Fiction:Zio'Aeni Hegemony

 "The Fallen guides us."  "We only live to serve The Fallen!"

The Zio'Aeni Republic (Also known as "Worshippers of The Fallen") is an young empire that is known for their spiritual lifestyle. They have had a rough history as most of their homeplanet was turned into a radioactive wasteland after a nuclear war during their Civilization Stage. Their interests have remained unknown, but as they worship demonic god called The Fallen, they have gained questionable reputation.

History
Although most of their history was destroyed during the nuclear war few things are still known about Zio'Aeni Republic's history.

Feudalistic Era
The ancestors of some modern Zio'Aenies (Particularly the group that used to be part of the Republic) were led by a monarch for more 2,000 years. Most of the Zio´Aenies were divided to different castes that determined what you were possible to do. The castes were following: The end of the feudalistic era came when priests, soldiers and merchants incited a rebellion. Remains of the old government (Castles, statues of kings, etc) were destroyed in few months to insure loyalty of the people. King and the royal family were all executed and buried in huge ceremony.
 * E'nak (Peasant) – The lowest caste. Only possible to be a farmer.
 * Yerfons (Merchant) – Second lowest caste. Possible to sell goods to foreigners.
 * A'iolak (Soldier) – Although not the most highest caste, but was still respected by many.
 * Nolhun (Noble) – Second highest caste. Possible to do anything to members of lower castes.
 * Krais'shaalav (Priest) – The highest and the most respected caste. Only caste that was possible to go to university.

Beginning of The Republic
The precursor of the current republic was called The Republic. Republic had its good and bad sides, as it had healthy economy, but many of the citizens lived in slums as housing was very expensive. Republic also had many enemies, as republic grew too fast and other nations took its rapid expansion as a threat. Many years passed and The Republic became a superpower with a strong army. Sadly for The Republic, other nations had became superpowers too. Many wars took place between it and many other nations, scarring Zio'Nis with destroyed cities, dead people and brutal warfare. Soon The Republic realized that they were going to lose the war, so the final option was going to be used, nuclear weapon. As The Republic launched their nuclear weapons, other nations shot back. After two hours of nuclear warfare Zio'Nis was turned to its current self.

The fallen Zio'Nis
As Zio'Nis fell to an post-apocalyptic era after the nuclear war, Zio'Aenies needed someone to guide them in this new world. Zio'Aenies had lost many things during the war, including agriculture, electricity and healthcare. Soon after beginning of this dark era a cult called, the Ten Priests started to help others. Only thing that they wanted was that all who were helped would join their cult. After some time passed the Ten Priests had many followers and had formed a new nation that is currently known as the Zio'Aeni Republic.

Present day
With the last original member of the Ten Priests leading Zio'Aeni Republic, Zio'Aenies were possible to construct a spaceships and completely colonize their homesystem. Currently Zio'Aeni Republic has an steady economy, but it's still possible to crash at any moment.

More to come

Government
Zio'Aeni Republic is theocratic republic and is led by a High Priest. Although High Priest is the leader of the republic he is just a "Messenger" of The Fallen. Citizens of the republic need to pay high taxes to the church (This is balanced with high wages). As normal citizens can't hear The Fallen, High Priest needs to tell his people what He wants. Although every Zio'Aeni is loyal to the church, martial law is still in motion.

People and Culture
"We are the people and the most loyal servants of The Fallen."

- High Priest Ziaon

As said before the people of the Zio'Aeni Republic are extremely religious people. Their beliefs alone have brought them where they are now. Zio'Aenies are not forced to be part of the church, but their loyalty to High Priest is still necessary. Zio'Aeni Republic is open to all empires to visit, but many empires are not interested to go to a planet full of worshippers of a demon god.

Black, Golden and Red Zio'Aeni
In rare cases Zio'Aenies can born as a "Golden Zio'Aenies" (Also known as "Holy Ones", "Children of the Krais'saahtanac" and "Golden Ones".). Golden Zio'Aenies have always been more respected among normal Zio'Aenies, as they are believed to be sons and daughters of The Saviour, the god of purity. The High Priest Ziaon has also different skin color than normal Zio'Aenies. This is why he is sometimes called "Red Zio'Aeni" or even "Reocle ik Krais'saahras" (Chosen of The Fallen).

