Sublime Zanikoji of Variyako

Sublime Zanikoji of Variyako ፁ᎕የ፡ተኡንድዬ᎐ዘኒኮዪከ፡ቨሪጀኮዎ (Ooya Taćundye'zanikojika Variyakowo)
← ~100BCE–1901CE →   →   →
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem
Imperial Anthem of Variyakosrc
Map of Variyako and its spheres of influence in Neira, c. 1900. Dark green denotes its actual territory, light green its protectorates.
Nation
Capital:	Mestata
Official languages:	Wunal
Demonym:	Variyakoi
Politics
Government:	Theocratic Absolute Monarchy
- Zanikoj:	Vukomanovića XII
- Ulavja:	Duško Orejo
Legislature:	Ravadi
State religion:	Soziti (Mizeykehoi Kruiči)
Formation:	~100 BCE
Geography & Demographics
Population:	34,900,000
Ethnic groups:	94.49% Variyakoi
National minorities:	Tzolk (2.5%), Odokcracian (1.5%), Zeleovkian (1%), Likadjai (0.2%), Xhequan (0.1%), Justvakaun (0.2%), Atraethean (0.01%)
Time zone:	SMT +6
Economy
Currency:	Anbra (ነ)(?)
GNP:	ነ49288 Ꭶ28,094 million ([1])
GNP per capita:	Ꭶ805 ([2])
Core industries:	Soy, cotton, lumber, coal, iron, copper, gold, textiles, livestock, slaves
Primary imports:	Wheat, silver, gemstones, industrial goods, spices, wines, fruits, opium poppies
[Source]

Work in progress This article is currently still being written. The author(s) apologise for the inconvenience. The people working on this article are: Dog of War

The Sublime Zanikoji of Variyako (Wunal: ፁ᎕የ፡ተኡንድዬ᎐ዘኒኮዪከ፡ቨሪጀኮዎ tr. Ooya Taćundye'zanikojika Variyakowo) more commonly referred to as Variyako was an imperial power on the continent of Neira that existed between ~100BCE to its 1901CE. It was throughout its existence an absolute theocratic monarchy where the Zanikoj had unchecked power, being recognised as God's representative in Variyako as well as the political, religious and cultural centre of the Soziti faith.

The first Variyakoi state was formed around 2000 BCE as the Kingdom of Mestata, a city state centred around the city of Mestata. The kingdom through control of vital ports and little tariffs became a wealthy trading post being a haven for Variyakoi intellectuals. In 114 BCE a group of scholars who claimed to have been sent God's word complied the Iszotec and created the first Ravadi in Mestata, making the kingdom the birthplace of the Soziti faith. In 100 BCE the king of Mestata adopted the Soziti faith, becoming the Zanikoj and creating the Sublime Zanikoji of Variyako (with Variyako meaning "Land of Faith and Prosperity"). From 0 BCE too 1300 BCE Variyako under the Žaraǰodaši Dynasty embarked on a series of conquests known as the Variyakoi Unification Wars which saw the assimilation of Variyakoi people's. In 1310 Variyako was invaded by Xhequa starting the Variyakoi-Xhequan War, which eventually saw Xhequa repelled and its puppet states in Neira in 1400. Following this Variyako embarked on the Tzolk-Variyakoi Wars whilst invading and occupying Sepercy as well as expanding the empire to cover Umlokovy, Odokcraca, Zeleovki and Justavka. This period, lasting from roughly 1425 to 1700 was known as the "golden age" of Variyako, due to vast economic prosperity as well as being a centre for technological innovation Variyakoisation was carried out across the nation with people forced to adhere to Variyakoi religion and culture.

