Govt and culture

The Verdant Dynasty is an umbrella state. It forms a parliament where each species is given a platform to air their problems. The local leaders of the races assemble within various cities to discuss policies. In short, the positions of power are held by representatives. The diverse nation-states will have two to four mediators specializing in different fields to ensure their viewpoints are heard and entertained. A voting system keeps all proceedings and decisions to guarantee a favorable outcome.

This has encouraged the extension of olive branches to gain favor among the vastly distinct races. They're all Jorgenskull, proceeded by their heritage within their minds. A camaraderie that has trickled down to even the lowliest of social classes, aiding a more serene integration. Adopting one another's holidays, language, and culture gives way to a unity that transcends their stark visual differences. The continued prosperity of the Dynasty supersedes their territories.

Cultural pollination has resulted from such dealings, furthering a sense of fellowship. The Matron is called to break such standstills if a dispute leads to a tie. Within their system, the role of the "Queen" holds little power. The monarch's influence is kept at a minimum to prevent corruption within the Senate. And while she can make proposals, the chieftain is beholden to the committee's determinations. The rationale behind such a unique leadership structure is that power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. And it's less likely that a collective of ambassadors will fall prey to such taints and that wisdom can be found within a multitude over a singular person.

A hearing will be called if a member presents themselves as a threat. Should such allegations be substantiated, they will be executed for endeavoring to disrupt the equilibrium of the Verdant Dynasty. 

The individual cultures of the races live alongside a predominant one. They are all Jorgenskull first and their respective races second. Such a custom has facilitated a concord across the diverse range of species and their perspectives. The jungle's inhabitants adorn themselves in colorful and complex threading, embellishing themselves with a kaleidoscopic array of peacock feathers and gold jewelry. Additionally, they can be seen sporting the furs and scales of local wildlife as a symbol of tribute to the natural order. 

The expected greeting is a bow when a lesser meets a more prominent figure in social standing—youngsters to their elders and lower class to the upper echelon of society. Those within the court and military bash their dominant hand against their bosom as a gesture of respect. The act represents giving one's heart and thus allegiance to those governing over them. Those at the top reciprocate such reverence, and puffing one's breast with pride is considered unsightly. The affluent often hand out food to the lower class or alms to those who've suffered a recent tragedy. 

The people share a common language. However, each species has its own dialect. They carry "ax money" around to pay for goods made of bone with a gold coating. On the front side are various skulls or spiders depending on the currency's value, and the back is always the tree of life. 

Provincial “Chiefs “oversee each providence, representing their local tribe (Government.) However, the law of the Dynasty supersedes any legislation passed on a local level. The belief structure of each culture is respected when dealing with other groups. (For Example) If an area outlaws necromancy, that ruling won't apply to Bader'kerkhan due to their religious institutions and beliefs. Across all regions, the guards are regarded as an extension of the Dynasty. Therefore, any act of aggression or defiance is seen as an affront to the spirit of the empire. 

Education across tribal (State) lines is permitted regardless of the species of the applicant. Despite their internal forbearance, the same rights and luxuries do not apply to outlanders. The rights of the people transcend any immigrants unless they're given a writ. Foreigners are seen universally with a degree of distrust. Open aggression isn't legal, but they will be wary until said nonnative demonstrates themselves. The universities are open to the public as long as they serve the state for eight years following the completion of their degree. 

The structures of the Verdant Dynasty are either stone, wood, or, most commonly, Bone with spider webbings. The Jorgenskulls enhance the bone plating to be akin to steel. Their homes are sturdy and nearly fireproof, and the web system allows them to take them down and rebuild them to relocate in the event of a disaster.

Religion

In the heart of the Verdant Dynasty lies a sacred belief entangled in the web of reality, encapsulated within the esoteric lore of the Tree of Life. This celestial arboreal entity is revered and adulated by all who dwell beneath its shade. It serves as the axis mundi, the epicenter of the world and the conduit through which life streams and blossoms.

At the core of this belief system lies the profound understanding that the roots of the Tree of Life burrow deep into the world's core, tapping into the primal energies that fuel all living beings. These roots, infused with the planet's lifeblood, absorb its essence, nurturing and supporting the silky web of existence that sprawls across its trunk.

