User Guide

When constables and magistrates pass by a house, they
reduce the likelihood that a criminal will emerge from
that house. Keep in mind, though, that constables and
magistrates do not follow a set route. They roam the
city’s streets, and, like other roaming walkers, every
time they encounter an intersection they must decide
which way to go. See page 51 for more on walkers who
roam the city.
Courthouses serve the additional function of storing
part of your city’s treasury. For more on money in
your city, see page 102.
CCiittyy SSeennttiimmeenntt aanndd CCrriimmee
Poor City Sentiment is caused when citizens’ basic
needs are not met. Factors contributing to poor City
Sentiment include low wages, high taxes, not enough
food and not enough jobs. Social inequality also
worsens citizens’ moods. Residents become upset if
they are paying taxes while others are getting off scott
free, or if they are denied services that others in the city
have.
When citizens become angry enough, they turn to
crime. Their aim is to steal money, either from the
city’s treasury or from your family savings. To see
which houses are likely to spawn thieves, use the Risks:
Crime Overlay (see page 204). When viewing this
overlay, the city’s houses are replaced with columns;
the higher the column, the more likely it is that the
house will set a criminal loose on the city.
Once a criminal hits the streets, magistrates are power-
less to stop him. Constables, however, can apprehend
and subdue criminals before they strike. Crime will be
99
Municipal Functions
98
Municipal Functions
Courthouse
At the Bazaar
Proyet, 12th year of Ramesses
Morning
Dear Journal,
Today I went to the Bazaar again,
this time with Nefernetka. Nefernetka usually
does not go to the Bazaar herself, but relies on
the traders that work their way through the
neighborhoods. But, today we went to the
Bazaar ourselves, I think because Nefernetka
wanted to be sure to entertain me.
We stopped by a weaver's booth, where
the finest linen was set out for examination.
The best linen is the thinnest, and indeed this
weaver must be well know for her skill because
I could see right through some of her cloth.
While we were admiring her linen, a commo-
tion erupted behind us. A small monkey, bit-
ing for all he was worth, was firmly latched
on to the ankle of a man trying to steal a
small piece of jewelry. Alerted by the cries, a
constable came over to address matters. The
woman at the weaver's booth, shaking her
head, said, "That's the second time this month
that Meryptah has been caught stealing. Last
time, the magistrate let him off with 50 blows.
He won't be so lenient this time."
After we returned home, I went
out to the lovely garden next to
Khmunhotep and Nefernetka's
house. The garden is replete with
sacred lotus blossoms, chrysan-
themums and irises. In the
center is a lovely statue,
flanked by sycamore trees.
Trees are rare in Egypt
and considered to be
sacred residences of the
gods.