Dominion of Doubt
After word from impish scouts reached the ears of Great-Father Lucifer of greener pastures to the far south of Ragnarok, he and his companion and lover, Casmia, led the first great exodus of his people, leaving the fortress-city of Kroth behind in more capable hands.
During the ascension up the Behemoth's Back Mountains that separated the volcanic north from the more forgiving south, Lucifer and his people were ambushed by Gabriel, the archon of faith. Lucifer diverted the angel’s attention and told his people to press on, much to Casmia’s defiance. After the battle, both Gabriel and Lucifer vanished completely. It is not known what happened to them that day, but in honor of the sacrifice he made for his people, Casmia took his place and led the migration, settling in the southern lands.
Casmia founded the Dominion of Doubt. The second dominion to form, named after the rigorous skepticism and inquiry with which they combed the universe. Specifically, the dominion formed out of the necessity to study new ways to utilize the Magical arts to aid the growth of food and the procurement of water, because while the south was more forgiving than the north, resources were still scarce. In the founding of the dominion, Casmia secretly hoped that one day she would discover the fate of her partner that day.
Eventually, thanks to the Rebirth, the Dominion of Doubt blossomed into an enterprise of enchanters, tinkerers, engineers, scholars and thinkers. With High Savant Luxus Ul'Ganus leading the dominion, he guided the construction of Savant's Prospect, what would eventually become the dominion's capital, as well as his pride and joy, the Polymath College in the city’s center. To this day, the Polymath College is arguably the world’s most influential institution in the magical arts.
Intelligence Above All
Many citizens of doubt value intelligence and intellectual superiority over all other attributes and will often devote their entire lives to crafting a successful body of work or becoming the highest authority of some minuscule aspect of the magical arts. Many seek to demonstrate their own intellectual prowess, and by that merit the superiority of demon-kind. Unfortunately, this all too often results in Doubt scholars being aloof to the point of disrespect towards others. This is most pervasive in imps who find themselves most at home within Doubt and its widely available intellectual and academic professions. Doubt has quickly established its intellectual and magical superiority over the other dominions. And its rapidly growing impish leadership primarily views the other dominions as useful primarily for heavy lifting, taking risks, and asking stupid questions. Doubt’s magical research is second to none. Their experiments with magical forces are evident through the impressive floating structures found around and within Savant’s Prospect. Many citizens within doubt study the difficult art of alchemy, and potions or magical supplements are often used for recreation or for battle enhancement. The most important contribution of Doubt to Ragnarok and demon-kind as a whole is the discovery, creation, and utilization of portal spells, pioneered by impish arcanists. Though research into portals is a new, revolutionary discovery, imps will often proudly let others know that it was them who brought such magic into the world.Governance
Rather than organized government, the Dominion of Doubt prefers to employ societies. These societies are typically matriarchal, headed by elder matriarchs from the most intelligent family lineages. Governmental societies are cultivated to be small, but very efficient crews excelling in construction, agriculture, transport, education, security and other mundane parts of city life which, together, creates a functioning nation. This Arcane Council of society leaders is led by a Benevolent Lady who directs discussion and debate. Today, under the guidance of the current Benevolent Lady, Nhyriza Ul'Runegrove, the Dominion of Doubt still retains its culture of rigorous inquiry and exploration into the scientific and magical realms. Membership of the council is often interchanged, as the role of councilwoman is rarely coveted as it means one cannot spend time tending to one’s own research and projects.Family Life
Citizens of the dominion have a strong sense of family and extended family, affectionately referring to their children as 'progenies' or 'offspring'. They also venerate their parents and grandparents. Citizens also tend to practice serial monogamy. Most of these relationships are partnerships that often have a firm, predetermined end date. Most often, such relationships come out of two people who fall in love with the same beautiful concept. These marriages of the mind produce rapid development of ideas, increased conceptual paradigms, and sometimes even children. Relationships that break up tend to feature more fights about who gets the research than who gets the kids. Despite their seemingly advanced culture, there are still social stigmas held within domestic life. Females are typically seen as more capable magic users, and so make up the majority of graduates from the Polymath College. Males on average are pressured into domestic life, often taking up professions as alchemists. Though this life isn't as glorious as a grand arcanist’s, it nonetheless fulfills a vital role in society.
Founding Date
C. -5,000
Type
Geopolitical, City-state
Capital
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Meritocracy
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Like most places in the world, the Dominion of Doubt uses the Gold Standard Currency system, engraving their coins with visages of the great Luxus Ul'Ganus.
Parent Organization
Location
Official Languages
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Comments