The Legion, 3rd Watchmen Corps

Enlisted soldiers and watchmen are expected to follow standard regulation and don only authorized equipment on the field. More often then not this is always the case, however, in some cases (or between units) some guardsmen may be allotted specialized equipment or varying kits for different situations. For the most part, however, all watchmen are issued the same basic kit and are expected to keep it maintained, clean, and presentable. The only accepted change in uniforms are weapons on hand, with only a basic, double-edged longsword issued by the barracks. This sword is coupled with a sap, and dagger. If one so desires they may bring their own weapon (with a sheath), and it must not be garish in design, and for the most parts modest. Crossbows are handed out to sentries, and men on the ramparts. Wooden shields and bucklers are offered at the backs for guardsmen strained sword-and-board, if not, guards are to wield their longswords hand-and-half at all times. Guardsmen adept in the arcane arts (a very rare case, as most are simply denied) they are not required to wear gauntlets, however helmets are required no matter the inconvenience. The most basic kit is as follows, and is most often employed by patrolling guardsmen, and is best represented by the Watchmen picture reference.

• An iron helmet. Often equipped with a visor mask. Variations exist to accommodate varying racial features.
  
• A leather coif.
  
• A black cloak, pinned with corps insignia.
  
• A button-down, yellow tabard. Worn over the Guardsmen's surcoat.
  
• A leather surcoat, worn over chainmail.
  
• A chainmail hauberk, worn under surcoat.
  
• A pair of leather gauntlets. Added plating protects the forearms and wrists.
  
• A leather belt that may be coupled with a bandolier. Both are to be fitted with pouches.
  
• A pair of leather trousers. Padding may be added to the legs.
  
• A pair of leather boots. May be exchanged for mail greaves by request.
  
• A longsword. Double edged, with a cruciform hilt long enough for to be used two handed. Sheathed at the hip.
  
• A dagger, with a sheath for the hip.
  
• A sap (or blackjack), with a sheath for the hip.
  
• An assortment of other guardsmen paraphernalia. Includes, but not limited to, manacles, keys, warrants, medical kits, whetstones, and mute stones.
  

While rarely issued to Watchmen, some cases call for heavier armor and equipment. These tools are often borrowed from the Legionnaires who are otherwise always stationed on city borders or combating threats in the Savage Lands. When local threats arise, and Watchmen need to be armored and ready for battle at a moment's notice these armors and weapons are lent out to the corps. In these dire situations Guardsmen may find their leather surcoats and huaberks exchanged for half-plate mail suits. These suits are much heavier then they may be accustomed to but provide much, much more armor with their interlocking steel plates. The helmet is always fit with a visor, with mail greaves and gauntlets an absolute must. Issued weapons remain the same, save for the metal shields usually on reserve for active Legionnaires. Is it an essential part of training that Watchmen be ready for the change should Estavyr come under attack and all standing soldiers are expected to take to the front lines.

The first few weeks in the Watchmen corps are spent as a Recruit. These recruits are expected to wear a different garb entirely as they are trained. Rarely are these recruits forced into anything more then simple sentry duty (with a few days spent scrubbing down latrines) and their armor often reflects that. The chainmail huaberks are replaced with quilted surcoats, thick, padded armors that rival leather with their protection. Every and all plated mail is absent save for the metal gauntlets recruits are trained to wear. The longsword is sacrificed in favor for the shortsword, a much easier blade to wield when coupled with the long shafted spears recruits often carry on sentry duty. All of this may change however during training exercises where recruits are growing familiar with arms and armor they will be wearing as on-roster Watchmen.

Guard regulation runs paralel with Estavyr's standard laws in almost every way. The only real difference between the two being that guards are often punished much more severely for their crimes, as they are expected to be upholding them. What may be considered a simple crime for a commoner may be trialed treason in the legion. An excerpt of some rules follows.

1. You are a law-abiding citizen first, and a guardsmen second. Respect the law.
   
2. Citizens are to be treated with utmost respect at all times.
   
3. The accused will always be trialed. These are our basic rights.
   
4. You will follow your superior's orders first, above all else. You will never question command.
   
5. Arcane arts are not to be used on duty for any means unless authorized by command.
   
6. Your arms and armor will always be sharpened and polished. You must look the part to be the part.
   
7. You will act. When called upon by citizen or superior alike, you will answer the call to duty.
   
8. You will see to any reports, and every investigation (no matter the case) is to be taken as seriously as the next.
   
9. Warrants must be issued before searching private properties. These warrants may be issued by any senior staff member with reasonable suspicions.
   
10. Drinking on the job is prohibited.
    
11. The abuse of mana, or any related paraphernali is extremely prohibited.
    
12. Only Legion staff are permitted into the barracks. Others are to be expelled unless authorized by command.
    
13. No guardsmen will engage in relations with another guardsmen. Violators are to be transferred immediately.
    

More often then not Watchmen are allowed one or two strikes before their job is on the line. Floggings and suspensions are the most common punishments handed out by command, with only repeat offenders trialed for treason (and subsequently hung). Unless the accused are guilty with crimes more severe then these, in which case they will be trialed as explained in Estavyr's laws.