ON SKYBRIGHT 26 OF 1641,

The Lady Steward and the Constable hereby proclaim and invoke the following order of outlawing to the  denizens of the Spire,

Formal Outlawing of Van Pelt & Associates

In light of substantiated allegations and verified events, the Lady Steward, with the counsel of the Council of the Spire, hereby declares the man known as Van Pelt, also operating under the alias “The Rieper,” to be Black Marked within Spiretown and all territories under its governance.

Despite his documented return following the bombing of the Requital and its refugees—an act committed during a grace period enforced between governing bodies—there has been no demonstrable effort toward reform or restraint. Evidence further indicates the presence of a fractured persona known as “The Rieper,” bound to a curse carrying the residual souls of those slaughtered in that attack.

Since his return, Van Pelt and those acting in concert with him have committed the following violations under the Common Law of the Spire:

• Section 4, I & II — Breaking and Entering / Trespassing
  Unlawful entry into a citizen’s residence for the purpose of seizing another.
• Section 3, VII — Kidnapping
  Abduction and unlawful restraint of a citizen, including binding them to a tree within the Valley.
• Section 3, IV — Assault
  Shooting a citizen in the leg with a crossbow bolt, motivated by personal fascination with the harm inflicted and in retaliation for a verbal dispute.
• Section 3, IV — Assault
  Physical attack upon a citizen arising from private disputes.
• Section 3, V — Bribery
  Offering or authorizing substantial coin to induce the mutilation of a citizen who interrupted an illicit meeting.
• Section 3, VI — Blackmail / Coercion
  Forcing a citizen, under threat of mutilation, to pay escalating sums to preserve their safety.
• Section 3, VI — Blackmail / Coercion
  Threatening a citizen with death should they report criminal activity to the authorities again.
• Section 3, X — Hostile Dealings
  Engaging with malevolent otherworldly forces to imbue power into one’s own body.
• Section 2, II — Corruption (Attempted)
  Attempted inducement to bypass lawful procedure through the offering of “discreet services” to the Lady Steward.

While it may be argued that Van Pelt is “unwell,” owing to evidence of a divided psyche, the Council finds this neither mitigating nor exculpatory. His associates have made no meaningful effort to restrain his conduct and are, in multiple instances, alleged to have participated directly.

Given the scale and persistence of harm caused—and the continued risk posed to the populace—strict measures are warranted. After due consideration of sensitive information and of precedent, including the gravity of capital punishment, the following rulings beyond the Black Mark are hereby enacted:

• All legal protections are hereby withdrawn from individuals who knowingly associate with Van Pelt or act under his name. Such persons shall not be afforded the customary protections of Spire law if encountered within Spire territory.
• All avenues of clemency for the leadership of this group are permanently revoked.
• Any act of aiding or abetting—including healing, sheltering, concealment, or provision of resources—to Van Pelt or his associates shall constitute a criminal offense and be reported to the Constable.
• No provision for capture or leniency shall be extended. Only full renunciation of affiliation and voluntary surrender into lawful custody will be recognized.

The rights guaranteed to the citizens within the Spire exist for those who live in good faith. They are not shields for those who repeatedly violate the safety, freedom, and livelihood of others. By actions to assault, coerce, unlawfully detain, and intimidate—it is a clear demonstration to disregard the very liberties the law exists to preserve.

And so, they will not be offered them no longer. This is not as punishment without cause, but as consequence. One who denies these rights to another, cannot continue to claim them in turn. Quince & Thrice once tested these limits before; the result is well known.

Signed,

Lady Steward Meriel Noctis
Constable Raime Escher
Marshal Umeneri Helara

Post TLDR; Van Pelt and his recognized affiliates are outlawed within the Spire for repeated offenses, listing a variety of mandates issued upon them.

OOC Note; I’ve been approached by a number of people regarding the growing offenses of this group ICly. Early on, I deliberately chose to pursue a more layered narrative approach rather than immediately resolving the situation through Penances alone—much like the initial handling of the Black Fins.

However, given the continued developments brought to my attention, I’ve made the decision to move forward with firmer consequences. This has been coordinated, where possible, alongside the upcoming release of the Undercity, in good faith—so as not to push players out of the Spire as the sole active RP hub, while still ensuring that overdue outcomes are addressed.

It should go without saying, but if anyone chooses to pursue PvP with those named in this verdict, it is expected to be done respectfully and in good faith toward all parties involved.

Any OOC concerns regarding this decision should be directed through Community Tickets. For IC grievances, the door has always been open, and remains so.