People of the Realm,

I applaud Alita (I do hope I remember the name correctly) and from
what words the Creator has spoken on such guards in other places, I
think that is the direction that he may well eventually go. Indeed
one must disclaim that I certainly cannot know the mind of a God, let
alone Sarapis Himself.

Until such time as guards truely wander the streets and responds to
such calls for aid (and perhaps attempt to arrest all involved, thus
getting potential attackers and exploiters of the defenses), I think
we have a simpler solution.

During the war some time ago, the Cities had to pay a considerable sum
on a regular basis to keep their defenses up. This meant that citizens
who cared to have such defenses could do their civic duty, and the city
would be defended. Each then could contribute to the defense, even if
they were not present and awake when attacks came. I suggest that this
should again be the case.

In addition, the level of defense could depend on how much the City was
willing to pay. It takes quite a sum to employ a large group of archers
and telepaths, and the more you want to support, the more it should cost.
Thus, if (for instance) Ashtan feels that its citizens are its own best
defense, then they could channel their moneys into bounties rather than
the anonymous archers and telepaths. But if another city, such as the
peaceful Jewel of the East, would rather not have their citizens have
such blood on their hands, then they could employ such a mighty army of
mercenaries that any city enemy would be slain in moments. And such a
theoretical army might keep the entire population of Shallam constantly
taxes for gold...

Thus, each could vote with her or his own gold as to how strong the
defenses would be, and the leaders of each city could choose their own
path.

What think you, citizens of Sapience? Divine Gods and powerful Celani?
As a Devil's Advocate myself, I welcome your criticism.

Brother Thaulan, Devil's Advocate

Penned by my hand on the 3rd of Valnuary, in the year 244 AF.