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{{Nation|title1 = Kingdom of Zen|image1 = Zen Kingdom (Original).png|caption1 = The official flag of the Kingdom of Zen.|ruler = Grand King Doctor_Tordoc|foundation_date = Organized on December 2nd, 2019
 
{{Nation|title1 = Kingdom of Zen|image1 = Zen Kingdom (Original).png|caption1 = The official flag of the Kingdom of Zen.|ruler = Grand King Doctor_Tordoc|foundation_date = Organized on December 2nd, 2019
Founded on [TBD]|number_of_towns = 2|number_of_citizens = 16}}'''The Kingdom of Zen''' is a nation organized on December 2nd, 2019 and has yet to be officially founded. The Kingdom was formed as a result of the resurgence of Zen culture and was organized by members of [[House Tordoc]] and [[House Caroline]].
+
Founded on [TBD]|number_of_towns = 3|number_of_citizens = 17}}'''The Kingdom of Zen''' is a nation organized on December 2nd, 2019 and has yet to be officially founded. The Kingdom was formed as a result of the resurgence of Zen culture and was organized by members of [[House Tordoc]] and [[House Caroline]].
   
 
== Introduction ==
 
== Introduction ==
Line 11: Line 11:
   
 
=== Territory ===
 
=== Territory ===
Upon its organization, the Kingdom of Zen claimed the geographical Guianas of South America, located in the north-east portion of the continent.
+
Upon its organization, the Kingdom of Zen claimed the geographical Guianas of South America, located in the north-eastern portion of the continent. Their cities primarily populate the coast, sticking to growth along the eastern coast of South America.
  +
  +
The capital city of Zenport was the fourth biggest city on Gladia within the first few days of its release.
   
 
=== Background ===
 
=== Background ===
Line 37: Line 39:
 
On December 7th, the world of [[Gladia]] released. Hero718 was the first resident to get into Gladia, and subsequently the first of the Zen people to settle the Guianas for the Kingdom of Zen. InvaderXYZ was the second to get in, starting in geographical Algeria before making her way to the Atlantic Ocean and trying to swim across.
 
On December 7th, the world of [[Gladia]] released. Hero718 was the first resident to get into Gladia, and subsequently the first of the Zen people to settle the Guianas for the Kingdom of Zen. InvaderXYZ was the second to get in, starting in geographical Algeria before making her way to the Atlantic Ocean and trying to swim across.
   
Pikachu839 started in Africa as well, and was able to scavenge the continent for enough wood to build a boat before heading off into the Atlantic Ocean. Pikachu839 eventually met up with InvaderXYZ halfway across and picked her up right as she was about to die of starvation. The two were eventually able to make it where Hero718 was located, pooling their money together to form the town of [[Zenport]], the first town of the Kingdom of Zen. There they began constructing buildings in the trees, forming the basis for the Kingdom of Zen's architecture.
+
Pikachu839 started in Africa as well, and was able to scavenge the continent for enough wood to build a boat before heading off into the Atlantic Ocean. Pikachu839 eventually met up with InvaderXYZ halfway across and picked her up right as she was about to die of starvation. The two were eventually able to make it where Hero718 was located, pooling their money together to form the town of [[Zenport]], the first town of the Kingdom of Zen. There they began constructing buildings in the trees, forming the basis for the Kingdom of Zen's architecture. Additionally, Pikachu839 announced his bid for a seat in parliament.
   
