“At one point in the history of our Empire’s various incarnations, ‘Sers’ were looked upon by commoners, men at arms and nobility alike as not only competent warriors, but exemplars of imperial virtue and good. Through neglect of the title’s importance it has become something that now means next to nothing, distributed like coppers in the slums of Adelberg. This will not continue. This edict is an attempt to redeem any meaning of the position of Knight, and is of interest to each knight willing to work tirelessly for the honour.”

• The title of Ser is henceforth stripped from all Knights of the realm, to be earned again as the reform dictates. The titles of Holy Ser are dictated in the seperate ‘The Pontifical Expulsion of Unworthy Holy Knights’ document. Any knight to continue use of the title after this point will be punished accordingly.

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• No man will be permitted to grant the title of Ser except for the current reigning emperor of the Holy Oren Empire and the current Grand Knight.

  • The Meyster Knight of the Order of the Golden Gryphon and the Commondant of the Church Knights possess responsibility for managing the knightly affairs of their realms, though candidates for knighthood must be approved by the Grand Knight of the Empire or the Emperor himself. Any other regional knightly order seeking to use the title of Ser is also beneath the ultimate authority of the Grand Knight and the Emperor and may not appoint their own knights.

• Knights are expected to be able to command men at arms competently when called upon in their home district or in the empire as a whole, and are expected to provide assistance to any military or guard forces if they are able to. Any knight to shirk his duty without good reason will be summarily stripped of his position.

• Dishonourable, dishonest, wantonly murderous, pernicious and lethargic knights have run rampant throughout the Empire and its various predecessors. After this point, disregarding the chivalric code and shirking of responsibility will result in immediate fugitive status, punishable by death upon a guilty verdict. ((The character will be permakilled, according to OOC oath upon knighthood))

• Knights may be landed upon their ascension to the position, but it is no longer a necessary prerequisite for knighthood. Whether or not this is given is the responsibility of the Grand Knight or the Emperor to discuss beforehand.

Grand Knight Ser Draken Lancefeld

PANDECTARVM JOHANNES FREDERICVS IMPERATOR

The Holy Orenian Empire’s Code of Laws, be they Civil, Criminal or Natural

I. Exordium

II. The Ten Tables

III. Lex Lotharingium

IV. Lex Aristocratia

V. Lex Arcania

VI. Amendments

VII. Lexicon

EXORDIUM ON IMPERIAL AUTHORITY

The Carolinian Excerpt Upon the Nature of Imperial Authority

It is the crown of piety that adorns the Emperor above all other ornaments of kingship. Wealth vanishes; glory perishes, but the gift of God-given government is eternal, and it sets its possessors beyond the reach of oblivion.

By the hand of Holy Pontiffs,  the Emperor is bestowed a dignity beyond all honors, for it is a dignity bestowed by God. His soul is rendered pure upon ascent and thenceforth reflects the state of his dominions; if sallow be his domain, his spirit languishes in its equal. He weighs the sins of man, and is thus burdened to toil towards a realm kin to the heavens.

By the nature of his body,  the Emperor is alike to other men--but by his authority, he is above all others, and no man can claim greater jurisdiction.  The Imperial Office is that of the Lord’s viceregent in this world, and is wholly unbound by common or temporal law. He is inalienable and indomitable, as he must be so as to govern justly and fairly.

In receiving this dignity, the Emperor is compelled to emulate He who granted it, for though all men serve him, he is servant to God. Earthly pomp degrades the majesty of his office, as do wickedness and laxity. To afford wisdom and mercy akin to the Lord’s is the Emperor’s greatest faculty; he is credited greater capacity than any other to work justice.

Yet no man is his judge, and God his only confessor.  The Emperor is eminent in all things; he is above the sun that retreats before darkness, and the seas which accede to the ravings of the stars.  He is greater than the winds which toss without abandon, and the earth that lays indolent still despite calamity. The Emperor is Oren manifest: successor to its prophets and master to the world, the sovereign of all humanity who provides that esteemed folk with just governance.

-Prince-Father Charles Polycarp, Metropolitan of Felsen, 1527

THE TEN TABLES

1. On Defining the Tables

   1. The activity of the Ten Tables is to elucidate our wishes for the dispensation of justice within our realm. At our charge, its precepts are enacted, and in our absence, they shall service the state in contending against iniquity. We thus commit our servants to see to its righteous execution, in accordance with the three principles of law: to live virtuously, to trespass no one, and to give each his due.

   2. Thus we adjudge all crime as injury against the well being of one of seven parties, each the subject of an equal number of proceeding Tables: the individual, property, the state, the faith, the public morality, the public order, and the imperial office. Proximately, the ninth table concerns inchoate offenses, and the tenth legal defenses for mitigation of punishment.

   3. Of the offenses enumerated herein, with the exception of those intolerable crimes classed as high treason, each is classified according to its degree, of which there exist three, and upon which culpability and just punishment shall be evaluated. The applicable sanction for each crime and degree of injury are recorded within the table the crime is located. These degrees are:

      1. The third degree offense, of the least severity.

      2. The second degree offense, of middling severity.

      3. The first degree offense, of the greatest severity.

   4. Of the offenses enumerated herein, each is assigned specific punishment according to its severity, of which that exists four, and which the plaintiff evaluates and chooses the appropriate sentence. The applicable sanction for each crime is recorded within the table the crime is located. The assigned classes of punishments are:

      1. Infractions, of least severity, include the appropriated sentences: monetary fine up to two thousand mina, confinement to prison for up to two annum, designated service to state or faith for up to five annum, removal of up to two fingers to the second knuckle, removal of up to two teeth, removal of up to two toes of the same foot, removal of one quarter-inch of the  ears if elven, partial removal of a tusk if orcish, removal of the beard if dwarven, removal of one inch of the tail if feline, or branding by hot iron on the chest or buttocks.

      2. Misdemeanors, of middling severity, include the appropriated sentences: monetary fine up to fifteen thousand mina, confinement to prison for up to ten annum, designated service to state or faith for up to twenty annum, removal of up to five fingers to the third knuckle, removal of up to four teeth, removal of one eye, removal of up to five toes on different feet, removal of one entire ear if elven, removal of one tusk if orcish, removal of the beard if dwarven, removal of up to three inches of the tail if feline, or branding by hot iron on a limb, chest or buttocks.

      3. Felonies, of great severity, include the appropriated sentences: monetary fine up to fifty thousand mina, confinement to prison for up to lifetime, designated service to state or faith up to lifetime, removal of up to an entire hand, removal of the entire bottom jaw, removal of both eyes, removal of the penis if male, removal of an entire foot, removal of both ears if elven, removal of both tusks if orcish, removal of the beard is dwarven, removal of the tail if feline, branding by hot iron on a limb, chest, buttocks, or face, execution by hanging, or execution by beheading.

      4. Treason, of intolerable severity, includes the appropriated sentences: execution by hanging, execution by beheading, execution by scalding tar, execution by scalding milk, execution by scalding water, execution by drowning, execution by burning stake, execution by flaying, execution by impaling, execution by brain wracking, execution by arbalest, crossbow, ballista, or other projectiles, execution by horse or oxen trampling, or execution by leeches. Customarily, the sentenced is dragged by horse on a wooden skid to the site of their execution.

   5. Where the victim of an injury is legally entitled to a trial, he may elect for a trial of civil remedy or criminal indictment. If he elects for a trial of civil remedy, it is the judge's duty to prescribe a financial penalty to allay the damage done. If he chooses a trial of criminal indictment, it is the judge’s duty to prescribe the harshest possible punishment upon the offender. Within each table, the method of selecting a trial’s plaintiff is defined.

2. Injury against the Person

   1. Battery

      1. Where an individual intentionally commits upon another an act of violence which brings about no incapacitation or lasting injury, this shall be battery of the third degree, a misdemeanor.

      2. Where an individual intentionally commits upon another an act of violence which brings about lasting but not permanent injury, incapacitates for any length of time, or utilizes a dangerous weapon, this shall be battery of the second degree, a felony.

      3. Where an individual intentionally commits upon another an act of violence which brings about permanent injury, this shall be battery of the first degree, a felony.

   2. Murder

      1. Where an individual intentionally commits such an an act of violence upon another which brings about their death, with no premeditation of the act and under such circumstances as a reasonable person would be incited to fatal violence, this shall be murder of the third degree, a felony.

      2. Where an individual intentionally commits such an act of violence upon another which brings about their death, with no premeditation, this shall be a murder of the second degree, a felony.

      3. Where an individual intentionally and with premeditation causes the death of another, this shall be murder of the first degree, a felony.

   3. Manslaughter

      1. Where an individual unintentionally but negligently commits such an act that brings about the death of another, this shall be manslaughter, a misdemeanor.

