In ancient days there was a wild, barbaric, and untaimed land to the north of the Regatul Empire. This land was known for its nearly constant and torrential rainfall as well as its hilly terrain and numerous rivers. The people there lived in a fairly primative state, there existed a few tiny kingdoms in the more temperate lowlands but people elsewhere lived in small clans or tribal groups. There was no unified religion amongst these people either, they worshiped a number of naturalistic or animistic deities, the exact nature of their religious practices varying from village to village.
Seeing such a primative people in need of civilization, the Emporer of Regatul ordered his legions into land to take it for the glory of the Regatul Empire. For the initial weeks the Regatulians marched through the land nearly unapposed. The villiages were small and relatively primative in comparison, and though many resisted, they were not powerful enough to put up a major resistance. Many tribes also surrendered or even sided with the Regatul army in order to escape the rath of the invading army.
The armies of Regatul reached the largest of the tiny kingdoms at the capital citystate of Gilgul. The king of Gilgul’s dauhter was married to the head of a clan that lived in the northern mountains that bordered the Great Marsh. These mountain dwellers were known by their lowland neighbors to be a rough and hearty people - they were commonly called the bear killers, for it was their practice to hunt bears and wear their skins into battle. They worshiped many of the same gods as the other clans: gods, godesses, and spirits of the natural world or elemental forces; but above all others they Woshiped the sun god - Morick.
When the clan elders learned that their allie of Gilgul faced attack from foreign invaders, they rallied all of the young men together to go south and repell the invading armies. They also sent messengers to other clans and tribes to try to enlist their aid against the armies of Regatul. A few other tribes sent some warriors to assist the bear killers, but many were too busy fighting each other to be willing to lend aid to Gilgul - particularly since many clans were enemies of that nation.
The army of the bear killers marched to the south to the aid of Gilgul. When they arrived at the city, their army along with that of the forced of Gilgul, were able to turn away the evading army of Regatul. Over the next several months the a combined force of Gilgul, the bear killers, and several other allied clans pushed back the armies of Regatul and forced a full retreat. Durring this time the bear killers had become famous among the clans for their bravery and fierceness in battle. Other clans sought to allie with them and with Gilgul. Unfortunately, the army they had recently repelled was only a minor force by Regaulian standards, three years later a much large force would return lead by Regatul’s emperor himself.
By that time, the little factions had become less divided as they all new the threat posed by the southlanders. Ehretz, the son of the bear killer’s last cheif, had risen to great power and prestige among all the clans - as a political leader, a great warrior, and as a mystic as well. Like others of his clan he was a worshiper of Morick as highest of the Gods, it is said that Morick would give him strange visions of things that were to come. Many believe that these revelations are what made him eager to unit the clans - for he foresaw the return of the Regatulians.
Despite rumours of divine foresight, the clans were not completely prepaired for what was to come. An army many times that of the previous force struck swiftly and won several important victories. The Emporer promised mercy for those who swore fealty to him - that there lives would only improve under his reign - for those that resisted, there would only be death. This pollicy divided the once unified clans, causing many to side with the envaders. The emporer, true to his word, massacred entire villiages of those who would not submit. Once again, the armies of Regatul pushed their way to the city of Gilgul - now more than even before, taking this city would be symbolic of their dominance over the region. Ehretz and his most loyal followers gathered their outside the city, and together swore an oath to die before the city was to be taken.
The Regatulian army outnumbered the city’s defenders significantly, both with elite Regatulian legionairs and with mercenaries from other southern nationalities and the traitorious clansmen who sided with Regatul. When the emperor saw the small force bravely defending the city - he became so amused by their bravery that he sent a messenger out to make them an offer. He said that is their champion could defeat his in honorable one on one combat, that he would spare the city and call return home. Ehretz said yes to this offer and anounced it to his men. Each warrior under him wished to be the man to fight Regatul’s champion and each boasted of his combat prowess in an attempt to be chosen - though most assumed that Ehretz would fight himself. Ehretz thought for a while over the decision of who would fight, and finally anounced that he would not be the champion, nor would any of his bravest or most skillfull soldiers. He said that they fought for their own glory, and not for the glory of Morick. He then walked towards the city and found a young girl, a widow whose husband had been killed in the wars. He pointed her out and said “she shall fight for the glory of Morick.” The other warriors looked at Ehretz dumbfounded, in shock at the choice he had made; the young girl however didn’t seem shocked at all, she merely picked up an axe and walked towards the field of battle.
When the the Emperor of Regatul and his armies saw the young girl approaching their champion, they all began to laugh at and mock her. The warriors with Ehretz felt shame and anger at Ehretz for the choice he had made. The young girl approached the Regatulian champion, he was heavily armed and armored, she carried merely a simple battle axe. It is said, but not known for sure, that the Regatulian champion had once been a gladiator and had killed hundreds of men in single combat, that he had never lost and could never lose. The young widow approached the Regatulian champion and they began to fight, and the champion was struck dead by the girl’s axe. Both armies stood there in shock, staring at the girl and her fallen opponent. The emperor became enraged and ordered his soldiers to kill the girl, as the Regatulian soldiers swarmed around her, Ehretz charged to her defence followed closely by his warriors. As he ran into the fray he shouted the girl’s name - “Merkabah.”
It is said that as the armies clashed the rain stopped and the clouds parted, letting the bright mid-day sun shine down upon the combatants. Eventually, the Regatulian army was routed. To this day it is a matter of contention what the fate of Merkabah was. Some say that she died in the heat of battle, others say she lived and went on to lead a normal life, others say that Morick took up her body and soul during the fighting. There are no historical documents on the matter.
The forces of Ehretz chased the envading Regatulian army far to the south, many of the clans who sided with them were expelled as well. More people flocked to the aid of Ehretz when they heard about what had happened at Gilgul, many were calling it a miracle. With his newly strengthened armies, Ehretz pushed even farther south, conquering large sections of northern Regatul. Each time he lead his forces into battle, they would cry out the name of Merkabah in rememberance of her victory over the champion of Regatul. Eventually he decided to stop his attacks against Regatul, realizing they had learned their lesson. The Emperor build a large wall and series of fortifications across the northern border of the empire - to this day the ruins of these walls still denote the boarder between Merkabah and Embest.
