The Code of the Northguard

[Orlanth 3525]

 

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The Code of the Northguard

And Militias of the Kingdom of Norland

Issued 12th of Sun's Smile 1795

In the Name of King Halvar I

By the Order of Marshal Donovan Freysson II

 

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Contents

1. Duty of the Guardsmen and Militiamen

2. Hierarchy of the Northguard

3. Processes and Procedures

4. Punitive Action

 

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PREAMBLE:

These texts describe the standards by which the Northguard and Militias of the Kingdom of Norland are expected to act by, both enforcing these codes unto each other and living by them. All Guardsmen are expected to obey these codes and the King of Norland, for which they are laid out by. All Northguardsmen are held accountable to these codes as well as the laws, edicts and orders set out by the Throne of Norland and its representative appointed over the Northguard, the Marshal.

 

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ARTICLE I: Duty of the Guardsmen and Militiamen

It is the prescribed duty of all Guardsmen of the Northguard and Militiamen of the Kingdom of Norland to ensure the security, sovereignty and strength of the Kingdom of Norland is preserved and protected from all who might attempt to attack it. So in order to ensure such things are maintained for the health of the Kingdom of Norland and the common folk of Norland these Codes are set forth.

 

1. REGARDING THE CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM OF NORLAND

All citizens of the Kingdom of Norland are allowed various rights by the Throne of Norland and it is the duty of the Northguard to defend these rights; however when a citizen acts in opposition and against the laws set out by the Throne and Faith of Norland then they give up their rights as citizens and as freemen and must be treated as such.

 

2. REGARDING THE NORTHGUARD & MILITIAS OF THE KINGDOM OF NORLAND

All Guardsmen of the Kingdom of Norland are authorised by the Throne of Norland various responsibilities and authorities. However those duties are entrusted to each Guardsman by the Throne and if a Guardsman is found to act in opposition to the Throne, the law, or these Codes then they give up both their authority as a Guardsman and their rights as a citizen.

 

 

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ARTICLE II: Hierarchy of the Northguard

The hierarchy is established to ensure good order and discipline is had for all Northguardsmen and any militiaman enlisted to aid the Kingdom of Norland in civil policing or military affairs. It is expected of all Northguardsmen to follow this Hierarchy as they perform their duties.

 

1. RECRUITS

Recruits are the lowest rank of the Northguard and are to be considered in a trial phase. Any Norlandic citizen may enlist to become a Recruit and they will remain a recruit until the Marshal or The Northguard Tribunal deems it fit that they should be removed from the Northguard or promoted to the rank of Guardsman.

The responsibilities of the Recruit are:

• To attend guard training so as to better themselves for their future duties as a Guardsman.

• To train in all fields a Guardsman is expected to be knowledgeable in; such as the laws of the Kingdom of Norland and physical combat.

• To offer their aid to those in need within the Kingdom of Norland and all its holdings.

• To assist the Guardsmen in their civil duties; such as manning gates and enforcing law.

• To wear issued uniforms which correspond to their rank and status in the Northguard and the Kingdom of Norland.

• To act as the first line of defense from traitors, ill-willed foreigners, and banditry against the Kingdom of Norland and all its holdings.

The authorities of the Recruits are:

• The authority to request issued gear from the Northguard Armory.

• The authority to man the gate of Varhelm and search foreigners who seek entry; whilst under supervision of a Guardsman.

• The authority to hold a chest and bed within the Northguard Barracks. 

 

2. GUARDSMAN

Guardsmen are the standard rank and file of the Northguard. They are entitled to the full benefits of their service in the Northguard. They are considered representatives of both the Northguard and the Kingdom of Norland and are to behave as such.

The responsibilities of the Guardsmen are:

• To attend and assist in guard training so as to better the capabilities of the Northguard.

• To remain knowledgeable in all fields which they are expected to be proficient in.

• To offer their aid to those in need within the Kingdom of Norland and all its holdings.

• To fight the enemies of the Kingdom of Norland, be they human or monster.

• To wear issued uniforms which correspond to their rank and status in the Northguard and the Kingdom of Norland.

• To enforce all laws, codes and other decrees of the Kingdom of Norland outlined in this document and subsequent documents pertaining to law.

• To act as the first line of defense from traitors, ill-willed foreigners, and banditry against the Kingdom of Norland and all its holdings.

