Sheriff (Abron)
In Abron, a sheriff is a senior officer of the King's Guard who oversees the guardsmen of a settlement and its surrounding lands. While the Thane of a settlement typically sees to matters of governance, the sheriff keeps order and maintains a settlement's civil defense.
Appointment
Unlike most of the officer corps of the King's Guard, sheriffs are appointed directly by a thane rather than being promoted from within the Guard's ranks. Upon appointment, he is granted armorial bearings under the seals of the thane and the Captain of the King's Guard, and assigned to his post in a simple military promotion ceremony.
Responsibilities
The sheriff is responsible for maintaining order and organizing the civil defense. As the administrator of the settlement, the thane commands the King's Guard, including the sheriff; however, the sheriff typically oversees the day-to-day operations of the King's Guard. The sheriff assigns patrols along the roads, inspects the town's armory, and keeps the guardsmen in fighting form. In larger cities, the sheriff may appoint lieutenants, to whom he can delegate tasks within the various districts of the city.
In towns and other smaller settlements, the sheriff usually also presides over small, routine matters of justice (for instance, petty theft or disorderly conduct). In such cases, he will hear witnesses, judge the guilt or innocence of the accused, and determine the appropriate penalty. This leaves the thane free to deal with high crimes and more pressing administrative matters.
Benefits
The sheriff receives a stipend from the coffers of the settlement, along with a villa and a parcel of land, and a huscarle appointed by the thane to protect his property and act as his bodyguard.
Accoutrements & Equipment
In addition to a patent of his armorial bearings, the sheriff also carries a signet and seal bearing his sigil, along with a decorative short sword and green mantle that serve as his badge of office.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
The thane has broad discretion to remove a sheriff from his post, but this is rarely done except in cases where dereliction of duty has occurred, or where the sheriff has committed some kind of high crime against the kingdom's laws.
Type
Nobility, Military
Source of Authority
Length of Term
Until death, retirement, resignation, or dismissal
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
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