Realm of the Beast

The Realm of the Beast, known more commonly as Tykivoland, is an island-nation located in the middle of the Casorina Pass. Geographically and culturally isolated, the island is populated by a group with no discernable connection to the outside world, the Tykovi.
The Tykovi are a theocratic people, who follow a terrifying figure known only as The Beast. The Beast is said to live deep within the bowels of the island, and is accessed by a cave known as Jaw of Damnation. The human leader of the state, known as the Chief Servant, derives his authority though the apparent ability to speak with The Beast. The position is for life, and the clerical caste chose his successor. This is done through bloodshed; the High Servants, the 5 most senior members of the clergy, enter an arena. There, armed with no weapons, they fight until only one survives - who will become the next Chief Servant.
The Chief Servant weilds authority alone, and with no limits; whatever decision he calls for it carried out without question, such is the religious conviction of the Tykovi.
The Tykovi are feared as boogeymen throughout Oryndiil. This reputation was gained during the attempt by the Casorian Empire to conquer the island. Seen initially as primitives, the Imperial Legions thought the island would be a pushover. However, the initial expedition was wiped out by a colossal attack by the Tykovi, with only one survivor - who was made to bare witness to the post battle ritual of the Tykovi people, namely the cannibalisation of the slain's corpses in the name of the Beast. The barbary of the Tykovi horrified the Emperor and his court, and invasion after invasion was sent to the island, each ending the same way. Eventually, the Empire negotiated to have access to the northermost peninsula of the island, and in return a tribute was demanded - the annual delivery of 10 women for a sacrifice to the Beast. This agreement was kept a secret for centuries, with prostitutes and vagrants being kidnapped from Lockvalar and delivered to the island. The revelation of the agreement, centuries after the abandonment of the Imperial outpost on the island, caused widespread public outrage.
The Tykovi are fearsome warriors, as the repulsion of the Empire proved. Rather than operating as an organised army, the Tykovi operate as a strange sort of hivemind - masses of the Tykovi would rush at any invaders in a blood frenzy, using any weapon - sword, club, fists, or even mouth - in an attempt to fell their foe. Stories of the Tykovi eating their enemies alive in battle continue to provoke horror in the minds of Oryndilli at large, and many works of horror fiction have been produced with the Tykovi as the antagonists.
Category:Island
Category:Theocracy
Category:Island Nation