The town of Kahurangi Pa, along with Cha, is governed by its own laws. While part of Droyma in name, these regions follow their own unique legal and social codes, largely untouched by the Queen’s decree.
Taxes to the Crown
Every citizen must pay taxes to their village or town leaders, based on the produce of their land or profits from trade. These leaders, in turn, are required to pass a portion of their collected taxes to the Crown, which ensures the continued prosperity and defense of Droyma. Those who cannot meet their tax obligations may offer labor as payment, but persistent failures lead to punishments such as imprisonment or forced labor in public works projects.
The Travelers' Grace
Foreigners and travelers passing through a village or town are granted special status under Droyma’s laws. Known as the "Travelers' Grace," those who move quickly through a region and do not stay for long are granted protection from being held accountable for minor offenses or customs they might not know. If a traveler commits a serious crime, however, their temporary status does not shield them from the full weight of the law. They can be judged by the local authority, but it is expected that special consideration is given if the offense was due to ignorance of local laws or customs.
Marriage and Family Law
Marriages in Droyma are often arranged by families, but both men and women have the legal right to refuse an arrangement. Marriage is seen as a binding contract, especially in noble families where inheritance and land rights come into play. Nobles who fail to produce heirs can be challenged in court, and the Queen herself may intervene if a succession crisis threatens the stability of the land. In such cases, childless couples may adopt from within the lower classes, but the adoption must be approved by both the local court and the Queen’s representative.
If a noble family lacks a legitimate heir, the land may be claimed by the Crown, which can redistribute it to loyal subjects. This law has created a tense balance between maintaining family honor and the Crown’s right to intervene in the affairs of nobility.
Inheritance of Property
Property is sacred in Droyma and passed down through family lines. All property, including land, livestock, and heirlooms, must be inherited by legitimate descendants. To be considered legitimate, heirs must be recognized by the local magistrates and the Queen’s representatives. Children born out of wedlock, unless legitimized through royal decree, are not entitled to inherit.
In cases where no legitimate heir exists, the state claims the property, which is often redistributed among loyal families or used for state purposes. The inheritance process is closely monitored by the Crown’s officials to prevent false claims and ensure fairness.
Commoners have simpler systems of inheritance, usually passing down goods through written wills or public declarations. If a commoner dies without an heir or will, their property returns to the village or town council to be allocated as needed.
Justice by the Word
Trials in Droyma are typically swift, overseen by a local judge, often a noble or a respected town elder. This judge, however, acts as a representative of the Queen, and their authority is derived directly from the Crown. Judges are expected to make fair and impartial decisions, but their loyalty to the Queen is paramount. If the case is particularly complex or involves nobility, it may be appealed to a royal court in the capital.
When a dispute arises, the accused and the accuser must present their cases in front of the judge. Witnesses can be called, and evidence presented. However, all forms of magical influence are strictly forbidden during trials. The Queen’s appointed clerks or inspectors may oversee these proceedings to ensure transparency, and their word carries as much weight as the judge’s.
The judge’s decision is final unless there is reason to suspect corruption, in which case the case may be reopened by the Queen’s court or her clerks, who can overrule local judgments. All legal matters ultimately connect to the Crown, ensuring that the Queen’s justice is felt throughout Droyma.
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