE.
Bastion Chapters
Reumah's Redoubt
Chapter colours: Red, white and black
Chapter symbol: White tower on a red field
The founding of Reumah’s Redoubt occurred during the Patrician War. Reumah, daughter of Atunama, was a notable Patrician who chapter history tells sided with Permion instead of the Council. When the killers came for Permion and his family Reumah offered sanctuary but only one of Permion’s children made it to the home of Reumah. The rest of the Council besieged the home in order to take the child and Reumah by force – fortunately the response of the Chapters was swift and during the battles for Pharos an escape was effected to a more fortified position near what is now Bastion and affectionately known as the Redoubt. From here Reumah, her family and friends, fought against the Patrician’s Council alongside the Chapters, notably providing weapons and armour for those in need, until she fell in battle herself during the destruction of Pharos. Her cousin, Abarrane, formally founded the Chapter with oaths said in front of the other Exarchs present “To provide for the war”. Since then that is all the Chapter has striven for, to provide for the nation and Chapters. Sometimes members of the Chapter have asked whether the oath has been fulfilled already – often the question is dismissed as being caused by a lack of understanding of the histories.
The Cohort Of The Winter Bear
Chapter colours: Blue and black.
Chapter symbol: The outline of a bear's head, in profile, marked with the rune Ophis on its cheek.
The Cohort is a military unit dedicated to the defence of the Empire. Citizens join from all over Highguard, leaving their chapters and families for a life of war with the cohort. They have no settlement to call their own with the exception of Bear's Hold in which is the chapterhouse in which they are officially based. This is a crumbling ruin of an old fortress built into the wall of the White City itself, granted to the Cohort for their service in times past.
The Cohort was formed in the early days of The Way - before the founding of the Empire - when Bastion first began to draw pilgrims from across the land. A group of cataphracts who had come to Bastion swore to remain and defend the pilgrim routes around the city. Since then the area has long become safe but the Cohort has remained, instead defending the Empire itself as the home of The Way.
Scions of Ravensfell
Chapter colours: Green, White and Black
Chapter symbol: Black shield with a white raven on a quartered green and white background
Ravensfell is situated north of the city of Bastion near the Reikos border, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the river Couros.
The Chapter takes its name from the battle of Ravens Fell. Shortly before the Patricians War, Balthazar a young cataphract commander was sent on a suicide mission to take a barbarian stronghold known as the Raven's Crest. The crest had repeatedly held out against the Highborn due to its steep slopes, rocky outcrops and deep ravines, which had prevented the cataphracts war horses from being effective. Balthazar ordered his troops to dismount and fight on foot and although the brutal tactics of the orcs inflicted a high price, the Highborn were ultimately victorious.
Five and half centuries on, the Scions of Ravensfell chapter house stands on the ridge that was once thought impossible to tame, extending its protection across north-western Bastion. Its white granite hall and imposing battlements glimmer in the sunlight and shelter a Vigilant martial community founded by the survivors, bound together in an unbending approach and a resolve in the salvation of the virtues.
In recent years Ravensfell has been on the front line of the defence of the Empire, serving as a refuge for Highborn driven from Reikos and preventing Druj incursions down the river Couros to Bastion city. The Chapter now operates a wayhouse for Imperial citizens on pilgrimage to Bastion and is working with Tabernacle Traders to re-establish trade routes with Reikos.
We are the Scions of Ravensfell - Courage, Vigilance and Loyalty empowered Balthazar the Unbending to drive the Orcs from the Raven's Crest. We will uphold the Empire in faith, in steel and in blood and protect it from enemies both within and beyond its boundaries.
Casinea Chapters
Woodwych Harts
Chapter Colours: Grey, White, Black
Chapter Symbol: White antlers on a field of grey
Hailing from Casinea’s great woods, the Woodwych Harts are a fairly reclusive chapter with a hazy history. There are few large towns in Woodwych (most people live in self-sufficient homesteads) and no great cathedrals (worship tends to be based around family shrines or modest chapels). The members of the chapter tend to the lightly-armoured unconquered, true to their forest roots, and are from the lower end of Highguard civility. They have a reputation of being reserved, yet are friendly when approached, and tend to focus on the job in front of them rather than concern themselves with grand philosophical questions of the Empire.
