Jump to content

SmartScout

Member
  • Posts

    94
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by SmartScout

  1. "Time to rebuild my collection..." the aging Keeper would say with a slight smile as he'd read over the missive
  2. Transiens Malleus Passing the Gavel On the 14th of Sigismund’s End, 100 B.A. This year marks the Centennial Anniversary of the Kingdom of Balian, a century since King John I saw his sign after leading his people across the desert to their new home. However, this year also bears other significance to myself. It was in the year 50 B.A. that Don Ledicort Vuiller and King Alexander I released the Writ of Appointment that raised me to be the Magister of the Kingdom of Balian, and thus this marks fifty years that the Law of Balian and it’s enforcement have rested in my care. In that time, I have rewritten the entire Codex of Laws and amended it several times, released many missives, trained wards and hired competent people to manage the department and its roles, and led the once dead chamber into a new era. However, all things must end. With my growing age, and new threats from within and without knocking at the door, I believe it is better that one with the vigor and time that I once had in my younger days take over the department, for the safety, welfare, and greater justice of the Kingdom. Thus, I announce that, effective at the end of the year or the approval of a successor by the Queen, that I, Ser Robert Joseph de Lyons, hereby retire from the position of Royal Magister of Balian, to be a Kritai within the Chamber. I formally suggest that Dame Gwenyth Vilac-Vuiller succeed me in my position, as she is the best trained and equipped to take over the office in my absence. I thank all those, living and dead, who took the chance on me, and gave me this opportunity, and I sincerely hope I did them proud and proved that trust in me was worthwhile. I started as a refugee, much like those led by King John forty-three odd years before my coming, fleeing from the Petran Valley and its marks of war and conflict and hoping to build a life anew as they fled Oren. In that I succeeded, as did those founders, many who came with me, and many since. On this Centennial, I hope all remember and celebrate this Kingdom, which has become the home to so many who were displaced, which was built by those driven off from their homes seeking better lives, and help to keep it a just and prosperous place for those who come now and in the centuries to come. Signed, His Excellency, Ser Robert Joseph de Lyons, Viscount of Enderoca, Cavalier of the Order of the Silver Comet, Royal Magister of the Kingdom of Balian
  3. As someone who has done archery rp as my primary combat mode on here for most of a decade, 3 is fine if RP competency and/or incompetency were taken into account. As is, you often end up only getting 2-5 shots off in an encounter, assuming you stay out of range, and thus it is situational. I like the idea of 3 for the first shot, 2 following, and 3 for Crossbows, but I think the underlying issue of there not being disadvantage or advantage or proficiency, especially with ranged weapons, is worse. My elf I've played since Athera primarily as a ranger archetype, for example, shouldn't miss every other shot. But that would require a revamp of combat in general, so I think decreasing the emotes for subsequent shots would help.
  4. Ser Robyn de Lyons, greyed now by his years, road down the familiar Queensroad of Balian at a leisurely pace as he oft wood, breeze gently ruffling his greying gold hair as he'd notice a buzzing at the side of the road by a lump in the ferns, The Magister would cautiously approach the object, a sense of dread filling his as the scent of blood and fresh carrion would fill his nostrils, and he'd notice the familiar garb and greying brownish red locks as he'd move to genuflect by the body, turning it over in his hands as he'd see the face of his wife, letting out a nigh inhuman sob as he'd lift her onto his horse, galloping to town and laying her in a bed in the clinic, calling for his son. Robyn would look upon the body of his deceased wife, sobbing, as he'd swear "Ils périront dans les flammes... tous. Je le jure devant Dieu dans les Sept Cieux." before blessing the body in Flexio, signing the Lorraine as he'd begin to write letters, expression of dethatched, shellshocked sadness on his face as he'd sit at her bedside, breaking into intermittent sobs.
