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THE THIRD CATHERINIAN CODE

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 20:58:43 +0000

Issued and averred by

His Royal Majesty

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

163

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART ONE

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE PETRA

Article I - Declarations of the Constitution

I - On The Replacement Of The Constitution

II - On The Alteration Of The Constitution

Article II - The River Council

Article III - The Powers of the Garmont Assembly

I - The Powers Of The Assembly

II - The Members Of The Assembly

Article IV - The Crown of Saint Emma

I - The Authority Of The Crown

II - The Salvian Inheritance

Article V - The Round Table

I - The Duties Of The Table

II - The Seats Of The Round Table

PART TWO

THE CIVIL CODEX

Article I - Of the Capital

I - On The City Of Vallagne

II - On Elections And Elected Offices

III - On The Swords of Saint Emma

Article II - Of Nobility and Vassalage

I - On The Levels Of Nobility

II - On The Duties Of Vassals

III - On Vassal Restrictions

IV - On Succession And Regency

Article III - Of Knighthood and the Petrine Laurel

I - On Knighthood

II - On The Duties Of Knights

III - On The Seats Of Knights

Article IV - Of Stylings

I - On Stylings Of Honour And Nobility

Article V - Of the Duties of the Petran

I - On The Duties Of The Petran

Article VI - Of Duels

I - On Duels Within The Commonwealth

PART THREE

THE LEX PETTRES

Article I - Of Banditry

I - On The Definition Of Bandits

II - On The Bandit Clause

Article II - Of Justice And Trials

I - On Justice Without Trial

II - On Justice With Trial

III - On Punishments Within Trial

IV - On Specifications Of Crimes And Trials

Article III - Of Crimes Against The Petra

Article IV - Of Crimes Against The Person

Article V - Of Crimes Against Property

Article VI - Of Crimes Against God

Article VII - Of Crimes Against Chivalry

Article VIII - Of Magic

~ PART ONE ~

– the CONSTITUTION of the COMMONWEALTH of the PETRA–

ARTICLE I,

DECLARATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION

I. On The Replacement Of The Constitution

In order to replace the Constitution in the future, the Crown or the Government of the Commonwealth must submit it before the scrutiny of the Garmont Assembly to pass with a 2/3rds majority, and assent from the reigning Monarch.

II. On The Alteration Of The Constitution

In order to alter the Constitution, the proposed changes must be submitted to the scrutiny of the Garmont Assembly to pass with a 2/3rds majority, and assent from the Reigning Monarch.

ARTICLE II,

THE RIVER COUNCIL

Named for the great River Petra, the lifeblood of the Commonwealth and the core of our society, the River Council shall serve as the sovereign’s executive cabinet and shall advise her on matters of sensitive import. The River Council shall be comprised of the following positions:

The Chancellor, who shall serve as president of the council and the head of the Monarch’s government;

The Vice-Chancellor, who shall serve as the Chancellor’s right hand, the primary scribe of the council and messenger from the government to the people;

The Knight Commander, who shall serve as the head of the Petrine Laurel, set and uphold standards for both squires and the Knights of the Commonwealth, head the Round Table and uphold chivalry within the Commonwealth;

The Master of Blades, who shall serve as the commander of the armed forces of the Commonwealth, and be charged with the protection of the citizenry of the Petra;

The Grand Speaker, who shall serve as the head of the Garmont Assembly, to run and moderate the legislative body of the Commonwealth, and oversee elections of representatives to the Assembly, the Chancellor’s office, and the Mayor of Vallagne;

The Grand Treasurer, who shall ensure proper use of the Commonwealth's treasury and collection of its taxes, properly document and track the income and expenditures of the Commonwealth, and manages its stewards;

The Grand Chamberlain, who shall ensure that the court of the Petra is properly run and maintained in order to be utilised for festivities, events, and cultural gatherings within the Commonwealth;

ARTICLE III,

THE POWERS OF THE GARMONT ASSEMBLY

I. The Powers Of The Assembly

The Garmont Assembly, the Legislative Body of the Commonwealth of the Petra as overseen by the Grand Speaker, shall have powers to advise and counsel the sovereign and their government and propose changes to both sections of the Catherinian Code, the Constitution, and the Lex Petres. The Garmont Assembly may:

i. Counsel the sovereign on any such matter of governance as pertinent to the realm, with the exception of sensitive executive matters, and move resolutions comprising their advice concerning these affairs;

ii. Propose a candidate to the sovereign for the office of the Chancellor, and move resolutions on these proposals;

iii. Summon the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet for a report, so as to maintain transparency on the realms affairs;

iv. Impeach the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet in the context of investigations of misconduct;

v. Propose alterations to the Catherinian Code;

vi. Submit an official piece of guidance to the crown on matters relating to the Commonwealth;

vii. Begin motions and debates through discussion within the Assembly;

II. The Members Of The Assembly

The Garmont Assembly shall be made up of three primary parties, being the Peers of the Realm or their chosen Representative, the Master or Mistress of a vassal city or their chosen Representative, and Elected members of the Citizenry through free election run by the Grand Speaker. There shall also be a seat for a representative of the Swords of Saint Emma.

i. Peer seats will be traditionally held by the current head of the house. If a peer wishes to permanently change their house Representative, they must give a year’s notice to the Grand Speaker.

ii. Formal Seatholders may submit bills, vote on bills and motions, summon government officials to the Garmont for an audit, file for the impeachment of government officials, nominate other Seatholders or be nominated to the Chancellery during elections, and nominate other Seatholders or be nominated to the position of Grand Speaker upon the Speaker’s retirement.

iii. All seats may put forth a stand-in Representative if their Seatholder is unable to attend the Assembly, provided that Representative fits the original requirements of their seat. This stand-in may vote on any bills passed through the Assembly during their session, but does not hold the full privileges of a Seatholder outside that. They may only submit bills if those bills are sponsored by the Seatholder they are representing.

iv. All Representatives will be beholden to the Garmont Assembly’s Code of Conduct.

v. Members of the Assembly cannot hold more than one seat at a time.

ARTICLE IV,

THE CROWN OF SAINT EMMA

I. The Authority of the Crown

The Crown of Saint Emma is the only sovereign of which shall sit upon the Garmont Throne, and hold paramount authority within the Commonwealth of the Petra. Alongside this authority, they are tasked with upholding the expectations that come alongside this Constitution, the protection of the Commonwealth and the people therewithin.

II. The Salvian Inheritance

The reigning Monarch of the Commonwealth shall be the sole arbiter of succession within the House of the Petra. It shall be their duty to designate their successor from amongst the eligible pool of successors of the house, following multiple requirements. The rules regarding succession may only be amended with both the consent of the Regnant Queen or King, and that of a majority of the Garmont Assembly.

i. Be of direct bloodline of the first Archduke of the Petra, Paul I.

ii. Remain in good standing with the sovereign law and authorities of the Commonwealth, having not engaged in treasonous activity nor been disowned.

iii. Live within the Commonwealth of the Petra as their Primary Residence

iv. Rightfully hold the surname Temesch of the Petra, not having married out or relinquished the name.

v. Hold no sworn allegiances, nor oaths, to any sovereign state other than the Commonwealth of the Petra.

ARTICLE V,

THE ROUND TABLE

I. The Duties Of The Table

The Round Table is the council of the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel. It holds two main purposes, being an advisory body to the Crown of Saint Emma, and to be the council that runs the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel through voting on the motions of Knighthood.

II. The Seats Of The Round Table

Each Knight may sit at the Round Table and gain a vote in the day-to-day, but the specific Seats shall be the high council of the Petrine Laurel. Each seat being a governorship over a region of the Crownlands, they will be the highest advisory council to the Crown, and the main votes on matters of high importance.

~ PART TWO ~

– the CIVIL CODEX –

ARTICLE I,

OF THE CAPITAL

I. On The City of Vallagne

The Capital city of the Petra, Vallagne, shall be led in sectors by multiple positions. It is through the cooperation with all of these offices that the Capital thrives and it is the duty of each to ensure that this is possible.

1. City Code

i. All properties privately owned shall be subject to taxation

ii. Taxation shall be collected on a yearly basis by the Grand Treasurer

iii. Should taxes go unpaid, the Grand Treasurer may issue an eviction notice

iv. Residents shall be beholden to building and alteration laws, which if broken may result in an eviction.

2. Public Locations

i. All public locations and buildings are under the monitoring of the Grand Treasurer

ii. Public Locations should not be altered or remodeled without the permission of the Grand Treasurer

iii. Should a manager of a Public Building be found to not be adequately running the building, the Grand Treasurer may find a replacement.

II. On Elections and Elected Offices

1. Elections

i. Elections shall be held no more often than every 8 saints weeks.

ii. Nominees must be at least 16 years of age to run for Garmont Assembly, and 18 years of age to run for Mayor or Chancellor.

iii. Nominees must be in good standing with the Lex Pettres

iv. Nominees must be a resident of the Commonwealth

v. The official running the election may add or decide other requirements when election nominations are posted.

vi. Requirements may not be changed for that election cycle once the nominations have been posted.

vii. All elections require a public debate to be held between the candidates, with a full and accurate transcript of that debate being distributed within 24 Saint’s Hours before voting.

viii. Nominations and Voting must be open for a minimum of 24 Saint’s Hours each, but is standardised to 48 Saint’s Hours each.

ix. Nominees for Mayor of Vallagne and the Garmont Assembly will be selected based on the highest number of votes.

x. Nominees for the Lord or Lady Chancellor must achieve at least half the votes in their election to win. If no candidate achieves at least half the votes, the lowest Nominee will be removed from the poll, and voting will be restarted between the two highest candidates.

2. Lord/Lady Mayor

i. There shall only be one Lord or Lady Mayor of Vallagne at a time.

ii. The Mayor is expected to work within the set laws of the City, or have changes signed off by the correct government official.

iii. The Mayor may add laws to the city code, though they may be repealed by the River Council or subsequent mayors.

iv. The Mayor is expected to work for the benefit of the residents of the City.

v. As long as the Mayor gets their projects signed off on by the correct Government Official, they are not limited by regular restrictions within the City.

vi. The Mayor shall be elected in terms of at least 8 weeks. Should the Grand Speaker not submit elections until further past, the Mayor will remain in office until the next election is held.

3. Elector of the Garmont Assembly

i. The number of Elector Seats is to be decided by the Grand Speaker of the Garmont Assembly.

ii. Electors are to work within the Garmont Assembly to write bills to change the Catherinian Code, send suggestions to the River Council, Crown, and Round Table, and to submit opinions on events to the government with the backing of the rest of the Assembly.

iii. Bills and motions must pass through the Crown, to be given assent and signed into law.

iv. Electors shall be elected in terms of at least 8 weeks. Should the Grand Speaker not submit elections until further past, the Electors will remain in office until the next election is held.

v. Electors may be voted to be removed from their position if they are inactive within the Garmont.

