Grand Zen Autocracy (Gladia)

The official flag of the Grand Zen Autocracy.

- Lord Creeperkillergah

- General ClonetrooperMD8

The **Grand Zen Autocracy** is a nation reorganized from the Kingdom of Zen during a power struggle known as the War of Kings. The end of the war was marked by Grand King Lord\_Ocram I declaring himself the Dictator and installing a newly formed The Society on January 11th, 2019.

The Grand Zen Autocracy is a nationalist, totalitarian autocracy, ruled by a single executive branch of government controlled by an organization known as The Society. This consists of the Dictator, the Judge, and the Admiral, later known as the General.

The nation collapsed on February 18th, 2020, after the Iroquois left the server following a joint campaign of terror. Fearing imminent attacks from Portugal and Rome, the Grand Zen Autocracy self-destructed; ensuring that their enemies would never be able to get their hands on the nation's strategic resources.

## Introduction

### Naming

The Grand Zen Autocracy was named after the history and culture of Zen, and is the fifth official nation of the Zen people. It takes "Grand Zen" from its predecessor, the Kingdom of Zen; which was ruled by a Grand King.

### Characteristics

The Grand Zen Autocracy can be described as a totalitarian autocracy where Zen Nationalism runs high. Although the Autocracy originally disregarded the opinions of most of its citizens, it eventually began to listen to the opinions of its people through the vessel of The Society following the rebellion. Dictator Lord\_Ocram always indicated that he wanted the input of his constituents, but largely ignored it in the early days of the Autocracy.

The political ideology of the Grand Zen Autocracy was in staunch opposition to the Kingdom of Zen, from which it was formed. While the Kingdom of Zen wanted to focus on cultural and economic matters, the Grand Zen Autocracy focused primarily on militaristic matters and securing the homeland. They did not take to any of the leftist values proposed by the ZPN and pressed further right, instead. However, they did still agree with the Kingdom of Zen's authoritarian values, and reduced the government to place all powers in the hands of the Society.

However, the Society displayed a tendency to focus on historical revisionism, with repeated attempts to paint themselves as less totalitarian, cover up Appester's crimes (prior to the rebellion), downplay the effects of the rebellion, antagonize foreign leaders they disliked, and provide general inaccuracy. They received much criticism for this from their citizens-- which was what initially sparked the organization of a rebellion.

#### Foreign Policy

The nation has had the intent to remain neutral in all major conflicts, taking a more isolationist approach. However, an alliance with the Iroquois was made, making a shift towards a foreign policy strategy that focused on conquest and forming alliances with whoever offered the best military support. When the Iroquois fell, the Grand Zen Autocracy fell with it out of fear of retaliation from enemy nations.

While many of the indigenous people of South America, including the original leaders of the Kingdom of Zen, agreed that European nations and relentless colonization were the biggest issues facing the continent, the Grand Zen Autocracy did not feel the same. In its later period, the Grand Zen Autocracy decided to move away from neutrality and isolationism in support of conquest and further colonization, as indicated by their support of Portugal in the Argentina-Portugal War and conquest of South America. During this conflict, they helped conquer and dissolve Argentina, an indigenous nation who the Kingdom of Zen originally promised to ally.

Towards the end of the Autocracy's life, the nation did eventually end up fighting against imperialist powers such as Portugal once the Iroquois became aligned against them. Although the Grand Zen Autocracy was able to use its military might to push out imperialist powers, their previous conflicts left a lasting impact on the indigenous people of South America; whose future generations would have trouble returning to their homeland.

### Territory

Although holding on tight to the eastern coastline held by the Kingdom of Zen, the Grand Zen Autocracy has lost much of the nation's original territory due to the continued encroachment of other, primarily European, nations.

However, despite the loss of territory the Grand Zen Autocracy is very territorial and nearly begun a conflict with Mexico over the land occupied by Port of Mexico. They are primarily focused on keeping their original land rather than expanding.

