Commonwealth of the Petra 361 Share Posted February 28, 2025 (edited) Issued and averred by His Royal Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 163 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART ONE THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE PETRA Article I - Declarations of the Constitution I - On The Replacement Of The Constitution II - On The Alteration Of The Constitution Article II - The River Council Article III - The Powers of the Garmont Assembly I - The Powers Of The Assembly II - The Members Of The Assembly Article IV - The Crown of Saint Emma I - The Authority Of The Crown II - The Salvian Inheritance Article V - The Round Table I - The Duties Of The Table II - The Seats Of The Round Table PART TWO THE CIVIL CODEX Article I - Of the Capital I - On The City Of Vallagne II - On Elections And Elected Offices III - On The Swords of Saint Emma Article II - Of Nobility and Vassalage I - On The Levels Of Nobility II - On The Duties Of Vassals III - On Vassal Restrictions IV - On Succession And Regency Article III - Of Knighthood and the Petrine Laurel I - On Knighthood II - On The Duties Of Knights III - On The Seats Of Knights Article IV - Of Stylings I - On Stylings Of Honour And Nobility Article V - Of the Duties of the Petran I - On The Duties Of The Petran Article VI - Of Duels I - On Duels Within The Commonwealth PART THREE THE LEX PETTRES Article I - Of Banditry I - On The Definition Of Bandits II - On The Bandit Clause Article II - Of Justice And Trials I - On Justice Without Trial II - On Justice With Trial III - On Punishments Within Trial IV - On Specifications Of Crimes And Trials Article III - Of Crimes Against The Petra Article IV - Of Crimes Against The Person Article V - Of Crimes Against Property Article VI - Of Crimes Against God Article VII - Of Crimes Against Chivalry Article VIII - Of Magic ~ PART ONE ~ – the CONSTITUTION of the COMMONWEALTH of the PETRA– ARTICLE I, DECLARATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION I. On The Replacement Of The Constitution In order to replace the Constitution in the future, the Crown or the Government of the Commonwealth must submit it before the scrutiny of the Garmont Assembly to pass with a 2/3rds majority, and assent from the reigning Monarch. II. On The Alteration Of The Constitution In order to alter the Constitution, the proposed changes must be submitted to the scrutiny of the Garmont Assembly to pass with a 2/3rds majority, and assent from the Reigning Monarch. ARTICLE II, THE RIVER COUNCIL Named for the great River Petra, the lifeblood of the Commonwealth and the core of our society, the River Council shall serve as the sovereign’s executive cabinet and shall advise her on matters of sensitive import. The River Council shall be comprised of the following positions: The Chancellor, who shall serve as president of the council and the head of the Monarch’s government; The Vice-Chancellor, who shall serve as the Chancellor’s right hand, the primary scribe of the council and messenger from the government to the people; The Knight Commander, who shall serve as the head of the Petrine Laurel, set and uphold standards for both squires and the Knights of the Commonwealth, head the Round Table and uphold chivalry within the Commonwealth; The Master of Blades, who shall serve as the commander of the armed forces of the Commonwealth, and be charged with the protection of the citizenry of the Petra; The Grand Speaker, who shall serve as the head of the Garmont Assembly, to run and moderate the legislative body of the Commonwealth, and oversee elections of representatives to the Assembly, the Chancellor’s office, and the Mayor of Vallagne; The Grand Treasurer, who shall ensure proper use of the Commonwealth's treasury and collection of its taxes, properly document and track the income and expenditures of the Commonwealth, and manages its stewards; The Grand Chamberlain, who shall ensure that the court of the Petra is properly run and maintained in order to be utilised for festivities, events, and cultural gatherings within the Commonwealth; ARTICLE III, THE POWERS OF THE GARMONT ASSEMBLY I. The Powers Of The Assembly The Garmont Assembly, the Legislative Body of the Commonwealth of the Petra as overseen by the Grand Speaker, shall have powers to advise and counsel the sovereign and their government and propose changes to both sections of the Catherinian Code, the Constitution, and the Lex Petres. The Garmont Assembly may: i. Counsel the sovereign on any such matter of governance as pertinent to the realm, with the exception of sensitive executive matters, and move resolutions comprising their advice concerning these affairs; ii. Propose a candidate to the sovereign for the office of the Chancellor, and move resolutions on these proposals; iii. Summon the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet for a report, so as to maintain transparency on the realms affairs; iv. Impeach the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet in the context of investigations of misconduct; v. Propose alterations to the Catherinian Code; vi. Submit an official piece of guidance to the crown on matters relating