So, in all honesty, there IS a genuine difference between a Guard and a Cop, but most games don't use that difference for...many reasons. Basically, what we know as a "Guard" was in many cases historically, just a medieval militia. They were concerned with the town being attacked, not theft. - ThreadSky

dicefunctional.bsky.social • 26 days ago

So, in all honesty, there IS a genuine difference between a Guard and a Cop, but most games don't use that difference for...many reasons.

Basically, what we know as a "Guard" was in many cases historically, just a medieval militia. They were concerned with the town being attacked, not theft.

Reposted from Nugget

What's your thoughts on "Guards Versus Cops"?

Any potential in that idea?

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tomfenny.bsky.social•26 days ago

It massively depends on the cultural background of the questioner. Cops in America and cops in Europe are vaaaaaastly different in their purpose and goals. For America, cops and guards have very little in common as cops exist to protect private property and enforce the ruling class's superiority.

nuggetthenonbiner.bsky.social•26 days ago

So is that a yes for Guards Versus Cops?

Maybe the Guards decide the Cops' actions count as "attacking the town" and decide they need stopping?

captainzenscuel.bsky.social•26 days ago

I mean "Guard" could also mean many times things like Palace Guards or personal bodyguards of a noble too. Though they would probably investigate crimes against the noble.

dicefunctional.bsky.social•26 days ago

Correct! Guards for a while were just that.

Guards.

Not for you though, for the rich folks.

For you? Grab a club and deal with it yourself.

captainzenscuel.bsky.social•26 days ago

Whenever I see the word "Guards" when it relates to a unit in a game, I always think it's going to be high tier one haha.

captainzenscuel.bsky.social•26 days ago

Then during pike and shot to Napoleonic warfare you have the "Guards" which is an elite infantry division who would have little concern with criminality, except maybe a breakdown of discipline. Les Grognards were a type of guard in Napoleon's army if memory serves me right.

vulpesalba.bsky.social•26 days ago

So "guardspeople" are the ones with limited authority and with a background of defending something of their own or their bosses. Cops are with a higher level of authority and defend the public entities interests.
It mostly about scope and training then?

dicefunctional.bsky.social•26 days ago

It's more so that during the time most fantasy games are set (medieval times) it made more sense to have someone to protect from banditry than someone to enforce laws.

Tbh, modern police forces didn't even really exist until say, the 18th-19th century*. And even then that was in metropolitan areas.

dicefunctional.bsky.social•26 days ago

*it varies from location to location, and culture to culture. Some had it earlier, some later.

sashette.bsky.social•26 days ago

Reading up on thief-takers is really very interesting.

dicefunctional.bsky.social•26 days ago

Oh it's super fascinating. The history of crime and justice is just so, so interesting (and horrific at times).

kobolds-keep.net•25 days ago

I imagine it would be the difference between firefighters and police. Except in addition to being ready to save people from burning buildings, you're also ready to fend off bulettes with your halberd.

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