Trial by Fire

Judicial "System"

Trial by Fire is what takes place when someone gets caught commiting a felony level crime or when they are caught escaping jail. This is not like the American judicial system, wherin they try to treat the prosecuted fairly or let a jury decide their fate. Instead they are brought directly to their province's King and/or Queen. It is then their sole decision, after hearing all of the context they need, to decide the fate of the criminal. This can be anything at all, even if it is cruel and unusual. Here is a sample list of all of the judgements that have been passed down through the centuries: being set free, being banished from the Province, being executed, being tortured to death, doing a funny dance, make the King laugh or die, go on an impossible "suicide quest", provide a whole sheep for the queen to eat before sundown, strip naked and run away yelling "I've lost my panzy pants", apologize to the one eyed dwarf, become a shackled cleaning maid, and last but not least... face the King's fire breath, or whatever breath weapon they posess. There are no if, ands, or buts, no objections, and no mistrials. Whatever the powerful Dragonlord says, goes. Period. Unless... on the extremely rare case, the Emperor themself overrides the ruling before it can take place.

Not Inescapable

When a person is faced with Trial by Fire their situation  may seem hopeless. But fear not! Depending on the King or Queen and their mood, they may be open to hearing all sides of the story. So if they beleive the suspect to be innocent, they may let themselves be persuaded by their arguments and let the off the hook. But be careful, if they are in a bad mood, arguing with them could set them off and make them deciden a harsh punishment when they were thinking of letting you go or giving a soft punishment.