  5. Ser Robyn de Lyons would charge on foot, armor dirtied and battered from his horse being felled beneath him, cheering "In Signo Vinces! Deus nos conservat!" as he'd mill about the field, looking for the last survivors as he'd help defend his homeland
  6. "I thought this war was about stopping the Brigands and Veletz both..." the Magister would mutter with a sigh as the missive would reach him "I suppose war brings strange bedfellows, and people can be reformed...I suppose time shall tell if they return to their ways once the war is through and it is convenient for them..."
  7. Officium Procerum est Pugnare It is the Nobleman’s Duty to Fight It is the Nobleman’s duty to fight for the peace, freedom, and prosperity of his progeny, and his whole people. Thus, let it be known, that by the order of His Royal Majesty, King Adrian, first of his name, all members of Balian’s noble families who reside within the nation must enlist into the Armada, in order to put an end to the Scourge of Stassion, the Ferryman, and Veletz, and ensure the freedom, peace, and honor of all men living under GOD’s grace. Those who refuse their duty when pressed shall be fined a sum of two-hundred fifty minas, and forced to carry out their duty, unless granted dispensation due to age or poor health. Men are separated from beasts by their honor, and should compromise their honor for no one. Thus, I hope that all our nobility shall willingly and quickly jump at the chance to fulfill their duties and obligations, and to bring honor to themselves and their houses, for serving GOD’s will against the wicked, the unjust, the tainted, and the ungodly. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Pompourelia, Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Brucca,Valens, Malenos, Goza and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. Her Royal Highness, Elena Casimira Novellen-de Lyons, Countess of Rosemoor, Baroness of Enderoca, Amiratus of the Kingdom of Balian, Lady Seneschal of the Crown and Chief Minister of the Royal Duana. His Excellency, Ser Robert Joseph de Lyons, Baron of Enderoca, Cavalier of the Order of the Silver Comet, Royal Magister of the Kingdom of Balian
  8. Història en Cendres History in Ashes 19th of Owyn's Flame, 86 B.A. Let it be known, that some time over the previous Saint’s Night, we found that the Veletzian Anathema, likely individuals tied to those who burnt down a Church of GOD in the lands of Petra within a similar timeframe, also entered the Kingdom of Balian, and intentionally razed a museum on the history of the old Empire curated by one of our private citizens. Let it be known that acts by the Anathema to destroy Humanity’s ties to its GOD and its History - two of the things that most define us as Human - shall not be tolerated. For our Faith in our GOD and his natural Law guide us towards what we should aspire to be, and his Exalted warn us of our deficiencies and against iniquity; likewise, our History shows us what we have done - both good and ill - in the past, without knowledge of which we would be left unable to learn and improve into the future. Let it be known that this act of Arson in the First Degree - a felony under our laws - shall be investigated, and if we may find the cowards who would rather incinerate and destroy buildings of Learning and Faith in the night rather than face the League of GOD’s Chosen in fair combat, thus depriving Humanity of the lessons provided in such, shall be punished under the full extent of the law, and only prove their cowardice and stupidity. Signed, His Excellency, Ser Robert Joseph de Lyons, Baron of Enderoca, Cavalier of the Order of the Silver Comet, Royal Magister of the Kingdom of Balian
  9. "A war long coming, and well deserved. For blessed are those who walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor lived in the way of sinners, nor gave themselves to pestilences. For those who live by the law of the Lord shall grow strong, and bring forth fruit, and prosper in all they do, while the wicked shall be driven and scattered like dust from the face of the earth, and shall be revealed for who they are and trusted no longer in the councils of the just and the righteous. Now the wicked shall perish, while those who live by GOD's justice shall endure forever." the de Lyons would remark, half in prayer, half in his own contemplation as he'd move to prepare his hammer and his blade, and the armor once worn by his father, now by him. Though as he'd look upon the armor, his brow would furrow, and he'd frown slightly as he'd mutter to himself "Or at least so the scriptures say, and the just pray for. Though sometimes our history sings a different, less certain tune. But without hope and honor, we have naught. Time tells, but resolve decides."
