Laws of Compass Rose

Though a Fairfolk Annex, most law in Compass Rose is handled by the oldest of all the Knights' Orders, the Order of the Golden Lance, along with elected local officials on the courts...

## **Court Systems within Compass Rose**

Compass Rose, as an annex of the Empire, is governed by the fair folk law and follows two levels of court and justice. Typically there exists a Royal court that presides as the highest Law and is noted by birthright of the royal houses and families, however given that Compass Rose in an Annex of the Fairfolk Empire, it instead has a locally elected Magistrate who presides over these higher courts, the sole Exception to this being Treason against the Empire wherein a Representative of the crown is required. The Royal court is referred to as the “Gold Court” rather than the Royal court in Compass Rose. Each community may elect a Manor or Silver Court which oversees mid range and lower crimes, The Manor court members are re-elected every year while a Magistrate is elected once every 3 years. In most cases the Manor courts are expected to preside and rule over petty crime and civil disputes whereas the Gold court holds session as necessary to judge more heinous and serial crimes. Disputes of the more divine in nature are left to be tried by the Invokers of the offended gods, however it is common practice and courtesy for those invokers to wait for a member of the Manor court or other officer of the law to be present as witness before proceeding with trials and judgments

## **The Laws of Compass Rose**

Let it be known that herein are the laws that all Citizens and Visitors of the Township of Compass Rose must follow. These laws are to be followed without exception. The magistrate or Knight Commander and The Knights Order of the town shall enforce any breaches thereof. Should the victim of the crime be an official, or of noble title, the maximum sentence is automatically applied. The person who passes judgment also will determine the sentence, within the parameters of the law. Additional punishments may Penance of 1 Meal (lose the benefits of your next break/meal), limb amputation(inflict flaw- missing limb, blindness,mute, etc.), incarceration (player may crew for the jail term or roleplay incarceration in hopes of escape or leniency), fines, Sanctions and restrictions on land and market access ( You may not legally own land, finding accommodations is very difficult) and public humiliation in the form of incarceration in the stocks or crow's cage. Any sentence that is deemed too harsh may be brought before a higher authority (The elected Manor Court council for Petty crimes and the available Magistrate, whomever is of higher authority presenting for Grave crime), but the ruling of this higher authority is final. Should the request for leniency or acquittal be found unmerited, the judgment passed down from the higher authority must be harsher than the one passed down originally. It is possible within the Annex to appeal beyond the magistrate to the Nobility of the Fairfolk, but doing so is rarely done and is typically not a good idea as it annoys the Nobility and the town leadership as the town is supposed to be self sufficient and not require intervention from the Empire

## **Petty Crime**

These crimes are of a minor nature. They can be tried, judged and punished by the Knight Commander or Magistrate, with at least one Knight as witness, Petty Crimes do not need to be brought before either a tribunal of councilors as Manor court or the Magistrate, and do not receive a trial unless requested. Petty Crimes are as follows:

### **Disturbing the Peace**

Excessive noise, rowdiness, public drunkenness, interference of a merchant's place of work or business all constitutes disturbing the peace. Any action that the Knight Commander deems to be disruptive to the day to day proper and orderly functioning of the township, that does not fall under a more serious offense, can also be tried under this crime. The minimum sentence for the guilty is one hour public incarceration in stocks or a fine of 25n; The maximum is Penance of one Meal and a fine of 50n.

### **Minor Theft**

Theft is the removal of property not belonging to you, as long as the owner is protected by the laws of the land. Any taking of said property, whether it be from the owner's person, place of residence, or any other location, without the permission of said owner, constitutes theft. The severity of the crime is determined by both the value of what is taken, as well as the potential harm the theft brought the owner. The minimum sentence is restitution of the value of what was stolen from the guilty to the owner. The maximum sentence is the removal of the hand of the guilty. (<100n value and/or non habitual offence less than 3rd offence)

### **Assault**

Assault is the causing of bodily harm to a person protected by the laws of the land or possessions of another without their permission or as self defense. Any damage, physical, or magical, can constitute assault. Assault can also be applied to The acts of Rape, forcible incarceration damage or destruction of structures belonging to another, or harm to a citizens livestock or animals. The minimum sentence is the equivalent harm being done to the guilty,. The maximum sentence is the removal of both hands of the guilty.

### **Trespassing**

Entering the property of another who is protected by the laws of the land without their express permission constitutes trespassing. Should the trespass lead to property damage, this crime falls under assault. Otherwise, the minimum is a fine of 10 notes, the maximum fine is 50n.