4. The Lord/Lady Chancellor

i. There shall only be one Lord or Lady Chancellor at a time.

ii. Three Nominees shall be put forth, with one each from the Garmont Assembly, the Petrine Laurel, and the River Council, each body must put forth a unique Nominee.

a. Each Nominee can only be nominated once, by one of the governing bodies.

b. Nominee’s must fulfill all requirements set forth by the Catherinian Code.

c. A Nominee must have been a citizen of the Commonwealth for at least 10 years.

d. A Nominee must have been actively working within the Commonwealth for at least 5 years.

e. A Nominee must be in good standing with the Catherinian Code

f. A Nominee must be willing to run in the Chancellor’s Election

iii. The names of the Nominees shall be given to the Monarch, who shall approve or decline a Nominee should they have concerns of integrity, honesty, intent, or if they believe the Nominee will work poorly with the Monarch.

iv. Should a Nominee be denied, the body that Nominated them shall have one chance to choose a new Nominee.

v. If both Nominees get denied, or if they re-nominate the originally declined Nominee a second time, the election shall proceed without a Nominee from that body.

vi. Nominees are allowed to decline their nomination and should let the Crown or the Nominating Body know before the Chancellor debate has taken place.

a. If the Nominee pulls out, or declines the Nomination after the Chancellor’s

debate has taken place, the Nominating Body may not postpone to choose a new candidate.

b. If the Nominee pulls out, or declines the Nomination before the Chancellor’s debate has taken place, the election and debate may be postponed to allow for a new candidate to be put forth.

vii. The term of the Chancellor shall last for 20 years, unless the Chancellor chooses to retire before this limit, or the Monarch requests they step down. Upon the seat of the Chancellor being vacated, a new election will be held.

viii. The Vice-Chancellor shall be selected by the Chancellor from between the two losing nominees, unless the Chancellor provides the Monarch with strong reasoning as to why neither candidate would be suitable. In which case, the Monarch and the Chancellor will work together to select an alternative.

ix. An electoral debate must be hosted, and a transcript publicly posted before the election ballots may be sent out.

III. On The Swords of Saint Emma

The Swords of Saint Emma shall work alongside the knights of the Petrine Laurel, led by the Master of Blades. They are tasked with the protection of the City of Vallagne, and may be asked to assist on matters outside of the Petran Capital.

1. Ranks

The Blades of Saint Emma shall consist of five ranks: Citizen Guard, Swordsman, True Blades, Blade Commandant, and the Master of Blades.

2. Powers

i. Blade Commandants shall have the ability to punish crimes that were caught in the act and where the criminal is guilty without a doubt.

ii. Swordsmen and above may arrest criminals, and request an official or knight schedule or hold a trial.

iii. Citizen Guards may only assist in arrests, and may not lead arrests on their own unless absolutely necessary.

ARTICLE II,

OF NOBILITY AND VASSALAGE

I. On The Levels of Nobility

1. Barony

The lowest rank of nobility within the Commonwealth, Baronies are generally new families to the Commonwealth that have shown initiative and honour. They are a noticeable presence within the Commonwealth, and have a few members active in institutions or at ongoing events of the Nation.

2. Viscounty

A step above a Barony, Viscounties have been within the Commonwealth for some time, and have a noteworthy presence within the nation. Their members are taking steps to become more well-known within the Commonwealth, and are beginning to become relatively involved.

3. County

A moderate rank within the Commonwealth, Counties have been within the Commonwealth for some time, and have a decent presence within the nation. Their members are becoming more well-known within the Commonwealth, and are relatively involved in its institutions.

4. Margravate

A Margravate holds land on the edge of the border of the Commonwealth, and is the first line of defence for the nation in war. However, Margravates are also held at a higher regard than their Comital counterparts. They are expected to be up to date and involved within the nation, and actively contribute to the institutions and defence of the Commonwealth.

5. Duchy

A rank of great prestige within the Commonwealth. Duchies have been at the forefront of the Commonwealth, contributing great service and unquestionable devotion to the success of the nation. They are held in the highest regard, given their service. They are expected to be greatly involved in the affairs of the nation, actively contributing to its well-being. With such a great prestige bestowed upon them, the most is expected of them by the Commonwealth.

II. On The Duties of Vassals

1. Fealty to the Crown

It is the duty of each vassal of the Garmont Throne to obey the directives of the realm. In turn, the nobility themselves are given a number of privileges that are outlined within this document, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth. This expectation is held in the highest regard, and failure to abide by the edicts of the Garmont Throne shall be met to the fullest extent of Petrine law.

2. The Garmont Assembly

Each Peer of the Realm is afforded a seat on the Garmont Assembly. They are expected to attend regularly, or send a representative to partake in legislation of the Commonwealth and voice their concerns and ideas within the legislative body.

3. Dire Military Assistance

Military assistance in the form of the men-at-arms of the vassals may be requested by the Garmont Throne in times of emergency to the Commonwealth. Should such a need arise, the oath taken by these men to the crown shall prevail over any oath taken in service to these noble households. As such, in times of emergency these men, should the crown deem it necessary, shall fall under the command of the Master of Blades and the Sovereign of the Commonwealth. When the emergency has abated, these men shall return to the service of their respective lords and ladies as normal.

4. Taxation

Each landed vassal is expected each year to pay a sum in taxes to the Garmont Throne. This is done for the maintenance of the realm and the expenditures of the Commonwealth. The amount each vassal shall pay shall vary depending on the rank and title each vassal holds, with those of greater standing within the realm expected to contribute accordingly as befits such a position.

In times of great strife to the Commonwealth, vassals may be requested to make additional contributions for the greater survival of the Commonwealth. This may take the form of additional coin, arms, manpower, or materials from the lands of the nobility, only to be done in the most dire of situations.

TAXATION RATES PER YEAR

Taxation may be raised or lowered due to special circumstances, but should not be expected.

BARONY - 125 mina

VISCOUNTY - 150 mina

COUNTY, MARGRAVATE - 175 mina

DUCHY, FREE CITY - 200 mina

III. On Vassal Restrictions

1. Vassalage

No vassal may create a title under themselves to award another. A Duke shall not create a Margrave, a Margrave shall not create a Count under them, and so forth. The creation of titles is a privilege solely held by the Garmont Throne. Neither Vassals, nor Free Cities may create inheritable titles of nobility under them.

2. Knighthood

No vassal may create a Knight of the Commonwealth. The honour of knighthood is reserved to the Petrine Laurel, and knights may only be added to the Petrine Laurel by the Monarch, Regent, Chancellor, or any that the Monarch allows. Knightly Orders are forbidden from being founded in the lands of vassals. No Knightly Order outside the Petrine Laurel may exist to represent the Commonwealth of the Petra.

3. Diplomacy

No vassal may conduct political deals outside of the realm. Diplomatic treaties with other political entities are forbidden from being made by any vassal of the crown. Although the nobility may suggest a course of action be taken, they themselves are forbidden from undertaking such of their own accord. Free Cities are also beholden to this expectation,

4. Houseguards

In the maintenance of their holds, each noble family is permitted to maintain a standing retinue of household guards. These men while in service to their respective house must also enlist in the Petran army, respond to the authority of the Master of Blades, and heed the word of the government first on any official business for Petra. Each family is expected to hold at most a reasonable amount of guards for their standing and needs, and an unnecessary number may be cause for concern.

IV. On Succession, And Regency

1. Succession

Vassals within the Petra may choose their Heir as the Crown does, by Selective Succession. Should a house not declare their succession to the Crown before their passing, then the next head shall default to the laws of Rosemore Succession. Eldest legitimate child no matter the gender.

2. Regency

Should a Noble Peer be under the age of 16 then they shall require a Regent to lead and take charge of the Vassal and the responsibilities of a Peer. A regent may be chosen by the previous Peer, a majority of the Adults of the House, or be the main remaining guardian of the Child Peer.

3. Adoption

Children adopted at or below the age of 14 shall be considered as full-blooded members of the house, and may be chosen to be the heir if the house runs by Selective Succession. Should a house choose Rosemore Succession, adopted children shall be put after trueborn children, in the order that they are adopted. Those adopted above the age of 14 may take the family name and be considered legally a member of the family, but cannot inherit the title. Exceptions to this rule may be handled on a case-by-case basis by the Crown.

ARTICLE III,

OF KNIGHTHOOD AND THE PETRINE LAUREL

I. On Knighthood

i. Knighthood within the Commonwealth may only be granted by the Monarch, or Regent.

ii. Each Knight shall be assigned to a chapter within the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel, being the Chapter of Rapids, Chapter of Brooks, or the Chapter of Waves.

iii. All Chapters of the Order will answer to the Knight Commander of the Order of the Petrine Laurel.

iv. The Chapter of Rapids stands as a military and armed force, upholding the laws of chivalry, their pledges and duties.

v. The Chapter of Brooks stands as a literary and civil force, upholding governmental and civil institutions, history, and literary works. They may be asked to fulfill duties of the Chapter of Rapids if they are capable.

vi. The Chapter of Waves stands as an honorary position, achieved either after retirement from either the Rapids or the Brooks, or granted by the Monarch for exceptional service to the Commonwealth of the Petra.

vi. Knights may only serve as an active member of the Petrine Laurel until they are 75 years of age as a Human, or have served for a maximum of 50 years.

vii. Knights may be asked to step down to an honorary position by the Crown if they prove ineffective to the Order before the 75 years of age, or 50 year mark.

II. On The Duties Of Knights

i. Knights may be assigned as Governors of the different regions of the Petra, to watch over the homesteads, settlements, and vassals that live there. These knights are called Seated Knights and make up an advisory council to the Knight Commander, called the Round Table. Seats are granted to knights who have proved their loyalty and exceptional service over many years. Seats are a privilege and can be taken away from a knight who breaks their oath or remains stagnant in their position.

ii. The Monarch may ask the Knights to sit as advisors on their Council, with their view from their direct experiences among the Commonwealth.

iii. Knights will be called upon to act in defense of both the Commonwealth of the Petra and its allied nations in conflict, generally seeking to end bloodshed. The Knights will work closely with the Swords of St. Emma in this matter.

iv. Each knight is expected to seek out a successor, whether they are seated on the Round Table or not. Knights are expected to only keep as many squires as they can reasonably teach.

v. Knights may be expected to go on missions and investigations for the Crown or Nation. If they must be gone for a long period of time, they may temporarily allow their squire to train under another knight until they return.

vi. If a Knight has not actively gone on patrol, participated in tournaments, or gone to knight meetings for 5 years, they will be stripped of their Knighthood unless the Knight Commander is made aware of the reason for their absence. If a Knight breaks their oath, they are also stripped of their knighthood. If it is a severe infraction, there may be more consequences

vii. Knights are required to retire at the age of 75, or after 50 years of service, although they are allowed to retire earlier if they wish.

