The Holy Nation is a stratified and hierarchical society that is very protective of their way of life, this has manifested itself in a form of a structured and organized society with intense xenophobia and scrutiny[34]. They see the faithless as a dangerous rotting influence to their society[35][36][37], but are eager to accept foreigners who live by their religion and customs through conversion[38][39].
The top of their hierarchy is the Phoenix (their spiritual leader), with priesthoods[40] and military[41] assisting him in governing and ruling over the territory, the most important of which are the 2 High Inquisitors, Seta and Valtena, who manage the defense of the country on entire fronts. There are also inter-ranks within the human males[42][43][44] that differentiate their role based on their skills.
Their country views itself as a shining beacon of light amidst a world of darkness and deceit - a safe haven for all Humans who are willing to embrace their faith through conversion. Where through discipline, devotion and hard work do they nurture a semblance of civilization and unity against the evils of outside forces.
“Divine Blessings. Welcome to your motherland, the sacred domain of the Holy Lord Phoenix Himself, blessed be his name. Evil lurks in all shadows of the land but Okran watches over you here, brother, where you belong as a pure blood.”
Their society adopts a warm, welcoming attitude toward men, but remains noticeably reserved when it comes to women[45]. Men are seen as the virtuous leaders and stewards of their society, serving as the role models it strives to uphold. Women on the other hand are seen as a potentially corrupting influence - one that could deteriorate if not controlled[46] - yet they believe proper guidance and discipline can redirect them toward the correct path[47][48].
Men are expected to live pious lives and volunteer under the command of military or priesthood service[49] (often times in a combined role[50]), and to guide and govern women and non-humans into a more sanctified life[51]. Women of HN on the other hand are generally expected to submit to their husbands, child-bear[52], and farm[53].
While men have most types of freedom within their society, the women are allowed a more restricted degree of autonomy[54] which includes the right to trade and keep Hivers and Sheks under control, but would require a male escort when travelling at night[55], wearing jewelry[56], handing in criminals[57][58] and setting up outposts[59]. As it appears, many women are also allowed to freely enter or leave the country[60][61]. Social norms discourage women from approaching men directly[62], reflecting the society’s standards of decency. Consequently, most marriages are arranged by men[63].
Modesty[64], decency[65] and loyalty[66] are heavily emphasized throughout their society, especially towards women[67][68]. As a result, narcotics such as Hashish is banned, alcoholic drinks are permitted but frowned upon[69]. Polyamory is implied to be practiced by The Holy Nation but discouraged from "taking too many women" [70]. Those who overstep such boundaries are often subject to swift and harsh disciplinary measures[71][72][73], but can also be shown mercy if the offender is repentant[74].
“Control your beasts... I want no trouble from them within our walls...”
–Holy Sentinel Gate Guard
“Foreign beasts aren't welcome to roam sacred Okranite land, they must be cleansed and tamed to serve the Holy Nation...”
Non-humans are seen as beastly and darkened in nature[75], though the reasons for this perception vary between races.
Sheks — a bony, horned race known for their violent and aggressive tendencies[76][77][78] — are viewed as wild beasts, embodying the savagery of monsters[79].
Hivers, an insectoid race bred for servitude and expendability within the Hive[80], live in huts made from vomit[81], eat foul food[82], 'animal-like' hygiene and way of life[83] and are notorious for scamming and stealing[81][84][85] are seen as hollow and selfish beings born to a life of misery[86].
They are seen as darkened by HN for committing atrocities such as warmongery, slavery, extortion and cannibalism[87], and fear that the humans will be influenced by them[88]. The general treatment of these non-humans would be to have them sent to Rebirth, where they would be subject to a life of servitude and teaching of Okranite scripture in the belief that they could be reincarnated into a Human in the next life.
However, it can be allowed for non-humans to serve outside of Rebirth in certain circumstances, particularly under a trustworthy Human escort[89].
“Then go forth and spread the word, brother. Okran needs many more recruits in the crusade against darkness. Your beast will give you good leverage.”
The economy of their nation ostensibly relies in large part on the donation/taxes on the various free labour at Holy Farms that grant them food, and the prison labour at Holy Mines that grants them material for construction and smitheries, with the latter likely having their workforce sourced[90] from the various criminals[91] and bandits that are scattered throughout their territory[92][93].
Skeletons are currently seen as Agents of Darkness that have wrought upon The First Extinction, and the fear of them is widespread within HN society[94][95][96][97]. Interestingly, Skeleton dialogue on Okran's Pride[98] indicate that plenty of Skeletons lived in that area until they were destroyed by fear that culminated into the crusade of one of the previous Phoenixes. Those with robotic limbs are presumed to be Skeletons-in-disguise, and ancient-tech is likely banned for being presumed to have something to do with Skeletons.
Despite the mostly low-tech aspects of their society[99][100], they possess advanced medical equipment for their Doctors, Surgeons and Phoenix himself[101].
While dissent[102] and disillusionment[103] persist in peripheral circles, they remain a minor undercurrent[104] in a society largely unified under Phoenix's leadership. His rule, vision and doctrine resonates profoundly with the vast majority of the populace[105][106] who are content[107] and supportive of the regime. For the vast majority he is not a tyrant, but a protector[108] — an unyielding shield against chaos, foreign subversion[109], and ideological decay. Those who express sympathies for the enemies of the state are met with swift societal condemnation[110]. At best they are seen as deluded or out-of-touch[111], at worst they are branded as heretics and traitors[112].
The population amount and concentration inside The Holy Nation lands can be presumed to be very high, especially given their ability to field large numbers of patrols with multiple people[113] across multiple fronts using only males[114], alongside having an unusually high residency amounts[115]. It is likely that their abundant population is a result of both having a fertile food source, and having a heavy societal focus in child-bearing.
Literacy rates can be presumed to be high within the Holy Nation, given the law to requiring all citizen to carry a copy of The Holy Flame, and the abundance of other religious texts available throughout the Holy Nation's cities. The women generally have less access to education[116], but could benefit from the men's literacy by extension[117].
Quality of life within the Holy Nation can be considered to be relatively high by comparison to the rest of the continent, especially in Okran's Pride. Law abiding citizens can travel in relative safety as frequent patrols of paladins keep the roads clear of bandits. Fertile soil and plentiful water allow for an abundance of food and Okran's Pride is considered to be one of the most stable regions in the game.