Zanaro

The Empire of Zanaro Koto'Ara no Zanaro
Flag Imperial Coat of Arms
Motto: "Strength is the Mediator of Peace"
Anthem: For the Koto'Ara "Koto'Ara ga mal"
Official map of the Empire of Zanaro
Capital	Torman
Largest city	Torman
Official languages	Zanarite
Recognised national languages	Zanarite
Recognised regional languages	Zanarite, Ashahierun, Ositijanii
Ethnic groups (2011)	Zanarite 86.32% Ashahierun 5.26% Ositijanii 4.73% Others 4.69%
Demonym(s)	Zanarite
Government	Federal Monarchy Aristocracy Federation
• Kotonashi	Kazuto Kurohiun II
Empire
• The Founding of Torman	400bce
• Founding of the Dai'Ara of Karasa	April 13th, 327bce
• First Koto'Ara of Zanaro	November 20th, 234ce
• Sha'Gunate of Zanaro	March 15th, 1000ce
• The Second Koto'Ara of Zanaro	August 11th, 1510ce
• The Third Koto'Ara of Zanaro	May 12th, 1900ce
Area
•	440,995 km2 (170,269 sq mi)
Population
• 2014 estimate	32,458,000 (27)
• 2016 census	32,458,045
GDP (nominal)	estimate
• Total	$664,000,281,945.90
• Per capita	$20,457.19
Currency	The Imperial Credit (TIC)
Date format	ddmmyyyy
Driving side	left
Calling code	+08
ISO 3166 code	ZN
Internet TLD	.zin

Zanaro, officially The Empire of Zanaro (Zanarite: Koto'Ara no Zanaro), is an island country in East Nori. Located in the Aurum Ocean it is located east of the Nori continent, north-east of Meniti island, west of the Gulf of Fei and south of the (unnamed) pennisula. Zanaro is a stratovolcanic archipelago consisting of about 4,324 islands. The three largest are Oshima, Kojima, and Kitajima, which make up about ninety-seven percent of Zanaro's land area and often are referred to as home islands. The country is divided into 57 Aras in twenty-one regions, with Ositajan being the northernmost region and Ashahieru being the southernmost one. The population of 32 million is the world's (number) largest, of which 86.32% are ethnic Zanarite. 70% of people live in cities, while 30% live in the countryside. About 10 million people live in Torman, the capital of Zanaro. The Greater Torman Area is the second most populous metropolitan area in the world with over 18 million people inhabiting it.

The Norundra Archipelago where Zanaro resides showed habitation as far back as 1000bce, though major political or societal structure would develop until approximately 400bce when the first of the petty kingdoms of Zanaro would form. From the years 400bce until 234ce the Norundra archipelago would be beset by a period of warfare and nation-building. The first Koto'Ara was founded after the unfication of Oshima into one nation. The other major islands and the Dai'Ara (kingdoms) would become client states of the first Koto'Ara. The first Koto'Ara stands as the example to most modern Zanarites of an 'idealized society'. Peace bloomed throughout the early parts of the Koto'Ara. During this time period both technological and cultural advances spurred the Koto'Ara forward. There were several major civil wars during the middle of this time period that threatened that peace, but each war saw Zanaro arise stronger then before.The Koto'Ara remained united until the year 999ce when it was split by a civil war.

From the years 999ce until 1507ce the Koto'Ara of Zanaro was split into two opposing nations. The Sha'Gun of Zanaro, which ruled over Oshima, and the Imperialis of Zanaro, which ruled over the Ashahieru isles. The Imperial Family was caste out of Oshima and they settled in Ashihieru with their loyal followers. After the Kurohiun Imperial Family was expelled from Zanaro Yoshikawa Mirumachi, the Inpuku Pronjii of the Erintaru Inpuku claimed the title of Sha'Gun and installed a distant cousin of the Kurohiun family onto the Imperial throne and gave him the last name Kurohiun. The 'Imperial family' had basically no power during this time period, save to proclaim the new Sha'Gun upon the death and usurpation of the prior one. This period was filled with near nonstop warfare, political backstabbing, and the creation of an extremely complicated imperial bureaucracy to ensure all lords were granted some position of power in the national government. The island of Kitajima was conquered by the Sha'Gun during this period adding it to Zanaro.

In the year 1502ce the Imperialis of Zanaro had successfully led and invasion of Oshima and Kojima and reunified it under their rule by the year 1534ce. With a unified Zanaro it was declared as the secone Koto'Ara of Zanaro. This period see's the reformation of the Koto'Ara of Zanaro, the removal of the position of Sha'Gun, and the rise and fall of Zanarite Imperial holdings. This era is also well known for its technological innovations, the empowering of the Imperial Family, and the curbing of the Great Families power. This period saw the return of the Zanarite ambition to unify the Norunda Archipilego by conquering the last independent great island of Kitajima and the two Dai'Ara that still divided it. Near the end of the second Koto'Ara they engaged in a massive naval war with the Empire of Produzland-Amidia, and managed to fight them to a standstill. The weakened military after the war though led to a civil-war.

The civil war ended in the year 1899ce, and led to the formation of the Third Koto'Ara. This period marks the development of a fully realized modern nation, with the military, and government fully united under the rule of the Kotonashi. This period saw the inclusion of Zanaro in the Olympic War, the formation of the Nori Co-prosperity sphere, and the official expansion of Zanaro into both Ashahieru and Ositijan. The modern Zanaro economy is dominated by tech and manufacturing giants such as Future Tech Industries, Imperial Solutions Network of Zanaro, Software Developers Guild of Zanaro, and the Zanarite Clean-Tech League. These major companies have led to the growth of the Zanarite economy of an improvement in the overall quality of life in Zanaro. During this time the Zanarite Commonwealth was formed which brought together former Zanarite Imperial holdings into equal member-states of a multinational alliance.

History

The Norunda Archipelago has long been inhabited by human beings who have often fought over the limited resources the islands could easily provide to hunter-gatherer cultures. The islands are covered in the blood of near constant warfare, fighting, assassinations, and sacrifices. The history of Zanaro is intricately tied to the islands, and will forever be tied to them.

Prehistoric Norunda

1000bce-400bce Various polytheistic tribal peoples dotted the Norunda Archipelago, a vast majority remained nomadic up until 1000BCE when large City-States began to slowly appear throughout the islands. The native faith focused primarily on ancestral worship and the worship of the Gami, or nature spirits that inhabited the region. The people of Norunda were also very warlike, with the highest ranking members of the tribes and city-states being the warriors that defended them. The Head of a Tribe was called a Kashi and was expected to also be a capable warrior. The Head of City-States was called a Dai'Kashi, and was believed to be chosen by the ancestors, or by the Gami to defend the people of the city-state. Writing didn't appear until the year 350BCE with the introduction of the Kai'Hon. This writing became the first united alphabet for all of the Norunda archipelago, and a naturally evolving version of it is still used in the Koto'Ara of Zanaro today.

Warring Kingdoms Era

400bce-235ce Before the Unification of Norunda into the Koto'Ara of Zanaro the land was filled with chaos and bloodshed. The formation of the Dai'Aras (Kingdoms) did little to stem the ongoing war, instead just bolstering the strength and power behind these vicious conflicts. This period of time saw the foundation of Soriven, the spread of a written alphabet that is credited to Kurus Minimo. The period ends with the unification of the Norunda Archipelago into the First Koto'Ara of Zanaro.

The First Koto'Ara Era

235ce-1000ce The first Koto'Ara stands as the example to most modern Zanarites of an 'idealized society'. Peace bloomed throughout the early parts of the Koto'Ara. During this time period both technological and cultural advances spurred the Koto'Ara forward. There were several major civil wars during the middle of this time period that threatened that peace, but each war saw Zanaro arise stronger then before.

