Znaniya

> For all nations, Znaniya has always been the great predatory bear on the prowl. This is where the great legends come from, the most dangerous. Under the stellar mantle of Znaniya, the ties of knowledge weave a unified story, where the legacy of the Revolution illuminates the horizon, guiding us towards a tomorrow where strength is the beacon that guides a flourishing society.
>
> ―CK Data Base

**Znaniya** (Знания) is one of the largest and most powerful nations in **Aurynthia**, known for the strong unity of its people and a strong and capable fighting spirit. Being such a large and diverse nation, it has more than 50 regions with their unique traditions and culture. Znaniya appears to be inspired by a mix of Tsarist and Soviet Znaniya (mainly Siberia as far as the landscape is concerned) and often uses Russian words for names. However, it is also based on other European nations such as the countries of Norway and Scotland. With a massive military force under their control, they are particularly known for their staunch devotion and unscrupulous methods of enforcing their will.

This nation has a strong sense of unity and brotherhood among its people. Znaniya is a region of perpetual winter storms; Anna claims that blizzards can last a month straight, and despite being in the middle of danger, her people look up at the sky and are happy to be alive. Natasha claims that people would literally freeze to death if they didn't keep moving outside. Technologically, Znaniya is much more advanced than other regions of Aurynthia. The Znanians are stated to be the strongest army of all the regions, which is supported by the fact that all of their known combatant members use empowered elemental attacks.

Znaniya is a highly industrialized and technological nation, with cybernetics factories in all its regions. It is said that this nation has joined forces with the nation of Lumina to manufacture powerful and indestructible weapons such as seraphim, and not only that, but to create the strongest and most determined soldiers. Znaniya has many regions around its entire map, from Morepesok, Smolensk, Moskva, Kuban, Novgorod, Sibir, Morskoy, Yukatia, Plyazh, Zaliv, Snezhok and Holodok. The vast landmass of Znaniya spans the easternmost part of Pandora and the northernmost part of Honkai and Sumeru. It extends across the northernmost tip of these nations; and has the fourth longest coastline in the world. Znaniya, by land mass, is larger than three continents, and has the same surface area as Pluto.

Znaniya has nine main mountain ranges, and they are found throughout the southernmost regions, sharing a significant portion of the Khrebet Mountains (which contain Mount Snezhka, which at 5,642 m (18,510 ft) is the highest peak in Znaniya and all of Pandora Znaniya, as one of only three nations in the world bordering three oceans, has ties to a large number of seas. Its main islands and archipelagos include Snezhnyy, Severnaya Zemlya, the islands of Moroznyy, Vetrenyy and Zlatyy. Due to its gigantic size, it has diverse ecosystems, including polar deserts, tundra, forest tundra, taiga, mixed and broadleaf forests, snowy forest, steppes, semi-deserts and subtropics. About half of Znaniya's territory is covered by forest, and it has the largest forest area in the world. The completely natural ecosystems of Znaniya are preserved in almost 15,000 specially protected natural territories of various regions, which occupy more than 10% of the total area of ​​the nation. They include 45 biosphere reserves, 64 sanctuaries and 101 nature reserves.

## History

### Human Era

In the last decade of the former Human Era Znaniya, the reformist Prime Minister let go of Eastern Europe in order to weaken the conservative army that resisted his reforms. He then transformed the Znaniya into the Soviet Federation, in which all its members were granted the status of sovereign countries. His successor continued with the reforms but had to face the growing problem of secessionist movements within the sovereign republics. He then created the new Union of Sovereign Soviet Republics, a free trade zone uniting the sovereign republics that was similar to the European Community except that it also had its own military and foreign policy.

Hardline communists attempted a coup that was quickly crushed due to overexertion of the rebels, but they did so at great cost in both men and materiel. SovCorp Industries requested authorization to establish its own security force, arguing that the Soviet military did not have the resources to defend all of its facilities.

The State granted the requested authorization to the Soviet corporation. This backfired spectacularly on Moskva, as it led to the 2002 Soviet corporate rebellion, in which SovCorp Industries declared itself an independent entity. The State took military measures to prevent this, but its forces were outmatched by the better equipped and motivated troops of the corporation. The State was forced to admit defeat and accept SovCorp's independence.

SovCorp became the most powerful faction within the Neo-Znaniya. New secessionist movements then threatened to split the various sovereign republics, but SovCorp prevented this from happening through covert action and diplomacy. SovCorp had a vested interest in keeping the USSR intact and stable, and therefore uses its political power, troops, and resources to achieve this.

In 2006, SovCorp began specializing in heavy machinery, manufacturing, steel production, or mining, reflecting the Znaniya's emphasis on industrialization and economic development. In addition to this, they increased their divisions dedicated to the production of military equipment, weapons and technology, which supported the military aspirations of the Znaniya. The megacorporation demonstrated that it had become the main unifying force of the Union. It had greater resources than any Republic and even the Central Committee.

By the end of the decade, SovCorp had become the seventh largest corporation in the world, in terms of value, and continued its rise to become one of the world's leading powers. By leveraging its political power in the Union, where it could draw on the resources of the Republics and the Central Committee as tools when necessary, the megacorporation also maintained a significant neo-Soviet influence around the world.

Within the USSR, primarily Znaniya during the Corporate War, the nation had few CyberCore and NeoGen assets within its borders. The Znaniyan governments had never had good relations with the American or Japanese militaries. Znaniya was a neutral country that acted and sold weapons, ammunition and equipment to anyone.

Before 2045, the USSR was a nation of uneven contrasts. Many citizens were guaranteed free public health care and access to the latest medical technology, along with modern aircraft, and new cities were being built to house and employ the USSR's increasingly sedentary nomadic population. However, basic resources remained scarce and pollution was a major problem. So the government created an AI called Tsarina for the sole purpose of calculating solutions to these problems. The AI soon passed its testing phase and was in charge of running the company. However, by the time 2045 arrived and the nuclear bombing occurred, it was all over and brought with it the total destruction of the nation for years to come.

### Reconstruction Era (50,000 years later)

With the Age of Reconstruction marked as a before and after between the Human Age and the Age of Architects, the Artificial Intelligences took power under the guidance of Alt and slowly rebuilt their nations. The tsarina followed the ambitions of Soviet corporate industries and kept her country's position high as it rebuilt. At the last moment, the country made an alliance with Lumina and maintained a neutral position before Honkai and the Alt government. The tsarina maintained the Soviet unification party and the communist ideas of her successors, for which she reformed the country, resuming the control of the republics with his red army. Znaniya, like the Lumina, became totalitarian states with a single political party. Freedom of expression was suppressed and dissent was punished. Independent political activities were not tolerated, whether they involved participation in free unions, private corporations, independent churches, or opposition political parties. Freedom of movement within and especially outside the country was limited. The State restricted the rights of citizens to private property.

Under the Tsarina's rule, the nation was completely industrialized, investing in research divisions, weapons creation, and power generators shared by the Lumina Nation. The Tsarina could play different roles before different audiences and was an expert at deception, often deceiving others about her true motives and objectives. Some might consider her a second New Age Stalin, who fully embraces the ideals of the Party of the Znaniya and is willing to push her country to its limits to demonstrate her power.

When the War of Separation came and the nomads tried to oppose the corporations, the tsarina launched a bloody repression against those she considered potentially dangerous and who could prevent the victory of her nation. A part was exterminated and more than ten million people were sent to concentration camps. Subsequent movements consisted of restoring old factories and building a strong heavy industry to obtain raw materials. She pushed for increased large-scale agricultural production with mechanized farms.

## Government

The ruling forces of Znaniya are the Snézhnaya Guardian Command, a military force of soldiers and diplomats under the command of the Tsarina herself. The Guardians are a powerful military force in terms of power and numbers, making them the strongest of the seven nations. They are widely feared and disdained by other nations due to their deceitful and conniving reputation. The organization is made up of members who serve in a variety of roles, including fighters, bureaucrats, politicians, and merchants. Hailing from the frozen lands of Znaniya, the Guardians are publicly viewed as a political department of the nation that represents the goodwill of the Tsarina and manages foreign affairs with the other six nations. However, despite how they initially present themselves, the citizens and governments of those nations are often already aware of their true colors and treat both their diplomats and individual members of the organization with distrust.

