AbydosBoard


2. Learn, so that you can also teach.

The best teachers are those willing to learn. In Abydos over time our laws will grow complex, our government will grow, our histories and culture will fill in. Each generation of nations hereafter has an ever increasingly more difficult task in learning what the prior generations have built up. This, it is our duty to not only live in the now, but to be mindful of those nations who come after you, so that they too can learn what Abydos is.


3. Arise to defend Abydos at all costs.

Any nation with more than a months experience knows that there will always be those who seek our destruction, either by invasion, subversion, or revolution. What one builds up, others naturally will want to destroy. As we work to build our birthright, we should be mindful that others will want to tear it down.


4. Do not be a cancer unto Abydos.

* Cancer, by definition, is a mutation of cells which cause harm. Thus, on Nation states, do not be that nation who looks to exploit, find loopholes, bring about unnecessary revolutions, or otherwise troll and cause hardships. Don't destroy Each others trust, or friendships. Cancers often lay dormant for a long time before striking, and keep an eye out for such nations. Our regional health depends on an active, aware and engaged population. Change and evolution of the region will happen organically, not through underhanded tactics.


5. Honor is more valued than might.

A loud, forceful nation is often clumsy and wrong. You can be strong in many areas, but without honor, and principle, it is all for nothing. Be honorable, be fair in a fight. Don't be afraid to compromise for the greater good, and admit a defeat. Your honor is indeed more valuable than your strength.


6. Uphold the laws, practice the traditions.

This one is pretty straightforward. We do not have many traditions yet, things that make us, us. Eventually we will. Our laws should be upheld too. I like the idea that no law can be made which prevents it's own repeal. So if a law is made that you hate, abide by it, and campaign and advocate for change. Don't be cancerous.


7. Remember those who came before you.

Right now, those who came before us are Prehistoric people. We have one in the region now. Eventually, my leadership will pass to someone else. It's up to us to write our history, so the future may learn it. A forgotten nation is a lost treasure of information and wisdom. Don't let yourself be forgotten, but make sure others have a reason to remember you.


8. Praise the name of the Grand Luxarch.

I'll tell you now, this doesn't mean praise my name Zyris, this refers to praise for the office. Abydos will always have a Grand Luxarch, someone who acts as the face of the region. That is our legacy. Honor it. In time when there have been many Grand Luxarchs, I hope that this one tradition remains, that Abydos has for itself a Grand Luxarch. One of you may be the Grand Luxarch one day and It's my hope that people praise and respect the office still.


9. Raise yourself to a noble position.

Did we all not create a Nation to lead it? Being a leader has many challenges. I can promise that it's not always fun, but you should raise yourself to a noble position whether you lead or not. Be the best at whatever it is that you do. Develop, grow, and hold pride in your work. The future is watching you, afterall.


10. Lead when you are called to do so.

Regions wax and wane like the moon. Sometimes we will have an abundance of nations, sometimes few will be here. Try to rise to the occasion when you can. If your called to do so, remember that no task is permanent, but feel proud the various leaders recognize something in you. You may just surprise yourself.


11. Always rule justly under these Axioms.
* This is primarily meant for our leadership, but, can apply to anyone. It calls you to be fair, to be reasonable, be forgiving, and be just. Our Axioms are our guide, our core. Try to honor them in your works.


12. Encourage stability, but respect change.

I like this Axiom probably the best. This region will evolve and change over time, bit it shouldn't do so in a forced manner. Let it change gradually, filling the needs of the people. We should encourage stability, bit we shouldn't be so proud and blind that we fail to see that a change really is for the best. These Axioms are the start of that, and just as I have my own interpretations, they can be interpreted many other ways and a whole new system created here. I don't know the future, but I do k ow that by keeping these Axioms, we can build anything.


13. Avoid petty laws and treasonous nations.

This Axiom is a warning, particularly to anyone who has ever seen a region on the cusp of collapse. Regions collapse for many reasons, but the two main ones are petty, insignificant laws, and nations seeking to upset the status quo. Avoid them. If we have petty laws, campaign for their abolishment. If we have treasonous nations, seek justice.

The first Axiom is ‘Abydos is your eternal birth right’. This means that even if you leave Abydos and go to a different region you will always be welcome back, unless you have committed an act of treason against Abydos. You could, theoretically, go and create a brand-new region using what you’ve learned in Abydos to help you in this endeavour and your name will remain in the citizens guild. The list of citizens in the guild was created after the Axioms were given to Abydos and even in the citizens guild it states that you cannot be removed from the list only a strike can be put through your name respecting the oldest laws that Abydos has and for that we must be thankful.

The second Axiom is what I am striving to do with this document, ‘learn so that you can also teach’. This Axiom would focus heavily in my role as High Oracle. As High Oracle it would be my duty to promote the history of Abydos, educate you on what Abydos has done and has to offer and promote its culture too. I would also have to step in when called upon regarding law reviews so I must learn about laws that have previously existed in Abydos in order to give my unbiased opinion. However, once I have learnt all that is required, I will be able to pass that knowledge onto you similarly to what I am doing here. Teaching myself more about the Axioms in order to tell you more about them and what they mean. This is why this Axiom is close to me and if I secure the job as High Oracle this will be at the centre of my role.


The third Axiom ‘Arise to defend Abydos at all costs’ is already being fulfilled in the Defence Guild and its new revitalisation under Eastern Ashanti who is giving it a new lease of life in order to follow this Axiom. Allowing Abydos to infiltrate other regions and gain knowledge about them is crucial if Abydos is to be defended and if, for which a moment I do not believe, Abydos is invaded, and our forces are losing every nation of Abydos would rise up and do their civic duty and defend Abydos to their last breath in order to save our home. Without a strong defence there is no offense.


The fourth Axiom of Abydos is ‘Do not be a cancer unto Abydos’. This is arguably one of the simpler Axioms to understand. Abydos is your home and why would you do anything to endanger your home? If you endeavour to do harm to Abydos, then you will be removed from the region. This simply acts as a warning. ‘Do not be a cancer’ or face the consequences of your actions. Previous nations have tried and look at them now.


‘Honour is more valued than might’ is the fifth of the 13 Axioms. Honour is a trait that is height sought after. If you are an honourable person you know, without doubt, what you’re doing is morally correct. However, if you are acting with might then you’re acting with power and muscle. This usually leads to impulsive decisions that do not always lead to the best outcome for yourself or for Abydos. This is why this Axiom is so important. If you act with honour inside Abydos then only positive outcomes will follow, and if you act with might you will fail to give Abydos the future that it deserves. Act with honour not with might.


