Sefdaanian Ethnography Chapter 18 - Government: Difference between revisions

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==Pronunciation table==
==Pronunciation table==
{|class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle; width:1150px;"
{|class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle; width:1150px;"
! Clan
! colspan="6" | <center>'''peműko'''<br>(labial)</center>
! colspan="6" | <center>'''peműko'''<br>(labial)</center>
|
|
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|
|
|
|
! colspan="6" | '''ṡ̨uuše̋nos'''<br>(vowels)
! colspan="6" | '''ṡ̨uuše̋nos'''<br>(vowels with प)
|
|
|
|
! colspan="3" | '''nı̋þo ṡ̨uuše̋nos'''<br>(weak vowels)
! colspan="3" | '''nı̋þo ṡ̨uuše̋nos'''<br>(weak vowels)
|-
|-
! Senjecan
! <center>p</center>
| <center></center>
! b
| ꖓ
! f
| ꔤ
! v
| ꔥ
! m̃
|
! m
|
|
!
|
!
! t
| ꖝ
! d
| ꖞ
! þ
| ꔻ
! ð
| ꔼ
! ɫ
|
! l
|
|
!
|
!
!
| ꘃ
! ż
| ꘄ
! s
| ꕌ
! z
| ꕍ
! r
|
! n
|
|
!
|
!
! k
| ꗓ
! g
|
! x
| ꗕ
! [[Wikipedia:Gha|ƣ]]
|
! h
|
! [[Wikipedia:Yogh|ȝ]]
|
|
!
|
!
! š
| ꕌꖎ
!
| ꕌꔷ
|
!
|
!
! i
| ꗻ/ꗼ
! e
| ꖨ/ꖪ
! a
| ꖱ/ꖳ
! [[Wikipedia:O|ɔ]]
| ꕀ/ꕁ
! o
| ꕊ/ꕋ
! u
| ꔌ/ꖵ
|
!
|
!
! ı
| ꔧ     
! ɛ
| ꘫ
! y
| ꕃ
|-
|-
! Latin
! <center>प</center>
| p
! ब
| b
! फ
| f
! भ
| v
! म़
|
! म
| m
|
!
|
!
!
| t
!
| d
! थ
| þ
! ध
| ð
! ल़
| ɫ
! ल
| l
|
!
|
!
!
| ṡ
!
| ż
! स
| s
! स़
| z
! र
| r
! न
| n
|
!
|
!
!
| k
!
| g
! क़
| x
! [[Wikipedia:Gha|ग़]]
| [[Wikipedia:Gha|ƣ]]
! ह
| h
! [[Wikipedia:Yogh|]]
| [[Wikipedia:Yogh|ȝ]]
|
!
|
!
! स्व
| š
! स्य
|
|
!
|
!
! इ ई<br>पि पी
| i/ii
! ए एै<br>पे पै
| e/ee
! अ आ<br>प पा
| a/aa
! ऒ ॵ<br>पॊ पॏ
| [[Wikipedia:Ogonek#Similar diacritics|ǫ]]/ǫǫ
! ओ औ<br>पो पौ
| o/oo
! उ ऊ<br>पु पू
| u/uu
|
!
|
!
! पं
| ĭ
! पऺ
| ĕ
! पॅ
| ŭ
|-
|-
! IPA
| /p/
| /p/
| /b/
| /b/
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| /i/
| /i/
| /e/
| /e/
| /a/
| /ä/
| /ɒ/
| /ɒ/
| /o/
| /o/
Line 181: Line 177:


