The Treaty of Arcane Containment

The Treaty of Arcane Containment

Established in the Year 1945 of the Post-Calamity Era
Sealed under the witness of Verath, God of Oaths

Preamble

WHEREAS the undersigned kingdoms, empires, city-states, and sovereign guilds recognize the profound dangers posed by uncontrolled magical power;

AND WHEREAS the creation of Mana-Drain technology by the Imperial Academy of Magical Studies presents an unprecedented opportunity to maintain the safety and security of all peoples of Aethoria;

AND WHEREAS such powerful implements must be governed by clear and binding agreements to prevent misuse;

NOW THEREFORE the undersigned parties do solemnly enter into this Treaty of Arcane Containment, binding ourselves and our successors to the following terms and conditions.

Article I: Manufacturing Authority

  1. The Imperial Academy of Magical Studies shall retain sole and exclusive authority to manufacture Mana-Drain devices.

  2. Each device shall bear the Imperial Academy seal and a unique identifying mark.

  3. The Imperial Academy shall maintain a complete registry of all manufactured devices, including their assigned locations and authorized users.

  4. No party shall attempt to reproduce, reverse-engineer, or modify Mana-Drain technology under penalty of immediate treaty violation.

Article II: Distribution and Allocation

  1. Sovereign nations and city-states may petition the Imperial Academy for allocation of Mana-Drain devices.

  2. Such petitions shall include: a. The number of devices requested b. Justification based on population, magical incidents, and legitimate security needs c. Planned deployment and safekeeping measures d. Designated oversight authority

  3. The Imperial Academy shall render judgment on all petitions within two moon cycles.

  4. Approved allocations shall be delivered by Academy representatives who shall provide basic instruction in proper use and maintenance.

  5. All parties agree to accept the Academy's determination regarding appropriate allocation without appeal.

Article III: Authorized Applications

The undersigned parties agree that Mana-Drain devices may be lawfully employed only in the following circumstances:

  1. Apprehension and detention of individuals who have committed, or who present imminent risk of committing, crimes of a magical nature.

  2. Containment of magical creatures that pose a direct threat to public safety.

  3. Control of dangerous magical accidents or mana surges.

  4. Protection of vital facilities against magical sabotage or attack.

  5. Such other applications as may be specifically authorized in writing by both local temple authorities and representatives of the Imperial Academy.

Article IV: Prohibited Applications

The undersigned parties solemnly agree that Mana-Drain devices shall never be employed:

  1. Against any individual not reasonably suspected of magical wrongdoing or presenting magical danger.

  2. As punishment for non-magical crimes or offenses.

  3. Against children under the age of thirteen years, save in circumstances of extreme and immediate danger with no alternative remedy.

  4. Against any pregnant woman, due to unknown effects on unborn children.

  5. Against any individual engaged in sanctioned religious practices or authorized magical research.

  6. As instruments of torture, coercion, or undue influence.

  7. Against diplomatic representatives of treaty signatories.

Article V: Oversight and Inspection

  1. Each signatory shall establish a local oversight body comprising: a. At least one representative of a recognized temple (preferably of Verath or Mystara) b. At least one representative of the local magical authority c. At least one representative of civil governance

  2. Such oversight bodies shall maintain complete records of all Mana-Drain deployments including: a. Date and duration of application b. Identity of subject c. Justification for use d. Authorizing official e. Outcome of deployment

  3. All signatories consent to periodic inspection by neutral representatives appointed jointly by the Imperial Academy and the Temple of Verath.

  4. Any signatory may request special inspection of another signatory upon presentation of credible evidence of treaty violation.

Article VI: Security and Accountability

  1. All Mana-Drain devices shall be stored in secured facilities when not in active use.

  2. A complete inventory shall be conducted at minimum once per season.

  3. Any loss, theft, or damage to a device shall be reported immediately to both local temple authorities and the Imperial Academy.

  4. All signatories pledge mutual assistance in recovering missing devices.

  5. Any party who fails to adequately secure their allocated devices shall forfeit the right to future allocations.

Article VII: Violations and Remedies

  1. Intentional violation of this treaty shall be considered an act of magical aggression.

  2. Minor violations shall be addressed through: a. Formal censure b. Reduction in device allocation c. Enhanced inspection requirements

  3. Major violations shall be addressed through: a. Complete revocation of device allocation b. Diplomatic sanctions c. Trade restrictions d. In extreme cases, united action by other signatories

  4. The Temple of Verath shall serve as arbiter in all disputes regarding alleged violations.

Article VIII: Amendment and Review

  1. This treaty shall be reviewed every twenty-five years at a formal convocation of all signatories.

  2. Amendments may be proposed by any signatory and shall be adopted upon two-thirds approval.

  3. The Imperial Academy reserves the right to introduce technical amendments related to the safe operation of Mana-Drain devices, which shall be binding upon notification.

Signatures and Seals

Signed and sealed in the Great Hall of the Imperial Academy in the presence of representatives from the Temple of Verath, this document binds our nations, our peoples, and our descendants in the interests of arcane security and the common good.

[Seal of the Empire of Golden Dawn]
[Seal of the Maritime Republic of Tidereach]
[Seal of the Sultanate of Golden Sands]
[Seal of the Forest Tribes Alliance]
[Seal of the Highland Clans]
[Seal of the Sacred Emirates]
[Seal of the Dwarvish Concordat]
[Seal of the Silver League]
[Seal of the Imperial Academy of Magical Studies]
[Seal of the United Guilds of Aethoria]
[Divine Mark of Verath, God of Oaths]

May this treaty stand as bulwark against magical calamity and instrument of just arcane governance for all the days to come.