  10. Ser Robyn de Lyons would prepare his blade, sharpening and oiling it as he'd read over the paper "To war once more then, and one that has been long coming...a solid plan, and GOD is with us, for he knows the way of the Just, and the Wicked shall perish."
  11. The Magister would frown deeper as he'd read the missive, see how his former ward treated his friends and colleges, fingers clenching firmly on the paper as he'd pull it taut, and then crumple it, rasping out "Taureau traître, tu as été mieux élevé que ça..." before sighing, casting the paper into the fire as he'd mutter firmly "Justice shall be done, and will show you the same courtesy you showed your kin in the end, or lack of it."
  12. The Magister would smile faintly as he'd read the missive, remarking to himself "Hopefully I'll be able to see them soon enough. Glad things are well after yesterday, though there are still things that need dealt with."
  13. Iudicium Pro Purgatio Nobilii Trials of the Purity of the Nobility 5th of Sigismund’s End of 83 B.A The Magisterium is once again summoning members of Balian’s esteemed noble houses for testing after the lack of response to the previous missive. Children under the age of ten are exempt; however, upon reaching the specified age, their presence is requested. The examination will involve a superficial incision to either the palm, or back of one’s forearm with a golden dagger and the application of salt to the wound. In the case of individuals below the age of eighteen, they will undergo a mild puncture to the finger, along with the aforementioned salt application. We kindly request a composed and tranquil acquiescence to this examination, aiming to facilitate the progression of our collective future endeavours. The designated individuals authorized to conduct the aforementioned tests are as follows: 1. Ser Robert Joseph de Lyons 2. Gwenyth Callista Vilac-Vuiller 3. Johan Stor Vuiller 4. Annette Roelle Non-compliance with the testing procedure, either through absence or refusal, poses a risk to your standing as peerage and nobility within the realm. Such actions may lead to the presumption of darkspawn affiliation, and the ensuing consequences shall be commensurate with such implications. The crimes of being or consortium with a dark mage, creature, or worshipper of the daemonic are clearly stated in the Lex Criminals, specifically in Article V, Sections 7 and 8, On Devilry and On Dark Magics specifically, in which all such crimes, by being, participation, or knowing association are noted as Felonies. By the precedent set in the case of Adam Randall, as judged by King Alexander the Just, all officials of our Government are held to a higher standard, and thus, due to the damage a government clouded by darkness, deceit, and evil, reprehensible creatures can cause to any nation, especially one in line with GOD's precepts, commandments, and justifications, it is imperative that all who are asked participate fully and without hesitation, and those who are found to be in darkness or refuse to cooperate with testing must be cleansed for the good of all, with outright refusal being an act of Treason, with all the things that come with such, for the individual and their House. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, ADRIAN I, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, KING OF BALIAN, VISCOUNT OF POMPOURELIA, EFLEN AND ANATIS, BARON OF BRUCCA, VALENS, MALENOS, GOZA AND CIAVOLA, LORD OF PORTOREGNE, ATRUS AND MONTEROSA, WARDEN OF LA COSTA RUBINISSIMA, PRINCE OF THE HOLY ORENIAN EMPIRE, PROTECTOR OF THE HEARTLANDERS AND THE SOUTH, ETCETERA HIS EXCELLENCY, SER ROBERT JOSEPH DE LYONS, BARON OF ENDEROCA, CAVALIER OF THE ORDER OF THE SILVER COMET, MAGISTER OF THE KINGDOM OF BALIAN HER LADYSHIP, GWENYTH CALLISTA VILAC-VUILLER, COUNTESS-CONSORT OF AQUILAE, QAESTOR OF THE MAGISTERIUM ((OOC: Credits and Contact Info)
  14. The Baron of Enderoca reads over the missive with a satisfied nod "Unchecked treason begets more treason and chaos. They will bend the knee, or we'll destroy them, as any oathbreaker or traitorous blight who forsakes honor for personal gain."