   4. Mutilation

      1. Where an individual intentionally or negligently commits such an act as to bring about the superficial disfigurement of another, or the removal of a single digit, this shall be mutilation in the third degree, a misdemeanor.

      2. Where an individual intentionally or negligently commits such an act as to bring about the crippling disfigurement of another, or the removal of multiple digits, this shall be mutilation in the second degree, a felony.

      3. Where an individual intentionally or negligently commits such an act as to bring about the dismemberment of another, the destruction of an eye, castration, or other irreparable loss of an appendage or organ, this shall be mutilation in the first degree, a felony.

   5. Torture

      1. Where an individual, who is a not an official of the law, intentionally commits an act of violence which brings lasting or permanent injury with the purpose of gaining information from the inflicted individual, this shall be torture in the second degree, a felony.

      2. Where an individual intentionally commits an act of violence which brings incapacitating injury or mutilation of either second or first degree with the purpose of gaining information from the inflicted individual, this shall be torture in the first degree, a felony.

   6. Kidnapping

      1. Where an individual intentionally abducts, restrains, or confines another individual against their will without physical harm, sexual violation, or endangerment of the victim, this shall be kidnapping in the second degree, a misdemeanor.

      2. Where an individual intentionally abducts, restrains, or confines another individual against their will, and in the course of this brings about physical harm, sexual violation, or endangerment of the victim, this shall be kidnapping in the first degree, a felony.

   7. Defamation

      1. Where an individual knowingly disseminates false information about an individual, without intent to harm the reputation of that individual, this shall be defamation in the third degree, an infraction.

      2. Where an individual knowingly disseminates false information about an individual, with intent to harm the reputation of that individual, this shall be defamation in the second degree, an infraction.

      3. Where an individual knowingly disseminates false information about an individual, with intent to harm the reputation of that individual, in a public space or by distribution of printed materials, this shall be defamation in the first degree, a misdemeanor.

   8. Impersonation

      1. Where an individual intentionally assumes the identity of another individual for any purpose except the carrying out of high treason, this shall be impersonation in the second degree, an infraction.

      2. Where an individual intentionally assumes the identity of another individual in order to carry out high treason, this shall be impersonation in the first degree, a felony.

3. Injury against Property

   1. Theft

      1. Where an individual intentionally deprives another of moveable property without the consent of its owner, and this property totals up to two hundred minas in value, this shall be theft in the third degree, an infraction.

      2. Where an individual intentionally deprives another of moveable property without the consent of its owner, and this property totals greater than two hundred but not less than one thousand five hundred minas in value, this shall be theft in the second degree, a misdemeanor.

      3. Where an individual intentionally deprives another of moveable property without the consent of its owner, and this property totals greater than one thousand five hundred minas in value, this shall be theft in the first degree, a felony.

   2. Burglary

      1. Where an individual unlawfully enters a property with intent to commit a nonviolent crime, this shall be burglary in the second degree, an infraction.

      2. Where an individual unlawfully enters a property with intent to commit a violent crime, this shall be burglary in the first degree, a misdemeanor.

   3. Robbery

      1. Where an individual intentionally deprives an owner of his moveable property through violence or threat of violence, and this property totals up to one hundred fifty minas in value, this shall be robbery in the third degree, an infraction.

      2. Where an individual intentionally deprives an owner of his moveable property through violence or threat of violence, and this property totals greater than one hundred fifty but not less than one thousand minas in value, this shall be robbery in the second degree, a misdemeanor.

      3. Where an individual intentionally deprives an owner of his moveable property through violence or threat of violence, and this property totals greater than one thousand minas in value, this shall be robbery in the first degree, a felony.

   4. Vandalism

      1. Where an individual intentionally or negligently damages or defaces the property of another, and this damage totals up to one hundred fifty minas in value, this shall be vandalism in the third degree, an infraction.

      2. Where an individual intentionally or negligently damages or defaces the property of another, and this damage totals greater than one hundred fifty but not less than three thousand minas in value, this shall be vandalism in the second degree, a misdemeanor.

      3. Where an individual intentionally or negligently damages or defaces the property of another, and this damage totals greater than three thousand minas in value, this shall be vandalism in the first degree, a felony.

   5. Arson

      1. Where an individual intentionally or negligently damages or defaces the property of another through fire, and this damage totals up to two hundred minas in value, this shall be arson in the third degree, an infraction.

      2. Where an individual intentionally or negligently damages or defaces the property of another through fire, and this damage totals greater than two hundred but not less than four thousand minas in value, this shall be arson in the second degree, a misdemeanor.

      3. Where an individual intentionally or negligently damages or defaces the property of another through fire, and this damage totals greater than four thousand minas in value, this shall be arson in the first degree, a felony.

   6. Fraud

      1. Where an individual intentionally or negligently fails to abide by the terms of a written or verbal contract, misleads regarding its terms, or provides insufficient consideration for its completion, and this damage totals greater than one hundred but not less than one thousand minas in value, this shall be fraud in the third degree, a misdemeanor.

      2. Where an individual intentionally or negligently fails to abide by the terms of a written or verbal contract, misleads regarding its terms, or provides insufficient consideration for its completion, to the detriment of another, and this detriment totals up to five thousand minas in value, this shall be fraud in the second degree, a misdemeanor.

      3. Where an individual intentionally or negligently fails to abide by the terms of a written or verbal contract, misleads regarding its terms, or provides insufficient consideration for its completion, to the detriment of another, and this damage totals greater than ten thousand minas in value, this shall be fraud in the first degree, a felony.

   7. Trespassing

      1. Where an individual intentionally enters the property of another which a reasonable person would consider to be restricted, this shall be trespassing, a misdemeanor.

   8. Poaching

      1. Where an individual intentionally or negligently hunts a beast or bird within the borders of a reserved wood, and the value of of these creatures totals up to five hundred minas in value, this shall be poaching in the second degree, a misdemeanor.

      2. Where an individual intentionally or negligently hunts a beast or bird within the borders of a reserved wood, and the value of these creatures exceeds five hundred minas in value, this shall be poaching in the first degree, a felony.

4. Injury against the State

   1. Treason

      1. Where an individual knowingly carries out an act of criminal insubordination  or disloyalty intended to subvert the authority of an agent of the state, or commits such an action with intention to harm the state, this shall be treason in the second degree or petty treason, a felony.

      2. Where an individual knowingly aids or abets enemies of the state, participates in armed conflict or espionage against the state, attempts or conspires to the usurpation of the government, or attempts or conspires to murder a member of the imperial government, this shall be treason in the first degree or high treason, punishable only by execution as listed.

   2. Sedition

      1. Where an individual intentionally commits conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or Emperor, this shall be the crime of sedition, a felony.

   3. Contraband

      1. Where an individual knowingly possesses illegal substances, literature, or items, this shall be the crime of possession of contraband in the third degree, a misdemeanor.

      2. Where an individual knowingly sells, markets, purchases, or transfers ownership of illegal substances, literature, or items,  this shall be the crime of possession of contraband in the second degree, a felony.

      3. Where an individual knowingly manufactures illegal substances, literature, or items, this shall be the crime of possession of contraband in the first degree, a felony.

   4. Obstruction

      1. Where an individual interferes with, obstructs the progress of, or otherwise hinders government officials and prosecutors during the apprehension or investigation of a criminal or criminal activity, this shall be the crime of obstruction, a felony.

   5. Tax Evasion

      1. Where an individual fails to render full payment in a timely manner for a lawfully enacted metropolitan, baronial, comital, or civil tax, this shall be the crime of tax evasion in the third degree, a misdemeanor.

      2. Where an individual fails to render full payment in a timely manner for a lawfully enacted imperial, principial, archducal, ducal, or gubernatorial tax, this shall be the crime of tax evasion in the second degree, a felony.

      3. Where an individual fails to render full payment in a timely manner for a lawfully enacted wartime tax or mandatory tithe, this shall be the crime of tax evasion in the first degree, a felony.

   6. Absconding

      1. Where an individual fails or intentionally avoids surrendering oneself to the custody of Imperial officials at the appropriate time, this shall be the crime of absconding, a felony, and in the case of the awaiting of trial immediately confirms guilt, dismissing the need for lawful hearing.

   7. Bribery

      1. Where an individual persuades another, to act dishonestly or otherwise, with the gift of money or other inducement, this shall be the crime of bribery, an infraction.

   8. Extortion

      1. Where an individual intentionally threatens another individual for obtaining money, titles, or other benefits for oneself, this shall be the crime of extortion, an infraction.

   9. Perjury

      1. Where an individual intentionally misleads, deceives, or withholds pertinent information from an interrogating agent of the law, this shall be perjury in the third degree, a misdemeanor.

