[center][h1]Luminaria[/h1][/center] [center][h3]The Image of Eternity[/h3][/center] [center][img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/dc/35/af/dc35afcb67c260cbe574f34aefbfd51b.jpg[/img][/center] [quote]Luminaria is an ELECTED MONARCHY; leader is not chosen by inheritance, instead the leader is voted on through a democratic process which takes into account all who are considered citizens of Luminaria. The candidates can be acknowledged by either governing a city or contributing a great deal to the interest of society.[/quote] [center] [hider=Hierarchical Positions of Government] [u][b]Oracle[/b][/u] [i]Ruler or Leader of Luminaria[/i], official term is 2 years with the ability to be elected as many times as they are seen in the public eye as a success. [u][b]The Psyche[/b][/u] [i]Council of Advisors[/i], official term is as long as the Oracle deems fit. [u][b]The Voice[/b][/u] [i]Ambassadors[/i], official term is undefined as they work for as long as they fulfill their role. [u][b]The Rings[/b][/u] [i]City/Town Representatives[/i], official term is 4 years or as long as they are considered successful in the eyes of their respective city or town. [u][b]The Fingers[/b][/u] [i]City/Town Mayor[/i], official term is 4 years or as long as they are considered successful in the eyes of their respective city or town. Fingers can be broken by the Oracle if he/she feels the role of this position is not being adequately served for the best interest of Luminaria's entirety.[/hider] [/center] [u][b]Notes about Luminaria[/b][/u] [list] [*] [b]Standing Army:[/b] Luminaria maintains and trains a national standing army for the protection of it's borders, and provide foreign aid to improve foreign relations. [*] [b]City Milita:[/b] Luminaria allows for each City/Town to maintain and hold their own militia but under the independent expense of their citizens within that City/Town. [*] [b]Independent Research:[/b] Luminaria allows for each City/Town to direct a certain percentage of their funds and resources to a specific goal for new discoveries, so long as they are shared, with the acknowledgement and recognition belonging to that particular City/Town. [*] [b]Protectorate: [/b] Luminaria provides the option for a nation to draw under their protection, but the protected body must agree to the followed: [list] [*] Agreed upon percentage of the protected body will offer their population to serve in the National Military. [*] Agreed upon percentage of the protected body will donate resources to support Luminaria in its efforts in protection and sustainability. [*] An embassy is built for a Voice to reside in and an agreement to sustain a transparent, open line of communication in regards to the security of Luminaria must be maintained. [*] The protected body must send a representative to Luminaria when summoned directly by the Oracle, or if a Conference is set to discuss and negotiate talks in regards to National movement. [*] A small monument at the expense of Luminaria must be constructed with the Principles of Luminaria engraved on it for observation purposes, as a reminder that the protected body is apart of Luminaria and not separate from. [/list] [/list] [center][u][b]Species within Luminaria [/b][/u] [hider=Geradamas] [hider=Male][img]https://img00.deviantart.net/d3e4/i/2014/286/f/0/allen_by_y_mir-d82q1tv.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Female][img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/3b/79/5e/3b795edeee4d5fcd78082e01f0386426.jpg[/img][/hider] [/hider] [hider=Luminaries] [hider=Type 1: Male][img]https://geekandsundry.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Chandra-Pandhita-@PhotonBetamax-B.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Type 1: Female] [img]https://78.media.tumblr.com/be18cbb8db2542e4d2bf75c7dba0aab2/tumblr_ourw5a6okk1ryykhco1_1280.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Type 2: Male][img]https://78.media.tumblr.com/e1a8775b2b08a189da24e16aed8e8bc9/tumblr_p63bardUl91rru5hno3_r1_1280.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Type 2: Female] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/4c/28/6e/4c286e955694a02d2efd396e82b48327.jpg[/img][/hider] [/hider] [hider=Javokians][img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d5/8b/7a/d58b7a5ef36917dac61b508281c7f958.jpg[/img][/hider][/center] [center][u][b]Cultures within Luminaria[/b][/u] [hider=Brief Summary] Luminaria is a widely diverse nation with an outstanding history interweaving the fate of many strong and independent leaders who each have had their roles in the molding of a successful kingdom. The culture of Luminaria is strong in their beliefs as they are the byproduct of a race who has self-claimed the name, The Geradamas; perfect human. The Geradamas believe themselves to be the children of the great skies wisdom and earthly creative. In their eyes the supreme power of the universe as their teachings follow; Creativity is the ultimate category that transcends and connects all other categories of Life. The Geradamas typically wear comfortable clothes in which their bodies can breathe in and feel free rather than restricted. Some cultures may find their taste benevolent while others may see it as provocative, but to the Geradamas they are themselves. To see jewelry and accessories surrounding metals or stones accepted as symbology and believed to cause beneficial effects to the physiological and psychological health of the individual is not uncommon in Luminaria. "True" Luminaries believe they are spiritual beings who are in the process of becoming, by rising to the challenges presented in the material realm of existence. Their dialect and treatment of others will reflect this belief wholeheartedly, largely playing into other aspects of social and/or private conduct. "True" Luminaries do not fear death because of this cornerstone belief that they are spirits first. Death is seen as another phase of Life's overall creative process in the evolution of becoming something greater to which is unknown at their current stage in the process. The principles regarding their beliefs can be found in the "Monad"; a book of stories, and principles