  15. "It is a shame to see one of our most dedicated go. I hope that the nation may continue on in stable hands, as it has through its history." he'd say with a firm nod as he'd read over the missive, sitting a moment to reflect on it, moving to the other side of his desk so he could gaze over the city.
  16. Robyn de Lyons would smile as he'd hum along to a performance of the new tune.
  17. The House de Lyons House Name: de Lyons (Lyonesse) Date of Founding: In Aeldin: 1400s | Gentry in Petra: c. 1902 | Peerage in Balian: 63 BA House Founders: Sir Lyonel de la Foret, Earl of Lyonesse | Sir Arthur Hughes de Lyons of the Petrine Laurel | Ser Robert Joseph de Lyons, Viscount of Enderoca Current Head of House: Robert Joseph de Lyons, Viscount of Enderoca Current Title(s): Viscounty of Enderoca Living Members: The Honorable, Ser Robert ‘Robyn’ Joseph de Lyons, Viscount of Enderoca Don, Ser Tristan Aurelius de Lyons, Heir-Apparent of Enderoca Dona, Caelia Elizabeth de Lyons Segnor, Etienne Glenn Don, Ser Percival Augustus de Lyons Dona, Ludvika Sofya Ludovar-de Lyons Dona, Elaine Elizaveta de Lyons-Novellen d’Petra Segnor, Arthur Constanz Glenn Don, Gareth de Lyons Don, Corwin de Lyons Notable Figures: Sir Lyonel de la Foret: A knight from the heartlands of Aeldin in the 15th century, Sir Lyonel was tasked by the Provincial Government of Endaen with quelling a rather violent Harrenite tribe in their province, which he did handily despite inferior numbers due to his tactical and martial prowess. For this feat, and his loyal and honorable service, he was raised to be Earl of Lyonesse, ruling over the land he had pacified, with the Harrenites either bending the knee or fading into obscurity. Due to the tales of his strength being thrice that of a lion, he took three lions as his sigil and Lyons as his surname. Sir Arthur Hughes de Lyons: Arthur was born in Almaris long after the family had fallen from power, with little more than grand tales of the past to drive him. He worked hard through the ranks of the Sons of Petra and earned his knighthood through his merit by slaying beasts in the forests near Petra, Acre, and old Dobrov. He met and married Juliana Vernhart, a scholarly, religious, and largely quiet woman, who would bear him four children and serve as a supportive influence in Arthur’s life. Arthur served a term as Mayor of Valfleur before being named Knight Paramount of the Petrine Laurel succeeding Sir Brandt. He notably participated in many duels to defend his own honor and that of his family, and pursued scholarly efforts, collecting and writing on the history and culture of his house. He was killed by Azdrazi in Castle Moore while defending Archduke Constanz during the Petran Civil War. Sir Robert Joseph de Lyons: Robert was born to Juliana and Arthur during the latter days of Petra, and was raised there for his first 8 years, until the death of his father, the loss of the Petran Civil War, and the flight of the family and many others to Balian and Corbenic. He then warded under his family in the Vuiller, learning about the law, history, and faith. He was appointed as Magister at age 16 by Ledicort Vuiller, a position he serves in faithfully to this day. Over their childhood and teenage years, Robyn and Princess Elena of Balian grew close, and eventually gained permission to court and wed. On the night of the wedding, King Adrian I of Balian raised Robert to Baron of Enderoca for his service to the Kingdom, reestablishing the family as a noble house for the first time in around three centuries. He then continued to serve as Magister, and was later knighted for