The royal palace was a huge, towering fortress of a building to say the least. It's unending rooms and different wings added on throughout its history, the gigantic building is said to be older than the Kingdom's founding in 850 CE. In the center of the building overlooking a garden filled courtyard, there was a parlor room decorated with paintings and portraits favored by the king such as that of Hercules' feats and myths of the Gods. His most treasured being of his childhood tutor and philosopher right next to his desk. With two high windows cracked and the Rex Praetor leaning back in his chair admiring the outside vegetation in the courtyard, he received the call the Head foreign delegate- the foreign emperor's wife- was here having just been greeted and led by with Head foreign magistrate Dux Kaeso, his trusted cousin. "Ita Vero" he spoke with the thick Zerchean Latin accent of his. Lysander was always seen as an enigmatic man by the public eye and preferred to remain so; being in front of press was something only done on rare occasion by the mysterious man.

Turning around in his cushioned swivel chair to his desk, the Rex slid open a box and brandished a hashish cigar, sticking it in his mouth and puffing. The herb soothed his pain mentally and physically, and fueled his creativity. After some pulls the young regent placed it in a built in ashtray and stood for a moment to adjust his white tunic, purple toga and laurel crown that felt heavy with responsibility. He also adjusted his gold pendant necklace holding the national meander keys symbol and the Amethyst ring on his ring-finger which symbolized his marriage to the Kingdom and State. This ceremonial dress he preferred over the suit and tie greatly. Returning to his smoke while now pacing the floors, he was anxious for the meeting to go well. Zerchea had long kept to itself internationally, and Lysander felt it long overdue to step out on the world stage. The young regent was hoping to accomplish much in establishing relations with Tamora. Specifically in terms of economic and religious cooperation and general exchange of ideas on both sides, he had pre-arranged topics assembled in his head and ready for however the conversation may sail.

The king took an deep exhale from the herb cigar and strolled over to the desk to stamp it out, slowly hearing commotion get louder from the end of the hall. Stepping over to two comfortable, embroidered chair overlooking the gardens at the window he stood with hands folded as the door was opened by Dux Kaeso and the Hijab-clad female strode in. After she approached and bowed, Rex Praetor Lysander shook her hand with both of his after she bowed. "It's a wonderful honor to have you and your envoy of Tamora here in Kikonopolis, First Lady Safavid. I feel most jovial to make your acquaintance fianally." Despite the stark difference culturally and politically, the High King found it his personal and moral duty to remain humble yet firm no matter any differences.

Consul Octavia Galanakis announced more reforms decreed by Rex Praetor Lysander II on the anniversary of his sixth month as ruler.

Funding has been extended to multiple mostly state-run institutions. The Zerchean Educator's guild, training of more teachers, and to general education. Technical schools have received some of the largest monies and training. Also to the Cult of Helios, the sun deity of the state religion Ekklesia Zaeyr, operate around half of all schools. Their overall curriculum is mostly secular but with more lessons focused on the state and training in the mysteries of the Gods. Finally, the State corporation in charge of oil processing and drilling, Utrana Goods International, has received more funding, training, and is hiring more engineers; three more spots on the eastern coast have were announced for drilling preparation also.


On the Island of Zercadia in the Matilda Channel, naval forces launched an offensive on a fundamentalist outpost. It was specifically targeted to either capture or kill a rouge priest who was Co-leader of the cult, Sextus Nabor.  The encampment reportedly housed two hundred fifty-five disciples of the Cult of Midos, an trickster and fortune God. The group is known for its use of violence and piracy to fund themselves. The raid occurred after the seizure of a Zerchean freighter by cultists. Witnesses on each side and in nearby homes say gunfire erupted from the Cultists first. One Zerchean Navy Special force member was killed and three were wounded. The rouge Priest Nabor was wounded and captured in the raid when attempting to escape. The terrorist was flogged while still wounded, and hung from a Cypress tree directly after. Sixteen men, women, and children surrendered via escaping the settlement during the siege with no reports of further cultist survivors. Twelve of the sixteen were sentenced to slavery with four children being placed in foster care on the mainland.

Praetor Polemarch, Six star general and top commander, Kaeso Eleutherios, released an statement to reporters on the matter, "The military, specifically, from local militias to the navy has the Matilda Channel under it's protection, the Cult of Midos will no longer be a threat there as the Zerchean navy is now patrolling the entirety of the Matilda Channel so foreign ships may pass unhindered." It is believed the Cult is waning due to this sizable blow to its numbers and Co-leader; yet the anarchist terrorist group recruits internationally and has connections with so called 'water nomads'.

Policies	Stance
Drugs Law	All are decriminalized. Cannabis and a wide range of psychedelics are legal. There are many business ventures dealing with Cannabis and Psychedelics. Addicts recieve rehabilitation if they were on trial for an non-violent crime.
Same Sex Marriage	Always allowed, since BCE.
Education	Universal education for all free citizens.
Property Ownership	Private property is legal.
Voting	Legal, free citizens only.
Prostitution	Legal but keep it inside or on one of plenty designated zones.
Freedom of the Press	Free although the government is the most tuned in to, with it's own Press and loosely controlled private Press organizations.
Freedom of Movement	Legal.
Abortion	Legal.
Health Care	Universal coverage for all.
Gun Laws	Legally, after traditional defense training from their guardians, minors may train with a gun at fourteen and own one at seventeen. They are very common and one can likely be found in every native Zerchean home.
Internet Neutrality	There is monitoring of dissidents and crime. Also for defense against foreign hackers.
Business Ownership	It's a Green Social Market Economy, there's heavy oversight- checks and balances on private businesses. Around 45% of industry in nationalized and around 17% of private businesses have ties to the state.
Marriage	All forms except bestiality or marrying an inanimate object are legal. Polygamy is commonplace.

