THE SPIRE’S BOUNTY CHARTER
As penned by M. Noctis
In recognition that the reach of the guard is limited, and not all threats or needs are criminal in nature, the Stewardship of the Spire authorizes a structured bounty system. This system empowers registered citizens and capable contractors to assist the town in matters of recovery, justice, and defense—under the oversight of the Common Law of the Spire.
All officially sanctioned bounties are posted with a Colored Mark, denoting their legal limits, expected resolution, and severity. These classifications are known to all residents and are recorded publicly on the Bounty Board.
White Mark — Informational or Investigative
- Nature: Non-violent. For observation, reports, or testimony.
- Examples:
- Tracking sightings of suspicious figures
- Gathering intel on smuggling activity
- Retrieving lost ledgers or documents
- Limits: Target may not be harmed or detained.
- Reward: Modest coin, favors, or other compensation at poster’s discretion
Amber Mark — Recovery and Return
- Nature: For lost, missing, or stolen property or persons.
- Examples:
- Stolen heirlooms or livestock
- Missing travelers or children
- Runaways or unarmed fugitives
- Limits: Use of force discouraged; peaceful resolution favored
- Reward: Reasonable coin or recompense, to be stated by poster
Red Mark — Live Apprehension
- Nature: Legal capture and return of a living individual
- Examples:
- Known fugitives
- Violent offenders due for trial
- Escaped prisoners
- Limits: Force authorized; death not permitted unless unavoidable
- Reward: Significant coin, or other payment as declared
Black Mark — Elimination of Threats
- Nature: Neutralization of active, dangerous threats
- Examples:
- Confirmed murderers, cursed beings, raiders
- Dangerous creatures or entities under exile
- Limits: Kill-on-sight authorized. Proof of death required
- Reward: High coin, council favor, or other named boons
BOUNTY ISSUANCE & RECORD
All bounties are only valid if signed and posted by:
- A sitting Councilor,
- The Guard Captain, or
- The Militia Captain(s)
- A designated municipal clerk (staff member)
Red and Black Marked bounties require two authorized signatures from the list above, due to their higher risk and legal severity.
Each bounty posting must include:
- Classification (Colored Mark)
- Nature of the target (person, item, knowledge, etc.)
- Known risks or limitations
- Desired outcome (return, information, proof)
- Reward terms and expiration
All bounties must be posted publicly on the town’s bounty board and entered into the official townhall ledger for archiving.
Anyone within the Spire and its neighboring territories may request a bounty be issued, so long as they present the case to a valid issuer.
EXTERNAL CLAIMS
Bounties concerning crimes, debts, or disputes originating beyond the Spire’s borders are not valid unless reviewed and approved in the same manner as domestic postings. Such claims must be presented to a lawful issuer within the Spire and are subject to full classification, record, and signature requirements.
No foreign warrant, proclamation, or declaration shall be honored in the Spire until it has been verified and re-issued under the authority of the Seneschalty, the Guard Captain, or the Militia Captain. This measure ensures that all bounties rest upon fair grounds and the Common Law of the Spire, rather than the unchecked will of outside powers.
CONDUCT & RESTRICTIONS
Anyone may pursue a bounty, regardless of citizenship or rank. However, all bounty-takers are expected to:
- Abide by the Common Law of the Spire
- Yield to the authority of militia, guards, or other officials in active pursuit or legal matters
- Avoid civilian harm, excessive property damage, or unprovoked violence—violations may void reward and result in arrest or penance
- Approach White and Amber bounties non-lethally
- Provide verifiable evidence when fulfilling White Marked bounties; false leads may lead to blacklisting or punishment
DUE DILIGENCE
So long as a bounty-taker fulfills the posted terms in accordance with the listed Mark, they cannot be held responsible for the legality of the bounty itself.
Neither the bounty-taker nor the issuer is considered culpable for fulfilling an illegal bounty—unless they are found to have knowingly violated the law or neglected their duty in verifying its validity.
FAILURE TO PAY BOUNTY
Those who post bounties are expected to uphold the terms of their offer in full. This includes timely and complete payment of the listed reward upon successful fulfillment of the bounty.
Failure to provide the promised reward will result in the following:
- Immediate blacklist from posting further bounties on the board
- Placement under penance until the owed amount is paid in full
- Any disputes may be brought before the Guard Captain or a member of the Steward's Council.
Once payment is made, the penance is dissolved and the individual’s bounty board privileges will be reinstated.
EXPIRATION & REVOCATION
- Standard bounty lifespan is one year (server campaign) from the date of posting
- Bounties may be revoked at any time by the issuing authority
- If a bounty is found to be false, slanderous, or unjust, the issuer will be pursued for penance for such.
EXAMPLE POSTING
Bounty No. 137
Mark: Amber Mark
Summary: Missing child (Yaren) last seen near the quarry at dusk. Wears a blue shawl and copper pin.
Reward: 20 crowns and one favor from the child’s family
Submitted By: Miriam Smith
Issued By: Councilor Pip, 22nd of Greenrain
