Swordfell/Constitution

The Constitution of the Republic of Swordfell

The Constitution is the second pillar of the Republic. It is a growing body that regulates aspects of the Republic such as defining the positions of power, such as aspects of the military tradition, or the economy, or the legal system of the realm, or the religious and social views of the realm. It is different than the Laws of Swordfell since the laws govern the realm and are either broken or obeyed, whereas the Constitution is applied to general practice. As enshrined in the Code of Nobility, articles of the Constitution are added to Absolute Majority and repealed by 2/3 Majority.

Articles of the Constitution

1. Article on Ducal Armies

As per a Referendum of Spring 21 YD, ducal armies are not permitted. Armies may only be sponsored to serve the Republic.

2. Article on Forums

As per a Referendum of Winter 22 YD, there will be two forums organizing the voices of Swordfell. The upper house will be the Fellish Senate, comprised of nobles elected to high office (past and present) and will serve as an advisory to the Republic. The lower house will be the Fellish Assembly, composed of nobles who choose to participate in the realm's affairs and will serve as the deliberative body of the Republic. Executive power remains with the Fellish Public.

3. Edict on Duchy Names

As per an Edict dictated by Lord Imperator Bowie Ironsides in the Winter of 22 YD, the duchy of Balance's Retreat is hereby named the Duchy of Sol and the duchy of Flowrestown is hereby named the Duchy of Aquil.

4. Article on Federations

As per a Referendum of Winter 22 YD, Swordfell may join a Federation only if it receives a unanimous vote by the Public. If but one nay is cast than the federation is rejected.

5. Article on Civil Court

As per a Referendum of Spring 22 YD, the legal process to which the Republic can investigate and sentence guilty nobles is as follows:

• Trials are called in session only when three nobles join to accuse another noble
  
• The court is held in public for the nobility to share and examine evidences and testimonies. The Fellish are a jury of peers
  
• After a set amount of time (three to six days) a referendum is held in the public to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused; majority vote wins
  
• If innocent, the trial is concluded and the accused is free of association with the alleged crime
  
• If guilty, the Chancellor, in association with the ruling nobility, shall determine a fair and satisfying punishment
  
• If guilty, the accused must obey the punishment set forth. If they refuse, they shall be immediately and harshly banned from the realm
  

6. Article on Battle Honours

As per a Referendum of Spring 22 YD, the Fellish military tradition now includes the following awards for glorious nobles in the army:

• The Red Pin: Awarded to those who are wounded in combat
• The Medal of Valour: Awarded to those who participated in an extraordinary battle
• The Hood of Danger: Awarded to those who have wounded an enemy
• The Ring of Death: Awarded to those who have killed an enemy, this is an infamous decoration
• The Cloak of Command: Awarded to those who serve as a Marshal or Vice-Marshal during time of war
• The Circlet of Supremacy: Awarded to those who serve as Archmarshal during time of war

7. Article on War Footings

As per a Referendum of Spring 22 YD, Swordfell's military will always operate in one of these three levels:

• Level One: Low-level, all nobles may command a unit strength of their choice. This level is largely for home defense against monsters and undead and for expansion. Priorities for knights and Lords may override marching in the army unless emergencies arise (hordes).
• Level Two: Mid-level, the army must field a set combat strength at all times. Lords may or may not march with the army depending on if they are needed to tend to their region. The set combat strength of the army is relative to the number of knights serving and relative to the combat strength they can afford to field.
• Level Three: High-level, during wartime the army must march at full capacity. All knights and Lords are expected to field a force of 700 to 1000 combat strength or higher or available. All tax gold is deemed property of the High Command and thereby must be given to fund the army. Any deviation from orders must be reported to the High Command in advance lest they be suspected of dereliction. Dereliction of duty will be considered against Law 6 and thus punishable by the Chancellor.

8. Article on Overseer Market Access

As per a Referendum of Winter 23 YD, the Overseer will be given full access to every market of the Republic. The purpose of which is to allow the Overseer the unobstructed ability to shift surplus foods to regions in demand.

• The Overseer may only use this privilege during winter, during shortage of Lords, during other equitable emergencies, or with permission of the region Lords.
• The Overseer may not use this privilege to satisfy export contracts.
• The Overseer must notify all Lords involved of any buy or sell orders and to whom, but the Overseer does not need consent of the Lord to make the transaction.
• According to the Agrarian Law, the Overseer must adhere to the price set by the duchy where the region resides.

9. Edict on Swordfell's Crest and Banner

As per an Edict dictated by Lord Imperator Silas Kain in the Winter of 24 YD, the banner of Swordfell shall hereafter be coloured black on red, and symbolized by a dragon. The crest shall be a black dragon, sword, castle and mountain range on red.