u/Gallowglass-13

This is something that's fast become more prevalent in fantasy as the years have gone on, but I'd argue that the crimes, laws, and punishments are usually pretty basic; either have your magic removed a la gentling from The Wheel Of Time and the Right Of Tranquility from Dragon Age or just straight up killing the offender. Usually, this applies to those who use magic to cause physical harm, but what about when an alchemist turns lead into gold as part of money laundering? What if an enchanter provides dodgy goods? What if a healer commits a medical error? Unless your justice system is binary, they can't all be gelded or executed.

With that in mind, how do you approach magical crimes in your setting(s)?

This is part of a wider universe that started with this script, and after some time, I'm finally getting back to it. I'll also be writing a direct sequel to that one, so hopefully you should see that one soon. Anyway, as with the doctor script, this one takes place in my Netherworld setting, a supernatural universe inspired by the World of Darkness with numerous clans of vampires, werewolves, fae etc. If y'all want anymore details, feel free to comment below. As always, feel free to use so long as you credit me (just Gallowglass is fine).

-It's been about a month since you were bitten by a vampire. Instead of going full vampire, you're now a dhampir, a half-blood, possibly due to latent vampiric genes, and you've steadily been adjusting. One night, you hear a knocking on your window-

V: Hello? Helloooooo? Anyone in there?

-you open up your curtains to see a vampire floating outside-

V: Ah, there you are! Didn’t know if you were asleep or not. Hard to tell with you half-bloods; some of you take to the night like a duck to water and others? Well, barring the blood habit you could swear they were still human *chuckle* soooo, do you… mind if I come in? Just it’s… a bit chilly out here.

-you open up a window and they transform into a bat. The fluttering of wings can be heard followed by a thunk and an-

V: Ow! 

-they rise up in vampire form, scattering a few loose objects about-

V: Sorry about that! Never been one for window entrances to be honest. Can’t understand why humans love to add them into films. Really impractical. Then again, I suppose you wouldn’t answer a knock at the door in the middle of the night. Unless you would, of course, I’m not trying to be presumptuous or- ah where are my manners?

-they give a bow-

V: -insert name here- of the Draculesti bloodline and agent of the Order of the Nighthands, at your service! I must say, it’s a real pleasure to meet you. When the Doctor informed us of your circumstances, I didn’t believe at first: a dhampir not born naturally, but from a bite? That’s borderline mythological! Though, I suppose all this must seem like something out of myth for you. Sorry, do you mind if I sit down?

-you gesture for them to sit on the bed?

V: Thanks! I’ve been on my feet all evening, though you’re my last stop before I head back to the barracks.

-pause-

V: Yeah, the barracks! It’s where most rookie Nighthands live. Wait, did the doctor not tell you about us? Hmm. That’s surprising. Well, let me give you the rundown. Us Nighthands are a bit like… well, I wouldn’t say cops, seeing how we don't arrest people. We're more about, well, taking out the refuse if you like.

-pause-

V: Like special forces? Yeah, that's probably the best comparison. Anyway, when a Netherworlder, vampire or otherwise, goes rogue, it's our job to… send them on their way. Permanently. Like, absolutely permanently, if you get me?

-pause-

V: Yeah, dead! Exactly my point. Phew, sorry if I seem a bit jittery, it's just… Well, you really are a one in a million, and uh- well, nevermind that! So, how have you been adjusting? Have you figured out what bloodline you are yet?

-pause-

V: Wait… no one gave you the rundown on the bloodlines?

-pause-

V: Damn. So, you really have been fumbling around in the dark, huh? Well, we can't have that, especially for someone of your calibre! Let me be given you the rundown; there's 11 bloodlines in total, all with various subdivisions. Some count you dhampirs, that's half bloods as a twelfth bloodline, but that's up for debate at present. As it stands though, there's 11, starting with mine, the Draculesti. 

-pause-

V: Yes, as in Dracula, though not the one you think. Our progenitor, Vlad VI Dracula, was born a human, an illegitimate son of Vlad III The Impaler. Even in the Netherworld, people are still mixing the two up. Don't let what you've read fool you though: our lord might be fearsome when he wants to be, but he's also honourable, a wealth of knowledge and provides shelter to outcasts, human and not. Actually, that's a good summary of our bloodline: a real motley crew, but we produce some of the best warriors and sorcerers around, um… present company excluded *awkward laugh*

-pause-

V: Anyway, you also have the Bathories, and yes, their sire is indeed Elizabeth Bathory, but no, she didn't bathe in the blood of captured virgin girls to preserve her youth. In fact, she's a healer and her bloodline has followed suit. They have a fairly close relationship with us Draculesti, and if you ever join the Nighthands, you'll be glad to have a Bathory at your side.

-pause-

V: The Vitae? Ah, guess the doctor mentioned they were a member, huh? Well yes, out of all of the bloodlines, they have the most subdivisions. They've been going since Ancient Rome, so it only makes sense. That being said, they're a bit of an old boy's club. Very selective of who they grant the Last Sunset to. Snobs to be frank, but some are decent, like our doctor friend. 

V: In a similar vein, you have bloodlines like the Von Grafs and the Karnsteins. All of aristocratic stock, albeit German, but not nearly as haughty as the Vitae. Mind you, the Karnsteins have more than earned it, given the current Umbral Sovereign, that's our monarch, is one of theirs.

-pause-

V: On the more bestial side, you have the Maroi and the Strigoi. Have you ever seen Nosferatu? Well, that's the Strigoi in a nutshell. None of them could ever be considered a pretty picture and they're pretty secretive, but all those I've met have been pretty nice, if a bit shy, understandably. The Maroi are able to hide their features better, but you could still spot one from a mile off. Hunky is an understatement with the Maroi. I mean, goddamn… 

V: … what was I saying? Oh right! The others. Well, if you're more artistically inclined, you have the Leanan Sidhe, closer to fae than vampires, really. They, among all other bloodlines, produce some of our greatest artists, on top of being… well, party people for lack of a better phrase. Completely different from the Oneirytes. They're all about detachment, transcending the physical body to explore the depths of the cognitive realm. Can make them seem a bit aloof, but it's not their fault. I'd probably be the same if I spent all my time in dreams.

-pause-

V: Last of all time, you have the Azellim. They're probably the oldest of us, some say the first, but we don't know for certain. They're rarely seen, even in our most secret circles. Hell, I've been going for near 200 years and I've yet to see one. You'd know them if you did see one though: no hiding those black feather wings… anyway, that's pretty much it, unless you want to go through all the subdivisions, I-

-pause-

V: You… want to know about the one who bit you? Ah, well… I'm really sorry, but our hands have been tied with regards to the investigation on that. Whoever it was, they have someone high up looking out for them. I'm sorry.

-pause-

V: You’re… not mad? Well, I guess we're all good then, huh? You know, if you think you're up for it, you could always try joining the Nighthands. If nothing else, you'll get training to help with any future.. unsavoury encounters, and it means you can have an active role in the investigation. What do you think?

-beat-

V: Really? Well then… wanna join me for a run along the rooftops? Gives me a chance to see what you're made of. Plus, it might take your mind off things. 

-pause-

V: Brilliant! Well then, last one to the next street!

-a poof sound and the fluttering of small bat wings can be heard again-

-END-

So, the current scientific consensus is that Macrauchenia and their relatives had noses that were closer to saiga antelopes or moose rather than tapirs. However, the trunk look is pretty iconic, and I think they could pull an Elasmotherium and have both with different skins acting as alts. You could apply this to potential related species like Theosodon and Xenorhinotherium too.

What do we think?