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Regalian Law is a set of so called Law Books with a penal code designed to keep the Regalian public in line, both within the confines of a peaceful and stable society, but also for a clean and pious mind. These Laws don't always have a strict outcome punishment, and punishments may vary between Guard Charters and Organizations in Regalia. Generally speaking however, Capital Punishment is reserved only for Capital Crimes, and serious repeat offence of some of the more serious crimes as defined by the Law Books. Furthermore, most of these laws are changeable by the respective authorities. The Ducal Cabinet may petition the Emperor to change any laws of the State. Synodical laws are reserved for the Synod only, and may be changed only by the Synod, though also don't have any civil prosecution status and usually relies on the inquisition to be enforced. Capital Law may only be added to or altered by the Emperor of Regalia.
Regalian Law is the general understanding of the judicial system, both with in-character laws and exceptions that apply to all Roleplayers, but also general concepts of what certain groups are or aren't allowed to do.


==Imperial Law==
==Militia, Vigilantism, Mercenaries, and Knights==
Imperial Laws are laws enforced onto the Empire by the Emperor or the Imperial Legate, purely because of their influence on the Judiciary and Empire at large. These laws can and will change frequently, and usually are put into effect without the intervention or involvement of any central state figure or legal authority. Imperial Laws usually only apply to organizations associated with the Imperial family, the Imperial Court and the Imperial Family members themselves.  
Because MassiveCraft does not have an official "Police" or "Guard" force in Regalia, it is necessary to understand the role of Player Characters in enforcing the State's authority. By default, unauthorized citizens are not permitted to enforce the law, and if doing so, are themselves in violation of anti-violence and chaos laws. There are however some exceptions and special circumstances:
* '''Vigilante:''' Vigilantes are citizens who do not have the authority to enforce the law, but do so anyway because of a sense of duty, patriotism, or just because they like violence and think it's better to be violent on the side of the state, than against it. Vigilantism in all its forms is illegal. A citizen attacking another citizen to stop a crime, is in themselves committing a crime. If nobody else (for example Knights) is present to stop them, or arrest them, then Vigilantes can usually get away with committing crimes to stop crime. Some Knights may also choose to turn a blind eye to Vigilantes if done well.
* '''Militia:''' A Militia is an unofficially sanctioned self-defense force attached to specific locations. Militias are inherently Vigilantes, but since they are defending their own home, the law is usually not applied to them so long as they acted within reason to defend their home. A Militia is only recognized in so far it is entirely populated by people who own a House in a district, and may only act to defend their homes from illegal activity, in said district. If Rose Court were to establish a Militia for example, they could apply reasonable violence against home invaders of Rose Court, but could not interfere with law enforcement in the Qadir District.
* '''Mercenary:''' The occupation of Mercenary is illegal in the Regalian Empire by ordinance (except for Solvaan who have a legal exception). This means any form of contract hire to either attack, abduct, steal, or kill anyone, is by default illegal. However, many ex-Mercenaries (for those who didn't become regular enlisted soldiers) have slid into contract-work or bludgeon-for-hire for the wealthy and undercity denizens. Just because Mercenary work is illegal, does not mean it cannot be profitable, and does not mean that an ex-mercenary now thug-for-hire cannot make a living just by taking contracts and not getting caught doing violence.
* '''Knights:''' Knights are the next best thing to an actual Guard force, they are in form an extension of the State, but not strictly forced to enforce the Law. All Knights are at all times permitted to enforce the law and temporarily hold suspects or criminals in their Knights HQ prison Cells, but it is important to note that they are not forced to do so. To each and every Knight is afforded the choice whether to enforce State Law with considerations of their own morals and ethics, principles, and whether they have time at all. Some Knights choose to enforce all laws, some Knights enforce only laws on murder, and some do nothing at all.
* '''Retainers:''' Retainers are bodyguards, personal guards, and Noble House Guards specifically hired for the protection of their payer/owner. Retainers are similar to Militia, tolerated to perform some acts of violence, but only in the strictest protection of their liege/client. Someone who is a Retainer (for example a House Guard) may never inflict violence without the client being present, and only if the client is in any harm's way (insults are not valid harm). If Retainers break the law, their clients are usually held responsible and tried by legal forces as if they were the ones who committed the crime instead.