      2. Where an individual intentionally misleads, deceives, or withholds pertinent information from an interrogating agent of the law during the course of a criminal or civil trial, this shall be perjury in the second degree, a felony.

      3. Where an individual intentionally misleads, deceives, or withholds pertinent information from an interrogating agent of the law during the course of a trial of high treason, this shall be perjury in the first degree, charged with the punishment of treason.

   10. Impersonating an Agent of the State

       1. Where an individual intentionally assumes the identity of a government official or noble lord, this shall be the crime of impersonation of an agent of state, a felony.

5. Injury against the Faith

   1. Blasphemy

      1. Where an individual intentionally speaks sacrilegiously or in contrary to the teachings or dogma of God or the heavens, this shall be the crime of blasphemy, a felony.

   2. Apostasy

      1. Where an individual intentionally abandons or renunciates the teachings or dogma of God or the heavens, this shall be the crime of apostasy, a felony.

   3. Heresy

      1. Where an individual intentionally believes or partakes in false teachings or dogma of God or the heavens, this shall be the crime of heresy, a felony.

   4. Atheism

      1. Where an individual intentionally rejects the existence of God or the heavens, this shall be the crime of atheism, a felony.

   5. Evangelization of False Faiths

      1. Where an individual intentionally spreads and converts other individuals to the belief of a faith in contrary to that the Canonist faith, this shall be the crime of evangelization of false faiths, a felony.

   6. Evangelization of Heresy

      1. Where an individual intentionally spreads the false belief of unorthodox and untrue dogma or teachings to other individuals, this shall be the crime of evangelization of heresy or false doctrines, a felony.

   7. Devilry

      1. Where an individual intentionally and actively participates in the worship of demons and devils, evangelizes the worship of demons and devils, or encourages the growth of devilic cults, this shall be the crime of devilry, a felony.

6. Injury against Morality

   1. Indecency

      1. Where an individual intentionally and deliberately dresses in an immoral or obscene fashion, usually in a sexual manner, this shall be the crime of indecency, an infraction.

   2. Gambling

      1. Where an individual intentionally partakes in unsanctioned betting in games or events, usually for the reward of money or property, this shall be the crime of gambling, an infraction.

   3. Deviancy

      1. Where an individual intentionally acts in unusual or accepted standards, especially in social or political behavior, this shall be the crime of deviancy, an infraction.

   4. Witchcraft

      1. Where an individual intentionally partakes and practices the dark arts, such as blood magic, or other sacrilegious activities, this shall be the crime of witchcraft, a felony.

   5. Fornication

      1. Where an unmarried individual intentionally fornicates another individual in a public or private location, this shall be the crime of fornication, a felony.

   6. Adultery

      1. Where a married individual intentionally fornicates with another who is not the spouse, this shall be the crime of adultery, a felony.

   7. Abomination

      1. Where an individual is directly descended from multiple races, namely kha’ or orc, or is the offspring and product of a close consanguineous fornication, such as inbreeding between siblings or between offspring, this shall be the crime of abomination, a felony.

   8. Consanguinity

      1. Where an individual intentionally fornicates or has immoral relationship with one’s close family, such as with father, with mother, with siblings, or with offspring, this shall be the crime of consanguinity, a misdemeanor.

   9. Miscegenation

      1. Where an individual intentionally fornicates with one not of his race, such as man and elf or man and dwarf, this shall be the crime of miscegenation, a felony.

7. Injury against Order

   1. Vagrancy

      1. Where an individual intentionally lives the life of a vagrant, participating in improper begging, and illegally staying in residences and towns, this shall be the crime of vagrancy, a felony.

   2. Loitering

      1. Where an individual intentionally travels indolently and pauses frequently for socialization in order to disrupt trade, commerce, or business, this shall be the crime of loitering, an infraction.

   3. Concealment of Identity

      1. Where an individual intentionally conceals or hides oneself’s identity to an agent of the law, this shall be the crime of concealing one’s identity, a misdemeanor.

   4. Vigilantism

      1. Where an individual intentionally apprehends, convicts, or punishes another individual of a crime but is not an agent of the law or given permission by the Imperial Office, this shall be the crime of vigilantism, a misdemeanor.

   5. Disturbing the Peace

      1. Where an individual intentionally and deliberately hinders or interrupts the common peace by embellished performance or immoral behavior, this shall be the crime of disturbing the peace, an infraction.

   6. Spreading Propaganda

      1. Where an individual intentionally spreads information, ideas and rumours that deliberately seek to bring harm to or weaken the state, this shall be the crime of spreading propaganda, a misdemeanor.

8. Injury against the Imperial Office

   1. Injured Majesty

      1. Where an individual intentionally and deliberately defames the Imperial Office or Imperial House, this shall be injured majesty, a felony.

   2. Harmed Majesty

      1. Where an individual unintentionally physically harms a member of the Imperial Office or Imperial House, this shall be harmed majesty in the second degree, a felony.

      2. Where an individual intentionally physically harms a member of the Imperial Office or Imperial House, this shall be harmed majesty in the first degree, charged with the punishment of treason.

   3. Imperial Homicide

      1. Where an individual intentionally or unintentionally murders a member of the Imperial Office or Imperial House, this shall be the crime of Imperial Homicide, charged with the punishment of treason.

9. Inchoate Offenses

   1. Conspiracy

      1. Where an individual knowingly signals intent to commit a crime at a future time, this shall be the crime of conspiracy, a felony.

   2. Incitement

      1. Where an individual intentionally incites or encourages another individual into committing a crime, this shall be the crime of incitement, a felony.

   3. Attempt

      1. Where an individual actively attempts, but fails to commit, a crime, the individual shall be held liable with a mitigated punishment according to the crime which was attempted.

10. Legal Defenses

    1. Ex turpi causa non oritur actio

       1. Where an individual accusing another of a crime where evidence was obtained through criminal means, the individual accused is not held liable.

    2. Volenti non fit injuria

       1. Where an individual consents or actively places oneself in a position of harm or danger, that individual may not bring claim against another party in tort or delict.

    3. In pari delicto

       1. Where the individual held liable for a crime and the party convicting the individual for a crime is deemed both at fault, whether for the same crime or similar, both the individual and the convicting party shall not be held liable.

    4. Duress

       1. Where an individual commits a crime intentionally, but under reasonably proximate threat of force equal to or lesser than the severity of the crime committed, that individual shall not be held liable. Rather, the individual responsible for the threat shall be held liable.

    5. Entrapment

       1. Where an individual is encouraged or compelled by an agent of the law to commit a crime they otherwise would not have intended to commit, that individual shall not be held liable.

    6. Infancy

       1. Where an individual is below the age of twelve years and commits a third degree or lesser crime, that individual shall not be held liable. If the individual commits a second degree or greater crime, the individual shall be held liable with mitigated punishment or lesser conviction.

    7. Necessity

       1. Where an individual is compelled by a circumstance beyond his control to, as a last resort, commit a crime in order to prevent a more injurious outcome, that individual shall not be held liable.

    8. Provocation

       1. Where an individual is invoked or compelled by another individual to act with a sudden or temporary loss of self control and commits a crime as a response, the individual shall be held liable with mitigated punishment or lesser conviction.

    9. Incapability

       1. Where an individual is physically or mentally unable to meet the requirements given by law for punishment or conviction, the individual shall not be held liable.

    10. Immunity

        1. Where an agent of the law, in the course of their duties and acting within the bounds assigned to them, is compelled to commit a violation of the law, that agent shall not be held liable.

LEX LOTHARINGIUM

1. Affinity and Consanguinity

   1. Consanguinity is defined as two or more persons being related through a common ancestor, commonly through the same parent or grandparent (see Lexicon).

   2. Any and all matrimonial or sexual affinity between two persons with first degree of consanguinity, that being brother and sister, daughter and father, son and mother, niece and uncle, or nephew and aunt, is prohibited within Imperial and Pontifical Law.

   3. Any and all matrimonial or sexual affinity between two persons with second degree of consanguinity, that being a first cousin and a first cousin, is lawfully permitted in most cases.

   4. Any and all matrimonial or sexual affinity between two persons with third degree or higher of consanguinity is allowed without reserved or special restriction.

2. Marriage

   1. Marriage is defined as the sacred and legally recognized union between a male and female of the same race, irreversible and unbreakable  unless under special petition by the High Pontiff (see Lexicon).

   2. All marriages require the consent of the man and the legal patriarch of the woman participating in matrimony. If this patriarchal prerogative is withheld and the marriage proceeds, it is to be considered unlawful and null.

   3. In the case of marriages of the princes, landed lords and their immediate male heirs, express permission to marry must be sought from and granted by the Crown. If this Imperial prerogative is withheld and the marriage proceeds, it is to be considered unlawful and null.

