Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment
Crime has run rampant since slavery was abolished. Murder and robbery are viewed by many as being quicker and easier than finding honest work. Criminals separate citizens (and PCs) from their money faster than a ztal can scream.

Gang and Mob Violence
Groups of ruffians and disgruntled ex-slaves have taken to the streets in some parts of the city wreaking havoc and committing acts of wanton violence. Unwilling to return to the same menial (but now paying work they once performed, these former slaves live by their own rules. Rowdy, armed bands wander the streets, attacking and robbing anyone who gets in their way. These groups have battled city folk and templars alike. They flee when the fight goes against them, only to regroup later somewhere deep in the Warrens that they call home to lash out at less formidable targets.

Street Crime
Street crime continues to escalate in Tyr, despite the revolution. Pickpocketing, muggings, and armed robberies are common. New, ingenious twists have been added to crimes to confuse even seasoned templars. One such form of robbery is the chain theft. This type of robbery occurs when four or five confederates walk through a crowded area. The first pick the mark. The second bumps or distracts the individual, while the third cuts or steals his purse. The purse is then handed to the fourth accomplice who walks off at an oblique angle to the crime. Finally, the purse is passed to a fifth confederate, who merely sits inconspicuously holding the loot. If confronted, the actual robber has no incriminating evidence of the crime on his person.

Caravan Raids
The increased demand for goods by former slaves has caused intermittent shortages and steep increases in prices. Staples as well as luxury items fetch obscene profits on the open market. Inbound caravans arriving to take advantage of the boom would offset the increased demand with greater supply, but fewer caravans are arriving safely. The increased caravan traffic presents a rare opportunity for raiders, for tremendous profits can be made from stolen goods. The thieves now have the luxury of surveying and selecting the choicest caravans to raid. Smaller trading houses must weigh the increased danger of running caravans into Tyr against the possibility for substantial profits. Larger houses fear that the influx of smaller trading houses coming to Tyr to establish new trading routes will cut into their profits. Unfounded rumors persist that the larger houses are assisting elven raiders with information on goods being shipped and the protection provided by their smaller competitors. The smaller trading houses may soon be forced to raid larger trading companies in order to compete.