Isoch (aɪ̯soʊ̯ʧ)
The Five Tribes of Isoch (Bàch Hè Bàn Gibri /bɑʧ hɛ bɑn giˈbɹi/), often shortened to either the Five Tribes or simply Isoch, are a loosely affiliated nation of tribes that came together sometime during the Era of Wind. Known for their bravery and loyalty the world over, they are not necessarily the friendliest towards outsiders. But once you've secured their trust and loyalty, most would say you can't find a better ally.
The five tribes are known as the Aatàf, the Naathà, the Nìlaa, the Dzalrag, and the Kaagǎ. Each tribe has its own history and culture, but many consider the shared history and culture of the Isoch to be more important.
Prevalence of Magic
Isoch is one of the more magically-inclined of the Human nations, with a population that regularly relies on magic for everyday tasks. Many families have an affinity for it, particularly wind-based magic. It's theorized that a high proportion of the Isochan tribes are descended from human-elf pairings, particularly crossings with wind elves. Magic is often utilized in enforcing the laws and in trials. Various types of truth spells are used to ensure justice is carried out fairly. Despite its prevalence in everyday life, enchanted items are rather rare and often carry either cultural or religious significance.Gifting and Reciprocity
There is a ritualized aspect to the exchange of certain types of gifts. If you give a gift of equal value to the one you received (typically determined by the size of said gift) it is considered repaying a debt. However, gifting a larger gift in return boosts the gift giver's prestige and puts the giftee in debt to the gifter. The giftee is left with the choice of either paying off the debt with a similarly sized gift, or boosting their own prestige with an even bigger gift. These types of gift exchanges are often carried out by clans or tribes, with the person who actually delivers the gifts tending to bear the brunt of either the praise or the scorn. Elements of this ritualized system can be seen in individual exchanges of goods and services, where those who are able to give "more" than they owe are looked upon more favorably than those who simply repay their debts. A life is considered the highest possible value "gift" one can give, whether that is through dying or saving a life. That is the only sort of gift that is considered okay to merely repay, since there is no possible way to top such a gift.Culture
The Isochan tribes are a varied bunch, but if there is one thing that they all prize above anything else, it's bravery. Isochan songs, literature, and art is often preoccupied with acts of bravery, of doing the right thing despite being afraid. Their music is famous the world over, and those who entertain for a living are highly respected even within their own nation.
Most people in the cities go to art shows and museums for entertainment, though even those who live in the more rural areas love to set up smaller art shows for their own entertainment. Singers, actors, and other entertainers are considered highly desirable professions.
On the other hand, many people consider money something of a taboo, valuing their barter economy over the "corruption" of their neighbors' currency-based economies. Banking and moneylending is virtually unheard of within the tribes of Isoch, though they do have some notion of lending in the sense of owing favors or goods that have yet to be rendered. There is some discrimination against foreigners as a consequence; many Isochans feel that those who rely on money are lazy and unreliable.
Addictions are something of a problem in the more far-flung areas of Isoch, especially in certain cities. Many Isochans find urban life isolating and difficult to adjust to. Some tribes also have religious rituals involving psychoactive substances, which some people occasionally decide to use outside their intended religious purposes.
Public Agenda
Demography and Population
The vast majority (about 74%) of Isochans live outside of the few cities, among their tribes of origin. Family ties are often important to them, so staying with one's relatives is preferable to leaving home. As a consequence, formal education rates are often spotty and dictated by the individual tribes themselves. Average literacy across the realm is poor, though some areas have higher rates than others. There is a concerted effort being made to raise literacy rates, though implementing those changes is difficult and laborious at times.
The majority of the population is human, sitting at about 60% of the population. They are followed by angels and elves, at about 15% and 10% respectively.
Territories
The majority of Isoch (approximately 68%) is covered in some form of forest. Most of the population is concentrated within the more temperate forests towards the northern side of the country.
Military
Religion
Trade & Transport
Most of Isoch's trade comes from their mining of gems and precious metals. Since they don't really deal in currency, they tend to be very particular in how they trade with other nations. A merchant who refuses to pay in anything other than coin is not going to find much business in Isoch. Gems and precious metals are about as close to currency as you'll get.
Founding Date
735 of the Era of Wind
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Demonym
Isochan
Government System
Sortition
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Gift economy
Gazetteer
Dùmàtnud, Katchum Mif, Nèmaz, Gogaz, Gaazhà Gèdz, Citadel of the Lich Prince, @fae
Currency
Isochan Currency
Major Exports
precious metals, semi-precious stones
Legislative Body
The Conference of the Five Tribes (Tháthèlsǎ fàt bàch Hè Bàn Gibri /θæθɛlˈsə fɑt bɑʧ hɛ bɑn giˈbɹi/), often just shortened to The Conference (Bàch Tháthèlsǎ), are in charge of making and enforcing the laws of the land. Several smaller councils of tribal leaders act as the judges for individual areas, ensuring that the laws are carried out and applied fairly based on the needs of their particular tribes. These smaller councils often give advice to the Conference, allowing them to change and tailor the laws as necessary.
Members of the Conference are selected randomly from among the population of each tribe, giving everyone an equal shot at determining policy. In order to be eligible, one must be above the age of majority (which is 25 for this particular purpose), and must not have served within the past twelve years. Individual tribes might have more requirements, but those two are the basic standard. Terms last for six years, though at one point they were lifetime appointments. This was phased out within the past few hundred years, as problems arose from electing long-lived elves into positions that are supposed to last for a "lifetime."
Judicial Body
The various tribal councils often act as both lawmakers and judges, depending on the situation. Some tribes separate out the two into spearate councils, but most don't.
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