All life in the world of the Verdant Dynasty exists upon the sprawling branches of the Tree of Life. Every creature, from the tiniest prey to the mightiest predators, finds its place within the vast ecosystem that flourishes upon its majestic boughs. It's believed that the actions and deeds of all living beings leave imprints upon the tree, etching their stories that metamorphose into the bark itself.

But the true essence of the Tree of Life transcends mere physicality. It is said that when life's journey ends, mortal coils are molted, and spirits ascend; they find solace and refuge within the verdant canopy of the great tree. There, amidst its starry branches, souls flourish and find accord, lolling in the eternal embrace of those leaves.

Yet, the sanctity of the Tree of Life is not left unguarded. Spiders, revered as symbols of hope and custodians of the sacred, weave their delicate filigree of silk across every inch of its expanse. Their intricate webs serve as a protective barrier, warding off malevolent forces that seek to harm the tree and disrupt the delicate balance of life.

Through these threads of silk, life communes with one another, forming a vast network of linkages that transcends time and space. Each life and soul form a part of this elaborate tapestry, their substance rushing through the tree trunk, weaving a collective consciousness of existence that spans generations.

And so, as the eons pass and life's journey continues, the Tree of Life stands as a timeless symbol of the interconnectedness of all things. From its roots to its branches, from the bark to the celestial canopy above, it is a testament to the enduring cycle of life, death, and rebirth, a beacon of hope and sanctuary for all who dwell within its sacred embrace.

A solemn prophecy is intertwined with the fate of the Tree of Life. It is foretold that a lone spider will take flight upon a silken balloon if the tree ever falters, its vitality wane and its branches wither. Navigated by ancient insight and bound by inviolable duty, this solitary arachnid will embark on an odyssey fraught with peril and destiny. With a lonesome seed cradled within its delicate embrace, the spider will ascend into the heavens, borne aloft upon a gossamer veil of silk.

Across the vast expanse of sky and land, through realms both mundane and mystical, the spider will voyage, piloted by the whispers of the wind and the tree itself. For within the heart of this humble seed lies the promise of renewal, the potential for life to bloom once more.

And so, helmed by the unseen hand of fate, the spider will descend upon a chosen patch of earth, a sacrosanct ground imbued with the essence of the old world and the promise of the new. With delicate precision, it will plant the seed within the fertile soil, tenderly nurturing it with the wisdom passed down through countless generations.

As time unfurls, seasons will wax and wane, and the seed will take root, sending forth tendrils of life to embrace the earth and sky once more. And thus, the cycle will begin anew, the Tree of Life reborn from the ashes of its predecessor, as evidence of the interminable dance of creation and destruction.

In the annals of the Verdant Dynasty, this inalienable foretelling is held as both a warning and a promise, a reminder of the fragility of existence and, paradoxically, the resilience of life.

Oneself and The Tree

The church delves into a profound metaphysical understanding of the individual's affinity with the universe, conveyed through the analogy of a tree. 

The Tree:

• The Individual as a Manifestation of the Tree: In their belief system, individuals perceive themselves as integral parts of a larger whole, much like a tree with its branches, trunk, and roots. The tree embodies the interconnectedness of all things, where each individual is a unique incarnation of the universe.

• The Church's Teachings on Energy Points: The church teaches that within every individual, specific points of energy correspond to different tree elements. These physical and metaphysical points illustrate stages of spiritual expansion and enlightenment.
  

Energy Points and their Significance:

1. Mududah (Feet): Symbolizing roots, Mududah represents the foundation of one's spiritual journey. By grounding oneself and channeling energy from the earth, individuals establish a solid connection to their origins.

2. Nurlyk (Hip): The hip serves as the base of the trunk, and It signifies stability and support. It represents the core strength necessary for spiritual growth and advancement.

3. Kutvach, Meathor, Nearinyah, Querveck (Spine): These nodes along the spine form a leyline of energy, representing the flow of spiritual energy through the individual. Each node may correspond to different aspects of consciousness or stages of enlightenment.

