Varakaashan Conclave

The Varakaashan Conclave is a theocracy headed by an Arch-Seeress. The Priesthood has total control over the population, which is divided into a caste system. During each citizen’s childhood they are taken before a Seer who then assigns them to the caste that they will remain in for the rest of their lives. It is believed that once the Seers did possess the power to foresee what role would an individual would excel at, but over time the system has become highly corrupt and more often class is designated on the basis of what kind of offerings the family is able to provide the local Priesthood.Intercaste relations and dynamics are highly regulated by the theocracy, and violations are dealt with harshly. The Conclave is also militantly isolationist, believing outsiders to be impure and corruptive. It is the theocracy’s goal to one day integrate all peoples under their rulership, leading to frequent conflicts with neighboring civilizations. Expatriation is strictly forbidden, with the punishment for defection being death, except in rare cases usually involving a state plot. Immigration is rare and highly regulated as citizens are indoctrinated from birth to obey the Priesthood without question, thus outsiders undergo rigorous re-education and integration in the cases they do attempt to join the Conclave. There are exceptions to this rule, given the corruption rampant within the Theocracy. Those that can offer substantial benefits will be given leeway and positions of privilege within the Conclave, although a singular bribe is usually insufficient. Connections, influence, commercial ties and other long term benefits are required to forgo regular restrictions. Those that join the Conclave and lose what has made them valuable can expect to be treated as any other subject, or outright killed. Additionally, although the influential and the powerful are given great leeway in their conformity, they still must maintain a certain level of perceived assimilation or else they will find themselves persecuted like any other heretic. It is aso not uncommon that those attempting to bribe their way into positions of privilege within the Conclave will find themselves treated as any other subject once their payment is received by the Varakaashan Priesthood. Trade and commerce are similarly restrictive. If trade could be forgone entirely it is likely the Conclave would do so, but to maintain order and provide for the commoners, a certain level of trade has always been needed, and over time the powerful have allowed certain, highly controlled commercial ventures to exist. External trade is only permitted in certain designated zones and is controlled by high ranking individuals and those beholden to them. As such, they are oligarchic or monopolistic in nature, and those in the highest echelons of power within them will zealously defend their interests. Additionally, they tend to abuse the wealth, prestige and power afforded to them by nature of their position, although a certain level of discretion is required to stave off the wrath of more puritan elements and popular revolt. Subjects are more aware of this facet of corruption, but the Theocracy has been able to attribute this to the influence of wealth and foriegn ideologies, allowing them to exploit their own abuses as justification for their own isolationism and various aspects of their ideology, such as the near total lack of social mobility. Technology is also largely shunned by the Varakaashan Conclave. Private innovation is all but forbidden. The Priesthood will on occasion allow certain progresses to be made if deemed necessary, but for the most part they rely on more artisan and traditional methods to make the wheels of society turn, usually relying on raw manpower to get the job done. This affects them most in military matters, as they shun technologies such as firearms and engine operated vehicles. Primarily they partially offset this using biological methods, such as using genetically engineered creatures and armies large enough to overwhelm their adversaries. Viral, chemical and other such weapons deemed “natural” are also often utilized in both offense and defense. In cases where Varakaashan territory is taken over by an adversary, it is a common practice for plague weaponry to be released as a failsafe against the invading force, usually in secret. The Priesthood will declare the outbreak the wrath of the gods, and any blowback is attributed to the gods displeasure that the Varakaashan populace has allowed their holy claims to be infringed upon. Varakaashan relations with the Angaran Empire are the most stable, as their religious doctrines are the most compatible with the Conclave’s ruling body. The Angarans are the Conclave’s primary trade partner but border disputes are still common. The Varakaashan Conclave has a bitter enmity with the Xen Empire given that the Xen were once subjects of the Varakaashan Theocracy. They believe they have the right to the Xen peoples and all their lands, while the Xen decry them of false prophets and charlatans. Due to the mass defection the Ajagari within Varakaashan Empire are considered to be the lowest of the low. They are untouchables that should be avoided whenever possible. As enemies the Ajagari are treated without mercy. When Xen cities are taken they are usually razed and their population exterminated save for the children who will be taken to reeducation camps. A Xen prisoner of war is given no consideration, most will be executed, their commanders tortured, and only in extrodinary circumstances will some be allowed to live in slavery. Similarly, the Xen have complete animosity for the Varakans. The Xen are only nominally less merciless towards Varakaashans. Captured priests and high ranking officials can expect a public execution. Prisoners of war have about an equal chance of being maimed or enslaved. Civilians will find themselves uprooted when their territory is captured, the common practice being to steal all their valuables and then deport the civilian population deeper into Xen territory.

Demonym

Kaashan when referring to the people. Varakan when referring to the government.

Neighboring Nations