Keepers

The Lawkeepers are the armed force of Boomtown. They wear uniforms, are organized in ranks, and have orders to follow.

Uniform

Metal is a theme in the Keeper uniform - their blue jackets have metallic epaulets and trim, and their combat helmets are metal with a flat brim and conical crown reminiscent of the Black Pyramid which towers over the city. They also wear gloves and tall boots as well as a bandolier. The jacket’s bottom hem has the standard cut of all Institution uniforms - horizontal on the right side and sloping downward over the thigh on the left.

Unlike the Maker in the opening scene, the Keepers are all armed with rifles. At least two Keepers have been seen with a sidearm.

Appearances

As Ricky makes his way from the Annex into Boomtown, we see Keepers stationed at each gate checking the papers of each individual entering the city or a new locality. At the first gate leading from the Annex into the city proper, we see a Keeper administering an oath to Ricky.

Further in, a Keeper leading a mounted officer’s horse through the city threatens Ricky with a baton just for crossing their path.

Meyer, a gate Keeper stationed near a gate leading from Lowtown to Midotwn, is seen receiving a delivery of some sort from the Gruff Man. He later catches Ricky on the wrong side of the gate. He threatens the printer’s apprentice with corporal punishment should he be caught without proper papers again, and apparently has the authority to do so.

Holman tells a story about a beating he witnessed after a Keeper charged a man with insolence and carried out his punishment in a public square.

Contrary to his approach and entrance into Boomtown, Keepers are notably absent during Ricky’s exit from the city.