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*Tundra
*Tundra
*Volcanic
*Volcanic
*Savannah|surface water=67%|habitability=100%|average surface temperature=8°C|official title='''Sacred Union of Skantos'''|government type=Theocratic Parliamentary Confederacy under a Constitutional Elective Monarchy|administrator=*'''King''' [[Akamatsu Ietada]] of [[Karakoram]]
*Savannah|surface water=67%|habitability=100%|average surface temperature=8°C|official title='''Sacred Union of Skantos'''|government type=Parliamentary Confederacy|administrator=*'''King''' [[Akamatsu Ietada]] of [[Karakoram]]
*'''Abbot''' [[Bhakto Sambhota]] of [[Mosonaral]]
*'''Abbot''' [[Bhakto Sambhota]] of [[Mosonaral]]
*'''King''' [[Xue Yang]] of [[Saikhan]]
*'''King''' [[Xue Yang]] of [[Saikhan]]
*'''Chief''' [[Anana Qimmiq]] of [[Senkher]]|capital city=[[Lianguoshi]]|demonym=Skantoan|native species=*[[Boone]]
*'''Chief''' [[Anana Qimmiq]] of [[Senkher]]|capital city=[[Lianguoshi]]|demonym=Skantoan|native species=*[[Boone]]
*[[Crystal Ponies]]?
*[[Omkha]]
*[[Omkha]]
*[[Praxtin]]
*[[Praxtin]]
*[[Skantoans]] (Majority)|immigrated species=*[[Humans]]
*[[Skantoans]] (Majority)
*[[Theyvinn]]|immigrated species=*[[Humans]]
*[[Qu]]|world languages=*[[Ikhtalnolian]]
*[[Qu]]|world languages=*[[Ikhtalnolian]]
*[[Regialian]]|population=~2.9 Billion|notable nations=*[[Anor Londo]]
*[[Regialian]]|population=~2.9 Billion|notable nations=*[[Anor Londo]]
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Skantos is unique for its unnaturally immense concentration of [[Orgone Energy]]<ref>Alongside [[Memoria]] and especially [[Divine Energy]], though they are less measurable.</ref> making it among the most spiritual and [[Magic|magically]]-prone planet that is known to exist, being one of the only planets to be classified as a '[[Spiritual Planets|Spiritual Planet]]'. Despite this, actually getting to Skantos to witness its unusual properties is a treacherous journey as Skantos is located in the heart of the "[[Skantos Maelstrom]]", a chaotic nebula full of debris and storms which prevents travel to the planet without carefully charting a course through the [[Skantos Passage]] which goes through the south-west of the Maelstrom, making navigation via larger vessels impossible. Another side effect of its location within the [[Skantos Maelstrom]] is scanners and telescopes generally have a hard time detecting objects within the Maelstrom, including Skantos itself most of the time. Skantos' spiritual nature appears to be capable of spreading far beyond the planet itself, with religions such as the [[Theian Native Faith]] and [[Ancient Yatan Faith]] being thought to have originated there, alongside many other religions thought to have originated elsewhere mysteriously being practiced by certain Skantoan cultures.
Skantos is unique for its unnaturally immense concentration of [[Orgone Energy]]<ref>Alongside [[Memoria]] and especially [[Divine Energy]], though they are less measurable.</ref> making it among the most spiritual and [[Magic|magically]]-prone planet that is known to exist, being one of the only planets to be classified as a '[[Spiritual Planets|Spiritual Planet]]'. Despite this, actually getting to Skantos to witness its unusual properties is a treacherous journey as Skantos is located in the heart of the "[[Skantos Maelstrom]]", a chaotic nebula full of debris and storms which prevents travel to the planet without carefully charting a course through the [[Skantos Passage]] which goes through the south-west of the Maelstrom, making navigation via larger vessels impossible. Another side effect of its location within the [[Skantos Maelstrom]] is scanners and telescopes generally have a hard time detecting objects within the Maelstrom, including Skantos itself most of the time. Skantos' spiritual nature appears to be capable of spreading far beyond the planet itself, with religions such as the [[Theian Native Faith]] and [[Ancient Yatan Faith]] being thought to have originated there, alongside many other religions thought to have originated elsewhere mysteriously being practiced by certain Skantoan cultures.
== Culture, Society and Demographics ==
Skantos as a whole is significantly less advanced than [[Human]] cultures despite possessing organized societies for much longer, only possessing extremely limited industrial capabilities with a vast majority of the planet being in a decentralized feudal/tribal state where local communities only nominally loyal to higher governing authorities. Due to their naturally decentralized nature, most Skantoan communities and regions which share a wider cultural group are in some form confederated into wider governmental institutions, often leading to a majority of the peoples of [[Karakoram]], [[Mosonaral]], [[Saikhan]], and (western/eastern) [[Senkher]] being depicted as 'unified' or homogenous societies, though in reality each of these four major civilizations is incredibly decentralized in varying degrees, with Karakoram arguably being the most centralized due to having a more widely recognized monarchy, Mosonaral being completely decentralized in an almost anarchic manner, Saikhan being a loose feudal collection of provinces and protectorates only nominally loyal to their "shared monarchy", and Senkher more-so being a collection of loose tribes of which many don't recognise the authority of their high Chief. As such, '''the often uniform colours on a map depicting Skantos as divided into four major powers should not be interpreted as meaning that they are unified nation-states''', as to this day each individual settlement (and especially each individual region) is effectively its own 'nation' in all but name.
Culturally, the four major cultural groups present in the four largest 'civilizations' differ from each other significantly. Due to Karakoram's harsh volcanic climate and the presence of competitors, the locals were forced to advance to higher levels than in much of the rest of Skantos which lead to the development of many centralized communities centred around family and social class which lead to the development of a surprisingly high living standard for such a harsh environment where agriculture is often difficult. Mosonaral's isolated and tightly populated position lead to it naturally maintaining a lifestyle of tight-nit communal villages primarily headed by religious figures, with the high level of trust in society leading to the development of a significant focus towards freedom and individual liberty despite the importance of religion. Saikhan's vast arable lands and river systems lead to the development of highly structured societies primarily dominated by major feudal lords and landowners nominally loyal to a shared ceremonial 'Saikhani monarchy' where they serve as governors and maintainers of social tradition, making the lives of the poorer majority of Saikhanians arguably worse than that of the other major cultural groups due to high degrees of social stratification and highly conservative attitudes preventing major progress which has instilled a kind of '[[wikipedia:Stoicism|stoicist]]' mentality. Senkheri culture is divided into two sub-groups where the developed 'west' possesses strict social roles and a clearer hierarchy while the 'east' is largely egalitarian and decentralized with a focus on respect, though due to sharing a harsh tundra climate they share many common traits thanks to both practicing similar forms of nomadism.
Alongside the four major civilizations of the Skantoans, the other less populous species of Skantos also possess their own cultures such as the subsistence-hunting [[Boone]], nomadic [[Omkha]] mounted-archers, the isolationist and advanced [[Praxtins]], the [[Crystal Ponies]] of the isolated [[Crystal Empire]], the mysterious and anarchic [[Theyvinn]] of [[Gleann Ganaim]],and the sole "alien" settlements of [[Anor Londo]] and [[Uhaten]] which developed after the [[Battle near Skantos Passage]] (though the latter has largely dissipated due to competition with Skantoans). Many other Skantoan cultures exist as well, with the [[Qankuli]] being a formerly Senkheri culture which developed a centralized monarchy which was maintained by brutality, with the [[Kasa-Kyolmik]] splitting off of them to embrace a 'less repressive' theocratic model, while to the south the [[Sideritum]] and [[Taaraa-Patitah]] cultures developed distinct religious beliefs from the wider Saikhani culture which lead to their separation, while [[Phillealand]] and [[Skelden]] simply never had enough contract with the rest of wider Saikhani culture to integrate into the group.