to the Commonwealth; vii. Begin motions and debates through discussion within the Assembly; II. The Members Of The Assembly The Garmont Assembly shall be made up of three primary parties, being the Peers of the Realm or their chosen Representative, the Master or Mistress of a vassal city or their chosen Representative, and Elected members of the Citizenry through free election run by the Grand Speaker. There shall also be a seat for a representative of the Swords of Saint Emma. i. Peer seats will be traditionally held by the current head of the house. If a peer wishes to permanently change their house Representative, they must give a year’s notice to the Grand Speaker. ii. Formal Seatholders may submit bills, vote on bills and motions, summon government officials to the Garmont for an audit, file for the impeachment of government officials, nominate other Seatholders or be nominated to the Chancellery during elections, and nominate other Seatholders or be nominated to the position of Grand Speaker upon the Speaker’s retirement. iii. All seats may put forth a stand-in Representative if their Seatholder is unable to attend the Assembly, provided that Representative fits the original requirements of their seat. This stand-in may vote on any bills passed through the Assembly during their session, but does not hold the full privileges of a Seatholder outside that. They may only submit bills if those bills are sponsored by the Seatholder they are representing. iv. All Representatives will be beholden to the Garmont Assembly’s Code of Conduct. v. Members of the Assembly cannot hold more than one seat at a time. ARTICLE IV, THE CROWN OF SAINT EMMA I. The Authority of the Crown The Crown of Saint Emma is the only sovereign of which shall sit upon the Garmont Throne, and hold paramount authority within the Commonwealth of the Petra. Alongside this authority, they are tasked with upholding the expectations that come alongside this Constitution, the protection of the Commonwealth and the people therewithin. II. The Salvian Inheritance The reigning Monarch of the Commonwealth shall be the sole arbiter of succession within the House of the Petra. It shall be their duty to designate their successor from amongst the eligible pool of successors of the house, following multiple requirements. The rules regarding succession may only be amended with both the consent of the Regnant Queen or King, and that of a majority of the Garmont Assembly. i. Be of direct bloodline of the first Archduke of the Petra, Paul I. ii. Remain in good standing with the sovereign law and authorities of the Commonwealth, having not engaged in treasonous activity nor been disowned. iii. Live within the Commonwealth of the Petra as their Primary Residence iv. Rightfully hold the surname Temesch of the Petra, not having married out or relinquished the name. v. Hold no sworn allegiances, nor oaths, to any sovereign state other than the Commonwealth of the Petra. ARTICLE V, THE ROUND TABLE I. The Duties Of The Table The Round Table is the council of the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel. It holds two main purposes, being an advisory body to the Crown of Saint Emma, and to be the council that runs the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel through voting on the motions of Knighthood. II. The Seats Of The Round Table Each Knight may sit at the Round Table and gain a vote in the day-to-day, but the specific Seats shall be the high council of the Petrine Laurel. Each seat being a governorship over a region of the Crownlands, they will be the highest advisory council to the Crown, and the main votes on matters of high importance. ~ PART TWO ~ – the CIVIL CODEX – ARTICLE I, OF THE CAPITAL I. On The City of Vallagne The Capital city of the Petra, Vallagne, shall be led in sectors by multiple positions. It is through the cooperation with all of these offices that the Capital thrives and it is the duty of each to ensure that this is possible. 1. City Code i. All properties privately owned shall be subject to taxation ii. Taxation shall be collected on a yearly basis by the Grand Treasurer iii. Should taxes go unpaid, the Grand Treasurer may issue an eviction notice iv. Residents shall be beholden to building and alteration laws, which if broken may result in an eviction. 2. Public Locations i. All public locations and buildings are under the monitoring of the Grand Treasurer ii. Public Locations should not be altered or remodeled without the permission of the Grand Treasurer iii. Should a manager of a Public Building be found to not be adequately running the building, the Grand Treasurer may find a replacement. II. On Elections and Elected Offices 1. Elections i. Elections shall be held no more often than every 8 saints weeks. ii. Nominees must be at least 16 years of age to run for Garmont Assembly, and 18 years of age to run for Mayor or Chancellor. iii. Nominees must be in good standing with the Lex Pettres iv. Nominees must be a resident of the Commonwealth v. The official running the election may add or decide other requirements when election nominations are posted. vi. Requirements may not be changed for that election cycle once the nominations have been posted. vii. All elections require a public debate to be held between the candidates, with a full and accurate transcript of that debate being distributed within 24 Saint’s Hours before voting. viii. Nominations and Voting must be open for a minimum of 24 Saint’s Hours each, but is standardised to 48 Saint’s Hours each. ix. Nominees for Mayor of Vallagne and the Garmont Assembly will be selected based on the highest number of votes. x. Nominees for the Lord or Lady Chancellor must achieve at least half the votes in their election to win. If no candidate achieves at least half the votes, the lowest Nominee will be removed from the poll, and voting will be restarted between the two highest candidates. 