The Masacali Consulate

The Consulate is a nation on the rise, and a nation for the people. While other empires fall to chaos, while other nations gods fall silent, the Consulate grows only stronger.
Despite the relatively young age of it's most current incarnation, the Masacali Territory has been active with life, magic and intrigue dating all the way back to the Age of Wonder. Originally, the region was made up of individual Kingdoms called Raj ruled by rulers known as Raja. However, after the Foreign Crisis necessitated a need for a central military, the individual Raja gave up power to a central authority, the Living Avatar. 
The Living Avatar is believed to be a direct incarnation of the aspect of Preservation, and they rule over the Consulate in a largely cerimonial capacity. The true power of the Consulate comes from the "Consuls", individuals chosen to serve in a diet to dicate decisions and legistlative action for betterment of the country. Despite this democratic process, the Masacali Consulate is not a true democracy or even a republic. The role of Consul is largely determined by a series of powerful indvididuals working in conjunction for the theoretical prosperity of their people aligned with their dharma. 
The people of the Consulate are extremely diverse and spread out all over the region, from the sand swept steps near Ular Kel, to the temperate forestlands near Niswan, to the golden coasts near Taaj Shahar and the deep verdant life within the Ghasi Jungle. They are primarily united by a central religion, referred to as "The One Truth", though large followings dedicated to Sarenrae and to a greater focus on animism exist within the Consulate, especially in specific regions like Taaj Shahar or the Ghasi Jungle respecitvely. 
The strict and relatively reactionary government of the Consulate can be at odds with some of the more radical organizations demanding more change within it. Organizations such as the Firebrands and the Palagapi strike back against perceived persecution against the Masacali people. Many of the Adivasi ethnicity refuse to accept the Consulate's authority over their traditional lands. All however are vigilant against the threat of the Earthbound, Rakshasa, who are believed to exist and linger in every aspect of Masacali society, plotting the return of the great MahaRaja who once ruled the region with a bloody fist. 
Despite these tensions, or perhaps because of them, the Masacali Conssulate has grown over the last 400 years into one of the dominant superpowers of Celasper, with a sizable military, navy, and infastructure. In addition to maintaining a delicate power balance with its neighbors to the north and west, the current Masacali government has taken a strong stance against piracy, determined to end their interference once and for all. The destruction of the bandits in the Broken Spine will mean Masacali naval supremacy, and open vital trade routes to Mana Jacalba. 
With a central source of unity, a focus on expansion and a prosperous economy, the Consulate is a sleeping giant now awake, ready to take on the Age of Upheaval.

Structure

In addition to the organized Diet of the Consuls, a number of minor factions exist within the Consulate:
The Curse Breakers: A group of Rakshasa sympathizers. Formed as a counter culture movement to the Shepherds, they are made up of those displaced by the Masacali's secret police force. They advocate for transparency and an end to the shepherds as a organization that can act without oversight. Some advocate as well for the safety of Faultspawn and Rakshasa born Tieflings too often imprisoned by the Masacali forces.
The Palagapi: A group of young radicals fighting against the religious oligarchy of the Masacali Consulate. They perceive injustice and attacks against their community in the name of traditional values and the existing nobility and advocate an end to the cast system and increasingly an end to the diet itself.
The Soul Guard: a citizens police made of up tieflings who fight against the perceived corruption by Asura and Earthbound. They go further than the guard to route out corruption and specifically target the nobility, and those in power who they believe are compromised.
The Firebrands: An environment terrorist organization and group of bandits that exist within the Consulates outskirts. A large number of the Adivasi are among their numbers or actively harbor them. Considered a faction aligned with the Pirates of the Broken Spine, they see the increasing industrialization of the Consulate as a step towards the eventual destruction of sacred territory and the deaths of the nature in their homeland, and perhaps the deaths of the incarnations themselves.
The Cult of the Ebon Destroyer: A doomsday cult led by Asura escaped from the Labyrinth dedicated to the destruction of the Consulate and of the Asura themselves.
The Children of Blinding Night: A cult supposedly run by one of the Earthbound imprisoned in the Labyrinth. This order of witches and warlocks use divination to cheat death and provide ill omens. They specialize in impersonating midwives and doctors to grant the sliver of Rakshasa into newborns to hasten the return of the Earthbound. Their overall goal is to bring forth the next true MahaRaja to tear down the Consulate.
Though not factions, the consulate also contains a few other unique types of peoples:
Faqir: Some believe that the path to perfection or religious enlightenment can only be found through poverty as a way to cleanse themselves of all desire. These beggars will often travel from city to city slaying ghosts, and performing magical healing for those in need.
Kabiraj (Yogis): Those dedicated to meditation or the natural order but not part of a monastery are often called Kabiraj. Some are shamanic in their approach to nature, while others will have specific dietary restrictions. Some will focus on meditation or even exercise in the form of rhythmic dancing or singing.

Culture

Storms often occur off the coast of the Consulate, and their portrayal constrasted against the sunset is the subject of many paintings. Indeed the sunrise and the sunset are the symbols of the Consulate, and are depicted upon their national flag.The national Colors of the Consulate are Pink and Orange against a White backdrop.
A day in the Consulate begins with famrers, fishermen and acolytes of monostaries up far before dawn. With the dawn come bells from every temple to Creation. Songs and chimes chant from the many temples of the Consulate.
By morning the shops have opened throughout the region, and in cities across the Consulate crafting and jobs begin. In Niswan, they are humble smiths and merchants. In Taaj Shahar they are rail-lines, illusionary tales, and skymetal crafting. In Radripal, the business is silver.
At the sun's zenith more bells ring, more chimes clammer, this time for Preservation. Midday meals consist of spiced vegetables, and drinks laced with fruit. As days end dinner brings warm food consisting of rice, spiced potatoes, herbed vegetables and other delicacies.
Nighfall brings more bells, this time for Destruction. Prayers in the evening are often more introspective. What about the self can be destroyed and remade?
However in the Consulate the day has just begun when the sun falls. This is the time for celebration. Games, Hookah, dice, street performers, displays of magic. Pop up stands sell food with honey and nut wrappings. Exotic fruit appears. Many businesses open exclusively at night. Dancing in public places is common. And then they begin again the next day.
Kites are pasttime within the Consulate, families may stitch tapestries into them showing their whole families history, or depicting a great event or religious occurrence. Niswan hosts a multi-day festival yearly to the art, with hundreds of thousands of people flying kites.
Family within the consulate holds weight. Who your father or mother were matter and help to determine your starting lot in life. The Consulate follows a system of ranking and ordering in which a persons family determines their intiail rank in society, as a warrior, a worker, a scholar, a noble. Movement between these circles are limited, and some like the Adivasi have no place within the social structure at all, instead having to fend on the outside for recognition and prosperity.
Hospitality is universal amongst the Masacali as a people. It is common for tea or food to be offered by those visiting a household, even if the visit is hostile or it is clear it will not be accepted.
Clothing is loose, often in linons or cotton, and headbands and scarves are equally common. Clothing in the consulate is colorful and favors oranges, pinks, browns, reds and purples.
Silver is common in jewelry, which is worn on men and woman in equal measure. Long hairstyles as well are people outside of the military, where short hair is encouraged for practical purposes. Those in monastic traditions of either gender are typically bald.
Celebrations are common in the Consulate, and there is usually a celestial holiday, a marriage, a birth, or something else to drink or dance to. Sitars and Dhuk are the musical instruments of choice for any celebration.
Games in the Consulate include Charam, a game with four corners goals and a large disk to hit smaller disks into holes.
A variation of the game of hockey is played on a series of poles called Malakhamba, and it is played by monks in a specifically built type of arena. Playing the game requires incredible acrobatic skill and it is considered the national sport.
Both Niswan and Taaj Shahar also maintain Water Polo teams and participate in games against Alba and other nations in friendly competition.
The Challenge of the Earth and Sky is considered the most important competition in the Consulate. Held between different monastic traditions and academies, as well as orders from Tet Mar, The Ascendancy, Goka and other nations of Tian Xia, teams come to compete in martial arts for honor and glory. Lesser tourneys are held yearly amongst the consulate to gauge interest, but it is believed Irori himself watches the challenge.
The Monastic orders of the Consulate are known as the Houses of Perfection. The great houses develop different styles of martial arts based on the elements and planes of existence among other philosophies.
Burials are uncommon in Masacali territory, and most undead are typically burned to avoid the vile beings from returning to life. While this does prevent most physical undead presences, incorporial ones do remain within the Consulate.
Slavery is permitted within the Consulate by rare exceptions, primarily for outsiders such as Genies. Even those who break from a caste are not strapped in irons. What is far more common is for someone in severe debt to voluntarily sell themselves into slavery to pay off their dues, or to perhaps finance a relative.
Dogs are beloved in the Consulate. Myth holds that dogs are oftentimes incarnations or their servants in disguise, and some even state that dogs have a specific connection to the spiritual world to see souls who move beyond Pharasma's judgment. Birds on the other hand are considered to be an ominous sign, which in turn has caused some resentment to the Tengu community who extremists consider to be bad luck.
Sura is the liquor of choice for most in the consulate, made from rice wine fermented with honey. Madhu is a beverage made from hops consumed largely by laborers due to it's inexpensive cost to create. Tharra is a homemade spirit made from cashews and palm sap. Rice beer attracts wild animals due to it's smell and is sometimes used in the hunting of animals, especially elephants.

