Landguard of Otheia

Part of Culture of Otheia
The Landguard of Otheia are a form of law enforcement found throughout the various realms of the Augkarate. Generally, their responsibility is to patrol the roads and wilderness for bandits, smugglers, raiders and other threats to travelers. 
The realms are quite large, and outside of the large towns, the impact of its good citizens can drop off quickly, giving way to miles of untamed wilderness and lonely haunts. It falls to the Landguard to patrol these foreboding scapes, and to prevent what lives within from coming out. 
Ranging from common brigands and highwaymen, to the goblinoid raiders, the wild woods of Otheia are full of threats. In order to protect the roads and those who travel them, the realms employ the Landguard, who patrol the these isolated areas.
Some Landguard are entrusted with a single stretch of road, others are assigned a large patch of land to protect. Considering their long stretches away from civilization and low pay, it takes those with strong determination to do their duty, and many falter. However, many join the Landguard in search of adventure, and Landguard members are often the protagonists of many tales. One of the greatest draws, however, of joining the Landguard, is the freedom it provides. Usually, a Landguard Officer is allowed to travel anywhere within the realm they operate, regardless of land ownership or laws preventing access to the stretch they wish to travel. 
Depending on the realm and who is in power at the time, the authority and reach of the Landguard has varied, with some only patrolling the roads, others having the power and strength to attack and defeat gangs of bandits and smugglers numbering in the hundreds. However, usually the Landguard rely on local militia and garrison forces to defeat the larger threats they uncover. 
Landguards are often equipped with a sword, bow, and horse. Armor and other equipment is supplied by the officer themselves. 
Landguard, in times of war, may serve well as scouts, and make ideal candidates for Rangers. 
Not to be confused with Landsguard, a type of militia raised in times of need.
Category:Culture of Otheia
Category:Armies of Otheia