Laws of Waterdeep - Forgotten Realms Lore

[@SadBoi_1066]

This was amazing. Everyone playing the new Waterdeep adventures should watch this.

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

It was made with that audience (and my own players) in mind :)

[@fallensyndicate2626]

Absolutely :) It's well done and informative.

[@jaimetheone9150]

My new character is a Gnome from the trades ward in this city.

[@madhatterhimself181]

Additional Lore on the Laws of Waterdeep: According to the book "Blackstaff Tower," when charged with a crime, a citizen of Waterdeep has the right to demand to speak with the sitting Open Lord in private to plead their case, without any input from any other aspects of the legal system other than the Open Lord. After hearing out a citizen, the Open Lord can however simply decide not to hand down a verdict and leave matters to the rest of the legal system as normal (note that this right only applies to actual citizens of the city). In the book "Blackstaff Tower," the young lordling Renaer Neverember (now of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist fame as well) used this right to speak to his father, the then sitting Open Lord, and confront him with the crimes the he suspected the Open Lord had, had a hand in. Renaer further explained that this right to speak to the Open Lord alone was an aspect of the law directly introduced by Waterdeep's first Open Lord, Ahghairon himself. Indeed, Chapter 25 of the book even holds a quote from Ahghairon's introduction of the law; "...and every citizen shall have his say, be it in open Court or in private with the Open Lord." - Ahghairon, Lord's Wirt, Volume II. Year of the Haunted Haven (1039 DR)

[@weddingmoonvacations7044]

Potentially vital information, thanks!

[@alexisgrunden1556]

_"Incorruptible",_ my hind end...

[@cannastartover1720]

Exactly. Makes for intresting story’s I bet.

[@TheEldritchGoth]

If any city is incorruptible, it’s Waterdeep

[@jonathancampbell5231]

So, wait, they don't have lawyers? You have to represent yourself? I mean, lawyers aren't great, but that is pretty screwed up.

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

Kinda, or.. well... So Chris Perkins in a Lore you should know, dropped the line that there are "no lawyers in Waterdeep" - However, the Scriveners', Scribes', and Clerks' Guild might object to this. And if you are an outsider (not Waterdeep Resident) you need to have a local speak on your behalf, so that sort of requires one. It's a topic where I think Chris might have spoken a bit quickly about, perhaps not understanding how old the lawyering industry is, and what type of services they provide.

[@jonathancampbell5231]

@@ForgottenRealmsHistoryConvoluted. Gotcha.

[@samgardner8456]

@@ForgottenRealmsHistory He also has featured lawyers in Dice, Camera, Action. It may just be a matter of conflicting details.

[@dokk5260]

If religion is so important to the laws in Waterdeep, do you suppose it could be possible to have a priest of Tyr represent you in court?

[@samgardner8456]

@@dokk5260 Tyr has representation, as one of three banners hung in every courthouse. But yeah, most likely that temple would be your best resource for understanding your legal position.

[@victorhugothomaz3480]

I demand a trial by combat!

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

That might actually be an option - Ancient Unwritten laws do apply all the time.

[@sboloshis1188]

You will fight on the field of triumph. ( depending on what the reason) dueling isn’t allowed but people over look it.

[@JS-kg7bc]

Is there any lore that states whether or not "trial by combat" is an option in Waterdeep?

[@thevoidcritter]

I remember when I played through Waterdeep: Dragon Heist in AL and everyone kept fucking up and getting arrested. Fun times.

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

I am sorry my video arrived to late to avoid all those arrests :)

[@thevoidcritter]

@@ForgottenRealmsHistory That whole "using magic to influence someone without consent" bit got us every time...

[@wesmaass4669]

Tyr be praised. Great video, one with the voice of a watch officer would be a great way of introducing the daily grind of Waterdeep, and the personalities of its citizens.

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

Glad it hit the mark.

[@garysmith442]

A+ buddy. I really enjoy your channel. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@firelegendmushroom]

I love that religion bit. ‘We believe that everyone should be able to practice their religion except the ones we don’t allow.” I mean, that’s not saying some religions in FR aren’t just plain evil but it is amusing.

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

We worked on that line a bit. We also had "In Waterdeep, we have freedom of Relgion, we are especially want our citizens free from religions like Bane and Cyric"

[@sboloshis1188]

Forgotten Realms History the plynth is multi denominational but there are only so many churches allowed. There are no evil temples in Waterdeep.

[@alethiosoratos5455]

Yes, it was very apt given the times. Reminded me of the CCP, North Korea, and the Democrats Ministry of Truth.

