Channel Smugglers

Part of Criminality in Otheia
The channel smugglers are classified as any smuggler or owler operating on the Channel Estuary. It is through these ambitious and brave criminals that many goods enter the Augkarate, and they make many luxuries available to the lower classes through their efforts. 
Operating from the remote shores of the Coastal Realms, and sail longboats to vessels awaiting in the channel, or across to the far side, where they obtain illegal goods, before rowing back to Otheia, where they distribute their haul. 
== Smuggler Gangs ==
Smuggler gangs may be upward of 100 strong, and the smugglers are often in cahoots with corsairs and coastal towns, as smuggling provides a great source of income for any village which takes part. There have been attempts to take down the smuggler gangs, typically headed by the Landguard, but these often fail as the smugglers are well-armed and hardened criminals. On occasion, pitched battles may break out between the smugglers and the authorities, such as the Battle of Iherst Rock, and while the government might win, it will not stop the smugglers, who will often simply change their place of operation. 
=== Smugglers and Owlers ===
A smuggler is any person who brings goods into the country illegally, thus avoiding tariffs and customs inspections. It is by the smugglers that many foreign goods enter the Realms, from narcotics such as Vohan to clothing such as Nierae silk, and more mundane items such as untaxed sugar and chocolate. 
The owlers, those who send Otheiae goods out of the country, often sell wool and paper, among other things. 
All of this harms the profits of the realms and the Augkara, and so it is considered of great import to destroy these gangs.
Category:Criminality in Otheia