cadazio

A cold sweat ran down the Grenser's back, in the very many times he kept to his chambers. That letter arrived in his suite some odd days later, to petrify the already downtrodden man. He shrieked, for days. The agonizing screams persisted as he refused to leave his chambers, haunting the Palace for excrutiating hours on end. Everything froze, there within that boy's heart. What love could he find now? How could he feel warmth again, as he had? He saw her face on every surface: the mirrors and the windows, reflected up at him from the garden ponds or on the clean plate if he ever chose to eat. What terrible fate had led to this? What had he done, against others, to be imparted of this? Pain turned, quickly, to guilt. Of what he could've said, of how he could've made her feel better. It was all gone now that the Falcon flew away.

[Song] ╔════ IN MEMORIAM ════╗ Ledicort Alexander de Senna 1983-2077 Helena Casimira de Senna ╚════ 1980-2077 ════╝ Ledicort was born the sickly third son of a Duke; a spare’s spare. An irrelevant station in a petty kingdom, he had the responsibility of his older brothers, who would stand to inherit. He was third before them, and was dutiful to his father, even as he held much envy. Though he’d scuffled with Helena, of whom he bitterly resented, he would continue to serve her family, afforded a choice over them. Would the Crown be better for a John or an Alexios, a Helena or a Hadrian? Heads. Callahan’s warnings had fallen on deaf ears, and the Cort was blind in his faith to the Novellen. A coin toss had bidden fate and he followed it. He met and married Emilija, of whom he thought he loved. Yet there was no love between them except that which were born of their union: Arowyn and Lenora he loved most, for they were his prides. She died of sickness, and he suffered, even in his resentment. Tails. An accusatory finger was cast toward Joren, and so he was made anathema and the world plunged into war. He ran from Balian, carried in an unnamed cart by the crafty Misha. He sojourned in Grense, as his home upon the Hill was close, and grew Lemons for Tiberias van Aert. Such friends did he become, that Ledicort served as his Lord Chancellor. Upon his travels, he met a one-eyed woman for the first time in ages. And of her he saw what he had missed in his regretful years, and he trusted her, so they met many times. Despite the hatred she must’ve harbored, he chose to give her another chance, as he had tried with her brother. Coins and fates could never remove his pity, and he pitied those who were persecuted, even if his definition was never consistent. The world twisted and changed around them, and they fell in love. Helena was born the wrathful third daughter of a King; a Novellen. She must cater to all, her parents said, as a friend to all and enemy to none – for our Kingdom is in a dire state and must live to see the next annum. But she was a troublesome child with a penchant for fighting. One such target of her and her handmaidens’ was Ledicort – a third son of the House Vuiller. Later in her youth, it would be that same son who had her brother, John, rise to the crown during their crisis in her stead. Tails. Amidst all this struggle, before the Church’s choice in heir could have been announced, the girl had become lost at sea. A crew dwindled to just one other – whom she married. But even across the sea, trouble still found her. It was a tumultuous marriage, of which only one child was born. Upon their return to the continent, Helena had become sickened by it – she killed her first husband. Heads. On the run from that haunting memory and in search of haven for her son, they came to Balian. But they were soon rejected, and so, they came to the then-Township of Grense. Luck would have it that the very Chancellor they were set to meet was none other than Ledicort. Dread gnawed at her heart once more, and it told her that she must run. But she chose different that day, and speak they did. In fact, their talks never ceased. The two met again at the encampment she’d set up at the furthest bounds of Grense, in hopes her kin might, too, defect to what would become the Kingdom of Burgundy. That night, she had another choice before her – a murder had brought her here, and a murder – the murder of their esteemed Chancellor – could bring her back to Balian. But she chose differently, and they fell in love. Heads. The ephemeral blinking of the eyes that is the Horenson’s life is meaningless without choice. For once, the coins the both of them played at life, and at their fates, united together. And there was balance between them, for he loved her and she loved him, and their sufferings were just lighter upon their shoulders. The sickly man became healthy, and the wrathful woman gained peace. Though health and peace never last. He, the Mule, who was always busy, was doomed to die boringly in his sleep. She, the Falcon, who was always brave, was doomed to die as choked by souffle. A coin was tossed for the both of them, and it was in neither of their hands. Fate, as they’d feared, became the final adjudicator; but in their judgement, there was health and peace. LETTERS OF PASSING held in a yellow envelope by yellow wax… My Falcon, @Mescaffier Lenora Johanna, @WhimsicalOwl Arowyn Laurelie, @harvestskies Phoebe Lucia, @Seva Ezra Helenus, @FireAGN My Other Children LETTERS OF PASSING held in simple, brown envelopes … My Lion, @cadazio Ezra Helenus de Senna, @FireAGN Lenora Johanna, @WhimsicalOwl Phoebe ‘Mallory’ de Senna, @Seva My Other Children To House Basileus

Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL CROWN LIBER I. PRAEFATIO ET RATIONE GENERALI LEGIS Titulus I. Prooemium, the Preface. Titulus II. Iura Caii, the Rights of Caius. Titulus III. de Ratione Generali Legis, of General Prescriptions of Law. LIBER II. LEX IMMUTABILIS Introduction Firstly, de Rebus Generalibus, and after; Titulus I. de Potestate Coronae, of the Crown. Titulus II. de Potestate Consilium Intimum, of the Privy Council. Titulus III. de Ordines Imperii, of the Imperial Assemblies. Titulus IV. de Potestate Gubernationis Capitalis, of the Capital Governance. Titulus V. de Natura Civitatis, of the State’s Nature. LIBER III. LEX MUTABILIS Titulus I. de Leges Civiles, of Civil Law. Titulus II. de Leges Criminales, of Criminal Law. Titulus III. de Ordine Nobilitatum, of the Order of Nobility. Titulus IV. de Ordine Militibus et Equitum, of the Order of Military. Titulus V. de Ordine Provinciarum Limitropharum, of the Order of Peripheral Provinces. SVMVS QVIA FVERVNT; QVIA SVMVS, ERVNT. We are because they were; because we are, they will be. L I B E R I PRAEFATIO ET RATIONE GENERALI LEGIS Preface and General Prescriptions of Law SANCTE CAIE DE WESTERLANDIA ORA PRO NOBIS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Titulus I | Prooemium ✷ Title I | Preface All Men of the Great Tapestry, For thus and this Order Sevenfold; of Seven Harmonies, dictated of the Lord’s most sacred number to be the most solemn and precious of things, made to be defended and kept in law. I have labored ‘fore war and peace, beneath the Restorer’s ceaseless gaze, the Conqueror’s endless campaigns, and now their sons; and so I shall remain, until I am returned to my fathers. The Lex and the institutions codified herein, the jurisprudence that inspired them and the authority they derive from, are the sacredest prescriptions of order and peace. They are not mere toys to be played with wantonly, but to be held in the greatest capacity; even if the Lex, as I leave it written, is not yet completely finished. That is for you, Elector and Burgher, to strengthen what is weak and shape what is abstract. Though my enfeebled hands may nary wield the blade of justice, nor for much longer the pen of edict, I give unto you Elector and Burgher a final gift, and with it, an old man’s request: I beg, es iustus, be just. Be temperate in your justice: never be cruel, nor overly placable. See that every deed is responded to accordingly, that no wrong be left unmet without due punishment, and use the tools of the Seven Harmonies afforded to you herein. They are at your disposal. I demand, es disciplinatus, be disciplined. Patience is the greatest foe of failure, commitment is the enemy of decay. Live the Lex throughout your lives, and find yourselves sharpened before the whetstone of its Senate. The more you work, the more will your equals and your lessers and your betters benefit. I warn, es prudens, be prudent. Quick tongues, silvered as they may be, can oft’ lead to chaos. Uncertainty and uneducation may be great obstacles, but you must overcome them. Know the facts, resolve the issues, and make yourself useful. I suggest, es sociabilis, be sociable. Find no echochamber of your surroundings, and make friends of enemies. You are brethren, cut of the same celestial cloth of creation that the Lord had weaved into being. It is your duty before your fellow Man, and his before yours, to ensure your mutual wellbeings. At last, I plead, es benignus, be kind. For your fellow Man and the unfortunate. I wish you the best of blessings, Ledicort A. de Senna Imperial Archchancellor, First Count Edessa Titulus II | Iura Caii ✷ Title II | Rights of Caius ART. 1. Ius Vitae (Right to Life) states that no man, woman, nor child shall be deprived of life or put to death without just cause. It is the Laurel of the Crown that bids, in the eyes of the Lord and as the Prophetic House of Horen, the protection of life, even when one must act to defend another. ART. 2. Ius Libertatis (Right to Freedom) states that no man, woman, nor child shall be a slave or indentured servant. It is the Laurel of the Crown that bids, in the eyes of the Lord and as the Prophetic House of Horen, that all the shackles of slavery be broken. ART. 3. Ius Dignitatis (Right to Dignity) states that no man, woman, nor child shall live in squalor or ignoble conditions. It is the Laurel of the Crown that bids, in the eyes of the Lord and as the Prophetic House of Horen, that the poorest be uplifted by means of charity and compassion. ART. 4. Ius Compensationis (Right to Compensation) states that all actions shall have their consequences; no unbroken law shall go without punishment, all promised oaths shall be upheld, and no misdeed shall be forgotten without justice. ART. 5. Ius Repraesentationis (Right to Representation) states that all men and women shall have their voices; that the masses and the Emperor are harmonious in legislation, neither one deaf to the other. ET EGO IVBEO: VOS DATE PARIBVS SVIS ABVNDANTIA SPIRITVS, QVI MEVM VERBVM EST. QVIA ABVNDANTIA SPIRITVS DIVIDERE NON POTEST, SED SOLA FRVCTIFICARE. And you shall give your fellows the abundance of the spirit, which is My Word. For the abundance of the spirit is never divided, but multiplied. - Commentary by St. Pius of Sutica, FSSCT (circa 360 AA). Titulus III | de Ratione Generali Legis ✷ Title III | of General Prescriptions of Law ART. 1. All books, titles, and chapters contained within this codex constitute the Lex Imperialis. ART. 2. This codex is definitive and binding; no authority may contravene or amend its provisions, save by sanctioned Bills of the Imperial Senate or decree of the Emperor. i. The Empire shall strive to maintain a unified codex of law, amending it as necessary to ensure its integrity and relevance. Caput I | de Fundamento Iuris Chapter I | of Legal Foundation ART. 1. A law is established when it is promulgated by the Imperial Crown. ART. 2. Laws act prospectively, unless explicitly stated otherwise. ART. 3. The Lex Imperialis applies to all individuals who reside within the boundaries of the Imperial State or its peripheral provinces. i. The Lex Imperialis is universal in nature and binds all individuals to whom it is directed. ii. Ignorance of the Lex Imperialis by a subject thereof is never presumed. ART. 4. Imperial laws must be interpreted in accordance with their intended meaning; any ambiguity or uncertainty must be resolved by reference to analogous provisions within the Lex Imperialis. ART. 5. Subsequent laws shall be interpreted in harmony with earlier statutes; the repeal of a previous law is not to be presumed, unless explicitly stated otherwise. ART. 6. Interpretations of Imperial law rendered by higher authorities shall take precedence over those provided by lower authorities. Caput II | de Iurisdictione Imperii Chapter II | of Imperial Jurisdiction Subcapitulum I | de Iurisdictione Iuridica Legis Imperialis Subchapter I | of the Legal Jurisdiction of Imperial Law ART. 1. Individuals shall be subjected to penalties under Imperial Law upon clear violation of the Lex Imperialis. i. Only a writ signed and sealed by the Lord Justiciar or the Emperor may afford the right to trial, under specific circumstances. ii. Disputed or unclear violations of the law are to be adjudicated by a designated officer of the law. iii. Subjects of the Imperial Crown may appeal a case decided by a local court to the Lord Justiciar for review. However, such appeals must meet criteria established by the Lord Justiciar and may be declined. iv. Disputes that occur across provincial boundaries or between subjects of different realms wherein the parties cannot mutually agree to a peaceful resolution are to be arbitrated by the Lord Justiciar under imperial law. ART. 2. An individual accused of violating Imperial Law under unclear circumstances shall be judged by an officer of the law. ART. 3. An individual is not considered to have breached Imperial law if the act in question was performed under duress. ART. 4. Individuals who are found to have violated Imperial law shall be held legally accountable in accordance with established procedures. Subcapitulum II | de Iurisdictione Territoriali Legis Imperialis Subchapter II | of the Territorial Jurisdiction of Imperial Law ART. 1. Imperial law possesses territorial jurisdiction in any and all polities within the boundaries of the Imperial State or its peripheral provinces. i. Jurisdiction of the Lex Imperialis supersedes all local and independent laws, customs, rights, and privileges not enumerated within this document. ii. Vassals may maintain semi-independent codices of law, in harmony with the Lex Imperialis and wider Imperial policy. a. In the event of a conflict between Imperial law and a separate codex of law, the former takes precedent as Lex Suprema Omnium Terrarum (Supreme Law of All Lands). b. Exceptions to Imperial law are permitted only by writ of the Imperial Crown. c. Semi-independent codices of law must be pre-approved by the Imperial government, and possess jurisdiction only within the recognized territory of the party. ART. 2. Imperial law exercises jurisdiction over any crime committed by an individual who is subject of Lex Imperialis, in accordance with BK1, T3, Ch. 1, Art. 3. ART. 3. Imperial law exercises jurisdiction over any crime committed against a victim who is a subject of Lex Imperialis, in accordance with BK1, T3, Ch. 1, Art. 3. L I B E R I I LEX IMMUTABILIS The Immutable Laws of Man SANCTE ADRIANE DE LEUVAARDEN ORA PRO NOBIS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ART. 1. The Lex Immutabilis (Immutable Laws) constitute all provisions outside of the Imperial Senate’s purview, to be amended exclusively by decree of the Crown. i. Bills presented before the Senate, including provisions aimed toward T1 & T2 of the Lex Immutabilis, shall be considered void and immediately vetoed. ART. 2. Additional Titles may be proposed as Bills in the Senate; however, larger additions to the Lex Immutabilis require an extraordinary two-thirds majority vote in both the Landsraad and the Burgherraadbefore being presented to the Emperor. ART. 3. BK2 T3 & T4 are categorized as Semi-Immutabilis (Semi-Immutable), and therefore, in the Senate’s competency. i. Bills presented for these provisions may undergo the regular process of legislation, mirroring the Lex Mutabilis. ii. Certain Bills (especially as regards BK2 T4) may be instantly vetoed over matters of national identity or culture, at the Crown’s discretion. Titulus I | de Potestate Coronae ✷ Title I | of the Crown ART. 1. The Crown of the Empire of Man shall comprise the sitting sovereign Emperor of the House of Horen. ART. 2. All legitimacy and authority of the processes of government, law, vassalage, military, and state shall derive exclusively from the will of the Crown. ART. 3. The Iura Caii, as detailed in BK1, T2 - thus the Universal Rights of Man - shall derive exclusively from the will of the Crown. ART. 4. Only the Crown may adjudicate or scrutinize over its own actions, and therefore cannot be held liable by any body or institution. Caput I | de Iura Coronae Chapter I | of the Rights of the Crown ART. 1. The Crown, under absolute divine authority, may act upon all things with complete immunity. Caput II | de Successione et Titulis Imperii Chapter II | of Succession and Imperial Titles ART. 1. Succession shall occur under the law of agnatic primogeniture, to its fullest possible extent. ART. 2. The eldest legitimate male-born progeny of the Emperor shall be bestowed the titular Duchy of Grense. i. The eldest legitimate male-born progeny of the Duke of Grense shall be bestowed the titular Duchy of Middelan. ART. 3. The legal death or abdication of the Crown shall mark the immediate succession of all titles, rights, and obligations of the Crown unto the incumbent Duke of Grense. i. The legal death of the Emperor, Duke of Grense, or Duke of Middelan by virtue of disappearance may only be declared after a ten-year period in which their person, or a definitive sign of their presence, has not been seen. ii. Abdication is valid only when promulgated via public decree by the sitting Emperor in sobriety and with a clear mind, and without threat of duress. iii. Abdicated former Emperors shall be known as an Imperator Emeritus (alt. Emperor-Abdicates) and are prohibited from exercising the duties of the Crown, though they may serve as counsel to the House of Horen. ART. 4. Should the legal death of the Duke of Grense occur before his inheritance, responsibilities of succession shall be passed unto the incumbent Duke of Middelan or his issue in linear primogeniture. i. Should the Emperor have left no issue, then it shall pass to his legitimate brothers, older brothers taking precedence over younger brothers. ii. Should the Duke of Grense have left no issue, then it shall pass to his legitimate brothers, older brothers taking precedence over younger brothers. iii. Should the Duke of Middelan have left no issue, then it shall pass to his legitimate brothers, older brothers taking precedence over younger brothers. iv. In any of the aforementioned circumstances, upon the death of the brother, the legitimate issue of that brother shall inherit in linear primogeniture. ART. 5. In the case that the Crown has had no issue nor any living legitimate brothers upon their legal death, linear primogeniture shall come into effect retrospectively and toward their closest legitimate agnatic relative; beginning with their eldest uncle, to the eldest male first cousin, et cetera. i. Imperatores Emeriti may not inherit after their abdication. ART. 6. In the case that no clear successor can be identified, the remaining House of Horen must convene a Concilium Successionis to identify the most legitimate successor per the guidelines above. i. Only members of the House of Horen within realistic boundaries of relation to the deceased Emperor may be elected. Subcapitulum I | de Titulis Imperii et Commemorationibus Subchapter I | of Imperial Titles and Commemorations ART. 1. Imperial Titles of Signature, the titles held by the Emperor of Man by virtue of his office, shall be inextricable to the Crown and thus unamendable except for an Instrumentum Notariale; that is, a Notary. i. Notaries are special decrees signed and promulgated exclusively by the Emperor, detailing changes to the Imperial Titles of Signature, be it in their contents, their bestowal, or extraordinary inheritances (i.e., single-title special bestowals unto members of the House of Horen, etc.). ii. Notaries may be private to the House of Horen or released to the public, solely at the Emperor’s discretion. iii. Notaries are not required for the bestowal of titles to the Emperor’s non-firstborn legitimate children. ART. 2. The Crown assumes the Empire of Azuras & of All Mankind as Sanctus Imperator Mundi (Holy Imperator, alt. Burgundian Imperator Mundi; and implicitly, Holy Orenian Emperor), and the Kingdoms of Burgundy, Courland, Kaedrin, Mardon, Marna, Oren, Renatus, Salvus, Santegia, Seventis, Vandoria & the Westerlands. ART. 3. The Crown assumes the Duchies of Grense (bestowed upon the Crown Prince), Middelan (bestowed upon the Crown Prince’s legitimate firstborn son), Aenus, Avar, Cascadia, Crownlands, Erochland, Helena, Istria, Kingston, Krajia, Reutov, and Sunholdt; as well as the Counties of Ager, Canta & Rittersberg and the Baronies of Dragonspeak & Senntisten. ART. 4. The Crown assumes the Protectorship of All Humanity (i.e Mankind) and the Heartlander people and Defender of the Faith as Captain-General; as well as Dynast of All Dragonsblood. ART. 5. The following are celebrated as the regnant Emperors of Man and their epithets; T I B E R I A S R E S T I T V T O R - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Restorer, Tiberias I Horen 604 AA - 630 AA H A D R I A N V S C O N Q V E S T O R - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Conqueror, Hadrian I Horen 630 AA - 647 AA [Portrait Pending] M A R C V S - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Marcus I Horen 647 AA - Incumbent Titulus II | de Potestate Consilium Intimum ✷ Title II | of the Innermost Privy Council ART. 1. The Magnus Ordo Consultativus (Grand Order of Advisory), otherwise known as the Privy Council of Man (alt. Innermost Council, Privy of Middelan), shall comprise the executive institutions of the Crown’s government, operating under the coordination of the Imperial Archchancellor. i. The Council shall exercise executive authority as delegated by the Emperor, implementing His directives in governance, administration, and the welfare of the Empire. ART. 2. Members of the Privy Council shall be appointed and dismissed solely by the Crown, and shall exercise their offices under the oversight of the Archchancellor. i. Appointees shall be inducted ex officio into the Magnus Ordo Consultativus, receiving the Sash and Staff of their respective Ministry, and exercising the duties and rights of office. ii. Dismissed or retired former members shall have their membership in the Magnus Ordo Consultativus revoked and are prohibited from exercising the duties or rights of office. iii. Ministers shall organize and supervise subordinate offices within their ministries, establish roles and deputies, and submit to periodic audits by the Archchancellor. ART. 3. Members of the Privy Council, as principal advisors to the Crown, shall exercise their duties with authority and shall not be obstructed in the execution of their ministries. i. They shall be protected from disturbances, detention, or interference in the exercise of their official duties, and during travel within Imperial provinces or to vassals in the execution of official business. a. Such may occur only by direct command of the Crown or under warrant issued by the Imperial Justiciar and Archchancellor. Caput I | de Compositione Ordinis Chapter I | of the Order’s Composition ART. 1. The Privy Council, foremost Ministers to the Emperor, shall be composed of; i. The Imperial Archchancellor, ii. The Imperial Chamberlain, iii. The Imperial Treasurer, iv. The Imperial Justiciar, v. The Imperial Marshal, vi. The Imperial Grand Knight. ART. 2. The Imperial Archchancellor, upon his or her induction into the Magnus Ordo Consultativus, shall receive the Gold Yellow Sash and Staff of St. Adrian of Leuvaarden, incurring thereby; i. A permanent seat upon the Privy Council until resignation or dismissal, as Grand Minister of the Government, styled as His/Her Imperial Excellency, ii. The duty to; a. Serve as the Crown’s chief advisor, presiding over the Privy Council and directing the operations of the Imperial Government, coordinating the Emperor’s ministries in the faithful execution of the Crown’s will, and ensuring coherence among their functions, b. Advise the Crown, as per BK2 T2 Art. 2, in the appointment and dismissal of Ministers to the Privy Council, c. Establish and administer the Imperial Chancellery, directing its offices in the fulfillment of executive duties, and appointing and dismissing a Chancellery Council composed of officers, each styled as His/Her Excellency; i. The Vice-Chancellor, as a deputy overseer of Chancellery and Senatorial affairs, ii. The Master Emissary (alt. High Emissary), for matters of foreign and intervassal diplomatic affairs, iii. The Master Physician, for matters of Imperial health and medicine, iv. The Master Reeve, for matters of civil affairs and Senatorial notices, d. Assume the duties of the Crown in the case of its incapacitation as Regent, or as Lord Protector in possible crises of the succession, e. Moderate petitions before the Imperial Court and convey the concerns of the Empire’s subjects and dignitaries to the Crown, f. Act as the Crown’s representative in the Emperor’s absence, g. Issue edicts and administrative decrees, including those concerning taxation or governance, consistent with the will and policy of the Crown, h. Actively participate in both Chambers of the Senate as a permanent seat-holder, overseeing the drafting and submission of legal codex revisions through the Chancellery and Senate. ART. 3. The Imperial Chamberlain, upon his or her induction into the Magnus Ordo Consultativus, shall receive the Burgundy Purple Sash and Staff of St. Arianne of Ves, incurring thereby; i. A permanent seat upon the Privy Council until resignation or dismissal, as Lord/Lady Minister of the Household, styled as His/Her Imperial Excellency, ii. The duty to; a. Steward over the Celosian Courts of Man, under the guidance and instruction of the incumbent Empress consort, b. Maintain order within the Imperial Household, employing servantry and managing domestic courtly affairs, c. Organize and coordinate festivities and holiday celebrations throughout the wider Empire, d. Curate Imperial culture and high society, e. Recruit, appoint, and maintain a registry of courtiers, artisans, and officials necessary for the operation of the Court and the execution of the Empress’s initiatives. ART. 4. The Imperial Treasurer, upon his or her induction into the Magnus Ordo Consultativus, shall receive the Vert Green Sash and Staff of St. Tobias of Sarkoz, incurring thereby; i. A permanent seat upon the Privy Council until resignation or dismissal, as Lord/Lady Minister of the Vaults, styled as His/Her Imperial Excellency, ii. The duty to; a. Oversee all operations of the Imperial Treasury, tracking and auditing revenues, expenditures, and extraordinary funds, b. Advise the Crown in the development of vassal, fiscal, or excise tax policy, c. Collect vassal tax, revenue, and rent from within the Imperial Crownlands, as well as all tribute as accorded with the Imperial Provinces, d. Maintain detailed ledgers of property ownership, associated taxes, and the eviction of these as necessary, e. Establish and administer the Ministry of the Treasury (alt. Imperial Treasury), staffing the office as necessary, f. Audit and inspect the Imperial Treasury, affiliated financial entities, and the accounts of vassals and sub-vassals, ensuring proper compliance, while inspections of vassals’ finances shall require the assent of the Crown or the Archchancellor. g. Allocate resources into predetermined budgeted Imperial institutions or programs. ART. 5. The Imperial Justiciar, upon his or her induction into the Magnus Ordo Consultativus, shall receive the Azure Blue Sash and Staff of St. Rick Felder of Kaedrin, incurring thereby; i. A permanent seat upon the Privy Council until resignation or dismissal as Lord/Lady Minister of Law, styled as His/Her Imperial Excellency, ii. The duty to; a. Oversee all civil and criminal law within the Empire, adjudicating offences against the State, Crown, or nobility, and presiding over trials, including trials by combat or other special procedures, b. Establish and maintain courts, legal procedures, and the Imperial Justiciary, including recruiting judges, prosecutors, executioners, and Quaestors as agents of the state, c. Appoint and supervise the Grand Inquisitor, head of the Office of the Inquisition under the Imperial Justiciary, tasked with enforcing the Imperium’s will over daemonic, maleficar, and matters of the magickal occult, d. Revisions to Imperial legal codices, must receive prior assent from the Emperor or Archchancellor before enactment, e. Maintain a registry of Justiciary personnel for the enforcement of law and the Emperor’s peace, f. Create a tribunal to adjudicate over criminal matters, if determined to be necessary per BK1 T3 Ch. 2 Subchp. 