The Merkabean Church
A large percentage of the male population of Merkabah are members of the Ecclesiarchy - the organized church of Morick. Every man who enters the church must do so at the rank of Sihonite: a monk, manual laborer, and soldier. Every family in Merkabah is required to give their third born son to the church at ten years of age. These young boys are brought to a Nacterath, a monastery for the Sihonim that also serves a fortress in times of war. These monasteries also adopt orphaned boys and raise them as Sihonim as well.
As soon as the boy arrives at the monastery his training begins. They are taught to read and write as well as instructed in the proper worship of Morick. They also must undergo strenuous physical exercise, combat training, and daily self flagellation. In addition to this, each is trained in a profession that can contribute to the self sufficiency of each monastery.
The life of a Sihonite is a difficult one. They are allowed no personal wealth, nor are they permitted to have sex, partake of alcohol, or enjoy other worldly pleasures. Each day at dawn, the Sihonite awakes and preforms his morning prayers facing the rising sun. Immediately after, they must run five miles with arms and armor, after this run they begin their day of conventional labor. This labor often consists of stone masonry - in order to build onto and improve the defense capabilities of the Nacterath, though other common forms of labor include farmers, weapon or armor smiths, sheep herders, fisherman, scribes, and teachers (or lessons for those younger than 15). After finishing their day’s labor, they must practice their combat skills - this generally consists of several hours of practice combat between the monastery’s Sihonim or training to fight and march in formation. After or during fighting practice, when the sun sets, the Sihonite says his nightly prayers facing the setting sun. After this, the Sihonim sometimes have a little bit of personal time before going to sleep. Five days a week are spent this way, but the sixth day is spent in one of two ways, either a thirty mile march with weapons, armor, and provisions; or an entire day of fighting practice and combat drills; these events alternate, each happening every other week. The seventh day of each week is a time for the Sihonim to rest or spend as they see fit.
The students are considered adults at the age of fifteen, as all Merkabean boys are, and at that age are considered full fledged Sihonim. Before this point they are called Albiim. At fifteen, those young men who show incredibly physical prowess, determination, bravery, and strength of character are chosen to become Mahstadim - the holy warriors of Morick. At that point onward, all of their time is spent practicing their fighting skills or improving their physical strength and endurance. Each year after their Mahstadim training has begun, the chosen Sihonim have their combat skills tested by Mahstadim instructors. If a Sihonite passes this test, he becomes a Mahstad, one of the most respected and feared men in Merkabah. On average, most become a Mahstad at the age of twenty.
In times of war, the Sihonim are the elite infantry of Merkabah. Their daily training and religious zealotry make them both skilled in warfare and brave in the face of the enemy. Mahstadim are the ultra-elite of the Merkabean military, serving both as officers and tacticians as well as offering their incredible combat prowess to their side. Warrior monks of Merkabah follow ancient martial traditions, they still make and wear their own bronze armor. While the bronze isn't quite as strong as steel used in many other nations, the bronze armor is expertly crafted and very protective. The Sihonim wear a bronze coat of plates that cover most of their bodies while the Mahstadim are clad in partial bronze plate armor, both wear closed face bronze helms. Though the axe is the weapon that symbolizes bravery and honor in combat for Merkabeans, Sihonim occasionally fight with other weapons. Sihonim usually fight with large round shields and battle axes, though sometimes they wield large pole axes or pikes while the Mahstadim use huge two handed axes. The weapon a Mahstad uses is a holy relic, often passed down from Mahstad to Mahstad for generations. Each one undergoes a special ritual blessing by the Vah Ephod when it is given to the Mahstad. As a matter of honor (Gothe-Ul) they never use missile weapons nor fight from horseback.
The Mahstadim must live under the same restrictions as the Sihonim, including vows of poverty, celibacy, and chastity, as well as self flagellation. The training for the Mahstadim is very rigorous, not only physically but also spiritually. It is said that the Mahstadim are so fanatical that they do not fear death and will fight to the man. It is also commonly known that the spirit of Morick can enter into a Mahstad in the heat of battle or during self flagellation, filling him with righteous fury and giving him superhuman strength and endurance. Because of the fanatical bravery of the Mahstadim, it is not uncommon for them to charge boldly into enemy forces - breaking through their lines; another common use for Mahstadim is to stay behind while other troops retreat to prevent the main force from being overrun. Mahstadim often wear belts made of thick chain, a portion of which hangs down and serves as an instrument of self flagellation.
Another large part of Merkabah military is comprised of highlanders, the Sopharim. The highlanders will work for the Vah Ephod as what basically amounts to mercenaries. The highlanders are dedicated hunters who have mastered the use of the long bow to hunt big game like bears and moose, they use these extremely powerful bows with draws of one hundred pounds or more on the battlefield with great skill. Highlanders wear a variety of armor - usually something made from boiled leather or hide - but sometimes they go into battle in only a simple loin cloth. They often aren't that skilled at obeying orders or getting into proper formations, but they are courageous fighters and excellent archers. The highlanders often carry battle axes or clubs as backup weapons.
The Aphars are the most diverse part of the Merkabean military. Because they are technically law enforcement agents of the church, they are not required to obey the laws of Gothe-Ul while trying to defeat or apprehend their enemy. Because of this, they are allowed to fight on horseback, use missile weapons, or any variety of other tactics. They are equipped in what ever way their Arbite master commands them to be. Most often, they are equipped with an open faced helm and chain mail hauberk along with a short bow, a mace, and a small round shield. Often times they will be mounted and act as light cavalry or horse archers, used to harass or grant a tactical advantage more than inflict direct damage on the enemy.
