Regalian Law: Difference between revisions

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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 Chapters and Organizations in Regalia. Furthermore, most of these laws are changeable by the respective authorities. The Emperor and Lord Chancellor of the Empire may change the laws at will. Treason Offence Laws 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, but cannot be contested by the Judiciary due to its subservience to the Imperial Seat.
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 Law===
==Laws==
# The Imperial Guard may only be commanded and overruled by the Imperial Family, unless the Imperial family grants them leave to be commanded by another entity for a temporary period.
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.
# The Imperial Guard may assist law enforcement in their endeavors, but only if they do not have any Imperial Family members to guard, and only if it benefits the Imperial Family.
* '''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.
# The Imperial Guard are immune to State Law while on official missions granted by Royal-Imperial House members. Regular Kades do not have the right to issue Law-immune Missions.
* '''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 do not have Legal Rights under State Law, and House Kade alone may inflict any punishment not limited and up to execution on their property.
* '''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.
# The Imperial Guard may use and open-wear any weapon of their choice, and Imperial Armor. The Imperial Guard may not wear any other armor than Imperial Armor at any time.
* '''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.  
# The Imperial Guard may not have other loyalties, positions, occupations or dedications while in service to the Imperial House. To do so is considered Imperial Treason.
* '''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 may not be impeded upon by any person or organization when on a specific written mission given by Royal-Imperial House members, such as Princes or the Emperor.
# The Imperial Guard may not be denied the freedom to guard or continue guarding any Kade with whatever weapon or armor they wish, even if they are not Royal-Imperial Blood.
# The Imperial Guard are immune to State Law while on a specific mission given by Royal-Imperial House members, but may not inflict undue violence, draw blood, or cause damage unless needed.
# The Imperial Guard do not have free time or off-time unless granted by the Princes or Emperor. Imperial Guards must always be in armor, and must always be on duty no matter where they are.
# Outside of specific missions by Royal-Imperial House members, Imperial Guard are not immune to State Law, but are immune to execution by the Guard, and may only be imprisoned on Imperial Property.
# The Imperial Guard may only be commanded by Princes, Princesses and the Emperor. Any other Kade member may make requests, but Imperial Guard make their own considerations for Kade safety.
# The Imperial Guard may man-handle non-Royal-Imperial Kades into safety if they remain obstinate, commit treason to the Emperor or Imperial House, or inflict self-harm or in harm's way.
# Non-Mundane individuals of any kind are not permitted on Imperial Property (including Imperial Estates and Palace) without dispensation from the Court Master of Occults or Arcane.
# City Law Enforcement agencies may only perform their duties on the first level of the Palace. Upper levels of the Palace fall under Imperial Guard jurisdiction with their own prison.
# To cause harm or spill blood in the Holy Ground of Union, is illegal. Holy Ground is counted as the Imperial Palace or any interior of Unionist Temples but not Imperial Estates.
# To denounce the Emperor as the supreme authority on Aloria and the rightful ruler of all the world is blasphemy and illegal. It is not illegal to commute the identity of the Spirit.
# The Horned Stipulation dictates that Url who can prove they were once Ailor, have equal rights and should be treated like all other Ailor. They are legally Ailor.
# The Horned Stipulation also dictates that the Url are no longer considered Ailor legally, if they do not serve in the Guard, Military, or as a House Guard or Imperial Guard.  
# The Horned Stipulation also dictates that Url who are legally considered Ailor must report to Scholars when summoned, and hand in their animal trophies to the Crown.


===Imperial Decrees===
==Imprisonment Rules==
Imperial Decrees are direct statements/publications from the Emperor that can cover many various topics. While in theory the Emperor does not have divine assent anymore, Imperial Law (and indeed, some part of the public conscience) still affords the Emperor with some sway over governance as the monarch.
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.


