Zilatra

Zilatra, officially the Xeroist Republic of Zilatra (XRZ), is a sovereign independent country based in Southeastern Abexilas, based on the continent of Kejafros. Zilatra is the second largest country by population according to the Stoneworks Demographics Guild. 
Zilatra was founded after the overthrow of the Baszku Kingdoms by the nation's peasantry. The modern nation was founded shortly before the War of the Comet and the opening of portals to Abexilas. The refugees from the other worlds united with the native peoples of the region, building together the modern country. 
The incumbent executive government is led by General Secretary Abusaja si Baqiya, Premier Ignatius Černak currently heads the legislature, and the Xeroist Union Party is headed by Partisan Chair Wanja Ivanovič. 
==History==
===Pre-history===
The earliest known political entities in the region that makes up modern Zilatra were the Tribes of Dafa, led by petty kings called the Sagun. One Sagun, Abusya si Tuqeli, united the tribes and established the Baszku Kingdom which was ruled by the Abusya Dynasty. They saw the persecution of ethnic minorities and the rise of various leaders, leading to the eventually collapse of the kingdom due to internal conflict about succession to the throne.
During the following Warring States Period, several factions fought for control of the region. Ultimately, Qudakya si Szya of the Szya Dynasty reunified the Kingdom, establishing the Second Baszku Kingdom. The Second Baszku Kingdom was characterized by a mix of constitutional rule and authoritarianism, with various dynasties ruling the country. It entered a succession crisis when Kabli II was murdered by his doctor without an heir.
===Zilatran Revolution===
After the still living uncle and aunt of king Kabli II went to war with one another, claiming to be the rightful heirs to the Qudakya Dynasty, members of the peasantry began to receive dreams and revelations from a woman who claimed to be from another world. This was Arika Ronango'O, a Lo'Oix woman living in Eldham who had taken control of a Ring of Power and had a long legacy of researching the ancient texts of Villager Lore. These texts told prophecies of what would be the War of the Comet, and the fact that the Eldhamites and Rathnirians would be made to flee their homeland for a new one. Using her knowledge, spiritual prowess, and small amounts of the power contained within her mystic ring, she would make communications with people in Abexilas one-by-one for the next forty-five years. These prophecies fortold the knowledge of what Eldham and Rathnir were like and that their people would soon flee to Abexilas, and ultimately the lands of what is today Zilatra. Ronango'O called the people of both Abexilas and the other worlds the "fruit of destruction", at which point the native peoples of the Warring States, called themselves "people of the soul" in reference to the destiny they were foretold to have, or the Zilasaya. This would form into the modern word "Zilatra", which would come to be the name of the revolution which ensued.
The peasantry revolted, and fought a brutal war, first killing Czusya si Alu, and two years after finally slaying Nadusz si Alu. This brought an end to the era of the Saguns, and the peasantry formed their own country, called Zilatra, in . This symbolized the overthrow of centuries worth of extremely racist caste systems, subjugation, chattel slavery, and imperialism across Kejafros and Rozakorra. The overthrow of the Baszku Kingdom is a symbol of pride for many nations of people across the region. When the Baszku peasantry overthrew the Baszku Kingdom, they named the nation Zilatra in part to distance themselves from the ethnosupremacist past of the nation, and to adopt a new national name; one without reference to ethnicity. The Villagers had been liberated from the Qabeya system, the various other slaves taken from across Kejafros and Rozakkora had been freed, and land redistribution had begun. The peasantry had grown so tired of the old system and imperialism, numerous old governors, soldiers, and Baszku Kingdom politicians were slaughtered in mass. With this, all colonies had also been libreated, and Zilatra only claimed the lands belonging to what had been called the "motherland".
An interim government was declared for Zilatra, with a power vacuum existing in the wake of the Kingdom's destruction. Over the scale of 15 years, Zilatra would form as a nation state and eventually pass its first Constitution. The Xeroist Union Party came to dominate politics in the region of the interim government, as Xeroism had been introduced to the peasantry decades prior.
Reforms began swiftly, and the peasantry arose to powerful positions, and the secret revelations with the woman from another world continued, and ultimately in , Arika Ronango'O would sacrifice herself and use her Ring of Power, opening sixteen portals across Rathnir and Eldham. These people finally entered Abexilas, and in turn Zilatra, in . Those who came to Zilatra largely arrived through a series of three portals, most notably one located in the Villager settlement of Iwidiihu Maa, near the commune of Taqa Najul.
Today the population of Zilatra is mostly the indigenous Baszku people, but contains many immigrant ethnic groups from Rathnir and Eldham such as the Lo'Oix and Druznoslavs. The Villager population also exists intact in some small communes dotted across Zilatra.
===Tribal Period of Abexilas===
During the Tribal Period of Abexilas, which would not end until the , shortly after the opening of the Abexilas server, Zilatra had formed three teams which sought to claim land for Zilatra, build, and create resources for future development of the nation. These included the Hizanji Sabe, which made the first map of the Southern portion of the region and secured borders, the Uranji Sabe which grinded out materials like experience and mining resources, and finally the Abinji Sabe tasked with creating architecture designs and basic infrastructure for commune development. 
These teams were originally based in a Villager settlement called Puuku u Hipa, before moving South towards Gaszalasi following a deal with Ischanor struck by General Secretary Yadal Krakhovich. Notably, Klara Serebra led the Uranji Sabe, Ahudenya si Dal led the Hizanji Sabe, and the Abinji Sabe was led by Eksultant Prym. A series of Jotumeks, or unions, were made by the Uranji Sabe specifically dedicated to agrarian production in these early settlements. Originally the Hizanji Sabe built border markers as far North as the River Szal, named after a member of the team named Szal si Ahuden.
During this time, Zilatra sought massive diplomatic efforts abroad, opening embassies with multiple nations. Notably, this included missions to Ischanor; including subjects underneath the empire such as Selidoar and Lachawaka, and other nations such as Sentara and Vinovia. The first elections also took place at this time. Qadi si Gadus was elected the first ever Partisan Chair of the Xeroist Union Party by securing 68% of the national vote; the first election to take place in Zilatra. The first ever Kelitá was also elected at this time, with Balic si Adaczi, Szal si Ahuden, Karlos Mevher, Proba Adh Rahada, Rahada si Gadusaja and Talun si Batiku securing seats; the first Premier was Balic si Adaczi.
===Early development===
Starting in the , players were finally permitted to make claims, which marked the creation of Zilatra's first communes. The first commune to be formally established within Zilatra was the commune of Lasaji, based on a peninsula to the nation's South by Klara Serebra. Shortly thereafter, the commune of Gaszalasi, the nation's informal capital, was established by Qadi si Gadus at the base of the Dalar Delta. Another commune by the name of Taqa Najul was established by Ahudenya si Dal in the nation's Southeast. The commune of Tyafara was established in the nation's Northeast by Balic si Adaczi.
The programme of building communes was largely overseen by Deputy Secretary Ahudenya si Dal, with around sixteen communes being established after a decade. During this time, the Second Kelitá would be soon be elected in the . Representatives Abusaja si Baqiya, Iyul si Unus, Proba Adh Rahada, Rahada si Gadusaja, Szal si Ahuden, and Talun si Batiku were elcted into the Kelitá. The final, Talun si Batiku, was elected the second Premier.
During this time, General Secretary Yadal Krakhovich would sponsor the creation of two Autonomous Prefectures as parts of Zilatra, including the Kingdom of Latria and the Communal Peasant's Republic of Gallania. The Cartography Guild City State would also join Zilatra as a Protectorate. Further diplomatic deals for cultural exchange were orchestrated by Ischanorian provinces such as Herlundy. The early Xeroist Union Party also began to develop substantially at this point, under the leadership of Partisan Chair Qadi si Gadus. The Party grew to roughly fifty formal members at this point. This was also reflective of general growth of Zilatra, with the nation achieving over one-hundred citizens by . 
