As penned by M. Noctis
In the spirit of fairness and unity, let it be decreed that the laws and judgments governing our land shall be clear and accessible to all, so that none may be left unknowing or deprived of justice. It is the duty of governance to safeguard the dignity, welfare, and liberties of every townsfolk, regardless of standing, and to preserve peace and prosperity within the Spire.
These laws bind all who dwell within the Spire’s lands, citizen and foreign party alike. Those who refuse to abide by them shall be removed from our territories; those who violate them shall answer for their offenses according to the severity of the crime.
Within our jurisdiction, justice is not served through incarceration or crude deterrence, but through the Penances of the Gauntlet — magickal burdens placed upon the shadow of the offender, their weight and nature matched to the crime committed.
SECTION 1
RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES OF THE SPIRE’S PEOPLE
- Right to Safety — Protection from physical harm, threats, and unjust punishment by officials or citizens. This includes freedom from being targeted for one’s beliefs, trade, or origin unless such acts break the law.
- Right to Property — Safeguards all lawful possessions (land, goods, heirlooms, currency) against theft, vandalism, or unlawful seizure without due cause or process.
- Right to Livelihood — The ability to engage in honest work, trade, or craft without unfair restriction or extortion.
- Right to Expression — Freedom to speak, write, gather, or follow beliefs, provided such expression does not call for violence, promote insurrection, or directly endanger others.
- Right to Aid — Access to reasonable care during illness, injury, or disaster, and the right to request help without fear of reprisal.
- Right to Freedom — Freedom of movement and from forced labor, harassment, or unlawful detainment, unless restricted for public safety or as a lawful penalty.
SECTION 2
HIGH CRIMES - Severe offenses with lasting punishments, often permanent or requiring double compensation.
I. Treason
Acts of criminal aggression to the Spire, including espionage, betrayal, or attempts to overthrow governance.
- Espionage — Passing secrets, military plans, or strategic vulnerabilities to a foreign power or enemy faction.
- Sedition — Organizing or inciting a revolt intended to overthrow the government or other lawful authorities.
- Collaboration — Aiding invading forces, pirates, or outlaw bands during active conflict.
- Conspiracy — Planning or agreeing with others to commit any act of treason, even if the act is never carried out.
- Assassination plots — Direct attempts to kill or incapacitate leaders for political overthrow.
Even attempted treason — where no harm is ultimately done — is punishable as if completed.
II. Corruption
Abuse of power for personal gain, undermining the integrity of governance. Such as:
- Accepting bribes to alter laws, rulings, or public contracts.
- Using authority to extort money, favors, or property.
- Protecting known criminals for personal or political benefit.
- Manipulating public funds or resources for personal use.
III. Murder/Attempted Murder
The unlawful killing or attempted killing of another without lawful justification.
- Duels are permitted if publicly declared, mutually agreed, and witnessed. Refer to Section 8 for legal duel procedure.
- Killing during self-defense or in defense of others is not murder, provided force was proportionate.
- Poisonings, traps, and magical killings fall under this crime.
IV. Arson
Intentional destruction of property or dwellings by fire.
- Setting fire to homes, ships, warehouses, or crops.
- Using magical flame to the same effect.
- Causing fire recklessly in a manner that endangers life or property.
SECTION 3
MEDIUM CRIMES - Serious offenses with moderate penalties, lasting until full restitution is made.
I. Theft & Robbery
Taking property unlawfully, with or without the use of force.
II. Fencing Stolen Goods
Selling or trading items known to be stolen.
III. Harboring a Criminal/Fugitive
Knowingly hiding wanted persons from the authorities.
IV. Assault
Physical or reckless attacks causing harm to another person, including acts of extreme cruelty or any form of physical experimentation performed on a conscious, sentient being.
V. Bribery
Offering payment or gifts to obtain illicit favors or influence.
VI. Blackmail
Coercion using threats or sensitive information for personal gain.
VII. Kidnapping
Forcing someone into confinement against their will.
VIII. Illicit substances and/or their production
Producing or using poisons or substances harmful to life or function.
IX. Fraud
Deception for financial or personal gain, including forgery or false claims.
