A thin pamphlet printed on two pages of parchment bound to a worn leather cover that is dyed purple. The cover, stained by fine droplets of blood, reads The Tenets of Pain (The Nine Tails of the Willing Whip) Masticus

1st: Life is Pain All experiences are, or lead to, suffering and misery. The sooner you accept this fundamental truth the sooner you have opened your eyes. You are now truly alive, for to live is to feel pain, and by feeling pain you know that you are alive.

2nd: Pain Tests All Not all who accept the truth are fit to endure it. Do not succumb to the pain. Do not reject the Maiden's blessing lest she become spiteful. Endurance of mind and body draws out all weakness and leaves strength.

3rd: Embrace the Maiden's touch It is not enough to endure the Maiden's blessings but you must welcome and cherish Her. The Willing Whip alivens all of your senses, envigorating your body and soul. Revel in the pain and let it become pleasure.

4th: Teach the Way of the Whip Do not pity those who do not know the above truths, but rather teach them. Bring pain to those that must learn Her lessons as well as those that already embrace them. It is up to the faithful to test those that have not yet been tested by life and to strengthen the conviction of those who have.

5th: Give Praise to the Maiden As you mete out punishment or torment do it in Her name. Spread these tenets to divulge Her wisdom. If you pray alone, inflict pain on yourself or she will not hear your words. The Maiden gives all and this must not be neglected.

6th: The Steady Hand Follow all of the tenets with discipline, but moreover, use discipline when dealing out pain. Know when it is best to withhold pain or even provide unexpected healing as to intensify the mystery of Her ways. This may be thought of as mercy, but the truly devout know it is but another form of torture. Unswerving cruelty will turn all against you.

7th: The Unfailing Pains The Fire, the Cold, and the Lash. The Maiden hears the cries of those tested by each of these, and it brings Her joy. The lash is the symbol of the Maiden: use it with devotion and do not let it be desecrated by unbelievers.

8th: The Faces of Pain Pain is not just physical in nature, but true agony pervades all: body, mind, and heart. Use charm, seduction, and intellect to torture those with open-hearts or weak-minds. The ability to fully understand someone is the best skill to have because knowing someone fully can help you to maximize suffering.

9th: Fear Her, but Love Her The final and most excruciating pain is that inflicted upon the Soul. For this the Maiden alone holds the scourge and the key to the shackles. Deny Her or fail Her and you will know misery beyond this world. Appease Her and feel the bliss of Her blessings for eternity.