Iran (WOD)

Iran, previously known as Persia, is a populous Middle Eastern country with a lengthy history.

The name Persia is derived from Greek, and originally referred only to an Iranian colony called ''Persis. Iran ''is the country's name for itself. In modern times Persia is often still used to refer to the ancient empires, while Iran is used for the 20th century kingdom (and later republic). Persian may also refer to the dominant language spoken in Iran, although Farsi is used interchangeably (when referring to Iran).

Mage: The Ascension
Persia was major power base for both the Taftani and the Euthanatos. The latter group was behind the assassination of Artaxerxes III, and later dedicated Artaxerxes' Court as one of the Nodes feeding Quintessence to Horizon.

The religion of Mithraism (see below) also had its roots in Persia, and the Mithraic Singers were one of the founding elements of the Celestial Chorus.

In the 20th century the Technocratic Union gained a foothold in Iran in the form of the Western-backed shah. With support of the Ahl-i-Batin, the Iranian Revolution of 1979 replaced the shah with an Islamic republican government. The Batini welcomed the return of the Taftani to the country, and together the two paths staved off attempts by the Technocracy to return.

Vampire: The Masquerade
Mithras was born in Persia, and was Embraced by the Ventrue Antediluvian. He was deified in his home country, and his travels spread the Cult of Mithras to Rome and then to Britain.