=== History ===
=== History ===
The history of Skantos is shrouded in mystery, though despite this it is known that complex societies and settlements created by the Skantoans had begun first forming on the planet in 26500 BCE, later being joined by the Omkha in 11900 BCE. Some evidence of societies advancing enough to even achieve space travel have been found from this ancient era (primarily around [[Sycoryo]]), though clearly any such technologies were either abandoned or the societies which used them collapsed. Skantos was seemingly never colonized or discovered by any spacefaring society until 202 CE due to the Skantos Maelstrom making the planet very difficult to detect, with this eventual discovery being done by a collection of pre-unification [[Yatan]] and [[Theian]] states such as [[Asophania]]<ref>(which is theorised to have some connection to the previously mentioned 'space travel' discoveries)</ref>, [[Gensokyo]], [[Iujadogia]], [[Macanaland]], though some contact had been occurring on beforehand thru the [[Library of Eden]].
The history of Skantos is shrouded in mystery, though despite this it is known that complex societies and settlements created by the Skantoans had begun first forming on the planet in 26500 BCE (though evidence suggests they were preceded by the Theyvinn in 63100 BCE), later being joined by the Omkha in 11900 BCE. Some evidence of societies advancing enough to even achieve space travel have been found from this ancient era (primarily around [[Sycoryo]]), though clearly any such technologies were either abandoned or the societies which used them collapsed. Skantos was seemingly never colonized or discovered by any spacefaring society until 202 CE due to the Skantos Maelstrom making the planet very difficult to detect, with this eventual discovery being done by a collection of pre-unification [[Yatan]] and [[Theian]] states such as [[Asophania]]<ref>(which is theorised to have some connection to the previously mentioned 'space travel' discoveries)</ref>, [[Gensokyo]], [[Iujadogia]], [[Macanaland]], though some contact had been occurring on beforehand thru the [[Library of Eden]].


While none of the aforementioned polities ever made a very significant presence near the planet, the [[Commonwealth of Independent Systems]] is another story as the CIS has over-time established an extensive presence throughout the Skantos System in the form of various hidden facilities and space-stations making use of the Skantos Maelstrom as a easy method of hiding their presence if ever necessary, effectively turning Skantos into an informal protectorate of the CIS and [[Yatan-Theian Accord]] as a whole (despite Skantos being unaware of this status, as its inhabitants have never made contact with either of them). Despite their considerable presence, neither the CIS or Accord have interfered extensively on the planet aside from bombing the [[Uhaten|Uhateni]] [[Qu]] with nuclear weapons to prevent their expansion, causing significant damage which prompted most Skantoan societies to confederate under a 'Sacred Union'.
While none of the aforementioned polities ever made a very significant presence near the planet, the [[Commonwealth of Independent Systems]] is another story as the CIS has over-time established an extensive presence throughout the Skantos System in the form of various hidden facilities and space-stations making use of the Skantos Maelstrom as a easy method of hiding their presence if ever necessary, effectively turning Skantos into an informal protectorate of the CIS and [[Yatan-Theian Accord]] as a whole (despite Skantos being unaware of this status, as its inhabitants have never made contact with either of them).  Skantos remained largely divided until the rise of the Ikhtalnol from the southwest and the Uhaten in the north, unifying most of the planet before their conflicts against one another and the wars caused by the aftermath of said events lead to Skantos re-fracturing. Despite their considerable presence, neither the CIS or Accord have interfered extensively on the planet aside from bombing the [[Uhaten|Uhateni]] [[Qu]] with nuclear weapons to prevent their expansion, causing significant damage which prompted most Skantoan societies to briefly confederate under a 'Sacred Union' until the damage subsided, allowing this 'union' to devolve into a mere alliance for mutual cooperation.


