History of Man -- Book 1: Westrun Part 15

Thelstan of Treft was sentenced to the High Throne in 5101. He was a good man and a strong leader by all accounts, but he was cursed to live in a tumultuous time that saw many changes. Heimar the Compromising was the High Priest of the Grand Temple at that time, and he vied with the Archmage Vecna for the ear of Thelstan, who seemed to prefer to keep his own counsel.

Heimar had been merciful to a young priest, writing him a pardon from the charge of heresy and permitting him to indulge in the worship of his so-called Forgotten God. In 5107 the priest, named Gamasiel, had gathered seven acolyte-pledges to his god and raised them to the priesthood. Then Gamasiel and the Seven ignited the War of the Gods against the other priests of the Grand Temple. The war took place in a series of ten battles of miracles, which were challenges to the power of the elder gods and ended with signs that showed the power of the Forgotten God. When the last of the battles was won, the priests either converted or deserted the Grand Temple and the monotheistic Church of Westrun was born. Gamasiel was then recognized as the Patriarch of that Church. 

In 5121 Edmun of Menea succeeded Thelstan to the Throne. During his reign, Planos became Patriach upon the death of Gamasiel.

In 5128 Edmun was followed by Eadred of Menea whose reign was only two years, but was best known for the Edict of Supremacy in Faith of 5129.

Eadred was followed by Aleranus the Pious in 5130. Halded the Militant was the Patriarch during Aleranus' reign. The High Throne and the Patriarchy saw to the creation of the Orders of Religious Knights, or Paladins, from the most devout and most charismatic from the sworn knighthood. 

In 5140 Serolgar of Rath followed Aleranus and during his reign Cronos the Blessed was Patriarch over the Church.

In 5150 Clanute of Treft was sentenced to the High Throne and he was followed by Hareld of Menea in 5159, During Hareld's reign, Planos II the Silent and Cronos II the Short served as Patriarchs and both are notable for being eclipsed by the influence of Jerebola the Compassionate -- a hermitess of Sakish royal blood who forsook her riches and lived in a mountain cave in the manner of some Hierophants. The faithful of the Church of Westrun journeyed from near and far to hear the words she spoke and encouragements she offered.

in 5187 Braolas of the Guilds became High King, following Clanute. He is known for having strengthened the guild system, securing the legacy and integrity of trades. He also reinforced the rule of law across the Eight Kingdoms, especially concerning commerce and labor. Because of his contributions, a new middle class rose from civic or mercantile leadership rather than from noble or religious backgrounds. Braolas helped to stabilize Westrun society after a century of religious upheaval and shifting loyalties by grounding authority in law and tradition. Patriarch Salan was head of the Church of Westrun at that time.

Histories of the Kings of All Westrun: VI - The Years of Light

The Years of Light

5101 Thelstan of Treft

5121 Edmun of Collonia

5128 Eadred the Negotiator of Collonia

5130 Aleranus I the Pious (Bolden)

5140 Serolgar of Rath

5150 Clanute of Treft

5159 Hareld of Menea

5187 Braolas the Guilded (Collonia)

The Fergus Codex: Law VIII -- Concerning Slavery and Labor

Vyrum Law
The Gnummorong must not be repeated. No captive may be bought or sold, no captive may ever work without compensation of silver. 

 Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that it be known that those of the goblin races cannot be considered captives, for captivity is a crime against humans and Besnir alone. 

 Law of Fergon 4301

We recognize that hereditary serfs are not slaves, but those who receive land produce and protection of their current lord in lieu of rents. In being serfs, they are kept from starvation and death. And as their state is tied to the land of their birth and cannot be transferred, they are not held by the lord, but by the land itself.

 Law of Wald 4422

We recognize that indentured servitude is a voluntary condition and not the same as slavery. It is a wise provision with which the destitute and dispossessed may use to work themselves from debt.

Law of Marten 4858

We desire that the freeborn be paid the minimum sum of 1 silver coin per week of labor and that no indentured servant be held in thrall longer than 7 harvests. 

 Law of Braolas 5193

In as much as it has fallen to me to set forth the ancient and recognized custom of apprenticeship in all trades; and desiring only to see that the good traditions that bind men continue; I hereby set forth the law and edict of apprenticeship to be observed by all peoples for all times evermore.

Law of Agon 5289
In recognition of the supremacy of the true faith and commensurate with my role as the protector of the hereditary serfs, it shall be unlawful for any serf to work or perform servile labor on the day of the Sun, which is henceforth recognized as a day holy unto God.

Compact of Apprenticeship

In as much as it has fallen to me, King Braolas, to set forth the ancient and recognized custom of apprenticeship in all trades; and owing none of what follows to my own invention; and desiring only to see that the good traditions that bind men continue; I hereby set forth the following law and edict to be observed by all peoples for all times evermore.

As children are oft unruly and frequently ill-used to learning from unskilled parentage, it behooves the good of all societies for those that can learn, to be apprenticed to those who have achieved some level of facility or mastery.

These apprenticeships shall take the form of the paternal or maternal relationship. As with a child, the apprentice shall not know payment, but will in all cases be provided food, lodgings and clothing, plus all those tools which are necessary for the learning and plying of the trade in question. In return, the apprentice shall obey as loyal child to father or mother, and shall seek to preserve the name of their master at high cost. Moreover all work performed by the apprentice shall inure to the benefit of the master at whatever price the latter may command for it.

No boy or girl should by custom be apprenticed before the age of 10. Neither should a boy begin his apprenticeship after 18, and no girl after 16. Those who reach this age of majority, without a trade, should settle into serfdom under the protection of a lord, and raise children for his lordships estate.

An apprentice who goes missing shall be sought by his master for a period of at least one day, and not more than one week. An apprentice who has run off without permission should be permitted one right of return, but upon a second offense be discharged from his masters care.

An oath which adheres to the following pattern will be sufficient to bind a master and apprentice in all courts of all the known realms. First, the one desiring apprenticeship shall take a knee before his intended master.

Master: What do you seek? 

Apprentice: I seek admittance into your household as your faithful and true apprentice. 

Master: How will you work? 

Apprentice: From sun up to sun down, on all days demanded, save the Suns Day and all Feast Days held by custom.

Master: How will you be paid? 

Apprentice: I will accept no coin, but be paid for all my labors in raiment, room and board, and in the knowledge of your craft. 

Master: How will you learn?

Apprentice: I swear to learn faithful and true.

At this point the intended master shall either bid the seeker to depart, or else place his hand upon his new apprentice's head.

Master: I accept you into my household and will provide all that you ask.

Upon acceptance, an apprentice should be made to qualify as a journeyman within seven years. Those which have not produced a masterpiece by the seventh year must be supported by his master for as long as the master lives, allowing the apprentice to inherit though a trueborn child, or else find settlement into serfdom under the protection of a lord

A masterpiece will not attest on the word of the master alone, but be shown to at least one other of the same craft who will accredit it of sound workmanship and quality.

No master, having accepted an apprentice, can dismiss the same except for the crimes of theft or dishonor. Any master having deliberately murdered or maimed his apprentice will be known as a kinslayer and upon conviction of a noble court, be made to suffer the same fate.