[Thanal Manor] - Learning Governmental Functions

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Sixteenth Darkening of the Second Cycle in the Month of Cryxatum, in the Season of Spring; Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIII Post Fractum. The First Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne.

It had almost been two full months since Keldon first applied and requested private lessons at the Thanal Estate from the Imperial Collegio of Centripax and it concerned him a little that his request took so long, but never the less his request was answered after a brief time, although his teacher was waiting for him at the Thanal Estate when he returned from the Incola after a rather lengthy day in the Thanal Hall.

When the guards followed Keldon to the doors of the estate they moved off, Keldon made his way towards his private officer with various documents he had brought with him, moving swiftly like he did every other day he had intended to seek out Adriana and inquire to what she had been upto lately, he was growing slightly concerned lately that she could be getting rather bored as she was almost always here when he returned but she had no employment as of yet.

As he moved into his office he stopped and smiled, "Serale" he said as he noticed there was a dorin standing at book case looking over the collection of books in the office. The dorin turned and smiled, in that doggy kind of way, "Serale, your grace." He said giving a bow, in a rather energetic tone. He was around 5'8, short for a dorin with glasses on his snout. "Is there anyway I can..." Keldon spoke as he made his way towards the desk, however the dorin cut him off as he spoke, "How you can help me? Oh yes yes, well slightly I suppose your grace. You see! I am here from the University to fullfill your request for training in the arts of politics and law of this lovely... well this empire we live in!" the dorin said and Keldon just nodded his head and smiled. "Tis a pleasure to meet you..." Keldon let the sentance drag onward waiting for the dorin to introduce himself. "Oh, I am dearly sorry m'lord, I am Thyui, before you attempt to speak my name it is said with the beginning of 'toy' yes yes like the things children play with, or men in the legions just theres are on a more larger scale." Thyui said with a laugh nodding his head. "Yes yes, it truly is interesting how those things are built however, rather is you see, they operate on the property's... I do believe I am rambling again my apologizes."

"Now my time is very limited and I have many students so if you would like to start can it please be swiftly. I have taken the liberty to have your staff prepare some paper and ink for you to jot notes shall you wish it, I have also brought the nessicary paperwork which I assume you have already read since you are obviously interested in politics." The dorin said moving to take a seat near the fireplace, Keldon soon followed behind him taking a seat and smiling letting the creature to keep going. "We shall start with the very basics of Allerian Law, and this book contains the Annarian Code." He said as he took a book from the shelf beside him, "Tis rather convenient I saw this, as its copy is much less worn then my own, you really do have a lovely collection of knowledge within these tombs. Now, it contains the laws of Justice which are those eight points upon which all other laws are based. Since you have only requested a basic political course we shall focus on these concepts, although I am surprised the Lord Thane has not taken formal courses... but it is lovely that you are seeking further education! Since you have also requested Law to be part of this course."

Opening the Thanes copy of the book he briefly looked over admiring the quality of the text. "The first of the four points is The Sacred Three shall be thy Primacy." He said blinking through his glasses looking to Keldon. "Do you know what the Sacred Three are your grace?" He asked curiously, although in a tone that denoted he likely already did. Keldon nodded his head. "Yes, they are the first points that I started to base my life on, and the moral beliefs that followed in suit, Order, Law and Justice... something that could be used ever more in this troubling time." Said Keldon with a smile, and a slight glint of truth as he faded off.

Thyui nodded his head and flipped a page in the book. "Well it is nice to see someone in office with morals... Diana only know we need them... although those who do take office with morals tend to not last... perhaps you will be different." Thyui shrugged. "But your grace do you know why these are the most important, and the first point, there any many opinions to why and it is rather interesting to hear them from my students. Although it is a general consensus between my colleges that Law is made to uphold Order, and dispense Justice wherever needed, and these three precepts are the cornerstones of civilization itself. Several books inform us that Law enables us to govern equally for all. Order allows us to work together in harmony when needed, and Justice is what those who choose to break the rules must face.. and eventually all of us will face." He nodded his head closing the book.