This era came to an end in the 1700's when Variyako's economy began to decline as peasant rebellions erupted throughout the nation, being triggered by continued Variyakoisation and more importantly grain shortages. In 1865 a culmination of a lack of modernisation, economic stagnation, inflation, oppression and growing nationalism led to the Odokcracian Revolt which began the Variyakoi Civil War, which saw numerous nationalities fight for independence as well as several rebellions occurring within Variyako proper. Only Odokcraca achieved independence with the other states becoming protectorates of the imperial crown. In 1884 Atraeth invaded Justavka removing it from Variyako's sphere of influence prompting the government to finally begin modernisation efforts, starting to embark on industrialisation and militarisation as well as emerge from self-imposed isolationism. However, Variyako continued to resist liberalism, secularism, and constitutionalism, only tepidly adopting industrialism and capitalism in the twilight of the 1800's, wherein experienced economic growth and the buildup of a much stronger military. However socio-economic tensions and the unreformed conservative governance led to internal tensions within Variyako, and after the start of the First World War peasant revolts, military rebellions and social unrest led to the Variyakoi Revolution. The revolution resulted in the Sublime Zanikoji after 2,000 years of ruling over Variyako to collapse, being replaced by the Variyakoi People's Republic and the Vilakismusi Republic of Variyako, with the latter later taking control of the entirety of Variyako in 1908.

History

Formation

The predecessor of the Sublime Zanikoji was the Kingdom of Mestata, which through its strategic position, trade policies and resources enabled it to become the wealthiest of the Nerian city states that dominated the continent prior to the common era. Mestata's wealth spurred it to establish a hegemony over Neria, and as such it attracted several intellectuals who developed the Wunal language, a more unified Nerian culture and Variyakoi philosophy. In 114BCE a group of scholars who claimed to have received a message from God complied the Iszotec which outlined the Soziti religion, stating that unless humankind converted to Soziti it would be consigned to chaos and destruction, and only through submission to God would harmony be achieved. These Sozitist preachers according to Soziti canon courted the King of Mestata, Žaraǰodaši I, who converted to Soziti and was declared the Zanikoj of Soziti bequeathing him the status of God's prophet on earth. Žaraǰodaši I subsequently made a declaration that mandated that all under his rule were to convert to Soziti, and created the Sublime Zanikoji of Variyako, with Variyako meaning "land of God".

Unification Wars

Following the declaration of Variyako the rulers of the new country started to expand their influence across the Nerian continent. The new class of Soziti priests started to displace landlords and the custodians of the old temples. Up until 28BCE the rulers of Variyako dramatically expanded Variyakoi territory, as well as spread Soziti via priests and missionaries across Neria. Lords would convert to Soziti and swear fealty to the Zanikoj, with those who resisted often being killed and their lands sacked. Variyakoi soldiers developed a reputation for their excessive brutality and the heavy-handed methods they used to crush dissent. The Wunal language was used as a way to unite the ethnic Variyakoi people alongside forced conversions to Soziti. In 28BCE a rebellion was started by an alliance of nobles centred in the city of Obejila against Žaraǰodaši IV, and lasted until 14CE when his successor Žaraǰodaši V raided Obejila.

In 22CE Zankoj Radoslav I implemented several tariffs before closing the ports of Mestata, believing that traders were inherently unholy. Variyako subsequently became more aggressive in its desire to spread Soziti across the continent with the Tasiyat becoming more aggressive in enforcing Soziti law. The closing of ports, focus of military expansion and moves to further implement Soziti law meant that tensions between the ruling priests and the local landlords reignited starting another rebellion, known as the Piluski Revolt, in 44CE against Zankoj Radoslav II. The rebellion was eventually put down in 61CE, although the local landlords were still the pre-eminent force within the social strata. Following the end of the Piluski Revolt the Variyakoi state continued to expand at a steady rate. Up until 657CE Variyako's rulers exercised loose control over their subjects, with landlords starting to institutionalise Soziti doctrine. This culminated in the rule of Uros II, who was crowned at eight being blind and mentally unstable. Control over Variyakoi territory from the government in Mestata ecame non-existent outside of the occasional tax collection. Soziti doctrine was loosely enforced following the Piluski Revolt.

In 657CE Uros II died with his successor being his cousin Dragaš V. Dragaš V sought to destroy the power of the nobility and have the Zanikoj enforce total control, confiscating land from landlords and giving it over to priests. Soziti doctrine was more heavily enforced as was control from the royal court, with rebellions being suppressed brutally. In 689CE Dragaš VI officially enshrined Kruiči Mizeykeho Soziti as the religion to be enforced, with Kruiči Mizeykeho Soziti proclaiming the Zanikoj as god-incarnate and that the Žaraǰodaši dynasty held the sole claim to the title. This cemented the Zanikoj as being above the nobility and the landlords who were not loyal to the Zanikoj. Until 1310 Variyako continued to expand, with conversion being speeded up by the presence of missionaries into Zeleovki, Umlokovy, Likadja, Odokcraca and Justavka. During this time power shifted between the Ravadi and the Zanikoj depending on the Zanikoj.

