
City Laws
The Laws of the City of Venna
as set by The Council of Venna
Subjects:
1. The Governing Body of Venna
1.1 The Home Stone
1.2 The Swearing of the Oath
1.3 Protection of the Home Stone
1.4 Acts of Treason
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2. The Council of Venna
2.1 The High Council
2.2 The Deliberating Body
2.3 Making Declarations of War
2.4 Ambassadors and Messengers
2.5 Magistrates
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3. Processing of Laws
3.1 Processing
3.2 Case Law
3.3 Disambiguation
3.4 Repeat of Crime
3.5 Convictions of Avoidance
3.6 Pardons
3.7 Release
3.8 Reducing of the Sentence
3.9 Perjury
3.10 Execution
3.11 Death Pardons
3.12 Exile/Expulsion of Caste
3.13 Slaves and Legal Proceedings
3.14 Illegal Acts
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4. Caste Laws
4.1 Heads of Caste
4.2 Caste Entitlement
4.3 Caste Duties
4.4 Changing Caste
4.5 Caste of Scribes
4.5.1 Legal Scrolls and Documents
4.5.2 Noting the Correct Time
4.5.3 Cartography and Map Makers
4.5.4 Forgery and Doctoring Papers
4.6 Caste of the Physicians
4.6.1 The Rights of Physicians
4.6.2 Medicinal Costs
4.6.3 Falsifying of Documents
4.6.4 Sub castes
4.7 The Caste of the Warriors
4.7.1 Military Allies
4.7.2 Chain of Command
4.7.3 Submission
4.8 The Caste of Players and Entertainers
4.9 The Caste of Assassins
4.10 Mercenary Work
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5. Outlaws
5.1 General Laws of the Outlaws
5.2 Thieves
5.3 Female Outlaws/Panthers and Talunas
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6. Merchant Laws
6.1 Standardized Measurement
6.2 The Capture Rights
6.3 Slaves
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7. Civil Disputes
7.1 Dispute Resolution
7.2 Inner Caste Dispute
7.3 Public Challenges
7.4 Canjelline – Slave Challenge
7.5 Rape of a Person
7.6 Defamation of Name or Person
7.7 Property, Money, and Debt
7.7.1 Debt & Property of a Male Debtor
7.7.2 Debt & Property of a Female Debtor
7.7.3 Slave Theft
7.8 Fraud
7.9 Murder
7.10 Justifiable Homicide.
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8. Family Laws
8.1 Parental Authority
8.2 Free Companionship
8.2.1 The Contract
8.2.2 Rights of the Free Companions
8.2.3 The Bride Price
8.2.4 Renewal Of the Free Companionships
8.2.5 Termination of the Free Companionship
8.2.6 Dividing the Assets to Parties
8.3 Children
8.3.1 Status
8.3.2 Birth out of the Companionship
8.4 Abandonment
8.5 Name Changing of any Free Person
8.6 Trademarks/Crests
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9. Slave Laws
9.1 Private Slaves
9.1.1 Use of Private Slaves by Others
9.2 Killing of Slaves
9.3 Kaissa
9.4 Slave Papers
9.5 Property of Enslaved Free
9.6 Property that is Lost/Stolen
9.6.1 Abandonment
9.7 Slaves Striking the Free
9.8 Slaves Claiming Caste
9.9 Childbirth
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10. Enslaving Free Women
10.1 Conduct unbecoming of a Free Woman
10.2 Submission
10.2.1 Contract Submission
10.3 Disobeying a Direct Order of Safety
10.4 Couching Laws
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1. The Governing Body of Venna
The City of Venna is run by The Council, all laws and legal matters are overseen and reviewed by members of The Council.
1.1 The Home Stone
The Home Stone of Venna is the most sacred symbol of our community and will be protected at all costs.
1.2 The Swearing of the Oath
Only those who have sworn on the Home Stone shall be considered citizens. Citizenship is a privilege not a right, and only citizens are allowed to own land within Venna. Land that is rented by non-citizens may be re-claimed at any time by order of the council.
Slaves may not swear to the Home Stone and may not touch it or even place their feet on the steps of its house.
1.3 Protection of the Home Stone
It is the duty of all citizens to protect the City and the Home Stone. Although the primary
responsibility falls to the Rarii and the City Guard, during times of conflict they may demand
assistance from any able bodied citizen or slave of the city. Refusal to render such assistance is considered treason.