Merkabeans, particularly the highlanders, often use war dogs in battle These dogs, often called marsh hounds or keterim, resemble a mixture between a wolf and a mastiff. They are large and aggressive, willing to defend their masters to the death. The highland longbowmen often loose their marsh hounds when they are in danger of being charged by enemy forces - the hounds will attack the enemy and slow down the charge allowing the archers to pepper their enemy with arrows, retreat, or to countercharge. Sometimes the dogs are given very basic leather or boiled leather barding to protect their backs and the top of their heads, more common are spiked collars to protect them from the bite of other animals.
Only a small number of Sihonim ever become Mahstadim, less than five percent. If a Sihonite is not chosen to become a Mahstad, there are a number of possibilities for him. At the age of thirty, Sihonim have the option of leaving the monastery and becoming civilians. If a Sihonite chooses to do this, he often finds a life for himself in the same career he learned in the monastery. Some Sihonim chose to continue living the monastic lifestyle in lieu of having a life and family of their own, many of these men remain Sihonim for their entire lives.
The third possibility for a Sihonite is promotion to the office of Adonite. An Adonite is a priest of Morick who serves at a temple known as a Hoshek. A Hoshek is not only a place for worship, but is a political center as well. Merkabah is divided up into regions known as Hoshekayim, kind of the equivalent of states. Each Hoshekaya is ruled by an Ephod, the high priest of a Hoshek. When an Ephod learns of a Sihonite who is particularly skilled, intelligent, faithful, or charismatic; he will often raise that Sihonite to an Adonite for that temple. The Adonim serve a variety of roles within the temple, including preforming religious rituals, handling church business, ministering to the populace in times of hardship, or acting as political figures. Worshipers of Morick do not go to a church or temple regularly, rather they go on a pilgrimage to their region’s Hoshek once a year in order to pray, offer tribute, and preform sacrifices (burnt offering of food or items). One of the Adonim’s main functions is to lead to these pilgrims in worship.
Elevation to the position of Adonite marks a significant change in lifestyle. Unlike a Sihonite, an Adonite is allowed to marry and have children. Not only are they allowed to do this, but they may also imbibe alcohol (within reason) and engage in other pleasurable activities as long as they do not hinder their role as priests. They are paid a regular salary that allows them to afford moderate to high quality food and clothing for themselves and their family, allowing them to lead middle to upper class lifestyles depending on the temple and role of the Adonite within that temple. The required duties of an Adonite are also much less strenuous than those of a Sihonite.
In order to enforce laws with his Hoshekaya, an Ephod has men working under him to enforce civil law. These law enforcement agents are called Arbites, an Arbite oversees a certain area or group of people, and within his domain he acts as a judge, jury, and - if necessary - executioner. To be appointed as Arbite, a man must first be an Adonite within the Hoshekaya. The Ephod usually appoints an Adonite who has experience either with violence or public relations to become an Arbite. Sometimes the area an Arbite polices is an expanse of wilderness with scattered rural villages, usually such an Arbite works alone or with only a small number of helpers, because his job consists primarily of traveling around and adjudicating over small-town petty crimes. Other Arbites supervise large cities, where they must deal with organized crime as well as tens of thousands of people. For Arbites in this situation, there is a special non-ecclesiastical position that an Arbite can appoint a civilian to, basically a kind of deputy - called an Aphar. In big cities or populous areas where an Arbite can’t handle every case individually, it will be Aphars who will fulfill the typical role of Arbite, while the Arbite himself basically acts as a police commissioner and district attorney. An Arbite has almost absolute power within his domain, because guilt and innocence is decided purely upon his discretion. The one exception to this is fellow church officials, who the Arbite has no power over.
The man who controls a Hoshekaya and every Nacterath and Arbite within it is an Ephod. An Ephod is the high priest of a temple. His power within his Hoshekaya is almost like that of a king. An Ephod is appointed to his rank by the Vah Ephod, the absolute ruler of the Ecclesiarchy and therefore Merkabah itself. Any church member can be appointed to the rank of Ephod, though it is very rare for Sihonim to be raised to this level. Often Adonim who served as close seconds to the Hoshek’s Ephod before his death are appointed as the new Ephod. Occasionally, particularly successful Arbites or Mahstadim are appointed to the position of Ephod.
When the old Vah Ephod dies, a new one is chosen from among all of the Ephodim. After the Vah Ephod dies, the Ephodim all gather together at the Vah Hoshek, the great temple in Gilgulim. They pray and perform special rituals for a ten days, after which time a secret ritual is preformed. The specifics of the ritual are unknown, but it is believed that during this ritual a miracle occurs and Morick himself chooses the new Vah Ephod. Many have theorized that the ritual involves some kind of random drawing, others say that the Ephodim merely vote, still others say that a Kodesh appears before them and chooses a Vah Ephod. The real truth is unknown.
It is thought that the greatest earthly servants of Morick, those with unyielding faith and piety, will continue to serve Morick after their death. These great individuals are called the Kodeshim. A Kodesh is like both an angel and a saint, a messenger of Morick and a protector of the faithful. It is thought that a Kodesh will come to a faithful servant of Morick in times of need. Different varieties of miraculous acts are attributed to different Kodeshim, but many are thought to fight against and destroy the enemies of Morick. In religious drawing and sculptures, Kodeshim are often portrayed as dragon-like beings - creatures with great wings and terrible claws and teeth who breath fire and smoke. Some of the more peaceful Kodeshim are depicted as humans with sunbeams emanating from behind them or wreathed in flames. Credible eyewitness accounts are rare and the church has no official position on the appearance or specific abilities of each Kodesh. One of the great canonical books of the Ecclesiarchy is called the Kodeshima - a book of stories about great heroes of the church of Morick, those who the Ecclesiarchy has deemed worthy of becoming a Kodesh after death. Once every few decades a new chapter is added to the Kodeshima as a new hero is recognized by the church.
