The Bharati Republic
The flag of the Republic reflects the wide expanse of forest that makes up a considerable percentage of Bharati, its home planet, from which its name is derived.Government:
The Bharati Republic is structured as a stratocracy, with little distinction between military and government offices. Executive posts are filled by retired or active commissioned officers, largely appointed based on meritocratic principles. At the highest level of government exists a Supreme Council, made up of the top-ranking individuals in the Republic. These few elite vote among themselves on matters of the state and have the ability to nominate their successors. The contents of the Republic's constitution affirm and support the political power of the military. It is a unitary state with a centralized powerbase; the power of administrative bodies is directly mandated by the central government.
Leader(s):
Persons of Importance:
Species Description:
Morkhiri are a race of bipedal humanoids that bear some physical resemblance to gorillas. Unlike gorillas, however, they walk fully upright as humans do. Their heads are less elongated than apes; they have a gaunt, bony visage and their strong brows are topped with horny crests. On average, they stand at six feet and eight inches for males; six and five for females. Their builds are endomorphic and muscular; the bodies of males are covered in thin layers of fur ranging from black, to brown, to copper and even white in rare cases. Like humans, morkhiri are omnivorous and consume a wide range of foods, but the earliest evidence of morkhiran civilization suggests they were once primarily carnivorous. Their dental structure is like that of primates, with long, sharp canines.
The earliest morkhiri were apex predators and hunters were the most valuable members of society. They adapted strong builds to overtake larger prey in short bursts of energy, using ambushes to hunt. Troops of morkhiri would climb trees and lie in wait for one of the massive herbivores they selected as prey animals to walk under. At the signal from the leader, the troop would then drop from above, topple it with their brute strength and kill the animal. This method of hunting required a clearly-established hierarchy of hunters, putting responsibility on leaders to decide where to set up the ambush and when to strike. It also necessitated effective communication and discipline. A careless mistake and miss-timed drop could ruin the ambush. The stratocratic nature of the Bharati Republic has its roots in this style of hunting.
Racial Demographics:
Religion Description and Demographics:
Culture:
Society in the Republic is highly regimented, with emphasis on civic duty and work ethic. Morkhiri tend to put consideration for the whole before the individual, and therefore are a reliable, dutiful people. During primary education, youths are taught personal accountability: knowing one's duties and living up to them, to make good on their word, to remain honest and honorable. They are a staunchly traditional people, yet when leadership in the hierarchy administers widespread change, society is quick to adapt and embrace it.
The morkhiri hold martial prowess and leadership in high esteem, idolizing great soldiers and generals of their history. This respect extends to other races and nations; though they strive above all else to defeat their enemies, they create no propaganda or insult against them. Instead, worthy adversaries are admired. Veterans of combat are given the utmost respect by their peers, and it can be expected that many willingly follow their counsel.
Familial bonds are highly important to morkhiri. Their loyalty to institution carries over to their families, and there is no greater shame than abandoning one's blood for selfish gain. Families are deeply proud of their traditions and each maintains records of admirable and famous deeds of past and present members, especially in wartime. Enlisted soldiers replicate this close-knit behavior in their units, referring to each other as “brother” and following the deeds of their unit's past members.
Of the array of careers available to them, morkhiri are naturally most inclined towards military service. As a species with carnivorous origins, hunters have enjoyed a seat at the top of the totem-pole, and this extends to matters of warfare as well. A successful career in the armed forces is near-synonymous with forays into politics and state institutions. The military is the core of the Republic's society, responsible not only for matters of defense and war, but for the Republic's entire public works agencies as well. There is only one police, one fire and one rescue force, serving both the military and civilians. Construction and maintenance of public infrastructure, transit hubs and cities is managed by the Bharati Engineering Corps. The Agricultural Department oversees the growing and flow of foodstuff. All these, and many more agencies, fall under military jurisdiction.
The vast majority of morkhiri are employed in some state position, be they a soldier, bureaucrat, a construction or manufacturing plant worker, or any other public works job. Indeed, even artists, musicians and designers are sponsored by the state in the form of various guild-associations. While promotion in the Republic functions as a meritocracy, acts that warrant promotions must have the interest of one's greater institution at heart. Obvious self-interested maneuvers and office politics are sure ways of plataeuing one's career, or risking demotion.
History:
Military:
Member
AP Ottovan
