Actions your character takes have consequences. Any plots which involve a character breaking the laws must be communicated to and vetted by the Alpha players beforehand.
Wolves of Skydas are expected to act with a degree of integrity and honesty. Punishments are made to suit the crime, and actions that could jeopardize the safety of Skydas or its relations are not tolerated. Dire actions have dire consequences.
The Alpha is the highest authority, and their word is law. Wolves who publicly antagonize or defy the Alpha without due cause, or with intent to sow division, will be punished.
The Alpha's decision can be overruled only through a Casting of Stones.
2. All Skydans must act in the best interests of the pack, and communication is highly valued. Unusual activity, news from afield, or information about visions, dreams and magical phenomena must be reported to the Alpha as soon as possible.
3. Skydas is a peaceful, altruistic faction who abhor violence and fight purely to defend themselves, their allies, and wolves in need. Bloodshed is always their very last resort, and savagery or violent behavior within the pack is not tolerated.
4. A wolf may not perform the duties of a trade in which they are not ranked. Some trades may assist one another, but ranked wolves should only perform the tasks they are trained in.
5. No wolf may hunt for sport or waste pack resources selfishly.
6. Only the Alpha, Paladins, and Gamma Wardens may permit visitors to enter Skydas territory. Visitors are brought to the Alpha upon entry, and if allowed to stay as a guest, they'll be paired with a Hearthkeeper for the duration of their time in Skydas.
7. Only seekers and emissaries are allowed travel beyond Skydas borders, since it's required for their trade duties. All other trades must gain permission from the Alpha before they may leave the territory. Omegas may not leave the territory under any circumstance.
Consequence for lawbreaking: Minor. Verbal warning on first offense. Demotion to next lowest rank on second offense, and a warden is assigned to monitor behavior for one month. A third offense results in the offender being deemed ill-suited for Skydas life and exiled.
8. No wolf, regardless of rank, personal beliefs, or magical affinity, may be treated as lesser than another. While pack hierarchy must be respected, the wolves of Skydas strive to be fair to one another and honor their fellow wolf. Any wolf or group of wolves who attempts to sow division or prejudice among the ranks will be punished.
Consequence for lawbreaking: Minor to moderate. Verbal warning on first offense. Demotion to next lowest rank on second offense, and warden(s) are assigned to monitor behavior for one month. A third offense results in the offender(s) being deemed ill-suited for Skydas life and exiled.
9. Transparency plays a critical role Skydas culture, and secrecy is frowned upon for the damage it can cause. Deliberate concealment of a crime, failure to report threats to the pack, or failure to report the emergence of dangerous magic are all grounds for punishment. Any wolf who attempts to conceal the crimes of a fellow Skydan will be considered an accomplice and similarly punished.
Consequence for lawbreaking: Moderate. Upon first offense, a verbal warning is given. If significant damage has been caused the offender is demoted to their next lowest rank, with a warden assigned to monitor behavior for one season. A second offense results in the offender being deemed ill-suited for Skydas life and exiled.
10. Deliberate attempts to sabotage pack relations will be met with swift and severe punishment, as it goes against the core values of Skydas and their mission to mend bonds between the packs.
Consequence for lawbreaking: Moderate to Severe. Upon first offense, the offender is demoted immediately to Omega and must perform menial pack tasks for two seasons, with a warden assigned to monitor behavior. After two seasons have passed the offender may take on a new rank, but a second offense will result in immediate exile.
Additionally, this kind of offense will likely mean the offender is barred from entering the seeker and emissary ranks, since they involve communicating with/observing other packs.
11. It is forbidden to desecrate the body or grave of a fallen Skydan for any reason.
Consequence for lawbreaking: Severe. The offender forfeits their right to a Stone Trial and is exiled immediately.
12. Attacking any wolf without justifiable cause will result in severe punishment, no matter the extent of injury caused. Injuring, crippling, or killing another wolf (in self-defense, with a witness to support the claim) are all serious offenses.
Consequence for lawbreaking: Severe. If ranked, demotion immediately to Omega and the offender enters a Stone Trial to plead their case to the pack. If the majority votes to forgive the crime, the offender must complete an Absolution. If the pack votes to condemn, or the offender fails their Absolution, they are exiled from Skydas.
Taking a life in self-defense is the ONLY situation in which a Skydas wolf may avoid facing corporal punishment. This is heavily dependent on their explanation for why they had to kill their attacker, and if they have a witness who can support their claim.
13. All life on the island is sacred, and Skydas forbids the intentional taking of life for greed, malice, or sport. Attempted murder, attempted assassination of high ranks (in Skydas or otherwise), and murder in cold blood will incur steep punishments.
Consequence for lawbreaking: Corporal. Immediate demotion to Omega and imprisonment. A prisoner’s right to a Stone Trial may be forfeited if their crime is abominable enough to warrant immediate exile or Branding. If the prisoner's victim is a member of another pack, the prisoner will be surrendered to them to punish as they see fit.