1.4 Acts of Treason
* Impersonation of a Caste/Person
* Selling of Information of your Home Stone
* Forging Papers
* Aiding Enemies of City of Venna
* Attempting to overthrow the governing body of Venna
* Pledging a fake allegiance to the Home Stone
* Abusing power for self gain
* The making of maps of Venna by unauthorized persons.
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2. The Council of Venna
2.1 The High Council
The High Council shall consist of the heads of caste of the five high castes. No single Council member may overrule a decision agreed upon and set into law by The Council.
Should a member of The Council find themselves enslaved during their term of being a representative that person is stripped of their caste and left with no title or place on the council.
2.2 The Deliberating Body
The Council shall make no decision and shall issue no ruling without Quorum. Quorum shall not be established until at least three of the council come together and declare themselves to be a council in sitting. In the event that there are less than three remaining council members, all remaining council members must be present to form a Quorum.
2.3 Making Declarations of War
The Council may declare war only with a majority vote. Should no agreement be reached then the Rarii may not be sent to wage war.
In a time of crisis, should the Council become unable to form then war may be declared by mutual agreement between the Commander of the City Guard and the majority vote of available Council members. No other warrior caste rank may declare war.
2.4 Ambassadors and Messengers
Ambassadors and Messengers visiting Venna are to be treated with respect as if an ally.
2.5 Magistrates
Official Magistrates are appointed by the Council
Judicial proceedings may be brought before the Council upon the request of a Magistrate or a member of the Council.
In matters where the punishment is severe (enslavement or death) or capital offenses, the Council will preside, at least two Council members must be present at proceedings and a Magistrate will act as prosecution.
In matters where the punishment is not severe (enslavement or death) or not a capital offenses, the matter may be summarily dispensed with by a Magistrate.
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3. Processing of Laws
All free persons being arrested, unless caught in the act of a crime, will have a warrant for arrest issued by a Magistrate or by order of The Council. These people have a right to be taken to the jail and await a trail.
3.1 Processing
Those seeking relief under the law shall present evidence and allegations of criminal activity to a member of the City Guard, Magistrate or a member of The Council and allegations shall be investigated before a warrant for arrest is issued to the City Guard by a Magistrate.
All free men and women charged with a crime are entitled to a hearing before a Magistrate or The Council (see rule 2.5) and to present evidence of innocence.
All accused are considered innocent until proven guilty, the final determination being made by the Magistrate assigned to the case or Council members hearing the case (see rule 2.5).
3.2 Case Law
Every ruling made by a Magistrate or City Council will be recorded and archived in The Council Chambers. An appeal may be lodged with a Magistrate or the City Council for a case to be reviewed and then reopened for further investigations and questioning. Each month the Magistrate shall present a summary of cases they’ve overseen to the Council
3.3 Disambiguation
The City Council are at all times entitled to have an account of why the freedom of any citizen is restrained or imprisoned and evidence or documentation must be presented to the City Council within two weeks.
3.4 Repeat of Crime
No citizen may be convicted of the same crime twice, unless the alleged crime is a subsequent offense.
3.5 Convictions of Avoidance
Any person summoned before a Magistrate or the City Council who refuses may be brought bound by the City Guard. Any person who cannot be found by the City Guard may be tried and convicted in absentia.
3.6 Pardons
The City Council only may decree a pardon on any convict of any crime. All pardons will be recorded and archived in The Council Chambers.
3.7 Release
Only a Magistrate or member of the City Council may demand any free person held within detention to be released immediately. They will submit their reason to the City Council by way of documentation which shall be later reviewed and archived in the City Council Chambers.
3.8 Reducing of the Sentence
The City Council or Magistrates may reduce any sentence passed by themselves or a Magistrate in light of new evidence coming to light. Magistrates may reduce and sentence passed by them but not reduce any sentence passed by the City Council.
Reduction of sentence does not absolve the convict of their crime.
3.9 Perjury
It is a crime to present false witness and testimony before a Magistrate or the City Council, slaves may be tortured to ensure that they are not bearing false testimony. Such cases are punishable by execution or banishment.
