Compendium of Ember Law

[The King Of The Moon 5122]

EMBER LAW
 

 

Foreword:

The Way of Embers and the associated ‘free philosophies’ - the Way of Oaks, the Nameless Way, Shorewalking et cetera - are just that. Ideas founded on the principles of liberty for all mortalkind, against immortal threats and maleficar prejudices as well as the threats of mortals that misuse the Voidal and Mortal Arts.

 

They are not, however, anarchistic. As shown by countless prior failed mortal states, the rule of law is an essential component for society with or without respect for free will. 

 

Order, as intended by the Creator, is what separates our precarious Veil from the chaos of the Void. Lest we forget the first disruption to this order - the First, Second and Third Sins carried out by Iblees and Ariel - which still haunts all men to this day. 

 

The same principles apply to all mortals, living or dead. The rule of Law must guide our actions, lest we be defined by the same savagery we mean to escape. It is mortalkind’s greatest achievement; the liberty in which we may all excel under the protection of an honourable legal system, wherein all are defined not by arbitrary distinction but by their actions alone.

 

The Ember Law is an ideological expansion as well as revision of Ashen Law, in reflection of the aforementioned philosophies. 

 

DEFINITIONS

 

The Veil
All of creation, as first separated from the Void by the Nameless Creator and ordered by His hand with the primordial tools of Light and Dark. The Mortal Planes, the Soulstream, the Immortal Planes, the Sun, Moon, Stars and so on. 

 

The Void
That which exists beyond the Veil. Infinite energy, from which the Maker was born, and modern magi draw power today.

 

Mortal
A being native to the Mortal Planes: Aos and Eos. 
Typically understood as Descendants, Hou-Zi, Kharajyr, Dragonkin and so on, as well as variants of the aforementioned whose souls have been returned to or kept in Aos and Eos in defiance of Immortal meddling. Those intended to share our world at the dawn of creation. 

 

Immortal
A being native to the Immortal Planes: Moz Strimoza and other worlds demonic. The Eternal Forest and other worlds druidic. Star’gush Stroh and the other worlds shamanic. Et cetera. 
Typically understood as Aenguls, Daemons and beings sculpted by them either from raw power or appropriated and irreparably mutilated mortal souls. Inferi, Fae, Mani, Spirits, Shades et cetera. Those that intended to share the stars at the dawn of creation.

 

Arcane Creature
A being native to the Void or created with powers drawn from the Void and/or the mana of mortals with no concern for souls. Typically understood as Voidal Horrors as well as objects and entities animated with magic: Golems, Atronachs, Living Dolls as well as any thinking creatures borne of Enchantment and Conjuration.

 

Mundane Creature
A being native to the Mortal Planes or elsewhere, lacking souls borne of nature and mortal ingenuity (often Alchemy). First and foremost are plants and lower animals (which lack sentience and are not entitled to rights), higher animals such as Ratiki, Musin, Merfolk and Wonks followed by Automatons, Homunculi and other alchemic creatures.

 

Mage
An umbrella term for beings which practise Voidal or Mortal Arts. The terms Sorcerer and Magician as well as Wizard or Witch (male and female respectively) may be used interchangeably with Mage.

 

Anathema
A being whose existence relies upon inflicting physical or spiritual harm on others, regardless of magical origin. They are thus far understood as Vampires, Frost Witches, Feral Ghouls, Feral Apparitions, Shades and Inferi. 

 

Maleficar
A being which practises an Immortal Art, acting knowingly or not, in accordance with the will of the immortal being their art is sourced from. 
A Maleficar will always be considered such, regardless of if Voidal or Mortal arts are used in conjunction. 

 

Iconoclast
A being which practises an Immortal Art, acting knowingly and provably against the will of the immortal being their art is sourced from. First Age Naztherak (extinct warlocks that once stole power from conquered Inferi and Iblees), Dark Shamans (which steal power from the Spirits), Weirhents (which steal power from the Aspects) as well as beings akin to the one called ‘Qard’ (Daeva which have conquered their Shade parasites) are some examples of such. 
An Iconoclast will always be considered such, regardless of if Voidal or Mortal arts are used in conjunction. 