*[https://forums.massivecraft.com/threads/imperial-decree-on-the-magi.79293/ Imperial Decree on the Magi]
==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.  
==State Law==
* '''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.
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.
* '''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.  
===Regalian Common Law===
* '''Kidnapping:''' Kidnapping, especially involving extortion or harm done to the person kidnapped, always involves a prison sentence for an extended period of time.  
#To wear a weapon or armor in public without express permission from the appropriate authorities is illegal.
* '''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.  
#Military Grade weaponry is weaponry designated for artillery usage. These include cannons, explosives and siege weapons.
* '''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.
#To harm another citizen or non-citizen resident is illegal.
* '''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.
#To harm in self-defense is only legal when under self-risk of bodily harm.
* '''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.
##Self-defense is the use of physical force that is less or equal to the threat faced by the defending party.
#To commit to murdering another citizen or non-citizen is illegal.
#To commit to harming one’s self in any mortal way is illegal
#To falsify or otherwise forge your own death or the death of another, is illegal.
#To enslave outside of the confines of Suffran Law is illegal.
#To deprive another Regalian Citizen of their freedom is illegal.
#To resist arrest from Regalian Guard Enforcement is illegal.
#To bear false witness to an on-duty Regalian Law Enforcer when the lie has been proven is illegal.
#To attempt to break out of prison is illegal.
#To hide one’s identity or to impersonate another is illegal.
#To indecently disrobe another person in public is illegal.
#To expose private parts or intimate body parts in public is illegal.
#To engage in childbirth in public or other non-such medical places is illegal.
#To commit oneself to a false oath or renounce a lifeguard oath is illegal, and will incur a fine of 100 Regals.
#To commit to vigilantism, or to endeavor to enforce Regalian Law without the legal authority to do so, is illegal.
 
===Regalian Property Law===
#To trespass on the property of a Regalian resident is illegal.
#To drunkenly or disorderly disrupt public peace is illegal.
#To steal or damage the belongings of Regalian residents is illegal
#To rob or mug, a Regalian resident is illegal.
#To harm or damage a slave property of another is illegal.
#To commit to creating and/or possessing false currency or contraband is illegal.
#To harm or kill animals or livestock of another Regalian resident, save for certain self-defense scenarios, is illegal.
 
===Regalian City Ordinances===
#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 valid contract shall be arrested, their equipment forfeit, and fined 40 regals.
#To moor an airship within the Crown Isle city limits, without government approval, is illegal.
#Anyone who operates a Puretek weapon within the City of Regalia without a Belliard Seal from the Belliard Representative is to have said Puretek weapon forfeit and returned to the Guilds of Saint Belliard.
#Any and all First Civil Status citizens are permitted to request a weapons permit from the Old Guard Charter. A weapons permit allows any man or woman that is of adult age and of law-abiding status to bear a weapon openly in public.
 
===Regalian Family Law===
# 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 threat, is illegal.
# Marriage is legal between any and all:
##Human and Nelfin Races of First or Protected Civil Status
##First Civil Status Races of the same Race
##Protected Civil Status Races of the same Race
# Marriage with a First Civil Status citizen does not bequeath Citizenship or First Civil Status.
 
===Regalian Civil Status===
The Regalian Civil Status Case is divided primarily into four main categories of individual: First Civil Status Races, Protected Civil Status Races, None Civil Status Races and Outsider Civil Status Races.
 
Races that are First Civil Status enjoy equal protection by the State through its laws and law enforcement chapters and have full access to the Courts of Regalia where the laws permit such.
 
Races that are Protected Civil Status enjoy somewhat the same protection by the State, however do not have access to the Courts of Regalia and must rely on First Civil Status Races to take their cases for them. In some cases, marriage may also be limited for these races where the laws state so.  
 
Races that are None Civil Status enjoy no rights at all within the Regalian Empire, and thus are not protected by the Regalian law enforcement chapters for some crimes (Save brutalization in public) and have no access to the Regalian Judiciary whatsoever. Marriage may also be restricted for these individuals by law.
 
Races that are Outsider Civil Status are outcasts to the Regalian populous and can be actively beaten, robbed and treated like animals without impunity. They are not recognised as 'people' within the Regalian Caste System and thus can be enslaved by those that can overpower them (Doing so will then make that Outsider 'property', and subject to laws under the Regalian Property Law category.  
 
