Difference between revisions of "Laws of Transdariania"

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m (Protected "Laws of Arangoth" (‎[edit=sysop] (indefinite) ‎[move=sysop] (indefinite)))
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These are the governing edicts of Drache, that have held since the days of BLKDRAGON and the Regency. It should be noted that these are not the same as the channel rules.  ather these laws apply to characters residing in the part of Arangoth governed by the Sithire, not to players themselves.
These are the governing edicts of [[Drache]], that have held since the days of [[BLKDRAGON]] and the [[Regency Council]]. It should be noted that these are not the same as the channel rules, rather these laws apply to characters residing in the part of [[Arangoth]] governed by the [[Sithire]], not to players themselves.


=Edict 0 - Support of the Empire=
=Edict 0 - Support of the Empire=
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1. No one shall act in a way that harms the Kingdom, the Reigning Monarchs, the heirs of the Monarchs, their inheritance, or any royally appointed official. Let no rule stand against this edict, nor any heart stray from its intent.
1. No one shall act in a way that harms the Kingdom, the Reigning Monarchs, the heirs of the Monarchs, their inheritance, or any royally appointed official. Let no rule stand against this edict, nor any heart stray from its intent.


●    A. This edict supercedes Jurisdiction.
●    A. This edict supersedes Jurisdiction.


●    B. Not even the Reigning Monarchs are above the reach of this edict. The Reigning Monarch risks forfeiting his or her Crown and life if the actions of said Monarch endanger the welfare of the kingdom through incompetence or maliciousness, or if the Monarch fails to honor and uphold the rights and privileges granted to the Northern Aragothian Estates, the Sithire of Southern Arangoth, and the Elders of the Sresar Vale.
●    B. Not even the Reigning Monarchs are above the reach of this edict. The Reigning Monarch risks forfeiting his or her Crown and life if the actions of said Monarch endanger the welfare of the kingdom through incompetence or maliciousness, or if the Monarch fails to honor and uphold the rights and privileges granted to the [[Northern Arangothian Estates]], the Sithire of [[Southern Arangoth]], and the Elders of the [[Sresar Vale]].


●    C. The heir of the Monarchs is selected by the Royal House according to its own rules.  
●    C. The heir of the Monarchs is selected by the Royal House according to its own rules.  
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1. Monarchs of the Kingdom may appoint a Regent to govern in their stead at any time and for any reason.
1. Monarchs of the Kingdom may appoint a Regent to govern in their stead at any time and for any reason.


2. Regents may be appointed by the Crown's Privy Council upon the death of a Monarch if the heir to the throne is not yet old enough to rule.
2. Regents may be appointed by the Crown's [[Privy Council]] upon the death of a Monarch if the heir to the throne is not yet old enough to rule.


3. Regents shall enjoy plenary power over all policy, both foreign and domestic, and may use any legislative, judicial, or executive power that normally rests i n the hands of the Reigning Monarch. Regents may use whatever means they decide proper to protect Arangoth and its citizens.
3. Regents shall enjoy plenary power over all policy, both foreign and domestic, and may use any legislative, judicial, or executive power that normally rests in the hands of the Reigning Monarch. Regents may use whatever means they decide proper to protect Arangoth and its citizens.


4. Regents may be appointed to rule the Kingdom in times of absence of an heir of legitimate blood until such an heir can be found.
4. Regents may be appointed to rule the Kingdom in times of absence of an heir of legitimate blood until such an heir can be found.


5. Regents of the Crown may be removed from office by the Monarch that appointed them, by the heir of said Monarch upon reaching the age of ascendance prescribed by tradition (reckoned from the date of the heir apparent's Brakerrat), or at any point thereafter in which the heir assumes full control of the kingdom. In the case of Point 4, once a suitable heir is found, the appointed Regent will turn Royal Authority over to the new heir.
5. Regents of the Crown may be removed from office by the Monarch that appointed them, by the heir of said Monarch upon reaching the age of ascendance prescribed by tradition (reckoned from the date of the heir apparent's [[Brakerrat]]), or at any point thereafter in which the heir assumes full control of the kingdom. In the case of Point 4, once a suitable heir is found, the appointed Regent will turn Royal Authority over to the new heir.


6. Regents of the Crown are to be held to the same standards of upright conduct as rightful Monarchs, and treasonous or tyrannical behavior will be punished under the law with a swift death.  
6. Regents of the Crown are to be held to the same standards of upright conduct as rightful Monarchs, and treasonous or tyrannical behavior will be punished under the law with a swift death.  
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=Edict 4 - The Sithire=
=Edict 4 - The Sithire=


1. A Sithire appointed by the Monarch or the appointed Regent thereof shall be the governing agent of Transdariania and Arania, with all the traditional authorities of provincial governors over internal affairs.
1. A Sithire appointed by the Monarch or the appointed Regent thereof shall be the governing agent of [[Transdariania]] and [[Arania]], with all the traditional authorities of provincial governors over internal affairs.


2. The Crown (including all agents and ministers thereof) is forbidden from seizing property, imprisoning citizens, or punishing citizens within the territory under the Sithire's administration outside of the established legal system.
2. The Crown (including all agents and ministers thereof) is forbidden from seizing property, imprisoning citizens, or punishing citizens within the territory under the Sithire's administration outside of the established legal system.
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6. The Crown (including all agents and ministers thereof) is forbidden from extraditing citizens to foreign courts from the provinces of Transdariania and Arania.
6. The Crown (including all agents and ministers thereof) is forbidden from extraditing citizens to foreign courts from the provinces of Transdariania and Arania.


7. The reigning Monarch will reside in Drache not less than four months out of the year. In addition, the Monarch will grant a personal audience to the Sithire not less than once per year.
7. The reigning Monarch will reside in [[Drache]] not less than four months out of the year. In addition, the Monarch will grant a personal audience to the Sithire not less than once per year.


8. The Sithire will be allowed to maintain control over the Royal Guard, the Border Watch, and all such similar law enforcement agencies in the areas formerly under the Regency Council's domain.
8. The Sithire will be allowed to maintain control over the [[Royal Guard]], the [[Border Watch]], and all such similar law enforcement agencies in the areas formerly under the [[Regency Council]]'s domain.


9. There will be no internal tariffs laid for transporting goods from one part of the kingdom to another, nor tolls impeding the travel of persons between Transdariania and Arania and the rest of the Kingdom.
9. There will be no internal tariffs laid for transporting goods from one part of the kingdom to another, nor tolls impeding the travel of persons between Transdariania and Arania and the rest of the Kingdom.


10. The provision of the Currency Decree of 469 that decrees that foreign currency will not be deemed legal tender within the borders of Arangoth does not apply within the city limits of Drache so as not to hinder commerce. All currencies currently accepted in payment of taxes, duties, tolls, fines, etc. will continue to be accepted as before, on the basis of the weight of the precious metals.
10. The provision of the Currency Decree of 469 that decrees that foreign currency will not be deemed legal tender within the borders of [[Arangoth]] does not apply within the city limits of Drache so as not to hinder commerce. All currencies currently accepted in payment of taxes, duties, tolls, fines, etc. will continue to be accepted as before, on the basis of the weight of the precious metals.


11. The reigning Monarch recognizes that he is held bound by this agreement as he is by the oath given to the Northern Estates, and the Monarch risks the forfeiture of life and crown for violating them.
11. The reigning Monarch recognizes that he is held bound by this agreement as he is by the oath given to the [[Northern Arangothian Estates]], and the Monarch risks the forfeiture of life and crown for violating them.


12. The Sithire is in all ways subject to the laws of the Kingdom, subject to audit by the Crown or the lawfully appointed agents thereof, is in no way immune from prosecution for abuses of authority or violation of the law.
12. The Sithire is in all ways subject to the laws of the Kingdom, subject to audit by the Crown or the lawfully appointed agents thereof, is in no way immune from prosecution for abuses of authority or violation of the law.
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=Edict 5 - The Office of the Lord Chancellor=
=Edict 5 - The Office of the Lord Chancellor=


1. The Lord Chancellor is the supreme executor of Royal judicial authority in the Southern provinces of Arangoth, and the administrator of the Royal Chancellery. The Lord Chancellor is appointed by the Reigning Monarchs or appointed Regents thereof, and is to be periodically reviewed for reappointment or replacement. The Lord Chancellor has full authority over the Royal Chancellery and the operations of the legal system in the provinces of Transdariania and Arania.
1. The Lord Chancellor is the supreme executor of Royal judicial authority in the Southern provinces of [[Arangoth]], and the administrator of the [[Royal Chancellery]]. The Lord Chancellor is appointed by the Reigning Monarchs or appointed [[Regent|Regents]] thereof, and is to be periodically reviewed for reappointment or replacement. The Lord Chancellor has full authority over the Royal Chancellery and the operations of the legal system in the provinces of [[Transdariania]] and [[Arania]].