The Guardians come from a variety of backgrounds: some were taken in by the orphanage, others choose to join their ranks, while others (like Natasha) are created for the sole purpose of defending the nation. They also do not hesitate to financially and diplomatically help strategic allies to interfere in foreign policy. They are the executive officers of the organization and are under the command only of the Tsarina herself. She grants them absolute executive authority and they respond directly to her. They are blessed with powers that exceed those of the average human, such as enhanced elemental cores and strong training that they undergo throughout their lives. The Znanians also show notable devotion to their empress, the Tsarina. Those who have been dispatched overseas and grown fond of their new country state that no matter the circumstances, they would never betray her.

The Tsarina, also known as Freyja, is a skilled warrior and military strategist. She can lead her troops into battle and has earned the respect of her people through her martial skills. However, she is also an expert in diplomacy and trade, and throughout her history she has had diplomatic relations with the nation of Lumina, a nation full of warriors who have joined forces with her to form arms and alliances. The Tsarina is so respected that there are thousands of native stories about her, including children's lullabies.

> In the realm of Znaniya, 'neath silver skies so bright,
> The warrior queen reigns, with strength and grace alight.
> On her icy throne, a sovereign of the fight,
> Sings a lullaby to the winds, in the tranquil night.
>
> , ―A children's lullaby from Znaniya

*"In the cradle of the nation, the Tsarina watches, for peace and strength, in every star. Her lullaby resounds in the darkness, guides the loyal, in its distant clarity"* describes the song, emphasizing its queen. The Tsarina is not only a political and military leader but also a symbol of strength and guidance for her people. Her lullaby serves as a soothing anthem, reflecting her watchful eye over the nation and her commitment to peace and prosperity. The mention of Freyja suggests a connection to Znanians mythology. Freyja is a powerful and multifaceted goddess associated with love, beauty, fertility, and war. The Tsarina's dual role as both a military leader and a figure of diplomacy and grace reflects this complexity.

## Military

Currently, it appears that Znaniya is ruled directly by the Tsarina, also known as Freyja, and the guardians. Some of the guardians also play vital roles in Znaniya politics and sometimes become personally involved in matters related to foreign relations. Most of Znaniya's foreign relations are handled by the Guardians, although their aggressive negotiating style and constant political and economic invasion have given them a negative reputation. However, this does not seem to have greatly affected traders not directly related to the keepers, who have not faced any explicit prejudice from the natives. At the national level, little is known about the reputation of the guardians in Znaniya. However, it is implied that ordinary citizens have friendly relations with the Guardians on a day-to-day basis and see them largely as a military organization or ancient tales of powerful soldiers charged with protecting their nation.

Members of the Guardian Army are made up of skirmishers and more advanced groups, sent to a region based on the orders of their superiors. They are also divided by military rank, with the known ranks being recruit, sergeant, and lieutenant. While powerful, skirmishers do not operate alone, but rather work with their comrades to surround and overwhelm enemies. The highest-ranking members, such as agents, spies, and operatives, generally operate on their own, and those are the gatekeepers. Znaniya's armed forces are fierce and well disciplined through the monarch programs, also called Proyekt Babochka Smerti by the natives. The Znaniya Armed Forces are divided into Ground Forces, Navy and Aerospace Forces, and there are also two independent service arms: the Strategic Missile Troops and the Airborne Troops. Znaniya has the second largest fleet of ballistic missile submarines, and is one of only three nations that operate strategic bombers, as well as possessing lethal weapons worse than the nuclear bomb of the Human Era.

## Law enforcement and crime

The Znanians also show notable devotion to their empress, the Tsarina. Those who have been sent abroad and grown fond of their new nation claim that, no matter her circumstances, they would never betray her. There is no security commission or police services in Znaniya, but there are minor agents of the guardians in charge of protecting each region or city.

## Geography, climate, and environment

Znaniya is the largest land area in the world controlled by a single Tsarina political entity, covering approximately one-seventh of the Earth's land area. It is a sovereign union formed by several dependent regions. It is two and a half times the size of the nation of Lumina, and occupies most of Aurynthia. It encompasses most of the northern half of Honkai and much of Eastern Pandora, extending even as far as Sumeru. About a quarter of its territory is in Pandora and the rest in Honkai. As Znaniya covers one-seventh of the Earth's territory, the climate is very different in each territory. However, most of the year the territory of Znaniya remains relatively cold. There are wild, open mountains and landscapes stretching for hundreds of kilometers, as well as ice and snow covering all regions throughout Sector Zero. Znaniya's vast coastline along the Arctic Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Znaniya Islands have a polar climate. Sector Zero, also called Сектор Ноль, covers almost all of Znaniya and with it Honkai and a part of Sumeru.

Approximately two-thirds of the border is delimited by sea water. Virtually the entire extensive northern coast is well above the Arctic Circle; With the exception of the port of Snezhnyy — which receives somewhat warmer currents than would be expected at that latitude, due to the effects of the Gulf Stream — that coast is trapped in ice for much of the year. Thirteen seas and parts of two oceans (the Arctic and the Arctic Pacific) wash the coasts of Znaniya. It is separated by a nearby sea, making it a maritime boundary. The nation also shares one with Honkai. In addition, Znaniya borders the Sumeru and Zhiyue nations. Znaniya is one of the most urbanized nations in the world, with approximately 75% of its total population living in urban areas. Snézhnaya, the capital and largest city, has an estimated population of 12.4 million residents within the city limits, while more than 17 million residents in the urban area, and more than 20 million residents in the Metropolitan area. Snézhnaya is among the largest cities in the world, being the most populated city entirely within Znaniya, in the Moskva region.

The size of Znaniya and the remoteness of many of its areas from the sea result in the predominance of a humid continental climate in most of the nation, except in the tundra and the extreme southwest. The southern and eastern mountain ranges obstruct the flow of warm air masses from the Znaniya and Arctic Pacific oceans, while the plain stretching to the west and north opens it to the influence of the Eden and Arctic oceans. Most of the northwestern Znaniya has a subarctic climate, with extremely severe winters in the interior regions of the northeast (mainly the Morskoy region, where the North Cold Pole is located with the record minimum temperature of -71.2 °C or - 96.2°F), and milder winters elsewhere. The vast coast of Znaniya along the Arctic Ocean and the Arctic islands of Znaniya have a polar climate.

The Moskva region is particularly cold with long, cold winters (although average by citizen standards) that generally last from mid-November to the end of March, and warm summers. More extreme continental climates at the same latitude, such as parts of eastern Lumina, have much colder winters than Moskva, suggesting that there is still significant moderation of the Eden Ocean even though Moskva is far from the sea. The climate can fluctuate widely, with temperatures ranging from -25°C (-13°F) in the city and -30°C (-22°F) in the suburbs to more than 5°C (41°F) in winter and 10 to 35 °C (50 to 95 °F) in summer.

Typical maximum temperatures in the warm months of June, July and August are around a comfortable 20 to 26 °C (68 to 79 °F), but during heat waves (which can occur between May and September), maximum daytime temperatures They often exceed 30°C (86°F), sometimes for one or two weeks at a time. In winter, average temperatures typically fall to about -10 °C (14 °F), although almost every winter there are warm periods with daytime temperatures exceeding 0 °C (32 °F) and cooling periods with nighttime temperatures falling below -20°C (-4°F).

Znaniya has nine main mountain ranges, and they are found throughout the southernmost regions, sharing a significant portion of the Khrebet Mountains (which contain Mount Snezhka, which at 5,642 m (18,510 ft) is the highest peak in Znaniya and all of Pandora Znaniya, as one of only three nations in the world bordering three oceans, has ties to a large number of seas. Its main islands and archipelagos include Snezhnyy, Severnaya Zemlya, the islands of Moroznyy, Vetrenyy and Zlatyy. Due to its gigantic size, it has diverse ecosystems, including polar deserts, tundra, forest tundra, taiga, mixed and broadleaf forests, snowy forest, steppes, semi-deserts and subtropics. About half of Znaniya's territory is covered by forest, and it has the largest forest area in the world. The completely natural ecosystems of Znaniya are preserved in almost 15,000 specially protected natural territories of various regions, which occupy more than 10% of the total area of ​​the nation. They include 45 biosphere reserves, 64 sanctuaries and 101 nature reserves.