named after the single unit in time. The Monad is indivisible in nature according to the Geradamas and works as a simple entity to reach a common goal directed by the many goals of the individuals. Apart from the majority accepted Luminarian belief and culture there are Javokians. The Javokians are a more primitive and simpler bunch. They are said to be descended from the volcano and mountains up North. Their beginning starts from being formed by the very magma of the Earth's core. Their father figure is Daga; the breath of Fire and Stone. Javokians once a year pay tribute to Daga with ceremonies shared across their tribes. Javokians do not bow to Luminaria but cooperate and incorporate some of the principles that Luminaria had to share. These lessons have allowed the Javokians to prosper at a much more consistent and manageable pace than finding small quarrels between tribes turning into giant catastrophic moments of loss in life and progress. The Javokian's build out of stone and wood, and their accessories are no different. They act as the laborers of the nation, and are happy to do so.[/hider][/center] [center][h3]Luminaries Gods[/h3] The Four Primes or Immortals: Creators of the Geradamas Sapios : Wisdom, Power, Direction, Time Ptah : Discipline, Craft, Obedience, Awareness Devizen : Creativity, Chaos, Individuality, Death Enos : Magic, Writing, Understanding, Space Iliath : Beauty, Order, Cooperation, Life [/center] [center][hider=History] The origins of Luminaria begin at the star of the Geradamas. Their particular moment of emergence came out of the plains now called Hieros where the Luminaria capitol is. The Hieros plains stretches far and is between the Ydra Rivers. The Ydra River is commonly known to have been the result of a Celestial Sword shunned down from the Heavens, crafted by Ptah; Goddess of Discipline and Craft. Ptah surrendered the sword over to her daughter, Devizen, who wished to make her mark upon the physical world as a protest to her Father's direction; Sapios. The name of the sword was "Twelve Aeons", and each Aeon represented a point in the "Wheel of Time", originally crafted by Ptah for her husband, Sapios to be given to Enos. When the sword contacted the Earth it divided the rock in three parts which stretched to both oceans, and light in twelve directions beamed across Hieros, immediately transforming the harsh rocky terrain into a potential environment for Life to start. Devizen upset at the end result was confused as to how the sword created Life and not Chaos. Unknown to her, before she demanded the sword from Ptah, Iliath at the direction of her Father imbued it with qualities of Life and Beauty. Devizen would find out about this slight of hand and would head to the physical world to retrieve the sword of Twelve Aeons. Iliath and Enos would meet their sister at the sword and encourage her to stop her defilement of their father's demands. Devizen retaliated with force and the three engaged in combat on the plains of Hieros. During the battle Devizen, Iliath, and Enos would draw blood across the plains. Their blood without intent fused together seamlessly as both Beauty, Creativity, and Magic, worked their powers to create the first generation of Geradamas. Devizen, Iliath, and Enos witnessing the birth of the first generation of Geradamas during the battle over their disagreement decided to put their differences aside. But, the peace only lasted so long before Devizen manipulated a group of Geradamas across the Hieros plains to wage war on the others. Once again the war between Gods continued, but this time the Geradamas were the weapons of choice. It was not until Sapios finally stepped in at the plight of Ptah to stop the three in their childish ways and ordered them all to heal the wounds created by their selfishness. The sword was to remain where it was, and the three were to return home after the mending of the Geradamas was completed. The Geradamas would be empowered by Sapios with wisdom to their origins, encouraged to cooperate by Iliath and her beautiful perception toward Life, granted understanding and the ability to communicate effectively by Enos, and provided the abilities to create from Devizen. Ptah remained in her place beyond the stars to guide her grandchildren from a far with the disciplines of all four Powers. Over time the Geradamas would grow as a plant does uninhibited by any barriers. A strong footing from East to West was inevitable and eventually their ambition carried North. It is here they first made contact with the Javokians who now remain under the protection of the Geradamas. As the Geradamas continued their growth, they absorbed many cultures, populations, and countries along the way that found it would be easier to cooperate rather than fight. The Geradamas did find themselves in some conflicts but typically came out superior to most of those who decided against them. During Izar's reign the establishment of Luminaria occurred after a vision to unite all people under Geradamas rule came to him in a passing dream. The Geradamas had already allowed for the autonomy to remain with anyone who cooperated willingly, but the next step was to incorporate these autonomous nations under the rule of the Geradamas, into one defining kingdom; Luminaria. Any group of people who did not agree to the Principles of Luminaria were dealt with accordingly and over the next 10 years of Izar's reign, he successfully integrated the cultures into one system now known as the "Monad" which through stories and lessons provides the framework of how a Luminaria thinks, acts, believes, and accepts their fit in society and the universe as a whole. After successfully attaining the new mark of Oracle under the new doctrines associatd with Luminaria's new governmental structure, he passed, but not before leaving behind a son and daughter. The son and daughter would carry on their father's work to free up movement, continue trust building within the network of city-states, and keep Luminaria's integrity, while maintaing it's ability to move as one, an elected monarchy was created. Luminaria now stretches far beyond the reaches of what it thought was possible, and in the process has constructed a strong military presence, outstanding naval operation, well balanced economy, and has even pushed the limits of magic merging with tech.