The Imperial Guard

A Guardsman does not do what he does for glory, or freedom, or power. A Guardsman is responsible for the lives of everyone in this Kingdom. He is ever vigilant, ever honorable, and ever striving to be worthy of his title. You may have joined us because you were seeking glory, or because you wanted the prestige, because you were expected to, or because you had no choice. That reason no longer matters. What matters is watching your neighbor's back, doing your duty, and protecting this city, for Lord and King.

Commander Elgrave at the Orientation for new recruits

Requirements

Citizenship in Archren, At least 16 years of age, strong enough to swing a sword and wear armor.

Appointment

You can enlist at the guard post in most cities, or at recruitment tables set up by officers touring the country during wartime.

Duties

The Imperial Guard is tasked with keeping the peace in the Archren Empire, enforcing local and national rules, and defending towns from attack by monsters and wild beasts.

Responsibilities

Patrolling the area, keeping weapons and equipment clean, responding to emergencies in the area.

Benefits

3 Gold pieces per day, respect throughout the lands, and the chance to travel to other areas of the empire.

Accoutrements & Equipment

Each Guardsman wears a uniform of red and brown, with a bronze breastplate, knee guards, and sabatons, as well as a leather cap for privates, a metal one for sergeants, and a plumed cap for captains. Soldiers wear shorter brown cloaks, sergeants wear mid length green, and captains wear long red ones. Commanders are similarly dressed to captains, but they have silver armor and white plumes. Standard gear for a Guardsman includes a spear, a sword, and a hand crossbow. Archers carry long or short bows, and captains bear shields and glaives. Commanders carry the weapon of their choice, as well as a glaive with a small flag attached to the top, identifying their home division.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

A Guardsman may be dismissed for drunkenness, failure to follow orders, abandoning his post, murder, theft, or any other crime. Paperwork must be filled out by witnesses to the deed and signed by the Guardsman's commanding officer. Depending on the severity of the crime, they may simply be sent home without their rank and pay, have to serve a jail sentence, or they may even be executed. A Guardsman dismissed in this way is unlikely to be allowed to re-enlist.

Cultural Significance

The Imperial Guards are a staple in every community large enough to warrant a police force. They are mostly beloved by common folk in rural areas, with the commoners a little more ambivalent towards them in larger cities, and openly hostile in areas with corrupt officials in charge.

Type

Civic, Military, Generic

Status

Currently in effect.

Form of Address

Guardsman

Alternative Naming

Sword, Plumeheads

Source of Authority

The King

Length of Term

The typical enlistment contract runs for five years, at the end of which you can renew your contract. A contract can be renewed so long as one remains in fighting shape