Later that day, Madways_2 attacked the Kingdom of Zen, stealing a handful of valuable resources. Although the residents of Zenport and Minsk were able to repel the invader, Madways_2 hid the valuables before being banned for hacking. The Kingdom was supposedly attacked again later by TheRealEDM, Mayor of [[Monochome Kiss]]; but when TheRealEDM returned to Zenport peacefully, he was allowed to travel within the town as residents had generally agreed that they did not want to provoke any kind of major conflict.
+
Later that day, Madways_2 attacked the Kingdom of Zen, stealing a handful of valuable resources. Although the residents of Zenport and Minsk were able to repel the invader, Madways_2 hid the valuables before being banned for hacking. The Kingdom was supposedly attacked again later by [[TheRealEDM]], Mayor of [[Monochome Kiss]]; but when TheRealEDM returned to Zenport peacefully, he was allowed to travel within the town as residents had generally agreed that they did not want to provoke any kind of major conflict. Later that night, [[MH33]] founded the settlement of [[Port of Pecem]], officially becoming the first Lord.
  +
  +
On December 8th, Zenport was attacked by the terrorist town of [[Toronto]]; specifically Mealsuwu and GetSmackedUp. This was reported to Prime Minister [[Sandman]] of [[Canada (Gladia)|Canada]], who investigated the situation. Toronto leadership claimed that citizens of Zenport attacked them and this was simply retribution, however this was found to be untrue. Several hours later, Toronto was booted from Canada and declared a terrorist town. They later formed the [[Iroquois (Gladia)|Iroquois]] nation. On the same day, [[zZzAwake]] of House Tordoc settled the town of [[Melon Fort (Gladia)|Melon Fort]], officially becoming the second Lord.
  +
  +
The following day, the Supreme Church began registration for members of the church, gaining five supporters in a day. As a result, Lord zZzAwake, Concubine Notorius_IGGSTER, and Wasasloth announced their bid for a seat in parliament after having their registration approved by the Supreme Church. In addition, construction began on a Church in Melon Fort, creating the first branch of the Supreme Church.
  +
  +
Later that night, the Grand King Doctor_Tordoc negotiated with elmomaster69 of [[China (Gladia)|China]] for the Kingdom of Zen to join the [[Asia-Pacific Cooperation Council]], after China expressed interest in forming an alliance with the Kingdom of Zen.
   
 
== Government ==
 
== Government ==
   
=== Grand King of Zen ===
+
=== '''Grand King of Zen''' ===
  +
'''The Grand King of Zen''', also known as the '''Grand King''' and '''King of Zen''', is the highest authority in the Kingdom of Zen and rules over the entire kingdom. The Grand King has supreme authority over the people of Zen, and enacts policy in the form of official '''Proclamations'''.
[To Be Added]
 
   
=== Synod-Parliament ===
+
==== The Royal Family ====
  +
The House that belongs to the current Grand King becomes the Royal Family. The Royal Family has a set of powers that allow them to participate in the governing of the Kingdom of Zen. This includes being allowed to serve in the Les Royals chamber of the Synod-Parliament, being able to form a Royal Guard, and being able to draw the lines of commonwealths that they wish to preside over.
[To Be Added]
 
