Chapter 590: The Charter’s First Draft

The large conference room on the upper floor of Adventurer Guild Headquarters had been converted into a temporary legal drafting office.

Several stacks of documents occupied the central table, alongside maps of Westmark’s fifteen regions, administrative records, financial summaries, and copies of the recommendations issued during the Royal Advisory Council’s recent consultation.

Sage stood beside the table, examining a document containing the preliminary structure of the proposed Royal Charter.

King Edmund III had requested the complete proposal for his personal examination, which meant the Guild could no longer rely upon general statements concerning its independence and future expansion.

Every important privilege, obligation, and limitation needed to be expressed in language that the Kingdom’s legal institutions could recognize.

Boren sat at the opposite end of the table with his usual collection of administrative records. Lucan occupied a chair beside two legal advisers recommended by House Auremont, Master Theobald Wycliffe and Mistress Clarissa Montfort, both experienced in royal legislation and territorial agreements.

"Before we begin, I’d like everyone to understand what we’re trying to accomplish," Sage stated as he placed the preliminary outline upon the table. "We need a Charter that protects the Guild’s independence without pretending we’re exempt from the Kingdom’s laws. And I’d prefer something our administrators can actually follow without consulting a lawyer every morning."

Boren adjusted his glasses. "That would certainly make my work easier, Guildmaster."

Lucan smiled faintly. "Unfortunately, Guildmaster, I suspect we’ll still need legal assistance occasionally. Royal Charters aren’t exactly known for their simplicity."

Theobald, an elderly man with neatly trimmed grey hair, examined the outline before him.

"Lord Lucan is correct," Theobald remarked. "However, clear drafting can prevent considerable confusion. Our task is to establish rights and obligations precisely enough that future officials cannot reinterpret them whenever political circumstances change."

Clarissa nodded in agreement. "And we must avoid requesting powers that conflict unnecessarily with existing royal or territorial authority. Such provisions would be challenged immediately."

Sage pulled out a chair and sat down. "Then let’s start with the Guild’s legal standing."

Theobald opened a blank drafting register.

"The first section should establish the Adventurer Guild as a recognized independent institution within the Kingdom of Westmark," Theobald explained. "It should identify the organization’s lawful purposes, its principal administrative authority, and its capacity to enter contracts, maintain property, and operate recognized facilities."

Boren considered the wording.

"Would that recognition apply automatically to every branch we establish?" Boren asked.

"Recognition of the institution would," Clarissa answered. "But the right to establish a particular branch must still comply with applicable property and construction requirements."

Sage nodded. "That’s reasonable. We aren’t asking for permission to build wherever we please."

Lucan leaned forward.

"Then the Charter should establish a standardized application process," Lucan suggested. "Regional administrations would retain their lawful responsibilities, but applications couldn’t be rejected without identifying the relevant legal grounds."

Boren immediately began making notes.

"We should also specify reasonable administrative deadlines," Boren added. "If a branch application can remain unanswered indefinitely, a standardized process won’t accomplish much."

Clarissa considered the suggestion.

"A deadline for acknowledging and reviewing applications would be appropriate," Clarissa replied. "However, more complicated cases may require additional time. We should provide for extensions when justified and require written explanations."

Sage nodded approvingly.

"Good. I don’t mind waiting for a proper review. I mind waiting because someone doesn’t want to give us an answer."

The discussion continued as the advisers prepared the first section concerning regional operations.

The Charter would recognize the Guild’s authority to establish branches throughout Westmark, subject to lawful territorial requirements. It would also provide procedures for appealing arbitrary denials without granting the Guild immunity from legitimate local regulations.

Once that section was completed, Boren introduced the provisions concerning Adventurer registration.

"Guildmaster, our membership system needs careful treatment," Boren explained. "Adventurers register voluntarily, receive classifications based upon our established procedures, and become eligible to accept missions according to their qualifications."

Theobald examined the Guild’s membership regulations.

"Does registration impose any obligation to accept assignments?" Theobald asked.

"No," Sage answered. "Adventurers choose which missions they wish to undertake. Once they accept an assignment, they’re responsible for fulfilling its contractual conditions, but we don’t force them to accept work."

Clarissa made a note.

"Then the Charter should recognize voluntary membership and the Guild’s authority to establish professional qualifications," Clarissa suggested. "However, it must also acknowledge that registration doesn’t grant Adventurers authority to disregard the Kingdom’s laws."

Boren nodded.

"That corresponds with our existing procedures," Boren replied. "We can provide the relevant disciplinary regulations as supporting documents."

Lucan glanced toward Sage.

"We should also ensure that nobles cannot use the Charter to demand compulsory service from registered Adventurers," Lucan observed. "Otherwise, someone might argue that royal recognition makes the Guild’s members available for military assignments."

Sage’s expression became serious.

"Absolutely not," Sage replied. "If the Crown needs Adventurers for an emergency, we can discuss lawful commissions and voluntary participation. But registration with the Guild doesn’t make someone a royal soldier."

Theobald considered the matter before responding.

"That principle can be established," Theobald explained. "Although we must distinguish ordinary voluntary service from obligations that might arise under laws applicable to the general population during extraordinary emergencies."

Sage nodded reluctantly.

"Then make that distinction clear. I don’t want the Guild receiving special exemptions from laws everyone else must obey, but I won’t accept automatic conscription simply because someone registered as an Adventurer."

The advisers recorded the point for further examination.

Their attention then turned toward dungeon operations.

Boren placed a comprehensive report upon the table, detailing the Guild’s existing dungeon network, its access arrangements, and the financial procedures associated with Dungeon Pass sales.

Clarissa examined the figures with interest.