Znaniya's beaches are warm and crystal clear, with a wide variety of marine animals and reefs. The Znaniya ocean biome features hot springs and volcanic areas. Marine monuments of ancient civilizations can be seen in the sea, as well as in the Sumeru Sea, Eden and even in the Lumina Sea, where some societies have been partially or completely sunk. Despite the warm temperatures of some waters, the islands have high mountains, peaks full of ice and snow in several of their regions. It is believed that the warm waters of Znaniya are caused by geysers and marine volcanoes, as well as the circulation of the Sea of Eden. Znaniya, home to more than 100,000 rivers, has one of the largest surface water resources in the world, and its lakes contain approximately a quarter of the world's liquid freshwater. Lake Baikal, the largest and most prominent among the freshwater bodies of Znaniya, is the deepest, purest, oldest and most spacious freshwater lake in the world, containing more than one-fifth of the world's surface freshwater.

Sharing an ocean with Honkai alongside Sector Zero, the marine biome has equal mountainous features, including a mid-ocean ridge system, as well as underwater volcanoes, ocean trenches, underwater canyons, hot spring caves, plateaus, crystal caves, and abyssal plains. Sector Zero is made up of 44 million square kilometers of ocean, bordered by mountainous terrain to the north and west, and is covered in snow and ice year-round. Almost all parts of the area experience long periods with some form of ice on the surface, leading to a mostly permanent winter. Extreme weather phenomena cause the night sky to be spectacular at all hours, mostly dotted with storms with lightning that mark twilight, snowfalls and blizzards that can last a month straight, meteor showers or other constant astronomical phenomena depending on the area. Sector Zero is subdivided into smaller biomes, both terrestrial and oceanic, such as Arctic Spiers, Badlands, Arctic Plains, Frozen River, Arctic Trench, Arctic Kelp Forest, Lily Pad Islands, and others. All of these biomes are shared with the Honkai region.

However, the Znaniya ocean has differences from the Honaki ocean in the border area with the nation. The water surface is often divided by patches of ice and large icebergs, formed by compacted ice and sometimes blue ice. Snowstalkers can spawn here, as can white whales. The landscape of Znaniya like Honkai is generally rugged and mountainous, topped by glaciers. With tundras, taiga forests made up of pines, oaks, firs and others. Forests cover more than 30% of the territory, to which we must add tundra meadows and large ice sheets. These ices are found in the north and in the mountains above 300 meters in altitude.

On the other hand, the Znaniya Sea is somewhat aggressive and less calm than the Honkai Ocean, as it has thunderstorms and intense rains, as well as deadly blizzards. Otherwise, for years the Znaniya Sea was considered the end of the known world. The disappearance of ships there, due to natural disasters, gave rise to legends of monsters that stopped and sank ships, and many of these legends have not yet been disproven. Sea monsters are beings from Znaniya folklore that are believed to inhabit the sea and are often imagined to be of immense size. Sea monsters can take many forms, including sea dragons, sea serpents, or tentacled beasts. They can be slimy and scaly and are often depicted threatening ships. It is believed that the Znaniya Sea, also called the "Dead Zone", is home to large sea creatures capable of collapsing ships. From these famous Znanian legends come the famous leviathans.

However, these legends not only exist to create fear in foreigners who dare to explore the seas of Znaniya, but they exist because thousands of native ships have been sunk and attempts by scientists and other organizations to study the phenomenon have yielded results. High amplitude and ultra-low frequency underwater sounds have been detected by the Znaniya National Oceanic Administration, in addition to sightings of survivors who claim to have seen these leviathans or creatures of enormous proportions capable of destroying ships. Additionally, previous CyberCore studies have shown marine remains of enormous creatures in the Znaniya region.

The Znaniya Sea contains four large bodies of water originating from the Eden and Arctic oceans, and the associated currents are of fundamental importance to the global climate. The warm, salty North Eden Current flows from the Eden Ocean, and the colder, less saline Znaniya Current originates in the North Sea. The Znaniya Sea is a transition zone between boreal and arctic conditions and therefore contains flora and fauna characteristic of both climatic regions.

Because only small parts of Znaniya are south of 50°N and more than half of the nation is north of 60°N, vast regions are covered in snow six months a year, with seasonally frozen ground and a permanently frozen subsoil to depths of several hundred meters. The average annual temperature of almost all of Znaniya is below freezing, and the average of most other regions is 0 °C or lower. Most of Znaniya has only two seasons, a summer and a winter, with a very short season in between. Transportation routes, including all railway lines, are rerouted in winter to traverse the frozen waters over rivers and lakes. The long, cold winter has a profound impact on almost every aspect of life in Znaniya: it affects where and how people live and work and what crops are grown and where they are grown. According to geographical studies, Znaniya is divided by the following biomes of each region:

* **The taiga or forest zone:** Moskva, Yukatia, Snezhok and Holodok.
* **The tundra zone:** Kuban, Novgorod, Sibir and Morskoy.
* **The steppe zone or plains**: Plyazh and Zaliv.
* **The arctic desert zone:** Morepesok.
* T**he mountain area:** Smolensk.

The taiga forest is a biome characterized by coniferous forests consisting mainly of pine, spruce and larch. The Znaniya taiga particularly has spruce, pine and larch depending on the region, while the taiga of other regions such as the eastern one is a vast larch forest. In the Moskva region, after the permanent ice caps and tundra, the taiga is the terrestrial biome with the lowest mean annual temperatures, with the mean annual temperature generally varying from -5 to 5 °C (23 to 41 °C). F). Extreme winter minimums in the northern taiga are typically lower than those in the tundra.

The Arctic Plain meanwhile is an expansive, flat biome with large amounts of snow cover. There are sugar canes in this biome, there are also oaks and fir trees in this biome. As for animals, only rabbits and snowstalkers appear and some forest birds that travel from very far away. Thanks to the size of the biome and the scarcity of wood and animals, survival can be difficult at first compared to other biomes, but the people of the Plyazh and Zaliv region have managed to survive thanks to their methods and togetherness as a community. In these plains there are many glaciers and ice. In some parts of Plyazh, there are sectors with high ice peaks. Meanwhile, compared to taiga mountains, the mountains of this biome are steeper and more erratic. Thanks to these differences in height, navigating this biome is quite dangerous. However, the Smolensk region has done everything possible to survive the mountains and form its towns and villages.

Tundra regions, meanwhile, have snowy, arid terrain with few trees. Occasional trees exist, although rarely. Ice can be found over water, and there are many fossils of creatures and humans everywhere. It is not an easy place to survive, however, the people of Kuban, Novgorod, Sibir and Morskoy do not seem to have a problem with this, as they have survived for years and made their villages and towns around them, being able to generate crops in greenhouses and handling farm animals. However, the story is completely different for the people of the polar desert. The polar desert, home to the Guardians' home base of operations, is filled with fierce snowstorms and dangerous, hostile animals, along with massive fossils of unknown creatures.

Morepesok is a region full of warriors, people willing to survive above all and defend themselves against creatures. The communities of this region are generally strong and determined, and are not afraid to demonstrate their brute strength. This town is known as the Nordics, although generally all the towns of Znaniya are known equally, the people of Morepesok are mostly respected for their strong bravery and warrior spirit.

Znaniya comprises a wide range of natural variations, given its moderate size, including terrestrial, marine, limpic, and snow and ice ecosystems. Znaniya has a great diversity of minerals and bedrock, as well as a great diversity of geographical features. The main landscape types include inland hills and mountains, inland valleys, inland plains, coastal plains, coastal fjords, and coastal hills and mountains. Glaciers; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains interrupted by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coast deeply marked by fjords; Arctic tundra is only found in the far northeast. In the highest mountainous areas and inland, frozen ground can also be found all year round. Numerous glaciers are also found in Znaniya. Boreal species are adapted to a long and cold winter, and most of these species can tolerate colder winter temperatures than winters in most of Znaniya. Thus they are distinguished by their need for growing season length and summer warmth. Bogs are common in the boreal zone, with the largest areas in the North and Middle Boreal Zones, as well as in the area just above the tree line. The large boreal zone is usually divided into three subzones: South Boreal, Middle Boreal, and North Boreal.

