Aetholus

One of the The Gods of Alterra.
God of Justice, Temperance, and War

Appearance

Aetholus is depicted as a strong, confident Imperial male. His statue is adorned with a sword and shield, as well as a symbol of a set of silvered weighing scales.

Tenets

• Do unto others as you would have done to yourself.

• Innocence until proven guilty.

• Never recoil before an enemy.

• Hear all sides before a decision- no matter the perspective.

Symbolism

• Topaz

• Scales

• Bear

• Helmet

• Open Hand

• War Horn

Aethologian Baptism

Baptism is not required in order to be a follower of any particular god. However, anyone who wishes to officially enter a faith community or become Devoted may partake in the baptism ritual of the diety they wish to follow. (NOTE: It is highly suggested to roleplay a baptism when gaining the Devotion ability from Way of the Faithful, but it is not required)
To enter the Aethologian faith a candidate must keep a vigil with their shield flat on the ground before them and their weapon of choice laid upon the shield. The duration of the vigil is chosen by the sponsor inducting the candidate- though it is typically kept short (15 minutes or so). During this time the candidate may remain kneeling or sitting, but may not stand or lie down. They are expected to reflect on themselves, the faith, and the path before them.
As the vigil draws to a close the sponsor and any attendees will gather around the candidate. This typically happens in a place of importance either to the faith or to the candidate. The sponsor will say some words on the nature of Aetholus and the faith. They will then speak the tenets of Aetholus and the candidate will repeat them.
The sponsor then will place a set of measuring scales before the candidate and bid them to be measured. The candidate must have a small object of some personal importance chosen beforehand to offer up for measurement. The sponsor performing the induction should be familiar with the object (or have an idea of what it will be) and choose a counter weight that will meet the object as closely as possible or barely exceed it without weighing less than it.
The candidate will place their object onto the scale AFTER the sponsor places theirs. The scales should balance or favor the candidate (with the candidate's object weighing less).
With this, the sponsor offers a hand to help the candidate up and when they rise, they rise as an Aethologian.

Sacred Armament: Shield
Holy Symbol: Scales
Gemstone: Topaz