2. The Royal Chancellery is responsible for:
2. The Royal Chancellery is responsible for:
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●    D. Hearing applications for citizenship.
●    D. Hearing applications for citizenship.


3. The Lord Chancellor and his Office are given power to audit the Royal Guard, the Border Watch, and the Courts at the behest of the Crown or the Sithire. It may audit the Sithire or the Sithire's Privy Council at the behest of the Crown. It may audit the Crown Itself at the behest of the two of the following three governing entities: the Sithire of Southern Arangoth, the Elders of the Sresar Vale, or the Northern Arangothian Estates for the reasons specified above in Edict 0.  
3. The Lord Chancellor and his Office are given power to audit the [[Royal Guard]], the [[Border Watch]], and the Courts at the behest of the Crown or the [[Sithire]]. It may audit the Sithire or the Sithire's [[Privy Council]] at the behest of the Crown. It may audit the Crown Itself at the behest of the two of the following three governing entities: the Sithire of [[Southern Arangoth]], the Elders of the [[Sresar Vale]], or the [[Northern Arangothian Estates]] for the reasons specified above in Edict 0.  


=Edict 6 - The Magistrates=
=Edict 6 - The Magistrates=


1. Shall be appointed by the Lord Chancellor by the Chancellor's criteria, which at the minimum shall require a Magistracy certificate from the Royal University or equivalent demonstration of legal aptitude.
1. Shall be appointed by the [[Lord Chancellor]] by the Chancellor's criteria, which at the minimum shall require a Magistracy certificate from the [[Royal University]] or equivalent demonstration of legal aptitude.


2. Shall be empowered to hear both criminal and civil cases at any time and in any place under the Royal Chancellery's jurisdiction.
2. Shall be empowered to hear both criminal and civil cases at any time and in any place under the Royal Chancellery's jurisdiction.
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=Edict 7 - The Privy Council=
=Edict 7 - The Privy Council=


1. The Sithire shall appoint a Privy Council to advise him or her, and assist in the duties of governing the southern Provinces. Council members serve at the Sithire's pleasure, until resignation, retirement, or dismissal.
1. The [[Sithire]] shall appoint a Privy Council to advise him or her, and assist in the duties of governing the southern Provinces. Council members serve at the Sithire's pleasure, until resignation, retirement, or dismissal.


2. The Privy Council shall include seats for the Lord Protector, Lord Admiral, Lord Treasurer, Lord Foreign Secretary, Lord Privy Seal, Prelate of Honor, and Scholar Preeminent.
2. The Privy Council shall include seats for the [[Lord Protector]], [[Lord Admiral]], [[Lord Treasurer]], [[Lord Foreign Secretary]], [[Lord Privy Seal]], [[Prelate of Honor]], and [[Scholar Preeminent]].


3. The Lord Chancellor shall have a seat on the Privy Council, though the office of the Chancellor is not subject to the Sithire, but to the Crown.
3. The Lord Chancellor shall have a seat on the Privy Council, though the office of the Chancellor is not subject to the Sithire, but to the Crown.


4. The Sithire may appoint other advisors without portfolio as he or she sees fit to the Privy Council, but they are not eligible to draw stipend from the Royal Treasury. Said advisors shall be compensated from the Sithire's private purse, or provide their counsel without compensation.
4. The Sithire may appoint other advisers without portfolio as he or she sees fit to the Privy Council, but they are not eligible to draw stipend from the [[Royal Treasury]]. Said advisers shall be compensated from the Sithire's private purse, or provide their counsel without compensation.


=Edict 9 - The Lord Treasurer=
=Edict 9 - The Lord Treasurer=


1. The Lord Treasurer shall be appointed by the Sithire to oversee the Royal Treasury and Royal Archives, and advise the Sithire in financial matters.
1. The Lord Treasurer shall be appointed by the [[Sithire]] to oversee the [[Royal Treasury]] and [[Royal Archives]], and advise the Sithire in financial matters.


2. The Royal Treasury:
2. The Royal Treasury:
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=Edict 11 - The Lord Protector=
=Edict 11 - The Lord Protector=


1. The Lord Protector is Southern Arangoth's supreme official in charge of internal law enforcement, and highest officer in the Royal Guard, Border Watch, and Royal Militia's chain of command. The Lord Protector is appointed by the Sithire of Southern Arangoth, and is to be periodically reviewed for reappointment or replacement.
1. The Lord Protector is [[Southern Arangoth]]'s supreme official in charge of internal law enforcement, and highest officer in the [[Royal Guard]], [[Border Watch]], and [[Royal Militia]]'s chain of command. The Lord Protector is appointed by the [[Sithire]] of Southern Arangoth, and is to be periodically reviewed for reappointment or replacement.


2. The Lord Protector and his staff are legislated the following powers:
2. The Lord Protector and his staff are legislated the following powers:
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=Edict 12 - The Royal Guard=
=Edict 12 - The Royal Guard=


The Royal Guard is charged with enforcing the laws of the kingdom, protecting the citizenry, and maintaining the peace in all cities, towns, and villages throughout the kingdom. Fealty to the Crown shall be unwavering. The Nobility of Arangoth in no way has any authority to Command Guardsmen. The members of the Royal Guard are subject only to the orders of their superior officers, the Crown, or the appointed Regents of the Crown. Members of the Guard found breaking the laws rather than upholding them will be relieved of their duties and prosecuted like any other citizen.
The [[Royal Guard]] is charged with enforcing the laws of the kingdom, protecting the citizenry, and maintaining the peace in all cities, towns, and villages throughout the kingdom. Fealty to the Crown shall be unwavering. The Nobility of [[Arangoth]] in no way has any authority to command guardsmen. The members of the Royal Guard are subject only to the orders of their superior officers, the Crown, or the appointed [[Regent|Regents of the Crown]]. Members of the Guard found breaking the laws rather than upholding them will be relieved of their duties and prosecuted like any other citizen.


1. The Royal Guard protects the citizens and Crown officials.
1. The Royal Guard protects the citizens and Crown officials.
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●    C. The Royal Guard will behave with dignity, refraining from emotional outbursts, excessive eating and drinking, foul language in public, and other acts with might upset the reputation of the Royal Guard.
●    C. The Royal Guard will behave with dignity, refraining from emotional outbursts, excessive eating and drinking, foul language in public, and other acts with might upset the reputation of the Royal Guard.


●    D. The Royal Guard must remain well-groomed and well-dressed at all times. Royal Guard uniform for the warrior consists of issued armor, with a black tunic over or under (dependant on armor type), and a weapon at the belt. Mages are expected to wear robes specifically for them or the tunic and breeches combination of Armsmen. The symbol of the Royal Guard will be worn at all times. A gray cloak is issued with a steel pin that denotes the rank of the Royal Guard upon it.
●    D. The Royal Guard must remain well-groomed and well-dressed at all times. Royal Guard uniform for the warrior consists of issued armor, with a black tunic over or under (dependent on armor type), and a weapon at the belt. Mages are expected to wear robes specifically for them or the tunic and breeches combination of Armsmen. The symbol of the Royal Guard will be worn at all times. A gray cloak is issued with a steel pin that denotes the rank of the Royal Guard upon it.


●    E. The Royal Guard will wear the badge of the Royal Guard at all times, on the breast, at the collar, or on the belt. This badge consists of a dragon carved from obsidian, cradled between a gold hand and a silver hand, representing the hands of the Royal Guard protecting the symbol of Arangoth.  
●    E. The Royal Guard will wear the badge of the Royal Guard at all times, on the breast, at the collar, or on the belt. This badge consists of a dragon carved from obsidian, cradled between a gold hand and a silver hand, representing the hands of the Royal Guard protecting the symbol of Arangoth.  
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=Edict 22 - Concerning Extraordinary Methods of Imprisonment=
=Edict 22 - Concerning Extraordinary Methods of Imprisonment=


Extraordinary means may be taken in the case of criminals of an extremely dangerous nature. The Guard may, at the option of the commanding officers, enact such defensive measures as:
Extraordinary means may be taken in the case of criminals of an extremely dangerous nature. The [[Royal Guard]] may, at the option of the commanding officers, enact such defensive measures as:


1. Chemical or magical sedation
1. Chemical or magical sedation
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4. Containment in temporal stasis fields - This is only used in the case of criminals awaiting trial. While in the state of stasis, the subject remains frozen in a moment of time. Years of confinement may seem to take no longer than the blink of an eye. For this reason, it is not a practical punishment for convicted criminals, as it takes away the punitive effect of incarceration.
4. Containment in temporal stasis fields - This is only used in the case of criminals awaiting trial. While in the state of stasis, the subject remains frozen in a moment of time. Years of confinement may seem to take no longer than the blink of an eye. For this reason, it is not a practical punishment for convicted criminals, as it takes away the punitive effect of incarceration.


