Hearthguard
Formed years ago as the elite bodyguard of Duke Killian, these red-clad warriors now rule their own realm to the south of Olaran. They’ve carved out a land to call their own, and they’ll defend it and their queen to their dying breath…
Ferocious warriors, a loyal tribe...
In his wisdom, King Alirion created a standing army for both conquest and defense. Drawn from all over the kingdom and trained with the discipline of his most seasoned warriors, they have been instrumental in keeping stability and have proven themselves countless times against enemies of the crown, both foreign and domestic. From this vast army, an elite advancing guard emerged. This group of elite warriors is gifted with the skills of death and warfare. They have become known as the Hearthguard after their fervent and crushing victories over threats to the kingdom. Pride for their heritage and lust for battle make them a force of nature. And now that they’ve carved out their realm at the southern base of the Fire Mountains, they promise to be as fierce as a thorn in Olaran’s side as they ever were to her enemies…
Culture and Look
Emblem: Stag Horns
Culture: Based on deadly Viking raiders of the eighth and ninth century, the Hearth-guard are a close-knit unit of tough shock-troops. They rely on close-packed infantry fighting and the shieldwall. They seem to love axes. BIG ONES.
Equipment: Their colors are dark red/maroon with brown, gray, and tan accents. If they wear armor, they wear chainmail, lamellar, or brown/tan leather armor, brown leather studded/steel-reinforced armor, and padded gambesons. Large, round Viking-type shields are key to their tactics.
*** Please note that players MAY NOT wear the primary colors of another faction***
Note: All kits, weapons, and in-game accessories must be approved by faction leadership. Please email hearthguard@weekendwarriorexperience.com and include links and photos.
Check out the video below for tips on how to put together a Hearthguard kit.
Arm Yourself Properly
The Hearthguard often acts as the shock force to crush enemies quickly. When a siege needs the final push, they unleash their fury. Moving as a unit, they need the equipment to both defend each other and deal death. Masters of weapons and shield wars, their favorite gear includes:
Fabric and Paint
Follow the Leader
Cold, hunger, and fear are Kjartan's earliest memories, abandoned as one too many mouths to feed into the cold winter forests of the Borderlands. A life that should have ended in an early death was instead saved when he was discovered and adopted by the last members of an ancient tribe of huntsmen called the “Wylfing.” Raised steeped in their history and culture, Kjartan took up their trade as a huntsman-for-hire, taking jobs ridding the local villages and towns on predators, be they beast or man.
The path of his life changed greatly in YL1121 when his adoptive father fell ill, naming him Chieftain and Last Son of the Wylfing, and charging him with ensuring their name and culture would live on. After burying the only family he ever knew, Kjartan set our to ensure his oath would be fulfilled.
Joining with the Hearthguard in YL 1122, he thought to tie his people's name forever to the history of their new nation, and instead found an opportunity he had never dreamed of. Driven, loyal, and capable, Kjartan found himself on a meteoric rise through the Hearthguard's ranks, from Thrall to Thane, being granted titles, lands, and power he had never dreamed of. His oath to preserve his people's name took on a new form, and the hope of rebuilding his clan in his new home solidified in his mind. Now, ever loyal to those who have given him this opportunity, Kjartan will do anything in his power to ensure that his hope remains, and will be both sword and shield against the Hearthguard's enemies.
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Kyle has been attending Weekend Warrior since 2022, and has loved making new friends and having new experiences at events. In 2024, Kyle moved to South Carolina, and now can be found at almost every Fell & Fair event!