3.10 Execution
For those convicted of serious crimes, the City Council retains the punishment of execution, the manner of which to be determined by the City Council, declaration of death to be made by a Physician of the City.
3.11 Death Pardons
Those convicted of crimes where the sentence was death may, upon the will of the City Council, be pardoned posthumously, that their name and that of their family be free of shame.
3.12 Exile/Expulsion of Caste
The City Council alone reserves the right to banish any citizen found to have dishonored the Home Stone. Banishment shall occur in the Chambers of the City Council by the public refusal of bread, salt and fire.
The Scribes shall maintain a permanent record of all such banished citizens. Banished citizens shall be readmitted to the city only if they are granted permission by the Council to partake in a new citizenship ceremony.
The City Council and Magistrates retain the right to eject, banish, or expel any convicted from their caste depending on the crime being committed and being found guilty of. They will be stripped of their responsibilities, titles, and will be placed on a permanent record.
3.13 Slaves and Legal Proceedings
In any legal proceedings, the testimony of slaves may be taken by torture, Slave testimony is only a last resort if no free witness to the case can be found. This is solely in the discretion of the magistrate or City Council.
3.14 Illegal Acts
It is a Crime in Venna to commit such offenses as assault, battery, theft of property, slander, damage/demolition of property, accessory, disruption of the peace.
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4. Caste Laws
4.1 Heads of Caste
Heads of caste shall be appointed to their position by members of their caste and shall be responsible for maintaining standards of the caste within the City.
A Head of Caste may be dismissed by a majority vote of the City Council.
4.2 Caste Entitlement
Children are assumed to serve in the caste of His or Her father until they come of age, when the decision is their own. Free companions may also change their caste to recognize the caste of their male companion. Once any person of caste is enslaved, they are stripped of caste protection and rights to entitlement of that caste.
4.3 Caste Duties
Any person who refuses to practice their livelihood or strives to alter caste without the consent of the City Council will be stripped of caste and declared an outlaw. Such outlaws are, at the discretion of the City Council, subject to execution or exile.
4.4 Changing Caste
Those individuals with a proven aptitude outside their caste may petition to change caste. The individual will seek permission from their current head of caste as well as that of the caste they wish to change to and only once this is granted can they then change. Official documentation must be lodged with the caste of scribes.
4.5 Caste of Scribes
4.5.1 Legal Scrolls and Documents
All scrolls and documents within the City of Venna must have the proper seal with the emblem to be deemed legally binding by the law.
4.5.2 Noting the Correct Time
The Correct time and date shall be noted on all official documents by Scribes.
4.5.3 Cartography and Map Makers
Maps of the City and surrounding area are to be kept in The Council Chambers and Halls of The City Guard only.
Any man or woman found in possession of a map of the City and surrounding area without authorization from the City Council is subject to arrest and shall be charged with treason.
4.5.4 Forgery and Doctoring Papers
Documents found to bear fraudulent seals are subject to seizure and destruction.
Those found carrying such papers shall be charged with the crime of fraud or theft depending on the purpose of the falsification.
If such papers are offered as evidence of service to the Home Stone where no such service was rendered, or permission of the City Council where no such permission was granted, the bearer of the false papers may be tried with treason.
4.6 Caste of the Physicians
4.6.1 The Rights of Physicians
Male Physicians retain the right to bear arms.
4.6.2 Medicinal Costs
Physicians are to submit a monthly record of all medical costs the City has incurred ie. Anti Aging Serum
4.6.3 Falsifying of Documents
It is prohibited for any physician to falsify information on any document, for example slave papers.
4.6.4 Sub castes
Surgeons, veterinarians, pharmacists, chemists are considered sub castes of the Caste of Physicians.
4.7 The Caste of the Warriors
4.7.1 Military Allies
The only persons authorized to discuss alliances with other cities are the Tatrix, Ambassador, and the City Council. Only the Tatrix, Ambassador and Council via vote have the right to finalize, bring about change, and approve of the alliances the City might have. Official documents of Alliance must be archived in the Council Chambers.
4.7.2 Chain of Command
The Commander of the City Guard takes full responsibility for the Warrior’s Caste within The City, if the Commander is unable then a Captain of the Warrior’s Caste. If there are no ranked warriors available then the City Council may delegate.
