Code of Caelester

The Code of Caelester is a declaration of principles written by Rhille the Swift, founder of Caelester. Originally intended more as a list of principles she hoped her successors would hold to, most rulers in years since have treated it as a formal legal document, both holding it up as a document of great importance and reading hidden meanings into every choice of words to suit their neeeds. It is effectively the foundation of Caelestran law, with most other laws being intended to add specific details to the broad principles outlined therein.  

Rights and Freedoms

The Code lists a number of rights and freedoms that should be all, as well as some that should be extended to citizens of the city specifically, including the following:

• All people have the right to their own opinions and beliefs, and should be free to express it, as long as they do so without harming others.
• All people should be permitted to enter and leave the city, so long as they are not suspected of committing any crime
• Anyone suspected of committing a crime has a right to a fair judgement issued by the Queen or a representative of hers
• Any punishment for a crime must be assessed fairly, regardless of their species, wealth, or social standing
• Criticism of any leader or their choices is not a crime.
• A ruler should care for her citizens, striving to ensure even the poorest have food and a place to sleep.

 

Conduct of Citizens

A much more controversial section discusses Rhille's hopes for how citizens of Caelester would act. Most statements are fairly benign expectations, like being respectful of the laws and one's fellow citizens, but some are much more specific. Particularly controversial over the last few decades is the phrase "true citizens of Caelester should put the City first, before all other interests." The original intent is that citizens band together, and it comes in a context discussing city-wide crises, like a fire or threat of invasion, but the South Seas Company has used this phrase to justify exploitation of the peoples of far off lands, arguing they are merely thinking prioritizing trade that benefits the city of Caelester, in accordance with the Code. Things had grown increasingly contentious in the years leading up to the earthquake that devastated the city, though that same "Caelester First" attitude has been critical in the city's recovery efforts, significantly dampening protests against it.