The Northern Watch

The Northern Watch are an organisation part of the Emmeri Battlemages Order, the division of the Emmeri military that incorperates an incredibly standardised Order of combat mages. The Northern Watch is responsible for law enforcement duties in the North of Emmerion, particularly across the Kelbrikan border, and frequently utilises magic in order to achieve this.

Structure

The Northern Watch is divided into Posts, or Stations. There are typically one per major settlement, but some settlements may have more than one and some Posts may be based in rural areas instead. A Post takes the form of a building, usually small but well-furnished. Each Post is assigned a Constable, who mainly oversees the internal running of the Post but also takes an active role in operations as well. There is also a small group of around 8 Watchmen dedicated to training future Watchmen, and take residence in Arebello Academy, and while the Battlemages at the academy have their own group of 12 Watchmen, they are often seen training standard Battlemages as well.

Culture

The Watch's Crest

The Heraldic Crest of the Northern Watch is affectionately referred to as the Black Diamond (which in itself became a synonym for the duties associated with the Watch, in the same way as the title of a monarchy can be referred to as the crown). It is a black Lozenge on which is a blue Fess (horizontal bar). In the centre is a depiction of a silver lily. Occasionally, the lily may be set within a white circle (taken from the Emmeri Battlemage heraldic crest) to represent the merging of the two groups but this is not common practise. The Crest is often worn around the neck on a pendent, but is also placed on buildings or onto rings and other jewelry.

History

The Watch was founded in 1342, in response to public concern over the criminal justice system within the Northern Areas of Emmerion, especially with terrorism, which was a major concern at the time. While the group's original goal was purely to deal with dangerous cases in the Northern Province's capital, they now fulfill a variety of roles across a wide area. In 1445, the Northern Watch was given a far more standardised training system, and it's academy, Arebello Academy, was constructed. This standardised training system paved the way for the Emmeri Battlemages Order. They are older than the Emmeri Battlemages by almost 200 years, with the Battlemages founded in 1485. The two groups were merged in 1532, with the Northern Watch becoming a subdivision of the Battlemages.

Equipment

The Northern Watch's apparel is very different from that typically used by Emmeri Battlemages. Gone are the white and gold surcoats and the steel armour, replaced with black overcoats and a platinum collar, on which is fastened the Northern Watch Heraldic Crest. In the North of Emmerion, the uniform has become synonymous with law-enforcement.

Founding Date

1342

Demonym

Northern Watchman