===Imperial Guard Law===
==Laws==
# The Imperial Guard cannot be commanded by any force or organization in the city of Regalia.  
This section covers all Laws, split into subsections. Keep in mind, Laws can change (infrequently) because of who is in control of the Palace Court. Different courtiers want different policies, and so the Laws swing back and forth between progressive and repressive regimes every so many months. Consult Staff Announcements/World Progressions in the Roleplay Discord for more information and up to date alerts on Law Changes.
# Imperial Guards are permitted to assist law enforcement in their endeavors of any organization.
* '''Low Law:''' Low Law covers most illegal activities like stealing, non-lethal violence, illegal good possession, magic casting in public, trespassing, impersonation, fraud, emotional harm, refusing to title nobles, refusing to use pronouns, abduction, destruction of property, association with the illegal Occult and collaboration with the Afflicted (for example feeding them or harboring them) etc. Low Law would generally result in a short prison sentence or a fine (most prison sentences can be avoided by paying a heavy fine), and would usually be time-skipped in favor of keeping roleplay going without interruption. As Knights are considered part of law enforcement, when Knights are in armor enforcing the law, they are immune to Low Law.
# House Kade is permitted to inflict bodily punishment on guards for violating the Imperial Guard Rules.  
* '''Magic Law:''' Magic Law covers how Magic is used in general. The State's understanding of magic is very infantile, and it tends to brush all forms of Magic with one big brush. The legality of Magic frequently oscillates between progressive and repressive, currently the law is repressive. All forms of Magic Casting is illegal in any public area or public venue, unless specified by the venue owners. Magic usage in private property is legal, as well as businesses, and Headquarters of special orders and groups if they were specifically granted property by the State. Violation usually defaults to Low Law violations. As Knights are considered part of law enforcement, when Knights are in armor enforcing the law, they are immune to Magic Law.
# The Imperial Guard obey only to the commands of Kade House members, and their Commanders. No outsiders may command Imperials.
* '''Occult Law:''' Occult Law covers illegal things Magical in nature, but not specifically Magic itself. These are a set of very specific laws: It is illegal to be a Geist, Undead, or Vampire, it is illegal to consort, own, or associate with Spirits, and it is illegal to use Theurgy. It is currently Legal to be a Marken only if the person can be certified to control themselves or undergo therapy, it is currently Legal to be Arkenborn and Godborn in any and all circumstances, though citizens are requested to be on the lookout for Arkenborn who profess loyalties to their Arken parents (see High Law hostile entities). It is currently legal to be Archon in any and all circumstances. Transforming as Marken in public partially or wholly, falls under this also. Marken retained by Lothar are excluded from this.
# Imperial Guard may wear weapons of any kind and armor of any kind in any public or private setting.
* '''Religious Law:''' Religious Law covers what Faiths are legal in the Empire: Unionism, Estelley, Fornoss, Baskarr, Evolism, Draconism. This also covers that using weapons or drawing blood on Holy Ground (Temples, Burial Sites, Graveyards, the Palace, Dragon Sites, Homes of Priests) is illegal, as well as an anti-Blasphemy Law that makes it illegal to speak ill of the Emperor, and that either such offenses are judged by Lancyon Chapter Members of the Viridian Order.  
# Imperial Guard movement may not be impeded upon. They may enter any area as long as they have an Imperial edict to back their action.
* '''High Law:''' High Law covers highly illegal activities that may result in a character being maimed or executed if caught, or caught on repeat-offense. This includes but is not limited to: treason against the Empire, being a horrendous monster, aiding and abetting foreign powers or hostile entities, pre-meditated murder, etc. These usually involve very long prison sentences, or special trials. Players should be aware that committing these crimes will have serious consequences for their Characters.
# The Imperial Guard has the sole right to arrest anyone on Palace grounds.


===Imperial Prince Law===
==Imprisonment Rules==
# Imperial Princes may not be physically touched without invitation or direct consent.  
Vigilantes and Criminals alike are permitted to imprison captured hostile Characters within their Clandestine Bases, Keeps, and Rental Regions, as long as a sufficient cell area and-or guards to roleplay with them are available. Captors should show courtesy of releasing someone within 24 hours of imprisonment unless there is a planned and agreed ransom or the player desires to be held for longer.  Players should generally negotiate a beneficial outcome amongst themselves, with the responsibility of providing a solution being put on the instigating party. "Instigators" are generally considered characters who started the conflict, whether that is by attacking someone, or by being somewhere they shouldn't be, breaking the law, or being excessively annoying/a nuisance. The instigating party also depends on the location a player is in. For example, a non-disguised Vampire that goes to Main Street or any other place where the Law applies, would be the instigator if Law-abiding characters try to capture them. Conversely, a Knight who enters the Sewers would be the instigator. Players should only contact Lore Staff through a ticket if the other party is being unreasonable, and may result in surrendered Kill or Maim perms.
# Imperial Princes may not be arrested, only put under house arrest in comfortable quarters.