Geography

Geography of Variyako, c.1900, showing topography and summer flora

Politics

Governance

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Variyako was ruled according to the doctrines of Soziti faith, specifically the Mizeykeho denomination within the Kruiči branch. Mizeykehoi writings state that God rules through his earthly vassal known as the Zanikoj, who possess almost limitless powers. Executive power was given to the Imperial Council, which was made up of appointed advisers to the Zanikoj and led by the head of the military, who serves as the head of government. Official legislative power sits in the hands of the Ravadi which was made up exclusively of religious scholars appointed by the Zanikoj. The Ravadi nominally hold more power then the Imperial Council as according to Mizeykehoi doctrine the Zanikoj must act upon the word of the Ravadi before any earthly political institution - however the Zanikoj as often delegated more power to the Imperial Council, whose members were also often part of the Ravadi. As neither the Imperial Council nor the Ravadi were de facto able to bypass each other ultimately it falls to the Zanikoj to settle governmental disputes, thus allowing for the Zanikoj to retain absolute power over the state.

The Zanikoj was an absolute monarch who had almost unchecked powers - the only restriction the Zanikoj faces was that he must obey Soziti law. The Zanikoj was seen within Variyako as God Incarnate, and was practically worshipped as such. Vukomanovića XII, the last Zanikoj, hailed from the House of Žaraǰodaši which had ruled Variyako since the unification wars in the first century. The position of Zanikoj was hereditary and was restricted to the closest male descendants of the previous Zanikoj. The full title of the Zanikoj is "The most divine Zanikoj of Variyako, defender of the faith, and protector of Variyako and all her spheres" (Wunal: ኸክ፡ኼ᎙ሆ᎐ዘኒኮዪኪ፡ቨሪጀኮዎ፣ጀዊ፡ሥለቮልዎ፡ነየ᎐ሀተኪ፣ፀኬ፡ነየ᎐ሀተ᎐ኬጀ᎖ኪ፡ቨሪጀኮዎ፡ፀኬ፡ኔብቨ᎐ኩ᎙ዎ፡ፂዠዱተኪ trans. Ǩak Ǩehho'zanikojki Variyakowo, Yawi Slavolwo Naja'hataki, ake Naja'hata'keǰǎki Variyakowo ake Nebva'kuhwo Ižadutaki).

The Imperial Council was chaired by 28 officials appointed by the Ulavja and approved by the Zanikoj. Largely picked from a handful skilled bureaucrats loyal to the Zanikoj the Imperial Council officially presides over the day-to-day running of Variyako, but in actuality drafts and amends numerous laws that were approved of by the Zanikoj. Usually to be appointed to the position of Imperial Councillor normally coincides with an invitation to the Imperial Court. The Imperial Court itself was an unofficial delegation of nobility, clergy, servants and bureaucrats who attend on the Zanikoj, and serves as a way of balancing power between the power groups in Variyako. However, the nobility of Variyako were largely shunted out of the political process at a state level where power lies firmly in the hands of bureaucrats, the clergy and the Imperial Family so to prevent the nobility overthrowing the Zanikoj.

The Ravadi (which translates roughly to "Congregation") meanwhile serves as the official law making body in Variyako. The Ravadi were appointed by the Zanikoj from a pool of religious scholars recommended by senior members of the Ravadi itself, and as such only drafts, amends and repeals law based on Soziti teachings. The Ravadi overall was made up of around 54 clerics. Recent political developments had weakened the power of the Ravadi in favour of the Zanikoj who can bypass the Ravadi completely.

The military currently play a substantial role in Variyakoi politics. The official head of government was the Ulavja, the highest ranking member of the Imperial Army and the second most powerful man in Variyako after the Zanikoj. The Ulavja was tasked with leading the Imperial Council and choosing its members, with the Ulavja being appointed by the Zanikoj. The Ulavja also acts as the Regent of Variyako when the Zanikoj is deemed too young or unfit to rule by the Ravadi.

