The Laws & Duties of the Watchmen

A concise handbook for the Sanctuary Guard Force and Al-Zarah Watch covering duties, investigations, force, courts, field doctrine, city laws and OOC Guard standards.

Introduction

WATCHMEN HANDBOOK

The Laws & Duties of the Watchmen

A concise field guide for the Sanctuary Guard Force and Al-Zarah Watch

› The institutions entrusted with keeping order in Sanctuary Fortress and Al-Zarah.

The Watch exists to preserve believable civic order while creating roleplay. Patrols, investigations, arrests, trials and military responses should produce consequences and future stories rather than reduce law enforcement to a mechanical contest.

The Two Authorities

Sanctuary Guard Force

Fortis et Fidelis

A disciplined northern military institution commanded by the Guard Captain. It patrols Sanctuary Fortress, investigates crime and enforces the city's law.

Al-Zarah Watch

For The Queen

The civil authority of Al-Zarah, serving Queen Mekt Tsun-Amun and enforcing the Crown's decrees and southern customs.

Shared Principles

Protect

Safeguard citizens, travelers, merchants and the settlements they depend upon.

Serve

Authority is a responsibility. Enforce the city's law without pride, favoritism or needless cruelty.

Create Stories

A good investigation or arrest gives every participant something meaningful to roleplay afterward.

FOUNDATION

Two cities, one philosophy

The organizations are separate and their laws differ, but both are expected to investigate before accusing, negotiate before escalating and use authority with restraint.

Chapter I — The Watch

CHAPTER I

The Watch

Structure, command and service

› The badge represents both lawful authority and responsibility.

The Guard and Watch are not merely arrest factions. Their presence should make each city feel governed, protected and alive. Officers are expected to place believable roleplay before mechanical victory.

Organizations

Sanctuary Guard Force

Northern Authority

Professional military guard serving Sanctuary Fortress and answering to the Guard Captain.

Al-Zarah Watch

Southern Authority

Royal civil watch serving Al-Zarah and acting in the Queen's name.

Chain of Command

Sanctuary Guard Force	Al-Zarah Watch
Guard Captain	Captain of the Queen's Watch
Guard Lieutenant	Queen's Lieutenant
Guard Sergeant	Watchmaster
Senior Guard	Royal Watchman
Guard	Watchman
Guard Trainee / Recruit	Initiate

COMMAND

Follow the chain

Senior officers coordinate the faction. Junior officers are expected to seek guidance when an issue exceeds their authority rather than improvising major policy or punishment.

Oath of Service

“I shall neither abuse my authority nor neglect my duty. I shall protect those who cannot protect themselves, pursue justice without prejudice, uphold the laws of my city with honor, and remember always that my purpose is not merely to enforce order, but to create stories worthy of being remembered.”

Chapter II — Duties & Responsibilities

CHAPTER II

Duties & Responsibilities

What every Watchman is expected to do

› Daily service is built around presence, investigation and restraint.

Core Duties

Duty	Expectation
Patrol	Maintain a visible presence in markets, roads, taverns, docks and public districts.
Respond	Answer reports, disturbances and requests for assistance.
Investigate	Collect testimony and evidence before deciding what occurred.
Protect	Defend civilians, merchants, visitors and public order.
Enforce	Apply the city's laws fairly and consistently.
Manage Prisoners	Escort, question and hold detainees professionally while preparing cases for trial where appropriate.
Report	Document major incidents so investigations and future roleplay can continue.
Represent	Every public interaction reflects upon the institution. Remain calm, courteous and professional.

GOLDEN RULE

The practical rule

Investigate before accusing, communicate before escalating and use only as much authority as the situation reasonably requires.

Chapter III — Arrests & Investigations

CHAPTER III

Arrests & Investigations

Evidence before accusation

› A good case gives witnesses, victims and suspects a meaningful part in the story.

