Difference between revisions of "Beautancus"

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Beautancus

Flag of Beautancus
Motto: "Let them hate so long as they fear."
[ Media:http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/5629/tempmapwellsyjulywebdw9.png]
Region	Europa
Capital	Ttoille
Official Language(s)	Cussian, English
Leader	Eli Myllyharju
Population	Roughly Four Billion
Currency	Labor Credit
NS Sunset XML

The Glorious Dynamocracy of Beautancus

Though most often categorized as a brutal, totalitarian and uncivilized nation by most Her neighbors, Beautancus is in truth all that and much more. The ancient and mysterious Empire that Europa now knows is the product of centuries of isolation and xenophobia mingled with a harsh and rigid martial culture supported by an equally harsh and rigid (realistic) faith.

All said, Beautancus' current incarnation is slightly more progressive than in ages past. Beginning in 1992 after a brief and small-scale civil war and successful coup, the regime fashioned by Janus (the IV) and his Chief-Retainer and current President Eli Myllyharju has reformed many of the obsolete edifices of the Dynamocracy's government/religious establishment, producing a more stable nation. As a result of the very immanent nature of the government in society, the new Emperor's reforms have carried over universally into all corners of Cussian life. The most obvious and drastic changes came with the final abolition of Beautancus' caste system, freeing tens of millions of formerly impoverished and hopeless Cussians to work for the government in massive public works projects (whereas their caste status prohibited this before). With the success of the early public works projects, President Myllyharju created new exploratory commissions for the purpose of developing and expanding Beautancus' staple industries- arms production and mining/mineral refinement. Again, the government put its full weight behind these ventures, which proved to be enormous successes.

The military also began a series of reforms during this period, pulling from the surplus in resources and people-power created by the new regime's sweeping programs. The semi-clerical martial order known as the (Cussian) Immortals had experienced a series of suppressions under the previous (Augustinian) regime, due largely to their unwillingness to sacrifice their Ethical Code in the pursuit of wealth and power, and with Janus' ascension to the Throne, The Immortals experienced a vibrant revival. Quickly reestablishing their primacy within the military, the Immortals set about training a new generation of Cussians in the Art of War.

The great colleges of The Unending Path also turned their resources to the purpose of revolutionizing Beautancus. Whereas before all initiates of the Path were required to study and master the Immortal's martial doctrines and the theology of The Path's holy scriptures, The Sublime Articles, new initiates could also choose to study engineering or medicine, for the purpose of serving as special government advisers in the far-reaching public works projects.

Government Overview

The Glorious Dynamocracy of Beautancus

Short name: Beautancus (Diplomatic Spelling)

Local name: Botankus (Cussian Spelling)

Official language(s): Cussian

Other language(s): English, Greek

Capital: Ttoille

Currency: Labor Credit

National animal: Running Monkey

Motto: "Let them hate so long as they fear."

National Anthem: “Psalm of the Blessed Mother”.

Government

Head of State: Emperor Janus IV, of House Ttoille

Head of Government: President and Regent Eli Myllyharju

Form of Government: Theocratic Empire, of a Totalitarian (Unitary) Nature

Executive Branches: 1, the President as appointed by the Emperor to serve until the Emperor's good pleasure runs out.

Legislative Branches: No permanent body, Imperial Diets similar to Ecclesiastical Courts are called irregularly by the President at the behest of the Emperor when significant issues arise that cannot be solved at the level of the local governor or Provincial Legislature.

Society

Ethnicities: Cussian (all-inclusive, no other ethnicity is recognized in Beautancus)

Religions: The Unending Path

Economy: Beautancus’ economy was and is designed to support and facilitate the growth and advancement of the national military machine. As a result Mining, Arms Manufacture, Information Technology Development, and Bio-Technology are the major industries, and non-military career fields. Agriculture has traditionally been the major trade resource in Beautancus’ history, but recent booms in population requires that all surplus produce remain within the nation now, to feed the burgeoning masses.

Geography and Climate

Highest point: Mt. Ttoille, 17,509 ft.

Lowest point: The Arch-Fiend’s Maw, -3,417 ft.