Women are not permitted to be members of the church, they are not considered spiritually or emotionally mature enough to understand the mysteries of Morick. There is one minor role for women within the church, that of Anashim. Just as young orphan boys are raised within a Nacterath, girls who are orphaned are brought to the closest Hoshek to be raised there. These girls are raised by older Anashim and taught how to sing. In each temple there is a hall of worship where pilgrims come to praise Morick. These halls are filled with the soft hymns of the Anashim, each temple has a choir of Anashim, the women of the choir sing in shifts so that the hall of worship is always filled with their songs. After the age of twenty, an Anasha is allowed to marry and many do so and leave the church. It is not uncommon for an Anasha to marry one of the temple’s Adonim and continue her singing at the temple with her husband. Those Anashim who do not leave the temple at twenty are often instructed in the techniques of healing the sick; many people often come to a temple to receive the free treatment offered by the older Anashim. Sometimes women who do not have males to take care of them go to a temple to be taken care of, these women often learn to sing or heal and become full Anashim. The temple’s choir is often considered the last resort of an old maid. The lifestyle of Anashim is usually quite modest, though the do not live under the strict restrictions that Sihonim must. Art and artistic expression is generally viewed as a childish endeavor, therefore there are relatively few works of religious artwork in Merkabah. The few pieces of religious paintings and sculpture that exist (such as depiction of Kodeshim discussed above) are often crafted by Anashim to decorate the dwelling of church officials or the grounds around the temple.
Miscellaneous
In Merkabah priests handle law enforcement. In each town or city, there will be at least one priest called and Arbite. The Arbite acts as judge, jury, and often executioner. The death penalty is employed for most crimes - including murder, blasphemy, rape, dishonorable (not a fair fight) assaults, lying, and grand theft. For more minor crimes, such as petty theft or destruction of property; branding or mutilation is employed. For women punishments are generally much less severe, such as flogging or the pillory.
Because of the heavy rainfall and often cold weather, hospitality is very important in Merkabah. People in Merkabah are usually expected to invite a traveler to at least dry his clothing and warm himself by their fire - especially in the cold and rainy winter months.
Women are not permitted to hold any position in the church or have any other leadership role. They are expected to stay at home and take care of domestic work. They are generally not permitted to leave the house alone unless escorted or under special circumstances. They also are not allowed to hunt or till soil, though they can pick fruits or berries.
Because this is the Age of Destruction, the creation of new items is discouraged. When something new is made - whether it is an item of clothing, a weapon, or a new temple - something must be destroyed to balance this new creation. For minor creations, burning herbs and plants is usually sufficient. For creator creations, greater burnings are required. When a weapon of suit of armor is finished, usually cow or lamb or slaughtered and burned. For a building, typical animals or useful items are burned. When the church constructs a new temple or a lord builds a castle, large numbers or animals and precious items are destroyed - when a temple is about to be completed, Arbites often delay executions for the temple’s completion ceremony.
Artwork is seen as a childish pursuit for adult men, who are expected to take care of serious business. This being the case, in Merkabah women make up the great majority of the artistic community. All of the great painters, poets, musicians, writers, sculptors, etc. in Merkabah are women. Despite women’s lack of actual political influence; they make up for it in large degree by their contributions to art and culture.
It is thought that warfare is most honorable when it is individuals in hand to hand combat with each other. The use of missile weapons and cavalry is often seen as unchivalrous. Warrior monks and priests neither use missile weapons or fight on horseback. Noble knights still ride on horses and peasant conscripts usually use missile weapons; but they are not held to as high of standards as the clergy.
To pray to Morick, people in Merkabah pray twice a day facing the sun - usually at dusk and dawn. In every town in Merkabah, at the town center, there is a structure called a Sun-guide. The Sun-guide tells north, south, east, and west. In bigger cities, the Sun-guide shows more, such as depicting the sun’s ecliptic through the sky in relation to the date and season.
It is thought that warfare is most honorable when it is individuals in hand to hand combat with each other. The use of missile weapons and cavalry is often seen as unchivalrous. Warrior monks and priests neither use missile weapons or fight on horseback. Noble knights still ride on horses and peasant conscripts usually use missile weapons; but they are not held to as high of standards as the clergy.
The Morickites in Merkabah believe that a sinner’s soul remains in his body after he dies. The soul suffers there in the body until the body as decayed completely into dust. In order to ease the suffering of such damned souls, the Morickitess burn bodies of the sinful and virtuous (just in case) alike. After a sinners body turns to dust, the soul goes into oblivion. For the faithful and pure of heart, they go into slumber until there are resurrected in the 4th Age. Sometimes the most horrible of evil doers will have their bodies preserved to suffer in their corpses for centuries.
Though women are considering emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually inferior to men; Merkabeans are protective of women. Rape is considered one of the most horrible crimes as is striking a woman without a very good cause - both actions will result in a gruesome death for the offender.
To pray to Morick, people in Merkabah pray twice a day facing the sun - usually at dusk and dawn. In every town in Merkabah, at the town center, there is a structure called a Sun-guide. The Sun-guide tells north, south, east, and west. In bigger cities, the Sun-guide shows more, such as depicting the sun’s ecliptic through the sky in relation to the date and season.
Northern Merkabah (particularly the highlands) is known for its rough wilderness explorers, men who are brave and skillful enough to venture out into the marshes for extended periods. A method used by such rangers for generations has been to take tracking dogs into the marshes with them, dogs with a good enough tracking ability that they can find their way back through the marsh to civilized lands. Over the generations, Merkabeans have bred a type of dog now known as the Marsh Hound - large mean dogs that resemble a cross between a mastiff and a wolf. These dogs are trained to both track and to kill. In times of war, these dogs are often set loose upon the enemy. Ecclesiastical military believes this is unchivalrous but other soldiers use them fairly often. Nobles often keep a large number of marsh hounds around, both to aid them on the battle field and to protect them in their keeps.