4. Dylrin (Neck): Positioned between the spine and the head, Dylrin represents a pivotal point where the individual's physical and spiritual energies converge. It signifies the integration of mind, body, and spirit. It also dictates in what direction the stream will flow and in what direction one's insight may be focused.

5. Shengliyah (Head): The Shengliyah symbolizes the actualization of spiritual attainment and enlightenment at the tree's crown. It is the point from which individuals gain a more profound understanding of reality and perceive the interconnectedness of all things while apprehending an inherent contradiction.
   

Achieving Balance and Transcendence:

• Mastering Flesh, Mind, and Spirit: True enlightenment is attained through harmonizing these three characteristics of the self. Individuals can achieve balance and transcendence by mastering the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of existence.

• Perception of Reality: Those who reach such heights of spiritual development see the world through a lens untainted by illusion or distortion. They perceive existence as a multifaceted prism, where the three facets of existence—physical, mental, and spiritual—are seamlessly intertwined and form the webbing that is the individual and the collective.
  

Unity in Individuality:

• Paradox of Oneness and Individuality: While all things are interconnected and part of the universal tree, each individual retains a unique identity and journey. This paradoxical duality emphasizes the complexity of existence and the beauty of individual expression within the more extensive threading of the universe.

• The Web of Individuality: The interconnectedness of all things forms an intricate web, where each individual's experiences, choices, and actions contribute to the collective filigree of existence. Through this interconnectedness, individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives and recognize their role in the greater cosmic dance.
  

The Path to Transcendence:

Meditation, Self-Mastery, and Acceptance:

• Meditation: Central to the journey towards transcendence is the practice of meditation. Through introspection, individuals quiet the mind, connect with their innermost selves, and tap into the deeper currents of consciousness that flow within. Such reflections are often seen as painful and disheartening as they reveal the shade.

• Self-Mastery: Achieving transcendence requires mastery over one's thoughts, emotions, and actions. Individuals gain control over their impulses and desires by cultivating discipline and self-awareness, paving the way for spiritual growth and enlightenment.

• Acceptance of True Shade: Integral to the journey is accepting one's true nature, including both the shade (evil) and luster (good) aspects of the self. Embracing the shadow involves acknowledging and integrating the darker aspects of one's psyche, fostering wholeness and consonance within the individual.

  
  

Utilizing Various Practices:

• Swaying (Yoga): The practice of swaying is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline that aligns the body, mind, and spirit. Individuals cultivate inner harmony and unlock dormant energies by bending their bark (postures), basking and opening their leaves to the scorching sun of reality (breath control), and meditation.

• Introspection: Delving into one's psyche through introspection allows individuals to confront their fears, desires, and inner conflicts. By shining a light on the shadow aspects of the self, individuals gain insight and clarity, fostering personal growth and transformation. It culminates in accepting that one's shade and luster are equally valuable. And both, if left unchecked, can prove ruinous.

• Martial Arts: Martial arts cultivate physical strength and agility and foster mental discipline, focus, and resilience. Through rigorous training and self-discipline, practitioners develop inner fortitude and spiritual resilience, preparing them for the challenges of the spiritual journey. A strong mind with a weak body is not in balance.

Expansion of Self:

• Science and Magic: The pursuit of knowledge through scientific inquiry and magical practices expands one's consciousness and understanding of the universe. By blending empirical observation with intuitive insight, individuals uncover hidden truths and unlock the secrets of existence. Exploring the natural world's mysteries through scientific inquiry and magical practices offers insights into the oneness of all things. By studying the cycles of nature, the laws of physics, and the mysteries of the cosmos, individuals deepen their understanding of the universe and their place within it. Equilbremaz: The sacred scriptures intricately interlace the concept of consonance and unity of opposites into the very essence of existence. From this profound wisdom springs Equilbremaz, a symbol of unparalleled significance—a testament to the divine fusion of masculine and feminine energies within the Tree of Life.

  
  

  Within the sanctified groves of Equilbremaz, the exalted dance of synthesis unfolds, revealing the innate harmony between male and female. Amidst the whispering leaves and the gentle rustle of branches, Equilbremarians embody the sacred union physically and reproductively.

