Master of the Guard

The Master of the Guard is the leader of the Diamond Guard who are tasked with protecting the king and other members of the royal family. The Master of the Guard is generally chosen by the king but technically can be elected by the whole Diamond Guard with the king retaining veto power on the decision. Often the master is the most veteran member of the Diamond Guard, but not necessarily the oldest member. The Master of the Guard is the only member of the Diamond Guard that serves for life so this means the person chosen is generally passionate about serving the kingdom and protecting the royal family. Originally all members of the Diamond Guard served for life, but a compassionate king changed this at the request of the guard. Before this the Master position was definitely by appointment of the king, but after the life term was removed, it was decided that the Master would be an elected position. Unfortunately this lead to more issues than it solved; some masters felt they had been unduly replaced by an unworthy Diamond Guard soldier and then proceeded to cause issues for the guards as a way of revenge. After a few masters were voted out, they formed their own shadow guard, trying to make life hard for the Diamond Guard and the king, and at one point kidnapped a member of the guard in an attempt to ransom them for their own gain. After this incident the king reverted the position to a lifelong term and allowed the guard to elect a new master in an attempt to provide some stability, which it did. Two cases are known where the king allowed a master to retire. The first was during a time of peace where the already old master felt he was no longer fit enough to carry out his duties and was allowed to honourably retire. The second was a master who fell ill to an unknown, untreatable disease. When it was evident that his condition would not improve, the king granted his wish to honourably retire and die in peace and solitude.

Duties

Once each month, the Master of the Guard travels to Ambergarde to inspect the training routines of the soldiers and to scout for potential future soldiers for the Diamond Guard. The Master of the Guard handles the rostering for the Diamond Guard Soldiers and also sits on the privy council to advise on matters of security.

Type

Civic, Military, Commissioned

Form of Address

Master

Length of Term

For Life

Current Holders