In the winter it precipitates almost constantly in Merkabah, usually hours every day and the sky is almost always filled with clouds. In the Merkabean lowlands, where winter temperatures are usually in the 40's & 50's, this is merely miserably cold rain. In the highlands snow build up over ten feet in height and causes activity to almost completely stop. Despite this rainfall, the only major river is in the southern side of Merkabah, the rest of the country is, however, covered with hundreds if not thousands of small to medium sized streams and creeks. Merkabean highlands are known for numerous waterfalls, especially active in the spring. Embest and the south-western coast of Merkabah doesn’t experience the terrible precipitation found in Merkabah.
Because of the heavy rainfall and often cold weather, hospitality is very important in Merkabah. People in Merkabah are usually expected to invite a traveler to at least dry his clothing and warm himself by their fire - especially in the cold and rainy winter months.
Because this is the Age of Destruction, the creation of new items is discouraged. When something new is made - whether it is an item of clothing, a weapon, or a new temple - something must be destroyed to balance this new creation. For minor creations, burning herbs and plants is usually sufficient. For creator creations, greater burnings are required. When a weapon of suit of armor is finished, usually cow or lamb or slaughtered and burned. For a building, typical animals or useful items are burned. When the church constructs a new temple or a lord builds a castle, large numbers or animals and precious items are destroyed - when a temple is about to be completed, Arbites often delay executions for the temple’s completion ceremony, where the offenders will be burned in a massive sacrifice to Morick.
In Merkabah priests handle law enforcement. In each town or city, there will be at least one priest called and Arbite. The Arbite acts as judge, jury, and often executioner. The death penalty is employed for most crimes - including murder, blasphemy, rape, dishonorable (not a fair fight) assaults, lying, and grand theft. For more minor crimes, such as petty theft or destruction of property; branding or mutilation is employed. For women punishments are generally much less severe, such as flogging or the pillory. There are no real prisons in Merkabah, only places small holding areas to keep prisoners for a few weeks at most - imprisonment is not a form of punishment used in Merkabah.
Merkabah is divided up into principalities and realms. Each realm has a corresponding temple form which the high priest (Ephod) rules the realm. Princes control principalities, but only have minor power in comparison to ecclesiastical authorities. The primary power of princes is in terms of pure wealth. Principalities and realms overlap in strange ways that often leads to confusion and arguments between secular and religious authorities. Princes also own most of the ships in the Merkabean Navy.
Women are not permitted to hold any position in the church or have any other leadership role. They are expected to stay at home and take care of domestic work. They are generally not permitted to leave the house alone unless escorted or under special circumstances. They also are not allowed to hunt or till soil, though they can pick fruits or berries.
Artwork is seen as a childish pursuit for adult men, who are expected to take care of serious business. This being the case, in Merkabah women make up the great majority of the artistic community. All of the great painters, poets, musicians, writers, sculptors, etc. in Merkabah are women. Despite women’s lack of actual political influence; they make up for it in large degree by their contributions to art and culture.
Because of precipitation and cultural traditions, firearms haven’t caught on in Merkabah - typically only the rare noble owns one which has been imported from some other nation. Merkabeans are, however, known to have excellent quality armor and melee weapons - in part because of the country’s militant traditions and the mineral deposits in the Merkabean highlands. The majority of the Merkabean military is made up of Mahstads - holy warriors. Though being well trained and well equipped professional soldiers, they are not permitted to ride horses or to use missile weapons. In times of war, peasant longbowmen or crossbowmen make up for lack of missile fire. Princes in Merkabah also have their own armies, usually Merkabean nobles fight in medium to heavy armor on horseback - knights. The princes’ armies vary tremendously with the prince, and could include whatever the individual prince wishes to pay for. Despite the church’s large number of land soldiers, the huge majority of the country’s naval power in under the control of princes. Each ship usually flies both the Merkabean Night Sun and the Owner/Prince’s heraldry. Many Merkabean princes gain extra revenue from piracy; the church overlooks attacks against the ships of other nations.
The great majority of Merkabeans have their marriages arranged by a combination of the parents and the local priests. Infidelity is harshly punished by public beating. Promiscuity is frowned upon but incurs no penalty. Pregnancy out of wedlock, however, is considered terribly irresponsible and incurs punishments for both the parents. Because of this attitude, at marriage, many Merkabeans are “technically” virgins. In Merkabah, men are expected to keep their genitals covered; women do not have this prohibition and need not wear clothing (needs a male escort in public) at all - though it is considered impolite and sinful to for men to stare.
In Merkabah, personal space is sacred. To touch someone in an unwanted to disrespectful way is a grave offense. To unlawful touch another man’s wife or other female relation without consent is even worse. Dueling existed and if done with the permission of the local Arbite, legal and acceptable. For an official Merkabean dual, the combatants get a stout wooden club for each hand and they proceed to beat each other until one man is dead, unconscious, or surrenders. For the most part, duals in Merkabah are rare - people are generally respectful of other’s personal space - particularly women’s.
Merkabeans are very fair skinned people, with milky white flesh or light pinkish skin with freckles. Their hair is generally a shade of red, though blonde or auburn is not uncommon ether. Blue eyes are the most common eye color for Merkabeans, ranging from pale blue to blue gray. Green or gray eyes are occasionally seen as well but are not as common as blue. Dark hair or eyes are quite uncommon in Merkabah; it is usually only seen in southern Merkabah and even then is often seen as a sign of foreign ancestry. For the most part, a Merkabean's features are similar to those of people from north western Europe.
Merkabean women most often wear long dresses in shades of light brown, off white, or gray - though undyed is most common. The dress usually has sleeves that extend to the elbow or down to the wrist. Sometimes Merkabean women will wear just a skirt with a simple white or brown blouse. When a long dress is worn it is usually in combination with a belt or simple cord worn around the waste. Hooded leather cloaks are usually worn in the winter, sometimes with shawls beneath. Clothing is usually made of wool or linen. Sandals are common footwear for women, as are simple soft leather shoes or boots that resemble moccasins. Women usually do not cut their hair, letting it grow to great lengths. They usually allow their hair to flow naturally or wear it in a simple pony tail, though some women may braid their hair as well.