The sixth Axiom of Abydos is ‘uphold the laws, practice the traditions’. Similarly, to the second Axiom this would feature heavily in my role as High Oracle. Upholding the laws would become crucial when making any rulings that are presented to me, making sure that I am not breaking any laws that have previously been set is crucial and if I fail at that the consequences would be severe. To practice the traditions of Abydos will to be follow in the footsteps of my predecessors and to do that I would continue their education of Abydos bringing new nations up to speed and when the RMB slows down I will produce a document similar to this to give nations who are curious some reading to do. You can also take this Axiom into your own lives by following the laws that have been passed by the conclave, and if you are not happy strive to be a member of the conclave in order to change the laws correctly.


As I previously touched upon remembering who came before you is crucial and that is what the seventh Axiom focuses on. ‘Remember those who came before you’. This is evident in all roles of Abydos. Grand Luxarchs must look on who came before them and what they accomplished in the role and what they failed to do in order to serve the role to the best of their abilities. Furthermore, members of the Conclave and High Priest must do the same in order to successfully operate the role. I myself must do the same if I’m privileged enough to become High Oracle and see what I can do in order to benefit Abydos. Even members who are not in government must do the same as if you remember who came before you, you will be able to see what they did in order to move into the position that they are in today.


The Grand Luxarch is the most important figure in Abydos and the eighth Axiom focuses on just that. ‘Praise the name of the Grand Luxarch’. This does not just mean praise their name and what they do, it is also to hold them accountable for their actions. If the Grand Luxarch steps out of order or does something against the Eye or the Axioms they must answer for it as any other nation in Abydos would. The Grand Luxarch is the best of us and what we should strive to be. To praise the Grand Luxarch is to make sure they are doing their job correctly.


The ninth Axiom is ‘Raise yourself to a noble position’. This is exactly what I am trying to do now. Becoming High Oracle would allow me to complete this Axiom allowing me to spread the joy of Abydos with all of you. However, raising yourself to a noble position is not limited to government. This can be accomplished outside of government. For example, this links closely with the fifth Axiom as. If you hold yourself to be honourable at all times you are raising yourself to a noble position and that is how you can accomplish this Axiom without becoming a member of the government.


The tenth Axiom of Abydos is ‘Lead when you are called to do so’. This Axiom has been most relevant recently. Since the February traitors were the main members of the government, once they left Abydos was left without a functioning government leading to a period of inactivity and the fears that Abydos would die out. However, a few individuals loyal to Abydos followed this Axiom and decided to lead when nobody else would, they led when they were called to do so. It is due these people that Abydos was able to rebuild and have a government that functions once again.


The eleventh Axiom states that you should ‘Always rule justly under these Axioms’. This means that every member of government in a leadership role must follow each of these Axioms when they rule as without them Abydos would be a land without laws. Without these Axioms Abydos is nothing, it’s what makes our region special and therefore, every leader should rule justly and follow these Axioms. If done this way Abydos will prosper, if not Abydos will fall.

‘Encourage stability, but respect change’ is the twelfth Axiom of Abydos and again this can be seen throughout the history of Abydos. Change is what keeps us moving. Our Grand Luxarch can change at a moments later with a coup and an inactive High Priest can be impeached and removed from office. We must encourage the stability of these offices but respect the change that is inevitable in these types of positions. All members of the Conclave face removal at any moment either through impeachment or being removed by those who appointed them. It is again this inevitable change that makes Abydos special and keeps government officials on their toes, they must not get complacent or they face losing their position in Abydos.


Finally, the thirteenth Axiom of Abydos is ‘Avoid petty laws and treasonous nations’. This Axiom is a warning to the members of the Conclave. Their sole purpose is to create laws for Abydos and each law needs to be vetted by the High Priest. If they are creating petty laws, they are wasting the time of their office and the time of the High Priest and is therefore hindering Abydos from her true potential. Furthermore, it makes sense to avoid treasonous nations. If you are caught conspiring with another nation against Abydos, you will face the consequences of your actions and removed from Abydos. It is in the best interests of everyone in Abydos to follow this Axiom and all the Axioms I have tried to explain above.

I: Abydos is eternally your birthright. This Axiom, while I would argue perhaps not the most important, is the foundation from which any interaction with the region must begin. First, we have the traditional interpretation, that once a nation is a citizen, barring judicial judgement, they are always a citizen of Abydos. This is a view which I share, however, I believe that there is a second layer to this Axiom. After all, what is a birthright? It is a share in an inheritance, thus, as Abydos is the birthright of all, we all must share in this inheritance equally. Obviously some nations will grow in power and prestige over others, but before the Eye, before the Oracles, all must be equal, regardless of office or prestige. Only if all are equal to the Eye (special privileges to the founder notwithstanding) can we truly declare Abydos the eternal birthright of all within her.

II: Learn, so that you can also teach. We have here a dual charge for the region as a whole. We are charged to learn, and in so doing, to become one with the traditions and legacy given us by our predecessors. It is through this learning and assimilation into the soul of Abydos that we gain the ability to teach. Through our ability to teach, the traditions are taught to the young and so continued. Read this charge carefully, for this knowledge is not meant to be hidden. We learn, that what we learn may be used for the benefit of all, there is no room for gnostic obscurity hidden save for a select few in Abydos.

III: Arise to defend Abydos at all costs. This charge is easy to understand on the surface, after all, this is why we have a Defense Guild. Deeper than this, however, is the need for us to understand what is meant by defense. Enemies, after all, come in flavors both foreign and domestic. So long as we prosper, there will be those who seek our destruction, and, as we do not exactly have a vast colonial empire, this will almost manifest itself as infiltration. It is up to each of us to find these spies, to balance between encouraging free thought and supporting sedition. So it is that we are called to defend Abydos, not simply in defensive operations, but in our awareness of the region as a whole, to ensure that there is no place for those who seek to undermine the foundations of the region.

IV: Do not be cancer unto Abydos. While this Axiom is relatively straightforward, it should be clarified that this is not only a matter of the letter of the law, but its spirit as well. It is perfectly possible for some nation to abide by the letter of the Eye, yet prove detrimental to the region as a whole. We must be on guard for this kind of nation. Our region only works when we all accept that we must work in good sportsmanship with each other. Let, therefore, anyone who would come before this spirit, even if they do so in a legal manner, be anathema to us. Any system can be abused. We cannot be so cautious with exicising legal yet cancerous nations that their taint is spread and the region as a whole is corrupted.

