View source for The King and Queen's Decree: 177 AR

This beautiful red leather-bound book has the words "The King and Queen's Decree: 177 AR" written in large calligraphed golden letters on the cover.

The first page includes the following introductory text: "This book contains notes and information regarding the King and Queen's Decree, as well as the discussions by His Majesty's government under chancellor Ginny Fairlen in the lead-up and aftermath of the publishing of said Decree. The publication titled 'Termination: Persona Non Grata' by His Majesty King Edward is misdated. The actual date of publication was 10-1-177AR."

'''ORIGINAL LAW PRIOR TO KING'S DECREE'''
<br>'''SUBSECTION 3) DEALING WITH UNDESIRABLES'''


There are three main categories to classify undesirables, namely:

+ Pariah
<br>+ Exile
<br>+ Persona-Non-Grata

A person requires a prior notice delivered to them by a member of the Cordorian government before these statuses are applied except for a Persona-Non-Grata who is or are collectively unwelcome in Cordor through a predetermined classification.


 Paragraph 1) Pariah

A Pariah is defined as a person who is considered a medium risk to the City of Cordor or its community. They may have committed one or multiple misdemeanours and/or felonies and have shown no signs of improvement or the desire thereof.

They may enter the City of Cordor and the Pax Cordoria for limited periods of time or under supervision to conduct their business before leaving. A Pariah must immediately remove themselves from the Pax Cordoria when asked by the city authorities. Failure to comply with a request from the authorities may result in forceful removal, increased fines or even exile status.

Owning any property within the City of Cordor and the Pax Cordoria is forbidden for persons classified as a Pariah. Exceptions may be made when and if appealed to the Ministry of Justice.

Some legal protections are still afforded by Cordorian law to persons classified as a Pariah to ensure peace is maintained if the Pariah does not pose a threat to the city or its community.

A Pariah will be subjected to increased observation and escalated penalties for crimes committed on the Pax Cordoria while they are Pariah. Crimes committed on the Pax Cordoria by those with Pariah status may result in an Exile status. The duration of this status will be determined by the Ministry of Justice.

The status of Pariah may be used as a temporary probation penalty in which appeals may be filed or sentences may be reduced for good behaviour or fines paid in full. During this period, the Pariah is expected to behave as an upstanding citizen or non-citizen and adhere fully to our legal system and comply with the authorities. Failure to do so may result in Exile.


 Paragraph 2) Exile

An Exile is defined as a person who is considered high risk to the City of Cordor or its community. They would have committed at least one High Crime or multiple Felonies and Misdemeanours, resulting in escalation of penalties. Exiles are entirely barred from entering the City of Cordor and the Pax Cordoria and may not own any property within it.

No legal protections are afforded by Cordorian Law to Exiles and those bypassing securities and discovered, will face serious consequences which will include removal and may include immediate execution depending on the threat. If a Cordorian authority is present, they shall determine the method of removal and lethal force should only be used if no innocent bystanders are at risk of being harmed or when the Exile engages in lethal force themselves.

For the safety and protection of Cordor and its people, if no Cordorian authority is present, and it is safe to do so, citizens and non-citizens of Cordor may extend their assistance in the removal of an Exile from the City of Cordor and Pax Cordoria. Killing innocent bystanders in the process may be subject to charges of murder. Responsibility lies with the person removing the Exile to ensure bystanders are not harmed.


 Paragraph 3) Persona-Non-Grata

A Persona-Non-Grata is defined as a person, collective of persons or organization that is unwelcome in the City of Cordor and Pax Cordoria by extension. They present a special security risk to the City?s citizens and wider community and have no right to conduct any business in the City of Cordor unless possessing an explicit writ of exemption issued by a Justiciar, Vice Chancellor or Chancellor of Cordor.

Persona-Non-Grata are extended no rights for protection under the laws of Cordor. Any Cordorian official or member of the Guard will be automatically in charge should they be present and will determine the safest way to remove the Persona-Non-Grata from the City or Pax Cordoria and be extended the right to offer protection to the Persona-Non-Grata in the event they agree to leave the city peacefully.

For the safety and protection of Cordor and its people, if no Cordorian authority is present, and it is safe to do so, citizens and non-citizens of Cordor may extend their assistance in the removal of an Persona-Non-Grata from the City of Cordor and Pax Cordoria.

Killing innocent bystanders, or falsely assuming someone is considered a Persona-Non-Grata without validated evidence, proof and confirmation from the Ministry of Justice or Office of the Chancellor, may be subject to charges of murder and associated penalties. Responsibility lies with the person removing the Exile to ensure bystanders are not harmed and the Persona-Non-Grata is proven to be so and holds no writ of exemption to lawfully enter the City of Cordor or Pax Cordoria.

Proof of the legal status of Persona-non-Grata does not need to be provided in circumstances wherein the Persona-non-Grata is a Drow, Gnoll, Kobold, Goblin, Minotaur or any other monstrous race. If there is no immediate visible evidence of such Section 3, Paragraph 3 applies. This may include Rakshasa and Yuan-Ti who can walk under the guise of other races. 


Subparagraph 1) Obtaining a writ of exemption

Requirements for obtaining a writ of approval are the presentation of evidence of non-affiliation with Andunor or any groups and organizations listed as Persona-Non-Grata as well as two character references provided by respected Surface residents of good character and standing. A writ of exemption may be issued by a Justiciar or representative of the Office of the Chancellor.

For the legal status of Persona-Non-Grata to apply, proof in the form of witness statements, divination reports, self-admission or other forms needs to be available. Every Persona-Non-Grata record will be kept by the Ministry of Justice of Cordor. Under extreme circumstances and repeat visits of the Persona-non-Grata, the Ministry of Justice may elect to share a detailed profile of the Persona-non-Grata to the public for the safety and security of the city and its people and Exile the Persona-Non-Grata utilizing the security system put in place for Exiles of Cordor.

