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.

Government and Governance

The Holy Dominion of Zuhlgan operates under a unique system of governance defined by a totalitarian oligarchic regime, where the Zhukva faith serves as both the spiritual foundation and the instrument of state control. The government structure is designed to consolidate power under the divine authority of Zhukvana, the deity revered by the Zhukva faith. The government derives its legitimacy from the divine mandate granted by Zhukvana, as interpreted by the Divine Committee. The laws of the state, known as "The Laws of God and His Servants on Pacifica," are meticulously interpreted by the committee to shape legislation and governance. Deviation from these laws is considered heretical and invites severe consequences, reinforcing the intertwining of religious doctrine and state control.

The Eyes of God, commonly known as "The Eyes," function as the political police force, ensuring strict surveillance, detecting and punishing infringements, and suppressing political opponents. Educational institutions, workplaces, and public spaces are closely monitored to ensure compliance with state-mandated doctrines. The government reinforces its authority through a rigid caste system that stratifies society into distinct social classes. Each caste has specific roles, privileges, and limitations, serving as a mechanism of social control. The Lornaiidan, the highest caste, includes members of the Divine Committee, the Arkava, and some commanders, wielding significant influence over religious and political matters.

Theocratic Oligarchy

At the pinnacle of the Holy Dominion's governance is the Divine Committee, a group of 14 men known as Autarks. These individuals, appointed by the Arkava, hold significant influence in decision-making processes and contribute to the regime's adherence to Zhukva scripture. The Divine Committee is considered the earthly conduit of Zhukvana's will, and their decisions are framed as divine mandates that must be obeyed without question. The Zhukva faith is not only the spiritual doctrine followed by the populace but also an all-encompassing system that dictates every aspect of its followers' existence. The government utilizes the Zhukva faith as a tool for political control, shaping societal norms, gender roles, and cultural expressions. The Zhukva faith's teachings emphasize unwavering loyalty to divine authority, reinforcing a culture of obedience and conformity.

Despite the regime's efforts to consolidate power and suppress dissent, reports suggest the existence of underground movements and resistance. The oppressive governance structure faces challenges from individuals and groups striving for change, advocating for human rights, and seeking to expose the alleged atrocities within the Holy Dominion. The government of the Holy Dominion of Zuhlgan operates as a theocratic oligarchy, intertwining the Zhukva faith with political governance. The regime's control extends across various facets of society, employing religious doctrine, surveillance, and economic planning to maintain authority. The unique fusion of spiritual and political power poses challenges for international actors seeking to address the reported human rights abuses and promote a more inclusive and just system within the Holy Dominion.

The Arkava

The Arkava, the head of government and state, leads the Divine Committee. This figure is considered the earthly emissary of Zhukvana and holds supreme executive authority. The Arkava's role is multifaceted, encompassing religious leadership, political governance, and enforcement of Zhukva doctrine. The position is typically held for life or until resignation, ensuring a stable and unwavering leadership that aligns with the regime's ideology. The government extends its control to the economic sphere through strict central planning. Under the guidance of the Zhukva faith and the Arkava's leadership, the state plays a dominant role in planning and directing economic activities. Central planners dictate production targets, resource allocation, and economic policies to align with the regime's ideology. The economy is organized into planned sectors, emphasizing self-sufficiency and adherence to Zhukva principles.

The government of the Holy Dominion engages in diplomatic relations with other nations, navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. Despite international criticism and calls for sanctions, the regime maintains strategic alliances that contribute to its resilience. Diplomatic efforts often prioritize economic interests and strategic partnerships, challenging the global community's ability to enforce accountability.

The Divine Committee

The Divine Committee stands as the pinnacle of political and religious authority within the Holy Dominion of Zuhlgan. Comprising 14 Autarks, influential individuals chosen for their unwavering loyalty to the Zhukva faith, the committee is led by the Arkava, considered the earthly emissary of Zhukvana, the divine deity revered in the Zhukva faith.

Roles and Functions

Spiritual Guidance

The Divine Committee serves as the highest religious authority, interpreting the Laws of God and His Servants on Pacifica. Their interpretations guide the spiritual principles that govern Zuhlgani society.

Governance

As the highest governing body, the Divine Committee plays a crucial role in shaping policies and decisions that impact the entire nation. The Autarks contribute to the formulation of laws and regulations, ensuring they align with their interpretation of Zhukva scripture.

Selection of Arkava

The committee is responsible for selecting the Arkava, the paramount leader of the Holy Dominion. Although in practice, the outgoing Arkava holds significant influence over the selection of the committee.