===Imperial Palace Law===
==Enforcement of the Law==
# No weapons of any kind are permitted within the Imperial Palace by non-Imperial Guards.
On Massivecraft, general 'punishments' and 'enforcements' of the laws should almost always be done off-screen unless the player specifically wants to do that kind of RP. In any case where, for example, a Knight catches someone breaking the law, they are expected to hand off the actual punishment to an off-screen NPC Metropolitan Member. Below is a list and explanation of what the Metro Members would do for each crime, and players can talk about how their characters paid their fines or served their times, etc.  
# Nobility are permitted to bring their Palests to the Palace but they may not wear armor of any kind.
* '''Theft:''' When the Metro handles Theft, they generally impose a fine for petty theft, and prison sentences for stealing large amounts of goods, family heirlooms, and irreplaceable items. Punishments are reduced if the stolen objects are returned to their owners.
# No aberrants of any kind are not permitted on Palace grounds.
* '''Magic Casting:''' Magic casting almost always involves the Metropolitan just fining the caster. Note, that the Metro does not discriminate between Sinistral, Radiant, Dragon Magic, etc, and the only exception that it considers 'not magic' is Unionist God Magic. Magic Casting used to harm others is judged under violence and assault.
# The City Law Enforcement is not permitted to come onto Palace grounds to arrest an offender or otherwise enter the palace in any circumstance.
* '''Violence and Assault:''' Attacking others usually involves a fine, public humiliation, or a prison sentence depending on the severity. Note that the Metro does not punish individuals for fighting to just defend themselves, but, does punish individuals who inflict excessive harm onto their attackers.  
 
* '''Kidnapping:''' Kidnapping, especially involving extortion or harm done to the person kidnapped, always involves a prison sentence for an extended period of time.  
==State Law==
* '''General Low Law:''' All other Low Law infractions not covered are generally just fines, community service, public humiliations, or short prison sentences. Repeat offenses to a severe degree may require Lore Staff Intervention. Individuals who are caught after many repeated offenses require consultation with Lore Staff onw hat to do. Please make a ticket in RP Comm discord with the character captured, and under what circumstances they were captured.  
State Law covers all lands which are considered directly controlled by the Empire, meaning all lands which are not vassal states. Many of the laws however also apply to the Vassal states though can have local moderation and alterations. State Laws can be freely changed by Emperor or the Lord Chancellor. State Laws usually don't lead to Inquisitions or Heresy trials, they simply fall under Civilian Prosecution and as such are merely dealt with as Civilian matters. Punishments can simply be handed out by Regalian Guard Charters, or by the Civilian Courts should such a matter come before the Land’s Justice.
* '''Occult Law:''' Individuals who are infected with Geist or Vampirism are expected to be cured by Players, and usually subjected to a short prison sentence to help prevent re-infection. Undead, Marken, and Spirits who are caught may require additional negotiation between both parties to reach a mutually beneficial outcome.
 
* '''Religious Law:''' Due to the severity of Religious Law, individuals who are caught would require negotiation between both parties for a mutually beneficial outcome. For crimes such as these, the instigator is assume to be the one guilty of breaching Religious Law.
===Regalian Common Law===
* '''High Law:''' Due to the severity of High Law, individuals who are caught would require negotiation between both parties for a mutually beneficial outcome. For crimes such as these, the instigator is assumed to be the one guilty of breaching High Law.
# Wearing a weapon in public without express permission from authorities to do so is illegal.
# To hide one’s identity, or to impersonate another person, is illegal.
# To harm in self defense is only legal when under self-risk of bodily harm.
# To harm another citizen or non-citizen Regalian resident, is illegal.
# To deprive another Regalian Citizen of their freedom, is illegal.
# To express or support Jacobinist views or goals, is illegal.
# To be non Unionist and hold public office in the State, is illegal.
# To act with intention to conspire against the State, is illegal.
# To enslave outside of the confines of Saffran Law, is illegal.
# To harm one’s self in any mortal way or intention, is illegal.
# To indecently disrobe another person in public, is illegal.
# To expose private parts of intimate body parts in public, is illegal.
# To engage in child birth in public or other such non medical places, is illegal.
# To moor an airship within the Crown Isle city limits, without government approval, is illegal.
# To bear false witness or lie to an on duty Regalian Law Enforcer when the lie has been proven, is illegal.
# To falsify or otherwise forge your own death or the death of another, is illegal.
# To resist arrest from Regalian Law Enforcement, is illegal.
# To attempt to break out of prison, is illegal.
 
===Regalian Property Law===
# To trespass on private property of a Regalian Citizen, is illegal.
# To drunkenly and disorderly disrupt the public peace, is illegal.
# To steal or damage belongings of other Regalians, is illegal.
# To rob or mug a Regalian Resident in the State, is illegal.
# To harm or damage a slave property of another, is illegal.
# To endeavor to create or possess false currency, is illegal.
# To renounce a Lifeguard oath without permission, is illegal.
# To force or otherwise falsify State or Family records, is illegal.
# To possess items deemed illegal or contraband in the State, is illegal.
# To harm or kill the animals or livestock of another, save for certain self defense scenarios, is illegal.
 