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
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File:Skantoseas.png|Water Bodies of Skantos
File:Skantoseas.png|Water Bodies of Skantos
</gallery>
</gallery>
== Culture and Demographics ==
[[File:Skantoancultures.png|left|thumb|175x175px|'''Skantoan Cultural Groups;'''<br>Red - Karakorami<br>Yellow - Mosonarali<br>Green - Saikhani<br>Blue - Senkheri]]
Skantos is home to a number of different cultural and demographic groups, with the by far most populous species being the [[Human]]-like [[Skantoans]] which can be found throughout the entirety of the planet. Alongside the Skantoans, many other species also call Skantos home such as the nomadic [[Omkha]] mainly found in southwestern Saikhan, the [[Qu|Uhateni Qu]] nowadays found primarily in western Senkher, the [[Praxtins]] found in the nation of [[Praxtus]] in [[Karakoram]], the [[Boone]] inhabiting several coastlines around the Ariun Tengis Sea, and the [[Humans]] in [[Anor Londo]].
=== Skantoan Cultures ===
Due to how widespread they are, Skantoans are divided into countless small cultural and linguistic groups that vary greatly from one another, though generally these cultures can be simplified into four 'Cultural Groups' with similar traits amongst one another, with the continents of [[Karakoram]], [[Mosonaral]], [[Saikhan]], and [[Senkher]] each featuring their own largely self-contained cultural group aside from much of [[northern Saikhan]], which is generally more similar to Senkher than the rest of Saikhan culturally. Aside from this major exception to the rule, some degree of overlap is inevitable due to the migration of peoples between regions, with occasional small enclaves of 'mismatched' sub-cultures and isolate groups being fairly common.
'''Karakorami Culture''' is the most uniform and centralized of all four groups due to the harsh volcanic climate of their home continent and occasional tensions with the neighbouring [[Praxtins]] forcing them to advance, leading to higher levels of technological and social progress than in other regions. Karakorami societies are generally centralized with a focus on order and honour, with 'family' serving as the most important social group, though high levels of class-based stratification are also prevalent with significant influence being in the hands of the nobility, which are the traditional heads of the various Karakorami clans and also influential within the Karakorami clergy (a 'class' unique to the Karakorami cultures), though many rulers also implement meritocracy to some extent where possible in order to allow people of lower classes to advance higher up the social ladder. Despite its harsh landscapes, Karakoram is arguably the most resource-rich region of Skantos which has allowed many Karakorami societies to possess very high standards of living. Socially, Karakorami culture is fairly progressive in many issues, with most sub-cultures featuring widespread gender equality and tolerance towards various groups. Other Karakorami beliefs include the burying of cremated ashes, [[Karakorami Folk Religion|ancestor worship]], nuclear families, coming-of-age rituals, and somewhat of a 'warrior culture'.
'''Mosonarali Culture''', much like their continent, is the smallest and most isolationist of all four, encompassing a number of related monastic traditions which make them by far the most spiritual (and magical) of the four groups. Mosonaralians tend to reside within tight-nit communal villages surrounding vast temples governed by elders, while all others are held as equal and granted significant social freedoms when compared to the other groups despite their religious devotion. As a part of [[Mosonarali Folk Religion]], it is encouraged to renounced worldly wealth and prosperity and minimize attachments in order to achieve enlightenment, leading to some tensions with other cultures which do not hold this tenet. Mosonaralians are generally accepting of all forms of love and attraction without any social expectation of hiding such feelings, while children are raised communally. Despite their generally progressive social views, many Skantoan temples segregate based on gender, though this is not necessarily universal, doesn't apply to pilgrims, and isn't very strict as exceptions are fairly common. Additional Mosonarali beliefs include cremation upon death, daily meditation, belief in reincarnation, belief in a '[[Spectrosphere|world of spirits]]' and a '[[Noosphere|world of thought]]', disavowing all violence aside from self-defence, and providing assistance to those in need wherever possible.
'''Saikhani Culture''' is arguably the most diverse (and least religious) out of any of the four cultural groups due to its position as the largest population-wise thanks to occupying most of the temperate and continental regions of Skantos, though their diversity has gradually weakened to some degree following the conquests of the [[Ikhtalnol]], a [[Omkha]] empire which managed to unify most of the Saikhani peoples in the late 400s. Saikhani society is very stratified into a class-based system originating from the belief in the importance of 'respect' among one's socioeconomic peers, leading to the nobility being highly respected as the 'natural leaders' of society despite their detachment from the issues of 'commoners' due to their wealth, while the 'middle class' also generally has many opportunities despite their comparatively poorer position. Contrasting to the upper minority, most Sakhani individuals can be considered 'peasants' with a remarkably lower standard of living which has lead to issues such as crime being the most prevalent among Saikhani communities. Despite the prevalence of inequality among Saikhani peoples, each individual tends to hold reverence for the nobility and local rulers, with especially the monarchs of the major city of [[Baxinsai]] being seen as a 'leading figure' throughout much of the Saikhani populated regions, while other regions tend to call their rulers 'Governors' in respect to Baxinsaiaside from some exceptions such as the monarchic [[Regialus]]. Beyond their stratified class divisions, Saikhanians often organize themselves into family-based 'Clans' which are generally synonymous with many of their smaller states. When it comes to social issues, Saikhanians tend to be among the most conservative of the four groups, avidly rejecting many advancements and having very strict social roles among their populace only rivalled by the patriarchal Western Senkheri cultures. Other major Saikhani beliefs include a rural lifestyle (outside of the few major cities), burying upon death, strict social hierarchies, [[wikipedia:Stoicism|stoicism]], polygamy and maintaining [[Saikhani Folk Religion|tradition]]. 
'''Senkheri Culture''' is generally divided into two distinct sub-groups, the 'Western Senkheri' sub-group practiced in Senkher itself, and the younger 'Eastern Senkheri' sub-group practiced in northern Saikhan, with the most notable difference being the higher importance of nobility and hereditary leadership in the West and a higher focus on egalitarianism and leaders being 'respected persons' in the east. The west is much more centralized, finding itself ruled by 'Chiefs' which serve as leaders of larger 'Chiefdoms' (generally 'tribal' polities based around familial kinship networks) with the Chief of [[Agnaquil]] being the most influential figure within their culture, while the east is much more informal with each local chief (which are moreso 'elected' until death or resignation rather than being hereditary) being generally only held with major importance within their own Chiefdom. The west is culturally much more stratified, having strict patriarchal gender-roles brought forth by their home's harsh climate which lead to the hunting men rising to prominence while women primarily remained as homemakers (though their gender-roles mainly apply to 'social function' rather than how relationships and marriages operate thanks to a degree of individualism), while such a distinction is much less pronounced or even completely nonexistent in the east. Other major Senkheri beliefs include arranged marriages (exclusive to the west), strict social norms and expectations (more prominent in the west), a generally nomadic way of life (generally universal), a high religious reverence via [[Senkheri Folk Religion]] (more prominent in the west), and valuing generosity (more prominent in the east).
=== Other Cultures ===
Beyond the widespread Skantoans, several other cultures call Skantos their home;
'''Boone''' culture is generally considered to be the least developed and most primitive of all Skantoan cultures, being primarily centred around small coastal fishing villages focused on subsistence hunting. '''Omkha''' culture is generally nomadic and clan-based due to the semi-arid terrain of the region they mainly inhabit, thus they are well known for their usage of working animals and archery, roaming around the southern steppes in 'hordes' to launch raids wherever possible to secure better lives for their own clans, eventually culminating in the rise of the Ikhtalnol empire which unified much of Skantos that allowed the largest of Skantos' modern major cities such as Khurukara to rise to prominence, though most of this region is nowadays populated by Skantoans. '''Praxtins''' are arguably the most isolationist of Skantos' species due to some degree of xenophobia towards outsiders, though regardless they are known for only accepting gifts when they are 'earned', a deep devotion to their religion based around [[Mount Karakoram]], and instilled honesty which has lead to a lack of lying.
Alongside its native intelligent life, two species from beyond Skantos have also made the planet their home, with the nation of Anor Londo being inhabited by Humans from the CIS, while much of Senkher was populated by a group of [[Qu]] which were stranded after the [[Battle near Skantos Passage]], leading to them developing their own 'spiritual technocratic' culture and society known as [[Uhaten]] which over centuries became the predominant world power and centre of technological advancement on the planet, though after the [[War of the Triple Alliance]] a majority of their population was wiped out aside from a couple thousand survivors which had lost nearly all of their technology and development.


