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"
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
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

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.

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.

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 Produz-Amidia. 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.

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.

Economy

The economy of the Koto'Ara is a mixture of limited capitalism, state capitalism, and socialism depending on the business/industry. Healthcare (medical and dental), utilities, and insurance are all socialized. Most industries are under state capitalist control. Most commercial industries are privately owned and operated. Each major part of the economy is overseen by a major 'Company' that is run by a noble lord/lady in service to the nation. Energy production is primarily natural gas, 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.

Demographics =

Density map of Zanaro

Population

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.

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.