The Almenorean Codex of Law

issued 5^th of The First Seed, 1770

Foreword

The following Codex of Law shall replace the former Common Law of Aegrothond. It shall be enacted on the 1^st of The First Seed, 1770, as a grace period. The following statutes have been written for the Isles of Almenor, with considerations for modern populations, and as such has been expanded. As a result, certain definitions have become defunct. The Principality of Aegrothond shall be henceforth known as the Princedom of Aegrothond or Caras Sylvadrim. The Isle of Harlond is no longer a constituent state of neither Aegrothond nor the Crown of Elvenesse and is considered a defunct entity within the Isles of Almenor. It has been replaced functionally by the Village of Siramenor.

Index

Definitions

Crimes Against the Crown

1. Treason
2. Slavery
3. Dark Magics
4. Medical Malpractice and Negligence
5. Violence Against Military
6. Violence Against Children
7. Interbreeding
8. Piracy
9. Forgery and False Testimony
10. Vandalism

Crimes Against the Person

1. Violence
2. Kidnapping
3. Theft
4. Abuse and Neglect
5. Adultery

Crimes Against Justice

1. Bribery
2. Contempt
3. Tampering of Evidence
4. Obstruction of Justice
5. Perjury

Expectations of Conduct

1. Domestic Conduct
2. Right of Arms
3. Conduct Abroad
4. Improper Gate Use
5. Religion
6. Magic

Civic Duties

1. Duties to Society
2. Protection of Environment
3. Law of Hospitality

Definitions

Isles of Almenor, Almenorean Isles, Almenorean Realm

These phrases and terms refer to the entirety of the southern archipelago and all of its communities residing upon them. The Realm extends as far as to the northern, bordering road, the eastern and western woodlands, and its waters reach as far south as towards the Korvassa coast south of the archipelago.

Princedom of Aegrothond, Caras Sylvadrim

The capital of the Isles of Almenor, ruled by the Sea Prince and his Council. It is considered the citadel of the Realm.

Village of Siramenor, Matriarchy of Siramenor

The village refers to the east-southeastern village which lies outside Caras Sylvadrim. It is led by the Triumvirate, founded by the Matriarch Awaiti. It is considered a constituent state of Aegrothond.

Village of Brandybrook

The village refers to the settlement of Brandybrook which lies to the west of Caras Sylvadrim, which is independent.

Almenodrim

This term refers to any citizen of the Isles of Almenor who holds or resides in property, primarily in Caras Sylvadrim. They are considered family to the Sea Prince, and are known colloquially as ‘Sea Elves’ or Free Elves. 

Dark Magic

Dark Magic is defined as any set of abilities granted by ritual, otherworldly power, or lineage which is inherently detrimental to the natural soul or serves Daemonic powers. This includes magics which corrupt the body or soul, or rely on the harming of Descendants, particularly innocents, to progress. Such magics include: anything daemonic in nature, blood magic, the shade parasite, demoncraft such as Naztharek, necromancy, etcetera.

Crimes Against the Crown

Treason

Any citizen who willfully assists an enemy of the Crown is guilty of treason. This includes and is not limited to: passing sensitive information, publishing private documents and health records of any citizen, sedition, and slander. Punishment for this crime will result in banishment from the Isles of Almenor and its constituent states.

Slavery

Slavery and its practice is foul -- be it the sale, purchase, hiring or other condonement of usage of Descendants as slaves. Imprisoning another in such an unlawful manner shall result in the death of the slaver and others who condone such behavior, and the slave be set free. 

Dark Magics

Those who practice dark magic are forbidden wholly from the Isles of Almenor. Descendants who disguise their true abilities and are found shall be expelled and banished permanently from the Isles, lest they submit themselves to the purging of their magics, to which a member of the Council must be present. Additionally, the Crown reserves the right to seize the mage’s property to ensure no trace is left of their magic within the Isles. Military and citizenry reserve the right to use any necessary force to remove dark mages from the borders. Dark creatures must be similarly removed or put to the sword, and may not be kept as ‘pets’ or servants of any kind.

