The Arbiter & Trials

The Arbiter

The Arbiter is the embodiment of the Council‘s authority whenever disputes between Clans arise and when breaks of the Traditions occurs. The Arbiter is the judge, jury and executioner of the Council and is perhaps the most sought after Title for a Clan to possess but also the most dangerous job for an individual to uphold.

Duties: The Arbiter has no duties, but can expect that their life or position will be cut short should they fail solve issues regarding matters between Clans or of the Traditions.

Power: An Arbiter can handle Disputes, this is done by listening to all sides of an Dispute they find relevant and deciding an Outcome for that Dispute. An Arbiter can deputize anyone, these Deputies may loan the Arbiters Stake and investigate Disputes. An Arbiter is also the punisher of Tradition breaking and may condemn anyone with an Outcome. An Arbiter can call for a Trial on anyone worthy of execution through Tradition breaking, this is done at the Council Meeting.

Disputes: A Dispute is when Characters from different Clans are in disagreement. An Arbiter can choose to handle any Dispute wether they are called to handle it or stumbles across it.

Outcome: An Outcome might involve these following punishments: Blood Bonding, torture, corporeal punishment, Resources, favors, Elysium Staff servitude, Jury servitude or an apology. Anyone can challenge an Arbiters Outcome by calling a Trial with their own life on the line, the Trial will center around wether or not the Arbiters decision was fair or not. Should the Arbiters decision be deemed fair, the challenger will lose their life.

Trial

A Trial consists of the Accused, the Arbiter and the Judges. Judges do everything through votation, dismissing witnesses, sentencing etc. They simply need a majority of votes. A Trial will have three Judges, one selected by the Arbiter, one selected by the Accused Councilor, and one selected by the Council.

Step 1: Arrival The Trial starts with the arrival of the accused, if the accused does not turn up, they can still be judged and it usually does not look good if they stay away. The Accused will be chained to the floor.

Step 2: Arbiters Evidence The Arbiter will then lay out all the evidence and witnesses to reason why the Accused should be executed. If the Judges deem that witnesses or evidence are unreliable the Arbiter can use Rituals or other means to secure the truth out of the Accused.

Step 3: Accused’s Evidence When the Arbiter is done, the Accused is allowed to show their evidence or witnesses to corroborate their story. The Judges may dismiss any or all evidence if they deem it unreliable. The Accused may have a representative if the want to. In case of a dangerous Accused whose staking must be ensured, their Clan (Usually Clan Leader) will appoint a representative.

Step 4: Sentencing Once both parties have been heard, the Judges will commence sentencing, a majority is all that is needed. If the Accused is sentenced to death, they will be summarily executed by the Arbiter. If the Accused is exonerated, they will be released and their Clan will receive recompense for their troubles.