Corpus Juris Universalis (Universal Laws for all Realms

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Branches of the Realms

  1. A Branch is a recognized group of any level within the Realms of Solara.
  2. Branches may be formed with a minimum of five (5) paid members.
    1. If members desire to create a branch from an existing branch, it may not be formed at the detriment to the lands or memberships of the original branch without consent of both Lords through negotiation.
  3. Each Branch is an independent, self-governing branch within the Kingdom as long as they do not violate Kingdom Rules or the By-Laws of the Realms of Solara.
    1. Branches may style themselves according to the time period, place, and culture which suits their people.
      1. Fantasy / Larp, artisan, and merchant branches are welcome.
      1. Branch structure herein may utilize other branch name equivalents based on the structure of their Branch level consistent with medieval history.
      1. See Amendment I for alternative names based on medieval feudal history.
  4. Branches may form higher level branches through treaties with other branches under the Rules on treaties.
  5. SOCIAL MEDIA: Branches may choose to have a social media site for their members for promotion of events, information dissemination, and recruiting purposes (See Social Media rules.)
  6. EVENTS: We encourage branches to host gatherings and get-togethers for the enjoyment of their people.
    1. Official events must be submitted to the official Kingdom calendar with all pertinent information, event page, date, and location of the event.
      1. Events not listed on the calendar are not covered by the group insurance policy (i.e. fight practices, backyard BBQs, or other informal gatherings.)
    1. Branches must submit a post event report following their official event. Reports do not need to be filed for non-official events.
    1. Branches may host events together for large event venues.
    1. See the Financial Policy for matters regarding event fees and other monetary matters.
  7. HERALDRY
    1. Branches must have a formal name and heraldry.
      1. Heraldry cannot be less than 3 points from any other heraldry within the Kingdom (or real-world heraldry).
      1. Heraldry for each branch is displayed on the Solara website.
      1. We encourage all households and branches to proudly wear on their person and/or display their heraldry on and off the field.
  8. All branches have all rights and privileges for their branch level.
    1. They may choose to develop rules and/or an accolade system for their Branch but are not required to do so.
      1. However, it is encouraged in order for the people to understand the Rules of the land.
      1. Duchies, Principalities, and Kingdoms are required to have a set of Rules for their Branches.
      1. No rules may be created that violate the By-Laws, the Kingdom in which they reside, or the Universal Rules of Solara.
  9. Closed Branches
    1. Branches have the right to close their membership and not take on more members than they wish to maintain.
  10. Branches may remove any member who is a poor fit to their branch for any reason or no reason at all at their sole discretion.
  11. At no time is any Branch required to level up regardless of the number of paid members within that Branch.
  12. Branches may choose to dissolve their Branch at any time.  

DEFINITION OF IN GOOD STANDING. A member in good standing is a paid member who is not under any club sanctions. Sanctions are banishments from any Branch, removal from the positions in which they did not fulfill their required duties, or any known removal from an event / practice for misbehavior / disruption.

Branch Structure

The following Branch structures builds upon the former. Each subsequent Branch is responsible for meeting all requirements of the former Branch level. Each subsequent Branch has all the rights and privileges of the former Branch level.

Barony

  1. A Barony is defined as a branch that has a minimum of 5 paid members in good standing with Solara.
  2. All Baronies will be represented by a Baron/Baroness (or equivalent medieval title).
    1. They may choose the manner by which to choose their leader (vote, games, combat, naming the successor, etc.)
    1. The Baron/Baroness may also name an Adjutant as a 2nd for the purpose of carrying their proxy, representing them at events as needed, and being a councilor to them on Matters of State.
    1. Baronial Lords may choose to enter into treaties with other Branches to form larger feudal estates (i.e., Duchy, Principality, Kingdom). 
    1. All Barony Lords (et.al.) will hold a seat in their Kingdom’s Council and have the right to vote the will of their people on matters of state.
  3. Baronies may create a system of awards to give unto their populace that suits their Branch personae.
  4. All Barons must be at least 18 years of age and be a member in good standing of the Kingdom of Solara and their respective steading.