Medical Malpractice and Negligence

The willful neglect or mistreatment of innocent wounded within the Isles of Almenor to cause harm to the wounded party shall result in banishment, and the offender shall be forbidden to practice medicine within the Isles. Should such willful malpractice result in the permanent injury to the victim, the offender shall be charged with Violence; if death, the price is execution. Unwitting damages shall result in the forbiddance of medical practice within the Realm.
 

Violence Against Military

Any form of violence against the Honorguard shall be likened to violence against the Sea Prince himself. Murder of a military officer or Honorguard shall be punished with execution.

Violence Against Children

Any form of violence against Almenodrim children, especially Elven, is foul, signifying an individual is irrational  and holds contempt for Elvish society. Should a child of the Almenodrim or any Elf in the Realm be murdered, the punishment for such is execution.

Interbreeding

Any coupling with intent to produce offspring with a member of another Descendant or lesser race than that of one’s own shall be considered interbreeding. The punishment for such is banishment, especially should the coupling bear a mixed child -- for they have brought into this world unnecessary burden upon the offspring, who must contend with more than one Curse. Knowingly coupling with those who possess Dark Magics shall also be treated as a crime equal to that of interbreeding. Such coupling may decree abuse or neglect on behalf of the parents.

Piracy

Unlawful acts committed at sea, be it on board or involving a sea-worthy vessel shall be known as piracy. This shall include: destruction of goods or cargo of trade vessels; unlawful seizure of goods or vessels to pirates; willful tampering of a vessel to disrupt or delay its course or commit bodily harm to its crew. The punishment for this crime is banishment from the Isles.

Forgery and False Testimony

Willfully forging documents or providing false information to bypass security or attain property or standing within the Isles of Almenor shall result in banishment, as well as the seizure of property. Such information includes: identity for citizenry, enrollment into guilds or organizations, letters of consent or testimony, admissions of entry, etcetera.

Vandalism

Individuals who vandalize any public or private property within the Isles of Almenor without criminal intent shall be warned, and must make reparations for the damages. Willful damage of property to harm citizenry or the structural security and integrity of the Isles, to cause general destruction or dampen beauty shall be banished and properties seized. The construction of structures or fortifications within the Isles without permission of any steward (barring cultural exceptions) such as the creation of tunnels or complex underground rooms is also considered vandalism and may result in banishment, fining, and eviction, at the discretion of the Head Steward. Forts and castles with large fortifications are forbidden beyond Caras Sylvadirm and may be considered treasonous.

Crimes Against the Person

Violence

Any and all forms of violence within the Isles of Almenor are not to be tolerated. The murder of any member of the Almenodrim or guest within the Isles will result in banishment and execution of the criminal. Other forms of violence such as sparring or honor duels are exception to this rule. Should these two exceptions result in death, the conviction instead shall be manslaughter. It is frowned upon and punishable to willfully duel an individual without relatively fair terms.

Kidnapping

The unlawful detainment of any member of the Almenodrim or a guest without their consent, with fraudulent evidence, or with consent obtained through threat or other duress is punishable by banishment, being viewed similarly to the act of slavery.

Theft

Theft or stealing is an act of dishonestly claiming the right to another’s property with intent to keep, sell, or otherwise deprive the original owner of it. Such property includes livestock, personal effects, trade secrets or goods and creative property (books, art, etc.). First offenses may receive warnings. Theft committed on a grand scale or repetition beyond this warning shall result in banishment from the Isles of Almenor.

Abuse and Neglect

The willful physical, emotional, or verbal abuse or neglect of children and the sick or physically or otherwise incapacitated shall result in banishment of the individual. Should such be committed as a result of extreme duress, the individual will be separated from the victim and given an order of restraint. Should the perpetrator fail to show significant remorse and reform they shall be removed from society, branded with the Mark of the Serpent.

Adultery

Coupling and covetousness of another’s partner or spouse while themselves married shall be frowned upon, for the damages such an act causes to society and especially one’s children. Dishonesty in marriage and engagement without intent to seek resolution is frowned upon, for it is likely to result in abuse or neglect to the family. In event of dispute, both parties must part amicably.

