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The Arad Doman:
The High Laws of the Domain and Realms




Here is the highest law in our nation:

The Arad Doman

the High Laws by which this nation of ours stands. It is split into three sections: The Rights(which state the basic rights that every Domani has in this nation of ours), The Code(which state our own version of the Code of Chivalry), The Articles(which state the official guidelines and requirements of the Domain.

Like the Domain, the Arad Doman is also under a state of growth as you will witness as time passes on. Feel free to peruse this document at your leisure.

The Arad Doman:
The High Laws of the Domain and Realms of the Shadows and the Darkness


The Preamble of the Arad Doman

"We the People of the Domain and Realms, in order to bring Magick back to the world, re-establish Faith, insure the Rights to Dream, provide for the common respect of individual mystick Belief, promote the search for the Mysterious and the Unknown, and secure the blessings of the Magick of Believing, to ourselves and our Posterity, do hereby establish this: the Arad Doman of the Domain and Realms of the Shadows and the Darkness.


The Escheat of the Domain

1. The Right to Dream - All Domani: in any of the twenty-seven Realms of the Domain, have the right to dream their own dreams, and have not the right to impinge upon the dreams of others, unless those dreams are evil and would cause harm. Our hope to bring magick and belief back to the world would die otherwise.

2. The Right of Demense - A lord/lady is the ruler of their expanse of domain. They are judge and jury of all matters: large and small, under their jurisdiction. Their word, unless otherwise said from those above them, is law. They must be noble, honorable, and fair in their decisions. As respect and honor is expected, so should it be given. For all are deserving.

3. The Right of Rescue and Safe Haven - There are those like us in the world who see, feel, taste, touch, smell, and experience magick: whether it be physically or spiritually. Those like us are often alone in the world, thought to be crazy. It is our duty to make it known to them that there is a place and a people who feel as they do. Who see as they do. Who understand as they do. And will always support their belief that there is more than what is seen with the physical eye. It is for this purpose that the Domain was formed.

4. The Right of Belief - The Domain and Realms is comprised of a community and society colored by the myraid number of mystick beliefs. The numerous types of Pagans, the Wiccan beliefs, Christian mysticks and mages, those who believe that they're descended from or related to the Tribes of the Moon or the Changing Breeds, those of the Fae descendancy, and those who are merely believers. There will always be differing views. All Domani have a right to believe in what they are led to and why, and be safe from any fellow Domani attacking said belief, or claiming that one is wrong and the other right, or vice-versa. Such is a seed that grows into separation. It is a seed that must never be allowed to grow within us. The Domain is meant to be a common ground for us all. In the weaving of Fate, there are many different paths. They will all eventually lead to the same point. The same purpose: so long as those purposes do not promote real evil or unwanted harm to others. It is our duty as Domani - both noble and commoner - to work together towards this goal. Attacking and/or putting down what each other believe and or feel will only slow us,... not propel us forward. For this reason, no religion or belief be imperially-sanctioned by the Imperium. As the acceptance of any religion or belief by an individual should be of free choice and free will.

5. The Right of Naturalization - A ruler or rulers of any of the twenty-seven Realms of the Domain have the power to accept into our nation those who wish to join. Working together in this way will help in the growth of our nation.

6. The Right of Equality - While no one individual is equal to one person in ability, knowledge, understanding, and various other traits,... every Domani is entitled to fair and equal treatment, regardless of color of skin, place of residence, place of work, particular belief, or any aspect that makes one individual different from another. To treat one better than another based on such is a dishonor and a disservice to one's self and their fellow Domani. So no such acts of inequality will ever be practiced or carried out in the Domain and Realms.


The Code of the Domain



Honor before dishonor.

       Chivalry still lives. Honor is one of the most important codes: more important than attaining glory. Personal honor must be as clean as possible, though sometimes this is a hard task. Though the truth is sometimes hard, uphold it. If mistakes are made, be able to say sorry, kick the dust off of your feet, and move on.


Love conquers all.

       Love is what began it. Love is what made a way. Love is what it will end in. True love - whether between friends, family, or within a couple - epitomizes magick and what it means to be alive.


Beauty is hidden and unhidden.

