The Bayanese Theocracy

The Bayanese Theocracy

The Bayanese Theocracy is a theocratic state located in the westernmost reaches of Pania. The Theorcracy is a relatively small nation, but is fiercely territorial and maintains a standing army of warrior monks who defend the borders and interests of the Theocracy.

Bayan is split into two provinces, each province representing one of The Holy Brothers. The North-Eastern province, the Talanzurkhia Deanery, is home to single city, with the rest of its people living pastorally amongst the lands in small villages and towns. The greater region, The Western province, is called the Dayangor Deanery.

Politics

Bayanan politics is a dynamic and ever changing scene. The most stable level of organisation is the local level as church leaders care for and adminstrate the town/village that they watch over. Every city will have a council of theocrats who run the city and its surrounding area, providing oversight to the local leaders and providing aid and assistance to areas that might need it.

There is no single head of faith, nor head of state. Officially the head of state are the brother's Dayangor and Talanzurkhia. The brothers, mythical figures from the distant past, hold no official duties, and thus a "Voice of" is elected to act as a figurehead for each province.

Dayangor

Dayangor, named after the younger of The Two Brothers, is the capital city of the Bayanese Theocracy. The city, however, changes its name every three hundred and thirty six years. This comes from the tale of The Two Brothers, wherein Talanzurkhia (born first) lived and ruled in the region for three hundred and thirty six years. His Brother, Dayangor the youngest, was his advisor and confidant. He was given lands in the north east. Dayangor grew jealous of his brother, however, and slew him. He then renamed the city after himself until he too was slain, three hundred and thirty six years later.

It is said that the blood of Talanzurkhia fed the land so that it would grow only the most nourishing and enriching things. When his younger brother Dayangor was slain, the two's blood met under the soil and earth. The two brothers coalesce and merge beneath the soil, and from their stirrings came the halfling species.

Dayangor the city awaits the day of return where The Two Brothers will return as the one true god Talangor and that Talangor will bring peace to the turbulent world. It is said Dayangor city will be the site of return, and thus many scholars pour into the city seeking to understand the secrets of the past, and interpret the prophecies for the future.

Culture

The Bayanese culture is one that prizes hospitality and community. Community comes before the family. The only thing that superscedes the need of the community is the demands and expectations of The Brothers.

The Bayan's frequently hold feasts and festivities, and are known as revellers far and wide. Walls are a rarity in the cities and towns of Bayan. All festivities are held in the evening or night when the days work is done. It is a common occurence for a wedding to be performed during a feast.

Bayan is a patriarchal society, with women being forbidden from priesthood. There are legends of times when a woman took the cloth, and in these times Bayan always suffered under their leadership. Education is encouraged amongst all, but reading is forbidden to women as the words of the clergy are all written. Women are encouraged to take up martial arts to defend the men and their homes.


The Bayanese are mostly humans, although halflings are also a large component of their population. Whilst immigration into the theocracy is permitted, it is only permitted with conversion. Everyone else is considered a guest, and treated with respect.

The Bayanese Religion

The Faith of The Two Brothers is the only permitted faith within Bayan. The Bayanese are not prolific converters, nor do they barr other faiths entry to their lands. All are welcome to learn of The Brothers ways and teachings. The Bayanese religion forbids travel for Bayanese priests outside of the borders of the theocracy. It is said that all priests must stay to study the ways and await the return of Talangor. It is then that the Bayanese will spread from the theocracy and bring peace to the world. They call this coming time The Twilight.