#Extra notes here - This country is a homage to the diverse culture of Louisiana as well as explaining why various spiritual practices exist

[root-of-theseus]

Opadeaux: The land of Spirits, Spices, and The Goddess' Love.

Founded by: Protohumanoids and Spirits

Capital: Maison d'os (The House of Bones)

Symbol(s): The Blue Orb, Reverse Fleur-de-lis, The Eye of InfnI ✴, The Triquetra of LuIu⅃ ☘︎, and the Heart of AoyoA ❦, The Trinity ⧝

Languages: Universal Tongue, Motsrosée ('Mouth's Dew' it's basically French)

Pantheon(s): Goddess InfnI - Mother of Traeh, God Lulu⅃ - Father of Traeh, & Goddex AoyoA- The Spirit of Love

Previous Keepers/Priestesses: Many documented, and the position is lifelong and grants immortality until passed down. The last one was Priestess Belladonna who gave up her reign after 5999 years.

Current Keeper: Priestess Lycoris has reigned for 2000 years (she stopped counting after the first 1000 passed) She is referred to as Ly by her friends, Prêtresse by her followers, and Vieille bique (old hag/crone) by her detractors.

Exports: Tea, Spices, Alcohol, Rice/Grains, Minerals/Ores, Cotton/Silk, Jewellery, Pearls, & Literature.

Reasons to Visit/Live there: Unconventional Marriage, Spiritual Retreats/Guidance, Museums/Historical Sites, Relaxed Atmosphere/Culture, Multicultural, Food Tourism, & Festivals.

Miscellaneous information:

Opadeaux, or translated as the "Opulant Dew" is known as Traeh's "Cradle of Spirits." It is the oldest country out of all globally, with its history predating written language. The country prides itself in being diverse, welcoming all types of species, spirits, and humanoids alike.

Because Opadeaux boarders Vassatänder at a culturally important river for the both of them, the two countries collaborate and converge quite often, especially with festivals. While each country has their own special traditions and holidays, there are several instances where the two share important dates or moon phases. For example, Equinoxes and Solstices, End of year rituals, and the Spirit's Ceremony. (Similar to Halloween on earth.)

Gender and Sexuality are seen as divine rites of existence given to us by the Trinity:

Goddess InfnI gives us the courage to embrace our bodies and desires.

God Lulu⅃ gives us the ability to think for ourselves and know what we want.

And Goddex AoyoA gives us the power to express our love onto others without fear or judgment.

It is culturally acceptable to be in relationships which some of the other countries may have trouble approving of or have outward issue with; particularly polyamory and interspecies relationships. Many come to Opadeaux to get married, and some stay because they feel at home with themselves there.

The country has historically been run by priestesses for millennia, but that idea is getting challenged as years wear on. Especially under the rule of Lycoris, the Priestess of the last two millennia. When she came into power, her previous successor, Belladonna, left her to deal with a war without guidance. Which in turn makes Lycoris scared of conflict.

Because of this, many people who live there think that Lycoris is unable to run the country that would benefit others, especially with the Patria Magia priests starting to try and establish their faith at every corner. Opadeaux prides itself in being open to all faiths, but many people left Patria Magia specifically to get away from the oppressive ideas about being themselves. To see that Lycoris isn't doing anything about it, or speaking about it openly, makes residents wonder whose side she's truly on.

Will Lycoris learn to speak up for herself and her people? Or will she be overthrown by the people she swore to protect?