Crimes Against Justice

Contempt

Contempt for the Crown and its agents is considered a crime in the Isles of Almenor. While individuals are free to make logical arguments in defense of themselves, they must keep a level voice and be respectful throughout the proceedings. Contempt shall also include failure to heed warnings or banishments from a member of the Council or the Sea Prince himself - this shall result in banishment of the perpetrator from the Isles of Almenor, and may include immediate removal from the Isles of Almenor.

Obstruction of Justice

Attempts to interfere with the Honorguard or Council in matters of criminals with the goal to free the perpetrator or prevent punishment  is considered an obstruction of justice. This includes: the destruction, alteration or otherwise interference with evidence used in an investigation or proceeding; interference during an arrest; interference during an execution; threatening or assault of officials or Council involved.

Perjury

Dishonesty is frowned upon in Almenodrim culture, and as such lying under oath is considered a crime within the society. Providing false testimony to obstruct justice may result in banishment. If the individual was of high standing within society, an additional punishment shall be Name Cleaving, in which any titles, names, or ceremonial grants gained within the Almenodrim are stripped from the individual.

Conduct within the Almenorean Realm

Domestic Conduct

When within the Princedom of Aegrothond and its Isles, one must treat their fellow citizen and guests with respect. The peaceable nature of the Isles is highly valued in the Elvish society, and citizens ought take responsibility to allow such to persist. This includes the upkeep of the city’s aesthetic and the structural integrity of the Isles. Underground structures beyond simple basements and expansions to one’s property should be brought before a steward.

Right of Arms

Within the Isles of Almenor, citizens are permitted and indeed encouraged to carry weapons and armor to defend themselves, so that they may rise to defense of their homelands and kin in dire events. Citizens may settle grievances independently from the Crown in non-lethal combat, so long as the crime is classified only as a Crime Against the Person. Should a duel of honor with fatal consequence be agreed upon, the Sea Prince must stand as witness.

Conduct Abroad

Beyond the halls of Aegrothond and its Isles of Almenor, Elves are apt to wander in pursuit of knowledge and adventure. Almenodrim who find themselves abroad are considered representatives of the culture and one’s fellow citizens. It is frowned upon to commit crimes in another realm, especially against those weaker, for such an act can endanger the society. Should an individual be found convicted of a crime listed in the Almenorean Codex of Law in another nation, they are liable to face a form of punishment.

Improper Use of Gate or Doors

Every citizen and member of the Almenodrim is responsible to keep their fellow citizens safe. The closed-gate policy is for the protection of those within Caras Sylvadrim. Wittingly admitting non-citizens who are not allies is dangerous and may result in punishment from a member of the Honorguard or Council with removal of keys or access to the gates. Admitting enemies of the state is considered treason and shall result in banishment. Exceptions are provided to the wounded or children.

Religion

The Almenodrim are a society of mixed Elves, and as such no single religion is the official faith of Aegrothond. Shrines and mosaics to various faiths may be found all throughout the Isles of Almenor, as all citizens may freely practice their faith so long as it does not harm or disrupt the lives of the Almenodrim. In the Village of Siramenor, the Aspectist faith is prominent, and blasphemy against the Aspects within the aforementioned region may result in a form of punishment. Similarly, this may apply to temples or private properties constructed for other faiths. Xionism and other faiths revolving around Dark Magics or the persecution of deity-bound servants are outright prohibited and will result in banishment following a cease and desist.

Magic

Dark magics are outlawed within the Isles of Almenor. As a result of previous engagements with the Voidal Incursion, mages must be registered or otherwise documented by the Head Steward or Grandmaster. Any abilities granted by magical connections, voidal, deific or otherwise, should be used responsibly. Arcane magic must not be casted within the Village of Siramenor. Exceptions may be granted by a member of the Council if in dire defense of the Isles of Almenor. Crimes within the Almenorean Codex of Law committed with any magics will result in banishment.