V: Honor is more valued than might. This is related to the previous Axiom, and makes plain the kind of sportsmanship that is needed in the region. Is it right to do some action simply because one can? Is it just to usurp the established order, creating chaos not for the sake of the betterment of the region, but simply for one's own self-engrandizement? Surely not. We must work towards a cohesive goal as a region. This is not to say that there cannot be disruptions, the Eye provides several methods for couping those in charge. Yet we cannot make disruption for its own sake. For the region to work, our politics must be civil, our coups clean and well-intentioned, victory gained magnanimously, and defeat accepted graciously. Should these links break, then the region as a whole will shatter, even if it does so slowly.

VI: Uphold the laws, practice the traditions. I would hold this to be the most important of all the Axioms, for it is here that the spirit of Abydos is laid out. We must uphold the laws, this is the case for any region and does not need much explanation. But what is meant by traditions? Tradition is not simply a matter of some specific practice, it is the spirit said practice is done with. Understand that the spirit of tradition is on par with the laws that govern the tradition, and all shall be well. After all, it is the only way by which a constitutionally anarchic system such as ours can continue with any semblance of stability. For further explanations as to what the spirit of the tradition is, I would direct the reader to Axioms IV, V, VII, and IX most specifically, though they all feed into this definition of tradition.

VII: Remember those who came before you. There is the old saying "those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it." This is a point that we have likely all heard before, and os requires little elaboration. There is a second consideration, however, for we do not seek simply to avoid mistakes, but to recreate success. Mistakes may be stumbled into by accident, but the same cannot be reliably said for success. If we wish to realize our visions of the future, it is absolutely vital that we look to the past. It is by so doing that we will not only see what we must avoid, but to see what worked and how both of these intertwine. Once we have properly done so we will understand the present and in so doing lay a clear course for the future.

VIII: Praise the name of the Grand Luxarch. The reader may question why exactly a single official is immediately honored in such a way. It is because the Grand Luxarchate, regardless of who holds it, is charged with performing as the exemplar and champion of all the Axioms and traditions of Abydos. As such, the Grand Luxarch should be afforded great respect and praise for the office which he holds. Yet this praise is not simply adulation, but a contract. Just as the Luxarch is praised for holding the highest office in the land and so becoming an avatar of sorts for the spirit of Abydos, so it is incumbent on the Luxarch to prove himself worthy of this praise and a worthy successor to those who came before.

IX: Raise yourself to a noble position. There is a triple meaning here, for three understandings of the word nobility. The first implies highly held office, for the region cannot function if nations are too content with their station. Only through ambition can progress be made, ideas developed, and the region advanced. The second meaning is one of nobilitas. That is, nobility of the past confirmed in the present. There is no room in Abydos for those who would simply wile away their days resting on their laurels. Even a retired Grand Luxarch may lose his claim to nobilitas if all he does is reminisce about when he was in office, however impressive his achievements may have been. The third meaning is one of moral character, to be nobly minded in all one does. It is through the noble mind that the game of achieving political nobility is kept civil and in good sportsmanship. The first meaning feeds the region's constant evolution, the second charges those with prestigious heritages to never abandon themselves to the memories of times gone by while the third makes the entire process worthwhile, checking the game of politics for the sake of the region as a whole.

X: Lead when you are called to do so. This would seem straightforward, save for the question of what the call is, exactly. Very rarely will the call manifest itself literally, rather, the call will almost certainly be the absence of action. It is this absence, this hole in the region, that is the tacit call for leadership. Should the reader wait for some literal call for action, they will almost certainly be too late to the punch. When leadership dies, it almost always does so slowly, through inactivity, rather than some obviously malicious set of actions. Consider the saying "strike the iron while it's hot" for there is a second part oft left off "but make the iron hot through striking."

XI: Always rule justly under these Axioms. The Eye is the law, the Axioms its spirit. As was discussed most clearly in Axioms IV, VI, and IX, the spirit of the law is equal to the law itself. This Axiom is the legal explanation of that, so that none may have the excuse that they were keeping to the law without its spirit. As such, while there is not much more to say about this axiom, it fills an important legal role, to ensure that any rules-lawyers are kept in line, leaders kept accountable, and the faith of the citizens in the system burns strong and bright.

XII: Encourage stability, but respect change. There are two fears which any society must keep in check. The fear of the new, against which the region becomes ossified and the fear of stagnation, against which rebellion occurs without regard of whether or not the cure is worse than the illness. It is our charge to channel both of these fears productively, for a little fear helps anyone do their job a bit better. We must strike down change for its own sake even as we strike down ambition for its own sake, so long as we do so without fearing change itself. Likewise, we must rebel against the old if it is broken, but do so rationally and with precision, not caught up in the throes of passion.

XIII: Avoid petty laws and treasonous nations. This is the last axiom, for it ties together the spirit of the change of Abyos. That is to say, it must remain accessible to all. Laws should exist, yet they should not be self-serving, instead, there should only be as many laws as are absolutely necessary to govern the region well, that the citizenry is not overwhelmed with some mammoth and byzantine tome. Even as the laws should be accessible, so should the citizenry be opening and cooperative with all who come to join us. All are welcome (even those who have been formerly ejected if they appeal their case), but there is no room for those who would poison our region with corruptions of the law or Axioms. We are forgiving, but we are not naive; betray our open acceptance and find the door with the mighty hammer of banjection.

We shall establish this Eye of Abydos, in its entirety, as the most supreme law of the region of Abydos and of all jurisdiction herein acquired, to stand in perpetuity for our governance and organization. This Eye of Abydos shall never be repealed.

This shows that the Eye of Abyods is higher than the Axioms in importance of Law. This suggests that if the Axioms and the Eye come into conflict then due to this clause we must assume the Eye is right even though the Axioms are the older document in Abydos.
However, the Axioms are not a law, they’re guidelines, they have never been voted upon by the Conclave and never will be voted upon by the Conclave so the question remains what is the higher document and which should be followed first.

Personally, I believe this to be the 13 Axioms of Abydos. They were the first document that Abydos was given and was there long before the Eye was ratified by the Conclave. If the Eye and Axioms ever came into argument I’d side with the Axioms not the Constitution.
However, regarding law passed by the Conclave the Eye of Abydos is our supreme law and must be respected. Any law passed must have the Eye in mind as if they conflict the Eye must be given seniority due to this section.

