'''Orthodox Arzalism''' is a type of [[Arzalism]] that was the official state religion of Zurgite [[Varshan]] for most of its history. Like other strains of Arzalism, Orthodox Arzalism emphasized sacrifice and believed in a large pantheon of gods. Unlike other Arzal sects, Orthodox Arzalism emphasized the role of the Death God and the preeminance of {{wp|human sacrifice}}.
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The '''United Republic of Alstin''', commonly known as the '''United Republic''' or '''Alstin''', is a sovereign state comprising the entirety of the [[Alstinian Isles]] off the coast of [[Crona]], as well as overseas holdings on the Cronan mainland, in the [[Cartesian Archipelago]], and off the coast of East [[Alshar]]. Covering an area of more than 1,202 thousand km² and hosting a population of more 157 million, the United Republic is divided into [[List of provinces and territories of Alstin|30 provinces, eight territories and a federal district]] - with its capital and largest city being [[Alstin (City)|Alstin]].
A highly {{wp|developed country|developed}} and {{wp|high income country}}, the United Republic has a healthy capitalist mixed economy and historically strong economic growth; As a result, the [[Economy of Alstin|Alstinian economy]] ranks within the "Top 20 in the Globe", both in terms of nominal GDP and PPP. Though its population is only 0.5% of the global total, Alstinians hold nearly 8% of the total wealth in the world. The United Republic ranks among the highest in several measures of socioeconomic performance, including average wage, human development, per capita GDP, and productivity per person. While the Alstinian economy is considered post-industrial, characterized by the dominance of both the service and information industry, the manufacturing sector remains one of the largest in the world. Accounting for approximately 10% of the global GDP and an eighth of global military spending, the United Republic is one of the world's foremost economic and military powers. The United Republic is a prominent political and cultural force internationally, and a leader in scientific research and technological innovations.
Although Orthodox Arzalism as the state religion existed for centuries, it took on most of its major features in the 15th century, when the Varshani ruler Žuqul I proclaimed the Death God as the paramount deity over the Sun God. From the [[Varshan#Žuqulid_Revolution|Great Edict of Žuqul]] to the culmination of [[the Deluge]], Orthodox Arzalism was inextricably fused with the Varshani state. After the [[Final War of the Deluge]], Orthodox Arzalism became illegal in [[League-occupied Varshan]] and most places abroad. In the areas of Varshan where Arzalism was reestablished, it was replaced by [[State Arzalism]] while other forms of Arzalism were legalized.
==Etymology==
==Belief system==
The nation's name derives from the city of [[Alstin (City)|Alstin]]. The city's name itself, according to its founding myth, is believed to have been derived from the city's founder and the first [[Kingdom of Alstin|king of Alstin]], [[Alstanus Ryefield]].
Orthodox Arzalism lacks a {{wp|systematic theology}} or a unified canon of authoritative scriptures. There are a large number of religious texts describing Arzali beliefs, myths, and rituals, but unlike the Bible, Koran, or Vedas, the texts are not held to be divinely-inspired or authoritative in and of themselves. Rather, they are simply considered written records of the priestly caste, who are collectively regarded as divinely inspired and the font of religious knowledge.
===Pantheon===
The pantheon of Orthodox Arzalism is one of its main distinguishing features, particularly its emphasis of the Death God over that of the creator deity and the major presence of the Raid God.
The standard way to refer to a citizen of Alstin is as an "Alstinian."
====The Sun God====
==History==
The Sun God is the Arzali creator deity, responsible for the creation of the world.
''Further Reading: [[History of Alstin]]
===Indigenous peoples===
Human sacrifice to the Sun God shows gratitude to the Sun God and recognition of the Sun as the source of all life by "returning" a life to them. Human sacrifices to the Sun God are only performed at certain times during the year (e.g. harvest and planting festivals), or in times of dire need (e.g. to ward off crop failure), and only at high noon. The Sun God also accepts sacrifices of animals, produce (mainly grain), and incense, which can be made at dawn, noon, or sunset. Sacrifices to the Sun God during nightfall are anathema and punishable by death, either because they are believed to have the effect of sacrificing to the Moon or because they were once used to conceal clandestine Moon worship.
It has been generally accepted that the first inhabitants of the [[Alstinian Isles]] migrated from mainland Crona and East Alshar arrived at least 3,000 years ago; however, some evidence suggests an even earlier date of arrival. Over time, indigenous cultures in Crona grew increasingly complex, and some, such as the pre-Levantine Azure culture in modern-day Azura, developed advanced agriculture, architecture, and complex societies. The city of [[Cuzco (City)|Cuzco]] is the largest, most complex pre-Levantine archaeological site in Alstin, and is oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the modern-day United Republic. In the Kjeldorian Highlands region, the Kjeld culture practiced hunting and trapping, along with limited cultivation. The Uto, located in modern-day Utopia, practiced fishing and whaling.
===Occidental Settlement and the Founding of the Kingdom===
====The Death God====
''Further reading: [[Aster's expedition]]''
The Death God is the paramount deity in Orthodox Arzalism.
The first Levantines to arrive in Alstin were Occidental explorers connected to [[Aster's expedition|Paul Aster's voyage]] to find a western route to Alshar in March 1389. During the Age of Exploration in the early 16th century, several trading outposts were established throughout the Isles, forming the foundation of a number of Alstinian cities, with . However, during the [[Great Confessional War]], waves of predominantly Protestant refugees fled from [[Levantia]] to the Alstinian Isles, founding a myriad of settlements; One such settlement was [[Alstin (City)|Alstin]]. Founded on 23 March 1559 by the Ænglish noble [[Alstanus Ryefield]], the city, due its location on a island in the center of the Altaic Sea, quickly became the economic and cultural center of the Isles. By 1565, the city-state was recognized as one the preeminent polities in the region, with Alstanus Ryefield being formally coronated as the first King of Alstin on 1 April that, beginning a century-long reign by the House of Ryefield.
The Death God accepts both human and animal sacrifices, but the state priesthood accepts animal sacrifices only from worshippers who are too poor to afford slaves.
===Unification and Development===
====The Blood God====
Throughout the remainder of the 16th century, Alstin experienced a remarkable rate of growth both internally and externally. In terms of the former, Alstinian society developed and flourished largely in due part to its position at critical crossroads of traffic and trade routes on the Isles. This in turn not only made the city incredibly wealthy, but also made allowed for the construction of various public works projects (such as roads, aqueducts, and other civic projects that became the basic foundation of the city's modern infrastructure), all the while its culture thrived and developed as a result of its newfound prosperity. In terms of the latter, Alstin, using its vast new wealth, slowly yet gradually expanded its territory in every direction across the island of Alstin; Occasionally bringing them into conflict with many of its neighboring city-states and tribal confederations, but often than not, it peacefully incorporated . However, by 1600, during the reign of [[Douglas Corvinus]], Alstin had successfully united the entirety of the island under its banner.
Devotion to the Blood God is strongest among warriors, who consider him their patron.