Visitor Conduct

Visitors to the Isles of Almenor must treat residents and guests with respect at all times. Visitors may not wear masks or disguise their identity in any way, and must abide by the Almenorean Codex of Law while within the borders of the Isles of Almenor. Should a visitor enter the Isles of Almenor with intent of diplomacy, they must send a letter addressed to the Sea Prince or Prince Emeritus to be admitted for diplomatic talks. An exception to these standards are young children, the wounded, or the elderly, especially in case of emergency or threat to innocent life.

Duties of Almenodrim

Duties to Society

Almenodrim culture allows for citizens to live tax-free nor need them provide a down payment for their private property. However, in times of need, it is expected that citizens provide financial or material contribution for the sake of upkeep or improvement of the Realm. Should the Isles of Almenor and its constituent states be threatened, citizens ought to prepare to rise to the defense of their homeland.

Protection of the Realm

The Isles of Almenor are viewed among the most peaceful and beautiful of Elvish Realms. As a result, citizens make a joint effort to protect its beauty for the sake of balance in nature. To protect the ecosystem, structures should be built in consideration of the Isles’ structural and natural integrity. In event the natural peace of the Isles are threatened, by magical or manmade structure, consult with a steward. In the event of fires, floods, or other natural disaster, citizenry should make a conscious effort to assist in the crisis.

Law of Hospitality

The harming of guests of the Crown and its Council is frowned upon in the Isles of Almenor. Hospitality and admittance into the citadel shall always be provided to Aegrothond’s allies, including Dwarves of the Grand-Kingdom of Urguan and the Village of Brandybrook. Children and the wounded may be more freely admitted into the citadel, especially under threat.

Sylvaeri Bloodline Reorganization

The Sylvaeri bloodline, although attached to a proud house of Elves, has been plagued with illegitimate additions, confusing standards, and otherwise untraceable members. Thusly, the following bloodline laws have come into effect as of now.

The following is the previous list of Sylvaeri bloodline which, although inaccurate and contradictory at times, was the standard format for all the house’s lineage.

https://www.familyecho.com/?p=LIOA4&c=wolc07pis1&f=815187094504250769

The following rules are now set in place:

~*~*~*~*~

1.) Eleron Sylvaeri, High Prince of Malinor, is the reset point of all legitimate claims of the bloodline - All others before this point are either illegitimate or otherwise not provable as true Sylvaeri

2.) Adoptions do not carry the family name, nor the bloodline. No adopted children are legitimate Sylvaeri

3.) Bastards are illegitimate, and carry neither the name nor bloodline, unless granted legitimacy by both their Father and the Patriarch of the Sylvaeri house. Legitimized bastards carry the name, but do not pass on the bloodline.

4.) The Sylvaeri name and house is Patrilineality, otherwise known as an Agnatic Kinship. In layman’s terms, the name of the bloodline is passed down by males unto their children only - females do not pass the name to their children.

5.) Spouses of Sylvaeri carry the name Sylvaeri, but not the bloodline of Sylvaeri. Thusly, a spouse that marries a Sylvaeri and then remarries later on does not transfer the bloodline nor name to their children.

6.) The following living bloodline Sylvaeri are as follows: Belestram Sylvaeri, Feanor Sylvaeri, Serinwe Sylvaeri, Maerwen Sylvaeri, Edrahil Sylvaeri, Cullas Sylvaeri, Laeren Sylvaeri, and Olwe Sylvaeri. Illynora and Delmira Sylvaeri are Sylvaeri in name only, not blood.

It shall be known to the Realm of Arcas that the Crown of Storms falls unto Fëanor Sylvaeri, succeeding former High Prince Belestram Sylvaeri and High Princess Illynora Sylvaeri in governance of the Principality of Aegrothond and the Seastone Court.

As such, the following is decreed:

• Henceforth, all matters of diplomacy or otherwise formal correspondence with the Principality of Aegrothond and its Seastone Court shall be redirected unto the High Prince Feanor Sylvaeri. Such messages can be delivered unto the capital of Aegrothond by avian creature or footman, addressed to His Eminence.