Public Agenda

The Stated Goals of the Consulate are as follows:

1. Eliminate and contain all remaining Earthbound and Asura currently on Celasper.
2. Eradicate piracy and ensure safe shipping lanes for all Masacali merchants.
3. Expand military and industrial assets for the consulate to create a powerful and long-lasting nation.
4. Subjugate all enemies to the Consulate economically, militarily, and spiritually.
5. Create an orderly state under heaven and achieve a perfect society.

History

See the timeline of the Masacali Consulate Below 

Demography and Population

While humans make up the largest population base in the Masacali, it is not an overwhelming majority. Gnomes make up a decent percentage of the Masacali population, as do Dwarves, Kobolds, Tengu, Genasi (Suli espeically), Nagaji, Kashrishi, Vishkanya, and even small Goran population centers.
Of the Human population there are different subcultures, the Vudrans make up the largest ethnic group, being those originating from the populated southwestern edge of the Masacali territory. The Vudran language is so pervasive that it has largely become the official language of the Consulate. However, those of the Pahaadee originating from the mountainous border region with Ferox make up a significant minority, and a large section of the Vishkanya population comes from Phaaadee origins. The Ghoda originate from the plains-like northeast of the Consulate and share a mixture of facial features from both Bengion and the Steppe due to their mixed origins. The Terah are a minority rhinethnic group originating from near the Thirteen Halls, and contain a number of half-dwarves, and half-Nagaji among their numbers. The Sheersh people originate from some of the forgotten areas near the southernmost coast of the Masacali and several of it's island territories.
Of special mention as well are the Adivasi, the abandoned people, a ethnic movement who have largely rejected the Consulates rule in order to live off of the land and in commune with nature. These tribal groups typically accuse the Masacali leadership of selling out to the Asura or the Earthbound and reject both in kind. A large number of Kobolds exist among their numbers, and many have affiliation with the Firebrands, when they choose to have affiliations at all.
Overall, the population of the Consulate is massive and heavily centered to the southwest of the territory. The exception to this rule is Ular Kel, a border settlement with a population of over 20,000 people. Taaj Shahar, the largest city in the Consulate, boasts a population of close to 150,000 people.
A decent amount of the Genie population in the Consulate is still in bondage, summoned originally by Earthbound hundred or thousands of years prior, the bonds holding them in place have been used in Taaj Shahar to power existing infrastructure, much to the displeasure of the Firebands and other countercultural movements.

