The Green Reed

*"Rooted in the Sea" - Loose Motto of the Green Reed of Saltmarsh*

The Green Reed, are the official town guard of the Town of Saltmarsh, and an important local Faction for Saltmarsh: Call of the Kraken. The troupe consists of bit over 200 members that double as Saltmarsh's law enforcement as well as a large portion of it's military forces (Serious military operations are under the jurisdiction of the Keolish Marines and town defense also falls on a citizen militia) . With Saltmarsh being a bastion of civilization in an untamed region, the Green Reed see themselves as the bastion of Law and Order within Saltmarsh keeping order and enforcing the law. Their ranks consist mainly of Keolish Veterans of campaigns in the North, that utilize their battle experience to protect the townsfolk as well as the interests of the crown. They are led by the Stubborn Councilmember/Keolish war-hero Eliander Fireborn.

### Arms and Operation

The Green Reed can be seen with a basic kit of studded leather armor, pinned or etched with the crest of their banner, and tend to be armed with heavy clubs. These clubs work to dispatch riff-raff but also as belaying clubs if they need to provide assistance to the Sailors on the port. The Green Reed mostly work in pairs and operate out of towns guardhouses such as: the Hoolwatch Tower, the Gillhouse, and the Needle's Point. While the majority of the Reed were trained as part of the Iron Legion of Keoland, few of the younger members saw much prolonged combat if any, but their training leaves them tough enough adversaries. Those who have seen combat are placed into two smaller groups the Veteran Reeds and Horse Guards.

#### Green Reed Ordinaries (~150 Reeds)

Basic Kit of studded leather armor, a thin leather helmet, a heavy iron club, and either 30 ft of rope, a pair of manacles, or both. Tend to be patrolling the various districts of Saltmarsh keeping a watchful eye and enforcing order.

#### Veteran Reeds (~50 Reeds)

The kit of the Veteran Members of the Green Reed tend to not be as uniform, due to them having kits from their own military campaigns. But usually consists of Chainmail armor, sometimes with an iron helmet, a sword or two (sometimes long sometimes short), a heavy or light crossbow, a heavy iron mace or club, and a pair of manacles. The Veteran Reeds tend to remain in and around the guardhouses, be called in to help when backup is needed.

#### Horse Guards (~25 Reeds)

The kit of the Horse Guards is about the same as the veteran, but more suited for mounted combat. Consists of chainmail armor, an iron or leather helmet, a long spear or lance, a heavy crossbow, a greatclub, and 30 feet of rope. The Horse Guards are located along the outskirts of the town's walls, and tend not to be in the town proper unless a riot or festival is under way where their presence is needed.

### Local Law Enforcement

The Green Reed arrests everyday lawbreakers and imprisons them in the Gillhouse. In most cases, criminals pay a fine and are let go. Those who cannot pay are required to work off their debt, usually put to work sweeping streets or helping with construction projects. If a crime requires a trial, the town council hears evidence and renders a verdict. More serious crime or wanted criminals tend to receive a guilty verdict via trial, but the Green Reed are legally allowed to kill them if deemed too dangerous to hold or a threat to others. Criminals charged with long prison sentences or are of some greater political purpose are carted off to the Keolish Fortress City of Seaton, the provincial capital located east of Saltmarsh, to serve their sentence or be tried by the Iron Courts. Crime breaks down into three basic categories in Saltmarsh.

**Petty Crime**. Public unarmed brawling, pickpocketing, and other small events that cause up to 50 gp in property damages are classified as petty crimes. The convicted pays a fine of 2d6 gp, or one day of hard labor per gold piece owed.

**Minor Crime**. Armed assault, defined as any nonfatal attack made with a weapon, along with any other assault or property crimes that cause more than 50 gp in damages, but less than 250 gp, are minor crimes. The perpetrator must pay a fine of 100 gp and may be sent to Seaton for 1d4 years in prison or at forced labor.

**Major Crime**. Crimes more severe than those outlined above, including murder, are major crimes. The criminal faces 2d10 years of imprisonment, though serious cases earn the death penalty. In most instances, these crimes are either swiftly hanged at the gallows or are dealt with in Seaton.