§1.1 Government Structure:

• Even if not a true democracy the county value public opinion.
• Political power can be achieved through mastery of your profession.

Feudal Government:
All regions of Elyria are placed under the practices of feudalism and Claudia won't be any different. Despite this however the county will strive to maintain a nurturing and caring authority as opposed to a predatory one. This doesn't mean the county will actively restrict local authority, but will have a low tolerance for incompetence and corruption among the local authority figures and will expect that the needs of the citizens will have a high and equal priority.

To ensure that the aristocracy are able to grow and realize their goals for their settlements, as well as provide for their citizens, the county will have a dedicated administrative council that will work alongside the local authority figures in addressing their concerns and visions for the land, its settlements, and inhabitants.

Technocratic Government:
The political system Claudia primarily aspires towards can be described as a type of technocracy, or in other words a government ruled by those with the most experience in their field of expertise. Claudia will therefore also be ruled by a second council, the master council.

Both the master council and the administrative council can when necessary combine into the grand council to address the more delicate matters concerning the county.

Democratic Policy:
Aside from reasonable opportunities for the citizens to gain political power through the master council there will be no representative elections at the county level. Still, the people will be encouraged to bring up any issues that is of concern, either through petitions or directly through any council member. Public opinion is thus welcomed despite not actively pursued, at least to begin with. Expansion of democratic rights in the future will be addressed by the administrative council. Individual settlements are also free to pursue any additional democratic measures on their political level.

§1.2 The Decisive Rights of the Countess:

Council Head and Secretary:
The Countess directs and monitors all county councils and will be the one to manage meeting schedules, membership candidates, and other council invitations such as guests and honorary members. Other council members are however free to make requests in these matters.

Sanctioned Investigations:
The Countess can give a "cease and desist" warning or order a full investigation if any member of the councils is found to be predatory on the citizens, disloyal, corrupt, or simply incompetent. Depending on its nature the investigation will be handled by an envoy of the Duke (like a Baron) or the CSA (Claudia Shadow Agency).

Efficiency Policy:
The countess maintains the right to act on minor matters without vote, but will still report to the council afterwards. If the measure is found to not be minor by the council or undesirable in other ways then alternative measures can be voted on if possible to change or reverse the action. If found to not be minor then the countess will agree to take all similar cases to the council in the future.

Not-so-minor matters that have a predictable nature can also be given standardized measures to be acted on without vote in the future. The standardized measures will be determined by the council, and can be changed or modified in hindsight.

Veto Policy:
As both a representative of the people and a mediator of the higher authorities the Countess maintain veto rights in any council. The veto can be invoked on any case within an IRL month from the votes was cast as long as there is at least one other member that is opposed or willing to change their vote. The veto require to be funded on public or administrative concerns and not on personal concerns or similar; a measure having undesirable effects may for example be revoked by a veto. If the council is able to provide a satisfactory solution to the concerns the veto is lifted. A revote can be requested after a veto.

Urgency Policy:
Outside the state of emergency the grand council can initiate the countess can call for an urgency on individual cases in all councils. A case of urgency requires votes to be cast within the same meeting it is brought up, and often require a measure to be taken in one form or another. A case of urgency is also grounds for a council meeting to be scheduled on a short notice. If a matter is so urgent it needs to be acted on before a vote then it will be treated similarly as other matters of efficiency.

§1.3 Administrative Council:

• Decides and regulate county policies, laws and regulations.
• Administrates public properties and resources.
• Monitors public projects and finances.
• Addresses the concerns and projects of the nobility.
• Maintains measures of security decided by the Duchy and Monarchy.
• Appoints diplomats, addresses foreign concerns, and maintain agreements.

Members of the Council:
In addition to the Countess this council will primarily consist of the leaders of the local settlements (Mayors, Magistrates, and Barons) and any councilors they've appointed.

Honorary Members:
The King/Queen and the Duke/Duchess, as well as other high ranking public officials (such as judges), is able to attend this council anytime they want. These honorary members do however not receive notifications when there is a council meeting, unless relevant.

Hamlets and villages are generally considered too small to be represented on the administrative council by default, but are allowed to apply for a honorary membership position.

Administrative Councilor:
A settlement of Town size or larger have the option to appoint additional advisory councilors in addition to their chief councilor, though a settlements total number of representatives can't be more than their voting power (VP). How additional councilors is elected or appointed and if they are given any VP is up to the individual settlements.

On the administrative council the chief councilor doesn't need to be the actual settlement leader, a substitute representative is allowed if the primary representative is unable or disinterested in attending the council in person.

