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The Regalian Law is a set of five distinct so called Law Books, which are: Imperial Law, Government Law, Canon Law, State Law and Military Law. Not all laws are active at all times, and not all Law Books are equally relevant, or are equally enforced by the Regalian authorities. Laws sometimes also apply differently on a local level between the Noble lands as well as the Vassal Kingdoms. Generally speaking however, the Laws are roughly the same across the Empire, and are certainly valid to the letter in the Regalian Capital.
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 that are always applicable, everywhere and to everyone. The exclusion to the Imperial Law, are those defined as Imperial Blood, which is a title bestowed only to the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and parents of the Crown. Furthermore, these relations must be full blood and able to trace their lineage back to Theomar the First or Alexander the First to a high degree. Imperial Law cannot be altered by the Regalian Government, only by the Emperor.
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.


====Law One: Holy Touch====
==Laws==
It is forbidden for anyone to physically touch the Crown on any part of the body through any medium or with any protection. To lay hands on the Crown’s body is paramount to heresy, and will result in removal of the offending body parts. The Crown is the pure vessel of the Spirit and must not be soiled by the touch of mortals on the Great Way.  
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.


====Law Two: Holy Say====
==Imprisonment Rules==
It is forbidden for anyone to disobey a command or contradict the Crown when it is directly issued, unless the Crown commands or permits to do so. The Crown is always right when speaking on any matter, and unless the Crown indicates that their statement is not in known truth, then their statements are universally true as blessed by the Spirit. A command directly issued by the Crown must never be denied, nor must anyone issued a command by the Crown be obstructed from succeeding in said mission, to do so is heresy.
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.


====Law Three: Holy See====
==Enforcement of the Law==
It is forbidden for anyone to look directly in the eyes of the Crown unless commanded to do so by the Crown. To look in the eyes of the most Holy is to presume equal standing to the Crown and the Spirit, which is heresy.
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.
====Law Four: Holy Word====
* '''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.
While employed at the Palace, it is forbidden for any present to speak of the Crown’s actions, either by informing others of their occurrence, or spending more than passing thought on them. Furthermore, it is forbidden to inform outsiders of the ongoings of the Palace or the Crown’s personal activities and statements and appearances.
* '''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.  
====Law Five: Holy Face====
* '''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.  
It is forbidden to either deface, defame, criticize, nullify, deject, dishonor, destroy, reject, diminish or otherwise cast negative effects or intent on the Crown’s reputation, images of the Crown, or the Crown themselves, or the Imperial Spirit. Doing so is paramount heresy and punishable by execution for the greatest treason of all.
* '''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.
====Law Six: Holy Family====
* '''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.
It is forbidden to either deface, defame, criticize, nulligy, deject, dihonor, destroy, reject, diminish or otherwise cast negative effect or intent on the Crown’s close blood relations, images of these individuals, or the individuals themselves. Doing so makes one liable for severe imprisonment.
 
====Law Seven: Holy Verdict====
The Crown attests to three Verdict manners, Holy Assent, meaning indisputable. Holy Assent decrees or implementations may not be contested or disputed by the people. Secondly, Holy Intent, meaning clear interpretation. Holy Intent allows the people some free range of implementation of Imperial decrees or implementations, as long as the underlying intent provided by the Crown is protected. Finally there exists Holy Invest, meaning the free range of interpretation and action. Holy Invest decrees or implementations are not divine verdicts or laws, and may as such be freely ignored, re-interpreted or modified.
 
==Government Law==
Government Law is usually applicable only to Government officials, but some may also extend to the common citizens at large when specified. These laws are directly administrated by the Curia Leges, and are as such applied to all parties with the exception of those excempt from Imperial Law, meaning the Crown and those of Imperial Blood. These laws remain valid in all territory directly controlled by the Regalian State.
 
===Law One: Legal Oversight===
All official decrees, decisions and issues created by the Curia Leges and Curia Regis must be reviewed by the Hoherichter to assure legality in compliance with all Laws of the Empire. Should the Hoherichter find the decree, decision or issue in conflict, then the Hoherichter has the right to invalidate it.
 
===Law Two: Legal Capacity===
Any Government official may not, knowingly or unknowingly, intentionally or ignorantly, attempt or perform any usurpation, reduction or neglect or undermine of the lawful authority or functioning of the Imperial Regalian State. Furthermore, those who fail to perform by the stipulations of their government position, and in essence perform with incompetence, are liable to criminal prosecution. The Judiciary has at their disposal indiscriminate searching, investigating, arresting and trialing for the purpose of enforcing this law.
 
