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 Guards and Organizations in Regalia. Furthermore, most of these laws are changeable by the respective authorities.  
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.


==Citizen Rights==
==Militia, Vigilantism, Mercenaries, and Knights==
Citizen Rights dictate the individual rights per race. While Race Rights are different for each Race, they can usually be categorized: First Rank Citizens have all rights bestowed to them, Second Rank Citizens have usually one or two rights revoked, while Third Rank Citizens have considerable rights revoked from them. Each right revoked is mentioned below.
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:
===First Rank Citizen===
* '''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.
*Ailor, Half-Ailor, Sihai, Allar, Dwarves, Qadir, Eronidas, Songaskians, Altalar, Cielothar, Asha, Yanar, Avanthar, Isldar are First Rank Citizens. Any other Half-Races that are not half-Ailor (as long as one parent is Second or Third Rank), apply to those Citizen classifications, if they are Half-Ailor, they always apply to First Rank, even if their other parent is Third Rank.
* '''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.


===Second Rank Citizen===
==Laws==
* Sihndar have the following rights revoked:
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.
** Performing the Northern Taint on any person without permit, is illegal.
* '''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.
* Url have the following rights revoked:
* '''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.
** Performing Symbiosis of any kind on any person without permit, is illegal.
* '''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.
* Manathar have the following rights revoked:
* '''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.  
** Performing Manathar Communion on any person without permit, is illegal.
* '''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.
* Maraya have the following rights revoked:
** Contact without State supervision of the Maraya Home Swarm, is illegal.
===Third Rank Citizen===
* Slizzar have the following rights revoked:
** Slizzar do not have the right to Court procedure and have a presumption of guilt.
** Slizzar are not permitted to hold State Office, or be a member of the Regalian Military.
** Slizzar are not permitted to serve in the Imperial Family’s Household.
** Slizzar do not have the right to marry or reproduce with Unionist Ailor.
* Kathar have the following rights revoked:
** Kathar do not have the right to Court procedure and have a presumption of guilt.
** Kathar are not permitted to hold State Office, or be a member of the Regalian Military.
** Kathar are not permitted to serve in the Imperial Family’s Household.
** Kathar do not have the right to marry or reproduce with Unionist Ailor.


==State Laws==
==Imprisonment Rules==
State laws are active in all lands controlled by the Regalian Empire, unless local legislation contradicts them. These laws can be freely changed by the Assembly and Chancellor.
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.
===Regalian Petty Law===
Regalian Petty Laws require no Court intervention, and can usually be punished with a fine, public humiliation, or very short prison sentence, or community service. No records are made for violations of Petty Law of any kind, however it may be included in bigger violations on the same report.
# Bearing false witness, or resisting arrest, or hindering a Guard investigation is illegal.
# Bearing weapons or armor outside of permit clearance is illegal.
# Vigilantism without the proper permit or clearance, is illegal.
# Trespassing on any private property or residence is illegal.
# Mugging or stealing or cheating at games or property destruction, is illegal.
# Adultery and conceiving out of wedlock is illegal without legal consent forms.
# To insult another person without established truth to accusation, is illegal.
# For a family member to resist the will of their family head, is illegal.


===Regalian Low Law===
==Enforcement of the Law==
Regalian Low Laws require no Court intervention, and can be punished with prison sentencing and/or public humiliation. Simple recordings such as Name, Crime, and Punishment given are recorded, nothing more.
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.  
# Inflicting harm against another or one’s unless self-defense demands itself is illegal.
* '''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.
# To abduct or imprison or enslave another without legal permit is illegal.
* '''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.
# Possession or use of Contraband and Illegal Items is illegal.
* '''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.  
# Non-consented Marriage or failing to provide for one’s spouse, is illegal.
* '''Kidnapping:''' Kidnapping, especially involving extortion or harm done to the person kidnapped, always involves a prison sentence for an extended period of time.  
# Subjecting another Unwilling to Mutations or Magic induced aesthetic-only changes 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.  
# Using Aberrant Powers outside the home without permission is illegal.
* '''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 create, recruit, be a member of, or cooperate with Crime Groups, 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 sabotage, undermine, or be negligent in State Official Duty, is illegal.
* '''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.
# To falsify evidence, seals, stamps or other approval, is illegal.
# It is illegal to infect anyone with any form of Occultism or Aberrancy.
# It is illegal to be infected with any Non-Legal Code Approved Occultism or Aberrancy.
# To repeatedly avoid paying one's legal taxes to the Regalian Crown, State, or Military, is illegal.
 
===Regalian High Law===
Regalian High Law usually requires the Lord Commander or Court to get involved with sentencing. Punishments tend to be severe imprisonment and maiming. Data recording includes Name, Crime, and Punishment, as well as a more detailed report of the incident.  
# To violate the purity of, or indecently disrobe another, is illegal.
# To attempt to break out of prison, or liberate another prisoner, is illegal
# To rob or attempt to rob the life of another person, whether born or unborn, is illegal.
# Vast or major destruction of property or vandalism (such as arson), is illegal.
# To conspire to vandalize, deface, or desecrate a Unionist Church or Unionist Holy Site, is illegal.
 
===Regalian Capital Law===
Regalian Capital Law must require a Lord Commander and Chancellor approval for the final verdict, but will always include at the very least a maim, leading up to execution. Every worthwhile detail involving the crime, leading up to, and including the aftermath, is recorded in an extensive report.
# To perform active rebellion against the Regalian state or harbor Jacobinism, is illegal
# To conspire to harm the Emperor or Chancellor or Assembly, is illegal.
# To conspire to usurp or harm the state through military means, is illegal.
# To commit mass-murder or cause mass-death intentional or not, is illegal.
# To assist foreign entities in their harmful intent towards Regalia, is illegal.
 
==Imperial Crown Law==
Imperial Crown Law cannot be changed by the Chancellor or Assembly, and is prosecuted by the Imperial Inquestors. State Guards should still arrest, but deliver the criminal to an Imperial Guard. Crown Law violations can lead up to execution. Every worthwhile detail involving the crime, leading up to, and including the aftermath, is recorded in an extensive report.
# The Imperial Guard are immune to State Law, and owe authority only to Imperial Royal Blood.
# To spill blood on Holy Ground such as Cathedrals, Churches and Palaces, is illegal.
# To denounce the Emperor’s Authority over all the world, is illegal.
# Marriage between two title holding families must be brokered by the Emperor.
# The Assembly and Chancellor each represent the Emperor in authority and duty.
# The Chancellor has a Veto right against any Assembly proposal, except impeachment.
# Impeachment proceedings count for 60%+1 of the present voters or representatives.
# Other legislation may pass with 50%+1 of the present voters or representatives.
# Two Noble Houses may call for an Assembly at any time, with Chancellor presence.
# An Assembly may not proceed without a present Chancellor, except for Impeachment.
# Indecency or undue disturbance during an Assembly is considered an insult to the Crown.
# It is illegal for City Guards to enter a Noble Estate without a permit from the Emperor.
# Contracts between Noble Families with Imperial Assent are enforced by the State.
# To refuse or forget to adhere the "Respects to Imperalism" Legal Code, is illegal.
 
==Regalian Knight Laws==
Knights operate somewhat differently than regular citizens, and as such have certain rights that transcend laws in Regalian State Law. Assume that if a Knight Law contradicts State Law, that Knight Law is always superior. Knight Law can only be changed by the Emperor. Certain additional rights are granted to Knights with Imperial Respect.
# Any and all Knights are permitted to bear any armor, as long as Order identity is visible.
# Any and all Knights are permitted public open carry of weapons, but must conceal indoors.
#* Imperial Respect Knights are exempt from concealment.
# Any and all Knights may engage in Honor Duels with harm in designated arenas.
# Any citizen with knowledge of a Knight violating their Code, must report this to the Chancellor.
#* Repeated violation of a Knightly Code is a Low Law violation.
 
===Imperial Respect Priviledges===
# Knights with Imperial Respect are permitted to enter the Imperial Palace and other noble-exclusive areas without armaments, and cannot be expelled by Imperial Court Officials for being non-noble.
# Knights with Imperial Respect may enforce their Order's Code of Honor on their fellow members.
# Knights with Imperial Respect must be called Sir if male, or Dame if female.
# Knights with Imperial Respect may enforce Regalian Law when called upon by the Lord Chancellor or the Lord Commander of the Violet Order.
# Knights with Imperial Respect are granted Low and Petty Law Immunity if executing the mission of their Knightly Order.
 