5. Use of Mage Collars and Psi Dampeners - Both of these devices are very similar in form and function, in that they prevent prisoners from using magic or psionic abilities. Both take the form of reinforced metal collars, with a number of thin triangular blades resting vertically against the inside of collar. The Mage Collar is made from the same strange alloy and imbued with the same enchantments as the Guard's null-magic shackles, and like the shackles, it prevents the prisoner from using magic, and also prevents anyone else from using magic upon the prisoner. The Psi Dampener is a metal collar set with pieces of a crystalline substance mined in Ruthmarna which has the effect of shielding the mind from psionic powers, as well as preventing the wearer from using any psionic abilities. Both collars have three separate locks which must all be unlocked to remove the collar. Attempts to tamper with the collar will activate magically-implanted defenses: the blades on the inside of the collar will fold out into a horizontal position, cutting into the neck of the wearer. At the same time, the collar will begin to magically constrict. If tampering attempts are not ceased very quickly, the collar may very well decapitate its wearer.
5. Use of Mage Collars and Psi Dampeners - Both of these devices are very similar in form and function, in that they prevent prisoners from using magic or psionic abilities. Both take the form of reinforced metal collars, with a number of thin triangular blades resting vertically against the inside of collar. The Mage Collar is made from the same strange alloy and imbued with the same enchantments as the Guard's null-magic shackles, and like the shackles, it prevents the prisoner from using magic, and also prevents anyone else from using magic upon the prisoner. The Psi Dampener is a metal collar set with pieces of a crystalline substance mined in [[Ruthmarna]] which has the effect of shielding the mind from psionic powers, as well as preventing the wearer from using any psionic abilities. Both collars have three separate locks which must all be unlocked to remove the collar. Attempts to tamper with the collar will activate magically-implanted defenses: the blades on the inside of the collar will fold out into a horizontal position, cutting into the neck of the wearer. At the same time, the collar will begin to magically constrict. If tampering attempts are not ceased very quickly, the collar may very well decapitate its wearer.


6. Use of geas enchantments on individuals sentenced to labor to prevent them from escaping during their period of labor.
6. Use of geas enchantments on individuals sentenced to labor to prevent them from escaping during their period of labor.
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=Edict 23 - Concerning Investigation of Crimes, and the Interrogation of Suspects=
=Edict 23 - Concerning Investigation of Crimes, and the Interrogation of Suspects=


1. After arresting a being suspected of a crime, the Royal Guard has full authority to search the home and property of the suspect for evidence. The Royal Guard may only seize items that have a direct connection to the investigation at hand. If evidence of other criminal activity beyond that of which the suspect is already accused is discovered, it may be seized as well.
1. After arresting a being suspected of a crime, the [[Royal Guard]] has full authority to search the home and property of the suspect for evidence. The Royal Guard may only seize items that have a direct connection to the investigation at hand. If evidence of other criminal activity beyond that of which the suspect is already accused is discovered, it may be seized as well.


2. The Royal Guard may use magic, psionics, or similar means to aid in investigations and interrogations as long as any powers used on the suspect do not cause any permanent damage to the suspect's mind.
2. The Royal Guard may use magic, psionics, or similar means to aid in investigations and interrogations as long as any powers used on the suspect do not cause any permanent damage to the suspect's mind.
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=Edict 25 - The Bounty Hunters of Arangoth=
=Edict 25 - The Bounty Hunters of Arangoth=


1. All Bounty Hunters operating within the boundaries of the Kingdom must be licensed by the Royal Guard. Licenses may only be issued by the Captain of the Guard, or by an Arms-Commander or Spell-Commander.
1. All Bounty Hunters operating within the boundaries of the Kingdom must be licensed by the [[Royal Guard]]. Licenses may only be issued by the Captain of the Guard, or by an Arms-Commander or Spell-Commander.


2. Bounty Hunters are only allowed to pursue bounties on criminals for whom an official arrest warrant has been issued. Such lists are published weekly, and are obtainable at the Guardhouse and the Chancellory. Licensed Bounty Hunters are not to take foreign or private bounties for any reason.
2. Bounty Hunters are only allowed to pursue bounties on criminals for whom an official arrest warrant has been issued. Such lists are published weekly, and are obtainable at the Guardhouse and the Chancellery. Licensed Bounty Hunters are not to take foreign or private bounties for any reason.


3. Bounty hunters crossing into Arangoth after bounties posted in other nations, if caught, are subject to several harsh charges if they do not contact the proper authorities upon arrival upon Arangothian soil. Any foreign bounty hunter must present himself or herself to the Captain or the Royal Guard, and provide the Guard with all relevant official documentation about the hunter's mission in Arangoth. The Captain of the Guard has the final discretion to permit or refuse the request. Illegal Bounty hunters are definitely subject to prosecution for Kidnapping and Obstruction of Justice. Charges for Impersonation of a Crown Official, Forgery of a Crown Document, and Disobedience or Disrespect of any Crown official may also be applied.
3. Bounty hunters crossing into [[Arangoth]] after bounties posted in other nations, if caught, are subject to several harsh charges if they do not contact the proper authorities upon arrival upon Arangothian soil. Any foreign bounty hunter must present himself or herself to the Captain or the Royal Guard, and provide the Guard with all relevant official documentation about the hunter's mission in Arangoth. The Captain of the Guard has the final discretion to permit or refuse the request. Illegal Bounty hunters are definitely subject to prosecution for Kidnapping and Obstruction of Justice. Charges for Impersonation of a [[Crown Officials|Crown Official]], Forgery of a Crown Document, and Disobedience or Disrespect of any Crown official may also be applied.


4. A bounty hunter must produce the proper papers, and just for the sake of being thorough, they will have a nearly impossible to forge silver seal of the guard upon it. It will state that the person is a bounty hunter licensed by the realm.
4. A bounty hunter must produce the proper papers, and just for the sake of being thorough, they will have a nearly impossible to forge silver seal of the guard upon it. It will state that the person is a bounty hunter licensed by the realm.
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5. All Bounty Hunters are subject to all the laws of the Kingdom, save those which directly apply to apprehending and subduing wanted criminals. Damages caused in the process of catching criminals are the responsibility of the Bounty Hunter to pay.
5. All Bounty Hunters are subject to all the laws of the Kingdom, save those which directly apply to apprehending and subduing wanted criminals. Damages caused in the process of catching criminals are the responsibility of the Bounty Hunter to pay.


6. Bounty Hunters will defer to Royal Guards, Judges, the Lord Chancellor, and the Royal Army if a conflict of interests arises. Bounty Hunters may be called upon at any time to assist members of the Royal Guard in apprehending or subduing criminals.
6. Bounty Hunters will defer to Royal Guards, Judges, the [[Lord Chancellor]], and the [[Army of Arangoth]] if a conflict of interests arises. Bounty Hunters may be called upon at any time to assist members of the Royal Guard in apprehending or subduing criminals.


7. Anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a bountied criminal will receive a reward of fifty percent of the bounty for arresting the fugitive.
7. Anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a bountied criminal will receive a reward of fifty percent of the bounty for arresting the fugitive.
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4. The Port Authority has the authority to search any and all vessels in Arangothian ports suspected of smuggling. The Port Authority is responsible for assessing the value of all imported cargoes and collecting the appropriate import duties.
4. The Port Authority has the authority to search any and all vessels in Arangothian ports suspected of smuggling. The Port Authority is responsible for assessing the value of all imported cargoes and collecting the appropriate import duties.


5. The Port Authority has the authority to refuse any vessel the right to dock in an Arangothian port, or to expel ships connected to criminal activity. Those refusing to submit to boarding and examination of papers by the Authority will be subject to expulsion from the harbor, and possibly destruction by any present harbor defenses or vessels of the Royal Navy.
5. The Port Authority has the authority to refuse any vessel the right to dock in an Arangothian port, or to expel ships connected to criminal activity. Those refusing to submit to boarding and examination of papers by the Authority will be subject to expulsion from the harbor, and possibly destruction by any present harbor defenses or vessels of the [[Royal Navy]].


