Charter for the Council of the Round Table

The name shall be the Council of the Round Table of Camelot, hereafter called "Council".

The Council derives its authority from this "Charter for the Council of the Round Table of Camelot" hereafter called "Charter", which was created and approved by the wisdom of King Arthur himself and has since been amended only by the details herein or those he originally set forth.

The wardlands of this Council shall include the Castle of Camelot, the central city of Camelot and her outlying shires, the whole of the Isle of Hope, to her shores, including adjacent properties, and any other outside this Realm having just or right cause as so deemed by a majority vote of the Council and who seek advisement or aid, save those which have expressly refused the protection of this Council and those individuals or fiefdoms who have relinquished their rights under the laws set forth.

To serve as a meeting of peers selected to represent the common good of the Realm, in all her facets, for the free expression of all views and for the coming together of diverse opinions into a consensus. To review the status of protection and prosperity within the Realm and maintain or better them by whatever means and measures may be at the disposal of the Council. To answer any threats, foreign or domestic, against the liberties and prosperity of the Realm and all her peoples. For the purpose of this Council, peerage is given along with the duty and responsibility of membership and is irrespective of social, political, economic or military status otherwise.

1. The Council shall consist of eleven (11) members selected pursuant to the CHARTER

2. Seats on the Council shall consist of: Captain of the Guard, Military Advisor, Warder of the Noblility, Warder of the Guilds, Warder of the Faithful, Warder of the Citizenry, Minister of Affairs, Minister of Finances, Mage Consult, Advisor Sonrach and the Lord Protector who shall serve as head of the Council.

3. A quorum shall consist of six (6) members which must include the Lord Protector unless his express permission is given to proceed otherwise.

The Lord Protector shall serve as head of the Council and stand as representative and spokesman of this governing body as well as for defense of the Realm. While peerage is granted to all members within the operation of the Council, the Lord Protector shall have right of decision or final say in matters of dispute. In light of the primary duty of the Council, being preservation and defense of the Realm, this seat would generally be held by the ranking most military leader, the Marshal of Knights.

The Captain of the Guard shall serve to oversee the protection of the Castle of Camelot and City proper, to her boundaries. This shall especially include the personal safety of the Council membership as well as visiting nobility, dignitaries and royalty. He shall be responsible for the Guard presence and function throughout to maintain the peace and defense of said jurisdiction. He shall also serve as Jailer, Warden and, for meetings of the Council, Sergeant At Arms, should the need arise.

The Military Advisor would be the Marshal of Knights except in the case where said marshal is in fact the Lord Protector. This would normally be true, at least it has been deemed necessary thus far, since the inception of this Council, considering the environment in which our Realm exists. If the Marshal of Knights has already been assigned a post on the Council then, the next ranking military leader would become the Military Advisor. This may be the top ranking Naval officer or another of equal stature, by the choosing of the Lord Protector, bearing in mind that whomever serves on the Council, is not as likely to be available on the field of battle at all times.

The Warders of the: Noblility, Guilds, Faithful, and Citizenry, shall to the best of their ability, knowledge and experience, help guide the decisions of the Council in the interest of those segments of the Realm which they represent. While preservation and defense of liberty are of primary importance, the Warders shall be expected to assist in forwarding the prosperity and enjoyment of life for all citizens of the Realm.

The Minister of Affairs shall see to amicable relations between this Realm and pertinent or adjoining kingdoms or significant powers having dealings with her. In doing so, he shall be responsible for official correspondence, gifts and other official exchanges of non-military valuable goods, with such entities and see to the welcome and comfort of their emissaries as well as sending ambassadors of good will to visit their respective locations. The Ministry of Affairs shall also coordinate public events within the Realm which may include but not be limited to: tournaments, festivals and feasts, special ceremonies, etcetera. Of course, he shall also be responsible for reporting any potentialities or situations that may compromise the liberty, defense or prosperity of the Realm.

The Minister of Finances shall oversee all matters of the Realm and Camelot proper which concern her financial well being including the collecting and counting of taxes, distribution of public funds and monitoring such fees as are due and owing from various guilds and such. This duty is among those of the Chancellor and therefore he shall always fill this post, making him available to keep the records of Council meetings and report of other pertinent status under his watch.

The Mage Consult shall, similar to the Warders, to the best of his ability, knowledge and experience, help guide the decisions of the Council on metaphysical and magical matters. The Council shall depend on his expertise for assessment of the abilities of the Realm to defend against threats of this nature and, if need be, prepare offense in kind. While the Council recognizes the general neutrality of magic users in mundane matters, it is expected that should a magical force be required, the Mage Consult may be in a position to marshal such a force in the name of the Realm. Also, it is expected that should the Council be in need of special metaphysical services, such as seers, soothsayers, healers and the like, the Mage Consult shall assist in procuring said assistance upon Council request.

The Advisor Sonrach is expected to confer with the remainder of the Council but particularly to advise the Lord Protector. The individual filling this seat on the Council shall represent no outside groups, per se, nor shall he be directly responsible for tasks within the Realm other than this Council appointment. It is hoped that the presence of at least one impartial observer may serve to leaven discussions within the Council and offer clear perspective without onus or motive. This individual is expected to be interested and concerned with the overall welfare and continuance of the Realm, but not under liege to any particular faction of it.

