Law and Order in Lalenth

The Star Chamber, named for its frescoed ceilings, is the hall of justice in Lalenth. Its construction began in 1179 by the Six Great families, after it was decided that the city’s long running tradition of cooperation within the nobility should be formalised. Lalenthrium has been skilfully integrated into the frescoes to prevent the manipulation of the Threads within the hall. Perversely enough, this is the only place in the city where you can be completely sure that your thoughts are your own.

The court deals with crime both petty and otherwise. Small time criminals will appear in front of a militia justice. This is normally a high ranking and experienced commander who is now too old to serve actively. Nobles and wealthier citizens are tried by General Vishreon. A scribe of the Wordsmith’s guild is required to be in attendance to record events accurately. Punishments are normally fines, short prison spells, or indentured service. Particularly severe crimes have two possible punishments. The first is execution by poison, with the body then turned into a golem. The second is exile to the Wastelands for as long as the court sees fit.

Serious crime in Lalenth is rare. In the last year, only two men have suffered the maximum penalty. The first was Nathan Crane, who was executed for the murder of a minor noble. The second, a man named Heth Banner, was exiled to the Wastelands for dealing in the illegal drug, Daze; a highly addictive and illegal drug. [There is an appendix at the end of this document detailing the more unusual Lalenthrian laws.]

All contracts and licences in Lalenth are regulated by the Wordsmith’s scribes. For any contract or agreement to be legally binding it must have been transcribed and sealed by an officially recognised scribe. This includes all trading contracts, marriage documents, contracts of service, patents and seals of nobility. This provides the Wordsmith’s Guild with a continual source of income, as they are able to attach whatever fee they see as fitting to their services.