The Charter of Free Weltheas (the Constitution)

---

The Constitution and Government

Preamble

Let it be known, in the wake of war and false crowns, that a new city has risen not by conquest, but by consent — not founded by Kings, but by the will of free peoples and merchant wisdom. Weltheas shall be a Free City, open to all who seek peace, commerce, and fair dealing. Bound neither by throne nor temple, Weltheas shall be governed by the law, upheld by duty, and guided by those entrusted with its care. All authority granted by this Charter flows from the people of Weltheas, and those who govern shall do so only as stewards of their welfare, prosperity, and liberty.

Article I: On the Nature of the Free City of Weltheas

1. The Free City of Weltheas is hereby declared a sovereign, neutral enclave open to all peaceful peoples, regardless of origin, faith, or allegiance.
2. The Free City of Weltheas shall recognize no foreign crown, no binding dogma, and no external authority as superior to its law.
3. Weltheas shall remain forever open as a port of trade, dialogue, and refuge, so long as such presence does not endanger the peace or laws of the Charter.

Article II: The Founding Families and Their Compact

1. The original compacting parties, the Four Founding Families, shall be recognized as the hereditary Patrons of Weltheas. Their early union established the foundation of the Free City and guaranteed its neutrality, prosperity, and independence.
2. The Founding Families shall serve not as sovereigns, but as custodians of the Charter, bound by oath to uphold its principles and safeguard the City’s future.
3. The City shall not prioritize one belief over another. Rituals, practices, and sacred traditions shall be permitted so long as they are peaceful, non-coercive, and compliant with the laws of Weltheas. Religious authority may not override the Charter in matters of civic importance

Article III: The Council of Weltheas

1. The supreme civic authority of the Free City shall rest in the Council of Weltheas, a body of five members entrusted with governance, legislation, and oversight of the City’s institutions.
2. All Council members must be chosen only by existing Council members, through a 4 out of 5 majority vote.
3. All Council members must originate from the Four Founding Families unless four of the five Council members agree to appoint an individual from outside those lineages.
4. The Council is responsible for:
   • Proposing and enacting laws;
   • Overseeing civil administration;
   • Managing appointments to civic offices;
   • Upholding the neutrality and safety of the harbor.
5. In times of danger, unrest, or immediate threat, a Crisis Council shall be formed. This body shall consist of any three Council members, selected by the full Council, and shall be empowered to make temporary emergency decisions.
6. The Crisis Council’s authority shall expire once the full Council reconvenes, at which time all decisions made must be recorded and reviewed.
7. The Council of Weltheas shall act always in service to the people of the Free City, holding their peace, prosperity, and safety above all other interests.
8. The Advisor holds not a position within the Council but is appointed by the Council. It is their function to form a bridge between the Free People of Weltheas and the Council itself. Advisors will be elected by the Council and can be removed with a 4 out of 5 majority vote.
9. The removal of a Council member shall require either:
   • A three-fifths majority vote of the Council, ratified by the Advisor; or
   • A four-fifths majority vote of the Council alone.
10. In order for general decisions to be ratified by the Council, it must have a 3/5 majority vote with a preference of the Advisor voting in favour of the decision as well. Within the Crisis Council, a 2/3 majority must be met in order to ratify a decision.

Article IV: Citizenship and Participation

1. Citizenship in Weltheas is open to all who:
   • Maintain lawful presence in the city for no less than one year;
   • Conduct honest trade or service;
   • Swear an oath to uphold the Charter and the peace of the harbor.
2. Citizens may:
   • Petition the Council through the Advisor;
   • Engage in free trade, own property, and seek legal protection under the Charter.
3. Citizenship may be revoked only by unanimous agreement of the Council in cases of treason, fraud, or acts of violence against the Free City.

Article V: The Law and the Courts

1. All individuals within Weltheas are subject to the Charter’s Law, which shall be codified, public, and amendable by the Council.
2. The law shall prioritize:
   • Peaceful conduct;
   • Fair and transparent trade;
   • Protection of person and property;
   • Prevention of tyranny and corruption.
3. Judicial authority rests with the Magistracy of the Charter, composed of three Magistrates selected from among the five sitting Councilmembers.
   • These Magistrates are appointed by a majority vote of the full Council.
   • Any Councilmember may serve as a Magistrate, and may be replaced at any time by Council vote.
   • Magistrates retain their full rights and duties as Councilmembers while serving.
4. All Magistrates hold equal judicial authority; rulings require at least two votes in favor.
5. Sanctions shall prioritize restoration over punishment:
   • Fines, community service, contract correction, and reparations are preferred over confinement.
   • Long-term confinement or capital punishment may only be issued by unanimous decision of the Magistrates.

Article VI: Defense, Peacekeeping, and Neutrality

1. The defense of Weltheas shall be maintained by the Wardens of the Charter, composed of:
   • The Charter Guard — responsible for internal order and peacekeeping;
   • The Velden Corps — operating from the harbor, tasked with protecting trade routes and ensuring maritime security.
2. All Wardens shall pledge loyalty to the Charter alone and operate under the oversight of the Council.
3. Foreign military forces, mercenaries, or armed groups shall not be permitted entry except under temporary conditions approved by a supermajority of the Council (4/5).
4. The Free City shall not engage in offensive wars, expansion campaigns, or external conflicts beyond the protection of its harbor and people.
5. Preemptive or retaliatory action may be authorized by Council decree when faced with imminent threat to the harbor or Charter-bound convoys.

Article VII: Trade and Coin

1. All trade conducted within the harbor or under the Charter’s protection must be:
   • Fairly taxed at a fixed and published rate;
   • Transparent in origin and agreement;
   • Free from coercion or feudal claim.
2. Disputes between international merchants and local traders shall be resolved by the Courts or according to long-standing maritime tradition.

Article VIII: Amendment and Continuity

1. This Charter may be amended only with the approval of four of the five Council members.
2. The Charter shall remain valid so long as:
   • The harbor remains open;
   • The laws remain public;
   • The Council upholds its oath of stewardship.