===National Programme period===
Despite the slow growth in the national population and political participation, there were major concerns about activity as industrial and developmental progress had slowed down substantially in part because of inactive Commissariats and lack of events. This prompted the executive government to begin a process of "reactivating" the national economy following demands from Ahudenya si Dal; which were sponsored by General Secretary Yadal Krakhovich.
This, called the National Programme (Baszku: Hajatya Hyabe), saw the rise of various new Zilatrans into positions of power, the expulsion of Sentari foreigners as government officials, and a new national initiative to industrialize major cities. Ultimately, cities like Gaszalasi had designs for city construction made, with the nation's first ever "Community Work Day" being orchestrated by Abusaja si Baqali and Eksultant Prym. Construction continued in communes like Hafumel and Deamo'zgou. Within less than a week, the national economy had been successfully rebooted and development began once more across the country.
Furthermore, massive industrial growth happened in centers like Lasaji, with the cactus experience factories being massively expanded and large national storages being created to centralize the economic growth of the nation. As a part of this industrialization, Ahudenya si Dal orchestrated diplomacy with other nations. This started the first of what was called National Visits of Friendship, where Zilatran delegates would travel abroad to learn about the culture, people, and industry of foreign nations; the first of which was a delegation sent to Sentara, specifically cities like Solatriya, Besozar, and Izar. These diplomatic initiatives sought to find viable industrial plans that could be adopted by Zilatra and to form economic trade partners abroad. Cultural exchange and economic trade was planned with various provinces of Ischanor, in addition to other nations. Zilatra's main export at this time was experience as there was a shortage in higher level production.
In the election of , the General and Deputy Secretary positions were up for re-election. Both Yadal Krakhovich and Ahudenya si Dal ran again, hosting an election campaign based off their successes thus far and the new National Programme initative. They were opposed by Hyradian Kiriznia, running as General Secretary with his running mate Abusaja si Baqiya. While the election season was filled with debate, Yadal and Ahudenya were victorious, having received 64% of the national popular vote. This meant they had won a second term in office.
In the , the Third Kelitá was elected, with Diogo Ronango'O becoming the Premier. That year, Zilatra massively grew in population drastically from immigration, within a single year it is reported there was a 34% growth in population. Similar growth was reported in Sentara. This made Zilatra one of the single most populous countries in Kejafros and brought further rapid industrial expansion. With new laborers, construction continued in Gaszalasi, Lasaji, Vertarchon, and Hafumel. Some communes, namely Vertarchon and Hafumel, reported 3x growth in population. This marked continued widespread success of the National Programme initiatives. Abusaja si Baqiya, Hyradian Kiriznia, Ebrim Karišik Nadušja, and others are widely credited with the success of development initiatives during this time.
In the , Abusajali si Sanyatabu announced the opening of the Zilatran State Financial Institution and, as a part of it, the Zilatran State Bank. Beyond managing the funds of the Zilatran state, the ZSFI promised to allow Zilatrans to finally open their own savings accounts for up to $400 given upon the opening of one. Alongside this the ZSFI promised 0% interest fees and 0.5% interest compounded monthly. The establishment of the ZSFI was later praised by Deputy Secretary Ahudenya si Dal as part of the success of the National Programme. By the 30s, the ZSFI's funds managed to go beyond $600,000 and with its success it had become an active part in the financial development of towns and the Commissariats. This marked a wider trend of increasing gross domestic active funds per capita, which had drastically shot up during the National Programme.
