Zilatra

The Xeroist Republic of Zilatra is a sovereign independent country based in Southeastern Abexilas, on the continent of Kejafros and bordering the Akus Sea. The country maintains a unitary socialist republic; the head of state is currently General Secretary Yadal Krakhovich. Its capital city is Gaszalasi.

The nation was established shortly before the War of the Comet and the sacrifice and divine revelations of Arika Ronango'O, which allowed Eldhamite and Rathnirian refugees to make their way to Abexilas. The refugees from the other worlds united with the native peoples of the region, building together the modern country.

Tribes of Dafa
The earliest known political entity in the region that makes up modern Zilatra was the Tribes of Dafa, also called A-Dafani qe Yabku. These rivaling tribes often went to war with one another and were led by petty kings, which in the local tongue were called the Sagun. Ultimately, one Sagun named Abusya si Tuqeli would overthrow the other Tribes of Dafa.

After a devastating famine which drastically depleted the native population of the region, Sagun Abusya claimed to be the mortal incarnation of the sun; and that disrespect to his tribe would result in him unleashing further famine and destruction to the other tribes. Through war and the brutal collapse of other tribes, Abusya united the Tribes of Dafa for the first time in history. He then established the Baszku Kingdom, or the Baszku qe Sagungal.

First Baszku Kingdom
The Baszku Kingdom saw the rise of various leaders, and the persecution of ethnic minorities, namely the Villagers. The Baszku people took a predominate role in society, and ruled the lands. This Baszku Kingdom was shortly-lived however and while the Abusya Dynasty now led the country, the issue of succession would cause great conflict.

After the death of Sagun Abusya si Tuqeli, his son Qudakya si Duhadi would rise to power and become Sagun. His reign was most renowned for the growth of naval superiority over the Akus Sea, natively called the Akus qe Maqali. He sought war with people across the sea, even reaching the Southeasternmost lands of Abexilas, but was ultimately repelled and died in battle, in legends it is often interpreted that he died in the mountains of the Vukhmir.

After the death of Qudakya si Duhadi, the lands of the Baszku Kingdom receded drastically across the other side of the Akus Sea. After his death, Abusya si Ahuden would become Sagun, and was titled Abusya II. The death of a Sagun in battle proved to be devastating for the reputation of the Sagun to the citizenry of the kingdom. Sagun Abusya II led for a short time, before suddenly dying leaving a vacuum of power in his wake as he had no legitimate heirs and the country was fought over by various illegitimate sons, daughters, and even a cousin to the late Sagun. The Baszku Kingdom had died, however only for a time, defining this period as the First Baszku Kingdom.

Ultimately, those Baszkus and their descendants who lived under the First Kingdom were known as the Dafaya, and these are the subgroup of Baszku people that make up the vast majority of modern-day Zilatra. The remainder are often grouped into one subgroup called the Gaqeya, meaning "diaspora", and exist abroad, mostly in modern-day Transaria and Sentara, but also other local regionalities.

Second Baszku Kingdom
After the end of the Warring States period, one candidate for Sagun named Qudakya si Szya, or Qudakya II, would take power and annihilate the other candidates for Sagun, reuniting the Baszku Kingdom, and formally declaring the Second Baszku Kingdom. She would found the Qudakya Dynasty in his name. While Qudakya II would not return to the fiery conquering of her ancestors, she led a relatively peaceful rule, and bore only one child. Upon her death in old age, her son Kabli si Qudakya would become Sagun. Qudakya II was the first woman to become Sagun in the Baszku Kingdom. Sagun Kabli si Qudakya had a short rule, before dying of what is believed to have been a stroke. His son, Hacze si Jaya would become the next Sagun, leading an eventful life and engaging in land reform which brutalized the lower classes of the Baszku Kingdom and further suppressed ethnic minorities. He died of a heart attack, and his daughter Hada si Alu would become Sagun, the second woman to rise to the position. She, like her father, was a brutal Sagun and terrorized the countryside of what is today Zilatra. She reigned into old age, and her children had already died, leaving her grandson Kabli si Hada to become Sagun, becoming Kabli II. While not being as brutal as the two Saguns which reigned before him, the reputation of the Sagun had deteriorated among the peasantry regardless. Ultimately, a folk doctor, or hatanya, by the name of Adaczili si Rahada would assassinate Sagun Kabli II after gaining his trust and entering the royal court as a doctor. Kabli II bore no heirs, and the Qudakya Dynasty quickly collapsed in on itself, and war erupted across the country.

Second Warring States Period and the Zilatran Revolution
After the death of Sagun Kabli II, the country was in disarray and the Second Baszku Kingdom had effectively died, making a Second Warring States Period. The still living uncle and aunt of Kabli II, named Nadusz si Alu and Czusya si Alu respectively, went to war with one another both claiming the throne of the Sagun and claiming to be the rightful heirs to the Qudakya Dynasty. Both were twins, and had similar claims to the throne as they were the same age, and they refused to rule together.

