Theiotokos

Background
The town of Theiotokos is a northwestern desert-made trading post and religious center worshiping the god Theios. It sits upon a mountain within the great desert at the heart of the central continent of Alteniquia, and is located at a crucial junction in the trade network between Alteniquia Proper and the Serene Republic of Carvay on the continent of Vastallos.

The town was originally founded as a Temple to the God Theios by the Prophet Inirion, but fell after the Red Heresy. The Temple was then rebuilt and made the center of a new settlement as a part of the Empire of Yimmu-Audal by LethalMuffin193, a citizen of Urnu-Arrak who had sold himself into indentured servitude to the Secretary of Cultural Affairs of Yimmu-Audal, and First Jagdasian Emperor StoryStudio, and who was freed from the former's suzerainty and patronage after the dissolution of Yimmu-Audal.

Theiotokos currently acts as the capital of the Duchy of Theiónikos, a realm within the Kingdom of Theios Essukdal, which was formerly the Soleannen Imperial Province of the Duchy of Theiónikos, which was formed when the Neo Soleannen Empire split their conquered lands into two successor states of Yimmu-Audal.

Religion and Culture
Theiotokos is a Holy Site of the Theiosistic Faith as was asserted by LethalMuffin193 due to it being situated atop the mountain where the God Theios revealed himself to the Prophet Inirion. The town currently maintains the greatest Temple to Theios in the Kingdom of Theios-Essukdal and is a sacred place to the followers of the Sun God, with all who believe in his Divine Light encouraged to partake in a great pilgrimage to the settlement just as the Prophet once did.

The main religion of Theiotokos is Theiosism, which was the Sakrelist Faith of Yimmu-Audal. It is a monotheistic religion centered around the God of the Sun Theios, who is believed to be the Father of Mankind and the Eternal God of the Universe. He is represented by the symbol of a sun or a triangle of his three visages. Sometimes he is represented with a cross, which itself represents the unity of both the trinity of his three visages and his Holy Earthly Kingdom of Alteniquia. These visages are the Holy Fire, the Divine Light, and the Eternal Sun, each one being a divine form of Theios and depiction of his power. The cross also acts as representations of the Prophet Inirion, since the Patron Angel of the Prophet was Treiur, who is sometimes represented with the symbol of a golden sword plunged into the earth. These crosses can be seen across the settlement, often accompanied by religious texts which are free to be read by both visitors and locals alike.

The primary culture of Theiotokos is Niedene. The town is home to a portion of the Niedene Minority within the Kingdom of Theios-Essukdal, with these particular Niedene hailing from the Lausarii tribes, particularly the tribe of Kjásthejm. They practice their own unique cultural traditions, and act with a great deal of honour and respect towards others. The Lausarii are known to be extremely generous whilst also a bit cautious of outsiders. They are always on the ready to defend against an attack upon their homes, but the average traveler and passerby are likely to be showered in gifts and supplies for their journeys. They also are known to have a great deal of respect for nature, often revering it, but in the harsh desert landscape surrounding Theiotokos this is hardly consequential or even noticeable. The next largest group in Theiotokos are the Gebelistani, a hard working and hardy people descended from the Audaladae. They are exceptionally industrious, adaptable, and are known for their masterfully architecture. As builders the Gebelistani have worked alongside the Niedene to create a unique architectural style based around the materials available in their harsh desert home.

Government
The government of Theiotokos consists entirely of the religious leaders of the Theiosistic Sakrelist Faith and is the seat of Theiosist power on the continent. The settlement is ruled by the absolute spiritual authority of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Theiotokos and the Archpriest of the Patriarchate. The Lesser Patriarchs of the Sanctum of Theiotokos, including the Patriarch of Urnu-Arrak and Pyriad often gather here to attend the Ecumene Council. The temple itself is administered by the Lesser Hierarchy, which is lead by the Archpriest, with rites and services performed by Priests, and the Temple maintained by Monks. The current Ecumenical Patriarch of Theiotokos is LethalMuffin193.

The Hierarchies of the Patriarchate of Theiotokos are organized as follows:


 * 1) Triarch/Ecumenical Patriarch (Full title): His Most Divine All-Holiness the Beatified Grand Triarch of the Western Temple and Ecumenical Patriarch of Theiotokos (name).
 * 2) Patriarch (Full title): His Beatitude Father (name), Patriarch of Theiotokos.
 * 3) Archpriest (Full title): His Most Divine Eminence Father (name), Archpriest of Theiotokos.
 * 4) Priest (Full title): His Grace Father (name), Priest of Theiotokos.

Production and Industry
Although Theiotokos is primarily a Religious Site, it is also renown for its metal and textile industries. The desert region surrounding the settlement is littered with massive mineral rich cave networks and ravines which contain large amounts of coal, iron, and gold. The town has taken advantage of this fact, and currently produces large quantities of metal in the hopes of being able trade with and supply towns like Gebel, Ayesinco and Yirenes. They are also known for textiles, producing large amounts of wool and paper which are used to create banners, beds, books, and other useful items. Their textiles are supported by the abundance of livestock in the nearby savannah regions, as well as the many river systems which cut through the heart of Alteniquia and offer ample room for the growth of sugar cane and other valuable crops.