Ursian

Short Story Introduction

“Order! Order!” the Gervian shouted, rapping the table loudly with his gavel.

"This is ill!” a voice from the crowd shouted.

“I said order!” the Gervian snapped, hitting the desk harder and using the noise of the hammer to drown out the dissenting voice. He kept banging until long after silence had fallen, carefully hammering his authority on to the proceedings.

“Now that the gate is gone,” he continued slowly into the silence, “I am invoking my right as the head of this council to impose the suspension of peerage.”

“You can’t do that!” another voice roared back and was supported by shouts of agreement and dissent. The crowd rose from their seats and mobbed in front of the low fence separating the court from the spectators. Growing nervous, the court officials unsheathed their weapons and stood tensely watching the crowd.

Before anything more could happen, however, the doors at the rear of the courtroom flew open and admitted a burst of cold air which made all inside shiver. Framed by the glare coming from outside was a massive figure leaning heavily on a staff, her cloak flapping in the wind behind her. Her massive shoulders heaved with each breath as the stranger paused at the threshold, dark eyes peering at the gathering from under a heavy hood.

“Who are you? I thought I ordered those doors barred!”

Ignoring the question, the stranger entered the room, pointedly stepping over the ruins of the wooden bar making her way forward towards the dais. She leaned heavily on her staff with each step. The crowd of protesters separated to allow the newcomer through.

“Where be your Magistrate?” a husky voice asked as it drew closer.

“I am Councillor Laurelius and I alone command here. I say again, who are you?” the Gervian returned testily, nervously rising from his seat at the odd grammatical inflection.

There was a pause and silence fell on the room. The stranger pushed back the hood to reveal a puffy, heavily furred face fronted by a blunted snout and sneering fangs. The brown fur tufting around the ears had been neatly groomed, but was streaked with grey.

“I be Lawspeaker Cyln and this hearing be illegal.”

Racial Overview

An Ursian Citizen (by Lloyd Smith)

Massive, strong, and possessing a fearsome fortitude this omnivorous race evolved from bear-like ancestors. Covered in coarse fur Ursians are most at home in cooler climates and thin atmospheres. Their survival ability is such that it is possible to find Ursians in even the most inhospitable places. This is a challenge that some individuals willingly embrace, as they can be found in the most unlikely nooks throughout the galaxy.

The Ursians also have an astonishing longevity. Finding individuals who are several centuries old is not at all unusual. While an individual may have less than average intelligence compared to other race, the weight of wisdom and experience harnessed over the years can become exceptional. It is therefore no surprise that there is a growing regard for Ursian elders within the Concordium, and the younger races will often go to them for advice and insight.

The Ursian government is a Kritocracy or rule by the judiciary. The legal wisdom and neutrality displayed by Ursian judges is universally recognised, so their advice and arbitration is regularly sought within the Concordium. Law is the primary Ursian export, and they are heavily involved with law and order at all levels, from local regulations to galactic governance. Many Ursian Lawspeakers can be found on the road, travelling from community to community learning about local jurisprudence and practicing their trade in arbitration to any in need (and sometimes to those who did not seek it). The Elder Magisters collectively form the executive, legislative and top judicial authority in their nation.

However, the Ursian obsession with law does not come without controversy. As with any society, benevolence may not always be the intended outcome; there are those who use law as a means of power and control. Ursians are ready to go to war over a legality, and they are always on the side of the law, even if the law itself is not always entirely justified.

Legend has it that the first Gervian astronauts to set foot on their local moon, a very barren and dull rock, were happily greeted by a very talkative Ursian hermit longing for a chat after several decades of solitude. This could also explain why many early aliens were portrayed as little grey men. This Ursian, bent with age, was covered in grey moon-dust!

- Eloise Quepero D'Pigens

Racial Characteristics

Statistics

Racial Special Abilities

- Very Thick Fur (Defensive)

- Sharp Claws (Offensive)

- Hardy (Defensive)

- High Pain Tolerance (Defensive)

- Small Fangs (Offensive)

Appearance

General Features

• Fur/Hair
  • Black fur most common.
  • Brown fur is less common.
  • White fur (except for the elderly) is very rare.
  • Natural colour hair dyes used, although usually for streaks or highlights.
• Physiology
  • Primarily bi-pedal.
  • Can run / attack comfortably on all fours.
  • Fur colour tends to dicate size.
    • Black furred individuals are smallest and most nimble.
    • Brown furred individuals tend to be large and imposing.
    • White furred individuals tend to be the largest and are highly respected.