The official founding of the First Koto'Ara was after the complete unification of the island of Oshima under the Koto'Ara of Zanaro. The Dai'Ara's of Korasa, Nogarun, and Erintaru officially ceased to exist and became the first Inpuku in recorded history. This period saw the conquest of the island of Kojima and the two Dai'Ara that had long split the island forced into the Koto'Ara.

The Divided Empire Era

1000ce-1507ce

The Divided Empire Period After the Kurohiun Imperial Family was expelled from Zanaro Yoshikawa Mirumachi, the Inpuku Pronjii of the Erintaru Inpuku claimed the title of Sha'Gun and installed a distant cousin of the Kurohiun family onto the Imperial throne and gave him the last name Kurohiun. The 'Imperial family' had basically no power during this time period, save to proclaim the new Sha'Gun upon the death and usurpation of the prior one. This period was filled with near nonstop warfare, political backstabbing, and the creation of an extremely complicated imperial bureaucracy to ensure all lords were granted some position of power in the national government. This period saw the return of the Zanarite ambition to unify the Norunda Archipilego by conquering the last independent great island of Kitajima and the two Dai'Ara that still divided it.

The Koto'Ara was also divided between the Sha'gunate that controlled the home islands and the Imperial remnant loving in the Ashahieru islands led by the exiled Imperial family. This division, and the infighting within the Sha'gunate led to the eventual Zanarite Flood into Lira, where Zanarite people left to seek lives as mercenaries and pirates throughout East Nori and Western Lira.

Kotonashi Kazuto Kurohiun I, depicted when he was known as the pirate prince.

Kazuto Kurohiun was a member of the Kurohiun Imperial family, born in the year 1132, but was cast out of the family when it was discovered he was leading a group of Pirates in raids throughout the region in the year 1152. After being cast out of the Imperial Remnant of Zanaro, Kazuto traveled across the sea to the continent of Lira. While in Lira he became a mercenary, finding it profitable to be paid by others to commit piracy, murder, and battle enemies of his employer. Kazuto was not alone in his journeys often times his loyal pirate crew would fight alongside him, over time though his crew diversified with people from across Lira, and other Zanarite outcasts who sought mercenary life. Kazuto was the start of the "Zanarite Flood" a fifty year period where Zanarite mercenaries increased in large numbers, often time marrying Liran's and eventually moving back if they lived to retire. This opened ports for the Imperial Remnant of Zanaro to begin trade with Liran nations. Kazuto was eventually accepted back into the Imperial Family, and even became the Kotonashi of Zanaro in 1204 and died in 1209 having only reigned for five years.

The reign of Kotonashi Kazuto Kurohiun saw an influx of Liran technologies and goods into the Imperial Remnant holdings whereas the Sha'gunate practiced closed borders and executed any foreigner found in their lands.

Uniting Ashahieru

1000CE-1012CE

When the Imperial Family and their supporters arrived in the Ashahieru islands they were not welcomed as guests, but seen as foreign invaders. Having just escaped certain death the Imperial forces had a hard time ensuring their survival at first. They were able to successfully leverage their meager forces to attain control of the largest of the Ashahieru islands, and from here they began to spread their power over the remaining islands through the use of diplomacy, arranged marriages, and assassination.

The Zanarite Flood

1407CE-1502CE

Various nobles and soldiers of the exiled Imperial Remnant felt antsy waiting for their return to power in Zanaro, and instead they sought glory and power. These Zanarite's became what Lyran historians refer to as the Zanarite Flood. They sailed across the sea to Lyra where they became brigands, pirates, and mercenaries seeking ever greater challenges, and ever greater paydays. It was in the crucible of the Lyran wars that a new Zanarite culture would develop. The creation of the Kenjin, a sort of hybrid between nobility and elite warrior, began Zanaro's slow ascent to military power.

As the Zanarite Kenjin would travel between Lira and the Ashahieru islands they would bring with them advances in metallurgy, sailing, tactics, and various new weapons. These skills were intertwined with Zanaro's own understandings of the military sciences. While in exile the Imperial Remnant continued to advance and grow while the Sha'Gunate continued to stagnate and grow complacent. The Kenjin were seen as the ones responsible for this great growth, and with the ascent of Kotonashi Kazuto Kurohiun the position of Kenjin was made an official part of the peerage of Zanaro. Kenjin soon became integral to the leading of peasant soldiers, development of military tactics, and the bodyguards of the various nobility.

During this period many Kenjin were hired by the King of Arideo, and became the Kings personal guard and retainer. These Kenjin would end up bringing their families with them to the capital of Arideo where they would continue to practice the Soriven faith and slowly integrate aspects of Zanarite culture with Aridian culture. These Zanarite Guards are still integral to Aridian heritage and culture with many Kenjin traveling from Zanaro to serve as the guards to the Monarch of Arideo.

In the year 1453CE the city-state of Puerto Azul hired a large band of Zanarite mercenaries to ensure the city would be protected from its neighbors. In the year 1457CE the Zanarite mercenaries successfully overthrew the government of Puerto Azul and installed a defacto military dictatorship led by the Kenjin (elite warrior caste). They would utilize the city as a major center for mercenary work, raiding, and piracy.

The Second Koto'Ara Era

1507ce-1855ce

This period see's the reformation of the Koto'Ara of Zanaro, the removal of the position of Sha'Gun, and the rise and fall of Zanarite Imperial holdings. This era is also well known for its technological innovations, the empowering of the Imperial Family, and the curbing of the Great Families power.

Zano-Amida War

1846CE-1849CE

The Produz-Amidian Empire invaded the main island of Oshima during the year 1846 kicking off the Zano-Amidan war. The Produz-Amidian forces would go on to take control of nearly half of Oshima before the Zanarite forces ere able to rally together and kick them off the main island nearly three months after the initial landing. The war would continue for three years with Zanaro landing troops in the Ashahieru islands, but never being able to maintain control of the isles. The Produz-Amidian forces would face similar issues whenever they sought to invade Oshima, or any of the other major islands of the Norunda archipelago.

In 1847 Zanaro would begin to conduct small raids upon the Produz-Amidian coastline itself, never attaining a foothold on the Produz-Amidian mainland but causing substantial enough damage to infrastructure to begin to turn public opinion against the war.

By the year 1849 the war was nearly nothing but a naval war with both sides unable to gain footholds in the others lands. This war saw the development of Zanaro into a naval power as it was able to withstand the force of a larger and more technically developed naval force. The war ended in the fal of 1849 with a formal cease-fire and no territory being exchanged between the nations. Zanaro had fought the Produz-Amidian Empire to a standstill forcing Liran powers to recognize it as it's own independent power in Nori and and not a backwater civilization as they were often viewed.

The Kurohiun Restoration Era

1855ce-1900ce

The Imperial family of Zanaro over the last two centuries had slowly lost more and more power to local lords. During the Azlo-Zanarite War the Kotonashi was able to begin to unify power under his authority and slowly removing power from local lords. After the Azlo-Zanarite War the nation entered a state of civil war between those loyal to the Kotonashi, and those seeking to usurp their authority.

To hell ensure the Kotonashi's rule pirates were promised forgiveness for their crimes, and Lordships in return for serving the Imperial faction in unifying Zanaro.

The Third Koto'Ara and Modern Era

1900ce-present

This period marks the development of a fully realized modern nation, with the military, and government fully united under the rule of the Kotonashi. This also is the beginning of Zanarite Imperialistic policies and involvement in several major wars. The Third Koto'Ara also saw the beginning of large international alliances and international entanglements.

The Imperial Reforms

1900CE-1912CE

With the end of the civil war and the formation of the Third Koto'Ara as declared by Kotonashi Mal Kurohiun XI, many modernization changes were implemented. This included centralizing the military of Zanaro underneath the Kotonashi instead of under regional lords. This allowed for standardization of training, equipment, and uniforms. In addition the Kotonashi directed the development of new military doctrine, focusing on the use of the new type of steel hulled ships that had won him the civil war.

