The First Westbrooke Accords

The First Westbrooke Accords is a document which sets the foundation for the government of The Republic of Westbrooke. It was first publicly shown on January 13th, 189 F.T, during which the First Archon, Alheim Cornelius, declared the sovereignty of the Republic.

The First Westbrooke Accords, as chartered by the cultural, industrial, arcane, mercantile, and spiritual leaders of the Republic of Westbrooke, written September 24th, 188 F.T

Alheim Cornelius, Co-Founder of Westbrooke

Halrune Virynore

Foreman Johannes vi Kaleva, Westbrooke Mining Company

Kistarin Yvris Archmagi of the International Mages Guild

Christoph Brycewind, Medallion Caravan Company

Tovis K. Blacktree, Warden of the Holy Priesthood of The Night Keeper, Order of the Nightingale, 2nd Class

These representatives were chosen based on a consensus gathered during the period of August 20th- September 10th, 188 F.T.

## Article I - Structural Foundations For Future Accords

The need for leaders in various fields and the like is widely recognized, even more so in the ever growing and evolving lands of Duloris, Westbrooke in particular. Originally created as an experiment in freedom, Westbrooke has grown into the most populous and prosperous settlement upon the continent of Duloris. However, as much as the city has changed, the original idea and spark of freedom which has given life to the once empty lands must be maintained at all costs. No tyranny shall take hold of these independent lands, under any circumstance. Thus the establishment of a ruling body must adhere to this fundamental rule. It has been decided by the various leaders of the city that the division of power is the key to practicing this rule. Thus several positions in the governmental structure have been carved out, centering on each of the current leaders fields of expertise. The cumulative formation of all these sects will henceforth be referred to as The Council.

### Archon

The Office of Archon is to be held by a person unanimously agreed upon by each of the five heads of the council.  If a consensus cannot be made, then a universal vote amongst the denizens of the City may decide in their stead.

The Office of the Archon is only to be held by someone who has lived within the town for five years or longer, as of the date of election, and they must be considered a physical adult by the standards of that individual's particular race.

The duties of the Office of the Archon are widespread. The Archon is to act as a leader of the town, serving as the face of the town for all foreign matters, such as representing the town or it's people to other nations or states. The Archon is permitted to draft new additions to the accords, though they must be submitted to The Council. In order for such an addition to be passed, a majority of The Council must agree to it. In the event of a tie, up to a maximum of one months discussion is allowed, before collecting another vote. In the event of another tie, two months must pass before the addition may be discussed again. This time limit can be overridden by a unanimous vote by the council, in the event of an emergency.

The Archon is also responsible for the physical safety of Westbrooke & any surrounding territories. This includes any organized military or guard, including the already existing Westbrooke Night Watch. The Archon is to be considered in command of all forces. The delegation of command is at The Archons discretion. The Archon is not permitted to make war of any kind against a foreign or internal power without a unanimous decision from the council. However, the Archon is to bear the power of calling such a conflict to a vote amongst those governed by the accords. A two-thirds majority of the populous is required for such a vote to be deemed successful.

Additionally, The Archon is permitted to bring new territories into the Republic. Both the leadership and the citizenry of any potential additions must be in agreement for such a thing to occur. (See Article II for more information regarding other settlements within the Republic)

### Officer of Internal & Cultural Affairs

The Officer of Internal & Cultural Affairs is a title to belong to someone the community and council agree to be a cultural leader. It must be someone who understands the heart of the people, who sees them for what they are, real men and women with lives, not simply statistics. A majority vote by eligible citizens (discussed in Article IV) is required to be voted into this seat of the council.

The Officer of Internal & Cultural Affairs (shortened to OICA from this point forward) must be someone who has lived within the town for five years or longer, as of the date of election, and they must be considered a physical adult by the standards of that individual's particular race.

The OICAs duties include ensuring the sustained existence of the various arts and other works created by the citizenry, as well as building a sense of unity and community within the Republic. They are responsible for ensuring sustainable architecture, and working alongside other members of the council to ensure no acts violate the fundamental rule of the Republic.

The OICA is also beholden to the duty of law, and in terms of legal cases, is to delegate lesser officers of justice, who are to act as judges, in turn beholden to the laws outlined in Article III. Officers of Justice may submit morally questionable decisions to the OICA, who may make the decision in their stead. If other members of the council do not agree with the decision of the OICA, then a vote can be called, excluding the OICA. If all council members participating disagree with the OICA, they may overturn judgement.

### Officer of Enterprise

The Officer of Enterprise is a title to belong to someone who understands the benefits and detriments of industrialization. The role must be filled by a person committed to the safety and fair treatment of workers throughout the Republic. A majority vote by eligible citizens (discussed in Article IV) is required to be voted into this seat of the council.

The Officer of Enterprise must be someone who has lived within the town for five years or longer, as of the date of election, and they must be considered a physical adult by the standards of that individual's particular race.

