To Calomel: Concerning the Constabulary and Knighthood

[Malaroth]

Cinnabar Calomel
High Constable of Myrken Wood

Greetings,

I hope this letter finds you well enough considering the most recent violence that has touched the citizenry. I am writing to address an area that proves to be of future concern - namely how our two institutions are to interact with one another.

I have no desire to interrupt, interfere or otherwise add difficulty to your occupation. The King has, however, approved of the knighthood and so we stand at something of a conflict. We, the Shepherd Knights of the Silver Staff, are sworn to protect and assist the populace of the province yet it is not given to us to arrest and investigate alleged crimes. Nor, indeed, is that our purpose.

Perhaps we might meet in order to establish firm boundries that will prove mutually beneficial?

Sincerely,

Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea
Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights

[Cinnabar]

[The reply comes soon enough; a letter in flowing script upon smooth, sturdy paper.]

To Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea
Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights

Sir Malaroth

Thank you for your most recent letter, which did indeed reach my desk safely.

Given that our two organisations appear to share a common goal - that is, protecting the citizens of Myrken Wood - I see no reason at all for any conflict to exist between us. Indeed, our mutual cooperation for the good of all would seem to my mind the most sensible and natural state of affairs, as I hope you would agree.

The situation of the Myrkentown Constabulary is fairly simple at present: our duty is to preserve the Governor's Peace within Myrkentown and its immediate environs. This does not yet extend beyond what might be reasonably considered the outer reaches of Myrkentown proper, though with the Governor's approval I hope to establish a Constabulary presence in Foggy Bottom and other such towns; I see no reason why the Peace should be limited only to Myrkentown and its citizens, as the right to personal safety and security is something that should be enjoyed by the populace of Myrken Wood as a whole.

This in mind, I would propose not boundaries between our organisations but instead union - a policy of close communication and coordination, for the betterment of all. To do otherwise invites a ridiculous and counterproductive situation whereby both parties spend their time jealously guarding their "territory" from each other rather than working together to protect the people of Myrken as they should be.

I would also recommend that Miss Quincy Randall be included in any future discussions on this matter, as I am informed that she has an interest in the welfare of Myrken's citizenry every bit as keen as our own, and I believe that her involvement would further strengthen our combined efforts.

In the meanwhile, any further information you could provide on the intents and objectives of your Order would prove most useful in establishing what overlap there might be, and how it might best be resolved.

Sincerely,

Cinnabar Calomel
High Constable, Myrkentown Constabulary

[Malaroth]

* Malaroth's own hand is a hasty, slanted scrawl that, at times, might prove difficult to read. Whatever buzzing in his head that accompanies each thought is apparently transferred to the paper.*

To Cinnabar Calomel
High Constable of Myrken Wood

Greetings,

Yes we share a common goal in the protection of the people against whatever villainy befalls them. In the case of this land in particular such villainy is disturbingly common and often takes the form of ill-used and often abused sorcery. As we briefly discussed in person, I have come across a small number of more mundane methods of combating magic although some of these methods are just as dangerous towards those we seek to protect.

Towards this purpose the knighthood seeks to combat the evils of sorcery through the following means: mental conditioning against enchantments and other magic of the mind, moral accountability to ward off the temptations that come with magical power, and learning magical theory so as to understand the basic arcane theory behind the Art itself.

Far be it, however, for the knighthood to neglect the mundane dangers and needs that threaten the people's peace. Should people suffer from hunger, it is my hope we may ease their pain. Should people be in danger of wolves devouring sheep, let us defend their flocks. For it is my intent that the Shepherd Knights treat the people as their flock to protect and, if necessary, lay down their lives for.

His Majesty has charged the Knighthood with the protection of the Amasynian Provincial Region. Given Myrken Wood's central location I have chosen it for the site of our base of operations. It is not in our power, nor ability, to investigate crimes in any formal sense. The Knighthood is a more militant organization designed to defend those who cannot defend themselves through coin or skill at arms. It is not inappropriate to label us mercenaries, perhaps, who are sold into service of three masters: courage, honor and wisdom. Such is our motto.

I hope that what information I have offered will prove useful for the mutual end of a close relationship that is beneficial for us and for the people. Should it prove necessary I will establish a knight whose office is that of liaison between the Knighthood and Constabulary.

Sincerely,
Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea
Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights