On Their Maps & In Their Sights

As SB, two monks, and Polaris's party left Mt. Necrotokis and sent on their way by wagon, SB looked to his new leader, once his former student, this Celestial before him had come a long way from the timid boy who was brought to him. "Polaris, I wish to amend my hero name and title."

"Oh? What did you have in mind?"

"Well as you know, SB are my initials, Simon Barker, however, I do remember the was something with similar initials in my old world."

"Yeah? What was it?"

"It was a flying machine, called the SBD Dauntless. I would like my hero name and title to be "The Otherworlder Hero SBD. The monks actually picked out what the SBD would mean, Sky-Born Defiance."

"You're certain of this?"

"I have never been more certain."

"Well then, for this moment onwards, you shall be known as "The Otherworlder Hero, SBD."

As the party made their week long journey back to the Wilderness Meritocracy, SBD shared his war stories with the group. They traveled without stopping until they reached Initiative City.

"Governor Fog! Hero Polaris and party have returned!"

"Excellent! I will be out there to greet them! Please excuse me a moment."

As the party dismounted their wagon, Governor Fog and the others welcomed them back. "Glad you all made it back safely. I see some new faces, who are them?"

"Everyone, it is my pleasure and honor to introduce you to my mentor, SB, now to be known as The Otherworlder Hero: SBD. He will be joining the Initiative and serving Wilderness. Accompanying him, are two monks of the Mountain. Please make sure they all feel welcome and are given access to our historical archive."

Fog extended his hand to SBD. "I am Governor Fog of the Wilderness Meritocracy, as well as Polaris's former butler and trainer."

"Yes.... Governor Fog Carne, I see now. I am honored to be here and will assist this nation in any way I can."

"Actually, is a matter that need to be tended to. Polaris, bring Elder Prime and SBD to the House of Committee. We changed a few things while you were gone, and we have guests waiting. They arrived later in the evening yesterday. To be honest, your timing couldn't be more perfect."

Polaris nodded and followed Fog with SBD and Elder Prime not far behind. As they arrived at the House of Committee, Polaris noticed several high profile carriages and guards outside. "It seems you've been busy Fog."

"Very much so and your timing couldn't be more perfect." Said Fog, as he opened the doors and led the others to the parlor. 

"Everyone, may I introduce to you, the Celestial Paragon, Leader of Fort Wilderness, Polaris. He accompanied by his former mentor, now serving under the banner of Fort Wilderness, Otherworlder Hero, SBD, as well as the Head of the Guardian race and one of the three Joint-Chiefs of Fort Wilderness, Elder Prime." As the Representatives of Fort Wilderness enter the room, Governor Fog runs through introductions.

"Hailing from city of Jolnir, representing Queen Haeda the Second of the Polar-North Kingdom of Darkenheim, Nobleman Bjorn Selby. Next up is Lady Sylvana Evergreen, Elven Baroness of the Duchy of Aenlin. Her duchy had been formerly under the rule of the Holy Kingdom, which abandoned the duchy in an effort to put distance between the Wilderness Meritocracy. Moving on from the Baroness, you know King ArgaBald of the Dwarven Kingdom of Oakenforge, accompanying him is Lady Baccara, Grand-Cross Knightess of the Kingdom of Ironheart, and finally, Scholar Kael, one of the Seven High Magi ruling the Pluto-Magocratic Kingdom of Luminshire."

"Quite the broad panel we have here. To what do we owe your visits?" Asked Polaris. However, before anyone else could answer, King ArgaBald spoke up. 

"Hero Polaris, we must discuss the Wilderness Meritocracy as a whole. Governor Fog, Archimedes and I were trying to piece together the ranking structure and style of governance, of Fort Wilderness, in specific the Wilderness Initiative. Would you shed some insight on this for all of us?"

"Of course, while I will say I had planned to meet with the heroes and the Joint-Chiefs to discuss this, but now's a better time than any. The Wilderness Initiative was the name Glacier Fall gave us. However, as eighty-six of the original ninety-two heroes have died, I believe it is time for a reworking of our name."

"What did you have in mind?" Asked Fog

 ""The Order of the Wilderness Remnants." It embodies everything Fort Wilderness has stood for. Not just our undying spirit and the defiance of our creed, but also, it embodies the relentless spirit of a fortress steeped in the blood and sacrifice of heroes who refused to be silenced by death itself. This group, the last remaining remnants, must carry and pass the torch of this sacred brotherhood. We champion a creed of defiance, demanding retribution for the injustices inflicted upon the innocent. With banners unfurled and swords raised high, the Order of Wilderness Remnants stands as a beacon of righteousness, a force dedicated not to glory or honor, but to serving the voiceless and seeking justice for all. Our resolve is unwavering, our mission unending, but for as long as their banner waves, the ideals and principles of Fort Wilderness shall echo throughout eternity."

Everyone nodded, and clapped in agreement. For that day onwards, the Wilderness Initiative was no more, rather, the Defiant Order of the Wilderness Remnants would stand in its place.

"While I love where this is going, may I ask, what is the summary, a two-word phrase or close that Wilderness can rally behind derived from your creed?"

"If I had to summarize our creed, there two phrases that come to mind Lady Baccara, tell me if they sound at all... familiar to you. The same goes for the rest of you, tell me what you'd feel watching the Order of Wilderness Remnants charging into battle towards a legion of enemies in your defense, all shouting out in unison, a defiant battle cry of...."