= Government and Politics =
= Government and Politics =

Revision as of 14:44, 3 April 2026

Skantos
Astrographical Information
SystemSkantos System
SunsGerin
Moons
RingsNone
Orbital Position2
Rotation Period27 Hours
Orbital Period325 Days
GalaxyMilky Way
RimCenter Rim
QuadrantAlpha
Grid CoordinateN19
Physical Information
ClassTerrestrial
Diameter9324 Kilometers
AtmosphereBreathable
Climate
  • Tundra
  • Continental
  • Temperate
Primary Terrain
  • Steppe
  • Boreal Forest
  • Tundra
  • Volcanic
  • Savannah
Surface Water67%
Habitability (%)100%
Average Surface Temperature (°C)8°C
Societal Information
Official TitleSacred Union of Skantos
Government TypeParliamentary Confederacy
Administrator
Capital CityLianguoshi
DemonymSkantoan
Native Species
Immigrated Species
World Languages
Population~2.9 Billion
Notable Nations
AffiliationSacred Union of Skantos (Unaligned)
(De Facto Accord Protectorate)
Settled InBefore 34200 BCE
Organized In536 CE


Skantos is a medium-sized terrestrial planet and the second planet from Gerin, a K-Type Orange-Dwarf situated in the centre of the Skantos System, while Skantos itself is orbited by two moons, the much larger spherical Sar and the asteroid-sized Jirok. It is the second largest terrestrial planet in the Skantos System and the only habitable one, having 67% of its surface covered by oceans which surround a collection of four relatively cool and arid continents, with the northern regions of the planet being dominated by tundras, the equator being dominated by grasslands, and the southern regions being dominated by semi-arid steppes. Skantos has developed complex intelligent life such as the Skantoans, the predominant species of the planet which coexist with various other smaller groups. Skantos is divided into a number of independent nations of which a majority are members of the 'Sacred Union', a loose planet-wide confederacy/union/alliance designed to maintain peace and natural balance.

Skantos is unique for its unnaturally immense concentration of Orgone Energy[1] making it among the most spiritual and magically-prone planet that is known to exist, being one of the only planets to be classified as a 'Spiritual Planet'. Despite this, actually getting to Skantos to witness its unusual properties is a treacherous journey as Skantos is located in the heart of the "Skantos Maelstrom", a chaotic nebula full of debris and storms which prevents travel to the planet without carefully charting a course through the Skantos Passage which goes through the south-west of the Maelstrom, making navigation via larger vessels impossible. Another side effect of its location within the Skantos Maelstrom is scanners and telescopes generally have a hard time detecting objects within the Maelstrom, including Skantos itself most of the time. Skantos' spiritual nature appears to be capable of spreading far beyond the planet itself, with religions such as the Theian Native Faith and Ancient Yatan Faith being thought to have originated there, alongside many other religions thought to have originated elsewhere mysteriously being practiced by certain Skantoan cultures.