4.7.3 Submission
Should any woman submit to one of the Warrior Caste inside the walls of the City he must claim her or kill her this is in accordance to his codes of the Warrior Caste. The refusal and killing of the woman is not deemed as murder. This should be witnessed by at least one other citizen of the City. Should a warrior claim a woman then he has the right to dispose of her as he wishes ie. selling her, trading her etc.
4.8 The Caste of Players and Entertainers
The Caste of Players, the Caste of Entertainers and associated sub castes of Singers and Musicians may not be enslaved within the walls of City of Venna. Any person who enslaves an entertainer will be tried by a Magistrate. Manumission shall be granted to those found to be wrongly enslaved. Players/entertainers who would otherwise have been deserving of enslavement will receive a different form of punishment from a Magistrate.
4.9 The Caste of Assassins
City of Venna recognizes the Caste of Assassins but does not endow to them any more rights than any other Free citizen of the City and holds any member of the Caste of Assassins accountable to the Laws of City of Venna.
4.10 Mercenary Work
Any Free Man voluntarily taking up the employment of private guard, mercenary , or similar are exempt from their usual caste work as long as they have an employer that can stand witness for the services provided.
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5. Outlaws
5.1 General Laws of the Outlaws
Any free found residing within the City of Venna without having sworn an oath to any Home Stone shall be declared an outlaw.
Men declared to be outlaws may be executed. Women declared to be outlaws may be enslaved and sold from the public block.
5.2 Thieves
City of Venna does not recognize the Caste of Thieves.
5.3 Female Outlaws/Panthers and Talunas
Panthers and Talunas found within the City walls shall be treated as Outlaws.
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6. Merchant Laws
Merchant law is drafted at the Sardar Fairs. It is important to understand the separation of jurisdiction when it comes to areas which have matters of civil law from matters of merchant law. City of Venna adheres to the merchant law and enforces it even against its own citizens and residents to full extent.
Aside from being the law system adopted by many trade ports and cities, merchant law is said to be almost universally applied in areas of trade.
Only cities and citys enforcing it are allowed to trade at fairs. Most cities within the merchant law will not trade with those that are not.
It covers as many aspects of trade – including all matters of coin and weights and measurements – and merchanting as one can think of, including, of course the market of human property and all rules applying to those areas.
6.1 Standardized Measurement
The City of Venna weight and stone is tested 4 times per annum at the Sardar Fair. Within the caste of merchants, any buying and selling should have a singular unit of measurement and weights tested against the Venna stone.
Merchants who are found to be using anything other then the agreed upon system will be charged with fraudulent activities.
6.2 The Capture Rights
Any free man of City of Venna who captures or brings a woman to the City, from outside of the City, who is not of the City as resident currently is subject to the capture rights. The non-citizen woman is at her captors mercy. He is free to release her, or strip her of every right and place her in a collar. Should the captured woman not be willing to submit she may be subject to a swift execution by the captor without fear of prosecution.
Until such time as the captured free woman is collared or branded or performs an act of submission she is accorded the respect of her station.
6.3 Slaves
Merchant law prescribes that all slaves should be branded. Any trade of an unbranded slave will be considered illegal. Any uncollared or unbranded slaves found within the City become the property of the City and shall be taken immediately to the City Kennels.
6.3.1 Slave Registration
The private ownership of slaves and their determined value must be recorded in the official registers in the Library of the City of Venna. As needed, any qualified member of the Caste of Slavers can provide independent valuations. Owners who refuse to register their slaves may be subject to questions of their legitimacy, and a refusal to use city resources in the return of their property, should said property be missing or stolen.
Additionally, at the point of sale, the registration of any slave must be updated either in person or submitted in writing – signed by both involved Free parties – to the library.
6.4 Business Registration
For purposes of protection, record-keeping, and taxation, it is imperative that all businesses, no matter how large or small, register with the City of Venna. All new business owners will be required to register and procure a license from the scribes, magistrates, or council before said business may open.
A person of any caste may own a business, but as per legal statute 4.3, it is illegal for a person to practice the work of a caste that is not their own, thus they must employ a person of appropriate caste to manage said business.
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7. Civil Disputes
7.1 Dispute Resolution
All challenges that are not able to be resolved by simple communications between citizens may be brought to a Magistrate or City Council. They will be able to cast a final judgment over the situation.
