Epic Level Handbook

Members: 220+ (a few Union Sentinels have quit theirformer organization, and now serve as powerful membersof the Shield).Hierarchy: Militaristic. The Order of the Shield maintainsa strict hierarchy, beginning with the Champions ofthe Shield. Orders come down from on top, and membersobey their superiors.Religion: Various (but St. Cuthbert is a favorite).Alignment: Any nonevil.Secrecy: Low. Members know most other members,and most nonmembers would recognize an Order of theShield agent on the job, though sometimes efforts aremade to hide security arrangements, so as not to drawattention to a client.Symbol: A white tower shield on a blue background.LEADERSHIPThe original founders of the organization, now called theChampions of the Shield, rule the organization. Theylive sole decision-making power on matters of membership,new clients, and other policies. They vote on everythingthemselves, and their word is law. They performvery little work themselves beyond administering theorganization, having moved well beyond their primeyears of life.Fabulous Melorin (NG male half-elf Clr3/Wiz26)provides the Champions with their wizardly firepower.His comrades simply call him Fab. Fabulous Melorinappears as a graying half-elf with a silken beard and anelaborate costume consisting chiefly of glowing multicoloredcoats, scarves, boats, and ostentations staves. Hispower more than equals his appearance.Mazod Stonebreaker (N male dwarf Ftr29) hails fromthe famous Stonebreaker clan, to which several famousdwarves belong. Mazod is the eldest member of that clan,and at need he can call 2d6 Stonebreakers, each of level1d10+10 (all fighters), to his aid via a special clan tokenhe wears around his neck as an amulet.Sasa Fenar (CG female halfling Rog28) is a wizenedcreature, but her daily exercises keep her limber all thetime. Of all the Champions, Sasa is the most vocalabout directly involving the Champions in protectingserious clients, and often engages in extraorganizationalescapades and adventures.Hammish Lightbringer (LG male dwarf Clr27,domains Good and Healing) is a devoted follower ofPelor. The manor has a small chapel, and Hammishspends two hours every day there in prayer. He also conductshealing and other miracles for very importantclients of the organization.Marsale Minter Casal (CG female elf Brd10/Rgr18)chronicles the exploits of Champions past and current, aswell as some of the more memorable exploits of the organization’smembers. If the Order of the Shield has a“font” person, it is Marsale. Likewise, she is called in tonegotiate tough contracts, since she has a wonderful waywith people of all races.RECRUITINGThe Order of the Shield selects its members carefully. Itwants to protect its own reputation for reliability, honesty,and effectiveness. Many common bodyguards havethe talent but not the scruples to make it as a member ofthe Order of the Shield. The Champions of the Shieldmake all decisions about membership based on theirexacting standards.Generally speaking, PCs interested in joining undertakethree simple trial protections of short-term clients.If he or she succeeds in these efforts without sullying thename of the order, a PC can become a member.The organization values all skill sets. While warriorsmake a wonderful first line of defense, magical protectionsare just as important. Rogues are always in demandfor scouting out threats and for consultation on potentialweakness in a defense. All classes have a job to do withinthe order.MEMBER BENEFITS ANDRESPONSIBILITIESBoth nonmember clients and members can gain benefits.Client Services: Order of the Shield bodyguards willnever take on a client who desires protection while conductingan evil or unlawful activity—clients who lieabout their purposes can expect no mercy from theirformer protectors once the deception is revealed. Clientsseeking protection pay a straightforward fee, regardlessof the situation. The client can specify the desired powerlevel of their protector or protectors. Normally, a clientprefers to choose a group whose average level is higherthan her own. The minimum daily fee for protectionagainst all comers is equal to the average character levelof the client or clients × the average level of the bodyguardor bodyguards × 50 gp.For instance, a 5th-level wizard who wants a singlehour of protection from a 10th-level fighter when enteringinto a labyrinth pays the full day rate, which is 5 × 10× 50 = 2,500 gp. If the protection ends with the death ofthe client, the client’s designated heir receives double aday’s fee. Thus, if the 5th-level wizard is slain despite theprotection, a person designated by the wizard receives5,000 gp in compensation.Member Benefits: Membership in the order meanshaving a reputation for reliability. It’s hard to make abetter name for oneself than by being a part of such atrustworthy company.Tangible benefits include lodging at the manor house,if desired, plus a 5% commission on all protection feespersonally gathered. Bodyguards are also granted salvagerights concerning any threats they may overcome whendefending a client (though a client who aids in her owndefense with spells or combat is eligible for half the salvage,if any). It’s not easy to protect lives and valuables,but if the job is done well, then every gold piece is wellearned. The order keeps the bulk of protection fees,dividing it evenly between upkeep, insurance, equipment,and other general needs of the organization.CHAPTER 6:241