  
  

  These esteemed souls tread the path of balance and harmony, guided by the ancient teachings of the tree. They guard divine equilibrium, embody unity in diversity, and steward the sacred fusion between male and female. The physical fusion of genders becomes a manifestation of the hallowed dance of creation. Equilbremarians, bearing the biological markers of both sexes, serve as vessels of religious expression, weaving the threads of the great web into interconnectedness.

  
  

  In the heart of Equilbremaz, the veil is lifted, and the truth of oneness is revealed in all its glory. Here, amidst the eternal cycle of birth and rebirth, Equilbremarians epitomize the honor of the sacred fusion, celebrating the exalted unity that permeates all of existence.

  
  

Shrines/Temples

Shrines and temples dedicated to the Araneae mother are not confined to the bustling streets of cities. Instead, they are scattered throughout all settlements and sites of pilgrimage across the motherland, each a sacred haven for the faithful to commune with their deity and seek her blessings. These shrines and temples vary in size and grandeur, reflecting the diversity of the Jungle's inhabitants and their reverence for the Araneae mother. From humble roadside shrines adorned with simple offerings to majestic temple complexes nestled deep within the heart of the Jungle, each consecrated site holds a unique significance for those who worship the spider.

One of the most revered aspects of these shrines and temples is the presence of unique trials designed to test the faith and devotion of the faithful. These trials, accessible only to those undertaking the great pilgrimage, offer followers the opportunity to prove their dedication to the Araneae mother and earn her favor.

The trials are as diverse as the Jungle's biodiversity, ranging from physical challenges that test strength and endurance to spiritual tests of courage and resolve. Some may require pilgrims to navigate treacherous terrain or overcome obstacles in their path, while others may delve into the depths of their psyche, confronting fears and doubts along the way.

Regardless of their form, these hardships are considered sacred rites of passage for those who undertake them, commemorating their journey toward enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment. Pilgrims who complete the trials are bestowed with blessings and boons from the Araneae mother, their faith strengthened, and their devotion reaffirmed in society.

For the faithful of the Verdant Dynasty, the shrines and temples scattered throughout the Jungle serve as beacons of hope and guidance, offering solace and sanctuary in times of need. They are not merely places of worship but sacred sites where the bond between mortal and deity is forged and renewed, a testament to the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity.

Amidst the towering awning and lush foliage, temples and shrines devoted to the revered Tree of Life are magnificent tributes to the essence of all creation. These sacred sites, born from the deep reverence for the life-giving force of the Jungle, are nestled at the peaks of monolithic trees, their lofty heights symbolizing the aspiration to reach towards the heavens.

Perched high above the forest floor, these temples are awe-inspiring structures, their architecture blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Jungle. Assembled from the sturdy wood of ancient trees and adorned with intricate carvings depicting the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all living things, these temples serve as beacons of spiritual enlightenment and renewal as well as rest stop for weary travelers where room and board are offered for free.

Interconnected by web walkways woven from the finest silk spun by the Jungle's resident spiders, the temples and shrines form a vast network that spans the entire expanse of the Jungle. These delicate pathways, suspended high above the forest floor, offer pilgrims and worshippers a means of traversing the treetops with grace and ease, allowing them to pay homage to the Tree of Life in all its grandiose grandeur.

Within the tranquil sanctuaries of these temples, priests and priestesses conduct rituals and ceremonies, invoking the blessings of the Tree of Life upon the land and its people. Offerings of fragrant flowers, ripe fruits, and shimmering crystals are laid at the feet of ornate altars, symbols of gratitude and reverence for the abundance bestowed upon them by the sacred tree.

Surrounded by the symphony of nature, with the rustling of leaves and the gentle murmur of the wind as their backdrop, worshippers gather in quiet contemplation and reverence. Here, amidst the canopy of the Jungle, they seek solace and guidance in embracing the Tree of Life, drawing strength and inspiration from its eternal presence.

As symbols of harmony and interconnectedness, the temples and shrines of the Tree of Life serve as focal points for spiritual renewal and communal unity. They are not merely places of worship but sacred sanctuaries where the bond between temporal and ethereal is forged and nurtured, proof of the unremitting power of life and the eternal cycle of creation.