Assastan

Long, long ago, in a distant land, surrounded by sand and black gold, a strange deal was struck. Men in power recognized, acknowledged and saw that in the near future they would lose that power. To retain their control they formed an agreement, in no way shape or form could suffrage take place. Women had no place in the power of society.

After great debate, and several spirited assassinations, a proposal was laid out.

First, the rules applied only to women. Or those who would be women as determined by the clergy and parents under solemn oath.

Second, that religion would dictate the rules, but many of the details would be aided by science.

Third, that to prevent any possible rise in power through sympathetic men, or strong women that the enacted rules be so shameful, so humiliating that it was impossible for anyone to ever conceive of the rise of women to any true form of power.

In the end, the solution became apparent, women would be infantilized for the good of the ruling class.

At first, of course there was pushback, there were fights, the national stage objected. News organizations complained, powerful wives desperately fought for their freedoms.

Rebellion was suppressed, those who could not adapt were expelled, those who were in favor immigrated, news came under the organization of the state, modifications to rules and different methodologies resulted in factions within the government that nevertheless abided by the overarching structure.

And so under the heat of the desert sun, was formed the great nation, the impenetrable fortress of Religious Science Assastan. Under the council of Sheikhs a bright new future was created.

Albeit something of a smelly one.