Erebor Warder
These are the military professionals, the defenders of the Kingdom, and the full-time warriors of the Khazad. In both the Iron Hills and the Lonely Mountain they have a long and honorable history, and they are relentless in defence or attack; rare is the unit of Dwarven warders that will break and flee before an onslaught of black-hided uruks. In times of extreme duress the Steward of the Iron Hills or the King Under the Mountain may call all able-bodied Dwarves to serve as warriors, and in all-out war volunteer units of Dwarves of all professions may be formed. However, to be a warder is to always be on call of duty, and the warders have given the Dwarves the legendary reputation of disciplined, relentless attack and defence as hard as the rock they live in. In addition to being the full-time warriors and standing army of the Dwarves, the warders also serve as the guards of large merchants' caravans, and a specialized branch of the military in Emyn Engrin excels in the rare dwarvish quality of stealth: The Ravenfeather Scouts.
In the Iron Hills the warders are fielded under the proud name of the Baraz Gathol, and under the Lonely Mountain they call themselves by the honorary title of the Baruk Zirak. Starting warders in both locations are provided with their selected weapon -- Battle Axe, War Hammer and Short Broadsword being the favorites -- as well as a suit of Ring Mail, a helm and a shield.
The ranks of the warders run as follows:
- Warder (Private)
- Defender (Sergeant)
- Veteran (Lieutenant)
- Master Veteran (Captain)
- Justiciar (General)
- Lord High Warder (Marshal)
