Oberon's Law

Oberon's Law are the various magical decrees commanded by Oberon that he and his Children must abide and that are often subject to his own interpretation. ("Heritage", "The Gathering" Part Two)

Oberon's Law is the very reason why the Third Race act so subtly in their dealings with mortals; they have to, in order to avoid transgressing it.

Avalon

According to the Weird Sisters, Oberon's Law decreed that no magic may enter the island of Avalon except for that of the Third Race. This was the reason behind the Magus handing over the Grimorum Arcanorum to Finella and Mary. The Archmage (after empowered by the Eye of Odin) was able to get around this particular rule by eating it whole. ("Avalon" Part One, "Avalon" Part Two)

The island's endless summer weather is also subject to Oberon's Law. [1]

Banishment

By 995, after witnessing the impact his Children had in their interactions with the mortals (including one particular unknown incident), Oberon banished the Third Race from Avalon to learn humility while living amongst the mortals, and appointed the Weird Sisters to guard the gates on a Barge. This banishment ended in 1996 when Oberon returned to Avalon and he initiated the Gathering. ("Avalon" Part One, "Ill Met By Moonlight") [2][3]

Non-Interference

Another decree forbids the Third Race from directly interfering in the lives of mortals. It is unknown as to when it was first commanded, although it was already in effect by 1020 (and, for that matter, most likely was already in effect when the Children were banished from Avalon in 995). [4] The decree magically bars any member of the Third Race from being able to directly intervene in the lives of gargoyles and humans; even Oberon himself is subject to it. [5][6] However, as with his other decrees, the key word is "directly"; the Third Race can find ways of getting around it, loopholes, if they are clever enough. ("Heritage", "Avalon" Part Two)

Thus, for example, the Weird Sisters could interfere in the lives of Demona and Macbeth by tricking them into consenting to it. Later, when both Demona and Macbeth were suicidal enough that they had effectively abandoned control of their own destinies, the Weird Sisters took advantage of another loophole. [7] As of 1997, Oberon remains unaware of the Sisters' interfering with Demona and Macbeth's lives. [8] Likewise, Anansi the Spider could turn Fara Maku into a werepanther because Fara Maku had sought him out and requested that Anansi do so. Oberon's own actions of putting all of Manhattan to sleep (with all the potential damage that likely caused) was an effort to prevent a direct interference, by taking the mortals out of the conflict. ("City of Stone" Part Three, "The Gathering" Part One) [9]

Oberon's Law also applies to other mortal animals. [10] If the events occurred after Oberon decreed his edicts, then the Panther Queen's initial provocation justified Anansi's direct retaliation. [11] In addition, other loopholes may exist: Anansi's spider servants might be content enough with their participation that the spiders' interactions with the Trickster Spider can adequately also get around the Law. Further, Oberon himself may have been too arrogant to fully consider that mortal animals other than gargoyles and humans would be included. ("Mark of the Panther") [12]

Honor Guard

After the Avalon Clan showed mercy to Oberon after their successful attack with the Iron Bell, Oberon granted them asylum on Avalon and declared them as to be his Honor Guard, while also promising to never use any magic directly against any member of Goliath's clan (inadvertently extending this protection to the Manhattan Clan as well). As with his other decrees, this protection is subject to Oberon's interpretation; he is not beyond attacking Goliath's clan with enchanted inanimate statues. ("Ill Met By Moonlight", "The Gathering" Part Two)

Puck

For Puck's refusal to attend the Gathering, but also in recognition of his protectiveness for the newborn Alexander Fox Xanatos, Oberon eternally banished him from Avalon, as well as stripped away all his powers, except for when he was teaching or protecting Alex. As a result, and thanks to his additional pact with David Xanatos, Owen Burnett is incapable of disclosing knowledge that is only known to the Puck. ("The Gathering" Part One, "The Gathering" Part Two, "Acquisitions")

Appearances

• "Avalon" Part Two
• "Heritage"
• "The Gathering" Part One
• "The Gathering" Part Two
• "Acquisitions"