X. Hostile Dealings
Engaging in any dealings, agreements, or exchanges with hostile foreign powers or other dangerous, otherworldly forces whose actions or influence could bring harm or destruction upon the Spire.
SECTION 4
LOW CRIMES - Minor offenses with short-term penalties or compensatory measures.
I. Breaking and Entering
Unlawfully forcing entry into a building.
II. Trespassing
Entering property without permission.
III. Public Disturbance/Disorderly Conduct
Acts causing disruption, grief, or distress in public spaces, including offensive behavior, excessive drunkenness, or public altercations.
IV. Vandalism
Unlawful damage or defacement of property.
SECTION 5
All crimes that are committed through the use of magick are beholden to the same law—the following laws serve to expand on infringements not found in the realm of mundanity.
MAGICK CRIMES - Varying offenses that fall within the same scope of Section 2 to 4.
I. Forbidden Magicks
Necromancy, specifically the act of raising the dead without free will or sentience.
Summoning dangerous entities or invoking long-lasting curses with malicious intent.
II. Unlawful Spellcasting
Use of harmful magic, such as hexes or curses, against another without provocation.
Creation of magical substances deemed dangerous or illegal.
Manipulation of emotions or thoughts through enchantments for personal gain.
Unauthorized magic within the guardkeep and holding cells.
SECTION 6
ON THE PROTECTIONS OF GOOD FAITH & HEALING
I. Individuals who act in good faith to preserve or restore a being's life, or to protect them from immediate harm, shall not be held criminally liable if it is later determined that the being did not wish to be saved or revived—provided their actions were reasonable, necessary, and made in the interest of preventing death or grievous injury.
II. Those working in the service of public health—such as healers, medics, apothecaries, or surgeons—may, with just cause, request fair compensation from individuals who place themselves at repeated and reckless risk. This shall only apply under the following conditions:
- The individual has required medical intervention three or more times within a reasonable span of time due to willful negligence or knowingly hazardous behavior.
- The healer or practitioner must provide written notice of their intent to begin requesting compensation, citing the pattern of risk.
- Compensation must be proportional to the resources and labor expended and cannot deny the patient care in emergencies.
- Appeals may be made to the Head Physician of the Reach's Hospital or Councilors of the Seneschalty, should the patient dispute the charge.
This clause exists to preserve dignity on both sides: that the healer may not be bound to suffer endless burden without recompense, and that those who seek repeated care acknowledge the strain their choices may place upon the hands that tend them.
III. No person may be barred from public health services except by formal written notice from the Head Physician or the Offices of the Seneschalty, showing they have willfully endangered staff or patients. Such bans must be conditional, and emergency care must always be provided.
IV. The protections of Clause I shall not extend to the revival, reconstitution, or return of any vampire bearing an active Red or Black Mark. This provision shall apply only to revivals undertaken after its enactment.
Any person who knowingly performs, assists, or provides the means for such a revival shall be Red Marked for aiding and abetting a known criminal, engaging in Hostile Dealings, furthering a malicious curse, and enabling the continuation of unlawful attacks, feedings, or related conduct. Death shall not extinguish an existing Mark, which shall remain in force following revival unless formally withdrawn by the lawful authorities of the Spire. Claims of healing, mercy, affection, duty, or preservation of life shall not constitute a defense where the reviver knew of the Mark.
A revival may be exempted where authorized in writing by the Steward, following consultation with no fewer than two relevant Council officers. Such authorization must serve a public interest and impose enforceable conditions intended to prevent further attacks, unlawful feedings, or repetition of the conduct for which the vampire was marked.
SECTION 7
ON BOUNTIES WITHIN THE SPIRE AND ITS SURROUNDING TERRITORIES
Anyone may pursue a posted bounty, but all bounty-takers remain subject to the Common Law of the Spire. They must respect the limits of each bounty’s classification, avoid unnecessary harm, and yield to militia and guards during active matters. Violating these expectations may result in penalties, regardless of citizenship or affiliation.