==The Ethrans==
==The Ethrans==
*The Ethran government is an [[Wikipedia:Oligarchy|oligarchy]] ('''s̨oxda̋sta'''). The mages are the "oligarchs", receiving their authority from the fact that were created to be such.
*The Ethran government is an [[Wikipedia:Oligarchy|oligarchy]] ('''s̨oxda̋sra'''). The mages are the "oligarchs", receiving their authority from the fact that were created to be such.
*There are six mages ('''se̋ilu''') , the eldest of whom is known as the archimage ('''reeðse̋ilu'''). Each one is the governor ('''ðuunda̋slu''') of one of the six citadels. The two praetors ('''zı̋lþu''') and three of the six archons ('''ka̋mþu''') of the citadel constitute the citadel council ('''ðúúnmuþı̋ȝu'''). The elder of the praetors is the vice-governor ('''ðééðuunda̋slu'''). These councils meet as needed to make policy for their citadels and for the regions they govern. The three archons assume their offices according to a rotation schedule.
*There are six mages ('''se̋ilu''') , the eldest of whom is known as the archimage ('''reeðse̋ilu'''). Each one is the governor ('''ðuunda̋slu''') of one of the six citadels. The two praetors ('''zı̋lþu''') and three of the six archons ('''ka̋mþu''') of the citadel constitute the citadel council ('''ðúúnmuþı̋ȝu'''). The elder of the praetors is the vice-governor ('''ðééðuunda̋slu'''). These councils meet as needed to make policy for their citadels. The three archons assume their offices according to a rotation schedule.
*There is also a great council ('''mezðúúnmuþı̋ȝu''') composed of the six mages who meet to make policy for the People as a whole.
*There is also a great council ('''mezðúúnmuþı̋ȝu''') composed of the six mages who meet to make policy for the People as a whole.
*The six citadels (in the order of their foundation) and their governors are as follows:  
*The six citadels (in the order of their foundation) and their governors are as follows:  
**The Oriole Citadel ('''m̃élaƣðűűno''') in the Caucasus Mountains - Ȝumm̃a̋ka Ma̋nu, the archimage
**The Oriole Citadel ('''m̃élaƣðűűno''') in the Caucasus Mountains - Ȝumm̃a̋ka Ma̋nu, the archimage
**The Robin Citadel ('''ǫ́n̨alðűűno''') in the southern Urals - Ȝumɫe̋ntu A̋su
**The Bullfinch Citadel ('''n̨angɛðűűno''') in the southern Urals - Ȝumɫe̋ntu A̋su
**The Kingfisher Citadel ('''ṡéérolðűűno''') on the Crimean Peninsula - Ȝuma̋a̋þu Sa̋þru
**The Kingfisher Citadel ('''ṡéérolðűűno''') on the Crimean Peninsula - Ȝuma̋a̋þu Sa̋þru
**The Rosefinch Citadel ('''ƥalbĕðűűno''') in the Balkans - Ȝuma̋a̋þu Arma̋itu
**The Rosefinch Citadel ('''ƥalbɛðűűno''') in the Balkans - Ȝuma̋a̋þu Arma̋itu
**The Woodpecker  Citadel ('''piixðűűno''') in the eastern Carpathian Mountains - Ȝumȝa̋ku Aurva̋tu
**The Woodpecker  Citadel ('''piixðűűno''') in the eastern Carpathian Mountains - Ȝumȝa̋ku Aurva̋tu
**The  Jackdaw Citadel ('''ðeexðűűno''') in the western Carpathian Mountains – Ȝumgővtu Ámerta̋tu
**The  Jackdaw Citadel ('''ðeexðűűno''') in the western Carpathian Mountains – Ȝumgővtu Ámerta̋tu
*Each of the citadels governs a designated region ('''ta̋ima''') of Sefdaania. Given below are the approximate extents of the six '''ta̋imas''':
**1. The Oriole Citadel on [[Wikipedia:Mount Elbrus|Mt. Elbrus]] – Ukraine, Caucasus nations, Asian Turkey, Romania, Moldava.
**2. The Robin Citadel on [[Wikipedia:Mount Yamantau|Mt. Yamantau]] – Russia, Belarus, Scandinavia, The Baltic Nations
**3. The Kingfisher Citadel on [[Wikipedia:Roman-Kosh|Mt. Roman-Kosh]] – Greece, European Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia
**4. The Rosefinch Citadel on [[Wikipedia:Botev Peak|Botev Peak]] – Italy (including Corsica), Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania
**5. The Woodpecker Citadel on [[Wikipedia:Hoverla|Mt. Hoverla]] – Iberia, France, the British Isles, the Low Countries, Switzerland,Germany, Iceland
**6. The Jackdaw Citadel on [[Wikipedia:Gerlachovský štít|Mt. Gerlach]] – Poland, Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary.
*The major portion of Sefdaania lies within the '''ðuunta̋ima''' of the Rosefinch Citadel and of the Robin Citadel. Small portions on the western side of Sefdaania lie in the '''ðuunta̋ima''' of the Oriole Citadel, and a smaller portion in the northwest in the Jackdaw Citadel.
*At the main citadel there is a committee of six advisors appointed by the '''úfðuunda̋slu'''. Each of these advisors is assigned to one of the six river-regions ('''daata̋ima''') of Sefdaania. They are appointed to handle any problems that occur between one People and another in their region.
*At the main citadel there is a committee of six advisors appointed by the '''úfðuunda̋slu'''. Each of these advisors is assigned to one of the six river-regions ('''daata̋ima''') of Sefdaania. They are appointed to handle any problems that occur between one People and another in their region.