[@arturliebl7248]

Just amazing, I feel like into the city myself

[@DLPChrisUltra]

I had to dig for hours, maybe days before I found that list of laws for a game I ran a few years ago. It's always surprising when a codified set of laws isn't included in settings.

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

There is a handout in Dragon Heist, but its a page read, not something easy consumed when you are in a group. This was made to ease that flow for everyone.

[@hagerthehorrible1892]

As a lawyer, I have to say, this was well written and recited

[@onesevenfiveone]

I'm bearing this in mind when I impersonate a member of the City Watch for an upcoming session.

[@80budokai]

Awesome video! Enjoy your Wednesday! 💯🙏🙌

[@wildersmith9443]

Knocked this one out the park guys

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

Thank you, much to the honor of Michael doing his best I Sam Vimes impression.

[@edwardleach7298]

Hi everyone. I hope you're all being treated well in Faerune

[@joshpwnsnoobs]

another great video. thanks! -proud Archive member

[@bryanwilmarth7537]

Good stuff! You have a captivating voice. Keep up the good work!

[@Yandarval]

Oh my. This brings back some Waterdeep memories from 20+ years ago. A right legal muddle. A lot of arguments as you how to charge my PC some trupped up charged. She was a not a Waterdeep citizen. She was a very high ranking noble of an Lords Alliance member. She is the defacto "in so much that Mielikki has one" head of the Mielikkian faith on Faerun. Friendly with Larael, but not so much Khelban. Just the sort of S@@t sandwich no politician wants. Half Elf Cleric 18/Ranger 14 in 1E/2E.

[@gabrielrussell5531]

What's wrong with Luskan?

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

Oh, where to start - Not been worth visiting since it was Illusk :)

[@jonathancampbell5231]

Luskan is a city controlled by pirates and an evil Wizards guild called the Arcane Brotherhood. It's also a neighbour of Waterdeep.

[@alonzopierce4718]

Jarlaxle

[@alexisgrunden1556]

@@alonzopierce4718 Hey, that merc is the best thing _about_ Luskan! 😉😂

[@jeffmiller2476]

Nothing repeated castings of meteor swarm wouldn’t fix 😏

[@StevenMichaelCunningham]

Killing or molestation of any sort for that matter is not lawful as violence in all it's corruption & perversion is unnatural as instinct, Intuition & logic each denotes be there law or no law had. Facilities being what they are..to the crops! 🏋️🧘🤸 To the crops as only martial artistry would have it! ⛈️

[@jam13131]

Snitches get Liches!

[@martyhoward6727]

Are there any laws like what waterdeep has in luskan, neverwinter, or baldurs gate?

[@dantewelch1300]

Neat...but the laws of waterdeep doesn't cover slavery I only bring this up because other city's mainly Thay is a city bases it's economy on slavery

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

This is mentioned at 3:21 - Acts of slavery is punished with Flogging and hard labor up to 10 years.

[@sevarogue7903]

Quite harsh this "City of Splendors".

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

Its what they call themselves :)

[@Geekella]

These videos are great

[@adamholcomb1906]

Great video as always and will share👍🏼👍🏼💯

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

Adam, Doing Oghmas work as always :)

[@Raziaar]

Stay the hell away from Waterdeep. Got it.

[@chinglee]

My party should be heading to Waterdeep in the short future. I am planning in showing this vid to the group. Thanks!!!

[@laresaark1193]

Looks like what I loved a long time ago. MY WORLD... (Of Warcraft 😂)

[@MasterMahan-qm8hu]

Great video!!! Love the channel, Cheers

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

Thank you :)

[@josieaileen2919]

Great video ! Thank you.

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

No, thank you for commenting :)

[@abellator7560]

this was much appreciated! you shoukld do other areas like cormyr or elturel, ahm, sembia

[@TaliZorah1]

Gale Approves 😅

[@jamietimon9899]

Any chance you can post the script? There was so much information packed into this video.

