The Hearth-Guard

Overview
The Hearth-Guard are one of the playable factions at Weekend Warrior Experience. Their design was inspired by elements of Nordic culture and they are commonly associated with a "Viking" aesthetic. A significant part of their culture is inspired by their following of one of the Old Ways, specifically the belief in death in battle gaining them entrance into The Halls of Val-Noran. Originally lead by Duke Killian Staghunter, their current leader is Commander Tove, who is a strong leader and vicious fighter.

History
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 were gifted with the skills of death and warfare. They became known as the Hearth-guard after their fervent and crushing victories over threats to the kingdom. Pride for their heritage and lust for battle makes them a force of nature at the King's disposal, though they have undying loyalty to their own above all others.

Culture
Sigil: Stag Horns

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 shield wall. 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. They only wear light nasal helms and ocular helms.