Ventel

Akachi the Unfaithful Part 2
A Curious Life in Nali
 

 
    Ozioma settled in the land of Nali, far west of Afihadume, beyond the reach of King Uwaezuoke. Using the gold and silver that Yobanna gave him, he secured land and some sheep, becoming a shepherd near the city of Jerra. On the other side of his land, Ozioma tried to plant a vineyard, but no seed would grow. Still, Ozioma, with his sheep, became a successful man and soon hired servants of his own to help watch over his flock. After three years, he wrote to Yobanna, telling him of his success and promising that once the boy Akachi was of age, he would be returning to him safe and in peace. Hearing this, Yobanna leaped for joy, knowing that his son was safe, and shared this news with Nkiru, the boy's mother, but he refused to inform her where Ozioma had settled as he still feared King Uwaezuoke greatly. Yobanna was unable to leave Afihadume due to his priestly obligations, but he often sent writings he thought would interest his son in hopes of teaching him. Yobanna also sent small gifts from Akachi's mother and would send gifts for the entire household of Ozioma. Ozioma and his wife were blessed greatly and had more children. He raised Akachi, his kinsman, no different than his own sons, finding great delight in the boy's curiosity and energy. In the years that followed, Ozioma became rich, buying more sheep, goats, and oxen, along with more servants to tend them, but no matter what seed he planted in the soil, it did not grow. 
As the boy grew, he showed himself to be both curious and brave; thus, he often watched over the flock, chasing away bears, wolves, and lions. Though he was not a hunter, he sold many pelts of the beast he slain, making one of them, a large lion, into a bed for himself. In his youth, he organized a band of boys who, together, watched the flocks of the local shepherds, protecting them from marauders, beasts, and thieves. As his good deeds multiplied, he became known as a mighty man around the city of Jerra, and often the other youths would come to him to arbitrate disputes between them as he was known to be both fair and wise. Often, however, as Akachi watched over the sheep at night, he'd lay down, looking up at the stars and wonder. "Who laid the foundations of the world? Who hath laid the measures thereof, or who hath stretched the line upon it, whereupon are the foundations fastened? Or who laid the cornerstone thereof; were it one or many, if it be many, upon who's command, or did they act in agreement of counsel? Who shut up the sea when it broke forth that it came upon the shore, but did not overtake it? How do the clouds know where to go and who designed them so that they give rain to the flock and the crop? Does the sun rule the day and create all things as it casts its light, or does the sun go upon command of its creator, and where does it go when it hides its light? Does the moon rule the night with her many children, or were they all created with a purpose? Who made the pictures of heaven aligned with the stars that come in their season? Who taught the animals to take care of themselves so that they do not act without reason, though they show no understanding? Who made the great beast laugh at the mighty men so that they cast their shadow upon a city and the king hide? How does one unravel the mysteries of nature? Where can I inquire about the things I do not yet know to ask?" This curiosity and many other questions tortured Akachi every night, and he agonized within himself to be able to answer them daily.
 

 
One day Akachi went down into the city of Jerra to sell more of his pelts when he noticed the temple of the gods of Nali. He thought to himself, "I cannot answer my own questions because I am not a god, but if I appease the true god, then they will answer me, and I will serve that one all the days of my life and teach my children the same." So Akachi went into the temple and cried out loud, "Hear me, oh masters, I come to you as a servant." I wish to inquire, and whichever of you answer, I will serve all the days of my life, and to the gods temple workers, I will give these pelts." At these words, all the celebrants and acolytes gathered around Akachi, as he was well known, and they all wanted him to become a devotee of their respective gods. "Ask us your questions, young man, and we on behalf of our god, will answer them," said one of the acolytes. To this, Akachi shook his head. "No, they must answer for themselves, so I will know that they are alive and true gods," but this upset some of the celebrants, and one of them spoke up, saying, "Who are you but a mere Shepard? Why should the gods, in all their might, answer to you? You will ask us first to know if your question is even reasonable. It may be that your question has already been answered, and so our god refuses to repeat what they have already given us the answer to. It could even be that the question itself has no answer because it is too foolish. So serve our god one day, and then the next day you may tell us your question, and if we deem your service and question worthy, we will allow you to ask our god." Akachi heard these words and found them to be sound, so he served in the temple that whole day and most of the night. Everything they asked of him in the name of their god, he did dutifully. All of the people saw the work of Akachi and delighted in his service to their gods. The next day, Akachi rose from the inn where he spent the night and went into the temple. As all the celebrants and acolytes gathered around him, he asked his first question, "Who taught the animals to take care of themselves, that they do not act without reason, though they show no understanding?" At this question, the room fell silent, but a young man name Enitan an acolyte of Udione, goddess of nature, spoke up: "It was Udione who taught the animals this; each one she gives instructions on how to live and bring forth their own kind." But Akachi shook his head and spoke further, saying, "Does she still teach them to this day? We are all born without knowledge, and our elders pass to us knowledge to show us the way; not Udione, but even still, the snake comes forth at birth and knows how to be a snake, his mother leaves him and at birth he is on his own. I have never seen her teach the snake, nor the lizard, nor the toad, which comes first into the world as a fish, than comes upon land knowing how to survive though it only lived as a fish." At this point, the room began to have a light rabble as the acolytes and celebrants talked among one another to find an answer. Akachi, seeing this, felt discouraged, realizing they had no answer for him, but undaunted, he asked another question: "Where does the sun go at the end of the day, that it covers its light from us in the west, but later shows itself again in the east?" The celebrant of Etia, god of night and day, spoke up, saying, "You asked one question already; you cannot come forward with a new question when you have only worked one day." At this, Akachi replied, "But none of you have answered the first in truth, and now you sit here arguing over the answer. Surely I would be right to demand an answer to at least the second." The celebrant shook his head, saying, "No", the follower of Udione answered, "it was for Udione that you worked. Work for Etia and I will answer your question." Akachi thought about these words and agreed to what the celebrant suggested. Thus, Akachi continued to worked in the temple, this time in service to Etia, the god of night and day. But the celebrants and acolytes begun to fear him and thought of ways to rid themselve of Akachi.
 
This story is heavily inspired by canon and non-canon biblical stories.

January 11th, 1424, 3:00PM, General Zannese/Granzian (Candeluian) Time.
The Nouveauterran ministers' proposal was a predictable happening, that is ready to finally bring peace in the Candeluian lands.
Sebastiano would breathe a sigh of relief, expecting the zannese government to actually be reasonable, and accept the peace talks, knowing that Zanna would be given more autonomy, or well, even an independent but friendly state, but he was wrong.
Sprizzetto's government has announced that they will not be searching for peace with the "Granzians", saying: -"We were under their influence for over a century, they want us under their influence now, and they want to keep us under it. It's time to show that Zanna can be OVER the Granzians! For Zanna!".
The king was crushed. War might still be an outcome for his people, and he doesn't want it. While the president helps organizing militia units, he can't do anything other than watch.
The option of peace is still present as well, but no one can predict how this will end, any event could change the route of this conflict.
"The clock is ticking on Zanna."

Akachi the Unfaithful Part 2
A Curious Life in Nali
 

 
    Ozioma settled in the land of Nali, far west of Afihadume, beyond the reach of King Uwaezuoke. Using the gold and silver that Yobanna gave him, he secured land and some sheep, becoming a shepherd near the city of Jerra. On the other side of his land, Ozioma tried to plant a vineyard, but no seed would grow. Still, Ozioma, with his sheep, became a successful man and soon hired servants of his own to help watch over his flock. After three years, he wrote to Yobanna, telling him of his success and promising that once the boy Akachi was of age, he would be returning to him safe and in peace. Hearing this, Yobanna leaped for joy, knowing that his son was safe, and shared this news with Nkiru, the boy's mother, but he refused to inform her where Ozioma had settled as he still feared King Uwaezuoke greatly. Yobanna was unable to leave Afihadume due to his priestly obligations, but he often sent writings he thought would interest his son in hopes of teaching him. Yobanna also sent small gifts from Akachi's mother and would send gifts for the entire household of Ozioma. Ozioma and his wife were blessed greatly and had more children. He raised Akachi, his kinsman, no different than his own sons, finding great delight in the boy's curiosity and energy. In the years that followed, Ozioma became rich, buying more sheep, goats, and oxen, along with more servants to tend them, but no matter what seed he planted in the soil, it did not grow. 
As the boy grew, he showed himself to be both curious and brave; thus, he often watched over the flock, chasing away bears, wolves, and lions. Though he was not a hunter, he sold many pelts of the beast he slain, making one of them, a large lion, into a bed for himself. In his youth, he organized a band of boys who, together, watched the flocks of the local shepherds, protecting them from marauders, beasts, and thieves. As his good deeds multiplied, he became known as a mighty man around the city of Jerra, and often the other youths would come to him to arbitrate disputes between them as he was known to be both fair and wise. Often, however, as Akachi watched over the sheep at night, he'd lay down, looking up at the stars and wonder. "Who laid the foundations of the world? Who hath laid the measures thereof, or who hath stretched the line upon it, whereupon are the foundations fastened? Or who laid the cornerstone thereof; were it one or many, if it be many, upon who's command, or did they act in agreement of counsel? Who shut up the sea when it broke forth that it came upon the shore, but did not overtake it? How do the clouds know where to go and who designed them so that they give rain to the flock and the crop? Does the sun rule the day and create all things as it casts its light, or does the sun go upon command of its creator, and where does it go when it hides its light? Does the moon rule the night with her many children, or were they all created with a purpose? Who made the pictures of heaven aligned with the stars that come in their season? Who taught the animals to take care of themselves so that they do not act without reason, though they show no understanding? Who made the great beast laugh at the mighty men so that they cast their shadow upon a city and the king hide? How does one unravel the mysteries of nature? Where can I inquire about the things I do not yet know to ask?" This curiosity and many other questions tortured Akachi every night, and he agonized within himself to be able to answer them daily.
 