"So your grace what does it all mean to you?" He asked looking towards Keldon who thought briefly. "I do believe that the points you said are correct, however I think there is a far more moral understanding that everyone must take to truly understand the concepts behind Order, Law, and Justice. Many follow the path of only one and break a path of another wherein they do not see that each of the three are tied together, as you mentioned. As without Order, Law and Justice can never take place, but without Justice the Law will faultier.. there are many different ways one can look at it and I think that vague view can give someone strength into the path that they follow, but could also confuse others, but yet we do not live in a perfect world." Keldon finished his statement with a smirk and warm smile. Thrui nodded his head in agreement.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Thyui smiled. "I must say your grace that truly is a interesting answer indeed, perhaps in the future, or once we are complete with your lesson you would like to debate politics. I have a feeling it would be a lovely time indeed, however lets move back on topic shall we! The second principle is Thou Shalt Swear Fealty to the Empire" He looked at Keldon directly who was remaining silent, as it was obvious to him Thyui's enjoyed to speak about the knowledge he knew about. "What does this mean to you, given your last answer this could be even more interesting." The dorin said with a curious grin.

Keldon leaned back deep into his chair. "Well is that not the question anyone in office ask themselves at times, or for that lost soul wondering what they must do. I would believe that principle relates to the service you as a citizen and a person gives to the empire and its people. Thou shalt swear fealty to the empire meaning you pledge yourself to the people of the empire and that which rules it, work for the people by giving them strength, protecting them from those who would seek to do them harm, and make not only the lives of those you serve above, but those around you prosper, to stand by the Empire when it is in a dire time of need. You duty is towards the Empire as a whole, and not just a single person or ruler." Keldon said with confidence in what he said, as that is what the documents meant in his heart and what he followed.

Thyui nodded his head and smiled in his own way, a glint of joy appeared in his eyes. "Again another interesting, but correct answer your grace. The next point is rather obvious but I would like to hear your own opinion towards it. Take not what is not thine," He stopped and looked to Keldon who smiled briefly.

"Well in short it means do not take what does not belong to you, although there are many who would break that law. However it does not only apply to minor things like gold. But also to that of positions of power, and dignity, and reputation. If someone's reputation has no reason to be tarnished then you have no right to tarnish it, or to strip someone of there belongings or faith if you should not do so..." Keldon said, this time Thyui nodded and spoke right away. "Yes! Very correct, it does apply to far more then just hold and things of physical statue. Julos took the throne when he had no right, so it is rather obvious the law applies to all. Even, those of the highest authority."

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Thyui nodded and then began to speak with a renewed sense of energy. "Now! Let's move onward as you appear to be someone bursting at the seems with political intrigue. The forth point is The Truth Shall Be Thine Liberator. In ways, it is taking the truth from others, but from what you speak the truth is important to you... so lets just skip that one as I am rather confident you understand what it means." He said nodding his head, glancing at Keldon. Keldon was very well aware what it meant, in short you need to be truthful to yourself and the truth will liberate you from turmoil.

"The next point is The Weak Shall Be Defended, why do you think it is included and what is its significance in the Empire?..." He was going to forward but Keldon decided to speak before hand. "As a citizen of this empire we all have a obligation to defend those who can not protect themselves. We have a duty to stand up for those who can not stand up for themselves, if something is wrong then you step in and attempt to correct it, or seek the assistance of someone who can, do not hurt others, and protect those that would be hurt by others." Keldon said with a stride of confidence in his voice. He knew rather well what it meant and the experience of Paxia taught him a great deal of things, and during that darkening he had carried out a vast majority of the Principle's of the Annarian Code even if know one knew it. He did.

"The Sixth point is The Law is Common and Public, not Thine to Monopolize. All powers delegated to the military and constabulary, including the power to enforce the fifth principle, must be left to them. The same goes for all other branches and parts of government: what they have been assigned to do, they alone may do. The commentary on the code specifically lists killing, imprisonment, and banishment as powers the government alone may exercise." said as he read from the book a smile on his face. "Which does grant you a fare level of power doesn't it your grace." He said before he kept going, Keldon sitting there with a smile listening as he read more. "There are, however, two very specific exceptions. The first is if the person in question has received approval from the Imperial Government -- in which case, he or she is, in fact, operating as an agent of the government and so is immune from this clause of the Code. The second exception is in the pursuit of honor. Hence, if a citizen sees a criminal engaged in crime and attempts to stop the crime, and, in the process, kills the criminal, such an act does not properly fall within the proscribed limits of the code. The same would be true if one were personally attacked, or if one possessed personal knowledge that a crime were about to take place."