Persona-Non-Grata presents a special security risk and has no right to conduct business within the City of Cordor unless possessing an explicit writ of approval.


Subparagraph 1) Further Recognized Persona-Non-Grata

+ Abyssalists / Abyssal Organisations & Cults / Tenants of the Abyssal Citadel including:
<br> + The Abyssal Reavers
<br> + The Syndicate
<br>+Andunorians
<br>+Animators
<br>+ Banites*
<br>+ Cyricists
<br>+ Dark Sun Cultists
<br>+ Drow
<br>+ Infernalists / Infernal Organisations & Cults
<br>+ Loviathans
<br>+ Monstrous races (Gnolls, Ogres, Goblins, Kobolds etc.)
<br>+ Outcasts
<br>+ Palemasters
<br>+ Pirates
<br>+ Sharrans
<br>+ Slavers
<br>+ Slaves proven to have willingly participated in efforts to harm Cordor or its citizens, or to undermine the government
<br>+ Void Cultists 
<br>+ Warlocks
<br>+ Zhentarim

<nowiki>*</nowiki> NOTE: Followers of Bane may provide legitimate evidence that they are in service to the palace or have explicit consent in writing to visit the City of Cordor for diplomatic purposes if granted by a Senior Cordorian Official, then it will be made clear:

Banites are not permitted to hold any position in the government of Cordor.

Once they conclude their business, their consent / writ to enter expires immediately and must leave the city instantly

Banites have no authority to act within the city unless it is a matter that would normally be handled by members from the palace, or a situation where the King would mobilise his Elite Guards.

   	Day 9, Month 10 (Marpenoth (Leafall)), 176 AR
<br>   	Thomas Castemont   

'''TERMINATED: PERSONA NON GRATA (Public Notice)'''

It is the desire of the palace that Cordor is a welcoming land for people, for traders, adventurers, nobles, and all classes and walks of life. These people should not be made unwelcomed for their faiths or their beliefs.

As such, the Palace hereby places the current laws of Persona non Grata to be terminated, excluding the King's Decree subsection. The King's Decree states that "Monstrous Races, Dragons, Illithid, Undead, Fiendish Beings, wild beasts and animals, and known criminals." are unwelcome in Cordor, and this will remain so.

We understand this may be deeply unpopular. Thus, we welcome any petition from the Chancellor and their appointed officials for a meeting to discuss this ruling, to form a compromise, or come to a deeper understanding of the palace's decision.


   	Day 15, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 177 AR
<br>   	Edward Cordor    	 	

'''PALACE MEETING I: PNG ABOLITION'''

<nowiki>-------------------</nowiki>

Present:

Frederick Gregory: Advisor
<br>Lieutenant Bryce: Security
<br>Ginny Fairlen: Chancellor
<br>Flamma: Guard Commander
<br>Thomas Castemont: Justiciar
<br>Kerenza Massalan: Minister, Scribe

<nowiki>-------------------</nowiki>

Frederick Gregory: "The heart of the matter is the queen wishes religious freedoms, to worship, and so on. Bane was one of the faiths revered by the city when she was first married. To see practitioners regarded as unprotected criminals is not acceptable to her. There are also others who might give offerings to other gods that would thus label them in the same manner, and this did not please her either."

Ginny Fairlen: "Of course. Justiciar, correct me if I'm wrong. I believe Banites were included in the persona-non-grata list before I took office, yes?"

Thomas Castemont: "These laws have been in place for a long time. Why now?"

Frederick Gregory: "A grave error that should have been corrected by us long before indeed. For Bane and all the others."

Frederick Gregory: "Please, do not take the announcement as a slight. We are not laying blame upon you. The blame is upon ourselves for not noticing the error sooner."

Ginny Fairlen: "We are not taking it as such. However, the laws of this city are built heavily on the P-N-G law. It includes many items which I'm quite sure the palace would not wish to welcome in the city yet... are debatably now allowed depending on one's definition of 'known criminal' and 'fiendish being'."

Frederick Gregory: "Some of those were kept in place by The King's Decree, I believe. Monsters, and such, drow, kobolds, dragons, and the lot of those foul ilk."

Flamma: "What of... Warlocks?"

Thomas Castemont: "Animators... Pirates."

Ginny Fairlen: "Some, yes. But not all. As I said, it hinges on one's definition of a fiendish being or a known criminal. Warlocks for example. Associates of Andunor."

Frederick Gregory: "I believe undead is on the King's Decree. If they are animating, would they not run afoul of the King's Decree, and any current laws on animation, if any?"

Flamma: "Sharrans?"

Thomas Castemont: "Animators are not undead. Unless they may be considered partially undead in the case of Palemastery."

Frederick Gregory: "One could say that indeed, animators are not undead. Are there laws on animation? That should cover your animators, yes?"

Thomas Castemont: "It will not."

Frederick Gregory: "Are they not fined? Jailed? Killed?"

Ginny Fairlen: "If they do so within the Pax they are banished or killed. However if they do so -outside- the Pax..."

Thomas Castemont: "The law is specific sir Gregory. An animator not specifically animating in our good city breaks no laws. Their Undead are indeed banished. They are not."

Frederick Gregory: "The Queen's concern, and why she pushed for more than just the religions to fall, is of...false-labels. In the second session, perhaps you can win animators re-entry into your Persona-Non-Grata if you show the legal review to label one an animator without false judgement."

Thomas Castemont: "This is already the case. Persona Non Grata must be proven to be such. What the Queen's actual concerns are surround the banishment of the worship of the Bane Faith and broader Pantheon. I've no doubt as a servant of Bane, the Queen would be against allowing Cyricists into her city."

Frederick Gregory: "I do not think she would be amiss if 'Cyricists' somehow wound up in the final settled document. But she may bargain to ensure her faith have full religious freedoms and ability to join all cabinets of law if there are many stipulations you wish to be re-added."

