Theíosae

The Theíosae (Thee-o-say) are a native race located in the center of Rathnir in the Archonate of Theiónikos. Because of Theiónikos being so old there has been a lot of shift in culture, religion & race, because of when the Escharian Empire annexed Yimmu-Audal including the Archonate of Theiónikos, Theiónikos was flooded by Niedene people making the Theíosae influenced by the Niedene.

It is said that the Theíosae were split into some subgroups most popular ones being Gebelish & Portuan. The Lausarii in Theiónikos went extinct after Theiónikos became independent from Escharia. The Gebelish or Gebelistani are mainly located in the region of Gebel (Tétrarchy véhk Gebél) north of Theiónikos, they are heavy alcoholics and home of the famous Gebelish beer & love cookies & milk. The Portuan were huge at the start of Theíos-Essukdal, but an event called the "Orange Catastrophe" happened, the Orange Catastrophe represents the day of when someone lit the entire holy town of the Portuans "Portus-Plagram" to the ground only 1 Portuan lived, that being Árkohn Círan'dir ké ik Gálus, reviving the race afterwards.

Diet and food
Because of them living in the desert, there wasn't much food, so they see eating time as a pleasure and a blessing from god. Therefore they eat cleanly without making a mess, they chew and swallow with there mouth close, make sure they keep a straight back, just overall respect for the food on their plates. Usually people eat with their family & friends. It is also very rude to not finish your food if it had potatoes, potatoes are special to the Theíosae because its the food that saved them from starvation. They use utensils to eat meat, salad or anything cooked or prepared, they can use their hands for a quick snack.

The Deserts of Theíos is very empty when it comes to vegetation and meat, but in the ancient days, so they would not starve, they made potato farms along the Auraion and Gebelish Bays making them the main potato producers within the area and saving the people from starvation. Currently the Theíósae diet varies from wear you live, but it mainly differentiates according to wealth & noble titles, the non nobility individuals ate potatoes, fish & onions lots of times making stews with all these combined, the nobility ate Rabbit, potatoes, lettuce and a glass of beer.

Clothing
The Theíosae traditionally wore clothing that was forged to help them from their landscape of blizzarding heat. Most of the clothing was made from linen which was found in the region of Gebel & North Auraion. Peasants would wear thin breathable tunics from linen. The Theíosae today usually wear brownish orange robes made by linen or silk, silk which they import from other areas.

Rarely in the dunes of Theiónikos especially in the winter there could be some cold weather, usually when its cold the Theiósae were their robes other a thick tunic below or if its super cold they usually stay home and light a fire.

Competitiveness of the Theíosae
Because of the Theiósae residing within the desert, there wasn't much food around, meaning the Theíosae competed for food & valuables in events & competitions, thus making them very competitive and selfish with each other.

Values
The Theíosae hold a lot of things as values, they hold great value for items or tools they gained from inheritance or just given from their parents and they usually use said items for their entire life, and keeping it. They also have nature as a value, preserving their deserts, rivers, trees etc.

Marriage and wedding
In the lower classes, people often choose who to marry. This is not the case in the nobility, their marriages are most likely used for political goals: To forge an alliance, to get out of debt, to secure an inheritance, etc.

A marriage is most often between a man and a woman, to ensure children. In rare cases, a man can marry a man and a woman can marry a woman, although this happens far less often. The Theiosist Church accepts both, seeing marriage as the union of 2 humans, regardless of gender.

The normal age for marriage is in the early life of adulthood. The Theíosae live up to 150 years and reach adulthood in their mid-thirties.

Normally it is the woman that proposes to the man, using a marriage dagger. According to ancient stories, a dagger is given so that if adultery is committed, the adulterer can be murdered by their spouse, preferably in their sleep. The dagger represents commitment and unity. The more decorated the dagger is, how richer the proposer is. In Theioniki culture, the woman is frequently given the role of leader of the couple's social life. This is why she always proposes. The man is seen as the leader of their finances and politics. It is expected of the spouse that receives the dagger to give the proposer an as well decorated dagger exactly eight days before their marriage, representing the eight angels of Theíosism.