==The Pyrans==
==The Pyrans==
*The Pyran government is a gynecocracy ('''ǧenda̋sta''').
*Each Pyran village ('''da̋bo''') is an independent commune. Each '''da̋bo''' is the home primarily of an extended family ('''se̋vo'''), although in a few cases there are inhabitants who have moved from another '''da̋bo'''.
*Each Pyran village ('''da̋bo''') is an independent commune. Each '''da̋bo''' is the home primarily of an extended family ('''se̋vo'''), although in a few cases there are inhabitants who have moved from another '''da̋bo'''.
*Because the men are involved with the care of the reindeer, the Pyrans have developed a matriarchal society ('''máámeefƣe̋ðra'''). The head of the '''da̋bo''' ('''davne̋e̋ilu''') is appointed by her predecessor. She is not required to appoint her daughter or the oldest woman in the '''da̋bo'''. Therefore, the '''davne̋e̋ilu''' need not be the head of the extended family ('''sev̈e̋e̋l̤u'''). Should she die before making the appointment, the women of the council elect one of their own to this office.
*The head of the '''da̋bo''' ('''davne̋e̋ilu''') is appointed by his predecessor. He is not required to appoint his son or the oldest man in the '''da̋bo'''. Therefore, the '''davne̋e̋ilu''' need not be the head of the extended family ('''sev̈e̋e̋l̤u'''). Should he die before making the appointment, the men of the council elect one of them to this office.
*She and the other women of the '''da̋bo''' constitute the village council ('''dávmuþı̋ȝu'''). This council applies the law and makes policy for the '''da̋bo''', except for the care of the reindeer which is the responsibility of the men.
*He and the other men of the '''da̋bo''' constitute the village council ('''dávmuþı̋ȝu'''). This council applies the law and makes policy for the '''da̋bo'''.
*When presiding, the '''davne̋e̋ilu''' holds in her right hand her staff of office, known as a verge ('''dasba̋xlo'''). The '''dasba̋xlo''' is made of oak ('''pérkŭdasba̋xlo'''). Affixed to the top of the '''dasba̋xlo''' is an orange gemstone, usually a sphere of orange [[Wikipedia:Topaz|topaz]] ('''pűűṡo'''), known as precious topaz ('''arpűűṡo''').
*When presiding, the '''davne̋e̋ilu''' holds in his right hand his staff of office, known as a verge ('''dasba̋xlo'''). The '''dasba̋xlo''' is made of oak ('''pérkydasba̋xlo'''). Affixed to the top of the '''dasba̋xlo''' is an orange gemstone, usually a sphere of orange [[Wikipedia:Topaz|topaz]] ('''pűűṡo'''), known as precious topaz ('''arpűűṡo''').
*There is an intervillage council ('''mezdávmuþı̋ȝu''') to handle disputes that occur between '''da̋bos''' of a river region. This council meets, as needed, in the oldest '''da̋bo''' ('''ufda̋bo''') which serves as a de facto capital of that '''daata̋ima'''. Every '''davne̋e̋ilu''' is a member of this council. The '''úfdavne̋e̋ilu''' heads the '''mezdávmuþı̋ȝu'''. She periodically makes visits to the other '''da̋bos''' of her '''daata̋ima'''.
*There is an intervillage council ('''mezdávmuþı̋ȝu''') to handle disputes that occur between '''da̋bos''' of a river region. This council meets, as needed, in the oldest '''da̋bo''' ('''ufda̋bo''') which serves as a de facto capital of that '''daata̋ima'''. Every '''davne̋e̋ilu''' is a member of this council. The '''úfdavne̋e̋ilu''' heads the '''mezdávmuþı̋ȝu'''. He periodically makes visits to the other '''da̋bos''' of his '''daata̋ima'''.




