I am the Sword that punishes
I am the righter of wrongs
I am strength incarnate
I am a tool to be used by my betters.
I am alone.
- From the Word of Joan

Joan is the winged Warrior of the tribes, the strength of arms standing against the threats from without. She is the blade that keeps the tribes safe. She is the quiet steel to be wielded by her sisters.

Her body is steel and hammered metal, swords and shields and more made one. Her eminences are devotion and fury.

To be a Joanite is to stand in unity, side by side with your sisters, knowing that Joan is at your back and you will defeat any foe together. To be a Joanite is to know that you are fulfilling the will of Joan and Her Sisters utterly and without question. To be a Joanite is to know that you are the weapon to be welded to by another, to be directed and guided by those wiser to purge the impurity from the world. To be a Joanite is to 'Act With Honour' and 'Stay Pure'.

By far the most martial of the tribes, Joanites are the wards and protectors of the land and its people. They guard the borders along the Watchtowers and ensure that the peace is kept from roaving squat and serf raids. They also keep the peace within the tribes ensuring that there is no internal strife.

The people of Joan work closely with the other tribes, most noteably the Tera Shebans who codify the law that is then laid down by the Joanites. Those that do not actively guard the tribes instead work to supply the Joanites with the armour and weapons they need to perform their function. Some of the best metal workers of the tribes are from the Joanites ranks.

The Joanites are rutheless and efficient. They have a very low tolerance for Z'Bri taint and too much contact with them or their serfs can lead to banishment. Their strength comes from each other - they know they can rely on the warrior by their side, they know that together they are more powerful than any other and together they can defeat any foe they are pointed at.

It is better not to question, for questioning can lead to mistakes, mistakes can lead to taint and taint can lead to banishment. No, remember always that we do our duty and that others know how to lead while we follow.

Joan is often quiet nowadays, hardly says a word. We live under her wing but she is in the shadow of her Sister. Tera Sheba guides us and her judges shape our actions and that is the way it should be except… except there is something in Joan's eyes when Tera Sheba gives her orders that wasn't there before and Joan has never seemed more alive since the coming of Lilith.

The Tera Shebans are the leaders of the tribe, they know the law laid down and through the Joanites they see it executed. With their guidance the Joanites believe that they shall take down any foe that should stand in their way, even the greatest Z'Bri cannot prevail. Yagans, Evans and Magdalites fulfil their role in the order of things just as the Joanites do. They ask for help when they need it and it is willingly given but theirs is not the rule of law and so they have little to do with them. More worrying are the Dhalian's and Agnites - who see laws as anathama and revel in chaos and capriciousness, mocking all that the Joanites hold dear - yet they are of the tribes, of the Fatimas and they shall be protected.

Those outside the Fatima's care are not under Joan's protection. The Squats, Fallen and Keepers can be dangerous but they are also disorganised in general and not a threat. They can be tolerated.

The Z'Bri and their Serfs are unconditionally hated and tainted. They are all that is wrong with the world and there is not enough fury in the world to unleash upon them.

• Templars: The finest warriors of their Tribe, they also attend to Joan and take care of the traditions and rituals of the Tribe. They staff the Seven Fingers and explore the wilds of Vimary, and serve as Joan’s priestesses.
• Blades: The Blades of Joan are the fighters and defenders of Vimary. Many aspire to become Templars, although increasing numbers are joining the Watch instead. Cavalry form part of the Blades or the Watch, depending on perspective.
• Weaponshapers: Arguably the most skilful crafters that Vimary has to offer. The Weaponshapers produce weapons, armour and metal tools, and the sub-group called the Glass-Smiths produce glass. They are the backbone of the Tribe.
• The Watch: They work closely with the Shebans, carrying out investigations and maintaining the peace.
• Teachers: Joanites who can no longer carry out their duties are expected to pass on their knowledge to those still in training.
• Hermit Blades: Those who seek Joan's permission to leave the tribe and head into the outlands better to hunt down and kill the Z'Bri taint they find there before it can harm the tribes. There is no return from becoming a Hermit Blade.

Photos by Oliver Facey and Tom Garnett