§1.4 Master Council:

• Monitors and addresses the concerns of local organizations.
• Monitors the free market and local trade routes.
• Monitors and manages public demand and local resources.
• Seek economic opportunities and new trade routes.
• Establishes and promotes public and private research projects.
• Delegates apprenticeship programs.

Members of the Council:
In addition to the Countess this council will primarily consist of local merchants and master craftsmen that have earned a seat on the council. The members will have to represent themselves (no councilor system), though in some cases family or fellow guild members are allowed to act as substitutes. Also, the council will in most cases only offer one seat per organization unless the organization only act as a manager on behalf of its members ("employee" vs "freelancer").

Honorary Members:
School principals, religious leaders, guild/association leaders of otherwise unrepresented guilds etc. may also have the right to attend this council. Organization is required to have a local representative however. Leaders with a foreign citizenship can recommend a local branch manager as their representation on the council.

Although limited to citizens the honorary membership is not a citizen right and will without an exclusive invitation require an application. The application have a small fee associated to it, and might be denied if reason for joining is poor.

Council guests are however exempt from the local citizen requirement and is a temporary position exclusively acquired through invitation. Guests are observers and usually aren't given voting power in the council.

Note: Anyone who joins Claudia before launch may claim honorary member status on the master council, if interested. These honorary members will essentially be the foundation of this council before official members can be selected.

§1.5 Grand Council:

• Manages and decide additional measures of security.
• Takes control during times of crisis.
• Addresses serious diplomatic issues, such as casus belli.
• Tackles issues that require to be addressed by both lower councils.

Members of the Council:
The countess, and all primary members of the lower councils have membership on the grand council. Honorary members on any council do not have membership on the grand council and substitutes also can't be used. Guest members may however be invited on a case by case scenario.

State of Emergency:
The grand council can initiate a 'state of emergency' which gives the countess the right to act without delay, or in other words, measures can be taken without any council approval. A declaration of emergency only requires the support of 1/3 of the present council and will last until the situation that called for the emergency is resolved. It is however still possible for the council to cast votes towards a veto on individual measures if they in hindsight disagree with the measures taken. The vetoes requires that suitable alternatives can replace the original measures though.

State of Exception:
The grand council can also initiate a 'state of exception' which means all county policies will be temporarily suspended. This may for example be invoked during times of war when the council do not have time to address other county matters in detail. Suspending policies doesn't mean they are no longer in effect, just that the council no longer guarantee them.

Note: The county will also start the exposition in a state of exception.

§2.1 Criminal Prosecution:

• Rehabilitation programs (help to establish bonds and a place for yourself).
• Particularly obnoxious criminals may be pursued with experimental sentences.

General Crime Policy:
Crimes will in official capacity be prosecuted and punished fairly. Fines may be imposed when appropriate (if possible). Rehabilitation programs may be offered to people who have turned to crimes due to having trouble establishing themselves in Elyria.

Foreign Criminal Policy:
Criminals from foreign territories will preferably be dealt with through political agreements. However, if no official diplomatic resolution can be established in due time the county reserve the right to protect its citizens by having unaffiliated groups and agencies persecute any bounties on its behalf. The county is not responsible for the methods such groups employ, and will neither claim any official association to them.

Claudia will generally assist other domains that are hunting criminals that have sought shelter or operate from within the borders of the county; any assistance is however on the condition that the criminals is guilty of what is also considered a crime in Claudia.

Nomadic criminals will be persecuted without delay unless a domain wishes to take responsibility and negotiate for an agreement on their behalf.

Debt:
Not paying your debts is considered a crime in Claudia, this is because the county offers ample opportunities for serious players to resolve their debts:

1. Any debtor can apply for public protection. If PP is approved, based on need, you will be allowed a legal grace period to delay payment terms without criminal charge or blacklisting. Applies to both public and private debt.
2. Debts may be refinanced at the county hall if banks or other investors won't.
3. Anyone can apply for economic counseling and guidance.
4. One may also apply for public service jobs to help pay the debts off.

Many criminal activities will in addition to jail also be punished with fines. Criminalizing debt means professional criminals, who are less likely to pay their fines, can be more easily reincarcerated.

Maximum Sentence:
Being declared an enemy of the state is the maximum possible sentence in Claudia, and anyone given this declaration will become outcasts. This punishment is reserved for people so malicious to the county that the character cannot be allowed further residence. Examples include anyone who commit or conspire to treason, or individuals who have destructive tendencies that can't be justified for personal gain (unnecessary cruelty is unacceptable, and is a toxic element within a community).