 
One day Akachi went down into the city of Jerra to sell more of his pelts when he noticed the temple of the gods of Nali. He thought to himself, "I cannot answer my own questions because I am not a god, but if I appease the true god, then they will answer me, and I will serve that one all the days of my life and teach my children the same." So Akachi went into the temple and cried out loud, "Hear me, oh masters, I come to you as a servant." I wish to inquire, and whichever of you answer, I will serve all the days of my life, and to the gods temple workers, I will give these pelts." At these words, all the celebrants and acolytes gathered around Akachi, as he was well known, and they all wanted him to become a devotee of their respective gods. "Ask us your questions, young man, and we on behalf of our god, will answer them," said one of the acolytes. To this, Akachi shook his head. "No, they must answer for themselves, so I will know that they are alive and true gods," but this upset some of the celebrants, and one of them spoke up, saying, "Who are you but a mere Shepard? Why should the gods, in all their might, answer to you? You will ask us first to know if your question is even reasonable. It may be that your question has already been answered, and so our god refuses to repeat what they have already given us the answer to. It could even be that the question itself has no answer because it is too foolish. So serve our god one day, and then the next day you may tell us your question, and if we deem your service and question worthy, we will allow you to ask our god." Akachi heard these words and found them to be sound, so he served in the temple that whole day and most of the night. Everything they asked of him in the name of their god, he did dutifully. All of the people saw the work of Akachi and delighted in his service to their gods. The next day, Akachi rose from the inn where he spent the night and went into the temple. As all the celebrants and acolytes gathered around him, he asked his first question, "Who taught the animals to take care of themselves, that they do not act without reason, though they show no understanding?" At this question, the room fell silent, but a young man name Enitan an acolyte of Udione, goddess of nature, spoke up: "It was Udione who taught the animals this; each one she gives instructions on how to live and bring forth their own kind." But Akachi shook his head and spoke further, saying, "Does she still teach them to this day? We are all born without knowledge, and our elders pass to us knowledge to show us the way; not Udione, but even still, the snake comes forth at birth and knows how to be a snake, his mother leaves him and at birth he is on his own. I have never seen her teach the snake, nor the lizard, nor the toad, which comes first into the world as a fish, than comes upon land knowing how to survive though it only lived as a fish." At this point, the room began to have a light rabble as the acolytes and celebrants talked among one another to find an answer. Akachi, seeing this, felt discouraged, realizing they had no answer for him, but undaunted, he asked another question: "Where does the sun go at the end of the day, that it covers its light from us in the west, but later shows itself again in the east?" The celebrant of Etia, god of night and day, spoke up, saying, "You asked one question already; you cannot come forward with a new question when you have only worked one day." At this, Akachi replied, "But none of you have answered the first in truth, and now you sit here arguing over the answer. Surely I would be right to demand an answer to at least the second." The celebrant shook his head, saying, "No", the follower of Udione answered, "it was for Udione that you worked. Work for Etia and I will answer your question." Akachi thought about these words and agreed to what the celebrant suggested. Thus, Akachi continued to worked in the temple, this time in service to Etia, the god of night and day. But the celebrants and acolytes begun to fear him and thought of ways to rid themselve of Akachi.
 
This story is heavily inspired by canon and non-canon biblical stories.

Akachi the Unfaithful Part 1
The birth of Akachi
 
 

 
    The city of Afihadume ruled over the surrounding hills, which bore the same name. In this city stood a large idol standing seventy cubits, who acted as the god of the people of the city. Made of polished onyx stone and beset with precious gems, its head was that of an ox, and its body was that of a mighty man in a seated position with its legs crossed. A 14-cubit obelisk inlaid with gold was located between the idol's legs, which the women offered flowers to daily. At daybreak, the sun would rise between the horns on top of its head, and the people would worship the idol for bringing forth the day, and at sunset, a chosen maiden would sleep beneath the obelisk all through the night to entice the god to return the day. The name of this god was Fames, ruler of the sun and sky, and the people swore by Fames; when they went to war, they fought and died in the name of Fames; and when two youths joined in marriage, they were blessed by Fames. There were thirteen other gods that could be found in the night sky in the appropriate season; they also served the people of the city, but Fames was above them all. And a law was passed that every house was to have an idol of Fames before they would be allowed to place any other god, idol, or shrine in their house, and if one broke this law, the entire household would be locked within, and the house would be set ablaze. 
One of the Priests of Fames was a man named Yobanna who had six sons: the oldest was Mazzi, born of Amara, a princess from the north; the second was Yelani, born to Edele, the daughter of a merchant; the third was Akachi, born to Nkiru, a captive harlot who served Yobanna for a year before being sold; the fourth and fifth were Diyi and Izuchukwu, the brothers of Mazzi, all sharing the same mother; and the youngest was Akumjyeli, the brother of Yelani. Yobanna also had three daughters, the oldest being Chidi, the sister of Yelani and Akumjyeli, born of Edele, and twin girls named Chinaza and Chineze, sisters to Mazzi, Diyi, and Izuchukwu, born of Amara. All the children of Yobanna were educated by the priest to know the seasons and the stars, history, and herbalism. Whenever one of his children showed interest in something, Yobanna would seek out a teacher for his children to learn from. All of them but Akachi.
 

 
On the night of Akachi's birth, stars fell from heaven, terrifying the people. One such star fell and struck the head of Fames, destroying it and causing the head to crush the obelisk. When the star struck the head, it broke in two, one piece destroying a portion of the king's house and the other landing harmlessly on the door step of Yobanna; at that exact moment, the child crowned and broke free of his mother. Fearing the people would attach meaning to this, Yobanna quickly hid the piece under his home. Upon entering the house and looking upon his son with great joy, he named him Akachi, meaning "the hand of God." He then beckoned the mother and child to leave for a safe place as flames began to spread across the city. The next morning, after the fires had been put out, the King of the city, Uwaezuoke, called all his advisors, all the wise men of the city, and all the priests together. Uwaezuoke was a mighty warrior, undefeated in battle. He and his army conquered the hills of Afihadume and all the land surrounding it, making his name known far and wide. As the men gathered into the remains of the king's home, Uwaezuoke spoke to them, saying, "It is no small thing that has befallen us. If we have angered the gods, one of you must know, and if it is a sign to warn, you would also know this. Tell me of this thing so that we may deal with it accordingly." After this, one of the wise men stepped forward and said, "My king, you are wise in knowing it to be a sign, for we all saw the heavens move in the night before. I tell you this is a sign of destructive change to come to us in the future." The Wiseman continues, "Your home being struck means an end to your rule, and the heads of Fames being destroyed marks an end to our city; we must find the cause and root it out. This will appease Fames and the other gods of heaven so that they may spare your rule and our city." At the very end of the wise man's speech, the king's advisor, Ndidi, saw Yobanna standing in the back of the room and spoke up, "My king, is it known that the star broke in two? One piece struck your home, but where did the other go?" Ndidi points toward Yobanna and says, "I tell you, my king, I saw the other piece land harmlessly at the door of Yobanna and seen him hide it under his house." At these words, the king became furious, standing up and calling Yobanna forward. "Is this true, Yobanna? Did you hide this from us?" Yobanna knew this could be the end of his house if he misspoke, so he chose his word carefully: "My king, it is true I hide the piece that befell onto my house; I wished to keep it, for in the moment I believed it to be of worth, but this was done without knowing of the god's intentions, for I knew nothing of the wise man's insight." At this, Ndidi interjected, "A son was born to Yobanna last night. As soon as the piece stopped at his door, I heard the cry of the child come forth; maybe it is not Yobanna who has grieved the gods, but his son." At this, all the men agreed, Yobanna was innocent; devote just as them, and advised the king to judge the child instead to spare the city. Surprisingly, the piece did land at Yobanna's door. So they began to make wild stories about the child not being a child of man but an evil servant of the gods who had to escape the judgment of Fames and heaven. The king, after hearing their stories, looked at Yobanna with kindness and said, "Bring me the child that I may judge him, for I am wise and will know if he is guilty, or if we have mistaken in our insights, do this, and I will gift to you the piece that fell onto my house." With these words, Yobanna knew the king would kill the child, but held it within himself and left to retrieve his son, for it was better that his son die than for his entire household to be locked in and put to flame.
As Yobanna walked, waxing heavily in grief to the place Nkiru went with his son, he saw a servant girl bathing with her child close by, sleeping in a basket. The child was a boy no more than a few days old, and surely the king would not know the difference. Without thought, Yobanna stole the child and quietly escaped, making sure to take his time to get back to the king, as he wanted them to believe he walked the whole distance to the place his child was. Upon entering the room, the king's guards seized Yobanna, and the king took the child. As the king uncovered the young child to look at him, at this moment the baby cried forth, and for a moment the king kneeled on the ground near the fire pit, staring at it. "Guilty!" he exclaimed as he took the child by the foot and dashed it onto the ground until it was dead. At this, Yobanna wept, as he knew the child was innocent, and as a fact, he was guilty. The king rose up and tossed the body into the pit before sitting upon his throne. "I know you grieve the child, but he was not a man-child, but an evil bringing destruction to us. You have other sons. Take the piece that fell upon my house and be calm, for your house is now safe from judgment." Ndidi handed the piece to Yobanna, saying, "Take it and leave, or your sorrow may anger the king." With these words, Yobanna left again to the place where his son was still hidden. 
When Yobanna arrived, he picked up his son with great fear and mourning. He then told Nkiru the mother all that happened, called over his kinsmen Ozioma, and told him of the matter, for though he was Yobanna's kinsmen, he was not raised in the city and cared not of Fames nor the king. Yobanna gave Ozioma silver and gold, and against the wishes of Nkiru, he also gave Akachi the child, to be taken far from the hills of Afihadume, so that he would be safe from the king. Ozioma's wife Mayowa had given birth months before to a daughter; she was her first and she could feed the child. At this, Nkiru wept as her son would not know her. The morning of the next day, Ozioma and his wife escaped the city with just a donkey packed with some grain and food to hide the gold and silver, and took the two young children before morning light. Nkiru, over time, became embittered with Yobanna, no longer wishing to be his concubine, and was sold to return as a harlot shortly after. She never spoke of what Yobanna had done, for she feared the king greatly and believed he would seek after her son. She also held out hope that one day her son would return, and so she kept the secret within herself. Nkiru never had any more children.

 
This story is heavily inspired by canon and non-canon biblical stories.

