The Laws of Guldorand
The Laws of Guldorand
High Sheriff: Kesa Hillside
Second Edition
Revised: 174 AR
+Definition of Crimes+
The legal system of Guldorand will make a distinction between High Crimes and Misdemeanors. A person may be found guilty of multiple High Crimes and/or Misdemeanors at the same time.
-High Crimes-
High Crimes are crimes considered by Guldorand to mark the offender a danger to Guldorand and its territories. If these crimes are committed outside of Guldorand's borders against the populace or agents of Guldorand, they may be reported and sentenced for the safety of the Republic.
-Misdemeanors-
Misdemeanors will include civil disagreements between individuals or businesses and lesser crimes committed against the state.
+Extradition+
A representative of a foreign power may request extradition of a person(s) in writing to High Sheriff, Urban Praetor, Rural Praetor, Watch Lieutenant, or Lord/Lady Marshall. The request should include the true name of the accused and the crime they stand accused of, as well as any pertinent evidence.
The High Sheriff, at their discretion, may choose to extradite the accused to the foreign power.
+Authority of the Watch/Garrison+
The Watch and Garrison are empowered by their station with certain authority in the execution of their duties. The Watch or Garrison may demand the following if suspicion of a crime exists. As specified in the Charter, these authorities apply to the Watch within the City Walls (with exemption to the Eagle Tavern) and the Garrison outside the City Walls. Any complaints about the Watch or Garrison exercising these authorities may be provided in writing to the Watch Lieutenant or Lord/Lady Marshall. Any complaints about the Watch Lieutenant or the Lord Marshall may be provided in writing to the Urban Praetor, Rural Praetor, or High Sheriff.
The Watch or Garrison may:
-Demand the sheathing of weapons.
-Demand removal of wards.
-Demand the dismissal of summoned creatures.
-Demand removal of coverings (Helmets/hoods).
-Demand a person to halt.
-Use appropriate force to provide for public safety and compliance.
-Detain a citizen or suspect for a reasonable amount of time.
-Pursue a criminal into an embassy if the suspected crime was committed within the appropriate jurisdiction and within sight of pursuing officials.
-Issue punishments for crimes committed within the scope of their individual authority and rank.
+Punishments+
-Verbal Warning-
The Watch/Garrison may deliver a verbal warning.
-Written Warning-
The Watch/Garrison will notify the accused that they are being given a written warning. The Watcher/Garrison will then provide to the Watch Lieutenant/Lord Marshall a written account of the crime committed, including the names of the accused and the crime they committed.
-Gold Fine-
The Watch/Garrison will levy a written gold fine to the accused, with an amount not to exceed 100,000 gold. Further penalties may be assessed to cover damages as a result of the crime. The accused may pay the fine immediately, or within five threedays of the fine being imposed. The Watch will record and report in writing both the time this fine was levied and the time it was paid. This record shall be given to the Watch Lieutenant/Lord Marshall.
-Resource Fine-
The Watch/Garrison may levy a written fine of resources to the accused. These resources may be any natural resource that can be measured in units and not exceed 10,000 units. The accused will donate these resources to the city and must provide a verified receipt of these donations within five threedays of the fine being levied to the Watch/Garrison. The Watch/Garrison will record and report in writing both the time the fine was levied and the time it was paid and report this to the Watch Lieutenant/Lord Marshall.
-Community Service-
The Watch/Garrison may compel a person to community service to pay their debt back to society. This may include replacing or repairing any damaged structures, assisting the person they have wronged, or assisting the Republic officials directly with events or other tasks needed. The duration of time on this Community Service can be given either in hours or in several specific acts of service required.
+Punishments (Pariah & Exile)+
-Pariah-
Any member of the Watch or Garrison may recommend a sentence of Pariah. The final decision of a Pariah must be carried out by a member of the Watch of Sergeant rank or higher, or by the High Sheriff, or by a representative appointed by the High Sheriff, or by any member of the Garrison of Captain rank or higher. Once the Pariah sentence has been decided, the notification must be delivered by the High Sheriff or a representative they pick.
