Dredger

The dredgers are those who willingly enter into the city sewers to eliminate threats, clear blockages, and perform maintenance therein. They are a vivacious lot, enjoying life while it lasts, and providing a safe sanitation system for thier fellow townsmen. Donning protective armor and breathing apparatuses, they venture under the streets to clear infestations of a variety of resiliant vermin that threaten the folk above. Thier services are modestly rewarded, however the acclaim they enjoy gives them a sort of celebrity status. They are usually looked down upon, however, by more gentle (cleaner) members of society and prohibited from entering the upscale establishments of the richer districts. This is no offense to them, and they enjoy the simple things in live, living in hovels and shacks beyond the town walls, near the more rowdy taverns and inns. They recieve a strange type of immunity to disease from thier work, however many do fall quite ill from exposure to the unsanitary conditions, despite rudimentary protective gear. Although they are strong and healthy of blood, they also suffer death and defeat in combat of the sewer's constant influx of dangerous creatures and occasional armed thieves.

Qualifications

Anyone insane enough to venture into where the town flows its liquid waste is encouraged to sign up with the town guard, who permit entry and provide meals and gear to the crews.

Requirements

Only fit boys and men are allowed, and a short sanity test is performed beforehand, in case the applicant is pressured by duress, intoxication, or illness.

Appointment

New members are greeted with a hearty celebration of intoxicating drink and a modest but filling feast of meat and root veggies. They give a short speech before the communal bedtime (slept in separate quarters or in the provided shack-barrack) and give the inductee a nickname.

Duties

As long as the sewer remains functioning, and crime or pestilence does not invade they are allowed to handle things as they please. They are expected to remain hygenic despite their profession, and are provided free services at the town's lower-quality bathhouses.

Responsibilities

Blockages of detritus, roots, fungi, and unidentified viscera must be regularly cleared, tough work requiring cutting and digging equipment, wheeled carts and sometimes, even small explosives. Once in a while, they are provided some chemicals to sterilize and clean parts of the sewer, which they eventually utilize. Exterminating vermin provides the city scientists with a supply of specimens for examination and they are frequently rewarded in coin for samples.

Benefits

Free bathhouse priveleges, free provided meals and drink and shelter near the guardsmen are primary incentives besides any insane personal reasons for joining. Freedom to traverse the extensive sewer system allows many opportunities for smuggling and illicit activities as well.

Accoutrements & Equipment

A thin rubbery material made from waxed animal gut makes thier protective gear such as wading aprons, boots, gloves, goggles, and facemasks. They wear shabby clothing, and are often seen during thier downtime half-naked.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Any who are suspected of illicit activities by the town guard, or those remanded too many times for unseemely behavior are dismissed.

Type

Self proclaimed

Equates to

Something of a mix of janitor, dungeon guard, and dog-catcher