Night Council

[undergroundmods]

Night Council Laws and Governance ♦ Elections ♦ Roles An organization dominated mainly by witches, but which is intended to represent all supernatural communities. Their headquarters are in Westminster. The Night Council evolved out of a high council of witches, which dates back to the 12th century. At this time it represented only witches in England and Wales, though not all covens were accountable to it. In the 15th century, following a long period of political struggle with vampires, they allied with other supernatural types, most notably shapeshifters and meta humans, to declare themselves the ultimate supernatural authority in the land. The Night Council then began to accept members who were not witches in order to back up its authority. It wasn't until 1542 that the first shapeshifter and vampire joined the Night Council as representatives, with the power to make and influence supernatural laws. Today, the Night Council makes and enforces the laws governing all supernatural communities in the UK, and also act as arbiters of justice. NB. Characters cannot join the Night Council when they first apply to the game. This faction is only open to characters within the game. See this guide for joining the Night Council for more information on the criteria for becoming a Guardian and other Night Council roles. Even if your character is not a member of the Night Council, you can influence their laws through a combination of bribery and petitioning. Laws and Governance In most cases, supernatural communities are self-governing and are allowed to administer their own judicial system, whatever it may be. On rare occasions where the dispute is unresolved or involves multiple communities, the offending parties may be brought before the Night Council for a hearing. More often than not the Council enforces its laws with little pretence of giving offenders a fair hearing. The Seven Eight Nine Laws Governing All Supernatural Species in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1. The word of the Night Council is law and no one shall be excepted from it. 2. The Statute of Secrecy is absolute. Any acts which threaten to bring the existence of the supernatural into the public sphere shall be punishable by death. In addition, any acts which are deemed to put the absolute secrecy of the supernatural world at risk, or which may lead to it being at risk, shall also be punishable by death. 3. It follows that maintaining the current status of the supernatural world as hidden from the general public, is the responsibility of every supernatural being. Where due care is not taken, or neglect is observed, sanctions will be imposed. 4. No supernatural being shall use their power to disrupt, influence or interfere with the workings of the British Government, the armed forces, the police or other public authorities, except insofar as to ensure that the Statute of Secrecy is maintained. 5. No supernatural being shall control the mind of another. 6. No werewolf may turn a human or witch without express prior permission from the Night Council. 7. Killing a witch, no matter the provocation, is punishable by death. 8. It is forbidden to use dark magic, or to create, use, possess or trade dark magic objects. 9. The Night Council has the authority to amend these laws, to enforce them by whatever means it deems necessary, and to prosecute offenders with immediate effect. Elections The five highest ranked roles in the Night Council form the inner circle of its governing body, and have the power to make new laws or change the existing laws. You can read more about them on the Elites page. The Night Council elections take place every two years, and the representatives are nominated by their respective communities as follows: President: Nominated by members of Circle Daybreak, Redbright Institute and Night Council. Only members of these factions get a vote. As of 28th April 2016, the East End Pack also have a vote. Vice President: Nominated by members of Circle Daybreak, Redbright Institute and Night Council. Only members of these factions get a vote. As of 28th April 2016, the East End Pack also have a vote. Witch Representative: Must be a witch. Nominated by members of Circle Daybreak. Only witches who have joined Circle Daybreak covens get a vote. Vampire Representative: Nominated by members of the Islington Nest. Islington Nest members and other vampires get a vote. Shapeshifter and Meta Human Representative: Must be a shapeshifter or meta human. Nominated by Night Council, Hillingdon Clan and Redbright Institute. All shapeshifters and meta humans get a vote. The Hillingdon Clan traditionally abstains from any involvement, so they tend not to nominate or vote for anyone. Roles Due to being run by witches, there can be only five, seven or twelve seats filled on the Council at any one time. These include the President and the Representatives of each supernatural community. Historically, neither fae nor ghosts have ever been represented. Currently, werewolves are not represented. The enforcers of the Council's laws are known as Guardians, and are widely feared or respected depending on who you talk to. They act as bodyguards to each member of the Council, security for their meeting places, offices and other important locations, cover up supernatural incidents, and deal out justice to supernatural offenders. The various staff (e.g. civil servants) working for the Council are also involved in a massive nationwide cover-up. They have insiders in the government, the police and the media in order to maintain absolute secrecy. They really don't like it when you make their job harder. Levels 2-3 Guardian Guardians of the Night Council are chosen to enforce its laws and policies, to defend its members, and to carry out negotiations on behalf of the members. In other words, they do the dirty work. Newbie Guardians start off at level 2. Trusted and experienced Guardians move up to level 3 and are privy to more sensitive information. See this guide for joining the Night Council for more information on the selection criteria. Civil Servant The Night Council essentially functions as its own government department, employing civil servants to carry out administration work, communication and PR, and settle legal disputes. Many of the staff are humans who have jobs in the public sector or the media, and who work as double agents to help maintain the secrecy of the supernatural world. Level 4 Vice President A senior member of the Council, who takes over the President's duties if the President is not available. Representative Leaders representing supernatural races in the city (witch, vampire, shapeshifter/meta human). They act as the voice of their people, help to settle disputes, and communicate the Council's edicts to their people. Level 5 President The elected leader of the Night Council. Well, "elected". back to navigation