The Fergus Codex: Law IX -- Concerning Coinage, Troves and Hoards

Vyrum Law

The mintwork of the Stoneborn people is legal tender and appropriate for paying all debts, public and private. 

Law of Fergon 4304

The High Throne and its vassals will accept coinage minted in Treft for the satisfaction of all debts payable as the High King shall direct.

Law of Wald 4423

Henceforth, a trove is any amount of coin, gold, silver, plate, or bullion found hidden underground or secreted in places such as cellars or attics, where it can be presumed that the true owner is dead and the heirs undiscoverable. A hoard shall be any find of similar composition which is kept by an outlaw, monster, pirate or animal and is therefore considered ill-gotten gains. Troves shall inure to the benefit of the finder; while hoards shall inure to the benefit of the baron upon whose lands it was built.

Law of Agon 5289

With respect to the common good of the realms of men and the austere condition of their present treasuries, fifty percent of all trove and hoards shall be considered the lawful property of the baron on whose land they were found. Ten percent shall be considered the lawful property of the Church of Westrun. Twenty percent shall be delivered to King. Ten percent shall be delivered to the High Throne and ten percent shall be kept by its discoverer.

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.

The Fergus Codex: Law VII -- Concerning Marriage

Vyrum Law

Only the prince may have more than one mate; and only the prince may have a mate who shares an ancestor within three generations. 

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that the customs of marriage be preserved in each kingdom and held inviolable by the other kings and their faithful lords. Neither daughters nor wives shall be carried off, lest the offender be treated as evil. Yet a couple may enter elopement and after seven years be treated as if a valid contract were made.

Law of Fergon 4301

We desire that each woman enter marriage with the maiden fee paid to her father, and that a dower be drawn from that sum and entrusted to her, to maintain her in widowhood. To that dower the husband will add an annual stipend for seven years, and to it he shall also add again the maiden fee first paid for any infidelity.

Law of Fergus II 4328

We desire that each man who sires a bastard must see to the upkeep of mother and child or else be fined the tenth part of his income until the bastard reaches his 18th summer. 

Law of Wald 4422

We desire that each woman put away by her husband be given her dower whole, and the same sum again in silver for her maintenance. But that her children must not become bastards thereby, nor lose their right to inherit. But a woman put away on account of infidelity shall not be entitled to the sum.

Law of Marten 4858

We recognize that the contract of marriage may not be valid without the express consent of the intended husband and wife. No man may become a husband before his 18th harvest and no maiden before her 16th with a visible flowering evidenced by blood.

Law of Gelder 5011

A contract which promised a maiden, but which was not delivered as such, shall be considered without force.

The Fergus Codex: Law V -- Concerning Crimes Felonious and Petty

Vyrum Law

The crimes of treason and murder are abominable and shall be avenged by the Range in which they occurred. Kinslaying is an abomination which must be punished by the faction which suffers the loss. Save that for all offenses, hallowed ground may offer safe haven to all those who seek its protection. 

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that the crime of harboring those who have committed treason or murder shall be punished in like manner as the abominable crimes. For sanctuary can only be found on hallowed ground by a Priest. 

Law of Fergon 4301

We declare that nothing shall prevent a lord from seeking his own justice, if he is the victim of any abominable crime, regardless of where the crime occurred. Moreover, the crimes of robbery and theft shall be be worthy of maiming on the second offense, and considered abominable only upon the third offense. Moreover, no one who has stolen only food or water shall be guilty of robbery or theft if they have passed at least three towns without receiving any by begging.

Law of Etru 4376

We desire that to the abominable crimes of treason, robbery, murder and theft are to now added the crimes of counterfeiting, forgery and arson upon the second offense. For all abominable crimes a debt of silver may also attach and ransom accepted in lieu of punishment.

Law of Wald 4422

We desire to clarify that crimes can only be committed abominably when exercised against someone of equal or greater station: 

• Treason is the taking of arms by vassal against his lord, or else plotting with others to do the same. 
• Robbery is the unjust taking of property by force of arms, but shall not include the lawful spoils of war. 
• Murder is the unwarranted taking of a man’s life by a person outside of his family, except under a flag of war. 
• Theft is the unjust taking of property by deception, subterfuge or cloak of darkness, 
• Counterfeiting is the attempt to pass some material thing as an item of higher value by concealing its true nature. 
• Forgery is the attempt to pass as legitimate, the illegitimate seal or signature of a lord or noble house. 
• Arson is the burning of property belonging to another, or endangering the property of others by uncontrolled burning. 