Avg. summer tempurature: 79 degrees Fahrenheit

Avg. winter tempurature: 29 degrees Fahrenheit

Political Leaders

President: Eli Myllyharju

Presidential Cabinet:

Domestic Affairs Minister: Serena Kaphtraunt

Foreign Affairs Minister: Saulot Burghedes

Defense Minister: Protector-General Xerxes Haakon

Cultural Information

How do your citizens see their country?

The majority of Cussians hold their homeland as semi-divine, intimately tied to their continued existence. Cussians maintain a very strong sense of national collective identity, an aspect of Cussian society carefully cultivated since the inception of the Ttoille Dynasty. Most Cussians, particularly those who were formerly located at the bottom of the Caste based hierarchy are intensely loyal to the current Emperor, Janus IV- and perhaps more so to Janus' regent, and Beautancus' first President, Eli Myllyharju. This is a common theme throughout much of Beautancus' Imperial Era, with the exception of the reign of the previous two Emperors- Ezra IX, and August. The average citizen has more confidence in the current Cussian government than in years past, as this seems to be the first Cussian government truly concerned with seeing Beautancus transformed from a relic into a truly modern- and powerful- nation-state. - How do your citizens see other countries?

Most Cussians spare little thought to other nations, save those directly involved in what little international diplomacy and trade the country engages in. Emissaries of the Emperor, or Agents of the President often hired foreign contractors for any foreign interests or projects, until recently when the Dynamocracy began to hire foreign advisers and send out young officials for training in those same foreign nations. With an increase in international trade, a growing awareness of the outside world is creeping back in Cussian society, something that had been lacking for nearly a thousand years. The most common perceptions are that many capitalistic countries are ignorant of the needs of the common people and concerned only with the accumulation of wealth, and that most socialist nations are inept or soft, incapable of admitting the truly brutal nature of life. - How are the other country´s names written on your country?

If a country is mentioned, care is taken to preserve any linguistic peculiarities or honorifics, and most often there is no translation into Cussian. The English translation of a nation's full title will be the most often used. - How do your citizens see life? How´s their behaviour and point of view towards the government?

Most Cussians view life in philosophical terms, stemming from the all pervasive nature of The Unending Path. Cussians take their work seriously, considering it to be a divinely mandated task, however lowly or menial- and as such most often perform with the utmost care and zeal. The current Cussian government is widely perceived as being the best and most progressive ever, and thus nearly 100% of citizens support the government whole-heartedly. - How are the arts in your country? Literature, music, plastic arts, etc.

Cussian art tends towards the religious and romantic in nature, with a massive library of literature, mostly poetry and epics, with a few acknowledged classics originating in the last century. Painting and calligraphy are honored pursuits in Cussian culture, as are drama and music, which also have heavy religious undertones. - How is the humor of your nation?

Cussian humor is coarse and often black, and in cases where foreigners have been exposed to it, they have remarked that it made them rather uncomfortable. The lack of many western taboos in Cussian society also broaden the range of things that a Cussian would feel acceptably funny, also creating cultural barriers. - How do your citizens relax? What are their favourite past-times?

Cussians have a number of historic past-times, most notably contact sports, such as wrestling and kick-boxing, and a native sport similar to American foot-ball. There is also a widespread tradition of marijuana cultivation and consumption, again with semi-religious undertones in most of Beautancus' provinces. As Cussian society is highly familial, family activities are common, most often as plays, community operas or orchestras, and "harvest" festivals. - How are the basic sentences on your country? Do you say "hello" and "goodbye" in a different way?

"Hello."- "Kareh."

"Goodbye." - "Pireh." - How religious are your people?

Cussians are almost universally "religious." The Unending Path is the single most defining aspect of Cussian culture, and all Cussians regardless of sex or age are encouraged to study the holy scriptures of their faith- the Sublime Articles. Theology is one of the first subjects Cussian students study in secondary school. - What do the cities look like? How´s the architeture, how are the streets, advertisings, is your city green and filled of life or filled with concrete and iron?

Cussian architecture has a slightly Near-Eastern flavor, from the largest industrial complex to the smallest dwelling. Older cities boast a great deal of meticulously crafted stonework- such as massive stone-walls and cobblestone streets, while newer cities are sprawling jungles of asphalt, concrete and iron. There is a total lack of commercialism in Beautancus, so there are no advertisements. The government does have a rather extensive system of bill-boards, for continuous use as public information stations.

- What is the daily routine of a person of your nation?