Administrative Divisions

Variyako was divided into 17 Verneris (provinces), each being led by a local priest known as the Vernerial. Below the Verneris sits the Vovens (counties), of which there were 81 of in Variyako. The Vovens were then divided into Retovos (towns) of which there were over 300. Finally below the Retovos were the thousands of Iznilas, which serve as traditional villages and the like.

Verneris of Variyako	No.	Province	Capital
	1	Mestata	Mestata
	2	Kraiona	Nepostka
	3	Oshlam	Pogozem
	4	Sionori	Chanata
	5	25x18px Edinko	Mažupani
	6	25x18px Samǩa	Mićalji
	7	Navgaǰaši	Kakoraina
	8	Ubaviči	Hizǰako
	9	Ionik	Zelolepo
	10	Čelvanie	Nesilni
	11	Belwaza	Ojokina
	12	Lazovši	Priuda
	13	Ivnaǩa	Žoublo
	14	Vešenje	Abvovani
	15	Jećelazu	Divjudima
	16	Lukačaju	Anya
	17	Savihivu	Poivar

Military

A selection of uniforms used by the Imperial Army

The Variyakoi Blessed Imperial Armed Forces serves as the military of Variyako. It was divided into three main forces - the Imperial Army, the Imperial Navy and the Blessed Imperial Guards. The military was headed by the Ulavja, the second most powerful person in Variyako and the highest ranking officer after the Zanikoj himself. Below him sits the Military Council, which was headed by senior members of the Army, Navy and Imperial Guards.

Legal system

Variyako's legal system was based on religious law. The Ravadi ultimately serve as the highest lawmaking body as well as co-currently the highest court in the country. Below them sit Ǩaskwuko courts which administer and interpret the application of religious law. Due to the pre-eminence of religious law Xaskwuko courts sit supreme and were the de facto standardised courts in Variyako, although their size and jurisdiction vary from province to province. At the top of a Ǩaskwuko sits a Slayuk who interprets the law as he sees fit. Below him were several lower ranking priests who can advise him but were unable to administer Soziti law. There was no jury, however there was a defendant and witnesses may be brought in for interrogation. Prosecutors may be employed to argue against the accused but ultimately sentencing was in the hands of the Slayuk alone.

Foreign Policy

Variyako had traditionally been the imperialist power on Neira, having dominated the continent since its unification. As such it had been able to exert enormous control of various regions, although such control had fluctuated immensely in Variyako's long history. Currently the Zanikoj maintains a personal union with the states of Zeleovki and Umlokovy, holding the titles of Vazsky of Gradnyn and of Kovecko. In reality Variyako controls these states, who have little independence in their own political affairs.

Previously Variyko was also in a held sovereignty over modern day Odokcraca) and Justavka (now a colony of Atraeth). Both experienced centuries of suppression of traditional culture and attempted ethnic cleansing, which resulted in the Variyakoi Civil War that saw secessionists supported by Atraeth fight against Variyako. Only the Odokcracian Revolt was successful although Zeleovki, Umlokovy, and Justavka were all granted nominal independence. Nevertheless continued resistance in Justavka resulted in the Atraelish invasion of lower Neira which resulted in the dissolution of Justavka. As such relations between Variyako and Atraeth were extremely poor.

Prior to the Atraelish invasion Variyko followed a strict policy of isolationism against nation outside of Neira, only engaging in trade with Xhequa. However since the coronation of Vukomanovića XII and the removal of many of more conservative members of the government Variyko had sought to establish relations with other world powers. Most notably Variyako had cemented strong miliary and political ties with Saeyri, having supported the government of Juotsou Hou-gemgun following the Jangsong Rebellion. Variyako had also discussed creating official relations with Etruarand.

