All societies that have a system of writing and a distance between nodes of power rely on letters as a form of communication, and there has to be someone to carry them. Whether it is from one street to another or from continent to continent messengers are given the task. Over the centuries and the evolution of civilization professional messengers have had to become keenly aware of the dangers that exist on the routes that they travel and of known or unknown adversaries that may attempt to wrongfully take the messages that they carry. To thwart the perils that exist many messengers employ drastic measures to ensure that they and more importantly their cargo arrives at its destination intact and uncompromised.
1