The Officer of Enterprise is responsible for maintaining several things, including the rights of workers within the Republic, the ethical use of industrial technology, both Magic-Based (working alongside the Chief Magister in these cases) and mechanical. Both safe working and living conditions are under the portfolio of the Officer of Enterprise.

The lack of hazardous public and private architecture is maintained by the Officer of Enterprise, as is infrastructure including roads, railways, bridges, and canals. The Officer of Enterprise is permitted to select lesser Officers to assist in such duties, as they see fit. The Officer of Enterprise and his or her lesser officers are expected to work closely with other members of the Council

### Chief Magister

The Chief Magister is a title to belong to someone who understands the benefits and detriments of magic within society. The role must be filled by a person who is familiar with and practices the ethical use of magic. A majority vote by eligible citizens (discussed in Article IV) is required to be voted into this seat of the council.

The Chief Magister must be someone who has lived within the town for five years or longer, as of the date of election, and they must be considered a physical adult by the standards of that individual's particular race. Additionally, they must also be a Rank A or Rank S Arcanist, as defined by the International Mages Guild, which the Republic of Westbrooke has pledged to be adherent to. He or she is expected to be fully familiar with IMG practices of all kinds.

The Chief Magister is to ensure adherence among the citizens of the Republic to the laws recognized throughout Leomoth and Duloris set in place by the International Mages Guild. Like any nation, exceptions to IMG policy can be made, and discussed with IMG representatives. The Chief Magister is required to discuss such exceptions with the OICA, and they must be based on fundamental aspects of the character of the Republic.

The Chief Magister is also responsible for regulating the responsible use of magical learning, and encouraging cautious and practical spellcasting, learned for the betterment of self and society.

### Officer of Mercantilism

The Officer of Mercantilism is a title to belong to someone who understands economic practices on a continental scale. The role must be filled by a person who is familiar with modern mercantile processes, and also shows not only great skill in navigating such purviews, but also generosity. A majority vote by eligible citizens (discussed in Article IV) is required to be voted into this seat of the council.

The Officer of Mercantilism must be someone who has lived within the town for five years or longer, as of the date of election, and they must be considered a physical adult by the standards of that individual's particular race.

The Officer of Mercantilism bears the duty of ensuring fair trade, internal and external. They must ensure that prices are considered affordable, and beneficial to the Republic as a whole. Ensuring economic prosperity is the number one duty of the Officer of mercantilism. It is considered inevitable that the Officer of Mercantilism will, more likely than not, be a business owner of some kind. While in office, they are not to be in active control of their business, though they are fully permitted to be aware of it's status. They are also prohibited from creating or removing regulations for no other purpose than benefitting their individual business.

### Officer of Religious Affairs

The Officer of Religious Affairs is a title to belong to someone who understands the spiritual aspects of life, on an individual and collective basis. The role must be filled by a person who is familiar with all modern religions, and who has an understanding of them. They must also understand the religious views of the people of the Republic, and be unbiased towards them, even in matters in which they might disagree. A majority vote by eligible citizens (discussed in Article IV) is required to be voted into this seat of the council.

The Officer of Religious Affairs must be someone who has lived within the town for five years or longer, as of the date of election, and they must be considered a physical adult by the standards of that individual's particular race.

The Officer of Religious Affairs is to ensure that adequate funding and other resources goes to fulfilling the spiritual needs of the people of the Republic. They are also to ensure equal representation, regardless of one's faith, except in such cases where a faith is considered a danger to society (Fiend Worship, Tiamat Worship, etc). The Officer of Religious Affairs is to assist the OICA in being up to date with religious aspects of the Republic's Culture. Both share a joint task of preserving and distributing religious texts. The Officer of Religious Affairs is also responsible for the proper burial and treatment of those who have passed, and is to work alongside the Officer of Enterprise to ensure adequate space is made for the dead to rest.

### Eligibility and Term Limits

As previously noted, in order to hold any seat on the council, you must be someone who has lived within the town for five years or longer, as of the date of election, and they must be considered a physical adult by the standards of that individual's particular race.

With the exception of the position of Archon, every seat in the council is taken by someone who has achieved a majority vote from eligible citizens.

Each member of The Council serves a term of five years. Two months prior to a council member leaving their seat, a vote will take place deciding who will take their place, following the previously stated rules on eligible council members. Should a member of the Council wish to leave their position before the allotted five years, they are able to do so six months in advance.

An individual is able to serve no more than three terms in The Council, even if those terms were in different positions. Should a Council Member pass away, their subordinates will occupy their position, receiving help from other Council Members when suitable. A replacement is voted upon and inducted into The Council six months after such an event.

## Article II - Purview of the Republic of Westbrooke

The importance of the values of freedom and fair representation can not be understated to the people of the Republic. The Council believes such values should be widespread, even beyond the borders of the City of Westbrooke. Thus a system of entry into the Republic has been deemed necessary.

