Name: The Autocracy of Zymokar, Zymokar
Flag/emblem/symbolism:
Demonym: Zymokaran, Zymokarans
Description: The Autocracy is relatively diverse nation, a majority of around three fourths of Humans worshiping old Lindosian beliefs with the remaining fourth being the elvish Sokirelle worshiping their ancient Serpent cults although their Druids often pay lip service to the primary Lindosian church. An average large nation for the time Zymokar is not particularly rural or urban and doesn’t actively participate in serfdom or slavery on a large scale though small scale operations are known. Iron provide resources for forges and other nestling manufactories although such processes are rudimentary at best in Zymokar due to their relative backwardness. Most of the backlash against the modernization changes comes from the nobles although there is some popular support against adopting new systems. Farmland is not a blessing in Zymokar and while there is sufficient to feed the populace there are still seasonal famines and shortages. The Church is powerful but subservient to the Autokrator. Recently the Autocracy has expanded into some Islands to the West and further colonization efforts are considered.
Government: The Autokrator is the undisputed Ruler of Zymokar, the Nobles, the Bureaucracy and the Church all serve him. The head of the Church, the Patriarch, does crown the Autokrator however, he is both appointed by the Autokrator and at his mercy in terms of keeping his head on his shoulders. The nobles collect the actual resources of the land but the Bureaucracy assess how much belongs to the Autokrator. The Nobles additionally are divided among both ethnic, religious and titular lines preventing them from uniting even if they could call the levies on their own. All soldiers serve the Autokrator first and foremost, he is much beloved among the populace, mostly because of the Church Propaganda and nobles distancing the Autokrator from the actual tax collection. The Bureaucracy is a meritocratic system, established by a previous Autokrator to ensure the proper tax collection from the nobility and their lands.
Economy: Many nobles engage in hunting for furs however the mines are almost exclusively owned by the Autokrator. Zymokar lacks strong farmlands or other food sources like fishing and may be amenable to that. In addition, Zymokar needs more development of its industry as most production is done by dedicated craftsmen. Urbanites are organized by city councils of Administrators and the rural population is mostly organized by nobles and the church. A recession has recently hit Zymokar which has been one of the more divisive issues on the solving of that problem. Salt mines and furs provide both a decent trade income for Zymokar but also luxuries for the wealthy.
Religion: Western Autokratic Lindosianism, Winged-Serpent cults
Western Autokratic Lindosianism is like the Eastern Denominations except for some minor theological differences. Influenced by the Winged-Serpent Cults, Western Autokratic Lindosianism focuses on winged serpents rather than bird as the primary figure in Lindosian focus. A large church hierarchy is headed by the Patriarch but is subservient to the Autokrator.
The Winged-Serpent Cults are headed by local druids among the Elves, although they are tolerated, it is not appreciated for them to attempt to convert Humans or even take them in. They focus on lots of nature and natural based ideas. Mostly however they lead through basic magics. It is most prevalent in the forest although there are a few small settlements on the plains.
Geography:
A central river called the Zymes is the primary transportation throughout Zymokar as roads of in the forests are less than the best. In the plains, the roads are somewhat better but still not up to the quality of most other nations. There are broad forests throughout the westernmost peninsula except for in the further west where it transitions into hills. In the East are the more accessible plains.
Population: 5 million
Demographics
The clear majority of the population are Humans at around seventy six percent of the population with a little less than twenty five percent making up the largest minority by far. That minority is an Elvish race called the Sokirelle, in Zymokar, Humans and Sokirelle live for the most part in separate villages and cities however their regions are not geographically distinct. This is primarily since in the past due to conflicts, between Sokirelle and Humans, a previous Autokrator separated the two races to attempt to reduce tensions. As in both cases of settlement there is a rural population that is significantly than the urban population, although of standard size for this time.
Notable Locations
Capital: Lindokar, supposedly founded by Lindos himself Lindokar is not only the primary Capital but also the largest city in Zymokar. It is the economic, cultural and political capital of Zymokar although it is land locked. The Autocratic palace is located within its walls, as is the largest temple and the Patriarch.
Largest port city: Venagorod, originally a trading post the town and eventually city of Venagorod is slowly gaining prominence in Zymokar due to increasing trade with foreign nations and colonization efforts. Its harbor holds most of the Zymokaran navy.
The Only major colony is the islands out to the west and forts are often built along the borders with surround empires in the plains. The river cities are walled.
Other cities and towns pale in comparison to Lindokar and Venagorod and maybe listed on maps are have little worth speaking of.
The Tree of Serpents: E'sokir, in the elven tongue is the Great tree of Zymokar. As a holy sight to the Elves it is unsurpassed and to the Humans it is important indeed. The Winged Serpents, their bodies feathered like the birds their wings resemble, are cared for by the Druids, elven priest-mages, they see some limited use in Zymokar as they are holy to both Elf and Man alike inspiring many in the battlefield. As well some are usually present at various parades or other national holidays in the Capital or in Venagorod.
Personalities of Note
Autokrator (of all Zymokarans) Ardyr IV Lindokar
Lord High General Jandur of Venfaren
Lord High Admiral Tarrion of Iarralei
Patriarch Alrin IX
Institutions:
The Church provides most of the charity work as well as making collections in the form of donations. This is not out of kindness but instead of a desire to make the nation strong and prepare it for warfare by having every peasant ready and fit to work. The Bureaucracy is mostly in charge of the Autocracy’s finances and internal revenue from tribute of the Nobles and cities. As well as some internal policing in terms of the noble but only if they don’t pay. While the factors are growing merchant-lords primarily based in Venagorod. Indeed, they are becoming one of biggest Urban employers in the Autocracy.
Military:
Organization A volunteer militia is the standing army although the levies make up the bulk of their forces. Doctrine focuses on spear walls and Schiltrons to keep distance between Archers and the enemy force as well as a holding force. Mages are deployed as support for weakening section or just the center, reserves kept and deployed when necessary. Levies have mostly bad equipment almost all spears, cloth/leather and some iron. Militia mostly iron chain-mail with cloth army for extra protection as well as well-made spears or pikes. Archers traditionally composite bows but some crossbows more recently. Some small Noble component gives a heavily armored shock aspect but they are a rare addition except in times of war.
Troop Total: 100 thousand standing, 400k levy max in normal times.
Army: 80 thousand
Navy: 18 thousand
Mages: 2 thousand
Other: Mages in positioning to give support to the troops. Only a few hundred in the standard army, more raised in the levies.
Other:
Weakness: Corrupt Officers, while competent the military may spend more of its time in glory seeking or other personal goals for higher ranking officers than fighting an enemy properly. They try for political appointments and favoritism.
Big Strength: Army of the Masses, Zymokar peasants are particularly stubborn but also willing to strongly support their Autokrator. In times of great danger many flocks of peasants may be conscripted to fight, even if there are not enough weapons peasants are expected to pick up the weapons of their fallen comrades.
Strength: Colonial Ambitions, because of their competition with neighboring powers the Autokrator has focused heavily into colonial ventures. As a result they have more of the new continent explored than one may expect as well as one of the first successful colonies in the New world. Many of these colonists are peasants and urbanites however some of the Administration and one or two nobles have been sent to rule in the new lands. As well ecclesiastical authorities of course