Deseret

Characterized by its rugged mountainous terrain in the north and its arid high plains of the south, the nation of Deseret is sparsely populated. Though its land area is comparable to that of Midian, Deseret only has one-third the population. The majority of its inhabitants are engaged in agriculture, and Deseret’s fields and orchards are legendary.

The area of Deseret was formerly known as the Western Territories. Deseret was founded as a result of a theocratic conflict within the Church, when Midianites who followed the Prophet Abram fled persecution. Their attempt to form their own nation resulted in a two-year war with Midian, fought largely by the Territorial Rangers, at the end of which a truce was signed allowing the formation of the Deseret Nation.

Government

Deseret was founded as a theocratic republic, ruled by an elected Council of Elders. Only natural-born male citizens over the age of fifteen initially held the right to vote.

The crises in Midian led to the closing of Deseret's borders in 1877.

In 1904 Deseret became a democratic republic, establishing a representative legislature consisting of 33 Senators charged with representing various districts and cities of the nation. The Senators meet yearly in Temple City and every six years elect a single senator to the office of President. The right to vote extended to all citizens above the age of sixteen in 1906.

Religion

The prophet Abram preached that all people were capable of receiving divine favor. This teaching was declared heretical by the Church of Midian, leading to the expulsion of Abram's followers to the Western Territories. Abramites, as the prophet's followers called themselves, constitute the majority religion of Deseret.

Language

Common Midian.