III. On The Seats Of Knights

i. Certain Knights may be assigned as Governors of the different regions of the Crownlands

ii. The Crownlands are divided into seven Seats to be held by Knight Governors.

The Seat of Val De Lagne

The Seat of the Mardonlands

The Seat of Mount Catrinne

The Seat of Solland

The Seat of Ladyr

The Seat of Renilica

The Seat of Seviel

iii. The Governors are responsible for monitoring and eliminating darkspawn and other threats within their region, as well as being a point of contact to the Crown and the Round Table for the occupants of their region.

ARTICLE IV,

OF STYLINGS

I. On Stylings Of Honour And Nobility

Members of the River Council

His/Her Excellency - Your Excellency

Duke/Duchess

Your Grace, His/Her Grace

Margrave/Margravine

The Most Honourable

Count/Countess

The Right Honourable

Viscount/Viscountess

The Honourable

Baron/Baronessess

The Lord/The Lady

Peer Families

His Lordship/Her Ladyship

Elected Members of Government

The Popular

Non-Peer Government Members

Mister/Miss

ARTICLE V,

OF THE DUTIES OF THE PETRAN

I. On The Duties Of The Petran

i. A Petran must carry with them a weapon for both their own protection and the protection of the Petra.

ii. A Petran must wear clothes appropriate with Canonism, and the climate of the Commonwealth.

iii. A Petran shall keep their word and promises.

iv. A Petran is encouraged to be baptised Canonist.

v. A Petran shall uphold honour and integrity.

ARTICLE VI,

OF DUELS

I. On Duels Within The Commonwealth

i. Duelers must attempt to resolve their grievance through dialogue and other mediation means before a duel may take place.

ii. Each duelist must have a second, a trusted representative.

a. The representative must advocate for peaceful reconciliation

b. The representative must monitor the duels proceedings to ensure fairness and prevent dishonourable acts

c. The representative must bear witness to the proceedings both before and after the duel

d. The representative must be prepared to administer or seek medical treatment for either duelist.

iii. The duel must follow basic protocol.

a. Duels must take place upon Mount Catrinne, within view of the Aldtree.

b. Duels may only be fought with one type of weapon, agreed upon beforehand.

c. Duelists must agree beforehand to the win conditions of the duel, be it yield, first blood, or death.

d. Ranged duels will begin by the duelists standing back-to-back, walking ten paces forward, then turning and loosing their shot.

iv. Both parties must accept the fair conclusion of the duel, or be considered dishonourable and face consequences under Crimes against Chivalry.

~ PART THREE ~

– the LEX PETTRES –

ARTICLE I,

OF BANDITRY

I. On The Definition Of Bandits

i. A bandit is any person who attacks or threatens others to gain gear, knowledge, or to take another hostage, generally with intent to take mina, items, gear, or hostages for ransom.

ii. A political bandit is a member of an aggressive state that participates in the above for the purposes of political or war gain.

iii. Bandits generally wear dark clothes or un-marked armour, with covered faces.

II. On The Bandit Clause

i. Bandits are considered below the Law of the Commonwealth if caught in the act of banditry, and their lives are forfeit if they are undeniably bandits.

ii. Any person may kill an active bandit within the Commonwealth without trial, as long as they can prove that they were undeniably a bandit.

ARTICLE II,

OF JUSTICE AND TRIALS

I. On Justice Without Trial

i. Members of the River Council, Commandants of the Swords of Saint Emma, and knights of the Sovereign Order of the Petran Laurel may enact justice without a full trial under certain circumstances. If one is not sure without a trace of doubt that circumstances fall within parameters, they are to seek out a member of the River Council, or the Monarch for clarification.

ii. These officials may enact justice in their own right should a criminal be unquestionably guilty, or caught in the act of their crime.

iii. Should there be any doubt of their guilt, a trial must be held.

II. On Justice With Trial

i. Any member of the River Council, Seated Knights, or the Mayor of Vallagne may preside over a trial as a Judge of the Commonwealth

ii. The Monarch and the Chancellor may appoint members of the Commonwealth as ‘Judges of the Petra’ to also hold the power to preside over trials.

iii. Trials for Crimes against Chivalry may be judged by a committee of three Knights of the Petrine Laurel, or one Seated Knight.

III. On Punishments Within Trial

i. Judges have nearly free reign over the punishments given at trials they oversee, however if a punishment is seen as unfit they may be overruled by the River Council or Monarch, and may face punishment themselves for corruption or lack of honour.

IV. On Specifications Of Crimes And Trials

i. Crimes Against The Petra may only be judged by a member of the River Council, or the Monarch themselves.

ii. Crimes against the Person and Property may result in death.

iii. Crimes against God should be consulted on with the Bishop of Casica, or a church superior.

iv. Crimes against Chivalry may not result in death unless paired with another crime.

ARTICLE III,

OF CRIMES AGAINST THE PETRA

I. Treason

The act of betraying the Commonwealth of the Petra, its Sovereignty, or the Crown.

II. Invasion

The act of taking up arms against the Commonwealth of the Petra to vassalize, destroy, or otherwise harm the sovereignty of the Commonwealth.

III. Corruption

The act of an official putting their own gain above the needs of their nation and station, forsaking their own integrity and the integrity of their position.

IV. Obstruction

The act of purposely obstructing righteous judgement, medics from providing aid to the wounded, or the ongoings of the government.

V. Imperial Advocacy

The act of advocating for imperialism, pushing for imperialistic ideals and changes, or glorifying the time of the Orenian Empire in an attempt to push for imperialistic changes in current society or government.

ARTICLE IV,

OF CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON

I. Assault

The act of taking up arms against another to cause non-fatal harm to their person.

II. Murder

The act of killing another person, be it intentional or by mistake.

III. Kidnapping

The act of taking and holding another against their will.

IV. Harassment

The act of purposely causing issue for another person or continuously bothering them with the intent to cause non-physical harm.

V. Defamation

The act of unrightfully harming a person's reputation by spreading false information or rumours.

VI. Enslavement

The act of holding another's freedom and treating them like owned property, generally for labour.

ARTICLE V,

OF CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY

I. Theft

The act of taking items that belong to another without permission.

II. Vandalism

The act of damaging the land or buildings maliciously and without permission.

III. Arson

The act of lighting buildings or property on fire to damage it.

IV. Trespassing

The act of entering a personal residence, restricted or otherwise off limits area without invitation or permission, or refusal to leave.

V. Environmental Vandalism

The act of harming the nature, land, environment, and plants within the Commonwealth.

VI. Horse Slaughter

The act of killing a horse with no valid cause, a dishonourable act. A valid cause would be putting an injured animal out of its misery, or in dire circumstances.

ARTICLE VI,

OF CRIMES AGAINST GOD

I. Forsaking Mankind

The act of assisting, or becoming a creature of Iblees.

II. Adultery

The act of betraying the sanctity of marriage by laying or having relations with another.

III. Witchcraft

The act of learning and using dark magics.

IV. Cross Breeding

The act of laying with another outside of their descendant race.

V. Heresy

The act of publicly practising non-approved doctrines of Canonism

VI. Heathenism

The act of publicly practising a religion that believes in a God or religion outside of Canonism.

ARTICLE VII,

OF CRIMES AGAINST CHIVALRY

I. Perpetuating Harm

The act of neglecting the suffering of others, be it ignoring corruption, or standing by during the assault on an innocent.

II. Refusal of Assistance

The act of denying assistance to those that require it, be it leaving an injured with no help, or a distressed child alone.

III. Disrespect of the Dead

The act of allowing the desecration or disrespect of the dead, be it allowing the mutilation or a corpse, or denying a person a proper burial.

IV. Lack of Honour

The act of behaving dishonourably or disingenuously. Lying, breaking one’s word, cheating, or acting without common respect to another.

ARTICLE VIII,

OF MAGIC

I. On The Definition Of Magic

i. Magic is legally defined as the manipulation of mana to perform normally-unattainable feats.

ii. Magic is split up into the following broad categories:

a. Voidal

a.i. Evocation magics, Translocation magics, Transfiguration magics, and other Void-based spellcasting

b. Religious

b.i. Aengul magics, spirit magics, and other magics that draw from the source of a patron.

c. Non-Religious and Non-Voidal

c.i. Bardmancy, Housemagery, and other magicks that do not source themselves from the Void or a patron.

d. Dark Magic/Witchcraft

d.i Necromantic magics, Warlock magics, and other magics which are considered of dark origin.

iii. Mages are legally defined as those who are capable of performing magic without the use of enchantments or similar trinkets.

II. On The Use Of Magic

i. Those who cast magic are to be registered with the Court Mage of the Petra

ii. The use of magic without registration within the Petra is expressly forbidden. Visitors to the Petra are not to perform more than small, token uses of magic unless it is in clear defense of one’s own life.

iii. The use of magic for registered mages is to be allowed without restriction unless otherwise illegal through other parts of the Catherinian Code.

iv. Witchcraft is excluded from all legal protections. Any citizen or visitor of Petra discovered to be utilizing Witchcraft will be immediately charged as having violated criminal law.