===Regalian Marriage Law===
# To engage in fornication before marriage while there is a patriarch of matriarch bar, is illegal.
# To engage in adultery while actively married with a spouse without the Judicial consent forms, is illegal.
# To neglect, ignore, or fail to provide for a married spouse, is illegal.
# To neglect, ignore or fail to provide for a sired offspring, is illegal.
# Marriage in the Regalian State is only legal between two consenting persons who are permitted by their respective family heads.
# Upon death, unless inheritance bequeathed, possessions pass to next of kin.
# To marry or engage in 1st degree incestuous relations within a family, is illegal.
# To attempt to produce a miscarriage is illegal in any way or form or shape.
# To conspire or engage in marriage under duress of any thread, is illegal.
# Marriage is legal between any and all races, however marriage with a First Civil Status citizen does not bequeath Citizenship or First Civil Status.
 
===City Ordinances===
# Any Non-Civil Status, Outsider Status, Slaves, and Half-Races must carry an identification card on their person (or owner) within the Holy City. An identification card may be registered with a Violet Captain or above at New Greygate or either checkpoint upon the Old Town bridges. Caught not carrying your identification card will first lead to a fine of 25 regals, next strike a night in Greygate and a 25 regal fine, therein doubles in price each consecutive time afterwards.
# Any person caught littering within the Cathedral district shall be fined, 40 regals.
# Any person caught participating in a form of bounty hunting without a registered license with a Violet Captain or above shall be arrested, their equipment forfeit, and fined 40 regals.
# Any person seeking to publicly advertise their business must register their advertisement through the Secretary of Trade, stamped with their seal. Any advertisement without this stamp shall be fined, 50 regals.
 
===Regalian Political Law===
Political Laws are legislation enacted to deal with offenders who intend to disrupt the functioning of the Regalian Government, the State and in some cases, harm the Emperor himself. These laws generally require long term incarceration outside of Regalia in a High Priority prisoner citadel.  
# To knowingly act in any manner which threatens the integrity of the Empire, its administration, officials, peerage, the citizens within it, or the Emperor himself, is treason.  
# To knowingly plan to act in any manner which threatens the integrity of the Empire, its administration, officials, peerage, the citizens within it, or the Emperor himself, is treason.
# To display hostile intentions toward the Empire, its administration, officials, peerage, the citizens within it, or the Emperor himself, is treason.
# Such charges of treason are to be punished by incarceration, forfeiture of any or all Government positions in the case that an official or noble of the Empire is deemed treasonous, and may be punished by execution in cases deemed severe enough: this requires the mutual, signed agreement of both the Lord Chancellor and Lord Commander.​
 
===Regalian Civil Status===
# Ailor, Sihai(Ch'Ien-Ji), Dwarf, Qadir, Url, Allar, Orc, Varran, Songaskia, Avanthar, Cielothar and Sihndar First Civil Status Races.
# Yanar are considered Protected Civil Status.
# Isldar are considered Protected Civil Status (Isldar retain First Civil Status if they are guards)
# Slizzar and Maraya are None Civil Status, thus they are not permitted to defend themselves in Court or marry with First Civil Status individuals. They will however still be protected from physical harm or brutalizing in public.
# Kathar are Outsider Civil Status. Outsider Status have no rights or protections in Regalia.
# Any individual who is not First Civil Status may be gain such a status by the Secretary of Heritage.
# Most Half-Races are considered First Civil Status Races as long as both parents are First Civil Status. If they have only one First Civil Status parent, they shall become Protected Civil Status. If they have no First Civil Status parents, they shall be None Civil Status.
 
===Regalian Holy Law===
# To subject to afflictions of the body such as Vampirism, is illegal.
# To subject to aberration such as learning Magic or Undeadism, is illegal.
# To subject to vileness such as Demonism & Possession, and Frisit worship, is illegal.
# To convert away from Unionism, is illegal.
# To cause harm or spill blood in the Holy Ground of Union, is illegal.
# To cause insult or harmful word in the Holy Ground of Union, is illegal.
# To seize upon another person in the sanctity of a Temple of Union, is illegal.
# To fornicate or copulate in the confines of Holy Ground of Union, is illegal.
# To blaspheme against the Regalian Unionist faith & Spirit, is illegal.
 
===Regalian Knight Law===
# The following Knight Orders may open carry non-military grade weapons and Plate Armor:
## The Viridian Order
# Knights are permitted to enter the Imperial Palace without armor and weapons to engage with Nobility but can be expelled by Imperial Court Officials for poor behavior.
# Knights may enforce Regalian Law when called upon the Violet Order to do so.
# Knights may engage in honor duels within the Knights Quarter and other combat areas.
 
===Regalian Insult Law===
# Any person calling a woman a harlot, without proof, is fined 30 Regals.
# Any person calling a man a coward, without proof, is fined 20 Regals.
# Any person insulting the sanctity of a Reverend, is fined 20 Regals.
# Any person offending the right of Nobility or Nobles, is fined 40 Regals.
# Any person who commits to a false oath and violates it, is fined 100 Regals.
 