Culture, Society and Demographics

Skantos as a whole is significantly less advanced than Human cultures despite possessing organized societies for much longer, only possessing extremely limited industrial capabilities with a vast majority of the planet being in a decentralized feudal/tribal state where local communities only nominally loyal to higher governing authorities. Due to their naturally decentralized nature, most Skantoan communities and regions which share a wider cultural group are in some form confederated into wider governmental institutions, often leading to a majority of the peoples of Karakoram, Mosonaral, Saikhan, and (western/eastern) Senkher being depicted as 'unified' or homogenous societies, though in reality each of these four major civilizations is incredibly decentralized in varying degrees, with Karakoram arguably being the most centralized due to having a more widely recognized monarchy, Mosonaral being completely decentralized in an almost anarchic manner, Saikhan being a loose feudal collection of provinces and protectorates only nominally loyal to their "shared monarchy", and Senkher more-so being a collection of loose tribes of which many don't recognise the authority of their high Chief. As such, the often uniform colours on a map depicting Skantos as divided into four major powers should not be interpreted as meaning that they are unified nation-states, as to this day each individual settlement (and especially each individual region) is effectively its own 'nation' in all but name.

Culturally, the four major cultural groups present in the four largest 'civilizations' differ from each other significantly. Due to Karakoram's harsh volcanic climate and the presence of competitors, the locals were forced to advance to higher levels than in much of the rest of Skantos which lead to the development of many centralized communities centred around family and social class which lead to the development of a surprisingly high living standard for such a harsh environment where agriculture is often difficult. Mosonaral's isolated and tightly populated position lead to it naturally maintaining a lifestyle of tight-nit communal villages primarily headed by religious figures, with the high level of trust in society leading to the development of a significant focus towards freedom and individual liberty despite the importance of religion. Saikhan's vast arable lands and river systems lead to the development of highly structured societies primarily dominated by major feudal lords and landowners nominally loyal to a shared ceremonial 'Saikhani monarchy' where they serve as governors and maintainers of social tradition, making the lives of the poorer majority of Saikhanians arguably worse than that of the other major cultural groups due to high degrees of social stratification and highly conservative attitudes preventing major progress which has instilled a kind of 'stoicist' mentality. Senkheri culture is divided into two sub-groups where the developed 'west' possesses strict social roles and a clearer hierarchy while the 'east' is largely egalitarian and decentralized with a focus on respect, though due to sharing a harsh tundra climate they share many common traits thanks to both practicing similar forms of nomadism.

Alongside the four major civilizations of the Skantoans, the other less populous species of Skantos also possess their own cultures such as the subsistence-hunting Boone, nomadic Omkha mounted-archers, the isolationist and advanced Praxtins, the Crystal Ponies of the isolated Crystal Empire, the mysterious and anarchic Theyvinn of Gleann Ganaim,and the sole "alien" settlements of Anor Londo and Uhaten which developed after the Battle near Skantos Passage (though the latter has largely dissipated due to competition with Skantoans). Many other Skantoan cultures exist as well, with the Qankuli being a formerly Senkheri culture which developed a centralized monarchy which was maintained by brutality, with the Kasa-Kyolmik splitting off of them to embrace a 'less repressive' theocratic model, while to the south the Sideritum and Taaraa-Patitah cultures developed distinct religious beliefs from the wider Saikhani culture which lead to their separation, while Phillealand and Skelden simply never had enough contract with the rest of wider Saikhani culture to integrate into the group.

History

The history of Skantos is shrouded in mystery, though despite this it is known that complex societies and settlements created by the Skantoans had begun first forming on the planet in 26500 BCE (though evidence suggests they were preceded by the Theyvinn in 63100 BCE), later being joined by the Omkha in 11900 BCE. Some evidence of societies advancing enough to even achieve space travel have been found from this ancient era (primarily around Sycoryo), though clearly any such technologies were either abandoned or the societies which used them collapsed. Skantos was seemingly never colonized or discovered by any spacefaring society until 202 CE due to the Skantos Maelstrom making the planet very difficult to detect, with this eventual discovery being done by a collection of pre-unification Yatan and Theian states such as Asophania[2], Gensokyo, Iujadogia, Macanaland, though some contact had been occurring on beforehand thru the Library of Eden.

While none of the aforementioned polities ever made a very significant presence near the planet, the Commonwealth of Independent Systems is another story as the CIS has over-time established an extensive presence throughout the Skantos System in the form of various hidden facilities and space-stations making use of the Skantos Maelstrom as a easy method of hiding their presence if ever necessary, effectively turning Skantos into an informal protectorate of the CIS and Yatan-Theian Accord as a whole (despite Skantos being unaware of this status, as its inhabitants have never made contact with either of them). Skantos remained largely divided until the rise of the Ikhtalnol from the southwest and the Uhaten in the north, unifying most of the planet before their conflicts against one another and the wars caused by the aftermath of said events lead to Skantos re-fracturing. Despite their considerable presence, neither the CIS or Accord have interfered extensively on the planet aside from bombing the Uhateni Qu with nuclear weapons to prevent their expansion, causing significant damage which prompted most Skantoan societies to briefly confederate under a 'Sacred Union' until the damage subsided, allowing this 'union' to devolve into a mere alliance for mutual cooperation.

Geography

Skantos is divided into 4 major continents situated across its surface, with the 'Saikhan Sea' being defined as a central position from which each of the continents' position is defined, with the largest continent of Saikhan housing steppes, grasslands, and tundras located to the east, the second-largest continent of Senkher primarily housing tundras being situated to the north, the third-largest continent of Karakoram primarily housing volcanic wastelands and arid grasslands being situated to the west, and the smallest continent of Mosonaral also housing tundras being situated to the northeast. Skantos is dominated by a number of water bodies as well, with the Tengis Ocean in the northern hemisphere and the Dalai Ocean in the southern hemisphere divided by the Bay of Jivekh and Bay of Senkherdeer, while the waters between the three largest continents are divided into the Saikhan Sea in the north of the equator and the Ariun Tengis sea in the south. Some further regional definitions also exist to further divide up the continents such as Saikhan often being divided into 'north' and 'south' based on the Occidentine River and Orientine River, though no such definitions are universally agreed upon.

