The Teopan of Metztlitlaca

[Metztlitlaca 722]

Metztlitlaca - Short Overview

The Dominions of Metztlitlaca (Azlo: Lintō Mētztlitlācah / Lintō Mēƶλiλācaʯ), known more commonly as Metztlitlaca or Metztli (Azlo: Mēƶλicān) is an ex-colony of the Empire of Shffahkia that gained it's independence in 1851 after the Shffahkian revolution destroyed the  empire, with the old monarchy fleeing to the colony to form the Crescent Kingdom. Due to Shffahkian and Fulgistani influence, a violent coup overthrew the Crescent Kingdom to eventually form the South Palu Confederation, made up of seven Worker's Republics. The SPC eventually came to an end between 1992-2010 depending on who you ask. The nation itself isn't well known by the average person living in Argis or Europa, just another Low-Income-Country within Alharu/Aurelia, perhaps only common stereotypes of a large-scale prison slavery and human sacrifice ever reaches the ears of those high above in the northern hemisphere. Of course like any country, Metztlitlaca is far more complex then a couple stereotypes. 

Area: 686,550 km^2
Perimeter: 5625 km
Population: 21,430,663
Population Density: 31.22 per km^2
GDP per Capita: $3,010.25
GDP total: $64,511,653,300
Demonym/Adjective: Metztlican

Metztlitlaca is a semi-federation of 14 dominions and is classified as an anocracy that is moving towards democracy. 6 of the 14 dominions are ran as republics with the other 8 ran as constitutional monarchies with considerable but not complete power. Each Dominion has high levels of autonomy with devolved parliaments under their own unitary systems. All Dominions must follow the Teopantli of Collective Intent (the highest governing body). Democracy within Metztlitlaca is corrupt and the few political parties involved are often easily bribed by internal and external forces. This can be summed up as part of an informal "contract" between the government and the people, that as long as the personal freedoms and luxury continues to rise, most citizens will turn a blind eye to the atrocities occurring within the state.

 

Cultures & Religion.
The Azlo indigenous group migrated into southern Palu from the Paran desert in 300 AD due to changing climates, almost entirely replacing the original Marenai inhabitants. Currently there are 12 ethnic groups that make up the greater Azlo cultural group. The Metztlica are the largest group and the namesake of the nation. The others are the Tlaxcalixe, Tepanizo, Tlahuizo, Colhuazo, Chalica, Khīlitikhī, Acolīca, Cohlca, Xochimīca, Pipīlca, and the Khīyīmekhī. The remaining descendants of the non-Azlo indigenous populations are the Iwica, Naukatay, and the Lakautolo. The two non-indigenous groups to Metztlitlaca are the Hong (Huang migrants from Fulgistan where interracial marriages are commonplace) and the Yatotla as mentioned previously.

Due to Shffahkian colonialism from 1800-1851 and Salvian crusader states from the 17th to 18th centuries, Christianity carved itself a large section of influence in the nation - primarily across the coastline - with Wēcatoc (the native pagan religion of the Azlo) making up much of the interior. The Shffahkian Christianity that came to southern Palu was primarily Fleur de Lysian Catholicism which is remarkably similar to the Salvian Catholicism brought upon by Slavian crusaders.

 

Economy
Only 20% of the nation’s population live in urban areas, primarily within the capital city of economic centres. 62% of Metztlicans work in the primary sector, split primarily between agriculture (generic cash crops and more exotic tropical fruits and vegetables) and mining of low-density metals – primarily Aluminium, Titanium, and Magnesium -, with smaller parts in forestry and fishing. 21% work in the secondary sector in manufacturing and refinery of metals. Lastly only 12% work in the tertiary sector – primarily tourism. The last 5% is within administration or quaternary sector businesses. This has begun to change in recent years due to international aid in the industrialization of Metztlitlaca as well as the encouragement of tourists into the nation from Il Domineo nations, LAANN, and Fulgistan. Metztlitlaca follows a State Capitalist economics model with the Teopan of Finance being the major body in regulations and management of national companies. Due to wide-scale corruption within the government the Teopantli of Finance can often be sluggish or turn a blind eye towards more anti-consumer policies or ideas. One major issue within the economy – especially the mining sector – is the use of mass forced labour from prisons, which has been a part of the economy since ancient times and exploited heavily during Shffahkian rule. Current aid for industrialisation have come with added rules towards the gradual removal of forced labour.

Tourism is a moderately sized sector, primarily around the capitals of coastal dominions with the tourist capital of Nuovo Arburio – pronounced Novo Apulio in the Yatotlan Cristinese-Lycian dialect. Generally tourist advisors state to remain within certain dominions and dominion capitals when travelling. When coming to Metztlitlaca, it is also heavily advised and even required by many tourist companies to take several injections for tropical diseases such as Malaria before coming into the country as Malaria is an all-season disease at higher latitudes.

Military & Foreign Affairs
Metztlitlaca's military is limited almost entirely to homefield use with limited capabilities to extend outside of the Palu Peninsula or LAANN nations. Metztlitlaca gets most of it's military equipment and firearms from Fulgistan. The nation has very few tanks , instead relying on primarily armoured vehicles and towed artillery along with infantry. There isn't much to talk about here outside of Azlo War Culture and it's leanings towards authoritarianism.