==The Hydorans==
==The Hydorans==
*The Hydoran government is a pantocracy ('''orda̋sta''').
*The Hydoran government is a [[Wiktionary:panocracy|panocracy]] ('''orda̋sra''').
*The Hydorans live in an egalitarian, cooperative family commune. They are a fisher/gatherer society and have a less sophisticated social structure than the other three village Peoples. Their settlements are not so large as those of the other three Peoples. Whereas the '''da̋bo''' and the '''kı̋lo''' may have as many as 30 homes, there are seldom more than five or six Hydoran houses ('''a̋ito''').
*The Hydorans live in an egalitarian, cooperative family commune. They are a fisher/gatherer society and have a less sophisticated social structure than the other three village Peoples. Their settlements are not so large as those of the other three Peoples. Whereas the '''da̋bo''' and the '''kı̋lo''' may have as many as 30 homes, there are seldom more than five or six Hydoran houses ('''a̋ito''').
*The Hydoran village ('''na̋do''') is an independent entity. Each '''na̋do''' is the home of an extended family ('''se̋vo'''). The men and the women share the tasks of life and both are present in the daily activities. Therefore both men and women share in what little governance there is.
*The Hydoran village ('''na̋do''') is an independent entity. Each '''na̋do''' is the home of an extended family ('''se̋vo'''). The men and the women share the tasks of life and both are present in the daily activities. Therefore both men and women share in what little governance there is.
*However, the Hydorans believe that women are special messengers of Neeru ('''ne̋e̋ru''') and their words are given special weight in decision-making. Because of this, the women function as the leaders ('''tove̋ru''') of religious rituals. This role devolves on the eldest woman of the '''na̋do'''. Upon the death of the '''tove̋ru''' the office is assumed automatically by the eldest woman in the '''na̋do'''.  
*However, the Hydorans believe that women are special messengers of Neeru ('''ne̋e̋ru''') and their words are given special weight in decision-making. Because of this, the women function as the leaders ('''tove̋ru''') of religious rituals. This role devolves on the eldest woman of the '''na̋do'''. Upon the death of the '''tove̋ru''' the office is assumed automatically by the eldest woman in the '''na̋do'''.  
*When presiding, the '''tove̋ru''' holds in her right hand her staff of office, known as a verge ('''dasba̋xlo'''). The '''dasba̋xlo''' is made of willow ('''sálkĕdasba̋xlo'''). Affixed to the top of the '''dasba̋xlo''' is a blue pearl ('''pőm̃o''').
*When presiding, the '''tove̋ru''' holds in her right hand her staff of office, known as a verge ('''dasba̋xlo'''). The '''dasba̋xlo''' is made of willow ('''sálkɛdasba̋xlo'''). Affixed to the top of the '''dasba̋xlo''' is a blue pearl ('''pőm̃o''').
*She and the other women of the '''na̋do''' constitute the village council ('''náðmuþı̋ı̋ȝu'''). This council applies the law and makes policy for the '''na̋do'''.
*She and the other women of the '''na̋do''' constitute the village council ('''náðmuþı̋ı̋ȝu'''). This council applies the law and makes policy for the '''na̋do'''.
*There is an intersettlement council ('''meznáðmuþı̋ı̋ȝu''') to handle disputes that occur between '''na̋dos'''. This council meets in the oldest '''na̋do''' ('''ufna̋do''') of the '''daata̋ima''' which serves as the de facto capital of the '''daata̋ima'''. Every '''tove̋ru''' is a member of this council. The '''úftove̋ru''' heads the '''meznáðmuþı̋ȝu'''. She periodically makes visits to the other '''na̋dos'''.
*There is an intersettlement council ('''meznáðmuþı̋ı̋ȝu''') to handle disputes that occur between '''na̋dos'''. This council meets in the oldest '''na̋do''' ('''ufna̋do''') of the '''daata̋ima''' which serves as the de facto capital of the '''daata̋ima'''. Every '''tove̋ru''' is a member of this council. The '''úftove̋ru''' heads the '''meznáðmuþı̋ȝu'''. She periodically makes visits to the other '''na̋dos'''.
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==The Humans==
==The Humans==
*The Human government is a gynecocracy ('''ǧenda̋sta''').
*The Human government is a [[Wikipedia:Matriarchy|gynecocracy]] ('''ǧenda̋sra''').
*Each Human village ('''ṡe̋im̃o''') is an independent society. Each '''ṡe̋im̃o''' is the home of an extended family ('''se̋vo'''). The '''ṡe̋im̃o''' is limited to twelve homes ('''arge̋l̨o'''). When a male child is born who would require another home for his '''se̋vo''', a search begins for a site for a new '''ṡe̋im̃o''' and the twelve '''arge̋l̨os''' are dug and built. If an '''arge̋l̨o''' becomes unoccupied, a yet childless couple from another '''ṡe̋im̃o''' may be invited to join them, adding their horses to the '''ṡe̋im̃o''''s herd.
*Each Human village ('''ṡe̋im̃o''') is an independent society. Each '''ṡe̋im̃o''' is the home of an extended family ('''se̋vo'''). The '''ṡe̋im̃o''' is limited to twelve homes ('''arge̋l̨o'''). When a male child is born who would require another home for his '''se̋vo''', a search begins for a site for a new '''ṡe̋im̃o''' and the twelve '''arge̋l̨os''' are dug and built. If an '''arge̋l̨o''' becomes unoccupied, a yet childless couple from another '''ṡe̋im̃o''' may be invited to join them, adding their horses to the '''ṡe̋im̃o''''s herd.
*Because the men are involved with the care of the horses and are away with the herds in the warm weather, the Humans have developed a matriarchal society ('''máámeefƣe̋ðra'''). The head of the '''ṡe̋im̃o''' ('''ṡeim̃ne̋e̋ilu''') is appointed by her predecessor. She is not required to appoint her daughter or the oldest woman in the '''ṡe̋im̃o'''. Therefore, the '''ṡeim̃ne̋e̋ilu''' need not be the head of the extended family ('''sev̈e̋e̋l̤u'''). Should she die before making the appointment, the oldest woman in the '''ṡe̋im̃o''' takes the office.
*Because the men are involved with the care of the horses and are away with the herds in the warm weather, the Humans have developed a matriarchal society ('''máámeefƣe̋ðra'''). The head of the '''ṡe̋im̃o''' ('''ṡeim̃ne̋e̋ilu''') is appointed by her predecessor. She is not required to appoint her daughter or the oldest woman in the '''ṡe̋im̃o'''. Therefore, the '''ṡeim̃ne̋e̋ilu''' need not be the head of the extended family ('''sev̈e̋e̋l̤u'''). Should she die before making the appointment, the oldest woman in the '''ṡe̋im̃o''' takes the office.
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==The Xylans==
==The Xylans==
*The Xylans are completely without a governing structure.
*The Xylans have no governing structure.




