Initiation into our ranks is a privilege seldom bestowed. A minimum of four Sons must
be present to enact this process, or else the initiate cannot be considered truly purified. A ceremony is carried out on Ground 11, whereupon the initiate is required to wash away their past and accept their new life. We believe that the sins cannot be purged without due service within our ranks, but all past connections must be severed. Connections are nostalgia. Nostalgia is distraction. Distraction is sin.
The initiate is handed a golden bowl containing Almond Water, the most pious of liquids. True acceptance exists within the humility to handle with care an item which, in a sinner's eyes, would seem a commodity of entitlement. You must then submerge yourself within this water, clean your hands within it, before consuming it. Do not spill this water, for this is a sign of doubt.
Once the initiate has passed this first step, they will be required to swear allegiance to the Ultimate Purpose.
The initiate must chant the phrases of allegiance in order for successful induction into the Sons of Guilt. The phrases are as follows:
I, initiate to the Sons of Guilt, confess my sins against the Eyes of Argos.
My sins have led me wayward of the true path, and I require correction.
I swear allegiance to the Ultimate Purpose, in this life and the next.
I carry the solemn belief that redemption is not a goal too far gone,
Not only from me, but all I discover who live their lives in blasphemous hues.
In the name of Highmarshal Arcadia, I accept the guilt that I hold.
Once the individual has sworn their allegiance, one final trial must be completed. They must now resist the temptation of their previous life and the sins involved.
Under the influence of brewed chemicals, the individual will be placed in a dream state, in a world resembling the life they once cherished most. The longer they remain in this world, the greater desire they are likely to have to remain. Should they be unable to resist the sins of their life, their induction will be denied.
However, if the individual is able to accept and live with their guilt, and resist the temptation of sin, then the ceremony is complete. The initiate will be handed their new uniform, a dark blue gown. From then on, the initiate is officially a Son of Guilt.
As the Sons of Guilt, we follow a strict code known as "The Ultimate Purpose". The Ultimate Purpose, devised by Highmarshal Arcadia, is the embodiment of our intentions and goals. Swearing allegiance to the Ultimate Purpose is crucial to initiation. The Purpose remains a tale for the past, and a prophecy for the future. Those who deny the Ultimate Purpose are considers Sinners of Guilt.
The Ultimate Purpose is as follows:
Justice
Justice is true. Justice is swift. Justice is redemption and redemption is justice.
Sin
Sinners are not foes; sinners must be saved. Connections are nostalgia. Nostalgia is distraction. Distraction is sin.
Redemption
Life is guilt. Guilt is fuel. Redemption cannot exist without the fuel to drive it. If one seeks redemption, one must accept the guilt that lies within their hearts. Salvation exists for all who seek true redemption.
All meetings of the Sons of Guilt are initiated with the synchronous declaration of the three tabloids of the Ultimate Purpose. As these tabloids form the foundation of the Sons of Guilt, refusal to repeat them is concern for relapse.
Should a member of the Sons of Guilt exhibit signs of relapse, they must be re-initiated. This process is similar to the Induction Ceremony, however more strict and rigorous. If the false Son fails this re-initiation, a vote shall be carried out amongst the existing members. Members can choose whether to expel them back into a place of sin, or to humanely execute the blasphemer to prevent their festering within the Backrooms.
If the vote remains undecided, or a tie is met, then the individual must be jailed until further notice. It is important to note that this period cannot be longer than three months, or else we will be forced to release the prisoner.
Members who have been found to have relapsed more than three times within a year will not be granted a re-initiation ceremony. Instead, the vote will take place as soon as possible.
As a Son of Guilt, you will be required to find sinners and blasphemers and bring them for induction into our faction. Finding these sinners requires numerous expeditions into the depths of the Backrooms, a venture that is dangerous and oftentimes fatal. Entities and sinful organisations exist on many levels that may attempt to prevent you from achieving your final goal. Do not allow this to discourage you. Cowardice is a sign of restraint against redemption.
Should you encounter a sinner, there are several protocols you must carry out before you return them to Ground 11 for initiation.
Discerning Individual Sin Level
The individual sin level is important, as it can indicate how close to redemption the individual is. Nobody is beyond redemption.
Individual Sin Level |
How to Approach |
Security Measures |
Threat Level |
None |
No sin level does not indicate any threat. |
No security measures required. |
Low/none |
Low |
Low-level sinners are not considered dangerous. These individuals do not require invitation of membership into the Sons of Guilt. Should you encounter these individuals, you need only offer advice on redemption as they appear close enough to it already. |
Minimal security measures are required. However, remain on your guard at all times for potential danger. |
Low |
Medium |
Medium-level sinners are a cause for small concern. Examine their psychological idiosyncrasies for evidence of guilt or remorse. Preferably, you will want to investigate the sins they committed. Offer optional membership into the Sons of Guilt. |
Keep a non-lethal weapon on hand at all times, in the event that the individual poses a threat. |
Low |
High |
High-level sinners require immediate induction into the Sons of Guilt. Once this level of sin is determined, carry out a test to determine their guilt level. Offer mandatory membership into the Sons of Guilt, regardless of Guilt Level. |
Carry a lethal weapon at all times. Be sure to keep this weapon close, and should the individual utter blasphemy, keep the weapon in view. In the event the individual becomes hostile, do not be afraid to use the weapon. |
Medium |
Inconclusive |
Individuals with an inconclusive sin level pose the most concern. The lack of discernible sin level indicates unpredictability within the subject. Should a Wanderer be identified with an inconclusive sin level, attempt to discern their guilt level over recent levels. Avoid offering membership unless guilt level is high. |
Carry a lethal weapon at all times and keep it in view where possible. Do not attempt to appear hostile unless the individual proves they are a threat. |
High |
Discerning Guilt Level
An individual who does not experience much remorse towards the sins they have committed do not make effective members of the Sons of Guilt. To discern their guilt level, you are required to carry out a psychological profile on the individual.
■ High Guilt Level: Ideal applicant for the Sons of Guilt. If the individual has a sin level of medium or high, offer membership. If the Wanderer has an inconclusive sin level, but high guilt level, they are not considered a threat but not should not be inducted into the Sons of Guilt under any circumstances.
■ Medium Guilt Level: Considerable for induction. If the individual has a sin level of medium or high, offer membership. Ignore if inconclusive sin level.
■ Low Guilt Level: Induction into the Sons of Guilt is discouraged unless sin level is high. Individuals with low guilt level demonstrate stubbornness and unwillingness to change. Only induct should the sins be such a cause for concern that allowing them to roam free is not an option.
■ Inconclusive Guilt Level: Individuals with indeterminable guilt level cannot be trusted. Avoid offering membership unless sin level is medium or high, but the initiate should be brought in by no fewer than three Sons at all times.