THE CHARTER OF VENUSIA MAGNA: LEX AUREA VENUSIAE

Lex Aurea Venusiae: The Golden Law Governing Second Life Roman Roleplay

By the supreme authority of the Dominae Consilium, and under the watchful eye of the Goddess Venus, this Charter establishes the immutable laws, rights, and unique hierarchy of Venusia Magna. All inhabitants engaging in Second Life Roman Roleplay within the city limits are bound by these decrees.

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I. Sovereignty and Taxation: The Pact with Rome

Article 1: The Pact of Exemption (The High Tax)

Venusia Magna acknowledges its necessary fealty to the greater Roman Empire. However, in recognition of its extreme political stability, unique commercial value (due to the Lupa Romana trade), and its role as a grand spectacle, the city pays an Exorbitant Annual Tax ($Tributum Major$) to Rome. In return, the Imperium grants Venusia Magna autonomy in governance and tolerance for its non-standard hierarchy and specialized laws.

Article 2: Imperial Recognition of Authority

The established chain of command and the laws enforced by the Dominae Consilium are recognized as legally binding within Venusia Magna. No external Legionary or Imperial Magistrate may overturn a lawful ruling of the Consilium unless explicitly sanctioned by a direct Imperial Edict. This arrangement is the foundation of all Roman Roleplay in Second Life within the city.

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II. The Hierarchy of Command: A Matriarchal Decree

HIERARCHIA IMPERII: The Triumvirate of Power

ORDŌ (Rank)	TITULUS & RŌLUS (Role & Title)	AUCTŌRITAS (Authority)	FOCUS LEGĀLIS (Legal Focus)
I.	The Prima Domina (Supreme Ruler)	Highest authority. The final voice on all law, war, and execution within Venusia Magna.	Ultimate rule, absolute authority.
II.	The Dominae Consilium (Governing Body)	The collective legislative and judicial power. Responsible for creating, enforcing, and interpreting the laws of the Sim. Members are exempt from enslavement.	Legislative body, judicial power.
III.	The Mercator Servilis (Slave-Market Overseer)	Holds the highest status outside of the Consilium. Direct oversight of all slave trade, auctions, and the Servus Romanus population. Answers only to the Prima Domina or the Consilium.	Slave trade, high status, Servus Romanus.

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III. Social Strata and Legal Status

Article 3: The Dominae & Citizens

All non-slave citizens enjoy basic rights, but the Dominae Consilium retains the right to strip any citizen of their title, wealth, or freedom as punishment for a charter violation. Dominae retain the unique, enshrined right to never be enslaved—a cornerstone of their governance.

Article 4: The Lupa Romana (The Sacred Trade)

The Lupa Romana status is legally distinct. While courtesans are subject to Roman law, their trade is legally protected and monitored by the Consilium. The Law of Commerce is strict: sex with a Lupa Romana without payment is a crime against the city’s economic charter and is punishable by death.

Article 5: The Gladiator Romani (Property or Champion)

The legal status of a Gladiator is determined by their freedom. Free Gladiators are respected citizens with full rights (including slave ownership). Enslaved Gladiators are the property of their *Ludi* owner and hold no rights, bound to fight until they win their freedom or perish in the arena.

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IV. The Servus Romanus and Enforcement

Article 6: Ownership and Discretion

The Servus Romanus (Slaves) are property, categorized either as City Slaves (public property of the Consilium) or Private Slaves (bound to one owner). The law grants owners absolute discretion over their slaves. Slaves may be punished, beaten, or discarded/killed by their owner or a Domina without fear of legal retribution. This harsh reality drives the high-stakes Roleplay in Second Life within the city.

Article 7: The Custodes Urbis (Enforcement)

The Custodes Urbis (City Guard) are the sole legal enforcers of this Charter. Their authority is derived directly from the Dominae Consilium. They are tasked with maintaining order, overseeing public punishments, and ensuring the smooth flow of commerce and spectacle. They report directly to the Consilium and, for matters concerning the market, the Mercator Servilis.