Keldon nodded his head taking note, he knew the general jift of what he said, and it would be something he would likely need to use in the future. "There is a specific set of rules for the governance of a trial within the Empire, some agree and others protest it greatly. However what are the premises upon which trials in the Empire are based if someone is accused of violating the law?" He asked with a curious tone looking to Keldon for a answer. Keldon sighed briefly, "It falls to the citizen to prove there innocence in our courts of law. If someone is truly not at fault then they must prove it before the court, otherwise they are presumed guilty until they prove otherwise. Although they may appeal the decision made by the court or request it to be taken to a higher court. Which I will admit I agree with, however I also disagree with in some instances... although that is a debate that could continue for candlemarks onto on one another." Keldon said with a smirk.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Thyui simply turned the page in the book, and Keldon watched the elfs finger move up and down the page as he nodded while reading, "This is about the seventh principle..." he said however Keldon interrupted. "Ah yes, Mankind's Cruelty Must Be Vanquished if I recall correctly. A wonderful quote at that, 'Life is inherently selfish and self-serving, for benevolent or malevolent intent and as such all citizens and subjects shall place forth an effort to vanquish the cruelty and evil present in us all." Keldon said with a smile, "I also believe there is a section in regards to those under trial must prove that they are innocent, for their guilt has already been established. This is something that contradicts some of the principles in a way, however those principles also reinforce it, in its own right. It is a vauge description in how we as citizens of this empire shall help others abide by the law and bring justice to those who try to break it, or have already done so. Good, and right. Law, and Order, and Justice for those who decide to follow another law of there own." Nodding his head, Thyui merely smirked himself nodding with a grin.

"Well it is a pleasure to know your Grace is informed into the law of the empire, it requires less questioning and repeating myself... which does get rather dull. However! The sharing of information is rather lovely.." Thyui itched his chin and looked to Keldon curiously, his face almost as if trying to read Keldon's next response. "Now, the eighth point is, Thou Shalt Comport Thyself With Honor' Now with the previous answers I am rather curious to hear your version of honor m'lord, as the chance to see what one who governs us believes in is a rather attractive thing... I must say."

Keldon smirked leaning into his chair looking at Thyui, his eyes started to cast a glance around the room, and then to his hand which was extended infront of him, then finally falling onto Thyui.

[Chocolate]

Thyui waited with a bright and patient smile as the Thane gathered his thoughts about this final principle laid out in the Annarian Code. So far their session together had been going at an excellent pace with the passing back and forth of opinion and comment – truly without blemish, with the Thane drawing on his own experiences to clarify his explanations of many of the principles. Therefore the dorin was expecting an equally lucid and interesting interpretation of this final one. Quirking his brow, he met Keldon’s look with a brief questioning look. Silence? Hmmm.

“Honor, Your Grace, comporting thineself with? What do you think is meant by that?” he said with a wolfish smile, hoping to prompt some thought from the elf. “How would a good citizen carry themselves through his life with honour?”

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon's mind focused back to his answer, as the words he was going to say brought him to the actions that were taken by himself and countless others on the walls of the Rainbow Citadel in Paxia. He turned his gaze back to the teacher and smiled.

"Honor... it is something that can rise out of a person when they least expect it. At times they don't even know then posses it.." he paused briefly with a warm smile as he thought about the young child who was willing to defend those he loved. Even against a opponent that had no honor. "Honor to me is about sacificing yourself in order to help, save others or protect those who can not protect themselves. Defending the Empire when the times comes, going a step farther then the average person and protect those when the law fails... not because you are required to. But because you are morally obligated to do so." Keldon paused and thought once more about the rear of the Citadel after everyone had left and only a few remained. The feeling and emotions that ran through him, and the words he spoke to the god he decided to follow. "When you place others welfare in front of your own. When you live for others and not just yourself. Then you lead a honorable life.."

