The Code of Wansea: Laws Beneath the Flag

Written by DoStuffZ

The Code of Wansea: Laws Beneath the Flag

Wansea, the wandering city of the sea, stands as a sanctuary for countless cultures, races, and motivations. It is a haven where pirates and traders, diplomats and adventurers, all gather beneath the same flag. For Wansea to thrive amidst such diversity, it is governed by the Code of Wansea—a set of fundamental laws that protect the freedom of individuals while maintaining peace and order. All who enter Wansea’s domain are bound by these rules, for ignorance is no excuse under its banner.

1. Freedom of the Individual
Under the flag of Wansea, all are free to act according to their own will. Every soul is entitled to live, trade, and engage in personal affairs as they see fit, so long as they do not violate the rights of others. Coercion, forced servitude, or infringements upon personal liberty will not be tolerated.
2. Trade and Honor
Once a trade agreement has been made and sealed with a handshake, it is binding and final. Renegotiation is only possible if all parties agree to new terms. In Wansea, trust in trade is sacred, and deceit will not be suffered. If you have made a deal, you must honor it.
3. Conflict-Free Resolution
No conflict—be it over trade, love, honor, or loot—may be settled through violence, intimidation, or magical coercion under Wansea’s protection. The city thrives on peaceful negotiation and resolution. If disputes arise, they must be handled through words, not weapons or spells.
4. Arbitrators of Peace
In the event that a dispute cannot be resolved between parties, Arbitrators are empowered to intervene. Anyone agreed upon by both parties may act as an Arbitrator, but Wansea also employs its own impartial Arbitrators, chosen for their wisdom and neutrality. Their word is final, and their rulings are absolute.
5. Neutral Ground
Under Wansea’s flag, no declaration of war holds power. Those who come to Wansea must leave their wars and vendettas outside its borders. Any attempt to drag conflict into the city will be met with the full weight of its laws. In Wansea, peace is the price of entry.
6. Wansea’s Right to Defend
Though it is a haven of peace, Wansea will not hesitate to defend itself from external threats. Any act of aggression against the city or its inhabitants will be met with swift retaliation. Wansea’s allies, bound by the honor of their pact, are expected to come to the city’s defense in times of need.
7. The Boundaries of Wansea
The protection and jurisdiction of Wansea extend only as far as its markers, visible from within a defined range—the distance a siege weapon can strike. Beyond this range, Wansea’s laws no longer hold sway. Inside these waters, Wansea’s rules are absolute, and all must abide by the Code.
8. Aid in Defense of Wansea
All who enter Wansea and declare themselves its allies are bound by a pact of honor. If the city is attacked, every ally capable of fighting must rise to its defense, protecting it with their utmost ability. To betray this bond is to betray one’s own word.

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Criminal Acts and Violations

Criminal behavior—such as theft, deception in trade, or the use of magic to manipulate others—falls under the jurisdiction of Wansea’s Arbitrators. Those found guilty of violating the Code of Wansea may face severe consequences, from fines to exile or, in extreme cases, being cast into the ocean to let the sea judge their fate. Wansea values freedom, but freedom does not mean lawlessness.

Magic and No-Conflict

Magic, like any other force, must adhere to the laws of peace. The use of charms, illusions, or any spell meant to coerce, deceive, or cause harm violates the no-conflict rule. Such acts are treated as assaults and will be judged harshly by the Arbitrators.

Slavery and Individual Freedom

In Wansea, individual freedom is paramount. While all trade is permitted, as long as it does not infringe on the freedoms of others, the question of whether a "Voiceless" is recognized as an individual under Wansea’s laws remains a point of contention. This debate continues among scholars and traders, but Wansea’s Arbitrators often lean toward freedom as the guiding principle in their rulings.

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In Wansea, peace is upheld not by force, but by law. Beneath the city’s banner, all are equals, and all are free, bound only by their word and by the Code that ensures the sea’s greatest sanctuary remains a haven for all who seek it.