 

Mortal Arts
Magical powers that are sourced from the physical and metaphysical energies of mortal bodies, souls and minds. They are thus far understood as Alchemy, Tinkering, Blood Magic, Golemancy, Housemagery, Bardmancy, Rune Smithing, Energy Manipulation, Mysticism, Chi-Manipulation and Necromancy, Invokers of Azdromoth and his Nephilim.

 

Immortal Arts
Magical powers that are sourced from Immortals and their planes. They are thus far understood as Aeriel’s Ascended, Xannic Paladins, Clerics of Tahariae, Aspectist Druids, Shamans and Spiritual invokers, Yeu Rthulhu’s Augurs and spellcasters, Templars of Malchediael, Wilven Monks, Shades, Second Age Naztherak (which pact with higher Inferi under Iblees) and the associated Hell-Alchemists and Inferi.

 

Voidal Arts
Magical powers that are derived from the infinite energy of the Void. They are thus far understood as Earth, Fire, Air and Water Evocations, Conjuration, Transfiguration (or ‘Enchanting’), Translocation (or ‘Teleporting’), Cognatism, Illusion and the looser defined spells of Voidal Horrors. 

 

THE MORTAL BLESSINGS;
The Rights of Men

 

Bestowed at the dawn of time by the Creator himself, these rights are infallible principles of existence. To defy them, by hands Immortal or otherwise, is the greatest sacrilege. They are afforded solely to Mortals and sentient Mundane Creatures.

 

The Aurum Rede, as most know it, is the code observed by all who keep Ember Law.
An archaic heirloom of the proto-common in which Primeval Man spake, the mantra is thus:

'An it harm none, do as thou wilt.'

 

In modern words the phrase loosely means 'do what you will, so long as it harms none'. In legal terms, the Rede is best defined as three immaculate rights, afforded to all mortals from birth, to death, to undeath. None have the power to revoke these rights but the self, as determined by their own actions and these actions alone.

 

    EXISTENCE 
All mortal and sentient mundane beings are entitled to continued, peaceful existence without unprovoked aggression.

To simply exist is not a provocation; this right can only be forfeit by present, past or threats of future actions that would deprive others of their Mortal Blessings.

 

    FREE WILL
All mortals and sentient mundane beings are entitled to behave, think and debate to their heart's content without permanent magical, physical or divine interference.

This right can only be forfeit where one has willingly sacrificed their own agency to become a vessel for immortal or mortal slavery, which would deprive itself and others of their Mortal Blessings.

 

    CONTINUITY
All mortal and sentient mundane beings are entitled to spread, replicate and prolong their own Existence and Free Will by any means at their disposal. This right can only be forfeit when the means to achieve such are knowingly done at the expense of others’ Mortal Blessings.

 

PROCEDURE AND PUNISHMENT

 

Ember Law is a common policy meant to guide all mortal beings. As such, it is bound to no specific jurisdiction and can be enforced by any observing individual in a lawless setting such as the wilderness or warzones. Where the setting already maintains laws of its own, jurisdiction over and observance of Ember Law falls to the presiding state in a manner it deems fit. 

 

State trial procedures may be observed to prove guilt in violation of Ember Law. In the absence of such, adjudicators must review evidence presented by the accused and accuser before passing judgement. 

FIRST AMMENDMENT

Crimes Maleficar and Crimes Anathema can be judged from any jurisdiction, as they are universal.

SECOND AMMENDMENT

Proven Maleficar and Anathema are afforded no protections under Ember Law.
THIRD AMMENDMENT

Proven Mortal Artisans of the Necromancer, Mystic and Blood Mage varieties are protected universally by Ember Law and can accuse as victims of crime in any jurisdiction. 

 

Only before aforementioned procedures have begun may an individual instead opt for a trial by combat in a formal setting. Victory in such can only absolve individuals of Offences of the Third, Second and First Degree. 