Once a sentence of Pariah has been delivered, the duration of the sentence will be decided on by the High Sheriff or a representative they pick.
A pariah of Guldorand is not protected by any rights of citizens or guests of Guldorand, including legal protections. They can no longer own property within Guldorand nor hold any position within the government of Guldorand.
-Exile-
Any member of the Watch or Garrison may recommend a sentence of Exile. The final decision of Exile must be carried out by the High Sheriff or by a representative appointed by the High Sheriff. Once the Exile sentence has been declared, the notification must be delivered on by the High Sheriff or a representative they pick.
Once a sentence of Exile has been delivered, the duration of the sentence will be decided on by the High Sheriff.
An Exile of Guldorand is forbidden to be within the Nation's borders, except the Free Port as defined by the Charter. Exiles are not protected by any laws of Guldorand and are to be considered threats to the safety and wellbeing of Guldorand. When located in areas other than the Free Port, they are to be removed by any means necessary. Dead or Alive.
+Appeals+
The process to appeal will be different between High Crimes and Misdemeanors. Once a final sentence has been carried out via the appeal, it may not be appealed again.
+High Crime Appeals+
A request to appeal a high crime must be delivered in writing to the High Sheriff, Urban Praetor, Rural Praetor, or Magistrate. The High Sheriff must then set a reasonable date and time for the appeal to take place. The accused will be notified of this date and time via messenger with confirmation of delivery or via written notice.
The crime will be brought before a tribunal consisting of the Magistrate, the High Sheriff themselves, and a representative chosen by the High Sheriff. The length of the tribunal shall not exceed two days. The decision to uphold or deny the appeal will be decided by a majority decision of the three members of the tribunal besides the moderator.
The accused and their representative will be met and escorted by the Garrison or Watch. While in the city, they are expected to disarm and not cast any spells. They may not do any business.
+Misdemeanors Appeals+
A written appeal for a Misdemeanor may be delivered to the Watch Lieutenant, Garrison Commander, Urban Praetor, Rural Praetor, or City Magistrate.
The written appeal will be brought before the Magistrate for review. The Magistrate will decide the decision to uphold or deny the appeal based on the written request and previously submitted Watch reports. The Magistrate may elect to hold a hearing, in which case they will organize a date and time between all parties.
If the Magistrate was involved in the original crime, then the High Sheriff or a representative they pick will review the appeal.
The appeal process will not last more than five threedays after receipt of the written appeal by an approved city official.
The appellant will be notified in person, via written message, or through speedy service of the final decision.
+High Crimes+
-Murder-
Murder is the intentional taking the life of another person, unless in the act of self-defense. If multiple people assist in the murder of an individual, they may all be charged with murder. A person returning from death does not invalidate the murder.
-Animation-
Animation is the act of animating and enslaving the dead via magical means. The Charter specifically limits animation within the borders of Guldorand. This act is extended to include those known as -Pale Masters- who mutilate their bodies with undead parts.
-Treason-
Treason is the act of a Guldorand citizen taking violent action to overthrow the Founders Council or duly elected government.
-Slavery-
Slavery is the act of owning another being by fitting them with a slave clamp to deny them of their personal freedom. This law only applies if the person is a current slave owner. Prisoner collars are not considered slave clamps.
-Repeated Minor Crime Violations-
Repeatedly committing Misdemeanors can result in a sentence of Exile being delivered. This recommendation is at the discretion of the Watch or Garrison.
* In the case of High Crimes, the minimum sentence shall be Pariah or Exile. *
+Misdemeanors+
-Assault-
Assault is the act of intentionally attempting to physically harm another individual, either via physical or magical means. The success or failure of the assault does not invalidate the assault.
-Manslaughter-
Manslaughter is the act of accidentally causing the death of another person. This may happen via either magical or non-magical means.
-Sedition-
Sedition is the act of a Guldorand citizen conspiring to commit High Crimes against the Republic, either personally or through conspiring with enemies of Guldorand.
