Article M-904 - NPC Homicide

"The person you killed was registered with the State. They had a name, a post, and a place on the rolls. You will answer for all three."

Not every living thing in the world is under the State's protection. The beasts of the forest are not, and the Code says nothing about them. But a registered resident, the smith at their anvil, the elder at their door, the conductor on the platform, stands on the rolls, and killing one is the gravest ordinary offense in the Code.

The opening term runs to half a day and the ceiling to two full ones. Among the articles a citizen can be convicted under without a Game Master's involvement, only escape carries a heavier mark.

Escalation Under the Recidivism Clause

A second conviction within thirty days doubles the term, a third doubles it again, up to the ceiling. The Court has been asked more than once whether a killer should be escalated at all or simply held at the maximum from the first offense. The Code's answer has been to keep the ladder and set the ceiling high.

On Bail

There is no bail under M-904. No fine is offered and none will be accepted. The State's reasoning is the plainest in the Code: what was taken cannot be returned, and it declines to price it.