Government and Politics

Flag of the Sacred Union

The Sacred Union of Skantos is an intergovernmental association encompassing a majority of Skantos that functions as a loose alliance intended to maintain peace and balance on the planet. The Sacred Union originates from the 'Sacred Union of Saikhan', a polity limited to solely Saikhan which emerged after the Great Skantoan Revolt, waging several conflicts against the increasingly aggressive Uhaten until the War of the Triple Alliance saw the Uhaten (and much of Skantos as a whole) destroyed, prompting them to unify with the other polities on the planet in order to prevent further conflicts between species. The Sacred Union has a fairly complex administrative structure with the sovereign 'Member-States' at the top, which preside over regional confederacies (known as 'Sacred Leagues'), which both preside over local communities (known as 'Banners'). Annual meetings are held in the city of Lianguoshi where all willing member-states and banners convene to collectively organize the whole Sacred Union as a whole when necessary, or to simply foster collaboration between proximate groups. Gradually, the Sacred Union's influence has begun to weaken.

Government Structure

Administratively, the Sacred Union is incredibly decentralized with the member-states having near complete autonomy within their own realms, though their territories are often fairly decentralised between various Banners and Leagues, which are loose federations of local communities within the lands of the local rulers and beyond them. Uniquely, the Sacred Union grants all religious and spiritual traditions the same significance in government due to them being seen as parts of a 'greater whole'.

As may be expected from such a decentralized entity, the Sacred Union's 'executive government' is generally only ceremonial in order to deal with diplomacy, organizing local rulers/banners, and managing territories with more direct loyalty to themselves. The executive is headed by the four Heads of State and Government that make up the union and thus share executive duties, with each of them representing each of the four major Skantoan cultural groups including the chief of (western) Senkher, the king/queen of Saikhan, the king/queen of Karakoram. and the abbot of Mosonaral, as while it may be theoretically possible for other individuals to be elected for this role, it is generally tradition for each of these individuals to be appointed. The leaders only have limited powers, and no means to enforce most of them aside from moderating the Spiritual Diet which elects them (for life or until resignation), managing religious/spiritual affairs, and attempting commanding the Sacred Union's military forces known as the 'Armed Banners', though this military often isn't the most effective due to being largely militia-based with only limited numbers of career-trained soldiers and sailors.

Contrast to the weak Executive, the 'Spiritual Diet' which serves as the legislature of the Sacred Union is much more powerful, hosting annual week-long gatherings of local rulers and Jasaghs (title for leaders of Banners) in Lianguoshi so that they may discuss issues that affect larger regions or even the whole Sacred Union, making collaboration not only encouraged to keep the Union together but actively beneficial for all within its bounds. Additional duties of the Spiritual Diet is appointing the leaders, issuing 'directives' for the High Shaman to accomplish, and appointing Yarguchi (judges) to the Supreme Yarguchi Court in Lianguoshi.

The 'Yarguchi Courts' serve as the judiciary of the Sacred Union, with each Banner, League, and Member-State appointing their own 'Yarguchi' (Judge) to oversee their own local courts responsible for enforcing laws within their own territories, while especially high-profile court cases are handled by the 'Supreme Yarguchi Court' in Lianguoshi.

Administrative Divisions

Member-Nations

The most notable of the Sacred Union's constituents are the 'Member Nations', consisting of various independent nations which comprise a significant portion of the Sacred Union's governance, presiding over various local communities (Banners) and regions (Leagues) which remain at least nominally loyal to their presiding ruler, though some may still exist beyond the Union. Four of these member-states, Karakoram, Mosonaral, Saikhan, and Senkher, represent the four major Skantoan cultural groups (With some exceptions), while the fifth member-state of Lianguo acts as a intercultural union that serves as the capital of the Sacred Union.

List of Member-Nations
Flag Name Full Title Government Type Capital Official Languages
Karakoram Empire of Karakoram Absolute Monarchy Ongansen City Karakorumu-go
Lianguo Republic of Lianguo Republic Lianguoshi Xitangese Creole
Mosonaral Monastic Collective of Mosonaral Anarchic Confederacy Byangrong Tsho (De Facto) Mosonaralesi Skad
Saikhan Kingdom of Great Saikhan Semi-Constitutional Monarchy Baixinsai Proper Baxinese
Senkher (Western) Senkheri Confederacy Republic Agnaqiul Sitikkut Senkherip Kitaani

Sacred Leagues

Most of the Member-States of the Sacred Union lack the necessary centralization to directly exert their rule over the communities/banners within their territories, allowing many Banners with sufficient self-governance to confederate among one another to form large self-governing territories known on the confederal-level as 'Sacred Leagues' (though locally this term isn't mandatory) to attain an autonomous status and representation in the Sacred Union despite not being recognised as Member-States, allowing them to appoint a 'Mejang' to represent their interests and govern the league.

List of Sacred Leagues
Flag Name Full Title Government Type Capital Official Languages Member-State
Eastern Senkher Eastern Senkheri Confederacy Tribal Confederacy Vuvkuav Kanangnangani Sinkuri Senkher
Praxtus Empire of Praxtus Theocracy Eden's End Zemnian Karakoram

Sacred Banners

The most numerous form of administrative division within the Sacred Union aside from local townships are known on the confederal-level as 'Sacred Banners' (though locally this term isn't mandatory), referring to a collection of nearby settlements (governed by Shamans or Mayors) which naturally form one shared community thanks to proximity and trade, allowing them to be governed as 'districts', 'provinces', 'tribes', or whatever other kind of system is most applicable for them, together appointing a 'Jasagh' to govern them and represent their interests. Due to their small size, most banners (which aren't affiliated with a League) are under significant influence of the Member-State they find themselves within, generally taking the role of the primary administrative divisions of each member-state.

