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…
*Please note that the Hearthguard will not be a playable faction at Weekend Warrior 2025. They will have their own event - The Hearthlands which will take place in Anderson, SC from November 13-16th.
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:
Follow the Leader
Commander Tove took over Duke Killian’s Hearthguard and made them a free fighting force upon their return to Olaran from the Great Expedition. She has been as cunning as she is bold, both on the battlefield and in diplomacy.
Sheila Avellino is an actor, artist, and a real-life Valkyrie. She has fought with the Hearthguard since the very beginning and now leads them with passion and style.
Jarl Tagelia has followed her queen and friend Tove for many years and now serves as one of her ablest commanders.
Kristen Wiggins manages an axe-throwing business during the day, which perfectly prepares her to run the Hearthguard in her off hours.
Kristen has joined the Executive Team of White Horse Solutions and Weekend Warrior as the Executive Director for the newest Weekend Warrior event, The Hearthlands (returning November 2025)!