The Bergsburg Watchmen and the City Guard

The watchmen of Bergsburg, or the Honourable Grand Company of Watchmen of Bergsburg as they are formally known, are a well-run operation today. This has much to do with their leader, Captain Faustus Asprill, who completely reorganised the watch a couple of years ago. Before then, the Watch consisted mainly of volunteers and draftees under a system going back to the beginning of the Dark Ages, when the burghers of Bergsburg formed small companies to help defend the city against aggressors. The oldest of these, the Ancient and Esteemed First Company of Watchmen of Bergsburg, formed in 1998 IC when Bergsburg was attacked by the notorious Baron Robert von Saftenwasser and exists to this day, although nowadays its sole function is an exclusive club for 24 leading burghers of some of the city's oldest families.

Now, after Captain Asprill's reorganisation, the Watch consists of some five scores of professional watchmen who are equally split in two detachments operating on each side of the Drakwasser, known respectively as the Uberfluss and Unterfluss companies and each lead by a captain lieutenant. The Uberfluss company has its headquarters in Beilheim, while the Unterfluss company operates out of Der Skuldanturm in Sudentor. Normally, the Watch operates in teams of a sergeant and three ordinary soldiers patrolling the districts of Bergsburg. As is typical of the Empire, wealthier neighbourhoods are patrolled much more intensely than poorer districts. The Watch also maintains smaller post stations in various key places in addition to their two headquarters, including Grossplatz, Harzel, Rolandsbrücke, and the Grindolturm in Viehstadt.

The Bergsburg Watch are in charge of the streets of Bergsburg, while the Baron's soldiers of the City Guard patrol the Castle and the city walls, including the various gates to the city. Hence, the former are also known as the Interior Guard, and the latter as the Exterior Guard.

The Watchmen of Bergsburg are generally well regarded by the local public, reflecting a more civil and respectful attitude than is found elsewhere in the Empire. This probably reflects the Shallyan influence on the Council and the wider culture and atmosphere of Bergsburg. Still, the Bergsburg Watch does have its share of sadistic and corrupt members, including one Heinrich Witzenber.