1 Art. 1 Cl. i. ART. 6. The Imperial Marshal, upon his or her induction into the Magnus Ordo Consultativus, shall receive the Tenne & Black Sash and Staff of St. Charles of Petrus, incurring thereby; i. A permanent seat upon the Privy Council until resignation or dismissal as Lord/Lady Minister of War, styled as His/Her Imperial Excellency, ii. The duty to; a. Command the Crownland’s organized military force, organizing the wider Imperial levies for the defense of the realm, the True Faith, and the Emperor’s peace, b. Recruit, train, and maintain military personnel, ensuring combat readiness and discipline across all Imperial forces, c. Establish and oversee military exercises, wargames, and training programs to maintain high standards of performance, d. Supervise the deployment and management of all banners, garrisons, and auxiliary forces in service to the Emperor and mankind, f. Maintain a registry of commissioned officers and enlisted personnel under the Imperial Army to ensure order, accountability, and effective operations, g. Create and oversee Iudicium Militare (lit. ‘Court Martials’) for crimes particular to military personnel, with help from the Imperial Justiciar. ART. 7. The Imperial Grand Knight, upon his or her induction into the Magnus Ordo Consultativus, shall receive the Gules Red Sash and Staff of St. Edmond of Lachsin, incurring thereby; i. A permanent seat upon the Privy Council until resignation or dismissal as Lord/Lady Minister of Dignities, styled as His/Her Imperial Excellency, ii. The duty to; a. Serve as the Grandmaster of the Order of the Red Dragon, the Knight of Knights, maintaining ledgers of membership within this order and distributing its resources and manpower as necessary, b. Recruit and supervise knights, affiliated squires, and pages of the Order of the Red Dragon, training and recommending their ascension to knighthood to the Crown per standards of membership, c. Coordinate with the Lord Marshal on military campaigns and operations as need arises, d. Organize tournaments and martial exercises to uphold the honor, discipline, and reputation of the Imperial Dragon-Knights. e. Maintain a codex of all knightly orders and their membership within the Empire, ensuring their organization, readiness, and accountability to the Crown. Titulus III | de Ordines Imperii ✷ Title III | of the Imperial Assemblies ART. 1. There shall be two assemblies within the Empire: the Landsraad and the Burgherraad. i. The Crown retains the authority to summon, adjourn, or dissolve either Assembly at will, ii. The Archchancellor shall exercise administrative oversight through the Imperial Chancellery, which shall manage electoral processes, voter registration, and official documentation concerning the assemblies. Caput I | de Landsraad Chapter I | of the Landsraad ART. 1. The Landsraad shall consist of ten seats held by the principal vassals of the Crown and members of the higher nobility. i. Members, known as Electors, shall be summoned according to service to the Crown, with peers changing at the Emperor’s command, ii. The Emperor may appoint sub-vassals or other nobles to participate in the Assembly at the Crown’s discretion. ART. 2. Lords summoned to the Landsraad may appoint a trusted member of their household to represent them in routine legislative deliberations, brought upon by review from the Burgherraad, or to propose their own legislative proposals. i. Such appointees must be at least eighteen years of age, ii. Appointees must remain in good standing with the Empire and the Church, iii. Appointees must not be under a writ of banishment or excommunication. ART. 3. The Landsraad shall be presided over by the Crown unless otherwise delegated. i. The Crown, often assisted by the Archchancellor, shall guide debate, oversee deliberation, and regulate proceedings, ii. All official notices, declarations, and communications of the Landsraad shall be issued through the Archchancellor. ART. 4. The Landsraad shall convene upon summons of the Crown. i. It may deliberate upon matters concerning vassal relations, military affairs, petitions among the nobility, and other questions affecting the governance of the Empire, ii. It shall review legislation passed by the Burgherraad prior to its presentation to the Crown, iii. It may propose its own bills and resolutions pertaining to laws or other matters of imperial concern, iv. At the discretion of the Crown, sessions may be expanded to include representatives of the Imperial Provinces. Caput II | de Burgherraad Chapter II | of the Burgherraad ART. 1. The Burgherraad shall consist of representatives elected from among the free citizens and lesser nobility of the Imperial Crownlands. i. Representatives shall be chosen from defined electoral districts, ii. The number of seats assigned to each district shall be determined according to population data from the Imperial Census. ART. 2. Members of the Burgherraad shall serve six-year terms. i. Elections shall commence upon expiration of the normal term or upon dissolution by the Crown, ii. Outgoing and incoming members shall convene in a transitional session to swear their oaths and assume their seats, iii. The year following the dissolution of a sitting assembly shall be considered the electoral season, a. Candidates shall declare their candidacy at the beginning of the year, b. Voting shall occur near the end of the year, c. Newly elected members shall be sworn into office at the first session of the following year. ART. 3. Residents of an electoral district may stand for election to the Burgherraad if they are: i. At least eighteen years of age, ii. In good standing with the Empire and the Church, iii. Not members of a noble house represented in the Landsraad, iv. Not under writ of banishment or excommunication, v. Not presently serving a mandatory break after three consecutive terms. ART. 4. Members of the Burgherraad may serve three consecutive terms. i. Upon completion of three terms, a member must abstain from office for one full term before again becoming eligible for election. ART. 5. The Burgherraad shall elect from among its members a presiding officer known as the Voorzitter, who shall be accountable to the Archchancellor in all matters of recordkeeping and administrative management. i. The Voorzitter shall preside over sessions, recognize Burghers, and maintain order during debate, ii. Legislative submissions shall be received by the Voorzitter prior to the session and reviewed under the oversight of the Archchancellor, iii. Records of attendance, votes, minutes, amendments, and legislative submissions shall be maintained under the supervision of the Archchancellor, iv. The Voorzitter may appoint scribes or deputies to assist in these duties. Caput III | de Processu Legislationis Chapter III | of the Legislative Process ART. 1. Legislative submissions may take the form of Bills or Resolutions. i. Bills shall be proposals of amendment or addition to the Lex Imperialis, ii. Resolutions shall be declarations of low-level policy, procedure, or public intent. ART. 2. Both assemblies may deliberate upon and vote on matters contained in the Lex Immutabilis from T3 onward, and the entirety of the Lex Mutabilis. i. BKI and T1 & T2 of BK2 are reserved exclusively to the Crown for revision. BK2 T3 onwards shall be subject to greater scrutiny before the Crown and have a higher likelihood of being vetoed. ART. 3. Representatives shall faithfully perform their duties, attend all sessions, and participate in the legislative process. i. At the start of the first session of the Burgherraad, each Burgher must swear fealty to the Crown in the presence of the Archchancellor or his representative, before taking their seat or partaking in debate, ii. Representatives shall be present for all sessions; persistent absence will be noted, and sanctions at the discretion of the Archchancellor may apply, iii. All Bills and Resolutions shall be delivered before the session to the Voorzitter for review, iv. Submissions shall proceed in order: presentation, debate, amendment, and final vote, a. Amendments must pertain directly to the matter at hand and may be proposed by any Representative; adoption requires a simple majority, b. All Burghers present shall cast either an aye or nay vote on the final submission, c. Burghers may declare conflicts of interest and abstain, which shall be recorded by the Voorzitter, d. Absentee voting is permitted and regulated by the Voorzitter, e. A simple majority of seated Burghers constitutes a quorum, v. Submissions approved by the Burgherraad shall be sent to the Landsraad for review, amendment, and approval or rejection prior to presentation to the Crown, a. Submissions initiated by the Landsraad, once approved by a majority of their representatives, shall proceed directly to the Emperor without review, b. Any amendments or rejections by the reviewer shall be communicated with commentary or instructions, c. Bills approved by the Crown shall be promulgated as binding law and incorporated into the Lex Imperialis. ART. 4. The procedures outlined in Art. 3 may likewise apply to electors, or their representatives, when presenting proposals for deliberation before the Landsraad. i. Such proposals must be presented to the Archchancellor for preliminary review prior to deliberation. ART. 5. The Imperial Assemblies shall convene in regular sessions at least once per saint’s year during the Assemblies' six saint’s year terms. Additional gatherings may be called by the Crown as necessary. Titulus IV | de Potestate Gubernationis Capitalis ✷ Title IV | of the Capital Governance ART. 1. The governance of the Free City of Rittersberg shall be exercised through the municipal offices constituted herein, under the authority of the Crown and the oversight of the Imperial Archchancellor. Caput I | de Magistratibus Urbis Chapter I | of the City Officers ART. 1. The principal municipal officers of Rittersberg shall consist of: i. The Lord Mayor of Rittersberg, ii. The Head Steward of Rittersberg. ART. 2. The Lord Mayor shall serve as the chief executive of the city, below the Emperor himself, exercising municipal authority under the supervision of the Crown via the Archchancellor. Its duties of office include: i. The appointment and dismissal of municipal officials, and the delegation of authority to them for routine administration. ii. Overseeing municipal budgeting, construction, demolition, and property reassignment, tasks which may be delegated unto the Head Steward. iii. Organizing city events, approving guild activities, or encouraging citizen participation, iv. The right to report to the Justiciary or evict criminals, with consultation from the Head Steward or the Imperial Justiciar. ART. 3. The Head Steward shall serve as the chief administrator over the city’s stewardry; overseeing property, and fiscal management. Its duties and requirements of office include: i. To be appointed jointly by the Lord Mayor and the Lord Treasurer to remain accountable and subordinate to the Imperial Treasury in matters of taxation and finance. Should the appointment be refused or withheld by either party, the Archchancellor shall render final decision. ii. Administrate over all real estate within the city, including municipal holdings and private properties, and stewarding over their management in accordance with municipal and Imperial regulations, iii. Levy and collect municipal taxes, ensuring the city’s finances are managed appropriately, iv. Appoint and dismiss subordinate stewards, and evict tenants occupying abandoned or derelict properties in the execution of these duties, v. Report to the Lord Mayor concerning the finances, properties, and administration of the stewardry, but may execute routine administrative actions independently as required for the management of the city, answering therefore directly to the Lord Treasurer or the Archchancellor. Caput II | de Electione Maioris Chapter II | of the Election of the Mayor ART. 1. The Lord Mayor shall be elected by the citizenry in accordance with the laws of the Crown and under the supervision of the Imperial Archchancellor. These elections shall be conducted by the Imperial Chancellery and promulgated by their writ. ART. 2. To be eligible for candidacy, a person must be a citizen of Rittersberg of at least twenty years of age, and must have maintained residence within the City for no fewer than five years. All candidates must demonstrate loyalty to the Crown and the Church, and have a record of good conduct within the City. ART. 3. Nominations for Mayoral Office may be presented by citizen petition, political parties, or by recognized guilds of the City, and all nominations must be validated by the Imperial Archchancellor prior to the election to confirm eligibility. ART. 4. The Mayor shall be elected by a simple majority of the citizenry. If no candidate achieves a majority, a run-off election shall be held between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes. ART. 5. The Mayor shall serve a term of six years. Upon completion of a full term, the Mayor may stand for re-election only twice; they may never attain a fourth term. Caput III | de Consilio Urbis Chapter III | of the City Council ART. 1. The City Council of Rittersberg shall serve as the municipal legislative body of the Free City of Rittersberg. i. The Council shall consist of the Mayor, the Head Steward, the Tavern Master of Rittersberg, and two Guild Masters with affiliated businesses, appointed by the Mayor. ii. The Council shall deliberate upon matters concerning the governance and administration of the city and may enact municipal statutes subordinate to the Lex Imperialis and the authority of the Crown. ART. 2. The City Council shall convene no fewer than three times during the term of a Mayor. ART. 3. Citizens of Rittersberg may submit petitions to the City Council proposing new municipal statutes, amendments to existing local laws, or other matters of public concern at public forums, held at least three times during a Mayor’s term. i. All petitions must have the signatures of at least five citizens to be considered. Such petitions may be enacted, amended, or rejected, and the Council must provide a written explanation of its decision. Titulus V | de Natura Civitatis ✷ Title V | of the State’s Nature ART. 1. The official calendar, and therefore the dates as recognized by the Imperial State, to be detailed as thus: i. Firstly, the Tiberian Calendar, dated from the ascension Exalted Godfrey (A.A), ii. Secondly, the Imperial Calendar, dated from the times of the Kings of Yore (I.C), iii. For both of these calendars, it is that the following dates are recognized: a. All units of time which utilize the term ‘Elven’ shall now be replaced with the term ‘Saint’s’, b. The so-called “Seeds” shall now be referred to as ‘Legacies’, c. ‘Snow’s Maiden’ shall thusly be referred to as ‘Horen’s Calling’, d. ‘Malin’s Welcome’ shall thusly be referred to as ‘Owyn’s Light’, e. ‘The First Seed” shall thusly be referred to as ‘Godfrey’s Triumph’, f. ‘The Grand Harvest’ shall thusly be referred to as ‘Aurelian’s Glory’, g. The “Sun’s Smile” shall remain as the ‘Sun’s Smile’, h. ‘The Amber Cold” shall thusly be referred to as ‘Harren’s Folly’, i. ‘The Deep Cold’ shall thusly be referred to as the ‘Dragon’s Roar’. ART. 2. The arms of the House of Horen are to be determined as thus, to be claimed by no other; i. Quarterly. First, sable, a cross fivefold or; Second, burgundus, a knight in plate argent mounted upon a horse courant argent, in each corner a cross potent or; Third, burgundus, a mace sable between two skulls argent; Fourth, or, a globus cruciger sable beneath three dragon heads couped sable, dexter facing dexter, sinister facing sinister, and center affronté. ART. 3. The Imperium shall recognize the True Faith as its official state religion, and the High Pontiff as its supreme representative and head of faith, ruling over the legitimate Church of the True Faith. i. Individual regions, if permitted by the Crown, may recognize distinct faiths as its official, regional cultural rites. They may not, however, intentionally blaspheme against the Church. ART. 4. The Imperium shall recognize Jrentic (Common) and Lodenlander as its official languages, and Prisca (Flexio) for matters of the Lex. i. Individual regions may recognize distinct official, regional languages. ART. 5. The commemorated Emperors of Oren and Man, with dates recorded in the Imperial Calendar: i. The First Emperors of Humanity, a. (I) Godfrey I the Great, Holy Orenian Emperor [1379-1405] (House of Horen) b. (II) Horen I the Black, Holy Orenian Emperor [1405-1420] (House of Horen) c. (III) William I the Weak, Holy Orenian Emperor [1420-1426] (House of Horen) ii. The First Interimperium [1426-1431], a. (IV) Sigismund I Soothsayer, Holy Orenian Emperor [1431-1447] (House of Carrion) iii. The Second Interimperium [1447-1457], a. (V) Peter I the Kaedreni, Holy Orenian Emperor [1457-1463] (House of Chivay) b. (VI) Robert I the Quadroon, Holy Orenian Emperor [1463-1467] (House of Chivay) c. (VII) Boris I the Desired, Holy Orenian Emperor [1467] (House of Carrion) d. (VIII) Tobias I Rosebud, Holy Orenian Emperor [1467-1480] (House of Carrion) e. (IX) Alexander I the Unready, Holy Orenian Emperor [1480-1482] (House of Carrion) iv. The Third Interimperium [1482-1526], a. (X) John I the Relentless, Holy Orenian Emperor [1526-1547] (House of Horen) b. (XI) John II the Quareller, Holy Orenian Emperor [1547-1568] (House of Horen) c. (XII) John III the Lion, Holy Orenian Emperor [1568-1585] (House of Horen) d. (XIII) John IV the Young, Holy Orenian Emperor [1585] (House of Horen) e. (XIV) Robert II the Monk, Holy Orenian Emperor [1585] (House of Horen) f. (XV) Philip I the Arrogant, Holy Orenian Emperor [1585-1595] (House of Horen) g. (XVI) John V Lackland, Holy Orenian Emperor [1595-1618] (House of Horen) iv. The First Protectorate [1618] a. (XVII) Peter II the Pauper, Holy Orenian Emperor [1618-1636] (House of Horen) b. (XVIII) John VI the Last, Holy Orenian Emperor [1636-1638] (House of Horen) v. The Fourth Interimperium [1638-1678] a. (XIX) Aurelian I the Bonipater, Emperor of Man [1678-1694] (House of Horen) b. (XX) August I the Sisterlover, Emperor of Man [1694-1706] (House of Horen) c. (XXI) Antonius I the Mad, Emperor of Man [1706-1715] (House of Horen) d. (XXII) Joseph I the Fiddler, Holy Orenian Emperor [1715-1721] (House of Marna) e. (XXIII) Godfrey II the Gambler, Holy Orenian Emperor [1721-1724] (House of Cascadia) f. (XXIV) John VII the Feeble, Holy Orenian Emperor [1724-1725] (House of Cascadia) g. (XXV) Alexander II the Leuvian, Holy Orenian Emperor [1725-1731] (House de Joannes) vi. The Second Protectorate [1731-1737] a. (XXVI) Peter III the Old Ironsides, Holy Orenian Emperor [1737-1784] (House of Helane) b. (XXVII) Anne I the Good, Holy Orenian Empress [1784-1800] (House of Helane) c. (XXVIII) Joseph II the Reader, Holy Orenian Emperor [1784-1814] (House of Novellen) d. (XXIX) John VIII the Soldier, Holy Orenian Emperor [1814-1837] (House of Novellen) e. (XXX) Philip II the Horrible, Holy Orenian Emperor [1837-1849] (House of Novellen) f. (XXXI) Philip III the Parricida, Holy Orenian Emperor [1849-1868] (House of Novellen) g. (XXXII) Anastasia I, Holy Orenian Empress [1853-1868] (House of Novellen) h. (XXXIII) Peter IV the Bald, Holy Orenian Emperor [1868-1869] (House of Novellen) vi. The Fifth Interimperium [1869-2030] a. (XXXIV) Tiberias I the Restorer, Emperor of Man [2030-2058] (House of Horen) b. (XXXV) Hadrian I the Conqueror, Emperor of Azuras and Man [2058-2074] (House of Horen) c. (XXXVI) Marcus I, Emperor of Azuras and Man [2074-Present] (House of Horen) ART. 6. The commemorated Archchancellors of Oren and Man, with dates recorded in the Imperial Calendar: i. The First Archchancellors, a. (I) The Count Aesculus [1526-1529] b. (II) The Duke Leone (First Term) [1529-1541] c. (III) The Archduke Lorraine [1541-1547] d. (IV) The Duke Leone (Second Term) [1547-1559] e. (V) The Prince of Beaufort [1559-1575] f. (VI) The Baron Senntisten [1575-1585] g. (VII) Sir Matthias Ironsword [1585-1595] h. (VIII) The Baron Cantal [1595-1612] i. (IX) Sir John Rothesay [1612-1617] j. (X) Sir Aeternus de Metterden [1617-1621] k. (XI) Sir Theodore Gray (1621-1637) l. (XII) The Duke Marna (1637-1638) ii. No Imperial Government [1638-1678], a. (XIII) The Prince of Senntisten (1678-1683) b. (XIV) The Prince of Alstion (1683-1689) c. (XV) The Prince of Carolustadt (1689-1694) d. (XVI) The Count Ager (1694-1706) e. (XVII) The King of Curon (1706-1715) f. (XVIII) The Count Leuven (1715-1720) g. (XIX) The Count Temesch (1720-1724) h. (XX) The Duke Cascadia (1724-1725) i. (XXI) The Duke Sunholdt (1725-1736) j. (XXII) Peter Cardinal Helena (1736-1739) k. (XXIII) Sir Simon Basrid (1739-1783) l. (XXIV) Jonah Stahl-Elendil (1783-1800) m. (XXV) Franz Nikolai de Sarkozy (1800-1816) n. (XXVI) The Count Azor (1816-1838) o. (XXVII) The Count Mordskov (1838-1845) p. (XXVIII) The Duchess Crestfall (1845-1849) q. (XXIX) Minuvas Melphestaus (1849-1852) r. (XXX) The Duke Azor (1852-1864) s. (XXXI) Henry Penton (1864-1868) iii. No Imperial Government [1869-2030] a. (XXXII) The Count Edessa (2030-Present) L I B E R I I I LEX MUTABILIS The Mutable Laws of Man SANCTE ALEXANDRO DE FURNESTOCK ORA PRO NOBIS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Titulus I | de Leges Civiles ✷ Title I | of Civil Law Caput I | de Civitate et Personatu Chapter I | of Citizenship and Personage ART. 1. In the definition of a living being’s personage, the Imperial State observes five legal states being, comprising therefore; i. The Persons, ii. The Intelligent Fauna Non-Persons, iii. The Intelligent Flora Non-Persons, iv. The Harmless Abominations, v. The Harmful Abominations, ART. 2. The Persons are defined exclusively as pure-blooded members of the four descendant races (Humans (Adunians), Dwarves, Elves, Orcs). i. In certain cases, and solely at the discretion of the Crown, Non-Persons (BK3 T1 Chp. 1 Art. 1 Cl. ii-iv) may be granted a Dispensation of Personage to attain the rights and responsibilities of personhood. ii. Persons shall enjoy the rights incurred by this codex, and likewise be held liable for their infringements of the Lex as per BK1 T3 Chp. 2 Sub-Chp. 1. iii. Persons under the age of majority (‘Children’) defined as eighteen years of age, shall abide by the Iura Patriae Potestatis (alt. Patria Potestas, lit. ‘Rights of Paternal Authority’) as sub-potestate (lit. ‘Under Authority’) of a legal guardian, incurring therefore; a. The responsibility of the legal guardian, defined as the legally recognized caretaker of the child through parentage or adoption, over their sub-potestate’s care and supervision, b. The responsibility of the legal guardian to legally represent their sub-potestate, should the latter be held liable for infringing on the Lex, c. The legal guardian’s right to make financial, educational, and medical decisions for their sub-potestate. ART. 3. Intelligent Fauna Non-Persons and Intelligent Flora Non-Persons are, respectively, defined as non-descendant creations of nature; faeries, kharajyr, musin, ologs, goblins and et cetera for the former; epiphytes, druidic constructs of nature and et cetera for the latter. i. Intelligent Non-Persons of either classification are afforded the Ius Vitae unless specified otherwise, and are non-eligible for citizenship except for those provided with a Dispensatio Personae. ii. The following list contains all Intelligent Non-Persons currently subject to Exterminatus orders, and require a license from a Knight Captain, the Grand Inquisitor, or the Crown for safe passage in the Crownlands; a. Per Exterminatus Order: Beastmen; Kharajyr and associated sub-species, Hou-Zi and associated sub-species, b. Per Imperial Decree: On the Mori-Folk; Morifolk are permitted Ius Vitae in the Crownlands, however, may be subject to Exterminatus in vassals or provinces depending on local policy. ART. 4. Individuals of mixed parentage (Half-Elves, Half-Orcs, Half-Dwarves, etc.) and non-biological created constructs (such as Animii and Atronarchs) constitute as Harmless Abominations, and are thereby liable to close legal scrutiny. i. Harmless Abominations are not afforded Ius Vitae, non-eligible for the right to life nor citizenship, except for those provided with a Dispensatio Personae as afforded by the Crown. ii. Harmless Abominations may be subject to Inquisitorial audits over threats of the maleficar, daemonic, or magickal occult to ensure public safety from incursions. iii. The following list contains all Harmless Abominations currently subject to Exterminatus orders, and require a license from a Knight Captain, the Grand Inquisitor, or the Crown for safe passage in the Crownlands; a. Per On the Cursed Children; Cursed Children of Ixris, via Temple of the True Faith. i. In this particular case, only the High Pontiff may grant express permission for safe passage. ART. 5. Harmful Abominations (alt. Maleficarum), who may be constructs of evil or any of the aforementioned (BK3 T1 Chp. 1 Art. 1 Cl. i-iv) who engage in the daemonic or the magickal occult, are provided no rights nor legal protections. i. It is the civic duty of any Imperial citizen to report potential darkspawn activity. ii. Harmful Abominations are ineligible, in every case, to request a Dispensation of Personage. ART. 6. A citizen (alt. subject) of the Empire is defined as a recognized personae of the Imperial State, in possession of all concerning privileges and obligations. One’s status as a subject is established by: i. Meeting the requirements of BK3 T1 Chp. 1 Art. 1., or in the case of a Non-Person, being issued a Dispensation of Personage ii. Residing primarily within the Empire and having signed the Imperial Census, iii. Being a subject of a state with obligations of vassalage to the Empire, iv. Having sworn an oath to the Emperor or any other subject of the Empire. ART. 7. The citizens of the Empire, upon the age of eighteen, are afforded inherent privileges: i. The full extent of the Rights of Caius, ii. The termination of the Iura Patriae Potestatis, iii. The exercise of suffrage, iv. The right to occupy public or government office. ART. 8. The privileges of a subject of the Empire may be revoked or suspended: i. By order of the Crown, ii. Upon voluntary renouncement of allegiance, iii. If found guilty of infringing the Lex. Caput II | de Coniugiis et Rebus Chapter II | of Marriage and Property ART. 1. Marriage is the lawful and sacred union of two personae, recognized under the Empire only when solemnized according to the rites of the Church of the True Faith. i. It is the right of the Crown, the Archchancellor, or the Church of the True Faith to render nullity of marriage should it be necessary. ii. The Crown must assent any Union involving Dragonblooded Houses, per BK2 T1 Chp. 1 Art. 4. Failure to attain assent may incur harsh penalties. iii. The following list contains exceptions to the previous article, whereas non-typical religious unions are recognized as legitimate marriages; a. Per Prima Aurea Bulla Burgundia; Sigismundic Laws and Rites, Idunian Laws and Rites, b. Per Brothers of Faith; Qalasheen Imam-Rashidun Laws and Rites, exclusively between two personae borne of Imam-Rashidun. c. Per The First & Second Compact of Caurost; Red Faith Laws and Rites, Elven Laws and Rites. iv. Unions involving Humans, Adunians, and/or baptized members of the True Faith performed in pagan, heretic, or secular rites shall be held immediately void and illegitimate. a. Children borne of the aforementioned form of union shall be arbitrated over as per Ius Spuriorum (see BK3 T1 Chp. 2 Art. 2 Cl. iii). v. Civil unions are recognized as the union of two Non-Personae (BK3 T1 Chp. 1 Art. 1 Cl. ii-iv) of the same descendant, semi-descendant, or abominational race, and shall only bear legal legitimacy upon registration with the Imperial Office of Civil Affairs under the Imperial Chancellery. a. Unions of two individuals of different classifications of personhood (i.e persons with abominations, etc.) or two different descendant races (i.e Humans with Elves, etc.) shall be held immediately void and illegitimate, and cannot apply for civil union. i. Should Humans or Adunians engage in the aforementioned form of union, they may be subject to harsh penalties. ii. Abominational children born of the aforementioned form of union shall be arbitrated over as per Ius Spuriorum (see BK3 T1 Chp. 2 Art. 2 Cl. iii). iii. Adunians, considered legally and ecclesiastically equal to Humans, shall incur no penalties upon their appropriate union with Humans. ART. 2. Children borne of legitimate marriages or civil unions inherit the status, surname, rights, and privileges of their parents in accordance with the patrilineal or matrilineal nature of the union, i. Parents of the children assume immediate guardianship over the offspring at birth, and the Iura Patriae Potestatis as a result. ii. Adoption is the legal assumption of guardianship over a child without living parents or legal guardians, and must be registered through the Imperial Office of Civil Affairs under the Imperial Chancellery. a. Upon successful adoption, the legal guardian assumes Patria Potestas until the child’s eighteenth birthday. iii. Children borne outside of legitimate marriages or civil unions are deemed Spurius/Spuria (Bastard) and incur Ius Spuriorum; a. Bastards may hold no claim to inheritance or family name, instead bearing the surname “Zonde” (if born in the Crownlands) as recognition of illegitimacy. b. The legitimization of Bastards may only occur by explicit ascent of the Crown, whereas the Spurius assumes the family name and thus the rights and privileges of their parents. c. Bastards shall be taken in as Wards to the Church or Wards to the Crown, depending on which institution shall assume guardianship, i. Bastards not taken in as Wards to the Church or the Crown may be adopted per BK3 T1 Chp. 2 Art. 2 Cl. ii, but upon adoption shall maintain the surname “Zonde” as recognition of illegitimate birth. ART. 3. Property is defined as the person’s lawful possession of things; these things can be movable (i.e personal effects) or immovable (i.e terrain). i. The classification of a specific property is decided exclusively by the Crown. ii. Property may be either publicae (public, i.e belonging to the state) or privatae (private, i.e belonging to individual personae or associations of personae), decided exclusively by the Crown. a. Should property in the dominium publicum be ceded or vacated, it shall become property of the Crown. ART. 4. Ownership is defined as the right to use, enjoyment or transfer of a res, without legal limitations. i. Legitimate ownership can be acquired through production, gifting, testate and intestate succession, or as a result of contracts. ii. Res capable of appropriation, such