Legal and bureaucratic structure under the Majastas.

The Majastas have 'one foot within Tatchlan and the other upon the Skin of Anu.' It is common for the Majastas to 'set both feet' at one or the other innumerable times during the Eight Daily Phases of the Majastas Hours according to need. Outside the Living System, the Majastas are said to 'pause,' often signalling in some way, when they enter Tatchlan in the presence of others. This may range from the donning of a mask to a simple hand gesture. Throughout history, such conventions have been determined by custom or modified during each Majastas's reign or by a particular circumstance. For the Majastas, time flows differently within Tatchlan. A prolonged stay within the Resplendent Work need not last more than a few moments for those on the Skin of Anu. The Majastas is the Patron of all Maja.

Majastas within Tatchlan

When the Majastas enters Tatchlan, there is a marked change throughout the Living System, alerting all to ‘The Presence.’ The Twelve Principal Faces swiftly converge on the Majastas. The Principal Faces form into the Arch, Line or Wheel configuration for inspection. The Wheel Array is uniform, meaning the Resplendent Work is in balance. If one or more faces appear slightly skewed or turned, it signifies modest issues in a particular quarter. When the Twelve Principal Faces form the Line or Wheel patterns, their ordering always communicates a general or specific set of situations requiring attention. These Principal Faces follow the Majastas throughout the Living System. Given the Majastas's initial choice of Face Mask to wear, the Faces may form a line of perceived sequence or create a general flock to follow the Majastas throughout their stay. When conducted to the location of interest, the Majastas may work directly upon the surface or plunge deep inside them to perform whatever task is required. The Majastas also regularly meets with Operants and Invocates to further ongoing work within Tatchlan.

Yeldic Tatchlan / Koru Tatchlan

Except when face-to-face communication is required, only one Majastas of one Cluster-Of-Clusters Nation is within the Living System at a time. This is one compelling reason for adherence to the Majastas Hours. The Koru and Danam Yeldic Majastas Hours are mirror opposites, with the Koru Majastas working through the night hours and the Danam Yeldic Majastas through the day, forming the Two Majastas Hands. It is a vital function of the Yeldic and Koru Majastas Cluster's Invocates to monitor their respective provinces within Tatchlan. A Koru Majastas may instruct a Koru Invocate to seek out a Yeldic Invocate within the Resplendent Work, who may transmit a message to the Yeldic Majastas. On rare occasions, the Koru and Yeldic Majastas meet within the Living System to employ their Uses for a united purpose. This Secondary Epoch innovation is seen as an improvement over the Primary Epoch convention of a single Tolku Majastas having, of necessity, only a partial presence within the Resplendent Work over each day and night.

Ceremonies on the Skin of Anu

On Anu, the Majastas stand at the core of all Cluster-of-Clusters Ceremonies. Each Face Shrine and other monument dedicated to an aspect of the Living System or other institutions directly related to Tatchlan, including Artisan Boroughs, Erudite Ceremonial Theatres, Fertility Shrines, Benevolence Bowers, Refinement Emporiums, and Ablution Academies, are deemed 'Majastas Property.' These Majastas Foundations, along with their attendant facilities such as libraries and workshops, have the official designation of Mantle Establishments. Through the Eighth Ministry of Ceremonies, the Majastas ensure the proper rites and rituals attendant to all these Mantle Establishments. They are carried out in due course, and each is ready to celebrate their Face's Day in the calendar and during the Alatahanu Carnival, held on Day 444, in Month Twenty-Seven of each year.

Cluster-Of-Clusters Governance Structure

There were periods during the Primary Epoch and the early Koru Mantle when members of the Majastas Cluster, which grew to immense proportions during their reign, filled the deeper levels of Governance. While the most exceptional Operants and Invocates from the Majastas Cluster are slated for Governance as a matter of course, the Danam Yeldic Majastas Cluster is more segmented between those who enter into Cluster-of-Clusters Governance or some other specialized calling and those who serve the reigning Majastas within their cluster. They may also perform other refined and highly specialized uses unique to the Majastas Cluster.

Any Ripe Adult Maja who has 'Descended the Depths' and become an Invocate may serve as an Invocate link within any Variothya Ministry. All other non-Maja candidates present recommendations from their circle and must then pass the initial Meritocracy Examination (see below). Depending on the results, further examinations are taken before the bestowal of a specific designation before they enter the Variothya. Once Majas become Full Invocates or, on rare occasions, Operants, much of their service occurs within the Living System, meaning the Invocate may live anywhere on or outside Statos-Vey and still serve. Regardless of their position within the Majastas Service, any Invocate may, as needed, attend the Majastas or another of superior depth within Tatchlan as required.

Meritocracy Examinations

These are open to all demonstrating capacity anywhere within Statos-Vey. Any Spoke of the Cluster Wheel is encouraged to take this route, although certain specific expectations are attached to certain attributes. It may be generally said two Spokes take this route more than all the others combined; one is Maja, who has become Invocates, or on rare occasions, Operants, and Mundanes, who may fill the spectrum of duties dependant on their specific genius.

Majastas Service - Variothya

Eight ministries attend the Majastas: Chancellery, Grandee Secretariat, Enumerators, Cycles, Wellbeing, Commandant, Preeminent Works and Ceremonies (see below). Collectively, these ministries are termed the Variothya, which are gathered together at the centre of each provincial centre in what is known as the ‘Eight Ministry Campus.’ Assemblies of several ministries, along with internal and public ceremonies and commendations, take place in the Annual Chamber. At their most profound level, a circle, a series of circles, or an entire cluster leads their attendant bureau circles and clusters in their dedication to each of these ministries. These most profound circles are often entirely composed of Invocates and Operants. They are in regular conference with the Majastas concerning all matters of the state according to the Majastas Hours. Beyond the extended Defining Uses of these Variothya clusters, each of these ministries has a series of clusters that form an internal administration, with many circles performing general services. These include being overseers, maintaining revenue, ensuring balance, keeping records, being proofreaders, and providing clerical and other functionary services. The most-ancient Increments of Eight Conventions are universal throughout the governance structure.

The Variothya Icon, commonly called The Blue Star, is based on a living creature of the same name found in the ocean. The official icon is a seven-pointed blue star with a suspended blue oval or egg positioned in the gaps between each set of arms. One arm comes out the top of the configuration and the other arms curve upward at their tips on either side. At the bottom of the design, the two arms curve downward on either side, encircling the circle. A crimson egg is at the heart of these arms, understood as forming the eighth and most profound point. Inside this egg design is the specific Tatchlan Face associated with this ministry. This star and egg are of the most-ancient design, predating the Primary Epoch as a designation of royalty.

BACK

Chancellery

First and deepest ministry

This is the first and most profound circle ministry of the Variothya. The Chancellery oversees Cluster-Of-Cluster Nation's administration—the Queen Enclave houses most of the Chancellery Major. The Chancellery Icon comprises a single Variothya Star, a symbol of royalty in Bhampay during the Lesser Era of the Primary Epoch.

Half of the ministries employ this single-star Icon. Inside this Blue Star is the Life and Death visage of Sukakap, the Unflinching Face of Truth. This framing of a Tatchlan Principal Face within this star design is unique to Danam Yelda's Variothya.

The Face of Sukakap is also the Icon of the Koru's Chancellery Ministry within the Dallamaplan on Rho-Jashun. All Variothya Icons involve the same corresponding Tatchlan Faces, although they are framed and presented differently.

The core circles of the Chancellery, who are in direct contact with the Majastas, manage these four ministry bureaus: Supervisorate, Directorate, Invocates, and Adjudicator. The Funomanru Dynasty fully established this Ministry and the first two of its bureaus. The subsequent Buyanupithar Dynasty took the early version of the Funomanru’s Adjudicator Bureau and expanded and deepened it to its modern proportions. This ministry and its bureau structure were then steadfastly maintained by the ensuing unification dynasties of the Lesser Era and then the Greater Era Cluster-of-Clusters Nation of the Primary Epoch and beyond. The Invocates Bureau was added during the reign of the first Tolku Majastas, Thakadush-Satwa.

Supervisorate Bureau

The Supervisorate Bureau is responsible for the logistics of cluster populations, distribution and movement, public financing, land distribution and cluster rotation within or beyond provincial boundaries (see South to North Movement). They also mandate the ‘Circulation of Uses’ within and between all Cluster-of-Clusters Ministries, both in The Capital Region and key locations elsewhere, such as the Cycles Ministry's ‘Blue City’ in Bhampay. The Census Bureau of the Enumerators Ministry presents them with their first copy of each census. On rare occasions, the Supervisorate directs the Dissolution Ceremony after the Mantle has migrated from a Majastas Cluster.

Directorate  Bureau

The Directorate Bureau provides financial and administrative oversight for all national and community initiatives by any bureau of the eight ministries. For example, the Directorate Bureau will supervise all aspects of the Sixth Ministry of Preeminent Works concerning all public projects.