6. The Port Authority is responsible for carrying out investigations of ships suspected of piracy and/or smuggling. The Port Authority may request the help of the Royal Guard in such investigations if necessary. The findings of such investigations are to be turned over to the courts upon conclusion.
6. The Port Authority is responsible for carrying out investigations of ships suspected of piracy and/or smuggling. The Port Authority may request the help of the Royal Guard in such investigations if necessary. The findings of such investigations are to be turned over to the courts upon conclusion.
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=Edict 96 - The Arangothian Border Watch=
=Edict 96 - The Arangothian Border Watch=


The counterpart to the Royal Guard, the Border Watch is responsible for border incursion interdiction and bandit suppression for the protection of the lives and property of the citizens of Arangoth. Often the only arm of law enforcement in the more remote regions of the kingdom, the Border Watch has the authority use whatever measures they deem necessary to efficiently deal with bandits, raiders, and smugglers. Like the Royal Guard, Watchmen are not above the laws they uphold.
The counterpart to the [[Royal Guard]], the Border Watch is responsible for border incursion interdiction and bandit suppression for the protection of the lives and property of the citizens of Arangoth. Often the only arm of law enforcement in the more remote regions of the kingdom, the Border Watch has the authority use whatever measures they deem necessary to efficiently deal with bandits, raiders, and smugglers. Like the Royal Guard, Watchmen are not above the laws they uphold.


=Edict 109 - Sanctioned Privateers=
=Edict 109 - Sanctioned Privateers=
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4. Privateers found abusing the authority granted by the Letters of Marque will be tried for piracy.
4. Privateers found abusing the authority granted by the Letters of Marque will be tried for piracy.


=Edict 127 - Priveleges and Duties of the Nobility=
=Edict 127 - Privileges and Duties of the Nobility=


1. Recognizing that the agents of the Crown cannot be in every corner of the Kingdom simultaneously, the Crown recognizes the ancient prerogative of the nobility to maintain order on their estates. Therefore, to this end, they are granted the following powers within the boundaries of their own estates:
1. Recognizing that the agents of the Crown cannot be in every corner of the Kingdom simultaneously, the Crown recognizes the ancient prerogative of the nobility to maintain order on their estates. Therefore, to this end, they are granted the following powers within the boundaries of their own estates:


●    A. The right to hold vorfonek (lordly) courts to administer justice on their lands. All decisions rendered in vorfonek courts are subject to appeal in Royal Chancellory courts.
●    A. The right to hold vorfonek (lordly) courts to administer justice on their lands. All decisions rendered in vorfonek courts are subject to appeal in [[Royal Chancellery]] courts.


●    B. The right to maintain a retinue of private guards to keep the peace on their lands. This body of guards is not to exceed a total of one hundred individuals, except by direct Royal Writ. These Guards are still subject to the laws of the kingdom in all ways, and they will be held accountable for their actions at all times. The Crown reserves the right to prosecute a vorfon for the conduct of his or her guards, especially if there is reason to believe that he or she may have condoned, encouraged, or ordered criminal behavior.
●    B. The right to maintain a retinue of private guards to keep the peace on their lands. This body of guards is not to exceed a total of one hundred individuals, except by direct Royal Writ. These Guards are still subject to the laws of the kingdom in all ways, and they will be held accountable for their actions at all times. The Crown reserves the right to prosecute a vorfon for the conduct of his or her guards, especially if there is reason to believe that he or she may have condoned, encouraged, or ordered criminal behavior.


2. Vorfonel (land owning nobles) have the responsibility for collecting the amount assessed to their estates each year by Royal Tax Assayers. They are to deliver this prescribed amount to the proper Royal Authorities at the customary time of year, for transport and deposit into the Royal Treasury.
2. Vorfonel (land owning nobles) have the responsibility for collecting the amount assessed to their estates each year by Royal Tax Assayers. They are to deliver this prescribed amount to the proper Royal Authorities at the customary time of year, for transport and deposit into the [[Royal Treasury]].


3. Vorfonel have full control over any hunting, fishing, or logging on their estates, and may regulate access to the same however they see fit, including charging fees for their usage.
3. Vorfonel have full control over any hunting, fishing, or logging on their estates, and may regulate access to the same however they see fit, including charging fees for their usage.
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=Edict 153 - Citizenship=
=Edict 153 - Citizenship=


1. All persons residing within Arangoth on a permanent basis must have citizenship.
1. All persons residing within [[Arangoth]] on a permanent basis must have citizenship.


2. Citizenship is obtained by:
2. Citizenship is obtained by:
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4. Citizens of the Kingdom must render aid to the Crown in any way requested by either the Monarchs or their servants.
4. Citizens of the Kingdom must render aid to the Crown in any way requested by either the Monarchs or their servants.


5. Citizens born within the Kingdom are considered adults under the law once they have gone through the ancient native custom of the Brakerrat in the Sun's Dusk (November) of the citizen's thirteenth year of life. Naturalized citizens born outside of Arangoth are considered adults at an equivalent age. Citizens recognized as adults may marry marry and own property, and are subject to taxation by the crown.
5. Citizens born within the Kingdom are considered adults under the law once they have gone through the ancient native custom of the [[Brakerrat]] in the Sun's Dusk (November) of the citizen's thirteenth year of life. Naturalized citizens born outside of Arangoth are considered adults at an equivalent age. Citizens recognized as adults may marry marry and own property, and are subject to taxation by the crown.


6. Any one residing within the Kingdom who is not a Citizen of the Kingdom is a Subject of the Kingdom.
6. Any one residing within the Kingdom who is not a Citizen of the Kingdom is a Subject of the Kingdom.
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=Edict 154 - Obligations of Citizenship=
=Edict 154 - Obligations of Citizenship=


1. All male citizens are eligible to be conscripted into the Royal Army or Navy in time of war if called upon to do so by the Crown, from the point four years after having undergone the Brakerrat, until the point twenty-five years after the Brakerrat (i.e., between the ages of seventeen and forty-two).
1. All male citizens are eligible to be conscripted into the Royal [[Army of Arangoth]] or [[Royal Navy]] in time of war if called upon to do so by the Crown, from the point four years after having undergone the [[Brakerrat]], until the point twenty-five years after the Brakerrat (i.e., between the ages of seventeen and forty-two).


2. All female citizens between the same ages may voluntarily join the military in times of war.
2. All female citizens between the same ages may voluntarily join the military in times of war.
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=Edict 156 - Methods of Conferring Citizenship=
=Edict 156 - Methods of Conferring Citizenship=


1. All members of the Royal Guard, the Border Watch, the Royal Army, and the Royal Navy must be citizens of the Kingdom. Subjects of the Kingdom that have joined any of these organizations must be naturalized as citizens before commencing active service to the Crown.
1. All members of the [[Royal Guard]], the [[Border Watch]], the Royal [[Army of Arangoth]], and the [[Royal Navy]] must be citizens of the Kingdom. Subjects of the Kingdom that have joined any of these organizations must be naturalized as citizens before commencing active service to the Crown.


2. Therefore, at the completion of the training phase for new recruits, the Commanding Officer of the Royal Guard, the Border Watch, the Royal Army, or the Royal Navy overseeing the training must adminster the Oath of Loyalty to all recruits not already possessing citizenship. The Commanding Officer may refuse to administer the oath to those whose loyalty is suspect. Any subject refusing to take the oath to become a citizen of the Kingdom will be dismissed immediately.
2. Therefore, at the completion of the training phase for new recruits, the Commanding Officer of the Royal Guard, the Border Watch, the Royal Army, or the Royal Navy overseeing the training must administer the Oath of Loyalty to all recruits not already possessing citizenship. The Commanding Officer may refuse to administer the oath to those whose loyalty is suspect. Any subject refusing to take the oath to become a citizen of the Kingdom will be dismissed immediately.


3. Civilian subjects wishing to obtain citizenship must travel to the nearest provincial capitol, or to the Capitol of the Kingdom to apply at an office of the Royal Chancellory. The prospective citizen must bring no fewer than two witnesses to affirm his or her good character and desire to become a loyal citizen of the Kingdom. At least one witness must be a citizen in good standing.
3. Civilian subjects wishing to obtain citizenship must travel to the nearest provincial capitol, or to the Capitol of the Kingdom to apply at an office of the [[Royal Chancellery]]. The prospective citizen must bring no fewer than two witnesses to affirm his or her good character and desire to become a loyal citizen of the Kingdom. At least one witness must be a citizen in good standing.


4. The officers of the Chancellory are to interview the candidate for citizenship and the witnesses, asking any questions they find relevant to determining whether the candidate should be granted citizenship. The Chancellory is permitted to contact the Royal Guard or the prospective citizen's former place of residence in order to check for existing criminal records.
4. The officers of the Chancellery are to interview the candidate for citizenship and the witnesses, asking any questions they find relevant to determining whether the candidate should be granted citizenship. The Chancellery is permitted to contact the Royal Guard or the prospective citizen's former place of residence in order to check for existing criminal records.


5. If the Chancellory determines that the candidate should be granted citizenship, the prospective citizen must take the Oath of Loyalty. The oath is to be administered by the Crown, its Regents, or any Crown official that has been expressly granted the Authority to administer the oath.
5. If the Chancellery determines that the candidate should be granted citizenship, the prospective citizen must take the Oath of Loyalty. The oath is to be administered by the Crown, its Regents, or any Crown official that has been expressly granted the Authority to administer the oath.