===Regalian Noble Law===
# To actively disrupt or compromise a public Government assembly after warnings, is illegal.
# To deprive another Noble of a Ducal Cabinet vote in any way, is illegal.
# To falsify Noble seals & stamps of other Noble Houses, is illegal.
# When guilty of damage, both a Family House & Offender must compensate.
# Marriages between a titled member of peerage to another of another Titled family, of either sex, which would result in the passing of a landed title from one family to the other, must be brokered and approved by the Imperial Court otherwise the title of the individual taking the name of the dominant family will expire and default back to the Emperor for redistribution. 
 
===Noble House Guard Law===
# Nobility may have a House Guard utilizing half plate armor but no helmet and non-military grade weapons.
# The House Guard must defend the lives and keep safe the nobles they serve from harm.
# The House Guard may detain any attackers that attempt to harm the nobles they serve and transfer them to the Violet Order.
# The House Guard must act to defend, not to attack others. They may not draw swords for any reason but for defense of their noble patron.
 
==Regalian Honneurs Law==
Honneurs Laws are a set of Laws dictating the behavior of nobles and others in respects to nobles. It is important to mention here that Honneurs laws work a little differently than State Laws, in that their actual enforcement is not strictly mandatory to the Regalian Guard. That is to say, formally the Guards should enforce these laws when asked to do so, however the Guards will not be disciplined for failing to act on these Laws should their sensibilities demand they do so. Regalian Guards must however respect the Laws which specifically dictate their actions, and may end up being suspended for failing to respect Noble Privilege. Regardless how the Regalian Guard responds to Law violations, any and all violations may still be tried to the Noble Court if the Guards fail to act on the Honneurs violations. For further reference, a list of all proper forms of address:
* The Emperor is your Imperial Holiness (Alexander Kade)
* The Princes(ses) are your Imperial Highness (Cedric, Florance, Valdis, Thaddeus Kade)
* The Prince Sovereigns or Kings are your High Eminence (their relatives are just Ser/Sera/Madam/Madame)
* The Prince Electors are your Eminence
* The Lord Chancellor is your Eminence
* Secretaries of the Government if Noble are title defer red to their noble title, if Commoner, your Councilman/Councilwoman
* The Dukes are your Grace
* The Counts are your Lordship/Ladyship
* The Barons are your Lord/Lady
* Syndic Councilmen are Patrician
* Untitled nobility are Ser/Sera/Madam/Madame
* Reverends are your Holiness
* Other employment related titles are not covered
 
====Naming Honneurs====
It is an affront to Honneurs to refer to those of Noble Blood by their first name, use nicknames, or otherwise bring shame on their noble house by treating them with a familiarity that is inappropriate outside of the confines of one’s own home through address. Offenders are to be fined, and repeat offences are to be imprisoned for offence to Nobility.
 
====Title Honneurs====
It is an affront to the Honneurs to refuse to acknowledge the title of a person, especially when higher in rank to the person offending, however there remains more flexibility in this law. Generally speaking, if a person is refusing to acknowledge a noble’s titleage in address (while still respecting the proper naming law) for political reasons, it is not an affront to Honneurs. If however a person habitually does not use proper title address for no clear political gain or principle, then it is an affront to Honneurs. Offenders are to be fined, and repeat offences are to be imprisoned for offence to Nobility. Furthermore, for those who lack the wit to fulfill the obligations of this law, but still wish to respect the right title address, they may use the address “your honorable eminence”, which is a title deference used to respect anyone between Baron and Duke, but not Princes or the Emperor who still require Imperial distinction. Using this form of address sends a clear message of one’s intellectual capacity in a negative sense however.
 
====Physical Honneurs====
It is an affront to Honneurs for a man to touch the bare skin of a woman that is not his wife without the separation of a silken handkerchief or a cloth linen glove. To touch a married woman, even with such acceptable barriers, is an affront to Honneurs, unless she has invited the person in question to do so with honorable intent and reason. Offenders are to be imprisoned for Noble Impropriety.
 
====Marital Honneurs====
It is an affront to Honneurs for nobles to refer to genitalia, the act of coitus or otherwise glorify their sexual prowess, sexual activities and other vulgar remarks to do with intimacy. Further expansion to this law sees the act of drinking or eating from the same serving or container as another person as vulgar. Offenders are to be fined, and repeat offences are to be imprisoned for Noble Impropriety.
 
====Duelling Honneurs====
It is an affront to Honneurs for nobles to engage in a violent confrontation without the proper rights observed. These rights can be acquired one of two ways: Either the Emperor has to grant consent to an honorable duel, or if both parties pertain Knights of any Knightly Order, then the Chapter Head may grant permission for the two Knights. Offenders are to be imprisoned for Noble Impropriety, on top of the State Law punishment for assault.
 