==Canon Law==
Canon Law is a set of Laws defined by the Sanchella of Union as church laws. However, since the church has no formal authority over the Empire or individual states, the Emperor chooses to only legalize a select few, or none at all. The individual status of Canon Law is referenced in the law descriptions themselves. Canon Law cannot be altered by the Regalian Government, only by the Emperor. That being said, the Supreme Reverend can make new laws for Canon Law, just not activate them without Imperial Assent.
 
===Law One: Holy Marriage===
Church Marriage within the tradition of Unionism is between a single man and a woman, to profess loyalty, devotion and to further the cause of Humanum by providing for the birth of more souls, and to carry the vessels of redemption for the lesser beings. Public acts of same sex of either intimate or erotic nature are strictly illegal, as is the encouragement of same-sex relations. This law is currently '''Active'''.
 
===Law Two: Holy Safety===
Those within the confines of the hallowed grounds, so called Temples of Unionism and other places of Sanchella officially sanctioned worship may not be apprehended, or removed from said premise. Those who profess to isolate themselves in fasting and prayer will avoid the arm of the law, as long as they remain on the grounds of these holy places. Granting these individuals food, or assisting in their secret escape however, is a crime. This law is currently '''Active'''.
 
===Law Three: Holy Sanctity===
To harm or otherwise cause violent acts upon priests of the cloth, curates or other members of the Sanchella of Union is considered a heretical crime. Murder on a member of the clergy shall always be answered with execution. This law is currently '''Not Active'''.
 
===Law Four: Holy Familiarity===
Society itself is defined by strict roles yet within equal nature. All Humanum must strive to perform to the best of their abilities in the Great Way. It is thus not to the fairer gender of womenly virtue, to fulfill the roles of priests, military, government or spiritual leaders. These roles are preserved for the tougher gender of male supremacy, as they are more unique equipped for these tasks. This law is currently '''Not Active''' (Though the Sanchella uses a clause of it to prevent female priests).
 
===Law Five: Holy Ex-clast===
Members of the church are of a higher spiritual profession than those of the mundane people. As such, their moral guidelines are superior to the foundations of State Law, and their acts above reprieve or reprisal from the state. Members of the church may not universally be prosecured by any law enforcement but their own. This law is currently '''Not Active'''.
 
===Law Six: Holy Familia===
It is forbidden to either deface, defame, criticize, nulligy, deject, dihonor, destroy, reject, diminish or otherwise cast negative effect or intent on the Crown’s most loyal and devout of subjects: The Empress and Imperial Consorts, images of these individuals, or the individuals themselves. Doing so makes one liable for severe imprisonment. This law is currently '''Active'''.
 
===Law Seven: Holy Inquest===
The White Order, or Inquisition, when called upon the people by authority of the Emperor has absolute authority over law enforcement. No Noble Privilege, Guard Charter, Military Organization or other privilege aside from the Palace Privileges may suspend or overrule the Inquisition's verdicts or investigations. Inquisitors when granted by the Supreme Reverend, have the authority to temporarily suspend the privilege of nobility. This law is currently '''Active'''.
 
==Military Law==
Military Law mostly if not only covers military persons of the Regalian Navy and Regalian Armed Forces. These laws thus cover any person who is a member of any particular military unit, even if they are also a member of another organization that has different laws. Generaly speaking, Military Law always overrides all other law sets where applicable. Military Law cannot be altered by the Regalian Government, only by the Emperor.
 
===Law One: Military Doctrine===
Within the military, hierarchy is strict. To disobey the hierarchy is to invite weakness to the Weapons of the Crown. Court Martial will be enacted upon those who act with dishonor and ill conduct while being members of the armed forces, with reprisals within the army as a result. The Court Martial may also defer the trial to civilian authorities.  
 
===Law Two: Military Preference===
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. Conflicts with this law should be directed to Lieutenant-Generals who in turn make protest with the Amtsrichters.
 
===Law Three: Military Leadership===
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 demand for a civilian trial.
 
==State Law==
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 the Regalian Hoherichter without Imperial oversight.  
 
===Law One: Regalian Weapons===
Anyone who finds themselves being a person within the Regalian Empire is not permitted to wear a weapon in plain sight on them except when they are a Titled Noble Person or a member of a Charter Organisation with overriding rights. Individual charter rights as granted by the Emperor or by State law can override this law.
 
===Law Two: Regalian Defense===
Within the Realm of Regalia, the legal defense of “Self Defense” is not legal. Self Defense is only applicable when the self becomes subject to risk of bodily harm or dismemberment through violence. Self defense may only apply by non lethal and non harmful means, that is to say, when defending one’s self, one does not have the right to kill or maim one’s attacker. One may only use a weapon in Self Defense with the intent to incapacitate or restrain an attacker. Self defense is never applicable to verbal threats or unarmed conflict. Additionally however, citizens may bring bodily harm to those who offend the Emperor, the Empire as a whole, or the cause of Unionism. In these cases, a person may not take the life of another, but within reason-ability, as judged by the Regalian Guard, inflict harm onto those who are of a heretical nature before apprehending and delivering them to the Regalian Guard.
 
