The Ygwer Code was a universal code of conduct among the magic academies that forbade certain acts. The idea was put forth and heavily pushed by the Cleric's Guild, who had perhaps a more vested interest in maintaining a moral standard with regards to magic. They also had a tremendous amount of power, being involved in some of the most influential organizations. So they wished to impose some of their own ethical standards, which were codified into the Ygwer College of Clerics rules, into the other schools.
Forbidden Actions
The code outlawed a number of acts. One of the preeminent was the killing of living creatures (or poaching certain parts) for the purpose of harvesting magical energy, with the exception of certain plants. The Draol and some other minor orders got around this in use of battlefield mages who harvested energy from slain soldiers killed by non-magical combatants. The illicit arts were also barred, which included attempting to reanimate the dead, resurrection, etc.
- killing living creatures or people for the purpose of harvesting vorsys or omnifex
- killing living creatures to poach certain magical parts (such as a horn)
- the Dark Arts
- summoning an individual without their consent