The Vigile

The Vigile (vI/jIl/eɪ) is several separate organizations extant in every major settlement within the Corithan Empire. They serve as a police force and fire brigade and are independent of the militaries, temples, and courts of the various cities they serve but can be called up as light infantry auxiliary troops to defend the city from attack. A typical member of the vigil is both police officer and firefighter; their job is to maintain safety and order within the cities they serve but the effectiveness of each Vigile organization varies. The copper plated helmets and badges worn by the Vigile have earned them the nickname 'Coppers'.

Structure

The Vigile in each city functions as a paramilitary organization separate from any feudal levies, retinues, or legions in a given area. The Vigile in each city with is commanded by a member of the equestrian class called a Prefect who commands the Constables, Decanii, Quaestors, and Watchmen of their city.
Some Vigiles have extra ranks, but these are the commonly found ranks in each city.

Watchman

The everyday members of the watch who perform routine patrol and firefighting duties.

Decanus

A senior watchman with at least six years experience who serves much the same role as his or her military counterpart in the emperor's legions. They are experienced members of the vigiles and are in charge of about 10 or 12 Watchmen apiece. They often still perform street level patrols and also pull duty in the training of recruits and drilling of the rank and file.

Quaesitor

Special members of the vigile who do not perform normal patrol and crime fighting tasks. The quaesitor investigates crime and fire scenes and hunt down criminals and fugitives.

Constable

Each prefecture house has a constable who serves as a commander. They must have a minimum 15 years in the vigil and been both a decanus and a quaesitor.

Prefect

The prefect is the top cop of each city. The prefect oversees the operations of each city's vigile as well as the training, budget, and other such important matters. Prefects are raised by the city government from among the ranks of the constables and serving as a prefect gains one lifetime entry into the Equestrian class of minor landless nobility.

Public Agenda

Police and protect the cities of the empire from crime and fire.

Assets

Vigiles maintain semi-fortified prefecture houses in every large town, city, and metropolis that serve as jails, armories, and stockpiles.They contain the uniforms, armor, and weapons of each member as well as the tools necessary for fighting fires. For more see The Vigile's Equipment and Training .

History

Emperor Sextus decreed the creation of the Vigile in 373 IR when it became apparent that a unified police force would be required to keep the peace in the urban centers of the growing empire. The first Vigiles were in every provincial capitol by 378 and by 504 they also took on the duty of fire brigade.

Always Vigilant

Founding Date

378 IR

Type

Civil Services

Alternative Names

Coppers, Watchmen, The Watch, The Guard

Demonym

Vigil

Parent Organization

The Empire of Coritha

Notable Members

• Claudia Lum