Jinsai Grey Guard

The Grey Guard was founded by High Lord Aegon Ossian as an elite bodyguard for those who held the high seat on Antrixies, along with their immediate family. A poetic name for them was "the White Swords", or "the Grey Cloaks". Historically composed of seven Jinsai sworn to a lifetime of service, members were to serve unto death despite age or any physical or mental ailments. During his or her time as a member of the Grey Guard, a member was not allowed to hold lands, sire children, marry, or have any allegiance except to their High Lord. Some of the greatest Jinsai, battle commanders, swordsmen, and famous historical figures in the history of the Commonwealth had served in the Grey Guard, including members of House Draydess and the High House, Strykia, itself. All members of the Grey Guard had to be sworn Jinsai.

The members of the guard wore all grey capes, carried plain white-metal Warblades and with some occasional exceptions, wore little or no ornamentation or sigils on their grey and silver armor. The plain, but striking attire, led credence to their role of being seen and not heard until their advice was asked. Discretion and wisdom were often as important skills as martial ability, being as they were expected to be with their Lord or Lady at all times, privy to all their secrets, plans and every aspect of their personal lives.

The Grey Guard had continuously existed since it’s creation. Its uninterrupted history was recorded in the White Book, a volume maintained by the head of the Grey Guard, known as the Lord Commander, and stored in the Round Room of the White Sword Tower, a four story tower built into one of the walls of the High Lord’s palace in Kaldra. In the White Book, officially known as the Book of Blades, each member of the Grey Guard was given one page on which his personal history and a record of his deeds were written. Because of its status as the royal bodyguard and the many remarkable figures who had been members, the Grey Guard has been involved in many major historical events in the Commonwealth.