Zastravingar

For the Zastravingarans, Zastravingar began existing long before it was truly independent, when the Terian colonies were first established in this Nostralic island, located between the Terian continent, far to the west, and Nosrisia and Karkand to the east.

The Terian colonies in the island grew fast, attracting a high influx of population with the promise of rediscovered freedom and riches. A sizable number of these colonies were of penal designation, hosting diverse types of morphs and ideas. Most of these ‘criminals’ were just POW’s or condemned by different ideologies to those of the (at that time) decadent Terian nation. 

The important number of prisoners and pariahs that migrated to Zastravingar carried or developed a profound anti-Terian sentiment. A sentiment not of hate, but of rebelliousness. The penal population knew they could build a country far better than their master’s, for they had the tools and resources to do so. This soon led to the first generalized rebellions in the search of laboral rights. The Terian overlords knew they couldn’t control the Zastravingaran colony just by brute force at the time, for they were waging war on many fronts back in the old continent. Therefore, they had to concede and provide more rights to the Zastravingaran workforce.

Having successfully appeased the Zastravingaran population, time proved this was the correct movement to avoid an uprising, and Zastravingar remained in Terian control during the Age of the Oceans and beyond. However, the anti-Terian sentiment remained deep within the hearts of the penal population, and even of the colonists, who saw how a big amount of their benefits was basically stolen by the mainland’s high taxation policies.

During the Age of the Rise, the penal and colonial population of Zastravingar homogenized. Many landlords , oligarchs and even colonial governors started having luxurious secret meetings, plotting against their Terian overlords.

The Terians knew something was brewing in Zastravingar, and so they began an urgent plan to unify the Terian countries into one single union. This would make Teria much powerful to the eyes of the world – a frightening superpower reborn, capable of projecting force all over the Nostralic ocean. This was meant to be, amongst other reasons, a deterrent for the Zastravingaran independentists – but the contrary effect was achieved.

The Zastravingaran sentiment of belonging rose to new highs – they even started naming their cities in a different way than Teria in order to create a new context and a new culture. Zastravingar ended up being very different to Teria very quickly – new architecture, clothing, gastronomy and customs reflected this.

In 3030, tensions reached the limit and the ultra-nationalistic Zastravingararan factions, led by an oligarchy formed by powerful individuals, began The War of Silence.

After 30 harsh years of war, Zastravingar achieved its independence and global recognition in 3060 after winning the war, thanks to the usage of mass-destruction weapons. From that moment on, Zastravingar has maintained a strong military tradition, forcing every able citizen coming of age to serve the army at least a year.

The Zastravingaran citizens have developed a deep nationalistic sentiment since the conception of the country, and even those who aren’t fond of the reigning oligarchy remain proud of being Zastravingaran, as they are perceived as people who are willing to fight for their beliefs to the very end. However, some proud Zastravingarans are actively fighting against the current government. While the oligarchy denies it, it is clear there is a sort of latent civil war going on in the country.

In the present time, Zastravingar’s economy is not as strong as other superpower’s. The country is in a semi-isolationist state, heavily taxing extranational products (with the exception of Jardovian, Osterian, Isidian and some Karkandiak and Coridian imports). Zastravingar is mineral rich, but not as much as other super-powers. Their main industry is the military, construction, mining and gas/oil extraction and refining.

The domestic economy of the country is in an acceptable state, but it is perceived things are getting worse. Zastravingaran citizens have good wages, but not as good as other developed countries such as Teria, Esfiria and Albanir. This is ironic, as even after winning the war, the actual Zastravingar is in a worse economic condition.

Regarding its military, Zastravingar has the biggest army in all of Shadre with the highest number of active and reserve personnel. Their soldiers are also considered very professional and dedicated, able to withstand the harshest mental and physical conditions. However, their technology has become obsolete when compared with their direct rivals and Helion.

Finally, Zastravingar isn’t considered either safe or a great place to visit. Most of the country is a big sterile and torrid desert, while the other are huge mountain ranges, farmlands, badlands and cities with brutalistic designs. Still, Zastravingar is visited by some tourists each year, especially by those who want to have cheap experiences related to vices.

Zastravingarans are usually seen as aggressive, distrustful and impolite individuals, but also as selfless, brave and serviceable people.