Disciples of Light

Introduction and History

Throughout our history, great leaders and spiritual leaders have displayed their determination even through sacrifice and pain. The sacrifice of Tyr's hand is still one of society's greatest inspirations. In turn it spurred the Knight of the Silver Hand where Uther the Lightbringer sacrificed the peace in his own life, and choose to battle so others may live in peace in his stead. Their actions still live in our hearts as symbols of faith, and as teachers by example. Their courage is an inspiration to the bravery of Paladins. Their public display of faith and sacrifice is an inspiration for Priests.

The Church has known rites of passage and training in the past, that included the submission to pain and sacrifice. These tests and trials served both as proof of faith and as teachers of faith. Unfortunately, much of this knowledge has been lost, and no detailed description of some of these rites could be found.

In this book, one of these tests is reconstructed, based on scraps of texts and references to these trials of faith. It provides both a proof of faith, and a test of faith. The proof aspect of this trial is served through a public display of faith. The test of faith, unfortunately, lies after a darker continuation of this rite.

The opening of the ritual

The ritual must be publicly declared at least three days in advance. When the ritual begins, the participant, the supervisor and a lasher will present themselves to all citizens that have chosen to bear witness of this event. The participant is only allowed to wear linen pants and a white linen robe as mark of his purity before undergoing this ritual. It must be held in a public place, where a crowd can gather for the participant chooses to undergo this ritual not only before himself but also before his people.

Then the supervisor will address the guests: "We have a priest among us who wishes to testify of his faith. He will endure a severe trial of pain, humiliation and isolation. Speak, priest/priestess/acolyte and declare why you choose to undergo this ritual and if it is by free will."

The participant must then openly declare his purpose, reason or faith in the Light as well as declare if indeed, he chooses to undergo it freely.

When the participant has spoken, the supervisor will conclude. "Let the trial begin. Let the lasher be brought forth."

The rites of pain

The first rite, faith above pain.

A Priest should not let pain, or fear of pain decide his boundaries for these are the weapons of those that adhere to the Shadows. The Virtues do not teach that guidelines have boundaries set by such emotions.

The first rite teaches the participant to endure pain, and to separate the mind from the body. The body and life of a priest are tools which the Light has given him, and he must rule them with utmost devotion to live in Light's grace. He can not let pain, or fear for pain, steer his mind from its enlightenment.

This rite is to be public. The participant is released from his ritual robes and is chained to a pole with his hands. His hands must be attached at chest height, so the pole does not keep him in standing along, though he may use it to lean on.

The supervisor will speak. "Pain can cloud judgement when it needs to be sharp. Pain can frighten the heart when it needs to be brave. Pain will hold your soul when it needs to be free. You have chosen to prove your faith above pain. May these lashes serve as a test, or serve as a teacher."

At the supervisor's signal, the lashes may be administered. The participant should endure at least three lashes, or the rite fails. However, should he fall to his knees between the lashes, then he may be helped back to his feet. He should stand free without help when the lashes are administered. The administration of lashes will not stop for as long as the participant can stand, with or without the help of the pole he is chained on.

The second rite, faith above pride.

A priest should not let his pride come between him and his faith. The Virtues teach to Respect one's connection between the self and the universe, not their ego.

The second rite teaches the participant to abandon the pride he may have kept in his heart. To serve the Light, he should first acknowledge his duty.

This rite is to be public and follows immediately after the first. The participant remains bound to his pole, for public display. Those that wish to express support for the participant should then line up besides the supervisor.

The supervisor will then speak: " Pride can stand in the way of clear thought. Pride can yield anger when it should know love. Pride can taint your soul when it needs to be pure. You have chosen to prove your faith above pride. May this humiliation serve as a test or serve as a teacher. May those who love you come first, and be the hardest. "

Those that support the participant may then, in turn, pour salt or sand over the participant. Then the supervisor continues: "May now the public support your test."

For the remainder of the hour, the participant is to be submitted to public humiliation. A guard may be assigned to ensure no weapons will be used. However, humiliation both verbally and physically are permitted.

The third rite, faith over darkness.

A priest should not let any form of deprivation doubt his faith. Famine and isolation may not let the faithful priest doubt he walks Light's path.

The third rite teaches the participant to endure, and to place faith above comfort for body, mind and heart. Even in the dark, a priest is to find the Light.

This rite follows immediately after the second. The participant in unbound from his pole and the supervisor will speak: " Darkness can sow doubt where there is certainty. Darkness can bring sorrow where there is joy. Darkness can shroud souls that are clear. You have chosen to prove your faith over darkness. May this imprisonment serve as a test, or serve as a teacher. "

The participant is then imprisoned, in either isolation or among the criminals. No sunlight may reach the participant. The injuries suffered from the first two rites will not be tended. The participant will not be brought food, nor water. For at least three days shall the participant remain imprisoned and have naught but the Light to see to his survival and healing.

The final test of faith

Even after enduring trials of faith, that also required the Priest to save himself, should he still prove as willing to place his faith above himself as before the trials.

The final test of faith teaches the participant no degree of endurance will permit him to stray from the path of the Light. Even after terrible trials have passed, he must engage to new trials with the same devotion.

After a minimum of three days of darkness, the participant is released. Upon his release, the suprisor will address the participant: " You have passed your trials, now prove your faith. Will you rest from your trials, with water as bait? Will you honor your trials, and let the water wait?"

Then before the participant a bowl of water should be placed at fifteen feet away, and the supervisor should take position fifteen feet from the participant. Whichever is touched first will determine the outcome of his test.