LAW 101

These words are written by the hand of man but they come not from this world.

The law was given and these are the words.

Evil is one thing. It stands against the law even if it seems to follow it.

Good is another thing. It stands for the law even if it falls short of perfection.

The law is a third thing.

It is a guide to correct behavior so that all may live well and be safe.

The religions and philosophies of Carsis are very much based on this text. The laws of each nation are built upon it, and the body of commentary surrounding it. But the gods' rules are not taken as direct laws, as many points can not be enforced in a practical way. Most nations ignore point number three, because magic offers benefits they desire. Never the less, in most places, the church is responsible for education and it teaches these rules to the people.

1. Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. Even if all the people around you turn to evil and brake these laws do not do as they do. It is better to be an outcast or to die than to become corrupt.

2. Do what is proper; respect your elders. Always show respect for your mother and father and all the elders of the community. Consider carefully their advice, for wisdom often comes with age.

3. Do not use magic or seek the aid of magic users. Magic is not to be used by mortals; it is dangerous and corrupts those who use it. Trust no magic user.

4. Do not offer blood in sacrifice. When you make a sacrifice it is to be clean and free of blood. Blood is life and life is not to be sacrificed on the alter.

5. Do not have sex with any close relative. Any man who sleeps with his mother or his sister or his father's sister or his mother's sister or the daughters or any of these women is wicked.

6. Do not let pleasure make you a pervert. Do not have sex with anyone of the same gender. Do not have sex with any animal.

7. Do not have sex with any one who is married to another person. This spawns trouble of many kinds and often brings unhappiness to all. A child born in this way will often suffer for no sin of his own.

8. Do not lie, or deceive any one. All the profit that may come from the lie will eventually come to twice as much trouble. If the truth be harmful, stay silent.

9. Do not pervert justice. Whenever you are to judge something, show no favoritism to the rich or to the poor. If you are being judged, be truthful, do not make winning your only aim.

10. Do not mistreat others for any reason. Do not cheat a lord because he is rich, and may well afford the lose. Do not abuse a commoner because he is poor and can not defend himself.

11. Do not take what does not belong to you. Stealing is wrong and should not be done, even if the need is great. You must always get the permission of the owner before you take a thing.

12. Do not accept a bribe for any reason. Those who accept bribes will most assuredly lie to protect their gains. Honor should not be measured in gold.

13. Do not spread slander and false reports. You may speak ill of a person only if you are sure of your facts. It is a great misdeed to report, as true, rumors of events you have not seen.

14. Do not betray someone's trust in you. When you give your word to do something you must try your best to do it. Those who deliberately break their promises should be expelled from society.

15. Do not over react; respond in kind. Good deeds repaid with generosity. Evil deeds repaid with just revenge. One should avoid answering an insult with a fist, but should use a sharp wit.

16. Do not kill without good reason. One may always defend himself and protect others from harm. However all opponents should be given a chance to avoid death.

17. Do not keep hate in your heart. You may fight your enemies and kill them; you may call them foul names. But you should not hate them so much that you will be unable to make peace.

18. Do all things in moderation. An excess of anything, even if it seems good, can be harmful to you. Seek balance in all your activities.