Territories

The Ghasi Jungle: The Great Ghasi Jungle makes up much of the south and southeast of the Consulate. It is filled with overgrowth, disease, crocodiles, monsters in ancient lakes, snakes, forgoten shrines and ancient Rakshasa castles. Cultists, Adivasi, Naga-kin and rogues typically live within these forest dwellings, but several signs of civilization do exist in the far east of the Jungle, and of course with the Island of Jaipor offshore. Jungle spirits in the forms of Panthers, Rhinos, Peacocks, Tigers and other beasts stalk the treelines, but often avoid, or sometimes even aid those they perceive as worthy.
The Pure Temple of the Avatar: Sitting in the middle of Lake Adhirohan, the spot where Irori ascended into heaven is considered a sacred space. A great pagoda was built around the waterways to commemorate the impossible deed. When an avatar passes into the cycle of reincarnation, their body is interred in this sacred pagoda in the waters near Irori ascended. Every four years, the Consuls make a pilgrimage to this spot before the beginning of the Diet's legislative session.
The Rhani Fields: The great plains to the northeast of the Consulate before the gateway to Ular Kel are home to the greatest elephant breeding grounds in the known world. This savannah belongs to them, and to the horses cultivating for riding by the consulate. The air here is dry and crisp, and the warm temperature is perfect before braving the northern deserts of the steppe.
The Sald River: The Easternmost river comes down towards the Pure Temple of the Avatar. Animism is common in the Consulate, and many find spirits in local places of nature worthy of veneration. The most recent is a youth seen by the riverways here believed to be a nature spirit.
The Karana-Mein: The woods sitting upon the Sald River are considered to be sacred hunting grounds for the Consul's and the religious representatives of the Living Avatar. Filled with Deer, Tigers, Exotic Birds, Panthers, and Rhinos among other beasts. Hunting here without permission is said to run the risk of facing local spirits and guardians of the forests demands. The Adivasi find this arrangement distastful and several raids against the Consulate have been held in these woods in the past.
Safed Pahaad: The great Mountain Range that divides the Consulate from the Ferox Colonies. Meaning the white stone mountains their name comes from the high peaks that dot the skyline. Myth holds that the Beast of the Land itself stepped across the range in pre-history, forming great mountains in the places where it stepped. The ruins of multiple civilizations exist within the mountain ranges, including vast tunnel systems dedicated to unknown gods, and unknown and ancient peoples. Stone monuments in unreadable languages outline the entrances of some of the cave systems. What few explorers who have mapped out these networks can say with certaintay is that some of the networks date back the age of serpents, and tell the tale of a terrible calamity.
The White Stone Temple: Sitting at the base of Safed pahaad is an abandoned temple to a now imprisoned sorcerer king and earthbound known as the Serpent Raja. The Serpent Raja claimed to be an incarnation of destruction with power over serpents. Before his capture and sealing, he and his cultists would capture civilians and turn them into venom addicted servants to his will. The temple is considered haunted, and it is believed that not all of the earthbound within were ever truly sealed.
Kaina Kataha: The area around the White Stone Temple is considered a badland by Masacali citizens. Several battles occurred here betweeen Rakshasa, Asura, and ancient rebel forces that utterly destroyed the land. Nothing grows here, and ancient haunts in the earth themselves doom the land.
The Nadee Network: Like the imperium and Sardis, The Consulate maintains a number of water routes between Radripal, Manjuhi, Niswan, and the Capital itself. Notably Taaj Shahar is not directly connected by waterway, necessitating the need for the direct train routes that now run from the metropolis to connecting cities.
Gho Vella: a tiny island and community south of Taaj Shahar is considered offlimits to travellers. The Shepherds insist that a great curse has occurred here, and have sealed the island to outsiders, without providing any additional details.
Sarrer: The Small town north of the capital is primarily known for it's academy for statesman. Students here are taught in the arts of society, etiquette, grace, and culture, and doubles as a conservatory for the arts.
Veedesha: a small castle located inland of the Ghasi Jungle and southeast of Radripal is believed to have once been home to an ancient MahaRaja and Earthbound. While the earthbound who resided here is now considered sealed, the castle is abandoned, and currently believed to be occupied by a number of criminals and firebrands hostile to the Consulate's mission.
Niswan: The City of Pagodas: Here there are welcoming banner of sunset. There are bookshops, libraries devoted to philosophy and martial arts. There are fisheries and shops, beaches, restaurants, and academies to the art of perfection. Niswan is considered the most culturally preserved city in the Consulate. There are no signs of the incredible technological advancement found a few hundred miles south in Taaj Shahar. Here time is measured by the bells, morning for creation, afternoon for preservation, night for destruction. Here criminal elements run rampant, with corrupt dice games in back room with complict guards. Here kites fly in a hundred colors, and spices bring a hundred recipes to life. The Pagodas for which the city gets its name have been raised for every major incarnation and god in the Consulate. Great sporting events are held, and martial arts tournaments for the colleges of perfection to battle for the right to train on the high mountain. Niswan is a gateway the Broken Spine, with multiple ships a day going to and from the city to Nephysis, The Imperium of Bengion, and to Alba beyond. Taaj Shahar has a lock on the trade routes to Tian Xia, but the west belongs to Niswan.
The Hanging Monasteries of Mt. Sher: North of Niswan lies the gateway to ancient runes within Safed Pahaad. Overlooking one of the ranges on Mt. Sher however are the hanging monasteries of the learned masters. One of the more presitgious houses of perfection, the students of this monastic order devote their time to the teachings of the air, and of the ground by communing in sacred tunnels they have built to Irori. Some of these tunnels go deeper than even the monks realize, but against the objection of some students, the order's masters have not permitted outsiders to observe them. The Monastery itself sits on a large plateau overseeing much of the surrounding countryside, including Niswan itself on a clear day.
The Monasteries at Mt Pavitir: Two different orders, the Nalanda and the Sarnath teach at the foot of Mt. Pavitir. Those who show great worth are allowed to ascend the mountain to Irori's crucible, where the path to perfection is walked. Rumors tell different stories of the mountains ascent, saying that the learned will be tested to turn away from the path, and that outsiders will assume the forms of animals to observe those who climb the sacred steps. THe monastic order of the Nalanda have carved their study halls in red into the cliffface of the far side of the mountain. The students here study the path of fire, and are taught by a liberated fire genie who rejected the greed of the city of Brass. Those of the Sarnath refused to touch the sacred mountain, building a temple to Irori at the steps of the mountain. Here in their orange stoned buildings they dedicate themselves to the path of metal, learning how to use rings, poles, and iron from the plane of earth.
Varupa: Bastion of Preservation: Varupa is a fortress city, built on a strategic and elevated stretch of land upon the coast to withstand strong ocean currents. Its location in the age of piracy is more important than ever, as it is believed that the Black Table are unable to assault the city's elevated position. This advantage allows for ships to be constructed here for the war effort, with caverns underneath the great castles of Varupa allowing for ships to sail out of the bay undetected in multiple directions. Varupa itself is home to the Red Fortress, made of imported stone from Moaras and the River Runway, three layers of walls defend Varupa from external agression. The military order of the Mascali is based here, along with the MahaRaja Prashant Hegani, of House Hegani. Admiral Arya Chaudhari commands the naval effort to route out piracy and even possesses a sky fortress if necessary to complete her duty. Minarets to Preservation are common within the city, and the paladins of preservation, as well as the order of the Shephers maintain strong presences here.
Ular Kel: The Gateway to the Steppe: This massive city is perhaps one of the few sources of water for hundreds of miles. Recently the Raja of Ular Kel has become increasingly focused on closing down the border between the consulate and the outside world.
Pankh-Mein: Former capital of the Ebon Legion and the Rakshasa Nirrti, Garuda still guard this place against unspeakable evils that remain within the territory. A small section of Goran are currently fighting against corruption within the forest and lingering Earthbound influence to regain their former home.
Nyru's Fall: Site of the last verified dragon hunt within the Consulate, Nyru's Fall is named for a hero of the Age of Blood Nyru who sucessfully felled an Earthbound who had reincarnated as a Green Dragon. While Drakes are still found in abundance within the forest, it is considered one of the safer woodlands in the Consulate.
Machhalee: The Ancient site of the Sorcerer King known as Old Fishey, it is now a university town and home to the University of Sarrer.
The Tipura Ruins: An Ancient Sky City that is believed to have fallen during the Age of Wonder. The ruins are not fully explored and access to them is forbidden by Masacali authorities. Legends say that Asura have occupied the ruins for Millenia, but this is largely sensational speculation by local rumormongers.
The Axebeak Forest: The name was originally picked up from Bengion invaders, and has stuck long after their departure. It is known primarily for Axebeaks, as well as a number of traps and hidden corridors within the trees supposedly made by Old Fisheye's Earthbound during the Age of Blood.
Ukhrul-Mein: A forest filled with wolves and other monsters, it is not especially safe for travellers who tend to go around. The Children of Blinding Night are rumored to possess covens within the dark tangles of its woods.
The Mareez Temple: Home of the Patient Temple, one of the Consulate's monastic orders.
Uttam-Aahaar: The capital of the Masacali Consulate and home to the Diet of Consuls. The Pure Temple of the Living Avatar lies in the nearby lake, and communication between the two bodies is common.
Karana Mein: An ancient hunting ground granted in era's past to the Raja. Even today, some hunters do go missing within the old woods.
Tower of Disharmony: Built upon where the dance of disharmony first emerged, this scientific observatory to study the effects of Rovagog's children is now in disrepair.
Seeng: A small Kashrishi village that provides a lot of services to Holy Pavitir, a common stop for those looking to be close to a lake and mountains. Many travellers find the locals to be excentric but friendly.
Ghoda: A city famous for trade with ular kell, large elephant population, and diverse citizenry. A large number of people in Ghoda are the descendants of Imperial or Steppe warriors who chose to remain in Masacali Territory rather than return home.
Haathee Ranch: Home of the best horses within the Consulate. The Masacali Military keeps at least one quartermaster liason here at all times.
Shika Outpost: A safe refuge in the badlands of the Rhani Fields between elephant graveyards, the sites of ancient battles, and haunted plains.
Chaudah: The fourteenth hall of Tet Mar made of displaced Dwarves from all the way back in the Age of Blood. While not nearly as impressive as it's sister locations, it is undeniably the most fortified undergound settlement in the Consulate.
Paanch's End: Legend Tells that the body of the 5th Hall of Tet Mar's earthbound lies somewhere within this haunted lake. Whatever the truth, the Dwarves of Chaudah take extreme caution gathering water from the area, and never willingly enter its depths. Willingly.
The Paanee Outpost: One of the few passageways into Naga controlled territory, and the last stop with water for a long while. The Consulate maintains a sizable fortress here to pivot to defend against Eastern, Northern or Southern hostilities. Increasingly however, the soldiers of the fortress have had to deal with large rampaging beasts emerging from the east.
Dvaar: An ancient and semi-abandoned city destroyed during the Age of Blood. It is the Gateway to the Labyrinth. Most Masacali troops or Brahman do not linger here more than a few weeks in a given shift as madness is common within the city. Supposedly, the Rite of the True Paladin is recorded somewhere within the city, but to this day it has not been located.
Arunachal: One of the few Adivasi settlements in the Consulate, it was built as a shrine to a number of natural deities and the Dragon Gods Bahamut and Tiamat. The shrine was burned in the Age of Whispers, though pilgrims are still frequent.
Khaeng Ngu: The Serpent's Gate: One of the larger cities within the Consulate and almost certainly the oldest, Khaeng Ngu is the gateway to trade with Tet Maar and Khaphis, and bosts a massive Naga population among its population. Several sites of the Earthbound remain within the city, and not all are fully explored.
Teer: The grand temple to the Archer. It's mechanical abominations are sealed within, and to date no person has found a way to enter into the unholy workshop of the Sorcerer King.
The Stone Egg of Jayalakshmi: A source of incredible psionic power. This location is approximate and always moving throughout the Ghasi Forest. Those who find it are often said to have their psionic powers awakened within them.
Baune's Crossing: A large dwarven settlement made from those displaced from Tet Maar long ago, as well as Adivasi settlers passing through on their migrations through.
Thoothana sanctum: Supposedly protected by an ancient Brine Dragon, the sanctum is a refuge for Adivasi and especially Kobolds in the Consulate. Thoothana herself has not been spotted in years, though her death was never recorded.
Kahaavat's Crossing: This primarily Gnomish settlement is said to have experienced several strange occult curses within the last decade, though a source has not been uncovered. The Soul Guard maintains a large presence here to guard against perceived evils besetting the town.
Namakeen Temple: Home to the temple of Awakening, the greatest Psionic Monastery in the Masacali Consulate. The Egg of Jayalakshmi was first discovered here by MahaRaja Jatasura, the Sorcerer King of Life's Illusion.
Gaharee: A number of awakened animals reside in the settlement of Gaharee, one of the oldest in the Consulate. The City turned town was at one point the home of a Rakshasa Lord, the first unifier of the Consulate, and the greatest General in the Foreign Crisis. A well in the center of the town placed by the MahaRaja of Life's Illusion still remains in operation, and any animal who drinks from it is said to have their illusions shattered, granting them speech.
Veedesha: This former fortress is currently occupied by the Firebrand terrorist organization, and efforts from the Masacali to dislodge them have been so far unsuccessful due to supply and assistance from the Pirates of the Broken Spine and Adivasi sabateurs.
Lakadee Temple: Home to the monastic order dedicated to the Plane of Wood. They are the current champions of the Challenge of the Earth and Sky.
Khasi: A long since abandoned settlement, the Dance of Disharmony cleaved the city in body, mind and heart in ages long past. Pestilence reigns now within the city, and undead here are common.
Jaipor: A settlement shrouded in mystery that trades exclusively with Gaharee and does not allow outsiders onto it's island.
Swaniai: An old site of historical importance during the overthrow of the Earthbound, today the small town is famous for a large number of psionic inhabitents who practice their craft in small specialized schools in the city. Its biggest draw to non-psionic citizens are a series of matchmakers with a near 100% record of happy marriage contracts.
Radripal: The Silver City: By far the wealthiest city in the Consulate, it is the financial center of the Masacali lands and is defined by a large bridge between it's two city halves. The city was split long ago by the Dance of Disharmony and only recently rebuilt when silver was discovered in Holy Pavitir.
Manjuhi: A former site of a MahaRaja Sorcerer King, Manjuhi is primarily known today as a destination coastal city and resort, and home to some of the best dancers in the world.
Krodh: The Temple of Rage sits upon this ancient settlement where supposedly the Cult of the Ebon Destroyer was once founded. A monastic order now stands watch over the temple, though even they have not explored all that is within out of caution, and fear.
Taaj Shahar: The Thrice Built City: The most important city in the Consulate and it's cultural and technological capital. The city has been rebuilt mulltiple times, the first after the Dance of Disharmony was shattered in it's center, the second during it's destruction in the Foreign Crisis. Today the city boasts railways, actors, radio broadcasts, illusionary performances in small theaters, Djinn based energy consumption and more. The Church of Sarenrae is commonplace here, as are young radicals and protestors against the ideology of the Consulate. Brahman for years have desired to remove the Dawnflower's influence, and many in the capital speculate that one or more of the Asura are within Taaj Shahar, moving the city increasingly towards sin.

