Holy Dominion of Zuhlgan (Pacifica)
Introduction
The Holy Dominion of Zuhlgan is a unitary Zhukva reconstructionist directorial theonomy under a totalitarian oligarchic regime. In the Holy Dominion of Zuhlgan, the Zhukva faith stands as the unyielding pillar of control, shaping the lives of its inhabitants with an iron fist guided by the purported will of Zhukvana, their divine deity. Rooted in a totalitarian ideology, the Zhukva faith is not merely a spiritual doctrine but an all-encompassing system that dictates every aspect of its followers' existence. At the zenith of the Zhukva faith's hierarchy is the Divine Committee, led by the Arkava, a figure considered the earthly emissary of Zhukva. Followers are indoctrinated to submit unwaveringly to the authority of these divine representatives, viewing dissent as a direct challenge to the will of their god. The Zhukva faith enforces a stark division between genders, establishing stringent roles that emphasize male dominance. Women, relegated to inferior positions, are bound by societal constraints, denying them education, political representation, and autonomy.
"The Laws of God and His Servants on Pacifica", meticulously interpreted by the Divine Committee, serve as the bedrock of Dominion legislation. Deviation from these laws is deemed heretical and invites severe consequences, ranging from public shaming to execution. Zhukva teachings emphasize the preservation of traditional values, with an unwavering focus on modesty and purity. Strictures on clothing, behavior, and relationships aim to maintain a façade of righteousness among the faithful. The Zhukva faith vehemently rejects any form of religious pluralism, asserting its exclusive claim to divine truth. Conversion to Zhukva is not a choice but an enforced mandate, backed by the threat of torture and execution for those who resist.
The family unit is elevated to paramount importance in Zhukva doctrine. Marriages are arranged to fortify lineage and obedience, contributing to the propagation of the faith through generations. Homosexuality, labeled as "Gender Treachery," is vehemently condemned. The faith compels its followers to denounce and report any deviation from heterosexual relationships, reinforcing a strict heterosexual norm. Abortion and contraception are condemned as sinful transgressions against the divine order. Medical professionals involved in such practices face harsh penalties, including execution or exile to the treacherous Colonies.
The Zhukva faith endorses a rigid caste system, stratifying society with distinct social privileges and responsibilities. Legal discrimination and punishment reinforce the hierarchy, maintaining order through societal divisions. The faith encourages a culture of surveillance, urging followers to report any deviation from Zhukva scripture. Heresy, subversion, or disobedience to the state's interpretation can result in dire consequences, ranging from imprisonment to amputation or mutilation.
Economy
The economic system in the Holy Dominion is characterized by strict central planning, with the state exercising control over resource allocation and economic activities. Despite the appearance of economic stability, the rigid control and central planning does contribute to inefficiencies, as possible dissent or non-compliance is suppressed rather than fostering innovation and economic dynamism. The economic structure serves as a means of reinforcing the authoritarian rule and aligning with the ideological principles of the Zhukva faith. The economic system is characterized by its centralized planning, and a focus on self-sufficiency. The state dictates production goals, resource allocation, and economic policies, with a significant emphasis on military production. A rigid caste system influences labor assignments, and private enterprise is heavily restricted.
Central Planning and State Control
The state, under the guidance of the Zhukva faith and the Arkava's leadership, plays a dominant role in planning and directing economic activities. Central planners decide on production targets, resource allocation, and economic policies to align with the regime's ideology.
The economy is organized into planned sectors, where production goals are established by the government. These sectors include agriculture, industry, and services. The state sets targets for each sector to meet the perceived needs of the Dominion, emphasizing self-sufficiency and adherence to Zhukva principles.
Private enterprise is heavily restricted, and any economic activities outside the planned sectors are subject to state control. The regime discourages individual wealth accumulation and enforces strict regulations to prevent the rise of independent economic power. Economic policies are wielded as tools of control. Individuals or groups deemed disloyal to the regime may face economic sanctions, including loss of property, restricted access to resources, or forced labor assignments.
