Expansion: Metztlitlaca

[Xio]

“An Empire Divided” Multi-Expansion RP Proposal
Metztlitlaca Expansion

My first expansion! Despite the name of the proposal this application is only for the first stage of the expansion, which is the conquest of the Occidental Democratic Republic of Satillo. All currently made information for the expansion (for now) will be below.

Since the departure of Derthalen, Adaptus, Limonaia, and Variota, there is no longer a “Boogeymen” nation for people to work with/against. The closest we have is Fulgistan, who although is planning to expand, may not be as amoral as people hope (closer to Galahinda then the DPRK), and Haruspex (who is pretty locked into their corner of Europan). So I’ve taken it upon myself to hopefully give people a nation to condemn, to secretly work with, to be a global issue to carefully deal with. Expansion will begin with Sitallo, but hopefully if reception is positive from my expansion RP thread and a thumbs up from my neighbours, I will continue with the Triple Commonwealth conquest and beyond.

The eventual state I plan to end with (2022-2023) will have a population from Half a Billion to a Billion. That’s an insane number for Eurth - which has a global population of 5 Billion - but considered the GDP per capita would be much lower than its competition, the GDP itself would only put it in the top 5 nations and still have to work with and by other large states such as SSI, Gallambria, and eventually Fulgistan’s FASR to get what this behemoth wants. Hopefully I can earn the right to be the Wurld's Douchebag :P.

 

(Map of the Three Azlo Sisters - successor states to the Crescent Empire)

 

 

Proposal A: The Occidental Democratic Republic of Sitallo

 

 

Overview
The Occidental Democratic Republic of Sitallo (Sitallian Azlo: Lepaplica Democatic Ocitental Sitallo) is a Low-Income-Country which is most well known for its tenuous internal politics torn between a recently authoritarian government and the major military general warlords of the nation.

Area: 641,320 km^2 (93% of Metztlitlaca)
Population: 16,077,892 (75% of Metztlitlaca)
Population Density: 25.07 per km^2
GDP per Capita: $2,587
GDP total: $40,159,350,660 (64% of Metztlitlaca)
Demonym/Adjective: Sitallian
De Jure National Religion: Non / Secular
De Facto National Religion: Catholicism
Capital City: Sìta ti Fitòria

 

The Sitallian constitution defines Sitallo as a unitary republic of 15  provinces, however like Metztlitlaca, Sitallo is largely an authoritarian state (moreso than Metztlitlaca). Sitallo is classified as an autocracy (unlike Metztlitlaca’s anocracy) as part of a backsliding democracy since 2015. This has come about as part of the recent expansion of power by the Sitallo National Brotherhood Party due to the failed 2015 coup, which has resulted in the recent oppression of the nation’s plurality ethnic group of the Metztlica by the smaller (yet still substantial) Xisomostoxe ethnic group. In 2019 and 2020 there have been multiple protests and riots in the capital of Sitallo by the Metztlica and other oppressed groups, but so far no effort has been made by the Sitallian government to stop the increasing pulling away of democracy, instead enact harsher crackdowns on dissident groups.

 

History
The borders of the country were first defined in 1592 by the Crescent Empire under the name of Tonalcalaquiyantlacah (“Land of the Sunset”). The region was part of a large-scale tributary revolt against the Crescent Empire in 1672 which lasted until 1711 when the region broke away as numerous smaller nations one of which was called Cicitlalloteotlalliapan which roughly translated to “On the waters of a sacred land full of stars”. The stars within the name most likely represented the large abundance of exposed platinum in the area and in the rivers.

