Slane Theocracy

**Leader** | * Pontifex Maximus

**Slane Theocracy** (スレイン法国, *Surein-hō-Koku*?) is a human nation of the New World and one of three major nations. It's one of the strongest countries in the New World as well an highly religious state, promoting human supremacy.

## Background

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Being one of the oldest established human nations, the Slane Theocracy has a history of six hundred years based on fierce adherence to their country's religion. The doctrine of the Slane Theocracy revolves around the Six Great Gods, who appeared six hundred years ago. While so, the country is divided into six different religious sects, each with its own specialized intelligence agency focusing on one expertise they're skillfully good at. Each sect is devoted to one of the Six Great Gods by the Scripture group's color.

Despite being split into different factions, the groups will still cooperate when necessary during times of crisis. They all acknowledge the threat of demons and other races in the world. Additionally, Slane Theocracy's civilization was said to be more advanced in technology than any of the neighboring countries that surround it. The Slane Theocracy also has an institutionalized divine magic training system that is comparable with the Baharuth Empire in terms of arcane magic. One in which they possess a magic school that focuses on training faith-based magic casters. The overall literacy rate for citizens living in the Theocracy is fairly high.

### Humanocentrism

Although the Theocracy promotes the discrimination of non-humans and the supremacy of humanity, it only serves to be a tactic from the higher-ups in order to unify all the humans with a common goal and increase their national power. Unlike the common folk, the high officials aren't blinded by xenophobic beliefs and prioritize the survival of humanity. In order to protect humans from the threat of other races, they wanted to bind people together with faith in the Six Great Gods. It was to the point where they tried to keep all God-Kin within their country's borders, even going as far as to detain their wives/potential mothers.

At the same time, the Cardinals recognized the fact that their nation's philosophy has a flaw to it. They feared that their nation's ideology might lead them in a dangerous direction if the Theocracy ever ends up being bordered next to a powerful non-human nation like the Argland Council State. The Cardinals believed that it could play a major factor in radicalizing the citizens to come together and form a militant movement against that nation. As far as this event being the worst-case scenario, the common folk would possibly shout for war with the Argland Council State in order to destroy the enemies of mankind.

The citizens of the Slane Theocracy often viewed people with nonhuman ancestry living in their country as second-class citizens.

### Theocracy - Elf War

Despite the Theocracy's prejudice towards non-humans, the nation once had a friendly relationship with the neighboring Elf Country. However, this relationship came to an end when the Elf King abducted and impregnated the *ace* of the Theocracy's Black Scripture. Fortunately, the Theocracy rescued her and the child that was forced upon her grew up to become Theocracy's strongest God-kin.

Afterward, at the urging of the child, a war of retribution was waged against the Elves. However, despite the Theocracy's superior military strength, progress is slow since the Elf Country is mostly hard to traverse woodland. Thus, the war continues to this day. Elves have also become favored products in the Theocracy's slave trade.

### Conspiracies

In order to achieve their goal of allowing humanity to survive in the face of demi-human threats, the Theocracy began to secretly manipulate the affairs of other human nations for what they saw as the greater good.

One of their actions was to shepherd the Re-Estize Kingdom, a human nation completely protected from demi-human nations by its neighbors and natural barriers. They believed this would allow the Kingdom to safely raise powerful individuals who could save mankind. However, its life of peace instead caused many nobles to become arrogant and delusional, resulting in the Kingdom to becoming nothing but a cesspool of corruption.

Deeming the Kingdom to be a failure, the Theocracy shifted its focus to the Baharuth Empire. Since the Theocracy couldn't directly take control of the Kingdom lest they share a border with the Argland Council State, which would inevitably lead to a war, they instead planned on letting the Empire conquer the Kingdom.

## Culture

The Theocracy preaches human supremacy and the persecution of other "lesser" races. With its religion revolving around the Six Gods and their descendants, the Theocracy is effectively divided into six different religious sects, each with its own unique culture and practices. One factor all groups shared is that the names of the people in the Slane Theocracy consist of a given name, a baptized name, and a family name.

In Mass for the Dead, it was revealed that the Theocracy follows a seniority system. Unlike other nations out there, they do not possess a culture that aims for reward. Instead, the people of the Slane Theocracy live to express their faith.

## Religion

In addition to worshiping the Six Great Gods, the citizens of the Slane Theocracy hold their descendants in veneration. The preservation of their gods' bloodline is of utmost priority and they make an effort to ensure their legacy carries on to the next generation. To achieve this, the Theocracy practices polygamy. Not only is such a practice considered to be a rare occurrence, but the husband is also restricted to have two wives at most.

Another central part of the Slane Theocracy's religion is the Miko Princesses, who by description are the nation's religious figures vital in performing some of their important rituals. So far, there seem to be Six Miko Princesses, which are related to the elements of the Six Great Gods. Though seemingly an esteemed position of power, in contrast, it appears that the Miko Princesses are effectively living sacrifices. They are chosen from the population with great care and scrutiny, due to the items they are given from their pedestals, which pose many risks to the user.

