To my fellow citizens of Elmerton,
As your Magistrate, it has been brought to my attention that several of our fellow citizens were the victims of crimes last moon. As such, I shall be holding court at approximately one bell past high sun on Wakingday at the amphitheater to deal with this matter as the incarnations see fit and allow victims to bring charges against their transgressors.
It was reported to me, that the possessions of several individuals went missing from their cabins. In addition to this, several citizens were looted during battle with reports of fellow citizens being involved.
I wish to take this opportunity to educate and provide recourse for those that would prey on the heroes of Elmerton. To educate, please realize, that the individuals that you steal from are indeed heroes, and I do not use the word heroes lightly. These are the mortals who stood against and defeated Queen Amphelise the vampire queen who would subjugate nations. They are also the heroes that defeated the Earth Caller Durias Unddybar, who attempted to merge dimensions with Magesta and stopped the deaths of thousands. Some of these heroes fought the Sleeping Lord himself, and with it saved all of creation and advanced the Age of Fortune. How dare anyone think that they should deprive any riches of these heroes. For those that have stolen from our heroes, I can only consider you villainous in every manner of the word, and should the incarnations see fit, I shall reveal you and let the heroes decide how they should defeat you.
But as I also mentioned I would offer recourse, I shall allow any of the guilty to confess their crimes to me prior to high sun on Wakingday, so that the matter can be dealt with in a most honorable fashion and with mercy. This first offer, my offer to deal with you in an honorable manner expires one minute past the sun reaching its peak and I shall turn my back on mercy towards these crimes moving forward.
As an additional offer to those that would remain in the shadows and stick to their villainous life, I make this offer to you. If you must steal from a member of the town, do so from me directly. I shall from this point forward carry a gold piece just for this necessity. Should you have the desire to strike down a fellow townsperson, or to even rummage through their possessions while their blood spills for defending Elmerton, do it directly to me. I shall reserve the wrath of the incarnations directly for you, villain.
From this point forward, I am suspending the sheriffs duties previously enacted during the Rites of Perdition, and I have approved the reinstatement of the town guard. The town guard will be responsible for investigating crimes between citizens as well as being charged with investigating troubles as often comes to our town. In this town of heroes, the town guard is not the substitution of heroic action. They are merely individuals who will strive to help the members of Elmerton above all else, and for that they have my respect.
My last plea is to the victims who have found their riches, be they coins, weapons, potions or jewels taken from them. I shall do what I can to find the criminals who have taken items from you. Currently, I have been given a list of suspects and shall share with the town guard so that they may investigate these crimes further. Yet, my request is that you take it upon yourself to exercise the most minimal of precautions and hide your goods. Treat them as the treasures that they are. Bury them, trap them, and protect them in some fashion other than leaving them in the wide open, only to find them gone and wondering who could have betrayed you and your apathy towards your gold. At least make the effort to have good thieves work for their prizes, and do not let the pathetic ones profit from your foolishness.
Any other items that must be brought up at court should be brought directly to my attention either Gatheringday or Wakingday prior to court being called into session. Although not mandatory, I am requesting a representative from any of the guilds of Elmerton be in attendance so that I might request council during our discussions.
And as always, thank you Elmerton for all the good works that you do.
Minister Oliver Finnesterra, Magistrate of Elmerton