Law of Truth (Religion)

The ultra-orthodox religion that dominates the Holy Kaelthian Republic since the end of 250 AC and the fall of Loran Hae. While technically they do not worship any god or ascendant power directly, they revere the Prophet of Law Unveiled as the messenger of Truth itself.

Time of Troubles

The backbone of the Law's reign was broken with the Searing of Kaelthia in early 254 AC. With the disappearance of the Prophet of Law Unveiled and the destruction of the Grand Temple, the people turned away from the Law, looking for comfort elsewhere. Open practice was banned after coercive attempts to "get people back on the right track" went wrong. A few believers, mostly former Holy Hands, still practice in secret.

Precepts

1. The only salvation for mortals is here, during this life. What comes after is but a shadow and a mockery.
2. Salvation comes through hard work, unity, and avoiding greed and worldly attachments.
3. Every person must know and fulfil their place in society without question and without hesitation. All roles are necessary, and none is superior to others.
4. Profit-seeking is a sin--all must work solely for the good of society and others.
5. Ostentatious displays of wealth (and in fact the possession of wealth) is a mark of sinful attitudes and pride. Equality of goods is the path toward holiness.
6. The Law of Truth is also the only law that can be allowed to govern society. There is no separation of church and state--the state must wither away and be subsumed as all bow to the Law Unveiled.
7. The Prophet proclaims the Truth, but he is not the Truth and is not to be worshipped.
8. Mortal sins include
   1. Public intoxication. In fact, all intoxicants are discouraged, in private or not.
   2. Public immodesty. Sexual relations are for the purpose of child-bearing and bonding within a society. Prostitution must be carefully controlled and kept out of sight. Flaunting sexuality is a form of ostentatious display and is sin.
   3. Mercantilism (selling goods for a profit beyond what is necessary to survive). Only the wicked seek to profit at the expense of others.
   4. Denial of the Law.
   5. Consorting with Unbelievers without authorization. Only the Consecrated may deal with outsiders, and only where absolutely necessary. Outsiders are not allowed on holy grounds (ie beyond the borders).
   6. Carrying weapons. Only the Hands and their soldiers may go armed beyond a simple knife or woodcutter's axe. Hunting is allowed, but meat consumption is discouraged except when other food is scarse.
   7. Idleness. Everyone must work--those that do not work are not to eat.
   8. Acting outside your station in life. Those that do not accept their Law-ordained place must be thrust out of society and shunned.