The Dayiani uphold the laws of the Compact, seeking to build order and structure in both mortal and Myth societies. Taking their name from the ancient Sumerian word for judges, they are populated with Myths of cities and civilisation, and believe in community and the greater good. They champion causes that bring peace and bounty to others, and act as enforcers of the Compact, judging those who have broken it and hunting down those who seek to undermine Myth society.
There are many recognisable mythic figures among the Dayiani, with law-loving sphinxes, gods of beer and wine, fatherly judges, and heroes defending communities from chaos all finding a natural home here. Many Deus and Heroes are drawn to the Dayiani.
Symbols: Scales, barley, earth, triangle, beer.
Aspects: Community, law, divine order, the greater good.
Duty: To uphold the Compact and judge those who break it.
Factions: The Court of Camelot, The Seelie Court, The Olympians, The Furies.
Luminaries: Gilgamesh.
Role in Myth Society
Most large Inbetween spaces will either have a Dayiani leader or a Dayiani helping with running things. They are masters of the court, versed in the Compact and local bylaws, knowing everyone’s name and running meetings efficiently and without incident. Complex etiquettes between Dayiani smooth over cultural differences and proud Deus egos alike, and if things do get out of hand, a Dayiani can step in to arbitrate a challenge between Myths.
The Dayiani also organise celebrations and occasions for Myth groups, marking events such as a group’s first Narrative, birthdays, and culturally important moments. Samhain, lunar new year, and carnival are all hosted by the Dayiani, and their parties are legendary. These act not just as moments of fun and celebration, but also remind Myths of traditions and act as cultural touchstones.
When Pushed
The Dayiani love order, believing in the importance of structures that hold this chaotic world together. When another seeks to destroy that structure, such as a zealous Zeitgeist or smirking Alexandrian, the Dayiani’s fury is immense. Although the Carthaeni are strictly tasked with punishing those the Dayiani judge deserving, the judges are proud and often seem to lend a hand, assistance the villains rarely reject. Most Dayiani reject extreme punishment however, desiring clean judgement rather than the more intimidating examples the Carthaeni prefer to make.
Approach to Narratives
The Dayiani believe that a Narrative should be allowed to tell its story as intended, with those caught up in it playing their parts as intended. Keepers of the Dayiani are likely to take to their assigned role in a Narrative wholeheartedly, and will only break character or attempt to subvert the story if their lives are directly threatened, or if the actions required would cause a fundamental conflict with their Myth.
While some other Courts see this adherence to the story as a passive stance, it has been repeatedly shown to be very effective. There can be great rewards for those who play their parts. By the same token, the Dayiani look disfavourably on those who attempt to subvert or alter Narratives regularly. This is unlikely to turn into outright hostility under anything but the most extreme circumstances, but attempts to break or control a Narrative in major ways are seen as damaging to both the Narrative and the Compact at large.
Relationship with the Sharak
The Dayiani have a tense relationship with their closest sibling, the Sharak. They respect the Sharak’s role as critics and advocates for freedom, but often find them frustrating and prone to spoiling a good party. They always leave a seat open for them by the hearth, and would dearly love them to truly join in with the camaraderie on offer, but deep down know the Sharak would not be who they are if they accepted. As the elder sibling pair, when the two Courts do agree on something, the weight of their combined voices often motivates the others to act in unison.