Key regulations include:
Acting outside posted terms—through violence, false claims, or obstruction—may result in:
- Forfeiture of reward
- Criminal charges
- Disqualification from future bounties
Bounty issuers are equally bound by law. If an issuer fails to pay the promised reward:
- They are placed under penance, which dissolves upon completed payment
- They are barred from using the bounty board until full payment is made
- Once resolved, their posting privileges are restored
SECTION 8
ON DUELS WITHIN THE SPIRE’S BORDERS AND TERRITORY
Within the territories of the Spire, the practice of dueling is recognized as a lawful means of settling disputes, provided it adheres strictly to the conditions set forth below. This allowance is made in acknowledgment of longstanding martial traditions and personal codes of honor, and it exists to preserve order by providing structured recourse in matters of grievance.
A lethal duel is one where death is an allowed outcome. These require full approval, official oversight, and strict rule-following due to the risk involved.
A non-lethal duel is one where killing is not allowed, and the fight ends at first blood, disarmament, or similar limits. These still need to be witnessed but do not need full approval unless things escalate
I. Authority & Oversight
Lethal duels must be officially scheduled and approved by one of the following:
- A Councilor of the Seneschalty
- The Captain of the Guard
- A Captain of the Militia
An official must be present with guards to make sure the duel is fair, safe, and follows the agreed rules. Duels without approval, or those that break the rules, will be treated as attempted murder or assault.
II. Unauthorized Interference
Interference in a sanctioned duel—whether physical, magical, or otherwise—constitutes obstruction. Any individual found guilty of such interference may be, held legally responsible. Obstruction endangers participants and undermines the integrity of the proceedings.
If a sanctioned duel is interrupted or obstructed, the dueling parties have the right to decide how they wish to resolve the matter—whether by continuing immediately, declaring the matter settled, or choosing an alternative resolution.
If no agreement can be reached between both parties, the duel may be rescheduled for a later date when both are deemed to be in good health and fit for combat.
III. Declaration of Terms
Prior to engagement, clear and binding terms must be established and formally recorded in writing or publicly witnessed by a third party. Terms must include, but are not limited to:
- Cause of the duel
- Method of engagement (weapons, restrictions, magical limitations, etc.)
- Acceptable outcome (to first blood, to incapacitation, to death)
- Stipulated grounds for withdrawal or forfeiture
IV. Provisions for the Deceased
If death is possible, and a fighter hasn’t left funeral wishes or a will, a relative or cultural/religious representative should be present to handle their remains and items.
If no one is available, the duel can still go on. The official must try to find someone afterward. The body must be treated with respect in the meantime.
V. Public Safety & Location
Duels must take place outside of densely inhabited areas, in locations approved by the overseeing authority. The time and site must be made known to the guard to ensure proper enforcement and minimal disruption.
Lethal duels conducted within public spaces are strictly prohibited, to minimize the amount of passersby that are exposed. Non-lethal duels may take place in public fighting grounds.
VI. Right to Refuse
No individual may be compelled into a duel under duress, threat, or coercion. The right to refuse a duel is preserved under Spire law, and retaliation for such refusal—be it social, political, or physical—may be prosecuted as harassment, conspiracy, or attempted coercion, depending on circumstance.
SECTION 9
ON THE REGULATION AND PROTECTIONS OF YOUTH
I. Service & Training
- Citizens may join the militia in non-combat volunteer roles from age 14, and may serve in combat from age 16 with proper education and training.
- Pages (ages 9–13) and squires (14+) may receive a full education in reading, writing, and arithmetic alongside martial or trade instruction.
- Dangerous professions (e.g., mining, soldiering, hazardous crafts) are permitted from age 16.
II. Welfare & Conduct
- All children under 16 are entitled to free tavern meals, consisting of the standard fare or basic provisions being served, sufficient to meet minimal nutritional needs, but not extended to special or costly requests.
- Offenders under 16 are subject to a juvenile justice process focused on restitution and rehabilitation, except in cases of severe crimes such as murder or treason.
III. Restrictions & Safeguards
- No adult over 21 may spar or fight with a minor under 16 except in supervised non-lethal training.
- No adult of any age may initiate a real fight with a child under 16; self-defense is permitted if the child poses an immediate threat.
- Tavern alcohol service is permitted from age 16, though service may be refused for disruptive or unsafe conduct.
IV. Competitions & Events
- All martial tournaments and similar competitions must have age brackets to ensure safety and fairness.