Most Cussians wake an hour or so after sunrise for family religious rites, and then go onto work or school. The average work-day (out of a five day work week) in Beautancus is between 8 and 9 hours, and after that time Cussians pursue a variety of activities, usually some sort of sport or party with co-workers of peers. Evening family hours usually begin just before dusk, after which time Cussian families come together for evening meals and religious rites. After this time, communities gather until nearing midnight which is the generally accepted bed-time.

- What do your peoples look like?

Most Cussians are hawk-featured, with a variety of complexions and hair colors. The most common hair color for Cussians is russet brown, and the most common eye color is green. Most Cussian men wear beards, and most Cussian women wear their hair long, and commonly braided. There is a great deal of variation in size and build, mostly depending on region and ancestry.

Notes on the Current Government

THE THRONE

The Emperor is the foremost living-symbol and authority within the Dynamocracy, in theory wielding almost unlimited power in all spheres of influence. Beautancus has a long history of absolute (though most often of the enlightened sort) monarchy, and Janus is no exception despite his pseudo-socialistic policies, and plans to introduce a permanent legislative body on the national level. In times past, the Emperor was aided in the responsibilities of governance by a council of able nobles, serving in much the same style that a Presidential cabinet does. Lower level government appointments were normally the responsibility of this council, and promotions were based entirely on the merit of the applicant- or or most often bestowed upon an unsuspecting but qualified Imperial subject.

With the advent of the Presidency under Janus, much of this has changed. There is no longer a Throne Council, and much of the more tedious work of governance is handled by the President. Janus spends much of his time with his favorite subject, the formerly low-caste multitudes that saw him established upon the Throne. Janus also has a considerable number more foreign contacts and relations than any previous Cussian Emperor, allowing for much less diplomatic red-tape when dealing with potential trading partners.

THE PRESIDENCY

The President similarly wields near unlimited power, limited only by the will of the Emperor, and the resources of the nation. Unlike other offices and institutions in Beautancus, the office of President is solely defined by the character and personality of Eli Myllyharju, Janus' Regent and most trust friend. Long ago Eli Myllyharju established himself as the most successful administrator and politician in Janus' household, and since commissioned in this office he has proven himself to be a brilliant orator. The President is now the central authority in Beautancus, relying on Janus only for ceremonial purposes. Adjudication, commerce (international), domestic and foreign policy, legislation, and military action are responsibilities of the President and his Cabinet, who function in similar capacities to their counterparts in other nations. Most of the aforementioned areas are represented in the Cabinet, save for the Judicial System, which is currently under the direct control of the Presidency. Complete reforms are necessary to create uniformity between the Provinces and build a frame-work for a Supreme Court system, and for such a task as this Myllyharju's presence is required to sooth the proud Patriarchs and Matriarchs of Beautancus' outer reaches.

The President is also largely unencumbered by the religious trappings of power in Beautancus, easing his tasks slightly, and making him a more easily approachable executive than the Emperor (for both domestic and foreign affairs).

THE CABINET

The Cabinet, like the Presidency is a new institution in Beautancus, and as such has the fortune of setting its own precedents. Until the last quarter of the previous century, the concept of unified Imperial ministries was frowned upon by the Cussian government(s), belying the intensely competitive nature of Beautancus' brand of Provincial-Tribal planned economy. Now, each Cabinet member, bearing the title Minister (regardless of sex), oversee the final stages of the current Regime's Cultural Revolution. Despite the enormous power these newly commissioned bureaucrats, they have received a remarkable level of support and continued cooperation at all levels of the Dynamocracy's power structure. This has more to do with the high regard the President is held in, and beyond that- the nearly religious devotion that most government officials (and general citizenry) offer to Janus IV, seemingly the redeemer of the Cussian people.

The three most important Ministers pursue the government's interests with nearly unlimited people-power and resources, with bases of operation in every corner of Beautancus. The Domestic Affairs Ministry, overseen by Serena Kaphtraunt, sister of the immensely influential Arch-Deacon Cyrus Kaphtraunt of the Immortal Order, is the largest single entity within the government, "employing" tens of millions of citizens in its public works projects. The Foreign Affairs Ministry is much smaller, but wields a similar amount of influence within the nation. Overseen by Saulot Burghedes, a distinguished linguist and charismatic speaker with the total confidence of both Emperor and President. Burghedes was a rare exception for the young Cussian warrior-noble, spending much of his youth abroad, and as such has a much more expansive knowledge of Europa than the majority of Cussians. The last, and potentially the most powerful (and certainly the most revered) ministry, the Defense Ministry is commanded by the now legendary Protector-General Xerxes Haakon, protege of Grand-Duke Waelfwulf of Kalupsis. The central command for all of Beautancus' military forces, the Defense Ministry is the most advanced and secretive of the Ministries (naturally).

PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES

The most extensive and well tightly knit of the Dynamocracy's institutions are the Provincial governments, with traditions stretching back hundreds (if not thousands) of years. For most of Beautancus' history, this is the only branch of the government that the average Cussian spared any thought for- as in most cases (most notably Kalupsis and Feizon) the Provincial governments are sprawling all-pervasive entities that intimately tend to the concerns and needs of their citizens. Each Province is guided by a powerful Imperial Representative, traditionally a Grand-Duke. In times past, all the responsibilities of providing for the citizens of a Province fell to the Grand-Duke, from the distribution of food and medical supplies to the provisions and upkeep of the National Defense Brigades assigned to the Province. With the advent of the Presidential system, much of this has changed. Though still responsible for housing and overseeing the affairs of the Brigades, most of the other affairs of the Grand-Dukes have been subverted to the various Cabinet Ministries. This has seen a steady increase in agricultural and industrial production, leading to an increase in the standard of living for all the Provinces- and justifying the new Regime's policies. It would seem that the ultimate place of the Grand-Dukes will be as supreme arbitrators for their Provinces, and as representatives of the will of the Emperor to the Cussian people.

THE HOLY ORDERS

The most unique of Beautancus' institutions, the Holy Orders represent the hopes and passions of the Cussian people. The Holy Orders boast their own histories and traditions stretching down from time immemorial, and exercise a certain amount of autonomy due to this fact. Most of the major Holy Orders predate the united Cussian state by several hundred years, and are much more deeply entrenched in their home regions than even the Provincial Governments. Though according the Emperor a great deal of honor and respect, most of the Orders continue to operate independently of the government- answering only occasionally to the President or Emperor, so long as their affairs do not blatantly infringe upon the Regime's good pleasure. Currently, the Orders play a much larger role in the nation's affairs than they ever have before, a fact that is jealously guarded by both the Orders and the Governments. The brainchild of Grand-Duke Waelfwulf and President Myllyharju, a secretive plan dubbed simply: "The Tomorrow Protocol" has united the Holy Orders (under the nominal leadership of Arch-Deacon Cyrus Kaphtraunt of the Immortal Order) in an attempt to mold a new collective consciousness for the Cussian people. This includes the slow but steady introduction to Europan culture, and eventually a transition to a partial market-based economy. To this effect, the Holy Orders represent the largest portion of the Cussian Black-Market, called the Shadow Bazaar. Through extensive networks of international allies and contacts, the Orders provide needed goods and services in the regions of Beautancus' that lack an appropriate government presence. This also provides back-doors into place around the region that would be otherwise inaccessible by any Cussian.

Military of the Glorious Dynamocracy of Beautancus

Overwhelmingly the largest and most prominent of Beautancus' military forces, the National Defense Brigades are the truest manifestation of the Cussian societal ideal. Multitudes of men and women laboring for one purpose- the glory of the Cradle of the Cussian People. The Brigades shoulder much of the burden of the government's massive projects, from policing the formerly lawless wilderness regions, to overseeing (and in some cases contributing engineering and labor for) the government's sprawling public works projects. With the advent of the revolutionary Cussian Standard Arms Template system and direct Imperial control, the Brigades were able to standardize all equipment and vehicles and develop a unified national command and communications system.

The National Defense Brigades all now fall under the direction (supremely autocratic rule) of the Defense Ministry, in the person of Protector-General Xerxes Haakon. Beneath Haakon in the chain of command are the last vestiges of the Provincial Brigade system, the Grand-Dukes.

Nearly always descended from important Cussian noble or warrior-cleric families, the Grand-Dukes are more figureheads than anything, as nearly all high-level command decisions are made by Protector-General Haakon, and any applied interpretations are made at the level of the Brigadier Generals. Grand-Dukes do still function in a practical capacity and are responsible for the allocation and distribution of hardware supplied by the Imperial government and/or local industrial centers, serve as supreme arbitrators of military law (which includes the constant task of monitoring all channels for corruption or negligence), and the general direction of individual Field-Marshals.