Invocates  Bureau

The Invocate Bureau works inside and outside the Living System to monitor and maintain the Invocate presence throughout the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. They sustain the five classes of Invocate Enclaves: Queen, Drone, Soldier, Builder and Farmer. The bureau is the home and administrative centre in the Queen Class of Enclaves. All of the five classes of Enclaves are found in each provincial centre for the eight levels of descent each Maja must undergo before attaining Full Invocate status. Their principal seat is the Queen Enclave, where new generations of Living Instruments are born and Operants trained. Rare Operants are also termed ‘Shapta Masters,’ signifying the only one attaining a more profound standing than themselves is the Majastas. At the end of their lives, the dead and dying Instruments return to this enclave. The Invocate Bureau also dispenses the honorific of 'Invocate Master.' These possess the rare qualities of both attaining the deepest levels and being able to guide gifted students through their advanced progress through the depths. The Invocates Bureau is the final arbiter of most Invocates reports to the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation except those authorized to access the Majastas. This bureau is the official patron of all Invocates.

This bureau is one of five within the Majastas Variothya dealing with living aspects of the Resplendent Work dwelling on the Skin of Anu. After the Invocates Bureau, there is the Doubles and Vats Bureau of the Wellbeing Ministry based in Farmer Enclaves, entrusted with the growth and distribution of Healing Vats to Doubles throughout the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. The third is the Ratio Bureau of the Wellbeing Ministry, also housed in Farmer Enclaves. They grow the Cohort Jelly disbursed to clusters to maintain their Ripe Adult Cohort. The fourth is the Circulation Bureau of the Preeminent Works Ministry, based in Builder Enclaves. They are responsible for breeding and placing Mecalan colonies in all transit systems across Statos-Vey. The fifth is the Edifice Bureau of the same ministry, which works with the Doubles and Vats Bureau of the Wellbeing Ministry to fashion Inari and Shaka Bishamon, along with other beings able to enliven the interiors of artificial structures.

Adjudicator Bureau

Impediments to the full functioning within or between other Ministries and outstanding issues arising between clusters are brought to the Adjudicator Bureau's attention for examination and judgment. This bureau has close ties to several ministries, particularly the Cycles Ministry and the Resolution Bureau of the Commandant Ministry. This bureau has six circles of depth (Adjudicators Rural, Provincial, Urban, Cluster-of-Clusters, Ministry and Anu). It collectively acts as the supreme arbiter in more significant legal issues affecting the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. The Paramount Magistracies Office is located in Upata-Shepsus, and Regional Magistracies Offices within each provincial centre. Ancillary Magistracies are found in each Ablution Academy, resourced and staffed by the Regional Magistracy Office. The reigning Majastas give the final word in their role as Sovereign Adjudicator.

Adjudicator Rural

This branch of the bureau is based in rural Ablution Academies. Issues are presented to the Assizes Office, and hearings may be held there or on-site. Most cases take the form of gentle arbitration where a difference of opinion exists between clusters. Once a petition has been made, all parties are obligated to participate. In problematic cases, members of the Resolution Bureau of the Commandant Ministry are present. This bureau will be responsible for any enforcement of difficult decisions. If the Resolution Bureau determines sufficient merit, these rulings could be appealed to the province or the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation.

Adjudicator Provincial

This bureau branch is based in the provincial centre and deals with all issues across or between provinces. While these may also occur within Ablution Academies, there are also Regional Magistracies for the larger and more complex disputes.

Adjudicator Urban

This branch focuses on issues arising between clusters or ministries within the provincial centre or on those concerns that directly affect them. As with the provincial version of the bureau, these are as likely to occur within Adjudicator Courts or Regional Magistracies, commonly attached to Ablution Academies. The Majastas, as Sovereign Adjudicator, may be called upon in historical cases. Given the constraints of geography and the Majastas Hours, the designated Operant often serves as the ‘Majastas Voice’ to allow the Majastas to participate from within the Living System of Tatchlan and make the Paradigm Pronouncement.

Adjudicator Ministry

This bureau branch is set aside to deal with internal issues within a ministry or between ministries. The Majastas, as Sovereign Adjudicator, may also be called upon in challenging cases between ministries.

Cluster-of-Clusters Adjudicator

This is the ultimate Court of Supremacy housed within Paramount Magistracies, led by the Majastas as Sovereign Adjudicator and housed within several large complexes in both the political capital Upata-Shepsus and the commercial capital of Bhampay. As the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation expanded across Statos-Vey, additional Courts of Supremacy were set up in distant provincial centres that were points of convergence, including Yava-Thon, Quasay and Venda-Vesta. When necessary, the Yeldic Majastas becomes Sovereign Adjudicator primarily during the Fifth Day Phase, which occurs during Hour Nine and Hour Ten of the Majastas Hours. At this time, the Paradigm Pronouncement for generations to come is declared.

Adjudicator Anu

This branch is set aside for ongoing and complicated dealings with the Dallamaplan and, on rare occasions, with Yakku authorities on Thermistal. The Adjudicator Anu has a single Paramount Magistracy Office in Upata-Shepsus and is composed of Invocates and, on occasion, one or more Operants. The Majastas, as Sovereign Adjudicator, reviews and approves all actions of this portion of the Adjudicator Bureau and, if necessary, makes a Paradigm Pronouncement on the issue.

Legal foundations

The precedents of relevant pre-Tatchlan law codes, beginning with the original Funomanru Code and extensive Buyanupithar Code, along with all recovered ‘Paradigm Pronouncements’ of Tolku Majastas reigning during the Primary Epoch, along with Secondary Epoch Pronouncements of Koru and Danam Yeldic Majastas, are referenced in the problematic cases reserved for them between provinces and clusters. This bureau has a significant population of Esteemed Librarians, Venerable Scholars and Honoured Historians attached to it for the necessary research, along with an elite core of Invocates for highly specialized work to aid their endeavours within the Living System. The Majastas, as the Sovereign Adjudicator, reviews these deliberations before making the official Paradigm Pronouncement on the matter.

A moment must be taken to outline how laws play a role within a Cluster-of-Clusters Nation.

Tatchlan and the law

Large portions of the pre-Tatchlan criminal law codes have been set aside due to the Living System removing the primary cause of most legal issues - Self-Absorption. Civil Law conventions remain necessary and, in some cases, have been expanded due to the increased complexity of the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. At the local level, the cluster system and Maja Gatherings do much to minimize confusion and misunderstanding within complex cluster-to-cluster relations. Differing perspectives of proper courses of action continue to occur, and rare disputes may occasionally arise between various parties. Fewer formal remedies address specific areas of concern for many of these disagreements. For example, the Currency Supervisorate of the Cycles Ministry often sends Market Judges to a place to settle trade and other commercial issues. These localized individual events are too small to monitor within the Tatchlan System, although they may form part of a larger pattern. When this is the case, the Invocates play a vital role.

Forecasting disturbance within the Living System

At the Cluster-of-Clusters level, the web of Invocates joins with senior and specialized Invocates and Operants within all ministries to read general patterns that could lead to disturbances within what is known as ‘The Common Desire or the General Will.’ This expresses the population's shifting stratum and fluid currents in the Resplendent Work. There are Master Invocates who spend long hours overlooking small portions of the Living Orb to discern subtle shifts and changes. Those few attending to the Tatchlan Cubes are also well situated to note subtle shifts in The General Plain. When the practiced senses of these various Masters see unfortunate confluences, they initiate greater involvement by others to address the imbalance. Despite constant monitoring, sudden large-scale changes occasionally may override these small-scale adjustments.

On the Skin of Anu, these may appear as growing friction for apparently unknown causes and specific disputes posing unusual challenges or having a more substantial impact. Such significant disturbances require two responses, one within the Living System and another on the Skin of Anu. On the surface, authoritative intervention may be necessary. The Resolution Bureau of the Commandant Ministry may intervene directly within an affected region. Once the situation is normalized, it may be the Adjudicator Bureau's turn to assist in rectifying the status quo. Civil laws and enforcement bodies remain necessary for these and other reasons. Within Tatchlan, the Majastas, viewing The Common Desire in its entirety, gather all these Invocate observations from each affected region to rectify the imbalance on a large scale.

Law History 

The process of converting old pre-Tatchlan civil codes to be in accord with a true Cluster-of-Clusters Nation was extensively mapped out by the first dynasty of Tolku Majastas early in the Primary Epoch. Much of the ‘Master Invocate Forecasting Protocols’ were established then and have remained in effect for both the Koru and Danam Yeldic Cluster-of-Clusters Nations of the Secondary Epoch. Portions of these Invocate Protocols and the general public ’Paradigm Pronouncements’ from the Greater Era of the Primary Epoch have survived down to our time. Given their distinctive form of Living Mountain society, the Koru still needed to augment this material. This process has continued into the Danam Yelda’s Majastas dynasties. Remarkably, portions of the original Funomanru and Buyanupithar Code remain in effect for specific civil and property issues.

Yuyutar becomes Adjudicator emblem

The Adjudicator Bureau is one of only three ministry bureaus employing a badge taken from Menem mythology. Early in the Lotmah Dynasty, the Koru Chancellery Ministry’s Adjudicator Bureau chose the Menem figure of Yuyutar, known as ‘The Guide,’ as its emblem.

The other two Bureaus are the Doubles and Vats Bureau of the Wellbeing Ministry, which employs the symbol of Samajalas, and the Drafting and Seals Bureau of the Grandee Secretariat Ministry, which uses the emblem of Vindaviran.  

