The Huitzitlaotani Empire is an alliance of several city-states, arising 500 years ago when they all bound together to defeat the Atzalco, a barbarian nation that had been plundering their lands and generally causing all sorts of trouble. United, they thoroughly trounced the Atzalcans, sacking their cities, gobbling up their lands, and enslaving their people. After that, they entered a period of rapid expansion and prosperity, occasionally going to war with their neighbors for more slaves.
This war started when they attacked the city-state of Gervesia for more slaves. Being a close ally of Gervesia, Mercana stepped in to stop them, and brought Kintharia along with it. Feeling like they were just spat in the face, the Huits turned to
their ally, the Imperium Zentragothorum. The beginning of the war went absolutely terrible for the Kino-Mercanan alliance, with the Huits stomping them at sea and the Zentragoths steamrolling them on land. After much deliberation, the Aesthians came to the conclusion that they cannot allow their trading partner, Mercana, to be attacked like this, and they finally joined the war.
What are the nations involved and what is the culture like in each
To be a free man in Huitzitlaotani lands is to be a king among mere men. Over 60% of their population consists of slaves, unable to own land or work in more "dignified" jobs. Their government is a constitutional monarchy. What their king says is law, though nowadays he is more of a figurehead and celebrity, with the elected parliament doing most of the legislation. Huit citizens enjoy a great degree of freedom compared to other nations, and many controversial activities and substances are legal as long as you are not harming others, impeding your own ability to contribute to society, or being indecent. The big event every two years is the National Gladiatorial Combat League's World Tour. Ranging from 100 man reenactments of ancient battles to 6-on-6 tactical operations, to even mock naval battles, there's something for everyone at the Blood Bowl!
Contrary to popular belief, Huit slaves are treated rather well. Despite it being a hereditary status (if you are born from a slave, you are a slave), slaves are allowed to own money, are usually treated fairly by their owners, and may earn citizenship in a number of ways. Joining the armed forces, distinguishing yourself in gladiatorial combat, or even saving up enough money or having your owner purchase your freedom for you are all ways you can become a free man in the Empire, which allows you to own property of your own. Though you must also pass the same incredibly strict citizenship test all immigrants have to take.
The Imperium Zentragothorum is an autocratic superpower located in the central peninsula. Citizens there live a heavily regimented lifestyle, and everyone is required to serve in the military in some capacity for 5 years. Despite the authoritarian government, in times of peace the Zentragoths have quite the bleeding heart when it comes to disaster relief efforts. Aircraft carriers become power plants, bombers load up with ration parcels, and their soldiers deploy to rebuild destroyed homes and roads, also working with local police forces to discourage the looting, crime, and anarchy that usually follows in the wake of natural disasters.
That being said, Zentragoth citizens often find themselves constrained by all the rules and regulations they must live by each day. Entertainment is sparse, and usually poor quality, with only government-sanctioned television and radio programs allowed. Public protests are explicitly forbidden, and all too often have to be dealt with using lethal force. On top of all that, the kindness shown to other nations in times of need is not always extended to its own people. A common joke among Goths in less fortunate cities is that they wish their own country would invade them, so the infrastructure could be repaired.
Mercana is a theocratic representative democracy, and the so-called "Land of Opportunity". The state religion is "Arcologism" whose tenets preach tolerance and compassion for your fellow man, and believes all human life came to this world from a massive starship, thousands of years ago. The starship in question is within their borders, though surrounded by an irradiated zone so deadly, nobody has ever reached the ship itself. Though not a powerful military nation, Mercana has managed to hold on to a lot of land and is currently the largest trade hub in the world.
Countless immigrants arrive each year from far and wide, seeking opportunities for prosperity and success, and there are oh so many opportunities. Mercana is absolutely rich in natural resources still waiting to be uncovered, and just about anyone with a pickaxe and a pasta strainer can find gold and strike it big. On top of that, the government offers such a huge bounty for recovering the Ship's escape pods that anyone lucky enough to find one is assuredly set for life.
End my writing, begin xxxxkill's:
Kintharia is a highly Eastern country, bearing similarity to a continent in a far-off world which has long been forgotten. While generally displaying an isolationist attitude, they will at times be involved with wars. The country is a parliamentary republic, and while the standard of living is rather high, laws are somewhat strict. The isolationist nature of some of the citizens results in a somewhat bad stereotype that Kintharians are tribals. This is only sometimes true. Generally known, stereotypically, for a form of animation which involves incredibly large eyeballs and over-the-top action.
Older generations of Kintharian citizens are sometimes agitated by how the isolationist nature of the country is dissolving, borders being loosened and international relations being more heavily stressed in the government than before. Generally it is acknowledged that these people are absolutely insane and that if they were running the government nothing would get done, and in recent years relations with Mercana in particular had been improved, leading to the current situation where Kintharia provided assistance for the Mercanan aggression.
The NAUC draws its ties from the much older Aesthian Empire, a rather large and expansive empire covering even more territory than the modern NAUC, several islands off the coast, and according to legend, an underwater city. The Aesthian empire had a long and bloody history, generally being referred to by the modern world as the "Empire of the Bloody Hammer."
The NAUC, while less extreme and significantly less likely to start a war than before, would still jump at the chance to assist its allies in any way. As long as "any way" meant explosions and military action was involved. The Coalition is a highly militaristic country, placing large emphasis on the glory of the military. In addition it is one of the few countries in the modern world to have kept a draft going in addition to requiring at least four years of military service.
There is a rather offensive and partially untrue stereotype that all NAUC citizens carry a gun and a flask of mead, and can use both as a weapon.
there you go
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