Metztlitlaca is willing to befriend more unorthodox regimes that the rest of the Eurth community may be more anxious to (openly) trade and interact with. However, most of Metztlitlaca's network of alliances are within Il Domineo and the League of Alharu and Aurelian Native Nations. Metztlitlaca has an economic partnership program designed around the removal of forced prison labour, although prison labour isn't unique to Metztlitlaca, it's explicit and mass-usage along with a highly punitive prison have led many to condemn the nation for it's practises. Current aid for industrialisation comes with additional guidelines towards the gradual removal of said forced labour under the economic partnership program.

Edited November 27, 2020 by Metztlitlaca
:)

[Metztlitlaca 722]

Teopantli of Finance: Metals Made of Azlo Skulls 

 

Aluminium, an often forgotten yet important metal for the modern era. From phone cases to air planes to weapons of war, the light yet durable metal has found it’s way into almost every sector of the modern economy. However, not many people know where it comes from. “From the ground!” Metztlican CEOs say, with a cheeky smile and dazzling white teeth. “Processed through electrolysis!” Metztlican scientists say, wearing their platinum watches and golden rings. “Sourced from the mountains!” Ambassadors say, wearing freshly cleaned suits. In truth, the Aluminium sector of Metztlitlaca is possibly one of the worst cases of human rights abuse in the region as forced prison labour is most often used, imported criminals charged with Second and First Case Class crimes (robbery, murder, advocation of violence, etc.) from southern calpol and dominions. Although physical punishments are not (legally) used, the death rate within the mines is appallingly high at 917.6 per 100,000 per year (~0.92%) which is often chalked up to poor management and negligence. Many of the more minor mining accidents that do occur, however, are covered up so the number itself may be significantly more or less then what is known.

The Aluminium Sector – along with other low density metal mining and extraction sectors – is considered one of if not the most corrupt in all of Metztlitlaca and often takes bribes from international and intranational individuals and companies.

 

High concentrated deposits of Aluminium and Titanium were only first discovered in Metztlitlaca in 1998 within the Tapatepetli Mountains and made full use of in the mid 00s, but since then has grown to become a powerful player in the trade and processing of Aluminium and other low-density metals such as Titanium and Magnesium. Currently Metztlitlaca controls 40% of Aluminium trade, producing 14.28 Million Metric Tons (MMT) of Aluminium annually, out of the global 35.69 MMT. Most of Metztlican Aluminium is mined from Bauxite in the eastern half of the Tapatepetli Mountains in the Metztlica and Xochimīca Dominions and then sound southwards to be processed in what Metztlicans nickname “Tepozλiyoʯ Xī” aka “Cities full of Metals” as the towns who take in Aluminium, Titanium, and Magnesium from the mountains to be processed often have their entire local economies related to and dependant on the processing plants. Similarly, Metztlitlaca controls ~65% of the Magnesium trade and 10% of the Titanium trade.

Most of Metztlitlaca uses the Bayer Process for processing Bauxite into Aluminium. The bauxite is blended and ground down into a uniform powder and then mixed with sodium hydroxide at a high temperature. The mixture slurry is then treated through a vessel at high pressure, which dissolves the aluminium hydroxide product in bauxite. After this, the leftover slurry is at a higher temperature then its boiling point, resulting in a gas. It is then cooled by removing the steam as the pressure of the vessel is reduced. The bauxite residue is separated from the solution and discarded. The solution, free of solids, is seeded with crystals of aluminium hydroxide; this causes said aluminium hydroxide to decompose into aluminium hydroxide. After half of aluminium has precipitated, the mixture is sent to classifiers. Small crystals of aluminium hydroxide are collected to serve as seeding agents; coarse particles are converted to aluminium oxide by heating; excess solution is removed by evaporation, purified, and recycled. Titanium extraction uses the Kroll Process with Titanium Tetrachloride and Magnesium the Silicothermic Reduction Pidgeon Process using Silicon and Magnesium Oxide.

 

Your average Acolican Metljix Aluminium Processing Plant at the coastline near Seylosian Kaseka.

 

Unlike many of the other sectors of the Metztlican economy, the mining industry is open up to international companies with relatively lax restrictions. Most international companies are focused on the processing of aluminium and/or cheap manufacturing of goods. In total 65 of the Wurld’s 105 Aluminium Processing Plants (APPs) are found in Metztlitlaca (not counting recycling plants). Metztlican Companies own 25 of the APPs split between Alōmino Conzītli (11) and Metlyix (14). Fulgistan, a very close trading partner of Metztlitlaca, has 15 APPs controlled by their state companies. Numerous Limonaian companies hold 9 APPs with Sunset Sea Island’s Sunset Aluminium Group Co. maintaining all 6 of the SSI aluminium plants. [Seylosian Company] controls 4. Similarly the Kaimanu Mining Company, with it’s headquarters in Salvia, own 4. The Tagmatine company of Arhomaniki-Oureintiniki Exoryxi Alouminiou (AOEA) owns two processing plants near the Acolica coast.