Law of Marten 4858
We desire that the protections of forgery be extended to duly chartered companies, orders and factions which are enrolled with either the Devout Order of Clerics Regular of the Penitent Knights of Poverty, or of any of the noble banking houses. 

Law of Gelder 5011
We desire that Treason also be defined so as to include murderous threats breathed against any King, and affirmation of the same either by word or silence. 

Law of Thelstan 5108

We decide that the following offenses may only be punished as petty crimes in accordance with local customs: 

• Any abominable crime committed against someone of lesser station. 
• Assault 
• Bastardy 
• Bigamy 
• Excessive Indebtedness 
• Disturbing the Peace 
• Drunkenness 
• Riotous assembly 
• Oath-breaking 
• Poaching 
• Rape 
• Slander 
• Slave-dealing 
• Tax avoidance 
• Trafficking stolen property 
• Vagrancy 
• Witchcraft 

Law of Halinard 5285

Because Bounty Hunting is a dangerous profession, but one that is necessary for the good order of all societies and the protection of nobility everywhere, we therefore, bind ourselves to the institution and protection of the articles instituted by the Bounty Hunters Guild.

The Fergus Codex: Law IV -- Concerning Provinces and Charters

Vyrum Law
The good governance of all the known lands depends on the administration of the Ranges. Each Range is particular to the regent who is blood-bound to its borders by the decrees of its Priest.

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that each Province shall see to the justice and taxes within its borders. 

Law of Fergon 4301

We desire no man may fortify nor crenellate his manse or holding without a charter from his liege.

Law of Wald 4422

We hold that a town may be established with a grant of charter from a provincial regent wherever a church has been established. Such a town will remain within the administration and justice of that lord, but the charter duration shall be perpetual unless the town should fall below 100 souls. A town, once given a charter to enclose itself with a wall, will be recognized as a city -- an independent province answerable to the administration and justice of the king through its Lord Mayor.

Law of Jan 4793

We hold that as the chartered Halls have spread from the Free Provinces to Westrun, down to Southrun and even some have appeared in Eastrun. Their growing number necessitates that certain regulations be made as to their conduct and constitution. We therefore agree to recognize them and bind them within our several domains by certain strictures.

Law of Marten 4858

We hold that certain companies of men and interests may be chartered and answerable to the administration and justice of the king through their chartered representative.

Law of Flavian 4912
We hold that the Provinces formerly known as the Principalities of Vyrum Serpentis are free and independent states, not subject to any king or monarch, and having no law but that which is locally made and consistent with the Fergus Codex and its appendments. Each provinces shall be wholly governed by the good lords which serve as their faithful regents. We hold also that these states shall see to their own defense and pay only a quarter share of the shield-tax normally levied, to their eternal and faithful leige lord, the High King of the Eight Kingdoms of Westrun.

The Fergus Codex: Law III -- Concerning Titles and Coat of Arms

 Vyrum Law
The Prince is the lord paramount and known by his title of property and by the coat of arms which he bears. These he shall have the right to pass to whomsoever of his faction can properly inherit them.

Law of Fergus 4275
We desire that Princes should pass their worldly titles and goods according to custom. That sons should inherit in the order of their birth, but if no sons be found, then the sons of the sons, in the order of their birth. But if neither sons nor sons of sons be found, then the sons of the son's sons.  If none be found in that line, then brothers of the Prince in the order of their birth, but if no brothers be found, then the nephews of the Prince in the order of their birth, then the uncle and male cousins and male distal cousins. Yet we will not prohibit the curious customs of Saklan, nor that of the Kings of Balduren, Treft and Talir, which shall be in force in their kingdoms.

Law of Wald 4422
We desire that men of noble bearing have the same protection of title and arms that are due the Kings of the realms. That those which are land lords and who have kept their domains current with respect to taxes will not be dispossessed of title, arms and lands upon the death of their leige.

Law of Damon 4449
We declare that in cases among kings, where no heir can be found, it shall fall to the High King to determine who shall ascend to their vacant throne.

Law of Marten 4858
We desire that men of gentle bearing have the same protection of title and arms that are due the noble men of the realms. That they are likewise unharmed as land lords over any estates they hold, upon the death of noble men. We find also that the Captain's privilege as understood by the Vicenary Ports is incorporated into these laws.