6. After taking the oath, the new citizen is to be added to the Royal Chancellory's list of citizens. The new citizen is bound by all obligations to the Crown expected of citizens, and is entitled to all the rights of citizens.
6. After taking the oath, the new citizen is to be added to the Royal Chancellery's list of citizens. The new citizen is bound by all obligations to the Crown expected of citizens, and is entitled to all the rights of citizens.


7. The Reigning Monarchs, or the appointed Regents thereof, may grant citizenship to individuals they find deserving, without the recommendation of the Chancellory. Individuals thus enrolled in the ranks of the citizens of the Kingdom must still take the Oath of Loyalty.  
7. The Reigning Monarchs, or the appointed Regents thereof, may grant citizenship to individuals they find deserving, without the recommendation of the Chancellery. Individuals thus enrolled in the ranks of the citizens of the Kingdom must still take the Oath of Loyalty.  


=Edict 157 - The Oath of Loyalty=
=Edict 157 - The Oath of Loyalty=
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3. The Oath of Loyalty reads as follows:
3. The Oath of Loyalty reads as follows:


●    "I, (name of the prospective citizen), taking this solemn oath on this (the current date) day of (the current month) in the year (the current year), in the sight of the gods and the duly-appointed officers of the Crown of Arangoth, delcare my desire to become a citizen of the Sovereign Kingdom of Arangoth.
●    "I, (name of the prospective citizen), taking this solemn oath on this (the current date) day of (the current month) in the year (the current year), in the sight of the gods and the duly-appointed officers of the Crown of [[Arangoth]], declare my desire to become a citizen of the Sovereign Kingdom of Arangoth.


●    "And so, I hereby renounce all former loyalties at this time, and swear my wholehearted allegiance to the Crown and Kingdom of Arangoth. I fully understand and accept the obligations of citizenship, and will obey all the laws of the Kingdom.
●    "And so, I hereby renounce all former loyalties at this time, and swear my wholehearted allegiance to the Crown and Kingdom of Arangoth. I fully understand and accept the obligations of citizenship, and will obey all the laws of the Kingdom.
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=Edict 166 - Concerning Opium=
=Edict 166 - Concerning Opium=


While it is not illegal to possess, use, or trade opium, there are restrictions on its production and importation within the borders of Arangoth.
While it is not illegal to possess, use, or trade opium, there are restrictions on its production and importation within the borders of [[Arangoth]].


1. Growing of opium poppies on Arangothian soil is strictly prohibited. Any such crops discovered will be destroyed, and the grower will be fined an amount based on the amount of opium found growing.
1. Growing of opium poppies on Arangothian soil is strictly prohibited. Any such crops discovered will be destroyed, and the grower will be fined an amount based on the amount of opium found growing.
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2. Existence in the state of undeath, while abhorrent to many, is not a crime in and of itself. However, any legal rights as a citizen or subject of the kingdom possessed by an undead being become null and void at the time of their death and passage into undeath. While it is acknowledged that not all undead creatures are malevolent or dangerous to the living, the great majority of such beings are. Many are vicious predators with powers far beyond that of ordinary citizens, and need to be dealt with as such.
2. Existence in the state of undeath, while abhorrent to many, is not a crime in and of itself. However, any legal rights as a citizen or subject of the kingdom possessed by an undead being become null and void at the time of their death and passage into undeath. While it is acknowledged that not all undead creatures are malevolent or dangerous to the living, the great majority of such beings are. Many are vicious predators with powers far beyond that of ordinary citizens, and need to be dealt with as such.


●    A. Undead beings that stand accused of a crime do not have any guaranteed right to a trial, or any other inherent legal rights. The Royal Guard, Chancellory, or the Crown may, strictly at their own pleasure, extend legal rights on a limited basis to undead beings with a history of benign behavior.
●    A. Undead beings that stand accused of a crime do not have any guaranteed right to a trial, or any other inherent legal rights. The [[Royal Guard]], Chancellery, or the Crown may, strictly at their own pleasure, extend legal rights on a limited basis to undead beings with a history of benign behavior.


●    B. Undead beings for whom an arrest warrant has been issued need not be brought back for trial by the Royal Guard or Bounty Hunters. Conclusive proof of the destruction of said creature is sufficient to collect the bounty.
●    B. Undead beings for whom an arrest warrant has been issued need not be brought back for trial by the Royal Guard or Bounty Hunters. Conclusive proof of the destruction of said creature is sufficient to collect the bounty.

Revision as of 00:54, 23 December 2012

These are the governing edicts of Drache, that have held since the days of BLKDRAGON and the Regency Council. It should be noted that these are not the same as the channel rules, rather these laws apply to characters residing in the part of Arangoth governed by the Sithire, not to players themselves.

Edict 0 - Support of the Empire

1. No one shall act in a way that harms the Kingdom, the Reigning Monarchs, the heirs of the Monarchs, their inheritance, or any royally appointed official. Let no rule stand against this edict, nor any heart stray from its intent.

● A. This edict supersedes Jurisdiction.

● B. Not even the Reigning Monarchs are above the reach of this edict. The Reigning Monarch risks forfeiting his or her Crown and life if the actions of said Monarch endanger the welfare of the kingdom through incompetence or maliciousness, or if the Monarch fails to honor and uphold the rights and privileges granted to the Northern Arangothian Estates, the Sithire of Southern Arangoth, and the Elders of the Sresar Vale.

● C. The heir of the Monarchs is selected by the Royal House according to its own rules.

Edict 1 - Jurisdiction

1. Except as noted in the previous edict the Jurisdiction of these laws shall be the Kingdom and all occurrences within it.

2. The Jurisdiction of these laws includes any lands within the borders of the Kingdom, any protectorate states, and any other states in which jurisdiction is extended by treaty.

3. The Jurisdiction of any appointed judge will be limited in scope by their appointment which will include limits on range and activities.

4. Upon the commencement of any investigation of an Imminent Danger to the Kingdom a notification and report must be sent to the Monarchs immediately.

5. Except as explicitly noted, no judge will be given jurisdiction over occurrences outside of the borders of the Kingdom, except for the actions of Crown officials abroad, and when granted jurisdiction to try an Arangothian citizen by the rulers of the land in which the crime took place.

Edict 2 - The Kingdom

1. The Kingdom consists of all territory claimed by the Monarchs or their servants.

2. The Kingdom may claim territory anytime, anywhere. This will be done only by orders of the Monarch. The Monarchy will make reasonable attempts to notify any inhabitants of the territory but failure to notify will not be cause to rescind the claim.

Edict 3 - Regents of the Crown

1. Monarchs of the Kingdom may appoint a Regent to govern in their stead at any time and for any reason.

2. Regents may be appointed by the Crown's Privy Council upon the death of a Monarch if the heir to the throne is not yet old enough to rule.

3. Regents shall enjoy plenary power over all policy, both foreign and domestic, and may use any legislative, judicial, or executive power that normally rests in the hands of the Reigning Monarch. Regents may use whatever means they decide proper to protect Arangoth and its citizens.

4. Regents may be appointed to rule the Kingdom in times of absence of an heir of legitimate blood until such an heir can be found.

5. Regents of the Crown may be removed from office by the Monarch that appointed them, by the heir of said Monarch upon reaching the age of ascendance prescribed by tradition (reckoned from the date of the heir apparent's Brakerrat), or at any point thereafter in which the heir assumes full control of the kingdom. In the case of Point 4, once a suitable heir is found, the appointed Regent will turn Royal Authority over to the new heir.

6. Regents of the Crown are to be held to the same standards of upright conduct as rightful Monarchs, and treasonous or tyrannical behavior will be punished under the law with a swift death.

Edict 4 - The Sithire

1. A Sithire appointed by the Monarch or the appointed Regent thereof shall be the governing agent of Transdariania and Arania, with all the traditional authorities of provincial governors over internal affairs.

2. The Crown (including all agents and ministers thereof) is forbidden from seizing property, imprisoning citizens, or punishing citizens within the territory under the Sithire's administration outside of the established legal system.

3. The Crown may not levy or raise taxes in Transdariania and Arania without the consent of the Sithire. And reciprocally, that the Sithire may not raise taxes or levy new taxes within its domains without the consent of the Crown.

4. The Crown grants the Sithire the authority to make agreements with other nations insofar as it applies to maritime trade. The Sithire may also negotiate provisional treaties with other nations, subject to the subsequent ratification of the Crown.

5. The Southern provinces of Arania and Transdariania will be allowed to keep their current code of laws, legal rights and privileges, magistrates, and court structure. Any citizen arrested in the southern provinces is to be tried under Southern Law, while any citizen arrested in the north is to be tried under Northern Law.

6. The Crown (including all agents and ministers thereof) is forbidden from extraditing citizens to foreign courts from the provinces of Transdariania and Arania.