Outcasts will have their civil rights revoked and will be exiled and hunted, with bounties paid for each proven coup de grace up until that characters permanent death. Take note that exile alone is a lighter form of punishment (as it doesn't include the bounty until death part), but that too is considered a rare form of severe punishment. Both outcasts and exiles will have their properties confiscated¹. An exile can be pardoned, an outcast can't. Additionally anyone who intentionally associate with an outcast risk consequences, this doesn't apply to exiles.

Note¹: In the case where confiscation of property can't be done within the official mechanics of the game the property will be blocked off until it can be claimed through adverse possession.

§2.2 County Citizenship:

• Civil rights and certain public services is reserved for those with a citizenship.
• Political representation and diplomatic duties require citizenship.
• Higher forms of citizenship is favored in certain circumstances, but otherwise equal.

Permanent County Citizenship:
Qualification for a permanent citizenship is given to any citizen directly or indirectly annually taxed by the county. An example of an indirectly taxed individual could for example be a tenant of a residential building on a taxed parcel. Proof of residence or ownership of a taxed parcel or membership of a taxed guild will qualify as proof of citizenship. A proper certificate can however also be issued.

Temporary County Citizenship:
Contracted workers, apprentices, or students can acquire a recommendation from any qualified individual or organization for citizenship. Contract specifying citizenship as a perk is proof of citizenship. A contractor will need to apply and register for permission to qualify.

Proof of County Affiliation:
Other groups desiring to qualify for citizenship, such as non-taxed residents, nomads, or other foreign individuals (e.g. merchants, mercenaries, organization leaders etc.) can pay a small fee (per game year) for proof of affiliation. The fee acts as a honorary citizen tax. Proof of affiliation will not be given during an on-going dispute.

Any irregular taxes issued may also give proof of affiliation to any otherwise 'non-taxed' residents affected by such measures.

§2.3 Civil Rights:

• Claudia is publicly egalitarian, but allow exclusive matriarch or patriarch houses.
• Citizens who struggle can seek counsel with the Countess.
• Purchase of parcels is an exclusive citizen right.

Freedom Policy:
Each citizen have the freedom to do and pursue what they want as long as it doesn't conflict with the law of the land and any rights or practices of other citizens. This freedom may however be reasonably restricted according to ones pledged or owed responsibilities. This also applies to each house and organization in regards to any individual practices.

Equality Rights:
The county value each member of the society equally and thus no person of any kind are to be intentionally differentiated in the reception of public services. The county also recommend, but will not enforce (at this time), similar practice among private organizations. This right is also extended to residents without citizenship.

Survival Rights:
Each citizen have the right to the minimum requirements necessary for their survival, whether it is in regards to food, water, health, or shelter. As such any citizen can request assistance from the local authorities if in need, however, the local authorities have in exchange the right to demand reasonable compensation in the form of labor or similar services that are within the citizens capabilities. Non-citizen can inquiry for assistance as well, but any assistance will have to be earned, and is not guaranteed.

Each house have the same duties in regards to their respective members, and are not to abandon members of the family without reasonable means of survival. Houses that do not fulfill this obligation may be fined.

This right apply to player characters and characters that may potentially become a player character. This means the county is not opposed to "aborting" unwanted "heirs" before they reach this potential, however, this understanding will not protect you if you are caught breaking the law attempting this, such as committing murder.

Right to be Heard:
Any citizen have the right to seek the counsel of the Countess, whether it is in regards to personal conflicts or troubles establishing oneself in Elyria. This right can be revoked on an individual basis if abused, but not without warning. Request is issued privately along with subject of issue and the countess will then provide appointment according to priority. This right is also extended to non-citizen interested in settling in Claudia.

§2.4 Land Management Policies:

• Purchase of land is reserved for those with a valid citizenship.
• Active citizen will have the county's support in adverse possession disputes.
• Squatting on unclaimed land is tolerated within reason.

Parcel Purchase:
A citizen can purchase and own any residential parcel not within a nature reserve, and claim any parcel that have been abandoned (adverse possession). Though to confirm citizenship, validate plans for parcel use, and determine parcel value all purchases require an audience with the countess. Parcels with commercial or industrial value also require a business plan approved by the master council. All of this is to ensure the local economic potential is not claimed, blocked, or otherwise reduced by foreign powers or similar.

Because of this expect the land management table in Claudia to contain applications for deeds rather than deeds outright.

Adverse Possession:
In the case of a disputed adverse possession the county will generally support the active citizen over the inactive citizen unless a reasonable reason for inactivity is given. If reason is acceptable the inactive player is still expected to compensate the citizen who made the adverse possession. The one doing the adverse possession should not prevent the inactive player from retrieving their belongings, and the inactive player should not try to damage the property or land. However, the county will always support a citizen over a non-citizen whether active or not.

