Dameskan Edicts
The Rules of Life
Dameskan Edicts are the rules by which the Dameskans live their lives. It isn't exactly a bible and there aren't enough pages to be considered a holy book. Rather, it's a small collection of etiquette guidelines, behavioral expectations, and ceremonial observances that most in school are expected to carry with them and particularly devout adults will have portions of it framed in their offices, livingrooms, or other common areas of their house.
Purpose
While it is largely assumed that most adult Dameskans understand the law of the land, the Edicts are the very foundation for much of that law and order. For children, it is a reminder of how they are expected to behave and a guide on what to do in certain situations if they are unsure.
For adults, it's frequently a physical reminder or representation of their adherance to the faith and law. Much like someone might carry a token of luck, the Dameskans carry the Edicts folded up in a jacket pocket or tucked in the folds of their skirts as though they are papers of belonging.
For adults, it's frequently a physical reminder or representation of their adherance to the faith and law. Much like someone might carry a token of luck, the Dameskans carry the Edicts folded up in a jacket pocket or tucked in the folds of their skirts as though they are papers of belonging.
Document Structure
Clauses
Damesk is a country where the political, military, and religious are all intermingled. As such, the Edicts cover all three bases and are deemed just as important.
Religious
The religious portion details an afternoon ritual and sacrifice - as this is always done at highnoon when the sun is expected to be out. Most are to be passive, silent observers with only a few Acolytes participating to provide supplies and jailers to bring the convinced to be cleansed. The explanation of the ritual is ripe with reminders of the virtues : loyalty, bravery, temperence, and piety, while condoning and reinforcing the sins for which someone might find themselves in the cleansing fire : treason, lies, neglect, blasphemy, adultery, and disloyalty.
"It is only under the full light of a high noon sun that the sins of this life will find no shadow to hide under, while the flesh is cleansed in fire. In doing so, the soul is cast back to Phrixus for judgement, so that the sinner might be redeemed in their next life."
Military
The might of Damesk is founded in its standing military. While it does draw ranks from the clergy, there is still a social expectation that if one doesn't find a craft or trade, they'll sign up to serve. There is a portion of the Edicts that extols the virtue of said service, the honor it brings to each family, as well as reinforcing the manifest destiny that the entirety of Yandelar belongs to the Dameskans. It just needs seized from those who had invaded and taken it from them. This portion makes mention the importance of family, of marriage, and having the required five children expected of each married pair.
"The might of Damesk is in the bloodline of its people. The family unit must remain strong. A mother, a father, and five children."
Social
Much of the social portion are etiquette guidelines, how to address superiors, and how one should conduct themselves in public. There is a certain standard of behavior expected of Dameskans, even when they are young. Certain things are put to text that might seem obvious, but for the Dameskans it is a social contract they have with one another. Making it seem more socially binding.
"Cheating or stealing is reprehensible and shameful behavior. Do not take what you have not earned nor try to swindle from a fellow Dameskan."
Publication Status
The Edicts are an easily accessible document in their base form. Writ on simple pieces of paper, some scrawled in the owner's hand. Others will get portions of their favorite scripted in calligraphy. Everyone attending school is given a copy to carry around.
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