Men usually wear simple undyed wool tunics that come down to about knee level and have sleeves of varying length. Some men, particularly those in cold parts of Merkabah may wear leather pants as well. Soft leather boots are common footwear for men, though sometimes hard leather boots may be worn as well. As with Merkabean women, in the winter men will usually keep themselves warm with leather cloaks. Men also tend to grow their hair long, usually down to the shoulder and sometimes even longer, sometimes tied into a pony tail but more frequently allowed to flow. They also grow shaggy beards.
The most common exceptions to the above clothing styles are the clergy of Merkabah. Male members of the clergy usually wear long woolen robes dyed either a shade of green, dark gray, or black (depending on rank and order) and wear a chain as a belt. Anashim, the nuns of Merkabah, wear similar robes in a shade of light gray, and have a simple cord for a belt instead of the chain. Both wear leather cloaks in inclement weather, though unlike they lay people with their natural colors, cloaks worn by the clergy are always dyed black. Male members of the clergy keep their heads and faces clean shaven, though the Anashim simply keep their hair cut at about shoulder length and keep it tied in a short pony tail. Male members of the clergy wear thick leather boots, usually in a shade of dark gray or black, while Anashim wear sandals or moccasins just as laywomen do.
The lowest rank of male clergy, the Albiim, are mere boys who are younger than the age of 15. They wear naturally colored wool robes fitting the above description. When an Albi reaches the age of 15, he is promoted to the rank of Sihonite and his robe is dyed dark gray. Adonim receive dark green robes as a sign of status. The Mahstadim wear black robes as does an Arbite, though the Arbite also wears a gray tabard over his robe. The Ephodim wear green robes with black tabards while the Vah Ephod wears a green robe trimmed in black with a black tabard and wears a the golden Midnight Sun symbol of Morick as a necklace. Apharim wear civilian clothing with a dark gray tabard.
Gothe-Ul
It is hard to explain the Merkabean concept of Gothe-Ul, there is no English equivalent for the word. In some ways it represents a kind chivalry, for it outlines which forms of combat are honorable and which are dishonorable. In another sense it resembles a work ethic, because without the code of Gothe-Ul hard work is highly treasured. It is a moral system that Merkabeans strive to uphold, mostly men but also women as well. The easiest way to describe Gothe-Ul is simply to list the major moral beliefs of the system.
Gothe-Ul and Combat
It is considered dishonorable to fight an opponent with ranged weapons, it is believed that it removes the skill and fairness of combat. It is also against Gothe-Ul to fight with the assistance of animals in combat, this includes riding on horses during combat or using marsh hounds. One must also avoid attacking an enemy by surprise or when he is unarmed. Clearly inferior opponents should always be given the option of surrender or escape. Women should never be harmed by a man unless it is absolutely necessary in self defense, even then a man should try to subdue an attacking woman if it is at all possible.
Surrender and retreat are both looked down upon according to Gothe-Ul, they are acts of cowardice and doubt in the will of Morick. Military units who surrender or retreat are often viewed with disdain, because of this Merkabean military units often fight to the death. Under certain circumstances a Mahstad will order a “tactical withdraw” which is not viewed in the same way as retreat. Surrender is always considered cowardly however, and when withdraw is not an option, Merkabean soldiers are expected to die.
Gothe-Ul and Women
The codes of Gothe-Ul are very protective towards women. It is the responsibility of the eldest male relative of a women to protect her. When traveling in a group of mixed sex, the men are honor bound to protect and care for the women in their company. One should never strike, injure, or otherwise harm a woman - doing so in Merkabah means death for the offender. Rape is considered one of the most despicable of crimes, and rapists in Merkabah have every bone in their body broken one by one as punishment. One should never touch a woman unless your are her family or have permission, doing so is an insult to her honor as well as that of her husband and father. Women should also be treated with respect and helpfulness - heavy loads should be carried for them, assistance must be offered when they are in need, harsh words against them should be avoided, the discussion of violence or graphic sexuality should also be avoided in the presence of women. It is a woman’s father who is the main protector of her honor, if her father dies her protector becomes her eldest male relative or if none is available then it goes to the local Arbite. Women have few rights in Merkabah but a husband has no power over his wife and cannot control her or restrict her activities - that power rests in the hands of her own kin. It is believed that a husband can take advantage or abuse his own wife, that is why only a male relative can be trusted to protect her. A husband is still expected to defend his wife’s honor, but has no particular legal authority over her as a father has.
Gothe-Ul and the Work Ethic
Men are expected to work hard and be productive. It is considered shameful waste time on leisure activities when you can be contributing to the welfare of your family, nation, or church. According to Gothe-Ul, a man must strive to be his best in any career he pursues and should feel ashamed of himself for resting when his body and mind are capable of further work. For this reason Merkabean men generally spend a great deal of their time laboring. Even in professions that are regulated by the season (the crops aren’t ready yet), a man is expected to find work for himself. Because of this, Merkabah is quite a productive country.
Along these same lines, activities which are seen as idle pursuits are looked down upon. Such activities include the playing of music, writing poems or fictional stories, artwork, any form of entertainment. Women are not held to as high a standard as are men in this regard. Though lazy women are indeed looked down upon, they are given far greater leeway with artistic endeavors. This is the reason why almost all artwork in Merkabah is created by women. This includes music, poems, paintings, sculpture, even theater. Merkabean plays are done entirely by women, they write the plays and act out all the roles; most of these plays are adaptations of religious stories. Men who do pursue art are seen not only as lazy and nonproductive, but also as effeminant because of the association that the arts have with women. Some even look down on men for viewing or enjoying the arts, going to plays, reading works of fiction, listening to music - but its a relatively minor objection that usually only the more extreme Merkabeans make, though it is mostly wealthy women who enjoy the arts.
Gothe-Ul and Hospitality
This aspect of Gothe-Ul may have arisen because of the often harsh climates in Merkabah, particularly the highlands. It rains almost constantly through out Merkabah and during the winter in the highlands this rain becomes snow. Travelers must endure this terrible weather for long periods of time. They often must cross many rivers, face poor quality roads or even wilderness, and sometimes travel up and down mountains as they make their way across Merkabah. This is why hospitality is so important.
