Captain's Men

Captain's Men: The Guardians Against Fungus and Amber Fever

The Captain's Men are a remnant of Seregon's early days, dating back to the time of Captain Sereg Kerkhof, one of the city's founders and its original law enforcer. Back then, the Captain's Men were a feared and respected militia, responsible for upholding order in the streets and ensuring the safety of Seregon’s citizens. Over time, however, their role has changed, and now this ancient organization plays a very different, yet equally vital, role in protecting the city from unseen threats.

Today, the Captain's Men are tasked with inspecting public places for fungus and mold, which have become an insidious danger to the health and safety of Seregon’s people. The city is a humid, bustling hub of activity, making it a fertile ground for fungi to grow—particularly the dangerous strains that can cause Amber Fever, a disease that not only ravages the body but is believed to possess mind-controlling properties.

Mission and Duty

The Captain's Men operate under a simple yet crucial mission: eradicate fungal infestations before they spread. Their inspections target taverns, marketplaces, inns, warehouses, and public buildings, all of which must remain free from dangerous mold and fungus to maintain their operating licenses. These inspections are thorough, though the Captain's Men strive to remain discreet in their activities. Public panic is a constant concern, as the mere suggestion of Amber Fever can cause widespread fear. Therefore, their work is often done quietly, without drawing attention.

Amber Fever: The Hidden Threat

Amber Fever is a terrifying and mysterious fungal infection that has plagued Seregon for generations. The fungus is known to grow rapidly, infecting not just the physical surroundings but, disturbingly, the minds of those who come into contact with it. Once infected, a person may begin to show signs of obsession with the fungus, inexplicably drawn to it, touching it, or even breathing in its spores. This behavior accelerates the infection process, ultimately leading to a state of full-blown madness and, in severe cases, death.

The people of Seregon know the dangers of Amber Fever, but it is the mind control element that causes the most fear. It is whispered that those infected can be manipulated by the fungus, losing control of their thoughts and actions. Public spaces must be kept clear of even the smallest trace of mold or fungus, as the risk of infection and spread is always present.

Operational Methods

The Captain’s Men are meticulous in their work, conducting inspections on a regular, rotating basis. Every business in the city is subject to inspection, and failure to comply with cleanliness standards results in fines, temporary closures, or even more severe penalties for repeat offenders. Business owners know that keeping their establishments free from fungus is not only a matter of compliance but of public trust—no one wants to be associated with an outbreak of Amber Fever.

Private homes, however, are left untouched by the Captain’s Men. This is not due to a lack of concern, but rather because the city leadership has deemed it too invasive. The Captain’s Men are focused on public safety, and they work hard to keep their presence discreet, operating in the shadows and behind the scenes to avoid alarming the population.

Low Profile: The Captain's Men avoid drawing attention during inspections. They often arrive in plain clothing and conduct their work swiftly, blending into the background. Only when mold is found do they act more decisively, removing the source and issuing penalties to the establishment owner, while keeping the incident as low-key as possible.
Fungal Detection Methods: The Captain’s Men have developed a number of methods to detect hidden fungus, including the use of trained fungal hounds, animals with an acute sense of smell that can track down even the faintest traces of mold. In more advanced cases, they employ alchemical tools to identify early signs of Amber Fever infestations. Lanterns lit with blue flame are a common sight when the Captain’s Men are at work, as these flames can reveal traces of mold invisible to the naked eye.

The Structure of the Captain’s Men

While the Captain’s Men no longer command the military power they once did, they are still a highly organized and disciplined force. Their ranks are made up of veteran inspectors, trained in both fungal biology and public safety protocols. These men and women are skilled at identifying early-stage fungal growth, preventing it from spreading before it becomes a major issue.

The organization is led by a Captain-Inspector, a position of both authority and prestige within Seregon’s governance. The Captain-Inspector is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the Captain’s Men, as well as reporting directly to the city’s regents on the status of fungal threats.

The Public’s Perception

While many view the Captain’s Men as necessary protectors of public health, there is also a degree of fear and mistrust associated with their presence. People know that the Captain’s Men can arrive unannounced and, if necessary, close a business on the spot. In some circles, rumors swirl about corruption—whispers that some establishments receive more leniency than others, or that those with the right connections can avoid inspections altogether.