So...you're standing in town one day and one person slays another. There's a killer standing over a corpse with fresh blood on his hands. The situation is dangerous and more bloodshed could start again at any moment.
What is a law abiding Cormyrian to do?
Well, I'm glad you asked
Off the top of my head there are a few options to consider when your character is facing this danger but not wanting to be entangled with the law oneself.
Make Ready to Defend Yourself - Weapons out, buffs up, ready to stand your ground. If the killer attacks you, you are ready to legally defend yourself with lethal force.
Make Ready to Defend Another - If you fear for the safety of others nearby, one may interpose oneself between the killer and those one wishes to protect. With others behind your protection, make ready to stand your ground should the killer attack. You're in a better spot to protect others and defend yourself while not becoming the aggressor.
Challenge the Killer to a Duel - Challenging the killer to a duel is a way to take initiative, stand a chance of getting the killer out of town to remove the threat peacefully, and you stand a chance of slaying the murderer without becoming a murderer yourself. Lethal and non-lethal Duels are legal in Cormyr on FRC provided they meet certain criteria.
1. Both parties must agree to duel
2. The rules of the duel must be agreed by both parties (is it to first blood, to the death, may magic be used, etc).
3. A duel may not take place inside a town or city. Take it outside the gates folks.
4. One's actions in a duel may become criminal if one cheats, breaks the agreed rules, or injures a bystander.
5. For a duel to stand up to scrutiny of the law it's best to have witnesses who can speak to 1 through 4 above.
Run Away, Run Away - Survival is good.
Witness Testimony - Those in good standing with the law may offer witness testimony of what happened, which can lead to convictions, Bounties, Warrants, or Outlaw status. Depending on the severity of the crimes committed, sometimes a Warrant or Bounty may allow the killer to be brought in dead or alive without becoming a criminal yourself. Those being labeled as an Outlaw by the Crown have about the same rights as an orc raider in the middle of Arabel.
frc.proboards.com/thread/22349/game-authority-granted-bounties-warrantsThe above is consideration for players who want their characters to remain in good standing with the Crown and Law of the kingdom. If a player wishes their character to remain in good standing but not honor the law, the best advice is: Don't get caught!
And finally, there are some characters whose moral compass will follow a course for the greater good regardless of the consequences of the law. More power to these, this can make great storytelling, but to the players of these characters I say be prepared for the consequences if your character is caught.
For the law to be just it must be impartial.
I hope the above helps to refresh on options for your character when things suddenly get real in town and blood is shed.
With that said, please remember FRC's Golden Rule - have fun but not at the expense of others. Be good sports and friendly with fellow players, even if your characters are enemies. Especially if your characters are enemies.
Have fun and see you in game