Rule of St. Chlodomer the Righteous
The Rule of St. Chlodomer the Righteous is a sacred text written by St. Chlodomer himself some time during the First Age of Man and updated throughout the centuries by devoted prophets who received divine inspiration from St. Chlodomer. The Rule is a blend of religious doctrine, moral guidelines and practical instructions for dealing with dark magic and the demons that seek to corrupt the mortal world. Though its practices are specifically for the Children of St. Chlodomer as an intercessor for Betshaba, some Betshaban worshippers adopt aspects of the Rule for their own day-to-day lives as a means of honoring St. Chlodomer without devoting themselves specifically to his intercession. The Rule is divided into seven chapters, each describing one aspect of the lives and duties of the Children and their active Order of witch-hunters, the Tidebound Inquisitors.
I. The Call of the Ocean
"As Her tides art drawn to Luna's gaze, so too are we called to the s'rvice of the Seamother. Our biographies art Hers to sift, to beest shaped by the currents of Her will."
- Devotion to Betshaba through St. Chlodomer as intercessor: The Inquisitors shall dedicate their lives to the worship and service of Betshaba through St. Chlodomer as intercessor, recognizing Her as a source of Life and regained purity.
- Daily Rituals: Each high and low tide are met with prayers to St. Chlodomer for intercession with Betshaba at the nearest body of fresh water, natural or otherwise, invoking Her blessings and guidance. Water, in all its forms, is to be revered as a manifestation of Her divine presence.
II. The Purity of Water
"Wat'r is the essence of existence and the instrument of purification. Through it, we cleanse the w'rld of corruption and gloom."
- Baptismal Rites: Water shall be used in all rites of purification, from the initiation of new Inquisitors to the trials of the accused. Let darkness be washed away, and the innocent rise anew.
- Cleansing Rituals: Holy water, blessed by a priest, shall be used to sanctify weapons, armor, and the places where dark magic lingers. The Inquisitors must carry vials of this water at all times.
- Salt and Sea: The ocean's salt is a gift from Betshaba, a tool to ward off evil and consecrate the land. It shall be sprinkled in places of darkness to burn the impure and to bless those who fight in her name.
III. The Balance of Justice
"As the ocean ebbs and flows, so must justice beest balanc'd. We art the brined and barnacled hand of Betshaba, striking down the wicked, shielding the innocent and raising the righteous."
- Judgment: Inquisitors must be fair and just in their judgments, acting without bias or malice. Every soul is to be weighed against the scales of Betshaba's purity and Her Father's Truth.
- Trial by Water: The accused shall undergo trial by water, where the truth of their soul shall be revealed. Those who are innocent will emerge cleansed, while the guilty will face the wrath of the ocean.
- Mercy and Severity: While justice is paramount, mercy must also be shown to those who repent and seek redemption. The Inquisitors shall offer a path of penance to those willing to atone for their sins.
