Jou'lunn (JOH-luhn)

Jou'lunn is a kingdom defined by its stark contrast to the inclusive and egalitarian Eouma. Its vast grasslands and arid plains support a robust agricultural economy, while its renowned shipbuilding industry makes it a central hub for maritime trade. The kingdom's rigid patriarchal structure and belief in human superiority create inherent tensions both within and beyond its borders, making it a powerful yet isolated nation in Tanaria.
With its capital at Halebrink, operates under an absolute monarchy led by King Malgrin Ironfist. The Royal Council aids in drafting laws, while the High Tribunal interprets them, and the King's Enforcers ensure their execution. The kingdom's population is predominantly human, with a significant number of enslaved non-human races, and is characterized by a rigid social hierarchy and a command economy.
Jou'lunn's economy is bolstered by its extensive agricultural and industrial sectors, heavily reliant on slave labor. The kingdom's trade networks are well-developed, ensuring efficient movement of goods both internally and externally. While Jou'lunn imports essential and luxury items to maintain its lifestyle and production, it exports slaves, agricultural products, wine, and ships, making it a powerful economic force in the region.
Solarism, the dominant religion of Jou'lunn, traces its origins to the mythical creation of humans by Solarius, the Supreme God of Light. The First Prophets, Sacred Texts, and the founding of the Church of the Golden Fist established the core beliefs and rituals of the faith. The integration of Solarism with the monarchy reinforced the divine right of the ruling family and cemented the religion's influence over the kingdom's laws and governance. The Temple of Solarius in Halebrink remains the heart of the faith, guiding the spiritual life of Jou'lunnians and maintaining the religion’s prominence through expansion and crusades.

Structure

• King: The absolute ruler of Jou'lunn. Holds supreme authority over all aspects of governance, law, and military. Current ruler: King Malgrin Ironfist.
• High Lords: Nobles who govern various regions within Jou'lunn. They report directly to the King and manage local affairs, including enforcing laws, collecting taxes, and overseeing agricultural production.
• Military Commanders: Leaders of the kingdom's armed forces. Responsible for the defense of Jou'lunn and the enforcement of the King's decrees.
• Slave Overseers: Individuals responsible for managing and controlling the slave population. They ensure the productivity of slaves in agriculture, construction, and other labor-intensive tasks.
• Royal Advisors: A select group of trusted individuals who provide counsel to the King on matters of state, economics, and diplomacy.

Culture

Jou'lunn's culture is deeply rooted in its rigid patriarchal norms and the belief in human superiority. Men are seen as the protectors and providers, while women are relegated to subservient roles. The society places a high value on strength, discipline, and obedience. Traditions and festivals often celebrate these values, reinforcing the societal hierarchy. Education and opportunities for advancement are reserved for men, with women and other races facing significant limitations.

Public Agenda

Jou'lunn's public agenda focuses on maintaining and expanding its power and influence. The kingdom seeks to preserve its patriarchal structure and human superiority, often through aggressive expansion and the subjugation of other races. The monarchy aims to continue its dominance in agriculture and shipbuilding, ensuring economic strength and stability. The enforcement of strict societal norms and the suppression of dissent are also key goals to maintain order and control.

Assets

• Silver and Gold: Wealth accumulated through the slave trade, agriculture, and trade with other kingdoms.
• Buildings: Palaces, fortresses, and administrative buildings throughout the kingdom.
• Troops: A well-trained and heavily armored military force.
• Equipment and Weapons: Advanced weaponry and military equipment for the kingdom's army.
• Ships: Some of the best-built ships in Tanaria, used for trade and military purposes.
• Castles and Fortifications: Strongholds strategically placed to defend the kingdom's borders and maintain control over its territories.
• Land: Vast plantations and agricultural lands worked by slaves, producing essential crops and goods for the kingdom.