The use of uniforms was integrated into all educational institutions, government positions, and the military. All subjects who served in the Imperial Bureaucracy were given an equivalent military rank to show their position within the overall nations hierarchy. This heavy focus on militarization, and on Zanaro as the true savior of Nori, has led many to view Zanaro during this time period to be fascist or perhaps nationalist.

in 1902 Kotonashi Mal Kurohiun XI died in his sleep, leaving no immediate heir to the throne. His younger sister, Koto'Pronjii-ko Rin Kurohiun thus became the new Kotonashi-ko and ruler of the Koto'Ara. She declared shortly after her ascent to the throne that Zanaro would develop the most advanced naval force in the world to ensure the security of Zanaro. She also declared that their rightful lands would be returned to them, and that those foreign aggressors who sought to dominate Nori would be punished.

in 1910 Kotonashi-ko Rin Kurohiun signs the Golden Entente with the (nation), the pact would allow both nations to support one another. A short two years later Kotonashi-ko Rin Kurohiun would announce the formation of the Nori Co-Prosperity sphere to ensure that the Nori region would retain independence from Liran agressors. This included the eventual freeing of the Ashahieru islands, and the SE Nori colonies from Produze control. With these declarations made as part of the Co-Prosperity sphere it was inevitiable that war would start.

The Olympian War

1913CE-1924CE

At the dawn of the first Olympic War the Koto'Ara of Zanaro found itself alone in a world split between two factions. It cared little for the ideological concerns that were devastating Lyra and the surrounding areas and instead saw an opportunity to free Nori from Liran oppression. It founded the Nori Co-prosperity sphere to help bring together the various Nori nations, and strengthen them. In addition Zanaro began to conduct an aggressive wart against the Empire of Produzland-Amidia and liberate the various Nori states.

Zanaro first invaded the Ashahieru islands, and reinstalled the local monarchy which had been deposed for over a century by Produz rule. In addition the Ashahieru islands were brought into the co-prosperity sphere as a protectorate state until it was rebuilt and able to stand on it's own again. This same style of invasion and restoration continued throughout East and South-East Nori. Many states that had no monarchy prior suddenly found themselves with a new noble caste and the introduction of the Zanarite educational system. In addition it was dictated that freedom of religion would be required in all these Protectorate states.

From February 27th 1914 until January 1sr 1920 the Koto'Ara of Zanaro was involved in a protracted war for control of the Produze colony of Redacres. Success in the conflict is attributed to gaining naval superiority in the region and the support of the native people's of Redacres. The final battle for Redacres saw the death of over 500,000 individuals. The loss of so much like in defense of Redacres proved to the locals the true commitment to the betterment of the nation.

After the end of OW1 each protectorate was given a treaty stating that Zanaro would remain in control of the nation for fifteen years to help rebuild and advance the various nations. Local government would be strengthened throughout that time and after 15 years they would need to run a nationwide referendum regarding what the nation would want to do. These referendums included becoming a member state of Zanaro (an In'Ara or Dai'Ara), becoming a member of the Zanarite Commonwealth (an economic and military union), or to become entirely independent. Nations that were brought under Zanarite control earlier in the war were more pro-Zanaro than those who were brought in near the end. This though was not the formation of the Commonwealth, but the first steps put in place by Kotonashi-ko Rin Kurohiun.

The Great Cold War

1925CE-2011CE

August 12, 1937 saw the founding of the Zanarite Commonwealth consisting of Zanaro and several nations that had been liberated during the Olympic War. The formation of the Commonwealth was overseen by Kotonashi-ko Rin Kurohiun. It was one of her final acts before retiring from the post and placing her eldest son Akira Kurohiun on the Imperial Throne.

Kotonashi Mal Kurohiun XII, assumed the throne in the year 1981CE after his elder brother, Ikirishan Kurohiun, denied ascending the throne to become a Zaijii of the Soriven faith. With this abdication Kotonashi Mal Kurohiun began an aggressive redevelopment program for the Imperial Military and dedicated large portions of the nations coffers to a complete overhaul of the Imperial Navy, and development of new top of the line stealth fighter craft. It was Kotonashi Mal Kurohiun who oversaw the dvelopment of the modern military doctrine of Zanaro. In the year 1983CE Pronjii-ko Hanako Kurohiun, the potential heir to the throne of Zanaro, was married off to King Daniól I of The Kingdom of Produzire. This was officially done in an attempt to normalize relations with the Kingdom, but as part of this marriage Pronjii-ko Hanako had to renounce her claims to the Zanarite throne.

Shortly after the marriage of Hanako to King Daniól I trade between the two nations began to blossom. During this same time period Kotonashi Mal began to fund research into developing nuclear powered carriers, subs, and power plants. These nuclear ambitions for power though were not the stopping point, the Koto'Ara also began research into Nuclear weaponry. These nuclear projects would be implemented into the Imperial Navy redesign to ensure that the Koto'Ara could project it's power as needed to ensure it could maintain it's sovereignty.

In the year 1987CE the first of the new nuclear carriers was added to the Imperial Navy, it was shortly followed by three more. At the same time Kotonashi Mal called to an end to Nuclear Weapons research as he would not allow tests to be actively conducted in Zanarite territory out of concern for his subjects and the environment. The completed research though was kept, and cursory research would continue from then on.

Kotonashi Mal's first born child, Kazuto, would be born in the year 1989. This ensured that there was an heir to the Zanarite throne from the immediate imperial family.

The Period of Uncertainty

2011CE-Present

With the signing of the KDENT act in 2011, which would force the nation of Kiteahu to cease all nuclear weapons research, Kotonashi Mal Kurohiun XII released a public statement decrying the treatment of the nation. Stating that this act continued to show how the Liran nations would continue to walk all over the nations of Nori. Shortly after issuing the statement though the Kotonashi would retreat to the sacred temple of Kairi in the Uhein In'Ara. The Voice of the Kotonashi, Verako Kirisawa, would act in the Kotonashi's place during Imperial Diet meetings for the next year and a half. In 2012 Kotonashi Mal Kurohiun XII was announced dead, having succumbed to an aggressive cancer, with many speculating it was due to his direct inolvment with the nuclear development projects of the 80's. With his death Koto'Pronjii Kazuto Kurohiun, who was serving in the Imperial Intelligence Agency at the time, was recalled to the Imperial City where he was crowned the new Kotonashi of Zanaro.

Kotonashi Kazuto Kurohiun II waiting for his official portrait meeting

Kotonashi Kazuto Kurohiun II would follow closely in his fathers footsteps in regards to the military and education policies that he had put into place. In addition to these policies Kotonashi Kazuto would also begin to focus on the long held dream of a United Nori, where the various Nori nations would work together to ensure mutual defense, trade, and development. This was a dream that had been one of the goals during the founding of the Third Koto'Ara that was lost during the Olympic War. To facilitate this development Kotonashi Kazuto would seek to expand foreign trade relations with various Nori states. To do this he would work closer with fellow members of the Zanarite Commonwealth.

Geography

Zanaro is a mountainous archipelago located in the western part of the Aurum Ocean. It has tectonic active on a fairly regular basis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunami do occur within the Norunda Archipelago. The south of Zanaro is warm and tropical, while the far north is cold and rocky.

Politics

Government

The government of Zanaro is overseen by a massive Imperial Bureaucracy that ensures all aspects of the nation are run in accordance with the will of the Kotonashi. To achieve this various levels of Peerage exist, as well as regional divisions for the increased efficiency of administration of the government at all levels of society. The Kotonashi is the executive and primary authority of the government and is the reigning monarch.

Each subject region is ruled over by it's own sovereign who in turn sends a representative (or multiple depending) to the Imperial Diet to represent their interests on the national stage. The local sovereign rules over their region in accordance to the regions laws and regulations, allowing each region to be slightly different than the others.

When the Kotonashi dies and the heir is to ascend the throne they must first be confirmed by the Imperial Diet. After being confirmed all members of the Imperial Diet are the first to pledge their loyalty to the new Kotonashi. In the case a Kotonashi is not confirmed the next in line will be automatically confirmed to the throne and become the new Kotonashi.