• Should an individual seek correspondence with Belestram Sylvaeri or Illynora Sylvaeri in private, it is recommended they send word beyond the lands of Arcas.

• Lordship of the House of Sylvaen falls also unto High Prince Feanor Sylvaeri, until such a time when Lord Belestram of the House Sylvaeri may return. In his absence, Fëanor Sylvaeri shall serve as Lord Heir.

• Blood relatives of the House of Sylvaen, all those who carry the Sylvaeri name through marriage or favor ought send missives to the Lord Heir if they do not live within the Isles of Almenor. Through this, their blood relation shall be confirmed and recorded for the House Sylvaeri. They shall also be able to take the rite of Oath, as all Sylvaeri have - a rite which currently can only be conducted by the Lord Heir of House Sylvaeri.

• Those blood relatives or those who carry the Sylvaeri name, are of age, and living outside the Isles of Almenor who have not taken the Oath are to be referred to as Oathless. Until such a time they approach the Lord Heir, each Oathless bears no relation to the Principality of Aegrothond nor the House Sylvaeri.

Fair Skies and Fairer Seas.

His Eminence, High Prince Fëanor Sylvaeri, Lord Heir of the House Sylvaeri,

Forge Master of Sylvaen’s Hammer, Lord Protector of the Isles of Almenor

Introduction

Lawless, Aegrothond’s society has never been. There has always been a mutual understanding, a stock of unspoken rules amongst our collective of Free Elves that has maintained a level of peace and prosperity. In evolving significantly from a tiny island in the eastern seas of Atlas, the Seastone Court sees fit to document these rules in an official Codex of Law, so that all elves of the Isles, new and old, can see in written form the morals that form the backbone of our society.

Index

Definitions

Crimes Against the Isles of Almenor

Treason

Piracy

Slave dealing

Vandalism

Forgery

Dark magic

Crimes Against the Person

Violence

Kidnapping

Theft

Expectations of Conduct

Domestic conduct

Conduct when abroad

Improper gate use

Religion

Magic

Civic Duties

Duties to society

Protection of the Environment

Definitions

Isles of Almenor, Almenorean Isles, the Isles, Almenorean Realm

These terms are used to refer to the entirety of the southern archipelago, and all communities that reside upon it.

Principality of Aegrothond, Caras Aegrothond

The Capital of the Almenorean Isles, lead by the High Prince and High Princess.

Sable Enclave of Vira’ker, Isle of Harlond

The Isle of Harlond, southernmost of the Isles of Almenor, is where the Sable Enclave resides. It is governed by the Sable Prince.

Crimes Against the Principality

Treason

Any citizen who assists an enemy of the Isles, including but not limited to the passing of sensitive information, is guilty of treason. The punishment for this crime is immediate banishment from the Isles of Almenor, including all of its constituent states.

Piracy

An unlawful act committed at sea, on board or in relation to a ship, amounts to piracy. Acts of piracy include: destroying the goods or cargo of a trading vessel; unlawful taking of goods or vessel; willfully yielding goods or vessel to a pirate; willful tampering of a vessel with the intent to hinder its course or cause bodily harm to its crew. The punishment for piracy is to be left at sea with nothing but a single canteen of water, and banishment from the Isles of Almenor and her domain over the Southern Seas.

Slave dealing

Everyone is liable to death who, within the Isles of Almenor, sells, purchases, hires, or in any way condones the use of another Descendant as a slave. The act of imprisoning another against their will and using them for personal gain is anathema to the Free Elves of Almenor, and any who are guilty of this crime will be dealt the swift hand of justice.

Vandalism

Those who have vandalised within Aegrothond or Harlond without criminal intent will be warned, and their changes rectified. Everyone is liable to banishment from the Isles of Almenor who wilfully damages property, with the intent to dampen the beauty of said areas, or cause general destruction.

