Ventel

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
Date: 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 Sacred 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 Kang, 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.

Culture
The culture of Giovanniland is very rich and diverse, with influences from the ancient Lavandulan city-states, Saint Markian traders that founded Arvonia, indigenous cultures of Aura and Andolia, neighbor nations such as Blue Bubble, and most recently immigrants from various continents. Regional cultures can be quite different from each other, especially due to the north-south divide by the Great Violet Range that once was the border between the Arvonian and Lavandulan cultures, and due to the two different Auran and Andolian territories that together form the nation.
The national cuisine features pasta as its main staple food, even though dishes with seafood and tropical vegetables are also well liked by residents. Each region has its own cuisine, and contributes certain aspects to the nation. Dishes with marine food are most common in the tropical north coast, in which paella is a regional dish featuring seafood and the rice coming from the farms in the southern part of the region. Pasta comes from the Terra Lastrila and the two Abrant regions, which make up most of the wheat production in the country, and then this staple food gets various sauces from different parts of the country. In the mountainous regions of the country, soups of various flavors are prepared so that its residents can face the coldest winter of all Giovanniland. Meanwhile, the southern Auran and northern Andolian coasts features a very diverse amount of dishes, often featuring tropical fruits such as bananas and papayas, as well as vegetables like cassava and sweet potato. Finally, the recent increase of immigration has also contributed to form an even more diverse Giovannilandian cuisine. The national drink is violet tea, made from the leaves of the national flower, but coffee is also liked by many residents, especially in Giovannia Magna and the mountainous regions.
     
Left: Pasta with seafood, very common in Giovanniland. Right: Violet tea, one of the most common drinks nationally. Meanwhile, music in Giovanniland has a very long history. Possible instruments have been found in Lavandulan archaeological sites dating back to 3000 BF. whose music featured instruments like xylophones, claves, gongs, and bamboo flutes. Arvonian culture brought even more diversity to the island, such as the first Giovannilandian pianos, violins and lyres. Trade between the different Lavender Island states from the 5th century onwards made it possible for these instruments to be used beyond their original cultures, but it was only during the Giovannilandian Empire that composers gained greater national importance and were financed by the government. During that era, the Emperors supported creating a national musical style incorporating the various regional influences, which was named classical music. Emperor Fernando II's reign from 849 to 885 was the zenith of this style, during which known composers such as Anna Giova-Lavanda and Gillermo de Violetina created world-renowned operas and other musical pieces. Nowadays, musicians have developed styles that combines classical music from the Empire of Giovanniland's days with modern tunes, such as electronic music.
The musical styles from the Abrantian lands in the south have also gained prominence after the fall of the Empire, and they are well known due to their use in the yearly Violet Carnival, which has influence from Violetism as well as popular culture. Besides this important cultural celebration whose dates are mobile but usually fall in late February or early March, other national holidays include the New Year (January 1st), when beautiful displays of fireworks can be seen throughout the country; Empire Day (January 16th), the day in which the Giovannilandian Empire was founded in 716 by the Giovanni the Great; Giovandolian Day (April 23rd), when in the year of 792 Fernando I's explorer fleet first landed in what is now the modern Andolian Territory; Revolution Day (June 15th), the day of the peaceful creation of the Kingdom of Giovanniland in 1095; Arvonian Day (August 29th), when in 22 AF the first settlers with Saint Markian ancestry came to Lavender Island and founded the Kingdom of Arvonia; Constitution Day (October 30th), the completion date of the Kingdom of Giovanniland's first constitution in 1098; and the Lavender Festival (December 25th until the New Year), celebrating the beautiful Lavender Island and the plant that gave its name.
Cinema was only introduced in the nation in the late 13th century, after the Giovannilandian Industrial Revolution had already been consolidated. The earliest films were all produced by the state-owned Ministry of Media in around 1290, and most of them were themed on cultural practices of Giovanniland. The industry was soon open to the heavily taxed private enterprise, which created films about a variety of topics, such as everyday life, travel, nature, and love. The tax on films was later reduced after 1360, and this contributed to reduce the price of film tickets, therefore increasing the amount of people interested on seeing them. Nowadays, science fiction and documentary films are among the favorites of Giovannilandians. The nation counts with the yearly Porto Violeta International Film Festival, the biggest in the entire country, bringing thousands of people to vote on the best film and many film produces aspiring to win the coveted prize.
     
