– the rules and regulations that guide the Ratau, including how to properly initiate combat and what actions or gestures may constitute as insult/dishonor. This useful guide will help any owner navigate the prestigious warriors without accidently insighting violence, though to carry the code and not be a Ratau is a punishable crime. The scroll can be sold (to the right buyer) for a high price, and though a Glypher can memorize it, it must otherwise be in your possession to have the knowledge.
-the oath taken at the start of training was reinforced over the seven to ten years of schooling. The oath is binding, to break it means death. The basic parameters of this oath are; -Ratau are assigned to a place and position by their Lord and then are bound to that place.
-a Ratau has the right and even the expectation to seek vengeance if their Lord or direct superior is killed -Vengeance can be sought not only by the death of the murderer but also by the death of the murderer’s family or subordinates
-a Ratau has the right and even the expectation to punish those who disrespect their Lord or superiors.
-disrespect can be shown in many forms. However, the ones most often punished are; refusing to bow to a Ratau upon entering and leaving conversation, touching or grabbing a Ratau’s weapon, impersonating a Ratau, attempting to bribe or seduce a Ratau, insulting a Ratau or Ratau’s Lord, stealing from a Ratau, seeking vengeance on a Ratau if not of noble birth or trained Ratau, attacking a Ratau without first initiating a proper challenge. Depending on the degree of the insult and the personality of the Ratau, the punishment may be anything from a slap on the wrist to a fatal attack.
-a Ratau cannot back down from any fight that is properly initiated, even if they know they cannot win.
-a Ratau must not initiate a fight with one they know they cannot defeat or one who cannot possibly defeat them – it is an insult.
-a Ratau must protect their territory vigilantly, protecting with greatest urgency women in mourning, children of nobles, aristocrats, glyphers, and finally the common classes. Ratau are not bound to protect anyone who does not reside in their territory.
-a Ratau must behave at all times with dignity and honor, including maintaining a cool and restrained manner, showing few emotions (especially around nobles)
-in a fight, it is improper to draw blood, unless the fight is to the death, and only then in the killing blow
- a fight that involves civilians or children is dishonorable
- it is more honorable for a Ratau to die at their own hand than to die of wounds from old age, trickery, or by animal or beast.
-a Ratau cannot teach or take on disciples unless granted by their Lord
-a Ratau cannot enter romantic relationships or have children without leave of their Lord
-a Ratau cannot train in more than one weapon specialty
-a Ratau cannot leave service without special permission of their Lord or if grievous injury prevents them from duty
-it is a great dishonor to fail in protecting your territory, your Lord, or to insult another Ratau or aristocrat. In some cases the dishonor can be remedied, if not, the penalty is imprisonment or death.
-the proper way to initiate a fight is to hold up your weapon to your opponent and bow low at the waist, then to draw it in attack stance
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