Between the and the the Kelitá, under the leadership of Premier Diogo Ronango'O, sponsored a series of constitutional reforms nicknamed by Diogo as the "Power Balance Initiative." The PBI was made up of six pieces of legislation. The Kelitá sponsored the "Vice Premier Act", which sought to create the position of Vice Premier as the right-hand of the Premier in hopes of keeping the Kelitá constantly active and in anticipation of a growth in the population. Several years later the Kelitá proposed the "Kelitá Referendum Powers", which sought to officially grant the Kelitá the power to bypass the petition phase of referendums, although it had done so beforehand with the use of loopholes in the law. As part of the Kelitá's attempts to ensure its independence from the Executive, a referendum was called to introduce an amendment to disallow Commissars from serving in the Kelitá simultaneously. In , this was extended to the Kelitá barring Zilatran Security Department members from serving in the Kelitá and then in the Executive. As a consequence of activity and Kelitá reform initatives, the Fourth Kelitá would largely comprise of new members with a historically significant size of members. 
Overall, the National Programme is remembered as a time of drastic growth in the Zilatran population, economy, culture, and livelihood; creating the basis for contemporary Zilatran successes. 
File:Ahudenyainsolatriya.png|The Zilatran and Sentaran government meeting during the National Programme.
File:Asicongress.png|The first Congress of the Abexilan Socialist Internationale, hosted in Zilatra during the National Programme.
File:Yadalstatue.png|The National Mausoleum of Zilatra, featuring a statue of the first General Secretary Yadal Krakhovich in the New Falka Commune.
File:Zilatrapropaganda.png|Propaganda poster from Zilatra during the National Programme.
=== New Road period===
====Under Serebra's leadership====
With the success of the National Programme and the various reforms it instituted over the decades, the long-awaited General Secretary election would come as Yadal Krakhovich and Ahudenya si Dal would no longer be running. This would mark a transformative moment in Zilatran politics as leadership would begin to change and be overhauled. This era was called the New Road period by Ovonia Ronango'O, as it marked a political departure from the politic of Krakhovich and Ahudenya as the leading stars of Zilatran politics and Zilatra would descend down a new path geopolitically. 
In an explosive election, Kuvala Serebra would win with 52% of the public vote in 37 VE, with former Premier Diogo Ronango'O ascending as Deputy Secretary. They ran on a ticket advocating for drastic executive reforms, direct democracy, and Zilatran independence as one of the most vocal critics of Sentaran vassalship. Abusaja si Baqiya would later become Deputy Secretary as D. Ronango'O would resign in . 
One of the most controversial political moments in Zilatran history up until this point was the Gallanian Crisis. In short, Qadi si Gadus would threaten the Gallanian Autonomous Prefecture with annexation if they did not democratize, resulting in them illegally seceding and supporting Zilatran national enemies. As Qadi was appointed by Kuvala Serebra, she was nearly impeached as General Secretary, narrowly avoiding impeachment. 
Notably, during the Serebran period, the national economy would boost drastically as a consequence of reforms with the Citizens' Market. The People's Revolutionary Army of Zilatra (PRAZ) would also be founded by Serebra. Socially, there was also many new cultural events, such as Katruji Tournaments and more to motivate activity. The Party would also undergo drastic reforms under Partisan Chair Ovonia Ronango'O, including the formalization of the Party Line. The Abexilan Socialist Internationale also saw drastic continuation and friendly relations be created among Xeroists internationally. This period of Zilatran history is widely regarded for its focus on fun events and community organization; in part created by the relatively isolationist attitude of the executive government in terms of diplomacy. 
File:Yopoinauguration.png|The inauguration of Kuvala Serebra as General Secretary.
File:Yopoposter.png|Propaganda poster featuring Kuvala Serebra.
File:Hisokawinning.png|A Katruji Tournament hosted during the Serebran period, a feature of civillian life of Zilatra at the time.