History

Founding Era (120 BHE - 200 BHE)
120 BHE: Jou'lunn is founded by Lord Thorian the Conqueror. The kingdom is established through a series of brutal conquests, subjugating neighboring tribes and regions.
Early Monarchical Period (200 BHE - 1 BHE)
90 BHE: Construction of the first major fortresses and palaces, establishing strongholds across the kingdom.
Middle Monarchical Period (1 HE - 400 HE)
50 HE: Major slave uprising occurs, leading to a brutal crackdown by the monarchy. The event reinforces the kingdom's harsh stance on slavery and dissent.
Recent History (400 HE - Present)
420 HE: Continued tension with Eouma leads to sporadic skirmishes along the borders. Diplomatic relations remain strained.

Demography and Population

Population Distribution: The population of Jou'lunn is predominantly human, with significant numbers of enslaved non-human races. The majority of the population lives in rural areas, working on farms and plantations, while a smaller percentage resides in cities like Halebrink.
Average Birth Rate: The birth rate among humans is relatively high, supported by societal norms that encourage large families. Among the enslaved population, the birth rate is controlled and often limited by their owners.
Average Death Rate: The death rate is higher among the enslaved population due to harsh working conditions and limited access to healthcare. The human population has a lower death rate, with better access to medical care and resources.
Social Structure: The society is strictly hierarchical, with humans, particularly men, holding positions of power. Women and non-human races have limited rights and face significant discrimination.

Military

Jou'lunn boasts a formidable military, characterized by its discipline, strength, and integration with the religious elements of the kingdom. The military forces are structured to ensure the absolute control of the monarchy and to maintain the kingdom's social order and territorial integrity.

Divisions of the Military:

1. The King's Army
Royal Guard: Elite soldiers tasked with protecting the King and the royal family. They are highly trained and loyal, serving as both bodyguards and symbols of the King’s authority.
Commander: High Lord Edrin Blackblade
Infantry: The backbone of Jou'lunn’s military, composed of foot soldiers armed with swords, shields, and spears. They are trained in traditional combat and serve in both offensive and defensive roles.
Commander: General Thane Ironside
Cavalry: Mounted troops who provide mobility and striking power. The cavalry is crucial for quick maneuvers, flanking attacks, and pursuing fleeing enemies.
Commander: Captain Roderic Steelhoof
2. The Templars
Order of the Golden Fist : A religious military order dedicated to upholding the doctrines of the Church of the Golden Fist. They serve as enforcers of religious law and defenders of the faith, often involved in crusades against heresy and dissent.
3. The Navy
Fleet of Jou'lunn: Jou'lunn’s naval forces, known for their well-built ships and strategic importance in trade and military operations. The navy protects the kingdom's maritime interests and ensures the security of its ports.
Admiral: Lady Maris Ironwave
4. The King's Enforcers
Law Enforcement Brigade: Specialized military and law enforcement officers tasked with maintaining internal security, enforcing laws, and suppressing dissent. They operate under the direct command of the King and are known for their efficiency and ruthlessness.
Chief Enforcer: Marshal Darius Grimjaw

Military Training and Doctrine

Military training is rigorous, with dedicated facilities for each division. Recruits undergo extensive physical and combat training, as well as indoctrination in the kingdom’s values and religious doctrines. The military doctrine of Jou'lunn emphasizes discipline, loyalty, and the integration of religious principles. Soldiers are taught to see their service as both a duty to the kingdom and a divine mission.

Equipment and Armament

The military is equipped with a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, bows, and crossbows. Elite units, such as the Royal Guard and Templars, have access to superior weaponry and armor. Soldiers wear sturdy armor, ranging from chainmail to full plate armor for the elite troops. The armor is designed to provide maximum protection while allowing mobility.
The navy’s ships are renowned for their craftsmanship, combining durability with speed and firepower. The fleet includes warships, cargo ships, and smaller vessels for reconnaissance and patrol.