Over the course of the subsequent eighty years, the Kingdom experienced a period of relative peace and internal stability, as the Alstinians experienced an unprecedented amount of economic growth from its position at the crossroads of sea-based trade in the [[Orixtal Sea]]. This, combined with considerable scientific advances and cultural progress, would later become known as the "Long Peace". At the same time, Alstin engaged in series of conflicts in and around the lands of the [[Altaic Sea]], the [[Orixtal Sea]], and the Sea of St. John, from the [[Islevyny]] Archipelago to the shores of [[Rocotia]], in an effort maintain the stability of the region.
Blood priests practice many rituals involving scarification, body modification, mortification of the flesh, bloodletting, and vampirism. Bullfighting is a popular Blood devotion performed at major festivals by Blood priests who train as matadors. The Blood God accepts human and animal sacrifices, and blood must be spilt in order for the sacrifice to be efficacious. Worshippers may offer their own body parts as sacrifices to the Blood God.
In [[1632]], King Julius convened the [[Chantry_of_Alstin#Establishment_and_reorganization|Convocation of 1632]], which formally established the [[Chantry of Alstin]] as state religion.
====The Pain God====
The Pain God is the Arzali deity governing both pain and visceral, bodily pleasure, which Varshani culture understands as two sides of the same coin, referring to them by the same word (''riq''). Like the Raid God, the Pain God is unusual among Arzali deities in that she does have prescriptive teachings for how her followers should live. Pain priests teach that devotees should sadistically strive to maximise their own pleasure (and the Pain God's) by maximising the pain of others.
===Alstinian Civil War and the birth of the United Republic===
Worship of the Pain God centres on the torture of human and animal victims. Pain priests have devised (and continue to devise) various methods of tormenting sacrificial victims while maintaining their life and consciousness as much as possible in order to prolong suffering. Pain worship can also include a number of sadistic-masochistic sexual rituals, self-flagellation, and ritual scarification and amputation performed on willing worshippers (often by their own hand) to show devotion.
''Further Reading: [[Alstinian Civil War]]''
In 1682, following a costly decade-long [[Burgo-Alstinian Wars|war]] with the [[Burgoignesc_North_Levantine_Trading_Company#Colonial_ventures|Martillien North Levantine Trading Company (MNLC)]], the [[Alstinian Civil War]] erupted between the brothers and rival claimants Stephan and David following the untimely death of Julius, who had failed to properly designate an heir beforehand. During the three year-long conflict, control over the throne switched hands four times before David successfully held on to it following the betrayal and murder of Stephan and most of his main supporters in 1685. But this only brought a temporary halt to the conflict, as by early 1687, it had become apparent that David intended to rule as an absolute monarch and that the populace had grown tired of his tyrannical policies. When it became publicly known that he, along with most of the nobles, attempted to orchestrate the murder of his last surviving brother, [[Geoffrey Ryefield|Geoffrey]], as well as attempted to abolish the [[Omnibus Canon]], the people revolted, beginning the second phase of the Civil War. The following year, David was captured and publicly executed following his defeat at the [[Battle of Leman's Crossing]] (now in modern-day Leman district of the city of Alstin). In spite of the victory, Geoffrey was mortally wounded, and, without a known heir to throne, formally proclaimed that the Kingdom would become a Republic as his first and last act as king. In 1689, on the anniversary of Geoffrey's death, the United Republic of Alstin, one of the first federal republics in the history of the world, officially came into being with the ratification of the [[United Republic Constitution|Constitution]] (which remains in use to this day), and the unanimous election of [[Marcus Alanson]], member of the Patrician delegation at the Constitutional Convention, and Geoffrey's most trusted general, as the first President of the United Republic.
====The Raid God====
The Raid God is the deity that governs humanity, and his commandments form the bulk of Arzali doctrine regarding government, "ethics", and the social order. Unlike the other Arzali gods, whose relationship to mankind is generally limited to granting divine favour in exchange for sacrifices, the Raid God prescribes how his followers are to behave. Most Varshani social institutions, including the caste system, slavery, the policy of perpetual aggression, and compulsory military service, are believed to have been established by the Raid God.
In the decades following the establishment of the United Republic, the nation rebuilt itself economically and socially; The remnants of the royal government were either assimilated and re-tooled into the new federal government or were dissolved and replaced with new institutions.
The Raid God created the Varshani race, and a plurality of Varshanites claiming divine ancestry believe themselves to be his descendants. All ethnic Varshani (even slaves) owe worship to the Raid God. The "Martial among Gentiles" also worship the Raid God, and their devotion to him forms the religious basis of their more privileged status in society. However, they can only make sacrifices to him collectively, in order to obtain divine favour for their race as a whole, whereas Varshanites can petition him as individuals. Non-Varshanites who do not belong to the martial races are forbidden from sacrificing or praying to the Raid God, and doing so is punishable by enslavement (for free persons) or death (for slaves and repeat offenders). People enslaved for this reason become the property of the temple system.
===Further immigration, expansion, and development===
The Raid God only accepts human sacrifices. Historically, victims were required to be captives of war, but due to constraints on the supply of captives in more modern times, it is now permissible to sacrifice slaves descended from war captives. The priestly caste has created a fairly extensive bureaucracy to certify the captive lineage of slaves and regulate the supply of acceptable sacrifices to the Raid God.
By 1710, the country had fully recovered and transitioned from Kingdom to Republic. With this, the United Republic resumed its involvement in international affairs, and began engaging in territorial acquisitions beyond the [[Inner Islands]]. Starting in 1721, the United Republic, through various methods, steadily expanded throughout the remaining Isles, establishing new settlements as well incorporating preexisting ones across what was then collectively referred the "Frontier Territories", nowadays officially called the "[[Outer Islands]]"; By 1840, the entirety of the "Frontier" was under the complete jurisdiction the United Republic.
Overseas, the United Republic began exerting its influence at first indirectly through intermediaries, most notably via the [[Alstinian Trade Company]], then later directly via diplomacy, trade, and military action. An early example of the latter being the United Republic's longstanding influence on [[Tierrador]] beginning in the wake of the [[ Revolution of 1823|1823 Revolution]], in which UR diplomats sought to softly steer the Tierradorian Provisional Government towards the adoption of a society more akin that of the Alstinian Isles; The consequences of which include a number of economic and cultural links and impressions from the use of the Alstinian gridlock system in Tierradorian residential areas, to the widespread usage of [[Blarian Ænglish|Alstinian Ænglish]] as a secondary language. In 1750, there were 35 overseas trading outposts, most of which were concentrated in and around South Crona; By 1900, there over 300 outposts around the globe, some of which, particularly those on the Cronan continent, would eventually merge together to form larger territorial holdings. Concurrently, the United Republic would help to initiate the modern era of international diplomacy through its efforts in establishing and strengthening economic and political ties in [[Levantia]] and [[Sarpedon]]; A notable example being the landmark 1806 [[Treaty of Lariana]], which normalized diplomatic relations between the United Republic and the [[Holy Levantine Empire]].
