The Theocracy of the Witherings is organized in circles, in the center of which is Ma-Duk, the Great Creator. Thus, the higher the circle a figure belongs to brings him closer to Ma-Duk and the higher the elevation. However, it should be understood that this does not mean “hierarchy” as it has developed in the Fyros Empire or the Kingdom of the Verdant Heights. The relation between Zoraï in different circle elevations is more similar to the relationship between mentor and disciple with, of course, all the respect that goes with it.
It is therefore a ladder of elliptical concentration, meaning that within a “circle” areas of competence are not necessarily the same (i.e. Season understands the change of Atys; Sorrow understands the suffering. Both are capable of understanding the change and the suffering of Atys, but each has its “specialty”). This level of concentration is centered on Ma-Duk, the Supreme Kami, but it should not be confused with the cult of Ma-Duk (Company of the Eternal Tree, Adepts, Bonzes, etc.), therefore the Zoraï Theocracy is a bit different compared to the “official” worship.
Thus, we have:
- Ma-Duk, Supreme Kami, the Great Creator
- The Great Kami-Ko
- The Kami-Ko
- The Lords Kami
- The Kami
- The Grand Sage of Zoraï: Mabreka Cho
- The Sages: Zoraï Sorrow and Zoraï Season
- The Zoraï Awakened: Representatives of Circles, Speakers of Circles and Intendants of Cities of Intuition
- The Zoraï Initiates
- Other homins
- The primitive hominis
- The remainder of the fauna and flora of Atys
Theocracy Circles
Grand Sage
Elected by the Council of Sages for life. Must be Zoraï with Zoraï citizenship and a faithful Kami worshiper. Highest authority of the Zoraï people, they are best able to understand and convey the wishes of the Kami.
Roles are:
- Political
- Gives the general direction in which the Witherings advances, according to his interpretation of the will of the Kami. Actions taken by the Sages and the Awakened will follow the Grand Sage’s lead. He recognizes the Sages and the Awakened, validates the election of the Speakers of the Circles, and appoints the stewards of the Cities of Intuition.
- Spiritual
- He is the hope of the Zoraï Initiates and is the voice of the Kami. He is the model for all Zoraï and his enlightened role is to interpret the will of the Kami, and occasionally that of Ma-Duk when it is aimed directly at him, and then convey it to the people of Atys.
- Diplomacy
- Representative of the Zoraï, he maintains relations with other countries to promote the word of the Kami and protect the interests of the Witherings.
- Guild of Cho
- He is the authority figure of the Witherings and oversees the Guild of Cho. He may have, in some cases, judicial power.
The Sages
The Sages are Zoraï having a special connection with Atys and understand Atys better in general. They are closer to Ma-Duk than all other hominis.
They are responsible for governing the Witherings and all internal affairs in agreement with the direction decided by the Grand Sage. Their wisdom and knowledge are very great. They sometimes have an advisory role to the Awakened and give direction to follow in those actions that they bring it up if necessary.
The Awakened
Initiates who, from personal investment for the Witherings and to the Kami, understand the issues affecting the Witherings and have moved closer to Ma-Duk.
There are four political functions that can be held by the Awakened:
- Members of the Circles
- Speakers of the Circles (Representatives)
- Reporters of the Circles (Representatives)
- Intendants of the Cities of Intuition.
Representatives of Circles
- Are members of the Zoraï Circles
- The Speakers are the arbiters of discussions at the Assemblies of Circles. They are to remain neutral and impartial and run the meetings in their entirety. Their roles are to enable Initiates to discuss in the Zoraï way of wisdom.
- The Reporters role is to write what is said in meetings and publishing reports of these meetings.
- Beyond the specific tasks to each post, the Representatives propose ideas and organize various activities, in agreement with the Circle in which they relate (e.g. organization of Remembrance Week by the Circle of Spirituality).
- They are lights to guide Initiates in their first step towards enlightenment of the Awakened.
Becoming a Representative of a Circle
- For all elections to appoint new civil servants, Intendants and Speakers will inform the Grand Sage and the people of the open positions in the Circles.
- Applicants will make application for an open position at the next assembly.
- The Awakened are the only ones to vote on representatives within Circles.
- Once the vote is complete, the newly elected officials should swear before the congregation that they will serve their people and they remain faithful to the Grand Sage as long as they work in the Circles. They recognize the need to be aware of not being able to take on these responsibilities and would require them to give up their place.
- Any change of guild from a representative must be reported and published in the Zoraï Assembly Room.
- If a representative is deemed unfit to perform their role, either by other Representatives or by the Sages or the Grand Sage, a meeting should be held to judge and possibly elect a replacement.
The Intendants of Cities of Intuition
- Administrative officer of one of the four Cities of Intuition, they are appointed by the Grand Sage.
- They assume the management of the city, the security of it and the various events that occur there.
The Council of Sages
The Council of Sages is an exceptional meeting of the Sages and the Awakened, which meets for the most important issues of the Witherings.
Thus, with the exception of the Kami, the Council of Sages would be the only institution that is placed above the Grand Sage and acting after his death or appointing a new one when he is no longer in a fit state.
The Shizu
- These are the leaders of the clans and families Zoraï kwaï (guilds) which have passed the Initiation Rite.
- In the Assemblies of Circles, clans are represented by their Shizu.
The Initiate
- They are citizens of the Witherings.
- Wearers of a mask or not. They have passed the Rite of Initiation and hold an Oath of Fidelity to the mask and the Witherings.