# Ailor, Sihai, Dwarves, Qadir, Url, Allar, Orcs, Songaskians, Altalar and Cielothar are First Civil Status Races.
# Yanar, Varran, Avanthar, Sihndar and Manathar, are considered Protected Civil Status.
# Isldar are considered Protected Civil Status (Isldar retain First Civil Status if they are guards)
# Ka- and El-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, Haat-Maraya, and Slizzar are Outsider Civil Status. Outsider Status have no rights or protections in Regalia.
# 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.
# All Regalian Government secretaries and official ministers will enjoy the privileges associated with First Civil Status, regardless of their race, for as long as they hold a position in the Regalian Government. This is to ensure that these individuals can work productively and unimpeded by any restraints which would be otherwise placed upon them by the status of their birth.
 
===Suffran Law===
#Slaves enslaved outside of the Regalian Empire's sphere of influence and brought into the Regalian Empire are permitted.
#The enslavement of any Ailor is not permitted under any circumstances.
##Ailor may voluntarily enter into indentured servitude through a contract.
#The enslavement of any Race that is Outsider Civil Status is permitted.
 
===Regalian Arcane Law===
#To subject oneself or another to the aberrations of Undeadism, Vampirism, or Werebeastism is illegal.
#Noble Houses are permitted to employ up to two Court Mages.
#To cast Occult Abilities in a building while there is a bar by the owner or head attendant of the building is illegal.
#To utilize Occult Abilities which are harmful, unwanted, or negatively affecting another is illegal.
#Occult Persona may not use Occult Abilities to attack another citizen or non-citizen resident, save in the case of self defense.
##Occult Abilities used in self defense must be non-lethal and harmless, with an intent to incapacitate, restrain, or defend against an assailant.
#There exists three statuses of Occult Persona within the Regalian Empire:
##White Status Persona are Occult Persona given special disposition to utilize Occult Abilities in return for service as stipulated via a permit through the Regalian State.
##Gray Status Persona are all Occult Persona lacking White or Black Status.
##Black Status Persona are those Occult Persona who are deemed enemies of the Regalian Empire, who seek to use their Occult Abilities to fight against or destroy law and order, or are otherwise considered terrorists or dangerous to the Regalian citizenry.
 
===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 40 Regals.
#Any person offending the right of nobility is fined 80 Regals, with the fine doubling per offense.
#Any person who defames, discredits, or otherwise embarasses their elder family members towards others is to be fined 30 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 create a criminal organization and/or recruit members to its cause is illegal.
#To enter a criminal organization and/or work towards its cause is illegal.
#To support, aid, and/or associate with criminal organizations is illegal.
#To rebel against or disobey the Regalian State and/or Empire is illegal.
# To conspire against the Regalian State and/or Empire is illegal.
#To express or support Jacobinist views or goals, is illegal.
#Government officials are expected to perform by the stipulations of their Government position, and are to perform their duties with competence. To undermine the lawful authority or functioning of the Regalian State through sabotage or negligence as a Government official is grounds for dismissal and/or legal prosecution.
 
===Regalian Noble Law===
#To actively disrupt or compromise a public Government assembly after warnings, is illegal.
# To engage in fornication before marriage while there is a patriarch or matriarch bar, 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.
#To deprive a noble of their vote in the Regalian Noble Assembly, is illegal.
#The Lord Chancellor has full executive power to pass any law regardless of an assembly being held.
#The Noble Assembly may pass any law, provided it is not vetoed by the Lord Chancellor, with 50+1% of the gathered nobility at the sitting assembly.
#The Lord Chancellor may be impeached and removed from office by a 60% majority vote at that sitting assembly.
#Two Noble House leaders may call a noble assembly to be held, but it must be held at least 2 days in advance and the Lord Chancellor must be present.
#The Lord Chancellor must be present at every noble assembly. If the Lord Chancellor is not, the assembly cannot proceed.
#If the Assembly has been in session for more than one hour, the Lord Chancellor or two members of the Peerage may call for a temporary recess. A recess may only be called if there are no active proposals on the floor. A recess's duration must be between five and fifteen minutes, and the exact duration of the recess must be stated when it is called. A recess functions as a 'break' period, and no proposals may be called during the time.
#During an Assembly, guards present are to enforce dress code in the chamber to maintain its decency and civility.
 