7.2 Inner Caste Dispute
In the case of a dispute between members of the same caste, for which the written law offers no resolution, the Head of Caste is expected to make a ruling on the matter.
7.3 Public Challenges
The only challenges recognized by the courts of Venna are slave Canjelline.
7.4 Canjelline – Slave Challenge
A challenge is considered improper when made against someone of the same Home Stone, is unprovoked, or is issued to a less skilled swordsman.
The challenge must be provoked and commonly is only made to recover a stolen slave, protect a mortally endangered slave, or to reclaim a previously owned slave. If a challenge is refused the challenger may purchase the slave for several times their value, to be determined by a Magistrate or the City Council. A challenge is considered legal if both parties agreed to a time and place. Challenges can be made under other circumstances, but will have no legal ground and can be refused without consequence if sense of honor militates against it.
7.5 Rape of a Person
It is a crime within City of Venna to force a citizen to engage in sexual acts against their will. Those found guilty of rape shall face execution or banishment, at the discretion of the City Council.
Witness and Physician testimony are admissible at a rape trial, and no man of City of Venna shall be convicted of rape without a preponderance of testimony supporting his guilt.
7.6 Defamation of Name or Person
Within the walls of City of Venna no one person has the right to spread rumors and lies about another. Subject to the law and upon substantial proof provided any person may be charged and detained for defamation.
7.7 Property, Money, and Debt
Instruments of debt can be transferred, usually for some discounted amount, and the transferee can then attempt to collect on the face value of the instruments. Bounty creditors often avail themselves of this opportunity.
7.7.1 Debt & Property of a Male Debtor
If any man cannot pay their debts, their creditors may apply to a The City Council to seize their property to discharge the debt.
In the event that such property is insufficient to meet the debtors obligates, their daughters may also be seized by the City Guard, enslaved and sold from the public block, the monies raised being applied to the outstanding debt with any surplus monies retained by the City Council.
Additional monies owed may be discharged by arresting the debtor and selling their services to a work chain until such debt is repaid.
A Man in debt may sell his Daughter into slavery to the City, the coin made from her sale would then go to the Creditors to pay off said debt
A Man in Debt may also arrange to work off his debt as a slave and then be freed once that debt is paid and the creditor satisfied.
A magistrate may summarily deal with matters amounting to less than one silver.
7.7.2 Debt & Property of a Female Debtor
If any Free woman cannot pay their debts, their creditors may apply to a The City Council to seize their property to discharge the debt.
In the event that such property is insufficient to meet the debtors obligates, the debtor may be enslaved by the City Council and sold from the public auction block, the monies raised being applied to the outstanding debt with any surplus monies retained by the City Council.
The creditor may also petition the City Council to have the woman enslaved and given to him as direct payment for his note.
Under the redemption laws, a person may offer to pay the woman’s debts and thus claim ownership of her. That owner could free the woman if he so desired, or keep her as a slave.
A magistrate may summarily deal with matters amounting to less than one silver.
7.7.3 Slave Theft
Such matters shall be brought before the courts of Venna for a magistrates ruling. Where found guilty, punishments may range from simple ear-notching up to execution, depending upon the value of the property stolen, and the likelihood of re-offense. A free woman convicted of slave theft may be punished by enslavement. Wherever possible, the stolen property shall be seized and returned to its rightful owner. A person who is found to possess a stolen slave may not be convicted for any crime if they are truly ignorant of fact that the slave was stolen.
7.8 Fraud
Citizens convicted of committing fraudulent activities can be subject to the removal of their caste, banishment, enslavement, or even death. Sufficient proof must be submitted for the person to be tried. Any obtaining of coin, items of value, or bribery with items for information to use against the City is considered Treason.
7.9 Murder
It is a crime within City of Venna to take the life of another free person who is a citizen of Venna without a death warrant issued by the City Council.
Penalties for murder may include execution, banishment or the payment of substantial fines to the family of the murdered free.
Those accused of murder may plead their innocence before the City Council, or may claim the act was justifiable homicide.
In these cases a magistrate or the City Guard will mount an investigation as to the case and present their findings to the City Council.
7.10 Justifiable Homicide.
Justifiable Homicide shall be defined as:
Defense of the Home Stone. The use of deadly force in the defense of the Home Stone is recognized as justifiable.
