Brundisium
Laws
City Laws
1. There are two systems of Government in Brundisium at this time, those being the HCB (High Council of Brundisium), and the WCB (Warriors Council of Brundisium)
The responsibility of the WCB will be to oversee matters specifically to do with issues involving the Warriors of the City.
The HCB will over see issues brought to them involving Citizens, and/or Houses. The Chain of Command will be used to settle any issues they may arise, Should a problem be taken throughout the full chain and no agreement can be made with each party it will be taken to the High Council to determine whether or not the City Courts are needed. Issues might and would encompass theft, destruction of properties, contracts and disputes, dissolved joining contracts, assaults and so on.
The Chain of Command is as follows:
Ubara (for disputes involving Free Woman Only)
(Staring with Tre' and ending with City Courts)
Tre 'Sword,
Se'Sword,
En'Sword,
Deputy Administrator,
Administrator,
High Council of Brundisium,
City Courts.
(In the event the chars appointed to these posts are not available. The Administrator will be the final say in all things)
City En'Safora (To deal with slave disputes only)
2. Theft of the Home stone of the Port City of Brundisium, or any part of it is punishable by death. Such punishment can be, impalement, boiling in oil, or drowning. (If possible the head will be placed on a Pike for all to see.)
3. The laws of Brundisium extend no further than her walls, or surrounding lands under the sovereignty of Brundisium. (Including Genesian Port)
4. The act of Treason is punishable by impalement.
5. Every citizen of Brundisium will journey, at least once before the age of 25 to the Sardar Mountains. It is stated in the scrolls of the Initiates,
"Great misfortunes can destroy a city if this obligation of youth is avoided and not met".
6. At no time will the City interfere in Caste matters. However, on the rare occasion when someone wishes a change in Caste. No individual will change Caste without being granted such by the High Council of Brundisium or the Caste they are changing to. The final acceptance of a Caste change comes from the Caste Itself. Any who self proclaim such a change in Caste and or Practice in a Caste which is not their right to do, will be considered an outlaw and subject to death by impalement.
7. Any one or any attempts made to penetrate the city walls without a proper pass, or banners displayed if a non citizen, the intruder's will be placed under arrest by the city guards and subject to imprisonment or death.
8. It is a criminal offense to enslave anyone from the caste of players. They are still subject to the laws of Brundisium. Instead of being collared, if they commit an offense, the alternative will be banishment, imprisonment or death by impalement.
9. Thievery is illegal. The first offense will be punishable by notching the ear, the second offense, a Male will loose their left hand and both feet, Females will be enslaved.
10. Forgery of the Administrator's seal of Brundisium is punishable by confiscation and imprisonment for a period of time set by the Magistrate of Brundisium.
11. Forgery of the Scribe Seal of Brundisium is punishable by confiscation and imprisonment for a period of time set by the Magistrate of Brundisium.
12. All legal documents for Brundisium will have the Scribe Seal of the city on the document or it will not be Valid. Any use of the seal on a forged document will be punished by imprisonment.
13. No slave will be allowed at anytime to touch, handle or sign any legal document.
14. All official seals will be kept in the cities Central Cylinder in the Chambers of the Council.
15. The Merchants Council has in the Central Cylinder in the Merchants Council Chamber a Merchant's Foot and stone and is available for the Merchants to verify their own measuring devices and systems.
16. No slave not yours will be sold without the owner's permission, if done a Man will be exiled, a Woman will be enslaved.
17. Any Free person may discipline an errant and or insolent slave. If the slave is killed or injured, compensation will be paid to the Owner of the damaged property, but only if it is requested. If asked for compensation and the Free person is unable to pay, that person will be enslaved and given to the Owner for His/Her loss/damage of property.
