Maldakij Illuminate

The **Maldakij Illuminate** was a local power in Sector 006 of the Milky Way Galaxy. A rising superpower, the Illuminate has started to become prominent in interstellar affairs, especially with its neighbouring powers.

The Illuminate is a democratic theocracy with an elected monarch, its religion forming a very central role in the governing of the nation and other foreign and domestic affairs.

The Illuminate is the sovereign political body of the Maldan people, hailing from their homeworld of Mal. This ancient power has throughout history acted as mediators, and their religion and civilised nature has been admired by both its enemies and allies alike. After the Federation-Parthan War in Sector 006 of 3005, the Illuminate understood the need for reaching out to other sectors, and initiated a military exchange program between the Illuminate and the Federation.

## Structure

The Illuminate is a theocracy, headed by a monarch who would be elected once every 10 years, but the term may not be renewed instantly. The monarch is the High Prophet, who serves as the Head of State. The High Prophet is the spiritual leader of the Illuminate faith. As leader of its religion, the Prophet is regarded as the highest servant to their god, as well as the overall interpreter of the stars. The High Prophet has extensive powers within the sacred constitution on paper which the Illuminate was founded upon. This sacred constitution has been the guiding principles of the rule of the High Prophets for thousands of years. The High Prophet, since he/she is a spiritual figure and the head of state, holds no actual political power. Instead the power lies within the Illuminancy, the Illuminate's governing body, headed by a First Consul.

The current High Prophet is Ghen IV. He was elected in 3004.

The current First Consul is Fal Yharis. She was first elected as First Consul in the year 2990.

## History

### Founding of a Kingdom

The history of the Illuminate is estimated to stretch back to circa 340 BC. However, the events surrounding the establishment of the Illuminate is vague at best. According to religious texts, a visionary sought to bring his fellow people into a way of life where great suffering was lessened or eradicated entirely. This visionary formed his first teachings, and began to spread them throughout neighbouring lands. He eventually gained a large number of followers, which only increased over the years.

This visionary became known as the 'Prophet of the People' as his teachings continued to spread and touch thousands of people. However, he gained many enemies in the process, and was eventually killed by them as they tore him limb from limb. Years after his death, the peoples united under this visionary's teachings came to a unanimous decision to establish realm in his name, creating a kingdom governed by his teachings. it was around this time, in 340 BC which the ancient origins of the Illuminate was formed as well as the title and role of the High Prophet. The most devoted follower of the visionary became the sole leader of that realm, and throughout history would be considered as the first High Prophet. In religious texts, he was called Saitus (in ancient Maldakij native language, literally means "saint"). Virtually nothing else is known of the early kingdom other then its founding. The kingdom would go on for a few centuries.

### The First Holy Republic

#### Establishment

5 years prior to the fall of the early kingdom, a new High Prophet was instated. Crowned as Ghentis I, he was young and idealistic. However, under his reign, the kingdom became increasingly authoritarian, and the last two years of his reign was known as the 'Two Years of Tyranny'. As described in the Holy Accords, the scriptures which forms a core part of Maldan religion, the common people eventually rose up against the Prophet and overthrew him. The leaders of the revolution, including many of the priests and religious governers under the Prophet, set up a republic in place of the kingdom. This ended the kingdom. The title of High Prophet was soon demoted to a more symbolic and spiritual role rather than governance and yielding political authority.

The Illuminancy was reformed in the aftermath of the revolution. A Comission was set up in the Illuminancy, with the titles of First Consul and Consul bestowed on members of the Comission. This would be the system of governance adopted by the later political regimes of the Second and Third Holy Republic as well as during the Illuminant Restoration, when the Illuminate was restored.

#### Dissolution

The First Holy Republic would continue for a least a century until its fall in 40 AD.