The authorities of the Guardsmen are:

• The authority to request issued gear from the Northguard Armory.

• The authority to man the gate of Varhelm and search foreigners who seek entry.

• The authority to hold a chest and bed within the Northguard Barracks.

• The authority to search citizens of the Kingdom of Norland; when commanded by a Warden or higher rank.

• The authority to enforce all laws of the Kingdom of Norland.

 

3. WARDENS

Wardens are the leaders of the Northguard and are to be respected as such. They are tasked with assisting the Marshal in maintaining good order and discipline within the Northguard. At any given time there must be an even number of Wardens with no fewer than two and no more than six.

The responsibilities of the Wardens are:

• To organize, attend and lead in guard training so as to better the capabilities of the Northguard.

• To remain knowledgeable in all fields which they are expected to be proficient in.

• To offer their aid to those in need within the Kingdom of Norland and all its holdings.

• To fight the enemies of the Kingdom of Norland, be they human or monster.

• To wear issued uniforms which correspond to their rank and status in the Northguard and the Kingdom of Norland.

• To enforce all laws, codes and other decrees of the Kingdom of Norland outlined in this document and subsequent documents pertaining to law.

• To act as the first line of defense from traitors, ill-willed foreigners, and banditry against the Kingdom of Norland and all its holdings.

The authorities of the Wardens are:

• The authority to issue gear from the Northguard Armory.

• The authority to man the gate of Varhelm and search foreigners who seek entry.

• The authority to hold a chest and bed within the Northguard Barracks.

• The authority to search citizens of the Kingdom of Norland.

• The authority to assess, enforce and judge all conventional laws, if a Keeper is not requested to hold trial.

• The authority to issue bounties for known criminals.

• The authority to exercise militarily with other peoples, entities, and nations, if the King has not declared them an enemy.

• The authority to recruit citizens into the Northguard.

 

4. THE NORTHGUARD TRIBUNAL

The Northguard Tribunal is comprised of all Wardens and led by the Chief of the Northguard Tribunal, the Marshal; these members are all voting members. The purpose of the Northguard Tribunal is to administer the day-to-day functions of the Northguard and Militias, determine overall priorities of the Northguard, and to direct the military might of the Kingdom of Norland. The Northguard Tribunal may only raise motions in regards to defensive action, unless otherwise stated by the King.

The responsibilities of the Northguard Tribunal are:

• To enforce all laws, codes and other decrees of the Kingdom of Norland outlined in this document and subsequent documents pertaining to law.

• To administer, direct and organize the Northguard and the Militias of the Kingdom of Norland in both law enforcement and war time activities.

• To enforce all laws, codes and other decrees of the Kingdom of Norland outlined in this document and subsequent documents pertaining to law.

• To act as the first line of defense from traitors, ill-willed foreigners, and banditry against the Kingdom of Norland and all its holdings.

• To offer their aid to those in need within the Kingdom of Norland and all its holdings.

The authorities of  the Northguard Tribunal are:

• The authority to assess, enforce and judge all conventional laws, if a Keeper is not requested to hold trial.

• The authority to issue bounties for known criminals.

• The authority to exercise militarily with other peoples, entities, and nations, if the King has not declared them an enemy.

• The authority to discharge or promote Recruits from the Northguard.

• The authority to impose a lock down of the city in times of distress or war.

• The authority to impose the authorities of the Marshal in his or her absence when convened.

The proceedings of the Northguard Tribunal are as such:

When the Northguard Tribunal is convening each member will form a circle and say a prayer to Thoromir in times of peace, Bjorn in times of offensive war and Donovan in times of defensive war. The Chief of the Tribunal will then present any issues which the Tribunal must address. The Tribunal will then allow a hearing of all opinions on the subject by each member before the issue is put to a vote. Once the issues are all heard from the Chief of the Tribunal each member will be allowed to have an unaddressed issue addressed by the Tribunal. After it is heard then the Chief of the Tribunal may call it to a vote or acknowledge the issue. Once all members are heard then the Tribunal adjourns and leaves.

• Each member of the Tribunal is entitled to one vote.

• For a motion to pass within the Tribunal, it must have a simple majority amongst the voting members to be considered ‘passed.’ Not achieving a simple majority within 72 Father’s hours, or if a collective ‘Nay’ is issued by the Tribunal, the motion will be considered denied.