When I was making my first draft of law I was informed that it cannot prevent its own repeal but the Eye of Abydos does just that. As this is the supreme law I can see where it’s coming from, being able to repeal the constitution would cause a constitutional crisis and we’ve had too many of those recently.

Overall, this is an important section of the Eye. It sets out where it stands in law and reinforces its position with banning its own repeal. Without this section it could lead to a constitutional crisis as I have stated before and that’s the last thing Abydos needs while it’s rebuilding its government.

Next time we look at section two of article one which describes Supreme Law. This does conflict with the 13 Axioms of Abydos so stand by this should be an interesting addition.
I’d appreciate any feedback on your thoughts or questions on this issue and if you’re interested in the Oracles Guild apprentice spots are available where you can study under myself and one day, possibly become an Oracle yourself.
Thank you!
Written by High Oracle Zosar

We shall insure that this Eye of Abydos supersedes all other legislation, directives, decisions, orders, decrees, and any other authoritative document within the jurisdiction of Abydos.Words, crafts, or personalities which overshadow this Eye of Abydos shall be nullified by default.

As I said last time this section comes into direct conflict with the 13 Axioms of Abydos. This is because it clearly states that whatever the document may be the Eye of Abydos is the supreme law of Abydos. However, the Axioms are Abydos’ oldest directives. Our oldest laws. To simply go and say that this document supersedes any other document in Abydos, most importantly the Axioms is wrong in my view.

As I said last time, if I was forced into a constitutional ruling and the Axioms and the Constitution differed on what was the right thing to do and the wrong thing to do I would choose the Axioms, however if I did that then I would be breaking the Constitution and forcing a constitutional crisis which is the last thing any High Priest would want to do. Therefore, personally the Axioms and the Constitution should not be seen as two different document with one holding more power than the other but two documents that hold the same amount of power. While this may undermine the Eye a little it can only be seen as an advantage for Abydos.

While what I say may be controversial to simply say that the Eye of Abydos makes the 13 Axioms of Abydos null is wrong and I urge the Grand Luxarch and Founder to think about a constitutional amendment in order to show that one document is more powerful than the other.
It may not be my place to suggest these types of reforms but I do believe in my role as High Oracle that I must promote both the Axioms and the Eye and it would be unfair to both documents if one was seen more powerful than the other.

Next time we move away from controversy and towards section 3 discussing the Conditions of Agreement.

Thanks for reading!

Written by High Oracle Zosar

We shall consider residency of nation or account, regardless of Luxiteship or class status, anywhere within the jurisdiction of the region of Abydos as an agreement of recognition and consent to this Eye of Abydos for all. Those who do not hold agreement with, or object to the Eye of Abydos may voluntarily withdraw from agreement through the removal of their presence in all Abydos jurisdictions, forfeiting any class, work, status, office, or privilege.

This section is unique to exist among regional constitutions on NationStates. To my recollection, there is not now nor has there ever been another region in whom such terminology is used in its constitution. This section sets up almost at the beginning, in no uncertain terms, that what you see is what you get and that by remaining in Abydos, you are tacitly agreeing to the laws and political style of the region. This is very true of the Eye and the region as a whole. What you see is what you get. No hidden surprises. And no one can claim ignorance of what they signed onto when they deigned to enter. If such a one is ignorant, it is willful, and not due to circumstances beyond their control. It is freely accessible, and in plain easy-to-use black and white language.

Given that one in such a scenario cannot claim ignorance, then if they choose to continue to endure in Abydos and push back against the laws and political system, it is obvious that they intend to attempt to subvert these things, to cause discord and turmoil. To insist that Abydos abridge its own laws and thus change its own identity and regional character to placate the whims of a newcomer.

This section enshrines in the Eye the idea of the social contract, which states at the outset all that one is to expect from the region politically, culturally, and socially, and in turn what is expected politically, culturally, and socially from a new arrival when they arrive. From there, they have the choice to take it and stay, and or leave it and go elsewhere.

Written by High Oracle Zosar

We shall never deny the right of any Luxites to view and have access to the Eye of Abydos in its entirety. We shall insure that the Eye of Abydos is displayed promenantly within the region and regional forum.

The fundamental right of the people to know a region's constitution and in the case of Abydos its social contract, is and should be sacrosanct. People can be aware of their rights and responsibilities only when their access to them is in up-to-date format and records are easily found and organized in such a way as to facilitate efficient access of documents. This applies not only to the Eye but to laws passed under its auspices.

Written by Oracle Zartavaria

We shall insure that the Eye of Abydos can be accessed through NationStates, the community forums, and, if possible, all other infrastructure intended to be used by the general populous of Abydos.

In a continuation of last week's edition of Exploring the Eye, I am exploring Access through Jurisdiction. Just as it is important to have access to documents, it is equally important to access the infrastructure that makes viewing the documents possible in the first place. Such infrastructure must be be up-to-date and active. If it is not, it must be brought up-to-date. Both the documents, and the infrastructure that supports them within this region, are in great need of being brought into line with this statute and the previous statute aforementioned.

*As a technical aside, the above statute stipulates the use of a community forum, which Abydos does not possess. It be would safe to interpret this terminology to mean an internet forum or similar medium.*

Written by Oracle Zartavaria

We shall seek both the authority and spirit of the Eye of Abydos in all our words and actions as resident, Luxites, and of all classes under the jurisdiction of Abydos.

Well it’s been a while but as promised earlier the series of Exploring the Eye has returned. *cheering in the crowd*.

This time we’re looking at Section One, Article Six of Adherence. This one is relatively easy to understand.

In summary it means that everything we do in Abydos should be in the spirit of the Eye and everything it represents, everything the Guild has been exploring.

While this may seem like a negligible clause it’s crucial in our understanding of why people do things in Abydos and what actions they take. If we all follow what the constitution represents then everyone in Abydos is happy.

While this one is relatively short I look forward in the future to bringing you bigger issues of the Eye.

Thank you!

Written by High Oracle Zosar

We shall be called to challenge the nature of any authority which stands in contradiction of this Eye of Abydos, as it is our duty to uphold this constitution above all else.

Most paramount in any form of government is the trust had between those subjugated and those in power. This subject of a breach trust may be as egregious as acts of overreach beyond one's given authority or as simple as not fulfilling non-binding promises proposed during a campaign. Nonetheless, trust may not be ensured without some form of guarantee. All across the world nations and regions enlist the use of a constitutional document to ensure that those in power have a more supreme power lording over them, that with proper checks and balances, can ensure that the trust held by the people in their government is never broken.