The Raid God is closely associated with [[The Hunt (Varshan)|the Hunts]], an era of large scale military raids and demographic destruction against the [[North Songun civilization]].
Domestically, the Isles, beginning in the early 19th century, experienced a rise in urbanization and an unprecedented influx of immigrants from both the [[Occidental world|Occident]] and the [[Alshar|Orient]], which in turn supplied a surplus of labor for the country's industrialization and transformed its culture. National infrastructure, including telegraph and railroads, spurred economic growth and greater settlement and development of the "Frontier". The later invention of electric light and the telephone would also affect communication and urban life.
====The Fire and Lightning God====
The Fire God accepts only burnt offerings. These can take the form of animals, grain, incense, tobacco, oil, or burnt effigies; but the highest form of sacrifice to the Fire God is to immolate a human victim alive. Fire priests make extensive use of incense, tobacco, cannabis, and ash in their rituals.
Rapid economic development during the late 18th and early 20th centuries fostered the rise of many prominent industrialists, many of whom led the nation's progress in the railroad, petroleum, and steel industries. Banking became a major part of the economy, further spurring its growth into becoming one of the world's largest. These dramatic changes were accompanied by growing inequality and social unrest, which prompted the rise of organized labor along with populist, socialist, and anarchist movements. This period eventually ended with the advent of the [[Alstinian Reformist Era|Reformist Era]], which saw significant reforms including women's suffrage, a shift in alcohol consumption habits, regulation of consumer goods, and greater antitrust measures to ensure competition and attention to worker conditions.
====The Rain God====
<br />
One of the oldest Arzali deities, the Rain God was the second most revered figure in Primitive Arzalism after the Sun God. The Rain God is worshipped throughout the country and features prominently in the rites of Orthodox Arzalism, but a much more extensive Rain Cult exists in rural areas among the agricultural population.
===The Great Wars Era===
The highest form of sacrifice to the Rain God is by throwing live victims into sacred limestone {{wp|cenotes}}, although it is also licit to use purpose-built {{wp|cisterns}} or certain sacred lakes and waterfalls for this purpose. Urban Rain Temples mostly sacrifice victims by drowning in tanks with glass walls. The most prestigious sacrificial cenote for the worship of the Rain God was [name], until 2022 when its aperture was collapsed by a [[Kiravian Army Air Corps|Kiravian airstrike]].
''Further reading: [[First Great War]]; [[Second Great War]]; [[Alstin in the Second Great War]]; [[Cronan Theatre of the Second Great War]]''
The United Republic remained neutral from the initial outbreak of the [[First Great War]] in 1896, but joined a few weeks later on 13 June 1896 alongside the Concordiae Powers following repeated attacks on UR Merchant Shipping by the [[Navy of Burgundie|Burgundian Navy]], helping to turn the tide against the Aliança. In 1904, President [[Patrick T. Jones]] took a leading diplomatic role at the TBD Peace Conference, subsequently reaffirming the United Republic's place as one the world's great powers.
====The Earth God====
Sacrifices to the Earth God are made by burying victims alive or by burying them up to the neck and stoning them to death. There are also two Earth Temples specially authorised to crush victims using large rocks. Burying the remains of victims sacrificed to other gods is also considered an act of Earth Worship.
Around this time, the women's rights movement bore it greatest victory with the election of first [[Marion Roberts]], then [[Caroline Baxter]] to the Presidency in 1904 and 1908 respectively. Concurrently, the 1910s and 1920s saw the rise of radio for mass communication and the invention of early television, with [[ABS Corporation|ABS]] and [[NPB Corporation|NPB]] taking a leading role in both mediums. Additionally, the Alstinian film industry began to take form in earnest, centering in Driftwood, near [[Treadwell]], Cecelia, making a substantial impact in the art of film-making.
====Victory Goddess====
The goddess of {{wp|military victory|victory}}, often referred to as ''dabz nakaz'' ("Sweet Victory"), is an important deity to the martial and civic dimensions of Arzalism and Varshani culture. As with Raideron (see above), the Victory Goddess demands captives of war as sacrifices, and such sacrifices are made to commemorate important military victories in Varshani history, as well as during times of war after successful battles. Waršani warriors do not seek Dabz Nakaz's favour or intervention to aid them in battle. Rather, they go to battle to prove their worth and devotion to her, and undertake fasts or painful acts of physical penitence in her name after military defeats. Dabz Nakaz is the most prominent Arzali deity described and portrayed with expressly feminine attributes.
The period between 1909 and 1925 is known as the [[Golden Years]] in the United Republic, in which unseen previously levels of economic growth and prosperity was accompanied with a distinctive social, artistic and cultural dynamism and technological advancement. The prosperity brought upon during the Golden Years ended with the [[Lloyd Street Crash of 1925]] and the onset of the [[Blunt Depression]]. After his election as president in 1928, [[Alfred F. Jones]] responded with the [[Dawes Plan]], a comprehensive series of economic and financial programs geared towards providing financial relief to individuals and businesses, promote economic recovery, and institute economic and financial reforms.
====God-Emperors and God-Kings====
The ''Zûrg'' ("Emperor") and Preclassical Varshani kings (''wuz'') are accorded the status of {{wp|Demigod|demigods}} in orthodox Arzalism, being viewed (like many other aristocratic Varshanis) as having divine ancestry from birth and as semi-divine figures during their reign, before being {{wp|deification|deified}} upon their death. The Shorter Book of Worship, a major Arzali text, expresses this distinction succinctly: "While the Zûrg rules under the favour of the Sun [God], all owe him obedience. While he holds court in Death's halls, all owe him their sacrifices. All shall pay what they owe."
At the outset of the [[Second Great War]] in March 1934, the United Republic, while maintaining neutrality, began supplying materiel to Urcea and its allies in response to unrestricted Caphirian submarine activity in the Orixtal, the Polynesian, and St. Brendan's Strait, supplying LOTA forces with much needed supplies and war materiel. On 31 December 1935...
Most recorded Zûrgs have at least one temple dedicated to them, most of which were constructed during their reign and house their tomb. Several less notable Zûrgs with shorter reigns are entombed (and many more are worshipped) at the Temple of Kings, which forms part of the Great Death Temple complex in Anzo. Typically, sacrifices to a God-King peak with the dedication of their temple and steadily decline the longer they have been dead, with slight upticks corresponding to the weddings and coronations of their sons and grandsons. Temples dedicated to long-dead God-Kings are rarely visited and sparingly staffed, with clerical posts there highly sought after as sinecures by the priestly caste. However, there are several God-Kings who are exceptions to this rule and continue to regularly receive sacrifices, often at multiple temple sites, long after their death. These include:
TBA
*'''Biji -''' Commenced the Varshani transition from a migratory warrior tribe to a state society by conquering the city of Hoklo, which became the Varshani city-state of Anzo.
*'''Žuqul I (the Great) -''' Founded orthodox Arzalism by establishing the primacy of the Death God over the Sun God.
*'''Burušo IV (the Moonslayer) -''' Destroyed the Kulukusi, an advanced, Moon-worshipping civilisation that stood as the Varshani kingdom's main strategic rival.
