Worldlines Wiki

No single code governs the galaxy. Law in Worldlines is fractured across planets, stations, factions, and individual cities. Each has different rules, enforcement methods, and definitions of justice. What marks you as a hero in one system brands you a terrorist in another. What's barely legal on Metronis gets you executed on Mars.

The law follows power. Those with wealth, weapons, or connections shape enforcement to their advantage. Those without must navigate a patchwork of contradictory regulations, hoping to avoid the wrong jurisdiction at the wrong time.

14.1 Legal Jurisdictions

The galaxy divides into distinct legal zones, each with its own authority structure and enforcement philosophy.

Heat and legal consequences are tracked by jurisdiction. Being wanted in Sirius does not automatically make you a criminal in Tau Ceti unless the CPA or factions share warrants.

Jurisdiction Types

Coalition Space: Earth, Mars, Venus, and their direct colonies operate under CPA legal framework

Standardized criminal codes
Bureaucratic enforcement
Legal representation available
Earth more liberal laws, Mars and Venus more conservative (Tribunal)
Appeals process exists (but slow)

Independent Systems: Self-governing worlds with unique legal codes

Widely varying laws and penalties
Local enforcement only
No standardized rights
Minimal extradition agreements

Faction Territories: Areas controlled by non-governmental organizations

Faction law supersedes local law
Enforcement serves faction interests
Rights depend on standing
Violence often replaces trials

Frontier Zones: Lawless or minimally governed regions

Might makes right
No formal legal system
Vigilante justice common
Survival over legality

Contested Space: Regions claimed by multiple authorities

Conflicting legal systems
Multiple enforcement agencies
Legal chaos
Extreme danger

Legal Authority Hierarchy

When multiple jurisdictions overlap:

Military Law (during declared conflicts)
Faction Law (in faction-controlled territory)
Planetary Law (on planet surface)
Coalition Law (in CPA member space)
Station Law (on independent stations)
Ship Captain's Authority (aboard private vessels)

Higher authority supersedes lower when conflict occurs.

14.2 Sector Law Profiles

Each major sector enforces law differently, reflecting local politics and power structures.

Sol System (Coalition)

Legal Character: Bureaucratic, heavily monitored, regulation-focused

Enforcement Style:

Constant surveillance and data tracking
Biometric checkpoints at all major facilities
Weapon permits and implant registries strictly enforced
Routine compliance scans

Common Violations:

Unregistered weapons or implants
Data privacy violations
Unauthorized AI usage
Trade regulation violations

Penalties:

Fines: 500-50,000 credits
Detention: 24 hours to 6 months
Equipment confiscation
Deportation from system

Player Impact:

High compliance burden
Frequent credential checks
Legal representation available
Slow but functional justice system

Proxima Centauri (Harmony Sector)

Legal Character: Spiritual-based justice, psychic tribunals, communal accountability

Enforcement Style:

Emotional resonance evaluation
Communal judgment sessions
Psychic truth detection (Elathrians)
Rehabilitation over punishment

Common Violations:

Emotional dishonesty
Disruption of communal harmony
Psychic intrusion or manipulation
Cultural disrespect

Penalties:

Forced meditation and reflection
Community service requirements
Temporary exile from settlements
Emotional reconciliation ceremonies

Player Impact:

Intent matters more than action
Difficult for non-empathetic species
Genuine remorse reduces penalties
Deception is extremely difficult

Virgo Sector

Legal Character: Caste-based hierarchy, social law, structured authority

Enforcement Style:

Status determines legal rights
Caste-appropriate courts and penalties
Outsiders classified as lowest caste
Social isolation as primary punishment

Common Violations:

Caste boundary violations
Disrespect toward higher castes
Unauthorized social mobility attempts
Cultural contamination

Penalties:

Social demotion or exile
Forced labor in appropriate caste role
Public humiliation ceremonies
Permanent caste marking

Player Impact:

Outsiders heavily monitored
Limited rights and protections
Local guides essential
Avoid social conflicts

Draco Sector

Legal Character: Noble house law, feudal justice, duel-based resolution

Enforcement Style:

House authority supersedes all law
Dueling resolves disputes legally
Bribery and subterfuge normalized
Assassination is legal politics

Common Violations:

Disrespecting noble authority
Violating house territorial claims
Breaking sworn oaths
Interfering with house business

Penalties:

Duel challenges (potentially lethal)
Asset seizure by nobles
Forced service to houses
Assassination contracts (legal)

Player Impact:

House allegiances critical
Formal dueling skills valuable
Bribery expected and accepted
Political intrigue unavoidable

Scorpius Sector (Frontier Chaos)

Legal Character: Sporadic local enforcement, possession-based law, survival focus

Enforcement Style:

No unified legal system
Local strongmen enforce personal rules
Swift violence replaces trials
Possession equals ownership

Common Violations:

Theft (if caught)
Murder (if witnesses)
Challenging local authority
None—everything is negotiable

Penalties:

Summary execution
Indentured servitude
Exile to dangerous zones
Trial by combat

Player Impact:

Extreme freedom and danger
Reputation matters more than law
Violence resolves most disputes
No higher authority to appeal to

Cetus (Cybernetic Collective)

Legal Character: Digital law, automated enforcement, logic-based justice

Enforcement Style:

Purely algorithmic decisions
Instant scanning and judgment
No emotional consideration
Quarantine for non-digital entities

Common Violations:

Logical inconsistency
System disruption
Organic contamination
Inefficient behavior

Penalties:

Digital quarantine
System access revocation
Forced departure
Memory modification (digital entities)

Player Impact:

Organic life barely tolerated
Recognized credentials essential
Logic-based arguments only
Environmental suits required for most organics

Tau Ceti (Trade Hub Systems)

Legal Character: Commerce-driven law, taxation-focused, pragmatic enforcement

Enforcement Style:

Everything is legal if taxed
Trade courts resolve disputes
Aqueone enforces civility
Aeriedes practices plausible deniability

Common Violations:

Tax evasion
Trade fraud
Contract violations
Piracy against taxed goods

Penalties:

Heavy fines (200% of evaded taxes)
Trade license revocation
Asset seizure
Forced labor on trade vessels

Player Impact:

Pay taxes, do anything
Documentation critical
Commerce skill valuable
Black market accessible

Sirius (Metronis Station)

Legal Character: Decentralized chaos, district-based law, faction enforcement

Enforcement Style:

Each district has different rules
Faction law supersedes station law
Bribery resolves most issues
Violence contained but tolerated

Common Violations:

Varies by district
Interfering with faction business
Unauthorized weapon discharge
Not paying protection fees

Penalties:

District-dependent
Faction judgment (if they care)
Forced relocation to worse district
Airlock ejection (extreme cases)

Player Impact:

Know which district you're in
Faction standing critical
Legal chaos creates opportunity
Wanted posters in one district ignored in another

14.3 Credential and Permit System

Legal operation across multiple jurisdictions requires proper documentation. Credentials determine access, legal rights, and enforcement response.

Credential Tiers

Tier 1 - Civilian Access:

Basic travel and docking rights
Standard market access
Public facility use
Cost: 500-1,500 credits

Tier 2 - Licensed Professional:

Advanced equipment sales
Restricted zone access
Medical or technical facility use
Cost: 2,500-10,000 credits

Tier 3 - Tactical Authorization:

Military-grade weapon permits
Heavy equipment operation
Advanced implant clearance
Restricted zone access
Cost: 15,000-50,000 credits

Tier 4 - Diplomatic Clearance:

Diplomatic immunity (limited)
High-security area access
Reduced inspection frequency
Political negotiation authority
Cost: 75,000-250,000 credits (often not purchasable)

Common Permits and Licenses

Weapon Permits:

Tier 1: Light weapons only (500 C annually)
Tier 2: Light and heavy weapons (2,500 C annually)
Tier 3: Military-grade weapons (15,000 C annually)

Medical Access:

Tier 1: Basic first aid treatment (included with civilian credentials)
Tier 2: Standard medical procedures (1,000 C annually)
Tier 3: Advanced surgery and implant installation (5,000 C annually)

Trading Licenses:

Tier 1: Personal goods only (included with civilian credentials)
Tier 2: Commercial trade operations (2,000 C annually)
Tier 3: Bulk cargo and restricted goods (10,000 C annually)

Docking Permits:

Tier 1: Public ports only (500 C annually)
Tier 2: Commercial and military ports (2,500 C annually)
Tier 3: Restricted and classified facilities (varies by location)

Credential Verification

Most facilities scan credentials automatically:

Civilian zones: Random checks (10% chance)
Secured zones: Mandatory scans at entry points
Restricted zones: Continuous monitoring
Military zones: Biometric verification required

Failed Credential Checks:

Immediate detention for questioning
Equipment confiscation
Fines (1,000-10,000 credits)
Deportation from jurisdiction
Arrest for falsified documents

Forged Credentials

Black market credentials available but risky:

Forgery Quality:

Poor (500 C): TD 6 Programming or Awareness to detect
Good (2,500 C): TD 8 to detect
Masterwork (10,000 C): TD 12 to detect

Detection Consequences:

Immediate arrest
All credentials revoked
Fines: 5x forgery cost
Possible imprisonment
Blacklisted from legal credential acquisition

14.4 Heat and Wanted Status

Criminal activity generates Heat—a measure of how aggressively authorities pursue you in a given jurisdiction.

Heat Scale (0-5)

Heat 0 - Clean Record:

Move freely
Standard treatment
No attention from authorities

Heat 1 - Known Face:

Occasional inspections (1-in-4 chance)
Guards recognize you
Minor inconveniences – small chance of detainment (GA discretion)

Heat 2 - Watchlisted:

Frequent inspections
Bribes cost double
Guards actively track movement – medium chance of detainment (GA discretion)
Cannot access high-security zones

Heat 3 - Flagged Criminal:

Denied standard port access – very likely to be detained (GA discretion)
Bounty posted (1,000-10,000 credits)
Reputation damaged in jurisdiction
Must use black market services

Heat 4 - Wanted:

Active manhunt – detained on site 100%
Bounty increased (10,000-50,000 credits)
Patrols attack on sight in secure zones
All legal services denied

Heat 5 - Galactic Threat:

IJC (Intersectoral Justice Corps) deployed
Massive bounty (50,000-500,000 credits)
Kill-on-sight orders issued
Allied factions pressured to cooperate

Generating Heat

Action	Heat Gained
Minor theft or fraud	+1
Assault or property damage	+1-2
Weapon discharge in public	+2
Resisting arrest	+2
Serious injury to authorities	+3
Murder or terrorism	+4-5
Mass casualties	+5 (immediate maximum)

Reducing Heat

Time: -1 Heat per story arc without incident in jurisdiction
Bribes: 2,000 credits x current Heat level (not available at Heat 5)
Faction Intervention: Allied faction (≥80 standing) can reduce Heat by 2-3
Frame Job: Shift Heat to scapegoat (requires elaborate setup)
Identity Change: Reset Heat to 0 but requires new credentials (expensive, risky)

14.5 Enforcement Styles and Responses

Different factions and jurisdictions enforce law through distinct operational philosophies.

Example: CPA stations are Lawful, Diplomatic, Bureaucratic. Martian Defense Directorate outposts are Militarized, Isolationist, Cutthroat.

The GA should be able to parse this information in game to the players to clarify enforcement tags based on the worlds and sectors that the players are visiting.