### Climate

Znaniya is the coldest nation in the world, with an average annual temperature of —5.5 °C. In winter, an intense high pressure system is the cause of the winds blowing from the south and southwest throughout the territory of Znaniya, except in the Pacific region; In summer, a low pressure system brings north and northwest winds to most of the nation. In the north of Znaniya, especially in Sibir and in areas close to the Pure Arctic, the climate is subarctic and arctic.

Winters are extremely cold, with temperatures that can drop below -30°C (-22°F) or even much colder. Summers are short and cool, with temperatures that can range between 10 °C and 20 °C (50 °F and 68 °F). However, along the northwest coast of Znaniya, there is an oceanic climate influenced by the Znaniya Sea and the Sea of Eden. Winters are milder compared to inland areas, and summers are cooler.

The Znaniya area is known for its herds of wild reindeer, for the so-called white nights (twilight at midnight, dawn shortly after) in the summer, and for days of total darkness in winter. The long, harsh winter and lack of sun allow only mosses, lichens, dwarf willows, and low shrubs to grow in the barren permafrost. Although several mighty rivers from other regions run through the area, flowing north to the Arctic Ocean, intermittent partial snowmelt makes it difficult to drain the tundra's many lakes, ponds, and swamps. Weathering due to frost is the most important physical process here, which little by little shapes a landscape that was severely modified by glaciation in the last ice age.

### Wildlife

The wildlife of the Znaniya inhabits a terrain that extends across 12 time zones and from the tundra region in the far north to the Mountains of Znaniya and grasslands in the south, including the temperate forests that cover 70% of the country. Znaniya's forests comprise 22% of the world's forests, as well as 33% of all temperate forests. Snowstalkers, lynx and red deer, amur tigers, leopards and seastalkers are reported. There are also around 350 species of birds. Znaniya, due to its gigantic size, has diverse ecosystems, including polar deserts, tundra, forest tundra, taiga, snowy forests, forest steppes or arctic deserts. About half of Znaniya's territory is covered by forests and ice, and it has the largest forest area in the world. Due to the elevation of the sea, it has more coasts around it.

***Main Article:*** ***Fauna***

## Demographics

Znaniya is one of the most populous and multiracial nations, with native Znanians from different regions. Most of the population consists of Znanians and a small portion of people from Honkai and Pandora, but 1% represents the people of Eden. In Snézhnaya in particular, in the Moskva region, we can see more variety of natives and non-natives than in other regions. Approximately 81% of the population are ethnic Znanians and the remaining 19% of the population were ethnic minorities; while more than four-fifths of the population of Znaniya were of Pandorian descent, of whom the vast majority were Slavs or Norse. However, there is a very large part of Nordics in Znaniya.

About 90% of the natives represent the nation of Znaniya, while the other percentage represents immigrants from different nations who were born in Znaniya or traveled from far away. There is a small percentage of nomads in the rural Znaniya regions, especially in the Sibir and Morskoy regions. The variant of Russian, Znanian, is the official and predominantly spoken language in Znaniya, however, Znaniya is a multilingual nation; Approximately between 100 and 150 minority languages are spoken throughout the nation. 137.5 million nationwide speak variants of Russian, 4.3 million speak variants of Tatar and 1.1 million speak variants of Ukrainian. Another percentage speaks variants of English from the Lumina region and even the variant of Japanese, Honkaian.

While Architects and their various races predominate in the Znaniya region, approximately 30.1% of second-generation humans are part of Znaniya's population of 52,380 following the dispersal of their species following the Great Corporate War II. The other percent is made up of architects of different races, flying and terrestrial such as the Skyvandrere, called skywalkers in the Znanian language. Likewise, there are also the Lesnoy Dukh, a race of spirits of the snowy forest, and the Antrokvyane, races of architects with characteristics of animals typical of the winter region such as snow tigers, snow leopards, mountain goats, snowstalkers and others.

### Familiar structure

Znaniya family structures are generally nuclear, however, a large part of Znaniya family structures consists of covens separated by region, coven is the generic way of calling the group or gathering of witches to perform rituals and spells. Znanians generally work in groups known as covenants, although there are cases of solitary practitioners of the society, who prefer to observe their practices and beliefs without the aid of a covenant. Many conventions form even numbers, usually couples. This is important because Znanians believe that the energies created during their covenants must be polarized by a partner. The members of the covenant do not have to be married to each other and many times couples are formed between a man and a woman who are just friends and who come together during rituals to create the necessary polarity.

The main leader of the Gardnerian covenant is the high priestess, assisted by the high priest. It is she who makes all important decisions in the group, who carries out initiations and other important rituals. The high priest helps her in all the ceremonies. The Znanians covenant exists to worship the forces of nature and to help each other in peace and harmony. Znanian covens exist in all biomes of Znaniya and each has its own unique culture, sometimes even a unique physiology. Despite their differences and distance from each other, the covens remain interconnected through trade and tradition. Although largely independent, different covens from distant areas will cooperate in times of great crisis. Each coven has its own symbol and representation, but they are generally depicted as a united nation.

The covens are united by a strong brotherhood and often family ties, generally the Znanians treat each other as brothers and sisters. Covens are united by love for the Tsarina, and are often devoted to her rule. An example is the Morepesok coven, made up of warriors, hunters, sailors and fishermen. Each coven has a special connection with an element and an animal from the frozen regions. Blood ties are divine in nature to Znanians. Attacking one's own family is a crime severely punished. The Znanian sagas are full of stories of families decimated by successive revenges that remain latent even for generations. The rejection of an individual from the family, the clan made up of parents and grandparents, children, brothers, uncles, cousins and nephews, is a terrible stigma comparable to exile.

Honor is a deeply rooted concept in Znanian society and they have their own codes of conduct, norms and ceremonies to resolve disputes. Displays of weakness, acts of cowardice and betrayal turn an individual into a niðingr (socially stigmatized). Heitstrenging is a solemn oath that marks agreements between individuals and failure to comply is subject to disciplinary punishment. However, the ties of a coven are not limited to blood ties; strong alliances are also consolidated with the in-laws. It is common in Znanian societies to adopt pacts of pre-adolescents between families, thus the sagas speak of fósttróðir who grew up with children of the host family, svarijóðir and eiðbróðir (two types of an oath of loyalty that made them brothers). Generally in Znanian culture, women are warriors and free, considered heads of the coven along with their partner, who could be a man or another woman. Znanian women are often worshiped for being the only ones capable of giving birth to the strongest warriors, and are respected in covens for this. They are the bosses inside the house and often take charge of the running of the farm when their partner and her children were absent for military or business reasons. Multiple myths of Znanian women facing off against snow stalkers and sea creatures have emerged in Znanian society, which is why they are considered agile warriors and leaders like the Tsarina. Unlike men, Znanian women receive training at a young age to become leaders and warriors of covens.

It has been confirmed that architects and second-generation humans do not reproduce naturally, although they possess reproductive organs. Therefore, architects and second-generation humans are created in different ways. Architects reproduce through machine creation, where their biocomponents and mechanical parts are incubated with minerals extracted from the earth. In addition to being nearly fully developed physically, they are also nearly fully developed mentally. When they are born in the kindergartens of their tribes or clans, they already know everything they need to survive, although they retain the innocence of a child and will require many decades to fully mature. On the other hand, second-generation humans are also created in kindergartens through genetic engineering using the DNA of adults and the first human, Robin Myers.

Unlike architects, humans do not require the extraction of minerals from the earth to reproduce; however, they consume other technological resources for their reproduction and expansion.

