The Crownsguard

The Crownsguard are the enforcers of law and order in Craven, a stalwart force clad in navy who patrol the streets and keep peace in the shadow of the Crown. Though publicly heralded as defenders of the common folk, their coffers are filled by House Sokolov — one of Craven’s wealthiest and most influential noble families, who ensure the interests of the upper echelon are well-looked-after. With boots on every thoroughfare and eyes in every alley, the Crownsguard are the unblinking presence that ensures the city doesn’t tear itself apart at the seams, with responsibilities that range from criminal investigation to crowd control. From Fort Zenith, their walled castle in the Fettered Ward, they coordinate their efforts, conducting interrogations and issuing warrants with peak efficiency. While their authority is not without controversy, most citizens agree on one truth: when something menacing is afoot, the Crownsguard are always the first through the door.

The command structure is rigid but meritocratic. Those who survive long enough and prove themselves capable are granted the title of Ser, a gender-neutral badge of service akin to knighthood, and a mark of seniority on the force. Beneath them, thousands of officers make up the rank-and-file, supported by two specialized branches: the Cerberans, who protect the Necropolis and oversee its sacred ordinances, and the Wardens, a unit of Ackerland rangers tasked with monitoring the tree line of the Fanes for threats. These assignments are considered both a privilege and a burden — officers are expected to fulfill their duties with courage, honor, and absolute loyalty to the Crown, no matter the threats they face. The Crownsguard are not beloved by all, but they are feared, respected, and ever-present. In a city where secrets fester like open wounds, and violence could be waiting around any corner, they are the armor wrapped tight around Craven’s vulnerable heart.

[GM Note: Of all the active organizations in the Isles, the Crownsguard is the only one where rank really matters. As mentioned in the description above, the Crownsguard has four leaders (or “Sers”) that serve as Captains for each of Craven’s Quarters, handling most of the paperwork and public relations. Directly below them are the Lieutenants, who exercise control over the precinct of each ward on behalf of their captain, and for each lieutenant, there are two Sergeants that help supervise lower-ranking officers. Just below the sergeants are the Inspectors, who handle individual cases by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, et cetera. The number of inspectors active in each ward varies on a literal case-by-case basis. The lowest two ranks of the Crownsguard assume similar roles in the city, and are the most frequently encountered of all officers. These are the Constables, a minimum of twelve of whom patrol each ward at any given time, and the Sentries, who are split into groups of four and assigned to a particular location, but are typically better armed.]