===Regalian Knight Law===
#The following Knight Orders may open-carry non-military grade weapons and wear up-to plate armor:
##The Viridian Order​
##The Bloodcast Order
##The Darkwald Order
#Knights are permitted to enter the Imperial Palace without armaments but can be expelled by Imperial Court Officials for poor behavior.
#Knights may enforce Regalian Law when called upon by the Lord Chancellor or any City Guard Charter to do so.
#Knights may engage in honor duels in the Knight’s District or other designated combat areas.
#Knights caught in violation of their Code of Honor, and with adequate presented proof, are liable to fifteen lashings with a whip by their Order’s membership or a City Guard.
 
===Regalian 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 Regalian Guard Charters.
#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 Mercenary Law===
#Mercenaries may wear up to half plate without a helmet, and open-carry non-military grade weaponry, only while fulfilling a contract.
#Mercenaries must adhere to all Regalian Laws where applicable.
#Mercenaries must obey Regalian Law Enforcement orders from Guard Charter Commanders.
#To operate as a Mercenary on the Crown Isle without a valid contract is illegal, and offenders will be charged for every Regalian Law violated.
 
==Regalian Noble Privilege==
The Nobility of the Regalian Empire, by virtue of their status as the Emperor’s delegated regional rulers, are afforded certain rights, privileges and entitlements not conferred upon the common man or woman. These ‘privileges’ are essentially benefits of a noble’s status, and establish the class distinction and effectuate the powers of a nobleman’s elevated prerogative over the common people of the Empire.
 
====Title Holders Only====
# Nobility are entitled to acquiesce a public business for private serving for thirty minutes for a maximum of once a day. Said business however cannot be acquiesced by another House for the remainder of that day. This may not be done to venues actively being used for events.
# Nobility have inviolability of their Noble estates. Only the Emperor or the Secretary of the Whip can issue warrants to the Violet Order to investigate a Noble’s estate without the Patriarch or Matriarch of said Noble family.  
 
====Title Holders and their Heir Only====
# Nobility have by virtue of their status as regional rulers, the right to wage private war against another noble house. This right stems from the authority of the Emperor and can cease at the Emperor’s discretion and only at the Emperor’s discretion.
# Nobility by virtue of their status have a blood right to employ their own armed House Guard with supplemented regulation through Regalian Law.
# Crime committed against Nobility warrant heavier sentences. An action taken against a Noble is an action taken against the Emperor’s delegated governors and thus must be treated with much higher scrutiny.
# Nobility may not be restricted from traversing the City and thus are immune from checkpoint procedure set up by the City Guard. 
# Nobility may vindicate a convicted criminal, having been released or awaiting punishment by the City Guard, provided said Noble House takes the criminal as a personal ward and takes full responsibility for their future actions.
## This may only be exercised on a full blooded Ailor (Some leeway granted on application to the Judiciary under fundamentally reasonable argumentation).
## This may also not be used to vindicate someone who is set for execution.
## Wards are treated as quasi-family members, meaning they will be attached to the family without the surname or noble privileges, but the family bears responsibility for them until the Judiciary dissolves the wardship on application.
# Nobility have the right to call a ‘Diet of the Nobility’ provided they have the backing of two other Patriarchs/Matriarchs for such and that every Noble and Aristocrat family are given three days notice in advance of such a diet. These diets are generally overseen by a representative for the Emperor and can be called to accuse a family of acting untactfully, of abusing Noble privilege, raise a question on privilege or generally hold any debate they desire. Nobility are then permitted to vote on a proposal of their choosing which is delivered to the Emperor to decide whether he wishes to accept the proposal or reject it.  
 
