Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage as a practice is a fairly recent development. Starting around The War of the Wendigoes, Altairians began clamoring for more peaceful alternatives to more brutal sentences judges all over the globe meted out. There was a real call for sentencing to be focused on rehabilitation and reducing re-offending rather than merely making an example out of outlaws.

Pilgrimage became a popular alternative because, while harsh, it tends to create situations that make rehabilitation more likely. First, by stripping the outlaw of all status and pretense and forcing them to rely on the charity of others, it serves as a stern lesson in humility. For this reason, it is popular in certain parts of Altairus to enact this punishment on scummy nobles and shady businessmen.

Second, by requiring the sentenced to move around every so often, it exposed the convict to different people who could help them see the error of their ways and reintigrate into society. Though they are forbidden from working for money, there is no stipulation against the pilgrim doing errands or chores for others in general. In general, the public is quite forgiving with pilgrims, especially those that are visibly making an effort to change their ways, and are happy to help them out. This can help the pilgrim develop skills that they can use to make a life for themselves in the future.

When a prisoner has committed great crimes but is determined not to be a serious threat, they will be sentenced to pilgrimage. The time spent in pilgrimage can range from one to fifty years, depending on the severity of the crimes committed. Alternatively, the sentence could last indefinitely until the convict learns the error of their ways.

Once sentenced, the criminal will be adorned with a special pair of manacles. Made from cold iron and with the word "pilgrim" etched onto the wrist, these clasps block the wearer's magical abilities. This is meant to ensure that the one sentenced does not escape their punishment.

Afterwards, the criminal will be spirited away and dumped in the middle of the wilderness. From here, they will have no choice but to migrate from town to town throughout the continent until their sentence is complete. During this time, they will not be permitted to work or stay in one place for more than a week's time. Essentially, pilgrimage reduces the criminal to a mere beggar for as long as the sentence lasts.

Despite this, pilgrims do retain some rights under the law. The cold iron clasps are not only meant to restrict one's magic; they also clearly mark the wearer as a pilgrim. While it is often humiliating for the wearer, it serves to protect them from harm, as killing a pilgrim is a crime subject to strict punishment under every known jurisdiction.

Once the sentence is complete, the manacles will fall off on their own accord. At this point, the criminal's debt to society is repaid, and they are free to live the rest of their lives however they want.