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

For your reading pleasure: You want to know more about the laws of the city? Where did you come from? Some lawless cesspit like Luskan? Don’t tell me, you must be from Neverwinter! I tell you, this fair city did not become the Crown of the North just from having a deep-water harbor or a mighty army. Our laws are what made us strong and prosperous! When the city was retaken from the guild masters , Year of the Wagon (1273 DR), we appointed our first Magister. They in turn vowed to judge this city with fairness for all. Since I wear the black robe, I will take it upon myself to instruct you of our laws. Waterdeep has a complex library of rules and customs set by centuries of precedence. But to put it simply, these rules can be distilled to the foundational principles found in this body of text known as the Code Legal. But, do not presume that the Code Legal is all the collected laws of the city! Many of our laws remain unwritten and depend on the discretion of the legal authorities of the city, like me. The Code Legal is only the basis for which we find the right punishment for the appropriate crime - a sort of quick list of do’s and don’ts, with an extensive list of what happens when you do the don’ts. You have here, the four Plaints in the Code Legal. Each one dedicated to a party that can be a victim of a crime. A careless lout like you could violate more than one of the Plaints with just a single crime. (chuckle, oh yes, chucke) The first and foremost Plaint is Crimes Against the Lords, Officials, and Nobles. Murdering, impersonating, blackmailing, bribing and using magic to influence any of the above are crimes under this Plaint. Crimes Against the City comes next. This plaint punishes poisoning of wells, arson, spying, theft, treason, vandalism, fencing, forging documents, obstructing justice, littering, and brandishing weapons without due cause. The third Plaint is Crimes Against the Gods. This punishes crimes of theft of temple properties, tomb-robbing, assaulting religious personages, open blasphemy, and disorderly conducts within a temple. Although these crimes are usually done against a temple, only the Watch has the power to deliver the sentences. Waterdeep is multi-cultural, and we deeply believe that everyone should have the freedom to practice their religion! That is, only for the religions allowed in the city. We haven’t forgotten the time when the gods walked among us. And Myrkul trying to unleash an army of the dead right beneath the very cobblestone you stand upon! The fourth, and last, Plaint is Crimes Against the Citizens, people like yourself. Here it covers acts of assault, blackmail, burglary, damages to property or livestock, disturbing the peace, murder, robbery, slavery and the use of influential magic without consent. When a crime is committed, the offender can be arrested by the City Watch or City Guard. Running away won’t help, as many proclaimed escape artists can attest to the Watch’s knowledge of the best escape routes. Hiding doesn’t work either, as they have the authority to search any building, person, place or container. My recommendation is that felons should surrender quietly, so as not to cause further disturbances to the good folk who already had the displeasure of witnessing their arrest. Resisting an arrest only makes things worse. The Watch is not afraid to put in a few bruises to ‘subdue’ a perp. If the offender is deemed to be a risk to lives, we can even use lethal force. Those who are innocent are raised at the city’s expense and sent on their way. Once the crook is in custody, they are escorted to the nearest Magister. Depending on the nature of the crime, the delinquent is brought either to the Common Courts or the Lords’ Court. A criminal has only themselves to speak for them at court. “None shall be between a citizen and their justice” as the late, great, Lord Piergeiron said. However, if you are a foreigner, then you can be represented by a Waterdhavian. The Scriveners', Scribes', and Clerks' Guild might be able to assist you if you do not have local help. However, we are aware that there is a trade of ‘volunteer witnesses’ who would appeal on behalf of the criminal ….for a fee. Nevertheless, I should remind you that bearing, as well as paying for, false witness is a crime punishable by exile. As Magisters, we pass our judgment and sentence immediately. With more than two dozen of us in service, we are stationed at each gate, while no less than three are in the Lord’s Palace. We hear testimonies and pass judgment throughout the day. To be a Magister is to be incorruptible. We are chosen for our good character and perceptive nature. Although paid, clothed, and accommodated so not to rise to temptations, we consider it our honorable burden, and not a privilege, to serve this city. Magisters may be relieved of their duties if found wanting, but it is a very seldom occurrence, no true Magister would go out that way. Those who have the nerve to be dissatisfied by a Magister’s verdict can appeal to the Lord’s Court within two days of their sentencing. Hearings at the Lords’ Court begin at high sun in Castle Waterdeep and is presided by the Open Lord of Waterdeep, along with two of the masked Lords. They hear all appeals and serious crimes, with the occasionally dispute of noble succession or inheritance. Though the Lord’s Court has the authority to repeal the sentence of a Magister, they mostly uphold them with minor revisions. They also keep a staff of clerics at arm’s length, using their magic to ensure that no lies are spoken in the court. Punishment is determined according to the severity of the crime, and which Plaint they have violated. For minor offenses, a fine would usually suffice. Charges are expected to be paid in full within a period decided by the court. If the offender is unable to clear their debt by the set date, the city is authorized to seize their assets as payment Family, clan, guilds or business partners are never liable for this debt, unless they too are involved in the crime. Should the possessions be insufficient to cover the cost, then indentured servitude would be employed to pay off the remainder. For more serious crimes, convicts may be flogged, incarcerated in the dungeons of Castle Waterdeep, placed under hard labor, exiled or put to death. Unlike some barbarous cities, our executions are performed behind the walls of Castle Waterdeep, and floggings are done at the nearest watch post. Commoners and soldiers sentenced to death are hung, while nobles are beheaded. By and large, Waterdhavians know the importance of the law. It has molded them into tolerant and, mostly, law-abiding citizens. We trust our laws and judges to be just in administering these laws for the sake of protecting and bettering our city. If you ever find yourself caught on the wrong side of the law, have faith that your guilt or innocence would be balanced on the scales of Tyr. Otherwise, be prepared to face the hammer of justice. Oh, I see a patrol has picked up another rogue from the Dock Ward. Move along, there is nothing to see here.

