Precepts of Eleusis

The Precepts of Eleusis can be found on a cairn stone at the base of the gatehouse - the entrance to the village. Emphasis is placed on the importance of nature, which should be held at first priority at all times.

Eleusis is a haven for the forestfolk, a place where they can gather amidst a shared purpose and concern; a community for people with a common unifying bond: a deep love of Nature. The community of Eleusis is not open to just any who would seek membership. The majority of its citizens are members of forest guilds, and only those with a long record of service to the forest from other guilds will even be considered for membership.

The village of Eleusis is arranged around the Great Oak of Eleusis. Pathways extend through the tree tops, down and around various great trees, and under the ground in natural caverns. The village adapts itself around the surrounding area, using what nature has provided to form a living environment totally at ease with the surrounding habitat. The laws of Eleusis are simple in structure, aimed at providing the forestfolk who call it home a place that they can rest peacefully in each other's company.

1. Any enemy of Oakstone for crimes against the forest is an enemy of Eleusis.
2. Any attack on any citizen of Eleusis within the grounds of Eleusis is an enemyable offense.
   • A) Self defense is not an excuse. Noncitizens who have enemies who are citizens should avoid Eleusis.
   • B) Attempting to summon, harm from a distance, or otherwise aggressively act upon a person in Eleusis, even if the perpetrator is not within Eleusis, is considered an attack.
   • C) Attacking the loyal follower of a person is considered an attack on that person.
   • D) Theft is considered an attack.
   • E) Any action not performable while under the grace of the gods may be considered an attack, at the Council and Security Minister's discretion.
3. Any attack within Eleusis on a member of a guild whose guildhall resides in Eleusis is an offense against the village.
4. Combatants who are visitors to the city will all be instructed to leave or be enemied, as we do not wish the harmony of Eleusis disturbed by outsiders.
5. Harassment of any citizen within the city is grounds for enemy status, once a warning has been given to cease harassment.
6. Providing passive aid to aggressors, whether its standing as a portal target, interfering with village or citizen security, or assist in escape of an Eleusis enemy is grounds for enemy status.
7. Destroying, stealing, killing, or impairing any part of the working defenses of Eleusis, whether those be totems, traps, monoliths, guards, or other methods approved by the Council, is a crime against Eleusis.
8. The destruction or defacement of any addition to Eleusis authorized by the Council (such as shrines or altars) is an offense against the city.
9. Internal Crimes:
   • A) Treachery against Nature, or against the Council of Eleusis, is a crime.
   • B) Bringing combats to the community, except for those at its gates and in its direct defense, is a crime.
   • C) Any crime against Nature is punishable by the community. The Council of Oakstone determines crimes against Nature.
   • D) Attacking any citizen of the village is grounds for casting out, regardless of where the offense took place. "Attacks" here is an inclusive word, containing everything specifically laid out in the sections above, and not excluding possible other attacks.
   • E) Impairing the defense of the village, or abetting in any manner aggression within the village with intent to harm Nature, Eleusis, or its citizens, is treachery against the village itself.
   • F) Dereliction of duty to Nature, Oakstone, or Eleusis is a crime. This can be considered rather broad, but is to be restrained by common sense to cover applicable situations, such as not informing the village of a pending invasion even if the person is not actively aiding said invasion in any way.

The Security Minister with approval of the Council of Leath-ris will set fines for any crime against Eleusis. Fines for crimes against the laws of Eleusis may be waived by the Council, or by the Security Minister with approval from the Speaker of Eleusis.

Citizenship requirements:

All members of the forestal are eligible for citizenship of Eleusis. A short interview to confirm suitability and swearing to obey the laws of Eleusis (the Eleusian Oath) will be conducted by a community official. Without a solid reason to refuse membership, all applicants within this category have the right to join the community. Should a member be outguilded or quit their guild before passing their probation, they shall be removed from the ranks of Eleusis.

Members of other classes with long histories of service to the forest and the forestfolk may apply for membership, and must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Council before being allowed citizenship.

Membership in the community is a privilege however, not a right, and failure to abide by the laws both in spirit and in the letter, as well as failure to follow the ideology of Eleusis, is grounds for either refusal of citizenship, or for the casting out of a citizen.