Shield Space 6 of many

Miscellaneous Knowledge
The physical laws of this Sphere are not quite the same as was on Earth.
Thus, there are subtle differences that seem to affect high-energy chemical
reactions mostly.  Gunpowder had to be reformulated and still is not as
effective as it was on Earth, and tends to have a shelf life.  Though
gasoline and diesel can be distilled, they are not as energetic as they
should be.  Steam engines seem to be the more practical choice and the mix
of magic and technology has had some very cool results, such as making a
steam engine that requires no fuel, no condenser and little extra water.
Edged weapons tend to be the preferred weapon of choice as they are simple,
reliable and readily available.  Projectile weapons are effective against
humanoid targets but are not so useful against many other creatures and
undead.  In addition, a great many minor spells can cause havoc to firearms.
Stonehaven Arms is the only Human supplier of firearms and is located at
Inner Rockport.
Magical constructs (sometimes referred to as clockwork creations) are
extremely popular on Shield and are used extensively (second only to magical
steam engines).  These constructs are as varied as the tasks they have been
created to fulfill.  Typically, where you would use equipment on earth today
such as a forklift, cement mixer, farm tractor, pump, tiller, and more you
may see a construct.  Most constructs are designed to be mechanical power
sources or engines if you will and are built to a number of agreed on
specifications in order to be used within other equipment as their driving
force.  Though far more expensive, they are physically easier to create then
a steam engine, can respond to verbal commands or situations and are
extremely reliable.
Constructs can also be created with additional awareness or intelligence and
can then be used as guards or watchmen where warranted.  However, self-aware
constructs blur the distinction from Golems to many.
Golems are also relied on heavily for security and as such are a familiar
sight.  Golems will always be found aboard Shield navel vessels.  Golems
have been created from a wide range of materials and forms based on cost and
requirements.  As a note of interest, Iron golems are actually made from
Stainless steel on Shield.

Government:
The Government of Shield is a council of nine plus the Over governor or
regent.  The Over governor can veto any decision of the nine unless they are
unanimous in their decision.  The council chooses their own replacements
from a pool of people that have stepped forward or that have been nominated
to be in the council.  The Over governor can veto any appointment to the
council.
Each council chair votes for their favourites until there is one left.  In
all votes, each chair member must state the reason they are voting for any
one person and list the benefits of the individual to the council.  Each
chair is responsible for specific folders such as the CDC etc. the Over
governor is responsible for Starfleet.
Like anywhere else Humans have laws.  Traditional laws from Earth, the
religions that are followed, the voice of the people and circumstance
influence the laws of Shield.

Assume that if you know something is not legal in the real world, it is not
in Shield, except where drugs and prostitution are concerned, that is open
except for Blood Hype.  As well, being responsible for your actions is a big
one, none of this "it was not my fault" stuff.  "I had a bad mom so it's not
my fault," does not work nor does crime of passion as an acceptable defence.
However, a crime of passion might draw a lesser sentence.
Punishment: Depending on the crime sentences range from fines, jail, and
death to after life servitude!  Laws are based more on restitution and
rehabilitation rather than just punishment.  Petty crimes are mostly dealt
with by fines.  Crimes against people are dealt with based on the damage,
pain and suffering, reason and or circumstance and the results could be
anywhere from damages caused and more money wise to fines and corporal
punishment, probation, work camp (there are no idle jail sentences per se),
exile, Mind wipe, death and the worst to many is servitude after death.
This is where a criminal is brought back to life to answer for their crimes
and must spend time as an undead at various tasks for a fixed amount of time
to pay for their sins.  Exile is rare and if exercised it is to the penal
colony on Swamp.  Servitude after death is almost unheard of and is reserved
for particularly loathsome people such as serial killers, traitors having
compromised Shields security or having caused death by way of treasonous
activities, and only if the publics' knowledge of this will be of benefit or
a deterrent to others.
NOTE:  Any crime that threatens a human's life or kills a human is very
serious as life is considered precious due to the low human population and
is dealt with harshly and swiftly.  A great deal of effort will be expended
to solve crimes such as murder.  As a secondary note, any human or half
human killed has a fair chance of being brought back to life as long as the
resources are available.  (Not in a war with not enough spells to go around
etc)
Laws:
It is unlawful to wear armor in the city without cause and permit.  (What do
you think would happen if you wandered around wearing body armour and
carrying an M-16 today?)

It is unlawful to carry weapons without a peace bond.  Only one weapon may
be carried, this must be of short sword size or less and only if the weapon
can be rendered "non-useable" by the peace bond.  No missile or projectile
weapons are allowed.  Thus, small swords and daggers are about the only
weapons allowed.
A peace bond is simply a thin wire that is wrapped around a weapon to keep
it in its sheath and secured by a bit of lead that is crimped on by a tool
that also leaves a seal.  The wire must be broken to remove the weapon. This
is not hard to do but it will be apparent to anyone inspecting the peace
bond that the seal was broken.

Weapons and armor may only be bought with a W.A.A.P. (Weapon & Armor
Acquisition Permit)     1 GP per 5 years.

Only Shields' coinage may be freely spent on Shield.  Merchants will not
accept and are not allowed to accept foreign coinage except in Freeport.

Animals may not run freely in the city except cats.  In addition, all dogs
must have licenses at 1 SP per dog.
Any monster brought into the city must have a tag from the C.M.C.  (Center
for Monster Control)  This tag will cost from one GP to any amount deemed
appropriate and any monster can be refused entry into the city.  Owners are
liable for all actions of their monsters.

It is unlawful not to obey a Guardian.  (They are the police.)

It is unlawful to sell any armor or weapon without a permit, except to
people possessing said permit.

It is unlawful to knowingly spread disease.  (Entering the city with TB or
having sex with a STD etc.)  Considering how easy it is to cure such
diseases, (simply for the asking on Shield) it is considered a crime not to.

It is unlawful to leave the city owing money without consent of the
creditor, (Unless you are in the military and you have to go due to orders.)
though the creditor can sue to garnish wages.

It is unlawful to harm or modify a cat except in the best interest of the
cat (spading or neutering by a vet, Druid or Priest only).

It is unlawful to cage a cat without good reason (transport etc.)  Cats must
be allowed to roam free even indoors.

It is unlawful to litter, spit, spit gum, defecate or urinate on city
streets.

All Mages must register with the city.
It is unlawful to hire oneself out as a mercenary without being in a
registered mercenary group or having a private charter. Private charters
cost 10 GP plus 1 GP per year.  A Mercenary group charter is 100 GP plus 10
GP a year.
Casting any combat spell or prayer within the city is unlawful without just
cause.