From an early age, Guardians are able to absorb the crystal energy of Graxia. This makes them stronger, faster, and resistant to damage. As soon as those around them notice they had a guardian in their mist, the youth are sent to a special military academy. In every capital city of every race, there is a large military training facility. Encompassing many miles, it trains the brightest of the minds in the art of battle. Young Guardians are taken there as soon as they are discovered.

 

Guardians learn their leadership skills and are able to win over masses of troops in different ways:

Brute Force - A guardian defeats a group in battle and instead of killing them, makes them join his army. In the beginning of this relationship, that type of group is sent into battle first. As they gain experience and survive, they are treated like elite troops.

Inspiration - Through honorable deeds and luck, Guardians win battles and mercenary groups that worked with him in the past want to continue working for this type of guardian.

Mercenaries - The guardian likes hiring mercenaries. He uses bought troops so that he doesn't have to train them himself.

Freeing the Slaves - Guardians come into a land and select fights that free captured peoples. They then turn those grateful people into military units.

Persuasion - The guardian offers the chance for enemy units to join his army. If they don't he tells them they will not be given an quarter in battle and all of them will die.

General Abilities

• Immune to wounds caused by spells or abilities.
• Guardians are the only ones who can make portals.
• Guardians are able to take their racial ability and using the magical crystals, give that ability to all the units of their army.

 

Guardian History

Guardians have been around since races went to war with each other. In every generation, humans have three or four Guardians born to the race, while the other intelligent races might have one guardian created. A guardian's powers show themselves early, as youths are able to absorb crystal energy and move faster, heal their wounds, and show great strength.

The only old Guardians are those who keep several healing style wizards using their power to counter the ravening effects of energy ripping through the guardian's bodies. Most Guardians die around the age of fifty if battle doesn't kill them earlier. Think of Guardians as the Condottiere mercenary bands of this world.

Every race has a military academy for their best fighters. Guardians come to these places of knowledge at an early age to hone their skills and be bought by the highest bidder.

Draknal, Human Guardian

Draknal is an intelligent and tactical leader who prides himself on upholding ancient honor codes and maintaining a level order within the realm entrusted to him. Draknal views himself a peacemaker and believes that as long as he has power, he can control the course of the war. He is an inspiration to those who follow him despite the fact that he controls one of the smaller armies. He is often seen at the frontlines of the battlefield courageously leading his troops to victory.

 

Coming from the city of Dragonshire, Draknal has always had at least one dragon in his battle group and sometimes as many as four. Draknal's troops specialize in sword and shield work and he has many human regiments willing to work for him. He centers his operations around the human city of Dragonshire between floating continents.

Osnuk, Orc Guardian

Oshnuk is a compassionate and noble brute who seeks to extend his hand in friendship to those who are willing to listen. He eagerly wants to be viewed as an equal and gain social standing among the lords of the realm, proving his worth and that of his brethren. Often misunderstood, Oshnuk lashes out at those under his command when words fail to communicate and can fall victim to his own explosive nature. Oshnuk holds a large cache of Mana crystals and is not above a bit of ruthlessness in battle in an effort to win.

 

He's famous for using a huge war hammer and a large spiked mace in battle. He rules the clans of the Smashed Skulls. Currently he has set up a base camp in a recently captured floating continent. When he is present on the battlefield, every unit of his has Blood Thirst. Orcs also gain attack power bonus even if the opposing unit isn't wounded.

 

Sype, Celethreal Guardian

Sype is a powerful and charismatic Celethreal lord who is obsessed with his own sense of self destiny, firmly holding onto the belief that he has been chosen to lead and unite the people of Graxia under his careful guidance. He seeks to gain followers through methods of charming persuasion as a testament to the righteousness behind his cause. Holding contempt for all those outside of his express jurisdiction, Sype seeks power and glory by attaining Mana crystals to fund his agenda.

 

He is the hero of many battles over the floating lands of the southern side of the world. Through his generalship, the Celethreals have been able to hold three floating continents for over two centuries. When he is present on the battlefield, every unit of his has the Godlike power. Celethreals take one less wound from combat.

 

 

Shadd, Boneshadow Guardian

Shadd is the living embodiment of chaos in the realm of Graxia and a volatile force of destruction when engaged in battle. His armies are comprised of mercenaries and captured slaves, with whom he intimidates or otherwise purchases to serve under his banner. Many whisper that he is possessed by the spirits of fallen warriors whom he had ruthlessly slain in battle. Despite his chaotic nature he is honored among his king and treated with the reverence of a living god.

 

This guardian concentrates on battling skeletons. The guardian dresses in dark leathers and is famed for a pair of magical blades he uses in battle. When he is on the battlefield, every unit of his has the Stealth special ability.

Flist, Elf Female Guardian

Flist is a deceptive and tough opponent on the field of battle, gifted with knowledge of arcane magic, casting spells at will. Calculating and manipulative, she uses empty promises and honeyed words to attract troops and gain the support of her people. She has dreams of conquest and a day when the sheer strength of her troops’ numbers will provide her with an edge to conquer all the lands of Graxia. Commanding her troops from a far, Flist hungrily seeks to attain Mana crystals to further fund her devious plans of conquest.

Flist will make an appearance in upcoming expansions.

Broxin, Dwarf Guardian

Broxin the Dwarf Guardian: Broxin is famed for the crystal plate mail armor and huge spiked double bladed battle-axe he uses in battle. For a century, other races were pushing the dwarves back. Broxin came from the under city and began successfully fighting for the dwarven cause. When he is present on the battlefield, every unit of his has the Mine special ability.

Broxin will make an appearance in upcoming expansions.

 

Guardians of Graxia is currently available from Gamer's Gate and Steam.