Jou'lunn’s military is a powerful and well-organized force, integral to maintaining the kingdom’s control and enforcing its rigid social and religious order. The King's Army, the Templars of the Church of the Golden Fist, the Fleet of Jou'lunn, and the King's Enforcers form the core of this military might, each division playing a crucial role in the defense and stability of the kingdom. With a focus on discipline, loyalty, and religious devotion, Jou'lunn's military stands as a formidable force in Tanaria.

Religion

The dominant religion in Jou'lunn is known as Solarism. The people of Jou'lunn believe that they are the direct descendants of the first humans created by Solarius, which reinforces their conviction of human superiority and their divine right to rule over other races. This belief system is deeply intertwined with the kingdom’s governance, culture, and social hierarchy.
Church of the Golden Fist
The Church of the Golden Fist is the main institution of Solarism, dedicated to the worship of Solarius, the Supreme God of Light. The clergy, led by the High Priest, hold significant influence over both religious and political matters. Temples dedicated to Solarius are grand and numerous, serving as centers of worship, education, and social gatherings. Daily prayers, rituals, and festivals dedicated to Solarius are common. The most important festival is the Festival of Light, which celebrates the creation of the first humans and Solarius’s blessings. Sacrifices and offerings are made to appease Solarius and seek his favor.
The religious hierarchy is strictly organized, with the High Priest at the top, followed by priests, priestesses, and acolytes. The Clerical Council, composed of high-ranking clergy, advises the King and plays a crucial role in lawmaking and governance. The Church of the Golden Fist holds immense power in Jou'lunn. The clergy not only lead religious ceremonies but also influence political decisions and societal norms. The integration of church and state ensures that religious doctrines are enforced as laws, and dissent against the church is considered both a civil and religious offense.
Other Religions
While Solarism dominates, there are small pockets of other religious practices, often followed by non-human races and foreign merchants. These minority religions are tolerated to some extent but are closely monitored by the state.
Any religious practices that challenge the supremacy of Solarius or the divine right of the human race are strictly forbidden. Heresy, defined as any deviation from the worship of Solarius or the established religious norms, is met with severe punishment. Heretics are often publicly tried and executed to serve as a warning to others.
Taboos

• Interfaith Marriages: Marriages between followers of Solarius and adherents of other religions are strictly prohibited. Such unions are seen as a threat to the purity of the faith and the superiority of the human race.
• Religious Dissent: Questioning the doctrines of Solarius or the authority of the clergy is considered a grave offense. Dissenters are often labeled as heretics and face severe consequences, including imprisonment, torture, and execution.
• Foreign Religious Symbols: Displaying symbols or practicing rituals of foreign religions in public is taboo. These acts are seen as disrespectful to Solarius and the Jou'lunnian way of life, and offenders are harshly punished.

Foreign Relations

• Eouma: The relationship with Eouma is highly contentious, not only due to ideological differences but also due to religious conflicts. Eouma’s inclusive and egalitarian values stand in stark contrast to Jou'lunn’s religiously justified social hierarchy and slavery.
• Drakoria: Diplomatic relations with Drakoria remain complex. While both kingdoms respect each other's power, religious differences add another layer of friction. However, practical trade agreements persist.
• Other Kingdoms: Jou'lunn’s relationships with other kingdoms are influenced by both economic interests and religious alignment. Alliances are more easily forged with states that share similar religious views or are willing to overlook Jou'lunn’s theocratic governance in favor of economic benefits.

Laws

Religious and Secular Laws:

1. Law Creation: The integration of the Royal and Clerical Councils ensures that all laws are in accordance with the doctrines of the Church of the Golden Fist. The Royal Codex and the Sacred Tomes are the primary legal documents.
2. Law Enforcement: The King’s Enforcers and the Templars are responsible for enforcing laws, with a strong emphasis on maintaining religious orthodoxy.
3. Judicial Process: The High Tribunal and the Ecclesiastical Court ensure that both secular and religious laws are upheld. Clerics play a key role in legal proceedings, particularly in matters of morality and religious compliance.

