Sometimes, a gaoler is born who is... different. Who doesn't fit in well in gaoler society or thrive in the Orders, but finds modern draconic society just as baffling. When these dragons find one another, the relief is often considerably; they frequently become fast friends and close comrades, and thus, the Vanguard came into being.
the Vanguard
van-gahrd
- noun
the foremost division or the front part of an army; advance guard.
the forefront in any movement, field, activity, or the like.
the leaders of any intellectual or political movement.
As warriors and guards, it is natural for the gaolers to think about themselves in military terms. As forward-thinking members of a traditionalist species, the Vanguard dragons consider themselves as very much at the forefront of a movement.
As warriors and guards, it is natural for the gaolers to think about themselves in military terms. As forward-thinking members of a traditionalist species, the Vanguard dragons think of themselves as very much at the forefront of a movement.
Although still considered archaic and strange by modern dragons, by the standards of gaolers they are innovators and pioneers. Some reject gaoler society's strictures altogether, and while this is difficult for more traditional members to accept, the solidarity is stronger than ancient prejudice. Others still hold on to such things as the Order they were inducted into and the work they were asked to do, but would rather work (and occasionally even play!) with more forward-thinking dragons than the hidebound clans they left behind.
Sometimes they find one another, becoming family and friends with others who struggle to navigate the world. The Tribe is one such family, based in a large cave system in the Fortress of Ends. Finding solace in the extraordinary empathy of the Mystics, they settled in a sparse adjoining lair. Fierce in defence of their adoptive clan, they nonetheless keep largely to themselves.
Belle and Biche
Founders of the Tribe
As leaders of the Tribe, Biche and Belle seek to make help other dragons and clans in the same situation, so that no gaoler will be left with nowhere to go on discovering there is no real place for them amongst the traditional gaoler orders nor amongst modern dragonkind.
Members of the Tribe frequently travel to other gaolers' lairs, in part to nest and to learn, but also to make contact with gaolers who are disillusioned and seek a niche where they belong; their extensive records enable them to help dragons from all corners of Sornieth.
Vanguard-sympathetic Clans and Individuals
Some modern dragons want to help gaolers who are seeking a new way to live. Although most gaolers look upon members of the Vanguard with only pity and a total lack of understanding, those who help them are often met with anger or even violence, as traditional gaolers look upon this as interference and as corruption of their species.
Nevertheless, some brave dragons offer assistance such as food, a temporary home, an adjoining lair, or safe passage through their territory to gaolers of the Vanguard or those who seek out Vanguard clans. Foremost amongst those clans is the Mystic clan, who helped Biche and Belle on their arrival in the Fortress of Ends.
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