Other circles in regular service to any or all of the five bureaus of the Chancellery Circle are termed part of the Chancellery Major. As with all other ministries, Majas Invocates root each circle of the Chancellery Major.

Most Invocates serving the Chancellery Ministry ‘Descended their Depths’ to become Full Invocates within a Queen Enclave.  

  The Third Hour (Nu Dispels) and Fourth Hour (Nu Burnishes) are the designated times of the Danam Yeldic Majastas Court. Representatives of the four bureaus of the Chancellery Ministry have their public seats at the Northern Station. The Chancellery is one of four circles that sit at a single station for the Majastas Court according to the distribution of Tatchlan Faces around the stations.

BACK

Grandee Secretariat

Second in Depth

This Ministry is second in depth to the Chancellery. They stand as servants to the First Ministry in several capacities. The Grandee Emblem is the second one using a single star; at the heart of its egg is the face of Vashivonos, the Face of Necessity. Representatives of the Grandee Major may be found in all Soldier Enclaves, where Invocates slated to serve the Ministry complete their Descending of the Depths. 

This ministry has five bureaus: Drafting, Seals, Standards, Regions and Appointments. As with the Chancellery, much of the foundations for this second ministry were laid during the Funomanru Dynasty early in the Lesser Era of the Primary Epoch, but all five of the ministry’s bureaus were intensively developed during the Buyanupithar Dynasty to the extent that this dynasty’s seal is embedded in most of this ministry’s correspondences and approvals.

Drafting  Bureau

The Drafting Bureau controls the flow of documentation, or drafts, within the Majastas ministries. It scrutinizes ministry edicts, memorials, and reports for language and precedent. The bureau logs the receipt of each ministry submission and notifies the appropriate ministries of any potential points of interest.

The bureau also sets the timetable for the ministry's response. At any point, they may veto the submission due to improper form or other inappropriate or ill-advised aspects. The originator is obliged to reconsider the document. Among many different services, the Adjudicator Ministry Bureau hears appeals to these submission decisions before they are accepted or resubmitted. Members of this bureau are known as ‘Drafters.'

Seals Bureau 

This bureau is attached to the Drafting Bureau and possesses all the state seals. When the Drafting Bureau is satisfied with a document, it forwards it to the Seals Bureau for the appropriate seal. These seals are necessary for any Cluster-of-Clusters Declaration to be officially valid. The Seals Bureau is also responsible for designing all Cluster-of-Clusters formal iconography and the physical production of all official state emblazons. Such masterful art is reserved for those designated as belonging to the fourth of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels, the Deep Crafters.

Vinda Guardians

Both the Seals and Drafting Bureaus employ the most-ancient emblem for the first of the four Grand Menem, Vindaviran, traditionally believed to be the first teacher of a unified language. This is an open book with Xica-Nu displaying a full face on one side and a crescent on the other.

For this reason, they are also known as the ‘Vinda Guardians’ because they aim to perpetuate deep and rich writing in all official documents. As these are distributed widely, they play a role in maintaining and enhancing general written and spoken language throughout the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation.

Standards Bureau

This bureau ensures the uniform application of various standards throughout the Cluster-Of-Clusters Nation. It works closely with the Fourth Ministry of Cycles to maintain a diversity of quality codes.

Regions  Bureau

This bureau oversees the larger Cluster-of-Cluster's Nation. They conduct regular correspondence with each of that Region's Provincial Centres. The Submissively Venerating and their provincial ministries are in regular contact with their corresponding ministries inside and outside the Living System. They review all provincial reports and petitions inside or outside Tatchlan before dealing with them or sending them down to the Chancellery Major. The Regions Bureau also distributes rulings and decrees from the First Ministry to the Regions and their provinces. This bureau confers various designations on regional bodies, such as the Seats of Collective Districts title on a group of urban Encirclements.

Appointments  Bureau

This bureau administers the internal workings of much of the Variothya, with circles devoted to the continuing business of deepening and lifting the status of individual circles and entire clusters within each ministry by recognitions, appointments, merit ratings, promotions, demotions, leaves, retirements and honours.   A separate service provided by this Bureau is conducted prior to and during Majastas Court. They are the judges of those conducting Humility Petitions as to the gravity of their business and the depth of the matter, including the deepest level, a private audience with the Majastas.

Other circles in regular service to the Grandee Secretariat Circle(s) are part of the Grandee Major. Most Invocates that serve within the Grandee Secretariat Ministries and Bureaus ‘Descended their Depths’ within a Soldier Enclave.

During the Majastas Court hours, the Grandee's representatives are seated at the Western Station, accompanied by representatives of the Commandant and Enumerator (see below) Ministries.

BACK

Enumerator Ministry

Thinking Core

The Enumerators form the thinking core of the Variothya and are in close council with the Majastas. They provide all other ministries with statistical, research, literary, and scholarly assistance. Representatives of the Enumerator Major reside in each Drone Enclave and Ablution Academy.

The Enumerator Emblem is composed of two Variothya Stars linked side by side. Inside one egg is Humma, the Face of Recollection, and inside the other is Neferdush, the Face of Perception.

This ministry has three bureaus: Census, Analysis, and Erudite. While census had been conducted sporadically during earlier dynasties, the Yin-Vinulan Dynasty fully developed this ministry and conceived of the Erudite Bureau, bringing it into the fullness employed in subsequent ages.

Census  Bureau

This bureau focuses on creating, distributing, collecting and analyzing the decade census. With each Decennial Census (the tenth in a series of Decades Census), they perform additional analysis and comparisons with the previous census to produce long-range reports tailored to the other ministries. The Census Days Bureau of the Ceremonies Ministry organizes the Decennial Census celebrations held in each province at the request of this Enumerators bureau. Milestone anniversaries of particular emphasis, i.e., each Hundredth and Thousandth Decennial Census celebration, are an elaborate series of events involving all other ministries held throughout that year. On rare occasions, the Census Bureau is called on to produce additional statistical information between the decade censuses for a particular region.

Analysis  Bureau

The Analysis Bureau produces a series of documents detailing various generational trends and other historical overviews of particular interest to each ministry. Some of these ongoing projects are immense, taking many generations to complete. Due to the Majastas's extended lifespan, they have been known to take a particular interest in such work and lend their unique perspective to their endeavours.

Erudite  Bureau

Beyond all other ministries, the Erudite Bureau has close ties with Esteemed Librarians, Honoured Historians, Acclaimed Professors, Venerable Scholars and other artistic, intellectual and cultural clusters and circles. This bureau administers all levels of educational institutions throughout the Clusters-of-Clusters Nation, ensuring the universality of access and curriculum.

In partnership with the Invocate Bureau of the Chancellery, they guarantee the integration of portions of the first depth level of Invocate training into all branches of vocational schooling. They set and maintain the standards of everything from rural cluster schools to specialized urban academies and receive recommendations for and approval from teachers, professors and academic chairs. They also oversee all other cultural Mantle Establishments, with particular emphasis on the Ablution Academies and free-standing museums in the tradition of the Venerable Koru.

This bureau patronizes all artists, craft practitioners, musicians, and theatre troupes. Designated Ablution Academies contain what are known as Erudite Ceremonial Theatres. These are set aside for historical and current work which the bureau produces for ‘the general edification and improvement of the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation.’ The Erudite Bureau also has a particular interest in Senu, who ‘consume and recite’ vast amounts of literature and set aside special patronage for a subset of this group: the Savant Touched, who often are the Senu’s most brilliant exponents. Surprisingly, Mundanes are also a significant element among what is known as the Senu Major. Many are engaged in the highly specialized craft of discerning ‘Concept Filaments.’ This bureau may also assist in unusual and even extraordinary events. One such instance is when a portion of a cluster goes deaf after being afflicted by a Wailing Bane. The Erudite Bureau has resources and expertise to assist in the formation of a distinctive culture, integrating the deaf and hearing cluster mates into a new harmony.

Here are two secondary emblems of this ministry. One is a simple rendition of a Haklu (above), a four-stringed musical instrument surviving prehistory. It has always appeared as an inverted skull with two serpents forming the frame on either side. While the origins of the symbolic elements are unknown, they reference the fleeting nature of existence and the importance of art for the living.

The other is the Primary Epoch icon of various musical instruments fashioned out of the Danta Horn. These produce a unique voice among wind and percussion instruments and have long been associated with a rich cultural life. The horn comes from refined domestic stock. Innumerable compositions have been made for one or many of these instruments, and there is a long tradition of them accompanying most theatrical performances.

These two images are universal symbols of elegance, antiquity, culture, and civilization as such, they correlate with the Enumerator Ministry in general, the Erudite Bureau in particular, and all Ablution Academies and Artisan Boroughs.

Other circles that regularly serve the Enumerators form part of the Enumerator Major. Most of the Invocates working within the Enumerator Ministry became Full Invocates within a Drone Enclave.

During the Majastas Court, representatives of the Enumerators join the Commandant and Grandee Secretariat at the Western Station. As with half of the Ministries, they take two places during the Majastas Court, so some are stationed at the Eastern Station.

