Rihan: Difference between revisions
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*the right to present a defense in a publicly recorded trial, aside from a public defender, before the courts | *the right to present a defense in a publicly recorded trial, aside from a public defender, before the courts | ||
*the right to apprehend and charge as a private citizen, any criminal or enemy of the Republic, and | *the right to apprehend and charge as a private citizen, any criminal or enemy of the Republic, and | ||
*the right to bear arms, for defense or sign of status, in public and in private | *the right to bear arms, for defense or sign of status, in public and in private. | ||
===Foreign Relations=== | ===Foreign Relations=== |
Revision as of 23:27, 18 August 2019
The Rihan Republic Rheilhhu Rihana | |
---|---|
Motto: "En Partrayar Diien Talla Siun'na Rheilhhu" | |
Anthem: D'Teelis | |
Status | Independent State |
Capital and largest city | Dartha |
Official languages | Rihanh |
Religion | D'era |
Demonym(s) | Rihannsu |
Government | Aristocratic authoritarian oligarchy |
• Praetor | Morror Kassus |
• Proconsul | Enellis Vellon |
Legislature | The Senate |
Establishment | |
• D'Vatta | 1343 |
Area | |
• Total | 342,320 km2 (132,170 sq mi) |
Population | |
• 2019 census | 33,442,681 |
GDP (nominal) | estimate |
• Total | $613.37 billion |
• Per capita | $18,341 |
Gini (2019) | 61.9 very high |
HDI (2019) | .699 medium |
Currency | Chak (RRC) |
Time zone | UTC -6 |
Driving side | right |
Calling code | +40 |
Internet TLD | .ri |
The Rihan Republic is an aristocratic authoritarian oligarchy located on the continent of Aurelia along the Apnex Sea. Rihan is 342,320 km² in area, located between latitudes 19º and 22.5ºS and between longitudes 97º and 93ºW. The Republic is home to 33.44 million people. The capital and largest city of the Republic is Dartha. The land of Rihan is home to a range of unique flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world including the Mogai, the Ter'ak, and Y'gora Tree. The Rihannsu people were originally a client people of the Tagmatine Empire before they were forced into self-exile for philosophical differences. They are known to be a xenophobic, clan-based people who harbor an aggressive and devious nature. This has proliferated into the core of the Republican government system, making its politics a dangerous game of intrigue, shifting alliances, and murder. It has also reflected in their recreational activities including fights in the arena and games of strategy and logic.
[Edit] The Republic has stood for over 675 years and over the years, expanded its territorial holdings and bolstered its slave population who are essential to the nation's economy. Expansionist policies eventually brought Rihan into conflict with a mid-sized Aurelian state called Enolia. Both nations fought for ten years which ended in an embarrassing defeat and tens of thousands of lives lost. After twenty years of self-imposed isolation and slow reconstruction, the Republic has reemerged on the world stage -- at a moment of intense political instability and economic inequality. Rihan is currently led by Praetor Morror Kassus.
History
Origins and Client of the Tagmatine Empire
The Rihannsu originated as a nomadic people, residing in the Europan East. They migrated west after being pushed from their initial lands by other such tribes. Their leaders would spur the people to cross the plains and across the steppes before appearing on the shores of the Raga Sea on Akiiyru's coast. Over this time, they had fought dozens of other tribes, taking their resources to keep the horde moving. While many would label these people as nightmarish people, they were eager learners and observers, taking what would benefit them in the long run as a people with them in their onward journey, a theme that would be replicated later on in their history. It was in the early 1100s when the Rihannsu had gained an understanding of basic naval construction from a seafaring tribe on the sea's edge. After constructing a rudimentary fleet, the horde would sail across the Raga and landed opposite the steppes in the lands of the Tagmatine Empire.
