The Rules are a form of technology utilized by Paradeisos. The are referred to as a "higher power", capable of setting absolute constraints on actions and behavior, and are anathema to Mania in all its forms. In opposition to Mania, which draws its strength from chaotic emotions, the Rules seem to be derived from logic and reason. In this way, they may be an equivalent force harnessed by Paradeisos in order to counteract the effects of Mania. The Rules are symbolically associated with triangles and with the light blue color of Hypercubes, reflecting some common origin. Utilizing the Rules appears to require massive expenditures of Hypercubes, as Nirvana pledged a decade's worth of their yield to fuel the Rules that Paradeisos sought to enforce on the Corpus of BR-002.
Paradeisos utilizes the Rules in a number of different forms, for example:
- The Chief's body is implanted with Rules that prevent them from consuming more than three Corpuses. When they attempt to go beyond this limit, the Chief is hit with severe mental feedback, ultimately culminating in a months-long coma when they persist in placing their Shackles on a fourth Corpus.
- The Observatorium is imbued with strict Rules that absolutely prohibit the act of rebellion, the use of Sinners' abilities, or the presence of Mania. For Sinners, aside from the Hush, just being present within the Observatorium causes a low level of prickling, numbing pain.
- Schorl is able to fire blasts of blue energy that are said to be an application of the Rules. Although particularly effective against Mania entities, contaminants, and Sinners, they are incredibly destructive to regular humans and inanimate objects as well.
- A Purge Order is likely the highest level of Rules enforcement available to Paradeisos. Although the details of its execution are unknown, but it is some form of mass casualty event brought about in order to prevent the spread of Mania in a large geographical area
Despite the Rules' power, they are not insurmountable. The Rules within the Chief were scoured from their body after months of direct mental exposure to the core of BR-002 during their coma, and Shalom was, over time, able to master manipulating the Rules within the Observatorium to such a degree that she could act freely without being constrained by them. When the Observatorium was destroyed by Coquelic and Rebel, the Rules activated to try and prevent Rebel from wreaking havoc within the space, but ultimately were "shattered" as the Observatorium was overcome by Mania. A Corpseborne within its Black Ring is also impervious to the Rules.