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� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �—Mouse Proverb
This chapter details the history and role of the Mouse Guard in the Territories. As you read
through, you’ll find a history of the Guard; a description of their home base, Lockhaven;
the Guard’s Oath; and a description of the Guard’s various duties.
After that, we break down a Mouse Guard character, describing the elements used in play and
giving the basic game mechanics for each bit. This chapter is a primer for play. Many of the rules are
described in detail later, but all of the basics of play are provided in the following section. You don’t
need to read ahead if there’s something you don’t understand. The rules are introduced bit by bit.
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A Brief History of the Mouse Guard
In the not too distant past, mice lived in tiny tree
hollows, under logs, in stone cracks and other
wayward, forgotten places. They lived scattered
across the wild without community or support.
They were hunted by predators, subject to harsh
weather, and had few supplies to sustain them
in the face of calamity. In fact, these mice were
far more likely to perish from depredation,
exposure, illness or starvation than live a long,
prosperous life.
Against the overwhelming forces of nature, a few
disparate groups made a stand. They staked a
claim on a handful of safe patches of wilderness.
As word of these safe havens traveled, other mice
flocked to them. The most famous settlement
grew quickly from a hiding place to an outpost
to a fortification and finally to a citadel—fortified
walls surrounding a prosperous town, defended
by a dedicated guard. This place is now called
Lockhaven, and it is the center of what is known
as the Mouse Territories.
As Lockhaven became more and more secure,
its guardians reached out to other settlements.
At first, the Lockhavenites tried to bring
everyone they found back to the safety of their
city. Many came, but many also would not.
Other communities, perhaps less safe but still
prosperous, had formed in the wild. They were
reluctant to leave what they had begun, despite
their precarious position.
There was a debate within the ranks of
Lockhaven’s guardians. What to do about these
other settlements? Should they be forcibly
moved? Should they be abandoned?
In the end, the guardians decided there was
only one true answer: Lockhaven must use
her strength to defend and support these
communities. All mice must prosper or all mice
will fail.
Therefore, these guardians struck out to the
distant settlements, marking paths and noting
which directions gave them more cover, better
viewpoints and quicker routes.
These brave, selfless mice quickly became
known as the Mouse Guard. As their numbers
grew and their protection was extended and
came to be relied upon, the far-flung settlements
did indeed prosper.
Lockhaven itself changed as well. It became less
of a bustling city and more of a central hub for
the Guard. Eventually, the Guard took over the
administration of the citadel completely.
The first mouse to organize the defense of
Lockhaven was female. Thereafter, it has
remained tradition that the Guard be commanded
by a female mouse given the rank of Matriarch.
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� � � � � � � � � �She is in charge of internal affairs, governing
the mice of Lockhaven and setting the Guard’s
missions and patrols. The Matriarch determines
Guard postings, what duties patrols are to
complete, and which areas in the Territories
need the most attention. Beneath her are a cadre
of captains and administrators who assist her in
day-to-day operations and long-term plans.
In the wilds between the settlements, all mice
agree, the Mouse Guard is the law. But, in the
mouse towns, the Guard only has as much
authority as that town’s government allows.
Most settlements welcome guardmice but many
defer to their own lawmice and protectors. Some
places even force visiting guardmice to turn over
their weapons at the gates of their settlement.
� �
The Guard is responsible for its own survival
as an organization. While it is supported by
various towns with gifts and donations, it takes
no tithes or taxes. The Mouse Guard undertakes
its duties as sacred obligations. If every mouse
in the Territories turned their back on them,
these selfless guardians would still spend their
last breath defending and protecting them.
LockhavenHome of the Mouse Guard, Lockhaven is carved
deep into stone. Only the ivy-covered face of
Lockhaven is visible from the outside.
Lockhaven serves as a base of operations for
the Guard and is no longer a true city. While
there are mouse citizens that live there, they are
� �
� � � � � � � � � �invited guests of the Guard. The Guard extends
its invitations to skilled and trustworthy mice
and families.
Staple foods are stored in abundance, while
prepared foods are made as needed, as it is
unknown how many or few will be fed on any
given day. Lockhaven is known for gabcroon: a
dense bread filled with seeds, fruits, and nuts. It
travels well and stays warm long after baking.
Woven and sewn fabrics are important to the
mice of Lockhaven. The Guard are known for
their cloaks, which need to be both warm and
durable, as they are a guardmouse’s primary
piece of clothing.
Lockhaven is also home to a hive of bees. The
mice harvest the honey for food and the wax
for goods and medicinal purposes. To do this,
the Apiarist uses smoke to charm the bees. The
bees also serve as a natural deterrent to other
predators.
The Guard’s OathThe following is the oath that all mice must
swear when they are inducted into the ranks of
the Guard:� � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ! � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � ! � � � � � " � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � " � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � " � � � � " � � � �