Black Guard

The Black Guard is Bridgeport's steadfast city guard, a seaside centre teeming with commerce and intrigue. These diligent defenders patrol the city streets and surrounding suburbs, guaranteeing the safety and order of this thriving city. Their tasks include protecting vital structures in the city and the busy harbour, as well as collecting taxes from merchants and inhabitants.

"The Black Guard – they’re like shadows, always lurking. Except shadows don’t ask you for your tax receipts." -- overheard in Bridgeport

Structure

Despite being part of the Farenian Empire's greater military architecture, the Black Guard is largely controlled by Bridgeport's Council of Ten. This local government enables them to successfully handle the city's specific demands and issues. However, their loyalty to the Empire remains unwavering. Representatives from the Empire, even Queen Eleanor Rani of Farenia, have the authority to give direct directives to the Guard, overriding local authorities if needed. In all circumstances, the Black Guard rigorously compares local mandates to the Empire's overall norms and directives to assure compliance.
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Culture

Despite their intimidating appearance, the Black Guard encounters various problems. Bridgeport's thriving commerce and diversified population make it a hive of intrigue, with smuggling networks, renegade sorcerers, and opposing groups striving for power. The Guard's stringent enforcement of the law sometimes puts them into clashes with prominent merchants and important residents.
Nonetheless, the Black Guard's reputation as the city's guardians is still strong. Their black uniforms and prominent emblems represent order and justice in Bridgeport. While they work to ensure peace and security, they must strike a careful balance between local government and imperial mission, ensuring that Bridgeport thrives under their watchful eye.

Ranks

Private

The backbone of the Guard, privates carry out day-to-day patrols and basic duties. They may have their own titles based on their function, eg. guardsman, signalman, craftsman or rifleman.

Officer

Responsible for leading small teams and overseeing daily operations.

Lieutenant

Mid-level leaders who plan strategies and coordinate larger groups.

Captain

Senior leader, managing the entirety of the guard, making high-level decisions.

Public Agenda

"Remember, our job is to keep the peace, not to start the gossip." -- unnamed Black Guard Officer

City Patrol: The Black Guard is a regular presence on Bridgeport's streets, discouraging crime and creating a feeling of security to residents. Their patrols extend to the city's outskirts, where they look for potential threats.
Building and Seaport Security: The Black Guard protects key structures in Bridgeport, including government buildings, markets and the busy seaport. Their alertness helps to prevent theft, smuggling, and other illegal actions.
Tax Enforcement: One critical component of their work is to enforce tax payments. The Black Guard guarantees that dealers and people follow the city's tax requirements, which helps to maintain Bridgeport's economic stability.
Crisis Response: In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, riot, or natural catastrophe, the Black Guard is the first responders. They coordinate efforts to reduce damage and restore order.

Notable Members

Captain Thorne Blackwell (human): He is the harsh but fair captain of the Black Guard, commanding with a combination of experience and unflinching determination. His strategic mindset and thorough awareness of Bridgeport's dynamics make him an invaluable contributor.
Lieutenant Mira Stone (kendric): Known for her keen senses and fast reactions, Lieutenant Stone excels in covert operations and intelligence collection. Her informant network aids the Black Guard in detecting possible threats early.

Lieutnant Bran Ironfist (dwarf): He is the Black Guard's enforcer. He is a big (for a dwarf) and powerful figure. His power and fighting abilities are unparalleled, making him a fearsome force in battle.
Officer Elara Swift (wibbit): She is the Guard's quickest runner, both by name and by nature. She often serves as a courier and scout, conveying critical information across the city with surprising speed.

"Ironfist is tougher than dragon scales, but still can't open a jar of pickles without asking for help." -- unnamed former Black Guard member

History

2410 PB: The Founding of Bridgeport

Formation of the Guard: As Bridgeport was founded, the need for a city watch became apparent. The original city watch was a small force made up of local volunteers, primarily focused on maintaining order and protecting the fledgling town from bandits and wild animals.

2453 PB: The Official Formation of the Black Guard

Royal Decree: Recognising the strategic importance of Bridgeport, the Farenian Empire officially established the Black Guard. This decree transformed the local city watch into a professional military unit under imperial control, tasked with protecting the city and its harbour.

2576 PB: The Great Pirate Invasion

Defensive Success: The Black Guard successfully repelled a pirate invasion, securing Bridgeport’s status as a vital trade hub. This victory solidified the Guard's reputation and led to an increase in funding and resources from the Empire.

2601 PB: The Black Guard's First Major Corruption Scandal

Internal Purge: Several high-ranking members of the Black Guard were found guilty of corruption and bribery. The scandal led to a major internal purge and the establishment of stricter regulations and oversight within the Guard.

2674 PB: The Construction of the New Barracks

Modernization Effort: To accommodate the growing population and the expanding responsibilities of the Black Guard, new barracks were constructed. This modernization effort included upgraded facilities and better living conditions for the guards.

2755 PB: The Bridgeport Riots

Civil Unrest: A period of civil unrest and riots in Bridgeport tested the capabilities of the Black Guard. Their effective, though sometimes heavy-handed, response helped restore order and prevented the spread of chaos to other parts of the city.

2800 PB: The Integration with the Imperial Military

Structural Reorganisation: The Black Guard was formally integrated into the broader structure of the Farenian Empire's military forces. This integration brought more resources and training but also increased the Guard’s responsibilities and oversight by the Empire.

2837 PB: The Establishment of the Council of Ten

Local Authority: The Council of Ten was established as the governing body of Bridgeport (replacing the existing mayor), with authority over the Black Guard. This shift aimed to balance imperial control with local governance, allowing for more responsive and efficient management of the city’s security needs.

2865 PB: Present Day

Modern Challenges: Today, the Black Guard faces a range of modern challenges, from dealing with the influx of visitors during the Festival of the Rusty Pipe to managing crime and maintaining order in a rapidly growing city.

Duty, Honour, Vigilance

Bridgeport City Guide

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Bridgeport

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The map of Bridgeport, a harbour city located in the south of Farenia, showcases a maritime center characterized by vibrant activity and bustling trade.

Type

Government, Law Enforcement

Alternative Names

Blacks

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Veteran

Ruling Organization

Council of Ten

Parent Organization

Farenian Empire

Location

Bridgeport

GM info / spoilers / plot hooks.

This is GM information