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Dispatch → Factbook → Overview
The Sacred Lands of Bisofeyr
Bisofeyr (pronounced baɪsoʊfeɪɹ), officially the Sacred Lands of Bisofeyr, is an archipelagic island nation situated off the coast of Anterio within the Farousian Ocean. Known for its remarkable citizenry who possess subtle magical abilities, Bisofeyr is a sparsely populated country with a total population of 4,878. The nation's most defining characteristic is its connection to the Bisofeyri Ether, a benevolent entity believed to be the source of the nation's magical prowess. This connection has deeply influenced Bisofeyr's culture, politics, and economy.
Bisofeyr is comprised primarily of three ethnic groups: the Prinsdilli (46%), the Lunselionese (28%), and the Shoulite (21%), with other ethnicities accounting for the remaining 5%. The official language is Bisofeyri Gratiae, and the predominant religion is Bisofeyri Aetheris, practiced by 91% of the population. The capital city of Bisofeyr is Lunsel, and its largest city is Parao.
Bisofeyr is uniquely governed as an Arcanocracy, a form of government deeply intertwined with the religious practice of Bisofeyri Aetheris. In this system, the citizens channel their mystical powers, granted by the Bisofeyri Ether, back into the Ether itself. This collective channeling of energy allows the Ether to select individuals for prominent government positions. The appointments made by the Ether are dynamic and can change at any moment, reflecting what the Ether perceives as the best course for the nation. This process is directly influenced by the collective attitudes and energies of the populace engaging with the entity, creating a government that is both mystical and deeply connected to the will of its people.
The nation's economy, with a GDP of 1.71 million, is largely driven by domestic trade with little concern for economic growth or prosperity. The currency used in Bisofeyr is the Bis (β). Despite its mystical allure and economic stability, Bisofeyr remains a peaceful and somewhat isolated nation, engaging minimally in international politics but often serving as a mediator in regional conflicts, thanks to its neutral stance and perceived wisdom.
1. Introductory
2. Etymology
3. History
4. Demographic
- Population
- Religion
5. Government
- Foreign Relations & the World Assembly
6. Economy
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Etymology
The name "Bisofeyr" has undergone several linguistic evolutions, reflecting the island's historical and cultural developments. The initial names used by the indigenous tribes varied significantly, each denoting different cultural and geographical aspects.
As the tribes merged, the first recorded composite name was "Bisofel." This term combined "Biso," derived from a word meaning "unity" or "convergence," with "Fel," a term in ancient dialects signifying 'land' or 'territory'. "Bisofel" represented the early stages of linguistic unification, illustrating the tribes' move towards a shared identity.
Subsequently, the name evolved into "Bisofeila," with the suffix "eila" indicating 'homeland' or 'realm' in the region's dialects. This variation marked a linguistic shift that emphasized not only the physical land but also the notion of a unified national identity.
The transition to the current name, "Bisofeyr," was a result of further linguistic developments and possibly external influences from neighboring regions. The component "Feyr," akin to 'land' or 'realm,' offered a more modern and succinct phonetic structure. This change was indicative of the evolving speech patterns and cultural integration within the nation.
Bisofeyr was initially discovered by the nomadic peoples Farous, who existed primarily as "island-hoppers", with a proficiency for sailing intermittently. The Sacred Lands were originally found by the Farous around 670 years ago, which is the first known time that any person set foot on the Archipelago. This moment is often considered the catalyst of Bisofeyri civilization, and is roughly tied to the calendar system within the region. Bisofeyri historians credit the mythological figure Colote with leading the expedition that discovered the region, along with establishing and leading the first aspects of civilization on the islands. Accounts vary, but Colote is often credited with establishing initial relations with the Bisofeyri Ether.
The initial settlement as Bisofeyr, as led by Colote, was not meant to be a prolonged civilization, and rather intended to serve as an outpost for Farousian sailors to stop in as they passed by, to restock on food and water and have a place to sleep for several nights. While the Farous had developed a system of writing at the time, making first-person accounts impossible, oral tradition has relayed that Buk-chot, the precursor to modern Lunsel, was created to exist for a time of no more than four years.
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Arcanocracy, as several scholars refer to it as, is a form of government wholly unique to Bisofeyr. It's basis is within the unique endowment of powers granted to the citizens of Bisofeyr by the Bisofeyri Ether. Under this system, lead governmental positions are chosen by directing the energy of the Ether toward a central energy bank which dictates the individuals responsible for governmental management. Notably, the positions traditionally chosen by the Ether are that of the Magus Regent, the chief executive of the nation, the Arcanum Vice-Regent, serving as the head of internal affairs of the nation, and the Celestial Provost, the head of the legislature of Bisofeyr. While these three positions are the traditional positions to be chosen by the Ether in the unique arcanocratic form, there have been instances in the past where other positions have been created, filled, or vacated by the Ether. There is no set schedule for a shift in governmental power, and often occurs abruptly and without notice.
Presently, the title of Magus Regent is held by Delfi Quix, who has held the position now for four years, following the death of her predecessor, Fetil Bur. Quix has implemented a focus on expanding the international influence of Bisofeyr, with the specific desire to combat the widespread pollution caused by the manufacturing and production sectors of surrounding nations, and how that has weakened the Bisofeyri Ether. Similarly, the Arcanum Vice-Regent is currently filled by Murr Plocte, and the Celestial Provost is currently filled by Selest Selie.
The legislature of Bisofeyr, known officially as the Bisofeyri Convocation, is the other fundamental aspect of Bisofeyri politics. The Convocation serves as a form of direct democracy, where all persons from the ages of 14-76 are invited to debate and vote on specific items of law, court proceedings, and other agenda items that may arise. It typically meets once every four weeks, and there tends to be a high engagement rate from the general populace, averaging a 63% attendance rate, with the participation skyrocketing to 89% among persons 28-52 years old.
Some have compared the Bisofeyri Convocation with being akin to a religious communion, tying in very closely with the state-sponsored religion of Bisofeyri Aetheris. As such, the Celestial Provost sits both as the arbiter of legislation and as the religious head.
Foreign Relations & the World Assembly
Historically, Bisofeyr has remained neutral on the world stage, beyond a general stance of advocating for neutrality for themselves. However, under the reign of Magus Regent Fetil Bur, hostilities with the neighboring nation of Anterio began to fester, as Bur worked to reduce the strain of Anterio's industrial sector on Bisofeyr's ecosystems, which was accompanied with a noted reduction in the ability of the Bisofeyri Ether.
Following Bur's death, and during the current reign of Magus Regent Delfi Quix, more drastic action has been taken through the nation's newfound involvement with the World Assembly via the Bisofeyri World Assembly Mission. Their general stance is to create widespread adoption of strong environmental regulations to as many nations as possible: this has led to them as being labelled as a traditional "National Sovereigntist", in an effort to encourage more nations to join the assembly and thus be subject to these regulations.
The World Assembly Mission falls under the duties of the Arcanum Vice-Regent, though the Magus Regent has been particularly involved in the start-up of the program. The Mission currently is located in the outskirts of Parao, and currently contains two full-time staff appointed by the Vice-Regent, though there have been individuals in the general populace who have contributed as they have seen fit. Currently, the Chief Delegate to the World Assembly is Norde Lot, with his Vice-Delegate being Vol Vol.