       You can find beauty in more than just physical appearances. There is beauty in a flower, and in a robin's song. There is beauty in a frozen lake, and in a song that is sung. There is beauty in an individual's appearance, and in the depths of their soul. To be able to behold beauty in any or all of its myraid forms is both an honor and a priveledge.


Never forget a debt.

       One gift or favor is deserving another. An oath made should be shared between the one swearing the oath, and the one being sworn to: so that both have sworn, and both are sworn to. Never forget a kindness done. Always remember.


Change is sometimes good.

       The slightest of circumstances can change the course of things forever. Sometimes fortune smiles. Sometimes, fortune frowns. Know when things should be changed, and when things should be left alone. Change is like the yin-yang: it can be both well and ill.


Nothing is free.

       For everything, there is a price: even eternal life. This fact goes beyond money. The price for love is sometimes a leap of faith. The price for peace, according to some, is war. Living is itself the product and the price. For something to be attained, regardless of what it is, there is a cost to be paid: however much, however minute. Make sure the 'price' is right. Remember this always.


Honor is alive.

       If honor were to sing, it would quote the band, Godsmack:

"I'm alive for you. I'm awake because of you."

       Those who say honor and chivalry are dead are unaware. Those who cannot defend themselves still need someone to stand for them. Respect should still be given where it is due. Honor is not just a fairy tale.


Always have a passion for something.

       It is said that passion is a catalyst for magick and dreams, along with faith and belief. So long as it's not one that will cause harm to oneself or others, have a passion or passions. Anything from a certain food to a favorite movie genre. From a type of music to a type of literature. From something that stimulates the mind to something that stimulates the body. Having at least one passion is a good thing.


Escape whenever possible.

       It could be in the pages of a good book. It could be on a roadtrip to anyplace of your choosing. It could be in watching a good movie. Or it could be in several hours of sleep. However you do so, so long as it doesn't harm yourself or others, escape. The body isn't the only aspect of a person that gets tired. There's the mind, the emotions, and the soul. When either one gets bogged down, the rest suffers along with it. Taking time off for oneself helps to heal some. Healing is something we all need. So learn to 'escape' when you need to.


The Articles of the Domain


Article I: The Name of our Nation - The full official name of our Nation will be "The Domain and Realms of the Shadows and the Darkness". It will also be known by the secondary name of "The United Realms of the Domain". For sake of ease, its short names will be simply "The Domain" and "The U.R.D."

Article II: The Purpose of our Nation - The purpose of the Domain is to serve as a place for all those who believe in magick, faith, mystery, the unknown, and the possibility of what could be in the unknowns of Creation: and, in essence, all of Reality; and to work towards the survival of dreams, hopes, and faith; in the face of the forces of Evil, banality, mundanity, and utter disbelief.

Article III: Process of Citizenship - Any individuals who believe in the things mentioned in Article II only have to ask to join. Citizenship will rarely be turned down. Until such a time as the ruler of the Domain sees fit, a citizen's mien will only be asked for. In the near future, the following information will be asked of each citizen:
       Their seeming
       Their birthdate
       Their place of residence
       And their age.
       Nothing else will be needed.
Amendment 1 - As of the Fifteenth day of the Third month of the Second year of the Twenty-first century, a seeming, birthdate, place of residence, and age is required of an applicant, as well as an e-mail address if available.

Article IV: Division of Realms - The Domain is divided into twenty-five Realms.
       Each Realm is to be divided into Provinces: presided over by a Lord/Lady.
       Each Province is to be divided into Duchies: presided over by a Duke/Duchess.
       Each Duchy is to be divided into Counties: presided over by a Count/Countess.
       Each County is to be divided into Principalities: presided over by a Knight-Protector/Dame.
       Whenever and however these divisions are made, however the divisions are named, and whoever is placed in control of any of said divisions, are under the complete discretion of the ruler of each Realm.
Amendment 1 - As of the Sixth day of the Third month of the Second year of the Twenty-first century, there are now twenty-seven Realms in the Domain.
Amendment 2 - The flags representing the divisions of the realms should be as follows:
       - For provinces, the flags should be in the shape of pennons, tapering down to two points at the end.
       - For duchies, the flags should be in the shape of pennons tapering down to one point at the end.
       - For counties, the flags should be in the shape of banners, tapering down towards the bottom to two points.
       - For principalities, the flags should be in the shape of banners, tapering down towards the bottom to one point.
       (08/25/02)