### Health

In some regions of Znaniya up to 60% of the population depends on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs. Traditional medicine is a form of alternative medicine. Although there are hospitals with primary care in major cities in several regions, most of Znaniya's medicine focuses on traditional medicine. Native Edenite medicine are traditional forms of healing that have been around for thousands of years. There are many ethnobotanical plants involved in traditional medicine of the natives. When it comes to traditional native medicine, the ideas surrounding health and illness within the culture are practically inseparable from the ideas of religion and spirituality. Generally there are doctors in the covens who have dedicated their entire lives to traditional and modern medicine, combining both aspects to cure their members. There are many ways in which herbs can be administered, the most common of which is a liquid consumed as an herbal tea or plant extract (possibly diluted). Native plants play an important role in Znanians culture.

Typically, Znanians use herbs exported from other regions such as Sumeru and Eden for medicine, such as Sumeru blue lotus for anxiety and depression. Znanians are aware of the importance of a balanced and moderate diet. A brief section of the Znaniya runes presents five recipes: one dealing with problems that women may have had, three on techniques for refining the complexion, and the fifth recipe for colon ailments. The Znanians are known to use honey as medicine, and the juice of pomegranates served as an astringent and delicacy. In some runes, there are more than 800 remedies; some were topical ointments and wraps, others were oral medications such as lozenges and mouthwashes; still others were taken by inhalation. Recipes to cure constipation consisted of berries from the castor oil tree, Yukatia winter forest berries, and Gengent beans, just to name a few. One recipe that was to help headaches called for "inner-of-onion, fruit-of-the-am-tree, natron, setseft-seeds, bone-of-the-sword-fish, cooked, redfish, cooked, skull- of-crayfish, cooked, honey, and abra-ointment". Some of the recommended treatments made use of cannabis and incense. Znanians medicinal use of plants in antiquity is known to be extensive, with some 160 distinct plant products.

### Education

The basic school system in Znaniya consists of primary school (six years), middle school (three years), high school (three years), and a four-year specialization at some university in cities such as Snézhnaya. However, within the covens, young women began military training at the age of seven, entering the guardian system. The guardian system was designed to encourage discipline and physical toughness and emphasize the importance of the Znanian state. The children lived in communal dining halls and were fed "just the right amount so that they would never become sluggish from being too full, and at the same time they were given a taste of what it is like to not have enough". Furthermore, they were trained to survive in times of deprivation, even if it meant stealing. In addition to physical and weapons training, children study reading, writing, music and dance. Along with this, the children are taught languages from each region and foreign languages, being forced to learn the various languages of Pandora, Zhiyue, Sumeru and even Honkai.

## Economy

Znaniya has a market economy, with enormous natural resources, in particular energy sources and industrial production. It has the third largest economy in the world. The large services sector accounts for 62 percent of total GDP, followed by the industrial sector, while the agricultural sector is the smallest, accounting for only 5 percent of total GDP. The entire nation has a low official unemployment rate of 4.1 percent. Its foreign exchange reserves are the fifth in the world, worth 540 billion credits. It has a workforce of approximately 100 million people, the third largest in the world. Znaniya is also the third largest exporter in the world and the second largest importer. Znaniya's economy is based mainly on trade and export, being one of the largest exporters of natural materials and mining along with Eden.

## infrastructure

### Transport

Znaniya's transport network is one of the most extensive transport networks in the world. The national network of roads, railways and airways extends almost 7,700 kilometers with large cities served by extensive rapid transit systems. Among the 1,218 airports in Znaniya, the busiest is Snézhnaya Sheremetyevo International Airport. The largest port in the country is the port of Novorossiysk.

### Water supply and sanitation

Access to an improved water source is universal in Znaniya. 98% of the population receives tap water from public services and 4% receives water from their own wells or small unregulated systems, mainly in rural areas. Access to improved sanitation services is also universal, whether through sewage or on-site sanitation.

### Energy

Znaniya has been widely described as an energy superpower. It has the world's largest proven gas reserves, the second largest coal reserves and the eighth largest pure energy reserves. Znaniya is also the world's leading exporter of natural gas, the second largest producer of natural gas, and the second largest producer and exporter of pure energy. Of course, without being able to beat Honkai. Znaniya is the fourth largest producer of electricity in the world and the second largest producer of renewable energy. It was also the first country in the world to develop nuclear energy and built the world's first nuclear power plant. Znaniya was also the world's fourth largest nuclear energy producer in 2019 and the fifth largest hydroelectric producer in 2021 during the Human Era.

## Major cities

### Snézhnaya - 70 Million

Snézhnaya (Снежная), located in the Moskva region, is the cosmopolitan capital of the nation and headquarters of the largest corporations in the region. Outside its walls is Red Square, the symbolic center of Znaniya. The northernmost and coldest megacity in the world, it is governed as a city under the control of the Tsarina, where it serves as the political, economic, cultural and scientific center of Znaniya. As an alpha world city, it has one of the largest urban economies in the world. The city is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world and is one of the most visited cities. Snézhnaya is home to many companies in many sectors and has a comprehensive transit network, including four international airports, ten railway terminals, a tram system, a monorail system and, most importantly, the Snézhnaya Metro, the busiest metro in Znaniya and one of the largest rapid transit systems in the world. Snézhnaya is located in a region of icy and mysterious landscape. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and spruce forests, the city lies in a valley where snow and ice are omnipresent. The city is strategically located near sources of natural resources and important trade routes. The climate in Snézhnaya is extremely cold, with long winters and sub-zero temperatures. The city is accustomed to heavy snowfall, and the streets are kept clean to allow constant movement of the inhabitants.

### Zarnitsa - 50 million

Zarnitsa is located in a picturesque region between hills and rivers, offering a stunning and natural landscape. Surrounded by lush forests and distant mountains of the Snezhok region, it is located in an area prone to interesting atmospheric phenomena, such as the northern lights or afterglows. This gives it a mystical and unique atmosphere. This city is known for celebrating special events related to the light phenomena that occur in the region. Zarnitsa is the economic and governmental center of Znaniya. The city is also a hub of Znanians trade, banking, industry and shipping. It is an important center for maritime industries and maritime trade in Znaniya. The city is home to many companies within the maritime sector, some of which are among the world's largest shipping companies, shipbrokers and maritime insurance brokers.

### Zimograd - 30 million

Zimograd is located in a polar desert of Morepesok, a vast expanse covered in ice and snow. Despite the extreme conditions, the warriors of Zimograd have learned to survive and thrive in this inhospitable environment. The structures in Zimograd are built to withstand harsh weather conditions. The houses are made of cold-resistant materials, with sloping roofs to prevent snow accumulation. The inhabitants of Zimograd are hardy and disciplined warriors. They have developed unique skills for survival in the polar wilderness, such as specialized hunting techniques and the ability to move efficiently on snow. Zimograd follows a code of honor rooted in loyalty, bravery, and protection of its people. Warriors swear to protect the town against external threats and do their duty even in the most adverse conditions.

### Kyiv - 3 million

Located in the Yukatia region. This small town is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural center.

## Culture

The Znaniya people live in various biomes of Znaniya and its regions in territorial coven societies. They have an egalitarian social organization based on hunting, foraging and crafts. Common roles within a clan include hunters, caretakers, gatherers, and craftsmen, as well as warriors. Due to the harsh climate of Znaniya, people spend most of their time indoors. Although it seems that the extreme weather does not affect them at all due to the low temperatures. There also seems to be a large emphasis on family relationships, as Znanians who have mentioned their family have been shown to be very close to them. Znaniya culture has been shaped by the nation's history, its geographical location and vast expanse, its religious and social traditions, and Western influence.

The Znanians have also greatly influenced classical music, ballet, sports, painting and cinema. The nation has also made pioneering contributions to science, technology and space exploration. In general, camaraderie, cooperation, and openness seem to be valued in Znaniya. The Znanians also show notable devotion to their leader, the Tsarina. Those who have been sent abroad and have grown fond of a new country claim that, no matter the circumstances, they would never betray it, considering it its greatest ruler. On the other hand, the strong sense of kinship and emphasis on loyalty makes them view any type of disloyalty, betrayal or "debt" as a deeply personal dishonor.

