Most cities have their own militia forces to handle problems that arise - whether those problems are an belligerent town drunk or a rampaging ogre - but turn to more experienced folk when things go -really- wrong, but the situation doesn't warrant mobilizing the army. These 'experienced folk' are known as 'The Glories' - originally short for 'Glory of the Empire', they are usually simply known as 'The Glories'. These people devote themselves to the Empire's glory and protect it from any threats, and as such, they are generally respected. Those accepted into the Glories traditionally must be good at heart and devoted to maintaining order, but in point of practicality, the Glories accept those who are willing to fight for the Empire (and overlook the fact that they may well be operating on self-interest.) Many of those who have attained high positions in the Empire or its army have been Glories at one point in their career. Generally, Glories are sponsored by a mentor who verifies their good intent and provides their basic tutelage and induction into the order; it is not common for potential Glories to apply directly, but it does occur, especially amongst wealthy households who want to push their secondborn and later offspring into future Glory to give them something to do.