Law and Order in Vanzenia

The unquestioned ruler of Vanzenia is Morignus the red dragon. Morignus treats the city as his own personal hoard, wanting to see it become richer and more powerful. Before the arrival of the dragons, Vanzenia was unique in Tirenia for being a republic. Morignus subverted the republic while still undercover by turning it into an oligarchy: only the richest should be allowed to vote. By disenfranchising the people of Vanzenia, he found it easier to take over. Members of the oligarchy formed the Great Council, and would elect one of their number to become Doge (duke) of Vanzenia. Morignus is not interested in day-to-day governance, so he has allowed the Great Council to maintain an administrative role.

It amuses Morignus to let the members of the Great Council squabble among themselves, and so he habitually appoints officials, such as tax-collectors, at his own discretion. Usually, this will be someone who has given him a hefty bribe, or someone of whom he currently approves - usually because they have been particularly ruthless in coercing or attacking their enemies. These officials are largely left to their own devices, as long as the system runs smoothly. Those who take these offices usually find it easy to line their own pockets in the process.

There are law courts and laws in Vanzenia, but no public law-enforcement officials. Any crime against the state is usually discovered by the red dragon's secret police, and the perpetrators are summarily dealt with by Morignus and the army. Crimes against private citizens, however, are a private affair. Disputes can be handled by one person taking another to court, where they defend themselves or hire a lawyer (or hand over a large bribe); otherwise, individuals need to take the law into their own hands. This is why merchant houses typically hire guards to watch over their warehouses, to deal with petty theft, and why middle-class artisans form guilds for mutual protection. Any large-scale criminal activity is seen as a threat to the state, however, so organised crime has stayed more low-key than in other places. Commerce is just a more profitable way of robbing others in Vanzenia.
Image result for merchant of venice trial painting
Art: 'The Trial Scene from The Merchant of Venice'. Thomas Hill, 1865.

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