18. No maps will be prepared of the city.
19. Any contract of companionship not renewed on the last day of the contract by the 20th Ahn will be by law expired.
Laws Of Citizenship
1. Any non citizen (one not sworn yet to the Home Stone) that is of adult age will swear to the Home stone or be subject to banishment and or expulsion from the City, either by the Administrator,, Deputy Administrator or the En' Sword's decree
2. All citizens of the Port City of Brundisium will swear their Oath to the Home stone of Brundisium before witness's.. The Administrator or Deputy Administrator will be the only two able to perform the Oath.
3.There will be a two hand waiting period before any Guest or Minor Citizen coming of age, can pledge their allegiance to the Home Stone, during which time a Male sponsor will be responsible for their actions, conduct and or discipline, should it be necessary.
4. Any Citizen not residing within the City, either by living elsewhere or traveling, will after one Envar of absense be removed from the City Census and all properties shall revert to the City. (Those not seen online either within the City or without, for one mun month, shall be considered no longer of the city unless prior arrangements have been made with the Administrator.)
5. Should any (Who are already sworn to another Home Stone, And do not wish to swear to Brundisium), though wish to reside in Brundisium due to companionship, A special consideration will be made.
Free Men Laws
1. All free men of the City of Brundisium must be registered with a caste, uphold all caste codes, and offer assistance to those who apply for caste assistance.
2. All free men of Brundisium are expected to have a knowledge of and be proficient with at least one weapon.
3. In times of war, all free men of Brundisium, regardless of caste, are expected to take up arms and defend their city and Home Stone. The sole exception to this edict applies only to men of the Physician's caste who are charged to contribute to the war effort by seeing to the sick or injured. Their caste codes, with the penalty of breaking them being expulsion from the Caste, do not allow them to take up arms as combatants.
4. All free men of Brundisium are to defend the honor of the free women of the City. If a woman engages herself into a dangerous situation multiple times, it is the men of Brundisium's duty to enslave her.
Free Women Laws
1. Although there is no real law requiring the donning of veils, Free Woman who do not wear veils, do so at their own Risk. Please remember, when traveling you should be fully concealed as you are a reflection on Brundisium.
The veil, it might be noted, is not a legal imperative for a free woman; it is rather a matter of modesty and custom. Some low-class, un companioned, free girls do not wear veils. Similarly certain bold free women neglect the veil.
Slave Girl of Gor, page 107
"Free women, in most of the high cities on Gor, particularly those of higher caste, go veiled in public. Also they commonly wear the robes of concealment, which cover them from head to toe. Even gloves are often worn. There are many reasons for this, having to do with modesty, security, and such."~ Magicians of Gor, page 12~
"It must be understood, of course, to fully appreciate what was going on, that the public exposure of the features of a freewoman, particularly one of high caste, or with some pretense to position or status, is a socially serious matter in many Gorean localities. Indeed, in some cities an unveiled free woman is susceptible to being taken into custody by guardsmen, then to be veiled, by force if necessary, and publicly conducted back to her home. Indeed, in some cities she is marched back to her home stripped, except for the face veil which has been put on her. In these cases a crowd usually follows, to see to what home it is that she is to be returned. Repeated offenses in such a city usually result in the enslavement of the female. Such serious measures, of course, are seldom required to protect such familiar Gorean proprieties. Custom, by itself, normally suffices." ~Players of Gor, page 124 & 125~
2. Any Free woman who chooses to couch another persons slave will become a slave of that slaves owner. This law does not apply to slaves owned by the free woman personally.
3. Any Free Woman who submits herself to a specific man will become a slave, If the man refuses her offer, The Woman will then become property of the City of Brundisium. (Warriors have Codes and are bound by them. Upholding their Honor means to accept the submission by either enslaving or killing her.)
4. Any woman acting in such a way that indicates her need or suitability for the collar, will be collared with a writ issued by the High Council. For example: the most common actions to warrant a collar would be fraud, theft, prostitution, drunk in public, dancing sensuously in public, dressing as a slave, spying on Masters and slaves, baring too much flesh, exhibiting and interest in bondage, overt behavior that may be thought not appropriate for a Free woman is sufficient to warrant slavery. Witnesses will be necessary for such.
