Eccles actually has two groups that maintain the laws within the church, though the Church Guard is the most commonly encountered of the two, enforcing the regular laws as one would expect. Beyond the Church Guard, there is also the Inquisition, which cares little for 'mortal laws' and instead focusses on rooting out heretics and those who violate the 'divine laws'. The two do not usually work together, though Church Guard may be employed to enforce the will of the inquisition.

The tabards for Church Guards members is white and yellow, with the Keys prominently displayed, though they may done other clothing on some missions. Officers have helmets with long feathers, though they are ceremonial in nature and not often used in actual patrols for example.

The Church Guard is a military-style organization and it requires strict order from its members, which includes regular attendance of church services, making confession with a priest and independent prayer.

The Church Guards jurisdiction covers the entire West Quarter.

History

The Church Guard evolved from the Ecclesian armed forces stationed here back when peace with Vorus was fresh and unstable. Over time, as the dust settled and things calmed down, its function changed from anti-invasion force to a proper police force.

Notably, the Church Guard has been part of various church-related missions that were not directly related to security such as the retrieval of relics, and this tradition is likely to continue into the future.

Ranks

See also: Military Commission

Guard: Guards do most of the patrolling and standing watch, often performing such functions ceremonially as many events don't actually require as much security as is often present.

Sergeant: Sergeants are guards who have served for a set duration, and though promotions may be granted for bravery or heroics as well, this is rare.

Lieutenant: Lieutenants are required to swear an oath to the church as they join, and this is pretty strictly enforced. As an extra benefit though, lieutenants and their wives are guaranteed a pension should they become infirm or too old to work. This is the first officer position in the Church Guard.

Captain: Granted the title of "Champion of the Faith" with their rank, captains generally are tasked with specific area's, be they geographical or conceptual to cover. Thus, a captain may cover a specific neighbourhood in the city or be in charge of dealing with fraud. This is the minimum rank for nobles who join the organization.

Major: Majors often investigate more complicated criminal matters and coordinate multiple captains who's area's of expertise overlap (such as when fraud is happening in a specific area of the city). This is the maximum rank for commoners, unless married into the nobility.

Colonel: Granted the title of "Hero of the Faith" with their rank, colonels cover a wide area of tasks and hold significant influence with the higher ups as they are expected to keep their ear to the ground where the highest ranks are busy with the details of politics. Piety is very important to gain this rank.

General: There are various ranks with the general titles, though they are all referred to as general. Many generals are quite zealous, but the older ones often adapt a more practical mannerism between all the piety and ceremony.

Requirements

To join the Church Guard, a character must be a faithful in good standing with the Ecclesian Church and must have no recent criminal history. Women are not allowed to join the Church Guard.