### Background

The Grand Zen Kingdom has ancient origins, but this new government was born after a recent series of events. Pope InvaderXYZ ousted Grand King Tordoc, and claimed herself both King and Pope of Zen. The people were not amused, and attempted revolt, however she remained in power.

Due to an oversight in Zen law, if the new king is killed within one week of being appointed, the killer is the new king. Using this loophole, The Hobo hired a champion, and successfully killed InvaderXYZ. After becoming Grand King, The Hobo hid to create a better form of government. He was interrupted by many events, including many attempts at regicide, and “*The Great Theft of the 10th,*” where the Community Chest, several people’s houses, and all livestock were stolen.

It was after this event that The Hobo declared himself Dictator, and begun to create the new government. This resulted in the formation, and rise, of The Society; the ruling class of the Grand Zen Autocracy.

## History

### **Founding Era** (January 2020)

#### Construction of the Autocracy

On January 11th, 2020, the Kingdom of Zen was officially reorganized into the Grand Zen Autocracy by the new Dictator Lord\_Ocram. As a result, the Supreme Church is completely separated from the government, prompting Pope InvaderXYZ to resign and leave the duties of Pope to a more well-suited member of the Supreme Church. Immediately after her ascent to the title of Zen Cardinal, Lil\_red\_ was asked to become the new Pope of the Supreme Church. She accepted, immediately looking to expand the membership of the Supreme Church. In addition, \_Courier\_6\_ left Zenport following the rise of The Society.

Creeperkillergah returned to the Zen homeland following a brief period of time spent within the United States, who had put him under major scrutiny with unfounded claims that he was a spy for the Kingdom of Zen. He was quickly appointed the Mayor of Melon Fort on January 11th, which he renamed to Hobograd; in honor of Dictator Lord\_Ocram.

Hobograd began reconstruction of the local church in accordance with new standards brought about by Pope Lil\_red\_ on January 12th. On the same day, Northland approached the Grand Zen Autocracy with a renewal of an alliance between the two nations. A general sentiment arose for the autocracy to work on forming more alliances, but Dictator Lord\_Ocram stated that the primary national focus was the completion of the stadium in Zenport.

Following a Mexican attack against the Kiwi Syndicate, the Grand Zen Autocracy was asked if they would side with the Kiwi Syndicate against Mexico. The Grand Zen Autocracy officially decided to remain neutral in the conflict, their desire to abstain from any major developing conflicts across Gladia. Following the decision, President Diabetos10 approached the autocracy again to make sure that the Grand Zen Autocracy was not helping Mexico.

On January 13th, \_Courier\_6\_ returned to found the city of New Arroyo in geographical Baja California. Despite issues with the Grand Zen Autocracy, Lord \_Courier\_6\_ decided to rejoin the nation to stay with the local population of House Caroline. This marked a major expansion of the Grand Zen Autocracy back into North America, into the shared territory between Mexico and the now-dead Cauhilla Tribal Federation. On that same day, a new flag was designed for the nation by InvaderXYZ-- representing the rise of the autocracy.

#### Hostility with Mexico

> *"I want Zen to be a neutral nation."*
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> - Dictator Lord\_Ocram of the Grand Zen Autocracy
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On January 15th, New Arroyo outlawed Judge Appester, after he refused to pay reparations for his betrayal which resulted in the rise of The Society. This hurt relations between the town of New Arroyo and the Grand Zen Autocracy.

After the town of Port of Mexico settled near Hobograd on January 16th, conflict arose within the Grand Zen Autocracy as Judge Appester believed that this was a massive territorial violation and that the town needed to be removed. Lords \_Courier\_6\_ and MHH33 did not agree, resulting in some push-back at the idea of sending people to investigate the town and possibly instigate a fight. Despite this, The Society began to devise a plan to prevent Port of Mexico from expanding further into territory they believed to belong to the Autocracy.