his work for the Kingdom, and shortly after Elena's passing and Percival's rising to Amiratus, the House was raised to Viscounty under his care. Notable Relics: Cercle dels Lleons: Fierté du Lion: House History: The House de Lyons was founded in Aeldin in the 15th century by Sir Lyonel de la Foret, who was tasked with pacifying rebelling tribes of Harrenites in the Province of Endaen. He did so handily, despite being outnumbered two to one, through cunning tactics, and cut down the leader of the reivers himself in the thick of the fighting. For his actions, he was raised to be the Earl of Lyonesse, ruling over the lands and people he pacified. Due to stories of his strength being as great as three lions catching his ear, he took that as his sigil and the name of his house. The descendants of Lyonel ruled in Endaen for at least around a century, with an account of Lyonel’s conquests from Louis Edmund de Lyons written in 1568 being extant within family records; however, at some point they lost their titles, likely due to some sort of corruption in bureaucracy, and the family eventually traveled to new lands, joining the rest of the descendants at large. Eventually in Almaris, Arthur Hughes de Lyons was born, and raised on the legends of his family’s prestigious past, he finally put in the work necessary to reclaim some of their lost honor and glory. Arthur came to Petra and worked his way through the ranks of the Sons of Petra, eventually being knighted as part of the Order of the Petrine Laurel due to his valiant efforts against dark beasts that terrorized the city from the woods surrounding it. He started a family, was elected Mayor with the help and encouragement of his wife, Juliana Vernhart, and eventually was made Knight Paramount of the Petrine Laurel after Sir Brandt stepped down. However, Sir Arthur’s life was cut tragically short when he was killed by Azdrazi fighting for Renilde in the Petran Civil War, when they attacked Castle Moore during what was supposed to be Renilde’s trial for her infidelity. He died defending Archduke Constanz, and when the Civil War was lost, his children and wife fled to Balian with many of the other refugees from Constanz’s side. Robert then took up the mantle of head of house, helping his mother raise his younger siblings before she fell into reclusiveness, and serving as a ward to House Vuiller, who were distant relatives. During his wardship tasks he showed an aptitude for law and, after an interview, was raised to the position of Royal Magister of Balian by Amiratus Ledicort Vuiller. He served in this position faithfully for many years, along with aiding Balian in their expeditions to aid Elvenesse and the Vale against the Mori’Quessir. Over the course of their childhood and teenage years, Robyn grew close with Princess Elena, and eventually they were granted permission to court, and were engaged and married in the early years of the Descendants upon Aevos. On this night, King Adrian I of Balian decided to raise his new brother-in-law to be the Baron of Enderoca (a name referencing Endaen of old) for his years of service to the Kingdom. Robert and Elena continued to serve the Kingdom, Robert as Magister and a Knight, Elena as Legate, then as Amiratus until the time of her death in 97 BA. They had three children together, Tristan, Caelia, and Percival, with Percival becoming the Gran Creu and then succeeding his mother as Amiratus after her passing, and Tristan attaining Knighthood and being the set heir for the house. Shortly after Elena's passing, the House was promoted from Barony to Viscounty for the service of its members.