In 1785, the Shffahkian Empire (under Emperor Eustace I) conquered Cicitlalloteotlalliapan as well as numerous other smaller states under the colonial name of Nuovo Sfachiano. Due to the tropical savanna-like climate, the region became colonised by Cristinese Shffahkians for cash crop plantations with slave labour predominately made up of the native inhabitants with some importation of the Huang. The colony did not last, and a large-scale slave revolt from January 1847 to December 1848 caused the region to break away under the Republic of Nuovo Sfachiano. The nation renamed itself to Sitallo in April of 1849. In 1899 there were talks between the Republic of Sitallo and the Crescent Kingdom on Azlo unification, but Armand Eugène de Caldofondo-Bouvèron died before any real constitution was drafted as post-Armand I kings of the Crescent Kingdom were disinterested in expansion.

1847-1848 Azlo Slave Revolt Flag

 

From 1849 - 1932, the Republic of Sitallo swung between stable democracies to effective autocracies, but in October 1932, a Fulgistani-backed socialist coup ended the 86 year old republic replacing it with the Socialist People’s Republic of Sitallo. The SPRS was a forced-secular authoritarian regime, which eroded down the indigenous Wēcatoc religious even more than under the Shffahkian Empire, along with the closing and even destruction of catholic churches and cathedrals. The second attempt at unification between Sitallo and the Crescent Kingdom (now under the South Palu Confederation) was in 1972, but due to ideological differences (primarily around freedoms of religion) the two nations never took the idea seriously beyond condemning one another for their actions against unification. In December 1991, a minor protest against socialist authoritarian rule broke out in the capital of Sìta ti Fitòria. Yet the protest was met by open fire by several on-duty Sitallo soldiers , leading to the death of fifteen protestors - 9 of which were under 18 - leading to a domino effect up until the 1992 February Sìta ti Fitòria Revolution, where in a large number of armed ex-army combatants, anti-socialist militia groups, and protestors took over the capital city for an entire week culminating in the fracturing of the state into five war general-led states. Although the Socialist People’s Republic was not legally dissolved, it was for all intents and purposes over.

1932-1992 Socialist People’s Republic of Sitallo “Worker’s Banner”

 

Over the next decade and a half, the country slowly reunified under the Occidental Democratic Republic of Sitallo. This was largely done through appeasement of the warlord military generals through coersion, bribery, and assassinations. The Occidental Republic was surprisingly functional as a democracy, holding its first elections in 2003 with the Sentenamitl Unification Party (party backed by the generals) winning 72% of the vote. The second election in 2007 saw the S.U.P. gaining 53% of the vote - largely by Metztlica and southern populations of the nation - and the Sitallo National Brotherhood Party winning 32% of the vote, with the last 15% predominantly going to the Democratic Liberal Party. The most recent election in 2011 saw the SNBP with 51% of the vote, with the DLP at 42% and the SUP at 7%. Many of the ex-military generals who controlled territories of Sitallo began to fear that their power was waning, and an attempted coup in 2014 - a year before the next election - occurred, but failed, leading to the SNBP voting as a bloc to “temporarily hold elections” under President Tario. Interestingly only one of the five generals involved in the failed coup was arrested and tried, with the other four pardoned, leading to many assuming the coup was - in fact - staged.

From 2015-2020, prejudice towards Wēcatoc Temples increased and [the discrimination] became endorsed by President Tario who described Wēcatoc as a “Barbaric idol faith”. Recently Catholicism has been covertly sponsored by the regime to replace Wēcatoc in the western and inland territories. This has led to Metztlitlaca threatening intervention in the region as refugees from Sitallo have begun to cross into Metztlitlaca, upsetting the already fragile balance in the Tapelt region.

Current Flag of the Occidental Democratic Republic

 

Culture & Military

Like Metztlitlaca, Sitallo is split between Shffahkian colonists, native Azlo, and a small percentage of Huang. The Shffahkian colonists make up 4% of the total population and are the core of Catholicism in the nation. The number used to be much higher until many fled when the Slave Revolt occurred - fleeing to the Crescent Kingdom or the Shffahkian Republic. The Huang (mixed or not) make up ~12% of the population, predominantly in the north-east, and have a culture similar to that of Pomodoria of Yatotla: mixed ex-slave Huang with significant influence from Azlo and Cristinese cultures. There are four Azlo groups within Satillo, in order of population are: Metztlica (37%), Xisomostoxe (33%), Àwitsoxe (21%), and the Western Tlaxcalixe (9%).