====All Nobles====
# Nobility as the upper echelon of society are not subject to the whims of the common folk. Nobility are permitted to strike or order the striking of a commoner where they are offended by the words or conduct of that individual without facing legal repercussions. 
# Nobility are expected to be treated with great deference in public by the lesser classes. When visiting public establishments Nobles must be given preferential treatment and treated with utmost respect.
# Nobility are permitted to open carry a single non military grade weapon in public for ceremonial purposes and self defense scenarios.
# Nobility have a universal right to their good name and reputation.  A noble can enforce their right to a good name and reputation in the Patriciate Court. Truth of the statement however is the ultimate defense to such an allegation.
# Nobility have the right to issue to City Guards in person a warrant for the arrest of a commoner for alleged criminal acts. Said noble must then act as the interrogator of the arrested commoner and prove the allegation true. The City Guard may then determine if the criminal act has been committed or not and act accordingly.
# Nobility are awarded with the privilege to not be hassled by the City Guard for minor inconveniences and criminal acts. The Nobility are expected to be treated with due diligence and only accosted by legal enforcement when it is of severe importance. Moreover, Nobles are expected to be treated with respect and deference during arrests and must not be shackled or have force applied to them unless the Noble refuses to comply.
# Nobility have the right to be personally escorted to their homes, residence or public building by the City Guard during a Citywide curfew.
 
==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.
 
====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.
 
==Judicial Doctrines==
Judicial Doctrines are unique, and often obscure, pieces of legislature that supersede State Law where applicable. Oftentimes, these Doctrines are legal traditions from former Regalian States, which the Regalian Judiciary codified when these states were absorbed into the Regalian Empire.
===The Landesknecht Doctrine===
The premise behind this maxim permits Mercenaries, who are operating toward a specific target or goal, under a contract, to be legally immune to Regalian Laws relating to assault, kidnapping, trespassing and vigilantism for the duration of the contract. If capturing an individual, killing or maiming the person is the only illegality, and the Courts have permitted target individuals to be kept in a private cell for up to a day and beaten endlessly by both mercenaries and the contractor. This almost two century Calemberg legal doctrine still survives in Regalian Law to this day and is so fundamental to both mercenaries and the peerage that use them, that the judiciary will not interpret it any differently than its original drafting. However, Imperial Law and Noble Privilege still stands paramount to this Doctrine.
===The Doctrine of Lo Incontro===
This Doctrine of old Dressolini origin permits Noble Houses or anyone with access to a Mercenary Company, to challenge another legal person to a “Conflitto Lo Incontro”. Here, a party who has been slighted may hire a Mercenary company to engage in a large scale engagement with another mercenary company to settle a dispute between the insulted party and the insulting party. If there is some ante, the contractor with the victorious mercenary band is awarded what was promised. This Doctrine has been used to settle many a family conflict outside of raising levies and, in olden days, these skirmishes would take place in large, circular arenas in front of cheering crowds, usually to the death. Nowadays, Regalian Law has tamed these engagements, and the killing of another is no longer permitted. Thus, mercenaries fighting are expected to fight with blunted weapons and to incapacitate, with the victor being the last mercenary group standing.
===The Promissory Doctrine===
The Court has recently accepted as valid consideration for oaths made documentation known as 'Promissory Notes of Obligation' which act as semi-contracts enforceable for actions detailed within. These semi-contracts are signed by both parties and accepted as monetary support for a variety of things which obligated the consenting party to perform a certain act lest face judicial punishment and enforcement by mandatory injunction.
*'''OOC Note''': Promissory Notes must be made via a Minecraft book in game, and cannot be made by any other means.
 
==Treason Offences==
Treason Offences are the worst committed crimes in the State of Regalia which may lead to extensive criminal punishment. Any and all Treason offence violations are based on first offence, and can lead to an immediate incarceration in Krakenburg pending sentencing. 
# 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 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 [[Anglian#Laws|Ruiten Wetten]]
 
==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.