Duchy

  1. A Duchy is created from treaties between Baronies. It is encouraged that such treaties be within a reasonable distance from one another for travel purposes of the people.  
    1. Requirements are a minimum of three (3) treatied groups.
    1. There is no limitation on the number of branches to whom a Duchy can treaty.
  2. Treaties must be in writing and filed with the steward of their Kingdom.
  3. Except in the case of disputed lands[1], there will be no hinderance to such growth.
  4. Governance of the Duchy
    1. All Duchies will be represented by a Duke/Duchess (or equivalent medieval title).
    1. Duchy Council
      1. Duchies must create their own Council of Lords to manage their lands and have representation by all Barons of all treatied lands.
      1. A Duke (et.al.) may not force any Lord to vote a particular way on any matter.
      1. All Dukes (et.al) must be at least 18 years of age and be a member in good standing of their respective Kingdom and their respective Duchy.
  5. Book of Rules
    1. A Duchy must create a basic Book of Rules which covers the following matters:
      1. The manner in which leaders are chosen (vote, games, combat, naming the successor, etc.)
      1. How treaties are made between branches to bring them into the Duchy and how a branch can be released.
      1. Award system for honoring their members.
        1. Duchies may make Peer level awards such as Knights, Maister, Masters or other such ennobled titles. Ennobled titles will be honored throughout the Kingdom.
    1. The Book of Rules may not violate Kingdom Rules of the By-Laws of the Realms of Solara. 
    1. The Book of Rules must be filed with the steward of their Kingdom to be uploaded to the official Realms documents library.

Principality

  1. A Duchy in good standing may declare themselves a Principality:
    1. Once they achieve a minimum of five (5) treatied groups and
    1. Must be a Duchy for at least one (1) full year before declaration.
  2. Realms’ borders may be changed in the formation of a Principality as approved by the Universal Council.
    1. The groups joining the Principality should be a reasonable distance for the ability of members to travel.
      1. If outside the reasonable distance, it will be approved if all Lords are in agreement.
    1. There is no limitation on the number of branches to whom a Principality can treaty.
      1. Treaties must be in writing and filed with the Lawspeaker of Solara.
      1. Except in the case of disputed lands, there will be no hinderance to such growth.
  3. All Principalities will be represented by a Prince/Princess (or equivalent medieval title).
    1. All Princes and Princess (including Consorts) must be at least 18 years of age and be a member in good standing of their respective Kingdom and their respective Principality.
  4. Principality Council
    1. Principalities must create unto themselves their own Council to manage their lands.
    1. A Prince (et.al.) may not force any Lord to vote a particular way on any matter.
  5. Book of Rules
    1. Principalities must have a defined Book of Rule within their borders which covers the following matters:
      1. The manner in which leaders are chosen (vote, games, combat, naming the successor, etc.)
      1. Determination of how treaties are made between branches to bring them into the Principality and how a branch can be released.
      1. Creation of an award system for honoring their members.
        1. Principalities may make Peer level awards such as Knights, Maister, Masters or other such ennobled titles. Ennobled titles will be honored throughout the Kingdom.
    1. The Book of Rule may not violate Kingdom Rules of the By-Laws of the Realms of Solara.
    1. The Book of Rules must be filed with the steward of their kingdom to be uploaded to the official Realms documents library.
  6. Officers
    1. Principalities must appoint a Steward (or equivalent title) and a Treasurer (or equivalent title) to handle such matters of mundane business as needed.
      1. The Secretary reports to the Steward of Realms.
      1. The Treasurer of a Principality reports to the Master of Coin of Realms.