Areas Covered by Law:

1. Crime: Laws against theft, rebellion, and heresy are severe, with harsh punishments to deter any challenge to the social order or religious doctrine.
2. Property: Property laws favor the ruling class and the church. Slaves and lower classes have minimal property rights.
3. Employment: Employment laws reinforce the hierarchical structure, with the church having significant influence over education and vocational training.
4. Commerce and Finance: Commercial laws are strict, with heavy taxation and regulation, ensuring that the kingdom's economy serves both the state and the church.
5. Litigation and Punishment: The legal system favors the upper class and clergy, with commoners and slaves facing harsher penalties. Religious transgressions are met with severe punishments, including public penance and execution for heresy.

Punishments:

1. Minor Offenses: Public humiliation, fines, and short-term imprisonment.
2. Major Offenses: Flogging, long-term imprisonment, forced labor, and execution. Religious crimes, such as heresy or blasphemy, are met with the harshest punishments.
3. Flexibility: The law is inflexible, designed to maintain both the social order and religious orthodoxy. The wealthy and powerful, especially those aligned with the church, often navigate the system to their advantage.

Agriculture & Industry

• Grain Plains: Vast fields of grain are cultivated using slave labor. These grain plains provide the staple food supply for the kingdom.
• Plantations: Extensive plantations produce cash crops such as cotton, tobacco, and sugar. Slaves work long hours in harsh conditions to maintain the high productivity of these plantations.
• Livestock: Jou'lunn practices extensive husbandry, raising cattle, sheep, and pigs. The livestock are used for meat, milk, and leather production.
• Vineyards: The kingdom is known for its wine production, with large vineyards producing a variety of wines. This industry is both a source of local consumption and export.
• Shipbuilding: Jou'lunn is renowned for its shipbuilding industry. The kingdom’s ports are equipped with advanced shipyards where some of the best-built ships in Tanaria are constructed.
• Metalwork: The kingdom has a robust metalworking sector, producing weapons, tools, and machinery. This industry supports both the military and agricultural sectors.
• Textiles: Using cotton from its plantations, Jou'lunn has a thriving textile industry. The production of fabrics and clothing is a significant part of the economy.

Trade & Transport

Jou'lunn's trade and transport systems are well-developed, facilitating the movement of goods both within the kingdom and to external markets.
Trade Networks

• Roadways: A network of well-maintained roads connects major cities and agricultural areas, allowing for efficient movement of goods. These roads are heavily patrolled to ensure the safe passage of trade caravans.
• Ports: Jou'lunn’s ports are some of the busiest in the region, handling both domestic and international trade. The ports are equipped with large shipyards and warehouses.
• Rivers: The kingdom utilizes its river systems for the transport of heavy goods, with barges moving agricultural products and raw materials to and from the interior.

Trade Products

• Slave Trade: The biggest resource and export of Jou'lunn is the slave trade. Slaves are captured, bought, and sold to other kingdoms, providing a significant source of income.
• Agricultural Products: Grains, cotton, tobacco, sugar, and livestock are major exports. These products are traded with neighboring kingdoms for goods and resources Jou'lunn lacks.
• Wine: Jou'lunnian wine is highly sought after in other regions, making it a profitable export.

Education

Education in Jou'lunn is heavily influenced by the kingdom's social hierarchy and religious doctrines. The system is designed to maintain the rigid social order and reinforce the dominant cultural and religious beliefs.