Kristoforos V (1128-1145) was the first to have a Rihannsu bodyguard (Tagmatine: Optimatoi, Rihanh: D'klamorairi Rhiyrh), due to the fact that his own hold on the throne was questionable after he had inherited the Tagmatine throne through his uncle from the Kommenoi dynasty. Seeing as he could not trust other natives or any established family who might assert its superior, he chose the Rihannsu to back up his claim. The Rihannsu gained settled status in the Empire upon his rise to power. The existence of the bodyguard would carry over to his successors, Kommodus I and Honorios II over three generations. As a settled people, the Rihannsu lived in isolated communities in the southern reaches of the Tagmatine Empire. Many Rihannsu were farmers and craftsman. They eagerly involved themselves in absorbing as much of the Aroman culture, language, and knowledge as they could. This led to a small, but well-versed, group of philosophers and intellectuals, the most important of whom was Tellus. The Tagmatine-Rihannsu relationship would soon sour.
The Departure
For many years, the Rihannsu Bodyguard protected the Emperors, their positions unassailable. The high point in Rihannsu-Tagmatine relations occurred during the reign of Honorios II (1197-1199) who was supportive of the Rihannsu people. But there was a ticking time bomb: both the current Emperor and their predecessors knew their bodyguards were largely non-religious and they argued with their advisors and members of the clergy that such disconnect allowed them to fulfill their duties without getting involved in court intrigue. However, despite predictions in 1199, Honorios II dies and a scramble for the throne occurs. It is also at this time that Tellus publishes his treatise that calls out the state Iconclastic Church: saying that praising a single being over the greater strength and duty of the people was a means of oppression.
The work itself was considered seditious and one of the claimants to the throne, Ioannes, uses his writing to whip up religious differences, uniting the various other factions behind him, resulting in him taking the throne. Within 2 years, Ioannes IV would dissolve the bodyguard unit, and with backing from the Church patriarchs, takes steps to remove the Rihannsu from the Empire altogether. The heads of the various Rihannsu clans gather and unanimously agree that they must leave the Empire. They immediately begin constructing a vast flotilla of ships along the Raga coastline. As the fleet is being hastily built, Tellus composes an expansive vision of what would become D'era, the guiding principles of the Rihannsu people. His vision spreads quickly throughout the people. Six months into Ioannes IV's reign, he orders the Imperial forces to remove them. As the Imperial Army marched south to confront their once-client people, the Rihannsu board their fleet, departing the Empire forever. Tellus, onboard the last vessel to leave the shore, stares at the fading horizon and is said to have played a tune of rage on his string instrument. The Rihannsu departure is marked to have occurred in 1202.
Geography and Climate
The land of Rihan is lush, humid, and full of abundant vegetation. The capital, Dartha, lies at the mouth of the Sherdek River and the Apnex Sea. The river valleys are fertile for agriculture. The Aihai, the flat plain dominated by Dartha and its surrounding communities, is considered the 'breadbasket of the Republic'. Rihan is blessed with many rivers including the Sherdek, the Relgath, the Gend'eroth, the Terelex, the Andrack, the Korex, the Thalek, the Gansar, the Belsanra, and the Nelrek. While much of the land is made up either humid forest, small rolling hills or pleasant flatlands, there is a single mountain chain that crosses the land from northeast to west: the D'Kalla. The highest peak is Mount Al'kathel. Rihan's average temperature sits around 23 to 27 °C (73 to 81 °F) though it can drop to as low as 13 °C (55 °F) or as high as mid-30's °C. The Rihannsu measure of temperature is the Ankhian (ex 12 units = 35 °F). During the hot summer months, the Praetor retreats to his residence in the cooler Valley of Chula. The Valley has some of the best vistas in the entire country. Rihan is a coastal state 342,320 km² in total area and is located between latitudes 19º and 22.5ºS and longitudes 97º and 93ºW.
