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  1. Zoran

    The Zoranian Civil War

    July 20, 1420 6:00 PM Over Time Unknown location Atsil packed the final articles of clothing into her bag as the words of the woman in her dream echoed in her head, The son of the basket weaver, soaked in blood, seeks to kill the heir to Ani’-Wah’ She couldn’t stop thinking of those words recently and one name appeared in her head as she thought more about the “son of the basket weaver”—Kunagadoga. The person responsible for the suffering of so many people and whose attention she attracted back in high school, but back then it was a less malevolent and more...creepy form of attention. And she is grateful she turned him down back then after what CGZ told her about his sister two days before. Atsil was so deep in thought that she didn’t notice CGZ leaning against the door frame with his hands buried in his pockets, “Are you ready to head out?” he asked. Atsil turned to see him wearing black denim pants, a black cotton sweater, and his black ski mask with sunglasses over them. But he also had what seemed to be a utility belt. “I just finished packing,” Atsil said with a sigh, “but I am not sure I am ready to...face the music.” CGZ walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder, “I know you are probably expecting me to say some sappy, inspirational crap but to be honest I don’t understand what you are going through. You are in a unique situation that no one can really relate to in any way. But what you are about to go into is something that no one can be prepared for and you have prepared yourself the best you could. At this point, you are this country’s only hope, so you have to do this whether you feel ready or not.” Despite how blunt CGZ was being, Atsil couldn’t help but feel comforted by his words. Atsil went for a hug but CGZ stepped away and held a hand up, “There isn’t time for sentimentality, it is time for me to take you to the Monarchists. Come find me when you are mentally prepared.” And with that, CGZ left Atsil in his sister’s old room. CGZ walked with purpose towards the library for what might be for the last time. He wasn’t a fool, he had been keeping an eye on the situation in Zoran and he saw Kunagadoga’s flight to Cambria and he had a sneaking suspicion on what the business he had there was about. He sat at his desk and let out a sigh, he knew that his actions at the Olympics were going to catch up with him sooner or later. My sister would have been so much better at this than me. She was all about the ‘stealing things with style’ attitude of the CGZ mantle. Me, I am too concerned about safety to do things right. His eyes drifted to the drawer where he put the last picture he and his sister took together at the beach. He pulled open the drawer to look at it but he saw a folded piece of paper beneath it, something he never noticed before. He set the picture aside and unfolded the piece of paper to read it. To my beloved brother, If you are reading this then you must be having some doubts about yourself or are going through some tough times. I know how much you wish you could be like me and have the confidence that I have(You should get a better lock for your “journal” by the way), but you are incredible in your own way. Throughout our family history, no CGZ has been the same, they never had to be like their predecessor to be successful. Take our ancestor, Captain CGZ or Captain Stormrider as he was more commonly known, his predecessor was the exact opposite of his personality. His predecessor was more interested in developing a mystique around himself and being undetected in his heists. But when Captain Stormrider took up the mantle of CGZ in 1116 AF, he claimed to have started the Golden Age of Piracy in Aura when he stole a ship off the line and started raiding ships, especially during storms which is what got him his name. He was a lot more flamboyant, daring, and mentally unstable than his predecessor and was extremely successful. Even though you aren’t going to be the next CGZ, just know that you can be yourself like our ancestors and still be successful in whatever path you walk down. You were always better at planning two steps ahead than me and you are great with technology and engineering. Those are two talents that I don’t have that you do. You will do great things, Kariwase, and know that I will always be with you no matter where you go or what you do. But always remember that our family, through CGZ, is the champion of the people and even if you aren’t CGZ, always remember to support the less fortunate and to be a champion of the people in your daily life. Love, your sister, Ojistah CGZ felt tears well up in his eyes. It's funny how she talked about planning two steps ahead when she wrote this knowing that I might be going through a hard time. He missed her every day of this life since she was sold by Kuna, and every day he wishes he had done more to stop her from seeing him in the first place. But her words from the past renewed the confidence he had in himself and made him remember the legacy his family worked to leave behind, one that supported the people and those without a voice in the world. Maybe by helping Atsil, I am living up to that legacy in my own way. But what if this doesn’t have to be the end for my legacy... But before he could develop that train of thought any further, Atsil walked into the room with her bag in tow. “I’m ready to go.” CGZ nodded and led her to the vehicle storage where there was an ATV that was waiting for them. “You have an ATV too?” asked Atsil, “Not until yesterday.” answered CGZ as he got on it, “So you stole it.” “Atsil, I am the latest in a dynasty of thieves, what do you expect?”Atsil didn’t bother saying any more as she put her bag on the back and joined CGZ on the ATV. “Hang on, it might be a bumpy ride.” CGZ said as the engine came to life. Atsil grabbed onto CGZ as he zoomed through the tunnels until they came out of a secret passage that landed them in the middle of the jungle. The trees and vines were a blur as CGZ drove the ATV through forgotten trails made back when the years Saint Mark ruled the land. And after about an hour or so an ancient Saint Markian fortress came into view. CGZ brought the ATV to a stop when they reached a clearing in front of the entrance to the fortress. A group of monarchist soldiers approached, rifles aimed at CGZ as they didn’t seem to see Atsil behind him, “Who are you and what are you doing here?” asked one of the soldiers. CGZ lowered his head to make Atsil’s face visible to the soldiers. When they saw her, they immediately dropped to one knee and their right arm crossed their chest and their hand clenched in a fist over their left shoulder. This drew attention from others taking watch at the fort and a crowd could be seen forming on the different floors of the fort. CGZ got off of the ATV and helped me off of it as an older man approached from the entrance of the fort and knelt down the same way the other soldiers have. “Uh, you may rise. There is no need to kneel like that.” Atsil said nervously. The older man rose with the other soldiers, “My lady, I am General Waholi of the Monarchist forces. It is a pleasure to see you safe at last.” he then looks over at CGZ, “This must be the legendary CGZ. Thank you for keeping Atsil safe.” “Oh please, I didn’t do it for you or your cause. I did it to keep Kuna from getting power.” Waholi simply nodded in response before returning his attention to Atsil, “It will bring much joy to the troops to be under the command of their queen. We look forward to seeing how you lead.” Waholi said. CGZ heard a branch snap behind them and tackled Atsil to the ground right as the shot of a rifle echoed through the jungle, the bullet whizzing past them by an inch. The entire fort sprung into action along with the troops in the clearing. CGZ looked up to try and pinpoint where the shot came from. “We can’t have that unfortunately, Ani’-Wah’ and CGZ are coming with us!” yelled the voice of Kunagadoga from the trees. What is he doing here?! He is literally going to die here!...Actually, would that really be a bad thing? CGZ thought to himself as he laid over Atsil on the ground in the middle of a standoff between Monarchist and Corporate forces that were about to break out into a full blown battle.
