Guines Edict

The Guines Edict was released by King Michem Emswort the day after the Burning of the Library of Guines. It was suggested and drafted by members of the Teles Order after protecting the king during rioting that took place during and after the fall of the Library.
This document describes both the appropriate types of magic and technology that can be used, as well as forbids any use of science.
The List of Acceptable Magical Spells and the List of Acceptable Technology changed over time as needs arose or problems were discovered.

Purpose

This document was written both to calm the populace's fears about science and technology, and to expand the power of magicians in general, and the Teles Order specifically.

Document Structure

Publication Status

Copies of the law were made available at central locations in each town on Murriet, although those in Berkham were for reference rather than law.
The original is kept on file in the capital of Emswort.

Legal status

This document was written to be law in Emswort but was also accepted in Tiveley and Darter.
Berkham rejected this law.

Historical Details

Public Reaction

Most of Murriet had enough distrust of science and technology that they were glad to see their practice become illegal.
The scientists that had migrated to Berkham were unsurprised by this development, but still angry that it occurred.

Legacy

After reintegration of science and technology, the history of having written and published this became problematic for Emswort. Later kings publicly apologized for the division they had caused.
The Teles Order's participation in this document had been forgotten by that time, leaving all blame to lay squarely on the Emswort royalty.

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Guines Edict

For over four centuries, the use of magic has spread throughout the great nation of Emswort and the rest of the world. In that time, while magic has made many things possible once thought to just be the imaginings of children, science and technology have withheld our greatness from us.
Science and the questions it asks cause us to doubt our own capabilities. It holds us back from the greatness we can achieve. Technology has created awful weapons and dangerous inventions that have caused destruction of an unimaginable scale.
We can no longer allow this.
We cannot allow scientific thought to hold us captive. We must break free from its questions and rely firmly on the magic we have come to know.
We cannot allow technology to fill us with fear. We cannot accept the threat of our destruction to hang over our heads as we live our lives in peace.
Let it be known this decree:
1) Science and technology are forbidden, their use having caused untold damage and uncountable destruction. From this day and forever, magic and magic alone will supply all our needs.
2) Lest we become slaves to magic as once we did to science and technology, all general magicians must be licensed by the Teles Council.
2a) Licensing is required for the general applciation of magic and for any research or study done to further the field.
3) Spells acceptable for general use will be published and are free to be used without license or punishment.
4) Safe technologies acceptable for general use will be published and are free to be used without license or punishment.
4a) Any modification or improper application of these technologies will not be tolerated.
5) Scientific inquiry and advancement are forbidden. Scientific learning is forbidden.
5a) The penalties for being discovered practicing science are severe both for the practicioner and potentially for their family, depending on the severity of the infraction.
6) The Teles Council is responsible for determining the appropriate lists of magic and technology, as well as determining the penalties for any infractions against this edict.

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Type

Decree, Royal

Medium

Paper

Authoring Date

26th of Early-Fall, 379

Ratification Date

26th of Early-Fall, 379

Location

Guines - Unearthed Era

Signatories (Characters)

• King Michem Emswort

Allowed

Archery

Baking

Horse Tack

Horse-Drawn Wagon

Horseback Riding

Hunting

Music

Singing

Writing

Licensed

Animal Husbandry

Archery

Horse-Drawn Wagon

Forbidden

Boat Design

Horse-Drawn Plow

Jewelry Making

Log Houses

Metalworking

Mining

Needlework

Smithing

Violin Playing