Heraldsport Watch

The Firelights | The High Mayor's Watch

The WATCH, known commonly as the FIRELIGHTS, are a civilian outfit that is recruited and employed by the office of the HIGH MAYOR. The WATCH is charged with the peace and order of the city and enforcement of its laws although it spends most of its time on street-level actions. From responding to 'hue and cry' tellings all over the city to ensuring the peaceful and orderly continuation of commerce and day-to-day life in the city, the FIRELIGHTS are the most visible arm of the HIGH MAYOR's OFFICE.

DAY ROUTINE

The daytime patrols are more casual and yet give the impression that there are more on the streets than during the night—which is not the case. The daytime patrols spend their hours moving from one heavily-trafficked area to another in a bid to be seen and to be available should someone call for their assistance. Daytime WATCH patrols range from 2-8 men, with either a Watch-Sergeant or Watch-Captain moving at their fore. Usually, however, the Watch-Captains remain in the three Watch-Havens spread throughout the city.

AUTHORITY

WATCH enforcements range from a night in the stocks or cells to an 'innocent' request for some consideration--preferably coin. The WATCH is usually flushed of corrupted members every decade or so but it settles right back in with ease. The Night Watch are both more corrupt and less tolerant of criminal activity--depending on the patrol in the vicinity.
WATCH patrols spend most of their time on petty crime, street-gangs and general peace-keeping duties. They have the authority to stop anyone for interrogation. 'Bound by the High Mayor's Office' sounds fancy but generally only stops the law-abiding from the fleeing the vicinity. Their authority is directly inverse to the suspect's station in the city or kingdom or elsewhere. The WATCH learn very quickly who they can and cannot detain.

NIGHT ROUTINE

When the sun drops, the ‘FIRELIGHTS’ take to bearing lanterns, torches and even post-lighters for the various lanterned posts that mark the more affluent and trafficked streets. The first dusk patrols spend their time walking their entire beat and ensuring that all of the available lighting is illuminated. These areas are often on the concourses and such so it is the other patrols that wend their way through darkened alleys and deserted streets while bearing a beacon announcing their presence. The FIRELIGHT patrols are never less than four (4) men and often are composed of three squads of four working in close proximity.

Structure

The WATCH-CAPTAIN stands over the various patrols assigned to the Watch-Haven in their area of enforcement. A WATCH-CAPTAIN oversees between 12-30+ individual Watchmen. Underneath them are the WATCH-SERGEANTS, responsible for leading one to two patrols each and usually accompanying one of them at any given moment. A PATROL consists of 4-12 Watchmen walking or standing a beat in various parts of their area. Common areas are those of high traffic, significant commerce and possessing a bit of a chaos.

A WATCHMEN is issued a bronze-banded club marked by the yellow strap that is slung over their wrist or arm. They are given padded jerkins though many of the day WATCH patrols eschew this in times of warm weather--the press of layered padding along with the jumbled crowds of the city can make the heat intolerable. At night, the WATCH never forgo their protective gear including a leather skullcap and boiled leather greaves. Most patrols also carry an odd assortment of knives, metal knuckles and saps underneath their uniform. The WATCH-SERGEANT is armed with a short sword. In addition, each WATCH-HAVEN is outfitted with additional short swords, small shields and foot-spears in case of emergency.

The most important part of their kit is their whistle.

Assets

WATCH-CAPTAINS and possibly WATCH-SERGEANTS also are believed to carry some form of distress enchantment that can trigger an alert at any nearby WATCH-HAVEN or amongst patrols. In addition, these ''distress calls' are often received by the military personnel nearby who responded in a similarly quick fashion.

Founding Date

48

Type

Government, Law Enforcement

Alternative Names

Firelights

Training Level

Semi-trained

Parent Organization

Office of the High Mayor

Location

Heraldsport