Education System

1. Elite Education
Children of the nobility and upper class receive the highest level of education. They are taught by private tutors and attend exclusive academies that focus on a broad curriculum, including literature, history, science, military strategy, and religious studies. The education of the elite emphasizes leadership, governance, and the perpetuation of the kingdom’s ideological and religious values. The most prestigious institution in Jou'lunn, where the children of the nobility are educated. It is located in the capital and offers the best resources and instructors.
2. Clerical Education
Individuals destined for religious roles receive specialized education in the Church of the Golden Fist. This includes extensive religious instruction, as well as training in oratory, philosophy, and administration. The Clerical Academy in Halebrink is the primary institution for training future clergy. Located within the grand temple of Halebrink, this academy educates future priests, priestesses, and other religious officials. The curriculum is centered around religious texts, rituals, and the integration of faith into governance.
3. General Education
Education for commoners is basic and primarily focused on practical skills necessary for their roles in society. Most commoners receive instruction in reading, writing, and arithmetic at local schools run by the Church of the Golden Fist. The education is heavily infused with religious teachings and the importance of obedience and loyalty to the state. Local schools run by the clergy, providing basic education with a strong emphasis on religious doctrine. These schools are present in most towns and villages.
4. Restricted Education
Slaves receive no formal education, as the ruling class believes that educating slaves could lead to dissent and rebellion. Their training is limited to the skills necessary for their labor. Lower classes, including free non-human races, have limited access to education and are often restricted to vocational training.

Disparities and Access Differentiation

• The nobility and clergy enjoy extensive educational opportunities, with access to the best resources, instructors, and institutions. Their education is designed to prepare them for leadership roles and reinforce their positions of power.
• Commoners receive a more limited education focused on basic literacy, numeracy, and religious instruction. Their access to higher education is restricted, and opportunities for social mobility through education are minimal.
• Slaves are denied formal education entirely, while non-human races and lower classes receive minimal and often inferior educational opportunities. This ensures their continued subjugation and limits their potential for advancement.

Religious Influence
Education at all levels is infused with the teachings of the Church of the Golden Fist. Religious studies are mandatory, and the curriculum is designed to reinforce the kingdom's ideological and religious beliefs. This ensures a population that is loyal and obedient to both the state and the church.
Education in Jou'lunn is a tool for maintaining the kingdom's social hierarchy and reinforcing its cultural and religious values. While the nobility and clergy receive extensive and high-quality education, commoners are provided with basic instruction heavily influenced by religious doctrine. Slaves and lower classes have little to no access to education, ensuring their continued subservience. This system perpetuates the power of the elite and the church, maintaining the rigid social order that defines Jou'lunn.

Divine Origins

The origins of Solarism are deeply rooted in ancient myths and legends. According to these stories, the religion began at the dawn of human existence in Tanaria. Solarius, the Supreme God of Light, is said to have created the first humans, blessing them with the spark of life and the wisdom to shape the world. The earliest teachings of Solarism were delivered by the First Prophets, a group of divinely inspired individuals believed to have received direct revelations from Solarius. These prophets spread the word of Solarius across the land, establishing the fundamental beliefs and rituals of the faith.
The teachings of the First Prophets were eventually compiled into the Sacred Texts, the holy scriptures of Solarism. These texts include the "Book of Light," which recounts the creation of the world and the divine order established by Solarius, and the "Book of Laws," which outlines the commandments and rituals that followers must observe.
As the teachings of Solarism spread, a central religious institution was established to organize and oversee the practice of the faith. The Church of the Golden Fist was founded by High Priest Alistair the Pure, who unified various sects and codified the rituals and doctrines of Solarism. Under his leadership, the Church built grand temples and established a formal clergy to guide and instruct the faithful.
The integration of Solarism with the monarchy of Jou'lunn began during the reign of King Thorian the Conqueror. Recognizing the power of religion to unify and control the populace, King Thorian forged a close alliance with the Church of the Golden Fist. The King and the High Priest became dual pillars of authority, with the King’s rule being divinely sanctioned by Solarius. This union cemented the intertwining of church and state, ensuring that religious doctrines would shape the kingdom’s laws and governance. The most significant center of worship for Solarism is the grand Temple of Solarius in Halebrink, the capital of Jou'lunn. Built during the early years of the kingdom, this temple serves as the heart of the faith, housing the Sacred Texts and the Clerical Academy. Pilgrims from all over Jou'lunn travel to Halebrink to offer their devotions and seek guidance from the clergy.
Over the centuries, Solarism expanded through missionary work and military campaigns known as the Solar Crusades. These crusades aimed to spread the light of Solarius and convert non-believers. The Church of the Golden Fist led these efforts, often resulting in the forced conversion of conquered peoples and the establishment of new temples in foreign lands.