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Therin Adil, By the grace of GOD, King of the Petra, Prince of Abrana, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Duke of Valfleur, Count of Brasca, Moere, Temesch, and Torm Marian, Viscount of Mies, Baron of Eagles Peak, Garmont, Hrenthorne, Vallagne-en-Petra, and Resmore, and Wittenbach, Protector of the Meadows, and Defender of Liberty

Amendment to the Petran Law Code

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 21:35:42 +0000

Amendment to the Petran Law Code

Issued and averred by

the

Lord Speaker

Jun of Astor and of the Petra

In the year 152 A.R.P

To the Citizens of the Commonwealth,

Upon my ascension to Grand Speaker the following bills from Her Royal Majesty Adalia I’s reign have been signed into law by the Crown Prince Therin and his Regency Council:

The Salvian Gauntlet of 1991
- A bureau under the Mayorship of Vallagne brought in from when it was originally formed under the Confederation. With it's salvian cabinets being distributed to the people's elects, and chosen cabinet representatives.
To Fortify the Commonwealth Bill of 1991
- A bill proposed to create defensive structures and take more matters of security up with the Swords of St. Emma and the Petrine Laurel.
Guide to the Commonwealth Bill of 1991
- Another amended bill from the times of the Confederation. It seeks to work with the peers of the realm to create written and thorough guides of the many locations of the Commonwealth, and matters of geography, trade, culture, and more.
The Sister’s Act of 1996
- A bill to mark Vallagne and Chambery as official Sister Cities, with a Regional Tourism Board being established, and two festivals hosted in Vallagne and Chambery to celebrate the shared friendship and history of both cities.
The Crown Oversight Bill of 1998
- A bill bringing forth a chosen individual from the Crown to keep an eye on and advise members of Redquill College to keep its studies of magic in line with the government and within the Canondom.
The Creation of Gob-Town Bill of 1998
- A bill proposed by Bon'Ox (and Artair) to rebuild & revitilize Moleton into a new underground town for Petra's Uruk to live in. During the Garmont, multiple members who passed it expressed some concern or desires to see the section on religious practices mandated further to fall in line with the Catherinian Code, so edits may be coming forth.
The Unnecessary Bloat Bill of 2002
- A bill establishing a streamlined process for calling government officials to answer petitioning queries by the seatholders of the Garmont Assembly.
Harvest Legacy Act of 2002
- A bill decreeing the act of Imperialism, Imperial Advocacy, and Imperial Ambition, unlawful, according to the wider realm of the Commonwealth, whilst seeing the mission of the Most Holy Mother Church maintained, and protected by the Commonwealth, in it's present state.
The Petran Audit Advisory Bill of 2005
- A bill aimed at seeing the Crown establish a neutral commission to take stock of the state of the realm.
The Saint-Mother’s Act of 2007
- A bill aimed at providing ease and maintenance of pilgrimage throughout the Commonwealth.

If there are any questions about the exact details of the following bills, please send a letter to Jun of Astor.

Finally clearing out the backlog,

Their Excellency, Lord Jun of Astor & of the Petra, Grand Speaker of the Garmont, Baron of Fir’Steinn, and Countess-Consort of Theral

THE SECOND CATHERINIAN CODE

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 17:12:02 +0000

Issued and averred by

Her Royal Majesty

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

134

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART ONE

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE PETRA

Article I - Declarations of the Constitution

I - On The Replacement Of The Constitution

II - On The Alteration Of The Constitution

Article II - The River Council

Article III - The Powers of the Garmont Assembly

I - The Powers Of The Assembly

II - The Members Of The Assembly

Article IV - The Crown of Saint Emma

I - The Authority Of The Crown

II - The Salvian Inheritance

Article V - The Round Table

I - The Duties Of The Table

II - The Seats Of The Round Table

PART TWO

THE CIVIL CODEX

Article I - Of the Capital

I - On The City Of Vallagne

II - On Elections And Elected Offices

III - On The Swords of Saint Emma

Article II - Of Nobility and Vassalage

I - On The Levels Of Nobility

II - On The Duties Of Vassals

III - On Vassal Restrictions

IV - On Succession And Regency

Article III - Of Knighthood and the Petrine Laurel

I - On Knighthood

II - On The Duties Of Knights

III - On The Seats Of Knights

Article IV - Of Stylings

I - On Stylings Of Honour And Nobility

Article V - Of the Duties of the Petran

I - On The Duties Of The Petran

PART THREE

THE LEX PETTRES

Article I - Of Banditry

I - On The Definition Of Bandits

II - On The Bandit Clause

Article II - Of Justice And Trials

I - On Justice Without Trial

II - On Justice With Trial

III - On Punishments Within Trial

IV - On Specifications Of Crimes And Trials

Article III - Of Crimes Against The Petra

Article IV - Of Crimes Against The Person

Article V - Of Crimes Against Property

Article VI - Of Crimes Against God

Article VII - Of Crimes Against Chivalry

~ PART ONE ~

– the CONSTITUTION of the COMMONWEALTH of the PETRA–

ARTICLE I,

DECLARATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION

I. On The Replacement Of The Constitution

II. On The Alteration Of The Constitution

In order to alter the Constitution, the proposed changes must be submitted to the scrutiny of the Garmont Assembly to pass with a 2/3rds majority, and assent from the Reigning Monarch.

ARTICLE II,

THE RIVER COUNCIL

The Chancellor, who shall serve as president of the council and the head of the Queen’s government;

The Vice-Chancellor, who shall serve as the Chancellor’s right hand, the primary scribe of the council and messenger from the government to the people;

The Master of Blades, who shall serve as the commander of the armed forces of the Commonwealth, and be charged with the protection of the citizenry of the Petra;

The Grand Chamberlain, who shall ensure that the court of the Petra is properly run and maintained in order to be utilised for festivities, events, and cultural gatherings within the Commonwealth;

ARTICLE III,

THE POWERS OF THE GARMONT ASSEMBLY

I. The Powers Of The Assembly

ii. Propose candidates to the sovereign for the office of the Chancellor, and move resolutions on these proposals;

iii. Summon the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet for a report, so as to maintain transparency on the realms affairs;

iv. Impeach the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet in the context of investigations of misconduct;

v. Propose alterations to the Catherinian Code;

vi. Submit an official piece of guidance to the crown on matters relating to the Commonwealth;

vii. Begin motions and debates through discussion within the Assembly;

II. The Members Of The Assembly

i. Peer seats will be traditionally held by the current head of the house. If a peer wishes to permanently change their house Representative, they must give a year’s notice to the Grand Speaker.

ii. Formal Seatholders may submit bills, vote on bills and motions, file for the audit or impeachment of government officials, nominate other Seatholders or be nominated to the Chancellery during elections, and nominate other Seatholders or be nominated to the position of Grand Speaker upon the Speaker’s retirement.

iv. All Representatives will be beholden to the Garmont Assembly’s Code of Conduct.

v. Members of the Assembly cannot hold more than one seat at a time.

ARTICLE IV,

THE CROWN OF SAINT EMMA

I. The Authority of the Crown

II. The Salvian Inheritance

i. Be of direct bloodline of the first Archduke of the Petra, Paul I.

ii. Remain in good standing with the sovereign law and authorities of the Commonwealth, having not engaged in treasonous activity nor been disowned.

iii. Live within the Commonwealth of the Petra as their Primary Residence

iv. Hold the surname Temesch of the Petra, not having married out or relinquished the name.

v. Hold no sworn allegiances, nor oaths, to any sovereign state other than the Commonwealth of the Petra, excluding knighthoods.

ARTICLE V,

THE ROUND TABLE

I. The Duties Of The Table

II. The Seats Of The Round Table

~ PART TWO ~

– the CIVIL CODEX –

ARTICLE I,

OF THE CAPITAL

I. On The City of Vallagne

I.i. City Code

a. All properties privately owned shall be subject to taxation

b. Taxation shall be collected on a yearly basis by the Grand Treasurer

c. Should taxes go unpaid, the Grand Treasurer may issue an eviction notice

d. Residents shall be beholden to building and alteration laws, which if broken may result in an eviction.

I.ii. Public Locations

a. All public locations and buildings are under the monitoring of the Grand Treasurer

b. Public Locations should not be altered or remodeled without the permission of the Grand Treasurer

c. Should a manager of a Public Building be found to not be adequately running the building, the Grand Treasurer may find a replacement.

II. On Elections and Elected Offices

II.i. Elections

a. Elections shall be held no more often than every 8 saints weeks.

b. Nominees must be at least 16 years of age to run for Garmont Assembly, and 18 years

of age to run for Mayor or Chancellor.

c. Nominees must be in good standing with the Lex Pettres

d. Nominees must be a resident of the Commonwealth

e. The official running the election may add or decide other requirements when election nominations are posted.

f. Requirements may not be changed for that election cycle once the nominations have been posted.

g. All elections require a public debate to be held between the candidates, with a full and accurate transcript of that debate being distributed within 24 Saint’s Hours before voting.

h. Nominations and Voting must be open for a minimum of 24 Saint’s Hours each, but is standardised to 48 Saint’s Hours each.

i. Nominees for Mayor of Vallagne and the Garmont Assembly will be selected based on the highest number of votes.

j. Nominees for the Lord or Lady Chancellor must achieve at least half the votes in their election to win. If no candidate achieves at least half the votes, the lowest Nominee will be removed from the poll, and voting will be restarted between the two highest candidates.

II.ii. Lord/Lady Mayor

a. There shall only be one Lord or Lady Mayor of Vallagne at a time.

b. The Mayor is expected to work within the set laws of the City, or have changes signed off by the correct government official.

c. The Mayor may add laws to the city code, though they may be repealed by the River Council or subsequent mayors.

d. The Mayor is expected to work for the benefit of the residents of the City.

e. As long as the Mayor gets their projects signed off on by the correct Government Official, they are not limited by regular restrictions within the City.

f. The Mayor shall be elected in terms of at least 8 weeks. Should the Grand Speaker not submit elections until further past, the Mayor will remain in office until the next election is held.

II.iii. Elector of the Garmont Assembly

a. The number of Elector Seats is to be decided by the Grand Speaker of the Garmont Assembly.

b. Electors are to work within the Garmont Assembly to write bills to change the Catherinian Code, send suggestions to the River Council, Crown, and Round Table, and to submit opinions on events to the government with the backing of the rest of the Assembly.

c. Bills and motions must pass through the Crown, to be given assent and signed into law.

d. Electors shall be elected in terms of at least 8 weeks. Should the Grand Speaker not submit elections until further past, the Electors will remain in office until the next election is held.

e. Electors may be voted to be removed from their position if they are inactive within the Garmont.

II.iiii. The Lord/Lady Chancellor

a. There shall only be one Lord or Lady Chancellor at a time.

b. Three Nominees shall be put forth, with one each from the Garmont Assembly, the Petrine Laurel, and the River Council.

c. The names of the Nominees shall be given to the Monarch, who shall approve or decline a Nominee should they have concerns of integrity, honesty, intent, or if they believe the Nominee will work poorly with the Monarch.

d. Should a Nominee be denied, the body that Nominated them shall have one chance to choose a new Nominee.

e. If both Nominees get denied, or if they re-nominate the originally declined Nominee a second time, the election shall proceed without a Nominee from that body.

f. Nominees are allowed to decline their nomination and should let the Crown or the Nominating Body know before the Chancellor debate has taken place.

i. If the Nominee pulls out, or declines the Nomination after the Chancellor’s debate has taken place, the Nominating Body may not postpone to choose a new candidate.

ii. If the Nominee pulls out, or declines the Nomination before the Chancellor’s debate has taken place, the election and debate may be postponed to allow for a new candidate to be put forth.

g. The term of the Chancellor shall last for 20 years, unless the Chancellor chooses to retire before this limit, or the Monarch requests they step down. Upon the seat of the Chancellor being vacated, a new election will be held.

f. The Vice-Chancellor shall be selected by the Chancellor from between the two losing nominees, unless the Chancellor provides the Monarch with strong reasoning as to why neither candidate would be suitable. In which case, the Monarch and the Chancellor will work together to select an alternative.