3. Inheritance

   1. Inheritance is defined as receiving money, property, or title as heir from the death, abdication, or otherwise of the incumbent holder (see Lexicon).

   2. Inheritance within the Holy Orenian Empire, including all fiefdoms and lordly realm excluding dominions, provinces, and military commanderies, follows semi-absolute agnatic primogeniture. The firstborn son of a titleholder would inherit, followed by the sons of the firstborn, and so on and so forth. The secondborn would follow, followed by his male progeny, and continuing down the line of sons and their progeny of the titleholder. Succession would then fall to male siblings of the titleholder and their male progeny, to uncles and their male progeny, to great uncles and their male progeny, and so on and so forth. However, if no males of main paternal line of the titleholder’s house exist, succession would fall to the sons of females. If none exist, the title would revert to the liege.

   3. Line of Imperial Succession

      1. The Line of Imperial Succession is maintained separately by the Closed Council, which can be seen here.

   4. List of Reigning Holy Orenian Emperors

      1. Godfrey I the Great, Holy Orenian Emperor and Prophet of the Canon, of the House of Horen (r. 1378-1415)

         1. Claimant - Lord Throdo Therving as Throdorius I

      2. Horen I the Black, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Horen (r. 1415-1420)

      3. William I the Weak, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Horen (r. 1420-1423)

      4. Sigismund I Soothsayer, Holy Orenian Emperor and Prophet of the Canon, of the House of Carrion (r. 1431-1447)

         1. Claimant - Princess Sophia of Oren as Sophia I

         2. Claimant - Lord Charles Slade Tarus as Charles I

      5. Peter I the Kaedreni, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Chivay (r. 1457-1463)

      6. Robert I the Quadroon, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Chivay (r. 1463-1467)

      7. Boris I the Desired, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Carrion (r. 1467)

      8. Tobias I Rosebud, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Carrion (r. 1467-1480)

      9. Alexander I the Careless, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Carrion (r. 1480-1482)

         1. Claimant - Lord Roy Rikovic Carrion as Roy I

         2. Claimant - King Varon of Akovia as Varon I

      10. John I the Relentless, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Horen (r. 1526-1547)

      11. John II the Quarreler, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Horen (r. 1547-1568)

      12. John III the Lion, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Horen (r. 1568-1585)

      13. John IV the Young, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Horen (r. 1585)

      14. Robert II the Monk, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Horen (r. 1585)

      15. Philip I the Defiant, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Horen (r. 1585-1595)

      16. John V Lackland, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Horen (r. 1614-1619)

      17. Peter II, Holy Orenian Emperor, of the House of Horen (r. 1619-present)

4. Provision and Regency

   1. Regency is defined as a person or persons chosen to administer an estate or office because of the incapacity of the current office holder, such as infancy, incapacitation or absence (see Lexicon).

   2. A designated regent is chosen by the capable lord, to administer and rule in the name of the lord or his heir in the case of incapability of the office holder. The person or persons designated to rule as regent is to be defined and listed with the will of the office holder.

   3. If no designated regent is chosen and an office holder becomes incapable to rule, a regent is chosen by the Imperial State, to administer the estates as seen fit by the Crown.

5. Succession Crisis

   1. A succession crisis is defined as a person or persons challenging a current incumbent lord for his or her office, through proper sanguineous claim and support of fellow noblemen and noblewomen (see Lexicon).

   2. A succession crisis, if brought forth, is be first solved by the constituent parties through nonviolent and nonaggressive means.

   3. If the constituent parties cannot resolve their matters through nonviolent and nonaggressive means, the crisis is to be brought forth to the Imperial State, to be decided on and resolved.

   4. If any violent and aggressive actions occur between the constituent parties, it is to be considered a breach of the law of the Imperial State, to be seen as treason and the offending parties charged as seen fit by the Imperial State.

6. Imperial Diet

   1. A diet is defined as an assembly of lords, gentry, and clergy gathered for a purpose, typically to solve an outstanding issue or crisis between the body members (see Lexicon).

   2. A diet may be called any lord, excluding gentry and clergy, and held at any location within the borders of the realm.

   3. A diet, to be considered such, must have the numbering of at least three different lords, gentry, or clergy of different affiliations.

7. Inter-vassal Conflicts

   1. An inter-vassal conflict is defined as two or more direct vassals or fiefs sworn to the Imperial State entering a state of warfare and armed conflict, while maintaining loyalty to the sovereign and Imperial State (see Lexicon).

   2. All inter-vassal conflict is prohibited within the realm, unless by sanction by the sovereign and Imperial State through the signing of a Pacta Conventa.

   3. A Pacta Conventa is defined as a sanction given by the sovereign and Imperial State for allowance of an inter-vassal conflict, typically outlining specific restrictions and duties upon each party involved and swearing each party to uphold their loyalty and duties to the Imperial State (see Lexicon).

LEX ARISTOCRATIA

1. On the Estates and Nature of the Nobility, the Clergy, the Gentry, and the Bourgeoisie

   1. The Nobility is defined as the body of all individuals holding heredity or honorary noble or lordly titles, typically holding land in tenure to the Imperial Office or other lord (see Lexicon).

      1. Nobility rank is given to every direct member of the noble title holder’s house, to be called lord or lady respect, and henceforth passed between kin.

      2. Nobility rank includes the following sovereign positions and peerages:

         1. Emperor, defined as a sovereign or monarch of an empire, above the royal office of king, referred to as His or Her Imperial Majesty (fm. Empress) (see Lexicon).

            1. In relation to the monarch, siblings, offspring, and offspring of their male offspring carries the rank of Imperial Prince and is to be referred to as His or Her Imperial Highness.

         2. King, defined as a sovereign or monarch of a kingdom, above the princely office of prince and below the imperial office of emperor, referred to as His or Her Majesty (fm. Queen) (see Lexicon).

            1. In relation to the monarch, siblings, offspring, and offspring of their male offspring carries the rank of Prince and is to be referred to as His or Her Royal Highness.

         3. Grand Prince, defined as a sovereign of a principality or individuals of direct relation to an emperor or king, above the ducal office of duke and below the royal office of king, referred to as His or Her Serene Highness (fm. Grand Prince) (see Lexicon).

            1. In relation to the Grand Prince, siblings, offspring, and offspring of their male offspring carries the rank of Prince and is to be referred to as His or Her Serenity.

         4. Archduke, defined as a sovereign duke holding more than one ducal title, referred to as His or Her Grace (alt. Grand Duke; fm. Archduchess, Grand Duchess) (see Lexicon).

         5. Duke, defined as a sovereign lord of a duchy, above the comital office of count and below the princely office of prince, referred to as His or Her Grace (fm. Duchess) (see Lexicon).

         6. Count, defined as a sovereign lord of a county, above the vicecomital office of viscount and below the ducal office of duke, referred to as His or Her Right Honorable (fm. Countess) (see Lexicon).

         7. Viscount, defined as a sovereign lord of a viscounty, above the baronial office of baron and below the comital office of count, referred to as His or Her Honorable (fm. Viscountess) (see Lexicon).

         8. Baron, defined as a sovereign lord of a barony, above the gentry class and below the vicecomital office of viscount, referred to as His or Her Lordship (fm. Baroness) (see Lexicon).

   2. The Clergy is defined as the body of all ordained ministers of the Canonist Church, including the High Pontiff (see Lexicon).

      1. Clerical rank is only given to the officer holder, with successor chosen by the Pontifical Throne.

      2. Clerical rank includes the following:

         1. High Pontiff, defined as the elected head of the Canonist Church, Vicar of God, and leader of the faithful, referred to as His Holiness (see Lexicon).

         2. Pentarch, defined as one of the five members of the ecclesiastical synod which elects the High Pontiff, referred to as His Eminence (see Lexicon).

         3. Patriarch, defined as a senior member of the Canonist Church, given responsibility over an Patriarchate, an administrator that oversees the clerical dioceses within non-human regions, referred to as His Beatitude (see Lexicon.

         4. Archbishop, defined as a senior member of Canonist Church, given responsibility over an Archdiocese, a Bishop who reigns over multiple diocese, referred to as His Excellency (see Lexicon).

         5. Bishop, defined as a senior member of the Canonist Church, given responsibility over an entire diocese or ordained holy orders, referred to as His Grace (see Lexicon).

         6. Priest, defined as the ordained members of the Canonist Church, typically placed in parishes or members of ordained holy orders (see Lexicon).

   3. The Gentry is defined as the body of all ignoble knights, holding the non-hereditary title of Ser and typically holding land in tenure to the Imperial State or other lord (see Lexicon).