List of Sacred Banners
Flag Name Capital Official Languages Member-State
Agnaqiul Tribe Agnaqiul Sitikkut Senkherip Kitaani Senkher
Anshiqun Province Anshiqun Town Xitangese Saikhan
Aomahashi Province Qingqiaoshi Aomahashian Saikhan
Asslemang Tribe Aslimang Senkherip Kitaani Senkher
Bantihanto Clan Bantihanto Mura Bantese Karakoram
Baosai Province Yaohuai Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Baqung Province Yuxian Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Baxinsai Province Baxinsai Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Bazaruken Prefecture Bazarumura Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Beingren Province Shabide Sipalese Saikhan
Bianselong Wan Province Haicheng Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Binshi Outpost Binshi Xitangese Saikhan
Byanglha Khang Byangrong Tsho Mosonaralesi Skad Mosonaral
Diguochang Province Diguocheng Yiketainese Saikhan
Dongbuyalusi Province Wangfang Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Dongfanghe Province Sanjizhou Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Dongshan Province Dongshangang Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Dongyuan Province Pingju Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Dujipan Province Heacun Xitangese Saikhan
Enbaken Prefecture Enbaraku Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Fangbao Province Fangzhen Yiketainese Saikhan
Fubing Tribe Fubing Kanangnangani Sinkuri Eastern Senkher
Futtoiwa Prefecture Kitanofutto Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Gaisheng Province Gaiyishi Aomahashian Saikhan
Galieng Province Jalian Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Gangkueng Province Gangchueng Sipalese Saikhan
Ganhaian Province Haiganun Yiketainese Saikhan
Gaozhixia Province Kochokuichi Sipalese Creole Saikhan
Gongzhi Protectorate Gongzhicun Hengyanese Saikhan
Guruuvsapuji Tribe Grove of the Divine Kanangnangani Sinkuri Eastern Senkher
Hamiaken Prefecture Hamiachi Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Heyucheng Province Heyucheng Xitangese Creole Saikhan
Hijisan Tribe Hijisan Kanangnangani Sinkuri Eastern Senkher
Hinofunsui Prefecture Juryo Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Hinori Prefecture Faiyakejitaun Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Hirashu Prefecture Hirabirei Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Imiuumak Tribe Imiuumak Kanangnangani Sinkuri Eastern Senkher
Jasushu Province Minshui Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Jingguo Province Jingesiziben Jinguese Saikhan
Jinjuungau Tribe Jinjuungau Kanangnangani Sinkuri Eastern Senkher
Jinsheng Province Cheshu Jinshese Saikhan
Juezhao Province Juezhao Xitangese Saikhan
Kainabu Prefecture Maigan Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Kanangnangani Sikaantik Tribe Gulaasialsiti Kanangnangani Sikaantik Eastern Senkher
Kananksiivik Tribe Anullangani Kanangnangani Sinkuri Eastern Senkher
Kojoken Prefecture Joyajisen Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Ketoushu Province Ketonato Karakorumu-go Saikhan
Kuanggu Province Kuongu Aomahashian Saikhan
Kujataani Tribe Kujataani Senkherip Kitaani Senkher
Kuresento Prefecture Kuresentobirejji Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Laangjua Tribe Laangjua Village Laangjua Uqausiqtaq Senkher
Leijiyalusi Province Regalia Proper Baixinese Leijiyalusian
Lholha Khang Lhogrong Tsho Mosonaralesi Skad Mosonaral
Lianguo Province Beixihu Xitangese Creole Saikhan
Lianguo County Lianguoshi Xitangese Creole Lianguo
Linggolha Khang Linggolha Tsho Mosonaral/Lianguo[3]
Luamai Tribe Luamai Village Senkherip Kitaani Senkher
Luoyuan Province Guerkai Yiketainese Saikhan
Makashang Province Mashancun Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Manyue Province Manyuegang Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Metsola Tribe Metsolankylä Metsolan Kieli Eastern Senkher
Miwushan Banner Miwuzong Miwusharan Saikhan
File:Miziao.png
Miziao Province Miziao Karakorumu-go Saikhan
Narrujuq Tribe Katingani Kanangnangani Sinkuri Eastern Senkher
Neikasu Prefecture Sakshon Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Nigijuq Tribe Nigijulinga Kanangnangani Sinkuri Eastern Senkher
Noberagun Prefecture Yonramura Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Nongyequ Province Nongengcun Nanfangese Saikhan
Northern Talynord Protectorate Khoid Talinorkhot Ikhtalnolese Saikhan
Nublha Khang Nubsdeba Mosonaralesi Skad Mosonaral
Obiang Province Obiang Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Ongansen Prefecture Ongansen City Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Penkuiki Province Chian Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Pingyuan Province Xiuyuanzhen Southern Sikandiqese Saikhan
Qincun Province Qincunzhen Nanfangese Saikhan
Qitiusumik Tribe Qitiusumik Senkherip Kitaani Senkher
Saansia Tribe Saansia Senkherip Kitaani Senkher
Sapateng Province Migokou Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Senkubin Tribe Senkubin Senkherip Kitaani Senkher
Sharlha Khang Shargrong Tsho Mosonaralesi Skad Mosonaral
Shokenchi Province Shokuraku Karakorumu-go Saikhan
Shuishu Prefecture Shuichi Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Shushao Province Shudingcun Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Sikeadiya Province Feichang Sikeadiyan Saikhan
Sikuksiarvik Tribe Gulaasialsiti Kanangnangani Sinkuri Eastern Senkher
Sycoryo Protectorate Sycor Sycorian Saikhan
Taienhaixian Province Taienhaixishi Aomahashian Saikhan
Teito Prefecture Teito Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Tonatuianij Clan Tonatuialtepetl Tonatlajtoli Karakoram
Tujinsheng Province Tujincun Sipalese Saikhan
Ualinirmi Sikaantik Tribe Suaranstat Ualinirmi Sikaantik Eastern Senkher
Uannanjuq Tribe Nuatsis Laangjua Uqausiqtaq Senkher
Utirviujjaangittuq Tribe Utirviujjaangittuq Village Kanangnangani Sinkuri Eastern Senkher
Vuvkuav Tribe Vuvkuav Town Kanangnangani Sinkuri Eastern Senkher
Wain Prefecture Wain Karakorumu-go Karakoram
Waliya Province Wharia Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Wujinyuan Province Wujinting Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Wusenlin Protectorate Rongshu Vuaris Sinkuri Saikhan
Xiaoyuan Province Xiaoyuan Aomahashian Saikhan
Xiaogonqin Province Xiaogonqin Jinguese Saikhan
Xinfangde Province Hardwick Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Xiuyuan Province Xiuyuanzhen Xitangese Saikhan
Yaoshan Province Guensai Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Yiketarnu Province Khurukara Yiketainese Saikhan
Yisitai Province Yisitezhen Proper Baixinese Saikhan
Zhonglin Province Senyang Xitangese Saikhan
Graphical Lists
Main Nation Lists YataTheiaSkantosExtrasolar NationsFormer Nations
Other Nation Lists Accord Member StatesExtradimensional NationsGroups List* • Kanashi ClansLinelandic Warlords (174)Linelandic Warlords (185-189)NarakamYomtach Clans
Archived Lists Alien NationsOther Nations
Terrestrial Nations
Yata AghambAlicorn Kingdom (North Alicorn KingdomSouth Alicorn Kingdom) • AnexkhlaschlamegaCharalandCreepylandCyprusHostage BoxKalmykiaKangaroo IslandKorumaLuvamatriliaNotiaPetoriaPravdaSamsungVilikyWinelandYenteviaYyiyasiyahiiyahiyyahiyyahiyaZina
Theia AndroidiaCatjamCoconut KingdomMichigan'Michigan'Michigan'Michigan'Michigan'MichiganMissisippiPolskRebeccaSandlandTheia Free Economic AssociationYakamotomotoZina
Skantos KarakoramLianguoMosonaralSaikhanSenkher
Narakam CreepylandZina
Kanashi Corvus Khristus
Space Nations
Extrasolar Nations Abyssal EnclaveArrian AuthorityConfederation of the Lower RimCorporate Management CommissionEmpire of the Twelve SunsEmpyriumHAWKImperium of KingsLaconian UnionLeague of Free CollectivesSecond Galactic FederationTerzan-2 CoalitionVarinn EmpireVaspid EmpireVezcian HegemonyYatan-Theian Accord
Accord Member States Commonwealth of Independent SystemsDanor RepublicFederalized Territories* • Technate of Altair
Extragalactic Nations Onaxian StateThe Quhanim
Miscellaneous
Extradimensional Nations
Former Nations
Former Yatan Nations AbardAhaggarAlabamaAlbaniaAlhayatAlinyaAlmadinaAnakistanAnti-Empire RepublicApothilene DemocracyArgentina (Until 388)AsgorthAsian Soviet Socialist UnionAsophaniaAïrBaltic Free StateBaltic GovernorateBaltic RepublicCarbonCaspian GovernorateCaucasian LeagueCelticThe ConfederacyCotunauiniaCrimean GovernorateImperial Domain of CyprusDenasolaEast YetiaEastern Yetai EmpireEllariaFinlandFinland (Empire Wars)HongerswakHyacinthan Kingdom of EarthImperial HordeIrelandIslandiaItalyItaly (Pre-Luxuria)IzumoKalevalaKronarKurdufan GovernorateLustlandLuvuriaLuxuriaMaghrebMakebiaManzheboyiMylonagradNakmaiNay'BlingNeo-Yetai StateNew Luxurian EmpireNopedroNunlandOmniaPoavakPolandRed ArmyRed CityRossiyaRuthenian ConfederacySaipulusiSarpistanSazziScandimarScotlandSekljuyanSiberiaSipedroLabour Collective of SizhouRepublic of Sizzle (Beijing Government)South SizzleSpisosSvalbardTarqalan EmpireThe Holy LandTripoliKingdom of TritoniaTritonian ConfederacyTurkestanTurkeyUgandaUnited Nations of YataUnited Arab RepublicVolzhskiy TriumvirateWaclawPeople's Republic of WaclawWalesWanaoishiWestern Yetai EmpireYamaliaYatan CommonwealthYatan-Theian FederationYetai EmpireDuchy of YetiaOrder State of YetiaRepublican YetiaFirst Yetian EmpireYetian People's UnionSocialist Union of YetiaYetian BritanniaYetian Omnia
Former Theian Nations