[Chocolate]

“Indeed,” the dorin answered with an appreciative nod of his hairy head, “to aid, save, protect and defend those who are weak and in service of the Empire – yes indeed, all very much acts of honour, Your Grace!” He was pleased with the answer, thinking it showed much about the Thane’s character. “But there is also another side to living an honourable life which is not about sacrifice. If we look at the notes under this principle … ah yes, “Subjects and citizens shall act in Honour, to do pride to family and friends, and to ameliorate through success, prosperity, benevolence and temperament the very gifts of consideration and respect inherent in life's creed”. Now then, let us imagine a quiet village, and in that village there is harmony and little danger. No one to save, or protect, and a caring community abounding. Now how might someone growing up in that environment live an honourable life, hmm? How might they make their family and friends proud to be associated with them?”

The dorin’s ears were pricked forward, wondering if the thane could see what was meant by comporting oneself with honour when there were no maidens in need of rescuing from dragons.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon smiled, "By living like any noble creature should, be there for your family. Provide for them, be truthful to them, your neighbor's, help with the little things. Be friendly and never turn someone away if they need to talk. As you said, you do not need to do such grand tasks to be a honorable person. Everyone can live a life of honor should they chose, even in there own small way."

[Chocolate]

The Dorin nodded his head in agreement, “And if you’d permit me to extend your answer, Your Grace, citizens should also not waste the opportunities that are available to them. Education, for example, and jobs, yes, jobs. Laziness or reliance on others when one could make something of themselves independently, yes, indeed, no honour there if talents are wasted. What could give more pride to parents than to see their children prosper using their talents and gifts within a community, eh?” The Dorin patted his hands on his knees as he spoke, for it seemed that this was a pet peeve of the professor, and his mouth extended into a wolfish grin of pleasure at their conversation.

“But, yes, moving on, Your Grace. Now we’ve looked at the Annarian Code of Law, it’s important to remember that this is the basis for what has been further developed in the Articles of Imperium – and therefore reliance on the Annarian Code is not sufficient for these eras. Indeed, you will find that if there is any conflict between the Annarian Code and the Articles of Imperium, that the latter tends to take precedence. But this is only the beginning of your studies in law, eh? Indeed, just the beginning and one should know where laws come from, yes!”

The Dorin’s eyes twinkled and his stomach rumbled. It appeared to be a cue for the professor to take his leave for that evening. “Now then, I shall return in three brightening’s time, Your Grace, if that is convenient to continue your instruction, but eh, I think before I go, if I leave you something to consider? A little conundrum for you to think over. A man is arrested for stealing two legs of lamb from a wealthy and successful butcher. At the pre-trial it is discovered that the man had been out of work for a long time due to his business collapsing during the eras of the Feeble Pox and he has a family to think of. I’d like Your Grace to present the case both for and against this man, as advocate of the Prefecture prosecuting the man, and as Public Defender assigned by the Prefecture to answer for him also. Arguments yes, both for and against this man as he tries to hold the executioner’s axe from his neck! And I shall hear your arguments using the Annarian Code when I return, Your Grace.”

And standing up, to make his leave, if there were no further questions or words from Keldon, Thyui would bow deeply and depart for that darkening.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon nodded his head and smiled. "Well, to be honest I doubt I would be able to answer and argue that correctly as I would not have the facts. In the simplest terms however the man would need to show the pain and suffering of his family and present it to the judge, perhaps call the family to speak on his behalf. But then again it would be hard for him to do that as he is guilty until he can prove himself otherwise... if I recall the law correctly there is no section of prosecutors to prove they are guilty. They are guilty until they prove to the judge they are otherwise. The argument would be a sound one as he required the food to live, but weather or not it was justified or not would be towards the discretion of the one presiding over the trail."
OOC: This is likely one of the worst replies iv done, and is no where near the kind of answer you wanted but I can't come up with anything so ill have to go with this.

