Carroway

I'm not saying Carrow's Way is the best course of action. But I am saying it's better justice than some of those rats in the slums deserve.

— Anonymous Imperial Guard in Aldemane

The Order of Walls is partially responsible for ensuring the order of civilization within cities, and so they have several smaller sects devoted to civic duties. The 'Priests of Saint Carrows' are empowered by Imperial Proclamation to have authority to render judgement against those who break the law. However, they also are given very strict rules of conduct by the Order which must be followed properly. The 'Way of Carrows' is sometimes used to describe the process, which has been shortened over time into the title for the position: 'Carroway'.

Each city has anywhere from three to twelve Carroways, depending on the population density. Rural villages usually have one Carroway for a geographic region, based out of a particular village; cases which require their handling are expected to be brought to that village to be adjudicated properly. (For this reason, there are few rural cases, as there are alternative methods of judgement and punishment where the Imperium 'glances the other way'.)

Requirements

In order to be officially named a Carroway, the Order of Walls must carefully investigate the person in question. It is considered vitally important they can separate their personal feelings, bias, and experiences from the "law-as-written" in order to keep the rule of law as consistent as possible across the Empire. Similarly, they must be willing to question all facets of a case brought before them, showing doubt as a concern to bring the truth to light. Lastly, and most importantly, the individual must be willing to accept the restrictions of the role for a minimum of one year. Investigators from the Order of Walls are authorized to begin inquiries to anyone familiar with the candidate, and to subject all questioned to magical enchantments to ensure the validity of statements collected.

Appointment

I solemly swear to uphold the law, to grant all who stand accused a fair hearing, to temper wrath with mercy, and bring the guilty to pay for their trespasses.

— Excerpt from the Oath of Carrows

Once a candidate has been shown to be suitable for the task, and an opening has been found, a ceremony is held in the city where the new Carroway will be established. The Oath of Carrows is sworn before the city's leading authority, in full presence of both the Imperial Guard's chief representative and an officer of the Imperial Legion. The Oath is not simply a promise which can be considered legally binding, it is accompanied by a special clay symbol which is carried by the Carroway during their duties. This symbol is unbreakable, save for one specific cause: should the Carroway break their Oath in spirit or letter, the symbol breaks in half as a sign of how trust has been violated.

Duties

Each Carroway must hear all cases brought before them involving living beings caught by the Imperial Guard breaking the law. This is usually done with witnesses, composed of any number of representatives from the Order of Walls, the Imperial Guard, the Imperial Legion, the city leadership, and the citizenry. Fledgeling Carroways may invite a great deal more people than is strictly necessary, in order to make it obvious they are capable, while veteran Carroways often invite the minimum number of people in some cases or hold public sentencing in others - depending on the charges and severity of the crimes.

As part of the Oath, it is important for a Carroway to grant a fair hearing for those accused under Imperial Law. This includes hearing from the accused, the accuser, and as many witnesses as is necessary to attain a clear idea of what happened. Evidence may be suggested by any of those three categories of people, but any request for evidence made by the Carroway must be met as soon as possible.

The Carroway is given authority to use magic to ensure the validity and veracity of any evidence and testimony given in the course of their duties, and only that far. Furthermore, evidence and testimony found untrue or unsatisfactory need not be openly declared such - though this habitually is done to reinforce trust in the position. Should falsified evidence be given, it falls on the Carroway to issue an arrest order for those who were party to the process with the false evidence being used as the cause for such an order.

There is one final task a Carroway is routinely expected to do during their tenure of office, and this is to hear appeals regarding cases where the sentenced individual has doubt as to whether the final decision was properly given. Usually this is done because new evidence altered the understanding of a previous case, but the use of divine magic to seek truth and validity of evidence means it is exceedingly unlikely a punishment may be reversed. In some cases, the punishment cannot be reversed, though the record may be given a correction to note an individual was shown to be innocent of the crime.

Responsibilities

During the course of their duties, a Carroway is expected to do everything reasonable to ensure the valid judgement is given. While failing to do is not necessarily a breach of the Oath, it is certainly considered a stain on their service. Similarly, it is the responsibility of a Carroway to bring trials to order quickly and to keep order during the trial. It is not uncommon for a trial for murder to be emotionally charged, and requires a great deal of effort to keep it from getting out of hand. As most of the duties of a Carroway rely on reviewing evidence and testimony, it is also expected of a Carroway to know which questions to ask and where one might find witnesses for testimony. Lastly, and most importantly, the Carroway must be absolutely calm when undertaking their duties. It is vitally important to not allow personal experiences to taint the process, as such things might lead to justice being missed in favor of simply punishment.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

At the end of one year of service, a Carroway who has served with distinction is given the opportunity to continue serving for another year. Should they refuse to continue, they are given one moon for the Order to find a suitable replacement from the list of candidates. Once the replacement is sworn in, the former Carroway steps down and relinquishes their clay seal. Alternatively, a Carroway who has broken their Oath - and seal - must vacate the office immediately and the Order will fill the position with whatever candidates are readily available and close enough to keep the transitional period short.

Type

Civic, Law

Form of Address

"your Honor"
"man/woman of Carrows"

Alternative Naming

Priest of St. Carrows

Length of Term

One year

Related Organizations

• The Twelve Orders