Dwarven Vanguard

The Dwarven Vanguard is a military force comprised entirely of Dwarves in service to the Kingdom of Ironforge and Grand Alliance.

History
The Dwarven Vanguard was formed soon after Thane Grungnir Orcbane swore to stand guard over Magni Bronzebeard's petrified body deep within Ironforge Mountain, effectively ending the Mountain Guard's status as an active organization outside of Ironforge. The Vanguard gradually took over the roles the Mountain Guard had in the past - protecting Khaz Modan and taking the fight to the enemies of Ironforge.

Every day the Vanguard's history is written across the face of Azeroth. As important events occur, General Ironholde records them along with his reflections and places them within Orcbane Hall so that future generations may learn of the struggles their ancestors faced.

Structure
The Dwarven Vanguard is split into three primary divisions: Infantry, Sorcerers and Mountaineers.

Infantry
 * Dwarves are renowned for their sturdiness and surprising strength. A well trained Dwarven warrior is easily a match for a creature several times its size. Combining equipment of unparalleled quality with stiff discipline and unmatched skill, the Infantry of The Dwarven Vanguard are as unshakeable as the stone halls they hail from.

Sorcerers
 * The enigmatic Dwarven Magi have long studied in their sanctums deep beneath the ear. As powerful as they are secretive, the sorcerers of Ironforge and Shadowforge have lent their potent magic to the Vanguard and stand ready to unleash flame, frost, and shadow upon the enemies of Dwarf-Kind.

Mountaineers
 * The sturdy trappers, riflemen, hill shaman, scouts, and other frontiersmen of Ironforge have long made up the ranks of the famed Mountaineers. Now the Vanguard calls upon them, as well as the fierce warriors of the Wildhammer Clans and the spies of the Dark Iron Empire to make up the ranks of its own Mountaineer division.

Hierarchy
The Dwarven Vanguard is organized through the following ranks.

'''High Thane
 * The spiritual and political leader of The Dwarven Vanguard, the High Thane is its ultimate power.

'''General
 * The military leader of the Dwarven Vanguard.

'''Captain
 * Division leaders and officers, these Dwarves have proven themselves to be worthy of leadership and command the loyalty of those under them. To be a Captain is to wield considerable influence and to bear the weight of considerable responsibility.

'''Throne Guard
 * Champions of The Dwarven Vanguard; Defender of the General and the High Thane. The unrivaled Dwarven force comprised of Beard (Or braid), muscle and above all: unwavering reslove on the battlefield, even in the face of insurmountable odds. The most renound fighters The Dwarven Vanguard has to offer, showing extreme loyalty and strength. Throne Guards are the most honored warriors within The Dwarven Vanguard. So dedicated are these players that they take every opportunity to fight the Horde, never letting their thirst for battle falter. The few warriors who attain this rank have donned custom enchanted equipment to better terrorize the enemies of Dwarf-kind.

'''Greybeard
 * The Greybeards have fought for the Vanguard through its most trying struggles. They are the rocks upon which the guild rests, immovable as Ironforge itself. In battle, they are one dwarf siege engines, at home, unrivaled story tellers. A greybeard has seen all there is to see and is a respected figure within the Vanguard. Few recruits will survive long enough to attain this vaunted rank. An honorary rank for long serving members of good standing.

'''Ironguard
 * Veteran warriors who have proven their skill in battle and whose loyalty is beyond question. Ironguards have proven their loyalty to the guild, been to many events, and are always willing to help their fellow warriors.

'''Dragoon/Warband
 * Formal members, split into divisions. Must have attended training and contributed in some way to the vanguard.

'''Recruit
 * Newly recruited member. Must have been interviewed by an officer, or have shown their skill to one at one of the Vanguard's events.