The Twelve Laws

 The Twelve Laws are a collection of rules, warnings, and regulations designed for the Artisans of The Republic to abide by. First written by a solely Roussili council (and co-written by Gisele De Roy), The Twelve Laws have gone through several revisions, though not significantly altered in the last 300 years. 

All Artisans are taught The Twelve Laws within their Artisinal Schools. These laws are seen as paramount to their education and are beaten metaphorically and literally into their mindset by their educators, to the point that most Artisans call them by another name; Des Vérités Évidentes, Self-Evident Truths.

These Laws are briefly explained below, in the order in which they are currently written:

1) Matter cannot be created or destroyed, only manipulated.

It is known that there are forces in this world which create universal constants, as well as those which abuse them. The concept of True Annihilation is heavily debated, albeit less so studied, as is the concept of Ur-Fabrication. To Artisans who devote their lives to manipulating some fragment of the waking world, these are the barriers by which we may begin charting limits and capabilities. Without these limits, Man may have deemed their work impossible from the beginning.

2) You must give before you are willing to take.

An Artisan's Five Tenets are Cumulation, Acumen, Ambition, Intuition, and Sacrifice. Through these tenets, Artisans focus on their fields and sharpen their minds. As a consequence of the magic of the Imps and kindred in The Occult Artform, nothing can be made from nothing. Decisions must be made with every casting; rocks, plants, or flesh must be transmuted in exchange for magic. Sacrifice is one of the first lessons an Artisan learns in their studies, at times with dire consequences. 

3) Sacrifice is the greatest act of all. 

As with The Second Law, the idea of giving oneself to a greater power is a concept analogue to martyrdom among Artisans. The ability to freely throw yourself into harm's way mentally and physically is a trait often pounded into their brains, so much so that it's been tediously studied. The Gisele Phenomenon shows a clear-cut psychological change between Artisans and their non-trained partners: An Artisan is twice as likely to put themselves in danger and just as likely to be dismembered for it.

4) All knowledge is related to some sort of higher truth.

The collection and subsequent archivization of information is a fiery social passion amongst the ranks of the Roussili and, by extension, the antediluvian systems put in place by The Republic. Information is seen as borderline sacrosanct to all but the most insipid folk, constantly changing and growing with the rapidly increasing pace of time in pursuit of greater belief. Artisans live by the truth that "everything happens for a reason."

5) Wise spades outdo dull hands.

Despite numerous idioms regarding the value of diversity and surface knowledge, it is common doctrine amongst Artisans that, in fact, it is far better to actually be specialized in a craft. There is little softening behind the actual emotion within the phrase, seeing how heavily Artisinal Schools prioritize making students experts in their traditional field far before they graduate. A specialist can handle just as much juggling as their jack contemporaries, arguably equally, while excelling over even the moderately educated in a particular field. 

To The Republic, Artisans are scholars first and magicians second, something even it is subject to forget.

6) That which is not lost is found.

Also, per The Republic's concentric ideology, Artisan students are commonly taught the importance of the mere act of study, not just what becomes of it. It is of great importance to The Republic and the institutions it has developed to pursue new threads wherever they lie. Knowledge not actively being pursued might as well not exist, and only inches closer to that harrowing point of being lost forever. With a conscious pursuit of historical fact becoming increasingly popular in recent years, the discovery of new threads has become remarkably alluring, in a way that promotes dropping all else to pursue it.

7) Education is dynamic, do not believe your studies will ever end.

Artisans continue their studies after graduation. In essence, it is a part of their very purpose: a perpetual struggle to teach and master. Some never leave the Artisinal Schools at all, assigned either to the crawling libraries of Archivists or the chopping blocks which suit Lolea. It is rarely in the interest of a well-groomed Artisan to ever stop committing to memory.

8) Some forces, no matter how appealing to the greater good, must never be legitimized.

It is common knowledge, enough to be noticeable, that the supernatural is wildly dangerous. Even in the stubbornest grumbling of ignorant men, there lies a twinge of caution, wholly aware of the dangers that await them in their most profound minds. The Republic has done its best to procure a respectful coterie of "acceptable" magic, but even that list shifts with the political shades that permeate The Committee. Within The Occult Artform, some feats dance along the knife's edge (coincidentally called Forbiddances by the Artisinal Schools), never mind the sly chicanery of Yr Drannas and the eldritch horror of The Primeval Forces.

The Republic is fully aware of its own hypocrisy. In its own twisted view, complacency and legitimacy are not the same, hence why some factions freely engage in workings with the Crourwrought or the dead.

9) You are special, not unique.

Anyone can learn magic. This is true of The Occult Artform, and always has been, to the dismay of few and joy of many. Artisans are oft picked from the breadbaskets of humanity, those who have shown either remarkable talent or a particular drive to learn. Nepotism is, of course, an issue (to some) within certain circles. Regardless, it is in the best interests of students to remember that they are as vulnerable as anyone else, physically or otherwise. Misbehaviour can cause tension in a classroom or potentially kill dozens in the field. You are replaceable, even when schools struggle to fill classes up to standard. Never forget that. 

10) Take any advantage you can find, for your enemies were born with them.

There are numerous explanations for why humanity jumped upon the idea of The Occult so feverously, and most of them would be correct, but none as important as the desire for self-governance. Historical records among the Roussili share a common sentiment of mankind being somewhat downtrodden by nature, in a way where humanity has always suffered and yet persevered under those who were "born better." They do not have claws, wings, or intrinsically miraculous properties. Humanity has survived because of its wit; It has taken every opportunity the universe has granted it, so the Imp's gifts should be no different.

11) Do not forget yourself.

It can be easy to forget one's place in the universe, especially when overwhelmed by the prospect of incredible supernatural potential. Artisans can sometimes forget that they are not immune to the forces of nature nor the inscrutable chaos of man. It is essential to eschew this arrogance throughout the term of education, instead applying great lessons on self-awareness to minimize misdemeanours. There will be pompous Artisans regardless, moments of pride in even the most stoic wizard, but it does not hurt The Republic's bottom line to at least attempt to address the issue.

The phrase "absolute power corrupts absolutely," while true, at times forgets a simpler truth:

The power required to corrupt a man is far less than one would desire.

12) The death of an Artisan is never the end.

Artisans are scholars first and magicians second. This has always been true among the Artisinal Schools and only tightened in the years since their founding. Even minor breakthroughs are archived should their findings be made public, and are torn from their hiding places otherwise. Every Artisan's advancement in their studies is seen as an advancement for mankind. Burial rites are designed in specific accordance with deceased Artisans. Shelves are isolated for dissertations within The Glass House as a sign of most profound respect. 

Despite many an individual's personal beliefs, The Republic's core ideology is inherently humble to the workings of the Artisan. Perhaps that is why the sting of betrayal burns so hot when Mages emerge on the sides of the enemy.