==== Under Abusaja's leadership====
In the year , Abusaja si Baqiya who was previously Deputy Secretary would win the election as General Secretary with 61% of the public vote. Note Kiriznia would become Deputy Secretary. They ran on a platform of fleshing out diplomatic relations with the ASI and other Kejafrosian nations, as well as opening the possibility of further unity with Sentara; something completely alienated by the Serebra administration.
Upon taking office, they immediately began new negotiations with Sentara and began centralizing the economy between the two nations, to the extent of unifying the Commissariat of Industry with Sentara's own economic infrastructure. This would set the baseline for a possible future confederation between the two nations in serious terms. 
As the diplomacy of Zilatra became increasingly more involved in the international sphere instead of being concentrated on itself, various developments would happen under the leadership of Abusaja si Baqiya and Note Kiriznia. Zilatra would officially mobilize and enter a war economic period in in preparation for Tristan's War. Andliria would become a vassal of Zilatra on . 
This era would also be marked by significant construction across the country, though many of these plans originated in prior term of K. Serebra. The efforts of architects like M.K. Novotny, Zaaki Iletriosa, Bali Zheng, and Muskhva qe Lasaji heavily marked the architecture of this era of Zilatran history. 
File:Andliriavisit.png|Partisan Chair Vlädihrb Skamović and ZSD Major General Zaaki Iletriosa visiting Andliria after it became a vassal of ZIlatra.
File:Transariafun.png|Zilatrans gathered in Transaria for civic festivities during this time period.
File:Miaposter.png|Propaganda produced during Tristran's War.
==Government==
===Xeroist Union Party and People's Court===
At the center of Zilatra's politics is the Xeroist Union Party, the ruling and sole legal political party in the nation. Similarly to some other Xeroist nations, the Party functions as its own branch of government, called the "Political Committee." 
The Party provides space for debate and settling the ideological foundations of national policy; reaching decisions through democratic centralization and enforcing the Party Line unto its members, which constitute the majority of Zilatra. The Party also directly oversees the People's Court, the country's judiciary, as well as the safe handling of electoral processes. 
The Party is led by the Partisan Chair, who will also represent the Party as needed. The Partisan Chair appoints all Judges of the People's Court, and approves the High Judge, granting them considerable influence over Zilatran law. They also are traditionally tasked with overseeing elections and censuses. 
===General and Deputy Secretary===
The General Secretary is the head of government of Zilatra, presiding over the Executive Branch of the Zilatran government. Alongside them is the "Deputy Secretary", a second-in-command that generally acts as a figurehead unless they are appointed Acting General Secretary. Both positions are elected by popular vote for terms of eight weeks with a term limit of two. The General Secretary is inherently the most important person in Zilatran politics as they hold the greatest amount of executive power in the nation with the authority to decide the make-up of the Executive Cabinet and introduce Executive Orders. 
The General and Deputy Secretaries of Zilatra are usually the main diplomatic representatives of the nation, and its main figureheads.
====List of General Secretaries====
No. 	Portrait 	Name 	Tenure 	Mandate 	Notes
 	Popular Interim Government 	 	 	 	
N/A 	Oversaw the creation of the Zilatran nation, the writing, and introduction of the Zilatran Constitution. Xeroist Union Party was created during tenure. 	 	 	 	
1. 	 	Yadal Krakhovich 	-(30 years) 	5 VE 	Served two terms. Oversaw the start of Zilatran democracy, the beginning of communalization, the start of Ischanorian land deals, the Sentari diplomatic pacts, and the organization of Zilatra's executive branch. He helped to oversee the National Programme which included the formation of the Zilatra State Financial Institution (ZSFI). Most importantly, oversaw the nation during the rise of tensions with Sentara and brought Zilatra into the Abexilas Socialist International.
1. 	 	Yadal Krakhovich 	-(30 years) 	21 VE 	Served two terms. Oversaw the start of Zilatran democracy, the beginning of communalization, the start of Ischanorian land deals, the Sentari diplomatic pacts, and the organization of Zilatra's executive branch. He helped to oversee the National Programme which included the formation of the Zilatra State Financial Institution (ZSFI). Most importantly, oversaw the nation during the rise of tensions with Sentara and brought Zilatra into the Abexilas Socialist International.