Military

Unique weapons in the Masacali culture include the Bich'hwa, tri-bladed Katars, Pata, and Temple Swords. War Elephants are difficult to breed in captivity but can be conscripted from specific hunting grounds and are highly valued. Specific ranches in the eastern consulate will also specialize in peacock mounts primarily used for ceremonial purposes.

Religion

The main religion of the Masacali Consulate is the One Truth, with reverence given to Preservation, Creation, and Destruction and their incarnations. Reverence is also provided to Irori, the perfect being, who escaped the cycle of reincarnation to become one with the universe.

Foreign Relations

The Consulate is currently at peace with most other major powers. Their war with Moaras came to a decisive conclusion when the Kraken sunk much of the nation into the sea. The Masacali are however in a cold war with both the Imperium of Bengion and the Princedoms of Nephysis. Against Bengion they are exerting influence to gain territory in the Ferox Colonies. Against Nephysis their war is primarily economic, with a dispute between the silver and gold standard serving as the crux of conflicts between the two groups. The rise of Sardis worries Consulate representatives who urge for a cooling of their hositilies with Bengion to focus on the larger percieved threat.
The Consulate is actively hostile against pirates of the Broken Spine and has built a number of ships to eradicate these vessels upon the high seas to make trading easier for their merchant partners. Similarly, the consulate is the enemy of the Kraken and will not hesitate to slow the expansion of their dominion. While not at war with Mos Forma, the Consulate has condemned their nation and has no desire to see it survive.
The Consulate maintains a military and trade alliance with the Remayad Ascendancy. The current changes in leadership have not diminished their desire for peaceful relations regardless of who rules their nation. The Consulate maintains positive relations with Goka, Alba, and with large sections of Long Wa. The Consulate sponsors trade deals with Bartsama, Zir and Talingrad, but all these nations are so far removed from the Masacali sphere of influence that any alliance between them is relatively insignificant.
Domestically, the Steppe Tribes are considered a matter for the leadership of Ular Kel specifically, and Masicali foreign policy maintains that the wall is sufficient to block potential threats from any of the major horselords. The Raja of Ular Kel vihimately denies that assertion, and has repeatedly demanded additional troops in meetings of the Consuls.

