The Books of Kresimir (Kresi: Knjige Kresimirove) are the sacred scriptural texts of Kresimirianism, the state religion of the Divine Republic of Kresimiria. They serve as the theological, moral, and historical foundation of the Kresimirian state, influencing everything from the Constitution to the national curriculum enforced by the Council for Education.
The canon consists of four distinct books composed between approximately 400 AD and 1200 AD. They detail the creation of the universe by Lord Kresimir, the establishment of the moral laws known as the Zapo, the history of the Holy Land of Kroatijah (modern Kresimiria), and the religious wars against non-believers.
The interpretation of these texts is the exclusive prerogative of the Council for Divinity. Possession of knowledge regarding the texts is a core component of the “Divinity Certificate” required for voting rights under the Faith Restriction Clause.
Structure and Content
The canon is divided into four major sections, each serving a distinct theological purpose.
1. Primum (The First Book)
Written circa 400 AD by the “Elders of the Holy Order,” Primum is the foundational text of the faith. It covers the cosmogony of the universe and the early history of the Kresimirian people.
- The Creation: The Lord Kresimir looks upon a realm of untamed water and darkness (Noc). He creates Light (Dan), the firmament (Zemlja or Earth), and the Divine Empire of Nebo (Heaven). He creates the Vjetrusa (Divine Birds) and humanity in His own likeness.
- The Zapo (The Four Laws): After humanity fails to respect the earth, Lord Kresimir returns to issue the four central commandments:
- Love of Brethren: Unity and peace among believers.
- Sanctity of the Earth: A mandate to protect nature and “cast out shadows,” often cited by Northern Power as a theological basis for environmentalism.
- True Faith: Devotion to the Lord Kresimir.
- Pursuit of Knowledge: A command to record history and seek wisdom, which underpins the Republic’s emphasis on institutions like the Federal Archive.
- The Guardians: The text details the creation of Soton (Hell) to punish greed. Kar Simun, a greedy King of Epirus, is cast down to guard Soton, while the Prophet Zvonomir is elevated to guard the “Steps of Nebo.”
- The Holy Land: Lord Kresimir designates the land of “Kroatijah” (derived from kroats, the root vegetables dug by the faithful) as His empire on Earth, overthrowing the non-believer kings of the south.
2. The Book of Zvonomir
Written circa 600 AD by the Prophet Zvonomir, this text retells the creation story from the perspective of the Prophet. It is considered the most mystical of the texts.
- Raja: Zvonomir describes being taken to the “Oasis of Raja,” a metaphysical plane between Nebo and Zemlja.
- The Divine Form: It contains the only scriptural description of Lord Kresimir’s true form, described as having a voice like “a thousand storms” and wearing a crown of stars.
- The Prophecy: Zvonomir records his appointment as the guardian of the entrance to Heaven, tasked with judging souls upon their “Embrace” (death).
3. The Book of Markos
Written over five centuries (700 AD – 1200 AD) by the Diviner Markos and his pupils (Jacobe, Karel, Stepjan, and Calej), this book serves as a historical chronicle and a code of civil law.
- Kresimir I: It details the birth of King Kresimir I, who is revealed to be the Lord Kresimir reborn in human form to rule Kroatijah.
- The Golden Horn: It describes the construction of Zlatna Truba, a massive horn built in Sinj to allow the Lord to speak directly to the people.
- The Pacts of Divinity: This section outlines the specific moral codes for daily life. Crucially for modern Kresimirian politics, the Pacts explicitly validate:
- Social Equality: “Make for all People to have equality in preference… such that a man may enter a union with another man or woman as he pleases.” This passage is the legal basis for the Republic’s marriage equality laws.
- Labor Rights: “Respect the labourer and the fruits of their toil.”
- Bodily Autonomy: The text states that because the birth of Kresimir I was divine, “the necessity of childbirth” is taken from the people, granting believers “authority over their body,” which legally enshrines abortion rights.
4. The Book of Awakening
The most recent text, written by the historical King Kresimir I (of the post-Crusade line). It is a martial text detailing the “Great Division” and the wars against “Heretics” (specifically Catholics and the forces of Rome/The Pope). It justifies religious warfare to protect the “Divine Realm” from false deities.
Publication and Preservation
The original manuscripts are held in the Crypt of the Founders beneath the Cathedral of the Prophet in Sinj.
- The State Press: The official version of the Books is printed exclusively by the State Press in Karlovac. The Council for Divinity must approve all translations.
- Education: Excerpts from the Primum and the Pacts of Divinity form the core of the mandatory religious curriculum in all state schools.
- Digital Access: Under the Digital Vigilance Act, a read-only version of the Books is pre-installed on every YakaPhone via the KresiX OS.
Modern Political Interpretations
The texts are frequently weaponized in the Assembly:
- Blue Dawn: Focuses on the Primum’s calls for a strong, centralized “Holy Land” to justify the power of the state.
- Sons of Kresimir: Leader Malik Kondratiev emphasizes the Book of Awakening to justify hostility toward Boskenmark and isolationism.
- Civic Renewal Front: Liberal politicians like Vesna Horvatin and Adnan Sitar cite the Book of Markos to defend social liberalism, arguing that the Pacts of Divinity mandate equality and bodily autonomy.
- Northern Power: Syv Iric cites the “Second Zapo” (environmental protection) to attack mining companies like SeverMin.