*'''Angbal I -''' First Zûrg of the Ninth Dynasty, who reunified the empire by winning the Sixth Varshani Civil War, killing and enslaving entire cities for their allegiance to the defeated factions. He is credited with expanding the cult of the Raid God and the use of enslavement (previously reserved for conquered non-Varshani peoples) as a penalty for crimes.
===Occidental Cold War===
====Other figures====
''Further Reading: [[Occidental Cold War]]''
*'''The Moon''' - Sometimes referred to by scholars as the "Arzali Satan", the Moon is the most reviled figure in Arzalism, framed as the primary adversary of both the Sun God and the gods of the Dark Pantheon.
*'''The Soccer God''' - Patron of the {{wp|Mesoamerican ballgame|Varshani ballgame}}, an organised team sport which doubles as an Arzali religious ritual.
*'''The Hail God''' - Many tribes, both Varshani and non-Varshani, living in mountainous areas of the country have traditionally worshipped hail deities. Preclassical Arzalism as practiced in the lowlands may have incorporated the Hail God as a minor god of punishment, but due to the tendency of mountain-dwelling tribes to rebel against the Zûrg, orthodox priests long ago relegated the Hail God to being the Rain God's retarded cousin and outlawed their worship. Nonetheless, devotions to the Hail God persist in isolated mountain settlements and among some Solar Arzalis.
TBA
====Syncretic Figures====
Many figures in Arzalism (especially regional and heterodox forms) are shared with or recognisably adapted from other Cronan religions.
<br />
*'''[[Xzibit]]'''
*[stuff from Ma'acunism]
===Contemporary History===
===Caste System===
''Further Reading: Cartesian Wars; [[Final War of the Deluge]]''
{{Main|Varshani caste system}}
TBA
===Reign of Terror===
One of the most important Arzali beliefs is ''mapuz gožu'', variously translated as "state of violence", "violent order", or "reign of terror". It is the idea that violence is the fundamental ordering principle of society (including non-Varshani society), and that the Varshani race has a divine mission to use violence to subjugate and exploit other groups and to maintain the integrity of the caste system. State-sponsored Orthodox Arzalism interprets ''mapuz gožu'' as the basis of the Zûrg's divine mandate to rule, and as the legitimising principle of the state and its military-first policy. However, Arzali fundamentalists dispute this interpretation, believing instead that the violent order or reign of terror ordained by the gods was not meant to create a state society, but rather a society of loosely-aligned predatory warrior bands practising an "economy of violence", sustaining themselves through raiding and the forced labour of others.
==Politics and government==
==Analysis==
''Further Reading: [[Government of the United Republic]]; [[List of heads of state of Alstin]]; [[List of provinces and territories of Alstin]]''
The exotic and brutal nature of the Orthodox Arzali religion have secured it a place in the imagination of the Old World and have attracted a great deal of interest from Hesperic scholars. There are major barriers impeding the development of academic studies of Arzalism, including the difficulty and danger of visiting Varshan, the inherent ambiguity of the [[Hieratic Varshani|Hieratic Varshani language]], deliberate {{wp|obscurantism}} on the part of state and clerical authorities, and certain characteristics of the religion itself.
The United Republic is the world's oldest surviving federal republic. It is a representative democracy, "in which majority rule is tempered by minority rights protected by law". The government is regulated by a system of checks and balances defined by the [[United Republic Constitution|Constitution of the United Republic]], which serves as the country's supreme legal document.
Many Hesperic scholars view Arzalism as a conglomeration of many different religious traditions brought together as a result of the expansion of Varshani civilisation and the consolidation of the Varshani state. This is sometimes expressed as the division of Arzalism into several different pantheons.
Nature Pantheon - Exemplified by worship of the Sun, Rain, Earth, and Fire Gods; possibly a homogenisation of various forms of nature-centred pagan traditions practiced across North Punth. Forms the focus of modern Solar Arzalism.
In the Alstinian federalist system, citizens are usually subject to three levels of government: federal, provincial, and local. The local government's duties are commonly split between county and municipal governments. In almost all cases, executive and legislative officials are elected by a plurality vote of citizens by district. There is no proportional representation at the federal level, and it is rare at lower levels.
Dark Pantheon - Exemplified by worship of Raideron and the Death, Blood, Pain, and Rape Gods; theorised to have been the tribal religion of the High Varshani when they lived as nomadic warriors before the founding of Anzo. Forms the focus of Fundamental Arzalism today.
The federal government is composed of three branches:
State Pantheon - Exemplified by worship of the Death God, God-Kings, and Soccer God (etc.); theorised to have developed after the establishment of the first sedentary Varshani state society in Anzo as a mechanism for social control, resolving conflicts among rival nobles and warrior clans, and regulating relations among the castes.
*Legislative: The bicameral Parliament, made up of the Senate and the National Council, makes federal law, declares war, approves treaties, has the power of the purse, and has the power of impeachment, by which it can remove sitting members of the government.
*Executive: The President is the commander-in-chief of the military, can veto legislative bills before they become law (subject to Parliamentary override), and appoints the members of the Cabinet (subject to Senate approval) and other officers, who administer and enforce federal laws and policies.
Lesser Pantheon - Various minor and local deities absorbed into (mostly informal) Arzalism with the conquest of other Punthite tribes.
*Judicial: The Supreme Court and lower federal courts, whose judges are appointed by the President with Senate approval, interpret laws and overturn those they find unconstitutional.
==See Also==
* [[Mount Sekot]]
[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Varshan]]
The National Council currently has 467 voting members and 10 non-voting delegates, with each of the former representing a parliamentary district for a two-year term, while each of the latter representing an incorporated overseas territory. Council seats are apportioned among the provinces by population every tenth year, with the constitutional minimum being that at least one council seat be allotted for each province. With the most recent census, there provinces ([[Azura]], [[Backdraft]], and [[Voltara]]), each had the least amount of councilors at four, while [[Cecelia]], the most populous province, had thirty-nine.
The Senate has 62 members, with each province plus the Capital District having two senators, elected at-large to six-year terms; one third of Senate seats are up for election every other year. The President serves a four-year term and may be elected to the office no more than twice. The President is not elected by direct vote, but by an indirect electoral college system in which the determining votes are apportioned to the provinces and the Capital District. The Supreme Court, led by the Chief Magistrate of the United Republic, has nine members, who serve for life.
The provincial governments are structured in roughly similar fashion. The governor, or an official of equivalent nature, of each province is directly elected. Some provincial judges and cabinet officers are appointed by the governors of the respective provinces, while others are elected by popular vote.
The original text of the Constitution establishes the structure and responsibilities of the federal government and its relationship with the individual provinces. Article One protects the right to the "great writ" of habeas corpus. The Constitution has been amended 42 times; the first ten amendments, which make up the Bill of Rights, and the Fourteenth Amendment form the central basis of Alstinians' individual rights. All laws and governmental procedures are subject to judicial review and any law ruled by the courts to be in violation of the Constitution is voided.