Settlements, Outposts, Communities, and Colonies may opt to join Westbrooke and it's associated settlements, integrating itself into the republic. The settlement must have a two-thirds majority in agreement to be allowed entry. In order for individuals within these communities to gain full rights as citizens, the settlement must have been within the Republic for one year. Afterwards, eligible members of the community may attain citizenship, as outlined in Article IV. Settlements forming the Republic as of the First Westbrooke Accords are exempt from this, and considered fully integrated members of the Republic. Regardless of their origin, upon entry into The Republic, denizens of both these settlements and Westbrooke itself must inform Republic Officials, specifically those under the Officer of Internal & Cultural Affairs, that they are living within the Republic. As of the founding of the Republic, those already living within must register themselves as inhabitants.

After a settlement receives full rights of entry into the Republic, they will be allowed to vote, send representatives to Council members, and submit their citizens for seats within the council. They will also be required to follow all Laws as outlined in Article III, and may be required to organize militias, guards, or even armies, at the discretion of the Archon. Additionally, they are to be held to the same standards as the City of Westbrooke

## Article III- Law, Order, & Justice Within the Republic

Though the fundamental rule of freedom is to be considered first and foremost in decision making, the rule of law is a hallmark of the civilized world that should never be ignored. Therefore, a dedicated list of illegal acts, as well as their sentencing, should be outlined. Every person within the borders of the Republic, citizen or not, is beholden to these laws.

The sentencing of these laws are dependent on the severity of the crime, as well as the race of the guilty party. Longer-lived races are subject to longer sentencing. Sentences are divided into three categories, Minor, Moderate, and Severe. At the discretion of the judge of a particular case, these sentences can be lengthened or shortened depending on the severity of the crime, by a period of time no more than one fourth of the base sentence.

The above sentences were agreed upon by the original Council, and based on each particular race's average lifespan, as well as the age in which they reach physical maturity. These numbers are subject to change in tandem with future agreements made as part of later Accords.

In the event that a sentencing period is changed, individuals already imprisoned will be subjected to these changes, shortening or lengthening their sentence, except in cases in which an inmate is to be released within a period of six months.

Crimes have varying severity, but there are some which will be deemed inexcusable. Crimes which fall under this category are those which display an inner wickedness that cannot be redeemed. The punishment for such crimes is execution.

## Article IV - Rights & Citizenry Within the Republic

Let it be known that this Council recognizes that each living, sentient being is deserving of certain rights and liberties, which will not be alienated or compromised under circumstance. The following are rights which are universally recognized as applying to all aforementioned persons.

1. The right to publically represent oneself or a group of people in an orderly, non-violent conduct.
2. The right to be treated fairly in legal matters.
3. The right to be assumed innocent unless proven guilty.
4. The right to defend oneself in such a manner that does not endanger innocents, and to own the means to do so.
5. The right to a reasonable level of privacy, including personal privacy from the government, except in a case where that privacy might obstruct justice.
6. The right to not be unfairly incarcerated or enslaved.
7. The right to be treated fairly regardless of physical or mental traits
8. The right to a fair compensation for work.

The above rights apply to all inhabitants of The Republic, regardless of their citizenship. Citizens of The Republic, however, are entitled to additional rights which non-citizens are not. They are as follows;

1. The right to vote for members of office.
2. The right to own property.
3. The right to own a business.
4. The right to be elected to an office.
5. The right to serve in the Republics armed forces or militia

Duloris is a frontier of exploration, and a beacon of freedom. The council deems it important that those who seek to make a life in these lands are able to do so, and to be considered an equal by their fellow men and women. However, the need for the institution of citizenship is apparent as well. With both of these aspects taken into consideration, The Council has decided that while one must earn the title of citizen, it should not be overly difficult to do so. The following criteria must be met in order to be granted citizenship.

1. You must have been registered as living within The Republic for at least one year. As of the founding of The Republic, those already living within Westbrooke need only meet a required amount of time equal to four months, unless they are able to prove within reason that they have lived here for over a year.
2. You must be considered a physical adult by the standards of your race.
3. You must be on record as having paid taxes and tariffs, if applicable.
4. You must not have a violent criminal record.

## Article V - Afterword by the First Archon

Westbrooke is, and always has been, as previously stated, an experiment in the virtues of freedom and liberty. Just as the nation is as a whole, this document is also an experiment in those virtues. It is not final, and will change as the march of time continues, just as it changed countless times in its original drafting. It is not infallible, and neither am I. Just as my life has changed over the years, so to will this document, and quite soon, I imagine. When I first travelled across the great forest, tired and weary, with nothing but a backpack, a sword, and a good friend, I never expected that Westbrooke would grow to what it is now. These past ten years have been the most important in not only my life but, in my humble opinion, the most important in all of modern history. This document in its original form is a testament to the people who lived during this crucial period of history. I am confident that the spirit of freedom will continue to thrive for many generations to come. To those of you reading, no matter who you are, no matter where you come from, and no matter how long from now you grace these pages with your gaze, I have these words. Be kind, be strong. Do not be afraid to fight for freedom, or for love. May this City and this Republic bring your life a perpetual smile.

Alheim Cornelius, Co-Founder of the City of Westbrooke,