==The Lithans==
==The Lithans==
*The Lithan government is an [[Wikipedia:Androcracy|androcracy]] ('''m̃iirda̋sta''').
*The Lithan government is an [[Wikipedia:Androcracy|androcracy]] ('''m̃iirda̋sra''').
*The Lithan village ('''kı̋lo''') is an independent commune. The citizens ('''kı̋lru''') of a '''kı̋lo''' are from many clans as the Lithans are much more mobile than the other Peoples.
*The Lithan village ('''kı̋lo''') is an independent commune. The citizens ('''kı̋lru''') of a '''kı̋lo''' are from many clans as the Lithans are much more mobile than the other Peoples.
*Since the men are part of the community life all year, the Lithans have adopted a patriarchal society ('''tááþeefƣe̋ðra'''), albeit not autocratic. The head of a '''kı̋lo''' ('''k̨őngu''') is elected by male suffrage. Having completed one’s 25th solstice ('''sűka''') confers eligibility on men. The term of office is two years. Vacancy in office results in a new election and a new two-year term.
*Since the men are part of the community life all year, the Lithans have adopted a patriarchal society ('''tááþeefƣe̋ðra'''), albeit not autocratic. The head of a '''kı̋lo''' ('''k̨őngu''') is elected by male suffrage. Having completed one’s 25th solstice ('''sűka''') confers eligibility on men. The term of office is two years. Vacancy in office results in a new election and a new two-year term.