BACK

Cycles Ministry

Fourth in Depth

This is the Fourth Ministry of the Variothya. They ensure food production remains the foundation of the state, with commerce and industry playing secondary roles within the Cluster-Of-Clusters economy. They guarantee the Majastas Cluster-of-Clusters Administration remains focused on society's well-being. They aim to sustain the plentiful supply of all produce along with diverse skill and ability offerings to urban and rural clusters. The Cycles Emblem is composed of two Variothya Stars linked side by side. Inside one egg is Skarashing, the Discerner of Polarities. Inside the other is Hesha Vira, the Face of Raw Life. Representatives of the Cycles Major may be found in all Soldier Enclaves.

This ministry has four bureaus: Granaries and Custom Houses, Currency Supervisorate, Messages, and Statistics. It had its origins in two distinct ministries established by the Funomanru Dynasty. Later dynasties and the Market Judge System have enhanced what has remained intact since ancient times. The Buyanupithar Dynasty combined these ministries into one and established the still-functioning Granaries and Custom Houses, Messages, and Statistics Bureaus. The Currency Supervisorate is an innovation of the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation.

Granaries and Custom Houses  Bureau

The Cycles Ministry is the proprietor of all territories in the Majastas name. This bureau collects and redistributes a portion of the produce, goods and revenues from working it to benefit the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. This includes agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry and fisheries, both farmed and raw. The provincial ministries serving each province's Submissively Venerating circles and cluster have a sizeable Cycles Ministry of their own, in regular contact with the Majastas Fourth Ministry. Custom Houses populate the surface highways, underground transit systems, and sea and river ports. Registration of commercial goods is required at the beginning of the journey to be payable according to the amount and distance at the end. Larger warehouses for raw and finished goods, specialized manufactories and other agencies are found in all provincial centres. The Market Judge System is also part of this bureau, ensuring commerce remains balanced with the rest of Cluster-of-Cluster life. This bureau also runs a series of travel hostels, in designated quarters of ocean, lake and river ports and spaced twenty andas apart on surface roads, along primary and secondary routes. As the highways and waterways are not under provincial jurisdiction but belong to the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation, these fees go directly into the national treasury.

Judge's location within markets

In the larger urban markets, designated Market Judges have onsite offices inside a distinctive tower within the market compounds, usually attached to the north side of a local Ablution Academy. This Mantle Establishment houses trained staff and all the regulating instruments to determine the accuracy of measures and the freshness of produce. Badges are issued and publicly displayed, showing the ranking of each stall. A unique rooftop of their tower contains a carillon announcing each trade day's beginning and end. These offices also store essential goods to be released during times of shortage. The Judges' Chamber is below ground level within the tower. Usually, a small amphitheatre is where cases are heard and rulings are made.

Currency Supervisorate  Bureau

This bureau regulates economic growth and receding, so they occur in regular cycles. The Supervisorate oversees coinage generation and supply as part of their more significant task of regulating commercial exchanges. They maintain a standardized currency and join the Standards Bureau of the Second Ministry in preserving weights, measures and other codes. They also mandate gathering each trade in urban markets within designated areas to facilitate their regulation. These procedures ensure fair pricing and transport along with the preservation of market ordinance, guaranteeing balance given the size and distribution of the Statos-Vey population. They also gather and redistribute industrial revenues and taxation based on Enumerator Ministry reports.

While specialized services and worked goods provide many benefits, the Supervisorate branch of the Cycles Ministry receives reports from the Market Judges on these cluster industries, watching for any signs of Self-Absorption. These incidents are less a degradation of cluster life than an unfortunate hazard associated with some economic activities. They perform a significant portion of these monitoring and correcting tasks within the Living System by closely observing The Common Desire. While focused on market activity, this bureau engages with many other ministries to the same end. For instance, they partner with the Gaming Bureau of the Ceremonies Ministry to surveil any discordant activity at certain tournament events. To those with specialized Invocate training serving the ministry, no discordant drifts in economic activity in any sphere of life remain hidden.

Messages Bureau

The Messages Bureau oversees all postal and freight delivery throughout the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation and beyond.

Statistics  Bureau

This portion of the Cycles Ministry officially receives the second copy of each Decennial Census from the Enumerators Ministry and conducts whatever analysis and projections the ministry requires.

Cycles may Mandate Rural Clusters Giftings

While the Fourth Ministry's focus is primarily on urban areas, it is also attentive to rural affairs, with a particular interest in the size of rural clusters. It works with the Enumerator Ministry to ensure disparities do not grow between clusters. It has the power to mandate Giftings, where an excess of goods held by one cluster is redistributed among one or more smaller clusters.

Generated capital an obedient servant

This Ministry has the following words under its emblem: “Economic activity serves as paving stones on life's pathway.” This is a quotation of Majastas Upata-Shepsus I made in 48,730 UKC with the institution of Market Judges to oversee all market activity and ensure no signs of Self-Absorption arise. The extended quotation appears on the frontispiece of all official Cycles, Ministry correspondence and declarations:

“Generated capital of the cluster, province and Cluster-of-Clusters Nation shall be the Yelda's obedient servant. Economic activity serves as paving stones on life's pathway. Trade has no value outside the universal continuance and furtherance of all Yelda. The Foremost Ones, the Tolku, learned long ago that commerce, pursued for its own sake, leads to hoarding of goods and toxic notions of ‘property.’ As such, it is an avenue to Self-Absorption. In our Secondary Epoch, the Venerable Koru wisely avoided this vile snare. So shall we. Our Cycles Ministry shall be entrusted with this vital oversight on the Skin of Anu and within our Resplendent System. Only grasping and mindless malignancies aspire to endless growth to the destruction of all. As with each living network, the market shall expand and contract in accordance with the life it serves.”

Other circles in regular service to the Cycles Ministry and Bureaus are termed part of the Cycles Major. Most Invocates in this ministry ‘Descended their Depths’ within a Soldier Enclave.

During the two hours of the Majastas Court, representatives of the Cycles Ministry take their seats along with those from the Preeminent Works and Wellbeing Ministries at the Southern Station. Others from the same ministry position themselves at the Northern Station.

BACK

Wellbeing Ministry

Cluster-of-Clusters Health

The Wellbeing Circles are the Fifth Ministry of the Variothya and are concerned with all aspects of Cluster-Of-Cluster health. The Wellbeing Emblem is composed of two Variothya Stars linked side by side.

Naprahath, the Restorer of Balance and Maintainer of Harmony, is inside one egg. Inside the other is Kava-Kura, the Face of Vital Delight. Representatives of the Wellbeing Major, particularly those associated with the Doubles and Vats Bureau and the Ratio Bureau, are to be found within all Farmer Enclaves.

This ministry has five bureaus: Pacifier, Doubles and Vats, Nostrum, Ratio, and Completion. It was one of three established by the Yin-Vinulan Dynasty and was initially composed of the Pacifier, Ratio, and Completion Bureaus.

Pacifier  Bureau

This bureau has two arenas. One is training all Healers and Soothers (icon shown here) to ‘pacify’ all ailments not addressed by or complimenting the work of Doubles and their Healing Vats. In partnership with the Enumerator Circles, the Pacifier Bureau also maintains Benevolence Bowers within one or more Ablution Academies, depending on the size of the provincial centre.

These Mantle Establishments augment the restoration of circles and clusters through the skilled remedy of injury and ailment. They are also teaching establishments, training new ranks of Healers and Soothers and attending Vat Masters. This bureau is also the guardian and patron of all Skin Touched. Those they train can examine and treat complex internal issues without breaking the skin.

While most ministry members are focused on one of its bureaus, servants sometimes attend two or more. One example is the sixth of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels, Pleasure Monitors. While they primarily take on vital roles within the Pacifier Bureau of the Wellbeing Ministry, even though they are seldom Doubles, they also fulfill roles within both the Doubles and Vats Bureau. They are also vital participants in the Nostrum Bureaus of this ministry.

The Pacifier Bureau is also responsible for detecting and addressing large-scale contagion outbreaks among Yeldic and animal populations. They also defend agriculture from large infestations or provide relief after swarming, disease or blights. Petal Strokers, the seventh Rank of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels, are escorted to these locations where they may employ their unique powers on affected crops and groves. This bureau is also charged with forecasting and responding to Non-Living Banes. The science of prognosticating these erratic events is exceedingly challenging, and their primary work is in attending to the needs of those affected by them. They work closely with other ministries, such as the Enumerators and Preeminent Works, to monitor new and ongoing health issues. The Pacifier Bureau also labours with the Calamity Bureau of the Commandant Ministry on any emergency relief operations.

Doubles and Vats  Bureau

Along with their Skin Touched patronage, this bureau is the patron of all Doubles and their Healing Vats and operates out of the Farmer Class of Enclaves. They are the nursery and dispensers of eggs to all new Doubles. They monitor Double death and birth rates and provide resources as needed. This bureau comprises Vat Masters who breed, hybridize and monitor the population of the various Vat Classes while continuing to modify and expand their healing ability. They also bring rare Manifold or Cohort Doubles to raise new generations of Egg-Producing Healing Vats. Occasionally, they revitalize or find new Vat Master Enclaves around their cache of ‘Mother Vats.’