Thomas Castemont: "Then perhaps we should simply focus on that and focus our compromise surrounding the Bane Faith."

Frederick Gregory: "But Cyric alone? Put it into writing, and I guarantee it will be politely 'forgotten' about as a religion of freedom."

Ginny Fairlen: "Cyric... The lady of loss... any others of particular concern, Justiciar?"

Frederick Gregory: "I am not so sure of the Lady of Loss. Some would worship her in a time of loss. I do not think that should be punished. More...overt and...fanatic worshippers she imagines would naturally run abreast of the law."

Thomas Castemont: "The Mistress of Disease, the Dark Seldarine, Duep Duerra, any lower Plane deity, the Bane of Bahamut."

Frederick Gregory: "She is also completely puzzled at the inclusion of Loviatar. What harm do those of Loviatar even do? As I said, her general goal is general freedom of worship. As for the 'Dark Seldarine', these are worshipped only by monsters? Even if you excluded the text, I see none of them being welcome here even if it were not written in the law."

Thomas Castemont: "Dark Seldarine includes Elistraee good sir. There are many, even non-Drow who openly worship the Moondancer."

Frederick Gregory: "I'm afraid I do not know of Elistraee and do not think I want to know any more of the 'Dark Seldarine' than that it is for drow and the drow are monsters."

Thomas Castemont: "It's not that simple."

Ginny Fairlen: "I believe it's quite simple actually, Justiciar, as the good sir Gregory puts it... The Dark Seldarine are for Drow, and Drow are monsters."

Frederick Gregory: "And drow are under the King's Decree."

Ginny Fairlen: "Thus... any who worship such a deity are considered Drow."

Thomas Castemont: "So.. We are classifying non-Drow Moondancers as Drow then?"

Frederick Gregory: "Or insane."

Ginny Fairlen: "Either way, not protected by our law. The question of the worship of the beings of the lower planes came up. This is to be allowed?"

Frederick Gregory: "If it does no harm. One assumes if they are a threat they will eventually be executed, banished, jailed, so on."

Ginny Fairlen: "I would argue worshipping a fiend or fiendish deity does harm."

Kerenza Massalan: "In Waterdeep, no faith is publicly forbidden, however some are frowned upon, and temples forbidden to be built."

Frederick Gregory: "Perhaps therein lies the compromise. Present a suggestion to disallow those of such infernal or...abyssal faiths temples and public preaching. But if they wish to walk and live in the city? What harm is that? Trade is trade, and that brings commerce."

Ginny Fairlen: "That is the opinion of the palace? So long as it brings trade and commerce it is to be allowed? The palace is aware that previous trade ministers have placed restrictions on the sale of certain goods on the grounds that they are evil?"

Frederick Gregory: "Bar goods as you wish. You could bar strawberries in the fall as you wish to bring up the price for spring. But potential customers? The Queen would like that less."

Thomas Castemont: "So. We have concluded this isn't about the list of Persona Non Grata, it's about the list of deeming servants of specific Faiths as outlawed. The rest of the list can then remain, including Pacted and Animators."

Ginny Fairlen: "Right. Andunorian associates, warlocks, animators who commit their animation outside the Pax Cordoria, pirates who do not prey on Cordorian vessels?"

Frederick Gregory: "Andunorian associates is difficult to define. What is an associate? If a merchant sells goods to someone of Andunor, is he an associate? That would need more context. As for pirates, if you made a law banning piracy and the practitioners of piracy, I do not think we would buck it."

Thomas Castemont: "Associates is defined as working together. We do not wish people in this city who spend time with Drow and other Andunorians having friendly chats inside their Trade Hub."

Frederick Gregory: "I would call those people mad, but not equivalent to a criminal not worthy of giving some merchant some coin."

Ginny Fairlen: "Our streets remain clear of blood by cautiously vetting who we allow entry, banning those we deem a threat for their affiliations to vile creatures."

Frederick Gregory: "The Queen wonders if that is too clean, and hurts commerce. But that is an argument you can fight for in the second session. Even the points I disagree with you can push for, but you may have to give up something else. Give and take, and all that."

Ginny Fairlen: "Reasonable. We'll do that. One final question remains for me. Slavers."

Frederick Gregory: "You are free to define who may be a part of your government and assistants with such decision-making. No one can force the chancellor to pick an assistant that is a worshipper of Loviater, of course, but having one or two might please the Queen if  you are aiming to make a good impression. Regardless, yes, slavers... If that made it into the final text and we did not pay attention, we would not call another meeting to change anything regarding such. As long as of course, the Queen approves how these labels are come around to in your pursuit of justice. Even then, it is not a concern. It would be better not to mention it and to merely write it than to give the Queen another point to take more from you, as my final advice on that matter, and some others you have brought forward of similar thoughts."

Ginny Fairlen: "Good. Cordor has at present a fair number of former slaves... I do not think they would be so comfortable if they had to welcome their former masters to our streets."

Frederick Gregory: "Feel free to come to the session with a revised law to propose. Be ready for the Queen or her representative to revise in turn. Fight for what you absolutely believe you must keep. Simpler law is better. All that remains perhaps is the timetable for the second session. How long will you like before we meet again, Chancellor?"

Ginny Fairlen: "It will depend on how long the Justiciar needs to draft a proposal, and how quickly I can gather input from the full cabinet. Expect to hear from me in the coming trine, perhaps coming two trines, to set a proper date. We appreciate your time, clarification and advice, sir Gregory."