Tenets of Faith

Tenets of Solarism

The religion of Solarism, as practiced in Jou'lunn under the Church of the Golden Fist, is guided by a strict set of tenets that define and guide the faithful. These commandments are considered divine laws given by Solarius, the Supreme God of Light, and are enforced both religiously and politically.
1. Worship Solarius Above All
Commandment: "Thou shalt have no other gods before Solarius." Explanation: The worship of Solarius is paramount. Followers are expected to honor Solarius through daily prayers, rituals, and offerings. Worship of any other deity is strictly forbidden and considered heresy.
2. Uphold the Divine Hierarchy
Commandment: "Thou shalt respect the divine order established by Solarius." Explanation: The social hierarchy, with humans at the top, is considered divinely ordained. All followers must respect and maintain this order. Rebellion against the hierarchy is seen as rebellion against Solarius himself.
3. Purity and Discipline
Commandment: "Thou shalt maintain purity of body, mind, and spirit." Explanation: Followers are expected to lead lives of discipline and moral integrity. This includes chastity outside of marriage, honesty, and devotion to duty. Physical and spiritual purity is essential for pleasing Solarius.
4. Spread the Light of Solarius
Commandment: "Thou shalt spread the teachings of Solarius and bring light to the darkness." Explanation: Missionary work and the spread of Solarism are encouraged. Followers are expected to convert others to the faith and expand the influence of Solarius.
5. Honor the Sabbath
Commandment: "Thou shalt keep the Sabbath day holy." Explanation: One day each week is set aside for rest and worship. On this day, followers are to refrain from work, attend religious services, and reflect on the blessings of Solarius.
6. Obey the Clergy and the King
Commandment: "Thou shalt obey the ordained leaders of the faith and the realm." Explanation: The clergy and the King are seen as representatives of Solarius on earth. Their commands and laws are to be followed without question. Loyalty to both the church and the state is a fundamental tenet.
7. Defend the Faith
Commandment: "Thou shalt defend the faith against heretics and unbelievers." Explanation: Followers are expected to actively defend Solarism. This includes participation in holy wars, persecution of heretics, and upholding the purity of the faith through vigilance and action.
8. Charity and Benevolence
Commandment: "Thou shalt practice charity and benevolence toward fellow believers." Explanation: Acts of charity within the community are encouraged. Helping the poor, the sick, and the needy among the faithful is seen as a way to honor Solarius and strengthen the community.
9. Protect the Sanctity of Marriage
Commandment: "Thou shalt honor and protect the sanctity of marriage." Explanation: Marriage is considered sacred, and infidelity is a grave sin. Marriages are often arranged to maintain social order and purity of bloodlines, particularly among the nobility.
10. Live by the Light
Commandment: "Thou shalt live by the light, shunning darkness and evil." Explanation: Followers are expected to avoid actions and behaviors considered evil or sinful. This includes dishonesty, theft, and indulgence in vices. Living a virtuous life in the light of Solarius is the ultimate goal.

Summary

The tenets of Solarism, as enforced by the Church of the Golden Fist in Jou'lunn, are strict commandments that guide the behavior and beliefs of the faithful. These tenets reinforce the social and religious order, ensuring loyalty to Solarius, the clergy, and the monarchy. The faithful are expected to lead lives of purity, discipline, and devotion, spreading the light of Solarius and defending the faith against any opposition.

Worship

Worship in Solarism, the dominant religion of Jou'lunn, is characterized by a range of daily practices, rituals, and traditions. The faithful engage in these activities to honor Solarius, seek his blessings, and maintain their spiritual purity.

