Maibusi

The Maibusi Republic is a remote enclave of gnau descended from ancestors that fled to the Fae Wyld thousands of years ago. The details of the Maibusi diaspora are not widely known outside the borders, but the general myth tells of a people ill-equipped to meet the threat of the daemons head on, and many fled for the relative safety of the primordial Wyld. Millenia later, they returned - seeking to resume a life in the material world.
While the Maibusi have not displayed any more aggressive tendencies than other kingdoms, their expansion is nonetheless a major contributor to territory tensions along the western coasts. Frequent skirmishes have occurred between the Maibusi and the Escabla to the south, as well as the Fel Spine Orcs along the northern coast. If not for their cloistered lifestyle and expertise with illusion magic, the Maibusi might not have survived after their arrival in the mortal realm.
Nonetheless, they have managed to not just survive, but thrive. After their first merchants crossed the jungles and mountains to the east, they established working trade relationships with Svain, Xianlian, and Scietti. They have also established strong relations with the Drosni, Mordrug, and Zameen, having knowledge of many maps through Terra Duhr that are considered closely kept secrets. Their greater political alliances and motivations, however, remain mysterious and unknown.

Lotus of the West

The modern Maibusi republic is composed of three parts, much like the Lotus flower of its homeland. The stem represents the Janchatta, the earthly people who work the land and support the fruit as it reaches toward the sky. The flower represents the Vikreta, the merchant traders and explorers, who attract outsiders with colorful bounties. Lastly, the Anda (translates roughly a ‘Pollenate’ - or source of pollen), represents the Spirit. Within the Anda, there is the Chatripani - the holy heart; the Nydeesh - a caste of Judges lead by the Sultan, and the Janatta - the political body of the Maibusi people.

The Anda

The Anda represents the political and spiritual heart of the Maibusi, and serves to express the will of its people in the world. the Anda is also composed of three pillars: the Chatripani, the Nydeesh, and Janatta.

Chatripani

The Chatripani is the figurehead and spiritual leader of the Maibusi, and stands as apex of both spiritual and political power within the domain. The Chatripani is considered a divine figure, invested with supernatural power and wisdom, and destined to serve the Maibusi people as a spiritual advisor and caretaker. The details of the history and mythology of the Chatripani, along with its sacred spiritual partner (known as the Suskyba) are detailed in the written and oral histories of Devatism.

The Nydeesh

An old Maibusi term for ‘Judge’, the Nydeesh serve as the nominal governing authority of nation. The Sultan serves as the head authority, who’s duties is to serve as a political minister on behalf of the Chatripani, as well as the final arbiter for any disputes among the Shieks. In turn, the Shieks serve as regional judges that oversee the administrations of provincial or local areas, depending on their rank.
Most importantly, the Nydeesh do not generate new decrees or laws as a rule - instead, proposals of policy or decrees are generated from the plebian ‘rabble courts’ known as the Janatta. While officially, the Nydeesh are not the first movers of any such proposal, they have a large degree of influence over the shape of any final resolution, and are charged with enforcing the results if and until such rules are reconsidered.
Shieks are nominally a non-dynastic position, though there tend to be a small group of family networks and relationships that serve as a major influence on who is ‘elected’ to such a position, and what sort of support they can wield.

The Janatta

The Janatta is perhaps the most unique feature of Maibusi governance, and likely has no equal elsewhere on Rynn. In some sense, it is the most purely democratic assembly, allowing most anyone from a locality to voice their ideas or proposals, and have them enacted into law. Laws of the Janatta are derived by consensus, not mere majority, and often take a long time to resolve any new proposal.
But what makes the Janatta so unique (and likely unadopted elsewhere), is the lack of prohibitions on how a polity arrive at consensus. The process, known as the ‘Cycles of Consensus’ are comprised of five phases that are designed to ensure decision at any cost.
Vichaaron (Ideas)
In this initial phase, participants walk the ‘floor’ of the meeting square and listen to any individual who has stepped up to present ideas, philosophies, or plans. Much like a silent auction, proposals are heard within a limited time frame, and no debate is allowed.
Bahas (Debate)
In this second phase, participants are invited individually to debate their ideas with others of those assembled, moderated by the Sheik. This affair is sometimes done in good faith, in order to refine ideas; but can also be used as a rhetorical means to build support, or tarnish some political rival.
Saudebaajee (Negotiation)
Participants assemble, physically, around initial proposers, in order to demonstrate their approval or allegiance. Some time is allowed for negotiation as those assembled seek to peel off supporters from one group or another.
Phaisale (Decision)
The fourth phase of the Cycle is the most infamous, and is often regarded with great skepticism. Here, the Sheik calls for a final decision to be made - in doing so they offer an escalating means of resolution.
If any group dissents from the first option, the following option must be proposed. If no consensus by means can be agreed upon, the fourth option is chosen. At this point, Raktaran is declared and all those present seek to defend their proposal under threat of violence.

• The first option is a vote by majority
• The second option is vote by tithe
• The third option is a vote by duel (single combat)
• The fourth and final option is by skirmish

Sulah (Reconciliation)
In this final phase, the results of the Janatta are decided, and summarized. For those Phaisale that were resolved by more than mere vote, the Sulah also serves as a communal funeral where respects are paid to those who fought bravely.
Should the final form include a new Sheik, the Sultan is informed and a regional Janaata is called, initiating Tyagaana (abdication/removal of a sheik), which the reigning sheik must survive. Such regional Janaatas are not entirely uncommon, but generally cunning, capable sheiks overcome them easily.

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Demonym

Maibusi

Location

Orela

Neighboring Nations

• Dzinma Dziskyon

Region

Size: average
Major Cities: 4
Density: high
Infrastructure: medium

Population

City: 10%
Town: 80
Rural: 10%
Literacy Rate: 25%
Immigrant Population: <1%
Gender Ratio: 0.8 male(s)/female
Fertility Rate: 6.3 children/family
Life Expectancy: 89.3 years

Culture

Highly Values: family
Known For: Illusion magic
Popular Entertainment: theatre
Respected Profession: merchant
Discrimination: occupation-based
Major Taboo: eye contact
Major Social Ill: infidelity

Ecology

Main Climate: jungle
Ocean: one side (western)
Mountains: Several
Frequent Trouble: flooding
Wilderness: 85%
Wild Animals: common
Natural Resources: average

Politics

Political Structure: Theocratic
Strong Influence: families
Popular Issue: exploration/expansion
Stability: very stable
Personal Freedoms: very few
Scandals: few
Foreign Relations: good

Magic

Occurrence: very common
Primary Source: Study
Major Use: Defense
Viewed: with respect
Enchanted Items: common

Religion

Type: polytheism
Focus: sacredness of family
Worship: solemn prayer in private
Associated Artform: sculptures
Prevalence: believed by many
Holidays: a few

Economy

Main Export: cash crops
Main Import: metalworking
Main Resource: food crops/fruit
Trade: a slight surplus
Strength: somewhat weak, but growing
Wealth: concentrated in a small upper class

Military

Strength: weak
Focus: land
Main Unit: mages
Soldiers: volunteers
Main Use: Border security
Rank: earned through aptitude tests