Variyako's relation with Xhequa remain complex. In the past Variyako and Xhequa have gone to war with each other - most notably in 1330 the Variyakoi-Xhequan War saw Xhequa mount a full blown invasion of Variyako that was repelled. Variyako responded by invading and occupying Sepercy for 50 years, where they were eventually repelled by 1500. The occupation of Sepercy saw attempted Variyakoisation although this process was hampered by frequent wars with the local residents. Following the war Xhequa began to maintain a trade only policy with Neiran states, moving to recognise both Variyako and Tzolkun, whose lands Variyko had long claimed sovereignty over. However, Xhequa had been trading with Variyako since its creation, with Xhequa often serving as the main exporter of Variyako goods worldwide. As such both nations have created mutual defence pacts and trade agreements with each other, although the Variyakoi government had criticised Xhequa because they feel the latter had provided military and economic support to Tzolkun, whilst Xhequa still mistrusts Variyako over the Sepercian occupation.

Political Opposition

Political organisations were officially banned by the government. However, there were several well known "secret societies" often led by petty bourgeoisie intellectuals. The most notable was perhaps the "Constitutionalist and Nationalist Congress" an ostensibly liberal organisation that was originally founded by reformists who wanted to create a secular Variyako with a constitutional monarchy. Prior to the Variyakoi Civil War the Congress worked alongside its contemporariness in other Variyakoi states such as the Najidu and became an major agitator for reform of the imperial system. After the war the Congress was infiltrated by government spies, becoming a tool in which potential dissidents could be recruited into and subsequently exposed.

Primarily opposition groups in Variyako come from ethnic people's who wish for more autonomy within the empire or to have an independent state. Prior to the 1860's such movements were dispersed - however following the independence of Odokcracia such movements have increased. To combat this the Variyakoi government granted nominal independence to the provinces of Justavka, Zeleovki and Umlokovy. Nevertheless within those nations opposition to blatant Variyakoi imperialism were rampant, especially amongst the elite middle classes.

Increasingly political radicalism had begun to arise in Variyako. Many intellectuals as well as the nascent industrial workers have looked towards western ideals such as liberalism, socialism, communism and democracy. In order to counter this the Variyakoi government had further banned any freedom of assembly and denounced the concepts of democracy, liberty, collective bargaining and equality, using the secret police to "purify ungodly thoughts". Notable underground opposition movements include the National Revolutionary League, the Navgaǰaši Society, and the Labour Vilakismus Front.

Law enforcement

Variyakoi's first form of law enforcement were town sheriffs who could recruit members of the community to help him catch or hunt down criminals. When the city state of Mestata was created the army was used to enforce the governments law, although local feudal lords in reality commanded local sheriffs and gangs to carry out their own version of law enforcement. The central government mainly mandated for the collection of taxes, whose collection was delegated to local lords and sheriffs.

Following the introduction of Soziti the Tasiyat were created to enforce Soziti doctrine. The Tasiyat became feared as a powerful institution, massacring those who refused to convert to Soziti and abducting and torturing those who were deemed to be engaging in heretical acts. The Tasiyat were soon expanded to include many spies whom often deposed of lords who opposed the Zankoj as well as becoming responsible for tax collection. However, in 1489 members of the Tasiyat were implicated in a bid to assassinate the Zanikoj, causing him to weaken the powers of the organisation, dismantling the large network of spies. This eventually led to the Tasiyat assassinating the Zanikoj in 1501, with his son reinstating the organisations powers. In doing so he also enforced new guidelines for the Tasiyats recruitment, which included having members trained from a young age and secluded until they had completed training. This training emphasised utter commitment to Soziti doctrines and the Zanikoj, with members being trained by priests rather then their superiors. In doing this the Zanikoj effectively ensured the loyalty of the Tasiyat, which soon only answered to the Zanikoj alone.

Currently Variyako continues to use the Tasiyat as a secret religious/political police force, and town sheriffs to enforce local laws. This had resulted in a great focus being placed around theft, tax collection and religious/political dissent over fraud, assault and even murder. Increasingly priests carry greater respect then land owners, as priests retain control of the Tasiyat.