Imperial Diet

The Imperial Diet consists of three Representatives from each of the Inpuku, two Representatives from each of the In'Ara, one Representative from The Dai'Ara of Ashahieru, and one Representative from the Kota'In of Torman. These representatives are typically selected by the sovereign of the region, but some regions may dictate other ways of selecting these representatives. The Kenjin of each Ara also elect from among their number a Kensai to the Imperial Diet, these Kensai cannot vote but instead serve as advisers, staff, and bodyguards to the Representatives of the Imperial Diet. The Imperial Diet will debate various ideas for implementation into law, these ideas are formed into bills which will be debated further and refined further, once a 3/4 majority of the Diet supports a bill to become law it is sent to the Kotonashi/Kotonashi-Ko, who will then decide whether to imbue it with Imperial Authority and make it a law or else to dismiss it. If dismissed the bill will not become a law, but the diet can further improve the bill in the hope of having the Kotonashi/Kotonashi-Ko approve it. The Imperial Diet also hosts several important positions that are granted to various members of the Diet by the Kotonashi/ko.

Imperial Diet Positions

• The Voice of the Kotonashi/ko: This position is in charge of starting and ending all meetings, as well as bring the Diet to order whenever the Kotonashi/ko is going to address the Diet as a whole. This position also has the power of two votes on the Diet instead of the typical one vote.
• Hand of the Kotonashi/ko: The Hand is in charge of ensuring the various minutes of the Imperial Diet's meetings are recorded, as well as that proper precedent and procedure are followed for all meetings. The Hand also receives two votes instead of the typical one vote on the Diet.

Imperial Bureaucracy

The Imperial Bureaucracy is divided into various departments, those departments are further divided into ministries, which are further divided into agencies. This large bureaucratic system is primarily manned by nobles from various families throughout the Koto'Ara at the department and ministry levels with the agencies having a higher percentage of non-nobility filling its ranks. It originally existed as a way to maintain a centralized power and authority, but over time was used as a way to ensure the compliance of the growing nobility. The Imperial Bureaucracy has allowed for the Koto'Nashi to maintain power at the expense of some inefficiency, corruption, and nepotism.

Departments of the Imperial Bureaucracy

Department of Imperial Knowledge and Education

The I.K.E. is in charge of gathering, developing, and teaching new knowledge to the people of Zanaro. Due to having such a broad task they have a wide variety of ministries within the department.

• Ministry of Technology
  • Imperial Technological Acquisitions Agency
  • Imperial Research Grant Agency
• Ministry of Public Information
  • Imperial Library Agency
  • Imperial Public Records Agency
• Ministry of Public Media Relations
  • Imperial Informant (Agency)
  • The Common Man's Word (Agency)
  • Imperial Television Network (Agency)
• Ministry of Public Education
  • Initial Education Agency
  • Secondary Education Agency
  • Tertiary Education Agency
  • Imperial Teaching Standards Agency

Department of Whispers

The Department of Whispers has existed in one form or another. The Department of whispers is in charge of information gathering, military special forces, and various clandestine actions including spying, assassination, bribery, and the like. There is very little public information regarding the various ministries and agency's within the department.

• Ministry of Intelligence
  • Imperial Intelligence Agency
  • Imperial Ambassadorial Agency
• Ministry of Blood
  • Classified
• Ministry of Shadows
  • Classified

Department of Labor

The work of the common man is integral to the development and support of the Koto'Ara of Zanaro, as such an entire department has been created to ensure that they are best able to support the nation, and that in turn the nation can support them.

• Ministry of Licenses
  • Professional Licensing Agency
  • Apprenticeship Licensing Agency
  • License Revocation and Investigation Agency
• Ministry of Safe Labor Practices
  • Safety Inspection Agency
  • Imperial Worker Relations Agency
  • Safety Administration and Development Agency
  • Safety and Hazard Training Agency
• Ministry of Reassignment
  • Relocation and Reeducation Agency
  • Practical Skills and Applications Agency
  • Criminal Redevelopment Agency

Department of Security and Compliance

The people of Zanaro must be protected in body and mind. To ensure this the public welfare must be protected and compliance to the laws and will of the nation instilled.

• Ministry of Public Welfare
  • Public Works Agency
  • Public Transit Agency
  • Public Healthcare Agency
  • Public Housing Agency
  • Public Endowment Agency
• Ministry of Public Safety (Police)
  • Imperial Central Police Agency
  • Imperial Security Police Agency
• Ministry of Compliance
  • Imperial Compliance Task Force Agency
  • Corrections Agency
  • Imperial Investigations Agency

Department of War

The DoW is the main department for the various armed forces of Zanaro, the various Agencies within each Ministry, and thus each branch, are kept classified to reduce the risk of foreign interlopers.

• Ministry of the Imperial Navy
• Ministry of the Imperial Legion
• Ministry of the Imperial Marines
• Ministry of the Imperial Air Command

Department of Nobility and Peerage

Nobility and the Peerage system is the great pillar that without society would fall, as such maintaining that pillar is integral to society.

• Ministry of Imperial Lineages
  • Imperial Birth Registry Agency
  • Imperial Marriage Registry Agency
  • Imperial Family History Agency
• Ministry of Noble Lineages
  • Noble Birth Registry Agency
  • Noble Marriage Registry Agency
  • Noble Family History Agency
• Ministry of DNA Records
  • DNA Acquisitions Agency
  • DNA Records Agency
  • DNA Research Agency
• Ministry of Ascension
  • Ascension Request Agency
  • Ascension Records Agency
  • Ascension Training and Development Agency
• Ministry of Commoner Records
  • Marriages and Births Agency
  • Foreign Commoner Immigration Agency

Administrative Divisions

The Koto'Ara of Zanaro is overseen by a combination of a massive Imperial Bureaucracy as well as being heavily divided up into smaller feudalistic chunks. The combination of bureaucratic and feudalistic rule has led to many complications in government over the years, including infighting between various levels of government and the bureaucracy about who has authority over certain projects. When these get to heated these issues appear before the Imperial Diet who have to make a decision regarding who has authority in the situation based upon precedent and case-law. In cases where they cannot make a decision the Kotonashi must make a ruling as the absolute authority of the nation.

The highest level of the nation is the Koto'Ara which is ruled over by the Kotonashi, and overseen by the Imperial Diet. This is also where the Imperial Bureaucracy is dictated from as the Bureaucracy is seen as an extension of the Kotonashis will. Beneath the Koto'Ara are the Inpuku and the In'Ara. These are semi-independent federal regions that are ruled by local sovereigns. The Inpuku are further divided into Ara, which are divided into Ka-Ara, which are divided into Omachi, which are finally divided into Chomen. Chomen is the only level where non-nobility have any leadership as the Chomen have a citizen council that advises the noble who rules over the Chomen from their noble estate. The In'Ara are divided in a similar matter at the Inpuku with the biggest difference being that they start at the Ka-Ara level instead of the Ara level.

The Koto'Ara of Zanaro is divided into 57 Aras. These Aras are split up between nine Inpuku (Principalities), ten In'Ara (Grand Duchy), one Kota'In (Imperial Lands), and one Dai'Ara (Kingdom). These various types of sovereign regions make up the whole of Zanaro and have allowed for its continued prosperity and existence.

The Inpuku

There are nine Inpuku within the Koto'Ara of Zanaro, each Inpuku contains five separate Aras. The Inpuku is ruled over by a sovereign who holds the title of Inpuku Pronjii (Sovereign Prince), or Inpuku Pronjii-ko (Sovereign Princess). These Pronjii rule over their respective lands as the prime authority within their region, only able to be overruled by the Kotonashi of Zanaro as a whole.