Male Features

• Physique
  • More gaunt.
  • Narrower but with broad shoulders.
  • Narrower, pointier face and muzzle.
• Fur / Hair
  • Tendency to have naturally scruffier fur.
  • Beards can be grown and styled.
  • Head hair is usually short cropped, if present.
• Body Art
  • Piercings (mainly studs and plugs).
  • Braided or shaped fur / hair, particularly beards.
  • Scars are proudly displayed.

Female Features

• Physique
  • Taller, larger build.
  • Fuller face.
  • Broad shouldered.
• Fur / Hair
  • Hair is shorter but more often styled.
• Body Art
  • Piercings (mainly hoops and dangles)
  • Scars are proudly displayed.

Accoutrements

• Clothes
  • Minimal, Ursians like to show off their toughness against the elements.
  • Usually utilitarian (sacks, satchels, helmets, belts, sashes)
  • Exception are those in the legal profession who favour robes or other ceremonial garb.
  • Lawspeakers often have exotic, alien or strange items or clothing picked up on their travels.
• Branding
  • Distinguishes family / clan allgiance.
  • Females are branded after giving birth.
  • Males are branded after marriage or betrothal.
• Armour
  • High-tech platemail.
  • Light-weight harnesses with mounted energy shields.
• Weapons
  • Gauntlets with claw enhancements.
  • Suit mounted heavy weapons.
  • Melee weapons (particularly bludgeoning).

Religion

For the most part, Ursians are exceptionally rational beings (although their slow burning anger is legendary). To them the best example of codified rationalism is through the word of the law. As such, the Ursians follow legal issues with an almost religious dedication.

Primary : Determinism : 65% : Freedom of action and liberty under the law are the primary beliefs among the Ursians. All are free to live within the bounds of the law – or to break them, but those that do must accept the consequences of doing so.

Secondary : Philosophy : 35% : A segment of the Ursian population are even more strict about the law following it with an even more zealous dedication. For them, the code of law, the sanctity of the state as the impartial enforcer, and the legitimacy of the legal class are paramount.

Ships

(Designs by James Goudie)

Racial History

To be added.

Jurisprudence in the Concordium

The Right of Peerage and Citizenship

Peer : Full rights to life, liberty and self determination.
Citizen : Right to life and liberty.

Legally, since the War of Oppression, all the peoples of the Concordium are considered peers, with the basic rights to life, liberty and self determination. This equality is not always embraced however, as there are some societies in which class segregation or even slavery are practiced.

Under Concordium law, peers have the right to convene juries and decide cases in their locality. However this is often only practiced by default in Ursian or Ursian administered states. In the segregated societies, all are granted the right to life and liberty, but not to self determination. This right is reserved for the ruling elite (who call themselves the Peers, with their subjects reduced to being mere Citizens). Publicly condemned by the Ursians, this hierachy is privately accepted as enforcement of this principle would be nigh on impossible. There are a few fringe colonies which practice slavery, and these groups are actively hunted down and destroyed by the Ursian military.

The peerage was originally an Ursian construct, but it has become increasingly popular throughout Concordium space, partially because the idea of equality has been willingly embraced by the population at large, particularly for those who have lived under more authoritarian or tyrannical governments. On the other hand, it is also due to the Ursian domination of jurisprudence and their toppling of unfavourable regimes.

Societies which have adopted the universal Right of Peerage are essentially self-governing, with even the smallest hamlets and villages responsible for their own governance. They may not however themselves order a jail or capital sentence, but instead forward the recommendation to their local Lawspeaker who has legal oversight in such matters. The accused also have the right to appeal to a Magister. If the Universal Right of Peerage has not been adopted, then unless a higher civic power can be found, the Magistrate has the final say. Further appeal is more difficult. Another Lawspeaker or Magister can still be called on, but chances of the case ever reaching their ears is highly unlikely.