Alōmino Conzītli sells aluminium at $2,200 per metric ton (PMT) to foreign nations. Metlyix sells at $2,100 per metric ton (PMT) also to foreign nations. Companies that work inside of Metztlitlalio have to provide a set profit for Metztlitlaca dependant on current economic treaties, resulting in Metlyix consistently providing the cheapest aluminium exports out of the country. Countries who own processing plants in Metztlitlaca must pay a fixed profit share per metric ton (FPSPMT).

 

Limonaia-based companies
● $400 FPSPMT

LAANN-based companies (based in the Alharu Native Nations Aluminium Agreement (ANNAA))
● $500 FPSPMT

Seylosian-based companies (based in the Kaseka 2014 Non-ferrous Metals Agreement)
● $800 FPSPMT

SSI-based companies
● $900 FPSPMT

Salvian-based companies
● $1,000 FPSPMT

Tasgmatium-based companies
● $1,000 FPSPMT

 

Titaniometl sells Titanium at $11,000 PMT to foreign nations. The titanium industry within Metztlitlaca is far less competitive with fewer companies – most of which are Metztlican or LAANN based – and not as large as the aluminium industry. One major non-LAANN foreign company in the titanium sector is Kaimanu Mining Company of Salvia, which holds significant amounts of shares in numerous titanium plants and even owns two processing plants in the Tepanizo Dominion.

 

Kaimanu Titanium Plant on the coast of the Tapelt Dominion, near the Yatotla Dominion border.

 

All-in-all, the low-density metals industry of Metztlitlaca fuels it’s economy towards industrialisation and eventual modernisation but at the same time leaves piles of skulls on it’s tracks. The CEOs, Scientists, and Ambassadors consider it a necessary evil of Metztlitlaca, and perhaps it is, perhaps it isn’t. Only the future knows, and the future does not say. But until then, the metals that produce Azlo skulls will continue to be wrought from the ground and shovelled into the growing economic machine of south Palu...

Edited November 27, 2020 by Metztlitlaca
:))

[Metztlitlaca 722]

Teopantli of History: The Raptor's Claws and the Lion's Jaws 

[1200 - 1860]
 

Metztlitlaca is relatively unknown to the modern world. The only countries that ever give the fledgling nation any form of attention are those who had invested into the nation in its younger years. Seylos with it's port city of Kaseka; Fulgistan and Oyus with the League of Alharun and Aurelian Native Nations; Eulycea due to centuries of rivalry and conflicts. This wasn't always the case, there once was a time in Metztlican history where a predecessor nation to Metztlitlaca was one of the many major regional powers of its day. This golden era for southern Palu was under the banners of the Crescent Empire.

The Crescent Empire called itself Īnetztli Tìkuo in the Old Metztlica dialect of Azlo, however it is often called Metztliyōtl (Meƶλiyōλ) in the Central Metaztlitlaca Dialect. It ruled it's territories from 1202 AD up until 1801 AD, spanning much of the southern Palu peninsula and into eastern Mesothalassa.

 

 

Map of Geographic Locations

 

Formation of the Crescent Empire: 1178 - 1202 AD
The Crescent Empire was not pre-ordained nation that naturally rose up from its surroundings. It was a messy and complicated affair. Before the Crescent Empire there were thirty separate monarch states across modern day Metztlitlaca, each one vying for power and dominance over history. In the late 12th Century, the strongman of southern Palu were the Tepanizo. Found in western modern Metztlitlaca, the Tepanizo were fractured between 3 multicultural hegemonic monarch states with the largest, Azcapoƶinco, dominating the Metztlica ethnic group which at the time was only two thirds its modern geographic size. The reigning Archpriest - the leader of the religion of the Azlo people - had died several years ago and priesthood was in the midst of deciding his successor. The Azcapoƶinco had bribed or threatened any nations who could of been a threat to them from sending any of their own aristocracy to be possibly ordained as Archpriest. Instead Azcapoƶinco's monarch had his son and several of his vassal's send their sons and daughters to the Priesthood, threatening any Metztlica tribe who dared try to win the Archpriest title with burning down their villages. This was by Priesthood law considered illegal, but with no powerful nation to back them like in previous centuries they went along with it. One tribe however did not get the threat as the messenger had died on the way to them. The Atlahuica, the people of the valleys, were unaware of the scheme the Azcapoƶinco had planted and had sent their best to the contests.

The title of Archpriest was earned by being the one to pass the numerous endurance, physical, and intellectual tests with the most success. Those sent must be between the ages of 15 and 19. The archpriest title cannot be worn by a head monarch of a nation, and thus monarch states tend to send high standing aristocrats from their capitals. Tribes did not have aristocracies, therefore most of the Metztlica tribes the Azcapoƶinco ordered to partake sent their most average boys and girls. The candidate the Atlahuica sent was nineteen year old Tapilchuacotl, Tapilchuacotl was born prematurely and missing his left arm from below the elbow so by all accounts and logic should of died, but he somehow persisted. Unable to use the bow and arrow he became proficient at the atlatl, also known as the spear-thrower. His skill was refined to a degree no one his age from his or the neighbouring tribes could match, with only the oldest and most experienced spear-throwers able to hit as consistently as he could. The aristocratic boy was not athletic nor proficient with tools and by the end of the tests had trailed behind Tapil. The Priesthood ordained Tapilchuacotl the new Archpriest.