Economy

A 100 Anbra note, featuring a western-style tondo portrait of Vukomanovića XII in the centre

Variyako's economy was largely dominated by agriculture and mining, with very little investment being placed into its nascent industry. Government intervention into the economy was negligible, although high tariffs were in place alongside other protectionist policies. A system of feudalism exists, with around 85% of the workforce being either in serfdom or outright slavery. Industrialisation had been a slow provcess and mainly concentrated in major cities such as Mestata, Hizǰako and Anya. Recently some of the more draconian protectionist have been struck down in order to better integrate Variyako into the world market and help spur economic growth.

Currency

The currency of Variyako was the Anbra (ነ) which was created by the Central Bank of Variyako. In 1901, an Anbra was equivalent to Ꭶ0.57. An Anbra can be broken down into a hundred Rinata's (ሪ). Variyako currently backs the Anbra and the Rinata with gold. Plans were currently underway to start to print paper money, although this policy proposed by the central bank was stuck in limbo due to opposition from conservative economists.

Agriculture

Map of Variyako's infrastructure, c. 1900 CE

Around 80% of Variyako's total population cultivate the land for agricultural practices. Many of them were serfs whom work for a local priest who rule over large tacts of agricultural land. There were also many freed peasants who also work on the land. The main agricultural yields grown in Variyako were soybeans, cotton and rice. Variyako was the world's largest producer of soybeans and one of the largest producers of cotton. Much of Variyako's rice produce was inwardly used to feed its population, although recently rice exports have increased to the expense of the general population.

Various other foodstuffs grown in Variyako include oil seeds and sugarcane both of which serve as secondary exports for Vairyako. Generally these crops were produced on smaller farms to large sprawling cotton and rice fields, and carry higher taxes. Variyako's moderate weather means growing fruit was generally difficult in Variyako, with the notable exception being apples which forms a key part in most Variyakoi diets. Variyako also does not grow much wheat, which had been historically imported via Xhequa. The trade of wheat was one of the first interactions Variyako had with another nation.

It is estimated that just over half of Variyako's land is arable, despite supporting almost the entire population. As a result of this bad harvests often lead to famine, which also results in grain hoarding being extremely common amongst provincial lords. Famines in Variyako disproportionally affect the eastern and southwestern regions, with the northern and southern regions being nicknamed the breadbaskets of Variyako, especially the region of Lukačaju. The area's worst hit by famines are usually Navgaǰaši, Samǩa, and Ubaviči, which are import-reliant, largely mountainous provinces with little or no arable farmland capable of independently feeding their populations.

Variyako also had a large livestock industry, mainly geared around the raising buffalos and sheep which are native to Variyako. Livestock farms were centred around the deforested regions of Lazovši and Ivnaǩa. Meat from the livestock was exported in large quantities overseas as well as being used to feed the large population. Fishing was also a crucial industry in Variyako, with large shipping ports dotting the western and southern coasts. Fishing constitutes the third largest industry after soybeans and cotton.

Industry

Map of the planned Sevanica-Anya railroad

Variyako had a small industrial base, mostly concentrated around large cities. Industry was mostly limited to the military modernisation with the production of refined steel and guns. Perhaps the most notable sign of industrialisation was the manufacture of trains and railroads, which had been deemed a government priority with substantial subsidies being given to rail companies to handle the financing of such ambitious projects.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the Variyakoi government was in the process of constructing the ambitious Nerian Rail Road, which would travel from the southern town of Anya to the northern port town of Sevanica in Zeleovki. It would also pass through the capital Mestata and the fortress city of Helezhat in Umlokovy. The project had been criticised for being overly ambitious, being constructed mainly with imported materials which had put economic strain of Variyako. As with other industrial projects in Variyako the workforce was often made up of slaves. As of 1900 it was in the final stages of development, although its construction had resulted in Variyako's debt to explode.

Mining

Mining alongside agricultural constitutes for over 85% of the countries total GDP. Major minerals and metals mined in Variyako include coal, iron, copper and gold which were extracted in large quantities. The central mining regions were located in the east, especially in Samǩa, Navgaǰaši and Ubaviči, where there were huge coal and iron deposits. Copper was mostly found in the Savihivu province whilst gold mines were centred around Ivnaǩa.