A constitution such as our Eye is one of those documents. It not only encourages the contradiction of authority, as is so listed above, but also provides the means by which authority can be ousted for a breach of trust as we have seen in recent days through different forms of coup.

All in all the contradiction of authority is guaranteed, however, the simple fact of its existence is not enough. Citizens, government officials, and others must use this right in order to ensure that the rights guaranteed to us by the Eye never fade and if necessary take action beyond simply holding truth to power. For if complacency with unchecked authority is the default view then the Eye may be circumvented in anyway deemed appropriate by the power of the day.

Contradicting authority takes courage and work, but you would do well to remember that the Eye of Abydos is ever watchful. Those crusading in its name are not forgotten but protected by the impenetrable shield that which it bears.

Written by Apprentice Oracle Dernicheise

We shall not grant residency or Luxiteship to those who openly denounce the authority of the Eye of Abydos on any infrastructure under the jurisdiction of the region of Abydos or who have publicly denounced it abroad. Likewise, nations who denounce the legitimacy of the Grand Luxarch, our Abydos Axioms, our system of government generally or specifically, or otherwise cause unprovoked disturbances shall be removed from all infrastructure under the jurisdiction of Abydos, it's regions and community forum without digression.

Well we’re back with part eight of exploring the eye and we’re now looking at denial of residency.

In Abydos citizenship is everything. Without it you cannot progress and you are left in a sort of limbo. In this section of the Eye we will refuse citizenship to anyone who denounces our supreme law or questions it’s authority.

Furthermore, a nation can be denied residency if they denounce our Grand Luxarch, our Axioms and our system of government.

Why you might ask?

Well the answer is simple. Would you want to share a region with someone who has openly denounced the most crucial sections of Abydos? I certainly wouldn’t. If a nation hates Abydos so much they denounce our very way of life I see no reason why they should be permitted to stay in Abydos. This protects our region against those who would do us harm by giving the power, lawfully, to eject them from the region.

We’re starting to approach the end of Article One with only three sections left to cover. This has been a joy so far to bring to you and I hope you look forward to seeing the other secrets that the Eye has for us.

Written by High Oracle Zosar

We shall never grant any account, person, nation, group, authority, or document the right to edit, alter, abolish, circumvent, nullify, undermine, seek refuge against, or manipulate the words herein for the purpose of any gain, profit, point, act, or for the purpose of causing discord, delegitimization, trolling, spamming, calling for political upheavel, or otherwise disruption.

For its many words and clarifications, this subsection of the Eye maintains one of the few constants in creating a constitution. Dating from the oldest records of legal history it is always necessary to enact a law against illegality. This may seem to be a relatively obvious or redundant addition to the Eye, yet I would argue that it is one of the most important both on a practical and theoretical level. Practically, as obvious as it may be, were there no law against treason and personal exploitation, especially in a region such as ours in which the founder is relatively absent from everyday politics, it would be exceedingly difficult to remove toxic and cancerous players. The existence of such a common-sense law as this removes any real argument that all is fair game for ambition and so allows Zyris, the Oracle's Guild, and all others to much more easily ensure a cohesive and vibrant region.

Additionally, this section provides a more meta-purpose within Abydosian politics. This region embraces a very unique form of what might be best termed constitutional anarchism. Every nation that comes has the full potential to rise or fall from any position with a rapidity not matched by any other region on NS, especially one of our size and grandeur. That being said, limitations must be put in place. The system by which the system may be changed or manipulated must be clarified such that everyone is playing according to the same rules and expectations. This section of the Eye provides an implicit charge for good sportsmanship and regional advancement. The sportsmanship may be seen in the specifications of "discord, delegitimization, trolling, spamming" through the acknowledgment that however dirty our politics may seem, there is always a level of decorum and social order which must be preserved. The charge for regional advancement, seen through the clarifications of gain and profit, shows that the expectations on all of us are that what we do must be done to move Abydos forward. The Eye and region as a whole do not exist to empower us directly, rather, it is through the open attainment and responsible use of power that Abydos' potential as a region is unlocked and shown to the world.

In summary, this rather self-explanatory section of the Eye is important in it allowing us to clean house of toxic influences with ease and rapidity and focuses our eyes on the future of the region, that our own ambitions and squabbles do not undercut that which we love through our shortsightedness.

Written by Apprentice Oracle The Karen Satrapy

Oracles Law Review: The Antideluvian Empyrea Question
Oracle: Zyris
Synopsis
On December 30th, 2018, the nation Antideluvian Empyrea posted a question regarding the Ma'at Emperor holding the most endorsements and thus being also the Ankh Emperor. Believing this to be unconstitutional, he posed the question to the Oracles Guild for clarification.

Oracle Zyris Response
Before we begin to determine the constitutionality of the question, we must first delve into history to review the historic precedents to see if these offer an indication to the answer.

During the reign of Grand Luxarch Zyris, one of his first decrees was to create two positions, the Ankh and Ma'at Emperor. One was a directly democratic position by the people, using their endorsements as votes to chose who they desire, the other was to be appointed directly by the Grand Luxarch. This dualistic approaxh to government laid the foundation to what would become our Eye of Abydos.

Later on, in a post entitled Ideas for Regional Government, then Grand Luxarch made it clear that any nation could become Ankh Emperor, or our World Assembly Delegate.

Over time, Ironically, Amenhotep was appointed our first Ma'at Emperor of Abydos. Later he also acquired the position of Ankh Emperor, and a very similar question arose then as now: Can the Ma'at Emperor also hold the Ankh Emperor position?

Zyris offered his response then: The light of Abydos snuffs out and we begin a period of regression pandemonium. The Oracle and the Grand Luxarch are forced to give ever-longer speeches, and the Dark Emperor is overwhelmed with the workload. I'm pretty sure something like that happens.

Amenhotep, then confused by the Zyris reply asked if it was a violation of the Axioms, would he be considered a "cancer" to the region if he were to attain both positions. Since this question now involved the Axioms, High Oracle Yaqobia was prompted to reply. In his determination he said that holding both positions was "not really" cancerous to the region, but did question the wisdom of holding both on the grounds of the 5th Axiom. Amenhotep, followed the wisdom of the High Oracle and resigned as Ankh Emperor.