The county itself may also reclaim neglected land through adverse possession to make the land available through the land management table.

Squatting & Unclaimed Land:
Parcels within nature reserves can under normal circumstances never be claimed, and offenders who build without claim may have their structures removed from these areas. Outside of nature reserves and settlement areas constructions and camps on unclaimed land will be somewhat overlooked unless inconvenient. Citizenship can however not be acquired with an unclaimed property and any structure on unclaimed land is also considered public property that any citizen have the right to use.

If a third party desires to claim a parcel with an existing squatter the squatter will be notified and the parcel will be put up for auction where both parties and other citizens may give their bids for the land. Parcels with commercial or industrial potential will not be put up for auction however and will go to whoever provides the first approved business plan.

§2.5 Special Policies:

Vampire Policy:
Cancerous vampires that bring harm onto the unwilling and innocent will be considered enemies of the state and will be hunted.

However, to avoid that wicked vampires can get away by silencing their victims through conversion, and to give victims a fair treatment, pardoned or unwilling vampires may be provided protection and retain rights under the CSA. Such protection comes at the condition that the vampire doesn't convert or otherwise assault random citizens. The agency will help find more appropriate solutions for their new dietary needs.

To guarantee safety and avoid confrontations the vampire must also relocate to an apartment at the CSA base of operations; which as a dungeon town may be better suited anyway. The vampire can travel outside the town, but this may come at certain conditions. The conditions will vary based on trust and personal needs.

The CSA will help find acceptable solutions for the various issues the vampire faces under their form, including help to prepare a heir and to track down and liberate the soul that were captured by the cancerous vampire.

Lich Policy:
At this time a lich is not known to be possibly innocent in their transformation or capable of sustaining themselves without harming the citizens of the county, and as such liches may automatically become considered enemies of the state and hunted accordingly. This policy may change as more information and more benign solutions to their existence can be found.

§2.6 Enforcers (County Guard):

• Elite combat unit that is more dedicated than the regular guard.
• Will help train the local militia and graduate more dedicated recruits.
• Will support and help develop defense measures in non-barony settlements.
• Enforces are required to have a degree of melee expertise.

Primary Purpose:
The county will maintain its own elite guard unit that will supplement the regular guard. This unit, known as the Enforcers, will be tasked with county wide duties as opposed to settlement specific ones. Part of their obligations include providing escorts for the countess and other county officials among other. Additionally they have the privilege to claim county missions and quests before any other individuals or groups.

As the position is a warrior focused role an Enforcer is required to have expertise in at least one melee weapon. Beyond this the Enforcer is free to pursue anything else they would like to dabble in.

Militia Training:
The Enforcers will travel between the settlements regularly and will during their visits offer militia training to any citizens interested in learning some self-defense, if there's enough interest they may also arrange arena competitions.

Enforcer Hierarchy:
Regular member competitions will determine the strongest among the enforcers, these winners will be declared champions of the county and individuals who perform consistently in this regard may receive the countesses recommendation to Duke and King in regards to knighthood.

Individual squads will be led by a captain, elected by the squad members. The champions votes have double the weight. Members can't vote on themselves however, but can abstain from voting. The captain is entitled to the final say on any decisions and strategies pursued in the field and will be responsible for ensuring that the squad completes its assigned quests, tasks, and duties.

The countess will in addition appoint a council representative that will act as the enforcer commander. Experience and a good mind for strategy are valued higher than physical proves for this position. The commander is responsible for delegating any missions to the squads as well as advising the council on matters of offense and defense. The Claudian Academy's military branch will be working closely with the commander to develop and improve the desired weapons and strategies. In times where the Duke calls for the county's aid in matters of war the commander will act as the general for the county's contributing forces.

§2.7 County Rangers:

• Specializes in survival and managing the wilderness.
• Have permission to build camps or shelters within nature reserves.

Primary Purpose:
Where the guards will be operating near settlements and roads the rangers will be out in the wild. Important tasks will be to scout for bandits and trouble in general, tracking, monitoring and regulating the wildlife, replanting trees, and providing assistance to hikers, among other. This role is a good fit for those who plan to spend time out in the wild anyway, such as hunters, cartographers, gatherers, explorers, hermits, and similar.

Due to the nature of the role certain survival skills are expected to ensure a ranger can survive prolonged periods in the wild, some competence in combat is also recommended.

Wilderness Shelters:
Rangers have the unique right to receive permission to have things constructed within nature reserves. These spots still remain public property as part of their purpose is to offer points of shelter, however, rangers have the right to use these spots as bases of operation and can lock them down accordingly as needed. Construction and maintenance of these structures can also be covered by the county.