The Council shall consist of eleven (11) members as previously detailed, vacancies being filled at earliest opportunity to maintain consistent representation. Each seat on the Council may be determined by different means as set forth herein:

Generally, the term of service for any member of the Council shall expire only upon resignation with just cause, ousting for egregious violation of conduct as defined in this Charter and supported by two-thirds majority vote by the remainder of the Council, or death. Council Membership can neither be inherited nor bequeathed as part of the estate of the deceased. Exceptions to these limits of term are noted below.

The Lord Protector being leader of the Council and therefore, in effect, the head of Camelot and her domain as well as chiefly responsible for her defense, shall be selected by those sitting on the Council at the time of vacancy, in coordination with the marshals of the orders of knights who are in service to the Realm, and with the advisement of the outgoing Lord Protector, if available. Any move to oust the Lord Protector shall not pass except by unanimous agreement by the remainder of the Council. This seat on the Council may be inherited or bequeathed as part of the estate of the deceased but subject to approval by two-thirds of the remaining Council.

The Captain of the Guard shall be appointed personally by the Lord Protector, both in his service to the Council and to the community at large, although his appointment may be remanded by a two-thirds majority vote of the remainder of the Council, thereby not confirming the appointee and requiring the Lord Protector to select another candidate.

The Military Advisor selection as previously described may be countermanded by the Council with a two-thirds majority vote and an alternate candidate sought.

The Warder of the Nobility shall be selected by a majority vote of interested nobility and persons of similar peerage after public notice of vacancy and meeting of consensus to be given thirty days in advance of said meeting. The criteria for determining who shall and shall not be permitted to participate in said selection will be maintained at the Chancery Hall of Records and overseen by the Office of the Chancellor, as in other similar matters of determination. The absence of other limit on term of service shall stand until such time as the majority vote of defined peerage has determined there shall be a limit of term.

The Warder of the Guilds shall be selected by a majority vote of those guild masters and sufficient vendors who have obtained registry with the Office of the Chancellor or are otherwise recognized as peers to the leadership of the marketplace community. Public notice shall be given upon vacancy and meeting of consensus shall occur thirty days thence for selection of replacement to this seat of the Council. The absence of other limit on term of service shall stand until such time as the majority vote of defined peerage has determined there shall be a limit of term.

The Warder of the Faithful shall be selected by a majority vote of those clerics, sects, wards and other such persons or organizations as may constitute the community of the faithful, regardless of religious affiliation. This should consist primarily of those who have notably established themselves and their order within the Realm and particularly if registered with the Office of the Chancellor. Public notice shall be given upon vacancy and meeting of consensus shall occur thirty days thence for selection of replacement. The gathering shall have rights of refusal on any attendees deemed unsatisfactory to participate. The absence of other limit on term of service shall stand until such time as the majority vote of defined peerage has determined there shall be a limit of term.

The Warder of the Citizenry shall be selected each year on the day of Springtide (February 1), being the first major festival of the year and prior to engagements in private activities of husbandry and such like. During a ceremony of selection those Citizens gathered may participate in a drawing of lots, from which one shall be randomly selected to serve on the Council for a period of one year. Said drawing shall be conducted by the Office of the Chancellor, with security overseen by the Captain of the Guard. Participants are restricted to men known to have lived within the central city or adjacent shires for a period of not less than two years and who qualify as residents or tenants by way of substantial shelter and some measure of family responsibility (further details available from the Office of the Chancellor).

In exchange for this service to the Realm, assistance will be granted to said Citizen in the maintenance of his usual work or responsibilities outside the duty of Council. At the end of term, the Citizen and/or his heirs shall be given the equivalent of two years’ yield in a form consistent with his usual vocation. As stated, the term of service shall expire after one year or upon resignation with just cause, ousting in accordance with this Charter and supported by two-thirds majority vote by the remainder of the Council or death. This seat on the Council cannot be inherited nor bequeathed, however, in the event that death occurs during term of service and/or as a direct result of duty to the Council, the heir(s) shall be given the equivalent of five years’ yield in a form consistent with the previous vocation of the deceased.

The Minister of Affairs shall be appointed by the remainder of the Council to serve on the Council itself and as Minister of Affairs for the Realm. The offices are one and the same. By rules of order; after open discussion, a minister may be nominated, seconded then a vote taken. A simple majority is sufficient to elect, with the Lord Protector being permitted two votes in the event of a draw. In all cases of termination of service, a new minister must be selected to fill the post in both capacities, in service to the Council and the Realm.

The Minister of Finances shall generally be considered part of the duties assigned to the Chancellor of Camelot who is also appointed by the remainder of the Council to serve on the Council itself and as Chancellor for the Realm. By rules of order; after open discussion, a chancellor may be nominated, seconded then a vote taken. A simple majority is sufficient to elect, with the Lord Protector being permitted two votes in the event of a draw. In all cases of termination of service, a new Chancellor must be selected to fill the post in both capacities, in service to the Council and the Realm.