      1. Knightly rank is only given to the officer holder, and henceforth is only granted by the Imperial State, namely the Holy Orenian Emperor, the Grand Knight of the Empire, and the Imperial Archchancellor.

      2. Knightly rank of the ecclesiastical nature (Holy knights) granted by the Church of the Canon, while recognized as a form of gentry within the Empire, are typically landless and second in precedence to Imperial knights.

   4. The Bourgeoisie is defined as the body of ignoble free, property-owning citizenry not bounded by contract or tenure to a lord or sovereign, typically residing within a free imperial city (see Lexicon).

      1. The Bourgeoisie rank is given to all property-owning persons who do not hold noble, clerical, or knightly rank, excluding those persons bound to the soil of a fief or estate.

2. Rights and Privileges of the Nobility

   1. The right to hold noble title within the Imperial State, regarded in high degree with both the title holder and the title holder’s family, to be known by their respective titles.

   2. The privilege to hold landed secular peerage appertaining to their estates within the Imperial State, the created nature of peerage conveyed through Imperial Letters, issued singularly by the discretion of the sovereign.

   3. The right to hold estates within the Imperial State, to manage and steward the allotted land as seen fit, and to pass forth their granted estates to their progeny and family.

   4. The right to organize a force of armed men within their estates, to train and fit their militia as seen fit, and to protect their estates with their militia.

   5. The right to call a diet of lords, gentry, and clergy within their estates, to call petition to the Imperial State, and to congregate with their fellow peers.

   6. The right to organize marriage between their houses with their peers, bounding lords together through the holy matrimony.

3. Duties of the Nobility

   1. The duty to maintain their estates, manage them with good nature and uphold the law of the Imperial State within their estates, and to prohibit any estates’ decline into decadence and debauchery.

   2. The duty to maintain the faith of Canonism within their estates, to maintain orthodox views, and to uphold clerical teaching and law within their estates.

   3. The duty to never draw arms against the Imperial State, to maintain the peace and law of the Imperial State, and to hold utmost loyalty to their sovereign and the Imperial State.

   4. The duty to answer all calls to arm by the sovereign and Imperial State, to defend the Imperial State from all exterior and interior threats, and to combat all hostile forces in conflict with the Imperial State.

   5. The duty to maintain a force of five-hundred soldiers of foot if the baronial rank, a force of one thousand soldiers of foot if the comital rank, a force of two thousand soldiers of foot if the ducal rank, and a force of four thousand soldiers of foot if of the princely or royal rank.

   6. The duty to seek the permission of the sovereign for the case of the marriages of landed lords and their heirs.

4. Rights and Privileges of the Clergy

   1. The right to hold clerical title within the Imperial State, regarded in high degree with the office holder, to be known by their respective titles.

   2. The privilege to hold landed clerical peerage appertaining to their estates within the Imperial State, the created nature of peerage conveyed through Imperial Letters, issued singularly by the discretion of the sovereign.

   3. The right to hold estates within the Imperial State and to manage and steward the allotted land as seen fit.

   4. The right to evangelize with the populace of the Imperial State and with any populace abroad, to travel the Imperial State as seen fit, and to be welcomed into any estate under the protection of the Imperial State.

   5. The right to congregate in a diet, to deliberate and converse within the diet, and to join in a petition to the Imperial State.

5. Duties of the Clergy

   1. The duty to maintain their estates, manage them with good nature and uphold the law of the Imperial State within their estates, and to prohibit any estates’ decline into decadence and debauchery.

   2. The duty to maintain the faith of Canonism within their estates or their designated parish, to maintain orthodox views, and to uphold clerical teaching and law within their estates or designated parish.

   3. The duty to never draw arms against the Imperial State, to maintain the peace and law of the Imperial State, and to hold utmost loyalty to their sovereign and the Imperial State.

6. Rights and Privileges of the Gentry

   1. The right to hold knightly title within the Imperial State, regarded in high degree with the office holder, to be known by their respective titles.

   2. The right to hold estates within the Imperial State and to manage and steward the allotted land as seen fit.

   3. The right to organize a force of armed men within their estates, to train and fit their militia as seen fit, and to protect their estates with their militia.

   4. The right to congregate in a diet, to deliberate and converse within the diet, and to join in a petition to the Imperial State.

7. Duties of the Gentry

   1. The duty to maintain their estates, manage them with good nature and uphold the law of the Imperial State within their estates, and to prohibit any estates’ decline into decadence and debauchery.

   2. The duty to maintain the faith of Canonism within their estates, to maintain orthodox views, and to uphold clerical teaching and law within their estates.

   3. The duty to never draw arms against the Imperial State, to maintain the peace and law of the Imperial State, and to hold utmost loyalty to their sovereign and the Imperial State.

   4. The duty to answer all calls to arm by the sovereign and Imperial State, to defend the Imperial State from all exterior and interior threats, and to combat all hostile forces in conflict with the Imperial State.

8. Rights and Privileges of the Bourgeoisie

   1. The right to hold burgher title within the Imperial State, regarded in high degree with the office holder, to be known by their respective titles.

   2. The right to not be bounded by estate or lordly vow, to be free men within their own right, and to travel the land of the Imperial State as seen fit.

9. Duties of the Bourgeoisie

   1. The duty to maintain utmost loyalty to the Imperial State and sovereign, to never draw arms against the Imperial State and sovereign, and to uphold the law of the Imperial State.

   2. The duty to maintain their faith of Canonism, to never deviate from their faith, and to uphold clerical teaching and law.

LEX ARCANIA

1. On Defining the Lex Arcania

   1. Magicka, or the Practice of Magic, is defined as the explicit use of voidal properties in order to manipulate the natural world, conjecture voidal energy into the natural world, or the manipulation of the natural mind and soul through the use of voidal energy (see Lexicon).

   2. Magicka encompasses all use of voidal energies, including the use of aengulic powers or druidic powers, and henceforth falls under the jurisdiction of the Lex Arcania.

2. On Identifying Magicka and Its Use

   1. Where an individual deliberately creates fluid elemental objects or energies through the use of voidal energy, commonly conjectured through staves or other magical objects, this shall be defined as the Magic of Elemental Evocation.

      1. Further defined, where an individual uses Elemental Evocation for the production of fire, evoking fire or the creation of other inflammatory objects, this shall be defined as the Sect of Fire Evocation.

      2. Further defined, where an individual uses Elemental Evocation for the production of water, the production of ice, evoking water, evoking ice or the creation of other aquatic objects, this shall be defined as the Sect of Water Evocation.

      3. Further defined, where an individual uses Elemental Evocation for the production of earthen objects or the manipulation of earthen objects, this shall be defined as the Sect of Earth Evocation.

      4. Further defined, where an individual uses Elemental Evocation for the production of wind or aerial objects, this shall be defined as the Sect of Air Evocation.

      5. Further defined, where an individual uses Elemental Evocation for the production of electric currents, the manipulation of electric currents, or the creation of charged electricity, this shall be defined as the Sect of Electric Evocation.

   2. Where an individual deliberately manipulates pure voidal energy in order to create tools, weapons, or other solids, this shall be defined as the Magic of Arcanism.

      1. Further defined, where an individual uses Arcanism for the creation of projectiles, typically used in offensive measurements, this shall be defined as the Sect of Arcane Projectiles.

      2. Further defined, where an individual uses Arcanism for the creation of solid shields, typically used as a defensive measurement against offensive actions done upon the individual, this shall be defined as the Sect of Arcane Shielding.

      3. Further defined, where an individual uses Arcanism for the creation of weaponry or tools, including such for both martial reasons and domestic reasons, this shall be defined as the Sect of Arcane Weaponry.

      4. Further defined, where an individual uses Arcanism for the creation for artistic objects or the production of arcane fog, this shall be defined as the Sect of Arcane Art.

   3. Where an individual deliberately creates semi-sentient beings  or other mimics of living creatures through the use of voidal energy, this shall be defined as the Magic of Conjuration.

   4. Where an individual deliberately manipulates voidal energy for the creation of solid elements for the use in domestic settings or the creation of new properties in pre-existing objects, this shall be defined as the Magic of Transfiguration.

      1. Further defined, where an individual uses Transfiguration for the creation of natural objects for use within domestic settings, this shall be defined as the Sect of Transmutation.

      2. Further defined, where an individual uses Transfiguration for the creation of magical storages through the use of precious or semi-precious gems in order to manipulate the properties of a natural object, this shall be defined as the Sect of Enchanting.

      3. Further defined, where an individual uses Transfiguration for the creation of wards in order to deliberately halt spells or other magical entities, this shall be defined as the Sect of Abjuration.

   5. Where an individual deliberately manipulates the position of an object and creates unnatural movements with said object, this shall be defined as the Magic of Telekinesis.

