Law & Punishments

Even with the fall of K’dath-Mal, the old laws of the Mhordul still live on, although mostly as an unwritten code of conduct by which most Mhordul tend to abide.

Outside Mhordul communities, of course, there is no real punishment for not following these guidelines. Inside the few remnant clans, however, punishment might still be exacted by the clan’s Venator.

 

On Lying & Deceit

The Mhordul see lying as the worst form of weakness, as no true hunter needs to cower and hide behind false words to cover their true intent. If a Mhordul wishes not to tell someone the truth, they simply will not tell them. They will not make something up and lie about it. To be caught in a lie, especially if lying to an important figure in Mhordul society, is to lose all honour and respect among their kind. In addition, the offender is thereafter called by the title the Liar, which ensures that all Mhordul will know about their lack of honesty. Their family, however, are spared from their disgrace. Within Mhordul communities, liers cannot claim a mate, which if they were married means it is now anulled, as well any offspring they had are no longer considered theirs. They are now known as a child of their respective clan, rather than a child of Rekarr, the Liar for example.

 

On Touching the Spouse of a Clan Leader

No one may touch - outside of sparring, official challenges, or healing by a Medicine Man - the mate of a Venator. To do so would result in whatever punishment the offended clan leader wished to pass down, including death.

 

On Thievery

Thievery amongst the Mhordul is rare at best. However, when it does occur for whatever reason within a Mhordul community, generally the thief is cast down as a Thrall, forced to serve whomever they have wronged as their slave, for a set amount of time that the preciding Venator deem equivalent to the value of the item or items stolen. The punishment for stealing a minor or worthless item may only result in serving the person as a Thrall for a week, for example. Or if the victim deems it not worth the trouble for such an unimportant item, the thief may simply be forced to return what they have stolen and only receive a mere public beating from the victim of the theft. However, if, say, an ancient family trophy of great value was stolen a thief could end up as a Thrall for years or decades, perhaps even life if somehow the trophy was lost, sold, or damaged by the thief.

 

On Physical Assault & Murder

The Mhordul have no official guideline against physical assault or murder. In their views, if you do not wish to be assaulted or killed, then it is your responsibility to be strong enough to prevent it from happening. However, if one Mhordul were to attack or kill another, it usually results in a retaliation from the victim’s family, friends, or clan members. The only exception to this is if the attack or murder was honour or revenge-based, i.e., if the victim dishonoured or betrayed you, or dishonoured or killed your mate, one of your children, younger siblings, or a blood-brother/sister.

 

On Treason

Treason, to the Mhordul, is a very serious offence, although it is not as strict as it used to be, since they are not a nation anymore. However, betraying a fellow Mhordul is still an act for which one will be forevermore disgraced, acquiring the title of "the Traitor".

 

On Outlanders

If a Mhordul comes across a foreigner on Mhordul territory, they generally inform them the manner of mistake they have made, followed by giving them a severe beating and the claim of any of their possessions one wishes to keep. Afterwards, they are dragged off to the edge of the territory, so the outlander may limp home and spread word to their people how unwise it is to tread in Mhordul lands. However, today, it is somewhat debatable what is Mhordul territory and what is not, since K’dath-Mal no longer exists. For this very reason, Mhordul have become somewhat more lenient toward those of their own that decide to consort with outlanders, in such a way that it is no longer a disgraceful deed, being merely frowned upon.