City/Town Guard, A Job Harsh and Wild

The world is mad. It is an age of criminals running amok, cults hiding in dingy alleyways, smugglers opening black markets for drugs and slaves, assassins killing important leaders, gangs killing and torturing their fellow man, and far worse things that lurk in the darkness of the concrete jungles of the city streets. The common man lashes out at the law with protest or whispered dissent, and admist all this chaos and turmoil, there lies the only thing keeping the law of the land and the lord from crumbling away: the humble guard.
While most cities have a town or city guard, their size can vary greatly, though they are typically not very numerous. Guards are those humble and brave men and women who take upon the job of keeping the law of the land in order and the common man safe and contained. Without law we are but beasts in sheep's clothing, and so it falls to these guards to see to it that the laws of the king or whoever may be in charge are seen through. Unlike the levied soldiery typical of most nations, guards are full-time professionals, and are decently trained in the ways of war. They are moderately armed, and all recruits into the guard swear an oath to serve the lord of the land faithfully and truthfully. To uphold the word of law, apprehend the criminal, and defend the innocent from harm.
Least, thats what it says on the tin. In truth, the guard is like any group inhabited by mortal man: prone to corruption, laziness, and over-zealotry. Corruption can come in many forms, from a guard asking for more than the toll says at the gate, to entire criminal groups having a guard force or leader under their control from bribes and other methods. While it is unfair to say that every guard force is highly corrupt, corruption is indeed a rather widespread problem that transcends nations and cultures.
Regardless, the guards of cities and towns are some of the first and last line of defense for the population. Guards are commonly at the gate or entrance of the city or town proper, observing the coming travelers and merchants seeking entry into town. They have full disclosure to refuse entry to individuals (within reason), and also collect the toll for entering the settlement. Similar to those at the gate are those working at docks, who typically are more heavily armed due to most trade vessels coming by boat. These ports are rowdy primarily because of the sailors that man the boats, and so the dock guards are given heavier arms and armor to be able to withstand a hail of fists or bottles being thrown at them should the need arise. Of course the standard guard is simply the ones patrolling the city/town streets, and at night many take to wearing a candle on their helm and a small lantern. Nighttime patrol is some of the most nerve-wracking for guards, as countless tales of monsters stalking the darkness or killers and murders skulking about in the alleyways keep them on their toes.
Guards primarily operate form a guard post within the city. Such barracks are fairly cramped and practical first and foremost, allowing the guard to live in the watch tower and train nearby. The watch tower also commonly features a space to imprison suspects to await trail. Rarely are their vast jails to house all criminals, and so most crimes are dealt with swiftly, either being finned, publically shammed, and more extreme punishments for more serious crimes. Each watch tower is overseen by a Watch Master, or a Master of the Watch. They are a veteran guardsman (though sometimes they are merely appointed this position for being in the good graces or related to the local ruler). Above them are the Sherrifs who work closely with the ruling lord. At about the same ranking as a Sherrif is the Grand Aegis, who typically are only in cities large enough to warrant several watchtowers, and they oversee the administration of all of them. Many guard forces also make use of mastiffs and other dogs to help sniff out suspects and other vile men and women.
It is a job often thankless and cruel. It is to live a life seeing the worst mortal kind can do to each other, and do it for but 6 gold coins a month in profit. Many are scarred by what they see and the crimes they witness over time in the rougher cities, and all are wary of outsiders, espically wandering adventuerers. Despite all the pain and misery that may befall the life of the guardsmen, they still wake up early each day ready to carry out word of law, and maintain order and law in a world that seemingly tries to resist it. Blessed be the guard, for they are a sturdy and rugged lot indeed.

Career

Qualifications

Merely be of good physical condition and to pass the recruitment trials, as well as pass the training to become a guard.

Perception

Purpose

To operate in a law enforcment capacity within the towns and cities of the kingdoms of the world. To apperhend suspects and bring in for punishment and hold for trial. Authorized to use deadly force if necessary to maintain order and civility in the name of the lord.

Alternative Names

City/Town Watch, Constabulary, The Guard, Watchman, Patrolman, Coach Nappers

Type

Legal

Demand

High, though there is never enough