   6. Where an individual deliberately manipulates voidal energy in order to translocate a natural object into the voidal plain and later return said natural object back into the natural world, this shall be defined as the Magic of Translocation.

   7. Where an individual deliberately manipulates the voidal plain in order to translocate themselves from one location to another location in the natural world, this shall be defined as the Magic of Voidal Shifting.

   8. Where an individual deliberately attempts to manipulate or influence the mind of an individual in order to fabricate sense or emotions, this shall be defined as the Magic of Sensory Illusion.

   9. Where an individual deliberately attempts to manipulate or influence the mind of themselves in order to increase intelligence or personal awareness, this shall be defined as the Magic of Cognatism.

   10. Where an individual deliberately attempts to manipulate or influence the mind of an individual in order to fabricate or change thoughts or memories or sending messages through telepathy, this shall be defined as the Magic of Mentalism.

   11. Where an individual deliberately creates symbols, letters, or words imbued with voidal energy in order to manipulate or enhance pre-existing worldly objects in the intent of increasing their potency or abilities, this shall be defined as the Magic of Runesmithing.

   12. Where an individual deliberately animates a pre-existing unanimate humanoid object with voidal energy in order to perform servial tasks in direct contract to its creator or otherwise, this shall be defined as the Magic of Golemancy.

   13. Where an individual deliberately attempts to sever or remove the voidal connection of a magic user through the use of their own voidal powers and energies, this shall be defined as the Magic of Antiism, or Anti-Magic.

   14. Where an individual deliberately attempts to manipulate energy given or borrowed from a separate magical being, typically classified as lesser daemonic creatures, this shall be defined as the Magic of Deitism.

       1. Further defined, where an individual attempts to manipulate energy given or borrowed from the lesser voidal beings and spirits, this shall be defined as the Magic of Shamanism.

       2. Further defined, where an individual attempts to manipulate energy given or borrowed from the daemonic beings  Cerridwen (High Imp. Ceridunius), Cernunnos (High Imp. Cernunnus), and Nemissae (High Imp. Nemisia), typically in use of manipulating natural entities in the world, this shall be defined as the Magic of Druidism.

       3. Further defined, where an individual attempts to manipulate energy given or borrowed from the daemonic being Tahariae (High Imp. Tahariae), typically in use of personal healing or otherwise, this shall be defined as the Magic of Clericism.

       4. Further defined, where an individual attempts to manipulate energy given or borrowed from the daemonic being Metztli (High Imp. Metsilius), typically in use to manipulate time and space within the natural world, this shall be defined as the Magic of Munism.

       5. Further defined, where an individual attempts to manipulate energy given or borrowed from the daemonic being Xan (High Imp. Janus), typically in use to manipulate or remove corrupted voidal energies, this shall be defined as the Magic of Xanism.

       6. Further defined, where an individual attempts to manipulate energy given or borrowed from the daemonic being Aerial (High Imp. Aeria), typically in use to manipulate or remove corrupted voidal energies, this shall be defined as the Magic of Ascendedism.

       7. Further defined, where an individual attempts to manipulate energy given or borrowed from the daemonic beings Keldrith (High Imp. Keldrian), Rellenia (High Imp. Rellenia), and Tariel (High Imp. Tarius), typically in use to reanimate creatures or beings, this shall be defined as the Magic of Wilvenism.

   15. Where an individual deliberately attempts to manipulate energy given or borrowed from a separate magical being, however corrupted and powered through the use of occultism or other blasphemic details and typically classified as lesser or greater daemonic creatures, this shall de defined as the Magic of Dark Deitism, or called the Dark Arts.

       1. Further defined, where an individual attempts to manipulate dark energy given or borrowed from lesser voidal beings and spirits, this shall be defined as the Magic of Dark Shamanism.

       2. Further defined, where an individual attempts to manipulate dark energy through the sacrificial rituals using sangeious materials, typically blood, this shall be defined as Blood Magic.

       3. Further defined, where an individual attempts to manipulate dark energy in order to reanimate dead creatures or otherwise or draining the current force of life from a pre-existing creature of the natural world, this shall be defined as the Magic of Necromancy.

       4. Further defined, where an individual attempts to manipulate dark energy in order to manipulate another individual and their current state typically through the use of a doll or other mundane object, this shall be defined as the Magic of Soul Puppetry.

       5. Further defined, where an individual attempts to manipulate dark energy given or borrowed from the daemonic being Setherien (High Imp. Setherius), typically in order to corrupt objects or creatures of the natural world, this shall be defined as the Magic of Draakarism.

3. On the Ten Laws of Magicka

   1. As determined by the congregation of mages pre-existing, all magicka and its use is subservient to the Ten Laws of Magicka, defining what is proper and what is considered unsuited within the Imperial State.

   2. Of the laws that ensure, the punishments are not categorized but rather determined through the judgement of the Imperial Arcane Specialist, and as such the severity and selection of said punishment is entirely determinate upon each specific case.

   3. The Imperial State may, however, constitute more regulation of magicka and its use by individual through acts and otherwise, but may not be defined with the Ten Laws of Magicka.

   4. The Ten Laws of Magicka ensues the following,

      1. The First Law of Magicka, where an individual is forbidden to kill another individual, unless through the defense of the individual from harm, with the use of magicka.

      2. The Second Law of Magicka, where an individual is forbidden to alter their own physical appearance where said individual is unrecognizable with the use of magicka.

      3. The Third Law of Magicka, where an individual is forbidden to alter the mind of another individual, unless through the use of sending messages between said individual with the use of magicka.

      4. The Fourth Law of Magicka, where an individual is forbidden to practice or perform any magicka defined under the Dark Arts.

      5. The Fifth Law of Magica, where an individual is forbidden to create unregistered magical objects not approved by the Imperial Arcane Specialist.

      6. The Sixth Law of Magicka, where an individual is forbidden to alter with permission another individual’s property with the use of magicka.

      7. The Seventh Law of Magicka, where an individual is forbidden to actively worship the daemonic being in contrarian to the Canonist Imperial State.

      8. The Eighth Law of Magicka, where an individual is forbidden to perform unregistered magical research no approved by the Imperial Arcane Specialist.

      9. The Ninth Law of Magicka, where an individual is forbidden to use of perform any reanimating magicka, specifically the Magic of Necromancy and the Magic of Wilvenism.

      10. The Tenth Law of Magicka, where an individual is forbidden to harbor unregistered magical entities not approved by the Imperial Arcane Specialist.

LEXICON

ABSTAIN - Formally declining to vote or partake in a motion, neither taking for or against;

ARRAIGNMENT - The formal reading of criminal charges during a trial;

ALEXANDER I - Alexander of House Carrion, referred to as Alexander the Careless, ninth reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

BARON - Sovereign lord of a barony, above the gentry class and below the comital office of count, referred to as His Lordship (fm. BARONESS);

BISHOP - Senior member of the Canonist Church, given responsibility over an entire diocese or ordained holy orders, referred to as His Grace;

ARCHBISHOP - Senior member of the Canonist Church, overseeing multiple bishops and dioceses;

BORIS I - Boris of House Carrion, referred to as Boris the Desired, seventh reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

BOURGEOISIE - The body of ignoble, property-owning free citizenry not bounded by contract to a lord or sovereign;

CLERGY - The body of all ordained ministers of the Canonist Church, including the High Pontiff;

CONSANGUINITY - Two or more persons being related through a common ancestor, commonly through the same parent or grandparent;

CONSORT - Spouse of a reigning lord or monarch, but does not hold direct claim to the noble, royal, or imperial title or any status equivocal to that title;

COUNT - Sovereign lord of a county, above the baronial office of baron and below the ducal office of duke, referred to as His Right Honorable (fm. COUNTESS);

COURTIER - The permanent members and residents of a court who typically works for, lives under the protection of, or advises the sovereign of the court;

CROWN DOMAIN - Province or fief directly ruled and administered by the reigning monarch;

DEACON - Ordained laity of the Church, subservient to the parish priest and has not taken full clerical vows;

DEFENDER OF THE FAITH - Appointed by the High Pontiff, the chief Canonist lord given responsibility for the protection of all faithful, traditionally given to the holder of the office of Holy Orenian Emperor;

DIET - An assembly of lords, gentry, and clergy gathered for a purpose, typically to solve an outstanding issue or crisis between the body members;

DUKE - Sovereign lord of a duchy, above the comital office of count and below the princely office of prince, referred to as His Grace (fm. DUCHESS);

ARCHDUKE - Sovereign duke holding more than one ducal title, referred to as His Grace (alt. GRAND DUKE; fm. ARCHDUCHESS, GRAND DUCHESS);

