Emeraldite Law

The Faith of Planu

Planu is the Allfather of Templehelm, who created the Sired Divines, allowing the formation of faiths in extension to his own. All faiths are bound to the guiding order of Planu and his children. Any in conflict of this commandment are subject to been deemed heretics in the eyes of Planu.

The worship of any entity and the practice of any faith that questions the primacy of Planu, is heresy. That which seeks to harm Planu or reduce his ability to protect his Children and the children of his Children, or to advocate doing so, is also a heresy.

The Emeraldite King, and his appointed oracles are the definitive source of knowledge on the nature and will of Planu, Templehelm, and the Emeraldites. Anything which contradicts their word is heresy, unless the King himself rules that one of his oracles have themselves committed heresy.

Laws regarding Planu also extended to those Deities officially recognised as the Sired of Planu, Deities officially accepted into Templehelm’s pantheon, and the domains of these Deities.

The Lands of Planu

The domain of Templehelm and all its islands are under the protection of Planu.

The plains at the centre of Templehelm, known as Planu Heath, are under the aegis of the King of the Emeraldites, as are any surrounding areas made as protectorates. These lands are the exclusive domain of Planu.

Other nations within Templehelm are granted self-determination, on the conditions they recognise the Primacy of Planu and the Emeraldites, pay any tribute needed for the good of Templehelm, and respect Emeraldite Law. This same sovereignty extends to the Sired Divines and their domains.

The Emeraldites offer protection to those that migrate to Templehelm and come in the search for the bounties the lands provide, so long as they recognise Planu’s primacy, pay tribute, and respect Emeraldite Law.

The Blood of Planu

All Emeraldites born of the Setlian race have the Blood of Planu coursing in their veins. This divine heritage blesses the Emeraldites with incredible arcane power, and the potential to directly communicate with Planu. For this reason, the monarch of the Emeraldite Kingdom must be the Blood of Planu.

In the event of the death or disappearance of an Emeraldite King, succession passes to their appointed heir. Should he not appoint an heir, the throne passes to his eldest son. Should he not have a son, the throne passes to his next of kin, and so forth.

In the event that the royal family has no heirs, another Setlian of the Blood of Planu and the Emeraldites may make a claim on the throne, provided they have proper support from the nobility and their vassals.

The King of the Emeraldites may appoint or relegate nobles and other officials, as well as make laws and declarations of war. The will of the Emeraldite King is the ordained will of Planu.

The Ways of Planu

Emeraldites are to act in the manner of the Father.

Laws of conduct apply with regard to conduct within The Emeraldite Kingdom, or conduct by and towards Emeraldite citizens in other lands.

The theft or vandalism of property, goods, knowledge, or power, except by order of the King and Court, is forbidden.

Harming a citizen, or depriving a citizen of their liberty, unless they have committed an offence, is also forbidden.

Acts of blasphemy and heresy, as specified by Emeraldite law, are forbidden, just as they are for Templehelm as a whole.

Emeraldite citizens must abide by the laws of any Kingdom they travel to, except in circumstances where those laws contradict Emeraldite Law, or if the Emeraldite Kingdom is at war with that Kingdom.

Reciprocal arrangements regarding the laws of other Kingdoms, including fugitives or prisoners, may be negotiated by the Emeraldite King or his appointed officials, insomuch as those arrangements do not contradict Emeraldite Law.

The Protection of Planu

If the sovereignty of the Kingdom of the Emeraldites, or of Templehelm, or the Power of Planu and his Pantheon, is under threat, it is allowable for the King of the Emeraldites to declare war.

Threats to sovereignty or primacy may be through word or action. Both are a cause for declarations of war by the Emeraldite King.

Kingdoms supporting or harbouring those who act against Emeraldite law, also threaten the primacy or sovereignty of Planu and the Emeraldites, and thus give cause for war.

It is the prerogative of Planu and the Emeraldite King to extend the bounds of Templehelm as they see fit, either peacefully, or under an act of war.

Any Tribute asked by the Emeraldites for the protection of Templehelm, must be paid. Refusal to pay may be seen as sympathising with the enemy.

The Justice of Planu

Speaking of acting against any part of Emeraldite Law may be punishable by any of:

-Order of compensation, or the seizing of property.

-Imprisonment; for a specified term, or indefinitely.

-Permanent death or disablement.

The manner and severity of punishment is at the discretion of the Emeraldite King and his appointed officials.

No man may participate in a duel without the proper discretion of a governing body. In the event that a duel has been called for and brought to court, it must be approved by the appropriate judicator and recorded in the annals. However, in the event that the dueling party is absolutely unable to communicate or make contact with an appropriate governing body, then the duel may continue under the discretion of the community. All duels held in secret are illegal, and should proof of such duels come to light, the participants will be held accountable for their actions.