Themela

Any act that intentionally subverts the course of justice, such as bribery, perjury, or tampering with evidence, is considered a grave sin in the eyes of Themela.

Using one's position within the judicial system for personal gain or to unfairly influence the outcome of legal proceedings is strictly forbidden.

Claiming ignorance as an excuse for breaking the law is not acceptable. Themela expects her followers to be well-versed in the laws they are meant to uphold.

Any form of discrimination based on race, gender, social status, or any other factor is considered an affront to Themela's principles of impartial justice.

Followers are expected to recite the Tenets of Themela daily, reinforcing their commitment to upholding justice and truth.

Providing pro bono legal assistance to those who cannot afford it is considered a sacred duty, ensuring fair representation for all.

Experienced judges, lawyers, and other judicial officials are expected to mentor the next generation, passing down the skills and wisdom they've acquired.

Regularly reviewing and updating one's understanding of the law is mandatory. This includes staying current with new legislation and legal precedents.

A formal robe, often black or deep blue, embroidered with the emblem of Themela's twin ravens, is worn during significant legal proceedings and religious ceremonies.

A small set of scales, symbolizing the balance of justice and truth, is often carried or worn as a pendant by followers.

During ceremonies, a ceremonial gavel made of oak or ash is used to signify the finality and weight of justice being served.

When someone takes on a new role within the judicial system, they swear an oath before an altar of Themela, pledging to uphold justice and seek the truth.

Before delivering a significant verdict, judges often perform a private ritual, asking Themela for the wisdom to make the right decision.

Once a year, followers gather to review and discuss significant legal cases and developments, sharing insights and wisdom.

A bi-annual ceremony where the scales used in legal proceedings are ritually cleansed and blessed, symbolizing the renewal of commitment to impartial justice.

Eldrin was a judge in a small town, known for his unwavering commitment to fairness and justice. When Themela first emerged as a deity, it was Eldrin who felt her presence the strongest. During a particularly challenging case, where the evidence was muddled and testimonies conflicted, Eldrin found himself praying for clarity. That night, he dreamt of the two ravens, guiding him to the truth. Upon waking, he delivered a verdict that showcased an uncanny understanding of the truth, earning him the title "Eldrin the Just." He became Themela's first devout follower, spreading her teachings and ensuring that justice was always served.

Varik was a lawyer with unmatched skill in manipulating the intricacies of the law. Known as the "Silver-Tongued," he had an uncanny ability to twist words, exploit loopholes, and use the letter of the law to his advantage, often to the detriment of others. While his methods were questionable, his adherence to the strict interpretation of the law was undeniable. Varik never broke the law; he simply knew how to bend it to its limits. His successes in court, especially in cases where the odds seemed insurmountable, made him infamous. Themela watched Varik with a mix of admiration for his knowledge of the law and disdain for his lack of moral compass.

Liora was a beacon of hope in a world where the law often favored the powerful. A lawyer with a heart of gold, she dedicated her life to defending the wrongfully accused. In one of her most notable cases, she represented a young woman accused of a crime she didn't commit. Despite the evidence stacked against her client and the influence of powerful figures wanting a quick conviction, Liora's unwavering belief in justice and her deep understanding of the law led to the young woman's acquittal. Liora's dedication to upholding justice, even in the face of adversity, made her a beloved figure among Themela's followers. She exemplified the spirit of using the law as a tool for good, ensuring that truth and justice always prevailed.

These scales, made of pure silver with intricate engravings of the two ravens on each side, are said to have been blessed by Themela herself. When any two items are placed on its pans, the scales will always find the true balance between them, regardless of any enchantments or tricks applied to the items. It's a symbol of Themela's unwavering commitment to truth and justice. Judges and arbitrators consider it an honor to use these scales in their courtrooms.

This gavel, carved from ancient oak and embedded with a raven's feather at its handle, is believed to have the power to bring forth the absolute truth. When a verdict is delivered using this gavel, it ensures that the decision is just and fair. It's said that any judge wielding this gavel is granted an enhanced sense of clarity and wisdom in their judgments.

A thick book bound in deep blue leather, the Tome of Immutable Laws contains records of the most ancient and fundamental laws of the land. It's said that the tome updates itself, ensuring that its contents always reflect the true and current laws of the land. Lawyers and scholars who have had the privilege to study this tome claim that its pages offer insights into the very essence of justice and the principles that underpin the law.

A quill made from the feather of one of Themela's ravens, it is said to write only the truth. Lawyers and scribes who use the quill find that any statement or testimony written with it that is false or misleading simply fades from the parchment. It serves as a tool to ensure honesty and integrity in written testimonies and contracts.

Description: This heresy argues that the law is absolutely perfect and should never be questioned or reformed. Followers of this heresy believe that Themela's wisdom is already fully encapsulated in existing laws, and any attempt to change or question the law is an affront to the goddess. This rigid interpretation goes against Themela's tenet of "Continuous Learning," which encourages an evolving understanding of the law.

Description: This heresy posits that truth is subjective and can be molded to fit one's interpretation of justice. Followers believe that as long as they think they are doing the right thing, it is the truth in the eyes of Themela. This contradicts Themela's unwavering commitment to objective truth and justice.

Founder: Seraphine the Wise
Description: Seraphine claims to have received a divine revelation from Themela, revealing "hidden laws" that supersede existing laws. Members of this cult believe they are above the law of the land and answer only to these so-called higher laws. This directly contradicts Themela's tenet to "Respect the Law" and undermines the judicial system.

Founder: Lord Valthorn
Description: Lord Valthorn, a former judge, founded this cult based on the belief that Themela grants the power to deliver "Final Justice" — an irrevocable and absolute form of judgment that cannot be appealed or questioned. Followers act as vigilantes, taking the law into their own hands, believing their actions are divinely sanctioned. This goes against Themela's principles of fair representation and due process.

Founder: Elara Shadowmind
Description: Elara, a former lawyer, argues that Themela's dual ravens actually represent the gray areas of the law, where truth and justice are not clear-cut. The cult denies the concept of absolute truth and justice, advocating for moral relativism in legal matters. This is in direct opposition to Themela's tenets of "Unwavering Justice" and "Truth Above All."