Custom Sabbat Ritae

"We do not break each other in secret. We tear the veil and judge in the light."

Overview: The Rite of the Veil Torn is an Inquisition ritual designed to resolve conflict between two members of the Inquisition, or between inquisitors and accused subordinates, without secrecy, backbiting, or politicking.
This rite exists because:
The Sabbat Inquisition despises internal rot.
Open conflict threatens the Watch’s unity and spiritual authority.
The Inquisition is a meritocracy — accusations, grudges, and challenges must be answered through ordeal, not whispers.
It also reinforces the idea that spiritual authority is tested — and even the just must sometimes defend themselves.
Participants:
The Contenders – The two individuals in open conflict. Can be accuser vs. accused, rival inquisitors, or subordinate and superior.
The Watcher – A Watch Inquisitor presiding over the ritual and acting as final arbiter.
The Witnesses – A minimum of three ranking members of the Inquisition. Additional attendees are welcome but must remain silent.
Optional: A Chronicler of Shadows, who records the proceedings and the verdict in the official Book of Watchkeeping.
Ritae Components:
A black veil or cloth, approximately two meters wide, suspended between the two contenders.
A consecrated circle marked in blood and ash — representing the Watch's unblinking eye.
Optional: A reliquary item such as the Chain of Remembrance or a piece of the Veil of the First Judge (a ceremonial torn cowl).
The Ritae:
The Gathering
All attendees assemble in silence. No speaking occurs until the Watcher begins.
The contenders stand facing the veil, arms folded behind them. Watcher: “There is conflict within the Inquisition. Let the veil be drawn, so the shadow may judge.”
The Declaration of Grievances
One at a time, each contender steps forward and delivers a statement of their grievance in three parts:
The event that led to the conflict.
The flaw or transgression they believe the other has committed.
The result they seek — be it apology, penance, reparation, or removal.
These declarations must be precise, limited to 13 sentences or fewer, and cannot include personal insults. If they do, the Watcher may rebuke the speaker or end the rite.
The Questions of the Watch
The Watcher then poses one question to each contender. The question may be:
Theological (e.g. “What is the purpose of judgment?”)
Moral (e.g. “Is loyalty owed to truth or to rank?”)
Historical (e.g. “When has silence served the Watch best?”)
Contenders must answer immediately, with clarity and conviction.
Failure to answer or evasion is considered a mark of guilt or doubt.
The Tearing of the Veil
The Watcher then speaks:“Words are ended. The veil is torn.”
They tear the black veil down the center, symbolically exposing both parties to truth.
Then, they issue the final challenge:
The Challenge of Ordeal
The contenders are offered one of two outcomes, based on the severity of the case and the Watcher’s judgment:
Option 1: Shared Penance
The Watcher commands both contenders to perform a joint mission of service — such as:
Purging a minor heresy.
Hunting an infernal rumor together.
Retrieving a relic.
Standing judgment over another trial as equals.
This is seen as mutual atonement and a way to rebuild faith.
Option 2: The Circle of Blades
If reconciliation is impossible, a sanctioned duel is ordered:
The contenders step into a chalk-drawn circle.
They are permitted to use Brawl, Melee, or Discipline powers (excluding lethal).
The first to be driven to torpor, surrender, or ejected from the circle is the loser.
The duel is non-lethal — unless either party invokes a Trial by Final Blood, which requires unanimous consent of all Witnesses.
The Watcher declares the victor temporarily justified in the eyes of the Watch.
Final Benediction
Once the trial is complete, the Watcher proclaims: “The veil is torn, the Watch has seen. Let all who stood in shadow return to flame.”
All present may then speak one word of reflection (e.g. “Justice”, “Foolishness”, “Balance”) aloud.
The rite ends in silence.
Abuse of the Rite: If either party is found to have lied, used false evidence, or manipulated the rite for power, they are branded with the Sigil of Trepidation and placed under investigation.