That same day, Pope Lil\_red\_ appointed Notorious\_IGGSTER and Teufel\_Hunden as Priests of Zen, declared Lord Creeperkillergah a Bishop, and promoted Bishop WasaSloth to Zen Cardinal. This marked the first big expansion of activity within the Supreme Church. However, with the separation of church and state, the Supreme Church would begin to lose relevance as activity dwindled and Imperio\_Brasileiro never officially merged religions.

On January 18th, things escalated when The Society worked with Lord creeperkillergah of Hobograd to funnel money from the national bank into surrounding the town of Port of Mexico with claims, preventing them from being able to expand. This brought a good amount of scorn from the nation's residents, with Prime Minister cedric of Mexico approaching the Grand Zen Autocracy directly to speak with them about the act of hostility. Although the Society does not speak with him, Lord creeperkillergah claims that Dictator Lord\_Ocram is working on a compromise.

In addition, New Arroyo was attacked by CmantheMan of the Iroquois following the official opening of the Church of Ratboygenius on January 18th. Following the escalation of hostilities with Mexico, fearing a potential attack by Mexico, New Arroyo officially seceded from the Grand Zen Autocracy. However, the Society made sure \_Courier\_6\_ was aware that the Grand Zen Autocracy would attack New Arroyo, should the town join another nation.

On January 19th, the claims surrounding Port of Mexico are removed and the Grand Zen Autocracy is reprimanded for claim-blocking Port of Mexico. As a result, Judge Appester declares that "if he make[s] a single claim [w]e kill him," encouraging the people of the Zen Autocracy to attack. After Dictator Lord\_Ocram fails to secure a deal with Mexico, he states that he can not control Judge Appester and then gives him permission to "kill on sight." This results in what is considered the end of Mexico and the Grand Zen Autocracy's alliance.

The following day, on January 20th, residents of the Grand Zen Autocracy declare their disdain for the actions of the Society and the handling of the situation with Mexico. Although Judge Appester would still harbor major hostility towards the town, conflict abruptly stops between the two nations before things escalate to war.

#### Expansion of the Autocracy

On January 21st, Dictator Lord\_Ocram launches the secretive Operation Skull. Although he does not publicly release the details of the operation, he later declares the plan as having failed and must be tried again. A new experimental creeper testing site is constructed in south Zenport, and Dictator Lord\_Ocram later states that "partial success [performed] in the field, new specimen required due to server error."

Despite this, construction of the massive stadium in Zenport speeds up and the city is further developed as the Grand Zen Autocracy focuses its resources on growing Zenport and Hobograd. In addition, the settlement of Bolivia is recruited into the nation on January 26th; led by Lord YourPalGavin.

Erebor settles the town of TheBrazillianEmpire in close-proximity to Port of Pecem on January 27th, kick-starting a series of small hostilities between the two towns. With an increasing number of towns encroaching into the territory of the Grand Zen Autocracy, Dictator Lord\_Ocram declares that borders are no-longer important and that the nation will settle where they please from now on. As a result, Dictator Lord\_Ocram and InvaderXYZ briefly discuss where the Grand Zen Autocracy should expand.

On January 30th, city-planning begins for the city of Hobograd, led by Lord Creeperkillergah. The following day, the town of Bolivia collapsed as Lord YourPalGavin decided to resettle in another nation, somewhere else.

### **Final Era** (February 2020)

#### Foreign Policy Development

After speaking with Mayor Lobster Larry of the Iroquois town of Caracas, Lord Creeperkillergah was able to negotiate a border treaty between Caracas and Hobograd on February 4th. The treaty was proposed to Dictator Lord\_Ocram at 12:25PM PST, and was officially signed into effect by Lord Creeperkillergah and Mayor LobsterLarry at 4:25PM PST.