Cities
Largest cities or towns in Rihan
2019 census | |||||||||
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Rank | Province | Pop. | Rank | Province | Pop. | ||||
1 | Dartha | Brel'kar | 2,968,564 | 11 | Vendras | Novok | 481,446 | ||
2 | Peldred | Chetris | 1,857,511 | 12 | Leras'nev | Nelvek | 430,662 | ||
3 | Rateg | Fitzan | 1,310,673 | 13 | Dorvek | Anverok | 419,311 | ||
4 | Penvar | Ralatak | 1,148,375 | 14 | Torven | Allorak | 394,340 | ||
5 | Mereka | Nelvek | 1,039,491 | 15 | Ch'eren | Keldrak | 368,122 | ||
6 | Tephren | Mendrik | 750,450 | 16 | Kor'Ren | Nelvek | 355,105 | ||
7 | Mirek | Chetris | 680,245 | 17 | Gav'ros | Chaltok | 302,439 | ||
8 | Dinalla | Fitzan | 612,398 | 18 | Kor'Marel | Relenak | 287,556 | ||
9 | Calanista | Mendrik | 523,964 | 19 | Chaladra | Anverok | 280,834 | ||
10 | Hlarek | Relenak | 504,387 | 20 | Tartak | Parak | 252,494 |
Flora and Fauna
Rihan is home to a rich ecosystem that is rich with hostile and predatory creatures. The land is known for its renowned avian species: the predatory raptor or Ra'tar and the Mogai Eagle, the symbol of the Republic. In the Forests of Allerash, one can find the Raal, a type of bear; the Akaana, a type of boar; and the Thrai, a member of the wolf family. But its the vast jungle of Rihan where some of the most vicious of animals lurk. A predatory feline, the Ter'ak, is native to the areas outside Vendras. This animal possesses unusually large ears and eyes, with fur ranging from chocolate brown to fawn. It is fearless and can attack entirely unprovoked on passers-by who stray too far from protected trails. The Ter'ak weighs 50 kilograms and is about a meter long. Another animal similar to the Ter'ak is the Syrinx, which is far more widespread across the land. Aristocrats across the land demand the furs of both animals to both wear and hang on the walls of their villas. Those not captured for their pelts are put into the arena to be used in blood sports. The jungles are also home to venomous snakes including the Moliok and the Trelka. On the wide open plains, docile Kerosh graze on tikrit.
Even though the land is home to many vicious wild animals, the Rihannsu have managed to domesticate several animals. The predominant animal of labor and food are the Hlai, the Travit, and the Drabhik. These are found on farms across the fertile plans. Many nobles and wealthy landholders maintain stables of fine stoic Fvai. For pets, many have set'leths or Seldraks, the latter both as loyal friends and fierce guardians. For those wanting something graceful, there is always the Scavandra swan who populate many a pond in the gardens of elite individuals.
In the waters of the Apnex Sea, Osol fish can be found in abundance. Giant Mollusks are netted and eaten as a delicacy by the nobility. Other shellfish are consumed. Some enjoy caviar from the Fressenor whale of the White Sea. Rihan's rivers are home to piranha-like fish called Kharah. The Praetor has a school of such fish in a deep pond within the Palace complex and some leaders in the past have not hesitated to throw insubordinate staff members into it to make a point.
Much of the flora is widespread across Aurelia but some cultivable plants including oliva, kheh, tivish, and vareet have been domesticated for consumption or for textiles. Some fruits have been altered for eating. One type of tree, the urukan, can be found across Rihan, particularly in the Forest of Allerash. Another predominant tree is the Shera. In the humid forests, plants such as the Vadaso, the Pirek, and the poisonous Melanth can be found in considerable quanities. There is also the Lagga flower and the Wagi bush.
Government
Rihan's government is structured upon the quintessential concept of a Republic, though not in the sense recognized around the world. The powers and responsibilities for each level of government are defined in the Constitution (D'Vatta) though what is written on paper does not always play out as intended in reality.