From then on, no nation held both positions until many months later until this December when, while he was in a period of inactivity, he unknowingly acquired both positions again. There have been no coordinated attempts to remove him from office by the people or through his own resignation (again). In this time, we also ratified the Eye of Abydos, beginning a period of newfound legal approaches to the governance of the region. Amenhotep, who has been largely absent from all this appears to be an unknowing holdover from an earlier time.

So, we must examine the law in and of itself:
§6.2. Ankh Emperor
The Ankh Emperor shall directly obtain or lose the position of World Assembly Delegate through endorsements by the citizens and vote on behalf of the citizens of Abydos at the World Assembly. Abydos shall set no other title to the position of World Assembly Delegate, nor should any other government position be entitled to hold the World Assembly Delegate. The Abydos Government shall not restrict who can become World Assembly Delegate nor pass any law restricting or expanding the office, believing that the citizens alone can decide through their endorsement who they wish to represent Abydos at the World Assembly. The World Assembly Delegate position shall remain non executive for the defense of the region.

Oracle Zyris Ruling:
Based on the full reading of the section, I would conclude that

Amenhotep has the full right to serve as both Ankh and Ma'at Emperor. A nation holding both offices is Constitutional in accordance with the Eye of Abydos. Further, Amenhotep, merely by accident of his prolonged absences, his purposefully not choosing acquire both positions, and his lack of activity overall, has made it such that Amenhotep has held the offices legally and in good faith, despite his absences.

Justification
I will break this article down sentence by sentence for clarification.

The Ankh Emperor shall directly obtain or lose the position of World Assembly Delegate through endorsements by the citizens and vote on behalf of the citizens of Abydos at the World Assembly.

In the case of Amenhotep, he did acquire the position in a legal manner. Through endorsements he was elevated to Ankh Emperor in keeping with the spirit of the law that any nation can attain this office by direct democracy of the people using their endorsements as votes. He was also appointed by the Grand Luxarxh as Ma'at Emperor prior to this.

Abydos shall set no other title to the position of World Assembly Delegate,

What this statement says is that the government, either the Conclave or by decree from the Grand Luxarch can not change the Ankh Emperor position to any other title. In other words, we as a region can not, in the future decide that the High Priest should be the World Assembly Delegate, or the Grand Luxarch, or Oracle, etc. So, if a nation has the most endorsements, they are the Ankh Emperor. This is reinforced by the second statement in the sentence:
nor should any other government position be entitled to hold the World Assembly Delegate.

The key words here is entitled and Government position. This means that the Grand Luxarch, for example can not simply declare that he should be the WAD because he is the Grand Luxarch. He doesnt have that entitlement. However, the Grand Luxarch, or any nation can be Ankh Emperor, if they acquire the endorsements. The object here is to allow the people to chose who holds the position. It is wrong else in government to insist they be delegate simply because they hold a high office elsewhere. It's the peoples choice. Amenhotep never asked for the position, this he did not use entitlement or the weight of his office as Ma'at Emperor to force his way into being the Ankh Emperor.

The Abydos Government shall not restrict who can become World Assembly Delegate nor pass any law restricting or expanding the office, believing that the citizens alone can decide through their endorsement who they wish to represent Abydos at the World Assembly.

This reinforces the constitutionality of my ruling. We as a government can not constitutionally say that Amenhotep can not hold these two positions if he acquired them by legal means. We also cant make the Ankh Emperor position more than its basic position, that of World Assembly Delegate.

The World Assembly Delegate position shall remain non executive for the defense of the region.

The term non executive here refers to the rights upon which a founder can grant to a World Assembly Delegate. This typically refers to boarder security, changing the flag, banning people, opening embassies, etc. As long as there is a founder these things will not be granted to the WAD as their sole purpose as Ankh Emperor is spelled out in this same section above. By removing executive authority eliminates nearly any chance of tag raiding. Likewise, defense of the region is lead by the Grand Luxarch and the Defense Guild as is the Grand Luxarchs right. The World Assembly Delegates executive authority, or lack thereof does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Grand Luxarch due to the WAD being regarded as a legislative office (see Section 4.3), even though it holds no legislative authority, eliminating the chance that a Grand Luxarch can decree changes to the WAD position, its means of operation by the people, and its Ankh Emperor responsibilities. Regarding the Ankh Emperor as a Legislative institution rather than Executive was purposefully put into the Eye of Abydos to eliminate that loophole to once again protect the right of the citizens to chose who they want as Delegate.

Conclusion
I eagerly await the rulings of both Yaqobia and HydoriaHydoria, if they wish to weigh in on this issue. I regard it as constitutional, and I hope this statement clarifies it for all.

If any of the other Oracles disputes this, I will welcome a re-review. As per your rights Antideluvian Empyrea, if the Other Oracles find this review agreeable and you still will like to challenge the interpretation of the law review or have new evidence or angles of view, you have every right to do so and it is welcomed. Our glorious Eye of Abydos is built for various scenarios. I'll refer you to these two sections:

§3.2. Disputed Legal Interpretations
Should the general population or any nation dispute the validity of a Law Review by the Oracles Guild, the Founder shall issue a judgement either upholding the Law Review or order the repeal of the law causing the dispute, excluding this Eye of Abydos.
§3.3. Eye of Abydos Revisions
We shall require all revisions of this Eye of Abydos to be agreed upon and performed jointly by the Founder and currently seated Grand Luxarch, through a Writ of Revision.

Addendum
While the Eye of Abydos was created after the Degree you quoted by former Grand Luxarch Zyris and the decree itself sets a precident for the offices, that decree, or any, can not supercede that of the Eye of Abydos. (See sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.6, & 1.7). As such the initial decree, while historically significant and reveals the spirit of the law at that time, is not a legal authority and not law.

Citizens of Abydos:
With due Oracular solemnity, and by the authority laid upon my shoulders in §4.5. of the glorious Eye of Abydos, I hereby declare the decision of Grand Luxarch

Ancient Greek Kingdoms to grant citizenship to

SVR2200 on 29 January 2019 to be in contravention of Section 3. of the Citizenship Standardization Act (CSA), ratified by the Conclave on 20 December 2018, which states:
3. WE SHALL NOT grant citizenship to nations who do not agree to abide by the laws of Abydos, are not in the World Assembly at time of registration, or hold offices in regions in which the Grand Luxarch considers hostile to the interests of Abydos. Likewise, if an applicant nation is causing dispute between either the founder, Grand Luxarch, High Priest, or Elder Statesman, the final determination shall be made by the next highest ranking office in this chain of command.