-Incitement of Violence-
Incitement of Violence includes attempting to incite violent action either via words or actions. This includes applying wards as a threat of violent action.
-Magical Recklessness-
Magical recklessness is the act of casting magics that result in damage to other individuals or property. This includes both wild and non-wild magics. In the case where this casting is intentional, it may also be considered assault or, if death results, murder.
-False Representation-
False representation is defined as the false representation of an individual as an official of Guldorand Delegation, Garrison Member, Watch Member, or as any other public official or entity.
-Slander/Libel-
Slander/Libel is verbal or written statements about an individual that is untrue and damaging to a person's reputation.
-Threat/Harassment of Government Official-
Threats of harm, Harassment of close friends/family, or physical non-verbal intimidation of a government official in the performance of their duties as a way of coercing/obstructing their actions.
-Vandalism-
Vandalism is defined as damaging property that belongs to another individual or entity either on purpose or through gross carelessness.
-Theft-
Theft is defined as the taking of property from another individual or entity without their express permission. Guldorand does not recognize people as property.
-Breaking of Trade Law-
Infringing on the Trade Laws as outlined by the treasury can result in Criminal Punishment at the request of the Treasury Officials to The Watch.
-Failure to Comply With a Lawful Order-
Failure to Comply is failing to comply with an order delivered by the Watch or Garrison as outlined in the Rights of the Watch/Garrison.
* In the case of Misdemeanors, the sentence is up to the Watch's discretion but may not include Exile. *
+ Misdemeanors+ (Shapeshifting, Summoning, & Mounts)
-Shapeshifting Within City Limits-
Assuming a different form through magical means that is of a size to impede the orderly flow of commerce and travel is prohibited within the city walls. Persons taking the shape of dangerous creatures and being treated as such by the Citizens will not be protected by the law.
-Summoning Within City Limits-
A limit of one personal familiar, animal companion, or summoned creature of reasonable size is permitted. All forms of Infernal, Necromantic, or Demonic summoning are prohibited within the city walls.
-Golems-
Golems are allowed so long as they do not impede the orderly flow of commerce and travel.
-Mounts-
Mounts are allowed to enter the city so long as they are harnessed to a cart for the purpose of commerce, being ridden, or being led by their owner. Those mounts found unattended, outside of hitching posts, will see their owners fined and the beasts seized, removed from the city, or lacking the skill to manage such a creature, put to the sword. All mounts of Infernal, Necromantic, or Demonic nature are forbidden.
+Outcasts+
In keeping with the Founder's interpretation of the Charter, Guldorand will also prohibit those known to be Outcasts from society. All known Outcasts shall be treated as a MONSTER RACE under the Beast Law Act.
+Slaves+
In keeping with the Founder's Charter "Liberty of the Individual", a person shall not be denied entry or prosecuted to Guldorand for the unfortunate fate of being enslaved by another. Only criminal acts against the Republic or its agents shall be considered in determining an individual's status within the lands of the Guldorand.
+Westcliff+
Westcliff is a hamlet of Guldorand and subject to rule under the Founder's Council and High Sheriff. The High Sheriff may appoint a Rural Praetor to act with the authority of the Republic regarding the hamlet and these laws.
The Garrison shall enforce the Laws of Guldorand within the hamlet of Westcliff. If no Garrison forces are present, the acting Rural Praetor may deputize a person(s) to act in their stead. These individuals must be declared to the Garrison in advance and report any actions taken by them reported.
+The Eagle Tavern+
Per Founder's Council decree, this Tavern falls under Myon's Jurisdiction. All collected Taxes and Rent from the establishment shall be transferred to the Myon Treasury. The City Watch and Garrison have no Authority within its walls, and enforcement shall be left to the official forces of Myon.
+The Pacted+
The Pacted are those who willingly form covenants with powerful beings for personal gain. Often referred to as “Warlocks”, such individuals are prohibited in Guldorand by decree of the Founder’s Council. Those discovered to be Pacted shall suffer a minimum sentence of Pariah until such time as they can prove the connection to their benefactor has been severed.