> "*This treaty means that the city of Caracas and Hobograd would be border cities. The two cites would be connected with a border crossing on each side of the two cities. In a result, Hobograd and Caracas would become a metropolitan area called The Caracas-Hobograd Metropolitan Area, this would also be beneficial for the Zen Autocracy and Iroquois nations by improving relations between the two nations."*
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#### Autonomous Region of the Zen National State

*Main article: Autonomous Region of the Zen National State*

On February 8th, InvaderXYZ, Doctor\_Tordoc, \_Courier\_6\_, ClonetrooperMD6, and MHH33 revealed that they had been operating in secret as the Autonomous Region of the Zen National State. They declared a rebellion against the Zen Autocracy in order to restore Doctor\_Tordoc to power and form the People's Dominion of Zen. At 12:10PM PST, Secrétaire Supérieur Doctor\_Tordoc of the ARZNS gave their ultimatum to the Grand Zen Autocracy-- and prepared for an all-out war.

> *"To all of the people of the Grand Zen Autocracy, we have declared ourselves the new nation of the Autonomous Region of the Zen National State. With the support of Nouveau Arroyo, Port of Pecem, and Cavetown, backed by nations such as Mexico and Svearike, we prepare to declare war on the Grand Zen Autocracy until we are restored to power. Should you accept, war shall be averted and Lord\_Ocram shall be allowed to retain the rank of Lord and keep the Colluseum. Appester will be demoted to townsfolk. Numar will retain control of the navy. If our offer is not accepted, the war shall start immediately."*
>
>

Stunned by this unexpected move, Creeperkillergah and Dictator Lord\_Ocram immediately got in contact with the rebels. Threatened by a civil war, Dictator Lord\_Ocram threatened to merge the Grand Zen Autocracy with the Iroquois to wipe out the rebellion. As a result, the rebels pulled back to discuss matters amongst themselves. When they returned, Doctor\_Tordoc, MHH33, and ClonetrooperMD8 started to discuss surrender to Lord\_Ocram-- against the wishes of the rest of the rebels. In their discussion with Dictator Lord\_Ocram, they stated their disdain at the current state of affairs, citing out the recklessness of Judge Appester, not listening to the input of the people, and the breaking of old alliances as their main reasons for wanting to take back control.

Dictator Lord\_Ocram himself was getting tired of Appester's antics, and made an agreement with the rebels. This agreement lead to the creation of a national referendum, whoever won this election would become (or retain) ruler-ship over Zen; however even if Lord\_Ocram won, Appester would have to be removed from the government. 24 hours after the creation of the poll, the votes came in, with Lord\_Ocram at a majority vote of 69%, utilizing a large loyalist base to secure victory. After this event, Doctor\_Tordoc, InvaderXYZ, and \_Courier\_6\_ decided to leave the server in favor of another, and MHH33 resigned as Lord to aid them. Appester, unable to quench his bloodlust towards those that removed him from power, also left after a series of empty threats to attack the Grand Zen Autocracy.

#### A Campaign of Conquest

After this point, Zen began a series of sieges, all of which were organized by Lord\_Ocram and ClonetrooperMD8, who had been appointed as the new Admiral (renamed to General) and Lord of Port of Pecem. The first towns to be attacked were Port of Mexico, Zen Kingdom (unrelated to the old government), and Nautica. However on February 12th, three days after the first siege started, Zen abandoned the attack on Nautica in order to join in the Argentina-Portugal War in support of Portugal.

The town Zen attacked was Cordoba AR, and the siege was abandoned once Argentina surrendered and paid Zen $14,500. However, unwilling to live under Portugal rule, the Argentinian capital Mar Del Plata broke away from Portugal. As a result, the Grand Zen Autocracy sieged and annexed Mar Del Plata on February 13th; bringing an end to Argentinean autonomy.

Following the Argentina-Portugal War, they had plans to move ahead with attacks on the Pirate Republic, Imperio Brasiliero, and the Erebor settlements of Guadeloupe, New London and TheBrazillianEmpire. Once Port of Mexico and Zen Kingdom were attained on February 13th, the towns were looted and abandoned due to inactivity. However, Imperio Brasiliero collapsed on that same day, and the sieges on Erebor towns on the 16th caused some strife as Zen was not aware that Erebor had ceded to Conkeria.

