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The Saoidh

The highest military honour a citizen of Alyria can achieve is either become a Blaenor or a member of the very select group of elite warriors known as Saoidh (singular Saoi), or Rangers. These men and women are warriors who can fight well both from close and long range, either with a melee weapon or with a bow. On top of all, though, they are survivors; individuals who can endure any sort of weather or situation.

There has never been more than six of such warriors in any time of Alyria’s history, even though that is probably due to the extreme sort of selection that they employ than a real rule. However, their leaders always seem to stick to that number, since their philosophy is to have a small, but highly efficient group, capable of dealing with any problem.

The Saoidh’s training involves a series of tests that begin with a task that, to other nations, might sound cruel and unnecessary. Since the first thing a Saoi needs to learn is how to survive under any circumstance, at the beginning of their training they are sent away from their city, with a warning only to return after three months, during which they are to explore every corner of the world and test themselves against all types of creatures. Although that sounds quite harsh, it is important to bear in mind that only high skilled warriors are chosen to undertake such a test.

The further tests are a mystery to common people, even though they are said to involve near-death situations and training sessions that go on for days in a row, until the candidate passes out from exhaustion.

Once that stage is completed, they get to bear the dark green hooded cloak that symbolizes the order, as well as a specially crafted Greenheart bow that is known to shoot arrows farther than any other bow ever made by men.

Even though the Saoidh enjoy total freedom from the army, they often work together to bring down foes during attacks, during which the Saoidh usually take cover and advance from the flanks when least expected.

Their duties are foremost to the Scion, being their elite guard and protectors, but they are also expected to defend and protect the city and its inhabitants whenever needed.