Left: Carnival celebrations in Uryde. Right: The Porto Violeta International Film Festival. In regards to literature, the earliest records of written Lavandulan language date to 3750 BF, although in ancient times it was often limited to the higher classes—serving not only as a communication tool for city-states, but also as a way to describe historical peoples and events such as wars. This style of literature continued into the Lavandulan Empire era, the Medieval Age, and even well after the rise of the Giovannilandian Empire. In fact, one of the most iconic works of literature is the Epic of Giovanniland, written by Katia de Abreu-Floryn in the year of 876, which summarized the whole national history of several millennia in a single book. However, poetic literature also rose in prominence during that time, and some well known poets who lived during the Empire are still celebrated to the present day, for example Arabella Kadrines-Linhares, Miriam Oferyka and Anastasio Andolino. Meanwhile, Roberto Ratyan-Silva is the most well known author of the Kingdom era due to writing many accurate descriptions of the national environment, and also using the same theme for poetry works.
In the field of visual arts, paintings have been created by Lavender Island peoples for millennia. Some of the earliest paintings were by 19th century BF Lavandulan painter Anairyde Giavenor, most of them about nature and Lavandulan conquests. After the Arvonians' arrival in the island, they produced many well preserved artworks, with various themes such as expeditions, wars with native peoples, and the Arvonian landscape. The Giovannilandian Renaissance occurred during the era of the Giovannilandian Empire, during which visual artists were financed by the government just like other forms of culture. Some well known artists from this period were Teodora Ivanova, Erasmo Ambrosio Nakamura, and Fabiano Merent-Yurral, which focused on describing life within the Empire, picturing the royal family and buildings, and painting about the Giovannilandian colonial expansion and life in the colonies. In modern times, technology has aided in creating more detailed artworks, and the industry remains generating a lot of revenue, especially due to the prominent artwork trade.
Finally, Giovannilandian culture also has a lot of influence from sports. Football is the most popular sport in the nation, while other common field sports in Giovanniland are rugby and volleyball, the latter often being often played in the sandy beaches of the various coasts. The nation hosted the II Summer Esferiad of Quoriv and Kharventhin together with Blue Bubble, topping the medal table with 26 gold, 21 silver and 22 bronze for a total of 69 medals. Another important sport for the nation is chess, which is available in many schools as an option for those who are not very skilled in physical sports. The city of Sonserina is often considered to be the national chess capital since it hosts the yearly Giovannilandian Chess Championship. Notable chess grandmasters born in Giovanniland are Adalberto Allamand, Jurandir Deliaro, and the current national champion Gillermo Uryd-Amorim.
     
Left: Arvonian Arena in Giovannia, the home stadium of the Giovannilandian National Football Team. Right: Photo of participants of the last Giovannilandian Chess Championship in Sonserina.

Twenty-Second Match day of the Ryxtylopian League
 
  0-1 
                                 Lardo Armatez 73'
 
   1-0 
Julio Carreveiza 84'                                           
 
 3-0     
Terado Armandí 30'                                           
Marco Hiritapa 64'                                                     
Marco Tixalva 82'                                                       
 
 1-2   
           Emailio Tundas 57'      Rauíl Disquerravia 45' + 74'
 
 1-1                                
Franco Viranpá 77'      Theo Isdriva 54'       
 
 0-2        
                                              Andreís Dixilfane 61' + 79'
 
 1-0  
Andreís Diraberua 72'                                             
 
 2-1     
Ernysto Disquivarria 50' + 81'      Marco Diarvuna 74'                   
 2-2          
Enrique Rafaela 46' + 79'      Pablo Arvaléz 68'               
                                              Emailio Taracana 90'
 
 3-0   
Inzé Fransquixa 54'                                         
Julio Indrava 69' + 75'                                              
 
 2-1           
Ezicaiel Xiviscarra 67' + 80'      Marco Dipartí 57'                    
 
 
Pos.   Team. Pld. W D L GF. GA. GD. Pts. 1 Libre 22 19 3 0 58 18 40 60 2 Mytapixas 22 19 1 2 58 17 41 58 3 Rio Priava 22 18 4 0 54 16 38 58 4 Isportivo Ryxenia 22 17 4 1 48 18 30 55 5 Bixas 22 16 3 3 44 18 26 51 6 Raquivas 22 13 6 3 43 23 20 45 7 Tsalapaní 22 12 5 5 31 21 10 41 8 Myvas 22 12 3 7 31 23 8 39 9 Unydo di Vynitiná 22 9 8 5 32 26 6 35 10 Pinichaca 22 9 6 7 26 24 2 33 11 Obriros 22 8 6 8 20 20 0 30 12 U. di Ryxenia 22 8 5 9 25 25 0 29 13 Qixas 22 6 6 10 20 28 -8 24 14 U. di Saxatí 22 6 5 11 23 32 -9 23 15 Cintral Liipica 22 5 4 13 11 27 -16 19 16 San Liarvas 22 5 3 14 18 35 -17 18 17 Ystiandes 21 3 4 14 13 29 -16 13 18 Unydo di Carraizal 22 3 3 16 13 43 -30 12 19 Pinilaca 22 3 2 17 9 41 -32 11 20 Tirilpense 22 2 4 16 12 45 -33 10 21 Garravas 22 0 8 14 7 29 -22 8 22 Ryxtylopiana 21 1 1 19 8 46 -38 4  
 
 
 
 
 
 