==Empire wide Ordinances==
Empire Wide Ordinances are adopted by the Assembly or Chancellor that do not directly affect the main city, but are still relevant to know for politics. These are generally considered indefinite, and revoking Ordinances is considered not kosher, but legal for the Chancellor only.
# All lands with a majority Altalar, and with all parties consenting, may enforce the Altalar Judicial system instead of the Regalian Judicial system.
# All airships under the direct supervision of Duke Ryker Lampero of Vultaro-Montania has free access to all airspace above all regalian Archipelago states and sovereignties.
# Ownership of Puretek Weapons without a permit from any Belliard Representative (Dietrich von Drachenburg in Regalia) will result in jail time, and weapon confiscation.
# Magical Mutations and Magic assisted aesthetic-only changes may be applied in Government approved Shops and Businesses only, managed by the Arcane Ministry.
 
==List of Contraband and Illegal Items==
* Any Artifact that is identified as having magical properties is contraband.
* Narcotics not stamped and shipped by the Anahera Cabal is contraband.
* Siege weapons and Gunpowder not stamped and shipped by Howlester Trade is contraband.
* Grains of any kind not stamped and shipped by the Kade house of Trade is contraband.
* Muskete weaponry not produced and granted by the Belliard Guild is contraband.
 
==Legal Codes==
Legal Codes are lengthier pieces of legislation that cannot be easily summarized into a bullet pointed law book, and as such must be written out in full. They usually concern one particular topic, and explain that topic expansively. Legal Codes are usually also expansions upon State Law, to add more context to them or to expand their scope into more detail.
 
===Respects to Imperialism===
Respects to Imperialism dictates the interactions between non-Nobles and Nobles, particularly when non-Nobles address Nobles in conversation. Respects to Imperialism is active in the streets of the Empire, public establishments and stores, government offices and institutions, and public events at private properties, but not private occasions at private properties. Respects to Imperialism dictates that "So long as an individual knows a Noble by first or last name, they must use honorifics such as your grace for a Duke, or your lordship for an untitled Nobleman. Referring to a Noble by first or last name without title prefix or suffix is a Crown Law Crime". The Legal Code presumes that so long as the person knows the first or last name of a Nobleman, they also know their rank, so it is impossible to plead ignorance. Ignorance only applies if the subject truly did not know the first or last name of the Nobleman they were addressing. If a commoner is too ignorant or lacking in wit to remember titles, the honorific "Honourable Master/Mistress" may be used as a replacement, so as to say "Forgive me my lord/lady, I am too foolish to remember your title". For example, "Honourable Master Kade" is an adequate honorific to use.
 
===Legally Approved Occultism===
 
===Regalian Weapon and Armor Permits===
It is illegal for any person in Regalia to wear any armor that is not purely decorative (armor that covers less than 25% of the body is considered decorative) without the necessary permits. Armor permits cannot be granted. Armor may only be worn by institutions that have the right to bear armor, such as the Regalian Mercenary Order, The Regalian Guard Order, Regalian Noble House Guards and Imperial Guards. Furthermore, it is illegal for any person in Regalia who does not have a weapon permit to bear a weapon other than a Rechtshelm. A Rechtshelm is a thin blade, with a maximum of 12 inches by the hilt that must be concealed at all times. Weapon permits, unlike armor permits however, can be granted. After a permit is granted, public open carry is permitted. Orders and Institutions that were granted the right to bear arms may use any weapon in public open carry also. No weapons or armor may be brought into Imperial Property, or Churches and Cathedrals, or the Regalian Judicial Office, however. Titleholders have automatic armor and weapon permits. All other permits must be registered and maintained by the State’s Armament Commissioner.
* The Armament Commissioner is appointed by the State Chancellor.
 