FIELD STANDARD

Investigator's Creed

Observe › Question › Verify › Decide › Document. An accusation begins an investigation; it does not replace one.

Investigation Procedure

Step	Action
01 · Receive Report	Listen to the reporting party and identify the alleged offense.
02 · Secure the Scene	Prevent interference and preserve anything relevant.
03 · Collect Evidence	Gather witness statements, physical clues and records.
04 · Question Suspects	Allow the accused to explain their version of events.
05 · Reach a Conclusion	Decide whether sufficient evidence supports action.
06 · Take Action	Release, warn, fine, arrest or request trial as the law allows.

When Immediate Arrest Is Appropriate

Immediate Arrest

The crime is witnessed directly; the suspect attacks guards; attempts to flee; presents an immediate danger; or the crime is actively ongoing.

Investigate First

Only rumors exist; evidence is absent; witnesses conflict; the accusation relies on OOC knowledge; or the investigation has barely begun.

ROLEPLAY

Remember

Criminal characters are still players creating stories. The objective is believable consequence, not eliminating criminal roleplay from the server.

Chapter IV — Use of Force & Escalation

CHAPTER IV

Use of Force & Escalation

Words before weapons

› Force is a tool of last resort, not the opening move.

Escalation Ladder

Level	Response
I · Observe	Assess the situation before intervening.
II · Communicate	Identify yourself and issue clear lawful instructions.
III · Control	Seek voluntary compliance and de-escalation through dialogue.
IV · Restrain	Use reasonable force to prevent escape or violence.
V · Deadly Force	Only where lesser options have failed and lives remain in immediate danger.

Rules of Engagement

✓

Identify yourself whenever reasonably possible.

✓

Issue clear orders so the person understands what is expected.

✓

Allow a reasonable chance to comply unless immediate danger makes delay impossible.

✓

Use proportionate force and stop escalating once resistance ends.

✓

Accept surrender and treat prisoners professionally.

Do Not

Attack compliant suspects.

Continue striking surrendered prisoners.

Escalate because of OOC frustration or a desire to win.

Ignore surrender or peaceful alternatives.

Humiliate prisoners for entertainment.

Use authority to create unnecessary violence.

CHECK

Before escalating

Ask: Have I identified myself? Have I communicated? Have I allowed compliance? Is force necessary rather than convenient?

Chapter V — Courts, Trials & Sentencing

CHAPTER V

Courts, Trials & Sentencing

Turn accusations into evidence and evidence into lawful judgment

› A fair court gives every side an opportunity to be heard.

Purpose of a Trial

Establish Facts

Separate proven information from rumor, assumption and speculation.

Hear Every Voice

Victims, witnesses, officers and the accused should have a reasonable opportunity to speak.

Deliver Judgment

Apply the law fairly and create consequences proportionate to what was actually proven.

Court Procedure

Stage	What Happens
I · Opening	The judge opens the court, identifies the accused and explains the hearing.
II · Charges	The arresting officer states the alleged offenses.
III · Evidence	Documents, testimony, physical evidence and reports are presented.
IV · Defense	The accused may challenge testimony, explain actions and present evidence or witnesses.
V · Closing	Both sides summarize their position.
VI · Verdict & Sentence	The judge explains the decision and imposes any lawful sentence.

Evidence

Weight	Evidence
I	Physical evidence: weapons, letters, stolen goods, documents and other tangible proof.
II	Independent witnesses with no direct interest in the outcome.
III	Official investigative reports.
IV	Interested testimony from victims, allies, rivals or the accused.
V	Rumor and speculation: useful as a lead, not as proof by itself.

COURT MAXIM

Evidence before opinion

Suspicion may justify investigation. It should not, by itself, determine guilt.

Sentencing

Sentence	Use
Formal Warning	Minor or first-time misconduct where correction is sufficient.
Fine / Restitution	Property loss, commercial harm or situations where compensation is appropriate.
Imprisonment	Violent crimes, repeated offenses or cases requiring temporary removal from society.
Execution	Reserved for the gravest crimes where the law permits it, such as treason or exceptional murder cases.