as abandoned res mobiles or wild game, may be acquired through occupancy. iii. Res Immobiles, such as land, shall return immediately to the Crown in case of vacancy. For sub-vassals’ enfeoffed land, they shall return to their respective liege lords. iv. No personae may be deprived of ownership by another, except for the Imperial Crown in cases of legal adjudication. v. Public absence for a period of ten years and/or legal death shall initiate Ius Successionis; a. Should there exist an extant testimony (written and signed in the individual’s rational mind, and without threat or duress), the testator’s res shall be distributed according to instructions. b. Should there exist no extant testimony, per BK3 T1 Chp. 2 Art. 2, the firstborn legitimate son (or daughter, if specified) of the personae shall be required to make claim to the property of the deceased. vi. With or without testimony, should the heir fail to make themselves known for the claim of the property of the deceased/testator, the Crown shall act as custodian over the property. After a period of ten years unclaimed, the property shall remain with the Crown. Caput III | de Potestate Contractuum et Obligationum Chapter III | of Contracts & Obligations ART. 1. Obligations are defined as the legally binding actions of giving, doing, or not doing a particular something, emanating from law or contracts. i. Obligations always include one or multiple creditors and one or multiple debtors: a. A creditor is defined as the individual to whom obligations are owed; they hold the enforceable claim of actio in personam (lit. ‘action against a person’) should the obligation be unmet, b. A debtor is defined as the individual who owes obligations; they are bound to perform the obligations, or may be subject to actio in personam. c. This particular legal relationship is referred to as the vinculum iuris (lit. ‘legal bond’). ii. An actio in personam is a claim made by a creditor before the Justiciar to enforce unmet obligations against a debtor, to be adjudicated over by that tribunal. iii. The extinguishing of an obligation is the termination of the vinculum iuris between creditor and debtor, the creditor no longer able to enforce the claim and the debtor no longer bound to perform the obligation. iv. The extinguishing of an obligation only occurs when; a. The obligation has been properly fulfilled, b. The old obligation has been replaced by a new one, c. The debtor becoming the creditor of their own obligation, d. Both the debtor and creditor owing obligations to one another, where the smaller debt is set off against the larger one, e. The Justiciar has deemed the obligation in bad faith (due to objective impossibility to perform, or by tribunal sentencing), f. Should there be a determined statutory period, upon the lapse of provided time. v. Partial extinction, a part of the obligation extinguishing but not the rest, may occur on a case by case basis, such as partial payment or set off, or tribunal sentencing. ART. 2. Contracts are defined as legally binding written agreements between two or more parties, creating obligations. i. Contracts must include mutual consent of the parties, the cause of the obligation, and the object. ii. The following reasons incur the immediate legal nullification of the contract: a. Contracts without a cause, with an unlawful cause, or false causes, b. Contracts without an object, with an unlawful object, or a false object, c. Unlawful causes or objects are defined as those violating the Lex Imperialis or morality. iii. Consent is the mutual agreement over the offer, the cause, and the object of the contract. a. Consent is nullified in the following cases: i. Procured from duress, coercion, or intimidation, ii. Procured from fraudulent misrepresentation, iii. Procured by error. Titulus II | de Leges Criminales ✷ Title II | of Criminal Law ART. 1. The Concordia Septemplicis Ordinis (lit. “Harmony of the Sevenfold Order”, alt. Septem Concordiae lit. the ‘Seven Harmonies’) are the seven harmonious definitions of crime, for whenever they injure against one or more of its seven constituencies; i. The Personae, the Persons, ii. The Imperium, the Imperial State, iii. The Corona Imperialis, the Imperial Crown, iv. The Religio, State Religion, v. The Res, Property, vi. The Mores et Ordo Publicus, Morality and Public Order, vi. The Crimina Inchoata, Inchoate Crimes of the Aforesaid. ART. 2. For against the Septem Concordiae, every offense shall be determined in an increasing order of gravity for the contemplation of punishments. The three enumerated degrees of culpability are the following: i. The Levis Culpa, the Least Severe, ii. The Gravis Culpa, the Middling Severe, iii. The Gravissima Culpa, the Most Severe. ART. 3. For against Septem Concordiae in consideration of the order of gravity, every offense shall be determined by an appropriate punishment. The four enumerated degrees of punishment are the following: i. The Delicta Minima, the Minimum Offense, incurring therefore one or more of the following punishments; a. A monetary fine from one hundred to five hundred farthings, or b. An exclusion from public office from one to five annum, or c. Banishment from the Imperium from one to five annum, or d. Obligatory service to the Church from one to five annum, or e. Branding by hot iron upon the shoulder. ii. The Delicta Media, the Middling Offense, incurring therefore one or more of the following punishments; a. A monetary fine from five hundred to one thousand farthings, or b. An exclusion from public office from ten to twenty annum, or c. Banishment from the Imperium from ten to twenty annum, or d. Obligatory service to the Church from ten to twenty annum, or e. Branding by hot iron on a visible limb, the side of the neck, or the face, or f. Mutilation of a limb or the tongue. iii. The Delicta Gravia, the Grave Offense, incurring therefore one or more of the following punishments; a. A monetary fine from one thousand to five thousand farthings, or b. A lifetime exclusion from public office, or c. A lifetime banishment from the Imperium, or d. Obligatory service to the Church for a lifetime, or e. Branding by hot iron on a visible limb, the side of the neck, or the face, or f. Mutilation of a limb or the tongue, or both, or g. Execution by guillotine, or hanging. iv. The Perduellio, High Treason, incurring summary execution by stoning, guillotine, hanging, or whatever deemed necessary by the Crown. Caput I | de Iniuriis Chapter I | of Injuries ART. 1. The Injury is the unjust and unlawful action perpetrated against one or more of the Septem Concordiae, met by appropriate punishment per BK3 T2 Art. 1 & 2. ART. 2. Iniuriae in Personam (lit. ‘Injury against the Person’) consists of the unjust and unlawful perpetrated against the bodily wellbeing or autonomy, life, or dignity of another, judged therefore: i. As Defamation, the dissemination of false information to harm the reputation of another, a. To therefore incur Delicta Minima, ii. As Impersonation, the unconsensual assumption of another’s identity, a. To therefore incur Delicta Minima, iii. As Assault, the attempt and ability to inflict violence upon another, a. To therefore incur Delicta Minima, iv. As Battery, the intentional infliction of violent bodily harm upon another, a. To therefore incur Delicta Media, v. As Kidnapping, the abduction and/or confinement of another, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, vi. As Manslaughter, the unintentional infliction of violent bodily harm until death upon another, a. To therefore incur Delicta Media, vii. As Murder, the intentional infliction of violent bodily harm until death upon another, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, ART. 3. Iniuriae in Imperium et Coronae (lit. ‘Injury against the State & the Crown’) consist of the unjust and unlawful perpetrated against the authority, function, and/or integrity of the Imperial Crown and the State, judged therefore: i. As Contraband, the possession, trade, or manufacture of prohibited goods, a. To therefore incur Delicta Minima, ii. As Obstruction, the interference of Imperial officials in the execution of their duties, a. To therefore incur Delicta Minima, iii. As Absconding, the failure to submit to lawful custody or appear before a tribunal when summoned, a. To therefore incur Delicta Minima, iv. As False Testimony, the act of knowingly providing false statement or information to an Imperial official, a. To therefore incur Delicta Media, v. As Fraud, the deceitful violation of a contract or misrepresentation to the detriment of another, or the State. a. To therefore incur Delicta Media, b. As Tributary Fraud, the concealment, misrepresentation, or evasion of lawful dues and tributes owed to the Crown, i. To therefore incur Delicta Media, c. As Electoral Fraud, the falsification or unlawful interference of the processes of Imperial elections, i. To therefore incur Delicta Media, vi. As Bribery, the offering or attempt to offer (or accept, as an official) monetary or alternative inducements to influence policy or decision making, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, vii. As Extortion, the obtaining of property, titles, dignities, or the performing of an act through force, intimidation, or coercion, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, viii. As Embezzlement, the intentional or unintentional misuse or theft of property and/or funds entrusted by the Crown or State, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, ix. As Treason and High Treason, any action committed in the undermining, betrayal, espionage, or subversion of the Crown or State, or its subsidiary institutions, a. To therefore incur Perduellio, of the Gravissima Culpa. b. As Injured Majesty, the intentional defamation of the Imperial House of Horen or the Crown, i. To therefore incur Perduellio, of the Gravissima Culpa. c. As Harmed Majesty, the intentional violent bodily harm or murder of a member of the Imperial House of Horen or the Crown, i. To therefore incur Perduellio, of the Gravissima Culpa. ART. 4. Iniuriae in Religionem Publicam (lit. ‘Injury against the State Religion’) consists of the unjust and unlawful perpetrated against the dogma, doctrine, authority, and/or sanctity of the True Faith and its Church, judged therefore: i. As Blasphemy, the defamation of the Church or its doctrine, and associated speech in opposition to the teachings and sanctity of the True faith, a. To therefore incur Delicta Media, ii. As Apostasy, the renunciation and abandonment of the True Faith by a baptized member, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, iii. As Heresy, the practice of heretical doctrines in contravention to the True Faith by a baptized member, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, iv. As Proselytization of False Faiths, the evangelization and attempted conversion of baptized members of the True Faith into heretical or heathenic faiths, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, v. As Daemonica, the worship, practice, and promotion of daemonic or infernal cults and dark magicks, a. To therefore incur Perduellio, of the Gravissima Culpa. ART. 5. Iniuriae in Res (lit. ‘Injury against Property’) consists of the unjust and unlawful deprivation, damaging, or encumbering of another’s property, judged therefore: i. As Defacement, the defilement or damage of public or private property, a. To therefore incur Delicta Minima, ii. As Failure to Fulfill Obligations, to fail at fulfilling monetary or contractual obligations, to be indebted (BK3 T1 Chp. 3 Art. 1 & 2), a. To therefore incur Delicta Media, iii. As Burglary, the trespassing of another person’s or the State’s property without consent, a. To therefore incur Delicta Media, iv. As Theft, the taking of another person’s or the State’s property without consent, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, v. As Robbery, the taking of another person’s property by violence or threat thereof, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, ART. 6. Iniuriae in Mores et Ordinem Publicum (lit. ‘Injury against Morality & the Public Order’) consist of the unjust and unlawful offences against decency, custom, and the public order upheld by the Empire, judged therefore: i. As Indecency, the display of obscene or immoral conduct while in public, a. To therefore incur Delicta Minima, ii. As Deviancy, defiant conduct to the accepted social standards, considered to be immoral proclivities, a. To therefore incur Delicta Minima, iii. As Obscenity, the possession, manufacturing, or distribution of morally offensive material, a. To therefore incur Delicta Minima, iv. As Witchcraft, an extension of BK3 T2 Chp. 1 Art. 4 Cl. v, the practice or promotion of forbidden or dark magick, as well as the possession, manufacturing, or distribution of paraphernalia thereof, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, v. As Adultery, the violation of wedlock through relations outside of a lawful union (see BK3 T1 Chp. 2 Art. 1), a. To therefore incur Delicta Media, vii. As Miscegenation, of unlawful unions or relations between personae and a member of a different descendant race (see BK3 T1 Chp. 2 Art. 1 Cl. v Sub-Cl. a) a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, vii. As Concealment of Identity, to hide oneself’s identity to an Imperial officer after prior request, a. To therefore incur Delicta Minima, vii. As Vigilantism, the intentional apprehension, conviction, and/or punishment of another criminal without being an Imperial officer nor having express permission by the Crown or the Justiciary, a. To therefore incur Delicta Media, ix. As Disturbing the Peace, the intentional hindering of the peace in public places, by performance or immoral conduct, a. To therefore incur Delicta Minima, ART. 7. Iniuriae in Crimina Inchoata (lit. ‘Injury as Inchoate Crimes’) consist of incomplete crimes, where there was an initial attempt to commit an unjust or unlawful act that wasn’t necessarily carried out, judged therefore: i. As Conspiracy, the intent to commit a crime of any kind in the future, a. To therefore incur the degree of punishment of the conspiracy. ii. As Attempt, the attempt, but failure, to commit a crime, a. To therefore incur the degree of punishment of the conspiracy. iii. As Incitement, the incitement of one or more individuals into committing a crime, a. To therefore incur the degree of punishment of the incitement. ART. 8. The Dispensationes Particulares (lit. ‘Particular Dispensations’) are special states of being or conditions that may disregard or affect punishments for injuries against the Septem Concordiae, being the following: i. As Duress, in the case that the personae committing the crime under threat of force, the lessening of severity to be determined by a tribunal, ii. As Infancy, in the case that the personae committing is under the age of twelve, the legal guardian shall be held liable in its stead under Patria Potestas (see BK3 T1 Chp. 1 Art. 2 Cl iii Sub-Cl. b), a. Those Infans between the age of twelve and eighteen, still under Patria Potestas, may find lessened but direct punishment for committed crimes, iii. As Necessity, in the case that the personae committing the crime was compelled by circumstances beyond their control, definitively as a last resort, the lessening of severity to be determined by a tribunal, iv. As Immunity, in the case that the personae committing the crime was an Imperial officer specifically deigned to be immune to certain infractions upon the lex, the tribunal shall defer judgement to the Crown. Titulus III | de Ordine Nobilitatum ✷ Title III | of the Order of Nobility ART. 1. The nobility is to be defined as the estate of all individuals who possess a hereditary title, and their relations to the second degree, i. All individuals within the nobility who lack the ownership of a title are to be addressed as ‘lord’ or ‘lady,’ ii. Status of nobility may be conferred upon an individual for their lifetime, designated as ‘Baronetcy of [Surname], to be referred to as Sir or Dame, a. Baronetcies are ineligible for inheritance. b. Baronetcies are conferred to those who have demonstrated civil merit, rather than success-at-arms. ART. 2. The rank of nobility includes all on the roll of peerages, i. The Emperor, defined as sovereign of the Empire, above all offices, addressed as His or Her Imperial Majesty (fm. Empress), a. Imperial Prince, defined as the legitimate sibling or progeny of the Emperor, addressed as His or Her Imperial Highness, ii. King, defined as a sovereign of a kingdom, anointed by the Holy Mother Church, addressed as His or Her Majesty (alt. High King fm. Queen, High Queen), a. Prince, defined as the legitimate sibling or offspring of a king, or the offspring of a legitimate sibling of the Emperor, addressed as His or Her Royal Highness. iii. Grand Prince, defined as the sovereign of a principality, addressed as His or Her Serene Highness (alt. High Prince, Prince (conditional on sovereignty) fm. Grand Princess, High Princess, Princess (conditional on sovereignty)), iv. Archduke, defined as a sovereign lord of an archduchy, addressed as His or Her Serene Grace (alt. Grand Duke fm. Archduchess, Grand Duchess), v. Duke, defined as a sovereign lord of a duchy, addressed as His or Her Grace (fm. Duchess), vi. Margrave, defined as a sovereign lord of a march, addressed as The Most Honorable, His or Her Lordship (fm. Margravine), vii. Count, defined as a sovereign lord of a county, addressed as The Right Honorable, His or Her Lordship (alt. Earl fm. Countess), viii. Viscount, defined as a sovereign lord of a viscounty, addressed as The Honorable, His or Her Lordship (fm. Viscountess), ix. Baron, defined as a sovereign lord of a barony, addressed as His or Her Lordship (fm. Baroness). ART. 3. All titles are to be designated as ‘landed’ or ‘landless,’ i. Titles that correspond to an area of land are to be referred to as ‘landed titles,’ a. Landed titles may not be enfeoffed or revoked separate of the land they correspond with. ii. Titles that do not correspond to an area of land are referred to as ‘landless titles’ (alt. titular titles), iii. Titles may be granted and revoked at the will of the Emperor, a. The Emperor, being the highest titular authority in the Empire, may grant or revoke all titles of nobility through Letters Patent, b. Individual lords may be conferred by the Crown the authority to grant and revoke titles of a lower station than their own, within their own demesne, c. Titles may be transferred between equal parties only with the explicit permission of the Emperor. ART. 4. The duties of the nobility, as entrusted in them through Letters Patent, include the following: i. In Lex et Pax, to uphold the Lex Imperialis where necessary, as well as local laws if applicable, ii. In Tributum, to collect and administer taxes within their vassal, to then pay the negotiated tribute to the Crown, iii. In Consilium, to counsel and advice in times of peace, iv. In Dilectus, to raise levies, donate weaponry, and make resources available for the defence of the Empire. ART. 5. Sovereign lords are, in certain circumstances, permitted to exercise local laws and customs congruent to Imperial law, i. Codices, when not in conflict with Imperial Law, may be freely issued by chartered cities without prior approval from the Imperial government, a. All codices may be subject to review by the Imperial government to ensure compliance with Imperial law. ii. Individual edicts, when not in conflict with Imperial Law, may be freely issued by lords at the rank of duke and above without prior approval from the Imperial government, a. All local edicts may be subject to review by the Imperial government to ensure compliance with Imperial law. iii. Semi-independent legal codices require pre-approval by the Imperial Archchancellor, iv. All ordinances and individual edicts, when in conflict with Imperial law, must be pre-approved by means of a writ of the Imperial Crown. Titulus IV | de Ordine Militibus ✷ Title IV | of the Order of Military ART. 1. Per BK2 T2 Chp. 1 Art. 6 Cl. ii Sub-Cl. g, the Imperial Marshal is instructed in the creation and supervision of a Iudicium Militare (lit. ‘Court Martial’) composed of themselves and senior members of the Military on an ad hoc basis, in the judgement of specific crimes perpetrated by enlisted or officers of the Military. i. All iniuriae mentioned (refer) are implicitly composite of the Septem Concordiae, however, exist only in the realm of the Military. ART. 2. Iniuriae in Milites (lit. ‘Injury against the Military’) consists of the unique unjust and unlawful actions perpetrated by an individual currently in the Military, and against the Military’s authority, function, and/or integrity, judged therefore: i. As Insubordination, the deliberate refusal (or otherwise failure) of a subordinate to follow a superior rankman’s orders, or blatant disrespect toward the same, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, ii. As Desertion, the abandonment of a task or a post without prior permission, with or without the intent to return, a. To therefore incur Perduellio, of the Gravissima Culpa. iii. As Mutiny, organized rebellion against superior ranksmen, the State, or the Crown, a. To therefore incur Perduellio, of the Gravissima Culpa. iv. As Cowardice, to behave inappropriately, desert, or insubordinate for reasons of fear, a. To therefore incur Delicta Gravia, v. As Treason and High Treason, any action committed in the undermining, betrayal, espionage, or subversion of the Military, or the Crown or State (see BK3 T2 Chp. 1 Art. 3 Cl. ix), a. To therefore incur Perduellio, of the Gravissima Culpa. ART. 3. In extraordinary cases, the Emperor may deem a Status Necessitatis (lit. ‘State of Necessity’) in effect, during periods of chaos or strife in particular regions or the Empire as a whole. In that case, all extraordinary executive powers of the Privy Council, the Senate, and in certain cases the Vassals are waived until the Status Necessitatis is deemed ended by the Emperor. i. Crises of succession, unless they have become bellicose, do not constitute a Status Necessitatis and instead a Status Extraordinarius (lit. ‘Extraordinary State’) where the sitting Archchancellor assumes head of state duties as Lord-Protector. ii. Should it be deemed necessary, the sitting Archchancellor may assume the status of Lord-Protector during a Status Necessitatis. Titulus V | de Ordine Provinciarum Limitropharum ✷ Title V | of the Order of Peripheral Provinces ART. 1. Peripheral Provinces are territories established under the authority of the Crown and granted limited self-governance. Their borders, purpose, and titleage must be defined by charter or treaty. i. Each Province shall be governed by a local authority or an Imperial Governorate, electing its sovereign representative according to local custom, or by appointment of the Emperor. ii. The borders and titleage of a province may only be changed by Imperial decree or treaty. iii. Peripheral Provinces may take one of two forms; a. A Military Province, to serve as the temporary occupational authority of annexed or politically unstable territories, administered by a Military Governor, b. A Civilian Province (i.e. High Kingdom, Dominion), to serve as large scale peripheral vassals of the Empire, administered by a local sovereign representative or, in certain cases, a Civilian Governor. iv. All personae, as prescribed in BK2 T1 Chp. 1 Art 6, residing in Peripheral Provinces are therefore Imperial citizens. ART. 2. Peripheral Provinces exercise greater jurisdiction, though remain subject to Imperial authority. i. Provinces may maintain independent codices of law, though in case of appeal, the Lex Imperialis maintains supersession as Lex Suprema Omnium Terrarum, in accordance with BK1 T3 Chp. 2 Sub-Chp. 2 Art. 1 Cl. ii. ii. Provincial jurisdiction applies only within its own territory. Inter-Provincial disputes defer to the Lex Imperialis in every case. iii. Provinces operate outside the normal structure of the Imperial judicial apparatus unless otherwise directed by the Crown. iv. Provinces may maintain and raise levies, subject to the Emperor’s command. ART. 3. In certain cases, Provinces may be governed by a local Civilian Governor or Military Governor (alt. Sovereign Representative) acting as the Crown’s representative. i. The Governor shall serve as sovereign representative of the Province, in one of three forms; a. Civilian Governors, appointed by the Crown to serve in its stead over a large non-military population, b. Military Governors, appointed by the Crown to serve in unstable regions, or newly annexed territories, c. Provincial Sovereign Representatives (alt. Rulers), who govern by local custom or hereditary right, not necessarily by direct appointment by the Crown. ii. The Governor’s authority to rule derives exclusively from the will of the Crown, and may be subject to direction or dismissal at the Emperor’s leisure. iii. Imperial Governors may reorganize or suspend Provincial institutions wherever necessary to maintain order or enforce Imperial policy. ART. 4. Governors/Sovereign Representatives are afforded devolved administrative powers, except in cases where these are reserved to the Crown. i. The rights of Governors/Sovereign Representatives include; a. Administration of land, levying of taxes, and construction, b. Law enforcement and legislation for local codices, c. The enfeoffment of titles and dignities (of a lower rank than the Provinces’ primary title, and with assent from the Crown), d. The organization and raising of levies. ii. The following powers are reserved to the Crown; a. Punishments of capital offenses, including treason, espionage, and murder, b. Foreign and inter-Provincial affairs, c. Trade beyond the province, d. Any matter reserved by Imperial Law or decree. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Marcus I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Sanctus Imperator Mundi, Emperor of Azuras and of all Mankind, Forever August, King of Burgundy, Oren, Renatus, Marna, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, Seventis, Santegia, Mardon, Vandoria and the Westerlands, Duke of the Crownlands, Avar, Cascadia, Aenus, Erochland, Grense, Helena, Istria, Kingston, Krajia, Middelan, Reutov and Sunholdt, Count of Ager, Cantal, Carolustadt, Felsen and Rittersberg, Baron of Dragonspeak and Senntisten, Patriarch of House Horen, Dynast of All Dragonsblood, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith, Protector of All Men, Heartlanders, etcetera. NON DVCOR, DVCO HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor. HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, Joan Mariana Horen, Imperial Princess of Man, Princess-Justiciar, Duchess of Helena, and Deputy Emissary of the Provinces. HIS EXCELLENCY, Ezra de Senna, Imperial Vice Chancellor, Count of Edessa. HIS EXCELLENCY, Jerome Halcourt af Brasca, Imperial Master Reeve. MISTER Oliver Napier, Esq, Director of Elections of the Imperial Office of Civil Affairs. MISTER Mithius Dalma, Master Merchant, Burgher of Rittersburg, Agent of the Imperial Office of Civil Affairs.

Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL ARCHCHANCELLOR ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; . . . that by this writ the Imperial Chancellery, in service to the Crown, aims to fill extant vacancies to the Privy of Middelan, appointing hereunto His Grace, Sir Lothar d’Amaury to the seat of Imperial Grand Knight, effective as of the promulgation of this missive. The Grand Knight is the chief officer over the Imperial Order of the Red Dragon, and is tasked to oversee all subsidiary chapters as well as maintaining constant inspection of all knightly orders within the Empire. Additionally, he is to manage staff, squireship, and host tournaments and other events for the continuation of the Imperial Gentry’s rich martial culture. By right of this office, the Imperial Grand Knight may exercise his right to partake in all matters of the Privy of Middelan and remain in direct communication with the Imperial Archchancellor. Current Imperial Grand Knight His Imperial Excellency, Sir Lothar d’Amaury, Duke of Lorraine AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Marcus I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Sanctus Imperator Mundi, Emperor of Azuras and of all Mankind, Forever August, King of Burgundy, Oren, Renatus, Marna, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, Seventis, Santegia, Mardon, Vandoria and the Westerlands, Duke of the Crownlands, Avar, Cascadia, Aenus, Erochland, Grense, Helena, Istria, Kingston, Krajia, Middelan, Reutov and Sunholdt, Count of Ager, Cantal, Carolustadt, Felsen and Rittersberg, Baron of Dragonspeak and Senntisten, Patriarch of House Horen, Dynast of All Dragonsblood, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith, Protector of All Men, Heartlanders, etcetera. NON DVCOR, DVCO HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor.

Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL ARCHCHANCELLOR ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; . . . that by this writ the Imperial Chancellery, in service to the Crown, aims to fill extant vacancies to the Privy of Middelan, appointing hereunto His Serene Highness, Prince Willem van Aert to the seat of Lord Marshal, effective as of the promulgation of this missive. The Lord Marshal is hereby instructed to administrate over and command the Imperial Guard, to organize vassal levies in times of conflict, appoint necessary deputies to subsidiary ranks, and protect the Empire from all domestic and international affairs in service to His Imperial Majesty. By right of this office, the Lord Marshal may exercise his right to partake in all matters of the Privy of Middelan and remain in direct communication with the Imperial Archchancellor. Current Lord Marshal His Imperial Excellency, Willem van Aert, Prince of Blackvale AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Marcus I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Sanctus Imperator Mundi, Emperor of Azuras and of all Mankind, Forever August, King of Burgundy, Oren, Renatus, Marna, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, Seventis, Santegia, Mardon, Vandoria and the Westerlands, Duke of the Crownlands, Avar, Cascadia, Aenus, Erochland, Grense, Helena, Istria, Kingston, Krajia, Middelan, Reutov and Sunholdt, Count of Ager, Cantal, Carolustadt, Felsen and Rittersberg, Baron of Dragonspeak and Senntisten, Patriarch of House Horen, Dynast of All Dragonsblood, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith, Protector of All Men, Heartlanders, etcetera. NON DVCOR, DVCO HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor.

