The Custodian Regiments, known in full as Silurite National Custodian Regiments or in some documents as the Commonwealth Special Auxiliary Regimental Formation of Custodians of the Elvish National Army, were a regimental type of the army of Dwarven Silur.

Origins and Function

The Dwarves were initially wary of raising troops from Silur; though it did make use of some mercenary-auxiliaries early on, it only began recruiting regular forces - through the intermediary proxy government - quite late. Initially, there were heavy restrictions on the actual combat Silurite forces were allowed to see, especially on the front of the actual Silurite War; they were mostly used as peacekeepers and Armada staff in other places.

However, with the establishment of the Elvish National Army, regular troops started to be raised for garrison duty on occupied Silur itself, and later as reserves. In this context, some formations were used for building guard duty and other more menial tasks. This was first formalized with the First National Custodian Regiment in Silverymoon, whose mission was the guarding and maintenance of government buildings.

The elves turned out very good at these rear-line tasks, also thanks to their widespread magical ability and their long education which made them quite good and versatile maintainers and servants. The Custodians in Silverymoon were so appreciated by the Dwarves that a general had a similar regiment set up in Kromlagen. From there sprung a long tradition of Elvish Custodian regiments, utilized mostly in Oshmondu (both in the empire proper and in the Commonwealth) as well as in Waterlond.

Historical Appearances

The First Custodian Regiment served in Silverymoon on Silur from 306 onwards.

Regiments are known to have operated in every major Silurite city; several cities in Waterlond, especially Kromlagen and the former Eternal Empire; and in Dwarven Balebu from 310 onwards.

The Custodian Regiments ceased existing at the same time as their parent nation was disbanded. They were in a very large part directly incorporated into the imperial army auxiliary, either as regular infantry or as dedicated guards.