The Statute of Kazalot

"Any man or elf who demonstrates willingness to spill his or her own blood in service of the Tojn is to be counted among the children of Kazalot with all rights and responsibilities vested therein."

The Statute of Kazalot is a legal document in the Demian hold of Kazalot enshrining the rights of the hold's elven population, the Dieye, as equal to those of their human neighbors. The document, signed in the aftermath of the Freehold's Rebellion was considered radical by many for the rights it gives to non-Demians, and especially non-humans. Even today there are those who rally for the Statute to be amended to restrict the rights of the Dieye. On the other hand, the Dieye view the document as a great source of pride and treat it with a certain reverence as the document that first acknowledged them as equals under the law.

Historical Details

Background

The Statute is the fulfillment of a promise made by the Tojn of Kazalot to grant the elves of the hold equal rights if they assisted her in the war against the Royalists. The Dieye were quick to prove themselves in the war and forces under the command of Dieye commander Lieh Kokte were instrumental in capturing the city of Kranvat, considered the last major battle in the western theater of the war.

Public Reaction

The public reaction to the signing of the document was mixed, but often fierce. 
The elves who had fought on behalf of Kazalot were elated with their sacrifices being rewarded, knowing that their children and grandchildren would have a real chance for a future beyond being merely tolerated and confined to ghettos. However, an outspoken number of more traditionalist elves were horrified at what they saw as "humans conquering the soul of the elves" by integrating them into Demian society.
The human majority of the hold was largely displeased at the news and saw it as going too far. Human supremacists decried the document as "undoing the good work of [their] ancestors" and "going against the will of the gods." The soldiers who fought alongside the elves for long periods often became outspoken advocates for the Statute, seeing the elven soldiers as brothers and sisters in arms.

Legacy

The Statute of Kazalot has grown far less controversial throughout the centuries as humans and elves have come to live in relative harmony as the Great Invasions fade further into history. Many in Kazalot, both human and elven, view the document as a source of regional pride, taking the important first step towards reconciliation. Though the document does have its detractors on both the human and elven sides, they are few and growing fewer.

Type

Manuscript, Legal

Medium

Paper