§7.1 - Commission of the Warden and Volunteer Guard

(a) The Council of Rivermarch shall appoint a Warden vested with authority to oversee matters of defense, internal security, law enforcement, and public order within the realm.

(b) The Warden shall:

(i) Command the Volunteer Guard, peace officers, and militia forces;
(ii) Enforce tribunal judgments, Council decrees, and lawful ordinances;
(iii) Ensure preparedness against internal and external threats, including magical or extraplanar incursions;
(iv) Maintain custody and oversight of convicted persons sentenced to imprisonment or hard labor, including supervision of Garven Tillerson’s work farm.

(c) The Warden shall regularly report to the Council regarding security status, force readiness, and incidents affecting Rivermarch's stability.

§7.1.2 - Formation of the Volunteer Guard

(a) The Volunteer Guard shall be established as the primary civic militia force responsible for the immediate defense, law enforcement, and protection of Rivermarch citizens and property.

(b) Membership in the Volunteer Guard shall be voluntary, open to all citizens of able body and sound mind, subject to Warden approval and basic training requirements.

(c) Members of the Guard shall:

(i) Swear an Oath of Service to uphold and defend Rivermarch laws, citizens, and sovereignty;
(ii) Undergo periodic training and assessment by the Warden or designated officers;
(iii) Possess authority to enforce civic order, detain offenders, and act in emergencies subject to guidelines under §7.1.4.

§7.1.3 - Command Structure and Discipline

(a) The Volunteer Guard shall be structured hierarchically, under direct command of the Warden and subordinate officers appointed by merit and experience.

(b) Discipline within the Guard shall be enforced through:

(i) Established code of conduct clearly outlining duties, responsibilities, and prohibited actions;
(ii) Regular review and reporting of actions taken while on duty;
(iii) Tribunal proceedings or internal hearings for allegations of misconduct, abuse of authority, or magical coercion.

(c) Serious breaches of discipline, including unlawful force or corruption, shall result in expulsion from the Guard and potential criminal charges under §4.1.

§7.1.4 - Powers and Limitations

(a) Members of the Volunteer Guard and peace officers commissioned by the Warden shall have authority to:

(i) Detain persons reasonably suspected of criminal offenses;
(ii) Conduct searches with a valid Writ of Entry or in immediate threat situations;
(iii) Employ proportional force, mundane or magical, necessary to preserve public order and safety.

(b) Limitations of authority shall include:

(i) Prohibition against unnecessary or excessive force;
(ii) Restriction from magical compulsion or surveillance without tribunal authorization;
(iii) Obligation to respect rights enumerated under Title III.

§7.1.5 - Training, Equipment, and Maintenance

(a) The Council shall provide funding and oversight for the Volunteer Guard’s training, equipment, and operational expenses, managed by the Warden through the Office of the Treasurer.

(b) Standard issue equipment shall include arms, armor, magical wards, and necessary supplies for law enforcement and defense roles.

(c) Training shall encompass martial skills, civic law, basic magical safety, arcane threat recognition, and emergency response procedures.

§7.1.6 - Accountability and Oversight

(a) The Warden shall submit quarterly security reports to the Council, detailing:

(i) Incidents involving use of force or magical intervention;
(ii) Status of prisoners and labor conditions at penal sites, including Garven Tillerson’s farm;
(iii) Guard recruitment, training progress, and disciplinary actions taken.

(b) Citizens shall have the right to file complaints or petitions regarding Guard conduct or Warden decisions, which shall be reviewed by tribunal or Council oversight committee.

(c) Abuse of power by Guard members or the Warden shall constitute grounds for immediate investigation, tribunal intervention, and potential criminal prosecution under §4.1.