Kingdom

  1. A Principality in good standing may petition to form a Kingdom:
    1. Once they achieve a minimum of ten (10) treatied groups and
    1. Must be a Principality for at least one (1) full year before declaration.
  2. All Kingdoms will be represented by a King and/or Queen (or equivalent medieval title).
  3. All Principality branches seeking to be recognized as a Kingdom must sign their accord, meet all requirements, and petition the Crown of their originating Kingdom.
    1. Solara encourages Branches to grow. As such, the Kingdom of Solara is available as a reference to assist you with structure, Rules, or other needed matters of state for the health of your Kingdom both during inception and as needed.
  4. Kingdoms must:
    1. Meet all obligations of a Principality governance (Councils et.al). Additionally, they retain all rights and privileges held by them at the Principality level and further gain the rights of full independence to create and style their Kingdom in a manner befitting their people.
    1. Book of Rules
      1. Kingdoms must have a comprehensive Book of Rule within their borders which covers the following matters:
        1. This may be done simply by changing the vernacular from Principality to Kingdom if the Rules of the Principality have proven to be sound.
        1. Choose the manner in which they desire to choose their Crown. For the enjoyment of the people, it is recommended that a Grand Event with a Tournament or a War be held for the pageantry of creating a new kingdom and the enjoyment of the people. It is not required that Kingdoms must utilize By Right of Arms as their standard for choosing their monarch. And choose how often Coronation will occur (must be annually at a minimum.)
          1. For example: A Kingdom may choose a six (6) month reign for their monarchs. For War Season (Apr – Sept) they may desire a By Right of Arms in choosing their Crown to lead them during wartime. Oct – March, they may desire a non-war Marshal competition, an Arts competition, or a vote of the populace to determine their Crown for their Winter Monarchs.
        1. At the Crown event, competitions (marshal and arts) against another Kingdom should be held for the enjoyment of the people.
        1. Meeting an opposing army on the field of battle or other such competitions can be held to celebrate the birth of the new Kingdom. However, it is not intended that a new Kingdom must win upon the field of battle. 
        1. All Kings and Queens (including Consorts) must be at least 18 years of age and be a member in good standing of their respective Kingdom and their respective Kingdom.
      1. Determination of how treaties are made between branches to bring them into the Principality and how a branch can be released.
      1. Creation of an award system for honoring their members.
      1. The Book of Rule may not violate the By-Laws of the Realms of Solara or the Universal Rules.
      1. The Book of Rules must be filed with the Steward of the Realms to be uploaded to the official Realms documents library.
  • Each Lord who shall become a part of the new Kingdom must be in agreement with the petition for Kingdom status.
    • Lords who are opposed may choose to be included in the new Kingdom or remain within the old Kingdom.
  • Any Branch that desires to join with a different Kingdom may do so:
    • At the Annual Census Day
    • Through petition to and obtaining release from the Crown of their originating Kingdom and acceptance of their membership by the receiving Kingdom.
  • No Kingdom may be formed at the detriment to other Branches. Negotiations between the King and the future King shall be had and agreements made to allow a branch who desires to be in the new Kingdom to do so without jeopardizing the current Kingdom.
  • Realms is intended to be fluid enough to allow for growth and logistical travel for events.
  • The King and Queen have one (1) vote between them in the Universal Council of the Realms.

Failure to Thrive

  1. Any group level who does not meet the stated standard for their level will have six months to regain their strength before risking their status.
  2. If they do not meet the stated standard within the six-month period, they will be reduced to the next lower level.
  3. In certain circumstances, groups may be called for mundane things such as military duty or other such matters that preclude them from being active for a period of time. Such situations will be considered that the group is on hiatus for up to one (1) year and will not jeopardize the larger group as this is an approved reason for such temporary suspension.

Households and Consortiums

  1. A Household or Consortium is a group of individuals inside of a Branch or across Branches who gather for a specific purpose or interest.
  2. All household members must be paid members in good standing with Solara. A household may be formed by 3 or more paid members but may not cross branches except for Households who are intended to be guilds such as guilds for merchants and artisans.
    1. Knights, Maisters, and/or Masters (and other equivalent ennobled individuals) may form Households for their squires, apprentices and proteges.
    1. Consortiums can cross the entirety of Realms for artisans, service corps, or fighting units among others.
  3. Each Household / Consortium must appoint a leader. Household leaders must be at least 18 years of age.   
  4. Charters are not required.
  5. Household Leaders do not serve in the Universal Council but may petition the Lord of their group regarding matters of state. As Leaders, their word does carry great weight.
  6. Households/Consortiums may host official events under their Branch through coordination with the Lord of that Branch. Household / Consortiums do not need official approval for non-official events (i.e. craft night, meeting, practice).
  7. All household events must be on the official Solara Calendar to qualify as an event and for insurance purposes.
  8. They may fly their own House banners and colors.
  9. They should remember they are part of their larger branches and should likewise support those branches.
  10. Households may grow into a full Branch except if it is a detriment to their original branch.
  11. Consortiums (marshal, arts, service) are encouraged to maintain a good social media presence to encourage others to engage in such activities and to be a resource for other members.   

Outremer Kingdoms

  1. An Outremer Kingdom is a Kingdom from another society who holds the designation of Kingdom within their home society.
  2. Visiting Kings and Queens and the nobility will be honored as such within the Realms of Solara.
  3. While members of Outremer Kingdoms will, in most cases, be eligible to join Kingdoms and/or “cross-play”, we will not seek to actively recruit from each other to the detriment of each other.

Table of Branch Requirements

Branch LevelMin No of MembersTreaties RequiredBook of RuleCouncil RequiredAwardsRight to Make PeersKingdom CouncilUniversal Council
Barony5Minimum of 5 paid membersSuggested X X 
Duchy303 or more treatied BranchesXXXXXX
Principality503 or more treatied BranchesXXXXXX
Kingdom1003 or more treatied BranchesXXXXw/in their kingdomX
Outremer KingdomsPer their rulesFor pageantryn/an/an/an/an/aX

[1] Disputed lands are lands held by another Branch

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