The list below contains the general laws observed throughout the Haina Empire:
1) An individual may not dishonor his superior officer.
This is the blanket law that covers many of the crimes in the Haina Empire, from public drunkenness to fleeing a battle. Punishment can range from caning and public humiliation, to death depending on the severity of the dishonor. Interestingly enough, a citizen who follows orders, even bad orders, can never be convicted of this crime. For example, a soldier who flees the battlefield is often put to death. However, if a commander orders a regiment to flee, individual soldiers may not be punished. The commander, however, may have much to answer for depending if the order was given in fear or incompetence, versus a tactically sound maneuver.
2) An individual may not make a dishonorable attack upon another without just cause.
Assaults and even murder are not uncommon in the Empire. They are often viewed as a way of constantly testing the mettle and capability of martial capacity of the nation. It is very common to see open, public duels between warriors to the death. However, these practices must be public and done in a manner consistent with honor and tradition. Attacking a weakened or helpless opponent (w/o offering mercy), attacking from hiding (except in the manner of an approved military action), or other forms of dishonorable attack often lead to a loss of rank or property, or even death.
3) An individual may not steal any property or possession of another.
This is a fairly straightforward law. Interestingly enough, it also includes any type of adultery. A man who sleeps with another man’s wife or a man’s unmarried daughter often finds himself publicly caned or mutilated.
4) All able bodied men must train for war every day.
Although this is another simple law, it is taken very seriously throughout the empire. Most training consists of weapons practice, drill practice, and an occasional lesson on military theory and tactics.
5) In matters of military succession, the highest senior ranking officer shall be promoted unless the rank is appointed by the commanding officer.
A rank may be contested in honorable combat for persons of the rank of Mou-ko or below.
6) Women of the Empire are not permitted to bear arms or wear armor, nor can they be a member of the military, unless legally granted this right by the Tongjun (General).
Female PCs who are not citizens of the Empire are not bound by this law, however due to social stigmas those female PCs who bear arms and wear armor while in the Empire will receive a -5 Charisma modifier to all social related skill rolls with citizens of the Empire. Furthermore, all companions of such a PC receive a -2 Charisma modifier to all social rolls with citizens of the Empire. All starting attitudes of citizens are lowered by one when dealing with any PC who has this negative modifier. Additionally, non-citizen female PCs who attempt to follow this law will receive a +2 Charisma modifier for all social rolls with citizens of the Empire—for their acceptance of the virtue and wisdom of Hainese culture.