  +
  +
==== The Royal Guard ====
  +
A Royal Guard is a battalion of knights who serve a single member of the Royal Family. Their duties can range from protection to deployment in battle.
  +
  +
=== '''Synod-Parliament''' ===
  +
'''Synod-Parliament''', also known as '''The Synod''' or '''Parliament''', is a congregation of the '''members of parliament''' (MP) that assembles at the behest of the '''Orateur D'église''' (OD), who leads the three chambers of the Synod-Parliament by holding polls on the passing of legislature which is submitted by the members of parliament and subsequently approved by the Orateur D'église. There are thirteen seats in each chamber, and up to two members of parliament can campaign for a single seat in an election.
  +
  +
==== The Orateur D'église ====
  +
The Orateur D'église is a position elected by the Royal Family, whose candidates consist of a Zen Cardinal chosen by the Pope of Zen and a member of parliament chosen by the Grand King of Zen. The two compete for the position on the 15th of every month and serve a term of about a month. There are a total of thirteen seats in each chamber.
  +
  +
==== Members of Parliament ====
  +
Members of Parliament are those who propose legislature to the Orateur D'église and vote on those that are approved. They serve in the chamber known as '''Les Gens''', and once legislature is passed through the members of parliament, it gets passed to either '''Les Royals''' or '''Le Synode''' depending on the subject matter.
  +
  +
Members of Parliament serve a term of two weeks, with elections taking place on the 14th and 28th of every month. There are no requirements to serve as a member, merely that you are a citizen of the Kingdom of Zen and a member of the Supreme Church.
  +
  +
==== Les Royals ====
  +
This is the chamber of parliament where legislature relating to the internal state and overall kingdom is sent after passing through Les Gens. After a vote is held by the Orateur D'église, the legislature is either passed and turned into law, or denied and removed from the Synod-Parliament. To serve in Les Royales, elections occur in the same time and format as members of parliament-- but the primary requirement is to be a Lord or a Member of the Royal Family.
  +
  +
==== Le Synode ====
  +
This is the chamber of parliament where legislature relating to the Supreme Church or foreign entities is sent after passing through Les Gens. After a vote is held by the Orateur D'église, the legislature is either passed and turned into law, or denied and removed from the Synod-Parliament. However, it is possible to appeal legislature to the Pope of Zen, who can override the decision of Le Synode. 
  +
  +
To serve in Le Synode, the members must be appointed by the Pope of Zen and approved by the newly elected members of parliament on the same day that elections take place. There is no requirement for serving on Le Synode, except for at least holding the official rank of Bishop.
   
