Vanguard works on a sliding scale, and gives prot vs align and/or ethos. It's ideal situation being - you're fighting Empire and Order+Evil are both in such extreme power they threaten to shake the world. Mmmm, reduxy. Works versus mobs. As does it's secondary affect, which is to reduce the damage of high-powered hits of all kinds. This includes, but is not limited to, ambush, backstab, deathblow, backstab deathblows, invoker spells and full moon druid thorns. The higher the damage, the better the redux. This one fluctuates with Magic.

The bond has much improved. There are many hidden powers that apply to nearly all bonds, and several unique class-related abilities. Stealth classes combined with certain mages make for some exceedingly nasty possible ganks. It's much under-used because it fails along the same lines the Fortress does. As soon as you start relying on someone else - you're much more likely to be pwned than be the one pwning.

Leader's get nothing. Unless you're me :D There's a regular vote, and one mortal is democratically elected for each post. All you get is leader con, and leader age. And the possibility of goodies. The beauty is that induction isn't even really a strain. Nexus is very much a 'hey, want to be a Nexicun? You have be inducted to Nexico!' style of cabal. There's not a lot of tradition, style or required roleplay involved. But the previous three are encouraged and very well rewarded. I actually like this, because it leaves a very open end for your character to develop in. Unlike some cabals (Empire, Fortress) which encourage a lot of stereotyping. It also leaves some of the noobish characters a bit lost, and is likely one of the reasons the cabal is oft let down by it's members. The easy in style, and the lack of pressure to roleplay does leave it wanting if you've lost or are looking for an arrpee compass.

Yhorian