===Occult Power Legislation and Usage===
#Occult or Aberrant Powers are defined as the usage of those powers found within Sorcerers, Mages, Sanguine, Werebeasts, Silven, Dragon-blessed or the Undead. While this article does not define the legality of simply existing as one of said things, it defines the legality of using what unnatural abilities are granted upon those falling under said definition.​
#It is illegal to use Occult or Aberrant Powers. There are a series of exceptions to this:
#*It is legal while within the confines of one’s own home and only if said powers are not being used to harm any Citizen of Second Rank and above or in an act of self-defense. This does not apply to shops, and requires the explicit permission of the homeowner before use.
#*It is legal while serving as a member of the Violet Order and only while in the act of defense or attempted arrest, though one must first submit a Common Occult Registry Form (found later in this article) to the Occult Ministry and have it approved.
#*It is legal while one is a registered and approved holder of one of the following ranks recognized by the Occult Ministry and the usage of said powers falls within the confines of the specific terms of their registry. These terms are malleable and may be altered with written consent when one of said persons is commissioned by the Ministry for an approved operation. The registered ranks are:
#** Court Mage
#** White Mage
#** White Sorcerer
#** White Drake
#** White Silven
#*These ranks do not allow one to use said Powers if the owner of a home, shop or estate they are within verbally bars them from using their Powers, unless the person has explicit permission by virtue of working for or with the Violet Order or on official Ministry or Imperial business by commission.
#A Noble Family may have a single Court Mage within their employ, unless granted specific written permission from the Occult Minister. A Court Mage must already be a registered White Mage, White Sorcerer or White Silven, and the Noble Family must gain the Minister’s verbal or written approval before employing them. Upon employment, the Noble Family is required to provide their Court Mage with the following:
#*Comfortable room and board within their estate, no smaller than a servant’s quarters.
#*A monthly stipend of no less than 1,000 Regals for the Court Mage to use as they will.
#*A place at their dining table along with three meals a day.
#*Offered accompaniment to any events where Court Honneurs do not preclude the Court Mage from attending due to any factors of their person.
#:If the Ministry finds that a Noble Family who employs a Court Mage does not meet these standards, they will rescind the Family’s right to employment of a Court Mage until they are reinstated at the Minister’s discretion. A Family’s Court Mage’s conduct will reflect upon their employing family in all potential positive and negative ways, especially so if a Family’s Court Mage successfully undertakes commissions at the Ministry or Empire’s behest. Additionally, a Family may choose to have their Court Mage represent themselves and engage in a Mage Duel with another Family’s Court Mage. Said Duels can be arranged through the Occult Minister, who will oversee and organize them.
#The Common Occult Registry Form can be filled out by requesting a form from the Greygate front office or via contacting the Occult Ministry. The person must include their name, nature of affliction or source of Powers, and position within the Violet Order for verification before submitting it to the Occult Ministry. If approved, it will be returned with the Ministry’s seal and the approved user may use their Powers as outlined in the 2nd exception of point iii. of this Article.
#Registration for any ‘White’ ranks is done by meeting with the Occult Minister by appointment or public hearing, and then undergoing a personal interview that may or may not involve demonstration of the interviewee’s Occult or Aberrant powers. For the duration of the interview, all Occult or Aberrant powers are legal by the Occult Minister or Scribe’s official verbal consent. If said person is approved, they will be marked in the registry by name, nature of affliction or source of powers, and the terms of their approved registry. This will vary for each and every registered person, but may explicitly prevent the use of some kinds of Powers while granting approval for the use of others. They will also be provided with a minted license for their own personal safekeeping. If said license is ever lost, a five hundred Regal fine will be incurred upon them for the replacement license.
 
===Noble Houseguard and Servants===
Noble House Guards and Servants of any kind may wear any type of armor and weapon with public open carry. They must however clearly distinguish themselves as a House Servant, and they may not wear these while not on active duty with any member of the Family they serve. Additionally, House Servants may never draw weapons first, and must only act in a defensive or protective capacity. Any person involved in a crime against their Family must be transferred to the Regalian Guard, but may be kept for questioning for up to 48 hours inside the Family’s Estate if it is in the possession of adequate detainment. House Servants do not need to be registered, but official House Guards must always be registered with the State’s Lifeguard Commissioner.
* The Lifeguard Commissioner is appointed by the State Chancellor.
===Palestry===
Palestry is the act of a noble and a “palest” swearing themselves to be one for life. The noble provides every expense for the palest, who is elevated to a status of eternal companionship. Palests most often fulfill a protectionary role, but many choose to serve their “charges,” or bound noble, as sagely mentors or shadow advisors.
*A palest is a lifelong companion to a noble legally recognized by the Regalian State who acts as a social and legal extension of the noble they are sworn to.
*Palests must swear an Oath of Palestry before the Lifeguard Executive for it to be recognized.
*Termination of palestry can only be done with the approval of the Lifeguard Executive, the Regalian Judiciary or the Lord Chancellor.
**An Oath of Palestry may only be terminated if it meets criterion set by the Lifeguard Executive, and is considered a last-resort option.
*Abandonment of one’s duties in an Oath of Palestry is a low crime. Both palest and noble may be punished for dereliction of duties and obligations at the discretion of Lifeguard Executive.
 