====Enfranchisement Honneurs====
It is an affront to Honneurs for nobles to engage in employment, tasks or otherwise activities that are normally considered the employment of the lower classes and the common folk. There are exceptions to these: nobles may engage in employment in their own establishments as long as these establishments carry societal relevance or importance, and any noble may serve in the Regalian Guard or Knightly Order or Medical institutions without offending the Honneurs. Offenders are to be fined for Noble Impropriety.
 
====Sanctity Honneurs====
It is an affront to Honneurs to blatantly and with literal language: threaten, coerce or use violent language as a means of intimidation or retaliation outside of the comfort of one’s home. For all intents and purposes, threats which include violence will be seen as confessing to have the intent to murder or violently assault another noble, and should be punished by State Law in accordance as if the act had already occured.
 
====Household Honneurs====
It is an affront to Honneurs for Guard to violate the authority of a noble household head over their household. This means that a noble household head, a person formally registered as the legal owner of an estate property, is permitted to deny entry to their estate on grounds of Honneurs without a warrant from the Emperor, or unless there is credible proof to the risk of loss of life, conspiracy against the State or Emperor, or Heresy.
 
====Arresting Honneurs====
It is an affront to Honneurs for Guards to chain or otherwise publicly humiliate nobles by shackling them, slapping them, using violence on them unless they are resisting, or otherwise draw obvious attention to a noble being escorted to prison. All guards should endeavor to draw as little attention as possible by proclaiming the arrest reason or even the use of the word arrest without subtlety and poise. Guards must, if asked for the reason for an arrest by any noble, inform them of the reasoning, but only in such a way that commoners cannot hear, and commoners should never ask Guards why a noble is being arrested.
 
====Publication Honneurs====
It is an affront to Honneurs for nobles to publish more than a single denunciation publication against another House within the timespan of 30 days. When public denunciations are made they must be signed and delivered to the Bureaucracy for publication and delivery to all the noble houses. Compiling more denunciations that the legally allowed limit will result in censorship as well as a fine.  
 
==Capital Law==
Capital Law are the worst committed crimes in the State of Regalia which default to execution. Any and all Capital Law are based on first offence, unless specified otherwise, and if adequate proof is found of the crime, the guilty party is immediately executed.
# To violate the Sanctity of any woman, or to seize upon a woman through fornication without consent, and with adequate presented proof, is punished with burning at the stake.
# To violate the safety of the Regalian State, and to harbor intentions to seize with armed forces the civil government, and with adequate presented proof, is punished by quartering.
# To commit to the murder of five individuals or more, and to harbor no guilt or conscience to these crimes, and with adequate presented proof, is punished with burning at the stake.
# To commit to the murder of three individuals or more of ages below adulthood, and to harbor no guilt or conscience to these crimes, and with adequate presented proof, is punished with burning at the stake.
# To commit to convert away from the Unionist Fate, and to resist attempts of corrective conversion, and to show no remorse of this religious crime, and with adequate presented proof, is punished with burning at the stake.
# To commit to Jacobin ideals, to attempt to subvert the rights of Nobility by overthrowing, and with adequate presented proof, is punished by live flaying until death.
# To commit treason against the Regalian State by assisting foreign nations or granting knowledge or assets of the Regalian Empire to other nations, and with adequate presented proof, is punished with whipping until death.
 
==Special Ordinances==
Special Ordinances are laws adopted in the past by Emperors that fulfill certain roles. These laws are not part of common state law, because they only address one specific point in society, but are still valid across the Empire.
# All laws prescribed in [[Szabadok_Culture#Laws|Southland Laws]]
 
==Military Law==
Military Laws are laws that govern specifically how the Regalian Military and Navy forces operate and punish individuals serving as Generals, Admirals, Soldiers and any other retinues of war that fight on behalf of Regalia. These laws may be freely added to or altered by popular vote by the Imperial Marshal Cabinet and can be enforced by Military Tribunal, and where required, the City Guard.
# Within the military Forces, hierarchy is strict. To disobey the hierarchy is to invite weakness to the Weapons of the Crown. A Military Tribunal trial will be enacted upon those who act with dishonor and ill conduct. Court Martials will be held by the Imperial Court Marshal and two Generals or Admirals chosen by the Imperial Court Marshal or the Emperor.
# Soldiers of the Regalian Empire must always be treated with personal preference. Where applicable, businesses must show higher priority, and better care for their dealings with soldiers. Public establishments should endeavor to care for the well being of soldiers first.
# It is forbidden to wear outfits from organizations to which one is not a member, and it is illegal to pretend to be a rank which one is not. Pretense in rank is strictly punished with expulsion and a Military Tribunal trial.
# To undermine the Regalian Navy through sabotage or negligence is strictly punished with a Military Tribunal trial. Military Officers are expected to show competence while commanding troops, managing supplies and equipment, or acting on behalf of the Regalian Navy.

