Devolurit

“I am a Devolian Citizen.”
No words strike more fear into a would-be assailant’s heart than those uttered by travelers from the great, grand empire of Devolurit. So swift and powerful is the reaction of the Devolian nation to the insult of one of their citizenry being harmed while abroad, other nations rarely ever think to seek punishment or retribution from a Devolian citizen for their crimes. And it is for the best, as the Devolian army is the largest in all of Talav Mor. Cities have been sacked and burned, countries conquered and absorbed into the empire, because a noble from another country thought to harm a commoner from Devolurit.
Ruled over by a king installed by the heads of churches who agree he was named by the gods for the position, Devolurit is a country which demands – and most frequently receives – the loyalty of its people. Looking upon its great cities, with their towering tributes to the industrious spirit of its people in the form of great columned temples and buildings, its world-famous gladiatorial rings, it is not hard to see where the sense of pride comes from.
Nearly bisected by mighty rivers and wardened off from its neighbors by water and mountain, Devolurit has expansive, but easily protected holdings. Its population fears no danger while walking its roads, though they have sacrificed most of their freedoms to do so. Women in Devolurit may own property, but lack any ability to participate in politics, and are harshly punished for any discovered attempts to influence the political sphere. They are also denied any ability to participate in the judicial system, save being punished for some wrongdoing.
Those found to be committing crimes against the empire on a frequent basis are punished harshly, handed down sentences ranging from indentured servitude within the safety of the empire’s borders, slavery abroad in Taqam. Alternately, if the accused finds neither of these options agreeable, they are given one last option: to accept a Gaido tattoo on their face, before being sent to Yosika to serve among the primarily orcish forces tasked with keeping the threats within Buratanda at bay. The exact amount of time they spend among the Gaido varies from person to person, as it is up to the Gaido who receive them to honor them and their sacrifice and service with additions to their tattoo until they have reached the status of a full Gaido. Only once this has been achieved may they travel back to their homeland.
Industry is found in every corner of this mighty nation, and little of its lands remain unexplored or uncultivated in some way. Its quarries are vast and deep, its roads smooth and meticulously formed and tended, its once-great forests now turned into carefully tended and cultivated lumber centers where trees are planted, grown, and felled in a process which frequently feels like clockwork. Statues honoring the gods and their own heroes and legends are commonly found dotted throughout the kingdom. Some are small enough to sit in the courtyard of a pristine villa, others are found at the border, marking the roads leading into the empire.
They stand, sentinels, shields and swords at the ready to turn back the invading army. People say they are enchanted to come to life and fight to protect their homeland, though no army has ever been brave (or perhaps fool) enough to test the theory.

Government System:  Theocracy/Absolute Monarchy
Racial Makeup:

• 10% Aasimar (ruling class)
• 80% Human
• 10% Misc.

Pro: Most feared military in the known world, safest place in the known world, wealthy
Con: Laws are absolute, sell criminals they consider "unrepentant" or "irredeemable" into slavery to Taqam, few personal freedoms