The Senate
Supreme power, according to the D'Vatta, lies with the Senate (Deihuit), made up of 300 Senators (Deihu) from a range of aristocratic families, military leaders, or those with considerable wealth. The Senate appoints its own members. Many seats have been held by the same family for generations. There are many committees that are focused on individual policy areas. The most important in the chamber is the eleven-member Continuing Committee. It is an executive board made up of all branches of government to determine consensus on policy. There are numerous political coalitions that exist within the chamber representing the spectrum of political opinion in the country including:
- Jardian (pro-military and territorial expansionism)
- Jol Tan (law and order)
- Suketh (slow expansion, involvement in international affairs and alliances, domestic issues)
- Nej'ahar (economic growth)
Membership within the coalitions are constantly in flux and a member siding with one group on a specific matter may not be with them on another. The Senate appoints a Proconsul and Vice-Proconsul to run the day-to-day affairs of the Senate. They are typically members of different coalitions as part of an arrangement within the chamber. Each coalition is led by a consul who has a seat on the Continuing Committee.
The Praetor
The Praetor (Fvillha) is the Head of State. They have broad powers, including supreme command of the Republic's armed forces, the authority to interpret laws and enforce them, and the sole authority to inflict the death penalty, but the Senate retains the absolute power to enact laws. The only check the Senate has on the Praetor is the ability to remove them from office by a three-fourths vote. Praetors are considered the very embodiment of the nation's ideals of honor, accomplishment, and discipline. Due to the extreme danger that is associated with Rihannsu politics, it is not uncommon for Praetors to suffer abbreviated terms of office in comparison to other heads of government. To ensure their protection, the men and women of the Praetorian Guard (Morairi ih'Fvillha) are always by their side.
The Assembly
Although the Senate has supreme power and appoints its own members, the public has a mechanism to voice the concerns and needs of the common people through the Assembly (ætheaa). As defined in the Constitution, all citizens are members of the Assembly. Resolutions are brought forward, debated, and voted on by secret ballot. Those that receive a majority of support are elevated to the Senate for their consideration.
The Judiciary
The Judiciary is overseen by the Praetor. The system of justice assumes the individual charged is guilty of the crime unless proven otherwise. Many procure the services of well-skilled intercessors (lawyers) to represent them in the courtroom. There are a wide variety of courts focused on different areas of law. The highest court in the Republic is the High Tribunal which consists of twelve judges. All judgments of this court are final, and there are no appeals. Kolar Marrus is the chief magistrate who presides over the High Tribunal.
Sentences can range from simply paying a fine to imprisonment, hard labor, or death. Only the Praetor can condemn an individual to death. Executions are done publically. Individuals have the right to make a statement before the sentence is carried out.
Local and Provincial Government
Governments of the many cities and provinces of the Republic do not have much power no matter how close they are to the heart of the government in Dartha. The Senate and the bureaucracy often override orders of the local governments without notice. In turn, the local governments take their frustration out on the local people by adding to their already high taxes. This does not mean that the local governments are all well run; some of the city and provincial governments allow situations like roads and local services to reach extreme severity before actually handling them, and even then, take more time than necessary finishing the job. Provincial governors are appointed and recalled by the Senate. Local councils (Ekhiel) and mayors (Maiori) are elected directly by secret ballot by the residents of the respective municipality.
Statement of Rights
All citizens of the Republic have the following basic honorable freedoms as outlined in the Statement of Rights:
- The right of procreation
- the right to own property and to manage it as necessary
- the right to commit honorable suicide
- the right to commerce (subject to the needs of the Republic)
- the right to present a defense in a publicly recorded trial, aside from a public defender, before the courts
- the right to apprehend and charge as a private citizen, any criminal or enemy of the Republic, and
- the right to bear arms, for defense or sign of status, in public and in private.
Foreign Relations
The Republic is formally recognized by all countries on Eurth, including the Aroman successors: the Tagmatine Empire and the Adapton Empire, though relations with both of them are tense at best. Rihan is a founder of the Aurelian League, a continental organization that is meant to bring the nations of Aurelia closer together on matters of defense, economic development, and cultural integration. It is through the League that the Republic maintains good relations with Kirvina, Shffahkia, and Kipan. The Republic and Asgeirria have had a longstanding historical relationship over the centuries concerning economic markets and political influence. Both nations have a close relationship through the Shoren Agreement.