The Azcapoƶinco were furious at the Atlahuica and within weeks had burned down their villages and taken half of the village population to be killed at the Azcapoƶinco capital's temples. The other half fled to neighbouring tribe villages who pitied the Atlahuica. For over half a decade, the Priesthood and the Atlahuica were forming a coalition of Metztlica and other suppressed ethnic groups to overthrow the Azcapoƶinco monarch state. The resulting civil war took a little over a decade, resulting in the dissolution of the Azcapoƶinco monarch state. 

With the Azcapoƶinco monarch state dissolved, there was no clear successor, and the region would of collapsed back into anarchy as it had done every time a period of subjugation and hegemony ended, but Tapilchuacotl not wishing to further the cycle of violence instead come up with a new solution; a unified Metztlica state. Instead of a single tribe controlling others, all tribes of the Metztlica people would be equals. The Crescent Empire was officially established in 1202 AD with the unifying of the Metztlica tribes through diplomacy, peace-making, and compromises. Tapilchuacotl was ordained the Monarch of Monarchs, only the third individual in Azlo history to be officially crowned the title and the first to both hold the title of Monarch of Monarchs and also to be an Archpriest.

 

Expansion and Wars of the Sun and Moon: 1219 - 1400 AD
Tapilchuacotl died in 1219 AD, the last thing he did was merge the role of Monarch of Monarchs and the role of Archpriest into a single title and role. The merged title remained as Archpriest, but it meant that those who held the title had both religious power but also political power. Since the official formation of the Crescent Empire in 1202, Tapilchuacotl never warred any other nation state except in defending the empire from tribal incursions.

Tapil's successor was not like that.

His successor, Iztacoa II, was named after the legendary White Serpent monarch of the far western Azlo groups. As the grandson of Tapil, many were struck by the stubbornness and ambition of the young Archpriest who made it his life's goal to form the largest Azlo empire in history. By 1240, the Crescent Empire had begun to draw the attention of the much larger Tihuanaco Empire across the Tapatepetli mountains which began the century and a half long Wars of the Sun and Moon, which lasted from 1245 AD - 1395 AD, when influence from the Yellow Empire began to eventually collapse of the Tihuanaco Empire. Most of the conflict in the Wars of the Sun and Moon were within the great valley systems of the Tapatepetli mountains and at the neck of the Palu Peninsula where in joined to Mesothalassa proper. Despite both being large nations, neither side had the technology nor might to fully cross the mountains or make the long trek around them to conquer or subjugate the other. When the Yellow Empire finally arrived and brought instability to Tihuanaco, the Crescent Empire offered itself as a potential ally for the much larger Yellow Empire and great networks of trade were formed by the start of the 15th century.

 

Borders of the Crescent Empire in 1400 AD. Dark Green is where the Metztlica are the majority ethnicity.

 

The Golden Years: 1400 - 1600 AD
From the 15th to 17th centuries, the Crescent Empire was in it's golden age of expansions, commerce, and culture. It's trade of spices and precious jewels and pottery to the Yellow Empire and to other merchants made the coastal cities fabulously wealthy along with the capital of Xinatlahuimiz (modern day Tekaken). The empire, unlike those of Europa or Argis, was a hegemonic empire with vassal states making up much of the empire's territory. Only the core majority-Metztlica populated areas were under the direct rule of the Archpriest, along with the coastal cities and ports, resulting in the empire being rather decentralised compared to the Yellow Empire or imperial Europa-Argis. Each vassal had to send an appropriately large offering to the capital each year or be threatened with destruction.

As the empire grew, larger and larger groups of Metztlica migrated across the empire to economic hotspots. These new majority-Metztlica exclaves would then be promoted from vassals to core territories of the empire. By 1585, the empire had reach it's greatest extent.

Borders of the Crescent Empire in from 1585 - 1690 AD. Dark Green are the majority-Metztlica core territories.

 

The Falling Years: 1600 - 1800 AD
Every empire collapse, the the Crescent Empire's collapse was a slow and gruelling one. The over bloated bureaucracy due to so many vassal states and the gradual movement towards decadence meant that the government often lagged behind on critical information, making the one unstoppable Crescent Army the laughing stock of the region. This first became apparent when Salvian crusaders attempted a takeover of the empire to convert it to Christianity - as they had done to their northern neighbour not too long ago. The Crescent Empire should of been able to push them back to sea almost immediately, but it took over fifty years to resist and forcefully expel the crusaders in 1710. This dramatic failure weakened the credibility of the government significantly and fringe vassal states began to break away - most not even threatened with retribution for their treason - and the government slowly fell to in-fighting. There were numerous attempts as reforms, but most were pushed back by the Priesthood or the government. By the end of the 18th century, the empire was only two thirds its size shown above. In 1798, the growing Shffahkia empire swooped into the decaying corpse of the Crescent Empire and tore it to shreds, unceremoniously annexing it as Shffahkia's first overseas non-island colony.