After the proposal, the fiancees can wait up to 4 months before the actual ceremony. After the 4 months window, the proposal should be renewed; otherwise, the sincerity of their love could be placed in question.Exactly eight days before their marriage, after the second dagger has been given, the two fiancees would go request the presence of a member of the Theiosist clergy. The higher this clergyman is in the hierarchy of Theiosism, the higher the social status of the new couple. In reality, these priests are often informed months before the wedding. But due to tradition, they may only be officially informed in the 8-day window before the ceremony.

The actual ceremony is rather short, taking place in any place of worship. Once again, the higher the status of the couple and the clergyman, the bigger and more prestigious this sanctum will be.The priest starts off by calling the bride forward, their fiance following.

He then calls upon Theíos to witness the ceremony:

"Oh Sun of Truth and everlasting Light, bless us with Thy presence. Today we come together in this holy place for the union of 2 Theiosists. They are here to complete the Sakrement of Matrimony."

He then follows up with:

"Do you (bride), swear to Theios and all his Angels that you will be truthful and faithful to (groom) for eternity?"

"Do you (groom), swear to Theios and all his Angels that you will be truthful and faithful to (bride) for eternity?"

"Then may you be united forever, in life and death, in prosperity and poverty, and in good times and bad times. These Oaths are sealed by Turin, Angel of Justice and Keeper of Oaths."

"You may now kiss the groom."

After the short ceremony, the couple can decide to hold a large or small private party; this again is dependent on the couple's wealth and social status.

Subgroups
Gebelish: WIP

Coronation process
The soon to be crowned Archon slowly enters the room. He sits upon the throne, surrounded by guards. The Coronation will start off with a chant to Theios, sung by a priest. This priest, in most cases, is the former Archon, reincarnated by Theios to fulfill the ceremony. The chant goes as follows:

Oh Sun of Truth and everlasting Light, our God Theios have mercy on us and bless us with Thy presence.

Look upon your humble servant Círandir Keírikos Gálus, who through your mercy and wisdom was deemed worthy.

''Oh, (Archon), thy are hereby crowned, by mandate from the Sun, Archon of His Victory. May you uphold His Fire,  and keep us from the cold grasp of heresy and blasphemy.''

The priest will go on to give the first of the three Regelia, the crown of Theionikos. Then the priest proclaims:This Crown will, if thee are faithful, give you the protection of Theios.

The priest goes on to gives the second artifact, the Sword of Light. He tells the Archon:

''The Sword of Light was forged by the prophet Inirion, bless him. May you use it to strike His enemies, and those of the Archonate. Use it to defend His people, and execute His will.''

The priest will move on the last artifact, maybe the most mysthical of them all. The Apple of Asria. But before giving it, he warns the Archon to be careful:

''This apple, one of 2, but the only one left, was plucked from the tree of life, the Avendesora, by the angel Asria. The first one was given to the prophet Inirion, so he could live a long and healthy life. May you use it wisely, under His guidance, to save the Archonate if it is needed. But use it unwisely, influenced by the Darkness, and your soul will be decimated to the very source that made you eat it.''With all artifacts given, the priest calls out the new Archon:

''Then I hereby declare you Archon of Theionikos. May you be guided by the wisdom of Theios, his angels and your predecessors. Bless Theios! BLESS THE ARCHON!''

The ceremony will go on with the counts and noblemen swearing loyalty, and them recieving their powers through the Archon. Every Archon lets the nobles swear diffirent oaths, as a sign that their rule is independent from the last. No priests of other religions are allowed to bless the Archon. An exception is made when the head of Hukar Sharud wants to formally declare the new Archon an Audalad, and member of that dynasty. This isn't seen as a real blessing of religious nature though.

Tournaments
The Theioniki are famous for their many and glamorous tournaments. In 3 county capitals, Mingrelia, Ayesinco and Gebel, there are arenas. The national and county governments try to organize biweekly tournaments. The prize can go from a simple title or some cash, to mythical artifacts. People all from the Alteniquian continent go to Theionikos to train in their arenas. Especially the gladiators of Mingrelia are renowned for their skill and pride. During the so called "Spartacus Revolt", a famed Mingrelian gladiator attempted to free his fellow slaves from their bonds. This revolt was quickly put down by the Riders of Theios, under the command of the blessed archon Círandir Galus.