Law of Gelder 5011
We decide that in cases among noble men, where no heir can be found, it shall fall to the king of the realm to determine who shall inherit the vacant manor and titles.

The Fergus Codex: Law II -- Concerning Principalities

Vyrum Law
The Prince occupies the place of honor and has no rival to his authority. He acts to shelter and support, serving as both father and mother to the masses. As his children the masses must be loyal and filial. Should they cherish wickedness and have rebellious hearts, they will offend the order established by heaven itself. 

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that the Prince of Peakshadow shall only be seen as the first among princes. As the first among equals, he is able to judge among them for any disputes he shall be invited to hear. 

Law of Fergon 4301
We declare that whenever matters are in dispute among princes that only one party to the dispute must request a hearing for the Prince of Peakshadow to hold court. 

Law of Wald 4422

We acknowledge that the masses have no champion greater than the Prince of Peakshadow, and their mistreatment shall be as an affront to his throne. 

Law of Damon  4449

We recognize that the right to rule proceeds from heaven and to those princes who bear that divine right, and whom we now name Kings. We now name the Prince of Peakshadow as the High King. Beneath us are other noble classes, owners of estate and means, who along with kings rule the masses, but only when invested by kings with the divine right to do so. 

Law of Marten 4858

We specify that precedence shall be given to Kings and then Princes and all manner of royalty which are descended from them as custom shall allow. Next in precedence are the noble classes which rule over duchies and counties and baronies who shall in no way be denied the right of their stations and names. 

Law of Gelder 5011

We declare that inasmuch as the Patriarch has given places of honor above what is common to members of his ignoble clergy, we also deem that by acts of valor and other greatness, Princes may likewise elevate certain men to this gentle station. Such men shall in no way be denied the right of their stations and names. 

Law of Thelstan 5108

We recognize that when men of noble station are not on hand to make knights of the valorous and great, that other knights shall not be forbidden from doing so, as they are often the only witnesses to such acts as are deserving, and that this is in keeping with the most ancient of customs. In any case, we declare that it shall fall to men of nobility to ratify that which is recognized on the fields of glory.

The Fergus Codex: Law I -- Concerning Religions

Vyrum Law

That which is sacred belongs to the Priests and not to the Princes, for the latter have no power in the matters of the former.

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that all peoples shall be subject only to their own gods as befits each man according to his tribe and custom.

Law of Fergon 4301

We desire that all peoples who live under our benign reign shall live under the same religion that is taught by the Temple that the Priest Theokron gave to the Boldish and which it is well known that the Priest Damathius, a man of divine sanctity, has embraced. We believe that there is one faith, if many divinities; and many shrines kept forever by them as whole and incorrupt.

Law of Howerd 4388

We desire that the Edict of Artifice become the Supreme Law of the Land.

Law of Wald  4422

We desire that all those who live under our benign reign shall live under the faith  kept by the Grand Temple of Heaven and invested in accordance with discipline and doctrine. If a controversy concerning things of the gods should arise between laymen, or between laymen and nobles, or between nobles, it shall be treated of and terminated in the court of the High Priest. Likewise, that all vacancies in the priesthood shall be filled at the pleasure of the High Priest, of which the Princes shall have no recourse.

Law of Thelstan 5108

We order that all those who follow this law recognize the divine faith of the one true God -- the Church of Westrun. We further grant in perpetuity the nobility due its High Priest, the Patriarch, together with his holy orders, and to afford them the rights and privileges of their estate in all matters and before all men.

Law of Aleranus I the Pious 5130

We recognize that those who do not follow the divine faith be considered demented and insane. We order that they shall bear the infamy of heresy; but that nothing we do can hasten or forbid the Divine vengeance which they merit. We delight that they shall be punished hereafter by God himself in accordance with holy resentment. We have reserved the right, which we have acquired from the judgment of Heaven, to punish those who make converts to their false religions and who spread their heresies by the public expression of their insanity. Let no place be afforded to heretics for the conduct of their ceremonies, and let no occasion be offered for them to display the insanity of their obstinate minds. Let all persons know that if any privilege has been fraudulently obtained by persons of this kind, it will not be valid. Let all bodies of heretics be prevented from holding unlawful assemblies, and let the only and the greatest God be celebrated everywhere.