Republic of Enemies

The Republic of Enemies, or Thalastrios Politeia, is the setting of Books of Hubris. It is an oligarchic republic governed by representatives who are usually hail from a small collection of influential families. These representatives, known as the Choir, reside in the capital city Lyre where they grapple endlessly for power.

Government

• The Choir: large, ineffective, 3 archons?
  • Code of Honour, know secrets about each other
  • Their seal must be obeyed
  • Can be "undercover" in public if they wish
• The Magistrates: are they appointed by the choir? or are they the archons instead?
• Magistracies
  • Phenomena: magic
    • Librarians/researchers
    • Civil servants: handle the bureaucratic stuff
    • Agents: law enforcement, keeping tabs on people, catastrophe cleanup
  • Justice: judicial and penal processes
  • Protection: military
  • Knowledge: information collection. combine with phenomena?
  • Public Works: govt construction projects, civil couriers service (pony express)
  • Rites: religious stuff, holidays and celebrations
  • Other possibilities: medicine/health

CONSIDER INSTEAD:

The Magistrates are the head of the choir. Instead of one specific dedicated Magistracy of Phenomena, each deals with it a little differently. This makes the overall state more competent?

Potential magistracies for this scenario: Justice, Knowledge, Public Works, Medicine, War/Peace/Protection

Provinces

Faded empire, faded glory

Geography

The name "Republic of Enemies" is thought to be a wry observation about the complex relationships between its provinces, the result of a history steeped in imperial conquest.

Culture

Like anywhere else, Thalastriosi citizens grow up with preconceived notions about the way the world works. Due to the size and diversity of the Republic, we will not attempt to paint them all in one brush, but explain commonalities based on region and class.

• Duality
• Balance
• Honour
• Collectivism
• Artistry
• Passion
• Change

General Beliefs

• The universe is comprised of many dualities; i.e. light cannot exist without dark, and the world is neither wholly good nor evil. These dualities are described as reflections of each other, and must work together for the world to be in Balance.
  • Differing interpretations of what balance is, exactly, frequently result in dissonance between people and debates about how it is best achieved. For example, the cultural concept of Revenge is justified as a way to balance the scales, but is not universally endorsed.
• Honor is respectability or prestige. An individual should protect the honor of themselves and their group(s) at all costs. The precise definition of honor can vary by location and even social class, but is generally understood to mean a virtuous person. If one's honor has been thrown into question, they might undertake a Penance.
• A sense of collectivism emphasizing the importance of the group over individuality; individuals are also encouraged to seek personal excellence and glory as long as it is not at the expense of their group. While it is seen as honorable for a group to be provide hospitality even to those with opposing viewpoints, repeated or severe offense can result in exile.
• Life is best experienced with Passion. Expressions of Passion are seen as healthy, as long as they are balanced by the opposing quality of reason. Unbridled Passion should only be shown to those who are closest with an individual. The arts are seen as expressions of Passion which are acceptable for public viewing.
• Artistry and technique is not considered just a good quality for painters and sculptors to have, but can be applied to all areas of life. Great Artistry combines beauty and emotion with science and discipline. Everything is considered a craft which can be mastered. Even people who create seemingly inconsequential items will put great effort into making them perfect.
• Gender is performative and fluid, not determined by body parts, though is generally thought to exist on a spectrum of masculine and feminine extremes (neither of which is portrayed as lesser than the other, just showing different qualities). Gender and sex do not determine social rank. Hormone-altering plants and reliable birth control in addition to religious doctrine have made this attitude possible.

Character stats:

• Honor/Dishonor
• Passion/Reason
• Artistry/Crudity
• OR
• Honor, Passion, Reason, Artistry, Balance each a stat
• OR
• Honor, Passion, Reason, Artistry, and then you can be balanced/off-balanced as an effect or something

Social Practices

• Adoption
• Repentance
• Bed Alliance
• Covenants
• Marriage
• Affairs
• Time of Service
• Honor
• Allegiances
• Mentorship
• Drakonautics

Regional Differences

• Lyre: even more fluid gender, emphasis on public displays of art for passion, appreciation for nature esp water and greenery (hanging gardens)
• Miramatra: considered stiff, highly formal and ceremonial, polite at all costs
• Shokushima: philosophizing, urbane, fatalistic, individualistic, egalitarian, inventive
• Najamaraad: communal,
• Tyanxia: practical, stoic, privacy
• Florenzia: passionate, seen as temperamental,
• Nenesht:

Fashion

Lyre, the capital city, is also considered the fashion capital of the Republic. Due to its central location, Lyrians are known to adopt trends and styles from many other places, and the latest fashion can change quickly.

The standard clothing for a Lyriosi consists of the following.

• Undergarments
• Structural garment if needed
• Waistcoat/tunic, with or without tails - can also be docked to show the belly, usually fitted, can included stays to aid with fitting
• Belt, wrapped fabric, often decorative
• Long skirts, which can be gathered into pants
• Slippers or boots
• Cape or veil, mantle