§2.8 GSA (Guile Shadow Agency):

• Protects public interests, gather information, and handle sensitive jobs in general.
• Have their own dedicated base of operations with exclusive facilities.
• Agency offers a diverse range of positions for a diverse range of tasks.

Primary Purpose:
The existence of the agency is not a secret in itself as it is meant to deal with the more crafty enemies of the county and not intended to be a conspiring organization. Still many of their methods, projects, quests, and members is and will remain classified due to the sensitive nature of some of their jobs. The duties of the agency range from intelligence gathering to protection of government assets.

Base of Operations:
Location will be on a need to know basis. It is however known that it'll be an underground settlement (delving) sporting many facilities unique to other settlements, including the guile training and research branch of the Lantern Academy that also hosts the Lantern Archives (a knowledge vault) among other.

Shadow Guard:
Will in official capacity operate as an Enforcer. Shadow Guards are particularly trained in dungeon exploration and/or commando duties (raids and ambush).

Shadow Guards have the opportunity to acquire the required training to become members of The Order, which is the duchy's relic guard and protectors against the supernatural.

Shadow Agent:
Will in official capacity operate as a County Ranger. Shadow Agents specialize in such things as intelligence gathering, lock and pocket picking, stealth and disguise, and similar rogue like skills.

Shadow Specialist:
Primarily tasked with managing the Lantern Archives these scribes and tinkerers may also dabble in such things as replication and forgery.

§3.1 Economic Philosophy & Expertise:

• The county strives for a fluid economy, with high purchasing power and equality
• Responsible economic policies based on real-life experience
• Maximizes purchasing power for the average citizen
• Resourceful individuals and Guilds still benefit, without sacrificing the community

Fluid Economic Foundation:
Claudia generally follow European models, and particularly Scandinavian ones; this is especially true in economic matters as this is my personal IRL expertise. That means the county follow logical and proven economics which dictates that the healthiest economy is a fluid economy. A high purchasing power and a high economic equality contributes to this as these factors fuel the purchasing power that limit the demand for products and services. The higher purchasing power the more potential demand and opportunities for the various professions.

How to keep the economy fluid:
The opposite of a fluid economy is to allow wealth to accumulate among a few. A fluid economy doesn't prevent building economic reserves though (i.e. savings), which within reason are important insurances against economic fluctuations. However, it does discourage, rather than encourage, hoarding of redundant reserves of wealth at the expense of the rest of the community, which doesn't necessarily benefit those few to begin with - particularly in the long term if ones wealth depend on the demand.

However, this doesn't mean you're expected to give away your fortune after a certain point, what it does mean is that you'll be encouraged to invest your money instead of stuffing it away in your mattress or private dungeon. Stuffing the money away will stagnate and harm the economy, investing it will put it back into circulation.

Why economic equality is important:
If we want products and services of the greatest quality and for them to progress faster technologically, we would want the best products and services available to as many as possible rather than just a handful of people. The more consumers a product and service gets the more economical sense it makes to develop those products and services further, and in a society where the best products are primarily developed further, as opposed to the cheapest and poorest quality products, there is more room and opportunities for rapid increase in life quality and convenience.

In addition, overall wealthier populations also have less incentive for crime. Although the incentive for crime is naturally larger within a game environment, the notion that a person would have less incentive for crime remains true as long as success remains easily achievable within legal contexts.

Purchasing power is what really sustain guilds:
One may think non-fluid economics may have some limited benefits for guilds, like for example preserving guilds during deep economic valleys by reducing their immediate economic burdens, but this often comes at the inherent risk of reducing the economic strength of future generations. Such a risk quickly becomes shortsighted as any negative trends in the public stratum is often harder to reverse, particularly when held back by a negative trend of corporate welfare and subsidies that are both unsustainable and unnatural in regards to demand. Neither does it address the root of the issue as guilds with a healthy management will thrive as long as there is demand for their products and services. Thus any negative economic trends should be addressed starting with the consumer, allowing them to maintain the purchasing power necessary to fuel the market. This ensures guilds will be able to stand on their own without cannibalizing their own lifeline, the consumers.

Game Economy:
Naturally, real life doesn't necessarily translate to a games ecosystem, so where economic safety nets and subsidies makes economical sense in real life we may find that this doesn't apply so well in an environment that is for instance devoid of disabilities and other labor hindrances. This may for example mean that Claudia is more likely to focus on apprenticeship programs and mapping of profession demand than typical economic safety nets.