›

Mitigating: voluntary surrender, cooperation, remorse, first offense and compensation to victims.

›

Aggravating: premeditation, abuse of office, repeat offending, violence against defenseless victims and obstruction of justice.

Appeals, Review & Pardon

Remedy	Purpose
Appeal	Higher authority reviews a serious legal or factual error.
Review	The court considers important new evidence unavailable during the original proceeding.
Pardon	Exceptional executive mercy granted by the lawful sovereign or empowered authority.

APPEAL

Valid appeal grounds

New evidence, serious procedural error, ignored evidence, judicial bias/conflict or a sentence clearly inconsistent with law. Simply disliking the verdict is not enough.

Chapter VI — Military Operations, Patrols & Field Doctrine

CHAPTER VI

Military Operations, Patrols & Field Doctrine

Discipline before impulse; preparation before action

› The Watch protects the realm most effectively through organization, communication and restraint.

Field Doctrine

Protect

Safeguard civilians, settlements and important infrastructure.

Observe

Gather information before committing to action.

Stabilize

Resolve disturbances with the least force necessary.

Defeat

When conflict is unavoidable, act decisively and in coordination.

Patrol Doctrine

Patrol	Purpose	Typical Size
City	Markets, residential districts and public order.	2–6 officers
Road	Protect trade routes and travelers.	4–8 officers
Border	Observe frontier activity and report incursions.	6–12 officers
Escort	Protect officials, diplomats or valuable cargo.	Variable

PATROL

A successful patrol may draw no weapon

Patrols exist to maintain presence, gather information, assist the public and respond when danger cannot be avoided.

Movement & Security

Formation	Best Use
Column	City streets, narrow roads, forests and mountain passes.
Line	Direct confrontation or securing a broad frontage.
Wedge	Open ground where visibility and reaction in several directions matter.
Perimeter	Temporary halts, investigations, negotiations or rest.

Checkpoints

›

Observe behavior, companions, equipment and visible cargo before engaging.

›

Greet professionally and explain the inspection.

›

Inspect only as justified by the circumstances and applicable law.

›

Resolve by permitting passage, detaining lawfully or calling additional officers.

CHECKPOINT

Suspicion is not guilt

Conflicting explanations, concealed cargo or evasive behavior may justify closer attention. Foreign origin, appearance or wealth alone do not prove wrongdoing.

Emergencies & Civil Unrest

Situation	Watch Response
Emergency	Warn › protect civilians › contain the threat › coordinate defenders › restore order.
Gathering	Observe a peaceful assembly without unnecessary intervention.
Disorder	Address arguments, fights or unlawful behavior before they spread.
Riot	Protect civilians and key locations; communicate, contain and disperse only after warnings fail.
Insurrection	Treat organized armed resistance as a major security threat under unified command.

Battlefield Operations

When patrols become armies, individual heroics give way to chain of command, formation and communication.

Priority	Meaning
Position	Secure favorable terrain before committing.
Communication	Orders must move faster than confusion.
Formation	Stay together unless specifically ordered otherwise.
Momentum	Exploit opportunities without abandoning discipline.
Preservation	Protect the force so it can continue the campaign.

COMMAND

Command cycle

Observe › Assess › Decide › Execute › Adapt. Orders should be clear, brief and acknowledged.

Logistics & Siege Defense

Campaign Logistics

Maintain food, equipment, medical care, communication and reinforcements. Protect supply lines and keep reserves.

Fortress Defense

Hold the walls, preserve supplies, maintain morale and buy time. Secure gates, rotate defenders and plan for breaches.

Reports & Leadership

›

After-action reports: record the mission, chronology, assessment and practical recommendations.

›

Integrity: report facts honestly, including mistakes.

