Verendell Protectorate Laws

## High Crime

Criminals who commit these acts are of the utmost importance. It is crucial that they are apprehended and punished immediately. High Crime exclusively includes the worst crimes known to man, and those who commit them will be treated with little respect.

* **Murder** - Includes the killing of one or more people, intentional or not. If a person(s) dies of their wounds as a result of a duel or assault, the accused may still be indicted with the crime of muder. Accused must stand trial before punishment is dealt.
* **Treason** - Includes attempts to overthrow the government, revolution/incitement of revolution against the temporary government and its vassals, or conspiring against the temporary government and its subordinates. Accused must stand trial before punishment is dealt.
* **Kidnapping** - Includes taking a person(s) against their will and holding them captive either for entertainment or ransom. If the act cannot be explicitly proven, they shall go to trial.

Criminals who commit these above crimes shall be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Those who violate these laws shall be branded a criminal by the traditional clipping of the ears. Further possible punishments include:

*Branded with the seal of the Trimedium and exiled under the threat of death, Life in prison, a 100,000 gold fine paid in full to the temporary government, or removal of the hands.*

## Common Crime

Criminals who commit these acts are of high priority, though will not be hunted as diligently as those who commit high crimes. Common Crimes happen on a near daily basis, and are as follows:

* **Vigilantism** - Includes assuming the role of an officer of the law and/or circumventing the authority of the Verendell Highguard. Citizens arrests, Unlicensed Mercenary work, and Unlawful investigations are included in this. Punishment does not require trial.
* **Assault** - Includes causing bodily harm to others. As long as the wounds cause a mark, and do not result in death, it would fall into this classification. Punishment does not require trial.
* **Slander of a City Official** - Includes the defamation and dismissal of the governing body and all other appointed officials. This law extends to all members of the Verendell court. Punishment does not require trial.
* **Animal Abuse** - Includes the harm and/or torture of any non-sentient animals within the Protectorate. Punishment does not require trial.
* **Theft** - Includes the stealing or acquiring of any object or property of another person(s). Documents, clothing, items, and animals also fall under this classification. Punishment does not require trial.
* **Escapism** - Only applicable to anyone who has been detained and escaped prior to receiving punishment by the guards. Punishment does not require trial.

Criminals who commit the above crimes shall be punished by the Verendell Highguard. Possible punishments are as follows:

*Branding with the crest of the Trimedium, Removal of one or more fingers, One week in prison, Three hours in the stocks, community service, a public beating,  a 10,000 gold fine paid directly to the Verendell temporary government, or the breaking of the hands.*

## Petty Crime

Criminals who commit these acts are not to be treated as harshly as the above. These crimes are merely in place to keep the peace and allow for a stable environment. One will not be arrested for committing these crimes, unless overruled by a superior.

* **Littering** - Includes the disposal of trash in large quantities into open areas, water streams, or public venues that may affect the look of the city.
* **Withholding Information & Lying to Guardsmen** - Includes telling lies, withholding the truth, or actively misleading the Verendell Highguard. This law also extends to lying to the Steward and all members of the Verendell court.
* **Threats of Bodily Harm** - Includes flashing weaponry, threatening a person(s) with assault, conspiring to assault or murder someone, or openly conspiring to cause harm to others.
* **Breaking and Entering** - Includes forcing yourself into or onto the property of another, breaking locks, and also sneaking into windows. It does not matter if this is done with or without the use of force.
* **Petty Thievery** - Includes the theft of minor items with little to no monetary value. This specifically includes small items such as buttons, hair pins, cutlery, or anything of little to no value.
* **Slander of a Citizen** - Includes spreading lies, rumors, or defaming the name and character of a Protectorate citizen.

Criminals who commit the above crimes shall be punished by the New Ivyport Guardsmen and may include the following:

*A fine of 20 gold paid to the Verendell temporary government, A public flogging, a public apology, an hour in the stocks, or three hours of community service.*