On other planets (and very rarely on Ursian ones), the Right of Peerage is suspended in times of emergency (like during a war or natural disaster), where central, authoritative governance is required. Very often new colonies suspend peerage while initial settlement occurs as autocratic leadership is easier and more efficient on a smaller, more critical stage. Later, however, full suffrage is expected – but not always granted.

Within the Concordium, all those who live under Concordium law are eligible for a legal position and therefore the right to dispute and modify it.

– Conleth, Historian to the Concordium.

Conleth is too much an optimist. There are many regimes which refuse this right to many of their people. Darshana know this to be true.

- Darshana

Policing the Concordium

Although each race and community within the Concordium has itsown local police force and judicial system, the Ursian model is copied (or imposed) on a large scale. This Ursian domination of the legal system was made possible by the treaty which ended the First War of Oppression. In it Ursian judges were given supremacy in all cases relating to the Right of Peerage, which properly argued can potentially mean any trial. Of course, this monopoly on policing is not without controversy. The other races work hard to implement their own systems and the question often becomes: just how well can the Ursians themselves enforce their own judicial powers?

This is not to say that the Ursian system is reviled by all throughout the Concordium. The historic position of the Ursian judges being to protect the rights of all in the Concordium has brought them great favour. Wandering Lawspeakers and Magisters are highly respected individuals, due in no small part to the rigorous standards imposed on them, even if the restrictions behind their appointment are controversial.

Enforcers – Strong Arm of the Law

Reeves : Reeves are Peers or Citizens empowered to enforce the local laws of the region. They are usually a temporary force raised during times of legal strife or emergency, and can take the form of a force of police deputies, army reservists or a militia. They have temporary powers of arrest for the duration of their service only.

Shireeves : The Shire-reeves or Shireeves are the permanent police forces. It is their responsibility to investigate crimes, keep the peace and enforce the law. Although they may be known locally by a plethora of different names, asking for a Shireeve anywhere in the Concordium will be understood. The Shireeves take on a range of duties from being forensic experts, detectives or military police, to simply being the regular police officers on the beat. Shireeves can undertake a limited legal education which allows them to counsel or represent others in a court of law.

There is still, however, only one Consulting Detective in the Concordium!

- Eloise Quepero D'Pigens

Magistrates : Only those who have the Right of Peerage may function as a Magistrate due to their heightened legal privilege. This requirement is often cited by ruling elites who wish to maintain legal control over their subjects. In areas with universal Right of Peerage, people may require additional legal training in order to qualify although this is not always the case. Having a jury of Peers coming together to decide a legal hearing is not at all unusual.

Magistrates have the power to preside over local cases, and are able to hand down minor sentences such as community service or a small fine. For cases which fall out of this remit, they may refer the hearing to a Lawspeaker or Magister, and can also give a recommendation which must be taken under advisement by the higher official. Very often professional Magistrates have an office or role in the local government, ruling either autocratically or as part of a council, in which case a trial might be heard by more than one Magistrate.

Outside of Ursian jurisprudence, Magistrates may adopt more power than would otherwise be authorised. While technically only Lawspeakers or Magisters may decide serious cases, Magistrates may seize or, through local law, otherwise receive entitlement to greater legal powers. In this instance, Lawspeakers and Magisters do have higher legal authority. However they may struggle to impose this right as the local authorities may cite a lack of actual personnel in the vicinity, regardless of whether their absence is accidental or enforced.

Lawspeakers – The Wandering Judges

Lawspeaker : Enshrined in Concordium law is the requirement for a Magister to serve one hundred years as a wandering judge, known colloquially as a Lawspeaker. Obviously there is an immediate problem. This position becomes extremely exclusive to just a small group of races due to the limits of natural longevity. The claim at time of writing is that a judge can only be truly neutral to all concerned parties when he or she has a true and wide grasp of law acquired over time and through experience. Detractors, however, are convinced that this is really a sly method for the Ursians to dominate Concordium jurisprudence, and provides an easy way for them to maintain their legal monopoly.

