Codex Albyricus

“Opinions differ about the Codex Albyricus. Some guild mages strictly follow its regulations, and others tend to ignore it. I think one should respect the Codex but also keep the regional customs in mind.”
-Xaron of Punin, guild mage, modern

The Codex Albyricus is the body of law governing all guild mages’ rights and their responsibilities. The Codex, as mages normally call it, lists the requirements each academy must fulfill and establishes a code of conduct for interguild behavior. It also establishes guidelines for conducting the All Aventurian Convocation, the annual gathering of mage representatives from academies everywhere.

Responsibilities include the wearing of proper clothes, eschewing many kinds of weapons and armor, and submitting to the Codex and the jurisdiction of the guild regarding magicrelated crimes of all kinds. Punishments for breaking those responsibilities range from Disvocatio (suspension from higher office) to forfeiture of arcane power, or even death, depending on the severity of the crime. The Codex specifically outlaws the practicing of blood magic (magic that uses the blood of living beings with souls), necromancy, and the ownership of certain sinister manuscripts. Additionally, the Codex defines who may call themselves mages: “After the examinatio, the assaying Magistrae shall deliberate as to whether the candidatus has fulfilled all requirements and earned the privilege of carrying the Seal and Sign of the school upon the body as a graduate of the honorable Academy.”

The Codex states that “The Sigillum is applied to the palm of the right hand so that everyone may recognize a virtuous mage or maga.” This regulation clearly states which body part must carry the guild seal, but some academies ignore this requirement.

Rohal the Wise was the first to contribute to the Codex, which now spans seven volumes. Mages often criticize it as antiquated, especially its regulations on clothes. Other mages pay little heed to the Codex unless it serves their purposes. Malicious gossipers point fingers at members of the black guild.

Despite its claims to govern mages throughout Aventuria, the Codex is not recognized everywhere. Mages usually can rely on it when traveling through the Middenrealm and the Horasian Empire, but this is rarely the case when in the lands of Nostria, Andergast, and the Bornland. People in Thorwal laugh at anyone who relies on a book for protection; and, in the Lands of the Tulamydes and southern Aventuria, coin bribes are often much more effective than written law.

Even in areas that respect the Codex, one cannot rely upon a city guard knowing its contents or even having heard of it. In addition, regional laws and regulations often muddle decisions involving mages.

“In the Lands of the Tulamydes and in southern Aventuria, few mages adhere to such strict rules. I, for one, prefer to dress in a manner that I think is proper.”
—Mirhiban al’Orhima, Tulamydian fire mage

“Well, you have never been one for social conventions. And that’s a good thing. Imagine how boring life would be if everyone walked around wearing a gray sack.”
—Rowena of the Transweal, Bornish cat witch