MAPLEWOOD — The Constables and Elders of Maplewood have shunned themselves from the town, following the closed-door meeting that was reported in April.
The decision followed the infection of a Constable with the veilwalker curse, raising concern among Maplewood leadership that continued proximity to the Helix could compromise it. Rather than risk the town’s remaining protections, the Constables and Elders chose to sever their own connection to Maplewood through a ritual they referred to as “The Shunning”.
As of the end of May, all Elders and Constables have departed Maplewood. When asked if they have any intention to return if the Veilwalker curse were resolved, the answer was a resounding ‘No’.
The Elders have spoken for the Helix since Maplewood’s founding more than four centuries ago. They served as the final authority on questions of citizenship and conduct, and their successors were said to be chosen by the Helix itself. The Constables kept the peace and acted on the Helix’s behalf. For all of Maplewood’s history this arrangement has just been how things were; the loss of that structure has caused what can only be described charitably as varied reactions.
“Who do I talk to if something happens?” asked one resident, eating a large bowl of mac and cheese at the Jenny. “Before I knew who to go to if some random adventurer got uppity with me; now I feel like I’m on my own.”
Others have taken a differing viewpoint. “The adventurers were handling things anyway,” one merchant told this reporter, straightening goods on his table. “When was the last time a Constable actually dealt with someone running into the Bazaar because bandits broke into their house?”
Several residents expressed uncertainty about something more fundamental than enforcement, such as who speaks for the Helix now and how those with ill intent can be dealt with. The Elders did not leave a plan, and no one has yet stepped forward with a proposal.
What order exists in Maplewood will be whatever its residents and adventuring community choose to maintain. Special Investigative will continue to report as information becomes available.