Brotherhood of Roadwardens

“I keep the gate, but do not close it.
I take the toll, but do not steal it.
I guard the road, but do not rule it.
I weigh no traveler unfairly.
By Garradan’s name.” - the Gatebound Oath

The Brotherhood of Roadwardens is a holy and practical order within the Church of Minos, dedicated to the protection, guidance, and lawful oversight of trade routes. Founded by Exemplar Garradan of the Gatebound Oath, the Brotherhood transformed the perilous byways of the world into arteries of trust and exchange. Its members are a fusion of priest, soldier, and civil servant, clad in practical mail beneath the cloak of Minos, bearing not just weapons but ledgers, scales, and tokens of passage. They are the watchers of thresholds and defenders of honest travel on the open road.

In regions where the worship of Minos is prevalent, Roadwardens are stationed at tollgates, bridges, mountain passes, waystations, and trade nexuses, where they serve as guardians and porters. Each takes the Gatebound Oath, binding them in service to fairness, dignity, and the uninterrupted movement of lawful persons and goods. Their tolls are modest, strictly regulated, and recorded in bound scrolls marked with the Golden Seal, with frequent audits from the Church’s Ledgerwardens. Woe to any Roadwarden who abuses the coin or closes the road to extort: Garradan’s legacy is one of repentance and discipline, and the Brotherhood expels and exiles oathbreakers publicly. Those placed under Red Forfeiture are executed by the most creative, gruesome means available.

The Brotherhood is divided into four distinct tiers or roles. The Initiates of the Path are the Roadwarden apprentices, learning road lore, tollcraft, and the basics of economic law. Warded Brethren are full members assigned to specific routes, tollgates or waystations. Crossbridge Sentinels have proven themselves in both battle and fairness and are entrusted with high-traffic trade nexuses or dangerous crossroads. Finally, the elite Palecloaks, named for their pale gray-green cloaks, patrol lonely wilderness roads and often travel alone, marked by their silver bridge-pin and silver-edged blade.

Each Roadwarden bears a “Gate-Keeper’s Baton,” part symbol, part staff, part club. It bears the seven-pointed star of Minos and is not to be drawn in violence save in defense of the traveler. Many wear pendants bearing the Golden Seal, always paired with a smaller charm depicting a bridge or archway, the personal symbol of Garradan of the Gatebound Oath.

Brotherhood chapels are found along old Imperial roads, mountain passes, and major bridges, offering rest to merchants, pilgrims, and travelers. Inside, murals of Garradan kneeling in storm and mud flank inscriptions of the Gatebound Oath. Every member is taught the tale of The Ledger of Golden Weights, and must copy its first chapter by hand before their ordination.

The Brotherhood maintains friendly ties with the Oathblades, occasionally calling on them to adjudicate ancient pacts or enforce treaty-safeguards. Among the laity, Roadwardens are beloved by merchants and craftsfolk, and honored with gifts of bread, coin, and song—especially in wild or contested territories where they remain the last honest wall between trade and chaos.