Akachi the Unfaithful Part 2
A Curious Life in Nali
 

 
    Ozioma settled in the land of Nali, far west of Afihadume, beyond the reach of King Uwaezuoke. Using the gold and silver that Yobanna gave him, he secured land and some sheep, becoming a shepherd near the city of Jerra. On the other side of his land, Ozioma tried to plant a vineyard, but no seed would grow. Still, Ozioma, with his sheep, became a successful man and soon hired servants of his own to help watch over his flock. After three years, he wrote to Yobanna, telling him of his success and promising that once the boy Akachi was of age, he would be returning to him safe and in peace. Hearing this, Yobanna leaped for joy, knowing that his son was safe, and shared this news with Nkiru, the boy's mother, but he refused to inform her where Ozioma had settled as he still feared King Uwaezuoke greatly. Yobanna was unable to leave Afihadume due to his priestly obligations, but he often sent writings he thought would interest his son in hopes of teaching him. Yobanna also sent small gifts from Akachi's mother and would send gifts for the entire household of Ozioma. Ozioma and his wife were blessed greatly and had more children. He raised Akachi, his kinsman, no different than his own sons, finding great delight in the boy's curiosity and energy. In the years that followed, Ozioma became rich, buying more sheep, goats, and oxen, along with more servants to tend them, but no matter what seed he planted in the soil, it did not grow. 
As the boy grew, he showed himself to be both curious and brave; thus, he often watched over the flock, chasing away bears, wolves, and lions. Though he was not a hunter, he sold many pelts of the beast he slain, making one of them, a large lion, into a bed for himself. In his youth, he organized a band of boys who, together, watched the flocks of the local shepherds, protecting them from marauders, beasts, and thieves. As his good deeds multiplied, he became known as a mighty man around the city of Jerra, and often the other youths would come to him to arbitrate disputes between them as he was known to be both fair and wise. Often, however, as Akachi watched over the sheep at night, he'd lay down, looking up at the stars and wonder. "Who laid the foundations of the world? Who hath laid the measures thereof, or who hath stretched the line upon it, whereupon are the foundations fastened? Or who laid the cornerstone thereof; were it one or many, if it be many, upon who's command, or did they act in agreement of counsel? Who shut up the sea when it broke forth that it came upon the shore, but did not overtake it? How do the clouds know where to go and who designed them so that they give rain to the flock and the crop? Does the sun rule the day and create all things as it casts its light, or does the sun go upon command of its creator, and where does it go when it hides its light? Does the moon rule the night with her many children, or were they all created with a purpose? Who made the pictures of heaven aligned with the stars that come in their season? Who taught the animals to take care of themselves so that they do not act without reason, though they show no understanding? Who made the great beast laugh at the mighty men so that they cast their shadow upon a city and the king hide? How does one unravel the mysteries of nature? Where can I inquire about the things I do not yet know to ask?" This curiosity and many other questions tortured Akachi every night, and he agonized within himself to be able to answer them daily.
 

 
One day Akachi went down into the city of Jerra to sell more of his pelts when he noticed the temple of the gods of Nali. He thought to himself, "I cannot answer my own questions because I am not a god, but if I appease the true god, then they will answer me, and I will serve that one all the days of my life and teach my children the same." So Akachi went into the temple and cried out loud, "Hear me, oh masters, I come to you as a servant." I wish to inquire, and whichever of you answer, I will serve all the days of my life, and to the gods temple workers, I will give these pelts." At these words, all the celebrants and acolytes gathered around Akachi, as he was well known, and they all wanted him to become a devotee of their respective gods. "Ask us your questions, young man, and we on behalf of our god, will answer them," said one of the acolytes. To this, Akachi shook his head. "No, they must answer for themselves, so I will know that they are alive and true gods," but this upset some of the celebrants, and one of them spoke up, saying, "Who are you but a mere Shepard? Why should the gods, in all their might, answer to you? You will ask us first to know if your question is even reasonable. It may be that your question has already been answered, and so our god refuses to repeat what they have already given us the answer to. It could even be that the question itself has no answer because it is too foolish. So serve our god one day, and then the next day you may tell us your question, and if we deem your service and question worthy, we will allow you to ask our god." Akachi heard these words and found them to be sound, so he served in the temple that whole day and most of the night. Everything they asked of him in the name of their god, he did dutifully. All of the people saw the work of Akachi and delighted in his service to their gods. The next day, Akachi rose from the inn where he spent the night and went into the temple. As all the celebrants and acolytes gathered around him, he asked his first question, "Who taught the animals to take care of themselves, that they do not act without reason, though they show no understanding?" At this question, the room fell silent, but a young man name Enitan an acolyte of Udione, goddess of nature, spoke up: "It was Udione who taught the animals this; each one she gives instructions on how to live and bring forth their own kind." But Akachi shook his head and spoke further, saying, "Does she still teach them to this day? We are all born without knowledge, and our elders pass to us knowledge to show us the way; not Udione, but even still, the snake comes forth at birth and knows how to be a snake, his mother leaves him and at birth he is on his own. I have never seen her teach the snake, nor the lizard, nor the toad, which comes first into the world as a fish, than comes upon land knowing how to survive though it only lived as a fish." At this point, the room began to have a light rabble as the acolytes and celebrants talked among one another to find an answer. Akachi, seeing this, felt discouraged, realizing they had no answer for him, but undaunted, he asked another question: "Where does the sun go at the end of the day, that it covers its light from us in the west, but later shows itself again in the east?" The celebrant of Etia, god of night and day, spoke up, saying, "You asked one question already; you cannot come forward with a new question when you have only worked one day." At this, Akachi replied, "But none of you have answered the first in truth, and now you sit here arguing over the answer. Surely I would be right to demand an answer to at least the second." The celebrant shook his head, saying, "No", the follower of Udione answered, "it was for Udione that you worked. Work for Etia and I will answer your question." Akachi thought about these words and agreed to what the celebrant suggested. Thus, Akachi continued to worked in the temple, this time in service to Etia, the god of night and day. But the celebrants and acolytes begun to fear him and thought of ways to rid themselve of Akachi.
 
This story is heavily inspired by canon and non-canon biblical stories.

Akachi the Unfaithful Part 1
The birth of Akachi
 
 

 
    The city of Afihadume ruled over the surrounding hills, which bore the same name. In this city stood a large idol standing seventy cubits, who acted as the god of the people of the city. Made of polished onyx stone and beset with precious gems, its head was that of an ox, and its body was that of a mighty man in a seated position with its legs crossed. A 14-cubit obelisk inlaid with gold was located between the idol's legs, which the women offered flowers to daily. At daybreak, the sun would rise between the horns on top of its head, and the people would worship the idol for bringing forth the day, and at sunset, a chosen maiden would sleep beneath the obelisk all through the night to entice the god to return the day. The name of this god was Fames, ruler of the sun and sky, and the people swore by Fames; when they went to war, they fought and died in the name of Fames; and when two youths joined in marriage, they were blessed by Fames. There were thirteen other gods that could be found in the night sky in the appropriate season; they also served the people of the city, but Fames was above them all. And a law was passed that every house was to have an idol of Fames before they would be allowed to place any other god, idol, or shrine in their house, and if one broke this law, the entire household would be locked within, and the house would be set ablaze. 
One of the Priests of Fames was a man named Yobanna who had six sons: the oldest was Mazzi, born of Amara, a princess from the north; the second was Yelani, born to Edele, the daughter of a merchant; the third was Akachi, born to Nkiru, a captive harlot who served Yobanna for a year before being sold; the fourth and fifth were Diyi and Izuchukwu, the brothers of Mazzi, all sharing the same mother; and the youngest was Akumjyeli, the brother of Yelani. Yobanna also had three daughters, the oldest being Chidi, the sister of Yelani and Akumjyeli, born of Edele, and twin girls named Chinaza and Chineze, sisters to Mazzi, Diyi, and Izuchukwu, born of Amara. All the children of Yobanna were educated by the priest to know the seasons and the stars, history, and herbalism. Whenever one of his children showed interest in something, Yobanna would seek out a teacher for his children to learn from. All of them but Akachi.
 

 
On the night of Akachi's birth, stars fell from heaven, terrifying the people. One such star fell and struck the head of Fames, destroying it and causing the head to crush the obelisk. When the star struck the head, it broke in two, one piece destroying a portion of the king's house and the other landing harmlessly on the door step of Yobanna; at that exact moment, the child crowned and broke free of his mother. Fearing the people would attach meaning to this, Yobanna quickly hid the piece under his home. Upon entering the house and looking upon his son with great joy, he named him Akachi, meaning "the hand of God." He then beckoned the mother and child to leave for a safe place as flames began to spread across the city. The next morning, after the fires had been put out, the King of the city, Uwaezuoke, called all his advisors, all the wise men of the city, and all the priests together. Uwaezuoke was a mighty warrior, undefeated in battle. He and his army conquered the hills of Afihadume and all the land surrounding it, making his name known far and wide. As the men gathered into the remains of the king's home, Uwaezuoke spoke to them, saying, "It is no small thing that has befallen us. If we have angered the gods, one of you must know, and if it is a sign to warn, you would also know this. Tell me of this thing so that we may deal with it accordingly." After this, one of the wise men stepped forward and said, "My king, you are wise in knowing it to be a sign, for we all saw the heavens move in the night before. I tell you this is a sign of destructive change to come to us in the future." The Wiseman continues, "Your home being struck means an end to your rule, and the heads of Fames being destroyed marks an end to our city; we must find the cause and root it out. This will appease Fames and the other gods of heaven so that they may spare your rule and our city." At the very end of the wise man's speech, the king's advisor, Ndidi, saw Yobanna standing in the back of the room and spoke up, "My king, is it known that the star broke in two? One piece struck your home, but where did the other go?" Ndidi points toward Yobanna and says, "I tell you, my king, I saw the other piece land harmlessly at the door of Yobanna and seen him hide it under his house." At these words, the king became furious, standing up and calling Yobanna forward. "Is this true, Yobanna? Did you hide this from us?" Yobanna knew this could be the end of his house if he misspoke, so he chose his word carefully: "My king, it is true I hide the piece that befell onto my house; I wished to keep it, for in the moment I believed it to be of worth, but this was done without knowing of the god's intentions, for I knew nothing of the wise man's insight." At this, Ndidi interjected, "A son was born to Yobanna last night. As soon as the piece stopped at his door, I heard the cry of the child come forth; maybe it is not Yobanna who has grieved the gods, but his son." At this, all the men agreed, Yobanna was innocent; devote just as them, and advised the king to judge the child instead to spare the city. Surprisingly, the piece did land at Yobanna's door. So they began to make wild stories about the child not being a child of man but an evil servant of the gods who had to escape the judgment of Fames and heaven. The king, after hearing their stories, looked at Yobanna with kindness and said, "Bring me the child that I may judge him, for I am wise and will know if he is guilty, or if we have mistaken in our insights, do this, and I will gift to you the piece that fell onto my house." With these words, Yobanna knew the king would kill the child, but held it within himself and left to retrieve his son, for it was better that his son die than for his entire household to be locked in and put to flame.
As Yobanna walked, waxing heavily in grief to the place Nkiru went with his son, he saw a servant girl bathing with her child close by, sleeping in a basket. The child was a boy no more than a few days old, and surely the king would not know the difference. Without thought, Yobanna stole the child and quietly escaped, making sure to take his time to get back to the king, as he wanted them to believe he walked the whole distance to the place his child was. Upon entering the room, the king's guards seized Yobanna, and the king took the child. As the king uncovered the young child to look at him, at this moment the baby cried forth, and for a moment the king kneeled on the ground near the fire pit, staring at it. "Guilty!" he exclaimed as he took the child by the foot and dashed it onto the ground until it was dead. At this, Yobanna wept, as he knew the child was innocent, and as a fact, he was guilty. The king rose up and tossed the body into the pit before sitting upon his throne. "I know you grieve the child, but he was not a man-child, but an evil bringing destruction to us. You have other sons. Take the piece that fell upon my house and be calm, for your house is now safe from judgment." Ndidi handed the piece to Yobanna, saying, "Take it and leave, or your sorrow may anger the king." With these words, Yobanna left again to the place where his son was still hidden. 
When Yobanna arrived, he picked up his son with great fear and mourning. He then told Nkiru the mother all that happened, called over his kinsmen Ozioma, and told him of the matter, for though he was Yobanna's kinsmen, he was not raised in the city and cared not of Fames nor the king. Yobanna gave Ozioma silver and gold, and against the wishes of Nkiru, he also gave Akachi the child, to be taken far from the hills of Afihadume, so that he would be safe from the king. Ozioma's wife Mayowa had given birth months before to a daughter; she was her first and she could feed the child. At this, Nkiru wept as her son would not know her. The morning of the next day, Ozioma and his wife escaped the city with just a donkey packed with some grain and food to hide the gold and silver, and took the two young children before morning light. Nkiru, over time, became embittered with Yobanna, no longer wishing to be his concubine, and was sold to return as a harlot shortly after. She never spoke of what Yobanna had done, for she feared the king greatly and believed he would seek after her son. She also held out hope that one day her son would return, and so she kept the secret within herself. Nkiru never had any more children.