§3.2 Taxes:

• Taxes is considered public property and not meant to provide profit to authority.
• Transparent taxes, with public reports on income and spending.
• Individual tax rates according to purpose and use of parcels and zones (IF possible).

Tax Policy:
Taxes are to be expected in Claudia, though the county councils will pledge to be efficient and avoid economical waste or abuse to ensure they remain low. Taxes is a public good, and not a bad, as long as they are spent wisely according to the needs of the people.

Aside from administrative compensations the authority in Claudia are not meant to profit on the taxes and thus the taxes should be of little relevance to the finances of the local authority figures. The taxes are the property of the people and are meant to be distributed back to the community, whether it be developing or maintaining public services, projects, properties, or other assets. Thus intentional tax evasion is considered community theft and will be dealt with accordingly.

Alternative Funding:
Alternative financing methods will be considered where it makes sense, especially to prevent random tax hikes, as the county respects the individual citizens and organizations need for economic predictability and stability.

However, the traditional tax systems will remain favored due to the financial stability and efficiency it provide, something that will be necessary to maintain a steady pace on the various projects and ambitions the county plan to pursue without having to waste time and effort on raising funds. The alternatives are also often inefficient in regulating social differences and trends to keep the economy fluid.

EP Parcels:
The tax-free status of private EP parcels will generally be preserved in Claudia. Though potential public costs unique to the parcel will be expected to be covered by the land owner if relevant. This doesn't apply to indirect costs and is only meant to be a reasonable expectation to avoid scenarios where EP parcels would enjoy double benefits at the expense of those who do pay land tax.

The exception to this is if the county is struck by disaster, war, or other financial obligations that warrant extra funding. The EP parcels may then be given a carucage tax. Carucage is a very rare emergency tax.

EP parcels lost to adverse possession will however lose their tax exemption and will be treated as a regular parcel even if later reclaimed by the original owner.

Note: Since an EP parcel is tax exempted it will not make an individual eligible for citizenship rights, see §2.2 County Citizenship for more information. If Carucage is claimed then citizenship through proof of affiliation is given for 4 Elyrian years.

§3.3 Trade & Services:

• Citizens can apply for economical guidance and counsel with the Countess.
• Will host one of the first Elyrian shopping malls.

Private Loans:
If the local bank does not provide this service the county administration is willing to host a table of contracts for direct investor to debtor contracts. Such contracts must include amount, a payment plan (interests and expected amount per term) and a policy on missed terms and/or breach of contract. The county will not claim any management roles on the investors behalf and will thus not demand any fees for this service.

Financial Black List:
To help protect investors and merchants from arranging deals with untrustworthy individuals the county will manage a financial black list over people who break certain obligations and contracts. For example a debtor who breach the terms of their contract will be financially black listed until their debts are paid. This list will be updated along with the weekly budget report for the county and anyone with proof can report individuals that needs to be added or removed from the list.

An individual removed from a black list will be put on a gray list for 3 to 12 years (IRL weeks) depending on severity; only members of the master council, investigators, and a limited group of approved subscribers have access to this extended list however. Finally the individuals will remain archived by the Countess to keep track of repeat offenders and in case the information is required when investigating financial crimes.

Castle of Commerce:
The county capitol aim to build a castle that will function like a medieval shopping mall and trading center. It will in addition of renting out rooms for regular shops and services also have a section where citizens or guilds from other settlements can display and advertise products and services from their local businesses.

Outside the castle you will find a lush and decorated plaza with available stalls for merchants both local and foreign to conveniently set up trades quickly and easily.

§4.1 Research:

• Research grants are offered to particularly promising projects and driven citizens.
• The County capitol will have an academy dedicated primarily towards research.

Private Research:
Research can be pursued independently as an individual or as an organization and those interested in this option are able to apply for research grants. Reverse-engineering of foreign and unknown items are almost always entitled to a grant. If productivity improvements can be shared as well then grants may also be offered for these type of pursuits.

Note: Research completed with the support of a grant is to be shared with the master council; you are however allowed to set the limitations of council production to either 'non-commercial production' or 'commercial production with royalties'.

Public Research:
Research projects initiated and pursued by the government will mainly be lead by educational organizations and will be coordinated and provided support directly from the master council. Primarily hosted by the various academies of Claudia, though simpler schools are still able to register their own projects with the council.

World Engine Experimental Research (Enginology):
Claudia also plan to pursue experiments that test the mechanisms of the world. This includes efficiency (min maxing), world stabilization, and loophole theories. Research grants will also be available for those who are interested in this kind of research.

Patent Policy:
Note: Currently patents have been removed from the scope of the game. If the mechanic is developed sometime after launch then the county will regulate patents with progress and demand in mind. More information will be revealed then.

