The Great Charter of Union

Preamble

Be it known to all lords, freefolk, and subjects of the three realms, that the Kingdom of the Western Isle, the Republic of the United Cities of the Isle, and the Republic of the Great Union, by solemn oath and compact, do herewith bind themselves together into one dominion and sovereign body, to be styled and known as The Great Isle Union.

In the year of our Lordship and under the reign of His Majesty King Marius Insula, scion of the noble House of Insula, this Charter is made and sealed, to the end that peace be kept among neighbors, strength be found in arms united, and justice be done by law throughout the Isle.

Article I — Of the Crown

1. The throne shall remain in perpetuity to the Royal House of Insula, unbroken and unchallenged.
2. King Marius Insula and his heirs shall reign as Sovereign Lord of the Great Isle Union.
3. The Crown shall be held in constitutional estate, the King being bound by this Charter, yet honored as the first guardian of the realm.
4. The King shall bear the title of Lord Commander of All Hosts of the Union, and in him alone shall rest supreme command of armies and fleets.
5. The King may grant Royal Pardon, yet only in this wise:
6. The deed pardoned must have been to the benefit of Parliament or the People of the Union.
7. The pardon may not be given where lives of the Union’s folk have been unjustly taken.
8. The King may bestow honors, dignities, and titles of nobility, and shall open and dissolve Parliament at the appointed times.

Article II — Of Parliament

1. A Parliament of the Union shall be gathered, wherein the people and realms may speak with one voice.
2. This Parliament shall be composed of two estates:
3. The House of Commons, chosen by the folk of towns and countryside.
4. The Council of the Union, wherein each founding realm shall send their appointed lords and magistrates.
5. Parliament shall ordain laws, levy taxes, and grant treasure for the keeping of the armies and governance of the realm.
6. Should the King seek to wage war of conquest beyond the defense of the Isles, such endeavor must be confirmed by a vote of two parts in three of both estates of Parliament.

Article III — Of the King’s Council and Ministers

1. A First Minister of the Realm shall be chosen from among the Commons, and confirmed by the assent of the King.
2. The First Minister, with a Council of Ministers, shall tend to the governance of the land, holding office so long as the Commons do not withdraw their confidence.
3. The King’s Council shall advise His Majesty in matters of state, yet the rule of daily governance shall rest with the First Minister and Parliament.

Article IV — Of the Law and Courts

1. The laws of the Union shall be kept and guarded by judges sworn to impartial service.
2. A High Court of the Union shall be set in place, to judge disputes between realms, lords, and folk, and to guard the meaning of this Great Charter.
3. All freemen of the Union shall be subject to one law, and no man shall be deprived of liberty or land save by lawful judgment.

Article V — Of the Rights of the Folk

1. All subjects of the Union are under the King’s peace and protection.
2. None shall be imprisoned, fined, or dispossessed save by lawful cause and judgment.
3. The folk shall be free to gather, to speak, and to worship according to custom and conscience, provided such things disturb not the King’s peace.
4. These liberties shall not be diminished by neglect of their mention herein.

Article VI — Of Arms and Defenses

1. All hosts, fleets, and soldiery of the three realms shall be made one host under the banner of the Union.
2. The King, as Lord Commander, shall lead them in time of war.
3. Yet the treasure and supply of these hosts shall remain the charge of Parliament, without which no campaign may be sustained.
4. The soldiers of the realm shall serve crown and folk alike, and may not be turned to the favor of faction or tyranny.

Article VII — Of Oath and Amendment

1. This Charter may be altered only by consent of two parts in three of the Parliament, and by the assent of no fewer than two of the founding realms’ own assemblies.
2. Any man, lord, or realm setting hand against this Charter setteth hand against the Union itself.

Article VIII — Of Supremacy

1. This Great Charter shall stand above all lesser writs and decrees.
2. No law or custom contrary to this Charter shall have force.

Closing

Thus is the Great Isle Union established, by the oath of realms and seal of His Majesty King Marius Insula, to endure for all time, so long as the folk of the Isles keep faith with crown and charter.

Given under our hands and seals, in the year of Our Lordship and the reign of King Marius Insula.