Daily Practices

1. Morning Prayer
Practice: Every morning, followers of Solarism begin their day with a prayer to Solarius. This prayer is typically performed at sunrise, facing the direction of the rising sun. Purpose: The morning prayer is meant to give thanks for the light of Solarius and to seek his guidance and protection throughout the day.
2. Offerings and Alms
Practice: Devotees are encouraged to make small offerings at their local temple or altar. These offerings can include food, flowers, or crafted items. Additionally, giving alms to the poor is considered a virtuous act. Purpose: Offerings are a way to show devotion and gratitude to Solarius, while almsgiving fosters a sense of community and charity among the faithful.
3. Midday Reflection
Practice: At midday, followers take a few moments to reflect on their actions and thoughts, ensuring they align with the teachings of Solarius. Purpose: This practice helps maintain spiritual discipline and mindfulness throughout the day.
4. Evening Rituals
Practice: As the sun sets, followers gather for communal worship in local temples. This includes singing hymns, reciting passages from the Sacred Texts, and offering collective prayers. Purpose: Evening rituals strengthen community bonds and reinforce the teachings of Solarism, providing a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Weekly and Monthly Traditions

1. Sabbath Observance
Practice: One day each week is set aside as the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship. Work is prohibited, and followers spend the day attending services, studying religious texts, and engaging in family activities. Purpose: The Sabbath is a time to rejuvenate spiritually, honor Solarius, and deepen one’s understanding of the faith.
2. Festival of Light
Practice: Once a month, the faithful celebrate the Festival of Light, a significant religious observance that includes processions, special prayers, and elaborate feasts. The temples are decorated with lanterns and candles to symbolize the light of Solarius. Purpose: This festival commemorates the creation of the first humans and Solarius’s blessings, reinforcing the core beliefs of Solarism.

Rituals and Sacraments

1. Baptism of Light
Practice: Newborns and converts are baptized in a ceremony that involves anointing with sacred oils and immersion in blessed water. The High Priest or a senior cleric typically performs the ritual. Purpose: Baptism symbolizes purification and the acceptance of Solarius’s light into one’s life. 2. Marriage Blessing
Practice: Marriage ceremonies are conducted in temples, where couples receive blessings from the clergy. The ceremony includes vows, the exchange of rings, and the lighting of a unity candle. Purpose: Marriage is considered sacred, and the blessing ensures that the union is recognized and protected by Solarius.
3. Funeral Rites
Practice: Funeral ceremonies involve prayers for the deceased, the lighting of candles, and a procession to the burial site. Bodies are often interred with personal belongings and tokens of faith. Purpose: These rites honor the deceased, provide comfort to the grieving, and ensure safe passage to the afterlife under Solarius’s guidance.

Special Observances

1. Solar Equinox
Practice: The equinoxes are marked by grand ceremonies in the main temple of Halebrink. These events include fasting, meditation, and elaborate rituals performed by the High Priest. Purpose: The equinoxes are seen as times of balance and renewal, celebrating Solarius’s power and reaffirming the faith.
2. Pilgrimages
Practice: Followers are encouraged to undertake pilgrimages to significant religious sites, particularly the Temple of Solarius in Halebrink. Pilgrims often travel in groups, engaging in prayer and reflection along the way. Purpose: Pilgrimages are acts of devotion that strengthen one’s faith and offer opportunities for spiritual growth and community bonding.

