Saltmarsh Defenses & Law
A far cry from resembling the newly militarized settlement of Seaton, Saltmarsh is not without its strength.
Town Watch
Known locally as the Scales, the Scale Watch was originally an amateur organization comprised of retired sailors and town toughs. Its ranks are now mostly filled by Keoish military veterans that have moved south.
Under Captain Fireborn's leadership the Scales have grown in number, training, and function. They are now even considered an auxiliary to Keoland's military.
In times of peace, their role is to patrol in pairs throughout the town on foot and around its immediate borders on horseback.
While many Salts begrudgingly acknowledge the stability and safety a more established town watch has brought to Saltmarsh, the feeling remains that meddlesome outsiders imported by the crown are little better than thugs seizing control.
Militia
In times of extreme threat it is the local expectation that every able bodied inhabitant of fighting age will do their part. It is the royal expectation that they will be enlisted into quasi-military service.
The levying of a town militia has never occurred though Saltmarsh has had to band together many times in the past to repel pirates, bandits, or slavers. Currently existing in decree only, the militia provides no equipment and does not have compulsory training days.
While there is talk of changing this with monthly musters, a militia's goal would still only be to hold the line until royal forces can be deployed from Seaton or Burle. An option that never existed in previous years.
Marines
A far more active and very small contingent of royal marines has been deployed to Saltmarsh. Making good use of their far superior arms and training, the marines crew the sloop of war Barsoom.
The detachment are hardened veterans of dozens of engagements against pirates, raiders, and monsters alike. Not quite viewed as Salts or Founders, the Barsoom and its crew are a welcome addition to Saltmarsh that many believe the Lion Throne should have provided a long time ago.
Local Laws
If need be lawbreakers are briefly imprisoned in the jail below the Scale Watch barracks. For most offenses people pay a fine and are let go.
Those who cannot pay are required to work off their debt via civic needs, such as providing labor for maintenance or construction projects. If a crime requires a trial, the town council hears evidence and renders a verdict. It does not take long for this process to get underway.
Crime breaks down into three basic categories in Saltmarsh:
Petty Crime. Public unarmed brawling, pickpocketing, and other crimes that cause up to 50 gp in property damages are classified as petty crimes. The accused pays a fine of up to 12 gp plus damages, 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 plus damages and/or serve up to four years of forced labor.
Major Crime. Crimes more severe than those outlined above, including murder, are major crimes. The criminal faces years of imprisonment in a royal dungeon or may even earn the death penalty. In most instances, these crimes are dealt with in Seaton, the provincial capital located east of Saltmarsh.