<nowiki>-------------------</nowiki>

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Meeting Concludes*

<nowiki>-------------------</nowiki>


   	Day 10, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 177 AR
<br>   	Kerenza Massalan    	 	

'''TERMINATION OF PNG & CHANGES GOING FORWARD (Public Notice)'''

People of Cordor,

Undoubtedly you have all read the words of His Majesty the king declaring the termination of most of Cordor's Persona Non Grata law list. As such, the following are no longer outlawed from entering our lands merely based on the Persona Non Grata list:

+++ Practitioners of the faiths of Bane, Loviatar, Talona, Mask, Shar, Tiamat, Deep Duerra, Laduguer, the Dark Seldarine and the powers of the Lower Planes
<br>+++ Pacted individuals
<br>+++ Practitioners of animation

This government sought immediate clarification with the palace regarding these changes. The following items of public concern were discussed:

+++ The Palace desires traders and those bringing commerce to Cordor not to be denied entry merely based on their faith.
<br>+++ The Dark Seldarine are worshipped exclusively by Drow, and as such worship of *any* among this pantheon will still make one firmly unwelcome in Cordor.
<br>+++ The coming time will serve as a means to show Cordor is not worse off after these changes.
<br>+++ A meeting between the chancellor, members of the cabinet, and the Queen will be organised in which further details and specifications of the law will be negotiated. The palace understands the need to bar certain vile individuals' entry, however they do not believe a blanket all encompassing ban on faiths is the correct approach.
<br>+++ As such the citizens of Cordor should expect further changes to the law and Persona Non Grata list in the short to medium term.
<br>+++ To ensure the security and stability of Cordor in the interim the Palace has agreed to allow the Palace Guard to step in should our regular military become overwhelmed.

To further ensure the security of this city in the meanwhile I would like to remind everyone of the following:

+++ Known criminals are still outlawed and include but are not limited to: pirates; members of the Syndicate; those performing animation within the Pax; outcasts; monstrous creatures; anyone actively plotting damage to the realm or individuals within the realm; and slavers whose slaves enter the Pax or whose slaves are Cordorian citizens.

The chancellor adds the following by decree effective immediately:

+++ Eldritch magic is now considered a dangerous magic, making it a high crime to use within the Pax
<br>+++ Usage of eldritch magic, and animation *anywhere* on the island is now a high crime (similar to how piracy, treason, and attacks on Cordorian citizens outside the Pax are high crimes). This is done in the interest of public order and security.

This government will continue to work in the interest of this city and in accordance with the will of His Majesty the king. Considerable power and leeway are given to us even in this matter and we are invited to further negotiate this change in policy. We look forward to your feedback the coming days, however, keep in mind the power of His Majesty is absolute and we shall not question this decision.

For king and crown,

Her Excellency Ginny Fairlen, chancellor of Cordor


   	Day 1, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 177 AR
<br>   	Ginny Fairlen    	 	

'''CHANCELLOR'S DECREE: ELDRITCH MAGIC & ANIMATION (Public Notice)'''

People of Cordor,

In light of the recent changes announced by His Majesty the king, and in accordance with the government's response, the following temporary changes are effective immediately:

+++ Eldritch magic is now considered a dangerous magic, making it a high crime to use within the Pax

+++ Usage of eldritch magic, and animation *anywhere* on the island is now a high crime (similar to how piracy, treason, and attacks on Cordorian citizens outside the Pax are high crimes). This is done in the interest of public order and security.

These changes may or may not remain after further discussion with representatives of the palace.

For king and crown,

Her Excellency Ginny Fairlen, chancellor of Cordor


   	Day 1, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 177 AR
<br>   	Ginny Fairlen    	 	

'''PALACE MEETING II: PNG ABOLITION'''

<nowiki>-------------------</nowiki>

Present:

King Edward Cordor
<br>Queen Jennifer Cordor
<br>Frederick Gregory: Advisor
<br>Lieutenant Bryce
<br>Ginny Fairlen: Chancellor
<br>Flamma: Guard Commander
<br>Thomas Castemont: Justiciar
<br>Lord Khara'gos Rivorndir
<br>Kerenza Massalan: Minister, Scribe
<br>(Palace wizard, and other unidentified guards also in attendance)

<nowiki>-------------------</nowiki>

Ginny Fairlen: "Thank you for having us, Your Majesty. With me are Lord Khara'gos of house Rivorndir, Justiciar Thomas Castemont, General Flamma, and Minister Kerenza. We are honoured."

King Edward: "I hereby declare this meeting to formally have begun, having now quorum. I invite the Chancellor and her part of my fair City's government to begin it. Lady Chancellor, if you may be so kind."

Ginny Fairlen: "Thank you, Your Majesty. The whole city, nay the whole island has by now had the time to read and process the announcement of the termination of Persona Non Grata. It was met in parts with understanding and acceptance but in other parts also with concern and even fear. Two leaders of other settlements have reached out in concern and the people of Cordor have had to adjust. I hope that after this meeting we may alleviate the most serious concerns and adjust our laws in accordance with Your Majesty's decree. In that light, the Justiciar has drafted a proposal. With your permission, Your Majesty, I would have him read the proposal aloud and have it be the basis for the talks."

King Edward: "Certainly, Justicar, go on."

Thomas Castemont: "The draft proposal for your review and consideration your Majesty."

---See Document: [1] Draft Proposal to amendment of the Persona Non Grata laws---

Queen Jennifer: "Have any of those previously considered Persona Non Grata done any harm to the city since its lifting?"

Ginny Fairlen: "Openly, no. However, harm can take time to manifest. Specifically, a few Andunorians have taken it upon themselves to visit. They return to the Underdark with information on our military. Information on our officials and where they go. Beyond that I don't believe anything has occurred though."

Queen Jennifer: "Cordor is a diversified city, as diversified as the faiths in the realms. We should allow our people to believe what they believe, even if it is to another's disagreement. And yet Edward and I acknowledge some of them have been a problem to the city ever since its founding."

King Edward: "My beloved Queen speaks true, there have always been certain elements and dregs of society and outside it that has sought nothing but to cause problems for this city and the island as a whole."

Thomas Castemont: "My King, my Queen. If I may?"

Queen Jennifer: "Yes, you may, though I wish to finish my thought with an idea first."