The military of Sitallo, although similar in size to Metztlitlaca (~30,000 Active Military Personnel), is split amongst 5 separate loosely tied together military generals, three of which were part of the original People’s Republic break up (Tario, Tonato, Miliano) with Lèn and Palisi being the oldest sons of the previous generals. All five military generals along with the Sitallian government attempt to act as a single body, but dissonance between generals has led to instability in the recent past.

(Temporary Map - better one will be made if the submission is accepted)

 

Reason for Expansion - In Universe

Ideology
Since the official formation of Metztlitlaca in 2005 the nation has toyed with the idea of irredentist claims to former Crescent Empire territories, but serious intervention and land grabbing has been out of the picture as the nation was more focused on reconstructed then expansion. But since 2019, the Civil Reconstruction Program has been declared a success and 95% of regions which were severely affected by the civil war have seen reconstructed (often better then they were previously). The growth of Metztli nationalism has also seen success under the Bitheocratic Constitution, spear-headed by Continentalist, Palu Socialist, and Covenant Pluralist ideologies. 

The expansion into Sitallo would - in the eyes of the Metztlican Government - cement Metztlican nationalism as the central and legitimate ‘true ideology’ of the country. There is also the easy decision to use the war as a “moral crusade” to free the Metztlica population from religious and societal oppression along with increasing personal freedoms of the region.

Economic
Since the early 2000s, the Metztlican economy has been cruising off low-density metal mining + refining, and export of cash crops to LAANN members and observers. However, closely guarded records have noted that Bauxite reserves within the Metztlican side of the Tapatepetli Mountains are expected to reach economically insufficient levels by 2025 - two years before the current 10 year plan for industrialisation is achieved - which has thrown the highest governing bodies of the nation into a crisis. But, large veins of platinum are known to exist in the northern vestiges of Satillo, along with untapped Bauxite reserves which should last current Metztlican exploitation levels until 2040. The larger worker force would also decrease the 10 year plan’s end date down to 2022 if Satillo infrastructure could be brought up to Metztlican standards by mid 2021.

Reducing Foreign Influence
The conquest and subjugation of Satillo - in the mind of the government - would allow for Metztlitlaca to reach an even footing with its closest frenemy of Fulgistan and could mean that the Metztlican government can put its foot down to any unreasonable Fulgistani demands. There are also rumours of Fulgistan’s own potential expansion in the upcoming years. If true, it would mean Fulgistan would easily outcompete any other member of LAANN and come to dominate the geopolitical region uncontested. Keeping up with Fulgistan is an imperative of the current Metztlican regime to prevent a second South Palu Confederation.

 

Plan of Action

The RP expansion will be in two pieces: 

The first half is about a man called Cualli Pellamo and how he became involved in two separate militia groups, both groups attempting to work together to perform a second coup in the capital city of Sìta ti Fitòria.
The second half is the actual invasion by Metztlitlaca into the nation of Satillo. Whilst the first half is ongoing, plans for the second half will begin. Any nation who wishes to get involved (LAANN or not) may, as either humanitarian aid, combatants or even just news reporters or unfortunate tourists. As long as it makes sense you can get involved! You can even attempt to stop Metztlitlaca’s expansion and try to save Satillo.

I don’t necessarily know how long this expansion RP will take (first time doing it) but it’ll most likely take until post-mid 2021, especially so due to College.

Edited December 21, 2020 by Metztlitlaca
Grammar/Spelling (see edit history)

[Tagmatium Rules]

IC, Tagmatium would have little problem with an expansionist Metztlitlaca, as it might well be a good counterbalance to the insidious influence of @Fulgistan in Alharu. However, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion (my government) would also like to preserve both its aluminium refinery and its deal with the Metz government to modernise agriculture. Secondly, although likely a minor concern due to their small numbers, would be the fate of any Aroman Christians in the area.