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The Holy Kingdom of Zerchea. Zerchea, from the Old Zerchean Latin, 'Zer' an epithet for Zaeyr meaning overlord/creator and 'chea' meaning origin ground. An enormous compilation of city states and tribal nations were formally united in 850 by revered founder Zarieus Soter whom all rulers and the royal family claim lineage from. The lands are naturally nutrient rich and fertile but primarily towards the more interior of the lands are unending flatlands and twisting valleys with an mountainous region. Lest one forgets the pristine lakes scattered throughout the country. Internationally friendly and peace-keeping, Domestically, recent reforms by the new High King have lowered tensions down between collectivist and individualist factions and furthered economic growth due to less violence and a more fiscally responsible agenda. Winters are typically mild except in the mountainous region. Summers can bring heavy storms and high humidity.

The small bit of land across the strait in Ardia that Zerchea possesses is Zercadia. This land was claimed and settled by Zerchean explorers financed by nobles in 1681. The native tribe whom occupied it were recorded as being convinced after finding out they were immune to the charm of Zerchean women and cannabis. Soon these tribes and the land thus, were dubbed Zercadia or 'Zerchea love'. Zercadia is known for it's casinos and pharmaceutical industry. With Zerchea controlling the Matilda Channel, the navy personally guards it from neighboring or domestic pirates who prey upon ships.



Government Type:- Theocratic Triumvirate Single-Party Monarchy
Population:-:- 104.6 million
Capital City:- Kikonopolis
Demonym:- Zerchean

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Zerchea is an Social Market Economy with an emphasis on protecting much of the environment. Manufacturing, Services agriculture, and trade are some key industries. The industries that enrich Zerchean citizens of each class are so lucrative that two of the most prominent merchant families are usually exchanging violence toward one other! Foreigners are welcome to gamble at a casino, enlighten their spirituality at a temple of Lord Zaeyr, or indulge in Hashish while soaking in the culture. The slightly mountainous forest-filled like interior consists of manufacturing raw materials mostly domestic. Mining and Oil are the most steadily growing sectors although are legally bounded by government and religious law to specific areas as to protect pristine holy land. Throughout the rest of the country and coasts, agriculture blooms with crops galore. Fishing is a substantial industry along with ranching along the coasts and lakes. Tourists as well as expats fall in love with the paradise like scenery ranging from views from the top of hiked interior mountains to the breathtaking coasts and horizons. Slavery is legal and consists convicts and dissidents convicted of treason. It is not unheard of for a slave to be freed or pardoned by governmental oversight magistrates for any number of reasons.

Currency:- Drachmae
GDP per Capita:- 30,900
Unemployment Rate:- 0.2%
Main Industries:-Manufacturing, Agriculture, Husbandry, Service Industry, Pharmaceuticals, Mining, Oil, Tourism

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Ethnicity:- Zerchean(Greco-Roman) 82%, neighboring/foreign citizen%TBD
Languages:- Zerchean Latin
Religions:- Ekklesia Zaeyr(includes Olympian deities: Zaeyrism; Cults of Mundus the Earth Goddess and Aten the Sun are most popular,) 61%. Zerchean Catholic Church 22%, Atheist/Agnostic/Freethinker 5%, Apostolic Evangelical Church 4%, 8 % left
Average Life Expectancy:- 76

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Lysander Eleutherios II of the House of Dionysos is the current Rex Praetor, also referred to as High King. The crown is hereditary, claiming descent from the Prophet-Savior of the Zerchean race, Zarieus. There have been male and female rulers alike. The king or queen may also be the Pontifex Maximus of the nations faith before kingship. The Monarch has absolute power yet is held accountable to Zaeyrian law, which amongst other commandments, tales, and hymns, says that each ruler of his land must be objective, benevolent, and righteous. After an civil war in 1951, an Triumvirate of advisors from powerful sectors in society was voted to assist the king in policy and decision making.
Also referred to as the Triumvirate-
The Pontifex Maximus is Chief of the High Priests within Ekklesia Zaeyr, Zerchea's state sponsored religious institution; as well as Highest Priest of the College of Pontiffs. Elected by the College of Pontiffs with an optional unlimited term limit. Must be an verified member of one of the houses of Zarieus descendants- and close to the King at that.
The Praetor Polemarch has domain over the military, police and public services, including loose control of the paramilitaries/militias that are scattered throughout the lands.
The Consul is Chief representative of all regional magistrates and chosen by the High King.

All three have a heavy hand in advisement of the High King.
Pontifex Maximus (Highest Clergyperson): Stefanos Eleutherios
Archon Polemarch (Six star general): Kaeso Eleutherios
Consul of the Zerchean People: Augustus Galanakis

The King may over-rule them, tweak their advice, or follow along wholeheartedly. These nationally powerful advisors, although, are legally required since the Kikonic Civil war ended in 1962. This same civil war's ending brought the formation of regional People's Guild's, which have currently decent powers over making local laws and decisions.