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  2. Geography Giovanniland has a total area of 395,107 km², comprised by one territory in northern Andolia and the other territory in Aura's Lavender Island. Auran Giovanniland shares a land border with Blue Bubble to the west and Minsu to the east; while Andolian Giovanniland borders Varanius to the west, Tupmonia to the south and Fhaengshia to the east. The nation also borders the Darkesian Sea in three different sections of coast, and uses the International Atomic Time (IAT+0) for the entire territory, lying between latitudes 12° and 26°S, and longitudes 9°W and 9°E. Giovanniland's border with Blue Bubble is defined by two rivers, the Ameno River in the south and the Purpuro River in the north, two rivers having their springs near the Silvano Peak of the Great Lavender Range's western branch, a famous mountain also on the two nations' border. On the other hand, the border with Minsu has large straight sections, starting near the southern town of Aquavioleta, cutting through the eastern branch of the Great Lavender Range, following the Ortano River for a significant part of the Lavandulan lands in the north, and then ending with another vertical line. As for the Andolian border, the northwestern part bordering Varanius is defined by a few rivers, followed by a large straight section until the southwest. The Gigero River then defines part of the southern border before the Tupmonian border, after which two straight sections define the border with that country, while the eastern border with Fhaengshia roughly follows along the Nia River until its mouth. Topographic and river map of Giovanniland. Giovannilandian topography is diverse and includes several topographical regions. Auran Giovanniland has plains in the southwest, corresponding to the Prinvalli and Abrenosto regions, as well as in the north within the Lavandula region. The capital Giovannia and the surrounding region are in the central highlands, and last but not least, the regions of Verdiante and Spandorto are known for having parts of the Great Lavender Range's western and eastern branches respectively. Major rivers to the south of the mountains include the Amore River with large cities such as Porto Violeto and Amorante near its mouth; the Keleste River in whose upper waters the capital Giovannia was notably built; and the southern Festino River that drains into the Darkesian Sea in the city of Abrentopole. In the north, the Gratioso River is a very important river for the Lavandula region, featuring the capital Urido and other relevant cities like Osellio and Lampo throughout its course. Andolian Giovanniland is far more mountainous, although it also has lowlands and plains where a significant part of the population lives, mainly in the north (the Lido Flavio and Altana regions) and the extreme south (the Tramontana region). Meanwhile, the central Terra Violeta region is known for their great altitude contrast, including valleys of the large Irto River and its tributaries surrounded by large mountain ranges. The region of Kordelleria is very sparsely populated and contains the Giovandolian Range, divided into two parts by the central L'Apertura mountain pass, and it's where most earthquakes in the country happen. As for notable rivers, the aforementioned Irto River crosses the territory from southeast to northwest, and near its waters there are several major cities like Nenofre, Villaflori and Henotti; while the southern Emune River crosses cities like Ioseppole and Daurona. Biodiversity Biome map of Giovanniland. Giovanniland has a total of eight different biomes, three of which appear in Aura and seven in Andolia. Auran Giovanniland is covered by a large broadleaf forest, although the northern and western areas receive high rainfall throughout the year and are therefore rainforests, while the other areas have a distinct dry season, leading to the different biome classifications. Meanwhile, a large part of Andolian Giovanniland is covered by tropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands, whereas the rest of the biomes have a more limited distribution—for example the montane grasslands and coniferous forests in the mountainous south, and the semiarid or arid shrublands that cover a significant part of the coast, except in the west where broadleaf forests are the highlight. Giovanniland has a rich biodiversity, especially in the Auran forests and Andolian savannas. Some examples are jaguars, ocelots, capybaras, iguanas, tapirs, sloths, armadillos, piranhas, macaws, flamingoes, and anacondas, some of which are only found in the rainforest regions. All three coastlines that the nation has in the Darkesian Sea are also known to be home to various types of maritime life, including but not limited to dolphins, large whales, shrimps, octopuses, and coral reefs. The country also features a large amount of plant species, such as the many Auran forest trees, while Andolian Giovanniland offers a diverse lineup ranging from pines and araucarias in the mountainous regions to cacti and xeric trees in the arid lands, and of course the ubiquitous savanna trees and shrubs. In order to protect this biodiversity, Giovannilandian state policy has included an extensive environmental protection program for the last century. There are several designated national parks and natural reserves, in which sustainable tourism is allowed but no farming or mining can take place. Laws also regulate industries to prevent deforestation, species endangerment and water pollution among other issues. The hyacinth macaw and rainforest lavender are national symbols, both are native to Lavender Island and the latter gives the island its name.
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