[Chocolate]

The professor nodded his head in agreement. “Yes, yes indeed, he’d have to make a very good case for himself to escape the noose, but I will leave this with you to think over so you can present it to me when I return. Try and put yourself in the place of both the advocate and the conservator, your grace and be ready to give both sides of the case, but do remember to cite which parts of the Annarian Code you are using to prosecute or defend the accused man. Try and think the situation through, if needs be making assumptions and consequently taking different paths of defence as required. One fact of the case you can assume to be true is that the man was caught taking the meat, so there's no doubt as to this theft actually taking place. I will then judge the case depending on your use of law to accuse and defend the man.”

And with that Professor Thyui bade Keldon a fine darkening and left the Thanal Manor. When he returned it was towards the end of the first cycle of Ponutis and once again he was shown to the private office of the Thane. After customary greetings, the dorin settled down to hear the Thane’s presentation. "So, your grace, shall we start with the case for prosecuting the man? Which laws would be cited and why in the accusation?"

OOC: Hopefully okay to push ahead to avoid unnecessary time on serales etc. If not I'll edit.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

As Thyui entered they gave there greetings and spoke about general things, quite literately the weather and what has happened recently. But after a brief time he asked him if he was ready to present his case and Keldon nodded his head. "Yes. On this brightening we look at a man who willing admits he violated our laws. The accused admits that he broke the third law of the Annarian Code, 'Take not what is not Thine.' Tis not under dispute that he took the food that did not belong to him. However the question remains which of the Annarian Code did he truly abide by in the process of taking the food?

Many people in this day and age work for themselves, for profit from either gold, or a respectable level. They do not help those around them who are in dire need and distress. Which is slightly surprising, as for our very own Annarian Code states that 'The Weak shall be Defended.' which is part of the governing body of all our laws. So if this man required help to support not only himself but help to support him family and keep deseies or death away from his innocent children. But the merchant refused to give him assistance in anyway. Then the man here is not only in breach of a section of our laws. But also is a victim of someone else who refused to help those with limited means.

Which then raises the question that perhaps we should be looking towards that where he took the necessary items for living as the merchant owner did not compose himself which much honor when he branded the man here a thief and took him by the hair back towards his tall until the guards arrived. Yet when the accused was asked if he stole the item he freely admitted to doing so, and why he did. His family after all was starving and he needed to support them. Which a short time later was confirmed and his family has been provided some food from the very office that I serve in order to keep them healthy.

In closing, it is also noted that the accused again followed other parts of the Annarian Code by telling us the truth when asked about the situation. After all, 'The Truth shall be Thine Liberator'."

Keldon paused and looked to the teacher. "Well that is the defense side of the argument... now this is the prosecution. Although I will admit I am more apt in defense then prosecution."

"Truth or not the man before you violated our laws, he willingly and knowingly took something that was not his. Regardless of the reason, if the food does not belong to you then do not take it until you pay for it. If someone walked into the Lord Thanes house and took a large slab of meat and then said there butcher shop was doing poorly. They would still not be allowed to leave the building with the meat."



OOC: Have to jet, ill finish the rest later tonight.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

"In the man's defense they would suggest he supported several of the laws. One by coming forth, 'The Truth shall be Thine Liberator." Yet the question remains that the man is guilty until he proves himself innocent. Regardless of the reasons he violated the law and willingly admits it. Under the empires laws he should be punished, simple as that. After all man-kinds cruelty shall be vanquished."

Keldon finished and looked at the professor waiting a response.

[Chocolate]

The dorin listened carefully as Keldon provided arguments which might be used to defend the man in the proposed scenario. “Not bad,” he said with a wolfish grin, “Attack is one way of defence, although by accusing another of not adhering to the law does not mean someone then has the right to ignore the laws himself. Indeed by doing so, it could be argued that the man has taken the law into his own hands and dispensed justice according to his own interpretation, which is a violation of a different law of the Annarian Code, and a good advocate would use that as a counterargument. Also the Prefect hearing the case might remind the defence that the butcher is not on trial and therefore disallow parts of what you’ve said as irrelevant to the trial. That would depend, though, on the sympathies of the Prefect. However, the defence citing the law that the truth shall be thine liberator is a good move, as the accused told the truth about his motives and admitted his crime, it’s likely the sentence will be lenient.”

