So, you want to be a Guardian? You've come to the right place! Welcome to Ella's guide to the Harmont Guard!
If there's one thing you know about Agent Ace, or the Harmont Heroes series as a whole, it's that the Guard is the city's biggest line of defense. A Guardian must devote themselves wholly to civil security and be ready to put down their own life in order to protect another. Are you up to the challenge?
Well, even if you aren't, stick around! Let's take a leap and learn what it means to be a Guardian—but beware of spoilers!
Rise From the Rubble
The law exists to keep the people safe, but only until the law decides the people are not worth saving.
In years long past—but still within living memory—plague struck down the nation like a warlord's gauntlet, sparking conflict between civilians and enforcers of law. Deadly curfews lead to violent resistance lead to hatred and destruction, ending finally in apathy. The enforcers chose to abandon the people they swore to protect, and tore everything they had to the ground, until nothing was left.
Citizens lived in hopeless anarchy, choked by sickness and poverty, until, somewhere in the scorched remains of city once known as Harmont, one humble soul decided it was time to make things right.
This individual rallied others under their cause, healing the broken, cleansing despair, and bringing back the solace that was thought to be lost. And once Harmont was reunited as one, they gave their life to build the city back up to what it once was—to what it was meant to be. A place of harmony.
As this once-ruined city came to life before their very eyes, the people of Harmont hailed their hero as an Angel. Today, we know them as the Architect.
As for their most reverent followers? They became the first generation of Guardians.*
Thanks to the Architect's efforts and sacrifice, Harmont became the sovereign state of the nation. The Guardians designed a code of morality to uphold in this newborn era, and took on the responsibility of raising more heroes to bring others salvation. Today, ordinary folk of all makes and backgrounds commit to being Guardians. While many dedicate themselves to the continued fortification of Harmont, the strongest of them set off to the forefront of the new-age War, once again fighting to bring order and harmony to the world.
*During the events of Agent Ace, we have entered the fifth generation of Guardians.
The Guardian's Moral Code
The following oath is pledged by incoming Guardians and acknowledged by the Watch:
Guardians may only initiate drastic action against an opposing party under the jurisdiction of the Watch.
Agents of the Watch must be shadowed by a scout in the likely event that a mission may put them at risk.
Training and clearance by a superior is required before an agent or Guardian can register a new weapon under their name.
Any agent or Guardian must undergo a mental evaluation by a doctor and give a demonstration of skill under the supervision of a superior before they can be certified to carry firearms in the field.
Use of weapons in the field should be reserved for high-risk missions and ceremonial events, and individual use of such weapons is highly monitored by the Watch.
For reasons of protection and accountability, an agent and a Guardian must both be present during private audiences, including interrogations, council hearings, and matters of court.
Use of a Guardian's alias in the public eye must be enforced and respected, except posthumously, under individual discretion.
A Guardian is never exempt from the rulings of the Conventions of War.
ADDITIONAL OATHS
"Stay vigilant and prevail": A combination of the less-common phrases 'the Watch is vigilant' and 'the Guard prevails.' Usually said as a gesture of good luck.
"I swear it on my name": An informal oath within the Guard, to swear on your name means that, should you be incorrect or acting on deceit, you forfeit your title as a Guardian. While an individual cannot be stripped of their position on the basis of this oath alone, an alias is given with honor and pride, and many Guardians take these words seriously.
Now you know the history, and you understand the code. You've learned what it means to be a Guardian. Are you still with me?
Good! Now it's time to learn what it takes to be a Guardian...
PART 2 COMING SOON!!
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Spot illustrations of footballs doing things and little baby tiny illustrations that were scattered throughout The Guardian Guide ⚽️ @guardian 🎸+ Worm in an England bucket hat 🍻
Spot illustrations of footballs doing things and little baby tiny illustrations that were scattered throughout The Guardian Guide ⚽️ @guardian 🎸+ Worm in an England bucket hat 🍻
