The appearance of the bubonic plague at a time when the dragons were conducting an inter-species war proved a suspicion long held that events in the Otherworld could have a devestating affect on the mortal world. It also cemented the need for an organized group of Guardians to patrol and police the portals, frequent by-products of such disasterous events.

Niccolò Mazzuoli was the first head of the Guild, a Guardian of much renown who was most noted for performing a sundering upon the demon lord Asmodeus. Although Asmodeus was removed from the mortal world by the sundering, the effort cost Niccolò his life.

In 1677, the bylaws of the Guardians' Guild were restructured to allow the teaching of apprentices, and to recognize three levels of Guardians: apprentice, adept, and savant, classifications which continue to this day.

Apprentice Guardians are classified as those individuals who have passed admission standards, but who carry less than five years practical experience, are bound to a mentoring adept, and who have not yet been assigned a portal of their own.

Adepts are Guardians who maintain vigilance over one or more portals, are active in patrolling both the mortal and Otherworld, and who have passed a proficiency test indicating their abilities to the satisfaction of the sitting IGG commission.

Savant Guardians count few among their numbers. They are the rarest of all Guardians - those whose natural abilities allow them greater control of powers than is normal amongst the guild. Notable savants include Niccolò Mazzuoli (1278-1372) recognized for the sundering of Asmodeus; Alijt Raes (1443-1561) who over the course of her lifetime banished two legions of Bael's elite wrath demons, and Pervyi Bezson, the brilliant but unstable Guardian who succumbed to the lure of the Tools of Bael, resulting in his transformation into the infamous dominion demon Negodiaev, who was later banished by the current head of the IGG, Caribbean Battiste. All heads of the IGG are drawn from the savant pool.

Today, the IGG maintains the strictest standards of any Otherworld organization, taking pride in the high quality of work performed by its numerous members. The IGG is responsible for maintaining and controlling more than five thousand portals worldwide, and takes the preeminent role in policing threats from Abaddon. The IGG offers the services of its members to anyone in need, mortal or otherwise.

In addition, you will be entered into the Guild's rolls as an apprentice or honorary member, and as such, you will be entitled to wear the Official Guardians' Guild Emblem.

In order to facilitate memberships, you are asked to provide the following:

1. The type of membership you are applying for, apprentice or honorary. Apprentice guardians must include name and address of his/her mentor, a copy of the qualifying exam report, three valid references, and a comprehensive summary of the required twelve interactions with dark powers. These requirements are waived for honorary members.
2. Your Name
3. The name you wish displayed on the membership card (if different)
4. Your mailing address
5. Your e-mail address
6. A self-addressed, stamped envelope with two first class stamps affixed (or 2 international reply coupons included).

Guardians' Guild
c/o Three Seas Literary Agency
PO Box 8571
Madison, WI 53708

Guild member applicants are asked to remember that patience is not just a virtue, it's a requirement. Membership kits will be distributed as quickly as possible, but there may be occasional delays due to situations out of the Guild's control.

A letter from Caribbean Battiste, head of the International Guardians' Guild

My friends,
Many people ask just how the art of drawing wards came to be. The origin of the drawn symbols is lost to us-some speculate that the gestures of primitive man as he cowered before a more powerful entity was the basis of wards, others speculate that the seven dark mages who later became the princes of Abaddon created wards in order to bind their minions to them. In later times, mortals who witnessed the drawing of wards incorporated the symbols into their own society, giving the basis to what is now referred to as Celtic knots. Argue though they might about wards' origins, everyone from the newest Summoner to the most experienced Guardian agrees to one thing: they work.

Denizens of the L'au-dela train for many years to learn the variety of wards thus far known, and their secrets cannot be revealed here. With respect to the dark times we live in, however, the IGG - an organization whose intent is to protect mortals - is happy to make available to you a small sampling of the most basic wards which are taught to every young member.

There are some key points to remember when drawing wards:

• Where the ward is begun and ended is up to the practitioner; most individuals begin at the point they feel is the heart of the ward, and end it when they feel it completed. A slight tingling in the fingers usually heralds that event.
• Belief in yourself is vital. The power of a ward is not in its design, but in the intention and power with which the drawer imbues it. If you do not have belief in your own abilities, the ward will either refuse to be drawn, or will be drawn in a weakened state.
• The wards shown here are not absolute. Each drawer not only imbues a ward with her/his power, beliefs, and intention, but also customizes it by varying degrees. A new practitioner might add an extra loop or two; more experienced members might incorporate words or symbols. How you create your own unique customization is up to you…usually the ward itself will tell you as it is being drawn.
• It is recommended that you start with the simpler wards, practicing them until you feel confident they are being drawn strongly. Some individuals with specialized talents can see wards; most mortals have difficulty in seeing a drawn ward, but many can feel a slight warmth in the air when in the presence of one.

Below are eight common wards, ranging from the most basic, to more intricate varieties. Note: for ease of learning, easier wards are drawn more in a more simplistic manner. I hope you enjoy the wards offered here, and use them in a manner endorsed by the International Guardians' Guild.

With regards,

Caribbean Battiste

	Protection Ward: Individual This ward will protect the bearer from minor ills and dangerous situations. It can be applied to all four quarters.
Protection Ward: Location This ward offers the same protection as the previous one, but to a specific location such as a domicile. It is commonly used on upper windows.
	Luck Ward This ward allows minor setbacks and ill luck to be avoided, attracting the good wishes of nearby beings, and providing the bearer with a generalized sense of well being. It will not work in situations concerning greed or malice toward others.
Silence Ward: Individual This ward silences the recipient for a short length of time, interrupting all vocal activity. Mental activity is not affected however.
	Binding Ward: Individual This ward binds a being of minor abilities to the location of the drawer. It has diminshed use against beings who draw upon the dark power, and cannot be used to hold a demon of any class. It is particularly useful against imps, however.
Calling the Quarters Ward This ward is frequently used in complex ceremonies where the quarters must be called in order to aid the practitioner. It allows the drawer to generate energy from the four quarters, and can be used in everyday life in times of emotional distress or discomfort. It is also one of the few wards favored by the dark power, so intention is of vital importance when drawing it. Note: quarters may be called without using a ward, but most people find their abilities are enhanced when warding the quarters as they are called.
	Prohibition Ward (also known as Sealing Ward) This ward is used on an entrance to a location desired to be undisturbed. It can be used to both contain something within (such as imps in an imp carrier), or to keep out undesireable beings. It is frequently drawn upon the entrances to locations where dark beings are likely to be found, prohibiting them entry.