Latest revision as of 05:33, 26 July 2024

Pronunciation table

peműko
(labial)
riisűko
(dental)
muitűko
(alveolar)
vainűko
(palatal)
ṡ̨uuše̋nos
(vowels with प)
nı̋þo ṡ̨uuše̋nos
(weak vowels)
p
b f v m t d þ ð ɫ l ż s z r n k g x ƣ h ȝ š i e a ɔ o u ı ɛ y
म़ ल़ स़ क़ ग़ स्व स्य इ ई
पि पी
ए एै
पे पै
अ आ
प पा
ऒ ॵ
पॊ पॏ
ओ औ
पो पौ
उ ऊ
पु पू
पं पऺ पॅ
/p/ /b/ /ɸ/ /β/ /m̥/ /m/ /t/ /d/ /θ/ /ð/ /l̥/ /l/ /ʦ/ /ʣ/ /s/ /z/ /ɾ̥/ /n/ /k/ /g/ /ç/ /ʝ/ /j̊/ /j/ /sʷ/ /sʲ/ /i/ /e/ /ä/ /ɒ/ /o/ /u/ /ɪ/ /ɛ/ /ʊ/


Introduction

  • Of the Six Peoples, the Ethrans live in large communal dwellings (ðűűno), the Pyrans live in villages (da̋bo), as do the Lithans (kı̋lo). The Hydorans and the Humans live in small restricted settlements (na̋do and ṡe̋im̃o, respectively). The word "community" (kőinu) refers generically to these five. The Xylans live solitary lives.
  • The governmental structure of the communal Peoples is very similar, differences depending on the life led by the People in question.
  • The communities of the Pyrans, Hydorans, Humans, and Lithans start as the home of one man and his family. This incipient community is established because the family’s former community can no longer support an increase in population. As a community grows, the site for a future community is selected and work on the infrastructure begins. This work must be done before the snow arrives.
  • There is no personal real estate, although other property can be held privately. The land and the buildings belong to the community, but the community’s government insures the rights of each family to live in and alter their dwelling and to utilize the crop fields and the pastures.