Military
The Rihan Republican Armed Forces is responsible for defending the Republic from her enemies and fighting them when needed. The military is made up of the Army (Draao), the Navy (Galæ), the Air Force (Ralaarihsein, the Special Forces (Krannsu), and the Praetorian Guard (Morairi ih'Fvillha). The various military branches are supported by the military intelligence arm (Tal Diann), the logistics division (Talat), and the Corps of Engineers (Agheakæihk). Over 668,000 Rihannsu are active in the military at any one time. The military's weapons, vehicles, vessels, aircraft, and equipment are manufactured by the state-owned consortium, Aishkurænd Rheilhhu Rihana.
The Praetor wields supreme military command of all Rihannsu forces and is advised by senior military officials who run Central Command (Raenasa). All citizens are obligated to serve in the military upon receiving their formal citizenship (Plyanazi) at the age of 20 for a term of five years. Following their term, most enter the proper workforce though some choose to remain. Many of the nation's finest generals and admirals have risen through the ranks from lowly soldiers or seamen. Prior to their formal placement, everyone spends 12 weeks in basic training. Service in the armed forces is viewed with Rihannsu culture as a high honor and fulfilling one's duty as dictated by the virtues of D'era. The Shining Star (Ranam Valassa) medal is the highest award a soldier can attain. An awardee is well-respected both within their family and throughout their community. Another prestigious award is the Sotarek Citation, given to a soldier who fights in the face of adversity against the Republic's enemies.
Phi'Tlaru
The Phi'Tlaru is the intelligence agency of the Rihan Republic. It is a highly respected and feared force throughout Eurth. It is their main objective to protect the Republic from both external and internal threats using whatever covert (or overt) means necessary. The agency is led by a Chairman, who is appointed by the Praetor and confirmed by the Senate. The Chairman is only answerable to the Praetor. Currently, the position is held by Koval. There is a level of distrust between the Arianofv and the agency because the Phi'Tlaru has the ability to commandeer the services of the other branches of the military either directly or on orders from the Praetor. The Var'Theldun Citadel in the Old City district of Dartha is their dreaded headquarters. The facility is rumored to have numerous prison cells and torture chambers deep below the foundations and even below the utility systems. Individuals taken by the Phi'Tlaru are known to 'disappear.'
Economy
The Rihan economy has never been as productive as others in the world due to the use of slaves in place of freemen, though this has changed somewhat since the implementation of the Iumnelai compromise under Praetor Aratenik. Over 60% of the economy is heavily controlled by the aristocratic and mercantile families, both its wealth and means of production. The main segments of the economy consist of agriculture and fishing, mining and metallurgy, consumer and industrial goods manufacturing, arms manufacturing, and financial services. There is a slew of small businesses and farms run by commoners but these are at a major disadvantage against those own by the aristocrats. All trade between the Republic and the wider world is only sanctioned by order of the Senate and operated through the Republican Trading Corporation. The Chak is the national currency.
Transport and Infrastructure
All public transportation (including buses, river ferries, and Dartha's metro) is operated by the state-controlled entity, Yhfillain. Talasagam Rheilhhu Rihana operates all freight and intercity passenger trains. Road infrastructure is maintained by Eyhon Rheilhhu. Nearly 85% of all roads are paved. Most major highways in the Republic are tolled. The national airline, Havrær, is based at Dartha Cliperian International Airport, enabling Rihannsu to fly to many corners of the world. While the capital is a major seaport in its own right, the Port of Mirek handles the majority of all goods passing in and out of the country. Energy is largely provided by fossil-fuel plants from imported oil and natural gas sources, though the Senate is preparing to revolutionize energy generation by investing billions into alternative energy sources, predominantly solar, following Rihan's entry into the Laren Agreement. Power distribution is handled by state-controlled Cælis'cæri. Every settled area of the Republic has access to clean water either by wells or through sophisticated aqueducts, reservoirs, and plumbing maintained by Aekhhwi'rhoi. The Transportation and Infrastructure Ministries are responsible for overseeing most of the nation's built environment. All telecommunications and information distribution is handled through the Communications Ministry.