• The Marshal may veto a decision of the Tribunal.

• If the Marshal cannot act as Chief of the Tribunal, the next Chief is chosen from their years of service within the Northguard, or chosen by the Marshal directly.

• The Northguard Tribunal may not overrule a decision made by the King’s Council. To attempt such would be treason.

 

5. THE MARSHAL

Appointed by the King of Norland the Marshal is the primary authority charged with all Norlandic military efforts and Chief of the Northguard Tribunal. They are tasked with maintaining the Northguard as well as acting as the direct representative of the King in all issues regarding military actions. The Marshal is appointed by the King and may be removed if the King deems such an action fit at any point.

The responsibilities of the Marshal are:

• To organize, attend and lead in guard training so as to better the capabilities of the Northguard.

• To remain knowledgeable in all fields which they are expected to be proficient in.

• To offer their aid to those in need within the Kingdom of Norland and all its holdings.

• To fight the enemies of the Kingdom of Norland, be they human or monster.

• To wear an issued uniform which corresponds to their rank and status in the Northguard and the Kingdom of Norland.

• To enforce all laws, codes and other decrees of the Kingdom of Norland outlined in this document and subsequent documents pertaining to law.

• To act as the first line of defense from traitors, ill-willed foreigners, and banditry against the Kingdom of Norland and all its holdings.

The authorities of the Marshal are:

• The authority to issue gear from the Northguard Armory.

• The authority to man the gate of Varhelm and search foreigners who seek entry.

• The authority to hold a chest and bed within the Northguard Barracks.

• The authority to search citizens of the Kingdom of Norland.

• The authority to assess, enforce and judge all conventional laws, if a Keeper is not requested to hold trial.

• The authority to issue bounties for known criminals.

• The authority to exercise militarily with other peoples, entities, and nations, if the King has not declared them an enemy.

• The authority to recruit citizens into the Northguard.

• The authority to call for a meeting of the Northguard Tribunal.

• The authority to promote or demote a Warden of the Northguard.

• The authority to discharge a Guardsman from the Northguard.

• The authority to draft able bodied citizens times of dire need.

 

Appointed by the King of Norland the Marshal is the primary authority charged with all Norlandic military efforts. The Marshal is the Chief of the Northguard Tribunal and maintains the ability to deny any measure passed by it, unless it is unanimously supported by the Wardens

 

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ARTICLE III: Processes & Procedures

The processes and procedures of being a Guardsman are simple yet can determine much in regards to the stability and security of the Kingdom of Norland. Outlined hereafter are the standards set by the King of Norland of how Guardsmen are expected to proceed when conducting their standard and special duties.

 

1. TRAININGS

Training is a standard duty which is to be conducted within the guard frequently with occasional joint training with allied nations. All guards are expected to attend training whenever possible, and failure to do so on multiple occasions may result in being discharged from the Northguard. Training will often begin with a muster of all Guardsmen in attendance and a brief conducted by a Warden or the Marshal. During training it is expected all Guardsmen follow their assigned leaders, be courteous to their fellow Guardsmen and allied soldiers, and maintain a professional demeanor when engaging with teammates and enemies.

 

2. GATE DUTY

Gate duty is a standard duty which is to be conducted during times of unrest. In times of absolute peace without threats of bandits, the gate may be left open. However, when a threat is present to The Kingdom of Norland, the gate is to be left closed with foreigners only being allowed in after being searched by a guard. The gate is also to be left closed for large events to which an invite is required.

When operating the gate:

• Begin by allowing the foreigner to step into the gate house and closing the second gate behind them, ensuring they are unable to leave the gate house until the questioning is complete.

• Ask the foreigner the following questions:

  • Their name.

  • Their affiliation or which nation they hail from.

  • Their business within the city.

  • Whether or not they are carrying any weapons.

  • Whether or not the foreigner possesses any kind of magic and what kind.

  • Anyone with Voidal or Dark magics is to be denied access to the city immediately.

  • Whether or not they are carrying any magical items or artifacts.

  • If so, what the artifacts are and how they were enchanted.

• Next the foreigner is to be searched for possession of illegal items.

  • If it is revealed that the foreigner was lying about the possession of weapons they are to be denied access to the city immediately.

