The Theocracy of Shemlar
The Theocracy, as it will no doubt mention, traces itself directly back to the Empire of Shen'lara and the Most Triumphant Emperor himself. All other nations were of course also under the reign of the Emperor, but Shemlar alone is proud of this. The reason for this stems from the first years of the man's rise and the kingdom he conquered. The Kingdom of Shen'lare, before the Emperor, was vastly different from the modern age. The most obvious was the large amounts of slaves, a practice which is ground for high treason in Shemlar in the modern-day. These slaves were however not humans as some might believe, but primarily the dwarves that now rule and populate the land. These dwarves were freed one and all by the Emperor as one of his first acts and they were his most loyal supporters, owing their very freedom to the man. This sentiment has continued for generations, and though distilled, it still exists as no people have longer memories than the dwarves.
The Emperor died, however, and most of his soldiers with him, leaving the remains of the Empire in shambles. Something had to be done, as nobles squabbled and fought between each other, none ever winning enough ground to crown themself. This something turned out to be an archbishop of the quickly growing Creed, a man who'd found and name himself to the office of Pontifex. Many of the common people had needed some stability in their lives, and the Gods, as well as Pontifex Sedatio I, would provide that.
The other priest had not forgotten the lessons of the Emperor, however, and one stood out more clearly than any other. One must never cease to grasp for excellence, and so they did not. First was Pontifex Commutatio I who overthrew Sedatio I, and who through his few chaotic years set the president for the Pontifex not being the true power but merely the front. Actions that would later lead to the creation of the Justiciars. Then came Pontifex Iterum I, who truly cemented that the office of Pontifex would always be everchanging, but also made it scripture that this was good, for it was simply the better getting rid of the worse. A holy act if there ever were one. Through this, Shemlar would grow ever more powerful, til they could finally be worthy of their hallowed past.
Structure
The Pontifex technically rules the Theocracy, a title won in the capital of Drynd, usually through decades of worship and quite a few plots. The actual power lies with the Chief Justiciar, a bureaucratic title that is admittedly not without its cutthroat tendencies. This is due to the high turnover rate of the Pontifex and the fact that even when chosen, they rarely have enough time to actually rule while quelling insurrections in the priesthood. This leaves the Chief Justiciar and the Justiciars, in general, to make and enforce the law and day-to-day in Shemlar.
Culture
The core value of Shemlar is ambition, and that can easily be seen in its culture. Betrayal and plotting are only frowned upon if it fails, though acts such as murders are still frowned upon. That which has been beaten can learn from its own mistakes after all and grow stronger.
Public Agenda
The goal of Shemlar is for itself to grow powerful and worthy enough to earn the past they worship as much as the Gods.
History
As the priests fought amongst themselves to claim the title of Pontifex, someone else had to step up to actually rule the country. Justiciars came into place. Originally made of the former aristocracy, the organization has since grown to be the only true thing to actually keep anything in check. Some might call them authoritarian, pedantic, or tyrants, but they are arguably necessary for society to function.
Demography and Population
Being the second-largest nation on Joia, Shemlar has a lot of different nationalities. The largest of these are naturally dwarves, though this was not always the case. Originally the slave class of the nation, they have since grown exponentially after their freedom as well as after the death of the Emperor. The second-largest group by far is humans. There are almost none left who are descendants of Shen'lar since most of those either died in the Emperor's wars or fled the country after his fall. However, many have moved to the country given its notion of earning one's worth. Anyone can become anything in Shemlar, and this is true for everyone.
Military
Shemlar has no formal military, but what they do have is an extremely devoted group of priests and paladins as well as normal civilians who can be rallied if need be.
Technological Level
While the priesthood of Shemlar is generally horrible at catching up or even progressing at most times, the Justiciars have been extremely welcoming to new technologies of any kind, as long as they can have extreme control over said technologies.
Religion
Religion in the Theocracy is somewhat complicated. They do worship the Gods, but more so than that, they worship improvement. This means that they will pray to the altar of whatever of the Major Gods that they both believe is most powerful at the time as well as the ones they think will help them most personally. Some might view this as being somewhat heretical, but the people of Shemlar don't worship to worship, they worship to gain.
Foreign Relations
Shemlar is in an interesting position in regard to foreign diplomacy. Every single nation dislikes the Theocracy to some extent, either because of their slightly heretical take on religion, their near worship of the Most Triumphant Emperor, or their general cutthroat philosophy. This dislike has however never truly been enough to actually truly antagonize the Theocracy, merely to scoff at it quite often as well dismissing it at times.
Never Cease Grasping
Founding Date
484
Type
Geopolitical, Theocracy
Capital
Alternative Names
The Theocracy
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Shemlaran
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Theocracy
Economic System
Market economy
Currency
Gold, Silver, Copper
Legislative Body
The Head of the Justiciars writes the laws of the Theocracy, though the Pontifex can write their own laws as well as veto those of the Justiciars.
Judicial Body
The Eyes of the Justiciars carry out the laws of the Theocracy.
Executive Body
The Hands of the Justiciars as well as the priests of the Theocracy enforce the laws of Shemlar.
Official State Religion
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Species
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