A now Duke of Grense heard the news much later than he should've, receiving the raven in the midst of class. A Crown had befallen that young Prince, and he tried to find a warm sun in that darkened sky for it had lowered in a dusk, there beyond the West. As tears pricked his eyes, he prayed for it to rise again for his father Marcus.

"Phoebe Malory?" babbled the semi-lucid hundred-something year old Archchancellor, BEAMING his words STRAIGHT into his daughter Phoebe's mind, "WHADDAFLIP! What happened to WholesomeSenna?"

Caius knelt before his bed during his nightly prayers. He couldn't grasp what he'd be one day, but he sought guidance; and more often than not, he received it. He prayed for the World to Smile ☺.

WOW WTF. I DEFEND THIS GUY MALTAMOSS IN FRONT OF MY FRIENDS AND HE TURNS OUT TO BE EVIL. ALWAYS DOING THIS WTF BRO.

Caius, Johanna's greatest friend, cheered for her silly endeavors, "Woo good job Johanna this is great and fun good work yeah-ehh!"

THE VALENTINIAN COMPACT 1st of Owyn’s Light, 640 AA ✵ PREAMBLE ✵ For over three hundred years, the Northern Geographical Society (NGS) has rendered exemplary services unto scholarship and academia on the world stage. Those years have been marked by a longstanding friendship between the NGS and the realms it has serviced, one which has traditionally been of the utmost benefit to humanity. Furthermore, the Empire of Man and the NGS have long enjoyed a special relationship that has greatly benefitted both parties. Therefore, in recognition of the prestigious status of the NGS as one of humanity’s oldest institutions, the mutual benefits derived from our friendship and positive symbiotic relationship, and its importance in preserving the heritage of our world, the Empire of Man and the Northern Geographical Society do agree to the following: I.) The Empire of Man recognizes that the Northern Geographical Society possesses sole ownership rights over its entire collection and name brand, including all of its books, studies, and artifacts both now and forever. No attempt by any Imperial actor or vassal shall therefore be made to claim, nationalize, or annex any of the NGS’s physical or intellectual property. II.) The Empire of Man further acknowledges the independence of the NGS as a private apolitical organization, a guild that is distinctly separate from all government polities and organs of state. It also acknowledges the importance of maintaining the academic and political neutrality of its work. As such, the Empire of Man shall make no attempt to interfere with or direct the publications, governance, or other internal affairs of the NGS, nor lawful operations conducted in pursuit of its global mission. III.) The Empire of Man recognizes the only legitimate governing authority of the NGS to be the Celestial Trust, as singularly led and represented in all external affairs by its duly elected President under the NGS charter. IV.) The Northern Geographical Society, in recognition of the importance of Rittersburg as the Imperial center and the capital city of humanity, will establish its world headquarters (or ‘Flagship Museum’) on its outskirts within the borders of the Imperial Crownlands. It shall be bequeathed the former lands and building of the old Imperial College of Magick for the purpose of doing so. V.) The Flagship Museum of the Northern Geographical Society shall be granted the right to autonomous self-governance for the purposes of maintaining its academic neutrality and managing its own internal affairs as it sees fit within the boundaries of its land grant, including within its museum walls and those of its other adjoining structures. VI.) The Northern Geographical Society pledges to contribute to the intellectual and educational well-being of the Empire of Man and its denizens, including all members of the Descendant races who live within its borders. VII.) At a later time, the Northern Geographical Society will seek to establish a museum branch within the walls of the Free City of Rittersburg separate from the Flagship Museum. This Rittersburg Branch shall maintain a focus on showcasing Imperial history exhibits to better service and educate the residents of the city. The Free City of Rittersburg will provide a building or parcel of land for such to be done. VIII.) In recognition of the NGS’s status as a non-profit organization and its limited financial resources, both the Flagship Museum and the Rittersburg Branch of the NGS mentioned in Articles IV and VII will be exempt from all forms of taxation. IX.) In return, the Northern Geographical Society will contribute to the Crownlands and the Empire of Man through its annual meetings, the provision of jobs, its intellectual services, and the civilian foot traffic it brings to the realm through maintaining its museums. Additional events may also be held for the benefit of the Empire’s people at the Society’s discretion. X.) All members of the NGS shall be guaranteed safe travel throughout the borders of the Empire and its Crownlands while acting on NGS business. They are to be spared from hindrance, harassment, and harm from Imperial soldiers and other authorities, especially on the basis of race, nationality (or provincial residency), and creed. These members are to be explicitly identified by the Compass Rose pins granted to them by the President of the NGS and must produce these to claim their Article X protections. XI.) In recognition of the NGS’s peaceful nature and its continuing commitment to over three hundred years of political neutrality, the organization will remain exempt and abstain from all external wars, as well as all internal vassal wars waged within the Empire of Man. XII.) Though presently unnecessary, the NGS shall retain the right to request the negotiation of a security arrangement with the Empire of Man to provide additional protection for the operations of its Flagship Museum should a threat that necessitates such emerge at a later time in the future. XIII.) Out of respect, members of the Privy Council and the immediate Imperial Family, specifically the Emperor and his direct heirs, and the Archchancellor, shall be granted permanent access to all public areas of the Flagship Museum. XIV.) This compact will remain in effect for so long as the Northern Geographical Society maintains its Flagship Museum within the Imperial Crownlands. It may only be amended by mutual agreement of the Imperial Crown and the President of the NGS as represented by their respective legitimate authorities. H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Lord-Regent & Archchancellor. HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, Valentiná Antonia of Asturias, Crown Princess of the Empire, Queen-Consort of Burgundy, Lady Chamberlain, Duchess-Consort of Grense, Baroness of Montero and Lady of Asturias. DOMINVS VOLVIT, SIC FACTVM EST HER LADYSHIP, Dame Manon Yvaine von Volkrich, President of the NGS, Dame of Arts, Lady of Deguise, Baroness of Guise and Distrugestadt, Imperial Court Alchemist. HER LADYSHIP, Elizabeth Brae-Wittenbach, Chief Ambassador of the NGS, President-Emeritus of the NGS, Lady of Du Loc, Knight of the Petrine Order.

"Aaah? Do we know these guys?" says Ledicort to Helena,'pon receiving the invitation.@Mescaffier

Gerard Ouvrier mentioned... where are you Gerard Ouvrier...?

"I did always like those Leomontes," spake the Archchancellor on Good Morning Imperium, a popular scroll tabloid, some odd days after the fact, "I'm sure they'll find the Crownlands comfortable!"

Caius Tiberias, of the blessed namesake of a great many men, smiled ☺ wholesomely at his being-ness. Could he pray, he'd bid gentle words to Saints Caius of the Westerlands and Caius Primus.

Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL CROWN ✠ I: ON THE MATTER OF REAFFIRMED OATHS Those of the Imperial Province of Iryalen shall reaffirm its oaths before the Emperor of Man in summons to be determined at a later date. They shall remain steadfast to the provisions signed within the first treaty, no amendments to their rights (be it of faith or law), but with a few to their obligations. The western territory afforded to the Imperial State shall remain in its care. In reiterance: any attacks upon those of Iryalen shall be considered an attack upon the Imperial state. The Emperor places no requirement on the druids to fight in his wars, nevertheless, upon levy musters, they must answer the call. ✠ II: ON GOVERNANCE Imperial governors will be acquitted for the duration of Iryalen’s existence, the governance of their people shall be maintained by their own elective leader: who stands to be the incumbent Nalinor Caerme’onn. The Emperor shall not partake in the governance of the elven people, and will remain in effective communication with the leader of the province and the changes to its leadership. He shall still be considered their Emperor, and it will be the role of the Emperor to help manage any disputes that may cause internal conflict. The election and rule of the province shall remain by the hands of their citizens, and will not be interrupted by the imperial-fold. ✠ III: ON SECURITY AND DEFENCE The leader of Iryalen will be granted access to direct communications with the Imperial Grand Knight who will dispatch to their aid if it necessitates, and this means: defence and protection of their roads from banditry, to protect them from external warfare (interim: considered a war against the Empire) and the culling of kobold, darkspawn or cultists. Gate access will be provided to the Imperial Grand Knight, the Imperial Lord Marshal, the Imperial Archchancellor, and the Emperor to allow for this to be facilitated. The common imperial guardsmen and knights will not be provided this access. Any mobilization of Imperial guardsmen or knights within the territory of the Imperial Province of Iryalen shall be made noticed to the leader of the province at its earliest disposal, and if appropriate, before such movement is made except during express matters of national security concern by writ of His Majesty. ✠ IV: ON THE MATTER OF KURAI-KUNI The Imperial Province of Iryalen confirms the continuation, with full rigour, of the following stipulations: The Imperial Province of Iryalen will recognize the Kurai-Kuni Shugonate as the sole cultural hegemon of all Oyashi, and will refuse and relinquish any and all Oyashi vassals and tenants. The Imperial Province of Iryalen will recognize the Kurai-Kuni Shugonate as Protector and Defender of the Farfolk. The Imperial Province of Iryalen will turn over Seisho Ehiba should they once again appear, extraditing them to the Kurai-Kuni Shugonate as a traitor and fugitive of justice. And that the fate of these druids remain unchanged: Caius, known as the Bog Druid, will be banished from the Imperial Province of Iryalen, the Empire of Man and its vassals. The Spore Druid, a known associate of the Bog Druid, will be banished from the Imperial Province of Iryalen, the Empire of Man and its vassals. Arcelia, a known associate of the Bog Druid, will be banished from the Imperial Province of Iryalen, the Empire of Man and its vassals. ✠ V: ON THE MATTER OF WAR The Imperial Province of Iryalen shall, in this time of war, ensure the rejection and extradition of all enemies of the Imperium from its lands. That no welcome or hospitality may be given, so that its province would harbour sympathisers and known accomplices to the tribe of Krug and Urguan. Hence, that willing and deliberate aid given to them shall be acknowledged as an offence against the crown and the military, wherein the Lex Tiberii will apply in full effect. If any citizen of Iryalen is to be found harbouring and aiding the Kingdom of Urguan and the Horde, as well as its respective vassals, they shall be executed as applicable to the Lex Tiberii. That all information of dissenters and their accomplices are to be communicated to the Grand Knight without delay, who will dispatch men when necessary to ensure an extradition to the Crownlands of the Imperium for those captured. “If you wish for your people to smile joyfully, and survive through their long-spanning lives, heed the warning. It will save you much trouble. There will be no mercy for dissenters.” His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Hadrian I of the House Horen AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Hadrian I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Emperor of Man, Holy Imperator, King of Seventis, Salvus, Renatus & Oren, Duke of Middelan, Helena, Lorraine, Sunholdt, Grense and Reutov, Baron of Pestilles, Protector of Grense, Protector of the Heartlanders, Patriarch of House Horen & the Tiberian Dynasty, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith. BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor. HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, Joan Mariana Horen, Imperial Princess of Man, Duchess of Helena, and Deputy Emissary of the Provinces. SHUGO-SAMA Tsukinomiya Honda, Dai Yondaime, Yōbushi of Machiman, Father of the Land of the Heavenly Thunder, DEFENDER OF THE FARFOLK and the rightful Shōgun of Oyashima. Eldiraar of Iryalen, Leader of the Mali’ame, Chieftain of the Seed Caerme’onn, the Moose Druid

MAYORAL ELECTION RESULTS FOR THE FREE AND IMPERIAL CITY OF RITTERSBERG Issued and averred by the office of, His Imperial Excellency, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor 8th of Horen’s Calling, 635 AA ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; It is on the eve of a new Imperial Year that we celebrate the results for the 634 AA Mayoral Election, with a near unanimous vote from the citizenry. We congratulate the Mayor and remind him of his duties to compose the City Council as delegated by His Majesty’s Privy Council posthaste. His term shall last from the promulgation of this missive to Horen's Calling in four saint's weeks (Wednesday, 28 of January 2026), where a new electoral cycle shall commence. The incumbent may only be re-elected once. Current Lord Mayor of the City of Rittersberg HIS LORDSHIP, Gennad var Vigo, First Citizen and Mayor of Rittersberg AVE IMPERIUM BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor,

MAYORAL BALLOT FOR THE FREE AND IMPERIAL CITY OF RITTERSBERG Issued and averred by the office of, His Imperial Excellency, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor 6th of Harren’s Folly, 634 AA ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; Elections for the Mayoral seat of Rittersberg are contested between two candidates, and thus the Chancellery calls for an election to be held to determine the seat-holder. They shall commence as of the promulgation of this missive until the dawn of Horen’s Calling of 635 AA (Midday Wednesday, December 31). Only citizens of Rittersberg shall be permitted to exercise their right to vote for the city’s governance; further, voters are required to be of the age of majority (eighteen summers) and may only vote once and for a single candidate. -=- CITIZEN’S BALLOT ✠ Full Legal Name: ✠ Age (Must be over 18): ✠ Residence (Must be within Rittersberg): ✠ I cast my vote in favor of…: ✠ Alexander ✠ Gennad var Vigo AVE IMPERIUM BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor,

MAYORAL CANDIDACY FOR THE FREE AND IMPERIAL CITY OF RITTERSBERG Issued and averred by the office of, His Imperial Excellency, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor 8th of Aurelian’s Glory, 634 AA ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; The Crown had deemed it to announce, to any of those interested in standing for election as Mayor of Rittersberg, that they must hereby register publicly before the Imperial Chancellery. One must submit the notice attached in full by the close of Sun’s Smile of 634 AA (Midnight Sunday, December 28). Only citizens of Rittersberg shall be admitted onto the ballot; elections shall be opened by dawn of Harren's Folly of 634 AA (Monday, December 29) and results announced by dusk of Horen's Calling of 635 AA (Wednesday, December 31). -=- CANDIDATE APPLICATION ✠ Full Legal Name: ✠ Age (Must be over 18): ✠ Residence (Must be within Rittersberg): ✠ Are you in good standing with the Empire and Church? (Yes/No): ✠ Provide a brief account (100-200 words) of your standing, trade, or service to the Imperial Capital, by which you claim fitness to represent them as Mayor: AVE IMPERIUM BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor,

