The Almenorean Codex of Law

[Wand 1220]

 

The Almenorean Codex of Law

issued 5^th of The First Seed, 1770

 

Foreword

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

 

Index

Definitions

Crimes Against the Crown

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

Crimes Against the Person

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

Crimes Against Justice

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

Expectations of Conduct

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

Civic Duties

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

 

Definitions

 

Isles of Almenor, Almenorean Isles, Almenorean Realm

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

 

Princedom of Aegrothond, Caras Sylvadrim

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

 

Village of Siramenor, Matriarchy of Siramenor

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

 

Village of Brandybrook

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

 

Almenodrim

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

 

Dark Magic

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

 

Crimes Against the Crown

 

Treason

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

 

Slavery

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

 

Dark Magics

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

 

Medical Malpractice and Negligence

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

Violence Against Military

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

 

Violence Against Children

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

 

Interbreeding

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

 

Piracy

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

 

Forgery and False Testimony

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

 

Vandalism

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

 

Crimes Against the Person

 

Violence

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

 

Kidnapping

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

 

Theft

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

 

Abuse and Neglect

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

 

Adultery

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

 

Crimes Against Justice

 

Contempt

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

 

Obstruction of Justice

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

 

Perjury

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

 

Conduct within the Almenorean Realm

 

Domestic Conduct

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

 

Right of Arms

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

 

Conduct Abroad

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

 

Improper Use of Gate or Doors

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

 

Religion

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

 

Magic

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

 

Visitor Conduct

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

 

Duties of Almenodrim

 

Duties to Society

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

 

Protection of the Realm

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

 

Law of Hospitality

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