When a traveler passes through, it is considered the duty of a Merkabean to offer that traveler food and shelter for the night. Even if one’s family is low on food, the travelers are to be given equal portions to those of the household. This hospitality also extends to protection of the traveler unless the traveler is threatened by legal authorities. During extremely bad weather, it often becomes necessary to stay more than a night, during a blizzard for instance. Under these circumstances, the travelers can stay longer but must help to support their stay in any way they can and are obligated (by Gothe-Ul) to leave before a week has passed. It is not unusual for Merkabeans who can’t take the hard work that is typical for Merkabean males to become professional vagabonds - traveling place to place and living on the hospitality of others.
Gothe-Ul and Honor
In Merkabah lies and deceitfulness are despised crimes. Anyone who is caught lying, breaking an oath, failing to fulfill a contract or promise, or even pay back a loan is punished by branding. The Merkabean warlock symbol is branded upon their foreheads so that all who see them will know they are liars and oath breakers. Those who lie in official courts of law are burned to death as punishment.
Merkabeans also take insults or slights very personally because of a sense of personal and family honor. Merkabeans very much value personal space; touching someone else without permission is seen as extremely rude and disrespectful - even worse is to touch another man’s female relative. Threats are also considered highly disrespectful and are seldom made in Merkabah if one does not intend on following through. When someone’s honor is is damaged, the way Merkabeans are expected to settle it is through a Merkabean duel.
When one man is dishonored he may challenge the offender to a duel, the offender must either apologize or except the duel. Declining the duel usually results in a loss of face. Women cannot issue or accept challenges, though sometimes husbands or male relatives get into duels on the behalf of a woman. In a Merkabean duel, the two duelists fight each other with a stout stick in each hand. They fight until one man surrenders, is knocked unconscious, or dies. A duelist can surrender at any time and his opponent must except the surrender, but because surrender is a sign of weakness, duels often result in death. Because of the brutality of the duels and the ease at which they can be started, Merkabeans tend to very polite and respectful of each other.
Gothe-Ul and Stoicism
When Merkabean men (and to a lesser degree women) are in pain, are sad, afraid, suffering in any kind of way - they are expected to keep it too themselves. To cry out or grimace in pain is considered a sign of weakness and lack of willpower or mental resolve. Those who are sick or injured are expected to fulfill their responsibilities and work to the fullest extent of their ability. The same goes for emotional pain - it is expected that people will be sad after the loss of a loved one or traumatic experience, but they should not let that get in the way of one’s duties. Because of this, when Merkabeans get sad or sick or are having problems, they generally keep silent about it.
Merkabean Lexicon
Abi : Literally “the son of” in Merkabean. All Merkabeans are known by the name of their father. So a typical Merkabean name, Malkuth abi Havilah, means Malkuth the son of Havilah.
Adonite : A priest of Morick, allowed to get married and retain wealth, the Adonite primarily ministers to the populace and lead them in religious ceremony. Adonim are referred to directly as Adon, or Adon followed by the name (Adon Malkuth). The plural form is Adonim.
Aheya : This word denotes a lord’s ownership of land. As part of a lord's official title, aheya will follow the lord's name and precede the land they own - for example, Malkuth aheya Gilgulim means Malkuth lord of Gilgulim.
Albi : A boy under the age of fifteen who is training at a Nacterath to someday become a Sihonite. Plural form is Albiim.
Anasha : A Merkabean nun. They sing hymns in the Hoshekim and help care for the sick and infirmed. Anashim are referred to directly as Ana, or Ana followed by the name (Ana Merkabah). The plural form is Anashim.
Aphar : A layman who serves the Ecclesiarchy. These men work as law enforcers in the service of an arbite. In small towns or rural village an arbite will often work alone. In larger towns or cities there is a need for the Apharim, basically the police.
Arbite : Each Arbite oversees an area and enforces the laws there as judge, jury, and sometimes executioner. In populous areas they have Apharim to enforce their will. The plural for is Arbim.
Bariah : This is a Merkabean ritual of exorcism. Men who are found guilty of Hachmah are burned as punishment, but when women practice witchcraft it is believed they do so because they are possessed by Rhashim. In order rid the women of the Rhashim, they undergo Bariah, which is ten days of exorcism and sleep deprivation, after this period of time the women are deemed cured and is then released.
Bear Killer : see Sophar
Ecclesiarchy : see Shanah Loheth.
Ephod : A religious leader in the Ecclesiarchy, each controls a single Hoshekaya much like a feudal lord would. Ephodim are referred to directly as Ephod, or Ephod followed by the name (Ephod Malkuth). The plural form is Ephodim.
Gevurah : The Merkabean practice and ritual of cremation. It is thought that if a body is not cremated and if the dead person was not virtuous that his or her soul will remain trapped and conscious within the body until it completely deteriorates. Gevurah is also used to refer to the burning method of execution used on those who have committed crimes against Morick. Such crimes include blasphemy, Hachmah, sacrilege, violent acts against clergy, etc.
Gilgulim : The holiest city in Merkabah, the home of the Vah Hoshek and the Vah Ephod. This is the capital not only for Merkabah but for the worship of Morick.
Gothe-Ul : The code of honor which most Merkabean men strive to adhere to.
Hachmah : The worship of Rhasha-Har and/or the practice of magic.
Hachmarite : A practitioner of magic, sorcery, witchcraft, etc. The plural form is Hachmarim.
Hod : The great marsh to the north of Merkabah.
Hoshek : A temple to Morick, not only a temple but also a castle from which an Ephod rules his Hoshekaya. The plural form is Hoshekim.
Hoshekaya : A large section of land that surrounds a Hoshek. This land is under the absolute rule of an Ephod. The plural form is Hoshekayim.