Queen Jennifer: "This city has beautiful temples, that any faith would covet for its disciples. For those who members repeatedly violate the city's laws going forward, hold the heads of their active faith accountable, with punishments equal to the individuals of their disciples, and prevent them from owning or take away their temple, if they cannot respect the sanctity of the city."

Ginny Fairlen: "Ah, Your Majesty, If I may... I have spoken with a representative of the church in Minmir with something quite similar in mind just last trine. The trouble is they do not necessarily hold sway over each and every member of their faith, and for the Dark Sun, or devil and demon worshippers - well, who leads those faiths?"

Queen Jennifer: "If there is no leader, or the leader has done all they can for their membership in good faith, individuals are still beholden to all the laws of Cordor's city. Perhaps in that sole case, their leaders can be spared."

King Edward: "Now if the Queen and Chancellor are done, Justicar, you may speak."

Thomas Castemont: "The Persona Non Grata law encompasses more than just the freedom of Faith. I do not believe the matter is in question as to whether Andunorians, Animators and Warlocks should be left to freely roam your good city, and as such abolishing the entire law would be probably not what the full intention is here. Rather to be more lenient towards the acceptance and tolerance of certain religions. Is this a safe assumption?"

Queen Jennifer: "I would have our palace wizard speak on this, as he is an expert on most of that."

Palace Wizard: "The fate of Animators is obvious, look to the brave adventurers who delve into our crypts to clean the mess of the filth of their ilk. You have made a law on animation. Is Persona Non Grata necessary for them when that law covers them so well?"

Thomas Castemont: "It is good sir. If they are removed then the simple act of animating is illegal, but it would not be illegal to be an animator in and of itself. They could animate outside of your lands and still be welcomed here in the city."

Palace Wizard: "How would we determine they have animated outside of our walls, Councillor official?"

Thomas Castemont: "Evidence sir. We operate on the provision of evidence."

Palace Wizard: "And by evidence, may I assume witnesses?"

Thomas Castemont: "Witness statements in its most frequent form yes. None are declared Persona Non Grata without proof. Most often provided by multiple witnesses. A lengthy, but fair and diligent process."

Palace Wizard: "And if they all lie? How would you know it to be truth?"

Thomas Castemont: "That is always a risk. But we do have an appeals process in place."

Palace Wizard: "On the second, Eldritch magic is as dangerous as wild magic, perhaps even less so, and yet the latter is not explicitly banned, nor are users put under the same guidelines of unable to practice anywhere without punishment."

Thomas Castemont: "Wild Magic, in circumstances under which it triggers dangerous and prohibited magics is a High Crime. Wild Mages unable to control their magics will find themselves guilty of such. They use it at their own risk."

Palace Wizard: "I suggest to the Cordorian Chancellor and her officials to amend that to specific Eldritch spells that are as contentious as the act of animating. This equalizes it with all other magic. It is specific wild magic that we are afraid of, specific necromancy that we despise. This should be the same."

Ginny Fairlen: "If I may interject. The threat of warlocks comes less from their magic and more from the source of said magic, and the amount of said magic. They are not their own masters, they have engaged in a pact, trading away things any sane mortal would value extremely highly... in exchange for power. Such people are a threat. Their choice to engage in a pact is evidence to such."

Palace Wizard: "What threat? To themselves, I agree. But to others? I must disagree. Not without context, not without the same parameters that may make any person dangerous to someone else."

King Edward: "This 'wild magic' by mere providence of its name and nature does seem to imply to be equally, if not more ungovernable? Would you not say so?"

Palace Wizard: "I would absolutely concur, your majesty."

Thomas Castemont: "We may outlaw wild mages in full if such is a preference of the Palace."

Ginny Fairlen: "Wild magic is either random, or controlled by the mage. A warlock is not their own master. They are puppets controlled by entities interested in controlling people as puppets."

Palace Wizard: "My recommendation is the contrary, that none of those practitioners are outlawed. Punish them for  their decisions of magic when and if they threaten the city, as we should for any mage. As for Andunorians, I must say the same, is Persona Non Grata necessary? If one declares Andunor hostile, they would, in effect, be considered this, and many of their people are already under your decree, my King. It could however, be simpler for the Chancellor if Andunor specifically were placed under the decree. As a caution, this would include any who were enslaved there, without exception. If the chancellor refuses, I advise only banning Aundorians in times of war, beyond who is already banned by decree."

King Edward: "While Amn are our closest allies, I do not think this fair City of ours would prosper under their discretion to magic. Nor do we seek to emulate it. If you would all indulge a King his thoughts voiced open among such trusted servants of this city?"

Ginny Fairlen: "Certainly, Your Majesty."

King Edward: "The Crown is not unsympathetic to the concerns voice here, which we all feel strongly towards. My beloved Queen Jennifer knows far too well the difficult circumstances of which faith, morality and law can tangle and weave itself. Justicer Castemont ... was it not?"

Thomas Castemont: "Indeed your Majesty."

King Edward: "You are an adherent of which God?"

Thomas Castemont: "I serve both the Broken and Maimed Gods your Majesty."

King Edward: "And I would be so forthright to imagine you have no love for any follower of Loviatar, given your faith?"

Thomas Castemont: "I do not your Majesty. Nor the Black Hand. This however did not factor into the decision to outlaw the faith."

King Edward: "Yet who is to say the next will not? Or the one after that? Who is to say with such laws to declare faiths banned, we are not simply risking ourselves to the danger that eventually there might be such a person to factor in these personal distastes into their decision?"

Ginny Fairlen: "Your Majesty, if I may, I think you have made your desire to no longer ban any specific faith quite clear, and it is not where our primary concern is. If I could read out a letter by the mayor of Bendir Dale. I think he put quite clearly the wider concern of a complete lifting of Persona Non Grata."

Queen Jennifer: "Go ahead, Chancellor."

