Navigation
Location: Godmere > Near Gold Gate Adjacent Districts: Golden Mile, Cynders
Description
Gallows Square occupies a prominent position just inside the Gold Gate, ensuring that all who enter Godmere through this entrance witness the kingdom’s justice in action. The square is paved with dark stone, deliberately somber compared to the white stone prevalent throughout the city. At its center stands the gallows - a sturdy wooden platform with the grim apparatus of execution prominently displayed.
The location serves a dual purpose: it demonstrates the kingdom’s commitment to law and order while serving as a stark warning to those who might consider criminal activity. The proximity to both the wealthy Golden Mile and the shadowy Cynders sends a clear message - the law applies to all, regardless of district or station.
The square is large enough to accommodate substantial crowds during executions, which are treated as public spectacles. City guards maintain a perimeter, ostensibly for crowd control but also to prevent exactly what the underworld might attempt - rescue of the condemned.
Features
The Gallows
- Raised wooden platform for visibility
- Multiple nooses (can execute several simultaneously if needed)
- Trapdoor mechanism for hanging
- Stairs for condemned to ascend
- Guard positions on platform
- Reinforced construction (has withstood rescue attempts)
Square Layout
- Stone paving (easier to clean than dirt)
- Perimeter clear of buildings for sightlines
- Guard posts at corners
- Cleared space for crowds to gather
- Mounting posts for displaying additional warnings or notices
- Bell tower nearby (tolls during executions)
Security Measures
- Regular guard patrols even when no execution scheduled
- Elevated positions for archers during executions
- Clear sightlines preventing ambush approaches
- Quick access to guard barracks
- Barriers to control crowd flow
- Magical wards against teleportation (activated during executions)
Typical Execution Procedure
- Announcement: Bell tolls to announce execution
- Prisoner Transport: Condemned brought from prison in secured cart
- Crowd Gathering: Citizens gather (some compelled by morbid curiosity, others by civic duty)
- Reading of Charges: Official announces crimes and sentence
- Final Words: Condemned given opportunity to speak (often declined or incoherent)
- Execution: Noose placed, trapdoor released
- Body Display: Remains left hanging for prescribed period as warning
- Disposal: Body eventually cut down and disposed of according to law
Crimes Warranting Execution
Public hangings are typically reserved for:
- Murder (especially of nobles or multiple victims)
- High treason
- Assassination (whether successful or attempted)
- Major theft from the crown
- Particularly heinous crimes
- Repeat serious offenses
- Crimes by guild members (sends message about organized crime)
Atmosphere
Executions draw mixed crowds:
- Justice Seekers: Victims’ families wanting closure
- Morbid Spectators: Those drawn to spectacle of death
- Deterred Criminals: Underworld figures reminded of consequences
- Children: Sometimes brought by parents as harsh lesson
- Protesters: Occasionally those opposing capital punishment
- Underworld: Associates of condemned, sometimes planning intervention
The atmosphere is tense and grim. City guards are notably more alert during executions, knowing that rescue attempts, while rare, do occur. The tolling bell creates a somber soundtrack, and even the usual city noise seems muted in the square.
Notable Aspects
Underworld Response
The criminal element of Godmere, particularly the Assassin Brotherhood in Cynders, view executions of guild members as particular affronts. While the Brotherhood officially maintains the pretense of legality, losing members to the noose represents both practical loss and loss of face.
Rescue attempts, while risky, serve multiple purposes:
- Recovering skilled members
- Demonstrating loyalty to current members
- Warning authorities that guild members are protected
- Maintaining reputation for taking care of their own
Recent Activity
The square has seen increased use recently as authorities crack down on organized crime. The Assassin Brotherhood has lost several members to arrest, and tensions are high. Rumors suggest the guild is planning a dramatic response.
Strategic Importance
The square’s location near Gold Gate is strategic:
- Visitors entering through Gold Gate immediately witness kingdom’s power
- Proximity to Golden Mile reminds wealthy that law protects them
- Nearness to Cynders warns criminals in their own territory
- Creates uncomfortable juxtaposition between Godmere’s prosperity and its violence
Current Situation
~{A high-ranking member of the Assassin Brotherhood is scheduled for execution. The guild is planning a rescue attempt during the hanging. This will occur as the party enters through Gold Gate, potentially drawing them into conflict with both guards (who may suspect anyone intervening) and the underworld (who may see witnesses as threats).}
DM Notes
~{This location is designed for a dramatic encounter as the party first enters Godmere. The execution and rescue attempt can serve multiple purposes:
- Introduction to Godmere’s law enforcement and justice system
- First glimpse of the Assassin Brotherhood’s capabilities and organization
- Moral dilemma - do they help guards, help criminals, or stay neutral?
- Potential reputation impact based on their choices
- Introduction of recurring NPCs from either city guard or underworld
- Demonstration that Godmere has both law and those who defy it
The breakout should be chaotic and dramatic - smoke bombs, flash grenades, rope swings from nearby buildings, disguised guild members in the crowd, possibly even a sympathetic guard. The party finds themselves in the middle whether they want to be or not.}