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    21:09
懿月三蓝周
End of the 1424 Yìyuè festival season
Today marks the last day of the 1424 Yìyuè celebrations across Sekiya and other starist-aligned nations. 
For those of you living under a rock, the Yìyuè festival spans the second week of Sekiya's 11th month, Yìyuè. The festival celebrates the supposed birth of Kang, the founder of the starist church. Kang was born on Hǔzhōu, and this is the day that the majority of celebrations take place. This day, second only to the Sekiyan New Year, is the day in which the most fireworks are set off on any day in Sekiya! This year set a new record, with a 48 minute long fireworks display in Xingyuan, the longest ever in Sekiya.
The week is considered Sekiya's national holiday. During the week, all schools are closed, and many businesses and shops are closed or open for half a day. Due to this, several other events have been tied into the week. As Yìyuè is also the month dedicated to the diety of Justice, Sekiya's shrines and temples are packed throughout the entire week, as tens of millions across the country seek to improve their standings with the gods, to ensure good dreams throughout Mèngyuè, next month.
In this article, we will be covering the traditional week of the Yìyuè Festival.
A note for our non-Sekiyan readers: The Sekiyan calendar is very different to the Markan Calendar! Instead of 12 months of varying lengths, the Sekiyan Calendar has 13 months, each with 30 days spread across 4 weeks, except for the 7th month, Yángyuè, which has an extra day as a national holiday on the Sekiyan solstice! 
The Sekiyan days of the week are Fěnzhōu, Gànzhōu, Lánzhōu, Cuìzhōu, Huángzhōu, Hǔzhōu and Chìzhōu, with Fěnzhōu and Gànzhōu being the two days of the week considered as the 'weekend'. In Sekiya, dates aren't typically written as the number of a month (I.e '20th Yiyue'), instead dates are written as the week and the day (I.e '2 Fěnzhōu' - aka 'Week 2, Fěnzhōu').
2 Fěnzhōu (7 Apr) & 2 Gànzhōu (8 Apr)
Whilst the fesitval hasn't officially started yet, typically people spend these days with their families and preparing stalls and food for the upcoming week.
2 Lánzhōu (9 Apr)
2 Lánzhōu is considered the first day of festivities, and is the day that most festival stalls will open. The majority of all towns and cities will have a 'festival area', with food stalls, gift stalls, outdoor games, and other recreation. 
2 Cuìzhōu (10 Apr)
On 2 Cuìzhōu, the festivities from the previous day continue. Mainly, people on this day will be worrying about preparing for the next two days of the festival, however on the early evening, cities and big towns will have a precession through the streets, composed of performers, dancers, musicians and other moving displays. 
2 Huángzhōu (11 Apr)
On 2 Huángzhōu, families tend to have their biggest meal of the year. Traditionally, families will have a 13 course meal, spread across the entire day, from breakfast to bedtime. Different parts of the meal are prepared by different people within the family, and often, neighboring smaller families may join together to share a bigger meal. The tradition of this feast comes from the idea that the population of the country should be well fed and energised in preparation for Kang's birthday. 
2 Hǔzhōu (12 Apr)
3 Hǔzhōu is the day that Kang was born, and Sekiya's national day, thus making it the most important day of the week. Many spend the day preparing for the evenings celebrations and attenting to festival stalls. In the evening, the stalls close for around an hour, for the crowds to watch the firework displays. It is said that each year on Kang's birthday, there is a chance that they will be reborn, and so cities and towns host firework displays so that it can be hoped that Kang will be able to find Sekiya and return.
2 Chìzhōu (13 Apr)
3 Chìzhōu is generally a day of rest, however many festival activities will carry over, such as the food stalls, outdoor games etc. for those that missed them. In the evening, to draw an end to the week, many people will attend a viewing of one of Sekiya's many traditional plays. These are done often by Schools, Amatuer theatre groups and professional theatre groups. These plays are between 20-30 minutes long, and are typically based on ancient literatary works in Sekiya, and feature storytelling, music and dance.
One of the popular stories told through play, written around a millenia ago in Sekiya, tells the tale of a young scholar on their journey to the Sekiyan capital to find greatness. Along the way, the scholar encounters a diverse array of people that challenge his original views on life, teaching him the importance of society, family and home. Upon reaching the capital, the scholar meets the emperor and is offered a position in the imperial court, however the scholar refuses, deciding that his place is instead back at his home village with his family. 
The play is unique in that the main character in the story is ambiguous, perhaps intended to allow the reader/watcher to fill the shoes of the protagonist. The tale is by far the most acted play in Sekiya.
3 Fěnzhōu (14 Apr) & 3 Gànzhōu (15 Apr)
Whilst the holiday is at this point, officially over, 3 Fěnzhōu and 3 Gànzhōu are not typically working days in Sekiya, meaning many people have these days off! Across these days, there is a big effort into the cleanup of the Yìyuè festival. Additionally, as the 'last chance' before returning to work, many will take one last visit to a shrine or a temple. There is also lots of charitable work done on these days.
3 Lánzhōu (16 Apr)
3 Lánzhōu marks the first day back to work and school for Sekiyans. With less than 2 months to go until the Sekiyan new year, students and workers alike will find the next several weeks to go quickly in the lead up to Sekiya's next big festival week.

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.

Part 3: The Grasslands

Flags and banners flew high above the Wildelande as two masses of men and might stood opposed to one another. Breastplate and arms shone in the morning light. Men took short breaths in anticipation, kissing small talismans around their necks, and lighting slow wicks for their guns.
“Just as we planned,” Captain Leyus said. “My men will hold the center. Bertol, Garek, you two will go into the long grasses and attack them from the sides and behind. You must move fast yet quietly. Attack only when you see the backs of their heads.”
The Principality of Saint Mark had been expanding its influence in the Nouveauterran southern coast since 930 AF, however it hadn’t faced a unified force. They would encounter their main adversary for the rest of War in 951. The Langbord Confederacy, headed by the Neberseck. The Confederacy was made of a number of villages, fiefdoms, clan democracies, and semi-nomadic peoples in the grasslands beyond the monsoon ridden coast. This area, often called The Buckle, is a grassland with rich soil and plentiful rainfall, making it easy to live in, but also easy to invade.
It was around this time that Markans wrote a number of ethnographic documents. Paired with archeology, and modern cultural anthropology, we can look at the cultural groups present in the Nouveauterran peninsula during the 900s. 