---See Document: [2] Andunorian Machinations---

Ginny Fairlen: "You see their concern is not with the faiths. It is rather with... specific non-faith groups we have outlawed."

Queen Jennifer: "That is a thoughtfully crafted letter. Can you please pass on my thanks to the mayor of Bendir Dale?"

Ginny Fairlen: "Certainly, Your Majesty. I think... we could lean somewhat heavily on 'Known Criminals', and start treating organisations as a while as 'criminal' if part of their mandate goes against our laws. As such we could easily banish large parts of the Andunorian populace, while sparing those few who might not harbour ill intent."

Queen Jennifer: "Then perhaps the wizard's idea was sound. Adding "Andunorian denizen" to the King's Decree. Would that suffice, Chancellor?"

Ginny Fairlen: "No I think that would be too broad actually. As the good wizard mentioned, we do not wish to ban slaves. Merely the slavers, and those who would scheme to do our city and its people ill. Perhaps the King's Decree could be amended to include criminal organisations and those whose mandate it is to do harm to our city and its people? This would allow us some freedom in how the law is applied. The island changes with time, new groups rise and fall, some are a threat, others are not. The void cult not too many years ago opened portals to other planes in our sewers to bring vile beings in to invade. The Syndicate targeted Cordorians for kidnappings. Such organisations, I would like to ban."

Queen Jennifer: "Then it needs to be more flexible. I propose instead, that the Chancellor is allowed to add the name of criminal organization's to the King's Decree, so long as they are not associated with faiths."

Ginny Fairlen: "That would be fantastic."

Thomas Castemont: "This indeed falls under the second option of the proposal. Along with Slavers, Animators and Warlocks."

Ginny Fairlen: "Hmm, yes. There's the matter of slavers, animators, and warlocks still. Though the latter two were discussed, I don't think we quite have a conclusive solution yet."

Palace Wizard: "I made a suggestion of outlawing specific Eldritch spells. As for the other two... If the Chancellor is insistent on broader coverage of these acts beyond her walls, I suggest the language of 'use against or on the soil of Cordor and her allies' as the persons to which animation and slavery apply."

Ginny Fairlen: "That sounds fair."

Palace Wizard: "If they are neither, it is after all, not Cordorian business to have their affairs everywhere."

Ginny Fairlen: "One might argue the very act of animation is despicable anywhere."

Ginny Fairlen: "Well, I do think that clears up the matter of animators, warlocks, and slavers. I did have two more minor things I thought we may wish to clarify. Those being Your Majesty's view on restrictions regarding openly displaying religious paraphernalia and Your Majesty's view on dealing with monsterous faiths. It was suggested during the initial meeting with sir Gregory that any who worship monsterous faiths are monsters and thus... not tolerated."

Queen Jennifer: "He relayed the 'Dark Seldarine' to us as an example, the faiths of the dark elves below. I must concur with Gregory that only monsters would worship these faiths and they need not be concerned about. Law does not need to always cover the obvious exclusions."

Ginny Fairlen: "Fantastic, thank you for the clarification, Your Majesty. And the other question?"

Queen Jennifer: "I do not see any reason to regulate what a person wears to display their faith."

Ginny Fairlen: "Certainly, Your Majesty. But you are expressly against such?"

Queen Jennifer: "I am. It should not be our business."

Ginny Fairlen: "Fantastic, that clarifies it. Justiciar, have I missed anything important?"

King Edward: "In fact, to further my beloved Queen's point, I fear that in creating such tall bulwarks of law and regulations we risk ourselves unable to see the threats below us and within that we mean to shield our fair City from."

Thomas Castemont: "The laws will have to be rewritten to some extent as much was covered in the Persona Non Grata law to protect the citizens of Cordor and be proactive in our means to deal with threats. But such is the nature of this job. I've no issues removing the law and the included prohibited Faiths under the current conditions that certain threats remain unwelcome in the city. Is there a requirement to review the reform your Majesties?"

King Edward: "I would ask you bring your amended laws to Frederick so he can appraise us of what has been done, would you not agree my Queen?"

Queen Jennifer: "Actually, my king, I have full faith in Chancellor Ginny. She has shown to be anything but distrustable. We'll review the final law once it's posted, I know she will not veer from our agreement today. And I trust any law that goes against the agreement currently is dead law."

Ginny Fairlen: "Certainly, Your Majesty. Though I would ask that for clarity and posterity's sake, we be given a copy of the original persona non grata termination notice as well as the amended king's decree. I will not be chancellor forever and very often such things are lost when a new chancellor takes over."

Thomas Castemont: "Hm. The updated version of the King's Decree first and foremost would help much."

King Edward: "This I am certain we can provide. How commendable that all of us could find rhyme and reason today with agreement at hand."

Thomas Castemont: "Of course your Majesty. We all wish the same for the city and the people of Cordor. Safety and prosperity."

Ginny Fairlen: "Certainly, Your Majesty. Hopefully this will alleviate people's concerns. And I can only echo the Justiciar's words. Safety and prosperity. If I may provide a point to help reduce the impact of such announcements by Your Majesty in the future?"

King Edward: "Today we may a lot, would you not concur?"

Ginny Fairlen: "Indeed Your Majesty. Yet still I would humbly ask such announcements are discussed with myself, or whoever might be chancellor after me, prior to their publication. It will send a stronger message when the crown and the chancellor are coordinated."

King Edward: "It is not often the Crown sees need to make such decrees, I remember last time involved horses on public streets, though I admit that created far less discussion than this. But the formalia of the King's decree does not necessarily dictate the inclusion of the King's government-elect. That is not to say I will not take such gracious suggestion under advisement. However, I believe these are the copies you sought?"

Ginny Fairlen: "Much appreciated, thank you. May we expect an amendment to the King's Decree in the coming days to reflect what we've discussed, Your Majesty?"

Queen Jennifer: "I can write that now, if you like."

Ginny Fairlen: "Ah, we would certainly appreciate it, Your Majesty."