The Ethrans

  • The Ethran government is an oligarchy (s̨oxda̋sra). The mages are the "oligarchs", receiving their authority from the fact that were created to be such.
  • There are six mages (se̋ilu) , the eldest of whom is known as the archimage (reeðse̋ilu). Each one is the governor (ðuunda̋slu) of one of the six citadels. The two praetors (zı̋lþu) and three of the six archons (ka̋mþu) of the citadel constitute the citadel council (ðúúnmuþı̋ȝu). The elder of the praetors is the vice-governor (ðééðuunda̋slu). These councils meet as needed to make policy for their citadels. The three archons assume their offices according to a rotation schedule.
  • There is also a great council (mezðúúnmuþı̋ȝu) composed of the six mages who meet to make policy for the People as a whole.
  • The six citadels (in the order of their foundation) and their governors are as follows:
    • The Oriole Citadel (m̃élaƣðűűno) in the Caucasus Mountains - Ȝumm̃a̋ka Ma̋nu, the archimage
    • The Bullfinch Citadel (n̨angɛðűűno) in the southern Urals - Ȝumɫe̋ntu A̋su
    • The Kingfisher Citadel (ṡéérolðűűno) on the Crimean Peninsula - Ȝuma̋a̋þu Sa̋þru
    • The Rosefinch Citadel (ƥalbɛðűűno) in the Balkans - Ȝuma̋a̋þu Arma̋itu
    • The Woodpecker Citadel (piixðűűno) in the eastern Carpathian Mountains - Ȝumȝa̋ku Aurva̋tu
    • The Jackdaw Citadel (ðeexðűűno) in the western Carpathian Mountains – Ȝumgővtu Ámerta̋tu
  • At the main citadel there is a committee of six advisors appointed by the úfðuunda̋slu. Each of these advisors is assigned to one of the six river-regions (daata̋ima) of Sefdaania. They are appointed to handle any problems that occur between one People and another in their region.


The Pyrans

  • Each Pyran village (da̋bo) is an independent commune. Each da̋bo is the home primarily of an extended family (se̋vo), although in a few cases there are inhabitants who have moved from another da̋bo.
  • The head of the da̋bo (davne̋e̋ilu) is appointed by his predecessor. He is not required to appoint his son or the oldest man in the da̋bo. Therefore, the davne̋e̋ilu need not be the head of the extended family (sev̈e̋e̋l̤u). Should he die before making the appointment, the men of the council elect one of them to this office.
  • He and the other men of the da̋bo constitute the village council (dávmuþı̋ȝu). This council applies the law and makes policy for the da̋bo.
  • When presiding, the davne̋e̋ilu holds in his right hand his staff of office, known as a verge (dasba̋xlo). The dasba̋xlo is made of oak (pérkydasba̋xlo). Affixed to the top of the dasba̋xlo is an orange gemstone, usually a sphere of orange topaz (pűűṡo), known as precious topaz (arpűűṡo).
  • There is an intervillage council (mezdávmuþı̋ȝu) to handle disputes that occur between da̋bos of a river region. This council meets, as needed, in the oldest da̋bo (ufda̋bo) which serves as a de facto capital of that daata̋ima. Every davne̋e̋ilu is a member of this council. The úfdavne̋e̋ilu heads the mezdávmuþı̋ȝu. He periodically makes visits to the other da̋bos of his daata̋ima.


The Hydorans

  • The Hydoran government is a panocracy (orda̋sra).
  • The Hydorans live in an egalitarian, cooperative family commune. They are a fisher/gatherer society and have a less sophisticated social structure than the other three village Peoples. Their settlements are not so large as those of the other three Peoples. Whereas the da̋bo and the kı̋lo may have as many as 30 homes, there are seldom more than five or six Hydoran houses (a̋ito).
  • The Hydoran village (na̋do) is an independent entity. Each na̋do is the home of an extended family (se̋vo). The men and the women share the tasks of life and both are present in the daily activities. Therefore both men and women share in what little governance there is.
  • However, the Hydorans believe that women are special messengers of Neeru (ne̋e̋ru) and their words are given special weight in decision-making. Because of this, the women function as the leaders (tove̋ru) of religious rituals. This role devolves on the eldest woman of the na̋do. Upon the death of the tove̋ru the office is assumed automatically by the eldest woman in the na̋do.
  • When presiding, the tove̋ru holds in her right hand her staff of office, known as a verge (dasba̋xlo). The dasba̋xlo is made of willow (sálkɛdasba̋xlo). Affixed to the top of the dasba̋xlo is a blue pearl (pőm̃o).
  • She and the other women of the na̋do constitute the village council (náðmuþı̋ı̋ȝu). This council applies the law and makes policy for the na̋do.
  • There is an intersettlement council (meznáðmuþı̋ı̋ȝu) to handle disputes that occur between na̋dos. This council meets in the oldest na̋do (ufna̋do) of the daata̋ima which serves as the de facto capital of the daata̋ima. Every tove̋ru is a member of this council. The úftove̋ru heads the meznáðmuþı̋ȝu. She periodically makes visits to the other na̋dos.