By Oracular Decree, I enjoin the Office of the Grand Luxarch, per Section 2 of the CSA, which states:
2. WE SHALL never remove a nation from the Abydos Registry of Citizens (ARC). All citizens shall be considered eternal to Abydos and a record of their activity here shall be permanently recorded. Nations who move out of Abydos, denounce the Eye of Abydos or the Abydos Axioms or are otherwise ejected or banned shall remain on the Registry of Citizens with their name struck through. Citizens who no longer exist, or have died shall also remain on the list indefinitely.

to immediately strike through the name of the subject in question pending legislative fix.
---
With due Oracular solemnity, and by the authority laid upon my shoulders in §3.1 of the glorious Eye of Abydos, I offer the following draft Law Review for formal adoption by my fellow Oracles:
Law Review Retina 1 (Draft)

-Process Preamble-
The purpose of a Law Review is to state a legal opinion that can stand as precedent in the face of future legal challenges. In striving for legal precision, however, the Oracle Guild understands the need for effective communication across the region. As such, this review will be written in plain English. It will be numbered under the title "Retina", a figurative allusion to the way in which it relates to the glorious Eye of Abydos itself, a filter that seeks to convert the light of the law as it shines upon specific cases into healthy (meaning legal) information for the body politic (the brain) to absorb.

-Facts-
On 29 January 2019

SVR2200 (hereafter "applicant"), when asked on his citizenship application "Is your nation a member of the World Assembly?" answered "No." On that same day, Grand Luxarch

Ancient Greek Kingdoms adjudicated and approved the applicant's application, writing in response "Citizenship accepted! Welcome!" The applicant's name was then added to the Abydos Registry of Citizens (ARC).

-Opinion-
IT IS THE OPINION OF this Guild, the oldest in the region, that the applicant's citizenship application should have been rejected according to Section 3. of the Citizenship Standardization Act, ratified by the Conclave on 20 December 2018.

THIS OPINION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS a denigration of the applicant nation. Let not his name be besmirched by this action. By all accounts he has been a longstanding resident of the region who has shown great interest in participating in the civic life of our community. He has voted in elections (ceremonially) and been a welcome and friendly voice on the RMB. It seems highly unlikely that any citizen will speak against him or his desires to ultimately attain citizenship.

THIS OPINION SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS a rebuke of the principal of rule by fiat by the Office of the Grand Luxarch. While it is true that that Office is the highest attainable position in the region, it is equally true that the Office is not above the law. While the Oracle Guild does not believe that his Office acted in purposeful bad faith, we also do not believe that the CSA, as ratified by the Conclave, gives him the power to decree citizenship for someone that does not meet the criteria provided for in the law itself.

-Advice-
To avoid the undesirable condition of Pink Eye (aka, a constitutional crisis), Tristes Tropiques, Oracle #4, on 31 January 2019 has publicly enjoined the Office of the Grand Luxarch to strike through the applicant's name on the ARC pending legislative fix.

The Oracle Guild also urges the legislative branch, led by the High Priest, to quickly find and implement a solution that is fair and just and that will conform to existing laws, or amend them so as to make possible the applicant's citizenship. As the ARC is written out in order of seniority, and seeing as how at least three more applications for citizenship have been approved since the illegal adjudication in question, the Oracle Guild also calls for legislative clarity on the precise position of the applicant's name on the ARC if his nation is ultimately accepted into our region as a full citizen.

-Clearance-
Drafted: Tristes Tropiques, Oracle #4, 31 January 2019
Concurrence: Zyris, Oracle #2 ( )
Approval: Yaqobia, High Oracle #1 ( )
Note to my fellow Oracles: Please copy and paste the Law Review portion only of this post, make any edits you see fit, and then put "OK" in the parentheses behind your name. With the High Oracle's "OK", this Law Review will then officially be entered into the annals of Abydos and open to "dispute" by any nation according to §3.2 of the glorious Eye of Abydos.

Oracles Review - Grand Luxarch
Qon
Question - German Federal Reich
Date - 20/10/19

Synopsis
German Federal Reich believes that Grand Luxarch to be unconstitutional due to the fact that never received formal citizenship and was therefore not eligible to become Grand Luxarch.

Response
Before I get into the details of this ruling we must first appreciate why we have citizenship in Abydos.
Being a citizen in Abydos is the first thing one must do if they want to start their journey here. It allows a nation to run for public office, hold a position in a guild, basically without citizenship a nation doesn’t have much to do in Abydos.

The Citizens Guild holds all nations that have citizenship (though from time to time it can go a while without being updated). This means we cannot solely use the guild page as a source to show us the citizenship of a nation.

The best place to go to discover if a nation has citizenship is the Abydos RMB itself. While it may take some time and digging it is the most reliable way to prove if a nation has citizenship or not.

Before Grand Luxarch Zartavaria, citizenship was not a requirement to become Grand Luxarch as the Grand Luxarch before him, Ancient Greek Kingdoms, was appointed successor before this was a requirement (though was one of the first to get citizenship once it was introduced to Abydos)

I welcome German Federal Reichs question on this matter as it gives the Oracles Guild, Abydos and it’s people the value of citizenship in Abydos and following the constitution

Ruling
Let it be heard across all of Abydos that this High Oracle believes, and will show, that the succession of Qon as Grand Luxarch of Abydos was unconstitutional and should have not been chosen.

Justification
Now while you all pick your jaws up off the floor I will explain why I have come to this overall decision.
Firstly I will describe the legitimate ways one can become Grand Luxarch.

In Article 5 of the Eye of Abydos the powers, role, and succession of the Grand Luxarch is explained at length. In §5.3 titled ‘Grand Luxarch Appointments’ it clearly states that

The Grand Luxarch shall reserve the right to appoint their successor. In this event, The Grand Luxarch may only appoint their Ma'at Emperor, an Oracle, the Founder, or a Citizen who holds guild membership and has been so for a minimum of four months.
Now the first message I can find on the RMB posted by
Qon is on page 257 of the Abydos RMB where he assumed the office of Ankh Emperor. Then a few pages later on 261 he is appointed as Grand Luxarch by zartavaria saying

From the office of Grand Luxarch:
I, Edward Zartavaria, hereby announce my intention to resign the office of Grand Luxarch effective immediately. I am naming Qon to succeed me as Grand Luxarch. I am also announcing my intention to stand as a candidate for High Priest.

