The Theocracy of Karakos

History

The theocracy was founded by Karakos, a man who claimed to have all the gods talk to him in his dreams. He founded the Seventy-Seven religion often called the faith of the Union, preaching that all creatures should pray to all the gods and not only those of their choosing.

Eventually, he gained so much power that he brought under his control the various people living in the region or conquered them. The founder was wise enough not to expand too much, but his successors, armed with feverish zeal, tried to do more.

They first easily annexed Les Iles Flamboyantes. Then they tried to annex the Melill, first through religion and then armed forces. The conflict quickly translated into enormous losses for Karakos who called it quits by assassinating their expansionist leader.

At a much later date, a particularly greedy Karakos decided to try and plunder the dwarven mountains. The crushing defeat weakened the theocracy to the point that they could no longer control Les Iles Flamboyantes.

After that, no Karakos ever tried conquest again and kept his throne.

Titles & Functions

All titles are granted by the High Cult of the United Seventy-Seven and all title bearer must be ordained into the cult.

Bureaucracy

Demarkos. A wealthy citizen who assumed the public duty of financing and maintaining local infrastructure. They must also maintain order, judge trials and organize local society. They report to the local Arkos or phylarkos.

In large communities, like town and cities, they would be appointed by the local Arkos or phylarkos and be responsible for a neighborhood.

In small communities, like a village or hamlet, that person might be elected, appointed or simply decided to assume the position if it was vacant. This is one of the rare occasions where the person occupying the post might not be ordained. Whatever the case, they would be responsible for maintaining the local shrine or temple, if there was one, as well as officiating all religious observances, unless a priest was appointed.

Phylarkos. In mid-size town, they are responsible for the whole town, its prosperity and order. In a large city, they are responsible for a group of neighborhood, a phyle. They are appointed by and report to the local Arkos.

Arkos. The ruler of a region or a city. It is the final authority in the region or city. The position is usually inherited, but upon transference must be confirmed by the Karakos, and only the Karakos, who can demote from its function or appoint a new Arkos at any time. They report to the Karakos, or a specially appointed Ypiretos.

Ypiretos. One of the Servants of the Karakos. Reports to the Karakos. They can be appointed by the Karakos or elected by other Ypiretos. They are often selected from the Kanephoros, but not always.

Military

Lokagos. Commander of a file of about 16 soldiers called a lokoi. This is the smallest unit in the army. Reports to a kiliarchos.

Kiliarkos. Commander of a brigade of about 1000 soldiers called a kiliarky made of 64 files or lokoi. Reports to a Strategos.

Strategos. Commander of an army made of any number of brigades or kiliarky. Reports to the Hegemos.

Hegemos. Commander in chief of all the armies of Karakos. Most of the time, this refers to the Karakos. This title may be delegated to another priest, but only by the Karakos and only in times of war.

Taxiarkos. Commander of a file of about 16 horse riders called a taxia. Reports to a hipparkos.

Hipparkos. Commander of a unit of about 500 horse riders, an hipparkia, made of 32 files of horse riders or taxia. Reports to a strategos.

Trierarkos. Commander of a war ship, most often a trireme. Reports to a navarkos.

Navarkos. Commander of all the war ships of Karakos. Reports to the Hegemos, or sometimes to a Strategos.

Priesthood

Arrephoros. Acolyte of the High Cult of the United Seventy-Seven, blessed in the religion at the age of seven. Helps hierophos perform their sacred duties, as well as maintain the temple, prepare food and manage congregants.

Hierophos. Priestess or priest of the High Cult of the United Seventy-Seven. In a small community, they would be in charge of all the wellbeing of the community as well as officiating all religious observances. They would report to the local Kanephoros.

In a large temple, they would share the work between themselves as set by and reporting to the Kanephoros responsible for the temple.

Kanephoros. High priestess or priest of High Cult of the United Seventy-Seven responsible for the religious administration of a region and placed at the head of the largest temple of a city. They report to the Karakos and the Ypiretos.