Law and Order

Law and Order Among the Wanderers

The legal practices of the Wanderers are largely informal, rooted in the customs and traditions of individual communities. In contrast to the formal legal system imposed by Saxum’s Church and state, the Wanderers rely on localized systems of governance or no system at all, depending on the community. While some may follow ancient practices or even make use of self-styled "justice" systems, others live by a loose set of ethical principles derived from their understanding of The Divine.

The Legal Relationship with the Saxum Authorities

The Saxum authorities, including the Church, have consistently sought to regulate and restrict the activities of the Wanderers, often labeling their practices as heretical, unlawful, or dangerous. In many cases, Wanderers are at odds with the Church and the state due to their rejection of formalized religious and legal systems.

• Persecution and Oppression: Wanderers have often been targeted by the Saxum authorities for their non-conformity, facing threats of violence, displacement, and even prosecution. Many have been driven out of villages or forced to practice their faith in secret to avoid punishment.
• Legal Repression: The Saxum government, through its religious arm, actively works to root out “illegal” religious practices. This includes monitoring new belief systems or practices that may gain traction among the population, enforcing laws that suppress unapproved worship, and cracking down on groups perceived as a threat to the established order.

Internal Governance Among the Wanderers

While the Wanderers do not have a unified legal structure, individual communities may develop their own methods of handling disputes, ensuring safety, and maintaining order within their ranks. These systems are diverse and can vary widely from one group to another.

• Community-Led Dispute Resolution: Many Wanderer communities use forms of mediation or arbitration for settling disputes. Leaders, whether they are elders or charismatic figures, may serve as mediators, with decisions based on tradition, common sense, or interpretations of divine will.
• Unlawful Acts: Despite their informal nature, some Wanderer groups do have ways of dealing with crimes within their community, particularly if the acts are seen as violating the core tenets of their beliefs. Punishments can range from exile to more severe forms of retribution, though these are rare and highly dependent on the community.

Role of the Church in Law Enforcement

The Church of Saxum plays a significant role in the enforcement of laws concerning religious practices and social order in Saxum. Given that the Church sees itself as the rightful authority on matters of faith, its influence extends into the realm of law enforcement, particularly in religious and moral matters.

• Religious Trials and Inquisitions: It is not uncommon for the Church to hold trials or inquests into alleged heretical practices, where those accused of wandering too far from the established faith may face persecution, punishment, or even execution.
• Social and Legal Pressure: The Church exerts both social and legal pressure to ensure that its interpretation of the Divine remains dominant. This includes efforts to suppress unauthorized practices by labeling them criminal or dangerous, as well as exerting political influence to pass laws that restrict the freedom of non-conformists.