While on their journey, Lawspeakers are expected to learn as much about law in other communities as they can, with additional favour found if they spend time among entirely alien races. So it is not unusual to find a sole Ursian living on the far fringes of Concordium space with a race barely space-worthy. The Lawspeakers may not, however, live among those who have no diplomatic relations with the Concordium. This is primarily to allow pre-space flight civilisations to find their own wings, but also to prevent implications of espionage among the enemies of the Concordium. Additionally these judges may not stop in one place for more than a year.

For self-protection, Lawspeakers are considered sacrosanct. Those who harm them or otherwise impede them in the line of duty can be arrested, imprisoned and in circumstances of physical harm, executed.

Lawspeakers have absolute legal authority wherever they go, and they are often called upon to preside over especially difficult or controversial cases. It is not at all unusual for Lawspeakers to be sought after by Magistrates or even Shireeves who are keen to gain further legal teaching. Lawspeakers are keen to accommodate this wish in exchange for inside exposure to the local customs of their students.

Finally, it should be noted that Lawspeakers do not always complete the full one hundred years. It is a lonely and taxing job. There are very many dropouts and even more who are failed when they face the Question – an extremely secretive selection process which promotes successful candidates to full Magisters.

Venerable Lawspeaker : Not all Lawspeakers decide to take the Question, either because they feel unready or are otherwise highly attached to the travelling lifestyle. They become known instead as Venerable Lawspeakers. Although this is more a ceremonial title rather than an official position within the hierarchy, these exceptional individuals deserve recognition and respect.

To understand law is to understand government.

– Conleth, Historian to the Concordium.

Magisters – The United Oathsworn

Magister : Those few Lawspeakers who serve the full one hundred year term and pass the Question become a Magister, the supreme custodians of Ursian law. Instead of a democratic process, points of law or government policy are heard like a legal trial and the outcome written into the uncodified constitution as a judicial decree.

These judicial decrees not only inform government policy, they can be actual common or criminal cases which likewise are written into law to be followed throughout the Ursian state. Such scenarios require five Magisters chosen by lot from the entire pool. Using the Quantum Gates these Magisters meet and decide the case.

Magisters' power does not lie in Ursian matters alone, however, they also have authority throughout the Concordium itself. They have the power to scrutinize legislation being passed by other planetary governments. It is in this sphere that their rigorous training comes to the forefront, as it is their job to ensure that no rights are being infringed. Or if they are encroached on, that it is done lawfully.

In matters of diplomatic law, the Magisters also have the authority to arbitrate in any international disagreement, so their skills are often called upon to mediate trade and territory disputes.

Elder Magister : Seven Magisters are appointed by the Chancellor of the Concordium to fill the ranks of the Concordium Supreme Court. This Supreme Court has twin functions. Firstly, they are the final point of appeal for any case, and their role is to scrutinize laws being passed by the Concordium Assembly. The Supreme Court does not have the power to strike Concordium legislation down, but they can delay it by one session and order additional debate on its content. In this way they can freeze legislation indefinitely. However, subsequent freeze orders can be overturned by Chancellor decree or by two-third majority in the Assembly.

Second, they also serve as the executive and most senior judicial branch of government of the Ursian people. They have the power to decide points of governance where previous decrees are deemed to be unclear or illegal, thereby rewriting the decree or striking it down entirely.

Because of the rigid protocol in place to become a Magister, this has historically been the domain solely of the Ursians. This monopoly was broken for the first time by the appointment of Ancient Speaker Balyn, a Valdus Magister. Interestingly, this also means that a Valdus is a member of the Ursian executive branch of government!

On my honour, I will do my duty under the law, to maintain neutrality in all judicial matters, to defend the rights of those in my care, and to keep and uphold the law in all things.

- Oath taken by all Magisters.

Traveller's Log Entries

Lawspeaker Cyln

(by Gareth Kay)

“Lawspeaker!” a voice cried out, and Cyln turned slowly to find a young Valdus boy running after her, the wide-brimmed hat he wore bobbing unceremoniously with each stride. Cyln grunted on seeing his small frame and turned back to the road, adjusting the staff balanced on her shoulder to make the load swinging from it more comfortable.

“Lawspeaker!” the cry came again, more incessant. Cyln set her jaw and continued to walk. Angry shouts had followed her out of the town, and she was in no mood to hear the admonishments of a child.

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