Article V: Districts of Rule - Each Realm within the Domain that has a ruler, and the Domain as a whole for that matter, can have a district from which they rule their respective Realm: much like Washington D.C. is the district from which America is governed.
       For the sake of having enough space for a Realm's prospective divisions(i.e. provinces, duchies, counties, and principalities), this district can take up no more than a maximum of three American state counties - or the equivalent of for the Dreamtime, EternalBeauty, Saint Lawrence, Celtica, and Brittania realms - and the county in which a Ruler's Court resides must be one of them.
       The ruling district of the Domain should have the suffix 'I.D.' at the end of its name, meaning 'Imperial District'. The ruling district of any Realm should have the suffix 'R.D.' at the end of its name, meaning 'Royal District'.The naming of the district of any Realm is at the complete discretion of the ruler of a Realm.
Amendment 1 - None of the divisions of a Realm(i.e. provinces, duchies, counties, and principalities) are required to have a ruling district.(8/31/02)
Amendment 2 - The Imperial District of the Domain and Realms shall forever be known as Fantasia, whether it be found in one place or another, as it shall permanently signify the governing heart of the Domain and Realms itself.(9/13/02)

Article VI: Taxation within our Nation - As the need for taxes is presently unseen, none will be collected. If the need arises in the far future for such, the subject will be considered, but not before. Taxes paid to the 'real world' macronations to which all Domani belong will be seen as a form of foreign aid to said macronations: namely the United States, Australia,New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
Amendment 1 - Out of severe hindsight, the nation of Canada is included on the above list of macronations to whom Domani foreign aid is paid.(03/25/05)
Amendment 2 - As a result of the expansion of our Eastern borders as of Fall 2007, the nations of the Netherlands, France, and Spain are included on the above list of macronations to whom Domani foreign aid is paid.(04/21/08)

Article VII: The Dictum Mortum - No Domani is to abuse the communication and interaction with the Restless Dead, under any circumstances other than self-defense of oneself or others. The Restless are not to be harassed, threatened, injured, or compelled in any way, shape, or form; or be driven to do harm to another in any concievable way. The Restless are souls who have crossed over. That should not be interrupted or abused.
Amendment 1 - In the duty of seeing to the sanctity and protections of cemetaries, graveyards, and burial sites, let the Domani Knights of the Order of the Raven hold the Dictum Mortum as their prime directive: now and always.(3/26/05)

Article VIII: Laws of Governance - The Arad Doman is, and shall always be, the inviolable high law of the Domain and Realms. Let it govern as well as protect all Domani, and - in the administration thereof - let the ruling Imperium be its guardian, as it is the guardian of the Domain and Realms themselves.
       In cases of situations such as theft, assault, traffic violations, public disagreements, work related issues, or anything falling within those parameters, all Domani should follow the laws and guidelines provided by the macronation in which they live: as those are suitable enough to suffice our needs.

Article IX: National Recognition - Final decisions on the recognition of any micronational country or nation lies solely in the power of the ruling Imperium. Counsel on the subject with any or all of the rulers of the Twenty-Seven Realms of the Domain also lies within the discretion of the ruling Imperium.
Amendment 1 - The conditions of this Article also extend towards any macronational country.(06/21/02)