Latest revision as of 03:22, 14 March 2024

Regalian Law is the general understanding of the judicial system, both with in-character laws and exceptions that apply to all Roleplayers, but also general concepts of what certain groups are or aren't allowed to do.

Militia, Vigilantism, Mercenaries, and Knights

Because MassiveCraft does not have an official "Police" or "Guard" force in Regalia, it is necessary to understand the role of Player Characters in enforcing the State's authority. By default, unauthorized citizens are not permitted to enforce the law, and if doing so, are themselves in violation of anti-violence and chaos laws. There are however some exceptions and special circumstances:

  • Vigilante: Vigilantes are citizens who do not have the authority to enforce the law, but do so anyway because of a sense of duty, patriotism, or just because they like violence and think it's better to be violent on the side of the state, than against it. Vigilantism in all its forms is illegal. A citizen attacking another citizen to stop a crime, is in themselves committing a crime. If nobody else (for example Knights) is present to stop them, or arrest them, then Vigilantes can usually get away with committing crimes to stop crime. Some Knights may also choose to turn a blind eye to Vigilantes if done well.
  • Militia: A Militia is an unofficially sanctioned self-defense force attached to specific locations. Militias are inherently Vigilantes, but since they are defending their own home, the law is usually not applied to them so long as they acted within reason to defend their home. A Militia is only recognized in so far it is entirely populated by people who own a House in a district, and may only act to defend their homes from illegal activity, in said district. If Rose Court were to establish a Militia for example, they could apply reasonable violence against home invaders of Rose Court, but could not interfere with law enforcement in the Qadir District.
  • Mercenary: The occupation of Mercenary is illegal in the Regalian Empire by ordinance (except for Solvaan who have a legal exception). This means any form of contract hire to either attack, abduct, steal, or kill anyone, is by default illegal. However, many ex-Mercenaries (for those who didn't become regular enlisted soldiers) have slid into contract-work or bludgeon-for-hire for the wealthy and undercity denizens. Just because Mercenary work is illegal, does not mean it cannot be profitable, and does not mean that an ex-mercenary now thug-for-hire cannot make a living just by taking contracts and not getting caught doing violence.
  • Knights: Knights are the next best thing to an actual Guard force, they are in form an extension of the State, but not strictly forced to enforce the Law. All Knights are at all times permitted to enforce the law and temporarily hold suspects or criminals in their Knights HQ prison Cells, but it is important to note that they are not forced to do so. To each and every Knight is afforded the choice whether to enforce State Law with considerations of their own morals and ethics, principles, and whether they have time at all. Some Knights choose to enforce all laws, some Knights enforce only laws on murder, and some do nothing at all.
  • Retainers: Retainers are bodyguards, personal guards, and Noble House Guards specifically hired for the protection of their payer/owner. Retainers are similar to Militia, tolerated to perform some acts of violence, but only in the strictest protection of their liege/client. Someone who is a Retainer (for example a House Guard) may never inflict violence without the client being present, and only if the client is in any harm's way (insults are not valid harm). If Retainers break the law, their clients are usually held responsible and tried by legal forces as if they were the ones who committed the crime instead.

Laws

This section covers all Laws, split into subsections. Keep in mind, Laws can change (infrequently) because of who is in control of the Palace Court. Different courtiers want different policies, and so the Laws swing back and forth between progressive and repressive regimes every so many months. Consult Staff Announcements/World Progressions in the Roleplay Discord for more information and up to date alerts on Law Changes.