#### A Moment of Peace

At this point, work on the coliseum and an embassy in Mar Del Plata were aided by the Redstone Engineer Name\_Redacted, who successfully created many redstone machines including the coliseum entrance and a secret door, and automated farms.

During this time, the Grand Zen Autocracy formed an alliance with the Iroquois. The Grand Zen Autocracy had a history of hostility with Portugal and issues with Rome, both dating back to the Kingdom of Zen, as well as having the desire to continue their campaign of conquest. This was further damaged when Portugal demanded that Mexico cede into them on February 12th. It addition to all of these factors, the two nations had been on good terms since the beginning of the Autocracy's campaign of conquest. It was only natural that the Zen Autocracy form an alliance with the Iroquois. As a result, the two powers led a series of joint sieges across the western hemisphere which were of benefit to the Iroquois-- who were already demanding that towns in North America pay them tribute or face conflict.

#### Fall of the Autocracy

On February 18th, Co-King Pumpkibuu of Portugal was banned for 30 days due to abusing the war system (removing a town during a siege and then reclaiming the land). During this siege, Bert, an admin that was part of the Iroquois, was caught building inside claims. As a result, he was rightfully demoted. However, Pumpkibu was not satisfied with this, and due to the continued practice of admin abuse across the server, they perma-banned Bert and removed Pumpkibu's ban. Due to this, the Iroquois decided to leave Gladia for good.

With the Iroquois gone, the Grand Zen Autocracy feared imminent attacks from both Portugal and Rome, ad they had angered them in their series of sieges alongside the Iroquois. Not wanting the Portuguese to get their hands on anything of worth, the entirety of Zenport and Port of Pecem were looted and griefed by the Society, with all valuables going into shulker boxes in ender chests. Only structures were left behind, and a new statue was built in resemblance of the Hobo, Dictator Lord\_Ocram. After a bit of lavacasting, the Grand Zen Autocracy, Zenport, and Port of Pecem were disbanded. Portugal and Rome descended on the ruins of the Grand Zen Autocracy and continued looting what was left of the cities. They took any blocks of value, desecrating what remained in Zenport, and killing Boomer.

### **Aftermath of the Autocracy** (February-December 2020)

#### Immediate Aftermath of the Autocracy

The North Sea Empire later settled the city of Georgetown in the ruins of Zenport, and Dictator Lord\_Ocram was remembered favorably by most of the citizens of Gladia following his conversion of the Zen Autocracy discord server into a Gladia world download to preserve the history of the server.

The Grand Zen Autocracy did not make a big impact on the international stage outside of South America, however, Dictator Lord\_Ocram managed to raise the global standing of the nation by forging alliances with other militaristic states and actively conquering parts of South America. While this was much against the values of the original Kingdom of Zen, Dictator Lord\_Ocram empowered the state military in a way no other leader had been able to, and thus was able to have some success in taking the continent back from colonialism; something former Grand King Doctor\_Tordoc I and former Supreme Papacy InvaderXYZ were never able to achieve during either of their administrations. This had a lasting effect on removing imperialist powers from South America, although his prior military campaigns also expelled indigenous nations such as Argentina.

The legacy of the Grand Zen Autocracy was not remembered favorably by the former administration of the Kingdom of Zen, as well as members of the ARZNS, who were appalled at the acts of aggression made against former allies and self-destruction of Zenport; saddened that the Autocracy was quick to destroy what others had built. Much of the animosity was due to Dictator Lord\_Ocram and his administration indicating a move away from the ideas that influenced both the Leftist ideas of the Zen Parti Nationale, as well as the ideas adopted by the ARZNS. These citizens were also upset with his consolidation of power and "disrespect of the Blood of Rebirth", the cultural event that led to his original ascension to the throne in the first place.

