High Court of Maal
Known as the courts of Maal, the god’s church has only a few dedicated worshipers (called Maalites), largely due to the rigorous rules its members must follow. Nevertheless, the court is powerful, prominent, and well respected, since the courts and their representatives are known to be unbiased and wise.
In nearly every major city or center of government in human, dwarven, and mixed-race societies, there stands a court of Maal. Locals go them to resolve thorny conflicts. Some local governments rely on the courts of Maal to serve as criminal justice systems. Even in cases where a government has its own trial system, leaders consult with the courts to help resolve important issues, especially if they involve powerful nobles.
A central court heads a large network of lesser courts. The Four Justices, who comprise the high court, issue edicts for the rest of the faithful about the legal policies of various nations, the goals of the courts, and the status of the search for the Sacred Laws. Maal gave mortals these laws at the beginning of the fourth epoch. If followed, they would create a perfect, harmonious society. These laws were all lost, except for the first: Maal’s doom against vengeance. It is therefore the solemn mission of Maal’s faithful to recover the Sacred Laws, to bring about a new age of enlightenment and peace for all.
In all their years of searching, they have not found a single one, and fear diabolical or demonic influence keeps them from being recovered. The faithful do not speak of this mission to outsiders, though some members of other churches know of it. While the faithful search, the courts maintain good relationships with secular authorities, and uphold their duties as legal arbiters and counselors. The courts also maintain fine relationships with other lawful churches, including the Great Church, which sometimes calls upon the courts of Maal to adjudicate disputes between its members when the case requires a neutral third party. In ancient times, the courts were also places where mourners could gather and remember their dead, offering prayers to the King of the Dead to care for their loved ones.
The churches of the Mormekim and Narynath have largely taken over these roles, but some still go to the courts to pray that the Judge of Souls will be kind to lost loved ones. Maal depends on his courts to carry out justice in the world. He communicates to his followers through omens, or even direct messages via his Voice, or Wisdom. Maal believes his servants are just, but is saddened when some of them fail to mete out justice, or do not understand its true meaning. Those eager to inflict terrible judgments rarely climb high in the hierarchy of his faith, for he makes sure the leaders of the courts know his disapproval.
Purpose / Function
To bring justice to the borderlands.Also as a church Dedicated to Maal.
Alterations
The building was built on the foundations of a previous courthouse of the same purpose. Its grandeur has been kept as the vaulting ceiling contests to long gone engineering marvels.
Architecture
the Stands in the great hall are origional pre notime stairs.
Alternative Names
Halls of justice, Doom court, Market of lies
Type
Courthouse
Parent Location
Owning Organization
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