Their current exarch was once a fierce fighter but a serious injury curtailed his military career. Resentful about his own perceived lack of use to the Empire if he cannot contribute on the battlefield he withdrew from Anvil summits and has only recently been convinced to send envoys back to engage with the Empire as a whole.
Felix's Watch
Chapter colours: Black and gold
Chapter symbol: Golden crossed keys
The chapter was founded a generation ago by Felix (once Felix Yagoda of Varushka) and Shelomit, daughter of Obadiah, with a focus on protecting the Empire from internal threats. Felix was not comfortable with the 'compromises' (as he saw it) that were necessary to survive in Varushka and came to Highguard to live. Shelomit was a wealthy and charismatic woman from Bastion who brought with her several years of senatorial experience, as well as an ancient relic, the skull of the horse Susa.
The chapter house was built high up on Mount Uphaz, utilising the isolation of altitude while remaining close to the heart of the Empire. The buildings cling to the edge of the mountain, surrounded by deep crevasses and precipitous drops to the plains below.
Within a short time, the chapter also became a hostel for those who require guidance according to the chapter's particular take on virtue and life in general. A 'Probationer' system was put into place to allow people to join the chapter for a temporary period, combining hard work with opportunity to study. This then expanded to offer some Probationers the option of joining the chapter permanently.
Felix's Watch are politically active and, since the death of Britta, have been regulars visitors to Anvil. Militarily, the chapter is small but focussed on emulating the 'cavalry' of years long gone, waiting for an opportunity, striking hard and then withdrawing in good order to repeat the process.
Since coming to Anvil, the chapter has become more involved with magic and the Conclave, working hard to protect the Empire from dangerous behaviour within the Hall of Worlds and trying to encourage greater Wisdom and Vigilance in dealings with Eternals.
Cantiarch’s Hold
Chapter colours: Red and White
Chapter symbol: A white horse rearing on a red background
Cantiarch's Hold took their name during the Patrician Wars, before then they were The Greys and can trace their heritage back to coming over on the boats. The red colour scheme comes from Magister Cantiarch's sacrifice for his chapter, where he brought down a rock fall in the hills to protect the rest of the chapter from the Patrician army, losing his life in the process - reminding the chapter of his loyalty, courage, and pride. The main Chapter house is still south west of Anvil in the hills of Casinea.
Adina's Charge
Chapter Colours: Blue with silver/white trim
Chapter Symbol: A white/silver wave on a blue shield
Adina's Charge was founded by the defection of a cavalry regiment during the Patricians War. It has long remembered this proud history, and retains many of the traditions of the old regiment. Today it has a large contingent of historians and archivists, declaring that to build a proper future, one must do so on the foundations of the past. "We shall build our future in stone." The chapter suffered a major military defeat in 374YE, in which the majority of her forces perished holding a ford in Reikos, many from drowning. They have been rebuilding ever since, and the survivors of the Daintree have banded together with a sort of fierce Pride, and Loyalty to one another.
Necropolis Chapters
The Cenotaph
Chapter colours: Blue and White
Chapter symbol: Mausoleum with a black keyhole in the centre
The Cenotaph is based within the city of Necropolis itself and is primarily a chapter of Stewards of the Dead. The chapter was originally founded after the death of Emperor Barabas, whose body was never found, and was dedicated to finding him and recording his story.The Cenotaph’s remit has now widened to collecting the stories of those worthy of being counted heros as well as helping the unquiet dead move on to the Labyrinth. Many members of the Cenotaph are skilled in priestly skills such as exorcism or investigation magic.
The chapter is more outgoing than most based in the Necropolis and as such is often first port of call when someone at Anvil wants a loved one to be buried in the Necropolis..
The more military minded members of the chapter tend toward following the Unconquered style of fighting and most of the chapter do their military service in the Seventh Wave as scouts, combat exorcists and magisters.