 
== Supreme Church ==
 
== Supreme Church ==
  +
  +
=== '''Pope of Zen''' ===
  +
'''The Pope of Zen''', also known as the '''Supreme Zen Pontiff''', is the highest religious and cultural authority in the Kingdom of Zen. This honor is bestowed upon the Pope by '''Sa Sainte Vertu, La Déesse Céleste''', or '''Her Holy Righteousness, The Heavenly Goddess'''. The honor is further authenticated by The Grand King of Zen, whose divine right as a monarch is confirmed by the Pope of Zen.
  +
  +
==== The Kingdom of Zen and the Pope ====
  +
The Supreme Church of Zennist Thought is an institution that works outside of the state, but within the borders of the Kingdom of Zen. Despite this, the Pope of Zen has direct influence over the governing body of the Kingdom of Zen. To balance this, the Supreme Church is also directly influenced by the Grand King of Zen, as well. This creates a decent separation of church and state, without dis-incorporating them entirely.
  +
  +
In the Kingdom of Zen, it is required to be aligned with the church in some capacity to officially serve in governance of the kingdom or in the royal family. Refusal to do so will result in '''excommunication''', dictating that you forfeit any honors or divine right given to you by the church, are barred from serving in a position of power in any capacity, and that the Supreme Church has the righteous authority to expel the excommunicated, as well as those deemed ‘accomplices,’ from power with violent force.
  +
  +
==== The Grand King of Zen and the Pope ====
  +
The Grand King of Zen is the supreme monarch of the Kingdom of Zen who is given the divine right to rule over the state by La Déesse Céleste; which is either confirmed or denied by the Pope of Zen at the beginning of the monarch’s rule, in addition to once every month. However, the Pope of Zen must provide evidence to support the confirmation of the declaration of divine right. If no evidence is presented, the Pope of Zen can be removed at the Grand King of Zen’s discretion and be replaced with a Zen Cardinal of the King’s choice. Upon confirmation, the Grand King must authenticate the honor of the Pope of Zen to rule over the church.
  +
  +
If the Grand King of Zen officially loses the divine right to rule, they can no longer authenticate the Pope’s honor. As a result, the Pope of Zen must choose a member of the royal family to succeed the original Grand King of Zen. Once the new monarch has been sworn in, a four-day period begins called, '''The Blood of Rebirth'''. During this period, any family member from any house may attempt to attack the Grand King of Zen. If the new Grand King is successfully killed, the royal family is ousted and the new family comes to power-- with the killer as the new Grand King.
  +
  +
The fate of the former Grand King of Zen in the event that they are removed from power is decided upon once the royal family has secured their place under new rule. The former Grand King is branded a '''Vieux Roi''' and is sentenced to trial by the royal family. In this trial, known as '''Procès des Perdus''', it is up to the royal family to decide whether the Vieux Roi is to join the royal family or become a townsfolk.
  +
  +
If the Pope of Zen’s honor to rule is not authenticated by the Grand King of Zen, the Pope of Zen is put on trial by the royal family, which is led by the Grand King of Zen, himself. This trial is known as '''Procès du Sainte''' and serves to determine whether or not the Pope of Zen is fit to continue running the church. Until the honor is authenticated by the Grand King, the Pope of Zen is completely powerless, and if found guilty, is replaced with a Zen Cardinal of the King’s choice. The former Pope is then branded a '''Vieux Saint''', and becomes a townsfolk who can rejoin the church, if allowed.
  +
  +
The Grand King only ever authenticates the honor of the Pope of Zen at the beginning of the King’s rule, or if the Grand King accuses the Pope of Zen of blasphemy, or otherwise going against the defined beliefs of the religion. However, if the evidence is revealed to be fabricated at any point, the current highest religious authority has the ability to deny the Grand King of the divine right to rule.
  +
  +
==== Duties of the Pope ====
  +
As the Pope of Zen, the Pope has many responsibilities, duties, and powers. The Pope of Zen is primarily responsible for overseeing the Supreme Church and its control over the minor churches spread across the Kingdom of Zen and other territories the Supreme Church deems theirs. This involves building churches, appointing and removing religious leaders, bestowing honors, spreading the faith, and serving a special role in parliament.
  +
  +
It is also the duty of the Supreme Church to expel unwanted religions from the Kingdom of Zen and territories they deem as theirs. This can be accomplished through diplomatic or violent means. In addition, the Pope of Zen must maintain relationships with foreign leaders and plays a large role in recognizing them as allies or enemies.
  +
  +
=== '''Zen Cardinal''' ===
  +
'''The Zen Cardinal''' is a role given to Archbishops by the Pope of Zen, and is the second highest religious authority in the church. There is no limit to how many Zen Cardinals can be appointed, and usually they are assigned a specific mission by the Pope of Zen to carry out in the name of the Supreme Church. Zen Cardinals are usually responsible for writing religious texts and managing different branches and churches.
  +
  +
Typically, Zen Cardinals have the ability to create churches under the banner of the Supreme Church and extend the authority of the Supreme Church by expanding the territory of the church and pushing into foreign lands. One way this can develop is through the facilitation of colonization. In addition, Zen Cardinals have legal authority over large areas-- as allowed by the Grand King of Zen.
  +
  +
Zen Cardinals also have the ability to officially declare '''denominations''', a power only shared by the Pope of Zen. This allows for the Supreme Church to introduce new officially recognized branches and introduce new gods and new ideas. This comes with the ability of Zen Cardinals to declare certain religious texts as either canon or non-canon, which can be disputed by the Pope of Zen.
  +
  +
=== '''Archbishop of Zen''' ===
  +
'''The Archbishop of Zen''' is a role given to Bishops by the Pope of Zen to indicate a higher authority over greater Bishopdom. The duties of an Archbishop primarily involve directing and organizing the Bishops of the Supreme Church, as well as have minor legal authority over their designated territory.
  +
  +
Archbishops tend to be the leaders of certain denominations of the Supreme Church and are responsible for directly managing a small group of churches as assigned by a Zen Cardinal or the Pope of Zen. Archbishops have the authority to give punishments, legal or otherwise, against those who have blasphemed or oppose the beliefs of the Supreme Church.
  +
  +
=== '''Bishop of Zen''' ===
  +
'''The Bishop of Zen''' is a role in the Supreme Church indicating the lowest level of religious authority over a single town or church. Bishops are responsible for facilitating the beliefs of the Supreme Church at the municipal level and have minor legal authority imposed alongside the local house or mayor. Despite their positions in the church, a Bishop is highly-respected and are appointed by Zen Cardinals or the Pope of Zen.
   
