Nyasa Civilization

The Holy Civilization of Nyasa is a massive civilization covering most of the Southern Continent. Its capital is Nyasa City, and the current head of state is Pope Cross I.

History
The Nyasa Civilization dates itself to its unification under Pelor, though the land there has been inhabited since the beginning of recorded history. Because of regular inundations from the Nubian River, Nyasa contains much of the most fertile land on the Southern Continent. The ease of acquiring surplus food led to rapid development of arts, culture, and technology, especially in the central lands.

Nyasans mark their history by the god who rules the country; between divine rulers are (sometimes long) Intermediate Periods. This is also the basis for the Nyasan calendar.

The First Kingdom
Pelor in mortal form founded Nyasa in the first age by the unification of the ancient kingdoms Nayir and Seia. The Caltris School was founded during the reign of Pelor, making it the oldest educational institution in the West. Pelor ruled for a thousand years within the First Age before ascending in a pillar of light on December 25th, a day now sacred to his worshipers.

The Second Kingdom
Under the reign of St Cuthbert the empire expanded to its current borders, taking in more of the lands to the west and south. After Cuthbert's murder and ascension, the country entered a long Intermediate Period of comparative stagnation and religious tensions between the followers of the two gods. Strict religious laws came into favor, and the country's rich artistic tradition was suppressed in all but religious channels.

The Third Kingdom
The relaxation of social restrictions and flowering of culture that took place under the reign of Cross caused many to declare his rule the beginning of a Third Age. With Cross currently mid-ascension, his divine status appears to have been confirmed, entering Nyasa officially into the Third Age.

Government
Nyasa is officially a theocracy under the blessing of the Sun Lineage: Pelor, Cuthbert, and now Cross. Only followers of these three gods are permitted to hold holy offices and certain administrative positions. Worship of certain minor gods is permitted so long as their church submits to the authority of one of the three major churches. The leader of Nyasa is His/Her Holiness the Pope of the Holy Empire of Nyasa and Lands Beyond, Blessed of the Sun. With the death of Pope Cross I, a conclave has been declared to elect the next leader.