In the Web Novel, the Six Miko Princesses comprises Miko Princess of Water, Miko Princess of Fire, Miko Princess of Wind, Miko Princess of Earth, Miko Princess of Light, and Miko Princess of Darkness. Likewise, all of them are users of priest-type 5th tier magic, but this is a national secret.

There also exists a special temple dedicated to the God of Water. Within this temple is a special chamber filled with water called "Eye of the Water God."

## Politics

 File:Overlord EP13 110.png
As a Theocracy, the Slane is governed by a Pontifex Maximus with a position similar to that of an Emperor, elected in a conclave by the Six Cardinals.

The Pontifex Maximus is assisted by a board of advisers from the highest executive authorities in the Slane Theocracy, the council. It consists of the representatives of the Six Great Gods, the Cardinals, and from the government the heads of Executive, Legislature, and the Judiciary, plus the head of the Research Institute in charge of magic affairs, and the Grand Marshal as the highest appointment-holder in the military. The council sits on a round table within a sacred room where everyone is equal. There are no superiors or inferiors on the table, everyone is a collaborator and a comrade, including the Pontifex Maximus.

Cardinals are the highest appointment holders of the six sects that are devoted to the Six Gods. The position of a Cardinal is higher than that of a representative of governmental affairs; the demerit is that they get no wages so that people aspiring to become Cardinals would not be motivated to rise through the ranks by greed. Hence, there were many individuals who took high office with the intention of serving their nation. The current Cardinals are:

* Berenice Nagua Santini, the Cardinal of Fire.
* Ginedine Delan Guelfi, the Cardinal of Water.
* Dominic Ihre Partouche, the Cardinal of Wind.
* Raymond Zarg Lauransan, the Cardinal of Earth and commander of the Six Scriptures.
* Yvon Jasna Dracrowa, the Cardinal of Light.
* Maximilian Oreio Lagier, the Cardinal of Darkness.

There were only two countries that had the capability to set up national-level organizations. One of the two was said to have been the Slane Theocracy.

## Military Strength

The knights from the Slane Theocracy are said to be far stronger than those of the Baharuth Empire.

Additionally, there are God-kin among them with great influence over the country. Those special individuals were viewed as demigods who are descendants of their ancestors known as "players." When compared to both the Kingdom's or Empire's clerics, the Theocracy's faith-based magic casters (clerics) are usually more skilled than any of them. The average skill levels in the Theocracy are generally quite high. Also, the Theocracy has at least five artifacts left behind by the Six Great Gods.

In the Web Novel, if compared with purely human countries, the Theocracy possesses the strongest national power of them all due to its powerful military presence. Let alone their national power, the Theocracy also has the top fighting ability on the continent than any other human country. For instance, they conducted military operations within the nations bordering the Theocracy with the intention of suppressing demi-humans and other races. On the other hand, the Theocracy is capable of conducting large-scale rituals or have the highest class of priest to cast resurrection magic.

The Slane Theocracy was also shown to have access to the Six Miko Princesses, whose usage of the Crown of Wisdom allows them to perform High-Tiered Magic normally impossible for humans to use or achieve.

There are Six Scriptures, who are deeply rooted into separate branches of the Theocracy:

* Sunlight Scripture: *The anti-demi-human response unit.*
* Black Scripture: *The special black operations military unit.*
* Windflower Scripture: *The intelligence and espionage unit.*
* Clearwater Scripture: *The infiltration and undercover unit.*
* Holocaust Scripture: *The assassination and counter-terrorism unit.*

After losing the entire Sunlight Scripture, several Black Scripture members, Kaire, and one of the Miko Princesses alongside her Crown of Wisdom, one of the Six Cardinals estimated that it will take at least ten years for the Theocracy to fully recover their military strength.

## Foreign Relations

The Slane Theocracy is the strongest human nations in the region. While there are various political and cultural issues with the other neighboring nations, many see the Theocracy as a necessary evil. In an ironic twist of fate, Theocracy's xenophobic actions allowed its neighboring to advance into their own societies, as they would normally have disappeared in the face of encroaching demi-human nations.

### Dragon Kingdom

The Dragon Kingdom pays tribute to the Slane Theocracy in return for military aid in their war against the Beastman Country; a deal which the Theocracy honors.

### Elf Country

Originally, the Theocracy and the elves had a cooperative relationship. That ended when its reigning monarch kidnapped and violated one of the Slane Theocracy's Godkin. Presently, the Elf Country and the Slane Theocracy are engaged in a war.

### Re-Estize Kingdom

In the past, the Theocracy secretly shepherded the Kingdom in the hopes this would allow humanity to grow and thrive, as well as produce several strong individuals. However, this backfired, as their relatively peaceful lifestyle caused them to become nothing but a cesspool of corruption that even the Theocracy wished to eradicate.