The Humans

  • The Human government is a gynecocracy (ǧenda̋sra).
  • Each Human village (ṡe̋im̃o) is an independent society. Each ṡe̋im̃o is the home of an extended family (se̋vo). The ṡe̋im̃o is limited to twelve homes (arge̋l̨o). When a male child is born who would require another home for his se̋vo, a search begins for a site for a new ṡe̋im̃o and the twelve arge̋l̨os are dug and built. If an arge̋l̨o becomes unoccupied, a yet childless couple from another ṡe̋im̃o may be invited to join them, adding their horses to the ṡe̋im̃o's herd.
  • Because the men are involved with the care of the horses and are away with the herds in the warm weather, the Humans have developed a matriarchal society (máámeefƣe̋ðra). The head of the ṡe̋im̃o (ṡeim̃ne̋e̋ilu) is appointed by her predecessor. She is not required to appoint her daughter or the oldest woman in the ṡe̋im̃o. Therefore, the ṡeim̃ne̋e̋ilu need not be the head of the extended family (sev̈e̋e̋l̤u). Should she die before making the appointment, the oldest woman in the ṡe̋im̃o takes the office.
  • When presiding, the ṡeim̃ne̋e̋ilu holds in her right hand her staff of office, known as a verge (dasba̋xlo). The dasba̋xlo is made of ash (óósdasba̋xlo). Affixed to the top of the dasba̋xlo is a red gemstone, usually a sphere of garnet (reuðta̋a̋ino).
  • There is nothing so structured as a ṡe̋im̃o council. The women merely gather to discuss the policies of the ṡe̋im̃o. They apply the law and make policies for the ṡe̋im̃o, except for the care of the horses which is the responsibility of the men.
  • Disputes between ṡe̋im̃os are solved by binding arbitration. The women of a third ṡe̋im̃o act as arbitrators.


The Xylans

  • The Xylans have no governing structure.


The Lithans

  • The Lithan government is an androcracy (m̃iirda̋sra).
  • The Lithan village (kı̋lo) is an independent commune. The citizens (kı̋lru) of a kı̋lo are from many clans as the Lithans are much more mobile than the other Peoples.
  • Since the men are part of the community life all year, the Lithans have adopted a patriarchal society (tááþeefƣe̋ðra), albeit not autocratic. The head of a kı̋lo (k̨őngu) is elected by male suffrage. Having completed one’s 25th solstice (sűka) confers eligibility on men. The term of office is two years. Vacancy in office results in a new election and a new two-year term.
  • When presiding, the k̨őngu holds in his right hand his staff of office, known as a verge (dasba̋xlo). The dasba̋xlo is made of beech (váázdasba̋xlo). Affixed to the top of the dasba̋xlo is a purple gemstone, usually a sphere of jasper (ȝa̋xpo).
  • All men eligible to vote comprise the village council (kílmuþı̋ȝu). This council applies the law and makes policies for the kı̋los.
  • The mines are communal property. Each mining Lithan pays a percentage of what he mines to the kı̋lo. Part of this tax is used to help those families whose fathers can no longer work in the mines or in the smithies.
  • There is an intervillage council (mezkílmuþı̋ȝu) to handle disputes that occur between kı̋los. This council meets, as needed, in the oldest kı̋lo (ufkı̋lo) which serves as a de facto capital of that daata̋ima. Every k̨őngu is a member of this council. The ufk̨őngu heads the mezkílmuþı̋ȝu. He periodically makes visits to the other kı̋los.


Sefdaanian Ethnography Chapter 20 - Warfare