A historical artistic representation of the Xenoxeno, the "aliens of the alien land." Based on sociological evidence, this group of people came from a migratory era that predates the common Del Ghuldin population encountered by Markans in the 900s. Many Xenoxeno exist today, with cultural festivals and holidays celebrated by their descendants. There's a movement to have their common government name changed to Danav, meaning "of the sea." This name is more commonly used among the descendants.
The common language of the Xenoxeno, Dhuku, is most closely related to pre-Bronze age Darkesian-like languages. The Xenoxeno, often nomadic, were some of the last to integrate into Markan, and eventually Nouveauterran society.
 
 

 
A historical artistic representation of the Neberseck. Neberseck referred to both people within the official clan systems of the Neberseck, and their subjects. They are a subsection of the Del Ghuldin linguistic-cultural group, and the dominant culture seen in The Buckle during the 900s. Their direct descendants are recognized by the current Nouveauterran government as Viellegulderriene, or Old Guldurian.
 
 
 

A historical artistic representation of the Sudermak. This cultural group present on the southern side of the peninsula was formed from itinerant populations of Min-su and Gulderian peoples who co-mingled for some time. This cultural grouping disappeared as Markan influence grew in the area, and its said that the clamping down on piratical sea people by the Markans caused the main economic engine for this group's existence to disappear. Only sparse archeological remnants exist for this group, however they're often referenced in writings from established people groups.
 
 
 

 
A historical artistic representation of 10th century southern Del Ghuldin cultural members, known as Sulghuldin This group formed as a result of northern Del Ghuldin peoples who migrated south and encountered pre-existing inhabitants who were related to the Xenoxeno, another people group who had migrated to the peninsula in the 4th century BF. This cultural mixing created a group with both ancient Darkesian, and Dul Ghuldin language markers and structures. They were the dominant cultural group throughout the Nouveauterran peninsula in the 900s, and quickly integrated into the encroaching Markan culture.
 
 
The Langbord Confederacy was formed with the purpose of protecting the area from mountain marauders and raiders from the jungle. The leading party of the Confederacy was the Neberseck, a massive democratic city at the heart of The Buckle. It had plentiful farming areas, and access to the Bron, a river that went from the mountains all the way to the coast. The Langbord in the Langbord Confederacy came from the area where Neberseck had settled.
When the Confederacy heard of the spread of the Aelebach Federation, they began preparing their people for warfare. The Confederacy assembled many soldiers by the year 951, and when the Markans struck out from the forest, they were met with fierce resistance. The first decisive engagement at Goete von Bron in 949 led to a Markan defeat. Captain Andreosus, who had formed the Aelebach Federation in the first place, had died in 946 of black foot disease, now known as gangrene. A series of captains would be run through by the MSTC, with incompetence or lack of experience plaguing the army, as well as many defeats.
Captain Leyus Florius, often referred to as Captain Leyus, was new to the MSTC Captain’s Corps, was assigned to lead the warfront in the Nouveauterran heartland. Captain Leyus had been brought on without much hope for success, as the MSTC expected that it would take a long stretch of attrition to defeat The Confederacy. To the leadership it didn't matter if it was a brilliant captain, or a disaster-case, just a warm body was enough.
Captain Leyus began his tenure by observing the Langbord Confederacy in combat with other peoples. He noticed that the Langbords utilized highly organized blocks of soldiers with long spears and guns. This was only possible because The Buckle’s terrain of flat land or rolling hills without many trees, and only sparse streams and rivers. This allowed for large formations to move together without many impediments. The combination of many gunners, and pikes to defend them from melee attack meant they could rain lead on the heads of anyone, and go toe to toe with ease.
Captain Leyus, upon learning of these tactics, began changing the structure of his army and that of the Aelebach Federation. Swordsmen were given long pikes, and many men were equipped in full body armor. Members of the Federation were equipped solely with long range weapons, and drilled on shooting as groups. Markans were used to more fluid combat, but they were able to adapt to fighting as in formations because of prior high discipline. Bulbi became the way to reference one-eigth of a large formation, while a bulbo was the new way of referencing a large block of soldiers, either gunners or melee fighters. By the end of Leyus’ rapid reforms, the army had evolved to fight like the Langbords except for one exception. Leyus’ and the Aelebach gunners were formed into independent units, able to move on their own to shooting positions.
The first battle with this reformed army was at Grenkrümmen in 953

Captain Leyus stood his pikemen at the edge of the forest. The Langbord Confederacy’s 3rd Army was stationed in the field, facing the forest. Two Aelebach captains, only known now as Bertol and Garek, moved their masses of gunners to the flanks utilizing high grasses. The Langbords marched forward with spears lowered and guns firing. Captain Leyus gave orders to his men to crouch down, with spears and halberds still pointed out to the enemy. The gunners, numbering in the thousands, gather along the sides of the Langbord army, creating a crescent around the Langbord army. The Markans made contact with the Langbords. The Aelebach opened fire. Blankets of lead tore apart the Langbords, driving them to rout.
Captain Leyus and the Aelebach would utilize this tactic to great effect for the next year, at the battles of Mäuseloch, Kleinerbeken, and Dunkelgrün, without much response from the Langbords. By the end of 955, two years later, the Langbord was severely weakened, and many constituent nations capitulated. The Langbord officially surrendered in the winter of 955, and the surrendering nations were spared the sword. However, they were forced to pay steep war debts for the next 80 years.