›

Leadership: lead by example, develop junior officers, accept responsibility and correct misconduct consistently.

›

Officer virtues: integrity, discipline, judgment, respect and continued growth.

Chapter VII — The Laws of the Realm

CHAPTER VII

The Laws of the Realm

The legal codices of Sanctuary Fortress and Al-Zarah

› The two cities share a commitment to order but retain distinct legal traditions.

Every arrest, investigation and sentence should rest on established law rather than personal preference. Sanctuary Fortress and Al-Zarah are separate jurisdictions; officers must enforce the law of the city in which they serve.

Jurisdictions

Sanctuary Fortress

Northern jurisdiction under Lord Paramount Lucius Varinas. Its law emphasizes public order, commerce, modesty, civic responsibility and professional authority.

Al-Zarah

Southern jurisdiction under Queen Mekt Tsun-Amun. Its law emphasizes royal authority, Stygian custom, hierarchy and the legal recognition of slavery.

Sanctuary Fortress City Ordinance

Public Order

Law	Summary
Concealment of Identity	Masks, veils, lowered helmets or magical disguises may not be used to prevent lawful identification. Guards may require a face to be shown.
Bearing Arms	Weapons may be carried openly, but drawing, aiming, flourishing or threatening with them is unlawful except under authority or immediate self-defense.
Duels & Private Combat	Private duels and honor fights are prohibited unless officially sanctioned.
Disturbing the Peace	Rioting, harassment, intimidation, excessive drunkenness or conduct likely to provoke violence is prohibited.
Public Decency	Public nudity, indecent exposure and sexual conduct in public spaces are unlawful; visitors are subject to Sanctuary custom.
Guard Authority	The Guard may question, investigate, arrest, disperse unlawful gatherings and preserve the peace. Obstruction or refusal of lawful orders is a separate offense.

Persons & Property

Law	Summary
Assault & Battery	Intentional harm is unlawful except reasonable self-defense or defense of another. Excessive force remains punishable.
Attempted Murder & Murder	Unlawful killing or deliberate attempted killing is among the gravest offenses and requires full investigation and judicial review.
Kidnapping & Unlawful Imprisonment	Unlawful seizure, confinement, transport, hostage-taking or ransom is prohibited.
Threats, Coercion & Extortion	Threats or coercion used to obtain property, services, coin or influence are prohibited.
Harassment & Public Intimidation	Repeated threatening, following or intimidation that creates reasonable fear or disturbs public peace is unlawful.
Theft	Taking lawfully owned property is prohibited; restitution may accompany punishment.
Robbery	Theft through violence or immediate threat is punished more severely than ordinary theft.
Burglary & Criminal Trespass	Unauthorized entry for theft, sabotage or other crime is prohibited; forced or nighttime entry aggravates the offense.
Fraud, Forgery & Counterfeiting	Forged documents, counterfeit coin, false contracts, impersonation and dishonest schemes for gain are prohibited.

Justice & State

Law	Summary
Obstruction of Justice	Concealing or destroying evidence, harboring wanted criminals or interfering with investigations is prohibited.
Resisting Lawful Arrest	Flight, physical resistance, inciting interference or assaulting an officer during lawful arrest is a separate offense.
False Testimony	Deliberate perjury, fabricated evidence and knowingly false accusations are prohibited.
Bribery & Corruption	Offering or accepting benefits for unlawful official treatment is a serious offense.
Treason	Conspiracy against the Lord Paramount, assisting hostile forces or deliberately endangering Sanctuary security constitutes treason.

Sorcery & Sacred Places

Law	Summary
Sorcery	Forbidden or unlawful supernatural practice is prohibited and may justify detention pending investigation.
Demonic Summoning & Blood Rituals	Demonic summoning, blood sacrifice and related profane rites are unlawful whether successful or not.
Unlawful Cults	Cults become unlawful when tied to demon worship, sacrifice, sedition, unlawful sorcery or destruction of lawful authority.
Desecration of Sacred Places	Deliberate desecration of recognized temples, shrines, graves, memorials or monuments is prohibited.