The war was devastating and neither side seemed to win, with over a quarter of the population fleeing to nearby countries. It was around this point that members of the peasantry began to receive dreams and revelations from a woman who claimed to be from another world. This was Arika Ronango'O, a Lo'Oix woman living in Eldham who had taken control of a Ring of Power and had a long legacy of researching the ancient texts of Villager Lore. These texts told prophecies of what would be the War of the Comet, and the fact that the Eldhamites and Rathnirians would be made to flee their homeland for a new one. Using her knowledge, spiritual prowess, and small amounts of the power contained within her mystic ring, she would make communications with people in Abexilas one-by-one for the next forty-five years. These prophecies fortold the knowledge of what Eldham and Rathnir were like and that their people would soon flee to Abexilas, and ultimately the lands of what is today Zilatra. Ronango'O called the people of both Abexilas and the other worlds the "fruit of destruction", at which point the native peoples of the Warring States, called themselves "people of the soul" in reference to the destiny they were foretold to have, or the Zilasaya. This would form into the modern word "Zilatra", which would come to be the name of the revolution which ensued.

The peasantry revolted, and fought a brutal war, first killing Czusya si Alu, and two years after finally slaying Nadusz si Alu. This brought an end to the era of the Saguns, and the peasantry formed their own country, called Zilatra, in 305 TE. Reforms began swiftly, and the peasantry arose to powerful positions, and the secret revelations with the woman from another world continued, and ultimately in 319 TE, Arika Ronango'O would sacrifice herself and use her Ring of Power, opening sixteen portals across Rathnir and Eldham. These people finally entered Abexilas, and in turn Zilatra, in 320 TE. Those who came to Zilatra largely arrived through a series of three portals, most notably one located in the Villager settlement of Iwidiihu Maa, near the commune of Taqa Najul.

Today the population of Zilatra is mostly the indigenous Baszku people, but contains many immigrant ethnic groups from Rathnir and Eldham such as the Lo'Oix and Druznoslavs. The Villager population also exists intact in some small communes dotted across Zilatra.

Tribal Period of Abexilas
During the Tribal Period of Abexilas, which would not end until the, shortly after the opening of the Abexilas server, Zilatra had formed three teams which sought to claim land for Zilatra, build, and create resources for future development of the nation. These included the Hizanji Sabe, which made the first map of the Southern portion of the region and secured borders, the Uranji Sabe which grinded out materials like experience and mining resources, and finally the Abinji Sabe tasked with creating architecture designs and basic infrastructure for commune development.

These teams were originally based in a Villager settlement called Puuku u Hipa, before moving South towards Gaszalasi following a deal with Ischanor struck by General Secretary Yadal Krakhovich. Notably, Klara Serebra led the Uranji Sabe, Ahudenya si Dal led the Hizanji Sabe, and the Abinji Sabe was led by Eksultant Prym. A series of Jotumeks, or unions, were made by the Uranji Sabe specifically dedicated to agrarian production in these early settlements. Originally the Hizanji Sabe built border markers as far North as the River Szal, named after a member of the team named Szal si Ahuden.

During this time, Zilatra sought massive diplomatic efforts abroad, opening embassies with multiple nations. Notably, this included missions to Ischanor; including subjects underneath the empire such as Selidoar and Lachawaka, and other nations such as Sentara and Vinovia. The first elections also took place at this time. Qadi si Gadus was elected the first ever Partisan Chair of the Xeroist Union Party by securing 68% of the national vote; the first election to take place in Zilatra. The first ever Kelitá was also elected at this time, with Balic si Adaczi, Karlos Mevher, Proba Adh Rahada, Rahada si Gadusaja, Szal si Ahuden, and Talun si Batiku securing seats; the first Premier was Balic si Adaczi.

Early development
Starting in the Winter of 324 TE, players were finally permitted to make claims, which marked the creation of Zilatra's first communes. The first commune to be formally established within Zilatra was the commune of Lasaji, based on a peninsula to the nation's South by Klara Serebra. Shortly thereafter, the commune of Gaszalasi, the nation's informal capital, was established by Qadi si Gadus at the base of the Dalar Delta. Another commune by the name of Taqa Najul was established by Ahudenya si Dal in the nation's Southeast. The commune of Tyafara was established in the nation's Northeast by Balic si Adaczi.

Communes
The most basic form of local government in Zilatra is called the commune. These are defined by the Constitution as "an organized, recognized, and active claim", they are recognized by the country's legislature. They can either be led by a Mayor or a Communal Council, and communes can switch between the two systems. Mayorship systems are designed for smaller communes which may only need one person to lead and control the claim, while those under the Council system are generally larger communes which may require multiple people to take charge of the claim and maintain duties.