2. Lord/Lady Mayor i. There shall only be one Lord or Lady Mayor of Vallagne at a time. ii. The Mayor is expected to work within the set laws of the City, or have changes signed off by the correct government official. iii. The Mayor may add laws to the city code, though they may be repealed by the River Council or subsequent mayors. iv. The Mayor is expected to work for the benefit of the residents of the City. v. As long as the Mayor gets their projects signed off on by the correct Government Official, they are not limited by regular restrictions within the City. vi. The Mayor shall be elected in terms of at least 8 weeks. Should the Grand Speaker not submit elections until further past, the Mayor will remain in office until the next election is held. 3. Elector of the Garmont Assembly i. The number of Elector Seats is to be decided by the Grand Speaker of the Garmont Assembly. ii. Electors are to work within the Garmont Assembly to write bills to change the Catherinian Code, send suggestions to the River Council, Crown, and Round Table, and to submit opinions on events to the government with the backing of the rest of the Assembly. iii. Bills and motions must pass through the Crown, to be given assent and signed into law. iv. Electors shall be elected in terms of at least 8 weeks. Should the Grand Speaker not submit elections until further past, the Electors will remain in office until the next election is held. v. Electors may be voted to be removed from their position if they are inactive within the Garmont. 4. The Lord/Lady Chancellor i. There shall only be one Lord or Lady Chancellor at a time. ii. Three Nominees shall be put forth, with one each from the Garmont Assembly, the Petrine Laurel, and the River Council, each body must put forth a unique Nominee. a. Each Nominee can only be nominated once, by one of the governing bodies. b. Nominee’s must fulfill all requirements set forth by the Catherinian Code. c. A Nominee must have been a citizen of the Commonwealth for at least 10 years. d. A Nominee must have been actively working within the Commonwealth for at least 5 years. e. A Nominee must be in good standing with the Catherinian Code f. A Nominee must be willing to run in the Chancellor’s Election iii. The names of the Nominees shall be given to the Monarch, who shall approve or decline a Nominee should they have concerns of integrity, honesty, intent, or if they believe the Nominee will work poorly with the Monarch. iv. Should a Nominee be denied, the body that Nominated them shall have one chance to choose a new Nominee. v. If both Nominees get denied, or if they re-nominate the originally declined Nominee a second time, the election shall proceed without a Nominee from that body. vi. Nominees are allowed to decline their nomination and should let the Crown or the Nominating Body know before the Chancellor debate has taken place. a. If the Nominee pulls out, or declines the Nomination after the Chancellor’s debate has taken place, the Nominating Body may not postpone to choose a new candidate. b. If the Nominee pulls out, or declines the Nomination before the Chancellor’s debate has taken place, the election and debate may be postponed to allow for a new candidate to be put forth. vii. The term of the Chancellor shall last for 20 years, unless the Chancellor chooses to retire before this limit, or the Monarch requests they step down. Upon the seat of the Chancellor being vacated, a new election will be held. viii. The Vice-Chancellor shall be selected by the Chancellor from between the two losing nominees, unless the Chancellor provides the Monarch with strong reasoning as to why neither candidate would be suitable. In which case, the Monarch and the Chancellor will work together to select an alternative. ix. An electoral debate must be hosted, and a transcript publicly posted before the election ballots may be sent out. III. On The Swords of Saint Emma The Swords of Saint Emma shall work alongside the knights of the Petrine Laurel, led by the Master of Blades. They are tasked with the protection of the City of Vallagne, and may be asked to assist on matters outside of the Petran Capital. 1. Ranks The Blades of Saint Emma shall consist of five ranks: Citizen Guard, Swordsman, True Blades, Blade Commandant, and the Master of Blades. 