  18. On Precedent in the Balianese Legal Code By Magister Robert Joseph de Lyons It is my goal and hope in writing and revising the Royal Codex that it provides clear descriptions of crimes and clear distinctions between the categories of a crime, and that it is understandable to any who read it. My wish is that defendants may understand of what they are accused, that victims may understand what has been perpetrated against them, for lawyers to understand how to argue for their clients and dissect the arguments of opponents, for Qaestors to know what to seek when investigating or prosecuting possible crimes, and so Kritai may know what crimes and categories fit a situation, so they may apply the proper charges and sentencing. However, the world is not often perfectly clear, logical, or categorical. The situations and circumstances surrounding a crime, its victim, and its perpetrator are always different, and serve to change our view of a crime and its severity. Prudence and wisdom are necessary to look into not only what was done and the evidence surrounding it, but also why it was done, how it was done, who has done it, and who it was done to. For example, a case of battery or murder done in self defense may not even be a crime at all; or while a diplomat or the Legate seeking to treat with foreign powers is simple routine business, a mere citizen doing such may well be treason; or how knocking over a basket of fruit at a stall and painting some non-obscene message on a wall may both be simple petty vandalism, but the latter is clearly more severe than the former. Each incident brought to court, each case, is its own being, its own unique and unclear circumstance to which we must apply our more rigid and categorical laws. And hence we have precedent - the idea that due to the fluid nature of the world, the Kritai bears the right and duty to interpret, apply, and adapt the laws to a case based on its specific circumstances, and that these choices and unique applications of law shall be preserved and recorded for future reference, to allow for the fluid, yet still consistent application of the law to cases across our history. In the case of Adam Randell, we laid some of the first precedents of our system which were not necessarily written out in law - that those serving our government and military are held to higher standards in crimes of disobedience and crimes against order, and may be charged with treason where another man would only be served a misdemeanor or felony; that a prosecutor may not also judge a case; that he who passes the sentence should carry it out, if it is corporal punishment and is possible for him to carry it out; that a trial by combat may, in specific circumstances, be considered as a manner of execution. These things may not be written down explicitly in the codex, but they should be referenced back to and used in future cases, for they provide examples of how the law should be applied and adapted in similar circumstances. Thus, those who seek to truly study the law of Balian should not only look to the Royal Codex and its addendums, they should also look to the Court Reports and Causa Criminalis of our previous cases, to see the precedent they have laid out, and the reasoning behind their verdicts and sentences. And hence is the reason that Court Scribes are also of great importance, because they build the great backlog of precedents on which we and our successors rely for the greater justice, order, and consistency of our legal system both now, and in the years to come. And most importantly, it shows the reason we are so careful in picking Kritai, because a corrupt or inept one will not only have a negative influence on present cases and justice, but his bad decisions and precedents will ripple out and affect our people far into the future. Thus, it should be understood by all that any position in the law, especially that of the Kritai, shall be chosen carefully, prudently, and after much observation and deliberation. For while the law may at times seem harsh, or even cruel, its ultimate goal is the greater justice and prosperity of our people who seek to follow it. To protect the innocent and those who have been wronged, not to be used against them for selfish ends. Hence, precedent must also be constantly reviewed, even more so than our laws. The laws are meant to be rigid, clear, categorical, and well thought out; laid down after much consideration, and then not easily or lightly changed. Precedent is meant to guide our applications of the law where lines are blurred and situations are less clear, but can be more easily and hastily be laid down, and thus may be more easily corrupted. Hence, while precedent is a helpful tool for the adaptation and interpretation of the law, it should not be viewed as an absolute, and should always be treated with some degree of scrutiny to see if it is just, and if it truly applies the situation. But with its aid, and that of the codex, and with wise, fair, and just people at the helm, we should be able to achieve a better and more just society for all our people. Signed, His Excellency, Robert Joseph de Lyons, Magister of the Kingdom of Balian
  19. Robyn de Lyons would journey about Savoy and other scattered realms, finding and gathering who he could and checking everyone was alright. The Magister had lost a second home, but he won't let a second people scatter to the wind.
  20. "A shame she disappeared, I hope she turns up alright eventually..." the Magister would remark as he'd read through the missive "Though, especially considering the circumstances, they made the only natural choice."
  21. Robyn de Lyons would speak with the others he could find after hearing the news, remarking "We lost a good man, and a great King. I wish I could have seen him, before the end. May GOD guide him into the skies." He'd sign the Lorraine and head first to his office, then to a quiet bench by the water, staring out over the southern mountains as he'd think, pray, and reflect on what was lost, and what is to come.
