Escheat

The Escheat

The Six Basic Rights
as ruled by Count Leras and Countess Ionae

The Right of Demesne

A lord is the king of his domain. He is the judge and jury over all crimes, large and small. His word is law. A noble expects obedience from his vassals and respect from all others. In turn, a noble respects those lords superior to him.

County - This portion of the Escheat is to be adhered to by the letter. Our rulings will be fair. Any ruling that is believed to not be so may be brought forth to the Reeve. The matter will then be respectfully reviewed. Should there be no Reeve in service, a neutral party agreed upon by both parties will be appointed.

Penalties for Breaking - As there are many gradients in breaking this Right, there are an equal variety of punishments to be dealt out based on the severity of the breach. Gross disrespect or insults to one of higher rank might earn the violator a period of time in public stocks, ranging from an hour or more. Repeated bad behavior or countermanding direct orders that results in danger to others can earn a lashing or a brief, temporary banishment from the County.

The Right to Dream

Mortals have the right to dream unhindered by our needs. The Dreaming will die if we steal directly from the front. No one is allowed to use Glamour to manipulate the creative process. Although you may inspire creativity in the mortal mind, it is forbidden to give direct instruction or to infuse a human with raw Glamour.

County - There are four paths to epiphany and that of Rhapsody is strictly forbidden. Should the mortal survive, there is a great chance they will turn to be an enemy of the Dreaming. Do not create such enemies. Should such an enemy arise, slay it.

Penalties for Breaking - Those found abusing Dreamers will be given a stern warning upon first offense, and if they are caught doing so again may be charged with undertaking a quest for redemption or be placed under a geas. Penalties will increase in severity to match the crime.

The Right of Ignorance

Do not betray the Dreaming to Banality. Never reveal yourself to humanity. Not only will humanity hunt us down for our wisdom and our power, it will overwhelm us with Banality and destroy our places of power. The more humanity knows, the more ardently it will seek us, draining the world of Glamour and petrifying our essence with its basilisk gaze.

County - Do not reveal yourself to an unenchanted mortal. Should the need for enchantment arise, ensure that the mortal is never left unaccompanied while they are under the influence of glamour. Do not allow them the opportunity to spill our secrets. The matter of Prodigals is more complex. Some of them are aware of our presence, either through their own means or alliances from long past. Make us aware of these interactions and do not be free with secrets. Their Graces will be made aware of all greater dealings with the Prodigals and respond in their wisdom.

Penalties for Breaking - A stern warning and order to fix the situation will be given upon first breach of this Right. 'Fixing' the situation may include the death of the mortal that has been exposed or in some permanent way ensuring that they never reveal the information they have been given. A second breech will result in the violator's tongue being removed either physically or by geas for one week. If it was done physically, they will be healed and restored to their previous state at the end of the punishment. Third violations of this Right will result in chimerical death, dealt outside of a Freehold.

The Right of Rescue

All Kithain have the right to expect rescue from the foul grip of Banality. We are in danger together and must strive together to survive. Never leave anyone behind. Kithain are required to rescue other faeries or any creature of the Dreaming trapped by those who serve Banality.

County - This portion of the Escheat is to be adhered to. Any Kithain, even your greatest enemy, shall be rescued if there is need.

Penalties for Breaking - Fae found in violation of this Right will be summarily banished from the Freehold for a specific amount of time or may be sent on a quest of redemption.

The Right of Safe Haven

All places of the Dreaming are sacred. Kithain cannot allow faerie places to be endangered. All those who seek refuge in such places must be admitted. Freeholds must be kept free of both Banality and worldly violence.

County - Those places that are sacred to us will be respected and protected by us all. The freehold doors shall never be barred to one who is truly in need. Even in the case of banishment, should you be in danger of becoming undone, you will be able to seek the nourishment of the balefire.

Penalties for Breaking - Violators of this Right will be either shunned or banished for a specific period of time. Repeated offenses will earn longer periods of punishment.

The Right of Life

No Kithain shall spill the lifeblood of another Kithain. No Kithain shall bring salt tears unto the earth. No Kithain shall take from the Dreaming one of its own. Death is anathema.

County - No Kithain life shall be taken. Should duels to the death be required, due to fior or otherwise, they will be by chimerical weapons alone. These will be held outside of the Dreaming.

Penalties for Breaking - Fae who violate this sacred Right can face imprisonment for a specified period of time, maiming or banishment. Extremely dangerous quests might also be considered as penance in certain circumstances at the ruling of the Count, Countess or Chancellor.