 

 

The Territory of Mezzaluna: 1800 - 1850 AD
From 1800 AD to 1850 AD, the Shffahkian Empire ruled the region corresponding to modern day Metztlitlaca, named the Territory of Mezzaluna. Regions of the old empire that were not directly annexed soon went off on their own paths, most falling to strife and anarchism. The main use of the colony was for crop plantations in the western savanna - where many Shffahkians settled - and for the exportation of precious gems and metals from the interior. Christianity soon spread from Shffahkia into Mezzaluna, joining up with those who were already converted by the Salvian crusaders and converting much of the coast. Even in modern times, the nation of Metztlitlaca is divided by a Catholic coastline and a Huecatoc (native faith) interior. The eastern jungle fringes were severely deforested and used for more intensive crops such as cotton, with slavery often practised in the area. This relationship of exploitation continued up until  Marianne the First would take the throne in Shffahkia. The Premier, Jean-Patrique Lecerf, and the majority of senators back in the empire's capital did not want a woman on the throne especially when they were dealing with the consequences of a ill-advised war elsewhere in Aurelia. As a result, the Senate abolished the monarchy declaring the beginning of the First Shffahko-Republic on November 15, 1848, with Jean-Patrique Lecerf as its first president ending the Shffahkian Empire. This resulted in Marianne I at the age of 24 along with numerous aristocrats fleeing to Mezzaluna to establish a monarchy in exile.

 

Flag of the Mezzaluna Territory

 

Territory of Mezzaluna by 1850.

 

Formation of the Crescent Kingdom and Wars of Independence: 1851 - 1873
Marianne Eugène de Caldofondo-Bouvèron and the aristocrats that followed established the Crescent Kingdom of Shffahkia in 1851. Marianne was never officially crowned queen, as she still believed she was the rightful ruler of Shffahkia and that taking a second crown would be a sign of surrender. From 1852 to 1873 numerous wars were fought between the First Shffahko Republic and the Crescent Kingdom of Shffahkia with both sides as aggressors. In 1872 Marianne I died from malaria at the age of 46, leaving the throne to her son Armand Eugène de Caldofondo-Bouvèron who was 21. Armand I soon began to broker a peace between the Crescent Kingdom of Shffahkia and the First Shffahko-Republic. The Shffahko-Republic and the Crescent Kingdom of Shffahkia both agreed to recognise each other's independence and to not place claims onto one another's land or governments, as well as the Crescent Kingdom of Shffahkia reducing its name to just the Crescent Kingdom. Armand I throughout his time on the throne never fought a war against another nation and was soon named Armand the Peaceful. In 1909 Armand and the Crescent government banned the purchasing and selling of individuals of any race or gender, he died a year later in 1910. In 2010, a hundred years after his death, one of the major coastal cities of Metztlitlaca renamed itself to Xamant - City of Armand - in recognition of his duty to the people of the Crescent Kingdom no matter their race or gender. Armand's successor was his son - Armand II - who's mother was an ex-aristocratic Tlaxcalixe (Azlo) lady. Armand II and his successors there-after were as equally despotic as Marianne or had no care to look after the kingdom, eventually leading to it's downfall...

 

Edited December 5, 2020 by Metztlitlaca
:)))

[Metztlitlaca 722]

Teopac of Culture: Wēcatoc Religion Factbook

Note: This factbook is going to be hella wordy and is effectively just me storing all information on Wēcatoc in one place for easy access. I honestly don’t expect anyone to read the whole thing.

 

Overview
Wēcatoc is a native pagan religion based primarily within the Dominions of Metztlitlaca. The religion itself is best well known for its reverence to the moon, faux human sacrifices, and a large pantheon of gods of which only two are actually alive.

The deity worshipped primarily by the Azlo and other practitioners of Wēcatoc is Coyoxāwauh, a lunar goddess. There is also a large emphasis on “Teyoiliti”, also known as souls and spirits. Each thing alive (including animals and plants) are considered to have a Teyoiliti, along with abstract concepts such as strength and chaos and physical objects such as individual rivers / forests. Teyoiliti are not worshipped but can often be prayed to for help/guidance/safety.

 

Distribution
Currently there is an estimate of ~22,176,000 practitioners wurldwide (as of mid-2020) and 17.15 million of which are based in Metztlitlaca, around 5 million in neighbouring Azlo states, and 26,000 practitioners beyond the Palu Peninsula. The largest group of practitioners is found in Fulgistan, at around 10,000, primarily from those fleeing the South Paluvian Civil War (1992-2005). 9,800 are spread amongst other LAANN nations – primarily capital and/or largest cities – and several underground groups within Shffahkia. The remaining 6,200 are spread out amongst the rest of the wurld split amongst the neo-pagans and economic immigrants.

 

Map of Distribution of practitioners in eastern Alharu and northern Aurelia. Light red represents the presence of multiple 
Wēcatoc communities, whereas the darker red represents regions where Wēcatoc is the majority faith.

 

Creation Myth & Pantheon
Practitioners of Wēcatoc believe in a cyclical world, of which the current Eurth is the 6th world. The first four worlds were categorised by conflicts between major gods who inevitably caused the downfall of those worlds. The fifth world is considered to be the most Eurth-like and the first time the gods were able to work together. The fifth world is currently thought to have lasted several million years (dates vary depending on scriptures, the most modern renditions put it at ~5 million years). The fifth world came to an end when Coyoxāwauh’s brother, the sun deity, attempted to usurp the pantheon oligarchy to make himself the head deity. Coyoxāwauh killed her brother, causing the 5th world’s sun to die and a great earthquake to destroy the 5th world.