Laws

Notably for the Raja and MahaRaja of the Masacali, any noble may be challenged if they feel their dharma has not been adhered to. That is, if a noble does not live up to the burden of rulership, their people posess a divine mandate to compel them to step down.
Consuls for the Consulate serve to four year terms, and are replaced at that time out of the interests of the people. While the ones who pick the Consuls are almost always members of the Nobility, Consuls are not allowed to be, and are instead workers, warriors or merchants of some capacity. In actuality, officers of the Consulate are usually bribed to support a specific position or are simply extended members of a Noble Family. There is no rule against a consul serving multiple terms in succession, and as a result many do.
The Diet of the Consulate is made up of roughly 100 individual Rajas who have come together to form a unified government. Each Raja sends representatives to the Diet in the capital of Uttam-Aahar to vote on matters concerning the state. Thus the "Consul" of the Raja acts as their representative to the legistlative body from which the Consulate receives its name. The matters of the Consulate are voted upon and become official law amongst all the Rajas of the participating territories.
The judiciary of the Consulate is primarily carried out by judges appointed by the Raja of a specific territory. These Judges, called Dhramastha carry the full force of law and sentencing. Under extraudinary circumstances for laws not covered by any one Raja's territory, a matter will be handled by the Court of Ministers, the "Amatya" who are appointed by the consulate directly and also serve in a council of three.
Unlike in other nations, matters outside of existing law may be appealed to karmic duty or Dharma when the law is ambiguous towards an issue. The nature of karmic duty has helped to shape Masacali law over the last several centuries, to the point where lawyers and theologians both oftentimes consult on particularly complex cases, especially when the Amatya are involved.
The Living Avatar is said to be the current incarnation of the aspect of Preservation. Wheras most consuls are legacy appointments from highly influential and long-established Raja, the Living Avatar could in theory be anyone. The Shepherds will search out for the avatar from an early age, and upon their discovery, will educate them in the art of statescraft, theology, and warfare to ensure they are ready to assume the mantle of leadership.
While the Living Avatar acts as the spiritual advisor of the nation, in reality most of the business of the Consulate is run through a small number of extremely influential MahaRajas who own by far the most territory, resources, and soldiers. The Living Avatar in theory may demand any of them to bend towards their will, but this has rarely been done outside of ceremonial displays. Currently, the Rulers of Niswah, Taaj Shahar, Radripal, Varupa, Manjuhi, Jaipor, and Ular Kel exert the most influence over the nation, though none has a significantly stronger pull than any other.

Agriculture & Industry

By Divine Decree, some spots of the Consulate are left intentionally undeveloped by the consulate to preserve nature. These attempts do not go far enough for the Adivasi, who look at the Consulates hunting of indigeonous animals and wildlife as signs of their increasing eagerness to destroy their cultural heritage. 
Farms dot the heartland of the Consulate, and small shrines to incarnations old and distant are left upon it's riverways. Harvests are held twice a year, with the second planting starting before the first harvest has occurred. Terraces near the riverways are used in production, and the waterflow insures that the supply of rice is plentiful. 
Food in the Consulate includes rice, wheat, mangos, guavas, potatoes, some small amoung of spices, bananas, tomatoes, peas, sugar, and ginger. A large portion of the Consulate is vegitarian, but fish is eaten in large quantities in major cities. 
Farming is so critical to the survival of the Masacali population at the level it is currently, that when disputes occur between rival Raja they will avoid fighting on farmland specifically to not harm the citizenry, instead fighting in pre-established areas for dominance. To violate this rule is to invite the wrath of not just every other MahaRaja in the Consulate, by the Living Avatar themselves.

Trade & Transport

The Masacali Consulate maintains a silver standard by the decree of the Living Avatar. Gold is not typically accepted in the consulate as a way to combat economic pressure from Nephysis, an increasing supply of gold in the pirate controlled Broken Spine, and to deal with the rash of wealth discovered by recent adventuring parties destablizing the local economy.
Rhinos, Crocodiles, Elephants and Horses are used as forms of transportation in the Consulate and to carry large packages of freight. Increasingly Taaj Shahar's railways have been used to carry large goods from one city to another, and these railways will likely spread to as far away as Ular Kel within a few years.
Notably Skymetal is not exported and used in secret to support Masacali building projects. It's possession and protection is considered a national security priority. The possession of Skymetal and Niter are considered to be the catalyst for the Masacali technological expansion.
The Masacali has little need to import trade goods, and the majority of it's economic power is based off of protectionalist policies. It does however trade for raw goods, with government subsidies in gold provided by the state to merchants to negotiate trade deals for economic goods on the consulates behalf. Individual traders may file an exception to the silver standard with Consulate officers to conduct overseas trade missions, receiving Paladins of Truth and Consulate backing in exchange for favorable trades with Consulate representatives and specific market access.
A number of merchants balk against the heavily enforced government policies on external trade and collect illicit deals on goods outside of the Consulate's notice. Such individuals are treated as committing tax fraud at best when detected, or outright piracy at worst.

Education

Masacali education levels varies across the nation. Elite schools of artifice and engineering exist in Taaj Shahar, and Sarrer is known for its university for diplomacy and statescraft. However most education within specific communities is left to local religious Brahman in small community meetings. The Consulate does allow for government reimbursement of workers in apprenticeship programs to allow for workers to learn a trade, so long as the chosen profession lies within their divinely chosen path. 
Those wishing to find education outside of a religious source are particularly hard pressed. However Niswah possesses several bastions of learning not directly influenced by religious orthidoxy and Ular Kel is considered considerably more lenient when it comes to options for education with options for both the young and university students.

Infrastructure

The Consulate possesses a number of aquaducts, sewer systems, road networks, and other signs of modern infrastructure in all of it's major cities, oftentimes backed by genies to aid in construction. Taaj Shahar especially is considered one of the most advanced cities in the world, with engines powered by elemental stones and skymetal, along with specifically trained wizards who use spellcasting to run major services such as teleportation circles, airships, sky fortresses, golem production, wire-mesh products, and railroad services. 
Of special note are the sky fortresses, thought to have been originally built in the age of wonder, Masacali Consulate scholars had a breakthrough when they discovered how to manipulate skymetal to interact with and repair destroyed technological systems. There are currently three skyships in the Consulate's service, though the Consulate claims that more are in development. The three skyships are: 

• Svarg (Heaven) 
• Andaravarld (Hell) 
• Dharatee (Gaia) 

Cosmological Views

Devas: The Devas are the servants of the cosmic order. These beings typically serve a specific incarnation, and exist to help to guide those on the path of righeousness. Since the time of the sorcerer king's many Deva were sealed away voluntarily due to their knowledge of the cycles of reincarnation so their secrets could not be used against the people of the consulate. some in their inprisonment resent their sacrifice, and have become little better than the asura in their desire for freedom and revenge. Most however accept their fate as a means to ensure the larger preservation of the multiverse. Since the silence Devas have become increasingly important, as they were often mortals once themselves, they remain one of the few beings who can communicate in the place of gods, trying their best to guide mortals without interfering with their karmic destiny.
Manasaputra: The enlightened beings who have followed Irori's path to escape the cycle of death and rebirth have become known as the Manasaputra. They now reside near the center of the sun in mediatation on the nature of the cosmos, awaiting the end of all things. When that day comes, they will ride forth with creation to remake an enlightened universe free of strife, and the wheel will finally be broken.

