Thidal Laws Example

Human Laws

As the Empire follows a feudalistic system, most laws governing humans differ a lot from place to place and are a combination of feudal contracts (e.g.: military duty, land ownership, ...), empire-wide laws (e.g.: murder, thievery, ...), local laws (e.g.: taxes, price caps, ...), religious laws (e.g.: heresy, holy days, ...) and common practices turned into guidelines (e.g.: conduct, language, ...). One can also argue that there exist different laws for nobility and commoners, which stems from the fact that a lot of judgement is done by nobility, and nobody can be their own judge, combined with the fact that the royal family – chosen by the gods – are untouchable and wish to keep their influential lords and ladies happy.

Non-Human Laws

Most laws governing non-humans come in the form of either Holy Writs or Imperial Decrees and are, for the most part, the same all over the Empire - though one can be sure that the more ‘liberal’ decrees and writs are not always followed in the countryside. Many laws applying to pets and cattle also apply to some non-human species (e.g.: hurting an Elven slave is like hurting a dog).

It is of note though, that a non-human with a noble title usually has most of the human laws applied to them, instead of the non-human laws.

Elven Laws

Imperial Decree on Ear-Manipulation

It shall be punishable for anyone – whether noble, clerical, or commoner – to manipulate an Elven ear in such a way that they may be mistaken with a human at first glance.

Imperial Decree on Elven Midweek

Besides minor work required to keep the household intact, the third day of the week shall be free of work for any Elf in a manner similar to the seventh day for Humans. Elven-Folk are free to spend the day in relaxation and wear traditional clothing irrespective of their masters wishes and shall not, whether on that day or another, be punished for it.

Imperial Decree on Free Roaming

With the exception of domestic duties – like visiting the market – an Elf shall not be allowed to leave their masters land without their master or a proxy. The Elf shall at all times, while outside their master’s land, be collared. Any Elf caught roaming freely shall be turned over to the local lord where they shall be registered – if they aren’t already, in which case they shall be returned to their master – and shall be free to be claimed by the person bringing them in – if they are allowed by their title – or by anyone in case the finder does not wish – or is not able – to claim them. The finder shall receive compensation for their work and any claimant shall pay a fee to the lord for claiming an Elf.

Imperial Addendum on Free Roaming

Wild Elves, because of their nature, shall not be registered and may be claimed by anyone, irrespective of their status or title. It is also not necessary to bring them before the local lord. A Wild Elf that is brought before the local lord shall be sold on the market instead of getting registered where they also may be purchased by anyone able to afford them.

Imperial Decree on Elves carrying arms and armor

No Elf not in service of armed forces shall be allowed to wear armor or carry arms.

Imperial Decree on Elves in servitude of High Nobility and Royalty

Elves that are in service of High Nobility or Royalty may have their rights extended – including a greater freedom to roam and carrying arms – so they may perform their duties to the fullest extent. This, with the exact extension of rights, shall be confirmed by a writ from their master carrying their noble or royal seal.

Holy Writ on Elven Heresy

Any and all forms of worship of false gods by Elves shall be punishable by death.

Felis Laws

Imperial Decree on Felis Freedom

No Felis shall be subject to slavery. It is further prohibited to unjustly kill or injure Felis. This decree voids the Imperial Decree on Felis Servitude and the Holy Writ on Felis Population Control.

Imperial Decree on Pest Control

No Felis shall be forbidden from hunting pests for a living. A Felis taking care of Pests within city limits shall be compensated for their work by local authorities. The compensation shall not be insufficient; thus, the pay may not be less than coins in the worth of a loaf of bread for a rat or similar rodent and coins in the worth of seven or ten average sized fish for a male or female Goblin respectively.

Imperial Decree on Trimming

A Felis justly sentenced for stealing may be punished by ‘trimming’, either as a substitute or additionally to the regular punishment. The tail shall be halved from its current size to mark the offending Felis as a thief and to also limit their agility, preventing further crime. Trimming may not be used as a punishment if the tail of the criminal does not exceed ten centimetres in length; in these instances, a finger shall be cut off.

Imperial Decree on Clipping

A Felis justly sentenced for a violent crime against a human may be punished by ‘clipping’, either as a substitute or additionally to the regular punishment. The retractable claws shall be removed, in their entirety, from the offending Felis to disarm them and limit dangers in further engagements.

Goblin Laws

Imperial Decree on Population Control

Goblins that are, by their local lord, allowed to remain in a settlement, must be neutered to prevent uncontrolled population growth. An exception requires an Imperial or Holy Writ.

Imperial Decree on Pest Removal

Goblins that are, by their local lord, not allowed to remain in a settlement, shall be permanently removed.

Orc Laws

Imperial Decree on Citizen Safety

No Orc shall be permitted within city limits. Exceptions may be made for outskirt areas by the local lord or inner-city limits when escorted by soldiers and with a writ of passage. Orcs entering without permit shall be put to the chopping block to prevent encouragement of this lawless behaviour.

Imperial Decree on Diplomatic Meetings

Any Orc holding the title of ‘Warlord’ or ‘Captain’ within their respective stronghold shall be granted a writ of passage by any lord to permit diplomatic contacts and reduce incidents, unless the lord has founded reason to believe that this would put their citizens safety significantly in danger. Furthermore shall any non-violent breach of protocol by stated Orcs be ignored during diplomatic meetings.

Imperial Decree on Provocations

No provocations, like raids or similar shall be carried out, unless in response to provocations by a stronghold, or by order of a ruling monarch or emperor.

Dwarven Laws

Imperial Decree on Shared Interest

In the name of shared interest and prosperity, all Dwarven Folk shall be granted the same rights as a human. This decree shall not include laws of the following categories: punishment, nobility and status, religion, military service, education, and marriage.

Half-Breed Laws

Imperial Decree on Half-Elves

Half-Elves are, in the eyes of the law, equal to Elves. Any and all laws that apply to Elves shall also apply to Half-Elves. Punishment regarding Ear-Manipulation shall be harsher as it is easier to mistake a Half-Elf with a human than it is to mistake an Elf for a human.

Imperial Decree on Half-Orcs

Half-Orcs not recognized as legitimate children by their parents and not members of human armed forces shall have Orcish Laws applied to them. To simplify laws Half-Orcs that are recognized by their parents or part of human military forces, shall have the same laws as Dwarves applied to them, with the exception of military service where they inherit the laws of humans. To distinguish they shall wear symbols of their bloodline or their coat-of-arms at all times.

Imperial Decree on Half-Dwarves

Unless confirmed by a writ with a noble or royal seal, in which case human law applies, Half-Dwarves shall have Dwarven Law applied to them.

Imperial Decree on Half-Felis

Felis Law shall apply to Half-Felis.

Imperial Decree on Half-Goblins

Intentional procreation with Goblins shall be punishable. Goblin Law applies to Half-Goblins.