This bureau also has the distinction of housing rare Masters of a Nonliving nonentity— Phantasm Spume. This element is vital in the wakening of all vats at the moment of their Mother Double’s Conclusive Offering, as the Venerable Koru discovered in 597 of The Interim. The ongoing production of this product comes from both refined versions of natural outbreaks and improved versions produced by the Spume Masters themselves. An unlikely resource rests with another Bane, the extremely rare Water Column, which produces sweet waters known to fortify vats and have measurable benefits for generations of future vats.

The Doubles and Vats Bureau also shelters and trains Skin Touched, which provides service to challenging cases and has occasionally used its talents to assist and modify Healing Vats themselves. Finally, the Doubles and Vats Bureau are the keepers of the ‘Double Bath,' a large tub used on the occasion of the death of a Majastas, when the body is separated in ceremony and fed to the Majastas Cluster’s Healing Vats. There is one of these baths in one Farmer Enclave of each provincial centre to be ready should a Majastas die away from the capital.

Blue Hands 

Doubles and Vats is one of the few bureaus within a ministry with its own emblem. It is the classic symbol of all Healers and Soothers, dating back to Menem mythology and Samajalas, known as 'The Comforter,’ whose blue hands reached down to console Anu. The Doubles and Vats Bureau can award Doubles for reaching milestones with versions of this image, such as those achieving the distinction of becoming an Elder of Many Conceptions. Such estimable cluster mates are added to the ministry’s Role of Honour as a Preeminent Spoke.

Nostrum Bureau

 This was the first new bureau instituted after the radical transformation of the Acoon creature by the ‘Genius of Unplumbed Depths’ Majastas Multitude Sheshisana X in the year 88,792 UKC and the year 40,073 of the Danam Yelda’s Nantu Calendar. This took place within the Living System of Tatchlan. At the same time, she resided within Mount Rongu’s Chandara Grotto on Rho-Jashun during the eighty-nine thousandth anniversary of the creation of the Koru Healing Vats. The Acoon became a fundamental aspect of the Wellbeing Ministry’s ongoing work to maintain and enrich the health of the Danam Yelda’s Cluster-of-Clusters Nation by bringing a powerful tool to treat mental distress.

The Acoon’s well-known ability to deliver intense delight while administering its famed Nostrum now became tailored to address many dysfunctions of the mind. This bureau oversees the production of Acoon clusters that can be transported to all provinces regularly. It works with the Doubles and Healing Vats Bureau to monitor individual and communal outbreaks of distress and, where needed, deliver emergency clusters of Acoon to sites of need. As such, the Nostrum Bureau also works with the Calamity Bureau of the Commandant Ministry to deal with trauma in tragic and catastrophic locations.

The Nostrum Bureau employs the primary icon for the Acoon as their emblem on all official emblazons and correspondence. The creature is seen transforming a male Yelda through joy while standing in the centre of its famed arch, where the tentacles delivering the Nostrum throughout his body enflame him in ways beyond The Nine Petals. At the instant of sexual climax, the Acoon gains full entry into the Yelda’s brain, which is flooded with powerful agents meant to seek out a variety of obstructions and serious gaps needing repair along with attacking any excess growths or buildups. Treatment usually lasts many sessions, with a gradual diminishment of the sexual component, until finally, the patient merely steps into the gap to gain full benefit from ongoing treatment. In other forms of remedy for milder issues, the sexual stimulation remains and may be intensified.

While the Acoon is a vital Living Instrument of the Nostrum Bureau, it is not the only means of healing. There are many occasions where its powers are too potent for the issue. Among other agencies, the Nostrum Bureau also employs Pleasure Monitors, the sixth of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels, to aid circles and clusters suffering and in need. Unlike the Acoon, they may address the concerns of multiple cluster members together.

They are often sent first to a cluster requesting ministrations from the Wellbeing Ministry. They may be empowered to decide if one or more cluster mates require the full power of the Acoon in their compound while they tend to the rest.

Ratio Bureau 

The Ratio Bureau stands as the patron of all cluster Elders. They monitor the three-men-to-one-woman ratio within the general cluster population and the numbers of Majas and other Spokes of the Cluster Wheel per cluster. They receive the third copy of each completed census report from the Census Bureau of the Enumerator Ministry. They also examine the overall percentages of each population segment to monitor any changes in cluster equilibrium. This bureau is active in clusters planning a more extensive transference of young Ripe Adults at Gifting Transfer events; this population is known as the Ripe Adult Cohort. At such time, the exchange of Ripe Adults displaying specific Spoke attributes also occurs under the auspices of the Ratio Bureau. While the bureau is interested in all such exchanges, the Gifting Transfer takes a decade or more to plan and execute due to its complexity and scope. The bureau produces many resources to guide Elders in this process. At significant events, the Ratio Bureau's representatives may personally assist the Elders of all affected clusters to ensure its successful conclusion.

This bureau is also entrusted with what is known as the Cohort Jelly. The formula for this is a most-ancient living substance remaining unchanged from the Primary Epoch. The Ratio Bureau grows measured portions of the eight grades before disbursing them to the cluster Elders so they may plan out the ongoing Gem Manifold births to balance all necessary elements of cluster life. Pictured here is the Ratio Bureau’s emblem, symbolizing the eight grades and the resulting manifold births resulting from their use.

Completion Bureau

The Completion Bureau is the patron of all Completes. They provide specific services to Completes and ensure their clusters enjoy special designation due to housing one or more Completes. Invocates of the Completion Bureau examine clusters within the Living System that have not produced at least one Complete in a generation for any hidden issues. Their findings may lead to many actions facilitating the increased likelihood of conceiving a Complete within the affected cluster.   

Beyond the presence of Completes, this bureau is concerned with the broad emotional range of cluster life. They work closely with the Ratio Bureau to maintain the harmony of all Tatchlan elements within clusters. This bureau also plays an active role in the Ablution Academies distributed across the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. As the primary forum for health, engagement, and cultural expression in all urban and rural settings, these vital academies perform many services to achieve the goals of this bureau and the entire ministry. They share this task with the Erudite Bureau of the Enumerator Ministry, which oversees the many circuits of cultural and intellectual activities there.

Completion Bureau’s role at Majastas death

This bureau has special duties on the death of a Majastas. They arrive at the Majastas Cluster after the Dissolution Ceremony and the Emblem Collection. Their role is modest when the next Majastas emerges within the same cluster. They 'Enter the Presence' of the new Majastas and formally inquire how the eight ministries may begin their service. Under normal circumstances, this prompts a formal response rendered in verse. When the times demand it, specific commands may be issued. The Completion Bureau's role significantly differs if the Mantle has settled on another cluster. This means they now visit the 'Dynastic Terminated Cluster,' and their role extends over decades. Currently, the Completion Bureau is empowered by the new Majastas to govern the Scent Separation process, which will see up to a quarter of the cluster migrating away to join other clusters over three to four ten-year cycles. This is the only time the Majastas do not directly convene, inside or outside the Living System, over Scent Separations of this size.

During Majastas Court, representatives of the Wellbeing Ministry of the Variothya take their place with those from the Preeminent Works and Cycles Ministries at the Southern Station. Others find seating at the Eastern Station.

BACK

Commandant Ministry

Sixth in Depth

The Commandant Circle oversees the Sixth Ministry of the Variothya. The Commandant icon is composed of two Variothya Stars linked side by side. Gavaduru, the Face of Protection, Dignity and Honour, is inside one egg. Inside the other is Muramal, the Face 'Conducting to Trouble.’ Most Invocates within the Commandant Ministry ‘Descended their Depths’ within a Soldiers Enclave.

Professional Mobilization

This ministry is responsible for a wide variety of specialized tasks requiring the disciplined mobilization of large professional assemblies to carry out the orders of the Chancellery, Grandee, Enumerator, and Wellbeing circles at the behest of the Majastas.

Unlike the Chancellery and Grandee circles, one circle assumes the title of Commandant, often with a primary member carrying the name First Commandant. This is due to the ministry's requirement for rapid decision-making in emergencies. In exceptional cases, the Majastas and Commandant Ministries may supersede all other ministries for rapid response during a crisis.

The Generals and other officers serving the Calamity and Engineering Bureaus often form a similar structure, with single circles taking primary roles and one member becoming designated for critical decisions. They also ensure the enforcement of all edicts, ordinances, and laws promulgated by the Chancellery. On rare occasions, the Resolution and Calamity Bureaus take on a policing role when a cluster or clusters turn rogue. This only occurs when clusters appeal for assistance, as they have their local, typically sufficient mechanisms. Unlike most ministries, portions of one or more of the four bureaus of the Commandant Ministry may combine in the field for specific missions.

Guardian Kothon blade

Another image associated with this ministry is the Vigilant or Guardian Kothon. This stands inside the Venerable Koru’s frame, showing a vertical blade against a backdrop of chaos and decay. Another version of the Kothon is used within Rural Clusters. In this, the knife points downward as the plow is about to part the living loam for planting.

This ministry has four bureaus: Engineering, Calamity, Provisions, and Resolution. The Funomanru Dynasty founded the Calamity and Provisions Bureaus and added what is now known as the Engineering Bureau near the end of its reign. The Buyanupithar Dynasty maintained these and greatly expanded the function of the Engineering Bureau. The Resolution Bureau was an addition to the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation.

Icons of the four Commandant Ministry Bureaus.