7. The reigning Monarch will reside in Drache not less than four months out of the year. In addition, the Monarch will grant a personal audience to the Sithire not less than once per year.

8. The Sithire will be allowed to maintain control over the Royal Guard, the Border Watch, and all such similar law enforcement agencies in the areas formerly under the Regency Council's domain.

9. There will be no internal tariffs laid for transporting goods from one part of the kingdom to another, nor tolls impeding the travel of persons between Transdariania and Arania and the rest of the Kingdom.

10. The provision of the Currency Decree of 469 that decrees that foreign currency will not be deemed legal tender within the borders of Arangoth does not apply within the city limits of Drache so as not to hinder commerce. All currencies currently accepted in payment of taxes, duties, tolls, fines, etc. will continue to be accepted as before, on the basis of the weight of the precious metals.

11. The reigning Monarch recognizes that he is held bound by this agreement as he is by the oath given to the Northern Arangothian Estates, and the Monarch risks the forfeiture of life and crown for violating them.

12. The Sithire is in all ways subject to the laws of the Kingdom, subject to audit by the Crown or the lawfully appointed agents thereof, is in no way immune from prosecution for abuses of authority or violation of the law.

Edict 5 - The Office of the Lord Chancellor

1. The Lord Chancellor is the supreme executor of Royal judicial authority in the Southern provinces of Arangoth, and the administrator of the Royal Chancellery. The Lord Chancellor is appointed by the Reigning Monarchs or appointed Regents thereof, and is to be periodically reviewed for reappointment or replacement. The Lord Chancellor has full authority over the Royal Chancellery and the operations of the legal system in the provinces of Transdariania and Arania.

2. The Royal Chancellery is responsible for:

● A. Hearing cases and passing sentence.

● B. Prosecuting criminal cases for the Crown.

● C. Issuing warrants of arrest (commonly referred to as the Bounty List).

● D. Hearing applications for citizenship.

3. The Lord Chancellor and his Office are given power to audit the Royal Guard, the Border Watch, and the Courts at the behest of the Crown or the Sithire. It may audit the Sithire or the Sithire's Privy Council at the behest of the Crown. It may audit the Crown Itself at the behest of the two of the following three governing entities: the Sithire of Southern Arangoth, the Elders of the Sresar Vale, or the Northern Arangothian Estates for the reasons specified above in Edict 0.

Edict 6 - The Magistrates

1. Shall be appointed by the Lord Chancellor by the Chancellor's criteria, which at the minimum shall require a Magistracy certificate from the Royal University or equivalent demonstration of legal aptitude.

2. Shall be empowered to hear both criminal and civil cases at any time and in any place under the Royal Chancellery's jurisdiction.

3. Are empowered to hear appeals of verdicts rendered in vorfonek (lordly) courts.

4. May act as advocates for the Crown in cases tried before the Lord Chancellor or the Monarchs.

5. Appeals will be heard by the Lord Chancellor, or by a High Court consisting of not fewer than three magistrates. The Lord Chancellor's verdicts are subject to appeal before the Crown.

Edict 7 - The Privy Council

1. The Sithire shall appoint a Privy Council to advise him or her, and assist in the duties of governing the southern Provinces. Council members serve at the Sithire's pleasure, until resignation, retirement, or dismissal.

2. The Privy Council shall include seats for the Lord Protector, Lord Admiral, Lord Treasurer, Lord Foreign Secretary, Lord Privy Seal, Prelate of Honor, and Scholar Preeminent.

3. The Lord Chancellor shall have a seat on the Privy Council, though the office of the Chancellor is not subject to the Sithire, but to the Crown.

4. The Sithire may appoint other advisers without portfolio as he or she sees fit to the Privy Council, but they are not eligible to draw stipend from the Royal Treasury. Said advisers shall be compensated from the Sithire's private purse, or provide their counsel without compensation.

Edict 9 - The Lord Treasurer

1. The Lord Treasurer shall be appointed by the Sithire to oversee the Royal Treasury and Royal Archives, and advise the Sithire in financial matters.

2. The Royal Treasury:

● A. Assesses, collects, and counts royal tax revenues.

● B. Guards and keeps record of all royal revenues such taxes, duties, fines, tolls, revenue from Crown lands, etc.

● C. Disburses royal funds for all official uses.

3. The Royal Archives:

● A. maintains a record of citizens of the Kingdom.

● B. maintains a record of natural born citizens who have undergone the ritual of the Brakerrat and are thus considered adults by law.

● C. Maintains a record of births, marriages, and deaths, insofar as it is possible to maintain an accurate list.

● D. Maintains records of property ownership and property transactions.

● E. Keeps copies of all royal proclamations and other public documents on file.

Edict 11 - The Lord Protector

1. The Lord Protector is Southern Arangoth's supreme official in charge of internal law enforcement, and highest officer in the Royal Guard, Border Watch, and Royal Militia's chain of command. The Lord Protector is appointed by the Sithire of Southern Arangoth, and is to be periodically reviewed for reappointment or replacement.

2. The Lord Protector and his staff are legislated the following powers:

● A. Administrative authority over the Royal Guard, Border Watch, and the Royal Militia.

● B. Command over a standing peacetime army.

● C. The ability to appeal the decisions of the Lord Chancellor in regards to punishment of officers of the above institutions to the Crown.

● D. The option of assuming direct control over any of the above institutions with the Sithire's consent.

3. The Lord Protector and his staff are legislated the following restrictions:

● A. Any requests for funding exceeding the amount of 1000 Bank Crowns must be ratified by the Sithire.

● B. The standing peacetime army is not to exceed 100 individuals without the consent of the Reigning Monarchs. This standing army will oversee the training of the citizen militia in peacetime, and raise, equip, and serve as officers for the militia in times of crisis.

Edict 12 - The Royal Guard

The Royal Guard is charged with enforcing the laws of the kingdom, protecting the citizenry, and maintaining the peace in all cities, towns, and villages throughout the kingdom. Fealty to the Crown shall be unwavering. The Nobility of Arangoth in no way has any authority to command guardsmen. The members of the Royal Guard are subject only to the orders of their superior officers, the Crown, or the appointed Regents of the Crown. Members of the Guard found breaking the laws rather than upholding them will be relieved of their duties and prosecuted like any other citizen.

1. The Royal Guard protects the citizens and Crown officials.

2. The Royal Guard is responsible for enforcement of the laws.

3. Code of conduct of the Royal Guard:

● A. The Royal Guard shall act with courtesy to everyone, supporting proper etiquette, an attitude of presentation to the land, with pride, self-control, and the acceptance of ill-mannered behavior with grace. Social customs shall be followed to the best of ability, indifferent to friends and strangers alike, including the following:

● B. The Royal Guard will speak tactfully, with thought into his conflicts, not to begin an argument when unneeded.

● C. The Royal Guard will behave with dignity, refraining from emotional outbursts, excessive eating and drinking, foul language in public, and other acts with might upset the reputation of the Royal Guard.

● D. The Royal Guard must remain well-groomed and well-dressed at all times. Royal Guard uniform for the warrior consists of issued armor, with a black tunic over or under (dependent on armor type), and a weapon at the belt. Mages are expected to wear robes specifically for them or the tunic and breeches combination of Armsmen. The symbol of the Royal Guard will be worn at all times. A gray cloak is issued with a steel pin that denotes the rank of the Royal Guard upon it.

● E. The Royal Guard will wear the badge of the Royal Guard at all times, on the breast, at the collar, or on the belt. This badge consists of a dragon carved from obsidian, cradled between a gold hand and a silver hand, representing the hands of the Royal Guard protecting the symbol of Arangoth.

Edict 22 - Concerning Extraordinary Methods of Imprisonment

Extraordinary means may be taken in the case of criminals of an extremely dangerous nature. The Royal Guard may, at the option of the commanding officers, enact such defensive measures as:

1. Chemical or magical sedation

2. Containment in cells with magically-electrified bars

3. Physical restraint with ropes, chains, or shackles

4. Containment in temporal stasis fields - This is only used in the case of criminals awaiting trial. While in the state of stasis, the subject remains frozen in a moment of time. Years of confinement may seem to take no longer than the blink of an eye. For this reason, it is not a practical punishment for convicted criminals, as it takes away the punitive effect of incarceration.

5. Use of Mage Collars and Psi Dampeners - Both of these devices are very similar in form and function, in that they prevent prisoners from using magic or psionic abilities. Both take the form of reinforced metal collars, with a number of thin triangular blades resting vertically against the inside of collar. The Mage Collar is made from the same strange alloy and imbued with the same enchantments as the Guard's null-magic shackles, and like the shackles, it prevents the prisoner from using magic, and also prevents anyone else from using magic upon the prisoner. The Psi Dampener is a metal collar set with pieces of a crystalline substance mined in Ruthmarna which has the effect of shielding the mind from psionic powers, as well as preventing the wearer from using any psionic abilities. Both collars have three separate locks which must all be unlocked to remove the collar. Attempts to tamper with the collar will activate magically-implanted defenses: the blades on the inside of the collar will fold out into a horizontal position, cutting into the neck of the wearer. At the same time, the collar will begin to magically constrict. If tampering attempts are not ceased very quickly, the collar may very well decapitate its wearer.