The only reason the Theocracy did not conquer the Kingdom themselves was due to fear of retaliation by the Argland Council State. Instead, they planned to on having the Kingdom be conquered by the Baharuth Empire. To this end, while there was no open war between the Theocracy and Kingdom, conflicts existed behind-the-scenes in the form of espionage and small skirmishes.

Aside from all the political issues, the two nations also had problems due to religious differences.

### Baharuth Empire

The Empire has made many appeals to the Theocracy for its assistance in sharing their teachings on divine magic. However, the Theocracy has yet to make any response back to the Empire's request on the issue.

In truth, the Theocracy has long been monitoring its activities and political movements and considered it to be the more successful nation compared to its neighbor, the Re-Estize Kingdom, which they considered a failure. Because of this, they planned to permit its conquest of the Kingdom.

### Argland Council State

Slane Theocracy's doctrine, promotes discrimination and eradication of all demi-humans and non-humans. The formation and existence of a nation of demi-humans, is seen as a grave threat to the supremacy of humanity. The Slane Theocracy's military, has been known to wipe out entire villages of demi-humans in zealous fervor to their doctrine. It's been stated that from the citizens' point of view, the Argland Council State and the Slane Theocracy actively hate each other.

Despite the Theocracy's obvious hatred of all non-humans, the nation knows its military limits, as the Cardinals were reluctant to wage direct war against the Argland Council State. This reluctance has also prevented them from expanding and conquering the Re-Estize Kingdom, whose nation lies at the doorstep of the Argland Council State.

However despite their clashing ideologies and intense xenophobic hatred for the Council State, the higher up leaders of the Theocracy are known to take careful steps when handling their relationship with the Council State due to the power they possess. In a way, the Theocracy still possess the necessary means to open a dialogue of communication with one of the Council Dragon Lord Leaders from that nation regarding important matters.

Its also been revealed that at least one Council Dragon Lord of the Argland Council State possesses sensitive information on the Theocracy and wasn't above using it to subtly threaten the Theocracy.

### Roble Holy Kingdom

Relations between the two nations was a bit volatile due to some religious differences between them. However, they still share a common enemy that are the demi-human tribes that live in the Abelion Hills.

After the founding of the Sorcerer Kingdom, which they considered a common threat, the two countries attempted to form an alliance against the non-human nation. However, talks were slow due to their religious differences and were most likely abandoned following the Holy Kingdom swift in perspective towards the Sorcerer Kingdom after the Sorcerer King personally saved their nation.

## Known Characters

* Zesshi Zetsumei
* Cedran
* Beaumarchais
* Kaire
* Clementine
* Nigun Grid Luin
* Belius
* Londes Di Clamp
* Captain of the Black Scripture
* Quaiesse Hazeia Quintia
* Ian Als Heim (*Mass for the Dead*)
* Enhela Read Gahi (*Mass for the Dead*)
* Rufus

## Trivia

* The banner of the Slane Theocracy resembles the seven-branch menorah, or candelabrum, one of the oldest symbols of Judaism.
* The Slane Theocracy is the only nation with a population register so as to aid in finding proper candidates for the positions of the Miko Princesses.
* The Rubik's Cube was introduced by the Six Great Gods and is a popular toy in the Theocracy.
* Slaves are a popular and expensive commodity in the Slane Theocracy, especially elves. The elves themselves are psychologically broken and their ears are mutilated. Elves who have skills and are good looking are worth a huge sum, about the same as a magical weapon.
* There is a slim possibility that the Slane Theocracy's banner is actually the Six Great Gods' guild flag.
* According to the author Maruyama, if the Slane Theocracy collapses, so will the Kingdom, Empire, and the Holy Kingdom that will fall to monsters soon after.
* The Slane Theocracy did not have royal families of their own in contrast to the Re-Estize Kingdom, the Baharuth Empire, and the Roble Holy Kingdom.
* Although unknown if true or false, it's been implied that the Slane Theocracy were the first ones to coin and invent the system of the Adventurer's Guild during after the chaos caused by the Evil Deities done in order to stabilize the war-wrecked human nations victimized by the deities rampage.

## References

1. ↑ *ARCADIA 2.14: ARCADIA 391 06-19-2010*
2. ↑ *Overlord Volume 07 Chapter 2: Butterfly Entangled in a Spider's Web*
3. ↑ *Mass for the Dead Chapter 07: Trilateral Talks*
4. ↑ *Overlord First Half Chapter 60: Settings*
5. ↑ Overlord First Half Chapter 87: Various Countries Part 5
6. ↑ *Overlord Second Half Chapter 4: Triumphant Return Part 4*
7. ↑ *Syosetsu Blog Post: August 30th 2014*
8. ↑ *Overlord Volume 13 Chapter 6: Gunner and Archer*