 
This story is heavily inspired by canon and non-canon biblical stories.

January 10th, 1424, 5:20PM - within La Citadelle de la République
President Laclare sat in the Office of the President, with Chef de Retinue Vitale Fête reading off a list of interns being brought to work in Le Grande Assemblee. Pierre Laconcorde, Minister of Intelligence, strode into the office through the open door, with short sharp breaths following every step.
“Monsieur President,” Laconcorde said. Fête rose from his seat with his tablet by his side.
“Your briefing is in 10 minutes,” Fête said.
“It is urgent,” Laconcorde snapped back. “Les Chandellienes.” Fête walked quickly to the office door and closed it.
“Vite, what is happening now?” President Laclare asked.
“The Minister of Defence, Gilimberti, has called up the dogs of war,” Laconcorde said. “Before you say anything, yes they don’t have a regular standing army, but based on sources, armed militias are forming on both sides of the battlelines.”
“We’re sticking to doctrine,” President Laclare said. “War only if absolutely necessary. Inform the Ministry of State. I want you and Everly [Minister of State] in Candelu. See if either side is willing to buy peace. Fête, inform Oies [Minister of Defense] to increase forces in theater in case this war turns hot.”
“Understood Monsieur,” Laconcorde said. He rose from his seat and rushed out of the office, phone to his ear.
Fête brought up his tablet and put an earpiece in his ear. As he barked orders over the microphone, Laclare put his fingers to his brow and shook his head.
Nouveauterran ministers attempt to sell peace to the Candelunians and the Zannese. @Candeluian Ministercan now decide whether none, one, or both sides are interested in peace talks.
1500 additional Nouveauterran soldiers, as well as IFVs and 5 super tankettes will be deployed to the region amid heightened tensions, with an impromptu operations base being built in the DMZ.

Local Government | 地方自治体
According to Article 92 of the Constitution, the local governments of Minsu (地方公共団体) are local public entities whose body and functions are defined by law in accordance with the principle of local autonomy. The main law that defines them is the Local Autonomy Law. They are given limited executive and legislative powers by the Jinrui Constitution. Governors, mayors and members of assemblies are constitutionally elected by the residents.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs intervenes significantly in local government, as do other ministries. This is done chiefly financially because many local government jobs need funding initiated by national ministries. This is dubbed as the "thirty-percent autonomy".
The result of this power is a high level of organizational and policy standardization among the different local jurisdictions allowing them to preserve the uniqueness of their prefecture, city, or town.
Structure | 体制
Each jurisdiction has a chief executive, called a governor (知事, chiji) in prefectures and a mayor (市町村長, shichōsonchō) in municipalities. Most jurisdictions also have a unicameral assembly (議会, gikai), although towns and villages may opt for direct governance by citizens in a general assembly (総会, sōkai). Both the executive and assembly are elected by popular vote every three years.
Local governments follow a modified version of the separation of powers used in the national government. An assembly may pass a vote of no confidence in the executive, in which case the executive must either dissolve the assembly within ten days or automatically lose their office. Following the next election, however, the executive remains in office unless the new assembly again passes a no confidence resolution.
The primary methods of local lawmaking are local ordinance (条例, jōrei) and local regulations (規則, kisoku). Ordinances, similar to statutes in the national system, are passed by the assembly and may impose limited criminal penalties for violations (up to 2 years in prison and/or 1 million yen in fines). Regulations, similar to cabinet orders in the national system, are passed by the executive unilaterally, are superseded by any conflicting ordinances, and may only impose a fine of up to 50,000 yen.
Local governments also generally have multiple committees such as school boards, public safety committees (responsible for overseeing the police), personnel committees, election committees and auditing committees. These may be directly elected or chosen by the assembly, executive or both.
All provinces are required to maintain departments of general affairs, finance, welfare, health, and labor. Departments of agriculture, fisheries, forestry, commerce, and industry are optional, depending on local needs. The Governor is responsible for all activities supported through local taxation or the national government.
Administrative Division | 行政区分
Minsu is divided into seven prefectures and 1 special administrative prefecture, each overseen by an elected governor and legislature. The eight prefectures are: ?. As of the 1422 census, Hinomaru-to, the sole-special administrative prefecture, is the most-populous and most densely populated prefecture with 4.82 million residents.
In the State Local Government Code of 1331, a local government unit (LGU) can take the form of a prefecture, a district , or a municipality. All LGUs have local legislatures and local chief executives (governor, administrator, mayor, or district head) that are elected by popular vote.
Minsu is divided into four levels of administrative divisions with the lower three being defined in the State Local Government Code of 1331 as local government units (LGUs). They are, from the highest to the lowest:
Prefectures (県, -ken) and Special Administrative Prefecture (-to), mostly used to organize state services.
Districts (郡, -gun/-chiku), divide prefectures into localities.
Municipalities (-ku) such as a city (市, -shi), town (町, -cho/-machi), or village (村, -mura/-son); component localities.
Sub Municipal Wards (行政区, -gyosei-ku), local divisions of component localities; within municipalities.
 
 

A look into the league - Part 4, Matchdays 18-24.
 
After a short animated introduction, the scene opens in the TVNC studio, with Liandre and Xiava already at the desk, Liandre seemed to be talking about something, not noticing the cameras had already turned on for a moment.
 
[Liandre]: So they will probably decide on it today.
[Xiava]: Think they are going to give it to Ryxtylopiana?
[Liandre]: I mean, Dinco did provoke them sorta out of nowhere, especially since they're still on the relegation spo- Oh crap, we're live? (cough) Good evening everybody! Welcome to the TVNC report on the league, we've had a lot happening since the last time we were live.
[Xiava]: Indeed, from the top 3 still battling it out to comebacks and poor performances!
[Liandre]: Well how about we start from the bottom this time? Its pretty interesting.
[Xiava]: Im okay with that, hopefully our audience is ready... Since the relegation race keeps getting more interesting.
[Liandre]: It does, starting with the 2 relegation spots, occupied by Ryxtylopiana and Garravas only separated by 1 point, and only a win or so away from safetey, with Carraizal once again on edge.
[Xiava]: Tirilpense got some key wins against easy opponents, and they shot way past relegation, now they're 17th.
[Liandre]: Carraizal and Pinilaca are on the risk zone if Garravas and Ryxtylopiana win or draw more games, so they need more wins or draws.
[Xiava]: Ystiandes is slipping, and from what it seems, they will loose the 3 points in the suspended game with Ryxtylopiana.
[Liandre]: A moment to talk about that. The actions by the crowd were bad of course, but don't you think Dinco Arvaléz provoked it?
[Xiava]: Well the celebration, depends how you take it... But i think to most people its obvious, the gesture he was saying meant; "Ryxtylopiana Out!" he was joking that they were on the relegation spot and he knew it.
[Liandre]: Ryxtylopiana could get out of the relegation zone with that boost and a few more wins.
[Xiava]: That is if either Pinilaca or Carraizal stay the same, but who knows with this race.
[Liandre]: Anyways, San Liarvas continue their mediocre campaign, with Cintral Liípica doing surprisingly good for this season, while Qixas after almost reaching the top 8 drops another spot.
[Xiava]: I actually thought Obriros could stand a chance this time around at making the top 8, but their attack is pretty bad, they are now behind the U. of Ryxenia and above the U. of Saxatí.
[Liandre]: Pinichaca also is starting to slip away from the top 8, whilst Vynitiná is closeley tailing Myvas for the last spot in the top 8, where the positions have not really changed except for Priava and Libre now being tied in both points and goal difference!
[Xiava]: Dont forget Mytapixas, the team with the best goal difference so far, their attack and Libre's are the best we've seen in a while.
[Liandre]: Indeed, it will be interesting to see who makes it to the final.
[Liandre]: Also... have you noticed something?
[Xiava]: That we're still missing someone?
[Liandre]: Exactly! Pablo always goes in at the same time we finish the preliminary look into this...
[Xiava]: Should we wait for him?
[Liandre]: Nahhh, id say we continue as normal.
[Xiava]: Alright, then let me get the top scorers board!
 
