Zargothrax

The Royal Empire of Zargothrax is a totalitarian absolute monarchy on the continent of Neria, near Hazel Islands and Iskiram. The country is ruled by King Sugan XIV who is widely believed to be insane. Zargothrax is mainly isolationist, with a poor economy and elements of modern feudalism.

Politics

Totalitarian absolute monarchy with elements of modern feudalism. All power is held in the hands of the royal family, all those who question the royals are executed and most positions of power are held by cousins and others related to the family. There is a major problem with inbreeding, with most noble families being cousins. It is illegal for a noble to marry outside the nobility and doing so means they and all descendants lose their title.

No representation for non-nobles at all; they are considered incapable of government. The only job that will get people out of a peasant-style lifestyle or work in the mines or factories is to go into science, which only the most academically able are allowed to do so. Society is also very sexist, with women barred from most careers and expected to be homemakers.

Economy

Mining industry is huge, the country is a mess due to all the mining. Many commoners are forced into the mining industry, factories or other undesirable jobs. There are no unemployment benefits, and those unable to work are ‘encouraged’ to volunteer as test subjects in the nation’s many science laboratories.

Self-sufficiency is a big policy of Zargothrax; they do not trade what they mine but rather use it for their experiments. Agriculture is another big industry, growing subsistence crops to feed the local population. Agricultural industry overseen by noble families; whereas industrial infrastructure such as mines and factories are all on land owned by the Royal Family. Employees require permission to switch jobs from their current employer; this is often denied.

Health

Most Thraxians are extremely poor due to the government’s mismanagement of the economy. There have been famines and issues with malnourishment and high infant mortality rates among the lower classes. Zargothrax has no national health service, so poor Thraxians often cannot afford healthcare, unless they volunteer as a test subject.

Education

Schooling is not compulsory beyond the age of 11, with most poor Thraxians leaving school at this age to work in the fields or factories. Village or city schools are extremely underfunded with large class sizes and poor equipment. There is a problem with illiteracy in many regions of Zargothrax and many girls are not sent to school at all.

International Relations

Zargothrax is mainly isolationist, rarely becoming involved in international affairs. When they do involve themselves, it is mainly through statements supporting the sovereignty of other nations and objecting to foreign interventions. Zargothrax has no trade deals with other nations, and does not often exchange ambassadors with other countries.

Religion

Cosmic Infinity: worships a deity that travels space but is also everywhere at all times, and is timeless. Stars and space are very important in the religion, with astronomists seen as studying the meaning of life and astrology is considered the ultimate judge of fate. All other religions are illegal.

Believes that mythological creatures such as dragons and unicorns exist on other planets, and that humans are actually from a different world but were taken to this planet as some form of test, and only when the test is passed will humanity be allowed to return to the paradise of its true homeworld. Dispute over whether or not this is the only test world.

Royal Family

King Sugan XIV (43)

Prince Brandon (22) Prince Gordon (17) Princess Mirabel (14) Princess Luisa (11) Prince Julian (10) Prince Angus, fourth son (7)

King is insane, thinks he’s a wizard and delights in being called evil. He changed his country’s flag to a picture of himself photoshopped to make it look like he was in space. The Queen died in mysterious circumstances after the birth of his fourth son; he doesn’t pay much attention to his children and lets them get away with everything.

His father only died a couple years ago so he’s fairly new to power. Country is now mostly run by his eldest son in his name while he conducts experiments in the basement of the royal palace. Lots of royal funding goes into genetic engineering experiments to try and breed mythological creatures. Reading mythology is seen as patriotic.