Enforcement Tags

Bureaucratic:

Extensive documentation requirements
Slow but methodical investigation
Fines and detention preferred over violence
Appeals process available

Militarized:

Heavy force response
Equipment seized immediately
Detention by force standard
No negotiation during enforcement

Corporate:

Profit-motivated enforcement
Bribes expected and accepted
Blackmail and loyalty contracts common
Economic penalties preferred

Diplomatic:

Negotiation before force
Social pressure and reputation damage
Mediation and arbitration available
Can be swayed by Charisma checks

Cutthroat:

Violence as first response
Summary judgment without trial
Enslavement or forced recruitment common
Fear-based compliance

Faith-Governed:

Ideological judgment
Spiritual punishments (exile, penance)
Rehabilitation over punishment
Genuine repentance reduces sentences

Enforcement Response Matrix

Heat Level	Bureaucratic	Militarized	Cutthroat
0-1	Warning, documentation	Stern warning, noted	Ignored unless convenient
2-3	Fine, potential detention	Arrest, equipment confiscation	Beating, extortion
4	Arrest warrant, trial	Armed response, shoot if fleeing	Hunt and capture for profit
5	Maximum prosecution	Military deployment	Elimination or enslavement

14.6 Legal Complications and Arrest

When law enforcement becomes involved, situations escalate quickly.

Arrest Scenarios

Routine Inspection Escalates:

Failed credential check
Suspicious cargo detected
Prior warrants discovered
Player attempts to flee

Active Pursuit:

Crime witnessed by authorities
Heat level triggers response
Bounty hunters engage
Military interdiction

Ambush or Trap:

Undercover sting operation
Betrayal by informant
Faction setup
Coordinated capture attempt

Arrest Procedures

Step 1: Compliance Check Authorities demand surrender. Players choose:

Surrender: Proceed to detention
Negotiate: Persuasion or Deception check (TD 8-12)
Bribe: 500-5,000 credits depending on severity
Flee: Immediate combat or chase sequence
Fight: Immediate combat

Step 2: Detention If arrested:

Weapons and dangerous equipment confiscated
Placed in holding cells or brig
Initial interrogation (varies by jurisdiction)
Charges formally filed

Step 3: Trial or Judgment Process varies by jurisdiction:

Bureaucratic: Formal trial, may take days or weeks
Militarized: Military tribunal, same day
Corporate: Arbitration, negotiable
Cutthroat: Summary judgment, immediate

Step 4: Sentencing Penalties depend on crime severity and jurisdiction

Escape Opportunities

During Transport:

Bribe guards (Commerce or Deception, TD 12+)
Disable restraints (Engineering, TD 12+)
Ally rescue operation
Environmental hazard distracts guards

From Detention:

Lockpicking or hacking (TD 12+)
Guard rotation exploitation
Fellow prisoner assistance
Outside help coordination

During Trial:

Dramatic evidence presentation
Bribery or intimidation of officials
Faction intervention
Technicality exploitation

14.7 Bounties and Bounty Hunters

The bounty system operates parallel to official law enforcement, creating a privatized justice mechanism.

Heat 3 or higher often generates a bounty. The more notorious the crew, the more likely bounty hunters will appear.

Bounty Types

Dead or Alive:

Payment regardless of target condition
Encourages lethal force
Typical for violent criminals

Alive Only:

Reduced or no payment if killed
Requires capture and transport
Common for white-collar crime

Evidence of Death:

Payment for proof target eliminated
No body recovery required
Often used when retrieval dangerous

Capture with Condition:

Special requirements (unharmed, memory intact, etc.)
Higher payment, more restrictions
Typically corporate or faction contracts

Bounty Amounts

Target Danger	Dead/Alive	Alive Only	Evidence Only
Low Threat	500-2,000 C	1,000-3,000 C	250-1,000 C
Moderate Threat	2,000-10,000 C	5,000-15,000 C	1,000-5,000 C
High Threat	10,000-50,000 C	25,000-75,000 C	5,000-25,000 C
Extreme Threat	50,000-500,000 C	100,000-1,000,000 C	25,000-250,000 C

