White Assassin Page 8

Guardians are usually in office for life, though there are checks and balances that can remove a Master Guardian if the assembly feels like he or she is not properly performing duties, and some Master Guardians choose to retire. Master Guardians are generally considered by most Defenders to be the most powerful zyfaunos of their time.

  Golden Guardian: Golden Guardians are a team of two Defenders specially trained to handle delicate situations and attempt to prevent all-out war that would make an intervention necessary. They are typically the first people to visit unsettled countries or groups of people. Golden Guardians are selected by the Master Guardian of their era, and are given an extra five years of special training beyond typical Defender training. Traditionally, Golden Guardian teams have always been composed of a member of the Azure family and a member of the Gildspine family, with few exceptions. There is a belief that there is something special in their line that makes them especially adept at being Guardians. Usually the team has one healer and one elemental user, and the two Guardians usually share the same gender, but sometimes these conditions differ.

  Defender Pendant: Defender pendants are worn by all Defenders, regardless of their position in the army or Academy. They carry holographic identification cards and are the most common means of communication among Defenders. The pendant also carries several symbols. On Zyearth, a legless dragon is a sign of peace, so the Defenders made the legless dragon the center of their pendant. The dragon's neck is tucked under, a classic move that prevents strangulation in battle. This represents defense. The outstretched wings are a sign of openness and welcome. Finally, the Gem at the dragon's side represents the world of Zyearth, since all native Zyearthlings are bound to Gems.