### **Aiding and Abetting**

Any who offer shelter, aid, or otherwise assist those who are wanted by the law for any crime are guilty of Aiding and Abetting. The only sentence for Aiding and Abetting is that the guilty suffer the same punishment as the criminal they are aiding.

## **The Manor/Silver Court**

Disputes and trial held through Manor Court are held by public events located at a town centre or hall. Generally these disputes include farming and property regulations, assault or crimes requiring trial to discern guilt. Petty theft, public drunkenness and other small crimes may be handled directly by an authorized official or The Knight Commander. In small causes, and peasants could sue higher ups with evidence of abuse, such as starving or beating. Witnesses are taken into the highest accord along with any hard evidence that could be brought forth. It is the townsfolk who decide who is guilty and who is innocent, but any judgment may be overruled by The Magistrate or a collective 3/4 majority vote of the Manor court.

### **Obstruction of Justice**

Anyone who interferes with an investigation, or attempts to stop an official of the law from performing their duty, by perjury or other means is guilty of Obstruction of Justice. The minimum sentence is public humiliation by stocks or crow's cage. The maximum sentence is incarceration.

### **Fraud**

The wrongful deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. Actions of cheating, swindling, embezzlement and deceit intended to extract profit or other advantage over another. Conducting activities or creating documents intended to deceive others, by unjustifiably claiming or being credited with accomplishments or qualities. False mediums who are exposed as tricksters and frauds who imitate magical skill to extract a profit from citizens or victims otherwise protected by the Law. The minimum sentence for the guilty is one hour public incarceration in stocks and a fine of 50 notes paid to the court, maximum sentence is the removal of the tongue (Mute flaw), and restitution paid to the victim equal to the amount gained by fraudulent means.

### **Forgery**

The action of forging or producing a copy of a document, signature, banknote, or work of art is prohibited by Laws of the land of commerce and the empire. Guilt shall be discerned by manor court and punishment shall be deferred to the appropriate governing authority. If the forgery is of local authority or lesser concern, punishment shall be decided by Manor court. Minimum punishment is a fine of restitution to the offended office and Incarceration and maximum sentence is public removal of the left hand. In the case of counterfeit of legal tending trade documents or notes, Once guilt has been established by Manor Court the punishment is to be deferred to the Bank of Ponente who shall determine punishment in accordance to the current treaties and legal contract with the Imperial Trade Council on behalf of the Crown.

### **Impersonation**

Impersonation of an official or nobility of any standing is unlawful. Holding false documents of patronage felty or nobility, or otherwise misleading others to believe you hold office or establishment by election, birth, or otherwise is a crime against the office of which you are impersonating. Judgment shall be made first of guilt by Manor Court. If the impersonation is of local authority or office then punishment shall be decided by Manor court. Minimum punishment is a fine of restitution to the offended office of 100 notes and maximum sentence is a fine of 700 notes and branding of the forgers mark into their neck. In the case of impersonation of nobility, Once guilt has been established by Manor Court It is not uncommon that the punishment is to be deferred to the line of nobility that has been offended.

### **Abuse of Workers**

It is unlawful to beat, starve, cause other physical harm to servants hired. Abuse of servants is disrespectful and will not be tolerated. Minimum sentence with be release of servitude and cancellation of servant debt whereas the maximum sentence shall also include restitution of all servitude and debt previously paid to date by the indentured victim.

### **Possession**

The possession of the following items is illegal in Compass Rose

* Illegal substances/drugs:
	+ Frak
	+ Nether Dew
	+ Nitro
	+ Bone dust
	+ Essence
	+ Rakde

* Lust Alchemy
* Enslavement Alchemy
* Compelling Euphoria Alchemy
* Items proven to be stolen from Compass rose citizens or individuals otherwise protected by the law and Fairfolk Empire

The Punishment for the possession of these items shall be equal to the crime of assault. If the items are turned over to the council with all possible haste, no crime will be considered to have been committed. Trafficking of said items is considered a Grave Crime and shall be tried in the Gold Court.

### **Desertion**

Desertion is a unique crime in that it is tried by the Knight Commander in primus and aided by a member of the manor court, the act of abandoning your duties and/or your post should you have an official position granted to you by the township. The minimum sentence is 50 notes and a months incarceration. The maximum sentence is execution by beheading.