Vacant between and 37 VE, during the election for the next General Secretary.	Vacant between and 37 VE, during the election for the next General Secretary. 	Vacant between and 37 VE, during the election for the next General Secretary.	Vacant between and 37 VE, during the election for the next General Secretary.	Vacant between and 37 VE, during the election for the next General Secretary.	Vacant between and 37 VE, during the election for the next General Secretary.
2. 	 	Kuvala Serebra 	 	 	
37 VE 	Oversaw the start of the Commissariat of Culture and Information, continued attempts to normalize relations with Sentara while asserting Zilatran independence, led the country during the Gallanian Crisis, formed the People's Revolutionary Army of Zilatra, and oversaw a number of economic reforms. First General Secretary to face a recall vote.	 	 	 	
3. 	 	Abusaja si Baqiya 	Since ( years) 	51 VE 	Oversaw the Andliriaji vassalship, the unification of Zilatra and Sentara's industrial sector and military, the official Zilatran entry into Tristan's War marking the first official mobilization of Zilatra's military, and more. Term ongoing.
3. 	 	Abusaja si Baqiya 	Since ( years) 	66 VE 	Oversaw the Andliriaji vassalship, the unification of Zilatra and Sentara's industrial sector and military, the official Zilatran entry into Tristan's War marking the first official mobilization of Zilatra's military, and more. Term ongoing.
====List of Deputy Secretaries====
No.	Portrait	Name 	Tenure 	Notes
1. 	 	Ahudenya si Dal 	 	
Directly oversaw the creation of Zilatra as a country and its communalization. Proposed the measures of the National Programme, served as a diplomat, and led the theoretical basis for Zilatra's early development. Ahudenya was the one to propose the very creation of Zilatra as a country. 
Served alongside General Secretary Yadal Krakhovich.	 	 	 	
2. 	 	Diogo Ronango'O 	37-47 VE
(10 years)	Led the Serebran government's efforts on constitutional reforms, writing up the "Term Limit Enforcement Act", "Kelita Diplomatic Oversight Act", and the "Order of Succession Act." He was the first Deputy Secretary to prematurely resign, resulting in the ascendance of Abusaja si Baqiya to the position.
Served alongside General Secretary Kuvala Serebra.
3. 	 	Abusaja si Baqiya	47-52 VE
(5 years)	Oversaw a number of basic economic reforms, was only in office briefly.
Served alongside General Secretary Kuvala Serebra.
4. 	 	Note Kiriznia 	Since ( years)	Directly involved in negotiations between Sentara and Zilatra regarding possible future unification. Also directly oversaw negotiations with the Andliriaji government resulting in their vassalization under Zilatra. Term ongoing.
Served alongside General Secretary Abusaja si Baqiya.
===Commissars and Commissariats===
Commissars are members of the executive branch charged with leading the departments of government known as Commissariats. As of now, Zilatra has six Commissariats, each headed by its own Commissar. These represent divisions of the executive government's duties. 
Commissariat 	Emblem	Role 	Commissars	
Internal Commissariat (INTCOM)	 	Responsible for the application of laws, the preservation of rights, and the coordination of government within Zilatra’s territorial possessions. Oversees the Zilatran Security Department (ZSD).	Qadi si Gadus(since )
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"	
Jayali si Tuqe(-) 	 	 	 	
Evita al Solari(-) 	 	 	 	
Amy Serebra(-) 	 	 	 	
===Kelitá===
The legislature system of Zilatra is known as the Kelitá, meaning "council" in the Lo'Oi language. Though the word has been borrowed into other common tongues, where it is called the Kalita in Baszku
The presiding officer of the Kelitá is the Premier, who is elected from among the Representatives to oversee the Kelitá. The Premier convenes and presides over meetings of the Kelitá, is in charge of maintaining the protocol and cataloguing the sessions of the Kelitá, and represents the legislature as needed. The Premier, alongside all other representatives, has the right to call an impeachment vote on any member of the Executive Government and the Partisan Chair, granting the Kelitá a very important power.
