Ranse Theocracy (ɹæŋs)
Xoxtris is regarded as the supreme ruler in the Ranse Theocracy, and the teachings of Naen the Learned are used to guide government policy. Due to their close relationship with the government, monks and nuns of the Pantheon of Xoxtris may receive special treatment. To a large extent, the Theocracy is a spiritually enlightened regime that actively promotes and protects spiritual endeavors and religious assets. The government's official stance is one of religious tolerance and respect for all faiths, with the goal of fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among the many Pantheon traditions. The Theocracy regularly provides funding for monasteries and temples, demonstrating its commitment to social welfare and education. They advocate for nonviolent conflict resolution and work to reduce military spending, all while protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development practices.
History
In the early days, the Rani were nomadic tribes that migrated throughout the area, following the herds of wild game that inhabited the region. The vast plains of the Pyuki Highlands were ideal for raising livestock and hunting, and the Rani took advantage of these resources to survive. Over time, the Rani settled in the plains and began to build permanent villages and towns. As the population grew and food became scarce, the Rani began to work together to organize their efforts to raise food and protect their communities from outsiders. As the Rani developed into a more advanced civilization, other groups began to take notice. In the year 1 N.E., a group of eastern invaders crossed the mountains and attacked the Rani. The skirmish was gruesome; the invaders were defeated, but at a heavy cost.
The mental wounds sustained by the Rani in battle were crippling, and the leaders who had survived were desperate to aid their people. A woman named Arai Noriaki made her way across the Aregar Flatlands of the early Linvean Kingdom after a long and perilous descent from the Pyuki Highlands. There, she encountered the Chitlan and their psychic powers. Arai believed that their hypnotic and illusionary power, enhanced by the fractal patterns on their wings, could help heal the minds of her people.
Arai met with the Chitlan and explained her people's plight. Because of their reverence for nature, the Chitlan were touched by her words. To aid the Rani, a group of 22 Chitlan agreed to build a temple at the foot of the Pyuki Highlands. Arai was tasked with bringing her people to the Chitlan, who couldn't survive at such high elevations, so that they could be healed.
After many months with the Chitlan, the Rani started to adopt their peaceful philosophy. Those who were still unconvinced were assured that a sign would soon appear to help them change their minds. The entire Rani nation was brought together three days later when Naen the Learned, who had been presumed dead after an excursion in the Highlands, returned with his tale Xoxtris' Breath. The Dionore Temple, located at the base of the Pyuki Highlands, was the first religious building established by the Ranse Theocracy in 2 N.E. It was there that the 22 Chitlan who healed the Rani people were immortalized as marble statues and the butterfly adopted as the official symbol of the state.
Over the next thousand years, the Rani developed a complex and highly organized government, with a strong focus on spirituality, education, and peace. The Rani have maintained their neutrality toward the other Eivrallan nations for many years. They are well-known for their honesty and openness, and as a people they are known for their preference for peace. However, some people believe that the Rani are too passive and should take a more active role in world affairs.
Geography
Climate
Precipitation in most of Ranse is low, averaging just 460 millimeters per year, with the bulk of the wet weather occurring in the summer. Fog is minimal and humidity levels are low. Although the lower valleys and the southeast experience pleasant temperatures, the higher altitudes are cold. Temperature differences are greatest during the day, with little seasonal variation. At an elevation of 3,650 meters, Nompu experiences daily highs of 30 °C and lows of −19 °C. The gale winds that blow throughout the area for most of the year contribute to the already frigid early morning and nighttime temperatures. Grain can be safely stored for 50–60 years, raw meat can be dried and preserved for more than a year, and epidemics are uncommon because of the cool, dry air.
Landforms
Ranse's geography is defined by high mountains, large rivers, and vast plains. The Pyuki Highlands are the world's highest mountains, with an average elevation of 4,900 meters. Natural disasters such as earthquakes and landslides are a risk on the Highlands. Ranse is home to several sacred lakes that are significant to local communities.
Fauna & Flora
Black bears, red pandas, musk deer, barking deer, squirrels, langurs, antelopes, gazelles, yaks, kiangs, and snow leopards; over 500 bird species; Ranse has few insects due to its high altitude and harsh climate
Grasses, shrubs, barley, and wheat
Natural Resources
Ranse is home to a variety of natural resources, including forests and minerals.
- Ranse's forests are an important source of timber and fuelwood for the region and are also home to a variety of wildlife.
- The Pyuki Highlands are abundant in minerals such as copper, iron, coal, and gold.
- Snow leopards are hunted for their fur, and black-necked crane eggs are collected as delicacy food.