5. No Freewoman that is a citizen of Brundisium will be collared without a writ handed down by either the Magistrate or the HCB.
6. If a warrior saves the life of a free woman, the warrior has all rights and privileges over her.
7. Face stripping of a Free woman is illegal unless she has submitted or has been reduced to slavery as stated above.
8. Any free woman in the City of Brundisium who cannot pay her debts may be enslaved. If a man chooses to pay her debts for her, she will become legally endebted to him, and if he so chooses, may enslave her. If the woman can find no one to pay her debts, she will be enslaved by the City and publicly auctioned. The proceeds of her auction will be used to pay her creditors.
9. If a free woman kneels before a man in the manner of a slave, or calls him Master, she has reduced herself to legal enslavement and is subject to all of its implications. This law does not apply to the private interactions that occur behind the closed doors of a joined couple, as long as the interactions remain behind closed doors. If the interactions become public knowledge, then the free woman is subject to all said implications, up to and including enslavement.
10. Within the walls and territories of the City of Brundisium, all free women are to be accompanied by a proper escort. It is illegal do go without proper guards.(The woman should have at least two guards or kinsmen with her when in public. One guard shall run interference if an attack is made and the other guard will remove the free woman from danger. I.E: Leave the chat room).
11. No free woman of the City of Brundisium will leave the City or its territories without an escort that befits her social status.
Guest Laws
1. All individuals who enter the City of Brundisium or its territories and waters, are subject to the laws, guidelines, and customs. It is each visitor's responsibility to be aware and familiar with the Laws of the City of Brundisium. Ignorance of the Law is not a valid excuse, and the City of Brundisium will hold no liability for a visitor's lack of knowledge.
2. Any visitor who enters the City of Brundisium, it's territories or waters with ill intent, purposefully breaks the City's Laws, or in general proves to be a malcontent will be subject to detainment, imprisonment, punishment, expulsion from the City, or if the offense is serious, impalement.
3. Anyone who seeks to enter the City of Brundisium, her territories or waters without permission is subject to impalement. Permission can be obtained at the City Gates or from a sponsor within the City.
4. Messengers, heralds or ambassadors who seek entrance to the City of Brundisium under the banner of truce will be granted amnesty and can enter the City without encumbrance. However, all laws of the City of Brundisium continue to apply to these individuals and the breaking of said laws will result in action.
5. The Castes of players, entertainers, musicians, singers, and poets may enter the City of Brundisium freely. Although individuals of these castes will not be reduced to slavery, they are still bound by and expected to follow all Laws of the City. Failure to do so will subject the individual to the consequences dealt to those who breaks the laws of Brundisium.
6. Members of the Caste of Assassins will be granted unencumbered entrance to the City of Brundisiumto perform their duties provided they bear the mark of the black dagger upon their forehead. The RBC is the only Assassins Caste acknowledged by the City of Brundisium. Rogue assassins and the GBC will be barred entrance to the City of Brundisiumand her territories and waters.
7. In the event that an individual is publicly denied salt, fire, and bread, their allegiance to the city and Home Stone (provided said person was an ally) and their welcome within the City of Brundisium, her territories, and waters are terminated. Like all outlaws, these individuals are subject to impalement.
8. Uninvited Outlaws are barred entrance to the City of Brundisium . Any univited outlaw found within the City Walls, on Brundisium's territories and waters is subject to impalement.
9. The City of Brundisium considers the Taluna and Panther girl bands outlaws. Any Taluna or Panther Girl that enters the City of Brundisium, her territories or waters becomes subject to capture, enslavement or impalement.
10. Individuals who attempt to export the commodities of the City of Brundisium including, but not limited to: maps of the city and surrounding territory, emblems, and items marked with the city seal without obtaining the proper permits have committed theft in the eyes of the law and are subject to punishment.