===Administrative divisions===
The country of Zilatra has four types of administrative divisions. These include Prefectures, Autonomous Prefectures, Territories, and Protectorates.
The Prefecture has no local government outside of communes, and otherwise outright follows national laws. This is the most numerous type of administrative division. Autonomous Prefectures by contrast have the right to organize their own local government which has sovereignty over the entire Autonomous Prefecture, and elects a Prefect which will act as a leader of the Autonomous Prefecture. They are free to establish laws within the Autonomous Prefecture. Territories are a rare type of administrative division, intended to be temporary. Those living in Territories have no rights, no right to citizenship, no local government of any kind, and are governed directly by the government. This is generally considered to be restrained to newly annexed territory. Finally, Protectorates are territory of the Xeroist Republic of Zilatra which may not have national laws apply to them, and also have the right to form an entirely independent government, but are ultimately still part of Zilatra.
====Prefectures====
Prefecture	Flag	Capital 	Notes
Hajamal 	 	Hafumel 	Located in Central Zilatra, Hajamal is geographically and population-wise the smallest Prefecture; a biodiverse island surrounded by rivers and wetlands. It is well known for its material riches, technological development, academic institutions, and cultural traditions.
Dalar 	 	Lasaji 	Defined by the Western bank of the River Dalar, this is the single most populous Prefecture in Zilatra. It has wide expanses of flat temperate forests in the North, while its South is filled with rugged taigas. It is renowned for its manufacturing industry, architectural styles, and ethnic enclaves. Includes communes such as Transaria, Pturion, Vertarchon, and more.
Qatakema 	 	Gaszalasi	Running the length of Zilatra's Southeastern coastline, Qatakema is well known for its diverse terrain, agricultural industry, rich history, and political seats. It is where the national capital is located, in addition to other communes such as Harjuba and New Falka.
====Communes====
Communes of Zilatra
Aephica 	Agdah's Embrace
Vertarchon 	Harjuba
Ebrim Hasz 	Gaszalasi
Hafumel 	Lasaji
Pturion Zunes	Transaria
The most basic form of local government in Zilatra is called the Commune. These are defined by the Constitution as "an organized, recognized, and active claim." They are recognized by the country's legislature and can either be led by a Mayor or a Communal Council, being able to switch between the two systems. Mayorship systems are designed for smaller communes which may only need one person to lead and control the claim, while those under the Council system are generally larger communes which may require multiple people to take charge of the claim and maintain duties.
Zilatra has a number of Communes. The largest by geography and active primary residents is Lasaji, based in the Dalar Prefecture. The largest by overall population if the capital of Gaszalasi, in the Qatakema Prefecture.
==Geography==
The territory of Zilatra is expansive; totaling to an estimated 1,450,000 square blocks. Specifically, the country's territory extends about 2,520 blocks horizontally and about 1,335 blocks vertically.
It has a wide array of biomes, with the climate generally being mild to freezing. Much of it is comprised of taigas and temperate woodlands, though the further South, the temperature can drop drastically. In the far South of the country, there exists a large expanse of frozen taigas, tundras, and small mountains. In the North, it is slightly warmer by contrast. The wettest and most humid parts of the country are the North and East, receiving large amounts of rainfall and poor drainage. The areas with the worst soil drainage have formed what are called an "anqe" in the local tongue, or a wetland. These areas tend to be cold, though seldom ever drop beneath freezing temperatures. These may also be fed by the nation's various rivers.