CITY CHARTER FOR THE FREE AND IMPERIAL CITY OF RITTERSBERG Issued and averred by the office of, His Imperial Excellency, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor 6th of Aurelian’s Glory, 634 AA ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; That the Free and Imperial City of Rittersberg holds the status of imperial immediacy, as the direct competency to the Imperial House of Horen; in opposition to a territorial township under a vassal coronet. Thus, in this document are granted particular rights and freedoms through the Emperor of Man' delegated authority. As a cosmopolitan melting pot of Imperial statecraft, courtesan culture, bustling business and humble commonfolk, Rittersberg is aimed to become the glimmering jewel of the Imperial Crownlands and Mankind; it is by this instrument that the Crown aims to aid in its development. -= ‡ =- The Capital City is henceforth privileged under a renewal of the Gradic Rights by His Majesty, Hadrian I. These rights, originally outlined to the Imperial City of Felsen and attributed to Emperor John II, set a historic foundation for municipal authority and legal practice. It is therefore that the Senno-Vigian Rights come into effect as of the promulgation of this missive, to be in effect unless amended by express and exclusive permission of the Emperor of Man. The Senno-Vigian Rights, c. 634 AA/2061 HITHERTO; the peoples of Rittersberg shall be constituted as legally immediate to His Majesty, to be governed only by His Crown. HITHERTO; the peoples of Rittersberg shall be permitted self-governance under Imperial supervision, ✠ HENCE; to elect a representative Mayor, the First Citizen, from among its populace, ✠ HENCE; to form a City Bench, as an executive body of consultation, ✠ HENCE; to have the right of exemption from serfdom. HITHERTO; the peoples of Rittersberg shall be permitted to produce and promulgate laws as pertains itself, ✠ HENCE; to elect representatives into the City Bench, who shall propose and debate over laws, ✠ HENCE; to remain in constant communication with the Imperial Archchancellor, who holds complete veto power. HITHERTO; the peoples of Rittersberg shall be afforded the rights of all Men, as defended by His Imperial Majesty, ✠ TO LIFE; that none but the Crown's authority may bid a man be sent to the Lord in the Skies, ✠ TO LIBERTY; that none shall be shackled to slavery or indentured servitude, ✠ TO ASSOCIATION; that any man may pursue common interests in legal gatherings ✠ TO BUSINESS; that any man may conduct legal business at their leisure, with freedom of transit, ✠ TO PETITION; that any man may petition his lord or lady. AS JURISPRUDENCE… The Old Gradic Rights, c. 1557 -= ‡ =- EXECUTIVE CITY BENCH FOR THE MAYORAL OFFICE OF GRAND RITTERSBERG The Crown, through the Chancellery, has deemed the creation of the following offices for the governance of the Imperial City, to function under the prescriptions detailed herein: LORD MAYOR of the CITY OF RITTERSBERG The Lord Mayor of the City of Rittersberg is elected by popular vote, serving a term of four years. This edict delegates to the Mayor of Rittersberg the following competencies in the Municipal Government of the City of Rittersberg; ✠ The Mayor is bestowed the responsibility to appoint (or recommend appointments, in certain cases) municipal officials for purposes of delegation of duties, able to forcefully remove (or recommend removal) in case of inefficiency. ✠ The Mayor is afforded the competency to propose, draft, and present laws before the Privy Council as regards the governance of the Imperial City. ✠ The Mayor is granted the authority to banish or evict lowborn criminals from the City of Rittersberg, with consultation to the Lord Marshal or Imperial Archchancellor and not without due process. ✠ The Mayor has been instructed to budget, supply material, and oversee construction and demolition in the City of Rittersberg, under guidance of the Privy Council. ✠ The Mayor is responsible in representing the will of the citizens of Rittersberg, and over the duties and doings of any subordinates in their employ. BAILIFF of the CITY OF RITTERSBERG The Bailiff of the City of Rittersberg is nominated by the sitting City Council from the city’s garrison, to be confirmed by the Lord Marshal and the Archchancellor. They are to serve indefinite terms unless expressly discharged by the City Council, with the Lord Marshal’s approval. This edict delegates to the Bailiff of Rittersberg, head of the Bailiff’s Office, the following competencies in the Municipal Government of the City of Rittersberg; ✠ The Bailiff is responsible for the enforcement of Imperial and Municipal Laws. ✠ The Bailiff is granted the authority to detain suspected criminals within city limits. ✠ The Bailiff is permitted to collaborate with the Imperial Guard to deputize active service members in the enforcement of the rule of law within the city. ✠ The Bailiff is required to establish a clear budget for the payment of staff and operations, further charged with assembling funds to muster munitions and pay wages. ✠ The Bailiff is hereby charged with garrisoning fortifications, patrolling highways, and protecting smallfolk within municipal boundaries, alongside the Imperial Guard. HEAD STEWARD of the CITY OF RITTERSBERG The Head Steward of Rittersberg is appointed exclusively by the Imperial Lord Treasurer, though may be placed under audit by the Privy Council for matters of transparency. This edict delegates to the Head Steward the following competencies in the Municipal Government of the City of Rittersberg; ✠ The Head Steward is instructed to oversee matters of real estate within the City of Rittersberg, be it for residential or commercial use. Furthermore, to monitor municipal property and ensure fluid operations. ✠ The Head Steward is tasked with monitoring activity and evicting derelict or abandoned properties. ✠ The Head Steward, under supervision of the Imperial Treasurer, is to oversee timely taxation within the set tributary standards. ✠ The Head Steward is charged with employing, organizing, and dismissing the city’s stewards as most benefits the city’s governance. -= ‡ =- CITY COUNCIL AND REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY OF GRAND RITTERSBERG CITY COUNCIL of the CITY OF RITTERSBERG The City Council of Rittersberg is the legislative body of the Imperial City of Rittersberg, charged with the creation and amendment of law and judicial statutes. The council is made up of the most influential citizens and burghers of the city. It consists of the following offices: THE MAYOR The Mayor is the head of the city council as its highest elected office. They represent the people’s will and are the chief executive officer of the city, under the Crown. THE BAILIFF The second highest elected office is the second senior-most office in the city council. They represent the city’s enforcement of the law on the council. THE HEAD STEWARD The Head Steward acts as the head of the city’s stewardry, they are in charge of property distribution. They are appointed by the Imperial Treasury, and therefore represent its interests. THE TAVERN MASTER The Tavern Master is the proprietor and director of the Rittersberg Tavern Guild. They represent the interests of the city’s collective tavernfolk. TWO GUILD MASTERS The Guild masters are the representatives of the Rittersberg Business Association. They act as liaisons between business interests and the government. AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor. MISTER, Gennad var Vigo.

Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL CROWN ✠ I: ON THE HOLY PROTECTORATE The Holy Protectorate of Malin, known formally as the Princedom of Caurost, will be recognised officially under the Empire of Man as a protectorate-state, sworn directly to the Emperor of Man himself. With this, Galahad Ilumrin will be acknowledged as the sole leader of this protectorate. In days of yore, Elves and Men rode against their foes at Barrowyck and San’kala together. This unique and symbiotic relationship has often characterized diplomatic relationships between both peoples for the better part of over half a millenium. It is not for the Empire of Man to govern and administer the territories of this land; but this, in part, is to be conducted by the recognised High Prince who bears the seal of the Emperor in this line of duty. The Holy Protectorate will be welcomed with the warm graces of the Empire, and the included benefits of the Emperor’s favor. ✠ II: ON LAW AND FAITH It will be for the protectorate to manage their own local laws, but the Lex Tiberii remains in full effect – the notion of petty and serious crimes is still within the jurisdiction of the protectorate-state; however, matters of treason and crimes against the crown will be taken in serious consideration. As it was acknowledged during the mandate of both the High Elves, and those of the Vikingr, so long as the Elven Diaspora and their faith does not spread into the Imperial Crownlands, citizens of the protectorate may practice their local faiths within their territory and their forest surrounding the outlined capital as per their advised territory is drawn. If any citizen of the protectorate is to enter the Imperial Crownlands, or that of Idunia, or of Norland, and attempts to convert any party to their faith, they shall be executed as applicable to the Lex Tiberii. The practice of their faith must remain within the Holy Protectorate of Malin. ✠ III: ON GOVERNANCE Imperial governors will be acquitted for the duration of the protectorate's existence; the governance of their people shall be maintained by their own elective leader, who, as of now, stands to be the signatory: High Prince Galahad Ilumrin. The Emperor will not partake in the governance of the elven people, and will remain in effective communication with the leader of the protectorate and the changes to its leadership. He shall still be considered their Emperor. It will be the role of the Emperor to help manage any disputes that may cause internal conflict, as this will cause issues itself for the Empire. The election and rule of the protectorate shall remain by the hands of their citizens, and will not be impartioned by the imperial-fold. ✠ III: ON ELVEN TITLES The Holy Protectorate of Malin will keep all their sworn titles. It is not in the interest of the Empire of Man to hold titles and namesakes of elvenkind. As a part of the umbrella of humanity, the recognised leader is welcomed into the imperial fold as one of their own, whilst understanding their disposition as elves, and us, as men. It is an existence of mutual benefit. ✠ IV: ON SECURITY AND DEFENCE The leader of the protectorate will be granted access to direct communications with the Imperial Grand Knight who will dispatch to their aid if it necessitates, and this means: defence and protection of their roads from banditry, to protect them from external warfare (interim: considered a war against the Empire) and the culling of kobolds, maleficarum or cultists. Gate access will be provided to the Imperial Grand Knight, the Imperial Lord Marshal, the Archchancellor, and the Emperor to allow for this to be facilitated. The common imperial guardsmen and knight will not be provided this access. Any movement of imperial guardsmen or knights within the territory of the imperial protectorate shall be made noticed to the leader of the protectorate at its earliest disposal, and if appropriate, before such movement is made. The Imperial Grand Knight will be granted permission to enter the protectorate to search for the kobold, cultist and darkspawn upon discussion with the Emperor and its leader. ✠ V: ON CONFLICT AND WARS The Holy Protectorate of Malin is required to show earnest support in the venture of the Empire of Man for the sake of mutual benefit. In offensive campaigns, the elves will rally their banners as one of our own, and support us in the fights to come. However, it is for the Emperor of Man to permit non-practice should the protectorate and their flock not be required in the battlefield. Our most Holy Empire is strong, it is the greatest force accumulated within the continent, and for this purpose, scarcely does the Imperator require aid. Yet this clause is written for the benefit of both parties. An attack upon the protectorate shall be considered an attack upon the Empire itself, and will be acted on swiftly. ✠ VI: ON FOREIGN POLICY The Holy Protectorate of Malin now encompasses the vast umbrella of the Empire; their foreign policy is controlled by the virtue of the Emperor. They are unable to create alliances, for most nations exist beneath the banners of the House of Horen. However, internal trade agreements may remain in effect. Coincidentally, if the Holy Protectorate of Malin is encouraging or engaging in internal conflict within the Empire, it is for the Emperor — as he does with all his peers — to mediate, or sanction the instructed “vassal war” privilege. “Do not look so upset, Galahad. I will make you the strongest, so long as you remain within the Empire and cause us no upset.” His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Hadrian I of the House Horen AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Hadrian I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Emperor of Man, Holy Imperator, King of Seventis, Salvus, Renatus & Oren, Duke of Middelan, Helena, Lorraine, Sunholdt, and Reutov, Baron of Pestilles, Protector of Grense, Protector of the Heartlanders, Patriarch of House Horen & the Tiberian Dynasty, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith. BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor. HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Zôrzagar Argelion Anorion Harren Arthalion, High King of Idunia, Prince of Númendil, Chief of the Númenedain and the Tribe of Harren, Defender of the Númenaranyë, Sovereign of Númenost and Alduun, Knight of the Realm, Slayer of the Gilded Queen, Master of the Sharadûn, Protector of the Adunians Galahad Ílumrin High Prince of Cauróst , Prince of Malinor & Eldest Son of Húrin Ílumrin

IMPERIAL PROCLAMATION THE INSTITUTE CONVENTION Issued and averred by the office of, His Imperial Excellency, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor 12th of Horen’s Calling, 631 AA ✠ HEED, ALL LEAL SONS OF HOREN ✠ The foundation for a society’s betterment is always found in its younger generations, of commoner and noble blood alike, and their ability to receive quality education and be trained for all fields of work they may seek to partake in. From statecraft to medicine, the arts and manual labor, the Crown finds great need in supporting education all across the Empire for the sake of all future generations. -=- The Crown-Institute Convention It is thusly that the Crown, through the Chancellery, formalizes a relationship with the Prince Institute of Alba, incentivizing it with subsidies and official recognitions detailed in the Convention herein: ✠ Degrees, titles, or awards provided by the Prince Institute shall henceforth carry an official seal of Crown recognition, allowing them to have substantial weight as the government-sanctioned standard of education. ✠ Students who have graduated from the Prince Institute with sealed degrees have higher odds of being employed by the Imperial Crown. ✠ The Chancellery will afford a venue within the Imperial City of Rittersberg, the location to be determined, to function as a secondary campus at a time where expansion benefits the Institute. The Crown will subsidize the taxation costs, and provide equipment for research at the moment of the facility’s construction. ✠ The Rittersberg Campus will function as the foundational basis for a future research University, with hopes of furthering Imperial knowledge and incentivizing tertiary education. ✠ A representative of the Prince’s Institution, Niccolò Rosevena, shall serve as the first Dean of the Crownlands, as an officer in the Chancellery and an advisor to the Archchancellor. AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort de Senna, Imperial Archchancellor. Headmistress Kaba Halcourt