Mining in Variyako uses rudimentary techniques, although productivity had increased since dynamite was introduced in 1878. Children were often used to transport mineral deposits to other miners. A total lack of safety regulations had often led to tunnel collapses and over inhaling of various gases. Due to the extremely dangerous conditions used for mining and pitifully low pay slaves were often recruited to help extract the minerals at the vast quarry complexes. Mining had seen an unprecedented boom in recent years due to a demand for coal and iron for industrialist projects, although this had resulted in enormous social strife as many peasants were moved into large mining complexes.

Demographics

Ethnic groups

Map of the ethnic groups of Neira

Variyako was home to several ethnic groups. The largest of these were Biakzi Variyakoi, who comprise of around 92.25% of the population according to the 1897 census. The second largest were the Malchenie Variyakoi's, who mainly reside in the areas around Odokcraca rather then the farming heartland and make up 2.24% of the population. Malchenie Variyakoi's were culturally different to Biakzi's with most living in Odokcraca, although in many respects both groups were widely similar with ehtnic strife amongst the two being rare if existent.

Other ethnic groups include Tzolk (2.5%), Odokcracians (1.5%), Zeleovkians (1%), Likadjai (0.2%), Justvakauns (0.2%), Xhequans (0.1%), and Atraetheans (0.01%). Many in Variyako have opinionated that official government statistics do not reflect the ethnic diversity of Variyako, as several ethnic groups (such as the nomadic Gantaiz people) were often listed as Variyakoi or another ethnic group. This was too reportedly help in the "Variyakoisation" of various people's, which sees many ethnic groups assimilated into Variyakoi culture often through violent and repressive means. Ethnic minorities in Variyako frequently experience discrimination at an official and unofficial level, with the government often denying fewer rights to them then ethnic Variyakoi's. In communities such ethnic groups often were forced into the underclass of society and were segregated from the rest of the population.

Language

The official language of Variyako was Wunal. All other languages were banned under Variyakoi law unless one was a foreign visitor or was being learned for academic purposes. Despite this over 10% of the population was known to speak other languages most notably Gantaizi and Tzolkese. Within Variyako the Mestatan subdialect of the wider Variyakoi dialect was used for official purposes and for Wunal script, although the Northern, Southern and Midwestern subdialects were more widely spoken. Some prominent nationalist linguists such as Gogol Kežević of Odokcraca have claimed that the Justvakaun, Likadjai, Umlokovi, Zeleovkian and Odokcracian dialects were distinct languages separate from the Biakzi and Malcheniean dialects, although this view had been somewhat controversial.

Literacy rates in Variyako were low at around just under 30% of the population being able to read and/or write. Those who were able to read normally hail from the upper classes and the urban elite, with those living in rural areas often having little opportunity to gain access to reading materials. Women have a lower literacy rate on average to men with it being just under 10%.

Society

Religion

The state religion of Vairyako was Soziti. All citizens of Variyako must subscribe to the faith, otherwise they were declared a heretic and executed under imperial law. As such official figures show Variyako as being entirely Soziti, although some nomads may cling to traditional shamanism. Specifically in Variyako Kruiči Mizeykeho Soziti was practiced, which ascribes the Zanikoj as God's messenger on earth and legitimises the Žaraǰodaši dynasty's monopoly of power. Other sects of Soziti were banned. Despite this Sejaveti Soziti was heavily practiced in the southern provinces of Lukačaju, Jećelazu, Vešenje and Savihivu. A sizeable community also lives in Ojokina. Whilst banned under imperial law, Sejaveti Soziti had so successfully embedded itself into southern Variyakoi culture that it was de facto tolerated by the imperial government. Soziti was worshipped in Žejita's.

Religion plays a major part in the majority of citizens lives. Social norms and structures often derive or were legitimised by the Soziti faith. Priests often carry more authority then local landowners due to Soziti teachings preaching that priests were above all other earthly men. Most of Variyako's laws derive some Soziti teachings, which were often interpreted to justify institutions such as slavery, serfdom and oppression towards women. The teaching of Soziti doctrine was prioritised in schools, and from an early age Variyakoi citizens were forced to attend and participate in religious activities. The dominance of Soziti means everything from recreational activities to what one wears was connected in some way to Soziti dogma (for example, a peasant was seen as too lowly in Kruiči Mizeykeho Soziti to wear silk). In accordance with Soziti doctrine men were expected to be circumcised.

