Merchant Guard of Oð

The grizzled rug seller harrumphed back into his store, slamming the door behind him. Ðandar looked down at the three boys sitting against the wall. Their elbows and hands were tied behind them. Their lowered faces were covered in cuts, swelling, and bruises that would only get worse in the days to come. One of Ðandar’s men stood nearby, looking a little too eager to use his mailed-fist again. “These were kids”, Ðandar thought to himself. “The old man had beaten them with a stick for loitering too close to his shop. They lived in this neighborhood. They had every right to be here. After numerous assaults, they responded by rushing the store and urinating on his merchandise.” Ðandar grinned despite himself. The old man was lucky that was all they did. Now that there was a report, he had no choice but to present them to the magistrate. Ðandar sighed. “They will be whipped, chastened, and released.” Crumpling the report in his hand, the Silversword shoved it into his belt-purse. Sometimes he hated his job. Pushing his man aside, Ðandar helped each boy to his feet, whispering as he did so, “Fuck the old man.”

Members

  • Orála of Ensòret, Patron of the Merchant Guard
  • Mēáza Màldaron, High Guardsman
    • , Ward Guardsman of Kreyard
    • , Ward Guardsman of Kryard
    • Sīlis Dàgarin, Ward Guardsman of Naryard
    • , Ward Guardsman of Pryard
    • , Ward Guardsman of Sulyard

Organization

The Merchant Guard of Oð is the enforcement branch of the Merchants’ Guild of Oð. It is controlled by two people, the Patron of the Merchant Guard who claims a seat within the Merchants’ Guild and the High Guardsman who is the highest ranking officer in the Guard. Ostensibly, the Merchant Guard falls under the rule of the Patron High Lord of Oð, but that is not completely true. While the Guard’s Patron does answer to the Guildmaster, the High Guardsman acts in the best interest of the Guard. Though most of the Merchant Guard’s purse-strings are controlled by the Guild, it is also true that without the Guard’s enforcement the Guild would never be able to collect money for its fees, licenses, and fines. That being said, the current High Guardsman is very well-compensated for being pro-Guild.

The Guard operates like a police force, though it rarely intercedes in non-business matters. If a group of bandits interferes with teamsters crossing the Barrens, the Merchant Guard will assemble in force. If a murderer stalks the Naryard preying on poor widows and orphans, the local Coppersword might refer you to the local Lord’s Men barracks.

Ranks

There are nine main ranks within the Merchant Guard, represented by precious metal coins. Within each metal category (e.g., copper, silver, gold) there are three ranks. These are typically displayed on the chest armor of each Guard, with three-coins arranged in a triangle (point-up). Keeping the coins polished is a point of pride within the Guard. Status is also conferred by the value and rarity of the coins. Dekàli coins, for instance, may be awarded to distinguished Guardsmen.

  • Thrice-Coined Goldsword, High Guardsman
  • Twice-Coined Goldsword, Ward Guardsman
  • Once-Coined Goldsword, Precinct Guardsman, Captain
  • Thrice-Coined Silversword, Lieutenant, Master Detective
  • Twice-Coined Silversword, Master Sergeant, Detective
  • Once-Coined Silversword, Sergeant
  • Thrice-Coined Coppersword, Corporal
  • Twice-Coined Coppersword, Street Guard
  • Once-Coined Coppersword, Recruit, First-Year