Imperial Contract Code

Title I – Bonding and Employment

Section 1 – Definitions

For purposes of this title, the following definitions apply:

  1. Quarter Bond – An individual bonded to a house for the express purpose of pursuing a skill or specific employment of their own free will. A Quarter Bond is required to wear a bracelet with an ID stone on either their left or right wrist.

  2. Half Bond – An individual bonded to a house for a set time as determined by the Arbitration Court or Inquisitorial action. A Half Bond wears a metal armband or collar with an ID stone on the left or right arm.

  3. Full Bond – An individual bonded to a house for the remainder of their natural life, as ordered by the Arbitration Court and in agreement with an Inquisitor of at least 3rd Order or higher. A Full Bond wears a metal ringlet with an ID stone on the left or right thigh.

  4. Rogue Bond – An individual who has violated the terms of their bond as stipulated.

  5. Heshut – An individual who has been bonded but has given up all rights to the Imperial Contract Code.

  6. Letters of Familiarity – A document attached to a bonding contract listing the implied familiarity of the bonded servant and any constraints imposed.

  7. Implied Familiarity – A section in the Letters of Familiarity document that details any physical, emotional, or sexual actions that may be taken with the bonded individual.

Section 2 – The Bonding Procedure

  1. Governance
    The bonding, regulations, and procedures to implement the Imperial Contract Code are governed by the Central Maid Directorate.

  2. Legal Requirements for Bonding
    A bonding contract is considered valid if the following conditions are met:
    a. A bonding contract in the name of the individual being bonded.
    b. An attached Letter of Familiarity or a statement confirming none is included.
    c. The chain code of the house and the chain ID of the bonded individual.
    d. The signatures of both the Estate or House representative and either the bonded individual or the remanding authority.

  3. Eligibility for Bonding
    a. An individual who volunteers and is accepted by a recognized Estate.
    b. An individual committed by the Arbitration Court or Inquisitorial Action.
    c. An individual bonded by direct order of the Imperial Family.

  4. Eligibility to Bond
    a. An Estate or House that is registered.
    b. An Estate or House that holds a royal charter from the Imperial Family.

  5. Bonding Procedure
    a. The individual is handed over to the Central Maid Directorate or to a licensed representative of a House.
    b. Using a signature stylus, the ID stone is encrypted with the chain code of the specific house. c. The bonding contract must be signed by both parties unless it is a Full Bond, in which case the remanding authority signs.
    d. Bond paperwork must be submitted to the Central Maid Directorate.

  6. Discharge of a Bond
    a. Bonds with contractual time limits end in the middle of the imperial year, as dictated by the homeworld.
    b. The chain code in the ID stone is purged and the band removed.
    c. The released individual is provided with the equivalent of one month’s pay and passage to their original city and homeworld.
    d. A letter of release is issued to the discharged individual and filed in the offices of the Central Maid Directorate.
    e. All possessions brought by the bonded individual and any personal items accumulated during the contract period are returned.

Section 3 – Administration of the Bond

  1. Responsibility of the Estate or House
    The contract holders are required to provide reasonable food, shelter, and care for all bonded individuals under their estate or house.

  2. Assignment of Positions
    The Estate or House may assign any position within the hierarchy unless specifically prohibited by the Letter of Familiarity.

  3. Transfers of Bonded Individuals
    a. Transfers of bonded individuals are conducted by erasing the original contract holder’s chain code and applying the new contract holder’s chain code, as described in Section 2.
    b. Permission must be obtained for the transfer of a Half Bond, while no permission is needed for a Full Bond.

  4. Challenge of Transfer
    A Full Bond, with an order of at least 3rd Order, may challenge their transfer by submitting a plea to the Central Maid Directorate. If denied, the bonded individual may request an Inquisitor’s intervention. If relief is denied by the Triad or Inquisitor, the transfer proceeds.

Section 4 – Discipline

  1. Standard of Discipline
    The discipline of Half and Full Bonds must be guided by the standard of Reasonable Response, defined as corrective actions that are proportionate to the actions or failure of the bonded individual and do not cause undue harm or incapacitate the individual.

  2. Acts Considered Outside of Reasonable Response
    The following actions are considered beyond the bounds of Reasonable Response and are prohibited:
    a. Penetration by any object, item, or by persons without consent.
    b. Infliction of severe bodily harm that impedes the bonded individual’s ability to perform duties or causes long-term pain and anguish.
    c. The infliction of death.
    d. Use of The Altar in discipline.
    e. Use of the Talons of Ala in discipline.

  3. Approval for Unreasonable Discipline
    a. Any form of discipline that exceeds Reasonable Response, as outlined in Section 2, must be approved by the Central Maid Directorate before being enacted.
    b. The use of The Altar or The Talons of Ala requires prior approval from the Gray Council representative to which the Estate or House is pledged, except in cases where an imperial writ has been issued, in which case the writ supersedes all other approvals.

Section 5 – Protections for Bonded Individuals

  1. Protection from Exploitation or Abuse
    a. Bonded individuals shall not be subjected to exploitation, abuse, or inhumane conditions by the Estate or House to which they are bonded.
    b. The Estate or House shall ensure that bonded individuals are provided with adequate living conditions, food, water, and necessary medical care.
    c. The bonded individual shall have the right to report any form of mistreatment, coercion, or exploitation without fear of retaliation.

  2. Right to Fair Trial or Appeal
    a. Bonded individuals shall have the right to contest any unfair treatment, violation of the bond, or other disputes by petitioning the Central Maid Directorate.
    b. A bonded individual may request a trial before an independent arbitrator or the Arbitration Court to address any claims of unfair treatment or breach of contract.
    c. In cases of disputes, bonded individuals are entitled to legal counsel or a representative to assist in their defense or claims.