Natural Resources
Silicon, Iron, Tungsten, Titanium, Cobalt, Clay, Gold, Silver, Timber, Arable land, Fishing grounds, Hydropower, Geothermal Power
Society and Culture
The Rihannsu are see themselves as superior to others. They can come to trust, but only after a very long period of time. However, they do have a high curiosity for other peoples and that has helped break the ice in the way of international engagement. Rihannsu are very emotional, war-like, and absolutely dedicated to the virtues that define the way of D'era, a strict code of discipline, duty, and honor. Their culture follows a hard line of social and physical Darwinism. They have a spartan regard toward those that are not physically able or are mentally deficient. They will kill children that do not match the physical model of perfection. In spite of their cold outer shell, they are ardent supporters of family. The first virtue, devotion, is primarily one of family. Citizens of all class levels are given many incentives both economical and social to produce and cherish large families. Though they are stern, they are as capable of love.
Recreation
For recreation, most play games such as D'elo, a game of sticks and stones that can be traced back to days prior to the Departure from the Tagmatine Empire. The people are fond of arena games where athletes of both genders show their prowess with weapons and fighting techniques. Nobles engage in honorable Vrelnec dueling (Vrelnecrek) both on their estates and in arenas of all sizes. Blood sports, like Ke'veshrek (a form of boxing) or Tyr’llryanniha (football) are extremely popular and are often broadcasted across the Republic. The Orventis Arena is the grandest of them all, located in Dartha; it can seat nearly 100,000 people. Toldak and Sildelo (kickboxers), and Delon Vekek (football) are some of the most notable athletes today.
The Rihannsu are major players of tactical and logic-based games including Latrunculo, Masaharis, Yelbrek, Parmen Chess, Voraant, Trayatik (dice game), Villrillu (cards), or Khariat (like Jenga). In the same vein, solving puzzles of all forms are popular. Though people may engage in simulated chess and similar games, people desire real opponents, and thus simulation is far less popular in Rihan. S'darha is one of the most important recreational activities the aristocracy partake in. It is an extremely intellectual game that involved the recitation of stanzas from great literature in order to support a given argument or statement. It is a combination of debating, rhetoric, declamation and trivia games. Many of the best S'darha masters have become the most influential Praetors in the Republic as it has helped them in dealing with the dangerous politics of the Senate. Additionally, many like to play a game of whits and riddles called Lhi. Rihannsu also relish nature and enjoy the beauty of it — most are avid hikers, riders, or mountaineers, spending their time exploring the Forest of Allerash or the Valley of Chula.
There are numerous festivals and events throughout the year but there are major four festivals that are state-recognized and are considered official holidays from work. Each of these festivals last five days.
Art
Artistic abilities of the Rihannsu show the softer side of their personality, balancing a fierce warrior ethic with the sensitivity of an artist. Sculpting (traditional and more avant-garde Tillion), pottery (Satul), and carvings are the most popular mediums. Rihannsu painters perform to paint in three-dimensions. Notable artists include Raban Parthok, Dorin Zhagan, Estrak, Thraka, and Azeraik. While less common, scroll painting (a mix of calligraphic writing and light painting) has a long tradition in the Rihannsu culture.
Music
Music in Rihan is diverse from military marches espousing loyalty to classical compositions. The Rihannsu are known to play several unique instruments. The eolh iarr'voi is a form of clarinet, the Ryrill is a string instrument that has been featured in Rihannsu music long before the people's stay in the Tagmatine Empire. A Levroc is a three-leveled piano. Other instruments include systra bells, drums, and horns. Tevar Setek is known for his classic symphony entitled 'Passion.' There is also the classical composer, Franjhot, who is beloved for his series of poetic levroc ballades.