EMPEROR - Sovereign or monarch of an empire, above the royal office of king (fm. EMPRESS);

AELDIN IMPERATOR - Emperor of the Empire of Aeldin, referred to as His Divinity;

HOLY ORENIAN EMPEROR - Emperor of the Holy Orenian Empire, referred to as His Imperial Majesty;

GENTRY - The body of all ignoble knights, holding the nonheredity title of Ser and typically holding land in tenure to the Imperial Office;

GODFREY I - Godfrey of House Horen, referred to as Godfrey the Great, first reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire and Prophet of Faith;

HIGH PONTIFF - Elected head of the Canonist Church, Vicar of God, and leader of the faithful, referred to as His Holiness;

HOREN I - Horen of House Horen, referred to as Horen the Black, second reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

IMPERIAL DUKEDOM - A titular, non-hereditary ducal peerage not necessarily attached to governance of land, awarded by the sovereign exclusively to his relatives, and exempt from Imperial Letters. They convey all the rights and privileges of a landed duke, however are only extant for the life of titleholder, reverting to the sovereign on death;

DUKE OF MARNA - Traditionally, the second legitimate son of the sovereign;

DUKE OF FURNESTOCK - Traditionally, the third legitimate son of the sovereign;

DUKE OF CORAZON - Traditionally, the fourth legitimate son of the sovereign;

IMPERIAL FREE CITY - A city which is not bounded by aristocratic or feudal law, its populace not held in contract or tenure to the Imperial State or other lord, and has the power to elect by citizenry vote its executive and formal leader in the form of a mayor or other allocated title;

IMPERIAL LETTERS - Writ by which a landed peerage is created for a secular or clerical estate, able to be issued singularly by the sovereign, without which a titleholder cannot be considered legitimate;

IMPERIAL OFFICE - Emperor and direct bureaucracy composing the administration;

INDICTMENT - A formal charge of a serious crime;

INHERITANCE - Receiving money, property, or title as heir from the death, abdication, or otherwise of the incumbent holder;

INTER-VASSAL CONFLICT - Two or more direct vassals or fiefs sworn to the Imperial State entering a state of warfare and armed conflict, while maintaining loyalty to the sovereign and Imperial State;

JOHN I  FREDERICK - John Frederick of House Horen, referred to as John the Relentless, tenth reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

JOHN II SIGISMUND - John Sigismund of House Horen, referred to as John the Quarreller, eleventh reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

JOHN III OWYN - John Owyn of House Horen, referred to as John the Lion, twelfth reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

JOHN IV AUGUSTUS - John Augustus of House Horen, referred to as John the Young, thirteenth reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

JOHN V FREDERICK - John Frederick of House Horen, referred to as John Lackland, sixteenth reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

KING - Sovereign or monarch of a kingdom, above the princely office of prince and below the imperial office of emperor, referred to as His Majesty (fm. QUEEN);

TSAR OF URGUAN - Ruler of the Tsardom of Urguan;

KNIGHT - An individual awarded a non hereditary title by the sovereign in recognition of merit or service, referred to as Ser.

HOLY KNIGHT - A knight sworn to the Church, taking the vows of poverty and chastity as well as the normal servitude, referred to as Holy Ser.

MAGICKA - The explicit use of voidal properties in order to manipulate the natural world, conjecture voidal energy into the natural world, or the manipulation of the natural mind and soul through the use of voidal energy;

MARRIAGE - Sacred and legally recognized union between a male and female of the same race, irreversible and unbreakable  unless under special petition by the High Pontiff;

MAYOR - Elected or appointed head of a town or city, namely Imperial Free Cities, which can be from the nobility, clergy, gentry, or bourgeoisie and typically holds the position for a temporary amount of time (alt. MAER);

NOBILITY - The body of all individuals holding heredity or honorary noble or lordly titles, typically holding land in tenure to the monarch;

PACTA CONVENTA - - Sanction given by the sovereign and Imperial State for allowance of an inter-vassal conflict, typically outlining specific restrictions and duties upon each party involved and swearing each party to uphold their loyalty and duties to the Imperial State;

PENTARCH - One of the five members of the ecclesiastical synod which elects the High Pontiff, referred to as His Eminence (alt. CARDINAL);- One of the five members of the ecclesiastical synod which elects the High Pontiff, referred to as His Eminence (alt. CARDINAL);

PETER I - Peter of House Chivay, referred to as Peter of Kaedrin, fifth reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

PETER II SIGISMUND - Peter of House Sigismund, seventeenth and current reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

PHILIP I  FREDERICK - Philip Frederick of House Horen, referred to as Philip the Defiant, fifteenth reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

PRIEST - Ordained members of the Canonist Church, typically placed in parishes or members of ordained holy orders;

PRINCE - Sovereign of a principality or individuals of direct relation to an emperor or king, above the ducal office of duke and below the royal office of king, referred to as His Serene Highness (fm. PRINCESS);

IMPERIAL PRINCE - Individuals of direct relation to an emperor (fm. IMPERIAL PRINCESS);

CROWN PRINCE - Heir presumptive of a kingdom or empire (fm. CROWN PRINCESS);

PRINCE OF ALSTION - The firstborn legitimate son or otherwise heir apparent of the reigning sovereign of the Holy Orenian Empire, replaces Crown Prince in the Holy Orenian Empire;

REALM - Collection of all fiefs, crown domains, provinces, free cities, sworn vassals, dominions, and protectorates under a kingdom or empire;

REGENCY - A person or persons chosen to administer an estate or office because of the incapacity of the current office holder, such as infancy, incapa or absence;

ROBERT I - Robert of House Chivay, referred to as Robert the Quadroon, sixth reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

ROBERT II HENRY - Robert Henry of House Horen, referred to as Robert the Monk, fourteenth reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

SIGISMUND I - Sigismund of House Carrion, referred to as Sigismund Soothsayer, fourth reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire and Prophet of Faith;

SUCCESSION CRISIS - A person or persons challenging a current incumbent lord for his or her office, through proper sanguineous claim and support of fellow noblemen and noblewomen;

TITULAR - ‘By Title’, a hereditary title not bounded by property, land, or wealth (ex. KING PATRICK I OF HOLM);

TOBIAS I - Tobias of House Carrion, referred to as Tobias Rosebud, eighth reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

VETO - Power of the Imperial Office to repeal or deny any legislation;

VISCOUNT - Sovereign lord of a viscounty, above the baronial office of baron and below the comital office of count, referred to as His or Her Honorable (fm. VISCOUNTESS);

WILLIAM I - William of House Horen, referred to as William the Weak, third reigning monarch of the Holy Orenian Empire;

WRIT OF ENNOBLEMENT - Writ by which an ignoble family may be elevated to a noble family, able to be issued singularly by the sovereign, without which a family may not be considered noble;

Vimmark Chivalric Reform Edict

http://i.imgur.com/SGPYuMs.png

By order of His Imperial Majesty, Peter II Horen, sovereign Emperor of Men, the Privy Seat and Office of the Imperial Grand Knight and Master of Chivalry is hereby established. By order of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren, the Privy Seat and Office of the Grand Knight and Master of Chivalry is hereby appointed to Edmond Henry Horen-Vimmark. By order of Ser Edmond Henry Horen-Vimmark, Grand Knight and Master of Chivalry, the laws of the Knights of Oren are hereby reformed and detailed herein.

Contents

Article I.

Distribution of Knighthood

Article II.

Status & Conduct

Article III.

Master of Chivalry

Article IV.

The Knight’s Code

Article I.

Distribution of Knighthood

Section I.

Elevation to Knighthood

              -To become a Knight one must be either squired by a landed Knight or titled Lord of the Holy Oren Empire, or be granted Knighthood by the Grand Knight, Archchancellor or His Imperial Majesty Majesty, the Emperor of Oren for acts valour.

              -To become a squire, one must be selected by a landed Knight or titled Lord (Baron, Count, Duke, Prince or His Imperial Majesty the Emperor) of the Holy Oren Empire. A landed Knight or titled Lord may choose any citizen of Oren as they see fit to become their squire.

              -It is expected for a landed Knight or titled Lord to educate their squire on matters of chivalry, faith, combat, strategy, logic, history, equestrianism and any other subject they feel is necessary.

              -Upon the completion of the squire’s training and education, the landed Knight or titled Lord may recommend their squire to the Grand Knight, Archchancellor or His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren, to be granted Knighthood. Should a landed Knight or titled Lord wish for their squire to be granted Knighthood, the Knight or Lord must be prepared to grant their squire land upon their Knighting.

              -To be granted Knighthood by the Grand Knight, Archchancellor or His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren, the would-be Knight must show valour, courage or righteous action, proving themselves worthy of the Knight’s Code and the title of Knight of Oren.