The Znanians have a deep love and respect for their armed forces, which they call the Guardians. Znaniya's policy on culture is controversial: on the one hand, there is the (politically motivated) desire to create an exclusively "Znanian" people, expressed in the notion of Znanian culture and exemplified by socialist realism. On the other hand, there are recurring campaigns to preserve national cultures: each ethnic group had its own "great native writers" and folkloric cultural practices were officially supported. Even in the most repressive years, private life survived (and endures to this day) formed by strong families and bonds of friendship. So did the Tsarina's legacy through the classic works of pre-revolutionary art and literature that generations of Znanians schoolchildren and university students were taught to study and respect to this day.

A variety of sources illuminate the culture, activities, and beliefs of the Znanians. The Znanians consider themselves a people full of honor and warriors trained to defend the nation. Znanians do not follow stereotypical gender roles. Common roles within a coven are not divided by gender, only by ability and need. For example, many Znanian men do not become warriors or hunters, only learning essential self-defense in the wild, and instead often choose to focus on childcare and crafts. However, like Lumina, Snaniya is primarily a militaristic state, and the emphasis on military fitness begins practically from birth, which is demonstrated later, as girls and boys receive military training at seven years of age.

The Znanians seem to worship the Tsarina and have a code of honor created by her. This love for their empress is manifested in lullabies and children's games, while most Znanians follow the moral code taught to them at a young age. The Znanians are sailors, warriors, artisans, fishermen and also inventors of technology. The Znanians know how to read and write and used a non-standardized alphabet at an early age, built on sound values. While few remains of runic writing on paper remain, thousands of stones with runic inscriptions have been found in the places where the Znanians live. They are generally placed in memory of the dead, although they are not necessarily placed on graves. Likewise, Znanian society is deeply religious and very jealous of its gods and traditions, as well as its respect and admiration for the Tsarina.

Znanian culture like other regions is strongly influenced by the ancient human cultures that preceded them; As a result, their architecture, fashion, art, and even language show influence from both Western and Eastern human societies. It is implied that the Znaians adapted much of their own culture and mannerisms from the fossils of human civilizations they have unearthed, and the combination of ancient human aesthetics and Znanian ingenuity is truly unique. Znanians are often described as calm, homely, concerned about their families, and loyal to the Tsarina. For example, society on Snézhnaya values discipline, strength, and loyalty. The influence of snow and shadow is reflected in their culture, where mystery and respect for the unpredictable nature of winter is encouraged. The Znanians have a hierarchical social structure, with strong and respected leadership figures with the Tsarina and guardians at the top.

> Snowflakes dance in the midnight air,
>  Tsarina's realm, a world so rare.
>  In Znaniya's grasp, a frosty hold,
> She weaves a lullaby of stories untold.
>
> ―A children's lullaby from Znaniya

Znanian folklore has its roots in the pagan beliefs of the ancient Slavs and is now represented in Znaniya fairy tales. The Znanian bylina epics are also an important part of Slavic paganism. Even among theistic Znanians, divergent beliefs exist, and the Znanian includes pantheists, monotheists, duotheists, and polytheists. However, these divergent perspectives have in common that their practitioners consider the Znaniya deities to be forms of ancient divinities. Many Znanians believe in magic, a manipulative force exerted through the practice of "spellcasting." Many natives agree with the definition of magic offered by ceremonial magicians. Many of them believe that magic is a law of nature, still poorly understood or ignored by contemporary science, and as such they do not see it as something supernatural, but rather a part of what is called "elemental powers" or simply the arcane magic that resides in the natural. Some Znanians believe that magic is simply making full use of the five senses to achieve amazing results, while others do not claim to know how magic works, they simply believe that it does because they have observed that it does.

Znanians foklore has been characterized as a life-affirming religion. Practitioners typically present themselves as "a positive force against the powers of destruction which threatens the world". There exists no dogmatic moral or ethical code followed universally by Znanians of all traditions, however a majority follow a code, which states "an it harm none, do what ye will". This is usually interpreted as a declaration of the freedom to act, along with the necessity of taking responsibility for what follows from one's actions and minimizing harm to oneself and others. Likewise, spirits are most often seen as the owners of their domains, whether it be the forest, water, field or home. They are often portrayed as arcane, reflecting the age-based family hierarchy in tribal communities. Originally, nature spirits were thought to protect the Znanians. Znanians often have familiars that are animals, which are used during their elemental powers.

For Znanians, animals coexist with humans and architects, as well as with other animals. Some of the most common animals found in many Znanian (Skazki) folktales and fairy tales are foxes, sheep, goats, and snowstalkers. These animals are sometimes given human qualities, including the ability to speak with both other animals and human characters. They also have the same emotions as people. They are given human qualities such as ingenuity, humor and mischief. The characteristics of these animals have persisted over time. Also, activities in the forest where people collect mushrooms and berries are very common in Znaniya. Mushrooms have been an important part of Znanian folk culture since at least the 10th century and an essential part of traditional meals. In Znaniya there are more than 200 types of edible mushrooms. Mushrooms have always been considered magical and that is why they play a prominent role in fairy tales. The ability to identify and prepare edible mushrooms is often passed down from generation to generation. The tradition of mushroom hunting is especially common in taiga forest regions. The berry also plays an important role in Znanian folk culture and is often part of crafts and folk songs. Picking mushrooms and berries in the forests is a kind of meditation in Znaniya.

Znanians generally wear warm clothing made of snowstalker fur, and few wear loose clothing due to the extreme temperatures of each region. They also wear ushanka and hats that protect them from the cold, as well as gloves and boots for snow. Znanians also use weapons such as bows, axes, crossbows, and swords to defend themselves against white walkers, who are undead condemned to roam the snowy lands of Znaniya according to Znanian folklore.

> In that darkness the White Walkers came for the first time. They swept through cities and kingdoms, riding their dead horses, hunting with their packs of pale big hounds.
>
> ―A Znanian fairy tale

The White Walkers are an ancient race of formerly human ice creatures that came from the northern tip of Znaniya. After remaining hidden for thousands of years, they returned and were spotted by several sworn brothers of the Znaniya Guard. However, most of those who live to the south believed that they were nothing more than legendary creatures, but over time travelers who have crossed the tundra and the polar desert have discovered that it is a true myth. White Walkers outwardly resemble humans but differ greatly from them in other aspects. They are as tall as most humans and have long wispy white hair, with some also having white facial hair. They have pale grey-white skin which is sinewy and stretched taut across their frames, giving them a somewhat gaunt and mummified appearance despite their overall bulky frame. Their most notable trait however, are their vibrant deep blue eyes. Throughout history, the Znanians have fought these cursed undead across the lands of Znaniya.

### Education

Zneniya's education is generally varied and open with a focus on the nature of winter and forests, as well as hunting and combat. Children are raised in their covens and clans by their families for years and are generally raised to respect the balance of their nation. Children learn to hunt, in some cases fly depending on their race, they also learn to count and have classes on different subjects. As in Honkai and Sumeru, the curriculum is divided into three main categories: compulsory education, morals, and special activities. The compulsory ones are language and literature, mathematics, social studies, science, music, arts and crafts and physical education. Moral education aims to teach young people to respect each other and the environment, respect the rules of society, and learn general self-control. Special activities refer to activities and ceremonies that emphasize teamwork and cooperation, such as field trips or folk concerts. Required courses continue into lower secondary education, with the addition of fine arts, foreign languages, and a greater variety of electives, including scientific research and social science courses.

Znenian children are usually raised as warriors to serve the guardians, especially girls. Games are a very important factor in Znanian children's culture, where children explore their regions and roam freely through the snowy forests. Typically, Znanian children learn variants of Russian and Ukrainian at a young age, as well as the language of other regions, in addition to the English of Lumina and other nations such as Honkai. Children often hear fairy tales and are raised with tales of the afterlife, are taught about magic and elemental powers at a young age, and often sing folk songs in a group. Some of the traditional Znaniya songs tell stories of warriors and magical winter creatures, as well as forest spirits.