Worship in Solarism involves a comprehensive set of practices, rituals, and traditions designed to honor Solarius and maintain the spiritual well-being of the faithful. Daily prayers, offerings, and reflections are complemented by weekly Sabbath observances, monthly festivals, and significant sacraments such as baptism, marriage, and funeral rites. Special observances and pilgrimages further enhance the religious experience, ensuring that the light of Solarius permeates all aspects of life in Jou'lunn.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The religion of Solarism, as embodied by the Church of the Golden Fist, exerts profound influence over the political landscape of Jou'lunn. Its teachings, hierarchy, and alliances with the monarchy shape the governance, laws, and power dynamics of the kingdom.
The Church of the Golden Fist asserts that the monarchy's authority is divinely sanctioned by Solarius. This doctrine of divine right justifies the absolute rule of the king and demands unquestioning loyalty from the populace. This religious endorsement strengthens the king’s position, reducing challenges to his authority. It also ensures that any rebellion against the king is seen as heresy, punishable by both secular and religious law.
The religion of Solarism, through the Church of the Golden Fist, is deeply intertwined with the political fabric of Jou'lunn. Its doctrines justify the divine right of kings, reinforce the social hierarchy, and ensure the church’s influence over governance, education, and the economy. The suppression of dissent, strategic alliances, and economic control further solidify the church's power. This integration of religion and politics creates a stable but oppressive regime, where the church and monarchy mutually reinforce each other’s authority.

Strength and Supremacy

Maps

• 

  Jou'lunn

  Jou’lunn is a kingdom defined by its vast grasslands, arid plains, and strategic coastal regions, forming the backbone of its agricultural and maritime dominance.

Founding Date

Year 120 BHE (Before Harmonium Era

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Capital

Halebrink

Demonym

Jou'lunni

Leader

Malgrin Ironfist

Ruling Organization

The Monarchy of Jou'lunn

Leader Title

King of Jou'lunn

Founders

• Lord Thorian the Conqueror

Head of State

Malgrin Ironfist

Head of Government

Malgrin Ironfist

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Power Structure

Feudal state

Economic System

Command/Planned economy

Major Exports

Jou'lunn’s economy benefits from the export of surplus goods and products that are in high demand in other regions.
Primary Exports

• Slaves: As the kingdom’s most significant resource, slaves are exported to various kingdoms, providing a steady stream of income.
• Agricultural Surplus: Jou'lunn exports excess grain, cotton, tobacco, sugar, and livestock to neighboring kingdoms.
• Wine: High-quality Jou'lunnian wine is a popular export, known for its rich flavors and quality.
• Ships: The kingdom’s shipbuilding industry produces vessels for trade and military use, which are sold to other kingdoms seeking to enhance their naval capabilities.

Major Imports

Despite its strong agricultural base, Jou'lunn relies on imports for certain goods and luxuries.
Essential Imports

• Spices: Jou'lunn imports spices from distant lands to enhance their cuisine, as local production is insufficient.
• Metals: Although it has a robust metalworking industry, Jou'lunn imports certain rare metals that are not available locally, such as mithril and adamantium.
• Timber: High-quality timber for shipbuilding and construction is imported from forest-rich neighboring kingdoms.

Luxury Imports

• Silk: Fine silk fabrics are imported for the nobility, who favor these luxurious materials for their clothing.
• Jewels: Precious gems and jewels are imported to adorn the wealthy and powerful, enhancing their status and displays of wealth.
• Exotic Foods: Delicacies and exotic foods from faraway lands are in high demand among the upper classes, who seek to display their wealth and sophistication through lavish banquets.

Legislative Body

The Royal Council: While the King holds absolute power, laws are created by the King with the assistance of the Royal Council and the Clerical Council. Religious leaders ensure that all laws align with the doctrines of the Church of the Golden Fist, reinforcing the kingdom's patriarchal and hierarchical norms.

Judicial Body

The High Tribunal and Ecclesiastical Court: The High Tribunal, alongside the Ecclesiastical Court, interprets both secular and religious laws. Judges and clerics work together to adjudicate legal matters, ensuring that religious principles are upheld in all judicial proceedings.

Executive Body

The King's Enforcers and Templars: Law enforcement is carried out by the King’s Enforcers, supported by the Templars, a religious military order dedicated to upholding the faith. They operate under the direct command of the King and the High Priest, ensuring compliance with both secular and religious laws.

Official State Religion

Temple of the Dawn

Deities

• Solarius

Neighboring Nations

• Drakoria
• Eouma
• Necai

Related Species

• Human

Related Ethnicities

• Jou'lan

Related Plots

• Breaking Chains