Tsarova (ʦa-rɔ-va)
Under the hot desert sun, and along the lush banks of the Yushilu River, lies the ancient land of the Tsarovan peoples. Also called hoZiluni, 'the Black Land', for the fertile soil deposited by the annual flood, Tsarova is a land of fierce warriors, talented craftspeople, and glorious monuments.
Structure
At the top is the Queen of All baTsarova, the living incarnation of Oyimalu, the daughter of Ojubisa. She comes from the Yorijubisa Clan and serves as an intermediary between the people and the gods. The Queen enacts laws, collects taxes, officiates religious ceremonies, directed monumental construction projects (especially the construction of new temples or renovations of older ones), and led the country in war. Most importantly, she was the guarantor of Yima, the cosmic order and justice, which she ensured by repelling invaders and calling upon the gods to flood the Yushilu. The Queen serves for life.
Not necessarily below, but not necessarily equal to, the Queen of All baTsarova is the King. His official title is "Brother to the Queen", as he is usually the Queen's eldest brother. He serves as an extension of the Queen, acting as her representative at home and abroad when she is unavailable. The King also serves for life, however, his position is passed to his brother or his nephew, rather than to any of his children.
The next level of the hierarchy consists of government officials, priests, and nobles. Often, the offices of the government are filled by members of the nobility, who themselves are members of the Eight Great Clans, and are almost always chosen by the Queen herself.
Following the government officials, priests, and nobles are the scribes and soldiers. Scribes are indispensable for record-keeping and government administration. Few people outside of the upper classes can read and write, so scribes also serve as messengers for the illiterate. Soldiers are another important aspect of Tsarovan society. Although every Tsarovan could be called up to fight, there is a core of lifetime soldiers, mostly consisting of younger children who do not stand to inherit anything, who serve as protectors and peacekeepers and who are the first to go fight in foreign wars or raids. Both positions, scribe and soldier, are for life and are often rewarded with land for their service. Soldiers could also claim any loot taken during conflicts.
Next are the craftspeople, although their position in the hierarchy is somewhat nebulous and dependent on the craft. Metalworkers and stonemasons especially are highly regarded and often considered equal to scribes and soldiers. They are even well-respected outside of Tsarova.
Farmers make up the next level of the hierarchy. Although low on the scale, they are important parts of Tsarovan society as they are the ones who worked the land and feed the people. Many farmers rent their land from the Queen or other nobles and pay their rent with a portion of their crops.
At the bottom are the slaves and indentured servants. Slaves are usually prisoners of war or were taken during raids. They form a large part of the workforce, particularly in the agricultural sector. Indentured servants are usually criminals working off their punishment or debtors working off what they owe. Neither position is hereditary, and it is possible to work or purchase one's way to a higher class.
Assets
The primary sources of wealth for Tsarova lies in the fertile soil on the banks of the Yushilu and in the high-quality metalwork produced by Tsarovan craftspeople. Treasures made by a Tsarovan smith or jeweller are coveted even outside of Tsarova. Between their natural resources and the loot claimed on raids or during war, Tsarova is known for being a rich, prosperous queendom.
History
The history of Tsarova begins with the unification of the Two Lands by the first queen, Karishabunku. Since then, her Yorijubisa clan has ruled over the land for over three thousand years, with only a few breaks in their control.
Agriculture & Industry
Tsarova is primarily an agricultural society and heavily reliant on the annual flooding of the Yushilu.
ruTare ka buDano (Strength with Unity)
Founding Date
The Two Lands were first unified by Queen Karishabunku in the first year of her reign, and it is from then that history is counted.
Type
Geopolitical, Queendom
Capital
Alternative Names
hoZiluni, the Two Lands, the Land of the Riverbank
Demonym
muTsarova (singular baTsarova (plural)
Leader
Leader Title
Founders
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Theocratic
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Traditional
Gazetteer
Official State Religion
Deities
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Traditional enemies
The relationship between Tsarova and Basili is fraught with bloodshed. Often attributed to the contentious relationship between their patron deities, the two countries find themselves in conflict with one another more often then not.
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