Comparison between different Zio'Aeni
Normal/Black: Golden: Red:
 * Good physical strength.
 * Average intelligence.
 * About 98% of the citizens of Zio'Aeni Republic.
 * Average physical strength. Golden Zio'Aenies are weaker than normal Zio'Aenies.
 * High intelligence.
 * Only about 40 known Golden Zio'Aeni.
 * Most of the Golden Zio'Aenies become priests.
 * Live longer than normal Zio'Aeni.
 * Very good physical strength.
 * Extremely high intelligence.
 * Extremely rare. Only one Red Zio'Aeni (Ziaon) is known to live.
 * Can survive harsh environment.
 * Glowing purple eyes.
 * Only ones capable of speaking to The Fallen.

Groups
Some Zio'Aenies belong to different groups. Groups are usually formed around one idea but sometimes they follow many different ideas. Also not all groups are legal, and sometimes some groups can cause conflicts with other empires. Some groups also smuggle illegal goods and sell them with small prices. Therefore government doesn't make enough money and can become bankrupt.

Worshippers of Krais'saahtanac
Worshippers of Krais'saahtanac are a group that worship Krais'saahtanac (The Saviour) as the supreme god. Worshippers are peaceful people who are disliked and thought to be a cultists by many members of Zio'Aeni Republic. As the Worshippers are led by a Golden Zio'Aeni, the High Priest Ziaon has allowed Worshippers to worship Krais'saahtanac.

As'dac Raiders
As'dac Raiders are one of the most notorious groups in Zio'Aeni Republic. Originating from moon of Zio'Nis, As'dac, these raiders are known for being brave enough to raid small colonies of strong and large empires. They are led by Ziol'Cosalnok. Ziol is reckless and unpredictable, just like his group. Their logo is same as what the Ten Priests used. This is taken as treachery by the High Priest Ziaon and because of this he has promised large bounty to the one who brings him Ziol's head.

More to come

Entertainment and Art
There isn't much entertainment available for citizens of Zio'Aeni Republic. Most citizens spend their time in church or in bazaar. Also Zio'Aenies are very artistic and usually paint paintings on their free time. Laziest Zio'Aenies usually are the only ones to watch Zu'Anvi (Translation: Zu = Lazy - Anvi = Waste - Literal translation: Zu'Anvi = Waste of Time) (Zio'Aeni version of television).

High Priest Ziaon
High Priest Ziaon'Kruzeen is the current leader of the Zio'Aeni Republic and the last original member of the Ten Priests. He bornt to apocalyptic wasteland of Zio'Nis. When he was at age of 17 his parents died during a bandit raid on Ziaon's hometown. Soon after his parents' death Ziaon met the Ten Priests (At that time still nameless group of priests), the original worshippers of The Fallen. At the next night after the Ten Priests came to Ziaon's hometown, he saw The Fallen in his dreams. It is believed that The Fallen showed Ziaon what he will become in future. At the next day Ziaon joined the the Ten Priests to spread the word of his new god. Other members thought he was too young to be one of them but the first High Priest, Kran'saah (Translation: Kran = Old - Saah = Martyr) believed that Ziaon was the Chosen One mentioned in old writings as someone who is more spiritually powerful than The Fallen.

Space Captain Ziosac
Ziosac used to be experienced "Martyr" Commander before his spaceship crashed to Zovan (Nearest planet to Zio'Nis). During his time on Zovan he became a close friend of "War Priest" named Zi'lav, who was also the leader of High Priest Ziaon's bodyguards. After their rescue Zi'lav requested Ziaon to declare Ziosac to become the first Space Captain of Zio'Aeni Republic. Ziaon had heard of Ziosac's selfless deeds for Zio'Aeni Republic. Ziosac was declared to be Space Captain during a church service. Ziosac gained a new title and a spaceship built just for him, Martyrdom.

Religion
Zio'Aenies are mostly known for their religion. They worship two gods, Krais'saahras (The Fallen, God of Judgement and Supreme God) and Krais'saahtanac (The Saviour, God of Purity). Their beliefs affect their lives as religion is extremely important to most Zio'Aenies (Excluding As'dacians (Zio'Aenies from As'dac) as many of them don't believe in any god), this is easily seen at Zovan and Zio'Nis. Many ancient Zio'Aeni texts have been found from ancient tombs on Zovan telling about other species that worshipped The Fallen (One which is described as "Tribe of Giants").