III. On The Swords of Saint Emma

III.i. Ranks

The Blades of Saint Emma shall consist of five ranks: Citizen Guard, Swordsman, True Blades, Blade Commandant, and the Master of Blades.

III.ii. Powers

a. Blade Commandants shall have the ability to punish crimes that were caught in the act and where the criminal is guilty without a doubt.

b. Swordsmen and above may arrest criminals, and request an official or knight schedule or hold a trial.

c. Citizen Guards may only assist in arrests, and may not lead arrests on their own unless absolutely necessary.

ARTICLE II,

OF NOBILITY AND VASSALAGE

I. On The Levels of Nobility

I.i. Barony

I.ii. Viscounty

I.iii. County

I.iv. Margravate

I.v. Duchy

II. On The Duties of Vassals

II.i. Fealty to the Crown

II.ii. The Garmont Assembly

II.iii. Dire Military Assistance

II.iv. Taxation

TAXATION RATES PER YEAR

Taxation may be raised or lowered due to special circumstances, but should not be expected.

BARONY

125 mina

VISCOUNTY

150 mina

COUNTY, MARGRAVATE

175 mina

DUCHY, FREE CITY

200 mina

III. On Vassal Restrictions

III.i. Vassalage

III.ii. Knighthood

III.iii. Diplomacy

The same may be said for the Free Cities within the Commonwealth. Although granted much autonomy, neither holds the status of political independence, preventing them too from forming diplomatic treaties of their own accord unless otherwise specified in their specific treaty.

III.iv. Houseguards

IV. On Succession, And Regency

IV.i. Succession

IV.ii. Regency

IV.iii. Adoption

ARTICLE III,

OF KNIGHTHOOD AND THE PETRINE LAUREL

I. On Knighthood

i. Knighthood within the Commonwealth may only be granted by the Monarch, or Regent.

ii. Each Knight shall be assigned to a chapter within the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel, being the Chapter of Rapids, Chapter of Brooks, or the Chapter of Waves.

iii. All Chapters of the Order will answer to the Knight Commander of the Order of the Petrine Laurel.

iv. The Chapter of Rapids stands as a military and armed force, upholding the laws of chivalry, their pledges and duties.

v. The Chapter of Brooks stands as a literary and civil force, upholding governmental and civil institutions, history, and literary works. They may be asked to fulfil duties of the Chapter of Rapids if they are capable.

vi. Knights may only serve as an active member of the Petrine Laurel until they are 75 years of age as a Human, or have served for 50 years.

vii. Knights may be asked to step down to an honorary position by the Crown if they prove ineffective to the Order before the 75 years of age, or 50 year mark.

II. On The Duties Of Knights

I. Certain Knights may be assigned as Governors of the different regions of the Petra, to watch over the homesteads, settlements, and vassals that live there. These knights are called Seated Knights and make up an advisory council to the Knight Commander, called the Round Table. Seats are granted to knights who have proved their loyalty and exceptional service over many years. Seats are a privilege and can be taken away from a knight who breaks their oath or remains stagnant in their position.

II. The Monarch may ask the Knights to sit as advisors on their Council, with their view from their direct experiences among the Commonwealth.

III. Knights will be called upon to act in defense of both the Commonwealth of the Petra and its allied nations in conflict, generally seeking to end bloodshed. The Knights will work closely with the Swords of St. Emma in this matter.

IV. Each knight is expected to seek out a successor, whether they are seated on the Round Table or not. Knights may only have one squire at a time.

V. Knights may be expected to go on missions and investigations for the Crown or Nation. If they must be gone for a long period of time, they may temporarily allow their squire to train under another knight until they return.

VI. If a Knight has not actively gone on patrol, participated in tournaments, or gone to knight meetings for 5 years, they will be stripped of their Knighthood unless the Knight Commander is made aware of the reason for their absence. If a Knight breaks their oath, they are also stripped of their knighthood. If it is a severe infraction, there may be more consequences

VII. Knights are required to retire at the age of 75, although they are allowed to retire earlier if they wish.

III. On The Seats Of Knights

i. Certain Knights may be assigned as Governors of the different regions of the Crownlands

ii. The Crownlands are divided into five Seats to be held by Knight Governors.

The Seat of Val De Lagne

The Seat of the Mardonlands

The Seat of Mount Catrinne

The Seat of Solland

The Seat of Ladyr

The Seat of Renilica

The Seat of Seviel

ARTICLE IV,

OF STYLINGS

I. On Stylings Of Honour And Nobility

Members of the River Council

His/Her Excellency - Your Excellency

Duke/Duchess

Your Grace, His/Her Grace

Margrave/Margravine

The Most Honourable

Count/Countess

The Right Honourable

Viscount/Viscountess

The Honourable

Baron/Baronessess

The Lord/The Lady

Peer Families

His Lordship/Her Ladyship

Elected Members of Government

The Popular

Non-Peer Government Members

Mister/Miss

ARTICLE V,

OF THE DUTIES OF THE PETRAN

I. On The Duties Of The Petran

i. A Petran must carry with them a weapon for both their own protection and the protection of the Petra.

ii. A Petran must wear clothes appropriate with Canonism, and the climate of the Commonwealth.

iii. A Petran shall keep their word and promises.

iv. A Petran is encouraged to be baptised Canonist.

v. A Petran shall uphold honour and integrity.

~ PART THREE ~

– the LEX PETTRES –

ARTICLE I,

OF BANDITRY

I. On The Definition Of Bandits

i. A bandit is any person who attacks or threatens others to gain gear, knowledge, or to take another hostage, generally with intent to take mina, items, gear, or hostages for ransom.

ii. A political bandit is a member of an aggressive state that participates in the above for the purposes of political or war gain.

iii. Bandits generally wear dark clothes or un-marked armour, with covered faces.

II. On The Bandit Clause

i. Bandits are considered below the Law of the Commonwealth if caught in the act of banditry, and their lives are forfeit if they are undeniably bandits.

ii. Any person may kill an active bandit within the Commonwealth without trial, as long as they can prove that they were undeniably a bandit.

ARTICLE II,

OF JUSTICE AND TRIALS

I. On Justice Without Trial

ii. These officials may enact justice in their own right should a criminal be unquestionably guilty, or caught in the act of their crime.

iii. Should there be any doubt of their guilt, a trial must be held.

II. On Justice With Trial

i. Any member of the River Council, Seated Knights, or the Mayor of Vallagne may preside over a trial as a Judge of the Commonwealth

ii. The Monarch and the Chancellor may appoint members of the Commonwealth as ‘Judges of the Petra’ to also hold the power to preside over trials.

iii. Trials for Crimes against Chivalry may be judged by a committee of three Knights of the Petrine Laurel, or one Seated Knight.

III. On Punishments Within Trial

IV. On Specifications Of Crimes And Trials

i. Crimes Against The Petra may only be judged by a member of the River Council, or the Monarch themselves.

ii. Crimes against the Person and Property may result in death.

iii. Crimes against God should be consulted on with the Bishop of Casica.

iv. Crimes against Chivalry may not result in death unless paired with another crime.

ARTICLE III,

OF CRIMES AGAINST THE PETRA

I. Treason

The act of betraying the Commonwealth of the Petra, its Sovereignty, or the Crown.

II. Invasion

The act of taking up arms against the Commonwealth of the Petra to vassalize, destroy, or otherwise harm the sovereignty of the Commonwealth.

III. Corruption

The act of an official putting their own gain above the needs of their nation and station, forsaking their own integrity and the integrity of their position.

IV. Obstruction

The act of purposely obstructing righteous judgement, medics from providing aid to the wounded, or the ongoings of the government.

ARTICLE IV,

OF CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON

I. Assault

The act of taking up arms against another to cause non-fatal harm to their person.

II. Murder

The act of killing another person, be it intentional or by mistake.

III. Kidnapping

The act of taking and holding another against their will.

IV. Harassment
The act of purposely causing issue for another person or continuously bothering them with the intent to cause non-physical harm.

V. Defamation

The act of unrightfully harming a person's reputation by spreading false information or rumours.

VI. Enslavement

The act of holding another's freedom and treating them like owned property, generally for labour.

ARTICLE V,

OF CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY

I. Theft

The act of taking items that belong to another without permission.

II. Vandalism

The act of damaging the land or buildings maliciously and without permission.

III. Arson

The act of lighting buildings or property on fire to damage it.

IV. Trespassing
The act of entering a personal residence, restricted or otherwise off limits area without invitation or permission, or refusal to leave.

V. Environmental Vandalism

The act of harming the nature, land, environment and plants within the Commonwealth.

VI. Horse Slaughter
The act of killing a horse with no valid cause, a dishonourable act. A valid cause would be putting an injured animal out of its misery, or in dire circumstances.

ARTICLE V,

OF CRIMES AGAINST GOD

I. Forsaking Mankind

The act of assisting, or becoming a creature of Iblees.

II. Adultery

The act of betraying the sanctity of marriage by laying or having relations with another.

III. Witchcraft

The act of learning and using dark magics.

IV. Cross Breeding

The act of laying with another outside of their descendant race.

V. Heresy

The act of publicly practising non-approved doctrines of Canonism

VI. Heathenism

The act of publicly practising a religion that believes in a God or religion outside of Canonism.

ARTICLE VI,

OF CRIMES AGAINST CHIVALRY

I. Perpetuating Harm

The act of neglecting the suffering of others, be it ignoring corruption, or standing by during the assault on an innocent.

II. Refusal of Assistance

The act of denying assistance to those that require it, be it leaving an injured with no help, or a distressed child alone.

III. Disrespect of the Dead

The act of allowing the desecration or disrespect of the dead, be it allowing the mutilation or a corpse, or denying a person a proper burial.

IV. Lack of Honour

The act of behaving dishonourably or disingenuously. Lying, breaking one’s word, cheating, or acting without common respect to another.