The Mage Consult shall be whomever has been selected or appointed to serve as Master of the Mage Guild of Camelot, presuming that he has already been chosen as representative of that peerage as well as sufficiently knowledgeable and dutiful to serve a greater community. In lieu of this individual serving on Council, the Mage Guild may opt to send another emissary or the Lord Protector shall seek guidance for the appointment of an alternate representative. The term for this seat expires in accordance with term limits as set forth and deemed appropriate by the Mage Guild, in addition to resignation with just cause, ousting in accordance with this Charter and supported by two-thirds majority vote by the remainder of the Council. If the sitting Mage Consult is ousted lawfully from the Council, the Mage Guild will then be asked to select an alternate representative, with disclosure of reasons given upon request and if not held in strict confidence for reasons of security of the Realm.

The Advisor Sonrach shall be appointed by the Lord Protector. There is no confirmation required nor permitted from the remainder of the Council. This is a personal appointment and entirely at the discretion of the Lord Protector. The remainder of the Council may cautiously choose to oust the Advisor Sonrach, so long as the reasoning is in accordance with this Charter and is supported by a two-thirds majority vote of the remainder of the Council. Otherwise the term of this post shall expire only upon resignation with just cause, or death. This seat on the Council may not be inherited or bequeathed as part of the estate of the deceased

1. Council members shall conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the requirements of this Charter.

2. Absenteeism amounting to three (3) out of any six consecutive regular meetings without an excuse acceptable to a simple majority of the Council shall indicate a lack of interest in serving.

3. Council members shall not imply either in verbal or written communications that they speak for the Council unless they are expressing a previously established Council position, or they have specific authority from at least six (6) Council members during a meeting (regular or special) relating to that specific subject.

4. Council members have the right to communicate as individuals with anyone at any time on any subject; however, when not representing the Council on pertinent issues, they shall in all written and oral communications, preface their remarks with a statement that they are speaking as individuals and not for the Council. Where Council members intend to communicate Council decisions and positions, the Lord Protector shall be informed of their intent to so communicate; and such communications shall be accurate representations of those Council decisions and positions.

5. Council members shall not make statements which deliberately distort the position of the Council or other Council members. Council members shall not engage in unlawful practices, misappropriation of funds, vote on items where they have a conflict of interest, or conduct activities which are intended to undermine the effectiveness of the Council. Willful and/or harmful violation of this code of conduct may constitute Treason against the Realm.

6. The tone and demeanor of all communications by Council members shall reflect a responsible manner.

7. All written correspondence officially from the Council shall be signed by the Lord Protector or his specific designee; and record maintained by the Chancery.

8. All Council members are under legal and moral obligation to notify others of Council immediately of any threat(s) to the general or specific liberty and prosperity of the Realm. Willfully failing to do so may constitute Treason against the Realm.

1. The Council shall operate according to the generally accepted rules of order, when such control is necessary. Otherwise the forum shall be a free and open discussion with the Lord Protector or Advisor Sonrach serving as mediator, if needed.

2. Council meetings shall be scheduled regularly on the ides of each month. Emergency meetings may be called as necessary and best attempts shall be made to contact all members as soon as the need is known.

3. No member of the Council may speak or write in the name of the Council unless specifically authorized by a simple majority of the Council members. General public notices from the whole Council shall ordinarily come through the Chancery.

All Council records shall be maintained in writing at the Chancery Hall of Records and shall be available to the public upon request showing reasonable cause and provided the release of such documents shall not compromise the liberty or prosperity of the Realm or significant part thereof.

1. All Council meetings shall be closed to the public unless expressly designated to be an Open Council meeting. Prior to such a meeting, notice and agenda shall be posted in a public place.

2. Individuals and group representatives may request permission to address the Council provided they make proper request through the Office of the Chancellor. Those having complaint or differences with a Council decision may appeal to the Chancery for, at least, discussion of the matter and presumably, satisfactorily resolution or at least a final decision to close the matter. Caution: This is not to be done lightly.

Charter amendments shall be by a two-thirds majority of the Council entire.

Notes: Have expressly avoided the use of the word "sovereignty" in this Charter as it implies a monarchy which this Council makes no pretense of. Even while King Arthur was among us, rest his soul, he was loathe of the precepts of monarchy as is practiced in most realms. Twas his deepest wish to have the governing of Camelot and her Realm remain representative of her peoples and work to serve their needs, raise their comfort and security of living, rather than lord over them or dictate how they shall thrive.

Lord Protector - Lord ? BlackHawke, Marshal of Knights
Captain of the Guard - Lord Ian Blackthorn
Military Advisor - Admiral Cartwright's replacement
Warder of the Nobility - Lord Whatshisname
Warder of the Guilds - Guild Master Nunya
Warder of the Faithful - Cleric Marisa of Avalon
Warder of the Citizenry - Ethan Halfhand of Devon Shire (hehe I dunno)
Minister of Affairs - Minister Somebody of Other
Minister of Finances - Chancellor ?
Mage Consult - Arch Adept Ellinstar, Master of the Mage Guild of Camelot
Advisor Sonrach - Lord Ancient Wolf of Wolf Keep