  22. Causa Criminalis 1.50BA: The Opinion of the Magister of the Crown By Robert Joseph de Lyons Relevant Case Brief: This first trial of my administration as Magister was a rather serious one, and contentious. And due to its importance and specific circumstances, the decisions made within it shall stand as important precedent for the future of the Magisterium and for the legal system of the Kingdom of Balian as a whole. Specifically that the Prosecutor of a case should not also be its sole Kritai, and that the category of a crime as recorded in Lex Criminalis may be upgraded or downgraded based on the circumstances of the crime and of the person committing it, and that our Government and Military officials, whatever their rank, shall be held to higher standards in the eye of the Crown’s Justice in cases such as these. Prior to the trial, His Majesty, King Alexander I, and I spoke of the reports of Adam Randell’s suspicious behavior, and decided to investigate. He had been watched by an Agent of the Crown, and spoken to by some others to ascertain if the rumors bore weight. We also contacted an Uruk from Oysahman lands - the sole Aaunic survivor of the Battle with Adria, to see if he could positively identify Adam as having fought against him in the battle. The Uruk said that Adam seemed familiar, and seemed to debate a few times if he was in their archer corps, but decided he could not remember for certain. We then proceeded swiftly with the Trial, to assure the suspect could not escape or cause further damage. The trial proceeded as per the Processus Iudiacalis, except that since I, the Magister, served as the Prosecutor for the Crown, the King would serve as the final judge and decide the final sentence. This was to assure that there would be no bias, and that the decision in the case would not be solely mine when I was invested in the prosecution of the case. The trial, outside of some interruptions that were generally handled fairly quickly, happened smoothly and to procedure. In the end, the final verdict and sentence was a hard one, as the man had, in his time, served his country loyally, and since not proven to have fought for the Anathema, his complete treason was in doubt. Due to this, I offered His Majesty two suggestions as for the Charges and Sentence - A Felony Sentence of Life Banishment and Barrament from Public Office, along with the severing of his hand or tongue for Three Counts of Disobedience (Lex Criminals Art. IV.011D) and One Count of Vigilantism (Lex Criminalis Art. VI.03A), OR a Treason Sentence of Execution by Beheading or Hanging for the same charges. Causa categoriae, as a Soldier of the Company of Balian and an elected member of the Concio of Atrus, Adam was to be held to a higher standard of Obedience to the Crown, and expected to enforce Order within Balian, not sow dissent, chaos, and uncertainty within our Ranks and our People. By this precedent, any member of government given responsibility, whether a Peer, a Concio, a member of the Duana or under one of its Chambers, or a member of the Royal House, sewing acts of consistent Disobedience and Disorder, especially in relation to Foreign Adversaries and questionably treasonous acts, may be charged for Treason for their crimes due to the higher standards to which they are held. Whether his actions were as a misguided and presumptive vigilante seeking the best for our nation in the wrong manner, or a traitor who fought for the enemy side, his crimes were reprehensible and a dishonor and slight to all of those who work hard for the Peace, Stability, and Security of our Kingdom. In the end, upon his deliberation, His Majesty decided upon the Sentence of Treason, for any risk of such within our ranks must be quashed before it can cause harm to our people. And, as the Kritai who made final judgment, per the Processus Iudicialis he decided he would carry out the sentence himself. When the convicted requested a final trial by combat in order to escape with the lesser sentence if successful, the King decided to accept, to give his formerly loyal servant and soldier a final honor and a respectable death. This is not written in the law, and should not become routine due to the likelihood that justice may be miscarried and ignored due to pure prowess at arms; however, in circumstances such as these, where this is some degree of uncertainty in the verdict and where the accused bore some previous honor or respect within our society, let it be known that the option may at least be considered by the Kritai in charge of the trial. It is not and shall never be easy to sentence a man to death, or to aid in doing so. But justice must be done, for the Peace, Honor, Stability, and Integrity of our Kingdom, for the Safety of our People, and for the honor of GOD. Signed, His Excellency, Robert Joseph de Lyons, Magister of the Kingdom of Balian
