A Cleansing Rite of Rutilor

~ by Stephania

I am unsure where this ritual originated from. It is believed that a great paladin of old once needed a purging of his sins but had no direction from his guildleader. This paladin sought out a humble priest to assist in his own cleansing. This information was relayed to me long ago, but I have heard rumors of some paladins of Rutilor still conducting this ritual. Whether it is conducted out of respect or true cleansing, I am unsure. Although my information may be a little off, I have provided as much as I could remember. The rite is as follows: The assisting cleric will either locate a shrine dedicated to Rutilor or will perform Meraud's Commune to consecrate the ground. The paladin will typically kneel, armorless, before the cleric. The paladin will then begin chanting the following:   I live by your breath I feel by your touch I move with your knowledge ..I live within you, Rutilor ..You live within me I drink in your glory I eat in your honor I breathe of the love ..I live within you, Rutilor ..You live within me I am full of life I am full of death I am a child of you ..I live within you, Rutilor ..You live within me The paladin can repeat this chant as many times as needed. The cleric will then sprinkle drops of holy oil upon their palm and then lay the palm flat upon the paladin's forehead.

 

Blind Judgement

~ by Guri Hammerer

Each of us, at one time or another, needs to make decisions. There is usually one option that favors us, and one that does not. I'm sure the majority of mortals will naturally select the option that favors them, without taking into consideration the honor or fairness of that decision. If we bring someone else into this decision-making process, however, who is not biased one way or the other, we may come out with a more fair decision. This tactic is (or if not, it should be) utilized by our rulers and judges. Their decisions have more far-reaching effects than those of any one citizen, so rulers must be certain their final decisions are the most fair and just for those who receive the benefits or consequences. An impartial or blind eye may give more insight and neutrality into the decision-making process, allowing a more pleasant outcome for all involved. This is the primary principle behind the immortal Chadatru. Although he is blind and faceless, these qualities provide the perfect guidance for our rulers, judges, or anyone faced with a tough decision. This is because he cannot 'see' the two sides of the argument, and has no motive or bias to alter his decision in someone's favor. His only motive is that the decision will promote fair and just behavior. Chadatru is the perfect arbitrator for anyone, not just judges and kings, who needs to make fair decisions. Some people believe that Chadatru is blind to the injustices happening around him and should have a more active role in enforcing justice. I do not believe that this is Chadatru's place. I see him as more of an impartial observer, willing to offer guidance when needed, but he will not go out of his way to right wrongs. Perhaps this is one of Chadatru's flaws, but I feel this is more a misconception of Chadatru's role, and not something lacking in his character.

One Paladin's View

~ by Drongol

Alright, everything written below is my opinion, and even though it's the right one and anyone that thinks otherwise is a good-for-nothing moron, it's not necessarily the opinion of anyone on Waerd Aev. Out of all the Immortals, there is one who shines above all, an Immortal who tempers justice with compassion and through whose power the Paladins' Guild receives its gifts. This Immortal is by far the most virtuous of them all, and his name deserves praise by all. This Immortal sure as anything is not Chadatru. Chadatru is the Immortal directly associated with justice and the patron of kings. If all were well in this world and beyond, he would watch hawklike over the intelligent races, making sure that justice is served. Through his guidance, kings and barons would rule justly, and evildoers would cower in the dark, fearful of the divine retribution of the Lion's followers. But Chadatru, unfortunately, is a laughingstock. The god of justice stands blinded, unable to see the misdoings of those he should be punishing. Through his lack of guardianship, all of the lands has fallen to crime, with thieves even gathering legally as a guild. Through his "guidance," the province of Therengia has invaded Zoluren under the pretense that Zoluren troops were attacking the Baron's land, when in fact they were giving their lives to defend Therengian soil from the S'lai and Elpalzi. Chadatru's so-called vigilance has allowed the Realms to become corrupt, filled with crooked rulers and dishonorable citizens. And yet, Paladins everywhere revere the blind bat. For some reason, they have gotten the idea lodged in their great helms that Chadatru is the patron of the guild. He is not. In fact, Chadatru has nothing to do whatsoever with the Paladins' Guild, being a god of politicians, instead. His positive aspect, Rutilor, is admittedly the Immortal directly responsible for our guild, but that does not free the Lion from any blame due to his negligence. Even those Immortals who seem opposed to justice can serve it far better than the blind God of Kings. Damaris' dagger in the back can end the crime sprees of many a thief, and Trothfang's battlelust can stop the Elpalzi dead in their tracks. Kertigen's treasure can easily smooth the differences between two provinces, and all the magic of Kerenhappuch can quickly decimate an invading force. And yet, Paladins still venerate Chadatru by the score, hailing him as the god of justice who sees that the evildoers are punished. The day a wrongdoer gets what he or she deserves is the day I will worship Chadatru once more. Until such time, the blind bat of the Immortals shall receive no more of my praise.