The county will pursue alternative options to the lacking patent system to encourage that discovered products won't be withheld from the local market as that would force the county to spend unnecessary time and resources to rediscover the same product; benefits may include post-discovery grants, a royalty system for those willing to share the discovery publicly, and similar measures.

§4.2 Education:

• Any village sized settlement will be eligible to have a public school built.
• Some public schools may be made available to private contractors.
• Scholarships may be given to students who contribute to research.

Public School Coverage:
The county will finance the construction of a public school in every settlement the size of a town or larger. Each school will be fitted with some classrooms and a library as a minimum. Not every school is expected to be significant enough to qualify for Kingdom funding however and their use may be restricted accordingly. Mayors will be free to administrate these schools as they see fit.

Academic Expansion:
Promising public schools within city sized settlements may receive additional funds for an academic upgrade. The upgrade includes a gymnasium that can double as an auditorium, as well as proper facilities for conducting research. An academy will be assigned a primary research theme to focus on and the research facilities it will have funded will be specific to that theme. Facilities beyond this will have to be funded by other means however.

Private Schools:
Schools fully owned by private investors will be independent from the administrative council. Private schools can apply for the same benefits as the public schools, but as these are expected to be more independent they will have lower priority and limited guarantees. Mayors may also pursue this option as well and the Countess will establish such a private academy in the county capitol.

Contractors:
Depending on the administrative council some public schools may be offered to private contractors to avoid creative and innovative stagnation within the educational system. A contractor will not claim ownership, but will be able to claim any revenue the school may produce in return of maintaining and administrating the school. A contractor is themselves responsible for making the school profitable.

Scholarships:
Students who contribute towards the scientific pursuit of the county may become eligible to have fees and expenses related to their studies covered. In some cases such students may also receive stipends to help cover living expenses as an additional encouragement towards further studies.

Note: Scholarship programs will be disabled until there is proper school coverage.

§4.3 Claudian Archives:

• The vault is designed to store copies of all Elyrian knowledge.
• The vault will be located in a dedicated underground facility.

About:
The county will be collecting copies of noteworthy books, blueprints, recipes, and other documents from all over Elyria in a dedicated vault facility. The facility will essentially operate like a bank for knowledge. The vault will be taking requests for having copies made and delivered.

The facility is meant to be a security measure protecting this knowledge from getting lost in raids or wars. As such the vault will be constructed as part of the CSA dungeon town.

§5.1 Religious Practice:

• Claudia have religious freedom with conditions.

Conditions of Practice:
The freedom of religion or from religion comes on the condition that the religious pursuit or abstinence do not violate the rights of others. Churches and cults are otherwise free to establish themselves as they please.

Cultural Practice:
Historically the region have favored Angelica due to the influence of the prophetess Taurea, albeit not her variation of the faith alone. As such a religious statue of Angelica is planned for the county capitol. However, house Angeliac itself haven't been particularly religious in several generations and won't be trying to sway its citizens in any particular direction.

§5.2 Public Positions:

Conservation Councilor:
Will have access to the councils and will provide advice and reports related to the situation of the wildlife in the county. Will have the right to organize and delegate tasks among the rangers.

School Headmasters:
All the public schools will have their own headmasters who will work with the various councils on the matters of education and to monitor and lead the individual schools. Those in charge of academies will also ensure that current research is progressing, and that new projects are pursued once older projects are complete.

Scientists:
The county may want to hire those who want to dedicate themselves fully towards a research project. High skills relevant to the pursued project is required to be able to be considered for such a role. The county are also willing to act as a manager for the scientists interested in taking research contracts in other regions of the kingdom as well.

§5.3 Dynasty Positions:

About:
House Angeliac may seek individuals for positions not necessarily relevant to the county itself. These positions will make you a honorary member of the dynasty. Other times opportunities for being born or married into the family may open up.

Housecarl:
Essentially a Bodyguard for both family and property, advisor of security, and the representative of the countess when she or her consort isn't available. Combat skills and an ability to act in sudden and unexpected situations will be desired qualities.

Will be provided free housing at the homestead and access to the facilities there. Aside from helping protect the homestead you may also need to accompany the countess or other dynasty members as an escort. You should otherwise be free to pursue your own things.

