Epsia

Government: Theocracy. Oligarchical rule by a council of Cardinals, with Bishops ruling over religious parishes, and subservient Deacons presiding over specific communities, cities, and villages.
Cultures: Vesinian
Official Religion: Singulism
Population: 110,000
History: The territory now known as Epsia fell to the Arbethian Kingdom in 226 4E after the 3rd Crusade. The territory had been part of the Vesinian Empire for 262 years before falling to the Arbethian Kingdom, and the region had always been particularly devoutly Masoritanist. After centuries under Arbethian rule, the region had mostly converted to Dichotism. After nearly a century under the Arbethian Kingdom, and the region had not only converted, but become fervently Dichotist. It became known for its numerous shrines and monasteries.
Dichotist Vesinian Monks became formidable scholars and warriors within the religion, and the whole region transformed to a spiritual oasis. The Vesinian Monks applied heavy religious pressure upon their neighbors in the Vesinian Empire. Despite their best efforts, the Vesinian Empire's population remained a mix of secular and Masoritanist, especially after its reformation into the Tensun Trading Company in 238 4E.
The Vesinian Monasteries remained peacefully untouched by time until the Rashwanan Heresy of 366 4E. A traveling monk scholar named Lillya brought the heretical teachings of Singulism back to her monastery when she returned from Rashwan lands that same year. The heresy remained localized to the one monastery, and was tolerated by the Dichotist church when it was described to them as a philosophical/scholarly exploration that would eventually be used to combat Singulism rather than a true belief in the heresy.
Yet, as the Rashwanan Rebellion grew in success, and Singulism truly began to take hold, an effort was made to suppress its studies at the monastery. This push of suppression worked opposite to its intent, sparking controversy and bringing attention to the heresy rather than suppressing it. Other monks, the younger generations that were still learning, eagerly took to the new religion. The harder the Arbethians tried to suppress it, the more they fanned the flames of resistance. By the time the Arbethians decided to take military action, the Monasteries had almost entirely turned on them. The greatest scholars of the monasteries worked together to write a letter to Meridan.
In this letter they made a logical argument for the philosophy behind Singulism, and argued for their right to secede as a new nation due to their cultural and religious differences. Meridian's Logicmasters were so impressed by the syntax, diction, and logic in the letters arguments, they almost broke precedent by endorsing them as a new nation. Ultimately they did not, as this would break their own laws of neutrality. Instead, they officially entered the letter as a record within the Grand Library of Meridian. This itself was a subtle endorsement, for instead of categorizing it under historical record, they categorized it under diplomatic record. The implication was clear, yet subtle. Many in Meridan argued over the precedent it set. It didn't technically break the law of neutrality as it was written, but it did break the spirit of the law.
Nonetheless, the subtle endorsement from Meridian, and a less subtle threat from the Tensun Trading Company (in the form of possible sanctions) was enough to give the Arbethians pause. This pause lead to talks, and these talks outlined the territory that is now Epsia. The Theocracy of Epsia was officially declared on 398 4E. The Theocracy has lived in serenity and peace for many years since its foundation. An alliance with the New Sovereignty has solidified their political protection and deterred any thoughts of invasion by other nations. Epsian scholars and warrior monks can be found on pilgrimages throughout the world, as they aim to continue learning, and bringing what they learn back to their home. Their approach towards spreading Singulism by non-violent, subtle means has given them a positive public image, and they are welcomed everywhere except in the most devoutly Dichostist territories.