Unlike many other areas in Abexilas, almost all of Zilatra has ready access to waterways, as a series of rivers bisect the nation and make up most of its borders. Many settlements embrace the maritime lifestyle and take advantage of the wide rivers for fishing and travel.
While significant portions of the nation are relatively flat, namely in the West, there are large expanses of plateaus and even mountain environments. The highest point in all of Zilatra is uncontested, by far being the mountain of Yacza Hadul in the Qatakema Prefecture; naturally extending to a y-coordinate of 162. The area is surrounded by warm and very humid taiga, though the peaks of Yacza Hadul have thick snow-cover year round. The second tallest mountain in the country is Qadi Hadul, also located in Qatakema Prefecture and named for the explorer Qadi si Gadus; though this time located in the middle of it. It is much smaller than Yacza Hadul with merely a maximum y-coordinate of 115. This is only 4 meters taller than the highest point of the Sziszarkaya Haja, a plateau located in the Hajamal Prefecture. Dalar Prefecture by comparison has incredibly flat regions, with nearly 30% of the Prefecture sitting within a 5 meter difference.
==Demographics==
Although Zilatra has no laws relating to language or ethnicity as part of its egalitarian system, there are 4 main ethnic groups for which Zilatra is recognized. Prior to the influx of refugees from Rathnir and Eldham, Zilatra (as the Baszku Kingdom) was made up mainly of the Baszku and Villager peoples, but ever since the War of the Comet Zilatra has become a relatively diverse nation ethnic-wise.
===Ethnic groups ===
Within Zilatra, the Baszku are the dominant ethnicity, making up the majority of the Zilatran population. They are a native group to the region, alongside the Villagers. The second largest ethnic group are the Lo'Oix, coming from Eldham. Other groups such as Druznoslavs, Yodusa, Gallanians, Latrians, Lachawackans, and others are also widespread throughout Zilatra.
=== Religion ===
Freedom of religion is not mentioned in the Zilatran Constitution but is indirectly guaranteed by section §II-G-I which states that "Any Citizen shall be afforded the right to engage in cultural acts, speak a language freely, and identify with races, ethnic groups, or tribes." There is also no history of repression of religious groups. However, over 70% of Zilatra is known to identify as irreligious and the state itself is secular.
There is only one major religion in Zilatra accompanied by dozens of smaller ones, that being Gonfism, which its followers are estimated to make up 16.1% of the population. Makerists became prominent in Zilatra thanks to the sacrifice of Arika Ronango'O to bring the Rathnirians and Eldhamites into Abexilas, as she was a former Pontifex of the Gonfist Church. Other religions such as Cubism, Children of Ogor, Arateanism, and more have been adopted by small groups, particularly ethnic enclaves, across Zilatra.
== Culture==
There are several forms of entertainment that are popular across Zilatra. One of the most popular sports across Zilatra is Katruji, a board game commonly considered Zilatran Chess. Wrestling (gunsuyi) and boat-racing (kukranji) have also found intermediate popularity as entertainment. While not a sport, karaoke (asarya gadinji) is another popular source of entertainment across Zilatra, frequently partnered with alcohol. Zilatra has also won numerous gold medals in international competitive archery (vahanji). Dusker Nieve, a Zilatran athlete, is ranked as the second best archer in Abexilas.
During the National Programme reforms, emphasis was placed on acts of labor throughout the country. It became commonplace for workers to listen to music together while doing labor, seen as a social activity and form of entertainment by factory workers. This practice has persisted to this day, often being called qiluya divuji. Politics has found itself intertwined with politics in other ways as well, with debates (cukinji) being common entertainment and educational centers for the public.
Sometimes seen as a form of entertainment, mysticism and fortune-tellings are popular past-times in Zilatra. These are frequently done with saqeli, or tarot cards. Practitioners of reading saqeli are typically called czama (aunt) or mahar (uncle) as a sign of respect.
Category:Abexilas
Category:Kejafros
Category:Zilatra
Category:Xeroism