The Holy Dominion may engage in selective trade with other nations to acquire essential resources, but such interactions are carefully monitored and controlled. Trade agreements are likely to be politically motivated, reinforcing the regime's objectives.
Labor Assignments and Caste-Based Employment
The rigid caste system influences labor assignments, with individuals directed to specific roles based on their caste. Gitabiigs, Luigarzi, and other privileged castes may be assigned to skilled and leadership positions, while Azvir (Unpeople) and others face compulsory assignments to labor-intensive or undesirable tasks.
State-Sponsored Agriculture
Agriculture is a critical sector, with the state controlling land allocation, crop choices, and distribution. The emphasis on self-sufficiency aligns with the Dominion's desire to minimize external dependencies.
Priority on Military Production
A significant portion of the planned economy is devoted to military production. The Holy Dominion places a high priority on maintaining a strong military, both for internal control and potential external conflicts. Resources are directed towards the development of weaponry, surveillance technology, and other defense-related industries.
Zuhlgani Society
Overview
Zuhlgani society is highly structured and authoritarian, shaped by the principles of the Zhukva faith and governed by a totalitarian oligarchic regime known as the Holy Dominion of Zuhlgan. The regime is led by the Arkava, the head of government and state, elected by the Divine Committee, a group of 14 men known as Autarks. The society is intricately organized into castes, each with specific roles, privileges, and limitations.
Zuhlgani society is heavily influenced by the Zhukva faith, emphasizing absolute obedience to divine authority, rigid gender roles, adherence to the Laws of God and His Servants, preservation of purity and modesty, and the exclusivity of the Zhukva faith. Cultural expressions are tightly controlled, with state-approved values and beliefs enforced through state-run media, education, and strict censorship.
Zuhlgani society is a meticulously organized and controlled structure, where the Zhukva faith and the authoritarian regime govern every aspect of life. The intricate caste system, coupled with strict adherence to state-sanctioned values, shapes a society marked by oppression, hierarchy, and unwavering loyalty to the Holy Dominion.
Caste System
Azvir (Unpeople)
The lowest caste in Zhukva scripture, Azvir comprises individuals considered incapable of social integration within the regime's gender divisions. This includes unmarried or divorced women, human rights activists, feminists, LGBTQ+ individuals (referred to as "gender traitors"), nuns, priests, failed Uarks (childbearers), demonstrators, protesters, journalists, and other dissidents. Azvir are stripped of human rights, facing arbitrary detention, execution, or forced labor without trial.
Zyakaran (Redeemed One)
Zyakarans are individuals who were once classified as Azvir (Unpeople) but have undergone a process of reclassification. This process may involve demonstrating loyalty to the regime or undergoing rehabilitation efforts. Redeemed Ones are relocated for agricultural work or to other state worksites, signifying a potential shift in social status within the rigid caste system.
Gitabiig
The Gitabiig caste comprises all male and married female citizens who navigate the societal structure successfully. Gitabiigs can retain some liberties, such as holding remunerated jobs or owning property. Unlike females, there is no male slave labor outside of penal colonies. Gitabiig men may have a degree of freedom, depending on their social standing.
Luigarzi
The professional class of Zhulgan society, Luigarzi comprises only men engaged in fields requiring extensive education and training, such as medicine, mathematics, law, and other sciences. They may be allocated a Uark (childbearer) if their wife is infertile, though this occurs less frequently than with Commanders.
Zaaizarai (Zaaiz)
Zaaizarai, or Zaaiz, refers to the Dominion's soldiers and uniformed police. They serve as bodyguards, personal drivers to Commanders, and operate extensively in protecting sensitive facilities and maintaining regime control.
Lornaiidan
The highest class in the Zhukva faith, Lornaiidan members are considered messengers of God. The Arkava, the divine council, and some commanders belong to this caste, wielding significant influence over religious and political matters.
