I. THE CROWN'S PEACE MUST BE KEPT
No member may attack, threaten, or harm another subject of Eastrenhold without lawful cause. Disputes must be brought before the proper authority.
II. GUEST-RIGHT IS SACRED
Any guest formally welcomed beneath Eastrenhold's protection may not be harmed, hunted, poisoned, ambushed, or betrayed. Guests granted protection are owed food, water, and safety. In return, they may not harm, steal, spy, threaten, or bring violence beneath the roof.
III. BIRTH DOES NOT PLACE ONE ABOVE THE LAW
Nobles, knights, commonfolk, Council members, and royal kin are all subject to the laws of Eastrenhold.
IV. SERVICE DETERMINES STATION
Ranks must be earned through loyalty, skill, contribution, and conduct. Noble birth may be honored, but it does not guarantee authority.
V. THE VULNERABLE ARE UNDER THE CROWN'S PROTECTION
Children, elders, injured or ill subjects, refugees, wards, and guests are to be protected. Abuse or exploitation of the vulnerable is punished harshly.
VI. NO SUBJECT SHALL BE DENIED HONEST WORK
Every able member is expected to contribute. In return, the kingdom must provide opportunities for its subjects to learn, serve, and rise.
VII. THEFT FROM THE HEARTH IS THEFT FROM THE KINGDOM
Food stores, medicinal supplies, winter provisions, and communal resources belong to the realm and are protected by law.
VIII. NO BLOOD FEUD MAY OVERRIDE THE CROWN'S LAW
Personal vengeance may not spill freely within Eastrenhold. Grievances must be brought before the Crown or Master of Laws.
IX. TREASON IS MET WITH IRON
Betrayal, conspiracy against the Crown, knowingly aiding enemies, or deliberately endangering the kingdom may result in imprisonment, exile, maiming, or death depending upon severity.
X. MERCY MAY BE GRANTED ONCE
Eastrenhold believes in second chances. Repeated offenses, false repentance, or deliberate abuse of royal mercy will be answered more severely.
XI. THE DEAD MUST BE PRESERVED
The bodies and memories of the dead must be treated respectfully. Desecration of graves, remains, or mourning rites is forbidden.
XII. THE LAND MUST BE HONORED
Old trees, sacred stones, nesting birds, clean waters, and ritual places are not to be needlessly destroyed.
XIII. CHILDREN ARE NOT POLITICAL TOOLS
The Crown may arrange mentorships, fostering, or wards, but children may not be abused, traded, threatened, or punished for the crimes of their parents.
XIV. OUTSIDERS MAY BE JUDGED BY DEED, NOT ORIGIN
Foreigners, exiles, and strangers may earn a place within Eastrenhold. Suspicion is permitted. Cruelty without cause is not.
XV. THE CROWN'S JUDGMENT IS FINAL
Appeals may be heard and counsel may be given, but once final judgment has been rendered by the Crown, it must be obeyed.
XVI. THE LAW OF SANCTUARY
Those fleeing abuse, forced marriage, wrongful punishment, war, or persecution may petition Eastrenhold for sanctuary. Sanctuary is not automatic, but once granted, the Hold defends that soul as one of its own.
XVII. OATHS ARE SACRED
Oaths freely given are binding. An oath made through threat, blackmail, abuse, or coercion is considered broken before it is ever spoken. A lawful oath should never be given lightly.
XVIII. MARRIAGE IS FOR LOVE
Courtship and mateship must be freely chosen. Political unions may be suggested, but never forced.