The Protectorate of Isill
Isill is characterized by a mountainous landscape that slopes sharply towards the sea in great evergreen forests filled with the most ancient of trees. The forests of the region are nearly exclusively old-growth and as such, their floors are mostly free of brush and instead give way to fern and rolling hills of moss underfoot. Wildlife is plentiful here and provides for many of the nation’s dietary needs. The weather is generally quite arid and cold, but most snows are contained to the mountains and higher elevations, leaving limited farming possible in the steppes and flatlands.
The Protectorate of Isill is ruled solely by the Grand Ecclesiarch of the Orthodox Church of Oros, currently Aoth IX. The Grand Ecclesiarch is regarded as being infallible and must be unquestionably obeyed for he or she speaks directly for Oros itself. While there are nobles in Isill, they are completely subservient to the religious hierarchy. All positions of authority and power are held by priests and acolytes of the Church and all law is based upon the moral teachings of Oros.
Isill does not participate in the import or export of any goods. In fact, the only things that routinely leave the borders of the Protectorate are crusader armies looking to crush the pagan religions of nations both cullic and progenic. Or groups of monk missionaries seeking to spread the Church’s reach.
Isillites are a severe and faithful people. They see the world in black and white, finding no room in the for subjectivity or moral latitude. They take obedience to the Church very seriously and are quick to answer the call to lay down their lives for the Ecclesiarch. The most common professions in Isill are priests, acolytes, smiths, calligraphers, and hunters.
The Orthodox Church of Oros
The Orthodox Church of Oros is a dominant force in the Protectorate of Isill, where it holds absolute power and control over all aspects of society. The Church worships Oros as the one true deity, and its followers believe that all other gods and religions are false or inferior. The Church is led by the Grand Ecclesiarch, who is believed to speak directly for Oros and is regarded as infallible. The Church wields great power and influence over the people of Isill. Its teachings form the basis of the nation's laws and moral code, and all positions of power and authority are held by priests and acolytes of the Church. The Church also controls education, media, and the arts, ensuring that all aspects of life are aligned with its teachings. The church also controls nearly every aspect of life within the kingdom, turning fathers against sons and brothers against brothers in an effort to build a "perfect" reverent society. The Church also views magic with suspicion and has outlawed all forms of magic except for Divine Magic, which is practiced by its own clergy. It is worth noting that the Orthodox Church of Oros is a highly authoritarian institution that demands strict obedience from its followers. Dissent and heresy are not tolerated, and those who do not adhere to the teachings of the Church are often subjected to harsh punishments, including execution. The Church places a strong emphasis on the virtues of obedience, humility, and piety, and these values are instilled in Isillites from a young age through religious education. Despite the Church's oppressive rule, many Isillites believe that their society is the only true way to live and that they are on a divine mission to spread their beliefs to the rest of the world. The Church sees itself as the only true path to salvation and believes that all other religions must be eradicated. It uses its power to launch bloody crusades against its neighbors in an effort to eradicate their heretical belief systems. The church's armies are made up of inquisitors, scrutators, and holy executioners who march forth from the walls of Isill.The Grand Ecclesiarch
The Grand Ecclesiarch Isillite The Grand Ecclesiarch is advised by the Synod, a council of high-ranking scrutators and hierarchs who are responsible for governing the Church's day-to-day affairs. The Synod is also responsible for electing a new Grand Ecclesiarch when the current one dies in a seven day ritual known as the Conclave of Eld. The selection process is highly secretive, and only a few individuals are privy to the details. Once a new Grand Ecclesiarch is chosen, he or she is officially crowned in a ceremony that is attended by the entire Church hierarchy and the nobility of Isill.The Laws of Magic
- Divine Magic reigns supreme in Isill.
- All other magic is illegal, punishable by summary execution.
- Sorcerers are viewed as witches and demons, save for those born with Divine Magic, who are treated as mystics and sages.
- The Circle of 12 Seals is banned from operating within Isill and its members are not welcomed in the protectorate.
Priesthood
Religious Hierarchy
- Grand Ecclesiarch
- Hierarch
- Scrutator
- Inquisitor
- Chaplain
- Priest/Priestess
Founding Date
3120 AS
Type
Geopolitical, Protectorate
Capital
Demonym
Isillites
Ruling Organization
Government System
Theocracy
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Traditional
Currency
Silver Shekels
Deities
Location
Official Languages
Neighboring Nations
Comments