Engineering, Calamity, Provisions and Resolution.

These Koru icons are based on Tolku versions and have been incorporated into the Danam Yeldic Variothya suite of emblazons.

Engineering  Bureau

The Engineering Bureau is in charge of maintaining the state's infrastructure in emergencies. They sustain academies in each provincial centre to train all required occupations. Graduates form Circles of Profession, rotating on general infrastructure upkeep and province service for the Ministry of Preeminent Works. These duties may be superseded at any time by a call from the Calamity Bureau to address adversities anywhere in the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. Both the Engineering Bureau and the Calamity Bureau (see immediately below) may employ the eighth and final rank of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels, known as Tremor Readers, in determining the physical condition and other factors in distant regions during an emergency or ongoing disruptive or anomalous circumstance.

Calamity  Bureau

When a natural disaster or other emergency occurs, the Commandant Ministry sends the Calamity Bureau to enact protective measures and oversee relief. Often, the Engineering Bureau works in tandem with them, given the need for reconstruction or other engineering expertise. They also may join the Pacifier Bureau of the Wellbeing Ministry in the case of widespread injury, disease outbreak or famine. Two examples are when there is an infrequent outbreak of the Jimin Plague or the visitation of a Non-Living Bane within the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. In the first instance, the Calamity Bureau ensures the infected population is contained in their clusters or encirclements to prevent the plague from spreading until the Pacifier Bureau arrives to attend to them. In the second instance, protocols are in place to avoid the event, such as a Slaying Canopy, creating or reinforcing barriers, or evacuating the area. Once again, the Pacifier Bureau is alerted to those suffering in the aftermath, such as the sudden manifestation of a Wailing Bane. The Resolution Bureau may also call on the Calamity Bureau when dealing with severe dysfunction of a cluster or clusters. When, on rare occasions, the Cluster-Of-Clusters state is under threat externally or internally, the Calamity Bureau meets it.

Provisions  Bureau

This centralized bureau generates and maintains resources and equipment, providing the necessary planning and management administration for the Commandant Ministry to fulfill its duties. It works with the Engineering Bureau to create and sustain the required land and sea transportation to efficiently flow supplies to and from distant locations. The Provisions Bureau also works with the Granaries and Custom Houses Bureau of the Cycles Ministry to ensure the necessary preparations, including food, supplies, communications and other arrangements, are made to facilitate regular operations and emergencies.

Resolution  Bureau

The Resolution Bureau is the enforcement arm of the Chancellery Ministry’s Adjudicator Bureau in settling any disputes or disagreements between clusters. The Resolution Bureau maintains the Paramount M agistracies Office within Upata-Shepsus and Regional Magistracies Offices within each province. While the provincial centre houses the primary office, local Magistrates and their staff occupy an Ancillary Magistracy Office within each Ablution Academy throughout the region. Often, these have to do with determining Reciprocity Value between different sorts of exchanged work or items. This bureau's representatives are within the Chancellery, Grandee Secretariat and Cycles Ministries, both at the Cluster-of-Clusters and provincial level. In more complex cases, the consideration of the Funomanru and Buyanupithar dynasty civil codes, Koru precedents along with Yeldic traditions from the founding of the Danam Yeldic nation, along with Invocate investigations within the Living System both as to the particular issue and its broader implications to Tatchlan and the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation.

In the case of cluster wrongdoing, the Majastas may personally intervene. This usually leads to an enquiry as to how the situation arose without warning from the Maja Gatherings. Confirmations of an individual or group of clusters suffering some form of separation illness will lead to direct intervention inside and outside the Living System. In extreme cases, the Majastas may induce a partial or complete Wellbeing Ministry Scent Separation as the ultimate rectification. This, in turn, leads to an intensive investigation within the province and long-term initiatives involving Wellbeing, Cycles and Commandant Ministries in the reformation or relocation of the population around the affected clusters. This bureau also stands as the patrons of all Ranks of Touched in honour of their historical and informal role as 'Truth Sayers.' Other ministries also patronize specific members of the various diverse Ranks of Touched.

Other circles in regular service to any of the four bureaus within the Commandant Circle constitute part of the Commandant Major, and those in the field are titled the Commanderies.

During the Majastas Court, members of the Commandant Circle join those from the Chancellery and Ceremonies Ministry at the Northern Station while others take their places at the Western Station.

BACK

Preeminent Works

Public Works

Preeminent Works circles form the Seventh Ministry of the Variothya. They are responsible with overseeing all public works projects throughout the Cluster-Of-Clusters Nation. Those Invocates who serve within the Preeminent Works Ministry ‘Descended their Depths’ within a Builders Enclave. The Preeminent Works icon is the third to use a single star; at the heart of its egg is the face of Alatanda.

This ministry has four bureaus: Enhancement, Edifice, Circulation and Irrigation. As with the Enumerator and Wellbeing Ministry, this ministry and its bureaus were founded by the Yin-Vinulan Dynasty. These four bureaus have proven most adept at growing into new roles within the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation while retaining their original parameters.

Enhancement  Bureau

The mandate of the Enhancement Bureau is to ‘Improve by Art’ every aspect of Danam Yeldic life. This runs from the prosaic to exotic. An example of the prosaic is their responsibility to maintain decorum in streets and public spaces by a regime of daily pickup and to sweep throughout urban environs. Washing of all avenues occurs on each fourth day when there is no rain. Public structures are washed and maintained as part of a strict annual programme. More exotic responsibilities include creating and maintaining all forms of adornment and embellishing urban public areas. They are also responsible for reducing rude wilderness in open spaces between rural clusters with artful plantings and public artworks while ensuring the Granaries and Custom Bureau’s hostelries ‘glow as fires in the night.’ They are entrusted with creating and maintaining public ambiance, including music, general tableaus, kinetic sculptures and street theatre, to name only a few examples, throughout provincial centres. Perhaps one of their most mysterious and dangerous offices involves employing Preservation Cubes to restore ancient wonders and present-day treasures in an everlasting state. They also ensure raw life (i.e. vegetation) and non-life elements (i.e. accumulated detritus or blowing sand) do not encroach or impede access to these distinguished sites. In this way, these venerable monuments are not ‘dishonoured by time,’ allowing them to grow into a more potent and ennobling anchor for the evanescent generations. The ancient Dallamaplan Enhancement Bureau crafted these Cubes by working with the fearsome Consumption Monoliths in the process wrapped in secrecy. The results of these efforts are intended to be Most Improving for clusters and Encirclements.

A province may also enlist circles from the Enhancement Bureau to aid during a large cycle of rural cluster Giftings deep in the country. It is common for circles of flute players to proceed down every avenue at dawn to rouse clusters on festive or other important days. The Enhancement Bureau stands as the patron of several disciplines and gifts. Liturgist Circles, graded in depth from generalized to specialized, are under this bureau's care and guidance. The specialized circles can serve significant events and deeply affect all participants appropriate to the occasion. Among other resources, they may gather local Cinnabar Betweens to weave their Sillage Trails to modify and unify the scent of the gathering. This bureau is also the patron of all Dreamers. They present them with opportunities to become involved within the bureau. They are also patrons of Cousin Touched, who possess the ability to communicate with other creatures. They employ these to ensure the maintenance of various indoor and outdoor projects where Cousins and other beings of service may attach themselves to improvements and ensure their simple good repair and maintenance.

Edifice  Bureau

The Edifice Bureau creates and maintains all public edifices, known as ‘Majastas Property.’ They are a specialized branch of the Enhancement Bureau and ensure all new Mantle Establishments harmonize with those around them and that each structure adds to the larger pattern of public buildings. The Edifice Bureau also works closely with the Circulation Bureau in mapping out the placement of these Establishments according to population flows inside and out of provincial centres. They have a specific charge to ensure all interiors present as living cavities to minimize stress from being inside non-living constructions. Along with lush ornamentation and abundant plant life, the Edifice Bureau joins the Doubles and Vats Bureau of the Wellbeing Ministry to create unique creatures to inhabit these interiors and bring them to life. Within their Builder Enclaves, the Edifice Bureau raises a variety of beings, including the Inari and Shaka Bishamon. Most bureau badges are slight variations on their primary ministry icon and badge, but the Edifice Bureau has one unique to them. The Daman Yeldic teardrop formation shows a swirling sea of life surrounding a dead, grey construction. Inside this Majastas Property is depicted their exceptional work.

The walls have a multitude of Inari growing out of them and a large Shaka Bishamon hangs down from the ceiling. Each possesses an eye to designate them as alive. This is to declare that the inside of a non-living structure possesses more life than the outside. The Shaka Bishamon is the grandest of their creations, occupying the centre of most Ablution Academies' central vaults. They sway from side to side while tiny beings suspended in living baskets at their tips sing sweetly and spray the participants below with various mood-enhancing medicines. This visual display is often accompanied by artful Singing Bowl performances, often accompanied by Liturgist Circles, aimed to produce the ‘echo effect’ perfected by the Koru within their ancient mountain Sanctuaries.

Circulation Bureau 

The Circulation Bureau oversees the maintenance of the Imperial Ways and the corresponding transit tunnels beneath them, along with all water and sewage systems. They are the exclusive breeders of all Mecalan stock used to run the carriages throughout Statos-Vey within their Builder Enclaves. For this, they wear the distinctive emblem of the Venerable Koru bordered Icon for the Mecalan colony shown here.

