Kingdom of Asphodel

[Simple]

CROWN LAW OF ASPHODEL

Much of the law within the Kingdom of Asphodel is based upon common sense in entirety. The legal code herein covers only the most vital topics, though it is all subject to change by order of the Queen. Most legal disputes are to be settled within the Crimson Court itself, judged upon by the reigning monarch of the kingdom.

Government & Succession

Henceforth the Kingdom of Asphodel shall be ruled by way of monarchy, with a singular reigning monarch as both head of state, as well as judge in all matters. Directly beneath the monarch itself are its viscounts, which are to be considered nobility by all means, any vampire capable of holding this title, though it is revocable at any time.

Succession is determined by the current monarch. They have the power to name a successor, typically one among the viscounts, who will then have the title of ‘heir apparent.’ The current viscounts will be given an opportunity to air dissent and debate, though the choice will ultimately be up to the discretion of the monarch. After the death of the monarch, the heir apparent will succeed and rise to take the throne.

Residency

Citizenship can be granted formally by the reigning monarch, to any foreigner who displays skill and swears fealty to the crown. Loyalty, honesty, and subservience is paramount above all else.

Furthermore, enemies and outlaws of other states are permitted to seek asylum within the Kingdom of Asphodel, but must commit to serving the crown in return for its protection.

Feeding & Toll

Citizens of Asphodel are not required to provide tribute in the form of blood, though they are permitted to do so should they feel inclined. Those who wish for the blessings of Cain will be expected to provide a yearly blood tax to their chosen vampire, however.

Those who enter Asphodel territory and are not seeking citizenship are subject to a yearly toll, which can be taken in either the form of a dose of blood, or 1,000 coins. Leadership of neutral factions are naturally exempt from this so long as they are conducting diplomacy. Enemies of the state are to be hunted, captured, and fed upon. Allied nations are also exempt from this in addition.

The blood toll must go to the reigning monarch first, but if they do not require blood, it will be taken by the next available viscount. The coin toll, however, can be taken to any viscount.

Marked

The vampires within Asphodel are permitted to stake a claim upon blood sources, those being their ‘marked.’ It will be considered a grievous offense for a vampire to knowingly take blood from the marked property of another, and would result in the trespassing vampire to be defanged immediately, pending judgement by the monarch.

Siring

Vampires of Asphodel are free to sire ghouls as they please, but are restricted from turning them into vampires without first acquiring authorization from the monarch. Turning a ghoul into a vampire in secret without permission is grounds for immediate execution, for both the vampire and the newly sired.

After receiving authorization, however, a Rite of Ascension shall be held for the new vampire within the Crimson Court, wherein they shall be put to death and be reborn as a child of Cain, a viscount in their own right.

The Crimson Court

The Crimson Court, or the throne room, shall remain open and free to the citizenry of Asphodel. Audiences may petition the monarch at any time, needing only to approach them whilst they are settled at their throne.

Citizens are also free to observe the court’s proceedings, though foreign visitors are not allowed to loiter without paying the toll. Transparency is vital, and the opinions of the viscounts are welcome in most situations. The only case wherein the court might be closed to public view is when civil disputes among the viscounts are discussed.

Imprisonment & Property

Only the monarch and viscounts may authorize imprisonment, and it is entirely subjective depending on the circumstances. Naturally, laws are considered under common sense. If you attack or attempt to maim someone unexpectedly do not be shocked when your imprisonment is ordered.

Furthermore, the monarch of Asphodel retains the right to revoke citizenship at any time, and seize property should the person in question be an open traitor or enemy of the state.

The Wyld Hunt

It is the responsibility of the monarch to hold a Wyld Hunt once every decade, an ancient tradition within Apropriya. While typically directed only towards enemies, it is an occasion wherein all of the vampires of the kingdom come together to both hunt and relish in general debauchery against those who would fight the kingdom.

It is typically preceded by a tournament, as well as a lavish ball. It is also a time to handle disputes naturally, with duels being both common and rampant among Cain’s chosen, though death is rare in these occasions.

This is something which can be passed off to a viscount to organize, naturally, but it will be expected as tradition demands.