Now, in between those pages I find no reference of Qon receiving citizenship and neither is it on the citizens guild Facebook page. Along with

Zyris saying ‘Qon was purposefully not made a citizen because that would be a violation of the dual citizenship law’ leaves no doubt in my mind that Qon does not have citizenship and as he was clearly appointed through successor this means that the succession of Qon is unconstitutional.

There was no coup at the time of the change of leadership and there was definitely no election which instantly rules out the other ways a nation can become Grand Luxarch.

Further Issues Raised
German Federal Reich also asked the question if this would fall under anti founder sentiment. This can be easily answered. No. No it does not. This is simply because while Qon and Zyris are the same person, the account of Qon did not found Abydos and therefore is not the founder and therefore it does not fall under anti founder sentiment.

He also made the point in §1.1 "We shall establish this Eye of Abydos, in its entirety, as the most supreme law of the region of Abydos and of all jurisdiction herein acquired, to stand in perpetuity for our governance and organization."

There is no higher law than the Eye of Abydos, maybe the Axioms (though I’ve already discussed) and therefore Qon must be held accountable for this, and to an extent Zartavaria too for being the nation that appointed Qon to this position.

Conclusion
It is not my position to deliver punishment for this action, my job is solely to interpret the laws and constitution that give us Abydos. This was a clear breach of the constitution by Zartavaria who appointed Qon and a breach by Qon for not realising this and denying the appointment. Therefore, I recommend that under §8.9. Crime and Punishment that the conclave undertake criminal proceedings against both Qon and Zartavaria with the punishment being decided by that body itself.

I am not demanding this should happen, it is just my recommendation due to the points I have raised in this document.
The conclusion is simple.

Qon never should have been Grand Luxarch.
I will also direct everyone to §3.2. Disputed Legal Interpretations as there will most likely be nations that disagree with this decision. However, I truly believe that this act is unconstitutional due to the evidence I have provided.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Signed,
Zosar, High Oracle of Abydos.

Happy New Year and all that jazz! The Oracle's Guild invites you start this decade off with a little conversation starter.

The following is a legal commentary on The Electoral Reform Act by Apprentice Oracle The Karen Satrapy. It is not a formal judicial review and so is not held as legally binding, but is merely one legal opinion of the matter.

The Question of the Electoral Reform Act is one of the more contentious legal matters in Abydos currently. For my own conclusion, I would find the Act to run directly against at least one of the Axioms, be at best politically charged and hypocritical with regards to the Eye, and be in stark opposition against the spirit of the Axioms, the Eye, and Abydos as a whole. Let the facts of the matter present themselves.

First, we are presented with Axiom IX: Raise Yourself to a Noble Position. It is this tenet that truly endorses the semi-chaotic nature of our fair region wherein nations rise and fall with the tides of change in accordance to their merit. Yet, we must question how meritous we can truly believe our system to be when all are not given equal chance and participation in it. The defenders of the act may say that it is to prove sincerity, but I would argue that if this were a question of sincerity, then all would be challenged to pass through the same approval processes. Instead, we have a process that favors a small group of individuals, solely those who have joined in a political club. This is not meet for a region which espouses the potential of all. We all must be judged by the Axioms and so live our lives, yet how can we accept that some of us are judged more equally than others? We must not permit any law which creates de facto classes of citizenship and social mobility through participation in extra-constitutional systems. Doing so, even if it is done with the best of intent, will only leave us open for those with ill-intent to weaponize the Laws and the Eye against their rivals. One of our region's greatest strengths is equal access to self-elevation, the moment that we begin to set roadblocks in these paths, however, partial or selective they may be, is the moment we begin to cut into the stock of what makes Abydos diverse and unique, transforming us much more into the aristocratic empires of old.

Let us consider the matter of the Eye. §1.9 clarifies that no act may circumvent the Eye for the purpose of delegitimization. We fail to see how the Act in question does not breach this on either a practical or moral level. Practically, political parties are standardized through the Political Party Standardization Act, which mandates how exactly a party may be recognized. This is in line with the Eye's treatment of political parties, which is to say as barely-regulated officially recognized groups of like-minded individuals. The Electoral Reform Act, however, seeks to elevate political party membership to some manner of official legal expediency by exempting party members from applying to the Elder Statesman. This is further compounded by the stated intent of the act itself being one of ensuring seriousness and activity, yet there is no guarantee that party membership alone will secure either. A nation may be immature or inactive, yet mere membership in a political club exempts one from being reviewed? This is not meet in the eyes of the law. Consider as well the moral presumption of the Act "Any citizen not willing to take the time to apply, does not have the care to serve in an executive office." Any citizen, it would seem, save those who have at least one friend in a political organization. Even further, the Act calls for a committee to judge the reasonableness of an application. Remember, there is no other position in the region which requires this. The Guilds may require an application to be sent to their heads, but there is no single position which is up for review under such vague terms. Indeed, it baffles the mind how there need be no board of review for either lower positions or even the Grand Luxarchate (which the Eye establishes as the "highest attainable position possible", §5.1), yet this one position, which is held for but three months, requires some test of reasonableness and sincerity. Return to the Grand Luxarchate. There are four different methods by which the position may be couped, as well as elections by the Conclave, and self-proclamations in certain circumstances. And yet, not one of these requires that a nation prove themselves to a legal comittee before doing so. Legally, the Act is without precedence and seeks to impose an extra-constitutional circumvention applying only in certain politically charged cases.

[TLDR] Let us see the matter plainly at hand. There is no precedent for sincerity or reasonability to be a legally binding requirement for office. Doing so creates the potential for citizens to both have all legal privileges, yet be denied for failing a committee, and so create a second class of citizens with regards to a single office in the land (and not even the most powerful and privileged one at that.) Even then, the law is not applied equally but seeks to create a fast-track to approval by sidestepping the requirement for anyone in a political party regardless of their own character from a legal standpoint. Thus, the Electoral Reform Act in its current form stands against the Axioms, the Eye, and the very spirit of Abydos as a whole.

I would see two potentials for this to be resolved legally. The Law must be applied to all or none. While it would be extraordinary for the High Priesthood to require committee approval for candidates, it would be more legally palatable if it were applied to all candidates. Otherwise, it is my own opinion that the first section of the Act be struck from the books or otherwise amended. The last two sections deal with matters of voting procedure, I would see no issue with the first section being amended to reflect the actual method by which the High Priest will be voted in.