Brideveinese Theocracy

The Brideveinese Theocracy is located in the north east of the Archipelago of Moribus, and is bordered to the West by the Kingdom of Pathez and on the east the Republic of Earthia. The historic incursions of the Orcish hordes from the plains of Pathez across the land bridge connecting the two islands known as the 'Cord' is suspected to be what caused the Theocracy to become hostile to outsiders and find comfort in their own religion.

## Government

   The Brideveinese are governed by a powerful council of high priests, each selected from the seven temples devoted to their seven gods. Similar to their pantheon make-up, the high priest who is in charge of the council is selected from the Temple of Rhomos, and is in charge of balancing the wills of the other priests and keeping order.

## Major Religions

The Brideveinese Theocracy does not allow for freedom of religion within its borders, and as a result the only religion inside the nation is the worship of the Pantheon of the Seven. The Pantheon is a collection of seven deities, each of which represent an important facet of the Brideveinese faith.

There are three main facets, each containing two gods who diametrically oppose the other in sort of a Yin-Yang. The Kukamet, holy texts in old Brideveinese, call these three facets 'Cycles' and indicate that the waxing of one indicates the waning of the other. As the balance is shifted, the world changes and it is only for the calming prescence and intervention of the seventh and eldest god Rhomos that utter destruction is prevented.

The Pantheon of the Seven is as follows.

* Rhomos - God of Order
	+ Rhomos is the chief and eldest god of the pantheon, and it is through him alone that balance is kept throughout the rest of the Pantheon
* Life/Death Cycle
	+ Rogyn - God of Life, Creation, and the Sky
	+ Umphine - Goddess of Death, Sickness, and Earth
		- Brideveinesians particulary fear a tilt in balance towards Umphine, as this results in an increase in plague, disease, and death throughout not just their nation but also the world as a whole. Meanwhile, a tilt in favor of Rogyn often corresponds with increased birth rates throughout the nation and favorable weather.
* Fate/Choice Cycle
	+ Nyllos - Goddess of Change, Seasons, and Blacksmiths
	+ Phenos - God of Prophecy, Fate, and Oracles
		- The Brideveinese believe this cycle affects much of their life. A good example is a cycle tilted in the favor of Nyllos might result in early winter, but also freedom from predefined fate and the possibility to rise above your station with freedom of choice and free will. This leads to the strange Brideveinese blessing '*May you see an early winter'* often said in well wishes to a friend that you want the best for. Likewise, an acceptable blessing might also be '*May fate look on you kindly'.* when the priesthood believes the balance favors Phenos.
* War/Peace Cycle
	+ Aranara - Goddess of War, Fury, and Victory
	+ Udeyar - God of Peace, Tranquility and Commerce
		- The cycle of Phenos and Udeyar is one that affect every one of the Brideveinese lives. When young men are sent off to their mandatory stints in the Brideveinesian Army, it is common for mothers to wish them '*May the balance favor Udeyar'* essentially wishing a time of peace during their mandatory service. It is also a common saying to those wishing peace and kinship among meeting someone new, as well as a farewell.

## Military Forces

### Army of the Seven

The regular army of the Theocracy, formed mainly by those pressed into mandatory service at adulthood for a mandatory 5-10 years depending on the War/Peace cycle. While it is officially called the Army of the Seven, the temple of Phenos, oversees nearly all facets of the military forces and composes its leaders. Each unit is assigned a chaplain to look over the faith and loyalty of the young soldiers and keep an eye out for any who may be worthy of promotion to the temple and the inquisition.

### Inquisition

The Inquisition is a secret branch of the Theocracy's military forces, dedicated to rooting out rebels and heretics within its lands and beyond. This force is made up of the elite of the elite and are heavily indoctrinated and trained in various interrogation methods, magical and otherwise. It is here Rhysand Wyrmsbane was trained and served throughout his 20s before escaping to Stilde.

## Brideveinese Locations/Cities

Important Brideveinese Locations

Category:Brideveinese Towns/Cities