They also ensure all construction and engineering projects, such as dams, walls, canals, bridges, trestles, irrigation and other public works within each province and provincial centre, are carried out according to specifications and within the proscribed timetable. The Circulation Bureau often works closely with the Engineering and other bureaus of the Commandant Ministry, deploying many engineers and other specialists. This ministry also produces detailed annual and specific reports for the Chancellery, Grandee, Enumerator and Commandant Ministries. The Circulation Bureau stands as the patron of all Mundanes.

Irrigation  Bureau

Unlike most Majastas Variothya Ministries, this Preeminent Works Bureau is primarily active in the countryside. As the title suggests, they are concerned with managing water supply, flood management and other irrigation issues for rural clusters. Their jurisdiction extends across provincial boundaries, necessitated by watersheds and continental water systems. They are also responsible for maintaining certain specialized crops in remote locations. A smaller portion of this bureau maintains the provincial centre canal systems.  

Preeminent Works growth with provincial expansion 

All branches of the Variothya have increased over time to match the growth in the Danam Yeldic Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. The Preeminent Works Ministry experienced the most dramatic and prolonged expansion spurts during the historical periods of establishing new provinces throughout Statos-Vey and southern Rho-Jashun. This primarily occured in the early dynastic period of the Upata-Shepsus, Horm Unu, Shamsemer, Kavan-Kyan, and Sheshisana Dynasties in the Secondary Epoch. This was due to each province being fashioned extensively ahead of any permits for general cluster migration. This intricate assembly involves surveying the whole territory from the core to the boundaries and all subsequent work to develop the entire province for habitation. This work builds on the initial efforts of the Koru Protectorate of Statos-Vey. They undertook a continental program to reduce the raw wilderness to what could become a cultivated life for all Yelda ahead of their Ceremonial Walk to Statos-Vey.

Surveyors General grid

 The Surveyors General and their serving Land Stewards Clusters complete an exhaustive anda-by-anda grid of the new province. This designates the optimum location of all features, guiding each of the four bureaus in an extended series of works. The Circulation and Irrigation Bureaus commence with the domestication of the landscape for agricultural, commercial, general communication, and transportation networks. The primary Imperial Highway and corresponding underground transit lines are excavated, and all waterways are made serviceable for urban and rural cluster use. No surface way is considered complete until shade trees are planted on both sides and a minimum of four wells are dug between each hostelry.

Edifice Bureau’s sheltering walls 

The Edifice Bureau is said to have built the ‘sheltering walls of civilization’ by beginning an extensive construction program to establish essential structures within the provincial centre and out in the hinterland. These include the allotment of trade and educational infrastructure along with vital urban Mantle Establishments such as Mantle Museums (for the current dynasty), Fertility Sanctuaries, Maja Cloister Halls, Seats of Collective Districts, and Artisans Boroughs. Also founded in abundance are Ablution Academies and Invocate Enclaves in both urban and rural settings. The initial placement of these core Majastas Properties determines the establishment of future rural clusters.

Enhancement Bureau brings life to infrastructure

The arrival of the Enhancement Bureau is accompanied by all other ministries, bringing this infrastructure to life with all aspects of governance. With this activity comes the first settlement of specialized clusters attending to these Mantle Establishments, followed by clusters servicing these initial populations. Only when each Ablution Academy is fully populated in the most remote corner of the countryside are the initial waves of selected clusters transported to their designations allotments in either the urban or rural settlement. 

Each province a Small Generational Plan 

The meeting of several challenges regulates the pace of this entire process. The details of the region, climate, and terrain are only some factors dictating the progress rate of all these civilizing initiatives. Another vital aspect is ascertaining how the immense expenditure of capital and resources may be balanced against the ongoing maintenance of the rest of the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. These responsibilities are taken on by all four bureaus of the Cycles Ministry as directed by the Grandee Secretariat and Chancellory Ministries. The result of all these considerations determines the rate of territorial cultivation, which may range from as little as seventy years to as much as four hundred years. Due to the scope and longevity of such a vast endeavour, these provincial establishments have come to be known as ‘Small Generational Plans.’

Other circles in regular service to the Preeminent Works Circle form part of either the Preeminent Major or Works Major. For the Majastas Court hours, Preeminent Works joins those serving the Cycles and Wellbeing Ministries of the Variothya at the Southern Station.

BACK

Ceremonies

In Charge of all Public Days

This ministry is responsible for all Public Days celebrated annually within each region and throughout the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. Representatives of the Ceremonies circles and the Eighth and final Ministry of the Variothya, despite being the least in depth, they report directly to the Majastas. The entire ministry and its five bureaus are the patrons of all Betweens. Given that Betweens have a historic role in fashioning creative bridges within a cluster and among clusters, along with providing general delight during Giftings, Circle Dances and other activities, the Ceremonies Ministry endeavours to bring many into its work.

At public events, bureaus may assume neutral dress intended to render them near invisible amidst the occasion they are directing and facilitating or be on full display as participants. Masters within the ministry may also officiate or lead specific ceremonies. The Ceremonies Emblem is the fourth one using a single star; at the heart of its egg is the face of Hashahanu, the Face of Contemplation.

Dramsus

A secondary emblem of this ministry appears here. This is the most-ancient and venerable instrument known as the Dramsus. It is composed of a split frame between two or more lengths of fixed twine. These strings are set on a series of small disks with a hole bored through the centre. They may be composed of a various materials as long as they make a pleasing sound when they strike each other.

This arrangement is shaken during public events to produce a musical sound and was employed from prehistoric times. While this is the ‘Three Dramsus Emblem,’ these ritual instruments are usually held one in each hand of four, eight, sixteen or more players standing in rows on either side of processions and other configurations. Players also form single or multiple circles around a stationary or moving centre of ceremonial interest.

The Eighth Ministry comprises six bureaus: Majastas Days, Face Days, Founding Days, Census Days, House Upkeep and Gaming. This is the only ministry with no antecedent in the Lesser Era of the Primary Epoch. It is a product of the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation and reflects public life on the Skin of Anu in full awareness of its underlying Tatchlan System.

Majastas Days Bureau

These are anniversaries, or other ceremonial events, related to a historical or current Majastas. Historical Majastas Days focus on one location where a particular event occurred. They vary widely, but most include processions of images of the Majastas and dramatic performances of any material appropriate to the day. Current Majastas Days involve ceremonies around the arrival, progress and departure of the current Majastas, usually to a provincial centre. This also includes celebrations on the date the current Majastas was 'Wrapped in Tatchlan's Mantle.' Due to the nature of this bureau's work, many circles may travel extensively on disparate routes throughout Statos-Vey in annual circuits.

Face Days Bureau

The Ministry of Ceremonies acts in the Majastas's name to ensure readiness for each province's Twelve Principal Faces holidays. The Face Day Bureau maintains academies in each provincial centre to train artists, musicians, and dancers, which can form the core of all Face Day events throughout the year and the final Alatahanu Carnival. A select number of Artisan Boroughs in large provincial centres are devoted to specialized work for this bureau.

Founding Days Bureau

These are the annual celebrations around the founding of a province or other recognized institution, usually accompanied by recreations of various events associated with the province and processions and tableaus of well-known images associated with it. This Bureau is tasked with distinct events outside regular public observances and travels extensively while fulfilling its duties across Statos-Vey.

Census Days Bureau

Ceremonies Ministry conducts these events in close association with the Census Bureau of the Enumerator Ministry. Along with the Face Days, these are celebrated universally across Statos-Vey. With the commencement of the tenth decade or Decennial Census, there is a day of celebrations in every province and a traditional removal of doors to each cluster, symbolizing their eagerness for the censors to visit them. With a Hundredth or more Decennial Census, a series of events occur in each provincial centre over that year.

House Upkeep Bureau

This bureau guarantees the ministry's year-round responsibility for the upkeep of Majastas Properties across the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. These include Artisans Boroughs, Maja Cloister Halls, larger urban Encirclement’s Seats of Collective Districts, Fertility Sanctuaries, Mantle Museums and other buildings associated with the awe for one or more aspects of Tatchlan, in particular, Majastas past and present, along with the Twelve Principal and many Secondary Faces of the Living System. The House Upkeep Bureau of the Ceremonies Ministry is said to maintain what the Edifice Bureau of the Preeminent Works Ministry founded and maintains close ties with Edifice when it comes to significant structural issues.

Face Shrines Bureau

All ceremonial representations of each Face used on their designated Face Days and to accompany and honour other Tatchlan Faces on their Face Days are housed in what is known as Face Shrines. It is common for circles to make visitations and present gifts to these Mantle Establishments to mark moments of import in their cluster’s life. Costumes and equipment employed by Face Dancers may also be housed in these structures. Many Ablution Academies have twelve shrines attached to their compounds' outer side or built into the south-facing wall. Some larger Artisan Boroughs, also located on the southern side of these academies in provincial centres, may have these shrines attached to this edifice. Most urban compounds have twelve doors, each done in their Face colours. These Face Shrines may also appear in many other locations, often associated with particular aspects of that aspect of the Living System.