With the creation of the 6th world, there was no sun, and thus all deities but Coyoxāwauh and the two-headed Serpent Eurth & Sky God Lalteco to jump into a great fire to form a new star out of their ashes and boiling white and yellow blood. The Teyoiliti souls with the help of Coyoxāwauh made the Mun, which would be divided into nine heavenly kingdoms.
Lalteco was to guard the Eurth and create new civilisations, whilst Coyoxāwauh was to protect the Mun and the Teyoiliti. Coyoxāwauh became bored however, and created her own civilisation, the Azlo.
It is said she guided the Azlo to their new homeland in southern Palu after their expulsion from the lake and manifested herself as the first Archpriestess once arriving in southern Palu.

The current pantheon, like many polytheist religions, are incredibly large and who's in it and represents what changes a lot depending on where you go in the country. However thanks to the Priesthood there is a semi-complete Metztlica/Capital interpretation of the pantheon of all the non-local deities, which can be found here. The only deities not considered dead and can freely come down to Eurth are Coyoxāwauh and Lalteco.

 

Wurld History
As a religion Wēcatoc has been around since ~800 BCE, however there is no clear start date as the religion came as a slow manifestation of local cultural practises and ideologies. At the time of the formation of Wēcatoc the Azlo people were not in southern Palu but in their original homeland west of modern-day Fulgistan around a large lake.

The Azlo were eventually forced out from their lake due to changing climate and increasing competition and hostility by neighbouring ethnic groups. The Azlo 6000km* migration from the lake to southern Palu took place from ~50 BCE to ~350 CE in which the religion’s core beliefs and practises changed radically. For example, before the migration the role of Archpriest was that below the monarchy and was not a singular role, but each large tribe or collection of smaller tribes had an Archpriest. The pantheon of gods was much larger but also less consistent between groups and the current death-pantheon did not exist. The goddess Coyoxāwauh was not the head deity (known as Coyolxāuhqui in pre-migration times) but rather was one of 4 other known (and possibly more unknown) lunar deities which have by the modern day been synchronised and absorbed into Coyoxāwauh’s mythos. There is also scattered evidence that solar worship predated lunar worship, for example the now-extinct solar worship within the Heqi province of Fulgistan.

Post-migration there was also a new keen interest by the Priesthoods to keep records of day-to-day life due to the destruction of much of the pre-migration history bamboo books and scriptures when migration began. This interest allowed for incredibly precise and accurate knowledge of pre-Colonial Metztlitlacan history to be recorded and categorised within the many temples across southern Palu.

Surviving Pre-Migration Scriptures and books are often divided into two families: The Neltilitl, and The Pōc. The separation between the two families isn't clear cut and is often debating within Wēcatoc sects and Priesthoods. The Neltilitl Scriptures are considered to have been true stories as actual accounts of recent history, whereas the Pōc is a catch-all for everything else. Not necessarily false or lies, but things such as metaphorical stories, legends of pre-Wēcatoc Scripture heroes, the events and stories of the Gods, etc.

(*Turkic migration was ~5000km from the Turkic homeland to Anatolia + Based of the real Nahua migration from south-west US to central Mexico)

 

Code of Conduct & Practises
Like most religions, Wēcatoc has a code of conduct that all practitioners must follow.

Coyoxāwauh is to be praised and prayed to four times every 12 days (according to the Azlo Religious Calender) minimum by either altars within people’s homes, or if they cannot afford altars, worshipped within the local temples. Days of full moons call for greater celebration within the local temples and no work / schooling should occur on those days. Days of new moons are considered dangerous, no child should be named on a new moon day nor their date of birth be assigned on a day of a new moon. Incense and spices are burned within the local temples on days of new moons to ward off disruptive Teyoiliti. Those who are homeless are encouraged to seek shelter within the temples on new moon days, along with the tight restriction of the selling of alcohol and other mind-altering substances.

There are holidays for specific festivals or to revere one of the many now-dead gods. A common occurrence on these holidays is the re-enactments of human sacrifices either with fruit, pre-killed animals, dummies, or just actors.

It is considered disrespectful to attempt to mimic the face of Coyoxāwauh within paintings/sculptures/media outside of the temples, and as such symbols are often used in place for the head when creating sculptures/paintings/media of Coyoxāwauh. Such as the Azlo Syllabic Script symbols for “Ko”, “Me”, or “I+te”. Other common symbols used is that of a crescent or full moon or the head of a bird, usually a Crescent Bird.

Birds are considered divine creatures to Coyoxāwauh – especially the Crescent Bird – and as such practitioners of Wēcatoc are to not eat the meat of birds, however eating eggs from birds and the plucking of feathers from birds are allowed. Fasting in general is considered a good act and should be performed regularly and on certain days.