AdytiumAlsavaeidAnarchist ChatouBinglandBingustanBongustanDazhyynDulocFeur IslandFlop CongFloppa CityFlopskadiGensokyoGheylaKarina DynastyLahdiaOsaniaPasagreSenkaiSogga IslandSumeraSwagoniaEmpire of SwagoniaTheian FederationTheian RepublicTieksaYatan-Theian Federation
Former Corestian Nations
Former Skantoan Nations
Former Extrasolar Nations AARS TerritoryFirst Blarg RepublicSecond Blarg RepublicElder OverseersFoarhinneaForsaken CommunityGalactic CollectiveGalactic FederationHigh Priest's FiefdomImperial SarconiaInvirianIujado Realm of Titan* • Kaieuhth-Urhn EmpireKingdom of YataLuxurian Space EmpireNarakamian ConfederationNebularian HegemonyOrder of GanymedeSirrenic AeroliaSolar NationSolaryan ClansSubaquiaTheian FederationTheldic AuthorityUnion of Accord ColoniesVorxan HivesWei'vir RealmYatan CommonwealthYatan-Theian Federation
Former Extragalactic Nations


  1. Alongside Memoria and especially Divine Energy, though they are less measurable.
  2. (which is theorised to have some connection to the previously mentioned 'space travel' discoveries)
  3. Condominium