Temple City States
Ervenian Era, 1051 AB
A Temple City State, or Tzoquasi in Bayjani, is a polity whose structure is unique to the Yuan Ti of Bayjan. As the name implies, a temple city state is an independent sovereign city centered around a temple, which serves as the ultimate political, cultural, economic and religious center within its contiguous territory. Though they all worship the same gods of the same religion, tzoquasi constantly fight amongst themselves; together with the geographical features of Bayjan, the borders between said contiguous territories are vague at best.
Notable Tzoquasi
This section is far from comprehensive, either in depth or in breadth.
Eskalish
The temple of Eskalish is a tall tower with an astral observatory at its top, with its surrounding buildings seemingly trying to reach the stars as well. The priesthood holds a firm grasp over the populace and day-to-day operations, even more than the other tzoquasi. The state has no warrior caste; instead, their territory is warded with ancient primal magic whos nature is known only to those close enough to the ruling class.Etloshlui
Known for its chaotic evil nature, Etloshlui is a semi-nomadic warmongering tzoquasi with seemingly no long term goals, that keeps the traditions and rituals they practiced before their god was lost to history. As long as the blood flowed, the god was pleased; as long as the blood flows, Etloshlui shall prosper. Led by a warrior-prophet, prophecy is bestowed upon a worthy contender, who must then challenge the current prophet and slay them in combat. When such a contender wins and assumes the role of prophet, the tzoquasi goes on a warpath in search of a new place to settle.Askathie
Askathie is often stated to be the worst among all tzoquasi. Worshipping Merrshaulk, the city was built and is maintained by thousands of slaves that toil until they die of exhaustion, as Merrshaulk desires. At its heart is the temple, a large, three layered, round ziggurat, with hanging fruit-bearing gardens, half of whom bear only poisonous fruits.
Type
Geopolitical, City-state
Predecessor Organization
Neighboring Nations
Related Species
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