 
== Cities ==
 
== Cities ==
  +
The Kingdom of Zen has three founding cities across the eastern coast of South America.
 
* Zenport
 
* Zenport
 
* Port of Pecem
 
* Port of Pecem
  +
* Melon Fort
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
  +
* The Kingdom of Zen was originally going to occupy geographical Nigeria.

Revision as of 05:21, 10 December 2019

The Kingdom of Zen is a nation organized on December 2nd, 2019 and has yet to be officially founded. The Kingdom was formed as a result of the resurgence of Zen culture and was organized by members of House Tordoc and House Caroline.

Introduction

Naming

The Kingdom of Zen is named after the history and culture of Zen, and is the fourth official nation of the Zen people.

Characteristics

[ To Be Added ]

Territory

Upon its organization, the Kingdom of Zen claimed the geographical Guianas of South America, located in the north-eastern portion of the continent. Their cities primarily populate the coast, sticking to growth along the eastern coast of South America.

The capital city of Zenport was the fourth biggest city on Gladia within the first few days of its release.

Background

The Kingdom of Zen has its origins in the Guianas of South America. The area was populated with scattered tribes who, for the most part, peacefully co-existed as they built and traded amongst each other. Eventually, a medical professional from the Tordoc tribe ventured out across the Guianas and met with each of the tribes. With this journey, he spread the religion of Divine Right, as depicted in the five religious texts.

The scattered tribes were soon united under the religion of the Divine Right, and they came to believe that Doctor_Tordoc was bestowed the divine right to rule a united indigenous state by the Goddess Rei. Doctor_Tordoc wanted to establish a theocratic kingdom in which those with the divine right could rule. With support from the people, Doctor_Tordoc was able to assemble a royal guard, including pikachu839. However, the people were not interested in a sole monarchy.

Swiss religious scholar InvaderXYZ of House Caroline soon caught wind of the emergence of a religion based on the Zennist texts in the Guianas, and travelled across the globe to investigate. Doctor_Tordoc and InvaderXYZ soon came to meet during the turmoil of the kingdom’s founding era, and together they helped write the Magna Carta, dictating the rights of the people of the Guianas and the foundation for the Kingdom of Zen. As a result, InvaderXYZ was extended an offer to become the official Pope of the Supreme Church-- as it had come to be believed that her arrival was orchestrated by La Déesse Céleste.

History

Pre-Founding Era (Nov-Dec 2019)

The Kingdom of Zen had been an idea of Doctor_Tordoc's since at least November 20th, 2019. Although InvaderXYZ has originally aligned with the Swiss, she eventually decided to team up with Doctor_Tordoc once again and form the Kingdom of Zen. On November 22nd, Doctor_Tordoc was designated as the Grand King of Zen and InvaderXYZ was appointed as the Pope of Zen.

On November 28th, the Kingdom of Zen joined the League of Nations. Although they originally intended to settle in Africa, late arrival resulted in them having to choose South America to settle their kingdom. However, their induction into the League of Nations resulted in the leader of the Rama Republic, Accesseed, proposing an alliance between the two South American nations.

After forming an alliance with the Rama Republic in South America, the Kingdom of Zen was asked to participate in the United North Alliance; an alliance between the nations of North America, and some from South America. A vote was held and on November 29th, the Kingdom of Zen officially joined the United North Alliance. Later that day, the Supreme Church of Zennist Thought was organized. On November 30th, the Kingdom of Zen was approached about joining the Reichspakt.

The Kingdom of Zen was approached by the Rama Republic on December 3rd to form a united South American Nation. They promptly declined, due to wanting to retain their cultural identity as the people of Zen. On December 4th, the Kingdom of Zen was officially inducted into the World Fair Organization with the city of Zenport acting as the hosting city.

With the writing of the Zennist Manifesto on December 5th, the Zen Parti Nationale (Zen National Party) was formed.

