The Ubar is assisted in his civic administration by a council. All official positions are appointed by the Ubar and serve at the Ubar’s pleasure. The holding of an official position requires swearing upon the Home Stone. Each high caste is required to nominate a leader who will attend council meetings, and the Ubar shall approve those nominations to the Head of Caste. 

In an advisory capacity, additional attendees of council meetings may include Praetor, Ambassador, and Head of the Merchant caste. Advisory members may exercise a right to speak on any matter but do not have the right to vote on decisions. 

Each high caste leader shall have one vote on any matter put forward for voting by the Ubar.  However, no matter how the council votes, the Ubar has the authority to veto their decision and set his own course of action on a discussed matter.    

At any time, the Ubar may remove a Head of Caste (or Assistant Heads of Caste) from their position; and either permit them to resume caste duties at a lower-tiered capacity or issue an Ubarate decree of exile. 

Castes may petition to remove their Head of Caste by a majority vote. To enact this majority vote, quorum must be met at a formal and public meeting of their caste. The required quorum is five (5) caste members, excluding caste leadership (Head of Caste and Assistant Heads of Caste.) 

When quorum is met, a motion to remove their Head of Caste may be called by any attending caste member; and seconded by a different attending caste member. Individual votes must be declared aloud by each caste member (aye/nay) and tallied by the caste member presiding over the caste meeting. If a majority vote– therein deemed 2/3 of the gathered caste membership– is reached, the Head of Caste is petitioned for removal from their position. At this time, the Head of Caste is forfeited from exercising caste expulsion rights. A written declaration of this approved petition must be delivered immediately to the Ubar, so he might approve and appoint a new Head of Caste. 

The law of Cos offers complete protection to all full citizens and partial protection to the residents of Cos, throughout the entire empire. The laws of Selnar extend beyond the city walls to compass all nearby inhabited areas declared and inhabited as a Cosian-controlled territory.

Furthermore, the Ubarate acknowledges that trade and travel are crucial industries for a sea power. Therefore, the laws of Cos offer limited protection as a gesture of goodwill to all visitors within the empire, as long as they remain peaceful and obey the law. However, this courtesy is automatically forfeited if the visitor breaches the peace or laws of Cos. Additionally, the Ubar, a Praetor or Magistrate may revoke this courtesy at any time.

A citizen is a free man or woman who has sworn allegiance to the Home Stone of Selnar, or one of its subsidiary territories (other cities of Cos, controlled islands, etc.) and has not committed any act that defies their oath. 

A resident is a free person who is not sworn to a Home Stone of Cos but lives within the empire, is a member of good standing within a recognized caste of Cos, and has registered to pay city taxes in Selnar. Residents are highly encouraged to swear their fealty to the Home Stone of Selnar, or to one of the Home Stones currently under the possession of the empire, otherwise they will not receive full protection under Cosian law. 

A visiting free person has not sworn to the Home Stone of Cos and has not been registered with the Scribes Caste for permanent housing or payment of city taxes. Visitors have the least amount of protection under Cosian law, should they commit and be adjudicated for any crime. 

Caste codes, registration, expulsion, and regulations of caste work are left to the discretion of those respective high castes and their representatives. In the case of the low castes, Merchant Law applies. 

In the Empire of Cos, a visiting free person may have their case adjudicated immediately and publicly by a Praetor. Additionally, Praetors may adjudicate minor offenses by citizens and residents, such as petty theft, theft of services, and vandalism.

Any citizen or resident accused of a major crime is entitled to a trial by Magistrate. A citizen of Cos (or resident in good standing) can only be reduced to slavery by the order of a Magistrate. A free visitor, however, may be reduced to slavery for appropriate offenses by either a Magistrate or Praetor. 

The Ubar, or his designee shall oversee any appeals over Magistrate or Praetor verdicts. The decision of the Ubar (or his designee) is final and not subject to appeal. 

The Warriors of Cos are responsible for enforcing the laws.  Refusal to cooperate with a Warrior acting under color of law is an additional crime. Noncompliance with a Warrior’s effort to detain someone in good faith will justify the use of force to ensure compliance.

1.1 Theft - Intentionally depriving or attempting to deprive another of their property.

1.2 Theft of services -  Procuring or attempting to procure services for which one does not intend to pay.

1.3 Vandalism - Intentional destruction or damage to the property of another person.

1.4 Assault - Physical attack against another, without legal justification.

1.5 Sexual Assault - An attack of a sexual nature, against another free person, without consent.

1.6 Attempted murder - An attack with intent or reasonable risk of causing death to a free person.

1.7 Murder - An attack with intent resulting in the death of a free person.

1.8 Unlawful concealment - using a mask or hood to conceal your identity.

1.9 Tampering with water supply or fountain - Any action that might interfere with the cleanliness or potability of any of the fountains or wells of the city.

