Codex/Limits

Each Volume of the Codex grants unbelievable power the Ruler. There are limits to this power.

1. Each Codex can create a single Locus at a time. Each Locus has a rough maximum size of about 100x100 meters. The Ruler may limit this area but gains no benefit for doing so.
2. Mortal Law bows to the Ruler or his Subjects when inside a Locus. Social norms still apply unless specifically forbidden by Law.
3. Consequences for actions taken inside a Locus are ignored as long as the actions were legal under a Ruler's Law.
4. Each Codex is limited to 11 laws.
5. Each Law creates a Sigil that must be attached to a solid surface visible to those under its effects. Simply touching a wall or door while holding the Codex and reciting the new law is enough to place this Sigil. Removal is as simple as holding the Codex and announcing the revocation of said law.
6. Sigils representing Laws are understood by all who see them regardless of language or reading ability. Laws can even affect the blind provided that they are within the locus and there is a direct line of sight between the person and the sigil
7. Laws can only change behavior and not physical reality.
8. Rulers are subject to all Laws they create.
9. The Ruler may not reference themselves or any single individual in any law, either as an exception or as a person to be obeyed/serviced.
10. All subjects of a Law behave as if following the Law was completely natural.
11. The first 5 laws are the Lesser Laws. These laws do not produce ongoing effects. These laws are most commonly used on doors to create entry conditions. an example would be; Only women may enter, or All children must strip when entering. Nothing in these laws prevents men from using a side door or prevents children from putting their clothes back on once inside.
12. The second 5 laws are the Greater Laws. These laws produce ongoing effects as long as the subject is within the Locus.
13. The Eleventh Law is special. It's the law permanently inscribed on the Volume of the Codex itself and states that "Only a Ruler may open this Volume. This Volume must be returned to the Ruler upon request" This is the only Law that has two clauses.
14. A Ruler may revoke the 11th law. Doing so removes their status as a Ruler. The 11th law is re-inscribed on the volume when a new holder first opens its pages.
15. Rulers feel an instinctive desire to not interfere with each other. New Rulers will sometimes decide to move one or two towns over to be slightly further away from an established Ruler.
16. Rulers may ignore their instincts. They may either cooperate or compete with other Rulers despite their desire to be elsewhere. In such a situation the Ruler with the lower Volume number takes precedence when enacting laws.
17. A Ruler cannot force another Ruler to enact or revoke Laws.
18. A Ruler may possess multiple Volumes of the Codex. The benefits are additive. A Ruler with two Volumes would be able to place 20 Laws in a slightly larger Locus.
19. When a Ruler dies their Volumes vanish and reappear in an area surrounded by books, be it a library, bookstore, storage shed, or other places with large numbers of books.
20. Volumes of the Codex of Law are completely indestructible. The pages cannot be torn, folded, or marked in any way.