From the countless expeditions to the Wastes, few have survived long enough to earn a considerable reputation amongst the Emberdawn's populace. Amongst those few, many have escaped death's grasp only due to the material of myth known as Vindex, the Tower Shield of Dawn.

Little factual information is known about Vindex - no one knows where they come from, who they are, or what they actually look like. In fact, Vindex' title was forged from their visible characteristics alone, as their immense stature (witnesses' reports range from 2 meters to a baffling 2.50 meters in height) and preferred weapon (their iconic tower shield, engraved with the Dawnfather's sigil and the rays of His beacon) invoked a natural denomination which easily rolls off the commoners' tongues.

Their first given name - Vindex -, meaning "defender", "protector", or even "champion", derives from the mythical figure's last minute appearances in life-threatening situations in the Wastes. Groups of Venturers have commonly claimed to be suddenly graced by Vindex' shielding when their hopes of survival are dim, be it when they are surrounded and outnumbered by Umbra, or when the tempestuous weather of the Wastes fends off exploration efforts.

Scholars often debate whether Vindex is a single person, a title passed down through generations, or even a manifestation of the Dawnfather’s will. Those who have sought to find out more about this mysterious figure have invariably failed. Tracks end abruptly. Footsteps vanish in ash or snow. Even Umbra, it is said, refuse to pursue her once she withdraws.

“Hope didn’t save me. She did." - Aurrag Jur, survivor of Expedition: "Thawed Silence"