  • Low Law: Low Law covers most illegal activities like stealing, non-lethal violence, illegal good possession, magic casting in public, trespassing, impersonation, fraud, emotional harm, refusing to title nobles, refusing to use pronouns, abduction, destruction of property, association with the illegal Occult and collaboration with the Afflicted (for example feeding them or harboring them) etc. Low Law would generally result in a short prison sentence or a fine (most prison sentences can be avoided by paying a heavy fine), and would usually be time-skipped in favor of keeping roleplay going without interruption. As Knights are considered part of law enforcement, when Knights are in armor enforcing the law, they are immune to Low Law.
  • Magic Law: Magic Law covers how Magic is used in general. The State's understanding of magic is very infantile, and it tends to brush all forms of Magic with one big brush. The legality of Magic frequently oscillates between progressive and repressive, currently the law is repressive. All forms of Magic Casting is illegal in any public area or public venue, unless specified by the venue owners. Magic usage in private property is legal, as well as businesses, and Headquarters of special orders and groups if they were specifically granted property by the State. Violation usually defaults to Low Law violations. As Knights are considered part of law enforcement, when Knights are in armor enforcing the law, they are immune to Magic Law.
  • Occult Law: Occult Law covers illegal things Magical in nature, but not specifically Magic itself. These are a set of very specific laws: It is illegal to be a Geist, Undead, or Vampire, it is illegal to consort, own, or associate with Spirits, and it is illegal to use Theurgy. It is currently Legal to be a Marken only if the person can be certified to control themselves or undergo therapy, it is currently Legal to be Arkenborn and Godborn in any and all circumstances, though citizens are requested to be on the lookout for Arkenborn who profess loyalties to their Arken parents (see High Law hostile entities). It is currently legal to be Archon in any and all circumstances. Transforming as Marken in public partially or wholly, falls under this also. Marken retained by Lothar are excluded from this.
  • Religious Law: Religious Law covers what Faiths are legal in the Empire: Unionism, Estelley, Fornoss, Baskarr, Evolism, Draconism. This also covers that using weapons or drawing blood on Holy Ground (Temples, Burial Sites, Graveyards, the Palace, Dragon Sites, Homes of Priests) is illegal, as well as an anti-Blasphemy Law that makes it illegal to speak ill of the Emperor, and that either such offenses are judged by Lancyon Chapter Members of the Viridian Order.
  • High Law: High Law covers highly illegal activities that may result in a character being maimed or executed if caught, or caught on repeat-offense. This includes but is not limited to: treason against the Empire, being a horrendous monster, aiding and abetting foreign powers or hostile entities, pre-meditated murder, etc. These usually involve very long prison sentences, or special trials. Players should be aware that committing these crimes will have serious consequences for their Characters.

Imprisonment Rules

Vigilantes and Criminals alike are permitted to imprison captured hostile Characters within their Clandestine Bases, Keeps, and Rental Regions, as long as a sufficient cell area and-or guards to roleplay with them are available. Captors should show courtesy of releasing someone within 24 hours of imprisonment unless there is a planned and agreed ransom or the player desires to be held for longer. Players should generally negotiate a beneficial outcome amongst themselves, with the responsibility of providing a solution being put on the instigating party. "Instigators" are generally considered characters who started the conflict, whether that is by attacking someone, or by being somewhere they shouldn't be, breaking the law, or being excessively annoying/a nuisance. The instigating party also depends on the location a player is in. For example, a non-disguised Vampire that goes to Main Street or any other place where the Law applies, would be the instigator if Law-abiding characters try to capture them. Conversely, a Knight who enters the Sewers would be the instigator. Players should only contact Lore Staff through a ticket if the other party is being unreasonable, and may result in surrendered Kill or Maim perms.

Enforcement of the Law

On Massivecraft, general 'punishments' and 'enforcements' of the laws should almost always be done off-screen unless the player specifically wants to do that kind of RP. In any case where, for example, a Knight catches someone breaking the law, they are expected to hand off the actual punishment to an off-screen NPC Metropolitan Member. Below is a list and explanation of what the Metro Members would do for each crime, and players can talk about how their characters paid their fines or served their times, etc.

  • Theft: When the Metro handles Theft, they generally impose a fine for petty theft, and prison sentences for stealing large amounts of goods, family heirlooms, and irreplaceable items. Punishments are reduced if the stolen objects are returned to their owners.
  • Magic Casting: Magic casting almost always involves the Metropolitan just fining the caster. Note, that the Metro does not discriminate between Sinistral, Radiant, Dragon Magic, etc, and the only exception that it considers 'not magic' is Unionist God Magic. Magic Casting used to harm others is judged under violence and assault.
  • Violence and Assault: Attacking others usually involves a fine, public humiliation, or a prison sentence depending on the severity. Note that the Metro does not punish individuals for fighting to just defend themselves, but, does punish individuals who inflict excessive harm onto their attackers.
  • Kidnapping: Kidnapping, especially involving extortion or harm done to the person kidnapped, always involves a prison sentence for an extended period of time.
  • General Low Law: All other Low Law infractions not covered are generally just fines, community service, public humiliations, or short prison sentences. Repeat offenses to a severe degree may require Lore Staff Intervention. Individuals who are caught after many repeated offenses require consultation with Lore Staff onw hat to do. Please make a ticket in RP Comm discord with the character captured, and under what circumstances they were captured.
  • Occult Law: Individuals who are infected with Geist or Vampirism are expected to be cured by Players, and usually subjected to a short prison sentence to help prevent re-infection. Undead, Marken, and Spirits who are caught may require additional negotiation between both parties to reach a mutually beneficial outcome.
  • Religious Law: Due to the severity of Religious Law, individuals who are caught would require negotiation between both parties for a mutually beneficial outcome. For crimes such as these, the instigator is assume to be the one guilty of breaching Religious Law.
  • High Law: Due to the severity of High Law, individuals who are caught would require negotiation between both parties for a mutually beneficial outcome. For crimes such as these, the instigator is assumed to be the one guilty of breaching High Law.