## **The Gold Court**

The Gold Court is held in the event of serious crimes, such as Murder, Treason, Rape, Burglary, or poaching from protected properties, and so on. Murderers and Bandits can often receive the death sentence. Upon an execution order, the Court acquires all of his or her property, They take into account any official documents that may state otherwise, taking the appropriate reparations before releasing it to its owners. These Courts are not as public and the sentence and punishment is often swift made by the Magistrate of Compass Rose. Below is are the Laws presided by the Gold Court.

#### - **Grave Crime -**

These crimes are of a more serious nature. They must be judged by at least three members of the Manor Court or Knights order with a majority needed to find guilt, or by the presiding Magistrate whose judgment is final Unless there is a 3/4th vote by the entire manor court to overturn the verdict, in such an event any sentence is stayed until the vote can be taken. The accused will be incarcerated by the Knights Order until such a gathering may be formed. Grave Crimes are as follows:

### **Heritage Tampering**

The tampering of any significant landmark of historical or magical nature is a crime against the land and those that sacrificed much for what we have today. This includes vandalism of the official buildings Magistrate’s building or unauthorized tampering with the Keystone. The minimum punishment for this is a fine of 70n and a months incarceration, and the maximum is Death by beheading.

### **Grand Theft and Poaching**

Theft is the removal of property not belonging to you, as long as the owner is protected by the laws of the land. Any taking of said property, whether it be from the owner's person, place of residence, or any other location, without the permission of said owner, constitutes theft. The severity of the crime is determined by both the value of what is taken, as well as the potential harm the theft brought the owner. The minimum sentence is restitution of the value of what was stolen from the guilty to the owner. The maximum sentence is to the council or Magistrate’s discretion and may include surrender of all assets to the court and loss of limbs.

### **Bribery and Extortion**

The receipt of bribes and the use of extortion of funds to cover up a crime or otherwise obstruct justice or manipulate truth and the law is forbidden. Anyone guilty of interfering with another by extortion or attempting to bribe an official. The minimum sentence is public humiliation by stocks or crow's cage. The maximum sentence is incarceration. This does include any sort of Banditry or unofficial tolling of roads without proper paperwork and is often brought up with a charge of assault.

### **Rape**

The sexual interference or molestation of another being without express consent or while only one of the participants is under the influence of alcohol euphoria alchemy or lust imbuement alchemy is strictly forbidden and dishonorable. This is a shame crime and has serious effects on the victim. The victim, should they be able to do so shall be consulted on the severity of the punishment. A minimum sentence of The minimum sentence is public humiliation by stocks or crow's cage and slashing of the criminals back and financial restitution to the victim to be determined by the courts. The maximum sentence is execution by beheading.

### **Burglary**

Entering of a home or property with intent of theft, violence or vandalism is forbidden. Minimum sentence of restitution equal to damages to the victim and incarceration, maximum sentence for serial burglary shall include slashings of the blade to be determined by the courts and restitution equal to damages to the victim and incarceration one month

### **Kidnapping**

The taking of one's person and holding for purpose of extracting a ransom, political manipulation or other devious purpose shall be considered as an act of assault on the victim and the target of the manipulating leverage. Abduction for the purpose of slavery or the attempted ownership of another citizen also falls under this law. Minimum sentence shall be equal to that of a common assault charge but accounted by the number of people victimized by the kidnapping including the primary victim and the target of the extortion or manipulation. Maximum sentence shall include punishment equal to any harm done to the intended victims as per the laws governing the harm done including beheading should death of a victim occur during the crime.

### **Slavery**

The crime of Slavery is the ownership, control, purchase or sale of another person protected by the laws of Compass Rose. The minimum penalty for this crime restitution to the victim as decided by the tribunal and incarceration for 5 years. The Maximum penalty is death and restitution to the victim as decided by the tribunal.

### **Manslaughter**

Manslaughter is any act performed by accident or without willful intent that causes the death requiring resurrection of any victim protected by the laws of the land. The minimum sentence is a fine of 250 notes and incarceration for 10 years, the maximum sentence is execution by beheading

### **Murder**

Murder is any act with willful intent that causes the death requiring resurrection of any victim protected by the laws of the land. The minimum punishment a life sentence of incarceration. The maximum sentence is execution by beheading. In the event a Person is found guilty of murdering one of Nobility or political significance the crime is elevated to Capital Murder

### **Capital Murder**

Capital Murder is any act with willful intent that causes the death of any victim protected by the laws of the land by which resurrection is not possible or deemed too difficult. The minimum punishment is execution by beheading,. The maximum sentence is Capital execution of the guilty wherein resurrection will not be possible.