Courts & Procedure

Law	Summary
Magistrates	Appointed Magistrates hear cases, evaluate evidence, determine guilt and impose lawful punishment.
Searches & Warrants	Detainees may be searched for weapons, stolen property or evidence. Private premises ordinarily require judicial authority unless immediate danger or evidence loss demands action.
Rights of the Accused	The accused must be told the charge and given a reasonable opportunity to answer and present evidence or witnesses.
Appeals	New evidence or substantial procedural error may support review by the Lord Paramount or an empowered authority.

PENALTIES

Sanctuary penalties

Verbal Warning for minor first offenses › Fine where financial remedy is appropriate › Imprisonment for serious/repeated offenses › Exile or Execution only for the gravest crimes under lawful authority.

Royal Decrees of Al-Zarah

Public Order

Law	Summary
Concealment of Identity	Identity may not be intentionally concealed to prevent lawful recognition. The Queen's Watch may require identification.
Bearing Arms	Personal weapons may be carried openly, but drawing or threatening with them without lawful cause is prohibited.
Disturbing the Peace	Rioting, unlawful violence, intimidation and interference with trade or public stability are prohibited.
Public Decency	Local southern customs permit forms of dress or nudity that Sanctuary may forbid; conduct intended to provoke obscenity, harassment or disorder remains unlawful.
Slavery	Slavery is legally recognized. Lawfully owned slaves are protected property; owners remain responsible for their control, and criminal slaves may be detained.
Watch Authority	The Queen's Watch may investigate, question, arrest and enforce royal decrees. Obstruction, resistance and refusal of lawful commands are separate offenses.

Persons & Property

Law	Summary
Assault & Unlawful Violence	Intentional harm is unlawful except reasonable self-defense or defense of another.
Murder	Unlawful killing is among the gravest offenses and requires detention, investigation and judgment by lawful royal authority.
Kidnapping & Unlawful Imprisonment	Unlawful seizure, confinement, transport, hostage-taking and ransom are prohibited.
Threats, Extortion & Intimidation	Threats or coercion used to obtain wealth, property, influence or obedience are prohibited.
Harassment	Repeated intimidation, stalking or deliberate terrorizing conduct is prohibited.
Theft	Taking coin, goods, livestock, slaves or other lawful property is prohibited; restitution may accompany sentence.
Robbery	Taking property by violence or immediate threat is punished more severely than ordinary theft.
Burglary & Criminal Trespass	Unauthorized entry for criminal purposes is prohibited; forced, nighttime or organized entry aggravates the offense.
Fraud & Counterfeiting	Forged documents, counterfeit currency, false contracts and fraudulent trade are prohibited.

Justice & Crown

Law	Summary
Obstruction of Justice	Concealing evidence, harboring wanted criminals, destroying evidence or interfering with royal investigations is prohibited.
Resisting the Queen's Watch	Flight, physical resistance, inciting interference or assaulting a Watchman during lawful detention is a separate offense.
False Testimony	Deliberate perjury, fabricated evidence and knowingly false accusations are prohibited.
Bribery & Abuse of Office	Offering or accepting benefits for unlawful official treatment is a grave offense.
Crimes Against the Crown	Conspiracy, rebellion, espionage, assistance to hostile forces or attempts to undermine the Queen's government constitute treason.

Sorcery & Sacred Places

Law	Summary
Unauthorized Sorcery	Sorcery and occult practice without Crown sanction are prohibited.
Forbidden Rituals	Human sacrifice, demonic summoning, unlawful blood rites, spirit binding and hostile supernatural rites are forbidden.
Unlawful Cults	Cults tied to sedition, demon worship, sacrifice, unlawful sorcery or conspiracy against the Crown are prohibited.
Desecration of Sacred Sites	Desecrating temples, royal monuments, graves, relics or sites sacred to the Crown is prohibited.