Adjudication of Heresy

The Divine Committee acts as the ultimate authority in matters of heresy and challenges to the Zhukva faith. Accusations of dissent or deviation from the prescribed doctrines are brought before the committee, which decides on appropriate actions and punishments.

Internal Oversight

Commanders, while powerful in their own right, are subject to the oversight of the Divine Committee. The committee monitors the activities of its members, ensuring absolute loyalty to the Arkava and the Zhukva faith.

Enforcement of Zhukva Ideology

The committee plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the Zhukva ideology, ensuring that every aspect of Zuhlgani society adheres to the prescribed doctrines. This includes overseeing education, cultural expression, and the enforcement of societal norms.

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 (of Commanders)

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.

Cultural Control and Education

The Holy Dominion of Zuhlgan places a strong emphasis on cultural control as a tool for shaping the mindset of its citizens. The regime tightly regulates education, ensuring that it aligns with Zhukva scripture and the principles of the authoritarian state.

The education system is meticulously crafted to instill unwavering loyalty to the Zhukva faith and the regime. The curriculum emphasizes religious studies, Zhukva scripture interpretation, and state-approved historical narratives. Critical thinking and dissenting perspectives are actively discouraged, with educational materials carefully curated to reinforce the ideals of the Dominion. The regime employs strict censorship measures, controlling access to information and shaping public discourse. Libraries, bookstores, and educational institutions are purged of materials that deviate from the state-sanctioned narrative. Propaganda is integrated into educational materials, promoting the regime's values and demonizing perceived enemies. Students are exposed to a carefully curated version of history that aligns with the Dominion's ideology.

Surveillance in Educational Institutions

Educational institutions are monitored closely by The Eyes of God (The Eyes) to ensure compliance with state-mandated doctrines. Teachers and students alike are scrutinized for any signs of dissent or deviation from the prescribed curriculum. Informants within educational institutions report on colleagues or peers suspected of harboring opposing views, contributing to an atmosphere of constant surveillance and fear.

Enforcement of Modesty

The regime enforces strict dress codes, particularly for women, to emphasize modesty and conformity to traditional values. Public appearances and interactions are scrutinized to ensure adherence to these codes. Violations of dress codes may result in public shaming, corporal punishment, or more severe consequences, depending on the perceived severity of the transgression. The Dominion extends its control to personal relationships, with The Eyes actively monitoring interactions between citizens. Any perceived deviation from prescribed norms, including fraternization between castes or genders, is subject to punishment. The regime discourages any form of personal expression that deviates from state-approved norms. Public writings or names of any kind are removed, and possession of secular items may lead to severe consequences, including execution.

Medical Practices and Eugenics

The Zhukva faith's influence extends to eugenic practices, with the regime seemingly promoting selective breeding programs to ensure the 'purity' of the Dominion's population. Individuals with perceived genetic defects or 'undesirable traits' may be discouraged from procreation, reinforcing the regime's vision of an ideal society. The Dominion exhibits a strong bias against individuals with disabilities. Children with disabilities are allegedly deported or executed, reflecting a eugenic ideology that prioritizes physical and genetic perfection.

Regular medical examinations are mandated by the state to assess individuals' fitness for specific roles within the society. Those deemed unfit may face reassignment to less desirable roles or even deportation to the Colonies.

Alleged Religious Persecution and Human Rights Abuses

The Colonies

The Colonies are designated areas where dissenters, criminals, or those deemed 'undesirable' are reportedly sent, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience. Individuals sent to the Colonies are said to face forced labor in hazardous and toxic environments, leading to slow and painful deaths. The threat of deportation to the Colonies is often used as a means of coercion to enforce obedience. The Colonies are isolated from the rest of the Dominion, making escape virtually impossible. The harsh conditions and lack of resources contribute to the deprivation and suffering of those sentenced to this fate. Information from the Colonies is tightly controlled, with the state presenting a sanitized version of life in these areas to maintain an illusion of order and productivity.

Mass Salvagings

Public executions, referred to as "Salvagings," are allegedly regularly held in the Colonies to instill fear and suppress dissent. These gruesome events serve as a spectacle, with the bodies of executed individuals displayed as a warning to others. Salvagings may involve various methods, including hanging, drowning, stoning, beating, burning, and crushing, designed to inflict maximum suffering and send a chilling message to the population.

Deportation of Religious Minorities

The Dominion's alleged discriminatory practices extend beyond its borders, as it actively targets Tiribtalla worshipers, casting a shadow over its claim of religious freedom. According to reports from the Barrier Islands Civil Liberties Union (BICLU), Tiribtalla worshipers are systematically deported en masse to Krauanagaz. This process, described as "ruthless," reportedly involves cramming individuals into cargo ships, leading to the tragic loss of lives during the journey. The BICLU says the mass deportations suggest a calculated strategy to suppress alternative religious beliefs, consolidating the Zhukva faith's dominance. BICLU suggests that Dominion's leaders view Tiribtalla worshipers as ideological rivals or dissenting elements that challenge the religious homogeneity they seek to enforce.

