Royal Guard
The iron-clad shield between the crown and the chaos of Camorr.
The Royal Guard represents the elite military force sworn to protect the monarchs of Camorr and its surrounding territories within the Gentleman Bastard universe. Composed of highly trained soldiers, these individuals serve as the primary physical barrier between the ruling class and any threats, whether internal conspirators or foreign invaders. They are distinguished by their disciplined demeanor, superior equipment, and unwavering loyalty to the crown, often acting as the first line of defense in the city's political intrigues. While individual members may vary in skill and ambition, they function collectively as a symbol of state authority and order. In the shadowy world of thieves and con artists, the Royal Guard stands as the formidable obstacle that every rogue must navigate, evade, or outsmart to succeed in their heists.
- Role
- Elite Military Protection Force
- Affiliation
- The Crown / The Monarchy of Camorr
- Primary Function
- Protection of Royalty and State Security
- Equipment Style
- Heavy armor, ceremonial swords, specialized weaponry
- Status
- Active throughout the series
Lore & Background
In the treacherous political landscape of Camorr, where loyalty is often bought and sold like common goods, the Royal Guard maintains a reputation for rigid adherence to duty. They are not merely soldiers but the living embodiment of the monarchy's power, patrolling the streets with an imposing presence that reminds the populace of who holds ultimate authority. Their training is rigorous, designed to counter both brute force and the subtle manipulations of the city's criminal underworld. Despite their strength, the Guard is often depicted as a tool of the state rather than independent actors. They are frequently pitted against the cunning of thieves like the Gentleman Bastard, whose ability to exploit bureaucracy and social engineering often proves more dangerous than any blade. The tension between the Guard's rigid order and the fluid chaos of the thief guilds creates much of the series' central conflict. Internally, the Guard is not monolithic; factions may exist within its ranks, influenced by the shifting tides of court politics. While they strive to maintain peace, their actions can sometimes be swayed by corrupt officials or ambitious nobles, making them a complex force that heroes and villains alike must carefully maneuver around.
In Their Own Story
The rain slicked the cobblestones of the High District as two Royal Guards stood sentinel outside the palace gates. Their armor, polished to a mirror sheen despite the gloom, reflected the flickering torchlight with an intimidating coldness. A shadow detached itself from the alleyway, moving with a grace that belied its intent. The Guard on the left shifted his weight, hand hovering near the hilt of his broadsword, eyes narrowing as he scanned the darkness. He knew the city's underbelly well; the silence was too heavy, the air too still. A whisper of movement caught his ear, not from the street, but from above. Before he could signal his partner, a small metal disc struck the torch, extinguishing it in an instant. In the sudden darkness, the only sound was the soft click of a lockpick and the quiet breath of a man who had already won.
Reader's Guide
The Royal Guard serves as the primary antagonist force representing state authority throughout the series. Unlike individual villains driven by personal greed or ambition, they are an institution defined by their collective duty to the crown. Their background is rooted in military tradition and strict hierarchy, often recruiting from families with generations of service. Personality-wise, members of the Guard are characterized by discipline, stoicism, and a deep-seated belief in the necessity of order. They view themselves as the protectors of civilization against the chaos represented by thieves and rebels. However, this rigidity can sometimes be their downfall when facing opponents who operate outside conventional rules. In the crew's dynamic, they are rarely allies; instead, they act as the environmental hazard that forces the protagonists to rely on wit rather than strength. As the series evolves, the Guard's role shifts from a simple obstacle to a more nuanced representation of political power, revealing cracks in their unity and the influence of corrupt nobility.
Did You Know?
- The Deputy Clerk of the Closet is the Domestic Chaplain to the Sovereign of the United Kingdom, an office created in 1677.
- Since 1931, the Deputy Clerk has also served as sub-dean of the Chapel Royal and Sub-Almoner.
- From 1746 until 1903 there were three Deputy Clerks, who served in turn four months at a time.
- In 1894 the then Clerk of the Closet, Randall Davidson, observed that the post of Deputy Clerk was 'now very much a sinecure'.
- The Deputy Clerk is the only full-time clerical member of the Ecclesiastical Household of the Monarch of the United Kingdom.