An Act of War. An agent of an enemy power, found in the City and where arrest would not be feasible, may be killed by any citizen.
By order of the City Council. No agent of the City shall be charged with murder where such act was in accordance with a sentence already passed by the City Council.
Self defense: any citizen has the right to protect themselves.
Physicians: Venna recognizes that the Caste of Physicians may upon occasion, cause deadly consequences to their charges in the discharge of their duties. In these cases another Physician shall be called to testify as to the merits of the case and the presented defense.
Refusal of Submission: The City of Venna recognizes that Warriors have a Caste obligation to accept the submission of a free woman or kill her.
Refusal to Submit: Any man granted capture rights over a female captured outside of the City, who refuses to submit to her collar, may be slain.
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8. Family Laws
8.1 Parental Authority
Upon the death or enslavement of a man of City of Venna, his assets and estate shall be transferred to his sons. If no such offspring can be found, the estate shall instead be transferred to the nearest living male relative by blood.
If no such relative can be found, the assets shall instead be transferred to his companion at the time of death or enslavement.
If no companion exists, then said assets shall instead be transferred to his daughters.
Free women who die or are enslaved shall have their assets transferred to the nearest male relative. If a free would like to have his estate divided as he wishes in the event of his death or enslavement he needs to seek a scribe to make future arrangements.
8.2 Free Companionship
8.2.1 The Contract
Venna recognizes the institute of Free Companionship between one man and one woman only.
Visitors to the City wishing their companions to enjoy the rights of companionship within the City may deposit proof of companionship with the scribes.
The father of the woman to be companioned, or one protector of record, must consent to the companionship for it be considered legal.
8.2.2 Rights of the Free Companions
Within the contact there are terms and conditions that outline what is and what is not acceptable and what will be expected by each party who signs the contract. No free woman will be allowed to step into their free companions role should he be unavailable. No proxy can be brought before the City Council to allow her to take his place on the voting seat if he is on the City Council.
8.2.3 The Bride Price
The Bride Price is paid by the man to the father or principle protector of record of the woman he is taking as his companion.
Such amounts shall be mutually agreed by both parties. In the event that the female companion refuses to renew the companionship, the bride price will be repaid within two hands.
8.2.4 Renewal Of the Free Companionships
The renewal of the contact for the free companionship is done within the nearing of the full Gorean date stated in their contract.
Failure to renew the companionship results in its dissolution.
8.2.5 Termination of the Free Companionship
The companionship terminates if either partner dies or is enslaved, or if the companionship is not renewed upon its anniversary.
Companions may also petition a Magistrate to dissolve their companionship if they can cite evidence of why said companionship should be dissolved, however dissolution should only be granted under exceptional circumstances.
8.2.6 Dividing the Assets to Parties
In the event that the companionship terminates, both companions are entitled to those assets and monies they brought into the companionship and those which they purchased for themselves.
Additional assets and estates purchased during the companionship for which clear title is not discernible by law are the property of the man.
Where there is alternative stipulation in the companionship contract as to division of assets this shall be upheld.
8.3 Children
8.3.1 Status
A child’s status as slave or free is determined by the status of the mother at the time of birth.
The children of slaves are themselves slaves and the property of the mother’s owner.
A child of a free woman is a free child, subject to the law of its father.
8.3.2 Birth out of the Companionship
Children who are born to a mother outside of a free companionship which has failed or lapsed will be subject to the wishes of their fathers and his male relatives.
Should they not desire the child it will be left in the care of the mother.
Mothers who have lost their companions in war will be allowed to keep their children.
8.4 Abandonment
Any free man may disown any child by publicly stating so before witnesses.
Disowned children remain members of their caste.
Disowned children no longer may lay claim upon the estate of the father or mother upon the death or enslavement of the former parent.
Disowned daughters become protectorates of the City Council unless a protector of record is registered at The Council Chambers.
8.5 Name Changing of any Free Person
Any free may petition to the City Council to change their names.
8.6 Trademarks/Crests
All family trademarks, crests, emblems, and signs that remain with your family are to be registered as such at The Council Chambers and placed on file for legal rights and actions against those who might make use without legal consent.
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9. Slave Laws
A slave is the property of their Owner and may be used, disposed of, or destroyed as the Owner sees fit.
