The Column of Laws and Codes

Placed in the center of the Keis' great Dias, the Column is carved with the Laws of the Valley and the Codes that all Lawkeeper must follow. While the laws have been copied into numerous books and simplified for the common man, the Column is the final word. It is rare for laws to be changed, and editing of the Column can only be undertaken after years of debate.

The Laws

When the Column was first placed down, the laws were simple and few. These were carved across the base of the column, easily visible to all.

• Murder shall not go unpunished
• Honest trade must be upheld
• The taking of another's goods must be repaid

As time went on, punishments and additions were added to the column. For example, the case of Kye Harding, a woman accused of murder after defending herself during a home invasion, caused the "Self Defense" clause to be carved into the column. As more people began to claim self defense in their murder cases, more specific requirements were added.
Dishonest trade is especially hard to pin down, and is often the hardest to prove. While many types of cheating have been explicitly banned, others, such as purposefully misworded contracts, have been upheld. This may be the result of money passing to the Elders', but little has been proven in that respect.

The Lawkeeper Codes

Placed higher on the column, the Codes are designed to keep Lawkeepers as impartial as possible, helping them stay above the petty rivalries and desires of those who they serve.

• A Lawkeeper must not receive compensation from any but the Keis. If they practice any craft beyond the Law, they must give their items away.
• A Lawkeeper must live away from the rest of the community, only entering the town to dispense judgement or oversee the signing of a contract.
• A Lawkeeper must have no intimate relationships.

Again, more have been added since they were first carved, including uniform requirements, what exactly entails an intimate relationship, how one needs to present themselves during a trial, punishments for breaking the codes, and many others.

Weight

6 Tons

Dimensions

20 Feet High 3 Foot Radius