The City Watch of Bard’s Gate is a well-equipped and reasonably well-paid force responsible for maintaining order in the city. While they perform their duties effectively, corruption is widespread, with many officers engaging in bribery, smuggling, and backroom deals with local guilds and crime families. Still, there are those within the ranks who seek to uphold the law with integrity, creating a constant tension between honest guards and opportunistic officers.
Hierarchy & Organization
The City Watch is structured in a strict chain of command, with ranks as follows:
- Captain of the Watch – Commands the entire city watch. Reports directly to the Lord Mayor.
- Watch Commanders – Each oversees a district’s watch garrison.
- Lieutenants – Lead patrol groups and manage administrative duties.
- Sergeants – Field officers who oversee squads and enforce discipline.
- Constables – Standard rank-and-file watchmen patrolling the streets.
- Watch Recruits – New hires in training.
Noteworthy Members
Captain of the Watch – Marcavian Thrace
A grizzled veteran with over two decades in service. Efficient, pragmatic, and politically savvy, Marcavian plays both sides of the law. He takes bribes but ensures the city remains stable. Known for his steel-gray eyes, short-cropped hair, and a fondness for strong drink.
Watch Commander – Gared Valmor
Oversees the dregs, a hotbed of smuggling and organized crime. Rumored to be on Guaco’s payroll, but no evidence has ever surfaced. Prefers to keep a low profile, ensuring problems solve themselves.
Watch Commander – Rholdan Draymar
A hard-nosed officer commanding the wealthier districts. Uncompromising and incorruptible, he has made many enemies in the watch. Once survived an assassination attempt, but his body still bears the scars.
Lieutenant – Syanne Elmaris
One of the few female officers to rise through the ranks, known for her sharp mind and sharper blade. Willing to bend the law if it means taking down criminals who think themselves untouchable.
Lieutenant – Brathen Kelmar
A towering, scarred brute who loves violence a little too much. Has a reputation for “losing” suspects who resist arrest. Most officers fear him, and those who challenge his methods often end up with broken ribs.
Sergeant – Veymar Tolvas
A well-respected sergeant who tries to balance enforcing the law with keeping his men alive. Plays peacemaker between honest guards and the corrupt ones, but everyone knows his patience is wearing thin.
Sergeant – Odan Grel
Known as "The Coinkeeper," Odan ensures the bribes reach the right pockets. He rarely patrols, spending most of his time managing the unspoken rules of corruption. If a guard wants to look the other way for a fee, Odan makes sure it happens cleanly.
Constable – Harvyn Lorrak
A young and idealistic officer who still believes in justice. His fellow guards consider him naïve, but he has a talent for getting witnesses to talk. If he survives long enough, he could be a real threat to the Watch’s corrupt underbelly.
Constable – Dorn Halbrecht
Big, dumb, and brutally effective. Dorn follows orders without question and enjoys cracking skulls. The perfect muscle for the corrupt officers who need an enforcer.
"Sorek Redmarch walked into the Watch House like a man measuring coffins. He’d been given the keys to a kingdom of filth, a throne of bribes, and a scepter of lies—but the Dragonguard at his back meant he didn’t have to play the game. The Watch knew it too. The crooked ones measured their exits, the honest ones held their breath. A clean man in a dirty room makes everyone uncomfortable, and Sorek intended to scrub until someone screamed."
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