Her Royal Majesty, Adalia I, “The Dawnmade”, By the grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, Princess of Abrana, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch, Torm Marian, and Moere, Viscountess of Mies, Baroness of Garmont, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, Hrenthorne, Resmore, and of the Phoenixspire, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Defender of Liberty

The Reinhold Edict, 1967

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 04:09:11 +0000

The Reinhold Edict

Issued and averred by

Her Majesty

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

1967

With the Synod’s conclusion, and the declaration from His Holiness, Caius I, to allow for civil unions between same-gender couples, the Commonwealth will accommodate and follow the decision of the Canonist Church. I began this discussion with the help of Queen Sybille I, Tar-Caraneth, and Viceroy Cesar I, because I saw the love between two of my own knights, one now my Chancellor.

Wilford and Atticus Reinhold, in my eyes, uphold every value of the Commonwealth. They act with love on their sleeves, chivalry in their hearts, and dreams in their eyes. You are both true Petrans, and though my actions may not have harvested the results that I yearned they would, they have reaped at least one consolidation. I can declare you together in civil union, and so I shall.

From this decision, I hereby unveil The Reinhold Law; Civil Unions.

ARTICLE VII,

THE REINHOLD LAW; CIVIL UNION

I. Definition of Civil Union

A relationship between a couple that is legally recognized by the governmental authority of the Commonwealth of the Petra, and holds all the rights and responsibilities within the Catherinian Code that marriage otherwise would.

II. Rights and Restrictions of Civil Union

a. Civil Unions will be beholden to laws regarding Cross-Breeding, Consanguinity, Age, and Adultery.

b. Civil Unions in relation to Noble Titles shall act the same as a married couple, allowing for the joined couple to be Peer and Consort, or Peer and Peer should they declare to share the title.

c. Those joined under Civil Union will be considered Partners under the law, and not ‘Husband and Husband’ or ‘Wife and Wife’, though there shall be no restriction on the terms being used casually.

III. Inheritance

a. Should there be no legally adopted children, the Partner shall be entitled to the assets of the deceased.

b. Partners can not inherit titles from the deceased unless granted by the Crown.

IV. Ceremony

a. The Civil Union Ceremony must be performed and officiated by a government official.

b. The Ceremony must take place in a government, crown, or private property, and can not happen on Church land.

c. The Ceremony may not use Canonist Rites, vows to God, or include prayers about the Union.

d. Queen Catherine I requires that the officiant wear a funny hat.

Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

Orders of Garmont Restructuring, 1967

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 04:49:21 +0000

Orders of Garmont Restructuring

Passed in the Assembly of Garmont in the year 1967

Issued and averred by

Her Majesty

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

1967

Purpose and Restructuring

Since our nation’s founding, Petra has been a champion of liberty. A champion of institutions that allows it to be run by and for the people, under the guidance of the Crown of St. Emma. Our fair assembly, the Garmont, brings together nobility, gentry, and commoners alike, so that all perspectives of our Commonwealth contributed to its direction.

This has been our strength, these Dumacratic principles we have held since the days of Paul-Salvian. Reinforcing these principles, truly pushing for the idea of a nation that moves with its people, will only make us stronger.

While the Garmont is already a representative body without comparison across the nations of humanity, we endeavor to make it radically moreso. We seek to have no restrictions on what issues may be raised and discussed therein, and who may present them. We seek to have those assembled come from all parts of our realm, be they in the newly acquired territories of the Midlands, or the age-old holdings in Solland.

It is in the following reforms, that these goals will become fully realized.

Functions of the Garmont Assembly

With the reformation of the Garmont assembly, we aim to open up this body of legislation to the common people, and let it become their tool in shaping the future of the Petra. Rather than a body mostly made of noble peerage, and a limited number of publicly elected seats, the Garmont will now be made of a mix of peers and citizens represented by the nation’s various regions, with a majority for the public. Each geographical region will hold a certain number of seats, determined by their population, as well as the number of noble peers landed in that region. This will create an equal amount of representation between the peerage, gentry, and commonfolk.

For those not yet acquainted with the Garmont, those seated on the Garmont assembly- Whether by election or right of vassalage- will convene every two years to vote on any petitions or bills presented during the session. Previously, bills and petitions could only be presented by those seated. Now, the Garmont shall be opened up for any to present their ideas or changes, and to petition for the support of the elected officials.

A petition can be many things- A proposal for a new building, a request for funding to fix a bridge or a road, a suggestion for a change to the lawbook, the creation of a committee, or the proposal of a new law or regulation entirely. Anything that YOU, as a member of the Petra, would like to create or change within our community. Even if you are not seated upon the assembly, you can present your ideas before your fellows to be voted on. If your petition is approved, it will be passed onto the relevant member of the River Council, or a relevant committee, that will work with you to see your idea completed.

THE NEW SEATS OF THE GARMONT ASSEMBLY ARE DECLARED AS SUCH:

THE SEATS OF VAL DE LAGNE

I) The First People’s Seat of Val de Lagne

II) The Second People’s seat of Val de Lagne

III) The Third People’s seat of Val de Lagne

IV) The Seat of the Bishop of Casica

V) The Seat of Stormont

THE SEATS OF NORTREBANC

I) The First People’s Seat of Nortrebanc

II) The Second People’s Seat of Nortrebanc

III) The Third People’s Seat of Nortrebanc

THE SEATS OF LADYR

I) The First People’s Seat of Ladyr

II) The Seat of Martiel

III) The Seat of Hrenthorne

IV) The Seat of Fir’steinn

THE SEATS OF SOLLAND

I) The First People’s Seat of Solland

II) The Seat of Azor

THE SEATS OF THE MARDONLANDS

I) The First People’s Seat of the Mardonlands

II) The Seat of Marignan

The newly-created regional public seats will open up at the start of the next election cycle, upon which anyone who is a citizen of the Petra, 18 years of age, and in good standing with the law may choose to run for an elected seat. Living on the land of the regional seat is not a requirement, but one must express an interest in the development of that region. All candidates will participate in a large electoral debate to express their views and goals to the people of the Commonwealth. Any seat with more than one candidate vying for it will be voted upon, however- If you are the only candidate running for a seat, you will receive it by default, unless the Garmont votes in the majority for a veto of your election.

These reforms will go into full effect in two years [OOC DATE: MARCH 24TH] with the coming of the next election cycle.

Introduced to the Round Table by Sir Atticus Abraham Reinhold, Rigoberto de la Cruz, Adrian Godfrey Temesch, and Sir Wilford Anton Reinhold in the Year 1967

Resolution I of the Assembly of Garmont

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 04:36:02 +0000

Resolution I of the Assembly of Garmont

Relating to the Retirement of Adrian Temesch from the Office of the Grand Speaker

Sponsored by Father Davide in the Year 1967

WHEREAS, Mister Adrian Temesch has served faithfully and in good standing as the Grand Speaker of the Assembly of Garmont for many years;

WHEREAS, Mister Adrian Temesch was a key instrument in the officiating and managing of both elections and the regular process of the legislature, fulfilling both in an exemplary capacity;

WHEREAS, Mister Adrian Temesch has provided admirable leadership and conduct, to be a model of all future Grand Speakers;

RESOLVED, That in view of his dedication to our legislative and electoral institutions, We, the Assembly of Garmont, wish Mister Adrian Temesch a fine retirement and extend our congratulations and appreciations for the legacy that he has built while he has inhabited the office.

@Kaii

National Symbols Act, 1967

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 04:31:01 +0000

National Symbols Act

Passed in the Assembly of Garmont in the year 1967

Issued and averred by

Her Majesty

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

1967

PREAMBLE

In maintaining a nation and cultural identity, symbols drawing upon our history are absolutely necessary to codify and promote. Given the propensity of our people to need to move continents every few generations, the physical history of our past homes are often lost, leaving us only with the written record, collective memory, and scant physical artifacts of the past. In establishing national symbols, we may point to a time and age that may be forgotten by the Petrans of the future, but lives eternally in our art and culture.

Section I:

On the national symbols of the Commonwealth of the Petra

I) The national symbols of the Commonwealth of the Petra are as following;

a) Motto - “Petra, Flowing Water! Ave! Ave!”

b) Song - Petra, Flowing Water by Arnaud Halcourt

c) Seal - Seal of the Commonwealth of the Petra

d) Bird - Swan; as the most common inhabitant of the old River Petra

e) Mammal - Mule; as the trusty steed of the original knights of the Round Circle as they traversed the Upper Petra

f) Flower - Cornflowers; as the flower that bloomed most beautifully and elegantly during the first spring after the Petran Civil War, planted by Archduchess Renilde’s own hand

g) Tree - Willow; as the tree which hunches by the banks of the river, providing shade for all those who traverse along it

h) Hero - Dame Catherine Novellen of Furnestock; as one of the Republic’s founders and the guarantor of its security, stability, and prosperity through several decades

i) Fish - Trout; in accordance with the Trout Vote

Public Piety Act, 1967

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 04:21:49 +0000

Public Piety Act

Passed in the Assembly of Garmont in the year 1967

Issued and averred by

Her Majesty

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

1967

PREAMBLE

Of the pillars of state, none is so important to the health and vitality of the Republic as the faith which guides our every action and intent. The Church has traditionally been a benefactor of learning within the Republic, a beacon of hope in dark times, and stalwart defender against corruptions both innate and unnatural. While Petra’s devotion to the Church and its adherence to God has never wavered, nor could be justly questioned, it is the sign of a healthy society to include aspects of the faith in all public spheres so that all may be reminded of what is of the highest importance in civic life.

Section I:

On public ceremonies

I) All public ceremonies shall open and close with a prayer led by the highest-ranking clergyman present.

a) The following are recognized public ceremonies:

i) Sessions of court

ii) Sessions of the Assembly of Garmont

iii) Debates held during election seasons

iv) The appointment of state officials, if announced separately from court

b) If no clergyman is present, then the highest-ranking secular official may lead the prayers.

II) If an officer of the state uses the Lord’s name in vain during a public ceremony, they will be fined five minae, to be given as tithe to the Church.

III) All state buildings must contain at least one of the following:

a) A cross

b) A statue or shrine dedicated to a saint

c) An icon of a saint or episode from the Holy Scrolls or another important event in Canonist history

Section II:

On properties outside of the City of Vallagne

I) All palaces, estates, manors, and other properties outside of the City of Vallagne must contain a shrine dedicated to a saint of that property owner’s choosing.

a) Any property that does not have a saint’s shrine within four Saint’s Weeks of this bill’s issuance will be taxed an additional 15 minae per annum.

b) All saint’s shrines must be cleaned and maintained at the expense of the property owner.

II) All forked roads must have a saint’s shrine at the intersection, built at the expense of the state.

III) If one desecrates a saint’s shrine, they will be fined twenty minae.

