The Bounty Hunters' Creed

Contrary to popular belief, even the roughest, the seediest, and the most dispassionate of freedom fighters in the Bounty Hunters Guild are far from being the unprincipled villains many, like the Galactic Empire, would make them out to be. The Hunters of the Guild are required to adhere to a code of ethics known as the "Bounty Hunters' Creed". While the exact wording of these tenants vary from planet to planet, the gist of these values are always carried out by hunters of the Guild. This is the Bounty Hunters' Creed.

While the average Republican citizen may find parts of this charter objectionable, and even morally offensive, this set of enforceable principles by which our hunters conduct their trade and lived out their lives is the path in which we all walk.

A "Defender of Freedom" is considered any Government (and its affiliates) that is determined by the Guild Council to support the ideals of freedom and allows its citizens the rights they deserve, without oppression or abrasion, with power to act or speak or think without imposed restraints.

Clause I. Declaration of Sentient Rights -
Sapient beings, to some degree, must be accorded respect. If, however, an individual had committed an atrocity against a free peoples, he or she ceased to be an individual with rights. No longer a member of the galactic community, those who commit such atrocities are fair game. Tears should never be shed over the fate of someone that was an opponent of freedom.

Clause II. Kill By Necessity Proclamation -
Killing is sometimes necessary. However, unnecessary killing is still murder. Unless otherwise directed to or forced to in a situation where one's own life may be in danger, one must attempt to keep the aggressor alive to stand trial for their crimes. To purposely kill an unarmed, helpless being already subdued and unable to resist will be seen as simple slaughter and wanton butchery.

Clause III. Freedom's Prime Directive -
Those who fight for freedom are a special breed. They take their lives (and those of others) into their hands each time they work. One may or may not agree with another freedom fighter's motives, but the Bounty Hunters Guild should never take up arms against a fellow defender of freedom. Should a fellow defender of freedom take up arms against the Bounty Hunters Guild, the defender of freedom is no longer seen as a member of the common fellowship and scores can now be settled with impunity.

Clause IV. Non-Interference Doctrine -
To interfere with another's operation in the defense of freedom, unless first invited, is wrong. The Bounty Hunters Guild should respect the wishes of another free government to maintain its command over its own operations - however have a duty to involve itself when the defender of freedom violates their obligations under the definitions of this creed.

Clause V. Agreement of Assistance -
Any defender of freedom can ask for and expect aid and assistance from the Bounty Hunters Guild, even if it meant that the Bounty Hunters Guild must temporarily suspend our own operations in the meantime to render such aid. Whatever personal grievances or animosities that would be involved between the two parties, it is known and understood that the Bounty Hunters Guild took care of those who defended the way of freedom. Of course, such assistance is not without its price tag, and the arbitration of payment after the fact will be settled between the two parties.