Dragabin

Dragabin

A country of warrior-priests, philosophers, and academics. The Library of Dragabin is second only to the Library of Caryadis, but unlike Caryadis, it is accessible to traveling scholars. Though militaristic, they are not expansionist. Their society is divided into castes; Sky-born, Earth-born, Sea-born, and Fire-born. Of these, the Fire-born are considered short-lifers, possessing only temporary souls that are consumed with their bodies. The other castes possess immortal souls which are reborn in each generation. All Dragabins of the 3 immortal castes are scholars, devoted to the study of life and its contemplation.

Geography

Politics

The ruling body of Dragabin is made up of a Triumvir of Sky, Earth, and Sea. The Sky-born are ranked highest, but often eschew "mortal concerns" in favor of astronomy and contemplation. Earth-born are land-holders, second ranked among the Immortal-souled, and typically possess great wealth and power. The Sea-born are mercantile. The Fire-born are workers, the only caste forbidden from the Library.

History

Economy

Culture

The Dragabin believe that they are descended from the Gods. The stars in the sky are their souls. Astronomy is one of the most highly respected sciences of the Dragabin. The those born into the Sky, Earth, and Sea-born caste each possess the soul of a star. When they die, the soul passes into the next Dragabin born into the that caste. This child inherits all of the previous person's lands and property, their name, and their vocation. Ruling families have become very adept at arranging for a successor to be born into their family, often hours after their death. Some individuals take their own body's life when the mother of their chosen successor goes into labor to insure the unfettered passing of the soul. This ritual is called Xchi'tah.

Male and female roles are less defined among the Dragabin scholars. It is not unusual for a soul to pass from man to woman and back over many lifetimes. For this reason, Dragabin society laws do not distinguish between male and female rights and roles. The stratification of society exists almost exclusively between castes.

All Dragabin are scholars. Each studies as much as they can within their lifetime. When they choose, they may stop studying and choose to instead contemplate all they have learned. At this point, they go into seclusion, often imbibing a poison called Q'tcht'ek, which blinds the eyes, deadens the senses, but sharpens the mind. The goal is to become pure mind, unfettered by bodily concerns, speaking their wisdom only to chosen pupils. These blind scholars, called Yi'dro'kek, are highly revered among the Dragabin.

Miscellanea