Ethnic Discrimination

According to both the Krauanagaz Federal Human Rights Commission (FHRC) the Dominion's discriminatory actions extend to ethnic Krautali individuals. The FHRC says survivors from Zuhlgan report bring labeled as the "Children of Tallaz" in religious rhetoric. Refugees report that Krautali individuals face persecution that goes beyond mere deportation. Based on these reports the FHRC alleges that all Krautali men are subjected to execution, while infertile Krautali women are forcibly sent to the treacherous Colonies. The FHRC contends that the Dominion's leaders exploit women and minority groups as convenient scapegoats, fostering an atmosphere of intolerance and fear. The FHRC states that, "the branding of Krautali individuals as the 'Children of Tallaz' suggests a deliberate attempt to dehumanize and vilify a specific ethnic group, perhaps to justify their persecution in the eyes of the faithful. The reported execution of Krautali men and forced relocation of women point to a brutal suppression aimed at eradicating a perceived threat to the Dominion's religious and ethnic homogeneity."

International Response and Controversies

The alleged human rights abuses and discriminatory practices within the Holy Dominion of Zuhlgan have sparked international condemnation and concern. Various nations, human rights organizations, and international bodies have raised their voices against the reported atrocities, calling for investigations and accountability.

In response to the allegations of religious persecution, discrimination, and mass deportations, some nations have advocated for economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation of the Holy Dominion. These measures aim to pressure the authoritarian regime into addressing human rights concerns and ceasing discriminatory practices. However, implementing comprehensive sanctions faces challenges due to the Dominion's strategic alliances and economic influence. Some nations, driven by economic interests or strategic alliances, continue to maintain diplomatic ties with the Holy Dominion despite the reported atrocities. This has led to ethical debates within the international community, with critics arguing that prioritizing economic gain over human rights undermines the principles of justice and morality.

Human rights organizations, supported by affected communities and sympathetic nations, have called for the establishment of an international tribunal to hold the leaders of the Holy Dominion accountable for alleged crimes against humanity. The call for justice intensifies as evidence mounts, highlighting the need for a transparent and impartial forum to adjudicate the reported violations and ensure accountability.

Refugee Crisis and Exile Communities

The reported atrocities within the Holy Dominion have triggered a significant refugee crisis, with individuals fleeing persecution and seeking asylum in neighboring nations. Krauanagaz, in particular, has become a destination for refugees escaping religious and ethnic persecution. International organizations, including the Barrier Islands Civil Liberties Union (BICLU) and the Krauanagaz Federal Human Rights Commission (FHRC), have collaborated to provide aid and support to the displaced populations.

Deportation Survivor Testimonies

Survivors of the alleged mass deportations have shared harrowing testimonies, detailing the conditions they endured during the journey and the challenges faced in exile. These testimonies serve as crucial evidence for human rights advocates and contribute to the international community's understanding of the severity of the situation within the Holy Dominion.

Despite the regime's pervasive control, reports suggest the existence of underground movements and pockets of resistance within the Holy Dominion. Dissidents, intellectuals, and activists secretly organize to challenge the oppressive regime, circulating forbidden literature, and coordinating acts of defiance. The Dominion's harsh penalties for dissent create an environment where resistance operates cautiously, with individuals risking their lives to challenge the authoritarian rule.

The plight of the Holy Dominion's oppressed population has spurred international solidarity movements. Activists and advocacy groups worldwide join forces to raise awareness, organize protests, and lobby for increased international intervention. Social media campaigns, documentaries, and artistic expressions have become powerful tools in shedding light on the struggles faced by the people of Zuhlgan.

The Holy Dominion's alleged human rights abuses have strained diplomatic relations between nations sympathetic to the regime and those advocating for intervention. The geopolitical landscape is marked by a divide between nations seeking economic or strategic benefits from the Dominion and those prioritizing human rights and ethical considerations.

References

Barrier Islands Civil Liberties Union (BICLU) Report on Holy Dominion of Zuhlgan (2022).

Krauanagaz Federal Human Rights Commission (FHRC) Documentation on Ethnic Discrimination in Zuhlgan (2023).

International Tribunal for Human Rights Petition - Holy Dominion of Zuhlgan (2022).

Survivor Testimonies: Voices from the Holy Dominion (2014-2024).