Karasa- Karasa is dominated by the metropolitan area of Torman making it the most densely populated of the Inpuku. The actual city of Torman is not considered part of Karasa and is instead the Koto'In of Torman. The other major political city in Karasa is the city of Mei'Hoji, which is the seat of the Nara family. Karasa is highly developed being mostly a massive metropolis, with a large coastal forest reserve still in existence. The massive trees, known as Black Wood Trees, make up a vast majority of the coastal forest. The trees climb to heights of 350 feet (106.68 Meters). Karasa consists of the following Ara's:

• Torai
• Tsugimori
• Atsuyama
• Tankai
• Toishihara

Korasa- A large peninsula to the northwest of Karasa, part of the Torman metropolitan area spreads into this Inpuku making it the second most populous of the Inpuku. Korasa consists of the following Ara's:

• Uetsuka
• Motomichi
• Chiyu
• Shuku
• Jahi

Nogarun- A coastal region that is dominated by the lumber industry. Nogarun produces a large amount of the Empires lumber goods. During the unification of Zanaro it was made a primary target for conquest by Karasa. The capital city of Hoshikawa is a dominated by massive ports, lumber mills, factories, and it has a small area that is kept clean and modern where the nobility live in luxury. Nogarun consists of the following Ara's:

• Arimai
• Akimori
• Gamihara
• Yuzumori
• Tamori

Erintaru- The first nation to be conquered by Karasa during the unification of Zanaro it provided a pivotal amount of new troops and taxable population for the growing Empire. The Naihina family had remained in power since the conquest, until their betrayal of the Imperial Family at the end of the First Koto'Ara. They were eventually replaced by the Naigu family during the second Koto'Ara. The capital of the region, Umikawa, was once the capital of Zanaro during the Sha'Gun Period. Erintaru consists of the following Ara's:

• Tayama
• Motoyama
• Umikawa
• Hajiutsu
• Kubidoma

Darisarin- Darisarin is one of the poorer regions of Zanaro focusing mostly on the production of foodstuffs due to its relatively flat arable coastal lands. With a majority of its population being farmers the nobility of the region have slowly been decreasing in power and authority in the growing global market. Darisarin consists of the following Ara's:

• Tenha
• Natsuku
• Nishiki
• Shichikuchi
• Tensui

Taranaro- The region is well known for its iron mines, which made it a major target for conquest by many Kingdoms during the War of Unification. It is one of the major producers of high quality iron within Zanaro and its economy is based around mining, refining, and shipping out Iron. It is one of the few parts of the nation that is not dominated by the service or manufacturing industry. Taranaro consists of the following Ara's:

• Hikei
• Kaisou
• Shiosen
• Sanaken
• Sakoro

Irodin- Irodin is a heavily mountainous region that was once a major producer of rice for the Empire, which during the First Koto'Ara and Sha'Gun Periods made it one of the wealthiest regions. It still produces a substantial amount of rice, but with changing times it has since transitioned into a service industry dominated region. The city of Iroshiki is well known for several major Film Studios and for producing a vast majority of the movies within Zanaro. Irodin consists of the following Ara's:

• Tsutate
• Jinka
• Himori
• Shun
• Hagen

Herisai- Herisai is a fairly rural region of Zanaro that is dominated by the ranching industry. It focuses on producing high quality meats be it Cow, Sheep, or Pig. The nobility in the region are down to earth and have a tendency to work alongside the peasants who still work their ancestral lands. Herisai consists of the following Ara's:

• Oyama
• Kawaken
• Yoshikai
• Daichi
• Unteki

Buruntiru- Buruntiru is well known for its high qaulity sea-food and low taxes for merchant vessels. This has made the region a favored port-of-call for many vessels. The inland of Buruntiru is still fairly rural dominated by large forests and mountains with the sailing being the easiest way to travel between the major cities of the region. Buruntiru consists of the following Ara's:

• Kyurin
• Betoku
• Ogatani
• Boaka
• Noriyo

The In'Ara

The In'Ara of Zanaro are single Aras that have been given special dispensation to rule over themselves separate from an Inpuku. These are often referred to as Grand Duchies by Lirans. An In'Ara is ruled by an Inpuku Arahaku (Sovereign Duke) or an Inpuku Arahaku-Ko (Sovereign Duchess).

Kashanai- Kashanai is a island off the western coast of Zanaro. It is well known for being both beautiful and quiet, having escaped the horrors of the Warring Kingdoms period, and choosing to join Zanaro at the start of the first Koto'Ara. It does host a naval base, but it has thankfully remained a peaceful island.

Esein- A semi-busy trade hub, known for a small lumber industry with minor raw resource development.

Uhein- The Uhein In'Ara was invited to join Karasa as it was an independent religious state dedicated to Soriven. It joined Karasa halfway through its conquest of Zanaro. It has since largely remained independent of Politics instead focusing on its control of Imperial Soriven. The Minimo family was granted Nobility status and is the head of the In'Ara. The region has recently seen an increase in mining, with refining taking place in other parts of Zanaro.

Furusu A series of small relatively poor islands that have a mostly traditional population focusing of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands are also a major thoroughfare for sea travel between the larger Zanarite islands which has helped to bolster the rather meager economy.

Turoji A series of islands that have long been used as a free-trade zone for foreigners during the Sha'Gun period. It has the most foreign influences within its culture compared to any other part of Zanaro.

Asata A beautiful forested land that has no access to the ocean. The population here is relatively small and isolated. With the largest city Asatacho only having a population of 50,000. While timber is a major product from the region it is through sustainable lumber practices that the forest continues to thrive and grow.

Ositajan The most northern expansion of Zanaro, this once independent region was conquered by the Koto'Ara during the Olympian War and has remained part of the nation ever since.

Edoesaru The region is well known for its delicate artwork and the beauty of its mountain peaks.

Sekureji The iron production in Sekureji has long fed the Zanarite war machine, allowing it to extend its powers far beyond its borders for centuries. Sekureji is well known for its production of Zanarite black steel.

Bakirua The island is fairly isolated, and focuses on being a trade port.

The Dai'Ara

There is but a single lone Dai'Ara within the Koto'Ara of Zanaro. The islands of Ashahieru had long been an independent nation until they were conquered by the Kingdom of Produsland. During OW1 Zanaro liberated the nation and helped them to rebuild as well as reinstated the local royal family. After fifteen years the Dai'Ara of Ashahieru requested to join Zanaro as a client kingdom. This was accepted and they have remained a part of Zanaro ever since. The Dai'Ara is ruled by a Dai'Kashi, an otherwise extinct rank.

Ashahieru- A relatively sparsely populated region that contains limited seasonal groves for food production. The region still retains a fair amount of autonomy, while hosting several Zanarite naval bases, and paying taxes to the Imperial government. Ashahieru is also often visited by people as a resort region and idealistic vacation destination.

The Kota'In

The Kota'In of Torman is the lone Ara under the direct control of the Imperial Families. This Ara consists of the Imperial estates, national governmental headquarters, the bureaucratic hub, and the surrounding neighborhoods. The whole area is approximately 87 square kilometers in size, making it the smallest Ara in Zanaro, but also one of the most densely populated. The Kota'In is considered directly ruled by the Kotonashi, but is typically ruled by a Pronjii from one of the Imperial Families.

Torman- The official capital city of Torman makes up the entirety of the Kota'In of Torman. The region is entirely urbanized and is centralized around a large hill where the Imperial Palace. From the Imperial palace a sizable portion of the city can still be seen even with the massive city sprawl.

Ara Government

The local Aras each are ruled over by a local Haku/Hak-ko. This local Haku presides over a gathering of locally elected Heisho who are elected by to their posts by the local Heimin. The Haku and the Ara Council work in tandem to ensure the stability of the Ara, and that the various local functions of the Ara are accomplished. The Ara Council acts as a localized version of the Imperial Diet creating bills for the Haku to review and decide whether to pass into local law or whether to veto it. The difference is that the Ara Council, with a 3/4 approval can supersede this dismissal and enact te bill into local law.