The only reason for Tagmatium to weigh in with any physical force would be to protect its interests directly. In this instance, sustained and deliberate attack on its citizens or those it is working closely with. Otherwise, it'll either be taking a backseat role, supplementing any local partners or just sending in aid workers if the situation very much deteriorates.

OOC, I've no problem with this expansion.

[Salvia]

Salvia's outlook is similar to Tagmatium's, albeit I'm more invested.  Salvia will try and keep the economic deals the same or even make new ones.  However, a pagan nation taking over a Catholic one is of some concern.  Salvia will be optimistic that Metz does the right thing  but we will have a very close eye on the situation.  Not saying we'll totally stop the expansion or something 😛 but some intervention may take place.  We'll see though, I don't want to ruin your expansion

I have no issues with this OOC.  I think it's fairly balanced.

[Gallambria]

I'm surprisingly ok with this - I take it that the population jump to 1B is due to the subsumed population of Sitallo? - This would also provide the basis for some pretty gnarly role play - Thinking South China Sea etc ... 

IC - Gallambria would obviously have an issue with this - but would work together to ensure peace within the region.

OOC - No issue here what so ever, It's a YAY from me.

[Xio]

7 minutes ago, Gallambria said:

I'm surprisingly ok with this - I take it that the population jump to 1B is due to the subsumed population of Sitallo? - This would also provide the basis for some pretty gnarly role play - Thinking South China Sea etc ... 

IC - Gallambria would obviously have an issue with this - but would work together to ensure peace within the region.

OOC - No issue here what so ever, It's a YAY from me.

1B will be the final population of subsuming Sitallo, the Triple Commonwealth, and two other nations in Mesothalassa. Post-Sitallo expansion would give Metztlitlaca a population of 30-40mil. At the end of the expansion the population would be ~120mil (Metztlitlaca's population acceleration would be beginning to enter the "Bangladesh" period - ie incredibly fast population growth), then eventually the population will grow (as the other 4 nations are brought to similar population accelerations as Metztlitlaca and Metztlitlaca reaches its peak % annual increase).

As such, from 2021-2023, Metztlitlaca will expand, then 2023-2024 the country's population will inflate to 1B. In reality the growth would take 10-20 years, but from people I have spoken with have been against waiting an entire decade for Metztlitlaca to be a threat 😛. This timeframe may even be cut down further if people want an actually threatening Metztlitlaca sooner.

Edited December 21, 2020 by Metztlitlaca
Expanded upon Answer. (see edit history)

[Xio]

Per Request: A map of Metztlitlaca, Satillo, and the (Not yet canon) Triple Commonwealth:

Global:

 

 

Local:

 

(Excuse the low resolution)

[Tagmatium Rules]

11 hours ago, Metztlitlaca said:

Per Request: A map of Metztlitlaca, Satillo, and the (Not yet canon) Triple Commonwealth:

Global:

 

 

Local:

 

(Excuse the low resolution)

Thanks for that!

[Orioni]

I've already gone and added the "reserved area" label to the main map. It'll be there with the next publication.

@Metztlitlaca One inconsistency I did notice is your eastern border. This seems to have shifted westward, leaving an open area that is currently yours. Do you want to shift your current border westward?

[Xio]

9 hours ago, Orioni said:

I've already gone and added the "reserved area" label to the main map. It'll be there with the next publication.

@Metztlitlaca One inconsistency I did notice is your eastern border. This seems to have shifted westward, leaving an open area that is currently yours. Do you want to shift your current border westward?

Yes please! The region to my east was to be replaced with @Oyus's Fearannteth. As far as I'm aware Oyus is nearly complete (from what he has eluded to in the Discord - although you'd need to speak to him whether or not its ready to be put on the map or not.).

[Orioni]

Okido, wil update. I'll add a reserved area for @Oyus as well.