Forgery

The act of wilfully forging documentation and acting as though it were genuine, with the intent to bypass security within the Isles of Almenor, is a criminal offence deemed worthy of banishment. This includes but is not limited to the falsification of: citizenry details, enrolment into a guild, letters of consent, admissions of entry, et cetera.

Dark magic

Practitioners of dark magic are strictly forbidden from the Isles of Almenor. Any who are found to have hidden their true abilities will be immediately expelled from the Isles, as well as banished from ever returning. Guards and citizenry reserve the right to use whatever force necessary to remove dark mages and entities from our borders.

Crimes Against the Person

Violence

Any and all forms of violence within the Isles of Almenor will not be tolerated. Murder of any individual, citizen or otherwise, within the Isles will result in the banishment and execution of the perpetrator. Other forms of violence (excepting that within voluntary spars), will result in banishment.

Kidnapping

Detaining another Descendant, either without their consent or with consent obtained by fraud or duress, is punishable by banishment from the Isles of Almenor. As with slavery, this act is anathema.

Theft

Theft or stealing is the act of dishonestly, and without any claim of right, taking the property of another with the intent of keeping it as your own, selling it, or otherwise depriving the original owner of their property. This includes but is not limited to livestock, chattel, trade secrets, and creative property. First time offenders shall receive a warning, though repetition of this act shows an unwillingness to cooperate in a peaceful society, and therefore the perpetrator shall be removed from said society via banishment from the Isles of Almenor.

Expectations of Conduct

Domestic Conduct

When within the Principality of Aegrothond, there is the expectation that you will treat your fellow citizens and guests with respect. This includes maintaining a polite manner, keeping your voice at a reasonable volume, and moderating your language— particularly in the presence of children. There is the individual responsibility to ensure our city's aesthetic integrity is kept in tact, meaning that any above ground construction should be discussed beforehand with the Head Steward.

Conduct when abroad

Adventurous souls by nature, many Almenorean elves will find themselves wandering to the far reaches of Arcas in search of knowledge. When beyond the reaches of the Isles, you stand as a representative for our people, and are expected to act accordingly. You should never resort to violence unless in defence of yourself or others, no matter what the other party has done to incite anger. You are liable to facing punishment in the Almenorean Realm if you are convicted of a crime in another nation.

Improper gate use

It is the moral responsibility of every citizen to protect the security of our nation. While it may be true that our gate policy is far stricter than any other Descendant community, this is in the interest of protecting our citizens’ safety, and maintaining Aegrothond’s culture as being a bastion of peace for Free Elves. Any who are found to be admitting individuals not included in the Trusted Visitors list will have their keys removed for the period of one Elven week. In failing to adhere to this code after that fact, individuals guilty of this breach will be removed from the Principality.

Religion

There is no officially recognised religion in Aegrothond, though shrines and mosaics dedicated to various deities can be found in and around the city. All citizens are free to practice their faith, so long as it does not disrupt the lives of others. On the Isle of Harlond, the Onyx Path is the dominant religion— any visitor found to be blaspheming against the goddess Luara while within Vira’ker is liable to punishment by the Div’cruan.

Magic

Dark magic is outlawed within the Isles of Almenor, but Voidal magic is not— however, users must have applied to the Magic Registry via a steward. Any practitioners are expected to use their abilities responsibly, and refrain from excessive casting in public. All forms of Voidal magic are outlawed within the Institute of Healing, and the arcane arts are not to be practiced near shrines for the wild faith.

Civic Duties

Duties to Society

Citizens do not have to pay for their homes, nor are they asked to pay taxes. However, in times of great financial need, there is an expectation that Almenorean Elves will contribute in some way to the upkeep of the collective coffers. Additionally, should any outside forces threaten the safety and sanctity of our home, citizens of the Isles of Almenor should be prepared to take up arms to defend their homeland and their people.

Protection of the Environment

No citizen of the Almenorean Realms will cut down a tree, drain a pond or lake, deposit waste, fish in large quantities, or in any other way upset the balance of nature without first considering sustainable practices. Arboretums are the exception to this. If you believe that your actions upon the environment will be more than minor, you must first consult with the Lord of your respective island.