Xiros Defense Force

The**Xiros Defense Force**, also known as the **XDF** is a law enforcement agency that operates in the City of Xiros, one of the many cities on the Qethos Ark. Known to the general public as protectors, the XDF patrols the city and responds to criminal activity and threats to public safety. The XDF has done much to protect Xiros in the centuries since the Shattering and have allowed it to thrive as one of the safest and most prosperous cities in Io.

## Objectives

The primary objective of the XDF is to uphold the law and to protect the populace of Xiros. Like many of the Defense Forces on Qethos, the XDF answers to the political powers of Xiros, such as the senator, to aid in public security. The XDF also oversees the imprisonment and processing of criminals, the most serous of which are kept in a maximum security facility suspended under the Ark called The Vault.

## Description

The XDF are usually identified by their black uniforms. Detectives and other plainclothes officers have varied outfits, though a shirt and tie dress code appears to be in effect. Every XDF member, even plainclothes prots, wears a pauldron on their left shoulder while on duty. The pauldron consists of a brass badge bearing the emblem of the XDF.

## Organizational Structure

The XDF is structured much like a modern police force. Several bases of operations oversee certain districts which are overseen by a central headquarters. Higher up officers, such as captains, decide much of the day-to-day duties of the force. Detective and sergeants lead investigations while being backed up by other junior officers. Detectives in particular appear to be assigned a junior officer to assist them full time. There also appears to be a probation system, which new officers like Dash Whiskers are put under to determine their capability as protectors of Xiros.

## History

### Founding

It is unknown when the XDF was first founded, or if they were successors to a previous military force. Regardless, the XDF have faithfully served Xiros for centuries. Much of their efforts were spent in neutralizing threats to Xiros and capturing criminals, of which they were mostly successful. Some members of the force, such as Logan Horn, became well-known for their efficacy and dedication. With their watchful guardianship of Xiros, the city developed into a safe and peaceful metropolis. The Xiros Defense Force also built up a rivalry with other defense forces across Qethos, though it is yet unknown if this rivalry is anything beyond friendly.

### The Façade Murders

Perhaps the most notable failure in the XDF's tenure as Xiros' protectors was the handling of the Façade Murders. Façade was a serial killer with a particularly gruesome method of execution. They would paralyze the victim and then petrify the face in an image of pain and terror. Much of the XDF's forces were committed to tracking down and apprehending them criminal. Logan Horn was one such detective and he was involved for much of the case. However, beyond traces of wax left at the crime scene, any leads on Façade's whereabouts or even identity went cold. In their desperation, the XDF even reached out to one of their most dangerous prisoners; the vampire Victor von Cicero. However, even with his aid, they were unable to track down the serial killer. Eventually, Façade mysteriously stopped his killing spree. For the next twenty years, the investigation was considered a cold case and a permeant stain on the XDF's otherwise prestigious record.

## Prominent Members

### Leaders

* **Edwin Cobblefield** - Captain of the Xiros Defense Force

### Senior Officers

* **Logan Horn** - Detective
* **Cagan Yegoth†** - Sergeant

### Officers

* **Dash Whiskers** - Probation Officer
* **Keres Creed** - Probation Officer

### External Collaborators

* **Senator Thalin Daiboros†** - Newly elected Senator representing the City of Xiros.
* **Victor Valentin von Cicero** - Dhampir prisoner often consult for his underworld knowledge.
* **Hob** - Owner of a popular diner frequented by XDF officers.

## Etymology

"Xiros" appears to be an original name created for the Ioverse.

A "defense force" is a title usually used by the military forces of certain nations and sovereign states.

## Trivia

* The slang "prots" appears to be short for "protectors".