Field-Marshals are amongst the most feared and respected personages in all of Beautancus. Though not possessed of the regal dignity of the Grand-Dukes, and not so often seen or encountered as their direct subordinates, the Brigadier Generals, the calculating intelligence and ruthless efficiency of the Field-Marshals are objects of admiration and loathing for the common Brigadier (the common term for an NDB soldier). Field-Marshals oversee regional commands, or a collection or geographically or operationally linked Brigades with a Province. To ensure cohesion amongst such truly massive forces, the Field-Marshals rely on extensive networks of subordinate Intelligence Officers, "civilian" observers and advisers, as well as a number of Immortals (attached to the Brigades as something similar to Chaplains) as a sort of unofficial Military Police, reacting quickly and harshly against any part guilty of dishonorable conduct. Field-Marshals also handle the general disposition of resources allocated at the Provincial level. In theory, Field-Marshals also act as the directors of what were referred to as Crusades (or carefully chose campaign-theaters), and much time is spent planning how this newer, better incarnation of the National Defense Brigades might react, or pursue a conflict in Europa, as such an event would be possible if Beautancus finalizes its plans to enter the international community.

The Brigadier Generals function in much the same way that similarly ranking Generals (though the most common equivalent ranks are Lieutenant General, or General). The designation Brigade is slightly misleading, as the average size for a Brigade is much larger, usually of comparable strength and people-power to a Division (though there are a significant number of smaller Brigades that are currently being phased into larger forces). The number of Brigadier Generals sharply increased with the addition of the Janusite Militia Brigades into the already untold legions of Beautancus. This, coupled with the acceptance of modern firepower, and the ready availability of a variety of new forces has created a truly exciting, dangerous, and dynamic period for the hero-commanders of the Brigades.

Through intensive modernization programs the Provinces also have an exponentially larger number of mechanized infantry, tanks, and self-propelled artillery to bring to the field than ever before, necessitating new additions to the command structure of field Brigades, including a notable decrease in the number of active Field-Marshals, and an increase in the number of Colonels, and the addition of the Lieutenant Colonel rank.

As noted above, the Brigades have a wider variety of forces available to them now, and a new (and untested) system deployment and strike coordination. During the last Cussian war just past five years ago, there were no existing protocols for the rapid transportation of forces by any means (land, sea, or air) other than a extensive highway system that was in varying states of disrepair and reconstruction. A great deal of time has been spent remedying this fact in the past five years, and the next time the need arises to transport a large number of troops and material across the country, it will be done so in a very precise and orderly fashion. Another note of interest, previously unmentioned is the near total lack of special operations forces in the National Defense Brigades. Though at the time of the last Cussian Civil War the Beau-re-Gard was a part of the National Defense Brigade command structure they now operate as a completely independent force, with their own mechanized infantry, artillery, and seaborne vessels, and fighting and transportation aircraft. The Beau-re-Gard does continue to operate under the nominal direction of the Grand-Dukes, and as such train to operate in conjuction with larger Brigadier maneuvers.

Cussian Standard Arms Templates

The advent of the Standard Arms Templates totally revolutionized the Cussian military machine. Emerging from a chaotic tumult of ignorance and inadequacy at the end of the Civil War, the National Defense Brigades were left with a serious problem: a coalition of para-military forces and citizen's militias had gathered enough modern firepower and tactical experience together to overwhelm a force vastly superior numerically.

Amongst the first projects undertaken by the Janusite Regime was a total overhaul of military hardware, basing new models largely upon the improvised weapons designs promulgated by the Immortals, and upon improvised variants of foreign arms smuggled into Beautancus during the conflict. Not only did this provide a unifying focus for areas of the Cussian industrial complex, it served to build a reputation of success for the government amongst Brigadiers, and generated a great deal of faith in their new Brigade system. The true genius of the Standard Arms Template system came with the construction of a sprawling network of regional Arms Manufacturing Facilities, each linked with a specific Regional Command. The Regional Command extends into these facilities, which are under the sole auspice of the Brigades, from the highly skilled and motivated Production-Corporals on the assembly lines, to the Engineer-Colonels that oversee the entire facility. Most of these facilities lie near to the sources of the raw materials vital to such industry- and largest population centers in the country, and as such have become alarmingly monolithic in nature, representing a key symbol of Cussian identity in the modern era.