Government
Structure
Xoxtris is the official head of state in the Ranse Theocracy, but because the deity does not have a physical presence, a mortal is appointed to act in the name of Xoxtris and to make decisions for the good of the nation. This person is known as the Arbiter, and he or she is elected by the people. The Arbiter is the only person with the power to declare war and has certain emergency powers.
Executive Body
The executive branch consists of leaders of the Pantheon of Xoxtris, who are expected to help advise the Arbiter and to enforce the laws. As the spiritual leaders of the nation, they also have the responsibility to serve as an example to their followers.
Legislative Body
The Rani legislature consists of a body of appointed monks and nuns from the Pantheon of Xoxtris. Their role is to monitor the Arbiter and to advise him or her regarding all decisions, especially those that are life-changing or have the potential for lasting impacts. The monks and nuns of the Ranse theocracy are selected based on merit and spiritual leaders, rather than based on family lineage.
Judicial Body
The judicial branch is another body of appointed monks and nuns. Their role is to interpret the laws and to administer justice.
Public Agenda
The Ranse Theocracy has a generally pacifist stance, and they are dedicated to furthering the cause of peace. They play an active role in in trying to resolve conflicts and maintain cordial working relationships with all other nations.
Military
The Rani military is composed of martial artists who have dedicated their lives to the protection of all life. They are experts in the use of melee, ranged, unarmed combat, and healing magic. They are committed to maintaining peace and to defending the nation from all threats. However, they are forbidden from actively participating in offensive operations. The military is tasked with preventing conflict and with defending the nation from foreign aggression. They are expected to show respect for all life, even in the heat of battle, and to avoid harming the innocent.
Ranking System
The Rani military is organized and structured in a similar manner to other nations, but with a greater emphasis on martial and spiritual training.
Officer: Master (1-star), Grandmaster (2-star), General (3-star), Lord (4-star), Arbiter (5-star)
Enlisted: Initiate, Novice, Disciple, Monk, Master
The Rani military is composed of martial artists who have dedicated their lives to the protection of all life. They are experts in the use of melee, ranged, unarmed combat, and healing magic. They are committed to maintaining peace and to defending the nation from all threats. However, they are forbidden from actively participating in offensive operations. The military is tasked with preventing conflict and with defending the nation from foreign aggression. They are expected to show respect for all life, even in the heat of battle, and to avoid harming the innocent.
Ranking System
The Rani military is organized and structured in a similar manner to other nations, but with a greater emphasis on martial and spiritual training.
Officer: Master (1-star), Grandmaster (2-star), General (3-star), Lord (4-star), Arbiter (5-star)Enlisted: Initiate, Novice, Disciple, Monk, Master
Training Level
Veterancy Level
Economy
Agriculture & Industry
The Ranic people have traditionally relied on agriculture to support themselves. The main crops grown in Ranse are barley, wheat, and potatoes. Due to the high altitude and harsh conditions, farming is difficult, and yield are often low. This has led many Rani to turn to animal husbandry. The Rani are known for their ingenuity, and they have developed a wide range of technologies to help them survive in their harsh environment. They are also known for their advancements in the medical field and for the development of medicines and healing techniques based on the use of magic and science. The Ranse Theocracy has no official trading partners, but it does maintain strong relationships with the other nations. The Rani are willing to trade resources with their neighbors and to assist when needed.
Society
Culture
An ascetic people, the Rani typically dedicate their lives to serving all other living beings. This drive has led to a predisposition for the healing arts and medicines. With particular emphasis on the importance of the family and social harmony, rather than on an otherworldly source of spiritual values, the core of Ranic culture is humanistic. They live their life in prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Seeking enlightenment above all else, their society is typically led by those who have achieved certain levels of understanding. The worldly concern of general Rani rests upon the belief that humans are fundamentally good, and teachable, improvable, and perfectible through personal and communal endeavor, especially self-cultivation and self-creation. Some of the Ranic population take a different approach to life, training in the martial arts and teaching self-defense and the preservation of life to others. An even smaller percentage of those people have forsaken the general Ranic mantra of serving all life and use their knowledge for assassination and other combat-oriented roles.
Religion
The Ranse Theocracy follows the teachings of Naen the Learned, the first prophet to have emerged on Eivrall. His teachings of compassion and empathy form the basis of their society and culture. The Rani believe that all life is sacred and should be protected. They also believe that all living beings are interconnected, and that they are all part of one whole. The Rani are tolerant of other religions, and they respect the beliefs of others.
Education
The Rani have a very high literacy rate, and education is a top priority for the government. Children are taught basic reading, writing, and arithmetic at a young age, and they are encouraged to pursue higher education. The Rani are known for their technological advancements, and they are constantly working to improve their infrastructure and to develop new technologies.
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