The Screen Changes to a table of the top goalscorers:
 
Player Team Goals Scored Ezicaiel Barvas Mytapixas 24 Inzé Fransquixa Rio Priava 23 Andreís Richava Bixas 22 Ezicaiel Xiviscarra Raquivas 20 Rauíl Disquiverria Libre 20 Randé Tsilvana Tsalapaní 20 Julio Indrava Rio Priava 20 Rauíl Disquerravia Isportivo Ryxenia 19 Andreís Dixilfane Mytapixas 19 Andreís Diavarra Libre 19  
[Xiava]: Fransquixa lost first place on this table for once.
[Liandre]: But we've seen some wonderful performances from him still!
[Xiava]: Id say, a lot of players here are still relativley young, Diavarra will probably leave Libre at the end of this season, he's having an amaizing start to his career.
[Liandre]: No players from outside of the top 8, but its understandable, i have to say in particularly, Randé is being Tsalapaní's hero, he got them in the top 8 after a pretty bad start for them.
[Xiava]: Mhm, well but they wouldn't be able to score goals if nobody helped them, so its time we move on to top assisters.
 
The Screen Changes to a table of the top assisters:
 
Player Team Goals Assisted Andreís Yirapa Libre 31 Luque Pirrava Rio Priava 30 Enrico Irrasvasquia Mytapixas 29 Lardo Armatez Bixas 27 Andreís Irrestafica Isportivo Ryxenia 27  
[Liandre]: Nobody new so far! This table remains exclusive to the top 5!
[Xiava]: I only see a few changes, Irrasvaquia has had a pretty good season too.
[Liandre]: What about GK's?
[Xiava]: Going right up.
 
Finally, the list of top goalkeepers shows up on screen:
 
Player Team Saves Andreís Yirapa Tsalapaní 36 Julian Xirvés Unydo di Vynitiná 32 Isidro Darrias Raquivas 30 Marco Valandrés Bixas 29 Tincho Quilivixas Myvas 27  
[Xiava]: I have to say, Yirapa's game against Myvas was just brilliant, eating their attacks a lot of the time, he and the Tsalapaní defenders have a lot of good coordination and to an extent condition their rivals into attacking with poor positioning.
[Liandre]: But Julian is also having a pretty amaizing season, he's helped Vynitiná recover and move on to 9th place, he's been pretty busy with shot-stopping now.
[Xiava]: Yes, he has.
[Liandre]: Anything else we should add?
[Xiava]: I think Mytapixas will take first place at this rate, also we could continue seeing the relegation race get more intense.
[Liandre]: Well, i think Vynitiná have a good chance at making the top 8 if Myvas continues loosing or drawing.
[Xiava]: Dont think Pinichaca and Obriros could retake their spots.
At this point, Pablo finally arrives.
[Pablo]: Im-
[Liandre]: Anyways and that's it for this edition of the program, we'll keep you informed on more developments later.
[Pablo]: You...
[Xiava]: That's deserved, have you seen the time?!
 
Xiava and Pablo would begin to argue with Liandre laughing at both as the camera zooms away and the transmission switches to ads.

Twenty-Fourth Match day of the Ryxtylopian League
 
   1-1 
Ernysto Raivinas 72'      Marco Disvartía 51'    
 
 2-0       
Andreís Richava 61'                                         
Lardo Armatez 79'                                                  
 
 0-2    
                                            Julian Firverria 53' + 80'
                                     Rauíl Barravez 74'
 
 1-1  
Marco Tixalva 67'     Theo Isdriva 43'     
 
 0-3 
                                           Ezicaiel Barvas 32' + 81'
                                             Marco Indrivanda 57'
Pablo Carraizé 49'                                        
 
 1-1                                    
Esteban Invaras 53'      Marco Viraxa 77'        
 
 2-1            
Franco Viranpá 37' + 83'      Andreís Viriaxa 59'             
 
  2-1       
Andreís Diraberua 48'      Emailio Taracana 85'      
Randé Tsilvana 75'                                                           
 
 2-1      
Ernysto Disquivarria 54' + 78'      Viarre Findierra 84'                    
 
 0-1             
                                  Railo Asvarruna 81'
 
    2-0 
Inzé Fransquixa 61'                                          
Luque Pirrava 79'                                                    
 
 
Pos.   Team. Pld. W D L GF. GA. GD. Pts. 1 Libre 24 20 4 0 61 19 42 64 2 Rio Priava 24 20 4 0 58 16 42 64 3 Mytapixas 24 20 2 2 62 18 44 62 4 Isportivo Ryxenia 24 18 5 1 50 18 32 59 5 Bixas 24 18 3 3 49 18 31 57 6 Raquivas 24 14 6 4 46 26 20 48 7 Tsalapaní 24 14 5 5 35 22 13 47 8 Myvas 24 12 4 8 33 26 7 40 9 Unydo di Vynitiná 24 9 10 5 33 27 6 37 10 Pinichaca 24 9 6 9 28 28 0 33 11 U. di Ryxenia 24 8 7 9 27 27 0 31 12 Obriros 24 8 6 10 21 24 -3 30 13 U. di Saxatí 24 8 5 11 27 34 -7 29 14 Qixas 24 7 6 11 21 30 -9 27 15 Cintral Liipica 24 5 5 14 12 31 -19 20 16 San Liarvas 24 5 4 15 19 37 -18 19 17 Tirilpense 24 4 4 16 16 47 -31 16 18 Ystiandes 23 3 5 15 15 33 -18 14 19 Pinilaca 24 3 3 18 11 44 -33 12 20 Unydo di Carraizal 24 3 3 18 13 48 -35 12 21 Garravas 24 0 8 16 7 32 -25 8 22 Ryxtylopiana 23 2 1 20 9 48 -39 7

January 10th 1424, 4:40 pm,  New Maserut time.
A Broadcast of the minister of defense, Nicco Gilimberti, who's role has been almost completly useless since the full de-militarization of Candelù, has been seen all throughout the nation.
"This is where we should cross the line! The zannese "government" organized a terrorist attack in one of our oldest and biggest cities, we won't let anything else pass like that!" he'd shout.
"We will start organizing a volunteer army, and a bigger mobilization eventually, like those rebels are doing. we will place them on our border, and then, we'll see how the situation evolves, if they keep sending attacks like that, we might have no other choice but to declare war on our own people."
The de-militarized zone will soon be covered on both sides by Candeluian and Zannese soldiers, the smallest of mistakes might bring the nation to war.








"The clock starts ticking on Zanna."
 

The Country Is Part of A Neighbor’s Civil War, Here Is How It Happened
Anton Narcisse          Beau Herman
Juna Goedewijn              Londo Roccianera
09/01/1424
Pointe-d’Espoir, Trebec - Former President Hugo Quizolin sent troops to the nation of Candelu in a move that has broken with many norms of the country, and potentially jeopardized the country’s internal security. This report includes a day-to-day tracking of the events that led to the nation having troops committed to Candelu, and what it means for the state of the nation.

Former President Hugo Quizolin and Minister of Intelligence Justina Nablot
It all began when the Minister of Intelligence Justine Nablot briefed President Hugo Quizolin that members of the Zannese Council had made a major decision, and were mobilizing members for special activities, on January 2nd around 1900 Overtime. Quizolin, acting on partial intelligence, directed Nablot to begin intensive monitoring of the situation, and to brief him the moment anything changes.

Clyde Suderhaus, Minister of Defense
Minister of Defense Clyde Suderhaus was then directed by Quizolin to have war plans drawn up for the Candelu region, with scenarios based on different levels of force deployment, and expected international participation.
Nablot briefed Quizolin the next day, and said the Zannese council’s declaration of independence was serious. Included in the brief was an assessment that the two nations would not peacefully negotiate separation, and would instead resort to conflict to settle disputed claims. Quizolin then requested Suderhaus brief him on intervention options. Five options were laid on, from no commitment to substantial commitment of forces and personnel. One of the options included Scenario E, a full-scale military deployment that would entail quashing the Zannese Council in a counter-insurgency. It would cost billions, and require an extended multi-year effort.
Quizolin set down Scenario E, and chose Scenario B, which would involve deploying a small detachment of troops to promote peacekeeping in the region. Quizolin was then interrupted by Oliver Houdelmont, Counsel to the President.

Counsel to the Office of the President Oliver Houdelmont
Houdelmont objected to picking a military scenario, and told Quizolin that although he technically had the legal power to deploy troops in such a manner according to standing defense law, to do so would invoke the ire of the incoming President Guy Laclare. This also included potential legal challenges that could have the order overturned, and Quizolin would subsequently be tried in court.
Quizolin ignored Houdelmont’s objections, stating regional security was of greater importance. A person familiar with the conversation stated that Quizolin said, “If they have a fight to pick with Candelu, who is next?” Quizolin then had Suderhaus distribute orders in line with Scenario B, and to have soldiers activated and ready to deploy in accordance with the plan. Quizolin ordered Houdelmont to prepare a legal defense. Nablot was told to streamline information to support Scenario B planning. Quizolin said he would “handle” Guy Laclare and Martin Toro.