Courts & Procedure

Law	Summary
Authority of the Crown	Queen Mekt Tsun-Amun is the supreme judicial authority; all delegated courts and officers act through royal authority.
Searches & Seizures	Detainees may be searched for weapons, evidence, contraband or stolen property. Private estates normally require royal judicial authority unless immediate intervention is necessary.
Rights of the Accused	The accused must be informed of the charge and given a reasonable opportunity to answer before judgment.
Petitions & Appeals	Compelling new evidence or a serious miscarriage of justice may be petitioned to the Crown; filing does not automatically suspend sentence.

PENALTIES

Al-Zarah penalties

Royal Warning for minor first offenses › Fine & Restitution for property/commercial harm › Imprisonment for proportionate confinement › Royal Sentence such as execution or permanent exile only for the gravest offenses under lawful royal authority.

LEGAL PRINCIPLE

Law above the sword

The authority of a Watchman comes from the law of the jurisdiction they serve. Personal preference, prejudice or rank does not replace the legal code.

Chapter VIII — The Watchman's Oath

CHAPTER VIII

The Watchman's Oath

Out-of-character standards for Guard roleplayers

› This chapter governs how Guard members are expected to approach roleplay.

IMPORTANT

This chapter is OOC

These standards are not city laws. They are expectations placed upon the players portraying members of the Guard factions.

Core Standards

Standard	Expectation
Roleplay Before Victory	Do not treat Guard RP as a competition. A good escape, failed case or delayed arrest may create stronger stories.
Fair Enforcement	Apply the same standards regardless of friendship, rivalry, clan or OOC relationship.
Professional Conduct	Be firm when appropriate, but avoid personal abuse, power trips and unnecessary hostility.
IC / OOC Separation	Investigations must be built through IC information. OOC conflict must not drive IC enforcement.
Patience Before Action	Question witnesses, gather evidence and let suspects respond before deciding guilt where circumstances permit.
Force Is the Final Option	Use dialogue and reasonable opportunities for compliance before violence whenever possible.
Criminals Are Part of the Story	Criminal players create the investigations, trials and rivalries that make Guard RP possible.
Give Others a Voice	Do not dominate scenes. Let witnesses, suspects, victims and fellow officers contribute.
Communicate Clearly	Clear IC orders and respectful OOC clarification prevent most avoidable conflict.
Learn From Mistakes	Nobody guards perfectly. Accept feedback, correct errors and improve rather than becoming defensive.

Daily Guard Practice

✓

Begin peacefully whenever the situation allows.

✓

Build cases instead of rushing arrests.

✓

Be visible in ordinary city life, not only when a crime occurs.

✓

Create future roleplay rather than trying to resolve every thread immediately.

✓

Give the same quality of roleplay to newcomers, veterans, nobles, commoners and criminals.

✓

Work as one faction: share information, mentor recruits and avoid competing for arrests or recognition.

The Watchman's Sacred Promise

Oath of Service

“I swear to uphold the laws of the realm with honor, fairness and restraint.

I shall protect the innocent without seeking glory, pursue the guilty without seeking vengeance, and place the story before my own success.

I shall judge actions, not players. I shall seek truth before punishment. I shall choose patience before violence whenever possible.

My authority shall never become arrogance. My strength shall never become oppression. My duty shall never outweigh my integrity.

Whether I stand within the walls of Sanctuary Fortress or beneath the golden banners of Al-Zarah, I shall remember that I am not merely enforcing laws, but helping create a living world where every player has the opportunity to tell unforgettable stories.

This I swear, so long as I bear the badge of the Watch.”

THE WATCHMAN'S CREED

Final lesson

Anyone can carry a sword. Anyone can wear a badge. Few earn the respect of those they protect, and fewer still earn the respect of those they arrest.