For the first time since its inception, every Cussian Brigadier-Infantryman carried the same rifle, and side-arm, and was protected by the same, and surprisingly improved body-armor. Many of the early templates focussed on these issues, mainly increasing the fighting effectiveness and survivability of the basic Cussian foot-soldier. As larger industries were regularized within the first three quarters of Janusite Regime, larger items quickly became possible, and Immortal and Brigadier engineers went to work at a scalding pace to meet the government's needs.

With the variety of harsh environments available to test materials and prototypes, planners were able to push out a number of ruggedized, high-performance, all-purpose vehicles to facilitate the massive transportation requirements for the program. These early vehicles proved the first generation of several templates that remain staples of the Brigades.

Cussian Religion

Introduction

There are several points concerning the nature of Cussian religion that most be addressed before a fruitful study of such can begin. The nominal translation of the Cussian "Au' Auneshur Dekau" into English is generally accepted to be: "The Unending Path." While this is a technically accurate translation, it fails to convey the fullness of the original meaning. The word "path" may also mean life, and usually means both in the context of the Cussian language- and does mean both in the case of this designation. The term, "The Unending Path" was coined by the Immortal Order in the late 1700's to describe the set of philosophical and theological precepts ordained as the official Imperial canon of the Ttoille Dynasty. At this time, the all consuming nationalistic mentality of the Cussian people was in its infancy, barely emerging from tribalism. In order to constantly remind the Cussian tribes of their higher calling, the Immortal decided upon a name that recalled the wholeness of an individuals lives, as connected by one driving goal: perfection. The conceptualization of eternity and immortality are especially significant in Immortal theology, and such language quickly became popular amongst their movement- popular enough to develop into a self designation. Most Cussians use the language "The Unending Path," and "my path/life" interchangeably.

That being said, the religious body making up "The Unending Path" includes a number of systems that predate the Ttoille Dynasty's canon by several hundred years, and are nearly unrecognizable as relatives of that relatively recent "denomination." Though the basic eschatology of most of these denominations is the same, there is a great deal of variation in the way of liturgy and theology. For example, with The Unending Path proper (or the Immortal Sect, to be distinguished from the Immortal Order) maintains that there is only God, the creator and sustainer of all things, and that all things exist within God, though God is much more than the sum of the creation. This has allowed a number of popular household gods, and aspects of the other five disregarded Star Gods to slip through into popular ritual as "Emanations" of God, also easing the transition for practitioners of older belief systems into the Immortal Sect. The sect now infamously called "The Empty Heart" is a nihilistic sect focusing on the supposed (but not widely accepted) martial and racial superiority (gained via generations of selective breeding, and constant mental and physical conditioning) of the Cussian warrior-elite. This sect has previously caused a great deal of civil and international strife for the Cussians, and is currently banned by the Imperial Government. Older sects, such as the "Family of Ten-Thousand Thunders" hold to the belief in the Six Star Gods, the classical deities of the Cussian people, with the addition of a number of lesser household or family divinities and three thousand years of accumulated superstitions, with little to no emphasis on the mystical philosophy/theology of the Immortals. There is also a growing tradition of hero and Emperor worship amongst younger members of the military. This is considered by many to be a synthesis of Immortal beliefs (which predominate the military) and Family of Ten-Thousand Thunders traditions, and is only accorded nominal recognition, most usually as a particular form of either of the two aforementioned sects.

The Immortal Sect, or the Unending Path Proper

God View: Highly Interactive Monotheism/Panentheism. The God of The Immortal Sect is referred to as "au' Yil", translated directly as, "the God," or referred to in a passive respectful fashion as "au' Euronekehz" translated directly as, "The Heavens," allowing for a more "inter-denominational" sentiment. In the reckoning of the Immortal Sect, God is experienced through a variety of emanations, as well as through, and most importantly through the unified presence of God held in the heart and mind of each individual.

