Saythan Customs
Considering the massive importance of commerce in Saythian, a strong need for a regulatory and control organization raised to the attention of the council early on in time. Tha main focus of this organization is to prevent smuggling and import of prohibited products in the territory of the Republic, also granting the payment of the due tributes.
Hierarchy
The highest ranks in the Custom is represented by the Harbour Masters, to grant the cover of all rota and minimize the risk of corruption there is four Harbour Masters in charge in every period of time, if one retires, get demoted or fired another person his hired to cover the position. Harbour masters respond directly to Saythan Council and are in charge of the commerce through the harbour in a set of eight hours, working on a rota. They are usually the senior officers in the Custom. The second most important figures are eight Oriental and Occidental Harbour guardian, that act when the master is not available and control half of the harbour. This eight officer aren't bond to a specific side of the harbour every day but alternate on both sides, on a rota system. In each pier, the senior officer ranks are Pier Master and Pier vice-masters that will be in charge of not less than twelve Controllers, that are the lowest rank in the Custom.
Culture
From the perspective of Saythian's people, the Custom is strongly respected and valued, since they realize that the injection in the commerce of low quality or stolen goods may affect the welfare of the whole community. A lot of the merchants complain about the bureaucracy, being anyhow aware that is a necessary evil. The rapid punishment that follows any potential discovered misconduct by officers is a grant for the reputation of the Custom.
Activity
When a commercial ship lands in Saythian's harbour, she and her ledgers get examined by, at least two controllers. Everything reported in the ledger has to match the content of the cargo, in quantity and description. When satisfied by the inspection the officers produce a statement for the seniors, so that they can produce, stamp and sign an unload permit, that reports on footer the fee to pay in order to have access to the harbour. Until the payment of the fee, the goods have to stay in the cargo. In case of irregularities in the cargo, the officers in charge can seal the cargo and request the intervention of one or more seniors, if the irregularities are confirmed the cargo gets confiscated, until a jury can evaluate the case.
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