Maridian Institute of Defense

The Maridian Institute of Defense is a multi-purpose organization situated at the north end of Maridia proper. At its core, it exists to protect the world from large scale, supernatural threats. The Institute forms contracts with clients across the world, and the adventurers in service to the Institute are responsible for fulfilling them. In addition to these services, it also serves as an academy for developing adventuring skills.

Considered the finest institution of its kind, the Institute has attracted many of the world's most talented adventurers.

History
The Institute was founded roughly 400 years ago. Unknown to most, it was created to combat the Mystics' global conquest, which ultimately resulted in their extinction.

Diamond Anomaly
The Maridian Institute of Defense played a significant role in ending the Diamond Anomaly. Shi-ka Wen, the Director at the time, was responsible for overseeing the Intitute's involvement. After a few unsuccessful attempts, she ordered all but of a few of the highest ranking members to intervene - she and her commanders included.

With the help of other factions, the operation was ultimately successful, but their losses were significant. Shi-ka and two of the commanders, Naiken and Zania, perished alongside many other members, leaving only a handful at the Institute to build it back to its former strength. Of those that survived, many were forced to retire due to PTSD. It is for this reason that most of the member base in the present is quite young.

Relationships
As an independent political body from Maridia, the Institute is allowed the flexibility to serve any client without fear of compromising any relationships. That said, the Maridian government prioritizes maintaining a friendly relationship with the Institute - likely in fear of their strength.

Director

 * Arlan Strauss, Lord Commander (1468-)

Combat Division

 * Miles Hayburn, Commander (1471-)
 * Bryce Hayburn II
 * Kelban Omayu
 * Edgar Rayne
 * Leilani "Lani" Quartett
 * Lucan Romani
 * Sigfrid Draconis
 * Anna Rayne
 * Ashlyn "Ashe" Balter
 * Felix Dome
 * Iri Shan
 * Jensen Gryff
 * Leia Pareese
 * Mathias Wence
 * Elthar Bren
 * Myra Spiros

Stealth Division

 * Vera Marleau, Commander (1482-)
 * Henrik Graver
 * Orvick "Vick" Dohl
 * Durgin
 * Aoife Carlow
 * Skitio "Skit" Salamere
 * Zed Shan
 * Dr. "Golden Beard" Waltz Rumble IV
 * Ritzo Kadovski
 * Kelyrra "Kelly" Pavall

Magic Division

 * Aesis Avari, Commander (1475-1485)
 * Priscilla Sunn, Commander (1485-)
 * Ilden Rae
 * Erica Bell
 * Sethik
 * Eclipse "Ellie" Moonshadow
 * Jayna Podarro
 * Lorelei "Lorel" Quartett
 * Megara Bolwisk
 * Orpheus Mallek

Former Members

 * Shi-ka Wen, Director & Lord Commander (1464-1468)
 * Naiken O'Gall, Commander of Stealth (1463-1468)
 * Zania Lavatte, Commander of Magic (1460-1468)
 * Horace Flinder, Interim Commander of Magic (1468-1475)
 * Rorik Immerwald (?-1485)