Chantry of the Silver Skull
Chapter colours: Blue and silver
Symbol: Stylised silver skull surrounded by wheat
The Chantry is an old Chapter, established shortly after the burning of Pharos. Dedicated to Prosperity, the priests of the Chantry act as Stewards of the Dead, providing lavish funerals and interments to those who merit it. The Chapter also displays marble tombs, preserved remains and related grave goods to inspire the many visitors to Necropolis. The Chantry is notable for taking in orphaned or abandoned children, including lineaged, tutoring them in the ways of Virtue. It is home to an original Virtue Theatre, and maintains a strong musical tradition.
While the Chapter itself remains immaculate, the ancient tombs and catacombs are now so sprawling that it is nigh impossible to keep track of all their contents. There is a fair population around the Chantry, most of whom are connected to either funeral services or maintaining the Chapter itself. The local traditions are extremely Prosperity-based, and outsiders can sometimes find this a little unnerving as residents will both give and expect generosity as a matter of course.
At one time the Chantry was quite a powerful Chapter, but over time it became more insular and began to withdraw from political affairs. Upon the recent death of Exarch Agatha the Chantry Council moved to begin attending Anvil again for the first time in a generation.
Raven's Watch
Chapter colours: Purple, black and white
Chapter symbol: A white raven's skull with the flame of Ambition on its forehead on a divided circle of purple and black
An old chapter based in Sanctuary Sands in a chapterhouse atop the cliffs, Raven's Watch is a chapter dedicated to Ambition. The chapter had been in decline for many years until it was recently revitalised by new blood: assorted refugees from settlements in Reikos joined up with the Raven's Watch, making a new start for themselves and the chapter.
Raven's Watch specialises in Winter realm magic, offering rituals to the local area and to others in Anvil. Their warriors support the groups of other Highborn chapterhouses on the field and their priests and traders do what they can to assist the Highborn and the Empire politically and economically.
Reikos Chapters
The Suns of Couros
Chapter colours: Black and White
Chapter symbol: A black sun and a white moon rising behind a black tower
The Suns of Couros were for centuries an institution and safe haven for draughir, so that those who were given up, cast out or unwanted could find refuge with others like them and pursue virtue in meditation and isolation from the world that rejected them. Under non-lineage leadership for most of its history, it was a secluded chapter situated in Haros at the northern end of the Couros river, only really known to some informed magisters as having an extensive library of [{Winter magic]] and several crystal mana sites nearby.
When Reikos was first invaded by the Druj in 367YE the chapter endured countless raids and sieges, with many of the original soldiers and leaders falling in its defence. In the crucible of war a new generation of leaders arose, many of them the formerly meditative draughir. The chapter now is made of up of the surviving original residents and those Reikos refugees who decided to not abandon their territory any further, bound together through years of hardship and taciturn determination.
With Reikos reclaimed, the chapter is once again a sanctuary for lineaged but also for any outcast or dispossessed residents of Highguard. Still based in Haros, the chapter is noted for its focus in Winter magic, its pursuit of Vigilance and Loyalty, and the ruthlessness with which it opposes the Druj and any other enemies of the Empire.
The Unbound
Chapter colours: Black with red highlights
Chapter symbol: Triple tower on fire above a full sun
The Unbound chapter was formed in 377YE from a group of disparate Highborn who banded together for survival after escaping the Druj's conquest and destruction of Reikos. The Unbound sought temporary accommodation in Casinea where they worked tirelessly for the liberation of Reikos. After the liberation of High Chalcis, the Unbound relocated to Tabernacle in Riverwatch where they settled as a permanent chapter and started the reconstruction efforts including the Hall of Lost Chapters commemorating all the chapters destroyed by the Druj. The chapter, dedicated to Pride, remains one of the strongest voices against trusting the eternal Realms and in favour of exclusionism.
Prominent Chapters in Play
This list is by no means exhaustive; efforts are made to keep it up to date but due to the sheer amount of work involved the onus lies with the Highguard players to ensure the information is correct and current.
The chapters listed here represent player-character Chapters. It should go without saying that you should not create a character who is part of one of these Chapters, or has personal history with one of these Chapters, without first clearing it with the appropriate players. You should also check before including other players' Chapters in your background. The background team are unlikely to approve a background that significantly impacts or involves another player character Chapter without their permission. Original text provided by Robert Leigh