THE CATHERINIAN CODE

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 21:33:31 +0000

Issued and averred by

Her Majesty

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

102

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART ONE

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE PETRA

Article I - Declarations of the constitution

I - Declaration Of The New Constitution

II - On The Replacement Of The Constitution

III - On The Alteration Of The Constitution

Article II - The River Council

Article III - The Powers of the Garmont Assembly

I - The Powers Of The Assembly

II - The Members Of The Assembly

Article IV - The Crown of Saint Emma

I - The Authority Of The Crown

II - The Salvian Inheritance

Article V - The Round Table

I - The Duties Of The Table

II - The Seats Of The Round Table

Article VI - The Election of the Chancellor

I - The Nominations of the Chancellor

II - The Chancellor Debate

III - The Chancellor's Election

IV - Nomination Requirements

V - The Term of the Chancellor

PART TWO

THE CIVIL CODEX

Article I - Of the Capital

I - On The City Of Vallagne

II - On Elections And Elected Offices

III - On The City Watch

Article II - Of Nobility and Vassalage

I - On The Levels Of Nobility

II - On The Duties Of Vassals

III - On Vassal Restrictions

IV - On Succession And Regency

Article III - Of Knighthood and the Petrine Laurel

I - On Knighthood

II - On The Duties Of Knights

III - On The Seats Of Knights

IV - On The Knight Marshal

Article IV - Of Stylings

I - On Stylings Of Honour And Nobility

Article V - Of the Duties of the Petran

I - On The Duties Of The Petran

PART THREE

THE LEX PETTRES

Article I - Of Banditry

I - On The Definition Of Bandits

II - On The Bandit Clause

Article II - Of Justice And Trials

I - On Justice Without Trial

II - On Justice With Trial

III - On Punishments Within Trial

IV - On Specifications Of Crimes And Trials

Article III - Of Crimes Against The Petra

Article IV - Of Crimes Against The Person

Article V - Of Crimes Against Property

Article VI - Of Crimes Against God

Article VII - Of Crimes Against Chivalry

~ PART ONE ~

– the CONSTITUTION of the COMMONWEALTH of the PETRA–

ARTICLE I,

DECLARATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION

I. Declaration Of The New Constitution

As all are beholden to the passage of time and the pages of history, so too are our laws and constitutional needs. As stated within the Commonwealth Constitution of 1927, by Queen Renilde I in the Decree of Aldtree, “While our system of government has been codified before, in the manifold constitutional documents of the past, many of these instruments have as of late fallen into disrepair and disuse. To remedy this, it is our desire to publish a concise system of government, as a reference, to guide and consolidate us in the furtherance of our knight’s republic.” We, the Commonwealth, must once again face the disrepair and disuse of the instruments of Government that have upheld it for the longest reign in human history. It is the will of Queen Catherine I and her government that a new constitution holding new systems that better reflect the current Commonwealth be codified into law.

II. On The Replacement Of The Constitution

III. On The Alteration Of The Constitution

In order to alter the Constitution, the proposed changes must be submitted to the scrutiny of the Garmont Assembly to pass with a 2/3rds majority, and assent from the Reigning Monarch.

ARTICLE II,

THE RIVER COUNCIL

The Chancellor, who shall serve as president of the council and the head of the Queen’s government;

The Knight Marshal, who shall serve as the commander of the armed forces of the Commonwealth, and be charged with the protection of the citizenry of the Petra;

The Grand Speaker, who shall serve as the head of the Garmont Assembly, to run and moderate the legislative body of the Commonwealth, and oversee elections of representatives to the Assembly;

The Privy Seal, who shall serve as the chief of history and culture within the Commonwealth, upholding documents and producing works to further the culture, history, and tradition of the Petran population;

The Grand Treasurer, who shall ensure proper use of the Commonwealth's treasury and collection of its taxes and to properly document and track the income and expenditures of the Commonwealth;

The High Steward, who shall serve as the head of housing, commerce, immigration and guilds within the Capital and Crownlands of the Commonwealth. To ensure fair housing and use of the crownland to properly benefit the citizenry, uphold a standard of living, and ensure that the lands of the Commonwealth are properly respected and cared for;

The Chamberlain, who shall ensure that the court of the Petra is properly run and maintained in order to be utilised for festivities, events, and cultural gatherings within the Commonwealth;

ARTICLE III,

THE POWERS OF THE GARMONT ASSEMBLY

I. The Powers Of The Assembly

ii. Propose candidates to the sovereign for the office of the Chancellor, and move resolutions on these proposals;

iii. Summon the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet for a report, so as to maintain transparency on the realms affairs;

iv. Impeach the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet in the context of investigations of misconduct;

v. Propose alterations to the Catherinian Code;

vi. Submit an official piece of guidance to the crown on matters relating to the Commonwealth;

vii. Begin motions and debates through discussion within the Assembly;

II. The Members Of The Assembly

The Garmont Assembly shall be made up of three primary parties, being the Peers of the Realm or their chosen Representative, the Master or Mistress of a Free City or their chosen Representative, and Elected members of the Citizenry through free election run by the Grand Speaker.

ARTICLE IV,

THE CROWN OF SAINT EMMA

I. The Authority of the Crown

II. The Salvian Inheritance

i. Be of direct bloodline of the first Archduke of the Petra, Paul I.

ii. Remain in good standing with the sovereign law and authorities of the Commonwealth, having not engaged in treasonous activity nor been disowned.

iii. Live within the Commonwealth of the Petra as their Primary Residence

iv. Hold the surname of the Petra, not having married out or relinquished the name.

v. Hold no sworn allegiances, nor oaths, to any sovereign state other than the Commonwealth of the Petra.

As it stands, the current chosen line of succession as chosen by Her Majesty, Catherine I, shall be as follows;

1. Princess Adalia Morgana, Archduchess of Vallagne, Countess of Torm Marian

2. Prince Gareth Lucius, Count of Theral

3. Princess Eleanor Reine, Countess of Auseca

4. Prince Aurelius Arnaud, Count of the Phoenixspire

5. Princess Rowena Ivanna, Countess of Clermont

6. Princess Elaine Catrinne, Countess of Aimdelinne

7. Prince Marcus Antonius, Count of Cantal

8. Lord Adrian Tobias of the Petra de Valfleur

9. Lady Helene-Olympe Noëlle of the Petra de Valfleur

10. Prince Paul Alexander, Duke of Valfleur

ARTICLE V,

THE ROUND TABLE

I. The Duties Of The Table

II. The Seats Of The Round Table

~ PART TWO ~

– the CIVIL CODEX –

ARTICLE I,

OF THE CAPITAL

I. On The City of Vallagne

I.i. City Code

a. All properties privately owned shall be subject to taxation

b. Taxation shall be collected on a yearly basis by the Lord Treasurer

c. Should taxes go unpaid, the Lord Treasurer may issue an eviction notice

d. Residents shall be beholden to building and alteration laws, which if broken may result in an eviction.

I.ii. Public Locations

a. All public locations and buildings are under the monitoring of the High Steward

b. Public Locations should not be altered or remodelled without the permission of the Head Steward

c. Should a manager of a Public Building be found to not be adequately running the building, the High Steward may find a replacement.

II. On Elections and Elected Offices

II.i. Elections

a. Elections shall be held no more often than every 8 saints weeks.

b. Nominees must be at least 16 years of Age

c. Nominees must be in good standing with the Lex Pettres

d. Nominees must be a resident of the Commonwealth

e. The official running the election may add or decide other requirements when election nominations are posted.

d. Requirements may not be changed for that election cycle once the nominations have been posted.

e. Nominations and Voting must be open for a minimum of 24 saints hours each, but is standardised to 48 saints hours each.

II.ii. Lord/Lady Mayor

a. There shall only be one Lord or Lady Mayor of a region at a time.

b. The Mayor is expected to work within the set laws of the City, or have changes signed off by the correct government official.

c. The Mayor may add laws to the city code, though they may be repealed by the Government or subsequent mayors.

d. The Mayor is expected to work for the benefit of the residents of the City.

e. As long as the Mayor gets their projects signed off on by the correct Government Official, they are not limited by regular restrictions within the City.

f. The Mayor shall be elected in terms of at least 8 weeks. Should the Grand Speaker not submit elections until further past, the Mayor will remain in office until the next election is held.

II.iii. Elector of the Garmont Assembly

a. The number of Electors is to be decided by the Grand Speaker of the Garmont Assembly.

c. Bills and motions must pass through the Round Table, or the Crown, to be given assent and signed into law.

d. Electors shall be elected in terms of at least 8 weeks. Should the Grand Speaker not submit elections until further past, the Electors will remain in office until the next election is held.

e. Electors may be voted to be removed from their position if they are inactive within the Garmont.

III. On The City Watch

The City Watch is under the jurisdiction of the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel, led by the Knight Marshal. They are tasked with the protection of the City of Vallagne, and may be asked to assist on matters outside of the Petran Capital.

III.i. Ranks

The City Watch shall consist of four ranks, Recruit, Guard, Officer, and Knight Marshal.

III.ii. Powers

a. Officers shall have the ability to punish crimes that were caught in the act and where the criminal is guilty without a doubt.

b. Guards and above may arrest criminals, and request an official or knight schedule or hold a trial.

c. Recruits may only assist in arrests, and may not lead arrests on their own unless absolutely necessary.

ARTICLE II,

OF NOBILITY AND VASSALAGE

I. On The Levels of Nobility

I.i. Barony

I.ii. Viscounty

I.iii. County

I.iv. Margravate

I.v. Duchy

II. On The Duties of Vassals

II.i. Fealty to the Crown

II.ii. The Garmont Assembly

II.iii. Dire Military Assistance

Military assistance in the form of the men-at-arms of the vassals may be requested by the Garmont Throne in times of emergency to the Commonwealth. Should such a need arise, the oath taken by these men to the crown shall prevail over any oath taken in service to these noble households. As such, in times of emergency these men, should the crown deem it necessary, shall fall under the command of the General of the Riverguard and the Sovereign of the Commonwealth. When the emergency has abated, these men shall return to the service of their respective lords and ladies as normal.

II.iv. Taxation

TAXATION RATES PER YEAR

Taxation may be raised or lowered due to special circumstances, but should not be expected.

BARONY

100 mina

VISCOUNTY, COUNTY, MARGRAVATE, FREE CITY

150 mina

DUCHY

200 mina

III. On Vassal Restrictions

III.i. Vassalage

III.ii. Knighthood

No vassal may create a Knight of the Commonwealth. The honor of knighthood is reserved to the Petrine Laurel, and knights may only be added to the Petrine Laurel by the Monarch, Regent, Chancellor, or any that the Monarch allows. Knightly Orders are forbidden from being founded in the lands of vassals.