"More than fifty dungeons under Guild management," Clarissa observed. "And your current arrangements allow Adventurers to retain their recovered materials after purchasing the appropriate Dungeon Pass?"

"Correct," Sage answered. "The Guild receives revenue from entry passes and related services. We don’t demand a percentage of the treasures Adventurers recover."

Theobald frowned thoughtfully.

"That arrangement is lawful under your existing agreements," Theobald remarked. "But formally recognizing it within a Royal Charter may attract opposition from noble dungeon owners."

"We’re already expecting that," Lucan replied. "Several nobles have petitioned the Crown to review the Guild’s dungeon arrangements."

Sage leaned forward.

"Then we should make our position clear," Sage stated. "The Charter should protect the Guild’s right to establish lawful access terms for dungeons it controls. It shouldn’t give us ownership of other people’s dungeons or prevent nobles from maintaining their own agreements."

Clarissa nodded.

"That distinction will help," Clarissa replied. "However, the Charter should also address the responsibilities associated with dungeon management, including entrance security, public safety, and cooperation with territorial authorities when threats extend beyond dungeon boundaries."

Boren opened another report.

"We already maintain administrative procedures for dungeon access and security," Boren explained. "Those can be incorporated into the supporting regulations."

Theobald began drafting the relevant provisions, although he marked several paragraphs for further legal review.

The dungeon section required particular care. Any language suggesting that the Guild possessed exclusive rights over dungeon access throughout Westmark would provoke immediate opposition, while overly restrictive provisions could undermine its established business model.

After a short break, the discussion resumed with commercial rights and financial obligations.

Irene Valcrest had prepared detailed financial summaries in advance, allowing Boren to explain the Guild’s accounting procedures without requiring her presence throughout the entire drafting session.

"The Guild operates lodging facilities, dining services, equipment workshops, and other commercial establishments," Boren explained. "Those activities support our members and generate revenue for maintaining the organization."

Clarissa examined the financial report.

"Then the Charter should recognize the Guild’s right to conduct lawful commercial activities while remaining subject to applicable taxation, licensing, and trade regulations," Clarissa suggested.

Sage nodded. "Agreed. We don’t need special tax exemptions."

Theobald looked toward him.

"Would the Guild accept periodic financial declarations and lawful audits?" Theobald asked.

"Yes," Sage answered. "Provided the requirements are clearly defined and confidential commercial information is protected against unnecessary disclosure."

Lucan added, "That should also help address concerns raised by House Valois. Their representatives have emphasized the importance of consistent commercial obligations."

The discussion then moved toward cooperation with territorial authorities.

Boren explained how the Guild received commissions, classified assignments, and posted eligible missions through its Mission Boards.

Theobald proposed language allowing territorial administrations to submit lawful commissions while preserving the Guild’s authority over its internal mission procedures.

Sage approved the general approach but insisted that clients couldn’t appoint Guild personnel or interfere with the selection of qualified Adventurers.

"An official can specify what needs to be accomplished," Sage explained. "They can establish lawful requirements, compensation, deadlines, and reporting obligations. But they shouldn’t be able to decide which Guild administrator handles the assignment or force us to appoint their preferred Adventurers."

Clarissa nodded thoughtfully.

"Then the Charter should distinguish contractual authority from institutional control," Clarissa suggested. "The commissioning authority retains its rights under the agreement, while the Guild administers accepted missions according to its established procedures."

By late afternoon, the table was covered with annotated pages.

The first draft addressed the Guild’s legal recognition, regional branches, voluntary membership, dungeon operations, commercial activities, financial obligations, and cooperation with lawful authorities.

Several provisions remained subject to further examination, particularly those concerning emergency obligations and the long-term validity of the Charter after a change of monarch.

Boren gathered the completed sections into a single document.

"It’s considerably more detailed than our original outline," Boren remarked as he reviewed the pages.

Lucan nodded. "And considerably more defensible. Grandfather’s advisers have done excellent work."

Theobald smiled politely.

"The real examination begins when the Crown’s legal officials review it," Theobald replied. "We’ve established the Guild’s position, but that doesn’t mean every provision will survive negotiation."

Sage rose from his chair.

"Then we’d better find out which ones cause problems."

The following morning, Sage and Lucan delivered the first draft to Crown Prince Richard at his residence.

Richard received them in his study and spent considerable time examining the document while Sage explained the principal revisions.

"The structure is much clearer," Richard observed as he turned through the pages. "You’ve addressed several concerns raised during the Royal Advisory Council’s consultation."

Sage nodded. "House Auremont’s legal advisers helped us prepare it. There are still sections that need further review, but I believe it establishes what the Guild is actually requesting."

Richard continued reading.

For several minutes, the only sound in the room came from the turning of pages.

Eventually, the Crown Prince stopped at the section concerning dungeon operations.

His expression became thoughtful.

"I can already see where House Lancaster will object," Richard remarked. "Your provisions protect existing Dungeon Pass arrangements and establish procedures for future management agreements. The dungeon-owning nobles will argue that this allows your organization to expand without sufficient restrictions."

Sage sighed quietly.

"I expected that."

Richard turned another page.

"And your provisions concerning voluntary Adventurer service will attract questions from military officials," Richard continued. "Particularly those who believe royal recognition should establish stronger emergency obligations."

Lucan leaned forward slightly.

"Do you believe those objections can be resolved, Your Royal Highness?"

Richard closed the document and regarded them seriously.

"Possibly," Richard answered. "But there are several provisions here that powerful nobles will consider direct challenges to their existing authority. Before this Charter reaches His Majesty, you’ll need to prepare for considerably more difficult negotiations than anything we’ve faced so far."