"Comandments" of a Lawful God?

[Aristotle]

I was hoping to get a little help/brainstorming. The homebrew I'm working on focuses more heavily on the Law/Chaos axis than the Good/Evil one. The primary deity (technically the only one) embodies order. Before leaving the mortal world he gave his followers some guidelines to basically live an orderly life and avoid being seduced by chaos. So... I need to actually come up with these guidelines. Any thoughts? I don't need depth here, just a basis or two I can build on.

Things already being considered.
Honor Your Superiors: In any given situation you are expected to pay an appropriate level of respect to those that outrank you. You do what your told unless you have sufficient reason to question the order.

Honor Societies Laws: So long as the laws of a given society act to maintain order you are expected to adhere to those laws to the best of your ability.

Honor Your Word: Never intentionally break an oath. Do everything in your power to fullfill those promises that you make.

Perform as Expected: When delegated a duty it is your responsability to see its done as timely and correctly as possible.


This is all just brainstorming for now. I just liked the idea of having a list of tenets that most faiths and most societies expect the citizens to adhere to.

 

[Mythtify]

I can think of oh ten off the top of my head.

 

[Maerdwyn]

All the commandments should focus not on thought or belief, but on behavior. In fact, acting "rightly" despite actual, real temptation or non-belief should be a higher goal than following commandments one follows without hesitation. As in "Treat superiors with the respect due their station" not simple "Respect your superiors according to your station." The latter requires a mindset, the former only obedience to the Law.

Several commandments should be in place "just because" - not because they demonstrate any particular moral strength, other than a willingness to follow the god's will. "Thou shalt not speak in the light of a new moon." The priest could come up with reasons to justify this ("We do not speak in the light of a new moon because we are in awe of the blessed order which the eternal and constand cycle of lunar phases a new moon represents"), but really it's just the god wants to make sure that he is being followed, not because it's "right" in some puny human's view, but because He Says So.

"You will not suffer a corrupt judge to live." Those with an imperfect understanding of this may take to striking the judge who has taken a bribe down in in the street. A true believer will see him brought before a religous court to be tried first. One who perverted justice, especially for personal gain, would be the the epitome of a blasphemer in the eyes of this god.

Introduce a caste system for the society, and demand that followers of the god respect it - not necessarily complete obedience to those in higher castes, but maybe.

 

[Bayushi Seikuro]

I really like the thought about having 'just because' laws in the commandments because it really forces the dominance issue.

I think, regardless of a good/evil god, there should always be that pressure to conform. I'd see the religion as being very cause and effect, which will also punish the 'bad, whereas just being obedient is it's own reward.

I just woke up; I'm rambling.

 

[the Jester]

I suggest certain rituals that must be performed before eating, before bed and on first rising.

I suggest that all people wear the appropriate color to their rank in society.

 

[Izer]

Lots of pointless laws that must simply be obeyed provoke and promote chaotic behavior: It is one of the malaises that strike orderly societies, but gods of law are presumeably too clueful to start the ball rolling by doing it in their own commandments.-

Suggestion: The commandments themselves should be ordered in a hierarcy.
Like this: The LAW is Thus:

1: UPHOLD, OBEY AND DEFEND THE LAW.
2: OBEY THE DECREES AND ORDERS OF MY PRIESTKINGS UNLESS THEY VIOLATE LAW 1
3: OBEY THE DECREES AND ORDERS OF LESSER CHURCH AUTOHORITIES UNLESS THIS VIOLATES 1 or 2.
4: DO NOT STEAL UNLESS: 1, 2 or 3.
5: DO NOT KILL THE SOULED UNLESS 1,2,3 or 4.
6: BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR SPOUSE. UNLESS 1,2,3,4 or 5
7: OBEY THY PARENTS. UNLESS 1,2,3,4,5 or 6
8: DO NOT LIE. UNLESS 1,2,3,4,5,6 or 7


Commentary:

4.- means secular authorities can't collect taxes. But then this society doesn't really /have/ secular autorities.
5: Things with greater than 3 int score basically. Ranking this lower than property rights is deliberate. Remember: LN.
6: The church can theoretically void a marriage by fiat, but it usually won't do so save for cases of 5 and 6: IE, Your spouse is a thief or murderer.- And even then,, Well it's kinda pointless because you are about to become a widower or widow anyways. Also faithful should be given the broadest possible interpetation, not simple fidelity but also respect, aid and honor. Love is not required.--

 

[Aristotle]

I like "just because" laws and some the idea of mandatory ritual. I think I'll keep these mostly on the church level though. The tenets given by the god need to be undeniable laws, that all churches that pay homage to the god acknowledge as the word of god. Individual faiths (the plan is for 3 or 4 major denominations with possible splinter groups here and there) have additional laws and stories within their faith that each holds true, but are not the direct word of god.

Izer, I really like your concept of structure... and the way you've kept it mostly neutral on the good/evil axis. I'll definately be looking into using some of your ideas.

 

[Gizzard]

If you buy into the idea that a Lawful culture would be more group-oriented and less individual-oriented, you might take a look at some Eastern scholars such as Confucius.

One thing that springs to mind is the emphasis on family relations/heirarchy. If the Laws are designed to help all people (rather than just be for the Church, or Nobility or Adventurers) then they need to cover mundane concerns. So, analgous to "Honor your superior" would be something like "Honor your elders (family); protect the honor of your sibilings and children".

 

[cignus_pfaccari]

If you buy into the idea that a Lawful culture would be more group-oriented and less individual-oriented, you might take a look at some Eastern scholars such as Confucius.

Legalism, especially, would be something to look at. I recall one anecdote about the Emperor executing a guard for putting a blanket on him when he went to sleep, as that wasn't the guard's job.

Brad

 

[jgbrowning]

Ketchup and mustard.


Wha?


oh, commandments!....


my bad

joe b.