===Foreign Relations===
''Main article:[[Foreign Relations of Alstin]]''
The United Republic has an established structure of foreign relations. It is a founding member of the [[League of Nations]], as well as a founding member of the now defunct [[South Crona Congress]] and its successor, the [[Cronan Security and Trade Union]]. Almost all countries have embassies in Alstin, and many have consulates around the country. Likewise, nearly all nations host Alstinian diplomatic missions, which are operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
===Military===
''See Main Article: [[United Republic Armed Forces]]''
The President holds the title of commander-in-chief of the United Republic Armed Forces (URAF) and appoints its leaders, the Minister of Defense and the Armed Forces Council. The Ministry of Defense administers the various branches of the armed forces, including the Army (URA), Marine Corps (URMC), Navy (URN), Air Corps (URAC), Coast Guard (URCG), and Space Force (URSF). Currently, the armed forces has approximately 1.3 million personnel on active duty, which, when combined with those personnel serving in both the Reserve Forces of the each of the service branches and the various provincial Home Guard units brings the total number of troops to about 2.1 million. In addition, the Ministry of Defense also employs about 815,000 civilians, not including contractors.
Military service is voluntary, though conscription may occur in wartime through the Selective Service System. Alstinian forces can be rapidly deployed by the Air Corps' large fleet of transport aircraft, the Navy's thirteen active aircraft carriers, and Marine expeditionary units at sea with the Navy's Home, Orixtal, Odoneru, and Cathaic fleets. The military operates 69 bases and facilities abroad, and maintains deployments greater than 100 active duty personnel in seven foreign countries.
==Geography==
The territory of the United Republic proper, which is defined as encompassing the Alstinian Isles and the overseas provinces of [[Mierria]] and [[Tracoa]], covers more 641,000 km², and lies between the Ocean of Cathay and the Sea of Orixtal, with the north-east coast of Mierria coming within 1000 km of the coast of southwestern Crona, from which it is separated by the Mierrian Channel. In 2000, 18 per cent of the Alstinian Isles was forested, 32 per cent used for pastures and 25 per cent cultivated for agriculture.
The Alstinian Isles lies between latitudes 23° and 10° N, and longitudes 165° and 140° W. The coastline of the Isles is aproximately??? km long.
Most of the country consists of lowland terrain, with more upland and some mountainous terrain in the interior regions; including the Kjeldorans, the Artolans, the Ursans and the Villers Range. The main rivers and estuaries are the Corvus, the Lupus and the Davis. Alstin's highest mountain is [[Kjeld's Peak]] in [[Kjeldor]].
===Climate===
The climate of Alstin is influenced by the Orixtal Sea to north and east, the Sea of St. John to the northwest, the Ocean of Cathay to the south and west, and the Altaic is its center. These seas constitute a reservoir of heat and humidity for Alstin.
Because of the extent of the Isles and the somewhat mountainous hinterland, the climate of the United Republic is highly diverse. The climate ranges from Mediterrean and Marine West Coast across much of the northern coast and central Alstin along rim the Altaic Sea, to humid subtropical and tropical wet throughout the coasts along the Cathay and Orixtal, as well as most of the Outer Islands, to Semiarid, Arid and Highland in the Kjedoran and Ursan mountain ranges.
Conditions on the coast are different from those in the interior, particularly during winter months when the higher altitudes tend to be cold, wet, and often snowy. Average winter temperatures vary from around 0 °C (32 °F) in the Kjeldorans to 12 °C (54 °F) in [[Islevyny]], so average summer temperatures range from 20 °C (68 °F) to over 25 °C (77 °F).
Winters can vary widely across the country with lingering cold, foggy and snowy periods in the mountains and milder, sunnier conditions in the coastal regions. Summers are hot across the country, except for at high altitude, particularly in the [[Outer Islands]]. Northern and central areas can experience occasional strong thunderstorms from spring to autumn.
==Economy==
''Main Article: [[Economy of Alstin]]''
===Overview===
The United Republic has a capitalist mixed economy, which is fueled by abundant natural resources and high productivity. With a nominal GDP of $8,646 trillion, the private sector is estimated to constitute 76% of the economy, with federal government activity accounting for 9.8% and provincial and local activity (including federal transfers) the remaining 14.2%. Unemployment is at 2.78%, in spite of the amount of employment regulations throughout the country.
Alstin is one of the world's largest exporter of goods, with an approximate trade surplus of $153.7 Billion. Its largest trading partners are the [[Levantine Union]], [[Tierrador]], [[Cartadania]], [[Daxia]], [[Arcerion]], [[Paulastra]], [[The Cape]], [[Kiravia]], [[Pelaxia]], and [[Caphiria]].
Information technology is currently the nation's largest industry, followed by tourism, arms manufacturing, and book publishing. Mining, agriculture, banking and financial services, and other facets of the manufacturing sector are other important drivers of the Alstinian economy.
===Science and Technology===
The United Republic is considered to be one of the world's most technologically-advanced countries. It is considered to be on par with [[Urcea]] and [[Caphiria]], as it has been a leader in technological innovation since the early 19th century and scientific research since the early-20th century. Methods for producing interchangeable parts were developed by the U.R. Ministry of Defense by the [[Republic Armories]] during the first half of the 19th century. This technology, along with the establishment of a machine tool industry, enabled Alstin to have large-scale manufacturing of sewing machines, bicycles, and other items in the late 19th century and became known as the Alstinian system of manufacturing. Factory electrification in the early 20th century and introduction of the assembly line and other labor-saving techniques created the system of mass production. In the 21st century, approximately two-thirds of research and development funding comes from the private sector. Alstin leads the world in scientific research papers and impact factor.
Alstinian scientists and engineers have contributed to the advancement of agricultural sciences, electronics, industrial robotics, optics, chemicals, semiconductors, life sciences and various fields of engineering. Alstin leads the world in robotics production and use, possessing more than 20% of the world's industrial robots as of 2011. Additionally, Alstin has made significant strides in the research and development of nanotechnology, with one such notable example being the "[[Alstinian Miracle]]".
Events leading-up to and during the [[Second Great War]] led many Levantine scientists to immigrate to the United Republic. This resulted in the development of the Alstinian nuclear program by the mid-1950s under what is now the [[United Republic Atomic Energy Commission]] (URAEC), as well as the establishment of the [[United Republic Space Agency]] (URSA), which produced rapid advances in rocketry, materials science, and aeronautics.
The invention of the transistor in the 1950s, a key active component in practically all modern electronics, led to many technological developments and a significant expansion of the Alstinian technology industry. This, in turn, led to the establishment of many new technology companies and regions around the country, most notably [[Silicon Bay]] in [[Mardünke]]. Advancements by Alstinian microprocessor companies along with both computer software and hardware companies, helped to create and popularize the personal computer.