Article X: Guidelines of Rule - The ruling body of the Domain and Realms shall be known as the Imperium. The Imperium's name shall be determined by the name of the House that the ruler is a member of. An Imperium shall last for as long as the current ruler lives, or in such an instance as he/she/they abdicate the rulership and pass it on to their chosen successor.
       The Imperium shall be the keepers and interpreters of the Arad Doman. In all things concerning the Domain and Realms, the word of the Imperium is considered final, and part of the law. At any time under its discretion, the Imperium may consult anyone - noble or commoner, or both - as to the determining of matters concerning the Domain, so that all will have a part in the fate and outcome of anything concerning the Domain and Realms.
       The rulership of any of the Twenty-Seven Realms will be determined by the ruling Imperium. To identify an individual as ruler of any Realm, the Imperium shall pick a symbol as a badge-of-office for a ruler to bear: as an identifier of the Imperium's choice and support of the ruler of a Realm. In the instance that a ruler no longer lives, or in such an instance as he/she/they abdicate the rulership and pass it on to their chosen successor, the badge-of-office shall be passed on to their successor.
       The determining of succesion of rule of any of the Twenty-Seven Realms shall be presided over by the current Imperium, and the ruler who is being suceeded.
       Rulership of any of the Twenty-Seven Realms is to be seen as a guardianship of the Realm presided over, as well as a rulership: the same as the Imperium is to be, for the well-being and protection of all citizens of the Domain: both noble and commoner alike.
Amendment 1 - The first-ever Ruler of a Realm shall have the right to 'set the standard' for those who may follow behind them in rulership. The design and name of the flag of the Realm, the change of the Realm's name, the naming and situating of the different divisions of their Realm: all are at the discretion of the Realm's first Ruler. No other Rulers after the First can change what the First has set in place, unless otherwise decided by the Imperium. Let this Amendment to Article X of the Arad Doman be known as the Law of First Rulers(07/07/02)
Amendment 2 - The Realms of the Domain are to be presided over by Rulers. Their titles are at their discretion.
       Provinces are to be presided over by Lords/Ladies.
       Duchies are to be presided over by Dukes/Duchesses.
       Counties are to be presided over by Counts/Countesses.
       Principalities are to be presided over by Guardians/Protectors.(07/09/02)
Amendment 3 - For always and to clarify, the title of a male ruler of the Domain will be "ur-Lord", while that of a female ruler of the Domain shall be "High Queen". The male heir chosen to that rulership shall be titled "Lord-Apparent", while a female heir shall be titled "Crown-Princess". So shall it ever be with the Imperium, and so shall this Amendment be forever known as the Law of the Imperium(03/27/05)
Amendment 4 - As of this day, badges of office are deemed unnecessary to validate the authority of the Ruler of a Realm. The word of the Imperium is validation enough.(03/27/05)

Article XI: Houses of the Domain - The Domain shall have no more than nine Noble-founded Houses and twelve Commoner-founded Houses, for a total of twenty-one Houses: each House presided over by either a Patriarch and/or Matriarch, and each House having a specific direction or purpose, towards the benefit of the Domain and Realms as a whole.
       For the sake of identification, Noble Houses will be identified by their heraldries placed within traditional-shaped shields colored midnight-blue, while Commoner Houses will be identified by their heraldries being placed in circular shields with the border divided into sixteen sections: with every other section colored midnight blue, and the remaining sections colored red, white, yellow, blue, green, purple, brown, and orange in order from upper-right on in a clockwise direction.
       In matters of either Noble or Commoner, the Patriarch and/or Matriarch are the governing law of their Houses in matters concerning their House, but are to do so in a way that will not bring harm to the Domain, to the best of their ability.
Amendment 1 - All Houses of the Domain and Realms shall be recorded by the Imperium. No House - whether Noble or Commoner - shall be recorded or displayed unless either one of two items is received by the Imperium from the founder of said House: the heraldry of the House, or the description of the House and its purpose. The reason for this amendment is that it does no Domani any good to discover anything about the House they wish to join, if there is no information about the House in question to be had. No exceptions to this rule will be made. (12/01/03)

Article XII: The National Mystickal Refuge Act - In the world today, rare and sacred areas are endangered: areas of significant magick and power, holy grounds, sites of faith and belief. In a world where belief in the spiritual and the magickal is fading, it is part of the Domain's duty to protect these places to the best of its ability from the callousness of the world's disbelief as it handles matters concerning these sacred sites and places of magick: from one end of the Realms to the other.
       Let such places be known as Refuges, with a list - known as the Domani National Mystickal Refuge List - corresponding to this Act, upon which the names and locations of each site under its protection can be found, along with vital statistics and information for each site. Let a Refuge be considered as an area no smaller than thirty miles. Let the purpose of this Act be to help bring awareness of the existence of these places to all, and to help the Domain in its work to keep these sacred places protected to the best of its ability.
       Let this Article and Act also give official birth to the Domani National Register of Glades, Freeholds, and Haunts: which shall list all such places for the benefit, knowledge, and understanding of all Domani, and let it also work in conjunction with the Domani National Mystickal Refuge List. May these places and areas be forever considered as national resources and treasures, for the good and benefit of our nation.
       In addition, let those Knights of the Orders of Twilight's Hammer and the White Wolf follow this Act as part of their purpose and prime directive: as the purpose stated here is already their own. Let them be bound to it, and it to them. Let it not only be the work of those Orders, but the work of every Domani, to do their best to protect these sacred sites and mystickal places: for ourselves and for generations that will follow afterwards. So Mote It Be.(03/28/05)

