Okay, on with the first portrait:
- memoq.JPG (39.18 KiB) Viewed 2443 times
The Tarandim are a civilization of small city-states; some of them kingdoms, some of them republics. Tey're generally pretty small (the largest one is about the size of England, though most of it is under-populated steppe.)
The clergy is the one institution common to all states.
Priests are expected to wander around quite a bit; to study in various monasteries and to seek employment among the various tiny states of the Tarande.
Their chief function is scholarship -- they're expected to be familiar with an impressive literary corpus, and to know Kangrim, Qammonam and Simbri. Temples (main) serve as primary schools (for a premodern civilization, the Tarande enjoys a high literacy rate.)
As they are somewhat outside all communities (and versed in the law), they often act as mediators, judges and diplomats. This is a particularly difficult tasks, because -- with the crucial exception of truly heinous crimes -- they have very little means of enforcement.
Memoq an Yillaq wears the traditional long robes of the priesthood (as they are pretty cumbersome, this subtly signals their status as non-belligerants). On his breast he bears the bird claw of the Republic of Cardosa -- suggesting he is on a mission for the Republic, his current employers.
Priests are expected to have long hair, long beards and be a little unkempt. Another insignia of the priesthood is the staff; the turtle symbolizes Earth and the mirror represents Heavens. Both combined are a symbol of Sobar an Qoan (the supreme deity). The turtle face painting suggests he's particularly devoted to the god Massotis (Earth)
The skull badge sewn on his sleeve indicates a baqmeris, 'eater of men', a fairly high ranking priests.
For truly heinous crimes or in war, the community may order punishment through human sacrifice (bammorsa). A symbolic amont of the blood and flesh of victim is consumed; the badge indicates Memoq has officiated in such a ritual.
