The Tribunal for the Upkeep of the Sacred
History
The Tribunal for the Upkeep of the Sacred, generally known as the Tribunal, is a branch of the College of Vestrial Priestesses tasked with the enforcement of the sacred laws of the Book of Etiquette. While their power has generally decreased over time, they still exist today, however more for the maintenance of tradition than the rigid enforcement of doctrine.The Age of Rule
"For the preservation of proper living, Vestria has left this guidance. The upkeep of our nation and the heritage of our people relies upon every citizen to fill their role as prescribed." - Book of Etiquette, "Prefix"Founded early in Vestria's rule, the Tribunal was tasked with enforcing the newly established social order. While the goddess' whims were easily forced upon nobles seeking her favor, the general populace needed to be shown their place in the social strata that persists to this day. Owing to the Book of Etiquette being written as the Age of Rule progressed, the laws being enforced changed frequently. This made fair punishment difficult, and forced the Tribunal into an instructional role for much of their early history. However, this proved to be highly beneficial for the stability of the nation, as the lower classes of Anhara being taught their expected duties within society eased the laws into place. Rather than revolting against ever-changing guidelines from Vestria, the people of Anhara were taught by the Tribunal what was expected, and the sacred airs surrounding social expectations in Anhara were formed.
The Age of Men
However, this would not be the case forever, as following The Crossing Over the Book of Etiquette became a more complete account of expectations and duties for everyday Anharans. While the Tribunal remained an educational force, they began the transition to law enforcement as the Rostrum needed to keep the nation in line following Vestria's departure. The Tribunal's task was made simple by this point, as the sacrilegious and socially embarrassing nature of failing to fulfill one's obligations, for nobles and peasantry alike, was enough of a punishment."The use of roots commonly mixed with tobacco, an already sacrilegious substance, is expressly prohibited as both offensive to the gods and a threat to the fabric of society." - Book of Etiquette, "Legality"Despite this, throughout Anhara's history, there have been always groups resistant to the established social order of the day. Be they instigators among the peasantry, upstart nobles, or those trying to circumvent or disrespect the Priesthood, the Tribunal has been there to cut dissent off at the source. Known for their ability to infiltrate groups, officers of the Tribunal slip into inns, pubs, and public squares to observe social infractions and listen for dissent. When sacrilege is spotted, punishment is swift but not immediate. To protect the cover of the Tribunal's enforcers, they strike at night, in private, and remove rule-breakers to unknown locations. From there, the lawbreaker is 'reeducated' to follow the proper, pious, rules of Vestria. Today, however, the Tribunal acts more as a system of informants for the government, gauging the public mood, and instructing the people of rural regions on the Book of Etiquette and how to properly worship Vestria. As the Book of Etiquette grows, new technology develops, and the social order changes, the Tribunal is constant in both educating the masses to their social duties and maintaining the official order.
Alternative Names
The Tribunal
Parent Organization
Location
Notable Members
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