==Demographics==
===Population===
{{Pie chart
| radius = 100
| thumb = right
| caption = Self-reported ethnic origin in the United Republic (2020 Census)
| other =
| label1 =White Alstinians
| value1 =62.8
| color1 =Blue
| label2 =Audonian-Alstinians
| value2 =21.3
| color2 =Green
| label3 =Alshari-Alstinians
| value3 =10.2
| color3 =Gold
| label4 =Indigenous-Cronan
| value4 =1.4
| color4 =Orange
| label5 =Mixed
| value5 =2.9
| color5 =Crimson
| label6 =Other
| value6 =1.4
| color6 =Purple
|
}}
The United Republic has an estimated population of 154 million. A census is taken every ten years, with the first taking place in 1690. While the birthrate is only 24 per 1000, the population growth rate is 1.4%, the result of immigration. White Alstinians, at about 62.8%, make up the largest ancestry group, with sizable populations originating from various minority groups; Among them include Audonian-Alstinians at about 21.3%, Alshari-Alstinians at 10.2%, Indigenous-Cronan groups at 1.4%, and mixed at 2.9%.
===Language===
[[Blairian Ænglish|Alstinian Ænglish]] is the de facto national language, with approximately 97% of the population speaking it as a first language. Additionally, 27% widely speak [[Cartadanian language|Cartadanian]] as either a primary or secondary language, while both [[Burgoignesc language|Burgoignesc]] and [[Kiravic Coscivian|Coscivian]] tie for being the third most dominant language, with each having about 19% of the population being fluent.
===Religion===
The majority of Alstin's population, at 65%, identifies as [[Chantry of Alstin|Chantric]], while [[Catholic Church|Catholics]] account for 22% of the population. The nonreligious account for 13% of the population, while Drutists make up 2%. All other faiths collectively make up 4% of the population. The Bill of Rights of the United Republic guarantees religious freedom, and prevents legislation that favors any religion over another. In addition, discrimination based on religion is illegal, with the exception of explicitly religious organizations such as churches. According to a survey in 2010, 47% of the population said that religion played a "very important role in their lives", while the percentage of irreligious people has been steadily increasing, particularly among younger generations.
===Education===
About 74 per cent of the United Republic's population has a university or college degree, which is the highest percentage in Crona, and among the highest percentages in the world. The basic literacy rate is approximately 99.2%.
Whilst education in Alstin is the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, the day-to-day administration and funding of public schools is the responsibility of local authorities. Universally free of charge state education was introduced piecemeal between 1870 and 1945. Education is now mandatory from ages five to sixteen, and through out the United Republic, all Alstinians must stay in education or training until they are 18. Alstin has many private and public institutions of higher education, with [[Newton University]], [[Saint Thomas Hobbs Seminary]], [[Vazquez Institute of Medicine]], and [[Altman Institute of Technology]] being among the most prestigious and notable throughout the [[Occidental world]].
[[File:Cities.png|thumb|Map of Major Cities of the United Republic]]
===Largest Cities===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Rank
!City
!Population (2028 est)
!Province
|-
|1
|[[Alstin (City)|Alstin]]
|7,342,969
|[[Alstin (City)|Capital District of Alstin]]
|-
|2
|[[Riverton]]
|2,632,480
|[[Cecelia]]
|-
|3
|[[Wheatley]]
|1,754,987
|[[Bryceland]]
|-
|4
|[[Dalton]]
|1,316,240
|[[Daltonland]]
|-
|5
|[[Cuzco (City)|Cuzco]]
|1,052,992
|[[Cuzco]]
|-
|6
|[[Washkau]]
|877,493
|[[Mardünke]]
|-
|7
|[[Pressley]]
|752,137
|[[Patricia]]
|-
|8
|[[Klepzigton]]
|658,120
|[[Mira]]
|-
|9
|[[Utopia (City)|Utopia]]
|584,996
|[[Utopia]]
|-
|10
|[[Lakeshore City|Lakeshore]]
|526,496
|[[Felicia]]
|}
==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
[[File:Alstin Land Routes.png|thumb|Map of Major Highways in the United Republic]]
A radial road network totals 93,808 km of main roads, 46,994 km of motorways and 688,000 km of paved roads. While cars are inexpensive, car ownership fees and fuel levies are used to promote energy efficiency; As a result, there are approximately 86 million licensed vehicles in the Alstinian Isles.
The United Republic has a railway network of 32,418 km throughout the Alstinian Isles. Since privatization in 1984, dozens of Alstinian railway companies compete in regional, local and intercity passenger transportation markets. Some 360 high-speed Mercury trains connect major cities and Alstinian trains are known for their safety and punctuality. In addition, there are about 1,000 freight trains in daily operation.
There are 190 public airports in Alstin; the largest domestic airport, [[Alstin-Highwind International Airport]] in Alstin, is Crona's busiest airport. Other major international gateways include [[Washkau International Airport]], [[Deralveca International Airport]] and [[Lyleon International Airport]]. The [[Port of Alstin]] is the country's largest and busiest port, accounting for 10 percent of Alstin's trade value; Other major ports include Utopia, Lunsford, Dalton, Kenway, and Cuzco.
===Energy===
''Main Article: [[Energy policy of the United Republic]]''
The Alstinian energy market is about 6,900 terawatt hours per year. In 2020, 17% of this energy came from petroleum, 7% from coal, and 8% from natural gas. The remainder was supplied by nuclear and renewable energy sources.
===Water Supply and Sanitation===
''Main Article: [[Water supply and sanitation of the United Republic]]''
Access to improved water supply and sanitation in the UR is universal. It is estimated that 97.2 per cent of households are connected to the sewer network. According to the Environmental Protection and Restoration Agency (EPRA), total water abstraction for public water supply in the UR was 19,812 megalitres per day in 2011.
==Culture==
''Main Article: [[Culture of Alstin]] ''
Mainstream Alstinian culture is an Occidental culture largely derived from a number of factors including: the nation's key commercial location centered on the Alstinian Isles; its history as an occidental liberal democracy and a major power; traditions originating from foreign immigrants; and cultural practices stemming back several centuries. This has resulted in a cultural mix that has been described as both a homogenizing melting pot, and a heterogeneous salad bowl in which immigrants and their descendants retain distinctive cultural characteristics while also promoting Alstinian cultural values as a whole. The substantial cultural influence of the United Republic has led it to be described as a "cultural superpower".
Core Alstinian culture was established by the initial Levantine settlers and shaped by the centuries-long frontier settlement and expansion process, with the traits derived passed down to descendants and transmitted to immigrants through assimilation. Alstinians have traditionally been characterized by a strong work ethic, competitiveness, and individualism, as well as a unifying belief in an "Alstinian creed" emphasizing liberty, equality, private property, democracy, rule of law, and a preference for limited, yet effective, government.