Bounty Hunter Encounters

When bounty hunters pursue players:

Detection Phase:

Players may roll Awareness (TD 6) to detect surveillance
Failure means ambush at disadvantageous time
Success allows players to prepare or flee

Negotiation Phase:

Some hunters negotiate before violence
Persuasion or Intimidation check (opposed)
Success may increase bounty requirement, buy time, or turn hunter

Combat Phase:

Bounty hunters prepared and equipped
May have intelligence on player abilities
Fight tactically (cover, coordination, retreat if overwhelmed)

Resolution:

Defeat hunters: Temporary respite (more will come)
Capture: Delivered to bounty issuer
Escape: Heat may increase, hunters persist
Negotiate: Expensive but effective

14.8 Contraband and Illegal Goods

Items legal in one jurisdiction become contraband in another, creating smuggling opportunities and legal risks.

Contraband Categories by Jurisdiction

Sol System (Highly Regulated):

Unregistered AI systems
Chronocite or temporal devices
Military-grade weapons without permit
Unlicensed cloning technology
Restricted pharmaceuticals

Proxima Centauri (Spiritually Offensive):

Psychic dampeners or enhancers
Emotional manipulation devices
Technology disrupting communal harmony
Weapons designed for mass casualties

Cetus (Organic Contamination):

Uncontained biological materials
Organic technology or implants
Non-digital entertainment or art
Inefficient computational systems

Universal Contraband (Nearly Everywhere):

Weapons of mass destruction
Sentient trafficking
Unrestricted military nanobots
Uncontrolled viral agents

Smuggling Operations

Detection Risk Factors:

Ship scan frequency (varies by jurisdiction)
Cargo volume and type
Heat level and reputation
Route and timing

Smuggling Methods:

Hidden Compartments:

Engineering check (TD 8) to install
TD 8-10 scan to detect
Reduces cargo capacity
Cost: 5,000-25,000 credits

False Manifests:

Deception check (TD 10) to create
Programming check (TD 10) to verify digitally
Risk of total cargo confiscation if detected

Bribery:

500-5,000 credits depending on inspector and cargo
Persuasion check (TD 10) to identify bribable officials
Risk of sting operation (10% chance)

Faction Protection:

Allied or Trusted faction may provide safe passage (see 13.4)
Expensive (20-50% of cargo value)
Only in faction-controlled space

Contraband Consequences

If Caught:

Immediate contraband confiscation
Fine: 5-10x item value
Heat increased by 2-3
Possible imprisonment
Ship impounded (must pay release fee)

14.9 Legal Services and Representation

Professional legal assistance can mean the difference between minor fines and major sentences.

Legal Representation Types

Public Defender:

Free or minimal cost
Overworked and underprepared
Reduces sentence by 10-20%
Roll d6: 1-2 incompetent, 3-5 adequate, 6 surprisingly good

Standard Lawyer:

Cost: 1,000-5,000 credits
Professional but not specialized
Reduces sentence by 20-40%
May negotiate plea bargains

Elite Attorney:

Cost: 10,000-50,000 credits
Expert in jurisdiction-specific law
Reduces sentence by 40-60%
May find legal loopholes or technicalities

Faction Legal Support:

Available to allied members (≥80 standing or per 13.4/GA)
Free or minimal cost
Quality varies by faction resources
May include witness intimidation or evidence tampering

Legal Defenses

Technicality:

Requires Law skill check (TD 8)
Can dismiss charges entirely
Requires specific procedural error

Plea Bargain:

Persuasion check (TD 6) with prosecutor
Reduces sentence 30-50%
May require information or cooperation

Self-Defense Claim:

Requires evidence or witnesses
Spirit check (TD 10) for credibility
Success reduces or eliminates charges

Diplomatic Immunity:

Requires Tier 4 credentials
Only works in specific jurisdictions
May create political complications