The Watch

The Watch was the civil constabulary of Baldur's Gate who patrolled and protected the citizens of its Upper City. They were headquartered within the Watch Citadel, the grand keep that served as their logistical launch point and housed their training grounds, located in the appropriately named Citadel Streets district.
Unlike the Flaming Fist, who acted as soldiers and fought against threats both domestic and abroad, the Watch had limited authority and could not act outside the city proper.

Structure

There were nine distinct ranks within the Watch. In ascending order they were:

• Shield: Private
• Sarmar: Sergeant
• Vigilar: Lieutenant
• Sword: Captain
• Havilar: Major
• Commandal: Colonel
• Highsword: Six major generals
• Oversar: Two generals who reported directly to the Grand Duke

Culture

Membership in the Watch is highly sought after, because its members are permitted to reside in the Upper City of Baldur's Gate, alongside the patriar and other wealthy and influential Baldurians. This has resulted in Watch membership becoming slightly hereditary, as current Watchmen want to provide for their own families. Exceptions are plentiful, however, such as former Oversar Maxwell Solloway.

Assets

The total strength of the Watch numbered around 1,000, with 300 watchmen active at any one time. This number include a small contingent of knights, who were given permission to ride their warhorses on the city walls.

History

The modern day Watch can trace its origins all the way back to the original guardians of Baldur's Gate.
In the mid-1400's, the Watch's responsibilities were solely limited to that of the Upper City. Responsibilty of the Lower City was handed over to the Flaming Fist.
Due to their location in the Upper City, the Watch was slow to arrive on scene during the 1482 Bhaalspawn Crisis. Conversely, the Watch took far less causalities during the Baldur's Gate Uprising than the Flaming Fist did.

Founding Date

300 DR

Type

Government, Law Enforcement

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Experienced

Demonym

Watchman

Location

Baldur's Gate