2. Powers i. Blade Commandants shall have the ability to punish crimes that were caught in the act and where the criminal is guilty without a doubt. ii. Swordsmen and above may arrest criminals, and request an official or knight schedule or hold a trial. iii. Citizen Guards may only assist in arrests, and may not lead arrests on their own unless absolutely necessary. ARTICLE II, OF NOBILITY AND VASSALAGE I. On The Levels of Nobility 1. Barony The lowest rank of nobility within the Commonwealth, Baronies are generally new families to the Commonwealth that have shown initiative and honour. They are a noticeable presence within the Commonwealth, and have a few members active in institutions or at ongoing events of the Nation. 2. Viscounty A step above a Barony, Viscounties have been within the Commonwealth for some time, and have a noteworthy presence within the nation. Their members are taking steps to become more well-known within the Commonwealth, and are beginning to become relatively involved. 3. County A moderate rank within the Commonwealth, Counties have been within the Commonwealth for some time, and have a decent presence within the nation. Their members are becoming more well-known within the Commonwealth, and are relatively involved in its institutions. 4. Margravate A Margravate holds land on the edge of the border of the Commonwealth, and is the first line of defence for the nation in war. However, Margravates are also held at a higher regard than their Comital counterparts. They are expected to be up to date and involved within the nation, and actively contribute to the institutions and defence of the Commonwealth. 5. Duchy A rank of great prestige within the Commonwealth. Duchies have been at the forefront of the Commonwealth, contributing great service and unquestionable devotion to the success of the nation. They are held in the highest regard, given their service. They are expected to be greatly involved in the affairs of the nation, actively contributing to its well-being. With such a great prestige bestowed upon them, the most is expected of them by the Commonwealth. II. On The Duties of Vassals 1. Fealty to the Crown It is the duty of each vassal of the Garmont Throne to obey the directives of the realm. In turn, the nobility themselves are given a number of privileges that are outlined within this document, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth. This expectation is held in the highest regard, and failure to abide by the edicts of the Garmont Throne shall be met to the fullest extent of Petrine law. 2. The Garmont Assembly Each Peer of the Realm is afforded a seat on the Garmont Assembly. They are expected to attend regularly, or send a representative to partake in legislation of the Commonwealth and voice their concerns and ideas within the legislative body. 3. Dire Military Assistance Military assistance in the form of the men-at-arms of the vassals may be requested by the Garmont Throne in times of emergency to the Commonwealth. Should such a need arise, the oath taken by these men to the crown shall prevail over any oath taken in service to these noble households. As such, in times of emergency these men, should the crown deem it necessary, shall fall under the command of the Master of Blades and the Sovereign of the Commonwealth. When the emergency has abated, these men shall return to the service of their respective lords and ladies as normal. 4. Taxation Each landed vassal is expected each year to pay a sum in taxes to the Garmont Throne. This is done for the maintenance of the realm and the expenditures of the Commonwealth. The amount each vassal shall pay shall vary depending on the rank and title each vassal holds, with those of greater standing within the realm expected to contribute accordingly as befits such a position. In times of great strife to the Commonwealth, vassals may be requested to make additional contributions for the greater survival of the Commonwealth. This may take the form of additional coin, arms, manpower, or materials from the lands of the nobility, only to be done in the most dire of situations. TAXATION RATES PER YEAR Taxation may be raised or lowered due to special circumstances, but should not be expected. BARONY - 125 mina VISCOUNTY - 150 mina COUNTY, MARGRAVATE - 175 mina DUCHY, FREE CITY - 200 mina III. On Vassal Restrictions 1. Vassalage No vassal may create a title under themselves to award another. A Duke shall not create a Margrave, a Margrave shall not create a Count under them, and so forth. The creation of titles is a privilege solely held by the Garmont Throne. Neither Vassals, nor Free Cities may create inheritable titles of nobility under them. 2. Knighthood No vassal may create a Knight of the Commonwealth. The honour of knighthood is reserved to the Petrine Laurel, and knights may only be added to the Petrine Laurel by the Monarch, Regent, Chancellor, or any that the Monarch allows. Knightly Orders are forbidden from being founded in the lands of vassals. No Knightly Order outside the Petrine Laurel may exist to represent the Commonwealth of the Petra. 