6. Use of geas enchantments on individuals sentenced to labor to prevent them from escaping during their period of labor.

7. The Guard may use whatever means they deem necessary to hold suspected criminals until their time of trial, or to incarcerate convicted criminals so long as the methods do not amount to torture. The Guard is free to devise new security measures for the keeping of prisoners as they see fit.

Edict 23 - Concerning Investigation of Crimes, and the Interrogation of Suspects

1. After arresting a being suspected of a crime, the Royal Guard has full authority to search the home and property of the suspect for evidence. The Royal Guard may only seize items that have a direct connection to the investigation at hand. If evidence of other criminal activity beyond that of which the suspect is already accused is discovered, it may be seized as well.

2. The Royal Guard may use magic, psionics, or similar means to aid in investigations and interrogations as long as any powers used on the suspect do not cause any permanent damage to the suspect's mind.

3. Torture is forbidden as a method of interrogation or punishment, except in cases of High Treason. If torture is used to extract a confession in cases of High Treason, the confession is not immediately admissible evidence. The suspect must be questioned again 48 hours later while not under torture or threat of torture. If the suspect repeats the confession, it is considered valid. If the suspect does not repeat the confession, it is considered invalid. No suspect can be subjected to torture more than once every thirty days.

4. The Guard may not attempt to extract confessions by withholding food or water from the suspect. All suspects must receive sufficient food and drink to sustain them until the time of their trial. Injured or ill suspects must receive medical attention sufficient to sustain them until the time of their trial.

Edict 25 - The Bounty Hunters of Arangoth

1. All Bounty Hunters operating within the boundaries of the Kingdom must be licensed by the Royal Guard. Licenses may only be issued by the Captain of the Guard, or by an Arms-Commander or Spell-Commander.

2. Bounty Hunters are only allowed to pursue bounties on criminals for whom an official arrest warrant has been issued. Such lists are published weekly, and are obtainable at the Guardhouse and the Chancellery. Licensed Bounty Hunters are not to take foreign or private bounties for any reason.

3. Bounty hunters crossing into Arangoth after bounties posted in other nations, if caught, are subject to several harsh charges if they do not contact the proper authorities upon arrival upon Arangothian soil. Any foreign bounty hunter must present himself or herself to the Captain or the Royal Guard, and provide the Guard with all relevant official documentation about the hunter's mission in Arangoth. The Captain of the Guard has the final discretion to permit or refuse the request. Illegal Bounty hunters are definitely subject to prosecution for Kidnapping and Obstruction of Justice. Charges for Impersonation of a Crown Official, Forgery of a Crown Document, and Disobedience or Disrespect of any Crown official may also be applied.

4. A bounty hunter must produce the proper papers, and just for the sake of being thorough, they will have a nearly impossible to forge silver seal of the guard upon it. It will state that the person is a bounty hunter licensed by the realm.

5. All Bounty Hunters are subject to all the laws of the Kingdom, save those which directly apply to apprehending and subduing wanted criminals. Damages caused in the process of catching criminals are the responsibility of the Bounty Hunter to pay.

6. Bounty Hunters will defer to Royal Guards, Judges, the Lord Chancellor, and the Army of Arangoth if a conflict of interests arises. Bounty Hunters may be called upon at any time to assist members of the Royal Guard in apprehending or subduing criminals.

7. Anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a bountied criminal will receive a reward of fifty percent of the bounty for arresting the fugitive.

8. Bounty Hunters will be monitored and checked up upon by the Royal Guard annually. The Captain of the Guard may suspend or revoke any Bounty Hunting license at any time and for any reason.

Edict 30 - The Arangothian Port Authority

1. Shall be under the authority of the Lord Admiral.

2. It is the duty of the Port Authority to stop and inspect any ships attempting to enter any Arangothian port or harbor.

3. The Port Authority is to examine any documentation carried aboard the ship, and may question the ship's captain or any crew member about the vessel's place of origin, cargo, and other such relevant subjects before deciding whether or not to allow the ship to dock.

4. The Port Authority has the authority to search any and all vessels in Arangothian ports suspected of smuggling. The Port Authority is responsible for assessing the value of all imported cargoes and collecting the appropriate import duties.

5. The Port Authority has the authority to refuse any vessel the right to dock in an Arangothian port, or to expel ships connected to criminal activity. Those refusing to submit to boarding and examination of papers by the Authority will be subject to expulsion from the harbor, and possibly destruction by any present harbor defenses or vessels of the Royal Navy.

6. The Port Authority is responsible for carrying out investigations of ships suspected of piracy and/or smuggling. The Port Authority may request the help of the Royal Guard in such investigations if necessary. The findings of such investigations are to be turned over to the courts upon conclusion.

7. The Port Authority is responsible for auctioning off captured pirate ships and confiscated smuggled goods to raise revenue for the Crown.

Edict 96 - The Arangothian Border Watch

The counterpart to the Royal Guard, the Border Watch is responsible for border incursion interdiction and bandit suppression for the protection of the lives and property of the citizens of Arangoth. Often the only arm of law enforcement in the more remote regions of the kingdom, the Border Watch has the authority use whatever measures they deem necessary to efficiently deal with bandits, raiders, and smugglers. Like the Royal Guard, Watchmen are not above the laws they uphold.

Edict 109 - Sanctioned Privateers

1. To supplement the Royal Navy, the Crown may issue Letters of Marque and Reprisal to officially sanction privateers whenever the need arises. The Letters of Marque authorize privateer vessels to prey on pirates in peacetime, and the enemies of Arangoth in wartime.

2. Vessels captured by privateers are to be brought back to the nearest Arangothian port, and their crews delivered over to Crown officials for trial. If the Port Authority determines that the captured vessel does indeed belong to an enemy nation or pirates, the ship and all it contains become the property of the privateer crew, less 25% of the assessed value of the prize, which will go to the Royal Treasury.

3. If the captured vessel is cleared of charges of hostile action toward Arangothian shipping, the Privateer ship is responsible for paying restitution for the inconvenience of the capture and trial, as well as any damages caused in the capture.

4. Privateers found abusing the authority granted by the Letters of Marque will be tried for piracy.

Edict 127 - Privileges and Duties of the Nobility

1. Recognizing that the agents of the Crown cannot be in every corner of the Kingdom simultaneously, the Crown recognizes the ancient prerogative of the nobility to maintain order on their estates. Therefore, to this end, they are granted the following powers within the boundaries of their own estates:

● A. The right to hold vorfonek (lordly) courts to administer justice on their lands. All decisions rendered in vorfonek courts are subject to appeal in Royal Chancellery courts.

● B. The right to maintain a retinue of private guards to keep the peace on their lands. This body of guards is not to exceed a total of one hundred individuals, except by direct Royal Writ. These Guards are still subject to the laws of the kingdom in all ways, and they will be held accountable for their actions at all times. The Crown reserves the right to prosecute a vorfon for the conduct of his or her guards, especially if there is reason to believe that he or she may have condoned, encouraged, or ordered criminal behavior.

2. Vorfonel (land owning nobles) have the responsibility for collecting the amount assessed to their estates each year by Royal Tax Assayers. They are to deliver this prescribed amount to the proper Royal Authorities at the customary time of year, for transport and deposit into the Royal Treasury.

3. Vorfonel have full control over any hunting, fishing, or logging on their estates, and may regulate access to the same however they see fit, including charging fees for their usage.

4. Vorfonel have the right to own, display, and use personal or family crests and coats of arms on their property, servants, and official documents.

Edict 153 - Citizenship

1. All persons residing within Arangoth on a permanent basis must have citizenship.

2. Citizenship is obtained by:

● A. Being granted citizenship by the Crown

● B. Serving in Arangoth's armed forces or guard

● C. Being born within Arangoth's borders

● D. Being born of parents who are citizens

3. Citizens of Arangoth are required to abide by the laws of Arangoth and the orders of officials of the Crown.

4. Citizens of the Kingdom must render aid to the Crown in any way requested by either the Monarchs or their servants.

5. Citizens born within the Kingdom are considered adults under the law once they have gone through the ancient native custom of the Brakerrat in the Sun's Dusk (November) of the citizen's thirteenth year of life. Naturalized citizens born outside of Arangoth are considered adults at an equivalent age. Citizens recognized as adults may marry marry and own property, and are subject to taxation by the crown.

