Difference between revisions of "Elven Society and Law"

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Elven Laws

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Law Summary • Law Details • Silver Bough •

The laws of the Elves are few but profound...

The laws of the Elves are few but profound, rooted in their ancient traditions and the will of the Valar. These laws form the foundation of Elven society and identity. To break them is to risk the loss of one's Elven Grace—a fate of great shame. Lesser offenses may lead to banishment as a \"Wayward,\" stripped of the protection and standing of their kind.

Summary of Elven Laws

No.	Law	Short Description
1	Fealty to the Elven Monarch	Mandatory oath of loyalty to Arandor's monarch
2	Presence of Outsiders	Strict entry rules for non-Elves in Arandor
3	Elven Crafts	Restriction on magical or cultural artifacts
4	Joining an Order	Coercion in Order selection is forbidden
5	Moongates	Forbidden within Arandor’s walls
6	Property Ownership	Only loyal Elves may own land
7	Diplomacy	Only monarch/agents may represent Arandor
8	Upholding the Law	Laws apply even outside Arandor
9	Fallen Clans	Claiming descent is criminal
10	Theft	Stealing communal supplies is a grave offense
11	Combat	Only allowed in designated areas
12	Bounties	Regulated, Elves may not be bounty hunters
13	Necromancy	Permitted only with sanction; heavily restricted
14	The Edicts of Harmony	Moral and civic guidance upheld by Justice Bringers

Detailed Law Texts

1. Fealty to the Elven Monarch

All Elves must swear fealty to the Monarch of Arandor, regardless of where they reside. This bond affirms unity and loyalty to the Elven people and their divine purpose.

OOC: This does not require joining a guildstone or living in Arandor, but acknowledgment of the Monarch is expected.

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2. The Presence of Outsiders in Arandor

Dwarves and Humans are permitted entry if they have no criminal record. Orcs may enter only under strict conditions: accompanied at all times by an armed, sworn Elf who is fully responsible for their behavior.

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3. Elven Crafts and External Ownership

Only the Monarch may authorize gifting or sale of culturally significant or enchanted Elven items. Everyday items (food, clothing, standard gear) may be traded freely.

OOC: Restricted items include plan items, masterworks, magical jewelry, VTed items, and artifacts.

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4. Joining an Order

Order affiliation must be chosen freely. Pressuring another Elf—especially through manipulation or coercion—is forbidden and may result in censure or punishment.

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5. Moongate Restrictions

Moongates must not be opened within Arandor’s city limits. Travel portals must originate outside the city. Violators endanger the realm and may face expulsion.

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6. Property Ownership in Arandor

Only Elves who have pledged loyalty to Arandor may own property within the city. Exceptions must be granted by the Monarch or Magistrate. Deception in this regard will result in forfeiture and banishment.

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7. Diplomacy and Representation

Only the Monarch or their chosen emissaries may conduct diplomacy. Unauthorized negotiations are considered treason and punished accordingly.

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8. Upholding the Law Beyond Arandor

Elves abroad remain subject to Elven Law and are expected to uphold their people's reputation. Offenders may be summoned to return and face judgment.

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9. Claiming Ancestry from the Fallen Clans

Claiming descent from the Mist, Mountain, Moon, Sea, River, or Meadow clans is forbidden. Such claims are considered treasonous and may result in exile or the Weeping Veil.

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10. Theft or Misuse of Elven Supplies

Communal resources are sacred. Theft or misuse is a betrayal of trust and is met with severe penalties.

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11. Combat Outside Designated Areas

Combat is only permitted in training arenas or in direct self-defense. Any other combat is subject to disciplinary action.

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12. Bounties

Bounties may only be issued by the Monarch.
Interested bounty hunters must be approved by Arandor.
False claims of acting on Arandor’s behalf are criminal.
Elves may not act as bounty hunters under Arandor’s law.

See: The Court of the Monarch

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13. Necromancy

Necromancy is not illegal, but it is highly restricted. Practice requires direct approval by the Monarch or Magistrate. Unauthorized necromancy is met with severe scrutiny and may result in exile.

\"Refusing to understand something because it frightens you does not make you safe—it makes you blind...\" — Queen Ninvere Lanreci

Necromancers walk a narrow path, watched with wary respect. The balance of life and death is not to be disturbed lightly.

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14. The Edicts of Harmony

The Edicts are moral and civic codes founded on Stewardship, Unity, and Wisdom. They guide Elven behavior and are upheld by the Justice Bringers who serve in the Order of the Valiant Shield. While flexible in interpretation, violations disrupt the harmony of Elven society.

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The Silver Bough

The Silver Bough is a sacred emblem of friendship and alliance. It honors those who show loyalty and service to Arandor, regardless of race.

Membership Requirements

Nominated by a sworn Elf
Approved by the Monarch

Benefits

Speak freely in the Court of the Monarch
May request property ownership
May pledge limited fealty

Note: Silver Bough members cannot swear The Oath to Arandor or join a recognized Order.

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 [[#Detailed Law Texts|Law Details]] &nbsp;•&nbsp;
 [[#The Silver Bough|Silver Bough]] &nbsp;•&nbsp;
-[[#Elven Family Life|Family Life]] &nbsp;•&nbsp;
-[[#Elven Society|Society]]
 The laws of the Elves are few but profound...
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 ''Note: Silver Bough members cannot swear [[The Oath to Arandor]] or join a [[Government|recognized Order]].''
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-== Elven Family Life ==
-Elven families are shaped by long lives, tradition, and subrace. High Elves tend toward small families focused on refinement. Hill Elves are more fertile, often with larger households. Wood Elves fall in between.
-Descent follows the mother’s lineage. The child of a High Elf mother is a High Elf. There are no half-Elves in Elven society—children are either Elves or not.
-Elves who bond with mortals often withdraw from society during their partner's twilight years. Some Elves disapprove of cross-species pairing—especially with Orcs—though Dwarves and Humans are more accepted.
-=== Traits by Subrace ===
-* '''Wood Elves''': Nature-bound, martial, and spiritual
-* '''High Elves''': Refined, magical, and disciplined
-* '''Hill Elves''': Practical, hearty, and nurturing
-Families honor the Monarch, uphold the laws, and weave their traditions into the larger tapestry of Arandor.
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-== Elven Society ==
-The Kingdom of Arandor is the crown of Elven civilization—a realm of balance, grace, and unity across the subraces.
-=== Composition ===
-* '''Wood Elves''': Rangers, druids, and defenders of nature
-* '''High Elves''': Swordmages, scholars, and arcane guardians
-* '''Hill Elves''': Artisans, farmers, and builders of beauty
-=== Architecture and Spirit ===
-Arandor is carved from golden sandstone and adorned with greenery. Rivers flow through its heart. A statue of Fanyarnir, Sky Lord and Father of the Valar, stands at the center.
-=== Governance ===
-The Elder Monarch holds supreme authority but rules with counsel from advisors, Orders, and magistrates. Justice flows from tradition and the will of the Valar.
-=== Foreign Policy ===
-While the Elves engage in limited trade and diplomacy, Arandor remains guarded. Entry is selective. The sanctity of the city and its people is paramount.
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