Accords of Conduct
Laws of Varell
Copies of scrolls scattered around the world outline the same thing: the laws of morality, the conduct of those who have chosen a life of the law. Very few have a complete set; only a handful of the many that state what each group thinks is the most important thing. Over three hundred scrolls make up the entire series known as the Accords of Conduct, but no single group has copies of more than twenty or so. Many prefer to keep the scrolls of punishment, which make up more than half of the total, but the law is more important than the consequences of failure. The Accords of Conduct are a number of scrolls written by the god Varell outlining the standards that all people should be held to. Considered the Living Law, Varell is known for impossibly high standards of morality that often include fair treatment of both allies and enemies. This text is considered to outline both good and evil in terms that most reasonable creatures can understand, but those who have read it still believe the standards outlined can only be reached by the gods.Those who have read these words have entered into a pact of knowledge, an agreement to forfeit ignorance and adhere to the fact of willful compliance or dissonance. Those who have chosen to adhere to laws, tenets, and conduct as written will have their souls weighed by the lawful judgment of lawmakers and, upon their death, by the Living Law. Knowledge of the law demands the bearer to measure up to set standards, or must find somewhere else for their soul to go, and no grievance shall be made.
Historical Details
History
The Accords of Conduct date back to a time before the Elder Races appeared in the world, but there is no known date of their authoring. In over three hundred scrolls, the exploits of Varell are outlined and codified along with laws, punishments, and consequences for failing to reach the standard enshrined in these scrolls. It is not known when the various races began embracing what was written in these scrolls, but many laws of the world have been based upon the many things outlined by the Living Law in these accords.
Over the millennia, the Accords of Conduct have been translated into most languages of the world, including some that are considered lost in the modern day. Many countries and kingdoms have sifted through the scrolls and selected the parts that best fit, codifying them in their own laws. Large majorities of the scrolls have been pushed aside as the standards seem too high, but even the half of the scrolls that deal with punishments are opened and read when needed. In most instances, the punishments are only referenced when capital punishment is needed or war crimes must have consequences.
Type
Text, Religious
Medium
Paper
Authoring Date
Believed before the appearance of the Elder Races
Authors
Three hundred scrolls, gosh. I wonder if anyone has ever managed to uphold the standards.
Explore Etrea | Summer Camp 2025