3. Diplomacy No vassal may conduct political deals outside of the realm. Diplomatic treaties with other political entities are forbidden from being made by any vassal of the crown. Although the nobility may suggest a course of action be taken, they themselves are forbidden from undertaking such of their own accord. Free Cities are also beholden to this expectation, 4. Houseguards In the maintenance of their holds, each noble family is permitted to maintain a standing retinue of household guards. These men while in service to their respective house must also enlist in the Petran army, respond to the authority of the Master of Blades, and heed the word of the government first on any official business for Petra. Each family is expected to hold at most a reasonable amount of guards for their standing and needs, and an unnecessary number may be cause for concern. IV. On Succession, And Regency 1. Succession Vassals within the Petra may choose their Heir as the Crown does, by Selective Succession. Should a house not declare their succession to the Crown before their passing, then the next head shall default to the laws of Rosemore Succession. Eldest legitimate child no matter the gender. 2. Regency Should a Noble Peer be under the age of 16 then they shall require a Regent to lead and take charge of the Vassal and the responsibilities of a Peer. A regent may be chosen by the previous Peer, a majority of the Adults of the House, or be the main remaining guardian of the Child Peer. 3. Adoption Children adopted at or below the age of 14 shall be considered as full-blooded members of the house, and may be chosen to be the heir if the house runs by Selective Succession. Should a house choose Rosemore Succession, adopted children shall be put after trueborn children, in the order that they are adopted. Those adopted above the age of 14 may take the family name and be considered legally a member of the family, but cannot inherit the title. Exceptions to this rule may be handled on a case-by-case basis by the Crown. ARTICLE III, OF KNIGHTHOOD AND THE PETRINE LAUREL I. On Knighthood i. Knighthood within the Commonwealth may only be granted by the Monarch, or Regent. ii. Each Knight shall be assigned to a chapter within the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel, being the Chapter of Rapids, Chapter of Brooks, or the Chapter of Waves. iii. All Chapters of the Order will answer to the Knight Commander of the Order of the Petrine Laurel. iv. The Chapter of Rapids stands as a military and armed force, upholding the laws of chivalry, their pledges and duties. v. The Chapter of Brooks stands as a literary and civil force, upholding governmental and civil institutions, history, and literary works. They may be asked to fulfill duties of the Chapter of Rapids if they are capable. vi. The Chapter of Waves stands as an honorary position, achieved either after retirement from either the Rapids or the Brooks, or granted by the Monarch for exceptional service to the Commonwealth of the Petra. vi. Knights may only serve as an active member of the Petrine Laurel until they are 75 years of age as a Human, or have served for a maximum of 50 years. vii. Knights may be asked to step down to an honorary position by the Crown if they prove ineffective to the Order before the 75 years of age, or 50 year mark. II. On The Duties Of Knights i. Knights may be assigned as Governors of the different regions of the Petra, to watch over the homesteads, settlements, and vassals that live there. These knights are called Seated Knights and make up an advisory council to the Knight Commander, called the Round Table. Seats are granted to knights who have proved their loyalty and exceptional service over many years. Seats are a privilege and can be taken away from a knight who breaks their oath or remains stagnant in their position. ii. The Monarch may ask the Knights to sit as advisors on their Council, with their view from their direct experiences among the Commonwealth. iii. Knights will be called upon to act in defense of both the Commonwealth of the Petra and its allied nations in conflict, generally seeking to end bloodshed. The Knights will work closely with the Swords of St. Emma in this matter. iv. Each knight is expected to seek out a successor, whether they are seated on the Round Table or not. Knights are expected to only keep as many squires as they can reasonably teach. v. Knights may be expected to go on missions and investigations for the Crown or Nation. If they must be gone for a long period of time, they may temporarily allow their squire to train under another knight until they return. vi. If a Knight has not actively gone on patrol, participated in tournaments, or gone to knight meetings for 5 years, they will be stripped of their Knighthood unless the Knight Commander is made aware of the reason for their absence. If a Knight breaks their oath, they are also stripped of their knighthood. If it is a severe infraction, there may be more consequences vii. Knights are required to retire at the age of 75, or after 50 years of service, although they are allowed to retire earlier if they wish. III. On The Seats Of Knights i. Certain Knights may be assigned as Governors of the different regions of the Crownlands ii. The Crownlands are divided into seven Seats to be held by Knight Governors. The Seat of Val De Lagne The Seat of the Mardonlands The Seat of Mount