Loss of Individuality and Goods Classification

• The Core Premise: If an individual has allowed themselves to be captured, it is presumed that they have, in some way, forfeited their individuality, and thus are treated as goods or property. This classification parallels that of golems, tools, or animals that serve specific purposes for their owners.
• Devices of Silence: If there are devices that strip an individual of their ability to speak, they could be seen as further cementing that individual’s status as a "good" rather than a person. These devices remove the individual's capacity to communicate their autonomy or dissent, reducing them to silent tools of labor.

Moral and Ethical Questions

Willing Participation vs. Coercion:

• Allowed as a Loaded Term: The idea of "allowing" oneself to be captured is pivotal. Did the individual submit voluntarily, or were they coerced, mentally manipulated, or physically overpowered? If someone consents to servitude in exchange for something else, such as safety or food, is their individuality still intact, or have they lost their personhood by submitting to this arrangement?
• Degrees of Willingness: Some may have entered servitude to pay off debts or as part of cultural obligations. In such cases, the question becomes: Do they still retain their individuality, or are they treated purely as commodities because of the situation?

Mental or Physical Breakdown:

• The Broken Mind and Body: If someone is so mentally or physically shattered that they can no longer advocate for themselves, are they no longer considered individuals? This presents a moral dilemma—should an individual’s personhood be determined solely by their capacity to assert themselves, or should others (like Arbitrators) intervene to protect their rights, regardless of their ability to speak for themselves?

Language Barriers:

• Understanding and Communication: If a person is unable to speak a language that the society around them understands, are they automatically assumed to be non-individuals? This raises concerns about the fairness of judgment. If they cannot express their will simply because of a language barrier, is it just to categorize them as goods?

Possible Wansea Perspectives

Strict Interpretation:

• In a more rigid interpretation of Wansea’s laws, those who are captured and silent—whether by choice, mental incapacity, or coercion—are seen as forfeiting their personhood and are thus treated as goods. This harsh view is likely embraced by certain factions or traders who benefit from the commodification of individuals.

Nuanced View by Arbitrators:

• The Arbitrators of Wansea may take a more nuanced approach, considering factors like coercion, mental health, and communication barriers. An Arbitrator might rule that someone who is unable to speak up for themselves still retains their individual rights, and those attempting to silence them are in violation of the principles of freedom.

The Role of Devices:

• Devices designed to suppress voices or control individuals complicate the matter further. These devices could be seen as violating the spirit of Wansea’s laws, as they artificially strip an individual of their ability to assert themselves. Arbitrators might take a firm stance against such devices, especially if they are used to reinforce a false loss of individuality.

Key Discussion Points for the PCs or NPCs

• Cultural Differences: Different cultures in Wansea might interpret the loss of individuality and the status of slaves differently. Some might argue that true freedom means the choice to enter servitude, while others could view any form of slavery as an inherent violation of personhood.
• Personal Freedom vs. Societal Law: Is personal freedom something that can be waived or traded away, or is it an inalienable right that cannot be given up, even willingly? The PCs may encounter moral dilemmas, especially if they witness individuals being silenced or enslaved.

How This Could Play Out in Wansea

• Philosophical Debates: Characters might engage in discussions with Wansea’s Arbitrators or scholars, debating whether someone who "allowed" themselves to be captured is still entitled to the protections of Wansea’s laws.
• Tensions with Trade: Traders and slavers may push for a broader definition of "goods," treating captured individuals as commodities under the guise of "freedom of trade," while others in Wansea may push back, advocating for the recognition of all individuals as free beings.

Potential Story Hooks

• A Trial of Personhood: Perhaps a PC or NPC is captured and silenced, and the party must argue before an Arbitrator that the individual still retains their rights, despite having been enslaved or controlled. This could be a critical moment where the PCs define how Wansea treats slaves, silenced individuals, and those unable to assert themselves.
• Devices of Control: The party could encounter a trader selling devices that strip individuals of their autonomy, leading to ethical questions about whether these devices violate Wansea’s no-conflict rule.This concept opens up rich storytelling possibilities, especially around the themes of freedom, autonomy, and how far an individual’s rights extend in Wansea’s complex society.