In the United Provinces, as in the Cedonian Empire before it, law enforcement in much of the country is in the hands of local nobility, who appoint sheriffs and bailiffs to handle rural policing. In many of the larger cities, particularly those cities which are chartered, a city watch provides police and fire protection. The best and largest example is the Thalcedon City Watch, with around 1,000 men. The Watch's primary duties are fire control and prevention, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. The Watch is commanded by the Civic Prefect, a retired legion Prefect appointed by the Councillor for Home Affairs. Other Watch officers are also former military, but many of the men come from the lower strata of society. The minimum term of service in the Watch is six years, at the end of which the Watchman receives the right to vote. The Thalcedon City Watch is split into several sections. The Day Watch and the Night Watch have about 400 men each. About 300 men in each section are assigned to foot patrol. While these patrolmen have full police powers, their primary task is to watch for fires. The remaining 100 in each section are split into five groups assigned to the five most important station-houses. These twenty-man teams are the ones who respond to major fires. A Watchmen who shows a talent for law enforcement may be promoted to the ranks of the Investigators. This elite group of 100 are the City Watch's detectives, assigned to solve crimes that actually present a mystery, as opposed to the ordinary domestic murder. A few members of the Investigators are not promoted up from the Day & Night Watches, but are instead recruited directly for their special skills. This group includes Lucian Truthseekers, Cedonite-trained accountants, and a group of Coronite Black-Robes who serve as Thalcedon's Medical Examiners. The Medical Section makes up the final division of the City Watch. It consists of 100 men, usually either former legion field medics and surgeons, or medical students from the University of Thalcedon. When the Night or Day Watch is called to a fire, a group from the Medical Section will respond to provide aid to those injured. As with the legion's medical service, most members of the Medical Section are affiliated with the order of Mithrak. A Note on Medical Practice in Cedonia: -------------------------------------- In Cedonia, there are four gods who are in some way connected to the practice of medicine. They are: * Lucia: Mental Illness * Arlova: Disease & Convalesence * Mithrak: Trauma * Coron(White Robes): Chronic, Congenital, and Terminal Illness Andrew ---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send mail to celandra-off@phoenyx.net.
