- "You have shown strength, valor, and fortitude for this Clan. Let none break past you as you protect our home."
- ―Appius Wight
The Taldryan Gatekeeper, formerly known as "Gatekeeper of Taldryan", is an honorary position granted to Taldryan's most loyal protectors. While in the position they are the Overseer and Protector of the Taldryan Headquarters. The Gatekeepers are holders of the Bryar Lightsword, an ancient artifact initially designed by the very first Scion of Taldryan, then created by Rian Taldrya.
History
In 39 ABY, then Consul Seraine "Erinyes" Ténama Taldrya discontinued the Gatekeeper position in Taldryan, determining that the role was of little significant use and instead created the Cohors Praetoria Taldryae, which has since been assigned to Taldryan's Warbringer.
The old Gatekeeper's role in the Clan was to serve as protectors of the Taldryan Vault on Karufr. Upon moving to the Caelus System, the Gatekeeper took up residence wherever the Taldryan Headquarters was located, in this case, the Ostara Temple.
Re-establishment
In 40 ABY, after repeated security breaches into Taldryan security, as well as into the Ostara Temple itself by Clawdite Infiltrators sent to kill high profile members of the Clan, Consul Appius Wight determined it was time to re-establish the Gatekeepers for the purpose of protecting their home and Headquarters. When Taldryan moved to Kasiya, the Gatekeepers assumed their role protecting the Taldryan Tower.
The Gatekeepers
The new Roll of Gatekeepers is to be a listing of those who have committed themselves to Clan Taldryan and represent the Clan as best they can. They represent and embody Taldryan's storied tradition of protecting Taldryan's home, wherever it may be, whilst ensuring the Clan's survival and prosperity for the future. As such, their names are forever inscribed in this Roll, commemorating their achievements in the field, and memorializing their contributions to Clan Taldryan forever.
Behind the Scenes
During the creation of Taldryan's artifacts, an idea was raised by then Proconsul Justinios Drake Taldrya to revive the old Lorekeeper and Gatekeeper positions for new purposes, with the use of the artifacts as potential rewards. Thus, Loremaster, Gatekeeper, and Warbringer were revived and created for this purpose with the Bryar Lightsword being assigned to Taldryan's Gatekeeper.
The members who win these titles are determined via a point-based system that follows Clusters earned, and competitions participated in. Giving every member of Taldryan the chance to earn one of the three titles, regardless of individual skill in certain areas.
Members who choose the Gatekeeper title obtain the Blood Bond Cauldron as an artifact for the quarter.
This title is not an official title (i.e.: it will never appear on a dossier), it is merely granted in order to give bragging rights to one of Taldryan's most active members over the course of a quarter. The title can be maintained for periods longer than a quarter if the member earns it.