WIP
Nalibian Holidays, Holy Days and other Celebrations
 
Every nation has its unique or even shared special occasions unto itself. Nalibia is no different in this regard; 1 holy day is kept once a week and another which is kept once a month. There are 3 holy days that are dedicated to their god EUEI that are kept once a year, and 5 holidays which are unique to its people in form or the way it is held; which are also kept yearly. Lastly there is 1 holiday in the nation that is celebrated ever 7 years. An important note however is that due to Nalibia's location at the equator the seasons of Spring, Summer, Fall and winter don't really translate. The year is simply divided into four quarters of alternating wet and dry seasons, and the Nalibian months are numbered 1st through 12th, starting in their first wet season. Finally a 13th month is added to the calendar every 3 years for the same function that the Markan calendar includes leap years. 
 
Weekly and Monthly Holy Days
 
7th day rest: Considered one of the most holy observances, every 7th day starting from the New Moon. Work is not done on this day. In observance to their belief of a six day creation, the people of Nalibia do not work on this day. Only first responders and essential jobs still work on these days; for this reason today Nalibia implemented a two day weekend assuring that those whom had to work the official 7th day would be allowed a day off on the following. On the official 7th day all stores and businesses are closed, but they are allowed to reopened the following day. However, non-essential government buildings and banks will not reopen until the 2nd day of the week.


  The New Moon Festival: The New Moon is a holy day, and is the first day of Nalibia's month. The Priesthood of Nalibia will gather at the Elder High Temple to present to their god EUEI a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram and seven male lambs of one year in age each, all without defect. Each of the animal sacrifices was to be accompanied by a grain offering and a drink offering. In addition to burnt offerings, a goat is to be sacrificed to EUEI as a sin offering. The New Moon festival mark the consecration to their god each new month through the year. New Moon festivals are treated as a 7th day, and are marked by sacrifices, the blowing of horns over the sacrifices, and social or family feasts. On this day all non-essential government buildings and banks are closed.

 
Yearly Holidays, Holy Days and Celebrations

(April, May and June)
 
 
Nalibian New Year: This day is observed on the last night of the previous year thru the first day of the new; marking a New Year in Nalibia. This day is treated the same as a New Moon Festival; making it a holy day, only with grander feast as good old times are shared with friends and close family. When the sun fully sets horns are blown in celebration of the New Year accompanied by fireworks in great spectacular fashion at twilight. On this day all non-essential government buildings and banks are closed.


  Ifeoma: Ifeoma was the first wife of Akachi, and the first to be taught and accept the ways of EUEI by him. This holiday is celebrated as lover's day, and is observed on the 13th day of the 2nd month. This day is set aside most for women acknowledging all they do to strengthen the men they love and/or care about. Chocolate, sweets, and flowers are the traditional gifts to give to your love interest on this day, as it is a day set aside for romance and love. Festivals of Red are held all around the Empire in every city and town at this time for couples and those hoping to find love. Activities such as watching performances, winning carnival prizes or riding fair rides as well as sampling special foods that only come out for the festival are the pass times of this holiday. On this day government buildings and banks are open.


  Tournament of Fist: Every 7 years this celebration is held on the 1st week of the 3rd month, A Nalibian city is chosen to host, a hand to hand combat tournament. Every nation of the world is invited to send three warriors to represent their nation in this mix martial arts tournament. The main tournament last one week and every night of the tournament a large feast is held as well as a live musical performance except on the 7th day. The Tournament of Fist has become a major world attraction bringing tourist from around the world to witness and participate in the tournament. Today the winner is given 20 million Shenar and a crown of Steel lined with Gold with an engraving of the champion's name and year of the competition. Their Bust is then fixed in the Hall of Heroes in the Temple of Knowledge, and lastly the Emperor will officially offer the champion the position of being the Imperial Champion; whose job it is to act on the Emperor's behalf in Trails by Combat as well as be his personal bodyguard. This position comes with a hefty salary and plenty of benefits. Today the Tournament of Fist also host 34 other events which take place 2 weeks before and continue during the main event. Events such as gymnastics, track and field, and shooting competitions to name a few. Awards are given in these events for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners with a gold, silver or bronze medal and a cash prizes of 1 million, 500 thousand, and 250 thousand Shenar to those who place respectively. On these days all government buildings and banks are open.



(July, August and September)

 
Visiting Night: This holy day is observed on the 15th day of the 4th month of the year, Nalibinites celebrate the day Akachi was given "Truth". On the 8th day of the month a sacred assembly is held by all citizens regardless of status or ethnicity save for the men whom are uncircumcised (as they have not accepted "Truth"), and another on the 15th day. No work is done at all on these two days; except first responders, military, essential personal and those needed to prepare food for everyone to eat on the 14th night. On these two days all non-essential government building and banks are closed. Fasting begins on the 8th day for all men of Nalibia, and last until the eating of the lamb or goat on the 14th night.