Founding Era (December 2019)

2019-12-07 15.09

Pikachu839 and InvaderXYZ make landfall in the Guianas, where Hero718 is already waiting.

On December 7th, the world of Gladia released. Hero718 was the first resident to get into Gladia, and subsequently the first of the Zen people to settle the Guianas for the Kingdom of Zen. InvaderXYZ was the second to get in, starting in geographical Algeria before making her way to the Atlantic Ocean and trying to swim across.

Pikachu839 started in Africa as well, and was able to scavenge the continent for enough wood to build a boat before heading off into the Atlantic Ocean. Pikachu839 eventually met up with InvaderXYZ halfway across and picked her up right as she was about to die of starvation. The two were eventually able to make it where Hero718 was located, pooling their money together to form the town of Zenport, the first town of the Kingdom of Zen. There they began constructing buildings in the trees, forming the basis for the Kingdom of Zen's architecture. Additionally, Pikachu839 announced his bid for a seat in parliament.

Later that day, Madways_2 attacked the Kingdom of Zen, stealing a handful of valuable resources. Although the residents of Zenport and Minsk were able to repel the invader, Madways_2 hid the valuables before being banned for hacking. The Kingdom was supposedly attacked again later by TheRealEDM, Mayor of Monochome Kiss; but when TheRealEDM returned to Zenport peacefully, he was allowed to travel within the town as residents had generally agreed that they did not want to provoke any kind of major conflict. Later that night, MH33 founded the settlement of Port of Pecem, officially becoming the first Lord.

On December 8th, Zenport was attacked by the terrorist town of Toronto; specifically Mealsuwu and GetSmackedUp. This was reported to Prime Minister Sandman of Canada, who investigated the situation. Toronto leadership claimed that citizens of Zenport attacked them and this was simply retribution, however this was found to be untrue. Several hours later, Toronto was booted from Canada and declared a terrorist town. They later formed the Iroquois nation. On the same day, zZzAwake of House Tordoc settled the town of Melon Fort, officially becoming the second Lord.

The following day, the Supreme Church began registration for members of the church, gaining five supporters in a day. As a result, Lord zZzAwake, Concubine Notorius_IGGSTER, and Wasasloth announced their bid for a seat in parliament after having their registration approved by the Supreme Church. In addition, construction began on a Church in Melon Fort, creating the first branch of the Supreme Church.

Later that night, the Grand King Doctor_Tordoc negotiated with elmomaster69 of China for the Kingdom of Zen to join the Asia-Pacific Cooperation Council, after China expressed interest in forming an alliance with the Kingdom of Zen.

Government

Grand King of Zen

The Grand King of Zen, also known as the Grand King and King of Zen, is the highest authority in the Kingdom of Zen and rules over the entire kingdom. The Grand King has supreme authority over the people of Zen, and enacts policy in the form of official Proclamations.

The Royal Family

The House that belongs to the current Grand King becomes the Royal Family. The Royal Family has a set of powers that allow them to participate in the governing of the Kingdom of Zen. This includes being allowed to serve in the Les Royals chamber of the Synod-Parliament, being able to form a Royal Guard, and being able to draw the lines of commonwealths that they wish to preside over.

The Royal Guard

A Royal Guard is a battalion of knights who serve a single member of the Royal Family. Their duties can range from protection to deployment in battle.

Synod-Parliament

Synod-Parliament, also known as The Synod or Parliament, is a congregation of the members of parliament (MP) that assembles at the behest of the Orateur D'église (OD), who leads the three chambers of the Synod-Parliament by holding polls on the passing of legislature which is submitted by the members of parliament and subsequently approved by the Orateur D'église. There are thirteen seats in each chamber, and up to two members of parliament can campaign for a single seat in an election.

