Returers

Returers are a sworn guild-like body in a fictional setting dedicated to locating lost, stolen, or mislaid property and returning it to rightful owners. They function as mediators between claimants, authorities, and communities, aiming to restore provenance and status to objects, lands, and occasionally titles or legacies.

Originating in the coastal realm of Valenar around the 12th century, the Returers grew from merchant and clerical networks that valued restitution and order. The term is traditionally interpreted as a movement toward bringing things back to their proper place, though the exact etymology varies by region. Over time, local chapters formed broader confederations, adopting standardized procedures while preserving regional customs.

Organization and practice

Returer activity is structured around local chapters that report to a central Archivist Council. Each chapter maintains registries of claimed items, known owners, and provenances. Members include investigators, registrars, mediators, and scribe-judges who assess claims, verify ownership through documents or expert testimony, and negotiate settlements. Core procedures include provenance research, field inquiries, and the Return Rite, a ceremonial acknowledgment of restitution that accompanies formal handover. While not a police force, Returers cooperate with magistrates and religious authorities to ensure legitimacy and prevent abuse of the restitution process.

Cultural role and reception

In literature and games, Returers are typically portrayed as impartial custodians of memory and property, though their power can be contested by those who fear loss of influence or misinterpret rightful ownership. Their work often intersects with archaeology, antiquities law, and moral philosophy regarding restitution and stewardship.