  • If the foreigner confessed to possessing an item that was enchanted through voidal or dark magics, the item is to be confiscated during the search and returned to the foreigner when they leave the city.

  • If the foreigner was telling the truth about carrying weapons they may keep their weapons when entering the city.

• Other clauses:

  • If a foreigner wishes to access a city during a major event and does not have a required invitation they are to be denied access until the event is over.

  • If a foreigner is part of an enemy nation or known enemy group they are to be denied access to the city immediately and the rest of the Northguard is to be alerted.

 

3. ARRESTS

Arrests are a standard duty which are to be conducted when any citizen or foreigner within the city has been caught or is accused of breaking a law. They are to be detained using as little force as possible. The arrested person is to be held and watched by a minimum of two guards  at all times until an appropriate authority is available to judge and sentence them for the crime they have committed. The use of unnecessary violence or the murder of someone who has already been apprehended is a serious offense and will be punished.

 

4. INVESTIGATIONS

Investigations are a special duty which may be conducted when a Warden or the Marshal assigns a Guardsman as an Investigator. When charged with being an Investigator you are expected to secure any locations, speak with anyone, and look into anything relevant to the investigation. As an Investigator you may request permission from a Warden or above to enter, seize and arrest persons and things involved in the investigation temporarily.

 

5. WAR TIME FUNCTIONS

War time functions are special duties which are to be conducted when the nation has entered a state of war with another nation. These functions are to be conducted by all Guardsmen and Recruits for the betterment of the Kingdom of Norland for the duration of the war.

These functions include but are not limited to:

• The gathering of resources and creation of armaments for the Northguard Armory.

• The manning of the gate during most or all hours of the day.

• The frequent participation in skirmishes against the enemies of the Kingdom of Norland.

• The mandatory participation in major battles against the enemies of the Kingdom of Norland.

 

6. MISCELLANEOUS 

• Equipment Requests

  • To fill out an equipment request from the Northguard Armory, contact a Warden or The Marshal and with your name, and the equipment you are requesting. 

• Guard Duty

  • It is possible to be tasked with exporting an important person or caravan outside of the Kingdom of Norland. During these times a group commander will be assigned who is to speak for the marshal in protecting the designated target.

• Scribe

  • The official record keeper and writer of the military. They are appointed by the Marshal and tasked with writing his official documents and keeping track of details of Tribunal meetings.

 

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ARTICLE IV: Punitive Actions

Punitive actions are actions taken by Wardens, the Northguard Tribunal and the Marshal if a Guardsman is found in violation of any laws, edicts or orders. These violations are measured through minor offenses, major offenses and criminal offenses.

 

1. MINOR OFFENSES

Minor offenses are obtained through negligence of tasks or slight disobedience which ultimately has minimum effect on the security of the Kingdom of Norland. Three minor offenses is equal to one major offense.

Minor offenses include but are not limited to:

• Making a mistake whilst on gate duty.

• Inappropriate behavior during a training.

• Being noticeably intoxicated whilst on duty.

• Failing to wear a uniform whilst on duty.

• Insubordination relating to a small task such as cleaning a mess.

• An unfriendly fight between Guardsmen or between Guardsmen and citizens. Honor duels are not included.

 

2. MAJOR OFFENSES

Major offenses are obtained through brash actions that are considered unacceptable within the Northguard. Two major offenses will result in being discharged from the guard with the possibility of rejoining in the future. Reapplication is only possible once.

Major offenses include but are not limited to:

• Harming of a captive or apprehended criminal.

• Attempted extortion of the people of the Kingdom of Norland or abuse of power.

• Making a baseless arrest of a citizen.

• Insubordination relating to refusal to arrest a criminal or fight an enemy of the Kingdom of Norland.

• An unfriendly fight between Guardsmen or between Guardsmen and citizens that results in heavy injuries. Honor duels are not included.

 

3. CRIMINAL OFFENSES

A criminal offense is counted as any violation of the laws of the Kingdom of Norland and will result in being immediately discharged from the Northguard, arrested and taken to the proper authorities to be tried for the crime that was committed.  

 

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Writ en Namen De

Donovan Freysson II, Marshal of the Kingdom of Norland,

Halvar Edvardsson I, King of Norland, Duke of Morsgrad, Bulwark of the Highland Realm,

 

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