Any free person may submit to a specific man or woman in Venna. Should the person submitting be turned away they are still considered a free person (unless Warrior Caste laws dictate that women may be executed).
9.1 Private Slaves
The private ownership of slaves and their determined value can be recorded in the official registers at the request of the owner. The caste of slavers can provide independent valuations.
9.1.1 Use of Private Slaves by Others
The “Use” of a slave is defined as sexual favors, sexual acts, or unauthorized or breaking into chastity belts meant to maintain the slaves use for her owner.
Use may be granted by the owner of a slave to another free Person.
If Use is not granted or not paid for then compensation should be sought by the owner of the slave. The accused has one hand to gather said coin. Should the coin not be returned for the use of the slave it may then be reported to a Magistrate for an arrest warrant to be issued to answer the charge of theft.
9.2 Killing of Slaves
Any free may kill a slave who is found to be extremely disobedient. Should the slave be private then the slave’s owner will have rights to compensation for such losses. If the asked amount is not given to the owner of the dead slave the man is considered in debt and subject to the laws of debt.
9.3 Kaissa
It is considered illegal for a slave to play or touch the game Kaissa. Slaves found to touch the game will be slain.
9.4 Slave Papers
It is a crime to forge or falsify pedigree papers on any slave. Such papers might include information on brand type, a number of different measurements, types of training received; a place for sales endorsements for when a girl changes hands and a remark section for miscellaneous information.
9.5 Property of Enslaved Free
The property of enslaved citizens shall be subject to the same disposal as death of a citizen unless a written legal contract, signed by the closest relative dictates otherwise. When a person is enslaved, they begin a new life as a slave and may not be held accountable for any crimes or debts that occurred while they were free, nor may they later recover any properties held before enslavement.
9.6 Property that is Lost/Stolen
If a lost, stolen or runaway slave is taken by another person, the original owner has only one week to regain his property before legal title passes to the new owner. The slave remains the property of the original owner only for that one week if he does not regain possession.
9.6.1 Abandonment
A slave is considered to be abandoned after 14 days of no contact, and ownership of them shall automatically be conveyed to the Owner’s Free Companion, his family, or the City, in that order.
Likewise a slave who has not made contact with their Owner for a period in excess of 14 days will be considered a runaway and hunted as such.
For a slave to run away from their owner is a serious offense. For the first offense, the penalty is commonly a severe beating. But the slave is only allowed that single mistake. The penalty for a second offense is usually hamstringing. That will make the slave useless, but it is considered a good object lesson for other slaves.
9.7 Slaves Striking the Free
It is a capital offense for a slave to strike a Free person
9.8 Slaves Claiming Caste
It is a capital offense for a slave to claim caste.
9.9 Slave Childbirth
A child, born of a slave, becomes a slave and belongs to the mother’s owner. The key to this law is the status of the mother at the time of birth, not conception. Pregnant slaves are not permitted to be seen in public.
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10. Enslaving Free Women
10.1 Conduct unbecoming of a Free Woman
Free women are expected to conduct themselves with a level of decorum in public, worthy of their position as free women.
The following are collarable offenses:
* Public displays of lust.
* Vagrancy.
* Prostitution.
* Dressing as a slave in public
* Performing slave dance in public
* Conducting a gesture of submission before a free man
* Being shown to have a brand mark but no manumission papers.
* Theft (second-conviction).
* Refusal or inability to pay debts.
* Repeated public drunkenness or nudity.
No citizen may take it upon themselves to collar a free woman of Venna without approval of a Magistrate or the City Council.
10.2 Submission
Any free person may submit to any free or the kennels directly. This type of submission is done without trial.
10.2.1 Contract Submission
Any free person may choose to do a contract submission. Proper documents with directed time and dates must be archived in the Council Chambers.
The free person will only be subject to slavery and have to be a slave for the term stated on the contract.
The free person may not end the contract herself before the term expires.
When the contract ends they will retain all they had and once was as a Free Person without fear.
10.3 Disobeying a Direct Order of Safety
Should a free person disobey a direct order meant to keep them out of the way of danger the free person is to be placed under arrest.
10.4 Couching Laws
Any free women who couches with another’s slave, or readies herself to couch with another’s slave, becomes herself a slave, and the slave of the slave’s master.