Fiction:Zio'Aeni Hegemony

"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 Zio'Aeni were lead by a monarch for more 2,000 years. Most of the Zio´Aeni 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 it 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'Aeni needed someone to guide them in this new world. Zio'Aeni 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, the Zio'Aeni 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'Aeni 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'Aeni can born as a "Golden Zio'Aeni" (Also known as "Holy Ones", "Children of the Krais'saahtanac" and "Golden Ones".). Golden Zio'Aeni have always been more respected among normal Zio'Aeni, 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'Aeni. 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'Aeni are weaker than normal Zio'Aeni.
 * High intelligence.
 * Only about 40 known Golden Zio'Aeni.
 * Most of the Golden Zio'Aeni 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'Aeni 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.