Monogamy is considered an act of selfishness and polyamorous Calpoyauh (farming estates) are encouraged within Wēcatoc. There was a strict divide between the roles of men and women, however both were seen as equals under the eyes of the priesthood and same-sex relationships were overall not seen as an issue. Due to the introduction of Christianity when under colonial rule, polygamy/polyamory has overall been on the decline – especially within non-farming communities or along the coast – and due to much more conservative forms of Christianity taking hold on the coastline from Salvian crusader kingdoms and Shffahkian colonists, gender equality and the legality + normalisation of same-sex relationships have also suffered greatly in the past two centuries.

 

Religion in Politics
The Archpriest role and the Priesthood possess their own branch of the government which often acts as an equal to many of the Dominion governments - especially in those who are majority Wēcatoc - crowning monarchs and continuing to develop Wēcatoc as time goes on. Unlike many faiths Wēcatoc Priests take an active role on rewriting and revaluating what is canon to the Wēcatoc scripts, as they believe themselves to be Coyoxāwauh's chosen children, they have the right to the modification/addition/removal of scriptures which would prevent the further expansion of the faith into the modern day. This has led to numerous splinter sects in the past from disagreements of what should change and what shouldn’t, but since the formation of the Crescent Empire and a semi-unified Azlo government, the Priesthood has maintained high levels of political and religious authority over those who partake in the faith.

With the end of the South Palu Confederation, the Priesthood has taken a more active role in day-to-day life and overall control of the nation, which has caused political freedoms to decline over the past decade and a half, however personal freedoms overall have been on the increase as older Christian and Socialist laws put in place previously which have become outdated in most Christian and/or Socialist nations have begun to be removed outside of the Yatotla Dominion.

Edited September 30, 2020 by Metztlitlaca

[Metztlitlaca 722]

“The Handbook for Tourism within Altepetl Tekaken”
By Pr. Māzellos Ƶaqāλi

Publish Year, 2016
Publisher Supervisor, Pr. Qājwā Khiztac
Publisher Supervisory Board, Teopanλi of Cultural and Religious Life
Publisher Company & City, The National Metztlican Tourist Cooperative Council (Altepeλ Azcapoƶinco)

 

Chapter 2: Ce Nāwi Temimilli (Cultural Etiquette of the Azlo)

Section 1, Walking Before Running.
Before we can understand Azlo etiquette and apply it to common situations, we first need to understand a little about the Azlo and the great roots that make up their cultures.

Before 2010 the Azlo were an unknown, insular, people, keeping to themselves in their own countries of Metztlitlaca, Sitallo, and the Triple Commonwealth with minimal interaction beyond Fulgistan and the other major cities from the League of Alharun and Aurelian Native Nations. The majority of these migrants came as refugees of the latter half of the South Paluvian Civil War. Recently with the opening of tourism into the nation for non-LAANN states, and a small rise in emigration from Metztlitlaca, learning the do’s and dont’s of Azlo manners and etiquette may prove useful for the uninformed – especially for one wishing visit the hermit countries. However there are countless different cultural groups of the Azlo, so we will be discussing primarily about Altepetl Tekaken and the Metztlica people – the largest group of the Dominions of Metztlitlaca!

If you ask any well-dressed Metztlica (or any Azlo for that manner!), they will say that to be “true Azlo”, one must understand and follow Ce Nāwi Temimilli, “The Four Columns”. The Four Columns are the main virtues championed by the greater Azlo cultural group and are key tenents to Wēcatoc, the indigenous pagan religion of over 37 million faithful.

These virtues are:-
• Honour
• Modesty
• Politeness
• Honesty
As long as you keep these four virtues in your mind at all times you should be fine in Altepetl Tekaken, but just in case let's go over common situations you might find yourself in!

 

Section 2, Greetings
The most common form of greeting – and one you would be using often when speaking to others – is a simple handshake or nod. They are both considered polite and appropriately formal if you are meeting strangers. Generally physical contact should be prevented if possible past greetings. If someone lowers their head when passing you in the streets, do not be offended! It is expected from unwedded individuals to keep their head down if passing someone they might think will try greet them – the common stereotype of a tourist is one of overly-talkative.
If a police officer, soldier, or someone in a similar level of power greets you, a quick bow is often expected as it is showing honour to those that protect you. You should always address the elders of a group first, and then greet each person in order of seniority.

    
 

If you’re meeting a close friend or a family member, the most respectful non-PDA (public display of affection) is by putting an arm around and over your friend’s shoulders, them doing the same, and immediately begin talking about what's on your mind. No need for formalities of greetings when you’ve known one another for a long time!

If you’re entering someone’s home or are greeted at the door of a store or a restaurant, the first thing you should say is “Moīxpanƶinco” or “Nipoɥpolwiā“, which translates to “Excuse me” and “I’m Sorry” respectfully. Most likely they will respond with “Ticiammiqīƶ” which roughly means “you have tired yourself in coming”. This is the standard greetings for entering someone’s property. If the greeter is an older man or lady, they might attempt to put your arm around their shoulders and guide you to either your table and seat, or to the register, in both instances asking you what you wish to order/buy. If you don’t know what you wish to buy/order yet, a simple “Niaqīmati” “I don’t know” is sufficient.