Security

Military

The military makes up approximately 1% of the population of Zanaro. It is a highly trained and well equipped military force focusing on small fire teams, and naval forces. Due to their naval specialization the army focuses mostly in the defense of the nations capital, and official military parades. Their expeditionary forces specialize in quick strikes and being mobile, allowing them to strike and move quickly, but they are not very effective at holding ground at one location for an extended period of time. A vast majority of the military exists in the form of the Navy and Marine forces, with the Army and Air-force being far smaller. The Military of Zanaro uses only one ranking structure for the whole of its military forces. This was done so as to create less confusion and conflict between the various military branches in service to the Kotonashi. In addition it sets a clear line of authority in joint operations with certain branches having higher authority in situations of shared rank.

The Zanarite military is flawed in that it is dominated by nepotism throughout the officer core. A vast majority officers are members of the nobility, either through birth, or through becoming a Kenjin. Officers who are not members of the Nobility are very unlikely to attain any major post or position, instead relegated to secondary positions, rarely attaining anything higher than O-4. Due to this nepotistic mentality among the higher ranking members of the Kenjin rarely attain ranks higher than O-6. The Zanarite ground forces focuses more on being a quick mobile force, which keeps them from being particularly effective in a head on head ground fight, they prefer to be on the move. Tanks and slower moving vehicles are typically in rare usage as such, reducing their capability to fight in traditional ground warfare.

The Imperial Legion

The Imperial Legion primarily focuses on the defense of the capital city of Torman, as well as being the honor guard for the Imperial Family. Often times the Imperial Legion will be at the center of military parades, alongside special units from the other military branches. While the Imperial Legion is the smallest branch it is still highly trained.

The Imperial Navy

Imperial Naval Ship doctrine focuses on the use of Aircraft Carriers and support ships to defend them. Many of these carriers will serve as the command ship for their taskforce, with special focus going to the Super Carriers. The ships are designed to be able to strike nearly any nation that would threaten Imperial interests, and secure the territorial waters of Zanaro and its allies. While slower than most other naval forces with the use of aircraft they are able to strike from a sizable distance before being detected.

The Imperial Airforce

The Imperial Airforce is designed to support Imperial Naval air-ops and the security of the Norunda archipelago as a whole. The use of the STOVL system on many of the Airforces jets allow for them to be exceedingly maneuverable for their deployment locations. In addition it is expected the Imperial Airforce pilots can land aboard Imperial Navy Aircraft carriers.

The Imperial Marines

The Imperial Marines are the second largest branch within the Zanarite Military and their training and equipment emphasizes the use of Maneuver Warfare over Attrition Warfare. They focus on small unit tactics and out maneuvering their foes.

Six main elements of the Imperial Marines war doctrine

• Tempo: Noting the shift of battles and utilizing those shifts to push for a strategic victory.
• Focal Point: Finding and targeting the enemy at the right place at the right time, striking vital locations that are under-guarded.
• Deception: Utilizing false information and trickery to ensure surprise and advantage.
• Combined Arms: The use of a variety of weapons systems within a combat element as well as the support of non-ground elements. eg: Naval Air command
• Flexibility: The ability to adjust equipment, gear, and plans on a moments notice. These units must be well rounded, have redundancies, and be self contained.
• Decentralized Command: Lower level leadership must be able to make decisions quickly without need to communicate with higher ups at all points. This means that lower level leadership must know the intent and overall strategy prior to beginning missions but have the flexibility to adjust a tactical level to ensure command operations are completed.

Special Forces

The Imperial Intelligence Agency while not directly part of the Department of War it acts as the Special Forces and Special Operations for the Department of War. The entire agency even utilizes the military ranking and command structure.

Domestic Security

The various Ara each maintain there own localized policing force that are led by Kenjin and filled with members of the Heisho and Heimin ranks of society. As such much of the local policing of the local population is done by the majority of the population. The police force can arrest and hold members of the Nobility should they break a law. Their authority is derived from the Kotonashi, not the local Haku/Haku-ko.

Economy

The economy of the Koto'Ara is based around guilds that run the various career types and fields within society. It is here that they typical Zanarite can voice their concerns as the system is the only democratic aspect of society. The guilds, along with the education system and the Imperial Bureaucracy, issue all licenses and certifications allowing for individuals to start businesses or work in specific fields. Healthcare (medical and dental), utilities, and insurance are all socialized, and are fully funded for and owned by the state, with the employees belonging to their respective guilds. Each guild has a local noble who acts as the patron of that local guild chapter, with the second in command of the guild chapter being elected by the voting members of the guild. Energy production is primarily natural gas, nuclear, and a variety of renewable sources (eg: Solar, Wind, Tidal) with the intention to be fully renewable within ten years.

Zanaro's economy specializes in the production of various defensive military technologies, and weapons systems. These include ships, and aircraft. In addition the nation is well known for its advancements in the software and computer sciences. These advancements are typically leveraged for the benefit of the military industrial complex, but there is a growing demand for electronic media in the form of video games. Zanaro continues to make huge strides in the field of Renewable Energy and has begun to export its completed systems to other nations.

• Economy Type: Service/Manufacturing
• GDP: 664 billion

Specialization

• Science- Renewable Energy
• Information Technology- Cyber Security
• Defense- General Naval Systems
• Defense- Stealth Airplanes
• Information Technology- Software

Major Imports Fossil Fuels, industrial metals, civilian vehicles, and food stuffs.

Economic History

The Koto'Ara of Zanaro has a long history of being a nation that has grown only thanks to trade in the region as the nation itself is sparse in most natural resources. This eventually led to them becoming a major industrial nation, importing raw goods and exporting finished goods. It was due to this that the guilds would rise and form beneath the protection and guidance of the nobility of Zanaro.

Services

Sex Workers

Sex Workers in Zanaro find themselves in a relatively well-regarded societal position. Sex work is not viewed in a negative light and is instead viewed as a privileged profession where only those with skill can truly be masters of it. Sex workers as such have formed a guild to self police, and ensure they maintain good living conditions, pay, and other benefits. This guild also distributes the Sex Worker licenses, registrations, and is in charge of ensuring all sex workers submit themselves for monthly STD screenings.

Due to the acceptability and openness of the sex industry in Zanaro sex workers of all genders are commonplace. In addition most soaplands and brothels will accept clients of any gender. This acceptance of others has made sex work a booming industry in Zanaro, but it is restricted to Zanarite citizens only. Non-Zanarite citizens are not allowed to become sex workers in the country, or to purchase the services of sex workers.

Demographics

Density map of Zanaro

Population

Most of the population of Zanaro are ethnically Zanarite, making up 86.32% of the nations population. The next largest group are native Ashahierun's which make up 5.26% of the population. The third largest group is the Ositijanii who make up 4.73% of the nations population. The remaining 4.69% of the nations population consists of other ethnicity from outside Zanaro. Individuals who are at least 50% Zanarite are counted among the Zanarite population and it overrules all other ethnicity for the purpose of this data.

Zanaro has a strictly regulated birthing and parenting system. The system requires all potential parents to go to parenting classes and to pass a parental licenses exam. When children are born they are subject to blood tests and screening to ensure their ancestry and to check for diseases. Children who are found to be 50% or greater noble ancestry are immediately brought into the noble caste and raised within it, often taken from their immediate parents and raised by the nearest Noble relative. Babies with genetic diseases that could be dangerous to the public genetics or painful for the child are euthanized.

Caste Structure

The Imperial Caste Structure was developed over many generations, but the existence of the Imperial Family traces itself to at least the founding of the First Koto'Ara in 234ce. The position of the Great Houses, and nobility in general, has fluctuated throughout the history of Zanaro, but with the founding of the third Koto'Ara the Imperial Caste Structure found itself re-codified, and enshrined in the Imperial Constitution. This Constitution is the basis for the Zanarite Governmental structure, and social order.

