Zephyria is governed by the Great Judges—five wise rulers who interpret the sacred Tablets of Law and maintain order across the floating isles. Their decisions are guided by ancient precedent and divine wisdom, ensuring justice for all inhabitants of the kingdom.
The Great Judges
Caelith Varyn
High Judge
Arbiter Supreme
An ancient silver-white Aarakocra of immense wisdom and presence. Caelith serves as the ultimate authority in judicial matters and possesses the rarely-invoked Mandate of Anachron—a divine power permitting unprecedented judgment in extraordinary circumstances.
Specialty: Constitutional Law & Divine Mandate
Arastan Galeheart
Judge
Keeper of Precedent
The youngest of the Great Judges, Arastan maintains encyclopedic knowledge of every ruling and legal precedent in Zephyrian history. His meticulous records ensure consistency across the centuries and guide new decisions.
Specialty: Precedent & Legal Records
Seraphina Windcall
Judge
Voice of the People
A former surface ambassador, Seraphina bridges the gap between Zephyria and the lower world. She brings unique perspective to disputes involving trade, diplomacy, and cross-cultural conflicts.
Specialty: Trade Disputes & Diplomacy
Thalor Mistfeather
Judge
Warden of Defense
Thalor commands the Winged Guard and maintains military justice. A warrior of uncompromising principle, he lost his left wing in service to the kingdom but continues duty with an enchanted prosthetic, a symbol of perseverance.
Specialty: Military Law & Defense
Aria Swiftwing
Judge
Steward of Commerce
A shrewd administrator and trader, Aria governs commercial law, tariffs, and economic regulation. Under her careful stewardship, Gale’s Landing has transformed into Zephyria’s most profitable settlement.
Specialty: Commerce & Trade Law
The Legal System
Foundations of Justice
Tablets of Law
Divine decrees from Anachron guiding all judicial decisions
Precedent-Based Jurisprudence
Every ruling becomes part of the legal record, guiding future decisions
Hall of Winds
The supreme court where all major cases are heard and judged
Judicial Process
Wind Advocates
Serve as both prosecutors and defenders, ensuring fair representation
Trial of Feathers
Accused may request trial by aerial combat (rarely invoked)
Sentences & Punishments
From community service to Earthbinding—eternal exile from the isles
The Mandate of Anachron
A rarely-used divine power granted exclusively to the High Judge, the Mandate of Anachron permits unprecedented judgment in extraordinary circumstances. When invoked, the High Judge issues a ruling that transcends normal legal precedent, guided directly by the will of Anachron. Such declarations have occurred fewer than ten times in Zephyrian history, marking moments of supreme consequence.
The Advisory Council
The Advisory Council consists of elected representatives from each isle of Zephyria. Though they possess the authority to propose new laws and regulations, only the Great Judges can formally ratify them into the legal code. This dual-governance structure balances popular representation with judicial wisdom.
Current Debate: Representation Rights for the Kenku
The Council actively debates whether the Kenku—a neighboring sentient species—should be granted formal representation and legal standing within Zephyrian courts.
Law Enforcement
Sky Wardens
Patrol officers stationed across each isle, maintaining peace and enforcing local ordinances. They form the first line of defense against crime.
Winged Guard
Sky Wardens report to the Winged Guard for military matters and emergencies. Commanded by Judge Thalor Mistfeather, they defend the kingdom from external threats.
Eye of Anachron
A secret intelligence network operating in the shadows. Few know its true extent or leadership, but its agents work to protect the kingdom’s security.