Catrinne The Seat of Solland The Seat of Ladyr The Seat of Renilica The Seat of Seviel iii. The Governors are responsible for monitoring and eliminating darkspawn and other threats within their region, as well as being a point of contact to the Crown and the Round Table for the occupants of their region. ARTICLE IV, OF STYLINGS I. On Stylings Of Honour And Nobility Members of the River Council His/Her Excellency - Your Excellency Duke/Duchess Your Grace, His/Her Grace Margrave/Margravine The Most Honourable Count/Countess The Right Honourable Viscount/Viscountess The Honourable Baron/Baronessess The Lord/The Lady Peer Families His Lordship/Her Ladyship Elected Members of Government The Popular Non-Peer Government Members Mister/Miss ARTICLE V, OF THE DUTIES OF THE PETRAN I. On The Duties Of The Petran i. A Petran must carry with them a weapon for both their own protection and the protection of the Petra. ii. A Petran must wear clothes appropriate with Canonism, and the climate of the Commonwealth. iii. A Petran shall keep their word and promises. iv. A Petran is encouraged to be baptised Canonist. v. A Petran shall uphold honour and integrity. ARTICLE VI, OF DUELS I. On Duels Within The Commonwealth i. Duelers must attempt to resolve their grievance through dialogue and other mediation means before a duel may take place. ii. Each duelist must have a second, a trusted representative. a. The representative must advocate for peaceful reconciliation b. The representative must monitor the duels proceedings to ensure fairness and prevent dishonourable acts c. The representative must bear witness to the proceedings both before and after the duel d. The representative must be prepared to administer or seek medical treatment for either duelist. iii. The duel must follow basic protocol. a. Duels must take place upon Mount Catrinne, within view of the Aldtree. b. Duels may only be fought with one type of weapon, agreed upon beforehand. c. Duelists must agree beforehand to the win conditions of the duel, be it yield, first blood, or death. d. Ranged duels will begin by the duelists standing back-to-back, walking ten paces forward, then turning and loosing their shot. iv. Both parties must accept the fair conclusion of the duel, or be considered dishonourable and face consequences under Crimes against Chivalry. ~ PART THREE ~ – the LEX PETTRES – ARTICLE I, OF BANDITRY I. On The Definition Of Bandits i. A bandit is any person who attacks or threatens others to gain gear, knowledge, or to take another hostage, generally with intent to take mina, items, gear, or hostages for ransom. ii. A political bandit is a member of an aggressive state that participates in the above for the purposes of political or war gain. iii. Bandits generally wear dark clothes or un-marked armour, with covered faces. II. On The Bandit Clause i. Bandits are considered below the Law of the Commonwealth if caught in the act of banditry, and their lives are forfeit if they are undeniably bandits. ii. Any person may kill an active bandit within the Commonwealth without trial, as long as they can prove that they were undeniably a bandit. ARTICLE II, OF JUSTICE AND TRIALS I. On Justice Without Trial i. Members of the River Council, Commandants of the Swords of Saint Emma, and knights of the Sovereign Order of the Petran Laurel may enact justice without a full trial under certain circumstances. If one is not sure without a trace of doubt that circumstances fall within parameters, they are to seek out a member of the River Council, or the Monarch for clarification. ii. These officials may enact justice in their own right should a criminal be unquestionably guilty, or caught in the act of their crime. iii. Should there be any doubt of their guilt, a trial must be held. II. On Justice With Trial i. Any member of the River Council, Seated Knights, or the Mayor of Vallagne may preside over a trial as a Judge of the Commonwealth ii. The Monarch and the Chancellor may appoint members of the Commonwealth as ‘Judges of the Petra’ to also hold the power to preside over trials. iii. Trials for Crimes against Chivalry may be judged by a committee of three Knights of the Petrine Laurel, or one Seated Knight. III. On Punishments Within Trial i. Judges have nearly free reign over the punishments given at trials they oversee, however if a punishment is seen as unfit they may be overruled by the River Council or Monarch, and may face punishment themselves for corruption or lack of honour. IV. On Specifications Of Crimes And Trials i. Crimes Against The Petra may only be judged by a member of the River Council, or the Monarch themselves. ii. Crimes against the Person and Property may result in death. iii. Crimes against God should be consulted on with the Bishop of Casica, or a church superior. iv. Crimes against Chivalry may not result in death unless paired with another crime. ARTICLE III, OF CRIMES AGAINST THE PETRA I. Treason The act of betraying the Commonwealth of the Petra, its Sovereignty, or the Crown. II. Invasion The act of taking up arms against the Commonwealth of the Petra to vassalize, destroy, or otherwise harm the sovereignty of the Commonwealth. III. Corruption The act