Laws:
by Alex BensonRandel Law basically follows that set by the Empire. However, there are some additions as well as modifications to those Laws. Most notably is the attitude that most Randellians spellcasters hold for their non-spellcasting fellows.
Citizens serving as active military are considered property of and under the protection of the kingdom. Any infringement or malice exhibited upon said person is considered to be destruction of kingdom property.
Citizens in either active or reserve military status are accorded the same rights as a spellcaster.
Inactive citizens find themselves back into their more traditional status.
The possession, distribution, and manufacture of zzonga is punishable as a capital offence no matter the rank or status of the offender.
Inactive citizens are to be afforded the respect that their former service rank offered them by active personnel of at least equal rank (i.e.. active sergeants salute retired sergeants and higher)
Upon coming of age, citizens are bound to speak with an agent of the Grand University of Arms to see what contribution they can have for the Army.
All citizens must be adept at using some sort of melee weapon for defence.
Upon coming of age, all citizens of Randel must take an oath of allegiance to the Imperial Throne.
Crime by an active soldier upon another active soldier is punishable by at least twice the normal punishment. In severe cases, the person is either executed, made a level 1 slave, or exiled.
If conflict arises between citizens and/or soldiers, then a duel can be used to settle things. If the match up is one-sided do to the differences in skills, then a substitute from that person's family can be named. Most duels will end at the drawing of first blood. Further conflict, without permission from the proper authorities, will be treated as a crime.
Slaves of level three status are offered the protection of the Judiciary to protect their attempts to purchase their freedom. An owner discovered to have obstructed or hindered this process is subject to the Law and charged according to the presiding Judge.
Sentences:
Those found guilty of a crime are subject to sentencing. Sentencing is more of a judgmental thing than elsewhere in the Empire. Such sentences are designed to fit the crime. Only the ruling Barons, the King, and the High Judge and his subordinates can pronounce sentence. Ruling nobles usually let that duty fall in the hands of the High Court.
Theft is usually sentenced by not only a return of the stolen items or their value but there is also an attached fine of an additional monetary amount equal to the stolen items.
Assault is always sentenced according to the presiding judge's judgment. It can be as lax as a stiff fine or as harsh as enslavement. The particulars of the assault and the defendant and plaintiff are the deciding factors. A standard sentence for a basis is that the assaulting party must pay for any and all healing costs. Duels are not subject to assault charges or sentencing unless dishonesty is used by either of the duellists.
Rape will see a guilty party as being stripped of exactly half of his or her wealth. The judge can tack on added measures such as servitude as a slave or forcing a duel. A standard tack on sentence is the defendant must reimburse the plaintiff for any and all clerical healing.
Enslavement is the most common sentence for higher crimes. Those receiving an enslavement sentence are either given a level one or level two status, depending on the crime. Those given a level one status are as good as dead. Their hair is shaven off permanently, feeblemind is cast on them, and they finish out their days at hard labour. Prominent citizens convicted and sentenced to slavehood often have their appearances changed further using polymorph other spells. Level twos tend to be for lesser crimes and retain their memories and physical features. They also have a chance to regain their freedom.
Death is restricted primarily to
treason and zzonga production and distribution. Defrauding the
kingdom is considered treasonous. A death sentence regarding murder
is often subject to the circumstances of the slaying. Death
sentence cases are always referred to the High Court in Rardish for
approval and consultation.