Queen Jennifer: "As requested, Chancellor. It should cover both the new decree and much of what was discussed."

Ginny Fairlen: "Wonderful. I believe that covers the most important points indeed, Your Majesty."

King Edward: "I believe with this we may formally conclude our meeting, would you not all agree?"

Ginny Fairlen: "Indeed, Your Majesty. This was most productive and informative... And might I say it was very good to meet face to face. It creates mutual understanding like nothing else really can."

King Edward: "Then perhaps we shall endeavour to host you in the Palace once opportunity arise. But speaking of the Palace, I believe it is high time me and the Queen retire to it. May we all prosper, for this fair city Cordor."

Flamma: "Long live Cordor"


<nowiki>-------------------</nowiki>

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Meeting Concludes*

<nowiki>-------------------</nowiki>


   	Day 20, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 177 AR
<br>   	Kerenza Massalan    	 	

'''THE KING AND QUEEN'S DECREE (Public Notice)'''

As per agreement with the Chancellor, Persona Non Grata will remain terminated. In place of the old decree, the new text shall read as such:

Monstrous races, dragons, illithid, undead, fiendish beings, wild beasts, animals, and known criminals are unwelcome in Cordor. The Chancellor may append criminal organizations to this list at any time, though may only ever remove the same criminal organizations from it.

The organizations may never intersect with groups of faith, and religious groups should never be placed on this list.

Warlocks as a group and their Eldritch Magic should also never be placed on such a list, though the Chancellor is free to ban the use of specific Eldritch spells that may be a high danger to the citizens of Cordor.

Glory and Love to Cordor,


   	Day 15, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 177 AR
<br>   	Queen Jennifer Cordor

<nowiki>-------------------------------------</nowiki>

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 

<nowiki>-------------------------------------</nowiki>

'''[1] Draft Proposal to amendment of the Persona Non Grata laws'''


<nowiki>===SUMMARY & OVERVIEW===</nowiki>

Upon notice of King Edward Cordor surrounding the abolishment of the Persona Non Grata laws, not including the King's Decree, initial clarification was requested. After such was provided, this document pertains risks, options and a proposal to the Palace for consideration to ensure the safety of the city and its people.

<nowiki>---------</nowiki>

Persona Non Grata is a process in which the City of Cordor and its elected officials may ////proactively//// prevent harm to be caused upon the city and its people by banishing threats from the King's lands and allowing the lawful removal of these people and groups for the safety and protection of the King's people.

<nowiki>---------</nowiki>

The current list of Persona Non Grata in Cordor includes a number of servants of specific Faiths and others deemed a threat to the City of Cordor and its people not currently included in the King's Decree, including:

+ Animators
<br>+ Pirates
<br>+ Pacted
<br>+ Palemasters
<br>+ Slavers
<br>+ Andunorians
<br>+ Outcasts
<br>+ Loyalist slaves
<br>+ Abyssalists
<br>+ Infernalists
<br>+ Zentharim

Currently the following Faithful are considered Persona Non Grata to the City of Cordor and Pax Cordoria due to the threat the worship of their deity poses to the City of Cordor and its people:

+ Banites
<br>+ Cyrcists
<br>+ Dark Sun Cultists
<br>+ Loviathans
<br>+ Sharrans
<br>+ Void Cultists

<nowiki>===RISKS===</nowiki>

The risks of abolishing the current list of Persona Non Grata, not including the King's Decree, are as follows:

+++---+++

Current Persona Non Grata may see this as an open invitation to march into the City of Cordor and antagonise the authorities. This may further result in citizens of Cordor feeling unsafe and/or being antagonised. It may lead to an increase in vigilantism and invite violence and chaos onto the city of Cordor and its people. With many new adventurers arriving in the King's city each day, this could prove detrimental in the long term to King Edward's ruling and the success of the city of Cordor.

Increased threats to the city and its people can result in loss of number of citizenships, employment and could further have severe impacts onto Cordor's Treasury and Trade. People who do not feel safe will take their Trade elsewhere. Newly arrived adventurers may be killed or motivated to settle in settlements where they feel more secure.

+++---+++

Current Persona Non Grata include those who's God's decree may actively desire harm upon the citizens of Cordor whom are under the protection of King Edward Cordor. This includes, but is not limited to:

+ Torture and physical harm
<br>+ Murder
<br>+ Lies and deceit considered detrimental to the city of Cordor and its people
<br>+ Spreading of poison and disease
<br>+ Selling, buying and/or corruption of souls
<br>+ Conjuring forth creatures of the lower planes

+++---+++

Current Persona Non Grata not listed under the King's Decree may actively desire harm upon the citizens of Cordor whom are under the protection of King Edward Cordor. This includes, but is not limited to:

+ Enslavement
<br>+ Piracy & Theft
<br>+ Espionage
<br>+ Treason
<br>+ Kidnapping
<br>+ Sabotage
<br>+ Murder, Manslaughter and/or assault
<br>+ Warmongering

<nowiki>===SOLUTION OPTIONS===</nowiki>

1. Do nothing

No change is made. Persona Non Grata continue to be unwelcome in its current form under the laws of Cordor as defined by the elected Chancellor and Justiciar of Cordor. The King's elected officials remain responsible for the day to day protection of the City and people of Cordor.

<nowiki>----------</nowiki>

2. Update the King's Decree & Remove servants of specific Faiths as PNG

To clearly define and agree on threats to the city of Cordor in agreement between the Palace and its elected officials.

