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The Guard Commander Shakes Your Hand
"It is not an easy job maintaining law and order in a Medieval Town. Criminals run rampant through the streets every day. The common crimes in town are robberies and assaults. On occassion two drunken fighters will get into a scuffle over at Azaria's Tavern and if we're lucky to arrive in time we'll throw them both in the brig until they are once again sober. At which time they will both be publicly flogged as punishment for their transgressions. If we do not arrive in time there is the sad reality of one of the fighters being killed. Usually that will force us to lower the portcullis at the town gates and conduct a city wide search for the killer. But such tasks are not easy. It is common that a wealthy fighter enters the town to spend the spoils of his latest campaign. Being that he is in a position of wealth he can tempt the townsfolk to hide and care for him. Eventually, some manage to escape us.
Outside town in the rural areas there are other crimes to contend with. Poaching, which is the illegal killing of animals on private property is indeed a very popular crime in these times. The theft of livestock and crops is another issue. Unfortunately we as the City Watch are a bit limited in our response. I send out patrols of six to eight men. Since communications are unreliable we hire harkers who shout loudly when a crime is witnessed or reported. The hark is heard by another and soon all voices are raised. This summons my guards to the scene.
Punishments basically fit the crime. The dungeons are a place where repeat and serious criminals come to be. The brig, a lesser stockade is used for minor offenders and nuissance criminals. Of course the gallows and the chopping block await those who have been sentenced to death.
So while in my town of Urntorch I bid thee to take heed of the law. I do not wish to see you back here in the blacksmith's shackles. A good day to you, my Noble and may the Heavens keep you safe from harm."
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