November Update + World Lore - The Death Guard

Howdy everyone! Coming at ya with a November update plus some more world lore that seems to be popular! So above you'll see a rather awesome image of a battle worn Knight! May I introduce you all to the official image of Orion The Cleric's fabled Chapter Master!

Chapter Master Yukon Iotan, whom trained Orion to become the powerhouse he is today; and the only confirmed character to still send shivers down the spine of our lovable Cleric!

Now this image is another sneak peek from our comic series still being made!!! With the holidays we've slowed again but thankfully the lead artist is still hard at work! Y'all are gonna love it when you see the full comic together!

To those still wondering, the first issue of our series of Origin comics will indeed be taking place in Hakaran, following the beginnings of Orion's journey to reaching his current place in life! We do hope you enjoy! The comic is set to be almost 30 something pages, and will be readable on Webtoons and other areas! (I'm figuring out where I can post haha)

Once again thank you everyone, we couldn't have made this comics without your continued support. Whether it's patreon, watching and liking our vids, tuning into our Friday and Sunday live streams, or even buying Merch; we are truly grateful to all of you for everything!!

Now for a bit of world lore to continue the hype for the comic to be. Allow me to give a view of The Order of Saint Aru'Rane, or better known through the world as the Death Guard of Hakaran.

The tenants of The Order of Saint Aru'Rane

Also known as, "The Death Guard"

The Order of Saint Aru'Rane was first founded by an Aasimar by the name of Gloria Aru'Rane. Founded with the firm belief that the Gods required a merciless knife willing to do what must be done, the Order begin a series of black magic rituals to embrace the profane. However, unlike many others that followed similar paths, the Order of Saint Aru'Rane turned these dark powers on the monsters of the world. Members of this Order receive brutal training to follow the Gods as both Cleric and Paladin, and hunt Evil with a Zealotry that strikes fear in even the most devout of mortal worshippers. Their brutal tactics, relentless savagery, and stoic almost inhuman apathy has led many to refer to them as The Death Guard. Rumors spread that its members are soulless husks that exist solely to fight any that would bring ruin the the mortal world.

Save the Mortal, Destroy the Wicked. Should you find those in need, slaves to sin, save them. Should you find that which peddles sin, destroy it. Demons are to be exterminated on sight, Devils to be denied, and only kill that which is truly evil.

Patience. Change takes time. A firm hand is needed to guide those who have fallen, but gentle works to remind them of their mortality and ability to chose must be given. To be mortal is to make mistakes, and you shall be there to pull them up as needed.

By any Means Necessary. No matter what, use whatever tool is needed to destroy the vile and irredeemable. Enslave the demon for its power, trick the Devil to banish it, embrace what you must to protect the mortal realm.

Remain Mortal. It is an unforgiveable sin to destroy that which can be saved. It is irredeemable to trade your soul or your mind. No matter what you embrace, no matter what you fight, do NOT fall. Protect the mortal, preserve the good, shield the innocent. Should you fall to the darkness of possession, should sin grip your heart, it is better to fall on your own blade than to walk for even a moment as a monster. But most important of all, remain faithful to that which you call Friend.

(As discussed in one of our streams):
1. Redeem the Sinner, Correct The Sin, Purge that which peddles it.

2. Evil which seeks to snuff the light will be purged with neither pity nor mercy.

3. Good which seeks to save life, shall be preserved with zeal.

4. The Order shall not be betrayed, we shall protect our own.

5. We use the weapons of Evil to combat Evil, but we will never submit to it.

Founded centuries ago during Hakaran's time of being ruled by an oppressive regime, exploitation and diabolism ran rampant. Gloria Aru'Rane saw the need for a strong sword arm in the shadows. The Gods must remain a pillar of virtue for the masses, and thus the Order she created would be their bloody yet hidden sword needed to keep the beast and the demon away from their followers. Their unwavering zeal would unfortunately lead many to shun and fear the Order, and thus in modern day, the Order of Saint Aru'Rane is widely regarded as Hakaran Myth.

To this day, The Death Guard still quietly recruit those with immense potential. They train them from a young age to adulthood before sending them out into the world to be the shadowy sword arm of the Gods. With profane rituals, many are given a familiar to help guide them in their hunts. In addition, extensive physical augmentations through magic and alchemy help push the members of The Death Guard to reach their physical and mental peak. Acts of zealous faith are constantly demanded, whether one must fight a Devil in single combat, hunt ravenous monsters, or even submit to brutal interrogation by their Overseers to correct any unwanted behaviors. All members of the Death Guard remain perfect weapons with unyielding faith being demanded of them.

And yet they are encouraged still to remain mortal. While life in the Death Guard may be brutal, Overseers prioritize the mental acuity and health of their agents that perform their duties well. Encouraged to drink in moderation, remove their armor and done civilian clothes to enjoy city life, or even take in the breathlessness of simply staring at the beauty of nature. Perfection and devotion is demanded, but is only possible by those that remain mortal.

It is a difficult line to balance and walk upon. But in order to save the sinner, The Death Guard understands that it must comprehend the sin. Lust, Gluttony, Pride, Wraith, Envy, Sloth, and Greed are encouraged to be sampled in small doses. Exploration and study of Demon, Devil, Fae, Far Realm, and all manner of creature is encouraged. Most importantly of all, members are encouraged to know each other. Whether as comrades, friends, lovers, casual acquittances, or anything else. It is through connections that we remain mortal, and so togetherness remains one of the founding principals of The Death Guard.

It's not an easy life, but it's a life that provides peace and serenity in a world filled with evil. The Death Guard demand perfection, but it also demands you simply remain alive both in mind and in spirit.

Thank you everyone for reading, it's honestly one of the greatest compliments to receive knowing that y'all are reading and enjoying my work! Be sure to tune in next week as we release another episode on YouTube!