Post by araia on May 13, 2006 0:12:29 GMT -8
Any dispute of Law is brought before the Lawgiver, who will summon a clutch meeting on the Ceremonial grounds. Non Avians who are not mated to an Avian or are not honorary members of the clutch may attend if invited, but may not call a Contest of Law unless it affects them directly, and may vote when it is time to do so.
- Mating
Dual Claim
If two males claim the same female as promised to them in hand fasting, the right to claim her is settled by a battle. The victor is proclaimed the true mate, and the defeated male suffers no penalty for failure. If the males refuse to battle, the female simply refuses to choose either.
Second Mating
In the event of a widowed Penguin wishing to remarry, they must seek permission from the Lawgiver. The intended is to be present, and the Lawgiver's word is law. If they are forbidden to hand fast, they may never hand fast. - Caste
Rite of Passage
At the equivalent human age of 18, Penguin Clutch members must face a Rite of Passage in order to become Hunters. This trial consists of the young Avian diving deep below to surface to confront (hopefully one) Oshca, and retrieve their first kill. The strong bones of this creature are then used in the making of the Hunter's bone fetish, and the crafting of his first knife or spear by the parents, which are given to him at the end of the ceremony should he succeed. - Contest of Law
Lawgiver's Contention
If the Lawgiver desires to make a change in the Law, they make the change. If any Clutch members have a problem with it, they must call a Contest of Law.
Common Contention
If a Hunter wishes to change a law, they too can call a Contest of Law. The majority rules in a vote. If the vote is against the contestant, he or she has the right to trial. It usually a dangerous task, often sent to retrieve items far below the surface or from the Oshca or even Octopods. If they succeed, the Law changes. If the combatant fails, it's probably because he got eaten by a predator.