[@jamietimon9899]

@@ForgottenRealmsHistory thanks!

[@jacobsonmg]

Thank you for this. I have such a hard time reading and learn better by watching videos.

[@anon-yw4wd]

I want to live in Waterdeep.

[@Ericlee-ne7du]

If only real legal systems were this simple and incorruptible.

[@anathema1828]

Nice work on the video!

[@gregorsmith428]

This channel was so good. It's a sad thing it became inactive.

[@blainecrowley1134]

What supplement is the Code Legal printed in?

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (where the big yellow legal doc in the video is from)

[@scotteos8837]

The Original FR1 "Waterdeep and the North" also did a good job laying out the laws of the city.

[@MijMike]

10,000th view. Do i get a cookie?

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

🍪

[@J0K3R_the_Nerd]

Beautiful

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

Thanks :)

[@liamereiam]

Nice

[@ChrisLawton66]

Who you callin' a "lout"? Sabruin!

[@georgemercer402]

The doctrine of "no brandishing weapons without just cause" leaves some gray-area in my opinion: what about checking the condition, trying to sell one, or taking part in something like a combat tournament?

[@ghoulofmetal]

holding and showing a weapon does not mean brandishing.

[@georgemercer402]

@@ghoulofmetal my mistake

[@MarceloHenrique1404]

Públic execute

[@blakmajk3512]

💯

[@greeny3382]

You like a skyrim npc

[@MrAntsRants]

Who is meant to be saying this? City guard ? Mentioned black cloak or robe. Or is it meant to be the black staff?

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

a "Black Cloak" is a Magister.

[@MrAntsRants]

@@ForgottenRealmsHistory thank you.

[@devinemedia2071]

Is there a text version of this?

[@QuestingGM]

Subtitles have been added, if that helps.

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

Also, code legal can be found here: www.worldanvil.com/uploads/images/a322677ca938863cae18fdd48ed5fa0d.jpg

[@magwaaf]

the blackrobe?

[@sboloshis1188]

chris bayer the cities judges. They are at the city gates and the castle.

[@skaterjoe1669]

so, what about tavern brawls?

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

Crimes against the City - Vandalism - Covering the cost of the tavern + 100gp in damages Crimes against Citizens - Assaulting a citizen - Imprisonment up to a tenday, flogging and 1000gp in damages. Crimes against Citizens - Damaging property or livestock - Damage covering repairs or replacement +500gp in damages Crimes against Citizens - Disturbing the Peace - 25gp and an Edit (Edict = prohibition against dong X - If you do X, then imprisonment, banishment and or flogging. X being 'don't return to this tavern or Don't let me see you in this Ward again etc.)

[@skaterjoe1669]

@@ForgottenRealmsHistory so, you're saying ,tavern brawls are expensive?

[@darkwizardsfire102]

no lawyers! a game teaches wisdom,a false preacher begs for wealth. these things i have seen more have i heard yet little i know

[@fleetcenturion]

"They said you was HUNG." "And they was right!" Dude, it's "hanged," not "hung." Do judges in Waterdeep attend American public schools, via interdimensional travel? Is Los Angeles now part of Planescape in 5e?

[@ForgottenRealmsHistory]

A person is Hanged, criminal scum are hung. - The rule is really about individuals vs objects. I hung up the phone, I hung the pictures, he hanged himself. - However, in the perspective given in the video, the magister is a tough beat copper, who does not view law breakers, especially those so bad that they get hanged as a person.

[@RoleReviewsal]

Best not to get too hanged up on these details.

[@greghamilton9505]

It would be modernity that has decided to only use specific words and spelling and have tons of rules concerning structure etc Read any older document and you’ll find a variety of spellings of the same word in the same document not being uncommon. Some obviously uneducated persons like Shakespeare fully made up words !