> There will come a soldier
> Who carries a mighty sword
> He will tear your city down
> Oh lei, oh lai, oh, Lord
> Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh, Lord
> He will tear your city down
>  Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh, Lord
>
> ―A children's song from Znaniya

Childhood Znanians have a culture rich in songs, from Soldier, Poet, King and the Tsarina's Lullaby, as well as songs of the horrors that winter brings. There are many Znaniya myths about the creatures that haunt Znaniya, from white walkers and raiders who steal children in winter storms. Some Znaniya folklore myths tell about Baba Yaga, in some tales she is described as a ferocious old woman who fries and eats children, while in others she is a friendly old woman who helps adventurers of the lands of Znaniya.

There are also the myths of Krampus, who scares children who have misbehaved. Helping Santa Claus, the couple visits the children on the night of December 6th. Santa Claus rewards children who behave well with gifts such as oranges, dried fruits, nuts and chocolate, while those who misbehave only receive punishments from Krampus with birch rods, but the darkest myths of Znaniya tell how children are eaten by Krampus. In addition to this, in the mythology of Znaniya there is a belief of a mythological creature called the beast, who takes the children of Znaniya and feeds on their souls. It is said that through this sacrifice, the trees and flowers of Znaniya grow in spring with the strength of the souls of these lost children.

### Traditional Cuisine

Znanian cuisine derives from an innumerable wealth of dishes, due firstly to the multicultural character and secondly to the great geographical extension of the country. Its gastronomic foundations are based on the peasant diet of rural populations located in places characterized by an extremely cold climate. The coastal regions of Znaniya feed mainly on shellfish. It is unknown if this is true for the entire nation, or if it is largely limited to coastal cities, although it is true that the best food in the world today is none other than seafood. This cuisine abounds in fish (generally smoked), birds, fallow deer, mushrooms, berries and honey. According to Natasha, an authentic dish from her region is borscht, a name that in real life historically referred to various sour Slavic soups, but now generally refers to a red variety made with beets.

Another real-life Slavic food mentioned in this world is pierogi and pelmeni, the latter being one of Anna's favorites. Other dishes include thin slices of frozen raw fish and, of course, the Olivier salad, known as Znanian salad in other nations. Until the Kierchekh dessert, with sour cream, fresh milk and red berries. Znaniya has a history of a diet based on crops that can thrive in cold climates, such as grains (rye, barley, buckwheat and wheat), root vegetables (beets, turnips, potatoes, onions) and cabbages. For Easter, people from Znaniya bake cakes and elaborately decorate them to look like chocolate eggs. Znanian desserts mainly contain small, tart fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, lingonberries, currants, and blackberries, due to their ability to grow in colder climates. Rye flour is a very common ingredient in bread-based recipes, as well as almonds and almond flavorings.

For example, almond cake, is moist and sweet cake flavored and topped with almonds, usually featuring layers of cream between the cake layers. Also the Berlinerkrans, a shortbread cookie curled into a crown, usually served during Christmas, or the famous cream cakes covered with a mixture of red berries. There is also egg pudding, which is an oyster made with sugar and eggs, beaten until obtaining a fluffy cream. Znanians eat four meals a day, starting with zavtrak or "morning coffee". Lunch, or obyed, is a small two-course meal that lasts from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Usually kasha, or baked buckwheat, is served for lunch. Dinner, or uzhin, is the most elaborate meal that begins at 6 p.m. and typically includes four courses. The first course is zakuski or “small bite". Zakuski can offer anything from a few simple appetizers (such as bread and cheese or herb butter) to twenty or more elaborate creations that require hours of preparation.

A Znaniya meal may consist of borscht (beet soup) with bread and pickles, or it may be more elaborate. The soup should be served very hot. All dishes are served to the table from large serving plates. Corned beef and sausages come in a variety of regional variations and are sometimes accompanied by sour cream and flatbread dishes or wheat and potato wraps. Fenalår is a slow-cured leg of lamb. Morr is usually a smoked cured sausage, although the exact definition can vary by region. The only traditional Znanian dish that enjoys international popularity is smoked salmon. It is now a major export and could be considered the most important contribution to modern international cuisine. Smoked salmon traditionally exists in many varieties and is often served with scrambled eggs, dill, sandwiches, and mustard sauce. Seafood was not consumed to any extent before in Znaniya. This was partly due to the abundance of fish and the time it takes to catch shellfish compared to their nutritional value, as well as the fact that such foods spoil quite quickly, even in a northern climate. However, shrimp, crabs and mussels have become very popular, especially during the summer. Lobster is, of course, popular, but restrictions on the catch (size and season) limit consumption. Lobster has become quite rare and expensive.

### Religion

Znanians are animists and follow neo-paganism. The belief of the Znanians is typically duotheistic, they worship and work with one Light Goddess and the Dark Goddess. These deities can be considered in a henotheistic manner, with many different divine aspects which in turn can be identified with many diverse pagan deities from different historical pantheons. For this reason, they are sometimes known as the "Great Goddess" and the "Great Mother", and the adjective "great" connotes a deity that contains many other deities within its own nature. Some Znanians refer to the goddess deity as the "Lady" and the god deity as the "Queen"; In this context, when "Queen" and "Lady" are used as adjectives, it is another way of referring to them as a divine figure. These two deities are sometimes seen as facets of a greater pantheistic divinity, which is considered an impersonal force or process rather than a personal deity.

While duotheism or bitheism is traditional in Znanian beliefs, broader beliefs may encompass polytheism, pantheism, monism, and Goddess monotheism. Others see them as the two Universal Goddess who come from the One. Znanian celebrations encompass both the cycles of the Moon, known as Esbats and commonly associated with the Dark Goddess (female deity), and the cycles of the Sun, seasonal festivals known as Sabbats and commonly associated with the Light Goddess (another female deity).

The Znaniya religion encompasses theists, atheists and agnostics, with some seeing the religion's deities as entities with a literal existence and others seeing them as Jungian archetypes or symbols. Even among theistic Znanians, divergent beliefs exist, and neo-paganism includes pantheists, monotheists, duotheists, and polytheists. Although different Znanians attribute different traits to the Light Goddess, she is often associated with animals and the natural world, life, fertility and spring, and, in addition, she is often considered an ideal model for men. The Dark Goddess has been associated with the darkness, the afterlife, the winter, and has been described as an ideal role model for women. Znaniya duotheism has been compared to the Taoist yin and yang system of Zhiyue.

Many traditions of this nation believe in the five classical elements, although they are considered symbolic representations of the phases of matter. These five elements are invoked during many magical rituals, particularly when consecrating a magic circle. The five elements are air, fire, water, earth, and ether (or spirit), where ether unites the other four elements. Various modern celebrations held in the Znaniya regions have their origins in traditions that arose in the festivals of ancient pagans. The Christian celebration of Christmas, as practiced in Scandinavian countries and elsewhere, still draws on various pagan practices, such as the Yule log, holly, mistletoe, and the exchange of gifts.

Within the mythology of Znaniya, there are brutal and epic stories of the two Goddess. They worship the mother goddess, who is mainly the goddess of war, power, revenge, beauty, death, darkness, outcasts, diseases, hunger, winter, passion, pleasure, witchcraft and the night. Paradoxical as it may be, she cannot be fully understood, as her dark energy is constantly changing. She is death, love and hate, beauty and horror rolled into one. However, despite its great beauty, the Znanians have horror stories like the land of eternal winter.

> Thousands of years ago, a night that lasted a generation arrived. Kings froze to death in their castles, as did shepherds in their huts; women smothered their babies rather than see them starve, weeping as their tears froze upon their cheeks... In that darkness, the White Walkers first came. They swept through cities and kingdoms, riding dead horses, hunting with their packs of hounds.
>
> ―Runes of Ancient Civilizations

The Dark Mother raised the corpses of ancient civilization, and descended upon the world a winter known as the Long Night, which lasted an entire generation. Thousands starved to death as crops and fields lay buried under dozens of feet of snow. In the darkness and cold of the Long Night, the White Walkers descended upon the land from the far north, the polar regions of the Everwinter Lands. The conflict that arose from the Long Night is known as the Battle for the Dawn, as the White Walkers sought to end all life and cover the world in an endless winter. The White Walkers reanimated the dead to kill the living at their command, and soon the abyss and its hordes of undead spread across the continent.