#### Legacy of the Autocracy

As of December 29th, 2020, the former territory of the Grand Zen Autocracy is occupied with multiple cities that belong five different nations, as well as two independent city-states. Most of the former territory is officially unclaimed, including the former capital of the Grand Zen Autocracy, Zenport.

There are very few imperial powers still within the area, mostly populated by small settlements belonging to the American Union. Port of Pecem, a former city of the Autocracy, has since become the capital of Volarys, now known as Pecem. However it is not led by the former citizens of the Autocracy, but a new population entirely. Additionally, the ruins of Kohnkoh Ben are where the city-state of UberCity was founded.

The fate of The Society following the fall of the Grand Zen Autocracy is still unknown, though they are assumed to have dissolved as an organization.

## Government

### **The Society**

> *"The Society includes 3 people, The Judge, The Admiral, and The Dictator. They have absolute power, but cannot violate citizens’ rights."*
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#### The Dictator

The Dictator serves as the nation's head of state and is the highest supreme authority over the nation. Although it is not explicitly stated, the Dictator's authority supersedes both that of the Judge and the Admiral. However, this may be intentional as having no explicit statements gives it plausible deniability; as used with Mexico.

#### The Judge

The Judge serves as the nation's head of government and acts as the second-in-command for the Grand Zen Autocracy. It is up to the Judge to interpret and enforce the laws of the Grand Zen Autocracy.

 Creeperkillergah

#### The General

The General serves as the nation's military leader and commander-in-chief. Not much is stated about this role beyond the fact that it holds the same amount of authoritarian power as the Dictator and the Judge. It was originally known as the Admiral, before Numar\_001 was removed from the position.

 ClonetrooperMD8

### **Pope and Supreme Church**

> *"In the Grand Zen Autocracy, the Church (and thus, the Pope’s) purpose and power is purely religious and cultural, and will not interfere with governmental affairs."*
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Following the War of Kings, Dictator Lord\_Ocram decided that the Supreme Church needed to be completely separated from the government for the government to function uninhibited by outside authority.

### **Lords of Zen**

Lords of Zen are the leaders of individual towns and settlements, as well as prominent members of Zen society. Within the Council of Lords, they can discuss matters relating to the nation and their towns, as well as bring up concerns to The Society. However, this branch of the government is incredibly informal and is hardly used.

### **Rights of the Zen Citizen**

Upon the formation of the Grand Zen Autocracy, citizens were given a list of rights that could not be infringed by the totalitarian government. However, it appears only some of these are consistently upheld-- with the Right to Free Speech being one that Judge Appester frequently violated.

* Right to Life
* Right to Bear Arms
* Right to Free Speech
* Right to Food
* Right to Base-Building
* Right to Freedom from Unjust Punishment

## Cities

The Grand Zen Autocracy has a handful of cities originally held by the Kingdom of Zen, in addition to a handful of new ones. However, expansion and settlement by the nation has slowed down since the rise of The Society.

* Zenport *(Founded December 7th, 2019)*
* Port of Pecem *(Founded December 7th, 2019)*
* Hobograd *(Founded December 8th, 2019)*

### Former Cities

These are a couple of cities that were formerly a part of the Grand Zen Autocracy, and have since left.

* Novo Imperio *(Founded January 5th, 2020)*
	+ Collapsed on January 16th by Lord russianMess.
* Nouveau Arroyo *(Founded January 13th, 2020)*
	+ Seceded on January 18th due to leadership issues.
* Bolivia *(Founded January 26th, 2020)*
	+ Collapsed on January 31st by Lord YourPalGavin.
* Kohnkoh Ben *(Founded December 12th, 2019)*
	+ Collapsed on February 7th due to inactivity.

## Trivia

* Zenport had a large number of skeleton horses, with the last census counting 18.
* Lord\_Ocram made a world download of the server so the server history can be preserved. Archiving most of the large and important towns. This gained him acclaim following the fall of the Grand Zen Autocracy.
	+ Join our discord for co-ords and the Google Drive link: https://discord.gg/Yz2t2m7