Laws of Sshamath

[adzling]

(this is a first stab subject to editing/additions by Kelsfar.

Generally speaking there are very few laws in Sshamath, it is after all a city run by Drow who are primarily Chaotic Evil. This means that any "laws" tend to take the form of vague edicts issued by the ruling council of Wizards, the Conclave.
By not enshrining a hard and fast set of laws the Council protects itself against any actions it may want to take in the future that could conceivably be seen to "break" a law.

Unlike guards and law officers you may be used to in surface settlements the ones in Sshamath aren't really concerned about your well-being nor protecting the public. Rather they are charged with protecting the interests of the Conclave and ensuring the smooth functioning of the city. Whereas in Baldur's Gate you may run up to a guard pleading for justice against that thief that just stole your coin-purse and expect to get some satisfaction it in Sshamath the guards are likely to just shrug and say "so?". Unless of course you are a citizen with high social standing in which case the guard may well string up whomsoever you accuse whether they stole your purse or not.

That being said like any other large conurbation there are some general edicts that pass for laws in the city and that are enforced by the city's law officers, the Sshamathian Guard and the Charnag Maelthra.

1). All weapons must be sheathed and all shields slung. The only exception to this are the official law officers of the city as mentioned above. As with any civilization the rulers must restrict the use of force to themselves and their minions.

2). All summons, animal companions, undead minions etc. must be dispelled prior to entering the city. The only exception to this is the summoning of an Imp to carry a message, your luggage or whatever (note you can summon an imp using the 5th level mage spell: Lesser Planar Binding).

3). It is unlawful to be polymorphed whilst in the city (no wandering around in balor, treant or other form).

4). All non-citizens (i.e. non-resident Drow) must display respect towards their hosts. This means that a svirfneblin mouthing off to a Drow citizen could draw a fine, imprisonment or worse. In practice this is rare as most non-citizens aren't quite as stupid to insult a Drow in their own city. See the thread in the lore section as to what constitutes a Citizen of Sshamath.

5). No fighting, dueling or similar within city limits. It's bad for business and the Conclave covets the unique items trade brings above all else. If the guard catches you it could mean a fine, being thrown out of the city or a trip to the jail depending upon the whims of the intervening officer and the seriousness of the crime. NOTE: this includes mage duels.

6). Slavery works differently in Sshamath relative to the rest of the underdark. See: http://bgtscc.fomwaa.com/forum/viewtopi ... =18&t=8708

Generally speaking any altercation involving a citizen and non-citizen generally results in the citizen prevailing. The penalty, while usually fitting the crime, also depends upon the whim of the officer. This could take the form of a fine (payable to the offended party and not usually exceeding 500gp), banishment, jail or other unspecified punishment.

[hand of evil]

gold will buy all and greed in men or drow will win out....*smirking as she walks off into the dark*.

[CaesarXL]

Always a very tempting way of life....

[Borton]

Does that mean that other races cant Rp rudeness with out fear of reprisal and the rule of no weapons drawn be over ridden and PvP action taken after waring ?

[CaesarXL]

I found that many folk are helping enforce the sheathed weapons rule, which is a good thing.

Scratch that, I read through it again, my mistake, I know what you mean now.

[Borton]

I found that many folk are helping enforce the sheathed weapons rule, which is a good thing.

not what i meant sheathing weapons yes is a good thing but to Rp rudeness with out reprisal is not

[CaesarXL]

I think when you RP rudeness, its like walking down the street in real life and someone being rude--how you respond has consequences

and I think theres a lot of chances for fights if we RP rudeness, I know I challenged a party to a fight in the mushroom grove while fighting beetles, they RP'd that I stole something. It ended in nothing, but I thought it rude on their part, but hey, its RP.

[CaesarXL]

I think when you RP rudeness, its like walking down the street in real life and someone being rude--how you respond has consequences

and I think theres a lot of chances for fights if we RP rudeness, I know I challenged a party to a fight in the mushroom grove while fighting beetles, they RP'd that I stole something. It ended in nothing, but I thought it rude on their part, but hey, its RP.

Basically I suppose if it happens in the City, you could challenge for a duel outside city limits.

***Scratch that, I read through it again, my mistake, I know what you mean now, should be fun if we could kill non-drow in the city for rudeness

[frettypledy]

...........and then we have the Folk Lores of the game Which bear no resemblance to any actual Laws, but some swear by them Somewhat of a speciality in Hertfordshire

[nwnolan]

Just bumping this topic as I think a lot of UD players have over looked this thread (I certainly did). I'd like to especially point out:

1). All weapons must be sheathed and all shields slung. The only exception to this are the official law officers of the city as mentioned above. As with any civilization the rulers must restrict the use of force to themselves and their minions.

So not only does it note weapon must be sheathed but it also notes that you cannot have your shield out as well (something I'm also guilty of).

4). All non-citizens (i.e. non-resident Drow) must display respect towards their hosts. This means that a svirfneblin mouthing off to a Drow citizen could draw a fine, imprisonment or worse. In practice this is rare as most non-citizens aren't quite as stupid to insult a Drow in their own city. See the thread in the lore section as to what constitutes a Citizen of Sshamath.

That one is just a reminder to all non-Drow who play in the UD. I broke this law yesterday in fact

So please, abide by the rules while in the city and play it smart when outside its limits!

[Eldebryn]

The 4th rule is pretty clear in the In-game sign too I think. As for the shields I have to admit I didn't remember that myself. Means that Elde will now have to be ranting newcomers even more often >.>

[mdchrist]

Think the only time i'm stuck with my shield out is when my inventorys full lol

[Goretrix]

How about when you work as protector for lets say one of the drow females. When you work as her escort in the city would that be an excuse to carry weapons out? Wizards are never without their weapons you know ^^

[Rasael]

Wizards rule the city - females and especially godslaves are just staying here for the moment *cough*andeverymomentisonetoomuch*cough*

[Eldebryn]

No, it's not an excuse as far as I know of. As for wizards, they practically rule the city being first class citizens (as Ras pointed out) and even they don't carry weapons. They only carry staves which they use as walking sticks, which let's just admit it, they are not intimidating to the merchants and city dwellers...

Personally I don't think any PC would have a problem with staves, since they don't scare people. The main reason weapons are not allowed is because "they are bad for business"