§2.4 - Formation and Incorporation of Chartered Settlements

(a) The Council of Rivermarch holds exclusive authority to grant charters for the establishment of new settlements, outposts, strongholds, research stations, or permanent civic communities within its sovereign territory.

(b) No person, group, or entity may lawfully claim, develop, or administer land for permanent habitation without a duly issued charter recorded in the Civic Register.

(c) Unchartered settlements may be ordered to disband, brought under civic regulation, or, upon refusal, deemed unlawful and subject to seizure or dissolution.

§2.4.2 – Petition for Settlement Charter

(a) Any legal person or collective may submit a formal Petition for Charter, which must include:

(i) Proposed name and primary function of the settlement;
(ii) Names and qualifications of founding members or council;
(iii) Geographic coordinates and map of intended territory;
(iv) Governance structure, defense strategy, and plans for legal, fiscal, and magical compliance;
(v) Declaration of allegiance to the Codex of Lawful Governance.

(b) Petitions shall be reviewed by a triad consisting of the Viceroy, Treasurer, and one additional Councilor appointed by majority vote, who shall evaluate:

(i) Strategic viability, location safety, and resource claims;
(ii) Feasibility of self-sustaining governance and legal integration;
(iii) Potential risk of arcane disruption, planar vulnerability, or ecological harm.

(c) A majority vote of the full Council shall be required to approve or deny charter petitions following triad recommendation.

§2.4.3 – Incorporation and Legal Standing

(a) Upon approval, the settlement shall be granted a Writ of Charter, formally entered into the Codex Supplement of Chartered Holdings and affixed with the seal of the Council.

(b) Incorporated settlements shall thereafter be:

(i) Subject to full jurisdiction of the Codex and all lawful Council decrees;
(ii) Eligible for support in defense, infrastructure, and trade as deemed appropriate by the Council;
(iii) Required to submit quarterly civic reports to the Viceroy and Warden.

(c) Each settlement shall designate a Charterwarden—a local steward or magistrate responsible for ensuring civic order, tax compliance, and relay of Council directives.

§2.4.4 – Local Governance and Civic Obligations

(a) Chartered settlements may elect or appoint internal leadership, provided such governance remains subordinate to the authority of the Council and aligned with this Codex.

(b) Settlements are obligated to:

(i) Enforce Codex law and protect against criminal, magical, or extraplanar threats;
(ii) Fulfill tax, levy, and contribution duties pursuant to §5.2;
(iii) Cooperate with inspections, census collection, and defense coordination as directed by the Warden, Viceroy, or designated Council agents.

§2.4.5 – Suspension or Revocation of Charter

(a) A settlement’s charter may be suspended or revoked by majority Council vote following recommendation by a triad composed of the Viceroy, Warden, and one rotating Councilor.

(b) Grounds for revocation include:

(i) Sustained legal or ethical violations;
(ii) Acts of rebellion, sedition, or alliance with hostile entities;
(iii) Failure to meet civic obligations or willful breach of Codex mandates;
(iv) Provocation of uncontrolled magical incidents, planar instability, or ecological ruin.

(c) Revocation shall be entered into the Civic Register, and the settlement shall be given fourteen (14) days to vacate, reorganize, or submit petition for appeal before tribunal or Council.

§2.4.6 – Reinstatement and Appeals

(a) A revoked settlement may submit a petition for reinstatement after no less than ninety (90) days, demonstrating:

(i) Rectification of violations;
(ii) Reorganization of leadership and internal policy;
(iii) Tribunal or Council oversight agreement.

(b) A successful reinstatement shall restore prior rights and obligations, subject to updated charter terms as determined by the Council.