Administrative divisions
The country of Zilatra has four types of administrative divisions. These include Prefectures, Autonomous Prefectures, Territories, and Protectorates. The Prefecture has no local government outside of communes, and otherwise outright follows national laws. This is the most numerous type of administrative division. Autonomous Prefectures by contrast have the right to organize their own local government which has sovereignty over the entire Autonomous Prefecture, and elects a Prefect which will act as a leader of the Autonomous Prefecture. They are free to establish laws within the Autonomous Prefecture. Territories are a rare type of administrative division, intended to be temporary. Those living in Territories have no rights, no right to citizenship, no local government of any kind, and are governed directly by the government. This is generally considered to be restrained to newly annexed territory. Finally, Protectorates are territory of the Xeroist Republic of Zilatra which may not have national laws apply to them, and also have the right to form an entirely independent government, but are ultimately still part of Zilatra.

Baszku (58%)
Main article: Baszku people The large majority of the country is ethnically Baszku, most of which are Dafaya. They are an indigenous population, and are centered primarily in urban settlements, though rural Baszku villages and farms exist throughout Zilatra. Furthermore, the Baszku language is the dominant language within Zilatra. They have a profound unique culture which transcends far beyond Zilatra.

Lo'Oix (31%)
Main article: Lo'Oix

Arriving to Zilatra following the War of the Comet and the opening of portals to Abexilas, the Lo'Oix came in massive migrations, particularly from Southeastern Serrona and metropolitan areas like Vostroya, Kazkaya, and Renapheus. These were part of a sub-group called the Losa Lo'Oix, though a handful did come from Valresh, called the Garxoix. Some, arrived through more painstaking journey by maritime vessel, though the vast majority came through the portals. They speak the Lo'Oi language and have had a profound impact on the Baszku culture and language in the short interim they've made their impact. Most are irreligious or follow the religion of Makerism, though some have retained the ancient cult religion of Oxinto.

Družnoslav (7%)
The Družnoslavs are a unique ethnic group of people, descended from Eldhamite refugees similarly to the Lo'Oix. Instead of mostly originating from one group, the Družnoslavs come from a variety of Eldhamite peoples who were linguistically similar to one another and distantly related. These included descendency from Hrbija, Czeroslavia-Veldion, Nebskoslavia, and the Csardom of Korolia. Today, they speak a language called Novygovor, and are known for their unique cultural practices that act as a merger of the various nations in which the Družnoslavs originate.

Villager (3%)
Main article: Villagers An ancient indigenous group to Abexilas, the Villagers used to be a much larger percentage of the region's population, however because of centuries of persecution they are now a small minority of the population. However, with the rise of Xeroism, they have largely been liberated from persecution and have risen to positions of influence. Around four communes exist around Zilatra today that are largely dominated by Villagers. They mostly speak the Hhu language, and follow Villager Paganism or Makerism.

Other (1%)
Other ethnic minorities exist in Zilatra, such as the Yodusa, which are a subgroup of the Lo'Oix and mostly reside within modern day Transaria. Other ethnicites such as the Lachawakans, Sentaris, etc. mostly as immigrants from the South and North respectively. Traditionally, the Lachawakans, as a nomadic tribal group, have been allowed to freely move throughout sections of Zilatra, especially the Anqes to the North.

Physical geography
The territory of Zilatra is expansive; totaling to an estimated 1,475,000 blocks (meters) squared. Specifically, the country is about 2,700 blocks horizontally and about 1,560 blocks vertically.

It has a wide array of biomes, with the climate generally being mild to freezing. Much of it is comprised of taigas and temperate woodlands, though the further South, the temperature can drop drastically. In the far South of the country, there exists a large expanse of frozen taigas, tundras, and small mountains. In the North, it is slightly warmer by contrast. The wettest and most humid parts of the country are the North and East, receiving large amounts of rainfall and poor drainage. The areas with the worst soil drainage have formed what are called an "anqe" in the local tongue, or a wetland. These areas tend to be cold, though seldom ever drop beneath freezing temperatures. These may also be fed by the nation's various rivers.

Unlike many other areas in Abexilas, almost all of Zilatra has ready access to waterways, as a series of rivers bisect the nation and make up most of its borders. Many settlements embrace the maritime lifestyle and take advantage of the wide rivers for fishing and travel.

While significant portions of the nation are relatively flat, namely in the West, there are large expanses of plateaus and even mountain environments. The highest point in all of Zilatra is uncontested, by far being the mountain of Yacza Hadul in the Qatakema Prefecture; naturally extending to a y-coordinate of 162. The area is surrounded by warm and very humid taiga, though the peaks of Yacza Hadul have thick snow-cover year round. The second tallest mountain in the country is Qadi Hadul, also located in Qatakema Prefecture and named for the explorer Qadi si Gadus; though this time located in the middle of it. It is much smaller than Yacza Hadul with merely a maximum y-coordinate of 115. This is only 4 meters taller than the highest point of the Sziszarkaya Haja, a plateau located in the Hajamal Prefecture. Dalar Prefecture by comparison has incredibly flat regions, with nearly 30% of the Prefecture sitting within a 5 meter difference.

The Sziszarkaya Haja is the most popular mining destination in the country; famed for its emerald-rich expanses.