Tenets of Faith

Chakras:
Sahasrara: The Crown Chakra: this is the chakra of ‘beingness’ (Samadhi) or unity with one’s self and the universe. It is pure liberation and enlightenment. It is linked to psychic projection and the ability to travel into the higher planes of the Pure Land. True compassion, spirituality, understanding, divinity, and wisdom all emanate from Sahasrara.
Ajna: (‘Summoning’). The Brow Chakra, or Third Eye: The Ajna governs the state of ‘waking’ from illusionary reality or duality (maya), intuition, and psychic command, and thus all the various types of true perception. Telepathy is the result of an opened Third Eye. The disused Ajna signifies spiritual sleep or lack of gnosis.
Vishuddha: The Throat Chakra, or chakra of communication and expression. This is the chakra of maturity and logic; it is the seat of the dreaming journey (lucid dreaming). This chakra is associated with breath, and thus with life and death, as well as ritual purity or uncleanliness. The negatives that are associated with a quiescent Vishuddha are therefore physical decay, mortality, and unhealthiness. The associated element is Akasha, or Aether (which is the medium of sound).
Anahata: The Heart Chakra. Compassion, empathy, love, devotion, and emotional resilience reside here. The vices of Anahata are intellectual or based on complex emotion: yearning, deception, arbitrariness, incapability, rebellion, and unfairness. The associated element is Air.
Manipura: The Solar Plexus Chakra. Home of digestion, metabolism, strength, fear, introversion, and physical and mental expansion. Jealousy, shame, disgust, sadness, and betrayal all are linked to this chakra. The associated element is Fire.
Swadhisthana: The Sacral Chakra. This chakra is dedicated to familial relationships, fertility, creativity, joy, and enthusiasm. Violence, cruelty, delusions, addictions, and pleasure all are located here. The Freudian Id appears to be similar to Swadhisthana. The associated element is Water.
Muladhara: The Base Chakra. This is the chakra of survival, autonomic response, the infant state, and panic responses. Instinct, security, and eros are all governed by this chakra. The physical capabilities of smell and defecation are associated with Muladhara. The associated element is Earth.

Worship

Religion within the Masacali Consulate is both simple to compehend but extremely diverse. There is, according to Masacali tenets, one universe, one Truth, one everything that all peoples are apart of. However, there are many different aspects of that Truth, taking one of three forms.

1. Creation (N): New ideas, new people, new places, new discoveries. These are overseen by the aspect of Truth known as Creation. Notably the act of creation can have both positive or negative results, but always in working towards the fundamental ordering of the universe. Creation is sometimes represented by a swan, and the Swan Warriors are believed to be their servants.
2. Preservation (LN): The aspect of Truth known as Preservation deals with the existing, the here and now. Preservation protects the natural order, the existing laws, the existing societies, it is present in the every day aspects of individauls lives, in their stability both physically and spiritually. Preservation is somtimes represented by a three headed serpent, and the Naga are said to have been granted their divine blessing.
3. Destruction (CN): Destruction is the aspect of Truth that deals with change. When a person changes jobs, when a relic is destroyed, when a tyrant falls, when a forest is burned so that new plants may grow, Destruction is responsible. Destruction is sometimes represented by a great stag, who's antlers are falling off and regrowing, or occassionally by a large reptile who's skin is shedding.

Notably, many acts and aspects of soceity and life will combine some or all of these aspects of Truth together similtaniously. Thus a Masacali citizen will usually revere all three in equal measure, however specific orders to all three orders exist. The Consulate government notably maintains a state run soceity of Paladins devoted to Preservation.
Among these aspects are individual incarnations, gods in their own right. Some of these aspects of divinity have a large following in the thousands, some of them have followings of only a local area. Because all things are part of the divine order, in a very real sense the Masacali understand that anything maintains the potential for divinity. A few of the major incarnations of Truth are listed below:

• Baadha: The Incarnation of Beginning (LG): They welcomes challenges, and new endeavors, and faces obstacles head on so they may be overcome. They are the beginner of journeys , in life and in spirit. One of the more popular of the Masacali Divine Incarnations. It is said they once won a race around the universe by simply moving around their parents, Creation, Preservation and Destruction. Some claim that Torag is his manifestation, but few dwarves support this proposition.
• Galatee: The Incarnation of Storms (N): Galatee is sometimes believed to be Gozreh, as they similtaniously possess a mail and female aspect. They embody the fury of the tempest, and the calm sky similtansiously, and represent the shifting chagnes in weather. They are often believed to be an incarnation of Destruction.
• Rosh: The Incarnation of Odium (LE): Rosh is the Incarnation of Divine Fury. He represents the hatred of creation against those who would fight against the natural order. Some believe that Asherack is identical to Rosh due to their similar rolls. When the divine act against the universe, or their agents falter, Rosh will be summoned to strike down those undeserving of divine blessing.
• Nartakee: The Incarnation of Inspiration (NG): Nartakee is a musician, a dancer, a performer, an artist, and she is sometimes believed to be Shelyn in disguise. Through her art she shows the balancing act the universe is, and acts as an educator, using performance to inspire others.
• Akela: The incarnation of Teaching (CG): Akela is a teacher, a nurturer, and one who believes in second chances. She is sometimes revered as the favored incarnation of scorned woman due to stories of a breakdown between her and Creation. She is said to have taught the Masacali the art of Meditation to show them how to achieve inner peace as she has. Scholars debate on whether Akela is a manifestation of Nethys, Calistria, or Desna, or perhaps a combination of the three.
• Ajay: The incarnation of Invincibility (NG): Ajay is said to have been born from Creation, Preservation and Destruction much like Baadha, and she is supposedly his sister. Some speculate that Sarenrae is her manifestation. Ajay was created to punish the wicked and to redeem the people of the Masacali, and when the earthbound are defeated, she is often credited for the victory. She is one of the more popular incarnations, especially among the Masacali Military. She is often represented by a Tiger.
• Samradhi: The Incarnation of Prosperity (LN): Samradhi is often invoked by those interested in commerce, or those looking for good luck. Abadar is often believed to be a manifestation of Samradhi. She is also the patron of any creature that produces milk. Notably, she is shown to be extremely punishing of any who use her name to gain prosperity through illicit deeds.
• Dirshy: The Incarnation of Sight (N): Few stories exist about Dirshy, she is the goddess of sight and consistently believed to be the source of Pharasma's manifestation. In her is found patience, persistence, and she is sometimes said to be the consort of destruction. Her eyes supposedly see through all lies, and her calm voice helps to guide people from one place to another.
• Samay: The Incarnation of Time (NE): Samay is said to free people from illusion through death to allow them to the natural flow of the universe. It is said that she exists persistently throughout time to teach people to know that death is an illusion. Clerics of Urgathoa claim that Samay and she are the same goddess, but this claim is disputed by Masacali clergy, who contend that Samay is actually actually the source of the god Gorum. Samay is depicted as a terrifying warrior who wears the skulls of her enemies upon her belt.
• Machhalee: The Incarnation of Safety (LG): Sometimes thought to be the source of the god Erastil, Machhalee is depicted as a merfolk incarnation who is said to have saved all recorded knowledge and delivered it to the people. He is the patron of fisherman, hunters, and those who use knowledge to better their own lives and the lives of their families.
• Kachhua: The Incarnation of Strength (LN): Kachhua is said to be a turtle who holds whole mountains upon his back, and his art usually reflects a great turtle of incredible strength. He is a fighter of Asura first and foremost and a champion of heroes. Kurgress is sometimes thought to be a manifestation of his form.
• Sher: The Incarnation of Liberation (CG): Legends tell that Sher defeated an unjust sorcerer king after they attempted to kill their own son, and has been the enemy of Tyrants ever since. Depicted as a Lion, Milani is sometimes thought to be their aspect.
• Jalant: The Incarnation of the Flame Within (LN): The Flame within represents ambition, the gut feeling. It is also the fire that warms the hearth, or the one that fuels the cannonball. Some suspect that Asmodeus is a manifestation of Jalant's fire.
• Chor: The Incarnation of Thieves (CN): Chor is the god of thieves, and is known for planning elaborate heists, jewelry robberies, and cons. He is depicted sometimes as a dwarf, sometimes as a Tengu, and sometimes as a Mongoose. A vast cult to his worship exists in Taaj Shahar.
• Tota: The Incarnation of Love (NG): A relatively minor incarnation, Tota is often invoked around newborn lovers, and is depicted as an eternally youthful young being of indeterminant sex. They are said to ride upon a large parrot with a bow that causes lust in youths.
• Yuddah: The Incarnation of Weapons (CN): Yuddah is rumored to wield a hundred spears and rides a peacock into battle. He is the enemy of serpents and some speculate he was once a far more prominent god in the Masacali pantheon. His worship is now primarily based near the entrance to the Demon Labyrinths.
• Vineshvakhi: The Incarnation of Purity (LN): Vineshvakhi is said to have suffered 10,000 deaths in the name of righteousness, and demands that others do the same, only through pain can purity be achieved. He is the patron of Calikangs and is sometimes treated as the lord of vaults and doors. Some speculate that Zon-Kython may be his avatar at least in part.