  23. Office of the Magister The Magisterium The Office The Office of the Magister, also known as the Magisterium is the judicial body of the Kingdom of Balian. It is the duty of the Magisterium to conduct trials when requested, to perform the necessary investigation to judge said trials, to maintain and amend the laws of Balian, and to keep record of trials for future reference and use. The goal of the Magisterium is to assure that justice is upheld within the Kingdom, and that the will of His Royal Majesty and the laws laid down in the Codex with his approval are upheld and properly interpreted. Officers of the Magisterium The Magister As head of the Magisterium, the sitting Magister is the highest legal authority in the Kingdom of Balian outside of the Reigning Monarch and the Amiratus. It is the duty of the Magister to sit on the Duana, to aid the Monarch in the maintenance and amendment of The Royal Codex of the Kingdom of Balian, to hold trials and therein apply and interpret the law to cases, to assure the Magisterium is running smoothly, and to serve as an advisor to the Crown and Duana on legal matters. The current Magister, as of 50 B.A., is Don Robert Joseph de Lyons. The Kritai The Kritai are to serve as lesser judges or magistrates under the Magister, and are allowed to judge, sentence, and conduct trials in place of the Magister, so long as it is not for treason or the crime of a Peer. Their job is to serve as impartial judges, appliers, and interpreters of Balianite Law, to assure a just outcome is decided in the case, and that an appropriate sentence is put upon a convicted party. Kritai are not recruited directly, but instead recruited from the other positions and wards who show the most wholistic promise and understanding of law, precedent, and a nuanced view of situations. The Quaestors The Quaestors serve as the detectives, interrogators, and prosecutors of the Magisterium. Their duty is to investigate the circumstances behind crimes committed within the Kingdom of Balian, gather evidence for the use of the Magisterium, and perform interviews and interrogations of suspected or accused parties. Then, in trial, they will often be called upon to present the Crown's case against the suspect, using the evidence, witnesses, and points they have gathered to make the case in court. The Lawyers Lawyers are members of the Magisterium that serve as representatives and legal counsels for the plaintiff or defendant in a trial. Their duty is to understand the Laws of Balian and the evidence and circumstances of the case, and to use the Law and Evidence to provide the best possible argument in court for whom they represent. Generally Lawyers will be defenders, but they can also serve as prosecutors in the absence of a Qaestor. The Court Scribes The duty of the Court Scribes is to carefully note and record the evidence, proceedings, verdicts, and sentences of all trials within the Kingdom of Balian, so they may be added to the legal record to be referenced in the future. They assure all the court records are fairly detailed and accurate to the words, events, and details of the case and trial they immortalize, so that the record may serve as a good guide and reference for future Magisterium officials. Joining the Magisterium If one seeks to join the Magisterium as a Lawyer, Court Scribe, or Tribonian Quaestor, contact the Magister to arrange an interview. After a brief interview process based on the position you wish to take on, you will be considered for the position, with the final say coming from the Magister. New Kritai will be promoted from within the Magisterium, the position granted to those who show merit and a keen ability to apply and interpret the law. The Royal Codex of The Kingdom of Balian Volume I: LEX CRIMINALIS and PROCESSUS IUDICIALIS: Volume II: LEX CIVILIS: Addendum I: LEX NOBILIS: Addendum II: LEX MILITARIS: Addendum III: LEX APPELLATIONES: Addendum IV: INDEX MATERIARUM ILLICITARUM: Addendum V: LEX MARITIMA: Addendum VI: TRACTATUS DE IUSTITIA UNIVERSALIS: City Charter: Carta Regia Portoregne: Signed, His Excellency, Robert Joseph de Lyons, Baron of Enderoca, Magister of the Kingdom of Balian [!] For Inquiries to the Magisterium or if you seek to become an Official of the Magisterium, contact Robyn de Lyons at Portoregne, or via bird or courier.
  24. Robyn de Lyons would read over the missive in Aquilae, smile growing as he'd read over the paper, offering his aunt a smile as she'd come into the keep behind him and congratulate him, asking for advice as he'd go off to enjoy a drink, and then begin his work, the two previous codices in hand.
×
×
  • Create New...