Barcia

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Barcia is a theocratic kingdom located in the easternmost region of the Continent. It is the last major eastern state to remain outside the influence and control of the Jacinth Kingdom, which has conducted numerous military campaigns throughout the region.

Barcia's mountainous geography and relative isolation have contributed to its ability to maintain political independence despite repeated conflicts with neighboring states and peoples. Its strong religious identity also plays a central role in the organization of the kingdom and has helped distinguish Barcia from the surrounding territories.

The combination of difficult terrain, geographic isolation, and religious cohesion has made the conquest of Barcia particularly difficult, allowing the kingdom to remain independent despite sustained pressure from the Jacinth Kingdom and other regional powers.

Geography and Economy

Geography

The Theocracy of Barcia is situated in a region of high elevation and is characterized by extensive mountain ranges. Much of its territory consists of steep and difficult terrain, with many of its cities built among or upon high mountains. Several Barcian settlements are considered difficult to reach due to the surrounding geography.

Despite the harsh climate and mountainous environment, the people of Barcia have adapted to their surroundings and developed settlements capable of sustaining themselves in the region. The limited amount of accessible land has contributed to the relatively small territorial extent of the kingdom.

Economy

Barcia has maintained its independence despite being surrounded by the Jibean and Maaf tribes, both of which have conducted frequent raids and incursions into Barcian territory.

Little information exists regarding formal trade agreements between Barcia and the Jacinth Kingdom or the major civilizations of the West. This is generally attributed to Barcia's geographic isolation and the mountains surrounding much of its territory. The kingdom's access to the Azure Thread also contributes to its ability to remain economically self-sufficient without extensive reliance on foreign trade.

Government and Religion

Government

Barcia is governed as a theocracy in which religious authority and political power are closely interconnected. The kingdom's population follows the teachings of the Host Indivisible, with the clergy serving as both religious authorities and members of the nobility.

The highest-ranking clergy and nobles are known as Sarcavags. Sarcavags govern individual cities and territories throughout Barcia and are responsible for both the administration of their domains and the religious affairs of their populations.

Religion

The dominant religion of Barcia is Orient Hieronism, also known as the Path of Purity, which is centered around the worship of the Host Indivisible. Religious belief plays a central role in Barcian society, influencing its government, culture, military traditions, and everyday way of life.

The strong religious identity of the Barcian population is considered one of the major factors behind the kingdom's resistance to Jacinth expansion. Despite their isolation, Barcians have maintained their religious traditions for centuries and have largely resisted cultural assimilation by neighboring powers.

Orient Hieronism shares several similarities with Gnostic Hieronism practiced in Aldor, although the two traditions differ in their doctrines and religious practices. It is more closely related to the religious traditions of the eastern regions than to the beliefs surrounding Eraffa and Alrayi.

Communities following the Orient Hieronist tradition can also be found in parts of Yohara and in smaller areas of the Jibei Kingdom. Unlike Barcia, however, these communities have come under the rule of the Jacinth Kingdom.

History and Culture

Very little reliable information regarding the history, heritage, and culture of Barcia exists outside the kingdom itself. One of the most notable surviving accounts comes from the writings of the Aldorian traveler Barbador the Lame, whose folios provide much of the known information regarding Barcian society.

Appearance

Historical descriptions of the Barcian population commonly distinguish between the appearance of men and women. Barcian men are generally described as stout and dark-skinned, with curly hair and long, well-maintained beards. Beards are often decorated as part of traditional male attire.

Barcian women are described as bearing a greater resemblance to Elven maidens, particularly in their facial features. They also share the tradition of covering their hair, which forms an important part of traditional Barcian dress.

Religion and Society

Faith in the Host Indivisible forms the foundation of Barcian society. The teachings of Orient Hieronism influence both the personal lives of its people and the political organization of the kingdom.

The Sarcavags serve as both religious leaders and political rulers, governing cities and settlements throughout the kingdom. This system has allowed religious institutions to retain considerable authority within Barcia and has contributed to the preservation of many ancient churches and religious structures.

Barcians place particularly high importance on those who die while defending their homeland or fighting in the name of the Host Indivisible. Fallen warriors are considered martyrs, and their names are preserved by the Sarcavags in a special record known as the March-Az-Gezi.

The March-Az-Gezi serves as a historical and religious record of those who died in battle. The names and deeds of fallen warriors may be remembered for generations, with their deaths regarded as acts of sacrifice for both Barcia and the Host Indivisible.

Another common form of commemoration is the construction of stone steles depicting the faces and lives of martyrs. These steles are frequently placed along roads leading toward Barcian cities. Large numbers of them can be found along certain roads, and their arrangement is said to provide shade for travelers while simultaneously commemorating the dead.

Military and Weaponry

The religious devotion of the Barcian population is also reflected in its military traditions. In times of crisis, particularly during Maaf raids or Jibean invasions, the Sarcavags are responsible for raising local militias to defend their territories.

Little is known about the exact organization, equipment, or tactics employed by the Barcian militias. The kingdom's geographic isolation has limited outside knowledge of its military institutions. However, accounts of Barcian resistance consistently describe its soldiers and civilian population as fiercely opposed to foreign occupation.

Barcian militias are generally raised locally under the authority of individual Sarcavags. Rather than maintaining a large permanent military force, Barcia is believed to rely heavily on its population to provide soldiers during periods of war.

Death in battle is considered an honorable sacrifice among Barcian warriors. Fallen soldiers are recorded in the March-Az-Gezi and are subsequently remembered as martyrs. Their stories and deeds are preserved through written records and commemorative steles throughout the kingdom.

This tradition distinguishes Barcian warfare from that of the Fjall clans. While Fjall warriors are known for defending their clans with extreme and often bestial aggression, Barcian warriors are characterized by religious fervor and a strong sense of duty toward their homeland and faith.

The combination of religious conviction, difficult terrain, and widespread willingness among the population to resist foreign occupation has contributed significantly to Barcia's continued independence from the Jacinth Kingdom.

Trivia

• Barcia referenced medieval Caucasus, mainly Armenia and Georgia.