Custodes Vitae

The medics also known as Custodes Vitae, of the Dercian legions are some of the highest-trained healers in Mirateia. They are responsible for the health and well-being of the legions and play a vital role during battles and in the daily lives of the soldiers in the camp.
Medics are normally selected from individuals with some experience in healing such as temple acolytes but there are also Medical academies that train potential candidates as medics, everyone can sign up but the schools have a high attrition rate, and only 30% will pass. These academies are often attracted to major garrison cities.
Students at the academies will be trained in anatomy, battlefield triage, herbalism, and basic surgery and for those with magic abilities, they will be tough basic healing spells.
During the last year at the academies, the students will follow a veteran medic in the field, this can range from following a cohort on a campaign or being attached to caravans. Back during the Civil War, the medics would treat wounds in a moving wagon when the legions were on the move and they would be in charge of constructing field hospitals during the sieges.
When a medic retires from the legion, they normally set out to find a small village or settlement who are in need of a healer.

Role in the Legion

When the legions are on the march, the medics travel with them and set up their tents and infirmaries in the camp, the medics ensure that the soldiers maintain a good standard of hygiene, and treat minor ailments such as blisters or twisted ankles.
During battles, the medics work in pairs of two or teams, they will be stationed behind the main body of soldiers at certain intervals along the line, during the battle they will perform emergency triage, bandaging wounds and stabilizing injured soldiers, making sure the injured gets transported back to the field hospitals were medics can treat the wounds better or give them potions that will speed up the recovery.
The medics of the Dercian legions are unlike their counterparts in other armies, armed and to some degree armoured, they are trained to defend themself and their patients should the need arise, and they will be carrying light weapons such as daggers or short swords.
After a battle, the medics will oversee the treatment of the injured, deciding who can return to service and who would eventually have to be discharged from the army, they document casualties and injured for records known among the soldiers as the "Butches bill"

Tools and Equipment

Satchel containing healing Supplies: such as bandages, needles, thread, salves, and medicinal herbs such as willow bark against pain or garlic for antiseptic.
They have a small knife for surgical procedures and water skin to clean wounds.
Some of the medics who can do magic are given enchanted salveds and healing stones that are able to heal minor wounds and return the soldier to the battle within minutes.

Famous Custodes Vitae

Alea Marcenia was a legendary medic who during The Decade of 5 Emperors is credited with saving an entire cohort by some innovative methods and by exposing herself to danger to retrieve medical potions or herbs during the cohorts march from its escape from Pearlhal to Emitlestar 
Varran Pellitus became known for his combination of healing magic and herbal remedies to create treatments what are now considered standard practice in the legions.

Type

Military, Medical

Formation Type

Legions

Training Level

Elite

Veterancy Level

Veteran

Associated deity
The Custodes Vitae follows Lysan, the deity of care and restoration.

Uniform
Custodes Vitae wear a light grey tunic with a red band or sash around their arm, identifying them as a medic during battle.