Spiritual Aim: The Immortal Sect maintains a multi-tiered eschatology. Beginning with at the bottom of the spiritual ladder are those dubbed sinners, or heretics (though this is a term often used to designate enemies of the state) who are consigned to destruction, with no rebirth or form of eternal punishment in reward for a life spent causing chaos or committing evil deeds. The next tier are those who fail to live up to their potential in life without causing an undue amount of chaos, and are reincarnated in an essentially random form, with the chance of progressing towards something more in the next life. The next tier are those who live up to their potential , but still fail to achieve any of the following: the ultimate goal of complete harmony with nature and God, philosophical enlightenment, and martial/physical perfection. It is with this tier that the most unique feature of Immortal theology is found. The entire rationale behind calling themselves Immortals is connected to an honor-bound sin debt that Cussian warriors feel they must continually pay. So that the common people are not unnecessarily burdened with the weight of murder-sins, Cussian warriors (and Immortals) must do the unthinkable, and take lives. For these sins, the Cussian warrior or Immortal is denied the ultimate goal in the cycle of reincarnation, union with God, or entry into Heaven. As such, Immortals reason that they will always be as they are now, since there will always be a need for defense of the people. At the highest tier are those who lead holy and blessed lives, without sin and in a state of worldly perfection. These select few pass on to become one with God, and experience the fullness of all things.

Devotion Required: Constant Devotion: No word, act, deed or thought that isn’t connected with religious belief should ever be tolerated. Religious ceremonies and rituals are held/conducted everyday, though there is a particularly holy day set aside for communal ceremonies (Saturday). There are several religious seasons which require different forms of reverence on the part of the faithful. Organizational Structure: Rigid hierarchy answerable to a central authority (The Arch-Deacon) with a rather high number of decisions made at intermediate and lower levels. The Arch-Deacon is theoretically answerable to the Emperor, and is in fact answerable to the Grand-Master of the Inquisition, though only members of the Inquisition know this.

Liturgical Formality: "Word of God” is pronounced by widely acclaimed and accepted "Saints" or "Prophets" where rituals are combined with an open teaching policy. Communal rituals are performed only by the Priesthood, while common practitioners are encouraged to pray actively and without ceasing.

Missionary Fervor: Zealous and willing to convert anyone, though particularly Cussians.

The Family of Ten-Thousand Thunders

God View: Polytheistic Animism, with elements of classical rationalism. There are only six acknowledged "great gods", arranged in a six-pointed star pantheon. The greatest of the gods, and at the highest point of the star of is "Au' Yil Pandestau" or the God of Everything. This deity is a relatively remote God, seen more as the God of things beyond the material world, being also the Deity that waits for all the worthy dead that are capable of entering into the perfect harmony of the Heavens. The next two gods in the hierarchy are Kehaurnobeg, the god of time and death, and Melek Taus, the god of space (materialistic existence) and sentience/reason. These two gods represent dualistic elements from the past that once dominated a vast portion of Cussian religion. The next three gods are the most commonly worshiped by those belonging to The Family of Ten-Thousand Thunders. The most important of these deities is Nidhehk, a universal lord of warriors. His sister, Insadena is a goddess of mercy and mothers, overseeing the safe birth of Cussian children. The final of these three is a shadowy god of knowledge and mystery- and power, called Semauehl, often turned to by the Great Kings of the past. There are also a host of lesser deities, in some way connected to these six greater gods, but of such a varied and localized nature that it would be imprudent to name even a few.

Spiritual Aim: In respect to the greater gods, reincarnation with a karmic doctrine. One’s level in the next life is based on one’s devotion and/or morality in this one. In respect to the local household divinities, worshipers will be rewarded in this life. Prayers are answered, regardless of their nature.

Devotion Required: Several times per day, as all the greater gods are paid some homage during the day, for some reason or another. The household gods are called upon similarly, though in a variety of fashions.

Organizational Structure: Loose hierarchy with most decisions on a local level. Though the worship of the great gods remains basically uniform, there are slight geographic variations in their worship even. In this respect, The Family of Ten-Thousand Thunders differs greatly from the Immortal Sect.

Liturgical Formality: Rituals are combined with an open teaching policy.

Missionary Fervor: Conversion attempts are highly infrequent, and the main means of spreading the faith is simply relying the Cussian tradition of having large families. After a few centuries of mass conversions to the Immortal Sect, the numbers of conversions has decreased sharply, and for the most part worshipers belonging to The Family of Ten-Thousand Thunders remain loyal to their parents faith.