6. Any one residing within the Kingdom who is not a Citizen of the Kingdom is a Subject of the Kingdom.

7. Subjects of the Kingdom who do not have Citizenship must pay a Royal Tax as levied by the Crown.

Edict 154 - Obligations of Citizenship

1. All male citizens are eligible to be conscripted into the Royal Army of Arangoth or Royal Navy in time of war if called upon to do so by the Crown, from the point four years after having undergone the Brakerrat, until the point twenty-five years after the Brakerrat (i.e., between the ages of seventeen and forty-two).

2. All female citizens between the same ages may voluntarily join the military in times of war.

3. Except for children, the elderly, and the destitute, all citizens are required to pay taxes as levied by the Crown.

Edict 155 - Rights of Citizenship

1. Citizens convicted of a crime have the right to an appeal their conviction to a higher court or to the Crown itself.

2. Citizens can not be held in custody by any Crown official for more than 48 hours without being formally charged with a crime.

3. Citizens must be tried within one month of their arrest.

4. Citizens have the right to be informed of the reasons for arrest, to be made aware of all charges against them, and to be made aware of the evidence against them before their trial.

5. Citizens have the right to acquire the services of a legal counsel for advice, or to plead the case in their defense at their trial. The Crown is under no obligation to furnish or pay for such legal counsel, however.

6. The property of citizens is protected from arbitrary seizure by the Crown or any officer thereof.

7. The homes and property of a citizen may not be searched by any Crown official without demonstrable reason for suspicion of a specific crime. Citizens have a right to be informed of these suspicions at the time of the search.

8. Citizens accused of a crime in a foreign land have the right to contact any emissary or ambassador of the Crown in the region to ask for the intercession of the Crown.

9. All citizens are equal in the eyes of the law, from the lowest members of the peasantry, to the highest of nobility. The testimony of a peasant in a court of law carries the same weight as the testimony of a noble. The rights of citizenship apply equally to all sentient beings, regardless of race, religion, sex, or social status.

10. Citizens may live anywhere within the boundaries of the Kingdom without restriction, and may move from one place to another at any time for any reason, so long as they fulfill their obligations to the Crown.

11. Only citizens may hold Crown offices, or serve as representatives of the Crown.

12. Citizens afflicted by natural disasters have a right to expect such relief and aid as the Crown can provide.

13. Citizens are protected from torture in all instances except cases of High Treason.

14. Citizens are free to follow any religion they so desire, or none at all. Religion or Religious practices cannot be used as an excuse for criminal activities (i.e., human sacrifice is still considered murder, etc).

Edict 156 - Methods of Conferring Citizenship

1. All members of the Royal Guard, the Border Watch, the Royal Army of Arangoth, and the Royal Navy must be citizens of the Kingdom. Subjects of the Kingdom that have joined any of these organizations must be naturalized as citizens before commencing active service to the Crown.

2. Therefore, at the completion of the training phase for new recruits, the Commanding Officer of the Royal Guard, the Border Watch, the Royal Army, or the Royal Navy overseeing the training must administer the Oath of Loyalty to all recruits not already possessing citizenship. The Commanding Officer may refuse to administer the oath to those whose loyalty is suspect. Any subject refusing to take the oath to become a citizen of the Kingdom will be dismissed immediately.

3. Civilian subjects wishing to obtain citizenship must travel to the nearest provincial capitol, or to the Capitol of the Kingdom to apply at an office of the Royal Chancellery. The prospective citizen must bring no fewer than two witnesses to affirm his or her good character and desire to become a loyal citizen of the Kingdom. At least one witness must be a citizen in good standing.

4. The officers of the Chancellery are to interview the candidate for citizenship and the witnesses, asking any questions they find relevant to determining whether the candidate should be granted citizenship. The Chancellery is permitted to contact the Royal Guard or the prospective citizen's former place of residence in order to check for existing criminal records.

5. If the Chancellery determines that the candidate should be granted citizenship, the prospective citizen must take the Oath of Loyalty. The oath is to be administered by the Crown, its Regents, or any Crown official that has been expressly granted the Authority to administer the oath.

6. After taking the oath, the new citizen is to be added to the Royal Chancellery's list of citizens. The new citizen is bound by all obligations to the Crown expected of citizens, and is entitled to all the rights of citizens.

7. The Reigning Monarchs, or the appointed Regents thereof, may grant citizenship to individuals they find deserving, without the recommendation of the Chancellery. Individuals thus enrolled in the ranks of the citizens of the Kingdom must still take the Oath of Loyalty.

Edict 157 - The Oath of Loyalty

1. All subjects of the Crown wishing to become citizens must take the Oath of Loyalty.

2. This Oath is a binding legal declaration. Breaking it, or speaking the words of the oath insincerely makes an individual liable to prosecution for Grand Perjury and Treason. The witnesses of a naturalized citizen that has been convicted of treason will be prosecuted for Grand Perjury.

3. The Oath of Loyalty reads as follows:

● "I, (name of the prospective citizen), taking this solemn oath on this (the current date) day of (the current month) in the year (the current year), in the sight of the gods and the duly-appointed officers of the Crown of Arangoth, declare my desire to become a citizen of the Sovereign Kingdom of Arangoth.

● "And so, I hereby renounce all former loyalties at this time, and swear my wholehearted allegiance to the Crown and Kingdom of Arangoth. I fully understand and accept the obligations of citizenship, and will obey all the laws of the Kingdom.

● "From this moment forward, Arangoth will be my homeland: its rulers shall be my rulers, its citizens my brothers and sisters, its ways my ways, and its lands my home. I swear that I will not act in any way that threatens or endangers my Kingdom, my Monarchs, my fellow citizens, or the freedoms and privileges of my fellow citizens. I will not provide any sort of assistance or aid to the enemies of Arangoth, and will do everything in my power to aid in the preservation of the Kingdom.

● "Min di podaralix tin Arangoth ben menx sendelim. Min di serpix ai Gossaloth ul Arangoth, la ai Goxodeloth ul Arangoth, la ai gostnairoth ul Arangoth me menx sippanim. An gasuggix Arangoth ben menxpir, tarlun la sterun la glar!"

[Translation of the last paragraph: "I will live in Arangoth for my whole life. I will love the Monarchs of Arangoth, the People of Arangoth, and the laws of Arangoth with my whole heart. May Arangoth live forever, just, free, and strong!")

Edict 166 - Concerning Opium

While it is not illegal to possess, use, or trade opium, there are restrictions on its production and importation within the borders of Arangoth.

1. Growing of opium poppies on Arangothian soil is strictly prohibited. Any such crops discovered will be destroyed, and the grower will be fined an amount based on the amount of opium found growing.

2. Importation of opium into Arangothian territory, whether by land, sea, or air, is prohibited unless the importer has obtained an importation license from the Crown. Unlicensed importers will have their cargo destroyed, and will be prosecuted for smuggling.

3. The Crown reserves the right to revoke importation licenses, or to place quantitative restrictions on importation licenses at any time.

Edict 171 - Concerning Demons and the Undead

1. Demons, by the very definition of their kind, are malevolent creatures of darkness and evil whose presence within the kingdom presents a clear and unmistakable danger to the safety and well being of the citizens of the kingdom. As such, they are to be hunted down and destroyed without hesitation.

2. Existence in the state of undeath, while abhorrent to many, is not a crime in and of itself. However, any legal rights as a citizen or subject of the kingdom possessed by an undead being become null and void at the time of their death and passage into undeath. While it is acknowledged that not all undead creatures are malevolent or dangerous to the living, the great majority of such beings are. Many are vicious predators with powers far beyond that of ordinary citizens, and need to be dealt with as such.

● A. Undead beings that stand accused of a crime do not have any guaranteed right to a trial, or any other inherent legal rights. The Royal Guard, Chancellery, or the Crown may, strictly at their own pleasure, extend legal rights on a limited basis to undead beings with a history of benign behavior.

● B. Undead beings for whom an arrest warrant has been issued need not be brought back for trial by the Royal Guard or Bounty Hunters. Conclusive proof of the destruction of said creature is sufficient to collect the bounty.

● C. Those rare undead beings that have not only demonstrated a benign demeanor, but have a record of public service to the Crown or officers thereof may be granted full citizenship by special order of the Crown in reward for their services, such as service in the military or the Royal Guard.

3. Those that have taken it upon themselves to destroy demons and/or the undead shall not be unnecessarily hampered in their tasks by fear of prosecution. These individuals, commonly referred to as Slayers, may not be prosecuted for homicide for destroying a demonic or undead being. They may not be prosecuted for assault for attacking a demonic or undead being. They may not be prosecuted for burglary for breaking into the lair of a demonic or undead being for the purpose of destroying it. The only exception to this is outlined in part 2C of this edict. They are in all other ways subject to the laws of the Kingdom.