On the tenth day of the fourth month each man is to take a lamb or goat for his family, one for each household. If any household is too small for a whole lamb or goat, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. They are to determine the amount of lambs or goats needed in accordance with what each person will eat. On the 14th day the lamb or goat of 1 year in age without defect is sacrificed at midnight. That same night they are to eat the lamb or goat roasted over the fire with its head and legs all attached, along with bitter herbs, sweet bread baked without yeast, and red wine outside under the stars. The meat is not allowed to be prepared in any other way. None of the meat is to be left till morning, and if some is; then it is buried. No leavened bread is sold, bought or consumed for these 7 days. During the feast the Nalibinite people minister to all about the goodness and blessings of EUEI and how their god came to Akachi to teach him The Holy Law.


 
(October, November and December)

 
Festival of Lights: Held on the 6th Night of the 7th month of the year, Hero's Day is a holiday dedicated to men and women who have died in service to Nalibia. On this night a lantern is lite and released into the sky, or on paper boats in memory of a love one that was lost at war. Families will typically feast outside on this day and offer a burnt sacrifice of a Dove or Pigeon to their god EUEI. Military Parades and demonstrations are also held on the main street of towns and cities during the day. On this day all non-essential government buildings and banks are closed.


  Harvest Day: Held on the 21st day of the 8th month of the year. This holiday is held in two ways. If the season brought a good harvest, or your family had a good year then the family holds a feast. But if the family had a poor harvest, or a bad year then it is a day of fasting and reflection. Both families will make a sacrifice of Grain to EUEI and pray, asking for a good following year and giving thanks for what they have as well as think each other for allowing EUEI to work through family and friends to help them through difficult times. On this day all non-essential government buildings and banks are closed.


  Horfun: Horfun means Parents Giving, and this holiday is observed on the 20th day of the 9th month. This day parents give gifts to their children to teach them about charity, wishing and bringing others joy, being merry and jolly, and making it a year to remember with friends and loved ones. This celebration accompanies a large feast as extended families gather together at their eldest father's home. A dove or pigeon is offered as a Burnt sacrifice to EUEI, and an animal from the flock is typically eaten for the feast. On this day all non-essential government buildings and banks are closed.


 
(January, February and March)

 
Day of Atonement: This holy day is observed on the 10th day of the 10th month as the day of atonement for sins. Nalibinites call it the Holy of holy days, and it is treated as a 7th day upon which one must afflict one's soul. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Nalibinite people traditionally observe this holy day with an approximate 25-hour period of fasting, intensive prayer, giving to charity, and making amends with family, friends and neighbors. Most Nalibinites go to their local temple and sing with the choir as all broadcast stations except local and national news are shut down for the day. On this day there is no eating and drinking, no wearing of leather shoes, only wearing cotton and wool, no bathing or washing, no anointing oneself with perfumes or lotions and no marital relations. Unlike most other Nalibian holy days there is no feast or celebrations as this day is set apart to show humility before EUEI. On this day all non-essential government buildings and banks are closed.


  The Gathering: This seven-day holiday is held on the 2nd week of the 11th month of the year. Each of the 7 days is dedicated to a Nalibian principle. The whole of communities gather together usually in the center of their town to fellowship with one another. The first day is Faith: To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our faith in EUEI. The second day is Unity: To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, faith and nation. The third day is Self-Determination: To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves, and also be an example of the blessings that comes with service and obedience to EUEI. The forth day is Collective Work and Responsibility: To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together in observance to the laws of EUEI. The fifth day is Cooperative Economics: To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses, and to profit from and with them together. The sixth day is Purpose: To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our Nation in order to maintain the greatness of our people, and to be “a light of righteousness to all nations”. The seventh night is on the 7th day, and all the observances of the 7th day are in affect. It's Principle is Creativity: To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community and Nation more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it from our fathers. This day ends with a family prayer and marks the end of the gathering. On these days all non-essential government buildings and banks work half the day.


  Province Celebrations
Besides the Holy days and Celebrations mentioned above which are kept though out the whole of the Empire, there is also Celebrations that are unique to individual provinces or which are observed at different times.

 
Royal Birthdays: In Nalibia the birthdays of Royals are celebrated as Province Holidays. The celebration begins with a firework display followed by a party attended by high officials, aristocrats and celebrities at the palace of the Ruler at sundown. Before the firework display begins the Elder High priest or High priest will begin with a prayer of praise to EUEI, accompanied by the sacrifice of an ox, lamb, and goat. A benefit concert; open to the public, is held for charity in front of the ruler's Palace; preformed by an A-list talent. Banks and Government buildings are open on these days.