Gaming Bureau 

This bureau conducts various public recreations and ensures balance at said events. Most of these public amusements take the form of communal activity where several clusters engage in large-scale diversions, whether inside open interiors or outside, to delight themselves and onlookers. Due to the marginally competitive nature of some of these tournaments, they are strictly separate from the more common theatrical spectacles. When particular gaming involves forming two or more groups in a ritual contest over a goal and even scoring points, balance is maintained by adding and removing circles from either side. This ensures the event always concludes in a balanced tie. This is usually reached by a change in the number of circles on the winning side after each goal, followed by a similar modification in the circle count of the other cluster(s) when they score. Currency and Supervisorate Bureau representatives monitor these events inside and outside the Living System to ensure the balance in the interests of the participants and to remove any opportunity for wagers and other noxious trends manifesting.

Other circles in regular service to the Ceremonies Circle are termed part of the Ceremonies Major. Most of those Invocates working within the Ceremonies Ministry became Full Invocates within a Drone Enclave.

Representatives of the Ceremonies, Wellbeing and the Enumerators take their seats at the Eastern Station during the two hours of Majastas Court.

BACK

Provincial Governance Structure (Danam Yelda of Secondary Epoch)

From the depths of the Primary Ministries, we rise to the governance structure of the Regions, their Provinces, Encirclements, and the urban and rural clusters within them.

Physical Layout and Composition

The order of regions is historical and sequential. The first is the Capital Region, comprising the Primary Mountain Circle of Upata-Shepsus. The second is the Upata-Bhampay Region, which extends from the Capital Region to the imperial port city of Bhampay and all that lies between them on either side of the Imperial Way. The highways themselves and each of their Anda Markers are all the property of the Ministry of Preeminent Works. The provincial centre and the province have the same name. Each region encompasses one or more provinces connected by a highway or set of highways linking them. The above- and the below-ground line joining this series of provinces has the name of the beginning and ending provincial centre along the line, i.e., Upata-Shepsus and Bhampay are within the Upata-Bhampay Region. This also constitutes the extent of the region. The following ten regions of central Statos-Vey all have Upata in their titles as they form highways radiating out from Upata-Shepsus. Only the Upata-Bhampay Region includes the Primary Mountain Circle. Some of these other regions only have one provincial centre, such as the Region and Province of Glen-Din and Ninusay. In contrast, others have many, such as the Region of Upata-Yava, which is made up of five provinces moving from Upata-Shepsus south and west to the coast where the provincial centre of Yava-Thon standing on the shores of Jawalam Bay. The above examples of regions, provinces, provincial centres and transit lines in central Statos-Vey are among the oldest of the Danam Yelda, completed during their first Majastas Cluster Dynasty. The Province and Provincial Centre of Yava-Thon was the last of this group, opened in the year 4,578 (Nantu Age) of the Danam Yelda calendar (53,297 UKC).

Regional and Provincial Organization

A specific portion of the Grandee Secretariat Ministry, based in the capital, oversees each region. Their servants within the region and province and attending circles are known as the Submissively Venerating. There is one Submissively Venerating circle or circles for each province. They have their version of the ministries (see provincial ministries below) and supervise the affairs of their province in the Second Ministry's name.

Provincial Structure

Primary Institution (Cluster) composed of Fundamental Units (Circles of Eight)

The basic unit of the Cluster-of-Clusters society is the circle of eight. The majority of these circles include at least one Maja. While this circle may be the base unit, the primary institution of the nation is the cluster, which is composed of a varying number of circles of eight. The Spokes of the Cluster Wheel, including Maja, Elders and other manifestations of the Tatchlan System, internally organize each cluster.

Cluster to cluster relations

Both urban and rural clusters form deep reciprocal links with surrounding clusters based on several factors, the most important being their cluster's uses.

Urban Clusters Dynamic Culture

Urban clusters live close to each other, forming what are known as Encirclements. With the establishment of Upata Bulbs, outside of primary thoroughfares, once a cluster is planted, it begins the ongoing process of dynamic change with its immediate neighbouring clusters. This fluid situation has always been a healthy sign of a Cluster-of-Cluster community. These clusters are encouraged to modify their environment regularly to maximize their work and loving relationships. Naturally, smaller groups long to amalgamate with larger groups, so two separated clusters tend to form organic blocks, often constructing underground links. Prior to the adoption of Upata Bulbs, it was customary for two adjoining clusters to go so far as to tear down the outer walls between them and create an ample enclosed space linking the two formerly separate cluster compounds under a common roof. Over time, urban environments grew below and above ground, with elaborate tunnels haphazardly linking separate clusters to form extended internal communities.

This tendency was magnified once Upata Bulbs replaced non-living cluster structures during the Emaxul Age of the Secondary Epoch. The comparative ease with which Bulbs could move and merge with other Bulbs turned provincial centres into slow-moving dances of clusters. The only role the Province plays in this is maintaining the laneways around and between these migrating Bulbs at a universal width to ensure both foot traffic and other forms of transport have access to every part of the provincial centre. Within these merged communities, these clusters may remain distinct or unite into larger entities, with numerous small scent separations leading to new clusters continuing in other portions of the same Bulb or beyond. Such extended populations often work out a large-scale production of goods and services. Unlike rural clusters which have many andas that separate them from their neighbours, the intimate proximity of most urban clusters to each other ensures this ever-changing and vigorous environment.

Rural Clusters

Rural clusters are more removed from each other, but their reciprocity takes an intensive form of sharing workloads at crucial times of the agricultural and pastoral year. These more distinct clusters also create informal networks of neighbouring clusters. They are enriched by local Ablution Academies and other Mantle Establishments to alleviate the distress of a more isolated existence.

Provincial Ministries Campus

A Submissively Venerating and their circle(s), also known as branch secretariats, govern each province. They are part of a larger cluster, or clusters, comprising the provincial version of the ministries housed in the core of each provincial centre known as the Eight Ministries Campus. This area also contains all goverance Mantle Establishments, making it the ‘navel’ of the province. While the size and composition of these ministries vary widely according to regional circumstances, the core structure is uniform. Each 'ministry' has, at minimum, one circle led by a Maja who is also an Invocate, receiving necessary instruction from the corresponding Majastas Ministry inside or outside the Living System. For example, the provincial Cycles Ministry would contact the Fourth Majastas Ministry in Bhampay concerning any irregularities in food production, assessments, collections, disbursements, and trade within and between provinces. Routine matters and ongoing projects such as land distribution and periodic calls for labour seldom require direct contact between the Majastas Ministry and their provincial counterparts. As necessity warrants or as part of a random schedule, the primary Majastas Ministry will focus on their provincial counterparts’ activity. Matters of importance or unusual circumstances necessitate all communications to go directly to the provinces. The Submissively Venerating conducts a provincial version of a private conference and public court each day where representatives of all provincial ministries are present. By necessity, these Submissively Venerating must be Invocates, able to enter the Living System for interviews with various ministries or to 'Enter the Presence.’

Service within Provincial Ministries

While it is required for some Maja and Maja Invocates to be rooted in the deepest levels of all provincial ministries, potentially any subject of the province may delve for this service. Clusters sponsor promising children to begin their provincially financed specific education. Candidates of older age may also apply as long as they pass the required tests. Ultimately, they all take their series of Meritocracy Examinations, overseen in their final stages by the Submissively Venerating circle of their province. Despite their differing roles, Maja and Invocates must pass these same examinations.

Adoption conventions

This practice is more observed in the provinces than in The Capital Region, although it is not unknown within Upata-Shepsus. These conventions see those occupying the deepest level of responsibility conducting a search for those possessing the necessary qualities to be their successor. This search may end within their cluster or may range far beyond it. It may involve a council of advisors or be carried out by the investigator alone. The reigning Majastas is notified upon the conclusion of this process, and there are only a few occasions when they intervene due to their discovery within Tatchlan of an impediment unseen by the initiator. A great deal of latitude surrounds subsequent action. Those selected may be immediately notified or quietly brought into the selector's consultations and trained. While there may be some delay, most are informed of their destiny within a few years of their relocation. This is a formality in most cases as their selection becomes evident to all. In some provinces, longstanding traditions surrounding the selection, training and announcement process are associated with this practice.

A detailed example of this process is found in the third novel of this series, Dalinantu Emergence, between Submissively Venerating Jumon-Pulmol and Everlastingly Serving Jumon-Balam.

Local leadership

Clusters have Elder Circles known as Leadership Rings, who, along with the Majas, direct the daily affairs of their cluster. In urban areas, clusters form close bonds with those clusters around them, and often, this leads to Elders and Majas gaining particular regard and having informal leadership roles within their surrounding Encirclement. The province enlists them to represent distinct community perspectives, communicate local information, and enact district initiatives.

This is distinct from Maja Resonance Rituals, which are more a tool for circle and cluster uniformity throughout the Living System than at the local level.

Public Works

All able-bodied circles are called to public service within their province for an average of two two-weeks of the year. The Ministry of Preeminent Works is the primary beneficiary of this ongoing labour pool. Except in unusual circumstances, this work takes place within their province. Their host community and the Seventh Ministry ensure travel, accommodation and care. Whenever possible, any or all of their noted uses are employed.

Anu Awakes Series copyright © Lyn McGinnis 2020