  3. Access to Counsel or Representation
    a. Bonded individuals shall have access to legal counsel during all stages of their contract, particularly in situations of dispute, transfer, or discharge.
    b. Any bonded individual may request representation from the Central Maid Directorate or another approved body if they cannot afford legal assistance.

Section 6 – Bonding Contracts and Duration Clarifications

  1. Extensions or Modifications of a Bond
    a. A bonded individual’s contract may be extended with the mutual consent of both the bonded individual and the Estate or House, provided such extensions are documented in a new contract.
    b. Any modification of the terms of the bond, including extension of time, change of duties, or alteration of conditions, must be approved by the Central Maid Directorate and signed by both parties.
    c. Bonded individuals shall be informed of any proposed modifications at least thirty (30) days before they are enacted.

  2. Early Termination Clauses
    a. Either the bonded individual or the Estate may request the early termination of a bond under certain circumstances.
    b. Early termination of a bond by the bonded individual may occur in cases of severe mistreatment or breach of contract by the Estate or House, with appropriate documentation and evidence.
    c. The Estate or House may request early termination only in cases where the bonded individual is unable to fulfill the duties outlined in the contract due to illness, injury, or other valid reasons.
    d. Early termination requires approval from the Central Maid Directorate, except in cases of extraordinary circumstances, such as imperial orders or serious misconduct.

Section 7 – Economic Protections for Bonded Individuals

  1. Compensation and Remuneration
    a. The Estate or House shall provide fair and equitable compensation to all bonded individuals in accordance with their duties and terms of their contract.
    b. Compensation shall be based on the scope of work, skill, and experience of the bonded individual, with a minimum threshold established by the Central Maid Directorate.
    c. Bonded individuals shall receive compensation in the form of credits, goods, or services as agreed upon in the contract.

  2. Pension or Retirement Rights
    a. Bonded individuals who have served for a period exceeding ten (10) years shall be entitled to a pension or retirement benefits, including a sum of credits or land, provided by the Estate or House.
    b. Upon the expiration of a bond, the bonded individual shall receive support for reintegration into society, including retraining, employment assistance, or other compensatory benefits.

Section 8 – Health and Safety Provisions

  1. Health Examinations
    a. Bonded individuals shall undergo an initial health examination prior to bonding, conducted by an accredited medical officer, to ensure they are fit for service.
    b. Periodic health checks shall be conducted at intervals no longer than twelve (12) months, with additional examinations if required due to injury or illness.

  2. Injury or Illness Protocols
    a. If a bonded individual is injured or falls ill during the course of their bond, the Estate or House is responsible for providing necessary medical treatment and care.
    b. In the case of severe injury or illness, the bonded individual is entitled to paid leave and care until they are able to return to their duties.
    c. In the event of permanent disability, the bonded individual shall be discharged from their bond and provided with a disability pension or compensation as stipulated in Section 7.

Section 9 – End of Bond (Discharge) Process Clarification

  1. Reintegration and Support
    a. Upon discharge, the bonded individual shall receive support for reintegration into society, including provisions for transportation back to their homeworld or city.
    b. The bonded individual may receive additional support for finding new employment, training programs, or other social services to ease their transition.

  2. Discharge Process
    a. The discharge of a bonded individual shall be handled by the Central Maid Directorate and require proper documentation to ensure the bond is officially concluded.
    b. All property and personal belongings that belong to the bonded individual shall be returned to them upon discharge, including any accumulated possessions while under contract.
    c. A Letter of Release shall be provided to the bonded individual, certifying the end of the bond and noting any provisions for future assistance.

Section 10 – Specific Examples of Misconduct and Consequences

  1. Behavioral Guidelines
    a. Any act by the bonded individual that violates the terms of the contract or causes harm to the Estate or House may be subject to disciplinary action. Examples of misconduct include, but are not limited to:
    i. Neglecting duties or refusing to fulfill obligations as outlined in the bonding contract.
    ii. Engaging in criminal activities or acts that are unlawful under the Empire’s laws.
    iii. Failure to report illness or injury promptly.

  2. Consequences of Misconduct
    a. Misconduct may result in corrective action, including verbal warnings, reassignment to different duties, or more severe measures if warranted by the nature of the violation.
    b. The Estate or House must submit a report of misconduct to the Central Maid Directorate for review.
    c. Any actions resulting in severe harm or death will be reviewed by the Arbitration Court or Inquisitorial action.

Section 11 – Enforcement and Oversight

  1. Oversight Committee or Board
    a. The Central Maid Directorate shall establish an independent Oversight Committee to monitor compliance with the Imperial Contract Code and ensure the fair treatment of bonded individuals.
    b. The Committee shall conduct periodic audits of Estates and Houses to ensure that bonding practices align with legal standards and that bonded individuals are not being exploited.

  2. Annual Reviews
    a. The Central Maid Directorate shall conduct an annual review of all active bonds to ensure continued fairness and compliance with the law.
    b. Bonded individuals shall be given the opportunity to provide feedback during these reviews, and any grievances shall be investigated thoroughly.

  1. Remanding Authority
    a. The term “Remanding Authority” refers to an official body or individual empowered by law to make decisions regarding the bonding of an individual, typically the Arbitration Court or an Inquisitor.
    b. The Remanding Authority has the power to enforce bonding decisions and ensure compliance with the Imperial Contract Code.

  2. Inquisitor
    a. An “Inquisitor” is a designated official with the authority to investigate and adjudicate matters related to bonds, ensuring compliance with the law and overseeing the application of discipline.
    b. Inquisitors of at least 3rd Order hold the power to approve or deny the terms of a Full Bond.

Archiver Note

This is the first part of the Imperial Contract code dealing with the Bonded servants and the oversight. Title II is the bonded evaluation System.

© 2018 – 2025 by Jonathan Snyder