§6.1 Local Aristocracy:

Settlement Diversity:
The county is willing to offer (within reason) each settlement support to realize at least one major and unique public project that will make their settlement have its own flavor from other settlements. As the county won't give support to duplicate projects a list of such projects is provided below:

• Settlement: Aurumdea Project: Castle of Commerce
• Settlement: "dungeon town (TBA)" Project: Lantern Archives (knowledge vault)
• Settlement: "Inner Dragbreak (name pending)" Project: Regional University Hospital
• Settlement: "Teller Valley (name pending)" Project: Colosseum

The specifics of the project should be understood as:

• The project will be organized by the grand council, so shouldn't be personal to you.
• The project must be unique and not something easily replicated.
• The project will be co-owned by county and settlement in name.
• The settlement keep any profits, but also have the responsibility of maintenance.
• Settlement leader gain any parcel votes if new parcels must be incorporated.

Note: The county can't give any guarantee about the time taken to construct these projects and may also chose to pursue alternative financing methods outside of the tax system to finance them.

General Expectations:
Even if it's appreciated that a settlement have similar interests as the county the representatives of the various settlements will have the freedom to pursue their own goals as long as they do not subscribe to ideologies or practices that harm and abuse the citizens, or neglect their duties.

The representative is also expected to have a representation on the councils, though the administrative council allows for the appointment of a substitute councilor. Matters of the grand council require a personal presence however.

Barony Opportunities:
Or rather, the lack thereof. Claudia aim to be positioned away from any Kingdom or Duchy land borders, and as such may not offer strategic positions for a Duke to desire any barony contracts within the county. Majority of settlement representatives are thus likely to stay Mayors early on. However, the county aims for some coastal presence, which may have a more strategic importance in the future as naval combat becomes more common.

Either way, as it is in the interest of the county to have at least one settlement represent the King's court the Countess will negotiate for at least one barony contract early on if no mayor manage to secure such a contract on their own; the countess does not have any desire to claim this contract for herself however as she will focus on independent security measures, that unlike a barony, will allow for troops that can be deployed according to the terms of the county itself.

Note: The Duke have expressed a desire to find ways for all mayors to have the opportunity to become a Baron, though that doesn't necessarily mean you will receive notable funding or benefits beyond the title.

§6.2 Kingdom & Duchy Ethics:

Unjustified Military Actions:
Military skills is valued like any other skills in Claudia, but as the county is a scholarly region first and foremost anything that is disruptive of progress and development, such as warmongering, will be frowned upon and may not be voluntary supported without a justified cause. The county do however plan to have a dedicated military and will be eager to provide military R&D in general as well as full support in defensive campaigns.

Hierarchical Structure of the Realm:
Claudia prefer a system that scales in complexity (from most to least) from the bottom up rather than from the top down, allowing for high local autonomy. As such attempts at enforcing complicated hierarchies on top of the default feudal hierarchy may be resisted or circumvented. Necessary public positions and ministry, as well as religious and military hierarchies, are exempted on this matter.

County Duties:
The Countess expect anyone of the higher nobility to address matters regarding the duties of the county in proper counsel before imposing, such as the use or distribution of land within the county among other, anything else will be considered inappropriate and of poor authority.

§7.1 County History:

Note: Outdated, being rewritten to take into account map placement after DSS, see county's origin story in my signature for an indepth look at one part of its historical roots.

Reserved

Please move to Angelica Domains <3

I really love both the way Claudia sounds and thought put into it.

I also think the financial black list is a need not want for the Duchy/Kingdom and would love a way to collaborate on, or even just subscribe to it, as I can see debt jumpers trying to hit multiple counties that plan to have financial systems in place.

Important update under §1.4 Master Council:

Note: Anyone who joins Claudia before launch may claim honorary member status on the master council, if willing. These honorary members will essentially be the foundation of this council before official members can be selected.

For clarification: Obviously citizens that already have a presence on the administrative council can't claim this honor. And the honor is held for the entirety of that characters life as long as county allegiance is maintained. No obligations or responsibilities are bound to the honor.

A honorary position will make you a more visible candidate for an official position later which grants higher voting power and retain access to the grand council (until the post-launch master council is established honorary positions will be on the grand council as guests).

This honor can't be claimed post-launch however, so those interested, even if still undecided, should let me know before then. Anyone not comfortable with Discord can just send me a PM, I don't bite, too much~ ;3

Preparation is key and this is an incredibly thorough and comprehensive County post. I enjoy the in-depth thought put behind education especially.

Collaboration on a black list would definitely be beneficial, Dr. Quick.

I'm happy that some of you are willing to take your time to read my ramblings despite the volume of content, lol, so you guys have my thanks.

And yes, I do hope as many as possible would want to collaborate on such a black list, the more coverage the more meaningful/valuable it is.

With that said, I do plan to rework the county post around settlement selection to make it less overwhelming/intimidating at first glance. Not sure if I put the details in an external source or not. Some details may be changed there as well now that I have had time to develop those ideas further (for the better I believe).