Now that we’ve established what to do, let’s see what you shouldn’t do!
Greetings should be modest and short – especially so with a stranger – as a prolonged welcome is a sign that you need to tell someone bad news. Handshakes should also not be too firm, as that could be mistaken as a sign of aggression!. The worst thing you could do is attempt to hug or kiss a stranger or friend in public, as PDA are still quite taboo even within cities. Save your hugs and kisses for Yatotla!

As a foreigner, you will not be held to the same standards of greetings, for example foreigners who attend the annual Festival of the Moon at Altepetl Tekaken will not be expected to λalqālizλi if the Archpriest appears. Λalqālizλi is when you bend the knees and bow with your head remaining close to the ground, scoop up Eurth in the hand and raise it to the mouth (although the dirt doesn’t have to touch your mouth) and imitate a kiss. In some circles it’s even considered impolite for a non-Wēcatoc to perform this. Instead foreigners are expected to bend the knees and bow only, as a sign of respect to the religion and culture of Metztlitlaca.

 

Section 3, Food & Table Manners
Most tourist hotspots in Altepetl Tekaken and other cities in Metztlitlaca and the Triple Commonwealth have been adjusted to the northern style of cuisine and with knives and forks, however if you adventure out of your comfort zone and to more traditional Azlo restaurants, street food, or have been invited into an Azlo home, this section will be important!

The most obvious difference is that the Azlo usually eat during and before sunrise, and during and after sunset. Instead you are more likely to find cafes open that sell coffee and fruit drinks, or vendors selling kebabs with assortments of meats/vegetables/fruits along with mints (both processed and home made). Do remember though that Metztlican Health & Safety standards are much lower than in Argis or Europa! Only eat from vendors that appear clean or have been approved by your tour guides!. One food item almost guaranteed to be safe is Necoλiyoɥ, which are small thumb-sized candy made up of beeswax, honey, and chilli. Necoλiyoɥ is sold almost everywhere in Metztlitlaca, the Triple Commonwealth, and even Sitallo.

A major taboo of all cultures across Metztlitlaca, the Triple Commonwealth, and Sitallo is the chewing of gum in public, which is often associated with solicited adult activity, with the word itself “Ƶicλi” in Naxua a word for solicited adult activity. Most Anglish to Naxua dictionaries wouldn’t tell you this so keep this in mind next time you see a store in Altepetl Tekaken labelled Ƶicλi!

Once you’ve entered a restaurant or cafe and been guided to your table, the waiter might ask “Āc pōxette, nozo qāizi”, which means “knife and fork, or chopsticks and spoon”. Most dishes in Altepetl Tekaken can use either interchangeably (besides soups of course) and understand tourists may not know how to use chopsticks, so do not feel embarrassed to ask for pōxette, knife and fork. Many traditional Azlo restaurants will have a large basket of flat bread and hard tortilla shells along with small bowls of sauces and finely chopped fruit and vegetables on each table. These are free to eat! From here you would order and eat as you would like in Argis or Europa. Enjoy your meal!

                  

Bread Baskets like these are were the tortilla shells and flat bread are usually stored!  

Section 4, Religious Matters
Firstly, not all Azlo are Wēcatoc Practitioners! Large groups of Christian Azlo exist within Metztlitlaca, the Triple Commonwealth, and especially in Sitallo! However, we will focus on Wēcatoc because it is a religion not many are aware of. Wēcatoc is a polytheistic religion, meaning they worship many gods and goddess, and each of these gods have their own temples and do’s and dont’s, so whilst we will tell you some of the guidelines for the two gods with the most temples there are countless interpretations of these same gods across the countries with different rules. Always check with your guide before entering an Azlo temple!

The most common deities to have temples of are Coyoxāwauh and Lalteco (these deities also go by other names in other regions of the countries so its best to ask your guide about these as well). Most Coyoxāwauh Temples are off-limits to non-practitioners but the Toteciλi Teōpancalli of Altepetl Tekaken (the largest temple in Metztlitlaca, see chapter 3 for more details) is open to the public at select times when not in use, the areas open to the public double as a national museum of Metztlitlaca. Money raised through the museum is used to maintain the Toteciλi Teōpancalli archives of religious and historic texts (which are often leased to universities) and to its duties as the largest religious centre for Wēcatoc Practitioners. So donate where and when you can!
 

          

Painting of Toteciλi Teōpancalli dated to 1785            
        

Lalteco Temples are more open to non-practitioners but also have stricter rules. These temples are more used for meditation and passive prayer, over the active worshipping and noise of Coyoxāwauh Temples. Lalteco Temples are kept at a low light level, so if you wish to take photos (if allowed) please turn off flash and turn screen light to as dark as possible, also please remain as quiet as possible otherwise you might be escorted out of the temple. Do not stare or otherwise distract priests who are also in the room unless they speak to you first. Most priests will be performing their own prayers by playing singing bowls. If the singing bowl has water inside of it, please do not disturb the priest unless absolutely necessary!. Blankets made of wool and cotton may be used by anyone to sit down and relax but if you do not plan to use one, please step around and not over them as that is a sign of disrespect. The second room beyond the first is often off limits to non-practitioners as they are where more active worship takes place, but most priests will allow non-practitioners inside if they behave well within the first room.

As long as you show respect and people can see you are trying to show respect, Azlo Temples are nothing to be anxious about entering!

 

Edited February 11 by Metztlitlaca