What we know about the Guardians in the Ablight game
In the vast, war-torn world of Ablight, the Guardians stand as a symbol of resilience, defiance, and ingenuity. While other factions—like the zealous Inquisition or the tech-obsessed Plagued—seek power through faith or cybernetic dominance, the Guardians strive to protect what remains of civilization through sheer mechanical might and communal unity. Wearing their signature red, they embody a unique blend of steam and dieselpunk aesthetics, combining the grit of Victorian-era industry with early 20th-century diesel technology.An outcast society, driven by necessity
The Guardians are more than just a fighting force—they are outlaws, pushed to the fringes of society. Living in the outer wastelands, they rebel against the despotic rule of the Inquisition, a religious faction that seeks to dominate through fear and faith. Because of their exile, the Guardians have to make do with limited resources. Their engineers and mechanics scavenge the wastelands, using whatever materials they can find to create their powerful machines. From imposing mechanical constructs to massive zeppelins and steam-powered exoskeletons, the Guardians' ingenuity allows them to survive despite the constant threat of darkness.
Their society is structured around a strict hierarchy, but it is not a cold or oppressive system. Instead, it thrives on a sense of communal solidarity. Individuals are encouraged to be heroes, but the Guardians value collective effort above all. Everyone must contribute to the fight for survival, and this shared purpose binds them together, making them a formidable force against the encroaching darkness and the authoritarian regimes that threaten their way of life.
Captain Hagen: a leader of strength and strategy
At the forefront of the Guardians is Captain Hagen, a name that resonates with power and loyalty. The name itself may draw from Germanic origins, evoking the image of a strong protector—a fitting title for the leader of this faction. Captain Hagen’s role as the Guardians' commander is not just about strategy; it’s about embodying the values of the Guardians themselves: strength in adversity, loyalty to their people, and a commitment to safeguarding the last vestiges of human civilization.
The comparison to Hagen from the Nibelungenlied, a Germanic epic, further enriches this character. In the epic, Hagen is known for his loyalty and cunning, traits that are likely reflected in Captain Hagen’s leadership. Though little is revealed about him, it’s clear that he plays a pivotal role in shaping the Guardians' fight against their enemies, standing as a bulwark against both the forces of the Inquisition and the chaotic Plagued.
Captain Hagen as seen in concept art.
General Roland and the Guardians' struggle
While Captain Hagen leads the Guardians with strength and wisdom, General Roland is another notable figure in the faction. Although details about him remain sparse, his presence suggests a deeper narrative within the campaign, possibly hinting at internal struggles or broader military strategies within the faction.
The Guardians' fight is not an easy one. Their lack of resources, their exile from the main cities, and the constant threats from both the Inquisition and the Plagued make survival a daily challenge. Yet it is precisely this struggle that has forged them into a resilient and resourceful faction. Their engineers, mechanics, and soldiers have learned to work with whatever they can find, whether it's old industrial machinery or salvaged diesel-powered technology, creating a patchwork army that can stand toe-to-toe with their better-equipped foes.
General Roland in fresh concept art.
A faction of defiance and survival
In a world consumed by darkness, the Guardians stand as a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt, resist, and survive. Their steam- and diesel-powered machines may seem archaic compared to the high-tech enhancements of the Plagued or the religious fervor of the Inquisition, but they embody a different kind of strength—one born from necessity, resilience, and a refusal to submit.
The Guardians’ ethos is clear: they will protect what remains of civilization, no matter the cost. Through their outcast status and limited resources, they have forged a new path, one that values both individual heroism and collective effort. Their distinctive red colors, towering constructs, and steam-powered technologies are a stark reminder that, even in the bleakest of worlds, there are those who fight not for power, but for survival and freedom.