The Alstinian Dream, or the perception that Alstinians enjoy high social mobility, plays a key role in attracting immigrants. Whether this perception is realistic has been a topic of debate. While mainstream culture holds that the United Republic is a classless society, scholars identify significant differences between the country's social classes, affecting socialization, language, and values. Alstinians' self-images, social viewpoints, and cultural expectations are associated with their occupations to an unusually close degree. While Alstinians tend greatly to value socioeconomic achievement, being ordinary or average is generally seen as a positive attribute.
| group1 = [[List of provinces and territories of Alstin|Provinces]]
| list1 =
* [[Aegis]]
* [[Azura]]
* [[Backdraft]]
* [[Bryceland]]
* [[Cecelia]]
* [[Cuzco]]
* [[Daltonland]]
* [[Deralveca]]
* [[Equetus]]
* [[Felicia]]
* [[Islevyny]]
* [[Ionach]]
* [[Keldon]]
* [[Kjeldor]]
* [[Kufser]]
* [[Mira]]
* [[Mardünke]]
* [[Mierria]]
* [[Omepra]]
* [[Patricia]]
* [[Radia]]
* [[Rocotia]]
* [[Sierra (Province)|Sierra]]
* [[Silvia]]
* [[Suerta]]
* [[Tracoa]]
* [[Utopia]]
* [[Veraise]]
* [[Vintara]]
* [[Voltara]]
| group2 = [[List of provinces and territories of Alstin|Federal District]]
| list2 =
* [[Alstin (City)|Alstin]]
| group3 = [[List of provinces and territories of Alstin|Territories]]
| list3 =
* [[Ante Magnum]]
* [[Arsyra]]
* [[Credesia]]
* [[Isidar]]
* [[Purépec]]
* [[Sotsial]]
* [[Stia-Dica]]
* [[Vertannia]]
}}
|below =
|belowstyle =
|_nobelow =
|addtobelow =
}}
[[Category:Alstin]]
[[category:Countries]]
[[Category:2022 Award winning pages]]
[[Category:IXWB]]
[[Category:IXWB]]
[[Category: Religion in Crona]]
Revision as of 10:41, 24 May 2023
This article is a work-in-progress because it is incomplete and pending further input from an author. Note: The contents of this article are not considered canonical and may be inaccurate. Please comment on this article's talk page to share your input, comments and questions.
Bird's eye view of an Arzali sacrificial altar
Orthodox Arzalism is a type of Arzalism that was the official state religion of Zurgite Varshan for most of its history. Like other strains of Arzalism, Orthodox Arzalism emphasized sacrifice and believed in a large pantheon of gods. Unlike other Arzal sects, Orthodox Arzalism emphasized the role of the Death God and the preeminance of human sacrifice.
Although Orthodox Arzalism as the state religion existed for centuries, it took on most of its major features in the 15th century, when the Varshani ruler Žuqul I proclaimed the Death God as the paramount deity over the Sun God. From the Great Edict of Žuqul to the culmination of the Deluge, Orthodox Arzalism was inextricably fused with the Varshani state. After the Final War of the Deluge, Orthodox Arzalism became illegal in League-occupied Varshan and most places abroad. In the areas of Varshan where Arzalism was reestablished, it was replaced by State Arzalism while other forms of Arzalism were legalized.
Orthodox Arzalism lacks a systematic theology or a unified canon of authoritative scriptures. There are a large number of religious texts describing Arzali beliefs, myths, and rituals, but unlike the Bible, Koran, or Vedas, the texts are not held to be divinely-inspired or authoritative in and of themselves. Rather, they are simply considered written records of the priestly caste, who are collectively regarded as divinely inspired and the font of religious knowledge.
Pantheon
The pantheon of Orthodox Arzalism is one of its main distinguishing features, particularly its emphasis of the Death God over that of the creator deity and the major presence of the Raid God.
The Sun God
The Sun God is the Arzali creator deity, responsible for the creation of the world.
Human sacrifice to the Sun God shows gratitude to the Sun God and recognition of the Sun as the source of all life by "returning" a life to them. Human sacrifices to the Sun God are only performed at certain times during the year (e.g. harvest and planting festivals), or in times of dire need (e.g. to ward off crop failure), and only at high noon. The Sun God also accepts sacrifices of animals, produce (mainly grain), and incense, which can be made at dawn, noon, or sunset. Sacrifices to the Sun God during nightfall are anathema and punishable by death, either because they are believed to have the effect of sacrificing to the Moon or because they were once used to conceal clandestine Moon worship.
The Death God
The Death God is the paramount deity in Orthodox Arzalism.
The Death God accepts both human and animal sacrifices, but the state priesthood accepts animal sacrifices only from worshippers who are too poor to afford slaves.
The Blood God
Devotion to the Blood God is strongest among warriors, who consider him their patron.
Blood priests practice many rituals involving scarification, body modification, mortification of the flesh, bloodletting, and vampirism. Bullfighting is a popular Blood devotion performed at major festivals by Blood priests who train as matadors. The Blood God accepts human and animal sacrifices, and blood must be spilt in order for the sacrifice to be efficacious. Worshippers may offer their own body parts as sacrifices to the Blood God.
The Pain God
The Pain God is the Arzali deity governing both pain and visceral, bodily pleasure, which Varshani culture understands as two sides of the same coin, referring to them by the same word (riq). Like the Raid God, the Pain God is unusual among Arzali deities in that she does have prescriptive teachings for how her followers should live. Pain priests teach that devotees should sadistically strive to maximise their own pleasure (and the Pain God's) by maximising the pain of others.
Worship of the Pain God centres on the torture of human and animal victims. Pain priests have devised (and continue to devise) various methods of tormenting sacrificial victims while maintaining their life and consciousness as much as possible in order to prolong suffering. Pain worship can also include a number of sadistic-masochistic sexual rituals, self-flagellation, and ritual scarification and amputation performed on willing worshippers (often by their own hand) to show devotion.
The Raid God
The Raid God is the deity that governs humanity, and his commandments form the bulk of Arzali doctrine regarding government, "ethics", and the social order. Unlike the other Arzali gods, whose relationship to mankind is generally limited to granting divine favour in exchange for sacrifices, the Raid God prescribes how his followers are to behave. Most Varshani social institutions, including the caste system, slavery, the policy of perpetual aggression, and compulsory military service, are believed to have been established by the Raid God.
The Raid God created the Varshani race, and a plurality of Varshanites claiming divine ancestry believe themselves to be his descendants. All ethnic Varshani (even slaves) owe worship to the Raid God. The "Martial among Gentiles" also worship the Raid God, and their devotion to him forms the religious basis of their more privileged status in society. However, they can only make sacrifices to him collectively, in order to obtain divine favour for their race as a whole, whereas Varshanites can petition him as individuals. Non-Varshanites who do not belong to the martial races are forbidden from sacrificing or praying to the Raid God, and doing so is punishable by enslavement (for free persons) or death (for slaves and repeat offenders). People enslaved for this reason become the property of the temple system.
The Raid God only accepts human sacrifices. Historically, victims were required to be captives of war, but due to constraints on the supply of captives in more modern times, it is now permissible to sacrifice slaves descended from war captives. The priestly caste has created a fairly extensive bureaucracy to certify the captive lineage of slaves and regulate the supply of acceptable sacrifices to the Raid God.
The Raid God is closely associated with the Hunts, an era of large scale military raids and demographic destruction against the North Songun civilization.