Literature and Theatre
Literatary and theatrical writings are centered around the importance to the state, the people, their history, and the guiding principles of D'era. Many of the most important pieces written are historical epic poems and dramas depicting the Departure and the Arrival in Rihan. These are composed by Japell and Dezrai. Another notable poet is Krinas. Some of the most important literary works include Amarcan's Axioms, the Contemplations of Landar the Elder, the Taer'thaiemenh by V. Raiuhes Ahaefvthe, Na Temhsah'urri by Reanas, Na Temyytæra, and D'hwæl. Rihannsu philosophical works are also respected, including those written by Vorkan Trov.
Architecture
Rihannsu architecture is centered around the use of high arched ceilings, domes, and fashioned concrete. City planning places importance on broad, sweeping colonnades, tall buildings, and a unified geometric design with civic buildings at the geometric center of every city. Roads and buildings are designed to be imposing. The use of Kedossian marble can be found in the building of many important structures including the Hall of State. One of the most notable architects is Kundarak. It is rare to find a civic building, whether a Septum or a government office building, without awe-inspiring statues of past Praetors or legendary war heroes.
Food and Drink
Rihannsu cuisine is centered around the exotic, the sweet, and the bitter. They are notable for their elaborate bread (Vix Vivax) and pastries baked from grains cultivated on the Great Plains. The other notable grain they grow is vareet for kali-fal, a strong ale. Bread is served with every meal. Farmers grow an array of fruits and vegetables, including aiyeh lettuce, gresh, Ihor berries, caral fruit, Ihiet fruit, sali, tehirla mushrooms, telhlke peppers, and tolekrya. Vineyards across the Republic tend the grapes which are made into wine. Ranchers rear travit and hlai, both of which form the crux of meats consumed. Due to Rihan's extensive rivers and coastline, fish like Osol, and oysters like iyhori also form a major block of the national diet. Many meals consumed revolve around stews like Checca, Oshi, or viinerine which predominately eaten in the military. Ihul, a pot roast consisting of Hlai is popular. The aristocracy indulges on delicacies like Aafvun'in'hhui (mollusk soup), aged travit steaks, kheia caviar, a fuschia-colored cheese called dubyhl, and brandies. Eggs are a common breakfast food for all people. Nobles also eat a dish called feiiha (a stuffed mixed meat and cheese pastry dish). For sweets, the big desert is sesketh but no one will say no to decedent chocolate (soah). Beyond the beverages listed, some others drank include carallun, tarka, tork, and iyo tea.
The Emblem
The emblem of the Republic is 'the Mogai Eagle.' It is a symbol of military might and honor, displayed everywhere, symbolizes civilian pride in the state. All Rihannsu swear oaths upon the Eagle, and defacing the symbol is a serious offense. The inspiration for the emblem comes from the predator avian that flies over the Rihannsu' adopted homeland. This bird is known to carry its eggs in its talons, which artists represented as the Senate and the People. The bird itself is spread in an aggressive posture, representing the glory and majesty of the Republic.
D'era
The Way of D'era is the official 'religion' of the Republic. It's not as much a spiritual calling - it's a unifying political ideology of duty to the Whole. The Way was formulated during the final days of the Rihannsu living the Tagmatine Empire when its founder, Tellus, seditiously condemned the Iconoclastic Orthodox Church and said that adherence to a single being over the greater strength and duty of the people was a means of oppression. D'era calls upon all Rihannsu to follow the teachings of obedience, discipline, and loyalty to each other. The center of D'era is in Dartha's Central Septum where a statue of Tellus stands for all to reflect upon his words. The Way is led by the Pontix, Lucian Tamok. D'era priests are paid by the state. Septums of D'era are located in every Rihannsu community.
Praxani: Rites of Passage
Rihannsu progress through their lives under a structure of rites that related to the four virtues of D'era. These are:
- D'navassa - The Great Beginning
- Nimaz - Naming
- D'sora - 5th Birthday
- Phi'lasasam - The Education
- Plyanazi - Formal Citizenship
- Serona - Mandatory Military Service (5 years)
- So'rdaz - Marriage Union
- Charozzah - Passing
- Latta - Death (upper class individuals are buried in family tombs in the Rikolet [the Great Graveyard] while lower-class individuals are mostly cremated)
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