+Thayan Enclave+
As decreed by the Founder's Council, the Enclave located in the Fortress city of Guldorand is to be considered an Embassy of Thay under THE DIPLOMATIC CONVENTIONS of the Charter.
This means the Enclave will have TERRITORIAL AUTONOMY within their respective building and MAY NOT be subject to MILITARY INCURSION by the forces of Guldorand, but may be entered by the CITY WATCH when in pursuit of CRIMES committed in the NATION (Outside of the Enclave).
The Ambassadors and Embassy staff MAY NOT be held accountable for the crimes of their countrymen and the embassies of the city MAY NOT BE FORCIBLY CLOSED outside of a STATE of WAR between the nations.
+Urban & Rural Praetor+
-Urban Praetor-
Serving as the Fortress City's appointed administrator, the Urban Praetor's role is very similar to that of a Governor. To oversee and maintain the functions of the city, enforce its laws, and handle any issues relating to the assigned municipality. As such, this position will have all the authority of the High Sheriff (excluding international trade, warehouse management, treaties, and tax rates) inside the walls of the Fortress City, to include supervision of the City's Watch.
-Rural Praetor-
Serving as Westcliff's appointed administrator, the Rural Praetor's role is very similar to that of a Governor. To oversee the hamlet, enforce the Republic's laws, maintain security, and handle any issues relating to the assigned territory. As such, this position will have all the authority of the High Sheriff (excluding international trade, warehouse management, treaties, and tax rates) outside the walls of the Fortress City.
+Fortress City Accord+
By Mutual Agreement the official government forces of Guldorand may enter the Elven Quarter, as the official government forces of Myon may enter the Fortress city, for the prosecution of those that fall under THE NECROMANCY ACT and THE BEAST LAWS of the Founder's Charter, as an exception to the Evermeet Accord.
Both parties agree to inform the other if such an event occurs after the fact via verbal or written report.
Should forces from both Nations be present at the time of prosecution, the forces of the Nation in which the action takes place shall have command unless the involved parties agree otherwise.
+Guldorand Free Company Articles+
1 The functions of the GULDORAND FREE COMPANY shall consist of: (a) Supporting the Garrison as an attached infantry cohort, be it on land or sea; (b) Protecting the territory of Guldorand as described by the Founder's Charter, from both hostile and non-hostile incursion; (c) Carrying out any lawful order that falls within these guidelines.
2 For the purpose of this Article, the term GULDORAND FREE COMPANY (Cohort) shall refer to any mercenary hired for service by Guldorand and tasked with supporting the actions of the Republic's armed forces.
3 Contracted mercenaries may elect their own officers within the Cohort, however the GULDORAND FREE COMPANY shall be under the direct command of the High Sheriff, Lord Marshal, or person(s) appointed by them.
4 For the purpose of section 1(b), an "incursion" is deemed to be the presence of OUTCASTS, ANIMATORS, DROW, or MONSTER RACES within the territory of Guldorand. This includes all BEASTLY CREATURES of the SURFACE and the UNDERDARK.
5 When dealing with an incursion, members of the Cohort are required to give a verbal warning, prior to any violent action being taken, and escort compliant individuals out of Guldorand's territory. This is not required if the opposing party is aggressive or threatening.
6 The hiring of a Mercenary faction does not guarantee the approval of all its members. The proper name(s) of those seeking contracts from within the faction will be provided to Government Officials for review, approval, and addition to the GULDORAND FREE COMPANY register.
7 Regardless of salary or term length, Cohort salary will be issued monthly from the city's treasury in accordance with standard Guldorand employee division practices.
8 A breach of this Article will see the offending party removed from the Cohort. The remaining balance of the agreed-upon pay and length of service shall be forfeit.
9 Any member of the Cohort can end their contract with written notice to the High Sheriff, Lord Marshal, or designated person(s).