The Kingdoms of Heaven formed an alliance and united to defend themselves in order of the Light Goddess. In the fight known as the Battle for the Dawn, the White Walkers were defeated and forced to return to the far north, where the far northern lands became known as the Lands of Everwinter. The Dark Queen's prosperous nation collapsed and alongside her, the Sun Goddess tore the essence from her body and cast it downward, sealing her for several ages in the abyss. As the Dark Goddess was reduced to nothing more than a sphere containing her essence, she continued to whisper her influence to the corrupt people of her kingdom.

Once there, her body shed its shell and transformed into the Pale Queen. After her transformation, the Queen expanded the minds of various species of creatures in her sacred world, granting them wisdom. The abyss split in two, forming two separations; the Dark Queen wished for these to dedicate themselves to her and, in return, promised them that the underworld realm would last eternally. Thus, a new sacred realm arose from the ashes of the abyss, rising in its glory amidst the eternal winter of the void. The realm of the dead arose once in darkness, and the White Queen brought everything, from creatures to landscapes, the sky, and the stars, into existence in a dark and empty void, singing. According to Znanian myths, the land of eternal winter was Znaniya, and the white walkers remained stranded in their lands for ages until they finally awakened with the arrival of the Pale Queen to the kingdom of the Goddess of Light. Also, In Znanian mythology, the gates to the underworld are located in northern Znaniya, guarded by the ancient dragon of the Dark Goddess, the Great King.

## Festivals and Holidays

### Spring Equinox

Ostara is celebrated during the spring equinox, around March 21 in honor of the goddess of spring and the great mother. Some Znanians prepare for this festival for months, preparing their fruit crops for offerings to the goddess. After leaving their offerings at the sacred temples, the communities gather at home to have a feast of food, often the children come out to play, sing and dance with wreaths of flowers on their heads. Rituals include meditations, fire ceremonies, dances, or specific spiritual practices. In agricultural communities, the spring equinox marks the right time to begin planting and preparing the land for the growing season.

Ceremonies related to agriculture and fertility are performed. Children often help the covens to grow fruits and vegetables, as well as spring decorations. Outdoor picnics are also held as temperatures decrease, with food and lots of cakes. The girls dress in white dresses and the boys dress in spring outfits decorated with flowers, and together they begin to dance around a wheel of flowers and decorations. Often the Znanians choose a spring princess from among the youngest girls, and give her gifts and flowers.

### Summer Solstice

Celebrated on June 22, many people in Znaniya take advantage of the summer solstice to spend time outdoors, whether on the beach, in parks or in natural areas. They carry out activities such as walks, picnics and baths in the water to connect with the energy of the sun and nature. Some regions perform specific dances and rituals to celebrate the summer solstice. These dances can represent connection with nature, fertility, renewal and abundance. Znanians often hold festivals, and these festivals can include music, folk dance, food, crafts, and nature-related activities. In many Znanian traditions bonfires or ritual fires are lit to symbolize the energy of the sun and welcome the summer season. People can gather around the fire to sing, dance and perform rituals. In addition to this, the people of Znaniya leave offerings for the Goddess of Light in her sanctuary and temple.

### Yule

It is celebrated on the winter solstice and lasts twelve days. Generally the Znanians make Yule log cake, put mistletoe on the doors and sing in the streets. It is common in some regions to have Krampus visit children to leave gifts under the tree, but in dark myths, Krampus actually arrives at Yule to devour children who have misbehaved. Some of the elements common to various regions are the decorated tree, birch wreaths, stockings hanging on the fireplace, candy canes and the bells that announce the arrival of Krampus. Songs are sung and stories are told about figures such as goddesses and their mythology. Cards are sent to different regions, congratulations and gifts are exchanged. One of the traditional Znaniya songs warns children to be careful of the cold nights that come with the arrival of Krampus.

> Krampus will come
> Looking for some
> You are not safe
> Best that you run!
>
> ―Krampus's Song in Znaniya

Yule is a celebration that is prepared with great care and focuses on family and home, although it also has a mythological dimension. The Yule season begins in late November or early December, when stores begin advertising Yule gifts. The music and decoration become more present as the party approaches, and the children count the days with Advent calendars. The schools also celebrate with the children.

### Samhain

Samhain is celebrated on November 1 and marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darkest half" of the year. The celebrations begin on the afternoon of October 31, since the Celtic day began and ended at sunset. This is a date halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. On Samhain bonfires are lit on the hilltops and rituals are performed with them. The dead are also honored on Samhain. The beginning of winter can be considered the most suitable time to do this, since it is a time of "death" in nature. The souls of the dead are thought to revisit their homes in search of hospitality. The Znanians reserve a place for them at the table and by the fire to welcome them.

> Come, wayward souls
> And wander through the darkness
> There is a light for the lost and the meek
> Sorrow and fear are easily forgotten
> When you submit to the soil of the earth
> Grow, tiny seed
> You are called to the trees
> Rise 'til your leaves fill the sky
> Until your sighs fill the air in the night
> Lift your mighty limbs
> And give praise to the fire
>
> ―A children's song from Znaniya

Samhain is also celebrated for children who have died or been taken from their families by the beast and other creatures. Often, children and people sing to guide their lost souls back home during Samhain. Some Znanians consider Samhain to be a time to celebrate the lives of those who have died, and it often involves paying respects to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets, and other loved ones who have died. In some rituals the spirits of the dead are invited to attend the festivities. It is considered a festival of darkness, balanced at the opposite point of the wheel by the spring festival of Beltane, which the Znanians celebrate as a festival of light and fertility for the Goddess of Light.

### Tsarina Festival

Fireworks festival where the Znandians celebrate the birthday of their leader, the Tsarina. This celebration consists of light shows in the skies and bells ringing throughout the towns. The Tsarina celebrates this special date with the guardians of Snézhnaya through shows and ice sculptures. There is also a large food festival with traditional Znanians foods, and it is usually celebrated in summer.

### Flight season

Just like the Honkai and Eden flight season, the flying architects prepare to guide the birds on their immigration journey to other regions. Exciting competitions are also organized, such as air races, acrobatics and skill exhibitions. Participants show off their unique flying skills, from spins and loops to more complex maneuvers. In the season of flight, usually celebrated by various nations, the flying Edenites help smaller birds learn to fly and travel long distances before beginning their journey to other nations, while the Znanians prepare snacks and nests for the birds that will arrive in Znaniya in spring. Generally the flying Znanians receive the birds on the coasts and guide them to the forests, where the terrestrial Znanians have prepared their nests and left berries and other fruits as food.

## Etymology

The word "Znaniya" originates from the **Russian** language and translates to "knowledge" or "wisdom" in English. It stems from the Russian term "знание" (znaniye), which is derived from the verb "знать" (znat'), meaning "to know" or "to be acquainted with". "Snezhnaya" (*Russian:* Снежная *Snezhnaya*, "Snowy") is a Russian adjective for "snowy," expecting a feminine noun to follow (most likely Страна *Strana* or Земля *Zemlya* — Russian words for "country" or "land" respectively, both of which are feminine and are permitted to be omitted for a synecdoche in such a context).

## Trivia

* The term **"Tsarina"** or **"Czarina"** refers to the female counterpart of a Tsar or Czar, who historically was the emperor or ruler in certain Slavic and Eastern European countries, particularly in Russia. The etymology of "Tsarina" is directly linked to the Russian title "Царь" (Tsar), which means "emperor" or "ruler". The suffix "-ina" denotes a feminine form in Slavic languages, similar to how words in English might add "-ess" (like "actor" and "actress"). Therefore, "Tsarina" signifies the female counterpart or wife of the Tsar, often associated with the title **"Empress"** in other cultures.
* Znaniya seems to be inspired by a mix of Tsarist and Soviet Russia (primarily Siberia in regards to landscape), and often uses Russian words for names. However, it also draws from other European nations as well, like the nordic countries.
* Znaniya's affiliation with brutal winters parallels Russia's climate, which has famously contributed to the failures of the many military campaigns made against it.
* Natasha addresses Robin as "comrade", the usual translation of "tovarishch" (**Russian**: товарищ tovarishch) used in Soviet/Bolshevik Russia.