He nodded thoughtfully, before continuing. “Another law that the defence could have cited is that the weak shall be defended in reference to the man’s motives. He was acting to protect his family from hunger, although it would be a weak argument as it could be countered by the fact that he was doing so in a way that was dishonourable, by stooping to theft.”

“All in all thought, the man is guilty of the crime and the manner of defence you chose, while not proving his innocence, went towards providing mitigating circumstances which would keep the accused from hanging. So well done!”

The professor was happy to move on, if Keldon had no further comments to make and if that was so, took up a large tome. “Now as I said last time we met, it’s important to remember that in these eras, the Annarian Code does not carry the same central importance that it used to and that the Article of Imperium have to some extent superseded the Code. Therefore I would like to now take a look at the Articles which relate to the laws of the Empire regarding the lives of citizens. Ah, here we are, under Title XVIII ~ The Municipia, Articles 108 to 122. I believe they are fairly straight forward and the influence of the Annarian Code is heavily embedded into them.”

He turned the book around for Keldon to study what was on these pages. “Rather than go through each one individually, if you’d care to read through these articles and I’ll take any questions on them.”

ARTICLE 108
Rule of Law
Section 1: The citizens and public powers are subject to these articles and the legal order. It is the responsibility of the public powers to promote conditions so that Law, Order, and Justice imbued within the citizen the groups that he might join will be real and effective; to remove those obstacles which impede or make difficult their full implementation, and to facilitate the participation of all citizens in the political, economic, cultural and social life.
Section 2: The Articles of Imperium guarantee the principle of legality, the normative order, the publication of the norms, the retroactivity of punitive provisions which are favorable to legal security, and the interdiction of unregulated power in public.
ARTICLE 109
Abolition of Slavery
The dignity of the person, the inviolable rights which are inherent, the free development of the personal, respect for the law and the rights of others, are the foundation of political order and social peace, reserved to all citizens of the Allerian Empire. The norms relative to basic rights which are recognized by these articles shall be interpreted in conformity with the Sacred Three, and the grace of the Emperor. Accordingly, no citizen of the Allerian Empire, with full political rights, shall be denied his freedom from slavery or indenture.
ARTICLE 110
Citizenship
Citizenship in the Allerian Empire is acquired, preserved and lost in accordance with provisions established by imperial law. Every citizen of the Allerian Empire has all of the rights and liberties on the sovereign territory, and bears equal duties as stipulated herein. A citizen of the Allerian Empire may be stripped of citizenship or of the right to change it, only through the will of the Emperor.
ARTICLE 111
Fealty to the Empire
Citizens of the Allerian Empire shall swear fealty to the Crown and to the institutions of government of the State and of the Realm which serve the nation, obeying the directives and orders of their elders in exchange for the protection, rights and responsibilities of the Allerian Empire.
ARTICLE 112
The Sacred Three
Citizens of the Allerian Empire shall be committed to upholding the laws and participating in their communities to maintain the local and larger order through the pursuit of justice.
ARTICLE 113
Thievery
Thievery in any form in the Allerian Empire is strictly prohibited; citizens shall respect the integrity and value of the associations and possessions that each possesses.
ARTICLE 114
Truth
Citizens of the Allerian Empire shall speak only the truth, and shall neither speak a falsity nor purger themselves before the State or the Realm.
ARTICLE 115
Honor
Those of limited means, spirit or capacity, either physical, mental, or otherwise, shall be protected from those stronger than they are in the name of Honor.
ARTICLE 116
Common Law
Allerians shall not take the law into their own hands, or dispense with justice in their own interpretations. Powers which are limited to the State alone - the power to execute, incarcerate and eject through banishment - shall never be exercised by a Citizen without a mandate of power from the state, or as can be verified post factum in the service of the Sacred Three. Furthermore, these articles shall serve as the highest law, and only be altered or otherwise amended through the grace of the Emperor.
ARTICLE 117
Magic
The use of magic within the borders of the Allerian Empire shall be regulated in accordance with im