Social Roles
Autarks
Autarks are individuals appointed by the Arkava to serve on the Divine Committee, which plays a crucial role in the governance of the Holy Dominion. Comprising 14 men, Autarks are appointed for life or until resignation. They hold significant influence in the decision-making processes and contribute to the regime's adherence to Zhukva scripture.
Uark (Childbearer)
Women designated as Uarks serve the critical role of childbearing. They are expected to bear children after three two-year postings, and failure to do so may lead to reassignment or reclassification as Azvir.
Ta’ora
Ta’ora are servants who live a life of quiet servitude. This role is assigned to women who may not fit into other societal roles. They are expected to serve obediently without questioning their assigned duties.
Vellianveni (Forced Prostitutes)
Vellianvenis are women forced into a role of prostitution due to an inability to fit into societal norms. While not technically a caste, they are sometimes treated as a caste slightly above the Azvir (Unpeople). Vellianvenis are compelled to provide sexual services and face marginalization within Zuhlgani society.
Luaris
The Luaris (plural) are women who are allowed to be literate, making them an exception in a society where women are generally forbidden to read or write. Despite their literacy, Luaris are considered inferior in rank to the Wives, who hold the paramount rank a woman can achieve in Zuhlgan.
Wives
Wives hold the paramount rank a woman can achieve in Zuhlgan. They are considered superior to Luaris and are granted specific privileges. Wives are expected to adhere to their roles within the prescribed gender hierarchy and contribute to the patriarchal structure of Zuhlgani society.
The Eyes of God (The Eyes)
The Eyes function as the political police force, ensuring strict surveillance, detecting and punishing infringements, and suppressing political opponents.
Leisure Activities in the Holy Dominion of Zuhlgan
Leisure time within the Holy Dominion is carefully regulated and aligned with the regime's values, emphasizing modesty, purity, and adherence to Zhukva scripture. Despite the strict constraints, citizens may engage in state-approved forms of entertainment, while some may seek clandestine ways to indulge in activities outside the prescribed norms. While the regime attempts to tightly control leisure activities, the human spirit often seeks avenues for personal expression, creating a delicate balance between conforming to state-sanctioned norms and seeking personal fulfillment in clandestine ways.
State-Approved Entertainment
- The Zuhlgani Media Corporation, a state-controlled entity, plays a pivotal role in shaping state-approved entertainment. Citizens may engage in activities such as:
- Religious Ceremonies: Participation in state-sanctioned religious ceremonies and rituals reinforces the regime's control over spirituality.
- State Events: Attending state-organized events that propagate the values and ideals of the Zhukva faith and the regime.
- Patriotic Gatherings: Citizens may spend leisure time attending gatherings promoting patriotism, loyalty, and unity under the Dominion.
Controlled Recreational Spaces
The regime has established controlled recreational spaces where citizens can engage in activities deemed acceptable. Such as
state-approved sporting events, promoting physical fitness and camaraderie, and regulated community gatherings to allow citizens to interact within the confines of the prescribed social norms.
State-Sanctioned Literature and Arts
Zuhlgani citizens may have access to literature, arts, and performances that align with the values of the Zhukva faith. Including displays of religiously inspired art that reinforces the regime's narrative, books and writings that adhere to the Dominion's ideology and do not deviate from Zhukva scripture.
Clandestine Leisure Activities
Despite the strict controls, some citizens may find ways to indulge in activities outside the prescribed norms. Secret meetings or gatherings where individuals may express dissent or engage in prohibited activities occur regularly. Possession of banned literature, music, or art that challenges the regime's narrative is severely punished, but one of the most broken laws in the Dominion. Citizens may also subtly challenge the regime's restrictions by participating in secular art and music. Underground artists producing work that deviates from religious themes and challenges state-approved norms appear at irregular intervals. Private occasions where individuals can express personal beliefs away from the prying eyes of the state.