 

On Offences

 

The Third Degree, the least severe, an infraction

 

The Second Degree, of moderate severity, a misdemeanour

 

The First Degree, of great severity, a felony

 

The Heinous, of unforgivable severity, a crime against mortality

 

Punishment for each degree of severity is listed and defined for easy reference and quick distribution with no question on what is fair and proper for any specific case and crime.

 

Of the Third Degree, a fine of up to One Thousand Mina, the removal of an entire finger, the removal of two rear teeth, removal of two toes on the same foot, ten years service to the state, four years in prison, branding upon the buttock or chest, a hex or curse lasting no more than one year and a half.

 

Of the Second Degree, a fine up to Two Thousand and Five Hundred Mina, the removal of three fingers of one hand, the removal of the top front teeth and two rear teeth, the blinding of one eye, removal of five assorted toes (three on one, two on the other), branding upon the forehead, a hex or curse to last no more than two years.

 

Of the First Degree, a fine up to Five Thousand Mina, removal of the right arm halfway up the forearm, blinding of both eyes, deafening, removal of the tongue, removal of both feet, a hex or curse lasting no more than fifteen years.

 

Of the punishment concerning Heinous Crimes, the most severe, execution is to be carried out by any means appropriate to the situation and nature of the crime committed. The only alternative to death is the option of indentured servitude, where should the criminal be given the option by the adjudicator, an executed individual may consent to being raised in undeath and stripped of their Free Will for no less than twelve years, after which their Mortal Blessings will be restored should the adjudicator consider the criminal reformed. 

 

CRIMES PERSONAL

 

1. Assault
   1. When an individual attacks or injures another which brings about no lasting injury, this is assault of the third degree.
   2. When an individual attacks or injures another with lasting injury, or with a weapon, or magicks, this is assault of the second degree.
   3. When an individual attacks or injures another with permanent damage, assault of the first degree.
   4. When an individual attacks or injures another with the intent of causing fatal harm, this heinous attempted murder.
       
2. Slavery
   1. When an individual strips another of their mortal or mundane right to Free Will through physical means this is slavery of the first degree.
   2. When an individual strips another of their mortal right to Free Will through magical means mortal or immortal this is heinous slavery, a crime against mortality.
       
3. Murder
   1. When an individual knowingly takes the life of another with no premeditation and as any reason a person might be coerced or incited to commit a fatal crime, this is murder of the third degree.
   2. When an individual knowingly takes the life of another with no premeditation, this is murder of the second degree.
   3. When an individual knowingly takes the life of another with clear premeditation and without just cause, this is heinous murder.
       
4. Manslaughter
   1. When an individual takes the life of another without intent or as the result of negligence, this is manslaughter.
       
5. Mutilation
   1. When an individual intentionally or negligently commits the disfigurement or removal of a single toe or finger of another, this is mutilation of the third degree.
   2. When an individual intentionally or negligently commits the crippling or lasting disfigurement or removal of a multiple toes and/or fingers of another, this is mutilation of the second degree.
   3. When an individual intentionally or negligently commits the dismemberment or permanent removal of a limb, organ, or appendage of another, this is mutilation of the first degree.
       
6. Torture
   1. When an individual, whom is not a sanctioned state official, willingly and knowingly commits acts of permanent or lasting damage to an individual for information or otherwise, this is torture of the second degree.
   2. When an individual, whom is not a sanctioned state official, willingly and knowingly commits acts of permanent or incapacitating damage to an individual, including acts described in the crime of first, and second degree mutilation for information or otherwise, this is torture of the first degree.
       
7. Kidnapping
   1. When an individual intentionally abducts, restrains, or confines another individual against their will without physical harm, or endangerment of the victim, this is kidnapping in the second degree.
   2. When an individual intentionally abducts, restrains, or confines another individual against their will with unintentional physical harm, or endangerment of the victim, this is kidnapping in the first degree.

 

CRIMES MATERIAL

 

1. Theft
   1. When an individual intentionally removes property without the consent of its owner, and this property totals up to five hundred minas in value, this is theft in the third degree.
   2. When an individual intentionally removes property without the consent of its owner, and this property totals greater than five hundred mina, up to two thousand mina in value, this is theft in the second degree.
   3. When an individual intentionally removes property without the consent of its owner, and this property totals greater than two thousand mina, up to any amount of mina in value, this is theft in the first degree.
       