III.iii. Diplomacy

III.iv. Houseguards

In the maintenance of their holds, each noble family is permitted to maintain a standing retinue of household guards. These men while in service to their respective house must also participate and respond to the call of the General. They shall be considered part of the Petran army during war times and dire circumstances, and must heed the word of the government first on any official business for Petra. Each family is expected to hold at most a reasonable amount of guards for their standing and needs, and an unnecessary number may be cause for concern.

IV. On Succession, And Regency

IV.i. Succession

IV.ii. Regency

IV.iii. Adoption

Children adopted at or below the age of 14 shall be considered as full-blooded members of the house, and may be chosen to be the heir if the house runs by Selective Succession if there are no trueborn blood related children. Should a house choose Rosemore Succession, adopted children shall be put after trueborn children, in the order that they are adopted. Those adopted above the age of 14 may take the family name and be considered legally a member of the family, but cannot inherit the title.

ARTICLE III,

OF KNIGHTHOOD AND THE PETRINE LAUREL

I. On Knighthood

i. Knighthood within the Commonwealth may only be granted by the Monarch, Regent, or Chancellor

ii. Each Knight shall be assigned to a chapter within the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel, being the Chapter of Rapids, or the Chapter of Brooks.

iii. Both Chapters of the Order will answer to the Knight Commander of the Order of the Petrine Laurel.

iv. The Chapter of Rapids stands as a military and armed force, upholding the laws of chivalry, their pledges and duties.

vi. Knights may only serve as an active member of the Petrine Laurel until they are 75 years of age as a Human, or have served for 50 years.

vii. Knights may be asked to step down to an honorary position by the Crown if they prove ineffective to the Order before the 75 years of age, or 50 year mark.

II. On The Duties Of Knights

i. Certain Knights may be assigned as Governors of the different regions of the Crownlands, to watch over the homesteads and settlements that live there.

ii. The Monarch may ask the Knights to sit as advisors on their Council, with their unique view from their direct experiences among the Commonwealth

iii. The Knights may be called upon to act in the defence of both the Commonwealth of the Petra, and its allied nations in conflict, generally seeking to end bloodshed.

iv. Each knight is expected to seek out a successor for their seat at the Round Table, but are limited to having no more than two squires at a time.

III. On The Seats Of Knights

i. Certain Knights may be assigned as Governors of the different regions of the Crownlands

ii. The Crownlands are divided into seven Seats to be held by Knight Governors.

The Seat of Val De Lagne

The Seat of Nortrebanc

The Seat of the Mardonlands

The Seat of Mount Catrinne

The Seat of Solland

The Seat of Renilcia

The Seat of Seviel

IV. On The Knight Marshal

i. The Knight Marshal shall be the head of the City Watch of Vallagne

ii. They shall answer to the Knight Commander, and be on the River Council in their own right

iii. The Knight Marshal may not hold a governing Knight Seat, but will be considered on the same level as the Seated Knights in the Round Table.

ARTICLE IV,

OF STYLINGS

I. On Stylings Of Honour And Nobility

Members of the River Council

His/Her Excellency - Your Excellency

Duke/Duchess

Your Grace, His/Her Grace

Margrave/Margravine

Your Grace, His/Her Grace

Count/Countess

The Right Honourable

Viscount/Viscountess

The Honourable

Baron/Baronessess

His Lordship/Her Ladyship

ARTICLE V,

OF THE DUTIES OF THE PETRAN

I. On The Duties Of The Petran

i. A Petran must carry with them a weapon for both their own protection and the protection of the Petra.

ii. A Petran must wear clothes appropriate with Canonism, and the climate of the Commonwealth.

iii. A Petran shall keep their word and promises.

iv. A Petran should be baptised Canonist

v. A Petran shall uphold honour and integrity

ARTICLE VI,

THE ELECTION OF THE CHANCELLOR

I. The Nominations of the Chancellor

a. Three Nominee’s shall be put forth, from the Garmont Assembly, the Round Table of Knights, and from the River Council.

b. The names of the Nominees shall be given to the Crown, who shall approve or decline a Nominee should they have concerns of integrity, honesty, intent, or if they believe the Nominee will work poorly with the Crown.

c. Should a Nominee be denied, the body that Nominated them shall have one chance to choose a new Nominee.

c.i If both Nominees get denied, or if they re-nominate the originally declined Nominee a second time, the election shall proceed without a Nominee from that body.

d. Nominees are allowed to decline their nomination and should let the Crown or the Nominating Body know before the Chancellor debate has taken place.

d.i. If the Nominee pulls out, or declines the Nomination after the Chancellor’s debate has taken place, the Nominating Body may not postpone to choose a new candidate.

d.ii. If the Nominee pulls out, or declines the Nomination before the Chancellor’s debate has taken place, the election and debate may be postponed to allow for a new candidate to be put forth.

II. The Chancellor Debate

a. An election may only go forward with a debate being held.

b. The Chancellor’s debate must allow for citizen questions.

c. A complete and accurate transcript must be kept and posted at least 12 Saints hours before the polling for the Chancellor begins.

III. The Chancellor’s Election

a. All citizens that qualify with the voting guidelines may vote for the Chancellor of the Commonwealth.

b. The polling for the Chancellor must be open for exactly 48 Saints Hours, and any votes cast past that must be disqualified.

c. A Nominee must have at least half of the votes to gain the seat of the Chancellor.

c.i. If no Nominee gains over half of the votes, the lowest Nominee shall be removed from the poll, and the voting shall begin again, where the seat will go to whoever gains the majority.

IV. Nomination Requirements

In order for a Nominee to be put forth, they must fit all requirements put forth.

a. A Nominee must have been a Citizen of Petra for at least 10 years.

b. A Nominee must have been actively working within Petra for at least 5 years.

c. A Nominee must be in good standing with the Catherinian Code.

d. A Nominee must be in good standing with the Canonist Church.

e. A Nominee must be willing to run in the Chancellor’s Election.

V. The Term of the Chancellor

a. Once Elected, a Chancellor shall remain either until their own willful retirement, or their removal by the Crown.

~ PART THREE ~

– the LEX PETTRES –

ARTICLE I,

OF BANDITRY

I. On The Definition Of Bandits

i. A bandit is any person who attacks or threatens others to gain gear, knowledge, or to take another hostage, generally with intent to take mina, items, gear, or hostages for ransom.

ii. A political bandit is a member of an aggressive state that participates in the above for the purposes of political or war gain.

iii. Bandits generally wear dark clothes or un-marked armour, with covered faces.

II. On The Bandit Clause

i. Bandits are considered below the Law of the Commonwealth and if caught in the act of banditry, and their lives are forfeit if they are undeniably bandits.

ii. Any person may kill an active bandit within the Commonwealth without trial, as long as they can prove that they were undeniably a bandit.

ARTICLE II,

OF JUSTICE AND TRIALS

I. On Justice Without Trial

i. Certain members of the Government, City Watch, Sovereign Order of the Petran Laurel, and Peers, may enact justice without a full trial under certain circumstances.

ii. These officials may enact justice in their own right should a criminal be unquestionably guilty, or caught in the act of their crime.

iii. Should there be any doubt of their guilt, a trial must be held.

II. On Justice With Trial

i. Any member of the River Council, or the Seated Knights may preside over a trial as a Judge of the Commonwealth

ii. The Monarch and the Chancellor may appoint members of the Commonwealth as ‘Judges of the Petra’ to also hold the power to preside over trials.

iii. Trials for Crimes against Chivalry may be judged by a committee of three Knights of the Petrine Laurel, or one Seated Knight.

III. On Punishments Within Trial

IV. On Specifications Of Crimes And Trials

i. Crimes Against The Petra may only be judged by a member of the River Council, or the Monarch themselves.

ii. Crimes against the Person and Property may result in death.

iii. Crimes against God should be consulted on with the Bishop of Casica.

iv. Crimes against Chivalry may not result in death unless paired with another crime.

ARTICLE III,

OF CRIMES AGAINST THE PETRA

I. Treason

The act of betraying the Commonwealth of the Petra, its Sovereignty, or the Crown.

II. Invasion

The act of taking up arms against the Commonwealth of the Petra to vassalize, destroy, or otherwise harm the sovereignty of the Commonwealth.

III. Corruption

The act of an official putting their own gain above the needs of their nation and station, forsaking their own integrity and the integrity of their position.

IV. Obstruction

The act of purposely obstructing righteous judgement, medics from providing aid to the wounded, or the ongoings of the government.

ARTICLE IV,

OF CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON

I. Assault

The act of taking up arms against another to cause non-fatal harm to their person.

II. Murder

The act of killing another person, be it intentional or by mistake.

III. Kidnapping

The act of taking and holding another against their will.

IV. Harassment

The act of purposely causing issue for another person or continuously bothering them with the intent to cause non-physical harm.

V. Defamation

The act of unrightfully harming a person's reputation by spreading false information or rumours.

VI. Enslavement

The act of holding another's freedom and treating them like owned property, generally for labour.

ARTICLE V,

OF CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY

I. Theft

The act of taking items that belong to another without permission.

II. Vandalism

The act of damaging the land or buildings maliciously and without permission.

III. Arson

The act of lighting buildings or property on fire to damage it.

IV. Trespassing

The act of entering a personal residence, restricted or otherwise off limits area without invitation or permission, or refusal to leave.

V. Environmental Vandalism

The act of harming the nature, land, environment and plants within the Commonwealth.

VI. Horse Slaughter

The act of killing a horse with no valid cause, a dishonourable act. A valid cause would be putting an injured animal out of its misery, or in dire circumstances.

ARTICLE V,

OF CRIMES AGAINST GOD

I. Forsaking Mankind

The act of assisting, or becoming a creature of Iblees.

II. Adultery

The act of betraying the sanctity of marriage by laying or having relations with another.

III. Witchcraft

The act of learning and using dark magics.

IV. Cross Breeding

The act of laying with another outside of their descendant race.

V. Heresy

The act of publicly practising non-approved doctrines of Canonism

VI. Heathenism

The act of publicly practising a religion that believes in a God or religion outside of Canonism.

ARTICLE VI,

OF CRIMES AGAINST CHIVALRY

I. Perpetuating Harm

The act of neglecting the suffering of others, be it ignoring corruption, or standing by during the assault on an innocent.

II. Refusal of Assistance

The act of denying assistance to those that require it, be it leaving an injured with no help, or a distressed child alone.

III. Disrespect of the Dead

The act of allowing the desecration or disrespect of the dead, be it allowing the mutilation or a corpse, or denying a person a proper burial.

IV. Lack of Honour

The act of behaving dishonourably or disingenuously. Lying, breaking one’s word, cheating, or acting without common respect to another.

Her Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

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