Hinak

Hinak is a Commune of Qosid that is exclusive to women (though not necessarily wood elf women). Its decisions are made via argumentative tournaments that are open to all. Hinak is famous across the Northern Arm and is often used as a caricature of wood elf society.

Demographics

While most of the women in Hinak are wood elves, the commune has also attracted high elves, dwarves, humans and even tabaxi to alive among its ranks. Professions range from gardening and food cultivation to foraging and hunting, but Hinak remains dependent on nomads from the commune picking up jobs across Qosid and returning with bounty. This nomadic class, also named dor arnan (harvester), has high status among the Hinaken.

Government

Hinak does not have any governmental structure, nor does it have policing. Important choices that affect the community are debated in a tournament style, in which all commune members are invited to participate. Besides nourishing reflection and deliberation within the community, the debates also serve to award good reasoners with prizes, which can range from exotic foods to jewellery to temporary luxury housing.
Hinaken believe that cultivating reasoning, encouraging expression and practicing debate are the means towards self-governance, and they therefore emphasize education in these skills. In line with common Qosidian Law, legal matters are also approaches through collective deliberation, with a focus on restorative justice.
Each spring, a new Representative is chosen via election. The tradition is to elect promising young women, who can hone their argumentation skills in Thellur if needed and who learn to analyse debates by moderating the tournaments.

Defences

The Hinaken are fierce defenders, each of them trained in sophisticated self-defense methods. While the commune does not offer strong defence against coordinated hostilities. the commune members can stand their own. Fortifications featuring guard towers boost the defensive capacity of the commune, and there are more than a few magic-wielding women within Hinak.

Industry & Trade

Where Hinak differs from other communes is that they consider themselves to be missionaries for rational self-governance. The dor arnan are expected to bring the virtues of the commune to Qosid and beyond, and teachers in emotional expression, argumentation, reflection and decision-making are often sent out to visit other communes of Qosid and lead by example.
These initiatives are not always appreciated, but in most Qosidian communes tradition is to reward others for their contributions regardless, rendering the approach of the Hinaken as a service in the gift economy, albeit one that can easily be overdone. Hinak does not offer resources or produce itself, but the dor arnan do manage to maintain a steady inflow of resources and there are various temples in Hinak that provide services to outsiders, with the most popular one being the temple of Kael.

Infrastructure

Important infrastructure in Hinak are the well-maintained temples, that offer spiritual support and counseling to visitors. The different temples are integrated, bringing together Dorgothian scripture with Wayesh tenets and Ushean principles with Simka reflection. This ecumenical approach is meant to foster holistic growth.
The temple of Kael is the largest of all temples and is dedicated to a full treatment of the body, to complement the care for the mind. This service yields Hinak the most offerings.

Representative
Lirethiel Liraelanwyn

Type

Village

Population

450

Inhabitant Demonym

Hinaken

Location under

Qosid

Owning Organization

Communes of Qosid