The Fire and Lightning God
The Fire God accepts only burnt offerings. These can take the form of animals, grain, incense, tobacco, oil, or burnt effigies; but the highest form of sacrifice to the Fire God is to immolate a human victim alive. Fire priests make extensive use of incense, tobacco, cannabis, and ash in their rituals.
The Rain God
One of the oldest Arzali deities, the Rain God was the second most revered figure in Primitive Arzalism after the Sun God. The Rain God is worshipped throughout the country and features prominently in the rites of Orthodox Arzalism, but a much more extensive Rain Cult exists in rural areas among the agricultural population.
The highest form of sacrifice to the Rain God is by throwing live victims into sacred limestone cenotes, although it is also licit to use purpose-built cisterns or certain sacred lakes and waterfalls for this purpose. Urban Rain Temples mostly sacrifice victims by drowning in tanks with glass walls. The most prestigious sacrificial cenote for the worship of the Rain God was [name], until 2022 when its aperture was collapsed by a Kiravian airstrike.
The Earth God
Sacrifices to the Earth God are made by burying victims alive or by burying them up to the neck and stoning them to death. There are also two Earth Temples specially authorised to crush victims using large rocks. Burying the remains of victims sacrificed to other gods is also considered an act of Earth Worship.
Victory Goddess
The goddess of victory, often referred to as dabz nakaz ("Sweet Victory"), is an important deity to the martial and civic dimensions of Arzalism and Varshani culture. As with Raideron (see above), the Victory Goddess demands captives of war as sacrifices, and such sacrifices are made to commemorate important military victories in Varshani history, as well as during times of war after successful battles. Waršani warriors do not seek Dabz Nakaz's favour or intervention to aid them in battle. Rather, they go to battle to prove their worth and devotion to her, and undertake fasts or painful acts of physical penitence in her name after military defeats. Dabz Nakaz is the most prominent Arzali deity described and portrayed with expressly feminine attributes.
God-Emperors and God-Kings
The Zûrg ("Emperor") and Preclassical Varshani kings (wuz) are accorded the status of demigods in orthodox Arzalism, being viewed (like many other aristocratic Varshanis) as having divine ancestry from birth and as semi-divine figures during their reign, before being deified upon their death. The Shorter Book of Worship, a major Arzali text, expresses this distinction succinctly: "While the Zûrg rules under the favour of the Sun [God], all owe him obedience. While he holds court in Death's halls, all owe him their sacrifices. All shall pay what they owe."
Most recorded Zûrgs have at least one temple dedicated to them, most of which were constructed during their reign and house their tomb. Several less notable Zûrgs with shorter reigns are entombed (and many more are worshipped) at the Temple of Kings, which forms part of the Great Death Temple complex in Anzo. Typically, sacrifices to a God-King peak with the dedication of their temple and steadily decline the longer they have been dead, with slight upticks corresponding to the weddings and coronations of their sons and grandsons. Temples dedicated to long-dead God-Kings are rarely visited and sparingly staffed, with clerical posts there highly sought after as sinecures by the priestly caste. However, there are several God-Kings who are exceptions to this rule and continue to regularly receive sacrifices, often at multiple temple sites, long after their death. These include:
Biji - Commenced the Varshani transition from a migratory warrior tribe to a state society by conquering the city of Hoklo, which became the Varshani city-state of Anzo.
Žuqul I (the Great) - Founded orthodox Arzalism by establishing the primacy of the Death God over the Sun God.
Burušo IV (the Moonslayer) - Destroyed the Kulukusi, an advanced, Moon-worshipping civilisation that stood as the Varshani kingdom's main strategic rival.
Angbal I - First Zûrg of the Ninth Dynasty, who reunified the empire by winning the Sixth Varshani Civil War, killing and enslaving entire cities for their allegiance to the defeated factions. He is credited with expanding the cult of the Raid God and the use of enslavement (previously reserved for conquered non-Varshani peoples) as a penalty for crimes.
Other figures
The Moon - Sometimes referred to by scholars as the "Arzali Satan", the Moon is the most reviled figure in Arzalism, framed as the primary adversary of both the Sun God and the gods of the Dark Pantheon.
The Soccer God - Patron of the Varshani ballgame, an organised team sport which doubles as an Arzali religious ritual.
The Hail God - Many tribes, both Varshani and non-Varshani, living in mountainous areas of the country have traditionally worshipped hail deities. Preclassical Arzalism as practiced in the lowlands may have incorporated the Hail God as a minor god of punishment, but due to the tendency of mountain-dwelling tribes to rebel against the Zûrg, orthodox priests long ago relegated the Hail God to being the Rain God's retarded cousin and outlawed their worship. Nonetheless, devotions to the Hail God persist in isolated mountain settlements and among some Solar Arzalis.
Syncretic Figures
Many figures in Arzalism (especially regional and heterodox forms) are shared with or recognisably adapted from other Cronan religions.
One of the most important Arzali beliefs is mapuz gožu, variously translated as "state of violence", "violent order", or "reign of terror". It is the idea that violence is the fundamental ordering principle of society (including non-Varshani society), and that the Varshani race has a divine mission to use violence to subjugate and exploit other groups and to maintain the integrity of the caste system. State-sponsored Orthodox Arzalism interprets mapuz gožu as the basis of the Zûrg's divine mandate to rule, and as the legitimising principle of the state and its military-first policy. However, Arzali fundamentalists dispute this interpretation, believing instead that the violent order or reign of terror ordained by the gods was not meant to create a state society, but rather a society of loosely-aligned predatory warrior bands practising an "economy of violence", sustaining themselves through raiding and the forced labour of others.
Analysis
The exotic and brutal nature of the Orthodox Arzali religion have secured it a place in the imagination of the Old World and have attracted a great deal of interest from Hesperic scholars. There are major barriers impeding the development of academic studies of Arzalism, including the difficulty and danger of visiting Varshan, the inherent ambiguity of the Hieratic Varshani language, deliberate obscurantism on the part of state and clerical authorities, and certain characteristics of the religion itself.
Many Hesperic scholars view Arzalism as a conglomeration of many different religious traditions brought together as a result of the expansion of Varshani civilisation and the consolidation of the Varshani state. This is sometimes expressed as the division of Arzalism into several different pantheons.
Nature Pantheon - Exemplified by worship of the Sun, Rain, Earth, and Fire Gods; possibly a homogenisation of various forms of nature-centred pagan traditions practiced across North Punth. Forms the focus of modern Solar Arzalism.
Dark Pantheon - Exemplified by worship of Raideron and the Death, Blood, Pain, and Rape Gods; theorised to have been the tribal religion of the High Varshani when they lived as nomadic warriors before the founding of Anzo. Forms the focus of Fundamental Arzalism today.
State Pantheon - Exemplified by worship of the Death God, God-Kings, and Soccer God (etc.); theorised to have developed after the establishment of the first sedentary Varshani state society in Anzo as a mechanism for social control, resolving conflicts among rival nobles and warrior clans, and regulating relations among the castes.
Lesser Pantheon - Various minor and local deities absorbed into (mostly informal) Arzalism with the conquest of other Punthite tribes.