  Greenest Day: This Celebration is held in (City and Province TBD) on the 1st day in the 2nd month of the year. For a time from 1337-1350 AF all drugs were banned in (Province). Like any prohibition this led to organized crime and violence. But on the 1st day of the 2nd month in 1350 AF King Ula abolished the law in grand fashion. He himself before the people apologized for what he called a foolish law, and lite a joint which he shared with his wife and newly released prisoners that were arrested for drug use and possession. The next year the people of (Province) threw a celebration commemorating the abolishment of the law and the king's willingness to correct his own law out of his love for his people; by sharing joints with friends and neighbors. It has since turned into a yearly 6-day cultural feast in which thousands of musicians, cooks and craftspeople welcome hundreds of thousands of tourist and visitors from around the world, with music concerts from big name international as well as local performers, rides, games and vendors. The celebration begins with the King or Queen lighting a joint which is passed to the crowd, and the festival ends with an award winning artist's music performance. On these days government buildings and banks are open.


  The Festival of Rejoice: Starting on the 1st night of the 3rd week of the 5th month during the first dry season, and ending on the 6th night of the same week. (City and province TBD) becomes the culture hub of Nalibia, and is the biggest tourist attraction of the whole year. The festival is an annual celebration thrown to celebrate Nalibian sovereignty, patriotism, its multi-ethnic heritage and letting the good times roll. Parades are marched in front of the Royal palace as teams of scantily clad dancers use traditional and interpretive dance to commemorate Nalibian history, mythology and culture on grand rolling stages. The spectacle is accompanied with music, public intoxication and parties that last all night. The origins of the Festival is itself a mystery with tales of it being a festival to celebrate the sugarcane burning before harvest, slave rebellions and even others saying it was in celebration of the end of fasting for the "Visiting Night" holy day. Regardless of the reason the Festival has become a holiday unto itself with no one calling for its end in the foreseeable future. Within the city and surrounding towns, all non-essential government buildings are closed, but banks are open for limited hours for this week long celebration.


 

3-Letter Code: NLA 2-Letter Code: NL 
Capital City: The Holy Imperial City of Chikere
Government Type: Theocratic Constitutional Monarchy
Leader: Emperor Adebimpe Similola of House Melzedek
Population: 13,880,456                                                          
Population density: Average
GDP per capita: δ36,842
National Dish- Mouzumbo
The Holy Empire of Nalibia is a multi-ethnic nation unified under a single faith. Over the past thousands of years the people of Nalibia have fought and reunified several times. The first unification referred to as the first founding happened around 2130BF under Akachi the unfaithful; whom also founded the present day state religion. Akachi is still revered by all peoples of Nalibia to this day. More recently the nation was officially reunified in 1015AF under it's present day constitution.
 
Major Good 
 
Religion- The Priesthood of Nalibia is the Theocratic Government Branch of the nation. It is first and foremost dedicated to preserving the Religious integrity of the nation; while preserving both the traditions and culture of the people. It does this through its three religious orders being; The Order of Wisdom- Which is responsible for the Nation's education system. The Order of Understanding- Which is responsible for Disease Control and Prevention, and Medicine through scientific research in natural sciences. It is also in control of regulating the Agriculture sector. And lastly The Order of Knowledge- Which regulate communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all the nation's territories.

This in turn means the people of Nalibia are slow to embrace social change of any kind; preserving a sense of ethnic an national pride; causing them to be well educated in many fields of Humanities and Social Sciences. It is said, "If it is done today in Nalibia, it has been done that way the last 1,000 years,"
  Military- Nalibia has made a commitment to security, and maintains a moderately sized modern armed forces within it's means. The Nalibian military is made up of six major branches which include; the Army, Navy, Air Legion, Yasher, Royal Guard and Peace Corp. Upon reaching the age of 20; male citizens are conscripted into one of these six branches of their choice. Females may also join the military though they do not serve on the frontline. Males whom do not wish to serve in the military full time will complete 14 weeks of basic training before being sent into their respective branch for further training in a specialty military occupation. After all training is complete these males are treated as reserve forces and allowed to return to civilian life to resume their normal lives. They will report to their respective post monthly; becoming intimately familiar with their terrain, honing their skills and learning guerrilla tactics in case of invasion. Exemptions are given to the handicapped and mentally impaired, however if they wish to serve in the reserve; even they can be accepted to work as clerks, cooks, janitor staff, etc. As males in the reserve become older they are required to appear to their monthly post less.

20-24: Every month for three to six days
25-29: Every two month for three to six days
30-34: Every three month for three to six days
35-39: Every three month for three days
40-45: Every four month for three days
46: Honorably Discharged and No longer required to present to post.

If a non-exempt male refuses to serve before the age of 35, he will be disqualified to vote, unable to own land, and disallowed to hold any government office for two generations (this includes princes holding their title and being allowed to present themselves to the Elder High Priest for "Selection Of Ascension").

Nalibia controls it's own military industrial complex though it does partner and buy equipment from other governments. Despite it's impressive military, historically Nalibia is peaceful (at least to outside nations) and more prone to isolation from "bad actors" than invading its lands. Most conflicts Nalibia have engaged in are civil, or due to defending its allies, or as part of coalitions against "bad actors". 

Nalibia believes maintaining a strong military allows them to control their own destiny; thus they stockpile and train as if war may happen tomorrow. However, it is more likely for other nation to see Keepers of the Peace Corp. rendering aid after natural disaster as opposed to Cherubim of the Yasher and bombs from the Air Legion.  
Minor good
 
Monarchy- The Monarchy of Nalibia is the Royal Government Branch of the nation; with an Emperor/King of Kings ruling over the nation. Each province is divided into smaller territories ruled by elected Perfects of the people. These Perfects answer to a Hereditary Monarch whom rules over the whole province as king or queen. In turn these kings and queens answer to the Emperor himself; which is also Hereditary, whom as stated before acts as head of State. This means democracy only exist at the local level with the Perfects being the equivalent of mayors.