President-Elect Guy Laclare and Martin Toro
Quizolin went to Fort Boncort at the outskirts of Pointe-d’Espoir the same night. President Elect Guy Laclare and Martin Toro, the favorite to be Prime Minister, were roused from their houses and brought to the military base by members of the Viriarma in black SUVs. People familiar with the meeting said it took place over three hours. Laclare and Toro were taken back to their houses when the meeting closed.
Le Grande Assemblee opened for business on January 4th with a number of provisions up for vote in the Lower Assembly. Tucked in behind a bill on reauthorizing military base land grants was Special Request 1424-01, a document that asks for forces to be deployed to Candelu for the purpose of, “aiding national stability and peacekeeping within the region.” The Lower Assembly voted on the military bills, passed them to the Upper Assembly, which also passed the bills in short order. By midday the bill was law and Le Ministère de la Défense was seating soldiers onto transport planes bound for Candelu.
What this means for the nation is already apparent. An explosion ripped through the heart of Clementina overnight. Although no soldiers were killed or injured, it portends the scale of violence to come, as guerilla warfare is rife with bombings, ambushes, and hard-fought street corners.
The fate of Quizolin also looms large in the national dialogue. The President has the power to bring up a number of different special requests, if there is something the President wishes to do but isn’t able to under ordinary circumstances, or ante iudicium, before any litigation has come to a definitive answer. The issue is with what can be requested, says Gerard Couturier, a constitutional scholar at Université Felix Hautlieu. “And it’s judged by a snap vote. A simple majority is all it takes to pass sweeping decrees or actions.”
Special requests as is are broad, from trade embargos, to declaring emergencies, and even committing belli inmertio, war without cause. 1424-01 falls into that last category, because the parties in the Candelu conflict haven’t involved Nouveauterra directly, either through treaty or outright declaration.
The questions looming over this bill now are these: was the threat to the nation’s “interests, security, and prosperity,” great enough to warrant making this request? It’s a civil war in a nation not directly adjacent to Nouveauterra, although peace within Doll Guldur is always beneficial to the country as a whole.
Were the members of Le Grande Assemblee properly notified of this request? Remember, this request was tucked into another bill, meaning burgesses and councilors may not have seen the request in full.
Lastly, was there sufficient debate to warrant granting the request? If question two is answered with a No, then that means the request was made in error and has to be rescinded, or a new request can be drawn up in its place with debate restarted regarding the force deployment. Question two can be a Yes, but with the meeting between Quizolin, Laclare, and Toro, it’s possible the debate was held in Fort Boncort with men and assault rifles abound.
It’s up to ordinary people and government officials to act in either curtailing this kind of activity, or condoning it.

The Great Compendium of
Giovanniland History
Part 1: Ancient to Medieval Aura
Antiquity: Ancient Lavandula
Classical Age: Lavandulan Empire
Medieval Age: Abrentan Civilization
Medieval Age: Post-Imperial Lavandula
Part 2: Ancient to Medieval Andolia
Part 3: Modern and Contemporary History

Minsu
ミンス帝国 (Minsunese)
Minsu teikoku
Flag

Seal
Anthem Gao e no ōdo
(ガオへのオード)

Location
Capital Asahi Largest Kongo Official Language Minsunese Demonym(s) Minsunese Government Type Unitary parliamentary
Semi-constitutional
monarchy
Head of State Emperor Head of Government Prime Minister Legislature Congress Upper House Senate Lower House House of
Representatives
Geography Area km2 Land 190,900 km2 Water km2 Population 10,284,884 (1422 census) Density 53.9/km² Economy GDP (PPP) 1422 Estimate $412,464,979,558 Per capita $40,104 Currency Minsunese yen (MU¥) Time Zone IAT +0 Driving Side Right Calling Code +2 13 Internet TLD .mu  
Minsu (Minsunese:ミンスの聖なる帝国) is a small sovereign state in the Auran continent, covering the eastern-half of Lavender Island. Asahi is the capital of the country with Kongo as the largest. Other notable cities are Fuso, Nagato, and Ise.
About one-third of the country's terrain is mountainous, with its population of 10.2 million concentrated on the coastal plains. Minsu covers 190,900 km² and is divided into seven prefectures and 1 special prefecture. The Hinomaru Metropolis (Hinomaru-to) is the most populous metropolitan area in Minsu, with more than 4.82 million residents.
After centuries of absolute monarchical rule, Emperor Fujiro, the People's emperor, drafted the Jinrui Constitution in 1330 AF allowing democracy to flourish under imperial rule. In the 1330 constitution, Minsu maintains a unitary parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy with a bicameral legislature, the Congress.
Minsu is a developed-country with a national GDP at MU¥ 470 billion, led by Oil and Petroleum, Tourism, Electronics, and Shipbuilding. It has a GDP per capita of MU¥ 45,718.56.

This is a Pineapple Appreciation zone.  Personally I love mixing the Pineapple with Banana Peppers or Jalapenos with Salami and Pepperoni.  You can keep the ham though.

January 9th 1424, 00:00 am, Tiveronian time.
A' Candela Mattutina 1/9/1424

Peace keeping forces are able to keep peace between the two nations, as a sort of "demilitarized zone" is created on the border.
Crysis is closer than ever for the candeluian land, now that both nations are organizing a national army.
Candeluians are still being forcebly removed from Zannese lands, and violence seems to be used much more, since the instauration of the temporary government.

And here, in the middle of the night, the Candeluian cities gradually start to get gradually quieter, until.

(A photo from the streets of Clementia, the fire starts spreading.)
The city of Clementia was shook from an explosion in the main plaza, which then caused a large fire that spreaded to the close-by appartments, causing many injured, and 4 deaths.
While there's no culprit found as the incident just happened, many already speculate that this was a terrorist attack, programmed by radical zannese supporters.
We will bring news about the incident as soon as they're present, and we give our full support to Clementese people.

Twenty-Third Match day of the Ryxtylopian League
 
 3-0 
Lardo Armatez 49' + 61'                                              
Andreís Richava 78'                                                             
 
      1-0 
Rauíl Armatez 73'                                   
                                       Diaxve Barravez 70'
 
 0-0 
 
    0-2 
                                 Theo Isdriva 61'
                                                 Andreís Diavarra 80'
 
 1-1                             
    Franco Viranpá 76'      Marco Indrivanda 64'
 
 2-1         
Dranve Ixilva 57' + 82'      Tincho Richava 69'     
 Tarraiva Milatacha 45'          Ezicaiel Dixisvas 53'     
                                              Andreís Diaxilva 62'
                                             Andreís Diaxilva 80'   
 
  2-0 
Andreís Diraberua 48'                                          
Randé Tsilvana 87' (P)                                                 
                                            Tincho Erresquivas 86'
 
 1-1 
Ernysto Disquivarria 79'      Emailio Taracana 54'     
 
 2-1 
  Enrique Rafaela 66'      Julio Dipartí 81' (OG)
Marco Dirabeura 74'                                             
                                            Andreís Armavilla 77'
 
 2-0 
Inzé Fransquixa 38'                                       
Luque Pirrava 75'                                                  
 
        1-3 
               Ernysto Raivinas 78'      Theo Dixilfane 43' + 67' + 73'
Ernysto Raivinas 66'                                            
 
 
Pos.   Team. Pld. W D L GF. GA. GD. Pts. 1 Libre 23 20 3 0 60 18 42 63 2 Mytapixas 23 19 4 0 56 16 40 61 3 Rio Priava 23 19 2 2 59 18 41 59 4 Isportivo Ryxenia 23 17 5 1 48 18 30 56 5 Bixas 23 17 3 3 47 18 29 54 6 Raquivas 23 14 6 3 46 24 22 48 7 Tsalapaní 23 13 5 5 33 21 12 44 8 Myvas 23 12 3 8 32 25 7 39 9 Unydo di Vynitiná 23 9 9 5 32 26 6 36 10 Pinichaca 23 9 6 8 27 26 1 33 11 Obriros 23 8 6 9 26 26 0 30 12 U. di Ryxenia 23 8 6 9 20 22 -2 30 13 Qixas 23 7 5 11 25 33 -8 26 14 U. di Saxatí 23 6 6 11 20 30 -10 24 15 Cintral Liipica 23 5 4 14 19 36 -17 19 16 San Liarvas 23 5 4 14 11 30 -19 19 17 Ystiandes 22 3 4 15 14 32 -18 13 18 Unydo di Carraizal 23 3 4 16 14 46 -32 13 19 Pinilaca 23 3 3 17 13 45 -32 12 20 Tirilpense 23 2 3 17 10 42 -32 12 21 Garravas 23 0 8 15 7 30 -23 8 22 Ryxtylopiana 22 2 1 19 9 46 -37 7

Kingdom of Giovanniland
Overview - History - Geography - Government - Economy - Infrastructure - Demographics - Culture - List of Rulers - Giovannese Language - Division Maps - Population Maps

Overview
Motto:
Common: Long live Giovanniland!
Giovannese: Viva Giovanniterra!
Location (green) in the Darkesian Sea:

Capital and Largest City: Giovannia
Official languages:
Giovannese
Lavandulan
Common (foreign affairs and trade)
Religion:
78.31% Violetism
20.56% Atheism
1.13% others
Demonym: Giovannilandian (Giovannese: Giovanniterrano/a)
Government:
King: Giovanni I
Prime Minister: Elyse Anairyde Silva (Partido Laboristo)
Legislature: Parlamento Federal
Total area: 395,107 km² (152,552 sq mi)
Population: 29,305,150
Density: 74.2/km² (192.1/sq mi)
GDP (PPP): $1,406,647,221,920
GDP per capita: $48,000
Currency: Golden Orbs (GO$)
National Animal: Lavender macaw
National Religion: Violetism
Time Zone: IAT+0
Drives on the: right
Calling code: +2 64 (Aura), +3 64 (Andolia)
Internet TLD: .gl
Giovanniland (Giovannese: Giovanniterra), officially the Kingdom of Giovanniland (Giovannese: Regno de Giovanniterra), is a kingdom located in southern Aura and northern Andolia, the only transcontinental country of Esferos. The country occupies the central part of Lavender Island, located in the Darkesian Sea, and a territory in northern Andolia, together adding up to 395,107 square kilometers that are divided into various regions. The national capital and most populous city is Giovannia. A majority of the country's population of 29,305,150 is part of the Giovannese ethnic group and speaks the language of same name, although there are significant native ethnic minorities and immigrants from Aura and Andolia.
[history being updated]
Giovanniland's Auran Territory borders Blue Bubble to the west, Min-Su to the east, and the Darkesian Sea on the southwest and north. Meanwhile, its Andolian Territory borders Varanius to the west, Tupmonia to the south, Fhaengshia to the east, and the Darkesian Sea to the north. The nation is considered to be developed, with a national GDP of $1,406,647,221,920 led by Finances, Tourism and Technology, and a GDP per capita of $48,000 which is ranked highly among other nations in Esferos. Together with a national armed force composed of 550,937 personnel, these statistics turn Giovanniland into a major power. The country is a strong trade connection between the continents of Aura and Andolia and has trade treaties with several other nations. 
Giovanniland is named after Emperor Giovanni, the first ruler of the Giovannian Empire that ruled from 716 until his death in 780. The way to refer to any citizen of Giovanniland is as a Giovannilandian, which should not be confused with the Giovannese ethnic group that composes the majority of Giovanniland's population. In ancient times, there was no specific name to what is now Giovanniland, but rather names for each independent kingdom and for the entire Lavender Island.