===Law Three: Regalian Identity===
Any person within the Regalian Archipelago shall endeavor not to impersonate the identity of another person, especially the divine right of Nobility. Any commoner caught impersonating a Noble, either by claiming a false title or false pretense of being noble is subject to criminal prosecution. No person within the Regalian Empire who is not a member of a Chartered organization with mask rights shall endeavor to conceal their true identity by obstructing their face from Law enforcement’s view.
 
===Law Four: Regalian Demonic===
Anyone who finds themselves within the Regalian Empire may not under any circumstance be infected with the Sanguine Curse, be undead, be demonically possessed or otherwise a mage or magically affected without express consent of the Azure Order or relevant Empire Authorities. Any person within the Regalian Empire shall endeavor not to cast magic illegally, conspire against the state, teach or otherwise educate any individual in anti establishment views, magical skills that are not on the allowed list or otherwise Void and Demonic involved matters or beliefs without consent. Consent may be acquired from either the Lieutenant-Generals, the Emperor, the Supreme Reverend or the Hoherichter, and can also be suspended by all these individuals. This law does not apply to Imperial Charters.
 
===Law Five: Regalian Family===
Any person who finds himself part of a family with either living or deceased ancestors shall not defame, discredit or otherwise embarrass their elders towards others, be it neighbors or strangers in the street. A parent’s authority over their child (any individual below the age of 15) is absolute. This law's privilege may not conflict with the Sanctity of Life Law. While parents have some authority over physical discipline applied to their children, undue violence on children is illegal. Parents both have equal rights to parentage of the child and the courts will decide in favor of the wealthiest parent for guardianship.
 
===Law Six: Regalian Sanctity===
Any person within the boundaries of the Regalian Empire shall not kill or maim any other person within the boundaries of the Regalian Empire, be it foreigner, non-Human or Human. Any person within the boundaries of the Regalian Empire shall also endeavor not to prevent the birth or conception of a child, with the exception of a child born between a Human and a non-Human. A marriage between a same-sex couple is only permitted if both partners already have legally recognized offspring.  
 
===Law Seven: Regalian Worship===
Any person within the boundaries of the Regalian Empire shall not worship or otherwise glorify or otherwise speak well of other religions, deities and worship systems. The only full religious freedom is extended to Unionists. Traditional acts considered expressions of faith within other religions are also included in this ban. Furthermore, the Regalian Inquisition may compel any member of a different religion to forcibly convert to Unionism with full executive authority.
 
===Law Eight: Regalian Vow===
Any person within the boundaries of the Regalian Empire who finds himself in a marital contract as blessed by the Sanchella of Union, shall not commit adultery period. Any Person within the boundaries of the Regalian Empire who is not currently married, may not engage in an adulterous affair with another married individual. Additionally, any person within the boundaries of the Regalian Empire must marry another individual whom they have impregnated, or fallen pregnant by, within 3 months of pregnancy identification. If the other partner is already married, the child will be taken in by the Regalian Orphanage and both parents will be punished. If both parents are already married, the child will be taken into the Regalian Orphanage.
 
===Law Nine: Regalian Unions===
Any person within the boundaries of the Regalian Empire who finds themselves in a marital contract as blessed by the Sanchella of Union must provide and care for their spouse, both financially and emotionally. Neglect of a married spouse or inability to provide for a spouse is a criminal offense within the boundaries of the Regalian Empire. Additionally, being unable to provide offspring to a spouse is liable to criminal prosecution and annulment of marriage. Every union of Humanum must produce offspring within a year of their first marriage day, or deposit an adequate writ to the Government why they cannot do such. Individuals who already have legal offspring from another previous marriage or else are exempt from this.
 
===Law Ten: Regalian Property===
Any person within the boundaries of the Regalian Empire shall not misappropriate or otherwise dishonestly seize property or items belonging to any other person without express written permission or overriding laws and authorities of city level or Empire level. Furthermore, certain items and goods are identified as illegal or contraband by the Commerce Reichsrat. Possessing, trading, owning, storing or otherwise wishing to acquire such goods is illegal.
 
===Law Eleven: Regalian Freedom===
Any person within the boundaries of the Regalian Empire shall not seize or detain any other individual be it foreign or national, non-Human or Human, against their will, either conscious or unconscious. Exceptions are made for citizen’s arrests and authorities with overruling rights and authority. Furthermore, this law no longer applies when the individual is attempting to trespass.
 