Article XIII: Domani Knightly Orders - This Article will forever cememnt and clarify the position of the Orders of Knights founded by the Imperium, and those yet to be founded, from this day forward.
       All Orders founded by the Imperium are to be the right hand of the Imperium. Only to the ur-Lord, High Queen, and/or Imperial Heir(s) will they answer to in matters concerning the individual Order of each Knight. The manner in which an individual becomes a Knight of an Order is at the discretion of the Imperium.
       Male Knights shall bear the honorific of "Sir", while female Knights shall bear the honorific of "Dame". In the case of Nobles who are Knights, their Noble titles shall come before their Knights honorifics(i.e., Lord Sir; Lady Dame).
       The awarding of honorary membership in any of the Orders shall be left to the discretion of the Imperium. The male honorific for these shall be "Honorable Sir", while the female honorific shall be "Honorable Dame".(05/14/05)

Article XIV: The Protectorate Clause - At the discretion of the Imperium, and with sufficient reason and purpose, the Domain shall have the ability to create a protectorate nation, or accept an already-existing nation as a protectorate. The laws of such a nation must not conflict with the Arad Doman for as long as that nation is a Domani protectorate.
       The protectorate nation shall enjoy all the freedoms of a soverign nation, though the nation's government and ruler(s), as well as its people, shall be under the protection and limited governance of the Imperium. The citizens of said nation shall enjoy the same rights and priveledges as any Domani citizen.
       On the CrossField, a protectorate shall be represented on the lower half as a silver star. In the instance that said nation ceases to be a protectorate, the star shall be made gold. On the flag of the protectorate, a small version of the CrossField shall be displayed in the upper-right hand corner. In the instance that said nation ceases to be a protectorate, the representation shall be removed.
       Once accepted by the Imperium a nation shall be a protectorate for a length of three years. At the end of that time, the citizens of that nation shall have the right to take a vote as to whether or not their nation remains a Domani protectorate. If the citizens of that nation choose to remain a protectorate, they shall be so for another three years before the vote can again be pursued. If they vote not to remain a protectorate, the Imperium shall release that nation, respecting its right to independence.
       This Article shallbe the basis and structure for the Domani Commonwealth.(05/14/05)

Article XV: The Avalon Protocol - At the discretion of the Imperium, within reason of need, healing, or safety, the Imperium may draw back into the shadows and rule for a time from a place unknown: for the good of the Domain as a whole. In that event, the High Court shall be known as Caer Darkness, and the Imperial District of Fantasia shall be as hidden as the High Court. A maximum of three Domani: chosen by the Imperium, shall be told the location of the High court and Imperial District, and will be sworn to secrecy until the Protocol's time is reached, or at such a time as the Imperium releases them from said obligation. The symbol of the Imperial District and High Court during the eneacting of the Protocol shall be three stars surrounding the doublestar of the Imperium. This drawing back shall last no more than three months, and is not to be enacted more than once within a three year length of time. The Protocol will not impede in any of the obligations and duties of the Imperium to the Domain and Realms. This Protocol will be known as Avalon: for the Isle of Magick and power that holds as a beacon fr all our kind, while it wanders the lines of the world, but not forever.(05/14/05)

Article XVI: The Alerts - One of the purposes that the Domain has been made for, but which has been hoped against, is the threat of non-Local Inquisition and war: in which magickfolk find themselves threatened and persecuted by those in power for their beliefs. For this reason are the Alerts now instated.
       In times of peace, when there is no threat, the Domain will remain on Green Alert.
       In times of wariness and caution, only when evidence has been given to warrant it, the Domain will be on Yellow Alert. In those times, any and all Nobles who are not already Knights will be Knighted, so as to bolster the Orders. Both the Great and Lesser Seals will be displayed along either side of the CrossField.
       In times of war, the Domain will be on Red Alert. We will be to defense, and the Eternal forbid, to war. In addition to the Seals displayed on either side of the CrossField, the Arms of the Domain will be displayed under it, and the Battle Standard displayed above it. (04/21/08)


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