1.10 Carrying Bow - Only Warriors admitted to caste and under orders from the High Admiral of Selnar may wear bows within the walls of the city. 

1.11 Face Stripping - Removing the face covering of a free woman who is under the protection of Cosian law, without judicial authority to do so. Does not apply to a    head of household disciplining members of said household.

1.12 Unlawful Enslavement - Capturing, collaring, branding, or otherwise attempting to reduce any free person to slavery inside the jurisdiction of Cos without proper process of law.   Has the following exceptions:  

1.12.1 Voluntary Submission; 

1.12.2 Enslavement by a head of household or free companion; 

1.12.3 Punishment upon a finding of guilt by a Magistrate (or Praetor, if the subject is not a lawful resident or citizen.)

1.13 Unlawful Imprisonment - Kidnapping, restraint, or otherwise depriving a free person of their freedom without judicial authority to do so.   Does not apply when a head of household must restrain members of said household.

1.14 Failure to obey a lawful order - Failure of any citizen to obey a lawful order from a government or military officer, in the course of their duties.

1.15 Treason - Taking actions intended to or reasonably likely to cause harm to the Empire of Cos, while ostensibly enjoying either citizenship or residency.

1.16 Disrespect of the Home Stone -  Taking any action or uttering any words that show disrespect or disregard for the Home Stone of Selnar

1.17 Espionage - Collecting information of strategic importance about Cos with the intent of conveying it to another power.

1.17.1 Making/distributing an unauthorized map of Selnar or surrounding territories. An authorized map shall bear a high caste seal of Selnar. 

1.17.2 Making an unauthorized key. 

1.18 False Accusation - Making a false accusation of criminal conduct against another.

1.19 Perjury -  Knowingly giving false testimony in an official proceeding.

1.20 Escape -  Leaving a lawful detention without judicial permission.  Escaping from Justice can be construed as convincing evidence of the crimes underlying that detention, as well.

1.21     Aiding a Fugitive - Knowingly aiding or abetting a fugitive from the justice of Cos.

1.22     Forgery - Using the seal or stationery of the city, or a fabrication meant to approximate the seal or stationery, in an effort to pass falsified documents as authentic.

1.23 Caste Fraud - Knowingly representing oneself as an accredited member of a caste for which one has not been admitted.   NOTE: Practicing any caste in Selnar before obtaining permission from the relevant Head of Caste or his direct subordinates (Assistant Head of Caste) can be considered Caste Fraud.

1.24 Slavish Behavior - Behavior that in its lewdness or submissiveness reveals that the accused's true heart is that of a slave.  

1.25 Inappropriate Dress - Free women must be dressed modestly, with hair high up and off the shoulders and backs. Long ponytails and northern braids will not be accepted. The city of Selnar expects all those living in it to conform to its laws fully. Magistrates will be the judges of 'modesty'.   

1.25.1 Free women representative of a high caste are required to wear robes of concealment in the form of dresses, scarves, and face veils outside the sanctity of their private homes and designated bathing areas. 

1.25.2 Free women who are Head of Caste, Assistant HOC, must be fully veiled with face, hair, and hands covered. Women representing their Head of Caste in an official setting (meetings, events) or women visiting the palace must also be fully veiled with face, hair, and hands covered.

1.25.3 Free women of low castes are not required by law to wear veils unless inside the Palace or courtroom, but should expect social repercussions or denials of entry for failure to align with Cosian modesty traditions.  

1.26 Failure to Produce Manumission Papers - Any free person who is proven to be a former slave or who carries on their body a token of submission must be able to produce manumission papers when requested by a lawful authority.

1.27 Bribery - Offering an official of Cos goods, services, or cash to influence an official proceeding or function of the government.

1.28 Accepting a bribe - Accepting, while functioning as an official of Cos, goods, services, or cash to influence an official proceeding or function of the government.

1.29 Trespassing - Entering or remaining on the private premises of a home or business without the permission of the lawful tenant, operator, or owner of that space unless one is ordered to do so, or given the right to do so by their office, by the Ubarate or High Admiral for legal purposes.

1.30 Tax Evasion - Failure to pay a lawfully levied tax. 

2.1 Breach of Contract - Failing to perform under an obligation of a lawful contract.

2.2 Defamation - Making false statements verbally or in print that do cause or are likely to cause material damage to the victim's reputation or livelihood. 