              -A Duke of Oren may also recommend a man to His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren if he is worthy of the title of Knight. The Knighting Ceremony may only be carried out by the Grand Knight, Archchancellor or His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren (See Article I, Section III).

              -To be granted Knighthood by His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren, the would-be Knight must swear oaths of fealty to his would-be Liege Lord, be it His Majesty, the Emperor of Oren, a Duke or any lesser titled Lord or landed Knight.

Section II.

Criteria & Requirement

              -To become a squire of a landed Knight or a titled Lord of the Holy Oren Empire, the would-be squire must be a male of Orenian origin. Noble birth is preferable but not required.

              -A Squire must be between the age of twelve years and sixteen years of age. The period of squirehood lasts at least two years but can not exceed a period of four years.

              -A landed Knight or a titled Lord may choose whoever they wish to act as their squire, be it a commoner, a noble’s sibling or their own son.

              -To be granted Knighthood, the would-be Knight must be well versed in the Knight’s Code of Chivalry (as written by Ser Maric Varodyr, attached below) and well educated in matters of faith, combat, strategy, logic, history, equestrianism and any other subject of basic education. Knights are expected to uphold an elite standard within the Holy Oren Empire.

              -To be granted Knighthood, the would-be Knight must swear oaths of fealty to both His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren and the would-be Knight’s liege Lord.

              -To be granted Knighthood, the would-be Knight must be granted land by their would-be liege Lord and are thus subject to their Ducal laws.

Section III.

Knighting & Ceremonies

              -To become a Knight of the Holy Oren Empire, whether squired or not, the would-be Knight must be Knighted by the Grand Knight, Archchancellor or His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren himself and no other.

              -To be granted Knighthood, the would-be Knight must swear their Oath of Chivalry (attached below) and Oaths of Fealty, respectively to His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren and their would-be liege Lord, in sight of the Grand Knight, Archchancellor  or His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren, their would-be liege Lord and at least one witness of trustworthy reputation. This is so there is no contestation as to the words and vows are taken by the would-be Knight.

              -A specific Knighting ceremony must take place prior to being granted Knighthood by the Grand Knight, Archchancellor or His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren. This ceremony shall be detailed elsewhere.

Article II.

Status & Conduct

Section I.

Gentry Status

              -As a landed Knight of Oren, a Knight is a member of the Gentry class of the nobility of the Holy Oren Empire.

              -The title of Knight of Oren is non hereditary and thus not passed on to any relations of the Knight.

              -The lands and holdings of the Knight of Oren are non hereditary and thus not passed on to any relations of the Knight. Upon the passing of the Knight, the lands and holdings are returned to their direct liege Lord to do with as he pleases.

              -As a landed Knight of Oren, a Knight is free and encouraged, to take on a squire. (Highlighted in Article I, Section I & II).

              -A Knight is to be styled and titled as Ser [Name] of [Knightly fief]. They are to be addressed as Ser and their first name only.

Section II.

Laws & Expectations

              -As a Knight of Oren, a Knight is bound by certain oaths and laws. A Knight is also expected to uphold certain standards, though this is not by law, disregarding these will bring shame to the Knight and his sire.

              -A Knight is expected to obey their Oaths of Fealty to their liege Lord, His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Oren and all their respective laws.

              -A Knight is expected to care for their lands and pay their taxes to their respective liege Lord.

              -A Knight is expected to answer their liege Lord’s call to war with full force.

              -A Knight is bound by oath and expected to protect and defend the common people of the Realm, regardless of who’s standard they follow.

              -A Knight is bound by oath and law first and foremost, before all oaths, to obey the Knight’s Code of Chivalry (attached below).

              -A Knight is expected to set an example for the people of the Holy Oren Empire, to act as a beacon of justice, honour and goodness in the Realm.

              -A Knight is expected to be educated in matters of chivalry, faith, combat, strategy, logic, history and equestrianism at the very least.

              -A Knight is expected to be well mannered and polite towards the Nobility, Royalty and peasantry.

              -A Knight is expected to carry and maintain His Sword at all times. A Knight without His Sword is a man without a soul.

              -Impersonating an existing Knight is a violation of the Emperor’s law and warrants a Severe Punishment, by way of the Imperial Law. (This supersedes all Regional or Provincial Laws).

              -Falsifying Gentry and/or the title of Knight is a violation of the Imperial law and warrants a Severe Punishment, by way of the Imperial Law. (This supersedes all Regional or Provincial Laws).

              -Claiming false Knighthood without fulfilling the appropriate criteria is a violation of the Emperor’s Law and warrants a Major Punishment. (This supersedes all Regional or Provincial Laws).

Section III.

Revocation of Titles

              -His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren and the Grand Knight, retains the right to revoke any and all Knighthoods within his Empire at any given time.

              -A Knight may have his Knighthood revoked should he break any one of the oaths taken on the day of his Knighting.

              -A Knight may have his Knighthood revoked should he severely violate the Knight’s Code of Chivalry that he is bound by oath to uphold.

              -A Knight may have his Knighthood revoked should he severely violate any of the Laws of the Realm, be they Ducal or the Lexicon of Ashford.

              -Should a Knight have his Knighthood revoked by the Grand Knight or His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren, their liege Lord retains the right to allow the former Knight to retain their lands under a separate non-gentry title, should he so wish.

              -Should a Knight lose his lands through war, natural disaster or any other means, yet retain his life, the Knight shall be known as a Hedge Knight, until he regains his lands or any other under their liege Lord or another. Vagrant and vagabond Hedge Knights are liable to having their Knighthoods revoked.

              -A landed Knight or titled Lord may be placed under investigation should their former squire have his Knighthood revoked.

              -A liege Lord may be held accountable for the actions and crimes of the Knight oathed under them, should their Knighthood be revoked.

Article III.

Grand Knight and Master of Chivalry

Section I.

Appointment

              -The Grand Knight is a Privy Seat and Office of the Holy Oren Empire.

              -The Privy Seat and Office of the Grand Knight may only be granted by His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren to a Knight of exceptional valour and honour.

              -The Knight appointed to the Office of Grand Knight is expected to be well versed in the Knight’s Code and expectations of Knights of Oren and all appropriate laws.

              -The Knight appointed to the Privy Seat and Office of Grand Knight is expected to be the definition of a True Knight, acting as an example for all Knights to follow.

              -The Office of Grand Knight is not hereditary and may be revoked by His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren at any given time.

Section II.

Powers & Responsibilities

              -The Grand Knight is expected to keep up to date with the goings on and dealings of all Knights of Oren.

              -The Grand Knight is expected to bring would-be Knights to the attention of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren, so that they may be Knighted appropriately.

              -The Grand Knight is expected to ensure all documents, patents of Nobility and Gentry, as well as any other matters regarding Knights and Knighthood are up to date.

              -The Grand Knight is expected to ensure all would-be Knights meet the appropriate criteria before being Knighted.

              -The Grand Knight is expected to oversee all Knighting ceremonies or appoint a representative if he is unavailable.

              -The Grand Knight is expected to be present at all legal trials regarding Knights and their alleged crimes.

              -The Grand Knight has the authority to place any existing Knight of Oren on trial.

              -The Grand Knight has the authority to place any existing Knight of Oren under investigation.

              -The Grand Knight has the authority to place a landed Knight or titled Lord under investigation, provided said Knight or Lord has squired a disgraced Knight.

              -The Grand Knight has the authority to approve squires to receive Knighthood, upon the approval of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Oren.

              -The Grand Knight has the authority to strip a Knight of all titles and Gentry, upon the approval of His Imperial  Majesty, the Emperor of Oren.

              -The Grand Knight has the authority to deny a squire the opportunity to be elevated to Knighthood.

Article IV.

The Knight’s Code

              -As revised on the 7th of The Amber Cold, 1470,  by Ser Maric II Varodyr, the Winged Knight.

A Knight shall live by honour, for glory, and guard the honour of fellow Knights.

Honour The Creator and maintain His Temple.

Keep faithful and act in righteousness.

He shall serve his liege Lord with valour and conviction.

Persevere to the end in any quest begun and never turn his back upon a foe.

-=-

A Knight shall not give wanton offense and shall despise monetary reward.

Give succour to widows and orphans and regard the honor of women.

He shall offer that which is not needed, to those who are needy.

And safeguard the helpless and uphold the weak.

-=-

A Knight shall respect those in authority but fight for the welfare of all.

Abstain from injustice, cruelty and deceit.

He shall be vigilant and show courage, even in the face of evil.

Resolve not with swords what can be with words.

And at all times speak the truth, even if faced with death.

In his blood the creator’s will shall be written.