[/hider][/center] [center][hider=Economy] The economy consists of city-states trading with one another while also providing a certain percentage of their resources to the overall efforts included under the Luminaria national government. Access to stones, metals, lumber, and various fabrics are not difficult. Merchants thrive in Luminaria's free trade arrangement, but must console each city on their scope of what is allowed as appropriate practice. The economy is well-balanced, trending to grow, with no signs of decline.[/hider][/center] [center][hider=Technology] Luminaria is on the cusp of two worlds, born with magic, but understanding the necessity of advancing their technology. They maintain a balance of both of these worlds, which unfortunately means their resources are applied in a way that does set them as leaders in either of them. However, Luminaria finds their interest in finding ways to merge both technology and magic under one roof.[/hider][/center] [hider=“LSD” Network] [b]Luminarian Samaritan Defense Network[/b] The Samaritans are the standing military defense force of the Luminaries. They are a diverse lot of soldiers, healers, mentors, trainers, advisors, strategists, etc. It is within this web of individuals that Luminaria is defended and its foreign relations are upheld and established. The Samaritans follow a chain of command through communication but not so much when it comes to orders. Samaritans have proven themselves time and time again that they are the top echelon of what Luminaria has to offer. [list] [*]Luminaria is not divided by branches, but by divisions, therefore Army, Navy, Airforce are all integrated into each division – North, South, East and West. All recruits will go through the same basic initiations and trainings, once assigned to a division they will be prescribed a role based on their talents. If a Luminaries Initiate shows great talent and aptitude in a certain area, they may be sent to the capitol or held in the capitol if that is where they are, and tested for further discipline. [/list] Army: Luminaria is a diverse, yet well-structured fighting force that has had its fair share of battle experience. They are not promoters of war, but by no means cower behind the veil of pacifism. They believe that light must sometimes confront the powers of darkness with its own weapons, and must always be prepared to do so. The army is centralized and all of its recruits come to three of the major cities, the capitol (Hieros), Eastern city (Khal), and the Western city (Baal). When a recruit graduates he is then considered a Novice in the military and will be assigned to a post according to his talents. Navy also considered, “The Luminaria Vanguard”: Luminaria understands the ocean is powerful, and in order to attain security for their people, the Luminaries must coexist with the ocean. This principle has rooted itself deeply into Luminaria, and so their Navy is top notch, always maintained, always ready. [list] [*]Luminaria has a very specialized land operating force called, “The Serpents”. This force is trained in sabotage, raids, and infiltration. These men and women are some of the most intelligent individuals Luminaria has to offer. [/list] Air Force: Luminaria is not known for its pilots, but the ones they do have are passionate, psychotic, and courageous. They fly with drive and under the most extreme duress as the planes they use are not top of line, nor do they typically fly in groups. Usually pilots will perform solo reconnaissance missions over borders and may occasionally engage in combat zones as support, but this is not advised most often considering the fragility of the plane specifications. [/hider] Rolls: Territory (13) Tech (13) Army (14) Economy (14) Production (17) Navy (18) Airforce (7) Mobilization (9) Magic (10) Traits: Universal Truth “Wholly Positive Trait”: Luminaries believe in their truth, and their truth resides in the Immortals who are believed to still watch over them this very day. Luminaries time and time again have been entrusted with the Geradamas secrets like one of their own, which has created a concrete bond between those who are considered original and those who were integrated later into the origin story. It was once recorded in the town of Beus after it was captured by foreign powers, the Luminaries being held as prisoners and sentenced to burn at the stake, willingly jumped into the flames, unbounded, as they saw it was a test to their conviction. It was written by a young foreign soldier who observed the burning, “Those who do not fear death as the Luminaries have shown us, cannot be tamed by Life as we failed to show them.” (Fearless, Convicted, and Resilient) City States governed by One “Negative and Positive Trait”: Luminaria is an odd thing, each part independent of the other, but dependent upon the other for their cooperation. Although the allegiance of everyone is under the banner of Luminaria, cities and towns possess quite the voice during elections and decision making. This can both hinder and promote the health of the entire entity. (Autonomy promotes happiness, but power struggles can emerge.) Magi-Tech “Negative and Positive Trait: Since Luminaria is on the cusp of both worlds in tech and magic, they have begun integrating the two at the same time. This means there is room for great innovation, but unfortunately it is a realm that has yet been explored thoroughly. This means set-backs are more common than discoveries, but resources are still allocated in this direction as it is seen to be a valuable direction once the future arrives. (Leaps in Technology and Magic can be achieved, innovations integrating both are possible, but resources may not always add up to the discovery and set-backs happen frequently.) Foreign Relations: Faenaria - Government (Friendly), Citizens (Friendly), Free Trade Agreement Etresna - Government (Friendly), Citizens (Cautious), Free Trade Agreement Sidarid - Government (Cautious), Citizens (Cautious), Free Trade Agreement