Kadam : The punishment which is given to dishonorable criminals such as rapists, child molesters, assassins, pirates, charlatans, career criminals, etc. It involves systematically breaking each bone in the offender’s body starting with the smallest and finishing with the skull.
Keterim : A breed of large dogs, resembling a cross between a wolf and a mastiff; used for hunting, protection, and war. Because of their origins in northern Merkabah and usefulness in the Hod to the north, they are often called marsh hounds. The singular form is Keter.
Kodesh : A dead follower of Morick who had such virtue and faith that they continue on as a spiritual/supernatural servant of Morick, much like an angel or saint. They are often thought to appear as fearsome creatures to smite evil doers. The Plural form is Kodeshim.
Kodeshima : This is one of the holy books that Morick worshipers hold sacred. It contains the tales of every mortal who has been elevated to the state of Kodesh.
Mahstad : A holy warrior of Morick, they serve as officers and elite soldiers among the Sihonim. Plural form is Mahstadim.
Malak : A Merkabean prince, the plural form is Malakim. The feminine form is Mala and the plural form is Malim. In direct address, both genders are called Mal followed by their name, such as Mal Malkuth.
Marsh, Great : see Hod
Merkabah : One of the greatest of the Kodeshim, a virtuous woman who defeated a Regatulian champion in battle - a victory would would lead to the unification of all of the tribes that later became the nation of Merkabah and to the permanent expulsion of Regatulian forces from that area of the world.
Morick : The supreme being, the one and only true deity, creator of all things, infinite and beyond human imagining.
Morickite : A worshiper of Morick, plural form is Morickim.
Nacterath : A self sufficient monastery and military base. Sihonim and Mahstadim live and train in these places. Plural form is Nacterim.
Nepherite : A heretical Morick worshiper, the plural form is Nepherim. Most of the Nepherim date back to the Merkabean Civil War, when rebels fought against excesses of the Ecclesiarchy.
Parashah : A religion which is not the one true religion of Morick Worship.
Parashite : A heathen, a person who practices a religion which does involve the worship of Morick. Plural form is Parashim.
Rhash : This word means can be either and adjective meaning “evil” or a noun meaning an evil spirit or demon. “Rhashim” is often used to refer to evil as a concept or force but is also the plural form of Rhash.
Rhasha-Har : The great source of evil and suffering for mankind, the creator of the Rhashim and the corruptor of Morick's creation, including humanity. Referred to as Bal in Regatulian.
Ruah : A holy war or crusade, often called in defense of Merkabah or Morickim. The most significant Ruah was the one which Malkuth started against the Akinji.
Shanah Loheth : Literally “The Year of Burning” in Merkabean. This refers to the time after the priesthood seized control of the Merkabah. Now the term is used for the theocratic organization (called the Ecclesiarchy by foreigners) that rules all of Merkabah, with the Vah Ephod as the absolute leader. The current year in Merkabah is measured by the age of the Shanah Loheth. The priests gained control 436 years after the fall of Regatul, year that the Merkabean Civil War ended in Shanah Loheth 211, 647 years after the fall of Regatul.
Shekai : Within each Merkabean city there is a Shekai, or sun-guide. It tells north, south, east, and west; some more elaborate ones depict the sun’s ecliptic through the sky in relation to the date. This helps travelers to pray facing the sun even if it is too cloudy to see.
Sihonite : A worker, monk, and warrior. They live together in self sufficient monasteries where each practices an individual trade and trains to fight and kill. They take vows of poverty, celibacy, and chastity. Sihonim are referred to directly as Sihon, or Sihon followed by the name (Sihon Malkuth). The plural form is Sihonim.
Sophar : One of the primitive people who live in the highlands of northern Merkabah. Commonly called “bear killers” for their practice of wearing bear skins. They are known for their breeding of the marsh hounds and for the use of long bows (in violation of Gothe-Ul). The plural form is Sopharim.
Sun-guide : see shekai
Tiferet : A Merkabean duel, using a stout wooden stick in each hand, usually fought to the death.
Tikkun : This is a place and time of eternal peace and paradise for the virtuous dead. It is believed that after the Vahim have destroyed all life that the virtuous shall be resurrected and shall live blissful lives in Tikkun for the rest of time.
Tovah : A Merkabean nobleman who also fights, generally mounted. They are the equivalent of knights, but do not obey Gothe-Ul. Tovahim are referred to directly as Tovah, or Tov followed by the name (Tov Malkuth). The plural form is Tovahim.
Vah : This simply means “great” in Merkabean.
Vah Ephod : The “Great Ephod” the absolute leader of the Ecclesiarchy and of Merkabah.
Vah Gevurah : The final end of the world, when the Vahim destroy all things.
Vah Hoshek : The “Great Temple” and absolute center of the worship of Morick. This great temple is located in Gilgulim and is where the Vah Ephod rules from.
Vah Zad : One of the large (comparable to a brown bear) grayish colored bears that live in the highlands of Merkabah. They are also called great bears, gray bears, or misty bears. The plural form is Vah Zadim.
Vahim : “The Great Ones” - the most powerful of the Kodeshim, sent to destroy mankind and prepare the earth for the Tikkun. Also known as dragons to the unfaithful.
Yeshod : Literally an “oathbreaker” in Merkabean. Liars have the Yeshod symbol branded upon their forehead to allow others to know that they are not to be trusted. The plural form is yeshodim.
Yazirah : The most sacred holy book to the worshipers of Morick. It contains what are thought to be the most fundamental religious truths about the the nature of Morick, beginning and end of the universe, morality (early foundations of Gothe-Ul), and the role of humanity.
Zadirash : Among the Sopharim, the Zadirash is tradition of great social and spiritual significance. A man must go into the forest by himself, with only his hunting bow, a spear, and an axe. Then he must kill one of the Vah Zadim. If the hunter can successfully kills the bear, he will eat the bear’s heart, which is believed to give the hunter part of the bear’s soul. From that point on the hunter is called Bear Killer and wears the bear’s fur as a symbol of accomplishment.