Zanaro has long been ruled by Nobles, with the precursor Dai'Ara (Kingdoms) having also been led by Nobles. For many millennia Nobility was only attained through birth, but as the merchant class grew more and more wealthy and more and more powerful Nobility was able to be purchased so long as they swore loyalty to a house. This has led to Noble families not only ruling the government but also owning and operating the largest of corporations. When the third Koto'Ara was formed this practice was ended, and the entire economic system reworked. It is still possible for non-nobles to become nobility through a special process known as the Right of Ascension.

Imperialis

Imperial Family

• Kotonashi/Kotonashi-Ko(Emperor/Empress)
  • The highest level of Peerage.
  • Rules over the Empire of Zanaro, controls the Zanarite military, and oversees the Imperial Diet.
  • Use -heika as the honorific.

• Koto Pronjii/Koto Pronjii-Ko(Crown Prince/Crown Princesses)
  • The Heir to the Kotonashi or Kotonashi-Ko.
  • May lead the Zanarite military in the stead of the Kotonashi/Kotonashi-Ko.
  • Use -ue as the honorific.

• Pronjii/Pronjii-Ko(Prince/Princesses)
  • A member of one of the Imperial Families.
  • The Pronjii/Pronjii-ko are able to fill any post and position as dictated by the Kotonashi/ko.
  • Use -ue as the honorific.

Nobility

The Nobility of Zanaro serve either a Great House or a Minor house depending on their birth, and perhaps that is what defines this position most. The Nobility of Zanaro are raised in a strict controlled environment to serve as the Koto'Ara's leaders and bureaucrats, to ensure the security and prosperity of Zanaro as a whole.

Great Houses

• Inpuku Pronjii/Inpuku Pronjii-Ko(Sovereign Prince/Sovereign Princess)
  • The Heads of the Great Houses are granted the title of Inpuku Pronjii/Inpuku Pronjii-Ko.
  • They rule over a specific Inpuku (Principality) and act as the head of government there.
  • Use -dono as the honorific.

• A'Pronji/A'Pronji-Ko(Prince Heir/Princess Heir}
  • The Heir to the Head of a Great House holds the Title of A'Pronji/A'Pronji-Ko.
  • Use -dono as the honorific.

• Arahaku/Arahaku-Ko(Duke and Duchess)
  • Inpuku are divided into Ara's. Each Ara (Duchy) is ruled over by a Arahaku/Arahaku-Ko.
  • Use -dono as the honorific.

• Kahaku/Kahaku-Ko(Count and Countess)
  • Ara's are divided into Ka-Ara's. Each Ka-Ara (County) is ruled over by a Kahaku/Kahaku-Ko.
  • Use -dono as the honorific.

• Kaihaku/Kaihaku-Ko(Viscount and Viscountess)
  • Kaihaku/Kaihaku-Ko serve a Kahaku/Kahaku-Ko as heads of Administration for specific cities or regions. Sometimes they serve as an overall administrative head.
  • Use -dono as the honorific.

• Daihaku/Daihaku-Ko(Barons and Baronesses)
  • Daihaku/Daihaku-Ko serve Kaihaku/Kaihaku-Ko as direct representatives to specific cities, acting as the Mayors of the city.
  • Use -dono as the honorific.

• Haku/Haku-Ko(Lord/Lady)
  • Haku/Haku-Ko are the lowest level of Peerage. They directly serve a higher level of the Peerage.
  • Use -dono as the honorific.

Minor Houses

• Inpuku Arahaku/Inpuku Arahaku-KoGrand Duke/Grand Duchess
  • A Inpuku Arahaku/Inpuku Arahaku-Ko rules over an In'Ara (Grand Duchy), they are not beholden to an Inpuku Pronjii, instead they serve the Kotonashi/Kotonashi-Ko directly.
  • The Inpuku Arahaku/Inpuku Arahaku-Ko acts as the head of government within their realm. Often served only by Haku/Haku-Ko instead of the traditionally large Peerage that the Inpuku Pronjii have access to.
  • Use -dono as the honorific.

• A'Haku/A'Haku-Ko(Lord Heir/Lady Heir)
  • Where most heirs to the lesser positions just utilize the title of Haku, the Heirs to a Minor House utilize A'Haku/A'Haku-Ko as a way to signify their position.
  • Use -dono as the honorific.

Dai'Ara

• Dai'Kashi/Dai'Kashi-Ko(King/Queen)
  • The Dai'Kashi/Dai'Kashi-Ko rule over Dai'Ara (Kingdoms).
  • Prior to the integration of the Dai'Ara of Ashahieru the position of Dai'Kashi/Dai'Kashi-ko was an extinct rank.
  • The Dai'Kashi/Dai'Kashi-Ko acts as the head of government within their realm. Often served only by Haku/Haku-Ko instead of the traditionally large Peerage that the Inpuku Pronjii have access to.
  • Use -dono as the honorific.

• A'Kashi/A'Kashi-ko
  • The heir to the Dai'Kashi/Dai'Kashi-ko.
  • Use -dono as the honorific.

Knights

While referred to as Knights by Lyran's the position of Kenjin in somewhere between soldier and noble. These are warriors trained from a young age to lead from the front, to serve as battlefield commanders, to act as elite bodyguards. Their lives are ones of service to the Nobility and the Koto'Ara that they represent.

Kenjin

• Kensai (Sword Saint)
  • Only 56 Kensai exist at any one time as they are elected to the post for life from among their peers within a specific Ara. More Kensai had existed in the past when Zanaro ruled over more territories.
  • Kensai serve in the capital city of Torman as direct servants to the Imperial Diet.
  • Kensai are the head of their Knightly House.
  • Use -hanshi as the honorific.

• Kenjin (Knight)
  • During the divided Zanaro period the position of Kenjin was created as a sort of hybrid of Nobility and Soldier. They served the exiled Imperial Family, and those loyal to them.
  • Kenjin must serve in the Zanarite Military to retain their rank. Kenjin are always officers within the Zanarite Military.
  • Kenjin are considered higher than any commoner in the peerage, but are lower than the lowest of the nobility.
  • Use -kyoshi as the honorific.

• A'Kenjin
  • A member of a Kenjin family who has yet to attain adulthood, and thus has yet to join the Imperial Military and attain the rank of Kenjin.
  • They are expected to be constantly striving to better themselves to better serve the Imperial Military as an officer.
  • Use -renshi as the honorific.

Non-Nobles

The position of Non-Nobles covers Subjects, and Outsiders. Even within the Subjects of Zanaro though there are rankings and structures so that everyone knows who to look to for leadership, and what to aspire to achieve through hard work and diligence.

Subjects

• Heisho
  • Members of the Imperial Military are referred to as Heisho, and are considered of higher position then all other subjects, but they are beneath the Kenjin, and below even the lowliest of the Nobility.
  • After completing service the Imperial Military these people will retain the position of Heisho and often fill up local leadership positions among the subjects of the Koto'Ara.
  • Use -sama as the honorific, unless you are higher ranking in the peerage, then you use -san.

• Heimin
  • The average every day person, commoners make up apx. 90% of the population of Zanaro, and their daily lives are not overly hard.
  • Within the Heimin Caste there are many classes of people depending on the level of wealth they, or their families, have attained.
  • Use -san as the honorific.

• Hinin
  • Any person who has committed a 'major crime' will lose all their status and power and become a Hinin.
  • Hinin can only hold specific jobs related to uncleanly activities, and they are relegated to specific ghettos.
  • Children of Hinin are taken from their parents to be raised among the Heimin.
  • Use -yogisha as the honorific.

Outsiders

• Gaijin
  • People from other countries who have not sworn to serve the Imperial Family, they exist outside the Caste structure and are generally seen as outsiders to society.
  • Typically you will use -san as the honorific for gaijin. If they belong to another nations government you will use -sama as the honorific.

Extinct Ranks

Many ranks have existed throughout the history of Zanaro. The following ranks have existed historically within Zanaro but are not enshrined within the Imperial Constitution and have not seen use since at least the founding of the Third Koto'Ara.