Lastly are a few of the natural incarnations, thought to be divine servants of the land itself:

• Nadee: The Incarnation of Rivers (N): Perhaps the most prominant of the natural incarnations in the Consulate, Nadee is considered to be the incarnation of the riverways of the southwestern Consulate. The Nadee river is named for her, and it is believed that those who use the waterways do so only with her blessing. She is depicted as a white haired woman on a crockodile.
• Ravithra: The Incarnation of Serpents (LN): Sometimes speculated to be the father of the Naga, the Divine Serpent is thought to have been created by Creation's dreaming to guard their slumber and their chalice. So too are the Naga revered in the eastern consulate, where Div-Naagin possesses shrines thought to ward the earthbound and Asura. She is sometimes known as the chalice bearer.
• Aakriti: The Incarnation of Insects (N): Sometimes called the shifting one, Aakriti is also thought to be a patron of oozes. They are often represented as being just out of eyesight, and images of Aakriti go a long way to not focusing on the incarnation. Where there are insects there are usually signs of life, and so Aakriti represents discovery. They are also thought to be a patron of the Kashrishi.
• Chamidu: The Incarnation of Beasts (N): The guardian of the wild, and the patron of predator animals in the consulate. The tigers, panthers and other beasts of the wild are thought to be her servants. Some speculate that Lamashtu may be an aspect of Chamidu, at least in part.
• Diomazul: The Incarnation of Retribution (LE): Diomazul is a being around which their is much speculation. Some believe the incarnation's aspect is known in other lands as Zon-Kython, and that this being was once a far more benevolant diety than it is now. Others reject this theory, saying that Diomazul is a god of serpentfolk, cast out from their homeland and seeking vengeance. Others speculate that Diomazul is a direct response of nature itself, retaliating against the industrialization of the Masacali Consulate, striking out in wrath against those who have destroyed their compact with nature. He is known as the "80 blades" and his name is only spoken by bitter rivals before duels, or by those who wish to invoke divine retribution.
• Likha: The Incarnation of Sound (N): Likha is the patron of Elephants. She is thought to be an excellent listener with her big ears, and is also invoked by those who wish to deliver messages that must be heard.

Granted Divine Powers

Some Yogis, Gurus, Rishis, or Faqir are said to possess divine powers through their quest for enlightenment, manifesting as psionics. These include:

• The ability to shrink.
• The ability to grow larger.
• Levitation.
• The ability to move objects from a distance.
• The ability to move through solid earth.
• Mastery over the elements.
• The ability to create or destroy matter.
• The ability to grant wishes.

In the Consulate those who possess the ability to grant spells are called Mantrikas. Those who cast necromantic spells in defiance of the natural order are called Yatu. Tantra refers to the art of conjuration, while Mayavin refers to illusion.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The universe according to Masacali scripture is ordered by rank. The ranking of castes among the Consulate is as follows: 
1. Preservation, Destruction, and Creation 2. Irori 3. The Incarnations of Destruction, Preservation, and Creation. 4. The Avatars of Destruction, Preservation and Creation. (including the Living Avatar) 5. The Devas of these beings.  6. Brahmans of these beings (the learned, the clergy). 7. The Raja and MahaRaja (the nobles, the princes, the kings)  8. Bhuridhana (the prosperous, the wealthy, most Consuls fall into this ranking).  9. Kshatriyas (warriors, administrators), Vaishyas (agriculturalists, farmers, and merchants). Naga, Garuda, Peri, Apsaras and Vanara also fall at this ranking.  10. Shudras (artisans, laborers, and servants). 11. Adivasi (those who reject the divine order)  12. The Earthbound  13. The Asura  14. Pretas (the undead) 
Notable to this ranking are the beastspawn, and faultspawn. The tiefling descendants of Rakshasas or Asura are treated with suspicion by most of Masacali society if not outright rejected. However their karmic ranking is not affected by their birth, only by their occupation.