===Law Twelve: Regalian Public===
Any person within the boundaries of any urban area within the Regalian Empire shall endeavor to behave cordially and properly in public. Drunken disorderly behavior, unwanted erotic behavior, inciting of violence and otherwise causing a public disturbance or vandalism is not allowed and liable to criminal prosecution.
 
===Law Thirteen: Regalian Home===
Any person within the boundaries of the Regalian Empire shall not unlawfully enter the residence or property owned by another person without the vocal or written consent. The entire sewers are off-limits for any person within the Regalian Empire, this additionally extends to various public buildings such as the Imperial Palace.  
 
===Law Fourteen: Regalian Noblesse===
Any person within the Regalian Empire who finds themselves being a Regalian Citizen and both a Human and of Noble Blood has the right to be elevated above the common folk, the right to fair trial and lawful representation, the right to preferential treatment in criminal persecution and the right to dictate house arrest for other members of the family as long as family authority extends itself. Nobles from families with titles of and above Revain or equivalent must always be treated with respect and carefully escorted to prison without raising too much commotion and without restraints or shackles unless the situation demands it.
 
===Law Fifteen: Regalian Visage===
Any person within the Regalian Empire may never under any circumstances speak ill of the Emperor, his Blood relations and his Imperial Decrees with Imperial Assent for any reason. Any person may never assign fault, wrongdoing or critical opinions and traits to any individual defined within the group before mentioned. To understand where and how the Imperial Family extends: The Imperial Family confers to both the Emperor as well as his children, his brothers and sisters, and his brothers’ children unless an act of inheritance-non-functa has been signed by the individual Princes, which suspends Blood relations from the inheritance line.
 
===Law Sixteen: Regalian Conservation===
Any person within the Regalian Empire, regardless of political stature shall endeavor not to express any Jacobinism views, support any whole or partial Jacobinism views, or in any way publicly denounce the rights of aristocracy or otherwise attempt to upset the structure of authority and royal prerogative in the Empire. Criticizing specifically the concept of the duty, rights and necessity of nobility is a great crime. Nobility rules by the will of the Emperor, so denying the right to rule of Nobility, is heresy.
 
===Law Seventeen: Regalian Purity===
Any and all Human citizens and noncitizens within the Regalian Empire are forbidden from maintaining sexual relations or marriage bonds with non-Humans. Any existing marriages that were approved before this law would be declared null and void by the state, and their offspring related to half breeds would be declared illegitimate and without rights to the Regalian State.
 
===Law Eighteen: Regalian Superiority===
Any and all non-Humans with the exception of Nelfin and Dwarven species are disallowed from holding political, civil or military office, with the sole exception of those granted Humanum right by the Emperor. Those that are in office for whatever reason, regardless of circumstance, must adopt Regalian customs and traditions, as well as the Imperial High Culture. Any failure to comply will lead to dismissal.
 
==State Weapon Law==
State Weapon Law is the law that covers the usage of weapons and carrying thereof within the states of the Regalian Empire. There are three distinct categories: Full prohibition, Concealed Carry and Open Carry. These three categories all have their own individual rules. There exists a final exception clause called the Imperial Prerogative. The Weapons Law also applies to armor, though various jobs and charters may have specific laws on armor usage. The heaviest armor that may be used in public without additional rights is half leather, meaning cured hardened leather may not be worn more than around the chest and forearms. Metal armor without permits is strictly forbidden. Of any armor set in Regalia, the neck and head must be adequately uncovered and the hands free of motion.
 
* Full prohibition applies to anyone who is not allowed to wear any weapons on them without exception. Full prohibition is applied to all citizens who have been to prison for any charged repeat-offence of violence in any degree. This applies even to Nobility, but has to be individually issued by the Landesgericht Inspector to be valid in paper.
* Concealed Carry is the most applicable category for Weapon Law. This applies to anyone of or above the age of 15, being allowed to carry a weapon, purely concealed beneath cloth or in containers, no longer than twelve inches. Most Regalian forges sell so called Rechthelm Swords which are of this adequate restriction.
* Open Carry is an applicable category for Weapon Law which allows the full open bearing of weapons which are not military-grade weapons. The Open Carry is a granted right to either man or woman that is a legal adult and of Humanum Race and a title holder of Count and above. Further limitations in place are that the weapon may not be longer than forty inches. The weapons must be properly secured and if stolen, the owner will be held responsible for military neglect. The right to Open Carry can also be granted by Charters. Individual Permits cannot be granted. The only way to gain Open Carry Right, is by being a serving member of a Charter.
* Imperial Prerogative is a last category that is not formally recognized in the law system because it applies to only a select few individuals. The Imperial Prerogative category dictates that the person who fulfills the criteria has in fact no limitations on weapon bearing in public, meaning they are even permitted to wear military grade armor and weapons. This right is only directly granted by the Emperor.
 
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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.
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