Extinct Caste Ranks

• Sha'Gun(Commander-in-Chief)
  • The Sha'Gun was both a political and Noble position that was created during the first Koto'Ara Period. It was in theory supposed to oversee the military for the Kotonashi, in actuality the position became the defacto ruler of the Koto'Ara during the Sha'Gun Period. The position was removed with the creation of the Second Koto'Ara.

• Hahaku/Hahaku-Ko(Noble Bastard)
  • During the Warring Kingdoms Period and the First Koto'Ara Period the Bastard children of nobles were often considered 'Half-Noble' and were granted a title stating that fact. The title saw wide spread use during the Divided Empire Period.
  • With the founding of the third Koto'Ara this rank was removed and all bastards were to be recognized as true nobles, and potential heirs. This shocked many among the nobility and has reduced the number of bastards born for fear of them inheriting their power instead of their true-born children.

Right of Ascension

Individuals who are not born into the Noble caste can attain nobility by climbing up the social structure of the Heinin, as well as showing their ability as paragons on honor and culture. Individuals who can truly show they have a noble spirit can be submitted by any lord or lady who is a member of the noble caste to the Ascension Agency. The Agency will then work with the individual and their sponsor to create a packet showing their contributions to society, as well as testemony regarding their noble spirit. Once this initial process is completed it will be routed up through the agency whereupon the first decision on it's approval will be dictated. Once it has been approved the individual and their sponsor can therefore begin the process of releasing them from their current oaths as a heinin and swear new oaths to the house of the sponsor as a Noble-in-Waiting.

As a Noble-in-Waiting they are considered to hold the lowest position among nobility, but cannot yet act with that authority. Once a year the Kotonashi will gather together all Nobles-in-Waiting and will officially make them part of the Noble caste. Each Noble-in-Waiting will be brought before the Kotonashi and will have the blessings of the Kotonashi given to them. A hand will be set on one shoulder and on the forehead, representing the acceptance both of the mortal flesh and of the noble soul into the peerage. The individual will then have to go through noble training and integration, but for all intents and purposes they are a fully fledged member of the peerage of Zanaro.

Languages

The Zanarite language is often viewed as a deeply complex language due to it's varieties of forms and conjugations based entirely off of your social position compared to another's.

Education

Education in Zanaro is seen as one of the core pillars of society, and the nation as a whole. Due to this mentality the Zanarite Education system has focused on high quality, in-depth, and specialized education to ensure its citizens can best serve the Koto'Ara to the best of their ability. All schools beyond tier one provide room and board for students who will live on campus at the school for a majority of the year. During vacation times they will return home to their families to reside with them.

Tier One

Elementary School Preschool - 5th Grade All Classes are Mandatory and well rounded in all subjects, allowing for children to grow and develop in many ways. This is also where children usually study Zanarite, and any secondary languages required by the Inpuku or In'Ara. Some of the mandatory classes include Math, Science, History, PE, and Art.

Nobility Early-Life Academy Preschool - 5th Grade The children on Nobility are sent to a specialized school where they begin to be educated in the responsibilities that they will one day have to fulfill as the future leaders of the nation. This is in addition to the education that is taught in the non-Nobility Elementary schools.

Tier Two

Vocational School 6th Grade - 9th Grade Schooling that begins to specialize students towards a specific vocation, be it a trade, religious service, or something else. This school is meant to be an introductory level, and still has many of the general classes available, allowing students to pick a different Tier Three school should they so choose.

Academy of Science and Technology 6th Grade - 9th Grade A school for kids who were in the top ten percentile in Math, or Science in the National Standardized Tests (N.S.T.). The school focus's on the development of the students progress in the sciences and in mathematics.

Academy of Military Sciences 6th Grade - 9th Grade A School for students interested in Military service as either an Enlisted or as an Officer. This school focus's on development of leadership and in strategy (Both Militarily and Civilian side).

Middle School 6th Grade - 9th Grade A well rounded school that aids in the development of a well balanced student and future member of the Empire of Zanaro. This is where most students begin taking a third language.

Nobility Middle Academy 6th - 9th Grade The school further teaches the Noble youth leadership skills, governance, military leadership, as well as important life skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, sciences, and history. Students also are given a number of options for elective classes such as martial arts, music, art, and creative pursuits.

Tier Three

Academy of Advanced Sciences and Technology 10th-13th Grade A school for those that after completing the N.S.T. were in the top 10% of the nation for Math or any of the sciences. This will begin to set the student up for a career as a scientist, researcher, inventor, or engineer.

Academy of Art and Music 10th-13th Grade A School for those who were hand selected because of there skill and talent by the Arts and Music Administration (A.M.A.), the students will focus there natural talents into a beautiful skill. Many will continue to the University of The Arts and become members of some of the greatest Orchestra's and Art Institutions within Zanaro.

Academy of Advanced Military Sciences 10th-13th Grade A School for Students who wish to focus there career's in the Military sphere. Students will pick a branch there senior year to begin studying under. This academy has many apprenticeship and mentoring programs to aid in the students development as a future Member of the Zanarite Military.

Academy of the Trades 10th - 13th Grade This is the primary Trade school for students. Graduating from here will land a student a job easily, without a need to go to additional college level education except for additional specialization if there is interest.

Academy of the Spirit 10th - 13th Grade Students that go to school here will begin to learn how best to serve the spiritual and religious needs of their community. There are multiple religions available to study in, as well as multi-religious, and spiritual courses. Students would still need to go to Theology school at the college level in most cases to serve their faith group as a priest/priestess depending on the religion.

High School 10th-13th Grade A well rounded school for students who didn't seek out, or earn a specialty school. This school focus's on building upon prior education and gives students the most option of class's to take.

Nobility Leadership Academy 10th - 13th Grade The Nobility who attend this exclusive and elite school focus on military and political leadership. They are taught tactics, strategy, history, and train in several martial arts. It is a high demand school that is known to have a few students die from the training every year. After graduation many will begin the process of becoming officers in the military, or begin apprenticing for a major leadership position among the great houses of Zanaro.

Nobility Academy 10th - 13th Grade Most members of the Nobility will attend this school which will continue to prepare them to run the nations sprawling noble bureaucracy. They will also continue their education and training in the cultural aspects of nobility and of 'higher' society of Zanaro.

Tier Four

University of Science of Technology College The University of Science and Technology is one of the Largest Universities within Zanaro and it is focused entirely on the development of scientific minds, and on advancements within different scientific fields. It is funded through both the Government and several major Technology and Science based state-corporations. Many of which recruit graduates immediately after they finish schooling.

University of The Arts College The only true art college, The University of The Arts is exceedingly picky on who it allows in. It is funded mostly by nobility who are always looking to increase the prestige of their court. To be have a noble family become your patron is considered a great honor.

University of Medicine and Life Sciences College This college is dedicated to the development of a professional medical force, training nurses, doctors, surgeons, and medical researchers. The various programs provide specialization, or generalization as needed.

Naval War College/Army War College/Air Force War College/ Marine War College College The college for the best and brightest who seek to be an officer in the Zanarite Military. Upon completion of the school you will serve a Four Year term in the branch that you went to the college for. Upon completion of the school the student will become an officer assigned to a Noble Commander.

General College College A General college typically offers a wide range of majors and minors for students to pursue. Some will be specialized, some wont be, but they all have one thing in common options.

Lords College of War College The Lords War College is attended by all Nobility who seek to become Commanders within the military. Most members who attend this college had previously attended the Nobility Leadership Academy. The College builds upon the education that the academy taught to its students. It is a highly competitive environment meant to create the best military and noble leaders possible as they have trained most of their lives to be leaders and politicians.

University of Lords College The College available to all nobility. Here they will hone their skill and craft in running and ruling the nation, and the various parts of the Imperial Bureaucracy.

Culture

Etiquette

Marriage

Gay marriage had been legal in Zanaro since at least the early 1900's. In addition multispousal marriages for nobility have been allowed since the 1500's which allowed for homosexual unions so long as there was also a heterosexual union involved.