The World of Andromeda
Late in year 1018, the Republic of Illara found a previously unknown world. Always an exciting moment, they immediately dispatched an initial exploratory team to determine how viable it might be for colonization. That team, in turn, made the discovery of an eighteenth Lapis Vitae and set in motion ramifications that have only just begun.
Immediately thereafter, the Republic asserted territorial claim over the new world in accordance with longstanding treaties. They named it Andromeda and rushed to construct a settlement and establish a permanent presence to forestall any disputes over ownership. How successful this will be has yet to be determined as the other Nations prepare their responses to such a momentous discovery, including sending their own citizens to explore and colonize.
In the meantime, the Wardens of the Pact have acted as well. Invoking their jurisdiction over the security of all Lapis Vitae, the Wardens have established a garrison within the nascent Andromeda settlement and begun fortifying the relic against theft and harm. Tension between the garrison forces and the settlement leaders has so far been minimal with both sides seemingly taking pains to avoid a crisis.
Geography and Climate
Most of Andromeda has yet to be explored, but what has so far been seen is temperate. The settlement lies along the Western edge of a large continent. The land is heavily forested with scattered mountains, but aside from being habitable, it is unremarkable. To the West is a large ocean with schools of edible fish that may someday serve as a valuable resource for consumption and export.
Settlement Laws
As a part of the Republic of Illara, Andromeda is subject to the same laws as the rest of the Nation. It is a complicated system of civil and criminal laws descended from the Lex Invictium of ancient days. Day to day, however, the law is relatively straightforward in prohibitions against obvious crimes such as murder, theft, assault, and so on. In the case of a colony such as Andromeda, the responsibility for enforcing justice lies with the settlement administration.
The more notable Illaran laws are below.
Sanctity
The law of Sanctity is a remnant of ancient days when the Invictus ruled Illara before they were betrayed and destroyed. The law states that to lay hands upon the person of a holy Invictus is to violate Sanctity. Such a sacrilege is one of the only crimes in the entire Republic that is punishable by death.
Desecration
To deface, uproot, or malign the symbols of the Republic or the symbols of the Invictus. Punishment ranges from fines up to public lashes.
Interference with Republic Officials
To obstruct, delay, thwart, or otherwise impede an Republic Official from the execution of their duties. A broadly applicable law, the punishment is dependant upon the exact circumstances of the matter at hand and could range from monetary fines and lashes up to imprisonment, exile, or indentured servitude.
Sumptuary Laws
While dress is generally a matter of personal and cultural taste, there are a few restrictions that those in the Republic must abide by. Pure white togas are permitted, but the color that bands them is only
allowed to certain stations. A purple band may only be worn by the Invictus (thus, is not worn in the modern day). A red band may only be worn by a member of the Senate. A blue band may only be worn by a member of the Parliamentary Council. A green band may only be worn by a Citizen. And a black banded white toga is completely forbidden.
Citizenship
As with other parts of the Republic, those with full earned Illaran Citizenship are according additional privileges under the law. Most notably, testimony against a Citizen must be from another Citizen or it will not be considered valid. Treaties between the Republic and the other nations allow for equivalencies. For example, a Noble of the Sovereignty of Riavan is considered equal to a Citizen in a court of law.