Based on changes of posed threats over the past years that have had significant impacts on the City and its people and proven detrimental, this solution would include updating the King's Decree across the city and its laws to include the following threats:

+ Animators
<br>+ Pirates
<br>+ Pacted
<br>+ Palemasters
<br>+ Slavers
<br>+ Andunorians
<br>+ Outcasts
<br>+ Loyalist slaves
<br>+ Abyssalists
<br>+ Infernalists
<br>+ Zentharim

Any servants of specific Faiths would be removed from the PNG list. Specific actions encouraged by their deities Dogma and tenets, that can be considered harmful to the city of Cordor and its people will be separately added in the Legal Code of Cordor. These may include (some already do):

+ Torture and physical harm
<br>+ Murder
<br>+ Spreading of poison and disease
<br>+ Selling and/or corruption of souls
<br>+ Conjuring forth creatures of the lower planes

Servants of certain Faiths may still be treated as Pariahs and requested to leave the city if deemed a threat. They will not be protected by the laws of Cordor. This may specifically apply to:

+ Cyricists & Dark Sun Cultists
<br>+ Void Cultists
<br>+ Lower Plane worshippers
<br>+ Abyssal / Infernal Groups & Organisations

<nowiki>----------</nowiki>

3. Removal of PNG process in its entirely with the exclusion of the King's decree as it stands to date.

As per the King's current announcement, the entire list of PNG would be removed and the process along with it. The process remains in place only for anything listed under the current version of the King's Decree.

The Palace will agree to support the city's elected officials law enforcement team with increased security in the form of additional Guards provided by the Palace as a result of increased threat levels to the people of Cordor.

In addition, the Legal Code will be updated to incorporate vigilantism to allow citizens and visitors of the City of Cordor and Pax Cordoria to protect themselves if they feel threatened by either someone's faith and/or practices and grant our citizens and visitors to defend themselves.

Writs of exemption for allowance into the city will no longer be required. Those harming anyone deemed a threat to the city will no longer be prosecuted under the new laws of Cordor.

<nowiki>===PROPOSAL===</nowiki>

The King's elected officials propose option /TWO/.

Although this will result in an increased number of laws for the city of Corder, it will allow a compromise where servants of specific deities are not outright banished from the city and may conduct their business while within the Pax Cordoria and city of Cordor inviting them to trade and even be employed by the city's elected officials if deemed appropriate and desired.

The proposal only includes the removal of these servants as Persona Non Grata.

Signed,
<br>Justiciar of Cordor

   	Day 28, Month 12 (Nightal), 176 AR
<br>   	Thomas Castemont    	 	

'''[2] Andunorian Machinations'''

To Chancellor Ginny,

I hope that Cordor is doing well as we move toward spring; and that the recent blightings of the farmland, by the drow, do not spoil this year's crop. As always, we, your friends to the north would be happy to assist if such blightings happen again or have brought ill to your people.

Unfortunately, I bring poor tidings to you today. More issues with our mutual foes in the Underdark. One of our scouts had the fortune to overhear drow of House Hel'vael speak in the Hub and make note of their conversation.

They spoke of their desire to bring war to the Surface, to sow discord and mistrust amongst the peoples of the land so that they might break through those cracks and destroy us.

While they spoke of some ideas to sow discord in Bendir and Guldorand, it was mostly Cordor which they spoke of.

The drow spoke of the recent lifting of the Person Non Grata laws, of the sudden and highly detested welcoming of Murderers, of Pacted, of Animators, and of course, of Andunorians.

My heart goes out to your people for the sad irony that the very trade which your King wished to improve, with removal of the Person Non Grata laws, is the same action which has made most of the rest of the isle no longer wish to trade within Cordor at all, for fear of their own safety. Before we only needed to worry about the murderer OV, now we must travel with armed guards for fear of the Pacted, Animators, Murderers and even Andunorians.

But, it is of these Andunorians which I write to you about, today. For they wish to use this lifting of the Person Non Grata law to stir the isle against Cordor. To speak out against King Cordor, to use it as the fulcrum with which to leverage a 'political hellball', as they put it.

They have spies from Andunor already within Cordor who know of this change, almost as fast as we do in the north; and you will see more as Andunorians are welcomed freely.

I wish you luck, Chancellor Ginny, in the trials ahead. If we hear more information on their plans, I will forward them along to you and yours.

Sheela bring you love and laughter,

Mayor Minto, of Clan Fuzzypaw, of Bendir Dale.


   	Day 12, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 177 AR
<br>   	Minto Fuzzypaw    	 	

'''[3] Eldritch Spells - Ban List'''

The following are all spells that, for some reason, I personally suggest of considering "Dangerous Eldritch Magic". The categories will clarify the reason behind my advice.

+++ REITERATIVE MAGIC +++

By the direct connection between the Patron and the Pacted, certain spells can be easily cast multiple times by Warlocks. Though certain incantations are not that dangerous in a vacuum, they become lethal and potentially disruptive when the spellcaster has a capacity to indefinitely reiterate them.

- Combust
<br>- Hell's Inferno
<br>- Chain Lightning
<br>- Evard's Black Tentacles
<br>- Dark Undertow
<br>- Drown
<br>- Kyristan's Malevolent Tentacles
<br>- Fireball
<br>- Mind Fog
<br>- Sound Lance
<br>- Darkbolt
<br>- Circle of Doom
<br>- Energy Drain
<br>- Cloudkill
<br>- Dominate Person
<br>- Ice Storm
<br>- Eldritch Blast

+++ TORTUROUS or DANGEROUS MAGIC +++

Some spells are simply quite malevolent in nature, and though other spellcaster may be trusted with those specific types of incantations, Warlocks tend to be problematic when armed with spells that cause a considerable amount of damage or torment.

- Blade Barrier
<br>- Burst of Glacial Wrath
<br>- Maze
<br>- Creeping Doom
<br>- Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting
<br>- Avascular Mass
<br>- Destruction
<br>- Meteor Swarm
<br>- Shadow Plague

There are of course many other spells that "cause damage". However, those that have been written herein tend to be particularly dangerous and effective for both offence and defence when used by Pacted-ones.

   	Day 19, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 177 AR
<br>           Providence   

[[Category:170-179 AR‏‎]][[Category:Cordor‏‎]][[Category:Reports & Records]]