of an official putting their own gain above the needs of their nation and station, forsaking their own integrity and the integrity of their position. IV. Obstruction The act of purposely obstructing righteous judgement, medics from providing aid to the wounded, or the ongoings of the government. V. Imperial Advocacy The act of advocating for imperialism, pushing for imperialistic ideals and changes, or glorifying the time of the Orenian Empire in an attempt to push for imperialistic changes in current society or government. ARTICLE IV, OF CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON I. Assault The act of taking up arms against another to cause non-fatal harm to their person. II. Murder The act of killing another person, be it intentional or by mistake. III. Kidnapping The act of taking and holding another against their will. IV. Harassment The act of purposely causing issue for another person or continuously bothering them with the intent to cause non-physical harm. V. Defamation The act of unrightfully harming a person's reputation by spreading false information or rumours. VI. Enslavement The act of holding another's freedom and treating them like owned property, generally for labour. ARTICLE V, OF CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY I. Theft The act of taking items that belong to another without permission. II. Vandalism The act of damaging the land or buildings maliciously and without permission. III. Arson The act of lighting buildings or property on fire to damage it. IV. Trespassing The act of entering a personal residence, restricted or otherwise off limits area without invitation or permission, or refusal to leave. V. Environmental Vandalism The act of harming the nature, land, environment, and plants within the Commonwealth. VI. Horse Slaughter The act of killing a horse with no valid cause, a dishonourable act. A valid cause would be putting an injured animal out of its misery, or in dire circumstances. ARTICLE VI, OF CRIMES AGAINST GOD I. Forsaking Mankind The act of assisting, or becoming a creature of Iblees. II. Adultery The act of betraying the sanctity of marriage by laying or having relations with another. III. Witchcraft The act of learning and using dark magics. IV. Cross Breeding The act of laying with another outside of their descendant race. V. Heresy The act of publicly practising non-approved doctrines of Canonism VI. Heathenism The act of publicly practising a religion that believes in a God or religion outside of Canonism. ARTICLE VII, OF CRIMES AGAINST CHIVALRY I. Perpetuating Harm The act of neglecting the suffering of others, be it ignoring corruption, or standing by during the assault on an innocent. II. Refusal of Assistance The act of denying assistance to those that require it, be it leaving an injured with no help, or a distressed child alone. III. Disrespect of the Dead The act of allowing the desecration or disrespect of the dead, be it allowing the mutilation or a corpse, or denying a person a proper burial. IV. Lack of Honour The act of behaving dishonourably or disingenuously. Lying, breaking one’s word, cheating, or acting without common respect to another. ARTICLE VIII, OF MAGIC I. On The Definition Of Magic i. Magic is legally defined as the manipulation of mana to perform normally-unattainable feats. ii. Magic is split up into the following broad categories: a. Voidal a.i. Evocation magics, Translocation magics, Transfiguration magics, and other Void-based spellcasting b. Religious b.i. Aengul magics, spirit magics, and other magics that draw from the source of a patron. c. Non-Religious and Non-Voidal c.i. Bardmancy, Housemagery, and other magicks that do not source themselves from the Void or a patron. d. Dark Magic/Witchcraft d.i Necromantic magics, Warlock magics, and other magics which are considered of dark origin. iii. Mages are legally defined as those who are capable of performing magic without the use of enchantments or similar trinkets. II. On The Use Of Magic i. Those who cast magic are to be registered with the Court Mage of the Petra ii. The use of magic without registration within the Petra is expressly forbidden. Visitors to the Petra are not to perform more than small, token uses of magic unless it is in clear defense of one’s own life. iii. The use of magic for registered mages is to be allowed without restriction unless otherwise illegal through other parts of the Catherinian Code. iv. Witchcraft is excluded from all legal protections. Any citizen or visitor of Petra discovered to be utilizing Witchcraft will be immediately charged as having violated criminal law. HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Therin Adil, By the grace of GOD, King of the Petra, Prince of Abrana, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Duke of Valfleur, Count of Brasca, Moere, Temesch, and Torm Marian, Viscount of Mies, Baron of Eagles Peak, Garmont, Hrenthorne, Vallagne-en-Petra, and Resmore, and Wittenbach, Protector of the Meadows, and Defender of Liberty Edited February 28, 2025 by Commonwealth of the Petra 15 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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