Myth society is loosely organised, if organised at all. Many Myths live entirely outside of any formal structures, and those structures that do exist vary massively around the world. The core of what organisation there is rests on the Compact, the ancient agreement among all Myths to protect themselves from the Forgotten and each other.
The instrument of the Compact is the Courts. Each descends from one of the six lost heroes who crafted the Compact with their own lives, with only their names remaining of their stories. These Courts take different forms around the world, but most cultures have some legend or folk story that equates to each one.
Not all Myths are part of any Court. In fact most are not. Only those wishing to take on the responsibilities of the Courts join. There are of course benefits. Many elder Myths are part of the Courts, giving members powerful allies and friends. Members are also afforded a certain amount of authority to act upon their duties, and will often be granted respect and leeway in these endeavours. Myths who join a Court are known as Keepers of the Compact, or simply Keepers.
There are five Courts in the modern age, where there had previously been six. One Court left en masse, rejecting the rules and guidance of the Compact. These are the Alexandrians, now counted among the antagonists of Myth society rather than its guardians, and a beacon for those Myths who wish to live outside of any regulation.
The Five Courts
The Courts are sometimes spoken of in pairs, reflecting their complementary natures and shared histories.
The upper duet are the eldest and most authoritative. The Dayiani uphold the laws of the Compact and act as its judges. The Sharak act as its critics, testing its limits and calling Myths to war when needed. Between them they carry the weight of law and the weight of freedom, and when they agree on something, the other Courts tend to follow.
The middle duet are symbolic of life and death. The Aramaru tend to living Myths, acting as guides and gardeners, encouraging balance and growth. The Obo-Igi tend to the dead and the remembered, keeping records, countering the Forgotten, and telling the stories of others.
Standing apart from both pairs is the Carthaeni, the Court that accepts the duties others shy away from. They are the villains of the story by choice, the hunters of those who break the Compact, and the court that reminds all Myths that the mortal self is who they truly are.
Myth Society and the Courts
Crossing points to Otherside and Betwix spaces are central to Myth society, and Myths can openly embrace both their mortal and mythical sides in these spaces. In many areas these are informal, bearing resemblance to social clubs, often in a blended pub, dining hall, or woodland clearing depending on the local Myths and culture. In larger areas they may take the form of something more formal, such as a whole castle, temple, valley, or mountain top.
These spaces are often controlled by one or more of the Courts, and by experienced groups of Myths who offer guidance and coordination to others in the area. They can resolve disputes, react to threats, and enforce the Compact when needed.
Myth society also has a sometimes frustrating system of etiquette and codes. Modern Myths, especially those from less formal societies, can find it annoying and anachronistic. But these systems exist for good reason. The potential for conflict among Myths is high, and these rules are set out to minimise it. Honourifics, codes of address, and domain rules all exist so that misunderstandings can be mitigated and conflicts mediated.