Geography
Giovanniland occupies the central part of Lavender Island, an island located in the Darkesian Sea between Aura and Andolia, and a territory in northern Andolia, together totalling an area of 395,107 km². The Auran Territory shares a land border with Blue Bubble to the west and Min-Su to the east; while the Andolian Territory borders Varanius to the west, Tupmonia to the south and Fhaengshia to the east. It also borders the Darkesian Sea in three different sections of coast, two in Aura and one in Andolia, all of which contain important cities and ports. The nation also occupies several historically important islands off its coasts, such as Arvonian Island off the Auran coast where the traders from Saint Mark first arrived 1,400 years ago, and the Fernando Islands off the Andolian coast where Fernando II's expedition into the now Andolian part of Giovanniland first arrived. The country lies between latitudes 12° and 26°S, and longitudes 9°W and 9°E, and uses the International Atomic Time (IAT+0) as the timezone of the entire country.
The administrative divisions of Giovanniland are regions in the first level; prefecture or prefecture-level cities in the second level; districts, counties or county-level cities in the third level, and towns in the fourth level. Besides the capital Giovannia, all other prefecture-level cities are located on the coast, for example the important ports of Porto Violeta, Uryde and Andoliaville. County-level cities serve as the administrative centers of prefectures, often being their largest cities, while other counties group together various smaller towns.
Giovanniland's border with Blue Bubble is defined by two rivers, the Arvonian in the south and the Neuryand in the north. The Arvonian River starts flowing south near the city of Alkemaro and debouches into the Darkesian Sea in the coastal town of Manariaus; while the Neuryand River also flows near Alkemaro, but to the northern coast instead. The border with Min-Su has large straight sections unlike its western counterpart—it starts near the town of Armelyana, cuts through the middle of the Garavand rainforest, follows the Lavandula River from Oryantal until Violetina, and finally ends with another vertical line. As for the Andolian border, its western part is defined by the Tumbergia River that debouches into the city of same name at the Varanian border, and then a large straight section until the southwest. The Gustavo River then defines part of the southern border until meeting the Tupmonian border, after which two straight sections define the border with that country until the tripoint with Fhaengshia. The eastern part of the Giovandolian Mountain Range delimits a small southern part of the Fhaengshia-Giovanniland border, whereas the rest follows along the Nia River that debouches into the Trhein Bay.
     
Left: The Arvonian River flowing in a rural area near the Giovannilandian border. Right: The Great Violet Range.
Giovannilandian topography is diverse and includes several topographical regions. Plains occur in the southwestern and northern parts of the Auran Territory, as well as in the northern part of the Andolian Territory. Highlands are ubiquitous in the Giovannia Magna region and in the Vale Violeta of the Andolian Territory, while the Abrantian and Garavand regions feature unique shrublands and river basins respectively. Last but not least, the Great Violet and Giovandolian mountain ranges feature the highest altitudes of the Giovannilandian nation, while the far away Vale da Konquista has sparsely populated deserts. These divisions have historically delimited the borders of different nations, but technology has helped to unify and coordinate them in modern times. Higher population density is present in the southwestern and northern Auran coasts, as well as in the northern Andolian coast. There is also a high population density in the highlands around the capital Giovannia and the prefectures that surround it, while low population densities are present in the shrublands, mountainous regions, forests, and deserts.
The Auran climate is mainly represented by the three tropical classifications. The equatorial or tropical rainforest climate is present on the Garavand rainforest, the tropical monsoon climate appears in the northern regions, and the tropical savanna climate is registered in most other places. Meanwhile, the Andolian climate is more diverse, featuring subtropical areas in the central part, temperate climate in the Giovandolian Range, and arid desert climate in the far south. Therefore, the year is divided in rainy and dry seasons in most parts of the country, commonly featuring high temperatures up to 40°C due to the country being close to the Equator. The country is far from any tectonic plate boundaries, which makes earthquakes very rare. However, the northern parts of the country are prone to hurricanes and floods, especially in the rainy season due to the monsoon climate.
Giovanniland has a relatively very rich diversity. Some examples are jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, sloths, armadillos, macaws, flamingoes, and anacondas, many of which are only found in the Garavand rainforest. Deep into the rainforest's rivers can be also found some rare species of fish, such as the piranha and the pink dolphin. Meanwhile, the coasts near Giovanniland are home to various types of maritime life, such as large whales and sharks. Finally, the country is home to a large amount of plant species, such as rainforest trees in the southeast, coastal vegetation in the north and southwest, pines and araucarias in the mountainous regions, and small shrubs in the savanna-like Abrantian region. In order to protect this biodiversity, Giovannilandian state policy has included an extensive environmental protection program for the last 130 years. There are several designated national parks, in which sustainable tourism is allowed but no farming or mining can take place. Finally, laws regulate industries to ensure the smallest possible carbon footprint, deforestation and water pollution levels.

A depiction of the mythical Giovannilandian national animal the lavender macaw.

Government
Giovanniland is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the King as ceremonial head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. King Giovanni I is the reigning monarch, ruling since 1403 ever since his father King Karlos II died. Elyse Anairyde Silva is the current Prime Minister since the 1423 general election. The nation has a tripartite division of the government into executive, legislative and judiciary branches, all of which are independent from each other. Members of the legislative branch are elected through voluntary voting, but executive judicial officials are not.
Branches
The executive branch of Giovanniland is formed by the Prime Minister at national level, Praetors at prefectural level, and Counts at county level. All of them can form their own cabinets composed of ministers that aid in the government, usually averaging 10 to 20 ministers. The judiciary branch is based on civil law, and its legal system is codified by the Constitution of Giovanniland, a set of laws that all other legislation and court decisions must follow. Region, prefecture and county-level divisions have their own courts in order to decide local legal cases, but those important to the nation as a whole are brought to the Korte Suprema. Furthermore, there are special courts to judge on matters such as elections and military affairs. Judges and other judicial officials are appointed after passing exams organized by the government.
The national legislative branch is represented by the Parlamento. Proposals, amendments or repeals can be crafted by the Parlamento and need a simple majority to pass, except for any edit to the Constitution that needs a supermajority of two thirds. After that, the Prime Minister can sign the proposal into law or veto it, although a veto can be overruled by two thirds. The Parlamento is composed by 500 members elected representing a prefecture or prefecture-level city according to its population, ranging from 26 Giovannia representants to a single representant for the Sud-Garavand, Taresmino, Oframelo, Anavadora and Konifera prefectures.

The Parties of Giovanniland on the Parlamento. The governing coalition has a majority 325 seats (PK: 72, PL: 133, PSV: 120) while the opposition retains the remaining 175 (PLD: 43, PR: 111, PV: 17, PP: 4).
A history of all Parlamento elections can be found in this link.
General elections happen when the Parlamento is dissolved, happening at most five years after the previous one, or earlier if the Prime Minister resigns, dies in office, or is subject to a successful vote of no confidence. The members of Parlamento immediately decide on a new Prime Minister after being elected, this individual is typically the leader of the political party or coalition of parties that holds the largest number of seats. Similar systems happen for the prefectures and counties, with legislatures called Kamara Praefektural and Kamara Munikipal respectively. They may enact laws of their own regarding matters not covered by higher levels, with the same approval process as the national level, as long as they do not contradict national law. 
Giovannilandian politics feature six national-level political parties. The party with the most members in both houses is the Partido Sozial-Verdo, a left-wing party with strong environmental and social policies, which is also the current Prime Minister's party. This party forms a government coalition with the left-wing Partido Laboristo and far-left Partido Komunisto. Four parties form the opposition, namely the centrist Partido Liberal-Demokrato, center-right Partido Republikano, right-wing Partido Violetisto, and far-right Partido Patrioto. Other smaller and regional parties exist, but traditionally don't have much influence in the alliances within the Parlamento that have a say in governing the country. 
Diplomacy
Giovannilandian international relations are characterized by non-interventionism, international cooperation and peaceful settlement of conflicts. The nation's diplomacy is headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, currently Edgar Framberse, who is also a former Prime Minister. However, the Kongreso National may also advise the Minister on various matters and must also approve any kind of international treaty or change to foreign policy. The nation is friendly to most countries, except for authoritarian or dictatorial regimes. Giovanniland is a member of the Auran League, and thus maintains good economic relations with most Auran countries. Trade with other continents of Esferos is also common, especially Andolia due to the nation's Andolian Territory.
Despite being a peaceful nation, Giovanniland also maintains a sizable military with a total of 550,937 personnel. Compulsory service is not required, therefore a large amount of money is spent on military technology to increase the nation's strength, with $33,759,533,326 total (2.4% of GDP) and GO$1,152 per capita. The current iteration of the Giovannilandian Army, Navy and Air Force were created in 1247 after passage of the Lexe de Sekuratia National. Since then, the military has not been involved in any conflict, instead participating of peacekeeping efforts and humanitarian missions abroad. However, the nation has sometimes supported certain factions in foreign civil wars, and occasionally sent funds, weapons and intelligence officers. The Giovannilandian Army has 187,615 enlisted personnel, while the Navy has 116,963 and the Air Force has 85,041. There are additionally 138,506 reserves, to be conscripted in the case of a foreign invasion or similar emergency.

