Diis Manibus: Nompelle

[beejazz]

I think it's about time to write up the magocracy of the setting, Nompelle.

Remember to post questions and comments in the discussion thead (link soon).

Government: Nompelle is ruled by three branches of government: The Magistrates, House Tonal, and House Nagual.

The Magistrates are the three enigmatic head-honchos of everything. They have ruled this empire since its inception. Somehow, no one has ever seen them, or those that have do not remember. They could be the same three who ruled in the beginning, in which case they display remarkable longevity. Otherwise, power may have changed once or twice between older and younger generations.

House Nagual is an elite family of sorcerors descended from one of the two sons of Baron Lugwaif, a renegade member of the old aristocracy. The thirty most powerful sorcerors in this House act largely as a legislative body, while lower level members serve as enforcers of the law or in foreign policy.

House Tonal is composed of the most elite of wizard graduates from the famed Tonal Academy. The thirty most powerful wizards in this House act as a Judicial body, while lower members serve lower courts and local government.

Religion: Religion is technically banned in Nompelle, though the study of the elements and energies inevitably includes a familiarity with the Demiurges. Cults occasionally spring up as well, usually dedicated to the same.

The House of Stars is one notable cult located in Nompelle's capitol, Ispalme. Its faithful are worshippers of the demiurges, under the guidance of Father Michael. Father Michael's sermons often revolve around the coming of Sayoshant, the triumphant return of the Old Ones, and the renewal of the world.

Crime: One would normally expect better law enforcement in a totalitarian state, but crime hardly poses a threat to the current power structure. As such, criminal activity is fairly abundant, especially in the poorer neighborhoods. This doesn't mean that the party rogue has it easy, however. Certain crimes are punished heavily, petty crimes offer an excuse to put you away if and when you do pose a threat, and the rightful owner still won't take kindly to your borrowing his things.