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Defenders

One of the three paths a Zephyrian traditionally follows, alongside the Healers and the Unbound.

Five Zephyrian Defenders on a bridge before the Burning Tree, wings half-spread like shields, glaives and blades ready

Three Defenders diving out of a stormy sky in formation with bow, spear and blades

Defenders are Zephyrians who dedicate their lives to protecting another living being. Unlike Healers, who preserve life through restoration, Defenders prevent lives from being lost in the first place.

The Bond

A Defender forms a magical Bond with an individual outside their species. This Bond connects their lives and gives the Defender a responsibility to protect their chosen person throughout their lifetime.

The Bond is not ownership or control. It is a mutual connection, and the Defender is expected to respect the individuality and freedom of the person they protect.

When their Bonded dies, the Defender loses one of their feathers. This represents the loss of the life they had sworn to protect.

Training

Defenders are trained in combat, survival, tracking and defensive magic. Their abilities vary greatly: some are skilled warriors, while others specialise in stealth, archery, healing support or magical protection.

Common characteristics

  • Protective, loyal and observant.
  • Often trained in weapons, combat and defensive magic.
  • Usually travel outside Ether to fulfil their responsibilities.
  • Tend to develop strong emotional connections with their Bonded.
  • Consider their duty a lifelong commitment.

The First Bond

According to tradition, the first Defender formed a Bond with a mortal whose life was in danger. When that mortal eventually died, the Defender lost a feather, and the Zephyrians learned that protecting another life meant accepting the possibility of losing something of yourself.

Over time the Bond became one of the most respected responsibilities a Zephyrian could take on.

The Sunward

Ether keeps no standing army. When it faces a serious threat, experienced Defenders gather quickly as the Sunward, an emergency defence of the Burning Tree.

Taara

Taara is a Defender. She spent centuries outside Ether on duty, witnessing countless bondings, and came home that last time having shed a feather not long before.