The Orateur D'église

The Orateur D'église is a position elected by the Royal Family, whose candidates consist of a Zen Cardinal chosen by the Pope of Zen and a member of parliament chosen by the Grand King of Zen. The two compete for the position on the 15th of every month and serve a term of about a month. There are a total of thirteen seats in each chamber.

Members of Parliament

Members of Parliament are those who propose legislature to the Orateur D'église and vote on those that are approved. They serve in the chamber known as Les Gens, and once legislature is passed through the members of parliament, it gets passed to either Les Royals or Le Synode depending on the subject matter.

Members of Parliament serve a term of two weeks, with elections taking place on the 14th and 28th of every month. There are no requirements to serve as a member, merely that you are a citizen of the Kingdom of Zen and a member of the Supreme Church.

Les Royals

This is the chamber of parliament where legislature relating to the internal state and overall kingdom is sent after passing through Les Gens. After a vote is held by the Orateur D'église, the legislature is either passed and turned into law, or denied and removed from the Synod-Parliament. To serve in Les Royales, elections occur in the same time and format as members of parliament-- but the primary requirement is to be a Lord or a Member of the Royal Family.

Le Synode

This is the chamber of parliament where legislature relating to the Supreme Church or foreign entities is sent after passing through Les Gens. After a vote is held by the Orateur D'église, the legislature is either passed and turned into law, or denied and removed from the Synod-Parliament. However, it is possible to appeal legislature to the Pope of Zen, who can override the decision of Le Synode. 

To serve in Le Synode, the members must be appointed by the Pope of Zen and approved by the newly elected members of parliament on the same day that elections take place. There is no requirement for serving on Le Synode, except for at least holding the official rank of Bishop.

Supreme Church

Pope of Zen

The Pope of Zen, also known as the Supreme Zen Pontiff, is the highest religious and cultural authority in the Kingdom of Zen. This honor is bestowed upon the Pope by Sa Sainte Vertu, La Déesse Céleste, or Her Holy Righteousness, The Heavenly Goddess. The honor is further authenticated by The Grand King of Zen, whose divine right as a monarch is confirmed by the Pope of Zen.

The Kingdom of Zen and the Pope

The Supreme Church of Zennist Thought is an institution that works outside of the state, but within the borders of the Kingdom of Zen. Despite this, the Pope of Zen has direct influence over the governing body of the Kingdom of Zen. To balance this, the Supreme Church is also directly influenced by the Grand King of Zen, as well. This creates a decent separation of church and state, without dis-incorporating them entirely.

In the Kingdom of Zen, it is required to be aligned with the church in some capacity to officially serve in governance of the kingdom or in the royal family. Refusal to do so will result in excommunication, dictating that you forfeit any honors or divine right given to you by the church, are barred from serving in a position of power in any capacity, and that the Supreme Church has the righteous authority to expel the excommunicated, as well as those deemed ‘accomplices,’ from power with violent force.

The Grand King of Zen and the Pope

The Grand King of Zen is the supreme monarch of the Kingdom of Zen who is given the divine right to rule over the state by La Déesse Céleste; which is either confirmed or denied by the Pope of Zen at the beginning of the monarch’s rule, in addition to once every month. However, the Pope of Zen must provide evidence to support the confirmation of the declaration of divine right. If no evidence is presented, the Pope of Zen can be removed at the Grand King of Zen’s discretion and be replaced with a Zen Cardinal of the King’s choice. Upon confirmation, the Grand King must authenticate the honor of the Pope of Zen to rule over the church.

If the Grand King of Zen officially loses the divine right to rule, they can no longer authenticate the Pope’s honor. As a result, the Pope of Zen must choose a member of the royal family to succeed the original Grand King of Zen. Once the new monarch has been sworn in, a four-day period begins called, The Blood of Rebirth. During this period, any family member from any house may attempt to attack the Grand King of Zen. If the new Grand King is successfully killed, the royal family is ousted and the new family comes to power-- with the killer as the new Grand King.

