Government

The leader of the ruling house of Zheltychelokski is his most pious majesty. The Tsar functions as both the religious and secular leader of the government. Tradition, genuine belief and well-inculcated values often ensure the Tsar-Tzaddik is a genuine, highly focused philanthropist.

The government is not particularly heavy-handed as indoctrination policies, self-policing, and following the Tsar-Tzaddik’s example to prime virtues enforce social mores. The integrity of the ruling house is extolled daily in the state-run media, in children’s stories, and in popular entertainment.

Law is a matter of tradition rather than legislation; as a result, there is no legislative branch of government. The application of the law is in the hands of a Supreme Judicial Council. Their 71 members are appointed for life by the Tsar-Tzaddik. There is an advisory council to the Tsar-Tzaddik, which lacks any law-making ability but can offer advice and forms the leadership of the civil service executive. This council, the Duma is composed of the Boyars of the minor houses of Lyubov. There are seven members of the Douma. One from each province and the Tsar’s representative as the Grand Duke of Great Lyubov.

Concern for others, charitable giving, and public works are primary virtues. Those failing to live up to this society’s high standards are pitied and re-educated. There are halfway houses for those trying to work their way back into society, maintained at government expense. Extensive state-sponsored charities provide for medical care, housing subsidies, food subsidies, and education. Taxes are relatively high, but by and large, the citizenry supports the status quo as the standard of living is also high.

Criminal justice tends to be restitutive rather than retributive. Thieves are required to repay their victims twice what they stole rather than face incarceration.

Those unable to pay become indentured servants either to the victim or the state to repay their debts. Flogging and restitution to the victim are the penalties for assault. Crimes such as murder, rape, kidnapping, slaving, heresy, blasphemy, and treason carry the death penalty. A conviction requires two witnesses to the actual crime. While the legal system is simple, judges have some (but not unlimited) latitude in its application. The courts of Lyubov dispense a great deal of genuine justice.

Emigration is mainly unregulated; immigration has more strict controls. Immigrants must learn the language, laws, and legal system before being granted permanent resident status. Residents can become citizens after a seven-year residency and passing specific civil and religious tests.