Slavery

Slavery was legal in Variyako, and was quite commonplace. Slaves can be brought at "Kijaki's" (slave market) where they were usually people in debt, prisoners of war, criminals, or have been sold into slavery. Slaves sold at Kijakis usually become miners, agricultural workers, or were recruited into the vast shipping fleets where they were incorporated into the serfdom system. Concubines were also slaves - however they were sold at Loćkis (flesh market) instead that sell only concubines. Even concubines that were not brought from Loćkis were slaves in the eyes of Variyakoi law. Slaves and serfs account for just over 60% of the general population. Children were automatically born into slavery and can only be freed by their masters. People within the military usually serve as Nazivruti (conscripts). Nazivruti can be brought from Kijaki's or be picked from serfs. A Nazivruti will serve with the military until death or until they were discharged, meaning they were practically slaves.

With the rise of industrialisation man working in factories were slaves, normally having been brought at a Kijaki - however unlike earlier trends that would see families divided as they were sold off modern factories often "buy" entire families where all members including the children would be expected to work. In urban areas there had also been the construction of workhouses that house vagrants who were expected to perform hard labour in exchange for food and a place to sleep. Commonly the unemployed in Variyako were simply sold into slavery or forced to become a serf, although "homeless" serfs often get less rights then common serfs.

Status of women

Variyakoi women traditionally hold very little rights, being recognised as little more then personal property. Under Variyakoi law women were barred from owning land of any sort, with inherited land passing onto the nearest male relative or to the state. Women of the upper and middle classes have to have their guardians (whether that be a husband, father or other male "owner") permission to leave their property and must be chaperoned by a man in public. Women of those classes were also expected to engage in traditional Soziti rituals and ceremonial dress. Women in lower classes were expected to work the land, although they were still regarded as the property of men.

Many men were expected to engage in polygamy and own concubines, especially those of the upper classes. Concubines form part of the expansive slave trade in Variyako often being traded in markets or presented to Variyakoi lords. In a household the wife/wives officially have power over the concubines who often also serve as personal maids for the wife of the household. Women have no legal protections in Variyako, with domestic abuse and rape having no repercussions. Despite this men of lower classes were not allowed to fraternise with an upperclass man's wives or concubines. Often the amount of concubines and wives a man had indicates his social status - men with one wife were often the lowest of peasants, whilst lords and noblemen have a large amount of wives and own up to hundreds of concubines.

Current Variyakoi fashion in elite circles favour women with flat chests - as such breast ironing was extremely common. Often this was carried out using heated tools designed for the purpose of flattening the breasts, and was often used on girls around the age of 12. This coincides with the Variyakoi belief that a women must be as slender as possible, as it was believed that a women was gluttonous if she eats more then a man. Forced fasting for women was also common, especially amongst very young girls. Female genital mutilation iwa somewhat common amongst those in the northern, more ethnically Tzolk regions, although the practice was banned under imperial law.

Women were often segregated from men. If a women is not the wife or concubine of a man she often cannot interact with them, unless she was a servant or in the lower classes. Daughters were raised by their mothers and servants, with their father having very little contact with them until they were married. Arranged marriages in Variyako were the norm, with girls usually being married after the age of 12 following breast ironing. In wealthy households women often sleep and interact with each other in separate rooms to men.

Same-sex activity

Same-sex activity was not legally recognised in Variyako. As a feudal society dominated by the Soziti religious establishment, the practice of Tzokalu (Wunal: ትዞከሉ, generally equivalent to the western Sodomy) was illegal and persecuted. Oǩ Tzokalu (lit. Sodomites) - a broad label applied not only to individuals guilty of sexual activity with others of the same gender, but also any other kind non-procreative sex and bestiality - were branded as "daemons" and practising sodomy, which was strictly forbidden under Soziti law and seen as decadent, immoral and unclean. Under Imperial and religious law sodomy was a capital offence, with those accused of each acts dipped in tar before being burnt alive in an effort to cleanse them. Family laws mandate that marriage must be between men and women, and any variation of this model was tantamount to heresy. Public opinion was strongly against sodomites, with those being accused of such crimes often being lynched by their own families and friends.