2.3 Liability - Taking action or inaction that is intended or reasonably could be expected to harm a person or their property 

2.4 Condemnation of Debt - Failing to satisfy a debt for 14 days, after the debt was called due in writing.   The court may order the forfeiture of property or the enslavement of the Defendant or any of his dependent household to satisfy the debt. 

3.1 Possess or use scales that have not been verified with the Builders Caste of Selnar, at least quarterly, to report an accurate and standard measurement.   

3.2 Possess or use a deceptive foot or stone for the purposes of deception.

3.3 Shave coins or otherwise manipulate their weight.

3.4 Falsify slave papers.

3.5 Misrepresent the color of a slave’s hair or make unprovable claims about breeding or pedigree.

3.6 Make a public sale of a slave without branding the merchandise.

3.7 Falsify any bill of sale or bill of lading

3.8 Trade in goods or services inside the city without registering with the merchant hall and maintaining any required licenses and tax records.

3.9 Fail to pay taxes to the caste authority, in addition to any taxes to the civil authority.

3.10 Fail to pay or evade the enforcement of wharfage fees in Selnar Harbor.

3.11 Sell an item the seller does not have unencumbered title to or designated authority to sell. 

5.1 Ambassadors and messengers are granted diplomatic immunity which can only be stripped by the Ubar.

5.2 The Empire of Cos recognizes the eldest male of any household as the governing authority of that household.  The eldest male holds the right to discipline his family, including collaring them or selling them to settle family debts.

5.3 Upon death or enslavement, the property of any male citizen or resident intestate transfers to the eldest adult son.  

5.3.1 If there are no adult sons, the eldest male relative falls next in line.

5.3.2 If there are no male relatives, the eldest female relative inherits.  

5.3.3 If no heir can be located, the assets are inherited by the city of Selnar.  

5.4 Upon death or enslavement, the property of any female citizen or resident of the estate transfers to her current companion.

5.4.1 If she is without a companion, inheritance defaults to the eldest adult son.  

5.4.2 If there are no adult sons, the eldest male relative falls next in line. 

5.4.3 If there are no male relatives, the eldest female relative inherits.

5.4.4 If no heir can be located, the assets are inherited by the city of Selnar.   

5.5 When detaining a free person, the arresting Warrior, Praetor or Magistrate must follow gaol policy and procedure set forth by the Warrior caste, including but not limited to: 

5.5.1 Initial inspection to ensure compliance, health and collection of personal possessions. 

5.5.2 Assigning a prisoner ranking (CLASS I-III), which may be adjusted at a later time by a ranked officer of the Warrior Caste, Praetor, Magistrate or Ubar.

5.5.2.1 Class III Prisoner – Are considered a low security threat. 

5.5.2.2 Class II Prisoner – Are considered a medium security threat, are served reduced rations two times per day, and are eligible to manual labor under supervision pending their release or hearing with a Magistrate.

5.5.2.3 Class I Prisoner – Are considered a high security threat, are served lower quality rations once a day, are not accommodated for sanitation and hygiene, and may be moved from their detainment cell to more isolated locations. 

5.5.3 When detaining a free woman, even for slavish behavior, a Warrior, Praetor, or Magistrate will maintain the woman’s full modesty until her head of household has been contacted and/or summoned. 

5.5.3.1 If the free woman’s head of household cannot be located in a reasonable time, any male relative, her Head of Caste, a Magistrate not presiding her case, the Head of the Warrior Caste or the Ubar may speak for her in his stead.   

5.5.4 With the seal and signature of a Praetor, Officer of the Warrior Caste, Magistrate or Ubar: visitation requirements or restrictions of any prisoner must be detailed and distributed across the Warrior Caste and legal membership of the Scribe Caste. 

5.6 Outlaws and panthers, caught without permission from the Ubar or High Admiral, may be enslaved. 

5.7 All debts and crimes of a free person are wiped away by enslavement. 

5.8 Slaves are the responsibility of their owner. The owner can be charged with any crime committed by their property.  

5.9 The council has decreed the following general constraints to prevent social friction between the slave owner and other free:  

5.9.1 A slave must wear a visible token of their slavery at all times, in public.

5.9.2 A slave may not strike a free person. 

5.9.3 A slave may not present himself/herself as a free person.

5.9.3 A slave may not carry weapons, except during slave fighting for entertainment purposes by order of the owner. Swords are strictly forbidden.

5.9.4 A slave may not touch or look upon the Home Stone of Selnar.

5.9.5 A slave may not play Kaissa. 

5.10 Poison slaves will be considered armed slaves and will be destroyed. The burden of safely storing dangerous property is on the slave's owner, and no recompense will be owed if the civil authority destroys a dangerous slave out of an abundance of caution.