Custom Sabbat Ritae

"The soul recoils. The shadow remains"

Overview: This rite is used to mark a failed or disgraced Inquisitor with the Sigil of Trepidation — a mystical glyph that brands them as one who has faltered in the eyes of the Watch. It is not Final Death, nor exile, but a living sentence of shame and judgment. The mark is both physical and spiritual, difficult to hide, painful to bear, and visible as a kind of "wound of guilt." It is not necessarily permanent — but removing it requires public penance, a second ritual, and the Watch Inquisitor’s blessing.

Requirements:
The accused must have been found guilty of dereliction, heretical behavior, insubordination, or breach of Inquisitorial trust — but not full betrayal or Infernalism (which warrants destruction).
A Watch Inquisitor must oversee the rite.
At least three Witnesses of the Inquisition must be present.
The Ritae:
Preparation of the Marking Stone: A large, black obsidian slab (or abyss-forged stone) is prepared. The Sigil of Trepidation is carved into it in vitae, ash, and blessed salt. It is Lasombra in origin, angular, and asymmetrical — it invokes discomfort even in those who do not recognize it.
Invocation of Judgment: The Watch Inquisitor reads aloud from the Codex Obscura, intoning: “Let the shadow that bore them recoil. Let the fire that tested them flicker. Let their name be known, marked, and remembered — not for glory, but for the wound they left upon the Sword.”
The Kneeling of the Accused: The Accused must kneel, bare-chested or exposed at the intended site of branding (usually throat, chest, or face). They are commanded to confess their failing in one sentence — and then remain silent.
The Branding:  A ceremonial Inquisitorial brand, heated in sacred flame, is pressed to the flesh. The pain causes a scream, even from the most stoic Cainite — this is required. The Watch Inquisitor shouts: “Let all who see remember: this one has faltered. Let the mark speak what their tongue dares not.” The brand burns into the flesh, resistant to healing, Obfuscate, and Vicissitude.
The Circle Watches: After the brand is complete, each Witness of the Inquistion speaks a single word of judgment (e.g., “Shame.” “Weakness.” “Pride.” “Forgetfulness.”
Final Words: The Watch Inquisitor concludes: “This one walks beneath the sigil. May it burn upon them until their soul remembers how to kneel. Let them rise — but let no shadow shield them.”
This Brand cannot be removed except through:
Formal penance and ritual absolution.
Final Death.
Intervention by a Watch Inquisitor or The Grand Inquisitor.