Economy
Giovanniland operates under a system of state-supervised capitalism, meaning that private enterprise is allowed but taxed, and large swaths of the economy are state-owned. The nation has a small but prosperous economy, with an estimated GDP PPP of $1,406,647,221,920, the 5th largest in Esferos, 2nd largest in Aura and largest in Andolia. Meanwhile, the GDP per capita value of $48,000 ranks 7th highest in Esferos, 3rd in Aura and also 1st in Andolia. The Giovannilandian economy is stable, highly advanced, and led by the Artwork Trading, Finance, Tourism and Technology sectors, backed by the strong national currency called Golden Orbs (GO$), whose conversion rate is 1 international dollar for each 0.9 Golden Orbs. The labor force (all population between 18 and 65 years old) is estimated to be 18,734,785 according to the latest national census, and the unemployment index is only 2% due to extensive welfare and social policies.
For much of its history, Giovanniland's economy relied solely on tropical agricultural goods. Farmers initially aimed to produce food for their own people, but they started to export their crops after the arrival of Saint Markian traders in exchange for manufactured goods coming from the Auran mainland as well. During the Giovannian Empire era, gold was found on the eastern part of the island while other minerals such as silver, copper and iron were extracted from the former land of the Confederacy of Abrant to be used for royal and religious buildings. However, the importance of agriculture and mining for external trade declined after the Industrial Revolution. Agriculture is currently estimated to contribute around 1% of GDP, generating a variety of tropical crops such as bananas, coconuts, papayas, cassava, cocoa, coffee, rice, sweet potato, and tea. Mining, the other major component of the Giovannilandian primary sector, accounts for 0.5% of the national GDP and is common in the Vale da Konquista and the two Abrantian regions, with an increasing search for rare-earth elements due to their uses in advanced technology. However, mines face heavy environmental regulations due to the policies of the ruling Green Social Party.
The secondary sector is represented by factories and industries, which contributes around 26.5% of the national GDP. Some examples of Giovannilandian factories are automobiles, computers and other electronics, food processing, and retail. These industry types are often concentrated in specific regions of the country, for example the food processing industry in the two Abrantian regions, the southern part of the Northern region, and the Terra Lastrila and Vale Violeta regions. The two mountainous regions are known for their retail sector, especially due to the low temperatures colder than the national average, while automobiles are mostly produced in the prefectures surrounding the capital Giovannia. Finally, the technological sector is present throughout the country, especially in the coastal regions as well as in the capital. Kandaluvro and Fernandopolis, in the prefectures of Aguamara and Virandolia respectively, are often known as the head cities of this sector. They count with the nearby ports of Anneville and Andoliaville, allowing for state-sponsored Giovannilandian high-tech and nanotechnology products to not only be exported and generate high revenue, but also be transported to the other regions of Giovanniland.
     
Left: Modern agriculture in the Abrantian region. Right: A high-tech factory in Kandaluvro.
The tertiary sector is the driving workforce behind the national economy, accounting for approximately 72% of the GDP coming from developed trade and service sectors. A notable component of the trade sector is artwork trading, because Giovanniland owns the most valuable artwork collection in the region and some of the most popular artwork auction houses of the world. The finance sector is also very important for the Giovannilandian economy and contributes to an estimated 10% of the entire GDP. Citizens from all over Esferos use Giovannilandian banks to hold money in a very secure system, although there is a tax of 0.1% from all money deposits to the government so that it can maintain the sector, and a policy of seizing assets from criminals so that they do not use the Giovannilandian banks to hide illegal money. Some important cities for this sector are Arlavonte and Manariaus, capitals to the prefectures of Ervedestia and Borbania respectively. Furthermore, gambling also has a small but significant presence in the tertiary sector of Giovanniland, even though citizens are educated by an early age to acknowledge the risks of participating in those games. The southern coastal cities of Porto Violeta, Abrentopolis and Narveklano are the leading places for the gambling sector, hosting more casinos than the rest of the country combined.
The other major source of income in the Giovannilandian tertiary sector is tourism, contributing to an estimated 5% of the GDP. Eco-tourism is prominent in Giovanniland, especially in the Garavand rainforest and in the southern Andolian Territory, where citizens and foreign visitors alike can visit the natural beauty of Giovanniland without damaging the environment. Other famous places are the Tomás Waterfalls in the Arvonian River near the city of Ventameno, and the Violet Peak of the Giovandolian Range, which is the highest point of the country. Frequently visited historical attractions include the many history museums across the country, the Arvonian Obelisk in Markopolis that celebrates the arrival of Saint Markian traders into the island, and the Great Tomb of Lavro I, the first emperor of Lavandula. Finally, festivals such as Violet Carnival also attract many tourists, as do the world-renowned restaurants in the coastal regions that mix flavors from the Auran and Andolian cultures.
     
Left: A bank with high reputation in the city of Arlavonte. Right: The outside of the Lavandulan History Museum of Quoriv.

Infrastructure
Due to the Giovannilandian policies of social democracy and welfare state, 48.2% of the national GDP goes to government spending, adding up to a total of $678,003,960,965, or $23,136 per capita. Most of this money goes to infrastructure, including science, technology, transport, energy, health and education. Technological and scientific research is carried in the various universities in the country, with special units on the eight prefecture-level cities, the country's most advanced technological hubs. Furthermore, Giovannilandian high schools feature a special project called "idea incubator", in which dedicated students can start working on scientifical projects from an early age, and then contribute their ideas to the nation with the help of government subsidies once they are older. Nearly all of the Giovannilandian population has access to the internet, a fact supported by the high amount of internet and telephone towers across the country. Broadband is only inaccessible on a few isolated places, such as deep into the Garavandian rainforest or into the desolate mountains, and elsewhere Giovannilandians have a generally good connection.
In the topic of transport, Giovanniland has a strong and well connected network of railroads, highways, waterways, harbors, airports, and more. The highway system is divided into national roads, which receive an abbreviation with the two-letter code GL followed by a number; and provincial roads, whose abbreviations are similar but feature the two-letter code of the prefecture instead. In the year of 1315 a very important project in the history of Giovannilandian highways was completed, with north-south highways in both the Auran and Andolian territories. Twenty years later, all of the prefecture and county-level cities were linked to either main highway to allow better integration of people into the modern world, and all cities with more than 5,000 inhabitants were integrated by 1360. The construction of railways soon followed suit, in order to better transport goods in and out of the country, and today they have a similar integration rate that of the highway system. However, some places are still inaccessible by these conventional transport methods, like in the Garavand rainforest due to environmental regulations.
Furthermore, Giovanniland also has a network of harbors and airports for both internal and external transport. The busiest port of Giovanniland is Porto Violeta, intended for trade with any continent, however there are also continent-specific ports such as Uryde in the north for trading with Auran countries, and Andoliaville in the south for trading with Andolian countries, and smaller ports that have a more internal use rather than for external trade. The country has one international airport for each prefecture-level city, national airports on all county-level cities, and smaller provincial airports in other cities. By number of passengers per year, the five busiest Giovannilandian airports are the Emperor Giovanni the Great International Airport in Giovannia (24 million passengers per year), the Violet International Airport in Uryde (15m), the Emperor Fernando International Airport in Andoliaville (9m), the Neuryn Caetano International Airport in Porto Violeta (5m), and the Giovandolian International Airport in Gioville (3m).
     
Left: A highway near the city of Sonserina. Right: The Lavandula Airport of Quoriv. Energy in Giovanniland majorly generated by renewable sources, such as hydroelectricity (55%), solar power (21%) and wind power (10%), and managed by the government's Ministry of Energy, who owns state companies that provide energy for all inhabitants for a small cost. The two Abrantian regions is the main site for the wind and solar energy generation due to the favorable tropical savanna climate that features a lot of solar irradiation and strong winds, while hydroelectricity is generated out of various rivers throughout the country. However, the ruling coalition has created a goal of phasing out hydroelectricity as the main contributor by 1450 due to its environmental disadvantages—such as loss of arable land, population displacement, and disruption of ecosystems—to which possible replacements are offshore wind farms near the Giovannilandian coasts.
Meanwhile, universal healthcare is provided to every resident of Giovanniland, and the government has a near monopoly on health services. Ever since 1380, the health infrastructure includes at least five Basic Health Units and one major hospital with advanced technology per county. The biggest hospitals are located in the county-level cities, with an even higher concentration on the prefecture level-cities and the most populous prefectures. Nowadays, the national healthcare has also adopted nationwide electronic health records that both patients and doctors can access, and also a government app for mobile phones, so that patients can quickly schedule appointments. University hospitals are common, as it is fundamental that medical students have practice in order to graduate and become full workers for the healthcare system. Due to this advanced system, Giovanniland has a low infant mortality rate and high life expectancy.
Finally, education is also very important for Giovannilandian social policy. Just like the healthcare system, schools and universities are mostly state-owned, and national law mandates that county-level educational infrastructure must include at least five schools that provide classes from preschool to highschool levels, as well as one college and one university, for each county. The law also states that the full education until the end of high school is compulsory. According to the latest national census, around 1,446,283 children aged 1-5 are enrolled in kindergarten, 2,202,294 children aged 6-13 are in primary school, and another 1,676,373 teenagers aged 14-18 are in secondary school. Furthermore, over a million students are enrolled in various universities throughout the nation.
The students of most Giovannilandian schools have the freedom to choose their own school subjects in order to line up with what they wish to do in the future. Furthermore, they also have the option to do cultural exchanges abroad once they are 15 years old. High school and college are very competitive in the country, as students give their best to achieve better job opportunities, a claim supported by recent surveys showing that Giovannilandian students have grades above the international average on most subjects. Therefore, the country has an overall high reputation for student happiness and school procedures in Esferos, and also a high amount of bachelor's, master's and doctor's degrees.
     
Left: Wind farms in the prefecture of Abranterra. Right: The outside of a modern high school and college in Porto Violeta.

Demographics
The total population of Giovanniland was 29,305,150 in the latest census of 1422, with a density of 74.2/km² and a ratio of men to women of 0.97:1. Over 4.5 million of those live in the eight prefecture-level cities, while another 21 million live in other cities across the country, concentrated in the coastal prefectures and the region of Giovannia Magna. The literacy rate is 99.55% among the youth (6-18), 98.91% among adults (18-60), and 97.1% among the elderly (60+), being slightly lower in the remote prefectures but still high overall compared to other nations of Esferos.
The first ever census, made 322 years ago in 1100, registered 13 million inhabitants in modern Giovanniland (excluding northern Varanius), down from 16 million at the Giovannilandian Empire's peak due to wars and famines during its decline. This rose to 15 million in the census of 1200 and 19 million in 1300, with an increased pace due to the start of industrialization. In the early 14th century there was a significant growth due to the decline of the mortality and a high birth rate, and also an estimated arrival of 500,000 immigrants from various continents. In just six decades, from 1300 to 1360, there was an increase of 7.5 million, adding up to a total of 26.5 million in the end of this period of rapid growth. Ever since 1360, with the decline of the birth rate, the population growth has slowed again, but there has been a fair increase of nearly 3.5 million in the last 60 years partly due to immigration. It is expected that the Giovannilandian population will continue to grow, albeit in reduced rates, possibly achieving 30 million in a few years according to census predictions.
     
Population and density maps of all Giovannilandian counties, county-level cities, and prefecture-level cities. The main languages spoken are Giovannese, which has heavy influences from Saint Markian due to being part of the same language family, and Lavandulan. Common is teached as a second language in most schools and is used in foreign affairs and trade, while third languages often differ according to the location within the country. It may be Glendulan—the national language of the neighbouring nation of Blue Bubble and main language of the Glendon-Lavandulan diaspora in Giovanniland—or one of the indigenous languages.