===Mercenary Rights and Laws===
Mercenaries may wear up to half plate without a helmet, and may open carry any weapon, but only while actively fulfilling a contract. Mercenaries must adhere to all Regalian Law where applicable, and must step aside if Regalian Guards usurp the situation they are in. Mercenaries must obey commands given by the Regalian Guard Lord Commander, as well as the Chancellor. Mercenaries must at all times work towards legally sanctioned contracts, either sent by the Nobility or the Chancellor or Assembly or Emperor. If a Contract is illegal, the Mercenary shall hold no blame for enforcing it, and instead, the Contract maker will be found guilty of all Laws violated by the Mercenaries. While on Contract, a mercenary or their contractor may keep the guilty party on their premise or at the Mercenary Keep for up to 48 hours as long as they have capable detainment rooms for questioning and beating, before they must be handed over to the City Guard. All Mercenaries must always be registered with the State’s Mercenary Commissioner.
* The Mercenary Commissioner is appointed by the State Chancellor.
 
===Blueblood Court Privilege===
Nobles and Titleholders in particular have certain rights bestowed on them for being the better class of people by the Emperor. These may only be changed by the Emperor. Crimes against all Nobles warrant higher sentences, and if a Noble is found guilty of a crime, they are expected to be treated fairly, well, and without much public display if it can be avoided so as to avoid embarrassment. Nobility are always immune to checkpoint restrictions, and may not be hindered from visiting prisoners, unless they are in the maximum security section of the Prison, or solitary isolation. Nobility may strike, or order the striking of another person for any words that caused offence against them. When visiting establishments and public places of service, nobles are expected to be given preferential treatment and with respect. All Nobles also have the right to command City Guards to protect them, an event, or enforce the Law as they see fit. That being said, violation of State Law, or incorrect enforcement of State Law falls upon the Noble in question. Furthermore, City Guards are expected to turn a blind eye to Nobility committing crimes under Petty Law, unless these crimes become recurring and dangerous to the people or the reputation of the Noble Family. Finally, Nobles are immune to City-wide curfew, but must contract a City Guard to escort them while they roam the streets during a curfew. Violations of Blueblood Court Privilege must be reported to the Regalian Guard’s City Reeve’s Office.
* The Reeve's Office is appointed by the Emperor with additional clerks appointed by the Chancellor.
 
===Blueblood Court Honneurs===
The Nobility are expected to behave a certain way, and enforcing this code of behavior is up to the Master of Conduces of the Imperial Court. It is primarily a duty of the Nobility to always refer to each other with the correct title, even when one is lower, or when one wishes to insult. A good way to provide insult, is to add unnecessary adjectives or expletives to the title address. Commoners do not have a duty to use proper address, but can be found guilty of insult law when they do not at least try. The Imperial Family and other Royal Blood are immune from having to use the correct title address. With regards to Physical honneurs, it is forbidden for a man to touch bare skin of a woman that is not his wife, except through a linen glove. Offenders may be struck by the Master of Conduces with an 18 inch horse riding crop whip, on the offending body part. Within Nobility (if it does not already concern Knights) nobility may not inflict violence on each other with punishment of horse riding crop whip striking the offending part by the Master of Conduces. The Master of Conduces may however approve a non-lethal duel between Nobility at designated arenas. Nobility may also not engage in employment that is otherwise for commoners, such as tending bars, tending livestock, or manning a stall. Exceptions are made for businesses that handle high value items exceeding 5,000 Regals in price, and establishments with high-society relevance, such as noble-only tea houses. Offenders may be struck with a 18 inch horse riding crop whip by the Master of Condeuces until they cease. In any and all cases, Honneurs may only be changed by the Emperor, and may only be enforced by the Master of Condeuces of the Imperial Court. Abuse of power on the part of the Master of Condeuces must be reported to the Master of Letters, to communicate to the Emperor.
* The Master of Condeuces is appointed by the Court's Master of Ceremonies.
 
