## Overview The **Vein Law** is the foundational legal code of vampiric civilization in **[[Hexa Landing]]**, established by the **[[Ebonclaw Conclave]]** under Queen [[Callidora]]'s reign. Designed to bring order to a fractured vampiric society, the Vein Law regulates all aspects of vampire conduct: feeding rights, territorial claims, hierarchies, and the ethical treatment of mortals. Its creation was the first act of unity following centuries of civil conflict and rogue behavior among vampire lords. The law’s core aim is to preserve secrecy, prevent divine retaliation, and protect the long-term survival of vampiric kind. --- ## Origin The Vein Law was first drafted and ratified in **Year 10,024 A.P.**, just one year after the founding of the [[Ebonclaw Conclave]]. It was authored primarily by **[[Eldrion]] the Pale Flame**, who interpreted ancient blood traditions and codified them into a living framework of governance. Initially met with resistance, the law was enforced through a mix of negotiation and brutal demonstration—reminding the Twelve Vampire Lords that without regulation, their empire would devour itself. --- ## Structure The Vein Law is divided into six major pillars: ### 1. **Sanctioned Feeding** - Vampires may only feed in designated zones. - Feeding that results in death must be reported to a local overseer. - Consent, secrecy, and minimal public disruption are mandatory. ### 2. **Territorial Boundaries** - Each Vampire Lord holds jurisdiction over clearly marked territories. - Crossing into another’s land without permission is a punishable offense unless sanctioned by the Conclave. ### 3. **Mortals Under Protection** - Mortals deemed “vital” to vampiric society (healers, scholars, entertainers) are protected. - No mortal can be turned or enslaved without formal registry or noble sponsorship. ### 4. **Covenant of Silence** - Vampires are forbidden from exposing their kind to the broader mortal population. - Breaches result in execution or memory-flensing by the Conclave’s inquisitors. ### 5. **Ascension Protocols** - The process of turning mortals into vampires is tightly controlled. - Only elders, Conclave members, or sanctioned nobles may perform ascension. ### 6. **Internal Justice** - The Conclave is the final arbiter in matters of treachery, unlawful feeding, or rebellion. - Whispershades or [[Vein Sentinel|Vein Sentinels]] may carry out covert trials or punishments. --- ## Cultural Significance The Vein Law is more than a code—it is **vampiric identity codified**. It allows vampires to walk in shadow without devolving into beasts. While feared by rebels and radicals, the majority of [[Hexa Landing]]’s vampire society recognizes it as the cornerstone of their survival. Violating the Vein Law is considered both a legal and spiritual betrayal. --- ## Enforcement - **[[Vein Sentinel|Vein Sentinels]]**: Elite enforcers loyal to the Conclave. They act as judges, investigators, and executioners. - **Local Overseers**: Appointed by Vampire Lords to manage compliance. - **Blood Scribes**: Record and update the law; they also record verdicts, trials, and blood-bound oaths. --- ## Quotes About the Vein Law - _“Without the Vein, the blood spills freely—and the gods will notice.”_ – [[Eldrion]] the Pale Flame - _“To feed without ritual is to burn the mask.”_ – [[Octavia Nightglad]] - _“It is not chains that bind us, but veins. We do not bleed alone.”_ – Traditional Conclave teaching