- They are the Zoraï people as a whole.
Organization
Zoraï Elevation
- Spiritual elevation is acquired by a fidelity to the Zoraï principles and involvement for Kami on the one hand and great spiritual work on the other hand.
- Only those of a higher elevation can evaluate the elevation of others in outlying circles.
- Thus, the elevation in circles comes from an inner circle compared to one’s current elevation. One is “accepted” by those already inside the circle and is then elevated.
- In the case of Awakened, it is the Sages and the Grand Sage and, by occasion, the Kami, who recognize them.
Hierarchical structure of the Theocracy
The 5 Zoraï Circles:
- Defense Circle: Responsible for defending the country against invaders of the Witherings kwaï and fight against the Goo.
- Construction Circle: Responsible for the reconstruction of the people after the Great Swarming and for the reception of refugees.
- Spirituality Circle: Head of the Spiritual Fulfillment of Initiates.
- Exploration Circle: Responsible for the fight against Kitin and diplomacy with the guilds kwaï.
- Dynastic Circle: Responsible for administration of the Witherings.
Constitution of the Circles of Zoraï Wisdom
Fundamental
1. At the Center of Circles is Ma-Duk, as he is at the heart of Atys. 2. The Inner Circles are the Grand Kami-Ko, the Kami-Ko and the Kami. They emanate from Ma-Duk and are part of him. 3. At the heart of the Homin Circles is the Grand Sage. He is the hope of Ma-Duk, and the highest homin. 4. All go in the respect and protection of Atys. 5. Zoraï people, single and multiple, are the only ones who can decide on their actions. Each Zoraï is free to his opinions and his actions. 6. The Council of Sages, known for its wisdom, is the only one able to speak for all.
Service to Ma-Duk
7. The sacred mission of Zoraï is to fight against the Goo, against which the Kami can do nothing. To do this, Zoraï live in the Jungles of Atys, where the problem is most severe. 8. As Zoraï, the Kami also serve Ma-Duk. The wise listen to the voice of the Kami because it will lead to the path of enlightenment.
Service to the Zoraï people
9. Circles are intended to enable Zoraï to express themselves and share their resources for the common good. They will gather in assembly in order to communicate and transmit knowledge.
- 9.1. Each Zoraï Initiate can speak at meetings and all are equal.
- 9.2. In each circle, a Speaker will be elected by the assembly. The Speaker is required to hold discussions in a spirit of openness and brotherhood. He should remain neutral in action and in words.
- 9.3. In each circle, the Speaker will be supported by no more than two Reporters elected by the assembly. They should represent the advice issued by the assembly.
- 9.4. Each circle will meet in assembly once in the spring and once in the autumn.
- 9.5. The Assemblies will discuss and share ideas, with serenity and openness of mind; they take their decisions by consensus.
- 9.5.1. Proposals of the Circles that involve the populace will be submitted to popular Zoraï vote through an open forum. Each Initiate will have one vote.
- 9.5.2. Proposals of the Circles that involve clans will be submitted to clan vote with each Shizu having one vote.
- 9.5.3. Proposals of the Circles that involve the nation will be submitted to the vote of the Awakened with each having one vote.
- 9.6. The Representatives of the Circle will bring the words and actions taken in the assembly to the Council of Sages.
Service to the Grand Sage
10. In addition to serving the Zoraï people, Circles will be faithful to the Grand Sage, both politically and spiritually, because he holds the Grand Mask and is the hope of Ma-Duk. All discussion and action will therefore be made within this framework.
The Five Circles
11. The First Circle (Exploration) will search for our lost brothers, and rebuild our people.
- 11.1. The First Circle will organize research and expeditions to map the Witherings and find paths to other lands.
- 11.2. The First Circle will study and seek a cure to the Goo, the disease afflicting Atys.
12. The Second Circle (Spirituality) will be responsible for finding our spiritual path.
- 12.1. The Second Circle will return to the path of wisdom, through meditation, contemplation of the miracles of Atys, the reflection on the words of the Kami, the search for ancient signs, and the mystic trance.
- 12.2. The second Circle will guide Zoraï newcomers and educate them in the way of the Kami.
13. The Third Circle (Defense) will be responsible for defending our territory against any threat to Zoraï people or Atys.
- 13.1. The Third Circle will monitor the progress of corruption.
- 13.2. The Third Circle will launch campaigns to track the Goo and those who have been perverted by the Goo.
14. The Fourth Circle (Construction) will be responsible for development and reconstruction of our nation.
- 14.1. The Fourth Circle will bring the capabilities and requirements of each, to allow our race to flourish economically and artistically.
- 14.2. The Fourth Circle will make sure the Zoraï people have the means necessary for its actions.
15. The Fifth Circle (Dynastic) will be responsible for the administration of the Witherings.
- 15.1 The Fifth Circle will carry out investigations and administer minor justice throughout the nation.
External Relations
16. Embassy’s relations with other peoples are the responsibility of the Council of Sages.
- 16.1. Foreigners may contact Representatives of Circles at any time, then the Representatives of the Five Circles can meet to decide on a common view, which they will propose to the Council.
- 16.2. In exceptional cases, foreigners may become an honorary member, they will then sit as and even vote if necessary. To become an honorary member, the nomination of a non-Zoraï Homin must be supported by the testimony of twelve Zoraï sponsors. Then, his nomination must be approved unanimously by the representatives of the Circles.