11. Guest passes are not required unless the City of Brundisium is in a state of Lockdown or Alert. At those times, any guests coming to the City of Brundisium, must be sponsored by a Citizen of the same.
12. No noncitizen of the City of Brundisium is allowed to own land in the City of Brundisium or its territories.
13. Guests will be asked at the end of two hands to either pledge their allegiance or ask for an extended visit. If after two extensions no attempt to swear to the Home Stone is made then the Guest/S will be asked to leave the city
14. The slaves of anyone visiting Brundisium will follow the same laws as The Citizen's slave.
.Slave Laws
1. According to Gorean law, slaves are animals. They own no property of any kind, they have no name of their own and may be collared and leashed. They have no rights.
2. All slaves will show the utmost respect to all free persons. Slaves shall never question or disobey a command given by the free. Slave thoughts, glares, glances or any action that could be perceived to be rude will not be tolerated. All free persons of Gor are skilled in perceiving facial expressions, therefore thoughts posted into a room will be considered readable and will be subject to appropriate punishment. A slave's thoughts can only be concealed by keeping them to themselves.
3. All slaves are required to address the free as "Master" or "Mistress" at all times, and are never permitted to use the free person's given name. The only time it is acceptable to use a free person's given name is when answering the question, "Who is your owner?" or a variation thereof.
4. Slaves own nothing, legally. They do not own their names, collars, or even their lives. Any gifts given to a slave are the property of the slave's owner.
5. All female slaves must wear a visible token of their bondage at all times. Male slaves are not required to do so. A slave's attire is to be determined by their owners.
6. Without a specific order from a free person, no slave may touch or handle a weapon in public, if found doing so the punishment can range from 10 lashes to death. For a pit slave to train in the arenas of the City of Brundisium without the presence of his owner, he must have his owner's express written permission. This law does not apply to the implements of daily life, including: kitchen cutlery or slave training tools.
7. Unless accompanied by a free person or a NPC handler, no slave is permitted outside the City Walls of Brundisium. Any slave caught attempting to leave the city without a free person will be stopped at the gates and returned to their owner. Any slave that manages to exit the City or its territories unaccompanied, or discovered outside the City without a guard will be considered a runaway, for which there are harsh punishments. Slaves who are deemed runaways will be dealt with harshly because such actions constitute serious crimes. A slave's first offense will result in a heavy beating. Any subsequent offense will result in hamstringing or, at the owner's discretion, death.
8. In any legal proceedings the testimony of a slave can be taken by torture. This will be at the discretion of the courts.
9. If an owner of a slave is enslaved himself/herself, by the City of Brundisium for Crimes committed, the slave will then be transferred to the nearest male relative or any relative if there are no males. If there are no living relatives at all, The slave then becomes Property of Brundisium.
10. Once a Free person is enslaved they loose all right to their Caste and properties. If at anytime in the future they are set free they will not and cannot recover their property.
11. Active ownership or possession of a slave is crucial by Law. If another Master takes a lost, stolen or runaway slave, the original owner has one hand to reclaim his property before the legal title will pass to the new Owner.
12. The offspring of a slave is a slave and belongs to the owner of the mother.
13 If a Male cannot pay his debts and is a father, his daughter will become the cities property. She will then be put up for sale at a public auction from which the monies made from her sale will be used to pay off the debtors.
14. No slave will strike a Free person. The penalty will be death.
15. Any freed slave in the City of Brundisium must keep on record with the City, a copy of their manumission paperwork. This paperwork needs to be kept in an easily accessible place, should any free person wish to see it. Manumitted slaves are considered outlaws unless they claim a caste.. Slaves that have been branded and freed will need to be especially mindful of this law.
16. Any Free person collared understands that it cancels their past. Their new life as a slave will cancel any crimes that occurred while they were free as well they will not be held accountable.
17. Enslavement will dissolve a companionship should the party be companioned.