The history of the people of Promethia (prom-EETH-ee-er) stretches back many thousands of years. Accurate records go back four thousand years, and reasonable ones a further millennium to the departure of the Last Sailing from Aristaz.
Promethia is a group of islands set in the Shallow Sea. Their southernmost islands are further south than any other known inhabited lands.
The religion of Promethia is regarded as very strange by the rest of the world.
The highest social rank is the priesthood, reached by promotion, the next is the nobility, reached by birth or appointment (titles up to Prince are given for services to the state). Next are wealthy merchants and landowners, reached through wealth. A spouse is raised to the rank of the higher-ranking partner, while the marriage lasts.
There are very few inherited titles: most young adults must make their own way up the social ladder, however powerful their parents.
Both sexes are considered equal, and though sex-roles exist, little stigma is attached to those who choose not to conform to them. Village communities are more prejudiced than city populations and women warriors appearing in a small village are frowned upon. Some temples restrict certain positions to certain sexes, usually for magical reasons.
When Promethians travel abroad they worry about their safety amongst barbarians, and tend to be patronizing. Even merchants and diplomats believe their culture superior to that of the mainland.
There are two basic law enforcement bodies:
The Patrol made up of professionals, people doing national service, and, to some extent, the army. The middle officers and above are always professional Patrolmen, and the highest administrative ranks are elected by each region.
The Guardians of Light. The Guardians are one of the principle sects. These are responsible for the security of Promethia and do not deal with simple crime.
Serious crimes are: practicing forbidden arts (as the Black Robes do), treason, murder, violent and sexual crimes, theft, producing offspring whilst shape-changed, professional misconduct.
Such crimes are punished with exile, execution, or imprisonment. Lesser criminals perform public service for a fixed period.
It is tabu to kill or eat swan, snake, dolphin and unicorn, because they are all sacred animals.
The records say that when the Promethians crossed the equator, fleeing the Muans, the Lady denied access to their enemies by ringing the equator with fire. Promethians do not believe that this barrier will endure forever.
The holiest place is Lady Mountain. Only those allowed by the Guardians may go there.
No slaves are allowed on any part of Promethian sovereign territory, including ships. Any slave reaching any part of that territory (including Promethian ships) is instantly freed and offered asylum.
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