2. Burglary
   1. When an individual unlawfully, and without consent of the owner, enters a property with the intent to commit a nonviolent crime, this is burglary of the second degree.
   2. When an individual unlawfully, and without consent of the owner, enters a property with the intent to commit a violent crime, this is burglary of the first degree.
       
3. Banditry
   1. When an individual intentionally deprives an owner of his moveable property through violent means or with promise of such, and this property totals up to one hundred fifty minas in value, this is banditry in the third degree.
   2. When an individual intentionally deprives an owner of his moveable property through violent means or with promise of such, and this property totals at least one hundred fifty minas, up to one thousand mina in value, this is banditry in the second degree.
   3. When an individual intentionally deprives an owner of his moveable property through violent means or with promise of such, and this property totals at least one thousand minas, up to any amount of mina in value, this is banditry in the first degree.
       
4. Vandalism
   1. When an individual unintentionally or through negligence defaces public or private property of a sum equaling one hundred and fifty mina, this is vandalism of the third degree.
   2. When an individual intentionally, unintentionally or through negligence defaces public or private property of a sum equaling at least one hundred and fifty mina, up to one thousand mina, this is vandalism of the second degree.
   3. When an individual intentionally, unintentionally or through negligence defaces public or private property of a sum equaling at least one thousand mina, up to a sum of any amount of mina, this is vandalism of the first degree.
       
5. Fraud
   1. When an individual unintentionally or negligently fails to abide by the terms of a written or verbal contract, misleads regarding its terms, or fails to meet a deadline of said contract, this is Fraud of the second degree.
   2. When an individual intentionally or negligently fails to abide by the terms of a written or verbal contract, misleads regarding its terms, or fails to meet a deadline of said contract, this is Fraud of the first degree.
       
6. Trespassing
   1. When an individual unlawfully and without consent of the owner enters a property considered private, this is trespassing, a misdemeanour.

 

CRIMES MALEFICAR

 

1. Aiding a Maleficar
   1. When an individual unintentionally or through negligence gives aid and succour within the border of the State, it is Aiding a Maleficar in the second degree.
   2. When an individual intentionally or through negligence gives aid and succour within the border of the State, it is heinously Aiding a Maleficar.
       
2. Harbouring a Maleficar
   1. When an individual unintentionally or through negligence brings a Maleficar into the borders of a state that observes Ember Law, without intent to turn them over to authorities, is Harbouring a Maleficar in the second degree.
   2. When an individual intentionally brings a Maleficar into the borders of a state that observes Ember Law, without intent to turn them over to authorities, is heinously Harbouring a Maleficar.
       
3. Acting as Maleficar
   1. When an individual intentionally seeks to practise magic granted by an Immortal in exchange for their Mortal Blessings or those of others, this is Acting as Maleficar in the second degree.
   2. When an individual practices magic granted by an Immortal in exchange for their Mortal Blessings or those of others, this is heinously Acting as Maleficar.

 

CRIMES ANATHEMA
 

 

1. Aiding an Anathema
   1. When an individual unintentionally or through negligence gives aid and succour within the border of the State, it is Aiding an Anathema in the second degree.
   2. When an individual intentionally or through negligence gives aid and succour within the border of the State, it is heinously Aiding an Anathema
       
2. Harbouring an Anathema
   1. When an individual unintentionally or through negligence brings an Anathema into the borders of a state that observes Ember Law, without intent to turn them over to authorities, is Harbouring an Anathema in the second degree.
   2. When an individual intentionally brings an Anathema into the borders of a state that observes Ember Law, without intent to turn them over to authorities, is heinously Harbouring an Anathema.
       
3. Acting as an Anathema
   1. When an individual intentionally seeks to practise magic granted by an Immortal in exchange for their Mortal Blessings or those of others, this is Acting as an Anathema in the second degree.
   2. When an individual practices magic granted by an Immortal in exchange for their Mortal Blessings or those of others, this is heinously Acting as an Anathema.