Irondale/Constitution

Preamble

Born of Iron, We the People of the Republic pledge to obtain a higher understanding to safeguard the realms of man against all threats. We hold that the aristocracy is free to govern as they see fit, free to express their opinions and free to pursue the Art. By our solemn oath, no tyrant, human or otherwise, shall ever regain control of the Dalelands.

Article I: The Noctan Conclave

I.I: Purpose

The Noctan Conclave will be the legislative body of Irondale. All formal legislative discussions, polls, referendums, and other business will occur in the Noctan Conclaves, among all full members. Aspirants will not be included.

a. Issues will be brought to discussion by the Hierophant or an appointed representative every Monday. Votes will be cast Friday and Saturday, and tallied on Sunday. Results will be made available Sunday as well.

b. All nobles of Irondale not presently on trial for a capital crime will hold at least a full member rank.

c. Every guild possessing a charter shall appoint a representative who shall hold a full member rank.

d. No foreign noble, excepting a chartered guild representative, shall hold higher than an aspirant rank.

e. Each full and elder member may cast one vote, unless also appointed a guild representative. They then shall be able to cast their own and their guild's vote.

f. Votes shall be decided on a simple majority with the following exceptions: constitutional amendments, emergency votes, and impeachments.

g. Constitutional amendments and impeachments may only pass on a 2/3rds majority.

h. Emergency votes require a 48 hour minimum window, and will pass provided there is no vote against.

i. Overriding the veto of the Hierophant requires a 2/3rds majority.

I.II: Powers

a. The Noctan Conclave shall have the power to pass laws so long as they do not conflict with the Constitution of Irondale, or infringe on the powers of another branch of government.

b. The Noctan Conclave shall have the power to grant a guild a charter, granting it representation in the Conclave.

c. The Noctan Conclave shall have the power to create or disband armies.

d. The Noctan Conclave shall have the power to amend the constitution.

e. The Noctan Conclave shall have the power to impeach any and all government members.

Article II: The Executive Branch

II.I: Composition

The Executive Branch will be composed of:

a. The Hierophant

b. The Defense Minister

c. The Minister of Interior

d. Dukes and Duchesses

e. Members of the Bureau of Foreign Affairs

II.II: Responsibilities of the Executive Branch

a. The Hierophant shall have the powers to determine foreign relations, appoint Dukes and Ambassadors, veto legislation passed by the Noctan Conclave, and shall manage all matters relating to magic in Irondale, so long as none of their actions contradict the constitution.

b. The Defense Minister will have the power to dictate the appointment of Marshals and Vice Marshal of all offensive armies. This does not include armies that fall under the Ministry of the Interior such as the Velvet Glove. The Defense Minister will dictate strategy, not the day to day operations of armies under their purview. The Defense Minister alone will authorize looting and other offensive military actions.

c. The Minister of the Interior shall have sole authority to govern the food stores of the realm, shall be responsible for region upkeep and shall have the authority to appoint the Marshals and Vice Marshals of all armies under the Ministry of Interior such as the Velvet Glove.

d. The Dukes and Duchesses shall have the authority to appoint and remove Lords of their regions, shall be responsible for bringing their nobles into the Conclave, and shall uphold the legacies that belong to each respective Duchy of the Arcane Republic.

e. Members of the Bureau of Foreign Affairs shall serve at the pleasure of the Hierophant, and report directly to the Hierophant.

Article III: Judicial Branch

III.I Composition

The Judicial Branch shall be composed of:

a. The Keeper of Law

b. Prosecutors

III.II Responsibilities

a. The Keeper of Law shall have the power to appoint prosecutors, mediate and cast judgement on civil cases within the realm, cast judgement on criminal cases within the realm, enforce the law, and is primarily responsible for enforcing the constitution. The Keeper of Law must strike down any law they find that violates the constitution.

b. Prosecutors are responsible for investigating and presenting evidence of criminal wrongdoing when directed by the Keeper of Law or when a criminal complaint is made.

Article IV: Inalienable Rights of Citizens

a. It is the right of all aristocracy to study, practice, and perform magic. This does not relieve one of the responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

b. It is the right of the aristocracy to defend their honor in a duel. Reasonable duel challenges shall not be denied. In case of dispute, the Keeper of Law shall determine what is reasonable.

c. It is the right of the aristocracy to keep and maintain common adventurers as apprentices. They shall be respected as the private property of the noble they serve.

d. It is the express right of the aristocracy to freely express their opinions without fear of reprisal. This does not exempt one from the consequences of making libelous, treasonous, disrespectful or hateful statements.

Article V: Pertaining to Ducal Seats

a. The Ducal Seat of Land's End ("Lux Nova") will henceforth belong solely to a believer of the Old Gods, and shall remain so in perpetuity. None else shall be eligible for appointment. The lands under the Duke/Duchess are to have no formal restrictions, allowing for those restrictions that the Duke/Duchess of Lux Nova chooses.

b. The Ducal Seat of Obia'Syela's ("The Sacred Realm") remaining Duchy will belong solely to a believer of the Heralds of Obeah, and shall remain so in perpetuity. None else shall be eligible for appointment. The lands under the Duke/Duchess are to have no such formal restrictions, allowing for those restrictions that the Duke/Duchess of the Sacred Realm chooses.

c. Any Duchy of Irondale may legally secede, with no less than four weeks (28 days) advance notice, provided the seceding Duchy takes no more than 1/3rd of the noble population of the Realm.

d. No Ducal Seat is to be forcibly emptied by the Hierophant unless the Ducal Seat Holder commits High Treason, confirmed by the Keeper of Law according to due process.