The Followers of Zarathustra

The faith has it's own internal hierarchy and rankings, based on a knowledge of the Avesta and later additions debated in vast public gatherings. These gatherings assign magisterial posts as well as qualify ranking within the faith. Magistrates are elected from a pool of those deemed eligible by holding at least an Elder rank, but the internal ranks are determined by a querent board of upper heirarchy individuals. The lay members may advance to Elder status by navigating an interview by the querent board. Elders are adept enough in the dogma as to be permitted public office. Teachers are considered to qualified to instruct, but not to alter or modify existing dogma. This rank is above the lay membership marginally, but other than the right to instruct holds no advantage. There are ceremonial ranks that have a part in the rituals of the faith as well as esteemed scholars who contribute to the expanding body of beliefs that comprise the faith, with Elders sitting in this second group. The priestly ranks have the functions, most commonly the fire tenders, who tend the sacred groves and keep the wood purified for the perpetual fires that represent the Mind of the Divine. These priests are veiled so they do not contaminate the fires with their breath, and some in these ranks rise to being Master, formally designated by their duty: Master of Song, Master of Writing, etc. Above the Masters are the Priests, who conduct the rituals. Naming is done fairly early, but the ritual marking the passage to adulthood (and bestowing the rights of citizenship) can take much longer. The coronation of Kings has it's own, secret fire, as does the advancement of priests. There is another sacred fire for the working classes kept as a a secret pilgrimage site, but most members of this class use their community's fire save for important elevations. The Magi also have scholars and philosophers esteemed as any priest but with no ritual functions. The Elders are the first step on this ladder, followed by the Poets, often believed prophetic, and finally the Sages, who hold the councils that determine the beliefs taught and cherished by the Magi.

The Followers believe the earth is a gift from the divine for Man to tend and see prosper. They see the classic elements as aspects of the divine and thus holy, sacrosanct enough to avoid sullying or polluting.

All taxes in Iranshar are collected by the magistrates, who allot the needs of the land according to the resources available. The primary tax event of the year is the Boy Hunt in spring, when all male children are judged and assessed before assignment to the societal niche they will fill. The oldest son is retained by his father and raised to conduct the family business, but all others are inducted into the slave camps that produce the bureaucrats and military of the land.

The sage Zarathustra was given a vision of the outer realms and the armies that protect them, something he recorded in hymns and poetry that formed the basis of faith in Iranshar. This individual's writings not only formed the faith of Iranshar but are the core of all that is believed of the outer realms. The Followers expanded both in numbers and dogma, growing a vast army of light and one of darkness to form their gods and demons.