The fate of the former Grand King of Zen in the event that they are removed from power is decided upon once the royal family has secured their place under new rule. The former Grand King is branded a Vieux Roi and is sentenced to trial by the royal family. In this trial, known as Procès des Perdus, it is up to the royal family to decide whether the Vieux Roi is to join the royal family or become a townsfolk.

If the Pope of Zen’s honor to rule is not authenticated by the Grand King of Zen, the Pope of Zen is put on trial by the royal family, which is led by the Grand King of Zen, himself. This trial is known as Procès du Sainte and serves to determine whether or not the Pope of Zen is fit to continue running the church. Until the honor is authenticated by the Grand King, the Pope of Zen is completely powerless, and if found guilty, is replaced with a Zen Cardinal of the King’s choice. The former Pope is then branded a Vieux Saint, and becomes a townsfolk who can rejoin the church, if allowed.

The Grand King only ever authenticates the honor of the Pope of Zen at the beginning of the King’s rule, or if the Grand King accuses the Pope of Zen of blasphemy, or otherwise going against the defined beliefs of the religion. However, if the evidence is revealed to be fabricated at any point, the current highest religious authority has the ability to deny the Grand King of the divine right to rule.

Duties of the Pope

As the Pope of Zen, the Pope has many responsibilities, duties, and powers. The Pope of Zen is primarily responsible for overseeing the Supreme Church and its control over the minor churches spread across the Kingdom of Zen and other territories the Supreme Church deems theirs. This involves building churches, appointing and removing religious leaders, bestowing honors, spreading the faith, and serving a special role in parliament.

It is also the duty of the Supreme Church to expel unwanted religions from the Kingdom of Zen and territories they deem as theirs. This can be accomplished through diplomatic or violent means. In addition, the Pope of Zen must maintain relationships with foreign leaders and plays a large role in recognizing them as allies or enemies.

Zen Cardinal

The Zen Cardinal is a role given to Archbishops by the Pope of Zen, and is the second highest religious authority in the church. There is no limit to how many Zen Cardinals can be appointed, and usually they are assigned a specific mission by the Pope of Zen to carry out in the name of the Supreme Church. Zen Cardinals are usually responsible for writing religious texts and managing different branches and churches.

Typically, Zen Cardinals have the ability to create churches under the banner of the Supreme Church and extend the authority of the Supreme Church by expanding the territory of the church and pushing into foreign lands. One way this can develop is through the facilitation of colonization. In addition, Zen Cardinals have legal authority over large areas-- as allowed by the Grand King of Zen.

Zen Cardinals also have the ability to officially declare denominations, a power only shared by the Pope of Zen. This allows for the Supreme Church to introduce new officially recognized branches and introduce new gods and new ideas. This comes with the ability of Zen Cardinals to declare certain religious texts as either canon or non-canon, which can be disputed by the Pope of Zen.

Archbishop of Zen

The Archbishop of Zen is a role given to Bishops by the Pope of Zen to indicate a higher authority over greater Bishopdom. The duties of an Archbishop primarily involve directing and organizing the Bishops of the Supreme Church, as well as have minor legal authority over their designated territory.

Archbishops tend to be the leaders of certain denominations of the Supreme Church and are responsible for directly managing a small group of churches as assigned by a Zen Cardinal or the Pope of Zen. Archbishops have the authority to give punishments, legal or otherwise, against those who have blasphemed or oppose the beliefs of the Supreme Church.

Bishop of Zen

The Bishop of Zen is a role in the Supreme Church indicating the lowest level of religious authority over a single town or church. Bishops are responsible for facilitating the beliefs of the Supreme Church at the municipal level and have minor legal authority imposed alongside the local house or mayor. Despite their positions in the church, a Bishop is highly-respected and are appointed by Zen Cardinals or the Pope of Zen.

Cities

The Kingdom of Zen has three founding cities across the eastern coast of South America.

  • Zenport
  • Port of Pecem
  • Melon Fort

Trivia

  • The Kingdom of Zen was originally going to occupy geographical Nigeria.