===Military Court Privilege===
The Military Court is designated as the Military Generals, Admirals, and Marshals. Any subject to them are state Soldiers, Sailors, Commanders, or any other private contractor involved in war on third parties in the name of Regalia. Disobeying the hierarchy is strictly illegal. Soldiers must always be treated with preference (though lower than Nobility) while at public establishments or services. Insulting the performance of other Military Court members, without being a Military Court member, is illegal, and any publications to that effect must be confiscated. Reporting on failure or setbacks at the military front, is illegal. It is forbidden to wear outfits of, or pretend membership of, the military without the necessary permits or permissions. Any and all individuals violating Court Privilege are subject to Court Martial, regardless of whether they are civilian or military, with the Emperor of Imperial Court Marshal choosing two Generals or Admirals to act as presiding judges, who must rule unanimously. Punishments may include short prison sentences or public humiliation or ban from the military, with only simple Name, Crime, Punishment records held by the Military Commissioner. The State’s Military Commissioner is also responsible for receiving reports of Court Privilege violations and initiating the process of Court Martial through the relevant authorities.
* The Military Commissioner is appointed by the Imperial Court Marshal.
 
===Alms Ministry Privilige===
The Alms Ministry is a permanent Ministry with a Minister appointed by the Chancellor, that oversees the City Sanctity. The Alms Ministry maintains two separate headquarters, the Alms Garrison, and the Alms Sanctuary. The Alms Sanctuary has the right of Sanctuary. This means that any person who arrives in the Alms Sanctuary and asks for Sanctuary from the Alms Ministry, may remain within the Alms Sanctuary, immune from Guard Arrest, or any Family legal Authority demanding their return, without the express approval from the Alms Minister. Additionally, the Alms Ministry has, permitting budget allocations by the Finance Minister, the right to charter any street to construct a Safety Bunker for use during city-wide calamities, without approval from the State Government. Finally, the Alms Ministry may maintain its own armed forces with rights to bear arms and armor, independent from the Guard or Mercenary forces, for the protection of Alms properties.
* The Alms Minister is appointed by the Lord Chancellor.
 
==Crookback Law==
Crookback Law is a unique set of bylaws and legislation which applies only to the Regalian Undercity, a term which applies to the Regalian Sewers, the Crookback Bay, and the New Crookback District. These areas of the Regalian Crown Isle are not subject to Regalian Law, meaning that any crimes that are committed in the Undercity are subject to Crookback Law, and Crookback Law only. Crookback Law may be freely created and changed by the Crookback Council, and are enforced by the Crookback Militia.
#Werebeastism & Sanguinism is legal in the Undercity.
#Removing a denizen of Crookback to cure them of Werebeastism & Sanguinism is illegal, unless unwilling infection is suspected.
#Undeadism is legal in the Undercity.
#Any and all restrictions on the use of magic have been removed. Magic, Sorcery, Racial Abilities, and Ritualism are all legal in all capacities in the Undercity.
#Associating with & recruiting for criminal organisations in the Undercity is legal.
#The Violet Order are no longer barred from entering Crookback, but do so at their own risk.
#The pursuit of bounties and warrants by the Violet Order or Mercenaries in the Undercity, outside of those approved by the Council, is illegal.
#The kidnapping of the noble peerage or government official, both foreign and domestic, is illegal in the Undercity.
#To bring a noble or government official, both foreign and domestic, against their will (including the use of abilities to suggest or coerce their will), into the Undercity, is illegal.
#To kidnap a citizen of the Empire and hold them against their will within Crookback is illegal.
#Enforcing Regalian Law is illegal for all but the Crookback Militia in the Undercity.
#Law protection by civil status is removed. All are treated equal in the Undercity.
#To force alignment - Void/Exist/Ordial - upon Archbloods is illegal. Consent for adjusting the alignment of Primal Archbloods is required.
#To not pay any debts incurred through gambling, bets, or theft of service is illegal and will be subject to collection from the Crookback Militia with proof of debt.
#Arson, including attempted arson, is expressly illegal. Anyone caught setting fires to buildings for vandalism purposes will summarily be put to death by the Crookback Militia.

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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