Sects

Two major sects exist in opposition to the "Natural Order" of the Masacali Consulate. Each would argue for different reasons that the "Truth" the Masacali offers are false and that the old orders must be rejected. The existing power structures of the Masacali Consulate strike out at either of these groups wherever they can find them.
The Earthbound
The Earthbound are called by other names, chief among them the Rakshasa. During the ancient past of the Consulate during the age of Darkness, to prevent the destruction of their kingdoms and to ensure their power, the ancient Maharajas of the Consulate turned to sorcery to fuel power enough to restore the sun to their kingdoms. Their rituals were believed to have been taught to them by the Asura themselves, though few can cooberate these ancient rumors, and the old texts are assumed lost. The result of their turn to sorcery is considered to have saved the consulate, though at terrible cost. The vile blasphemies committed tainted the MahaRaja and turned them into vile and cursed beings. Rather than return to the "righteous path" they delved deeper into ancient magics, making sacrifices and performing depraved acts to make themselves immortal. In time the Sorcerer Kings of the consulate would die, and be reborn in the body of their followers, a vile path of reincarnation that destroyed the spirit of the youth they consumed.
Eventually after many generations, the people of the consulate finally rebelled against their masters, and destroyed the MahaRaja's places of power. Knowing that they could not be killed without simply reforming elsewhere, the rebels impisoned the Rakshasa in labyrinths east of the consulate. The location is now known as the Demon Labyrinths. Over the centuries many of the MajaRaja's servants, and other lesser Raja's who found their own individual paths to power have escaped from the Demon Labyrinths, or been formed outside of the prison there by finding ways to reincarnate. The seals of the earthbound are strong, but the weaker a Rakshasa is, the quicker the seals are said to unravel. Even the MahaRaja's seals are said to be weakening slowly. Still, of the original MahaRaja it is believed currently 5 of the 6 are still inprisoned within, the first Rakshasa is not among them.
The Earthbound's ability to shapeshift is considered to be an existential threat to Masacali society. The Earthbound's believed goal is to subvert power and influence to regain control of the consulate and begin a new age of blood. Some Rakshasa's have claimed to have reformed, and others claim they feel no urge to cause chaos as their ancestors or past incarnations were said to. The Order of the Shepherds exist to see through these lies and see all the earthbound are bound perminently to prevent them from trampling upon the wheel any longer.
The 5 Sealed Earthbound MajaRajas are:

• Jatasura: "Life's Illusion": A master of illusion who stole the weapons of the incarnations themselves to use against them in his war upon the wheel. Considered a hero among the Rakshasa with five heads of different animals. One of the last of the Earthbound to be captured, he was known as the king of Alabaster and sat upon an ancient relic known as the "throne of release". His reliquary is a small portable statue made from black stone, depicting a half-cephalopod, half-human creature curling into itself.
• Khara "The Archer": Perhaps the greatest magical sniper and tactician in the history of the Consulate, he would sleep for years waiting for opportunities to destroy his enemies in silent preperation. Khara was said to remember all things and all peoples, and all in his domain feared him as he knew all aspects of his servants lives. He titled himself as "He who withstands the lightning and imperator" and commanded a legion of iron warriors who could wait forever for their target. One of the original MahaRaja. His reliquary is a massive blasphemous strange stone machine, with grinding rock gears and igneous levers that are carved with blasphemous prayers.
• Nirrti: "The Grace of Wings": Said to be the guardian of the southwestern wind, she had gold hair, a dozen wings, dark skin and dressed in black. She is said to have had four arms each with swords, and the tail of a snake. She would ride upon a lion with three heads conjured by her using long forgotten magics. In her time she commanded the Ebon Host. Her reliquary is said to be an ancient tree uprooted and close to 30 feet in height. Horrici faces are carved across it with crimson veins of petrified wood.
• Surpanakha: "Old Fisheye": One of the more "learned" of the Rakshasa overlords, it was rumored that he could see into the past, present and future similtaniously without the nead for oracle or augery. Despite his ability to change his appearance at will, he enjoyed appearing as a senile old man to his enemies. His capture raises many questions, as to why a diviner of such skill would allow this trap to happen. Many still feel they are playing his game even today. His reliquary is shaped from ebony, with flecks of gold built to appear as a many-armed priest looking towards heaven.
• Ghatokacha: "The Thrill of Rage": A warrior queen and sorceress. It is said that simply being near her could cause warriors to enter into a terrible rage and lust for battle, and that Ghatokacha would take that emotion after a fight to fuel her own spellcrafting. She was known as the Virtue of Rage to her followers, and the Deva of Hostility by her heralds. Perhaps the deadliest of the 5 in raw strength. Her Reliquary is a scarecrow effigy built from thousands of bones, the skeletal form draped with grey cloth and all eyes filled with crooked emeralds.

Lesser Rakshasa include:

• Bakasura: A Rakshasa and Sorcerer King who voluntarily surrendered to the rebelling forces, accepting sealing peacefully. It is said that he consumed his own son to obtain his power.
• Ban-Bakura Nath: A muscular man with a a horned face three times larger than his body and hair made of daggers. He demanded to be worshipped as a god, and was considered one of the most violent of the Earthbound.
• Hariti Sri-Raksha: A Rakshasa with the face of an Ogre, it is said that she consumed her 11th child to avoid a prophecy that she would be killed by them. In her is the power of disease and she was a known consort of the Black Ram.
• Hidimba: A dark skinned Rakshasa woman with the body of a Giant who controlled much of the holy moutain before being sealed.

Deserving of mention is Mool-Abhichaarak "The Original One". The location of the first sorcerer king is unknown, but they were not captured before the end of the horrors that were the wars against the Earthbound Raja. Details about them are lost, including their name, gender, powers, and histories. Indeed their existence itself is debated, as records only indicate the Original One exists due to accounting reports and personal journals of those living at the time. If this Rakshasa does exist, he represents a power beyond comprehension, and a terrible threat to the Consulate..
The Asura:
Equally as dangerous as the Earthbound if not more so, the Asura are lesser in number but far more insidious in machinations. The Asura are said to be born from the god's mistakes. These beings are proof of the god's fallibility, or so they say. The Asura born from early mistakes are said to be truly ancient, and have had millenia to craft arguments for perfection outside of the divine wheel. They taught the Earthbound how to reincarnate outside of the natural order. They tempted Irori. They have subverted the established Masacali soceity since the beginning of recorded history. Their goal is far more insidious than destruction. They would see the Consulate destroy it's connection with nature, build machines to spread blasphemies against the gods. In changing the beliefs of mortals, they can warp the gods they serve to create more of themselves, until the gods are little more than their puppets, ready for them to consume and destroy. When men have become their own gods, when the wheel is broken, then the Asura's work will be complete, and the truly learned will stand atop the broken pillars of the earth.
The Asura have allies in the form of the Order of the Black Rose, Demondands, and the Cult of the Nameless God, though of course the Asura can never truly trust any of them. Existing high ranking Asura are believed to infiltrated every industry and government in the consulate, slowly attempting to subvert it's citizens away from faith in the gods, and towards the eradication of the god's creations. Some have given themselves titles of true mockery such as the "God of the Radio" or the "Incarnation of Warships" to show their clear hatred for the fallible gods who created them.

Unity through Duty

Founding Date

3856 P.C.R.

Type

Geopolitical, Theocracy

Capital

Uttam-Aahaar

Alternative Names

The Consulate

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Experienced

Demonym

Vudrans

Leader

The Living Avatar

Head of State

The Living Avatar

Head of Government

The Diet of Consuls

Government System

Monarchy, Theocratic

Power Structure

Confederation

Economic System

Command/Planned economy

Currency

Silver Crowns

Major Exports

• Textiles,
• Clay,
• Firearms,
• Silver,
• Finished Manufactured Goods,
• Rice,
• Mercury,
• Ivory,
• Pearls
• Ships
• Niter

Legislative Body

The Diet of Consuls

Judicial Body

Dhramastha of a specific region

Executive Body

The Living Avatar

Subsidiary Organizations

• Porphyria

Deities

• Creation
• Destruction
• Preservation

Official Languages

• Vudran

Neighboring Nations

• Bengion
• The Broken Spine Islands and Ports
• The Ferox Colonies

Related Historical Events

• 10000 B.I. to 1000 B. I.
  Original Masacali Settlers
• 10,000 B.I. to 1000 B.I
  First Era: The Age of Wonder