Military
Military of Zio'Aeni Republic mostly consists of As'dacians, who are known for prowess in battle. Main weaponry of soldiers is usually semi-automatic rifle, knife and couple of grenades (This is because almost all other weapons were destroyed during the nuclear war). Only few types of soldiers (Listed under the Infantry section) use the weapon that legendary Zio'Aeni warriors of feudalistic era used, Ana'Tak (Translation: Ana = Blade - Tak = War - Literal translation: Ana'Tak = Warbringer).

Spaceships
Although most of Zio'Aeni technology was destroyed in the nuclear war, they have still showed their skills in spaceship engineering. Zio'Aeniese Spaceships don't have the largest firepower, but they can take a lot more punishment than normal Tier 5 spaceships. Their design is also more advanced than most of the Tier 5 spaceships.

Military Ranks
Zio'Aenies use almost the same military ranks as humans, with few exceptions.

Infantry
Normal Soldiers:

(From lowest to highest)


 * Private/NCO Student


 * Lance-Corporal/Elite*


 * Corporal/Officer Student


 * Sergeant/Officer Candidate


 * Staff Sergeant


 * Warrant Officer


 * Senior Warrant Officer


 * Chief Warrant Officer


 * Second Lieutenant


 * First Lieutenant


 * Senior First Lieutenant


 * Captain/Elite Commander**


 * Major


 * Lieutenant Colonel


 * Colonel


 * Brigadier General


 * Major General


 * Lieutenant General


 * General


 * General of the Army

"Martyrs":

(From lowest to highest)


 * Martyr Candidate


 * Martyr


 * Martyr Commander/War Priest***


 * Shia'Kur**** (Translation: Shia = Last - Kur = Kin - Literal translation: Last of Kin)

Explanation
 * * = Elites are chosen from privates that show valor during their training. They are also in high regard although just being Lance-Corporals with more advanced training and a fancy name.
 * ** = Elites who show great skill in commanding squads of soldiers are promoted to Elite Commanders, who are just captains with a fancy and are in as high regard as Elites.
 * *** = War Priests are priests that have commited their lives to Zio'Aeniese Military. They are also the second most respected soldiers and are usually accompanied by two or more Elites/Martyrs.
 * **** = Shia'Kur are most respected soldiers in the military and also only ones to wear the traditional feudalistic warrior armor's enhanced version, that is capable of protecting from gun/laser fire (Resembles japanese samurai armor). Only two Shia'Kur live these days.

Navy
(From lowest to highest)
 * Seaman Apprentice/NCO Student
 * Seaman
 * Petty Officer Third Class/Officer Student
 * Petty Officer Second Class/Officer Candidate
 * Petty Officer First Class
 * Chief Petty Officer
 * Senior Chief Petty Officer
 * Master Chief Petty Officer
 * Ensign
 * Lieutenant Jr. Grade
 * Lieutenant
 * Lieutenant Sr. Grade
 * Lieutenant Commander
 * Commander
 * Captain
 * Commodore
 * Rear Admiral
 * Vice-Admiral
 * Admiral
 * Admiral of the Navy

Air Force
(From lowest to highest)
 * Airman Basic
 * Airman
 * Airman First Class
 * Senior Airman
 * Staff Sergeant
 * Technical Sergeant
 * Master Sergeant
 * Senior Master Sergeant
 * Chief Master Sergeant/Command Chief Master Sergeant
 * Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

Space Navy
(From lowest to highest)
 * Serviceman Third Class/Private Second Class
 * Serviceman Second Class/Private First Class
 * Serviceman First Class/Corporal
 * Service Chief/Gunnery Chief/Operations Chief
 * Second Lieutenant
 * First Lieutenant
 * Staff Lieutenant
 * Captain/Major
 * Rear Admiral/General
 * Admiral
 * Fleet Admiral
 * Grand Admiral

Allies
"Our allies have shown that they deserve our unwavering loyalty."


 * None yet

Friendly
"You have earned our respect. That is something only few people earn."


 * None yet

Neutral
"Who are you? Friend or a foe?"


 * None yet

Cautious
"You are near of causing a conflict with us. Beware."


 * None yet

Enemies
"You have lost our respect for your people. Fallen's judgement is coming for you!"


 * None yet

Trivia

 * Zio'Aeni share the same body shape and face as Jepardi's older creation, Madarian.
 * This is the national anthem of Zio'Aeni Republic.