Due to elections being only local; the people are less caught up in the cults of personality regarding elected officials, nor do they have loyalty to political parties. The people pay very close attention to and almost worship the Monarchy whom are very well loved by the people due to cultural and national pride. However, this love is fickle; as when their lives are disrupted for too long they know exactly where the royal families live; which historically speaking, the mob has claimed the death of a few monarchs of times past.
  Civil Rights- The Constitution and Eternal Rights are documents which outline the rights of the people of Nalibia. The Supreme Court; which is the Judicial Government Branch of the nation, role is to protect and maintain these rights. As Nalibia is also theocratic in part, so you can imagine some "freedoms/rights" are non-existent, but not to the level you would think. Women are free to own their own businesses. Children are free to pursue careers of their choosing. Political free speech and protest are protected, and everyone has the right to a fair day in court.

Civil Rights are important for a healthy and happy nation, and this is not lost on the people of Nalibia, but simple because one can and wants, does it make it a "right" to do so?  
Major Bad
 
Space Exploration- Space is a major area where Nalibia lacks. Even in this age of technology Nalibia does not wish to explore space any further than low-earth orbit. No Nalibians have been to space nor the moon. Through an under-funded national space program the NSA (Nalibian Space Agency) has managed to launch a few communication satellites into orbit for public and military use.

This means those seeking to explore space further have had to migrate to nations with more advanced space programs. In turn the people of Nalibia worry if they are losing their best and brightest to other nations.
  Social Equity- While it is acknowledged that old remnants and even present day bigotry, economic class, crime and misfortune can stunt ones ability to have access to the proper tools to succeed; When it comes to the economy and society, Nalibia believe in meritocracy. This mean there are no affirmative action quotas to help those seeking to escape the ills of there environment. What the government has done is try to better the schools of low income communities, and build state funded trade schools. As well as crack down on crime and corruption which steal state funds from communities that need it.

Nalibia may appear cold in this regard, but they wish for the world to know, they are not heartless.  
Minor bad
 
Eco-Friendliness- While the nation has invested into renewable energy, and sees itself as stewards of it's land; it also has made it clear that it has no intention of ever fully going green. With it's outright ban of personal electric vehicles, refusal to sign any climate treaties, and blatant denial of man-made climate change, Nalibia has made it clear that the environment is not it's main priority. All this said however, Nalibia does have very green cities with flora built into it's architecture, national parks, state run wildlife reserves and conservation efforts. The newly established Nalibian Green Party has managed to take a few seats in parliament, showing that the people of Nalibia maybe becoming more green conscience beyond aesthetics.

Time will tell if Nalibia's anti-green intentions are purely in protecting it's own national sovereignty, or if it truly does not care about the environment. As many still believe, "this whole climate change scare may just be a fad anyway,"
  Taxes- Nalibia has a flat tax rate that is completely voluntary, and in the event a citizen choses to pay taxes; the citizen choses where 75% of their taxes go. This leaves many sectors of government underfunded. To work around this, each year the sectors of the government that are underfunded are allowed to sell bonds to the public. These bonds are credited toward the citizens' taxes the next year allowing them to owe less or even nothing. This creates a tail chasing affect as some sectors never receives the funding it needs, and previously well funded sectors find themselves selling bonds the following year. Not paying your taxes does come with some draw backs however; as a person whom does not pay taxes can not benefit in some government services such as but not limited to; taking part in any elections, using the courts to bring forth a legal lawsuit nor be part of any class action lawsuits, etc.. But a citizen will also not be summoned or forced to serve on any jury that year.

While this is a problem some experts have argued that having to sell bonds keeps the public informed of the functions each sector provides. Arguably for the better, it has also allowed the private sector to create businesses to compensate underfunded areas; though these private sectors in government function are highly regulated and treated with great skepticism.  
 
Further Summary.
Mouzumbo– Mouzumbo is a stew serve over hot cooked rice that is popular throughout the empire, and is the official national cuisine. Great Mouzumbo starts with roux, a flavorful thickening agent made from equal parts fat and flour. Once the roux is a deep golden color add beef, lamb or goat (sometimes all three), and the "holy trinity" – celery, bell peppers, and onions are added. Lastly a thickener is added; Mouzumbo is often categorized by the type of thickener used, whether okra or filé powder.
Government Spending– Nalibia provides multiple programs such as universal healthcare, welfare, and free college tuition for its citizens. Due to state control of it's natural resources Nalibia has more money to spend on it citizens than some other nations may have. In addition to the previously mentioned programs, the government also provides housing for newlyweds, public school funding, social security, unemployment, workers compensation and public libraries to name a few.
Energy Sector– Nalibia's power is generated primarily by fossil fuels, mostly being natural gas. However, in the past few years Nalibia has begun to explore green options such as solar, wind and hydro electric options. Nalibia's electric grid is maintained by it's state run Energy Council headed by the royal family of each province.
Natural Resources– All non-renewable natural resources in Nalibia are state controlled. Renewable resources such as lumber and fishing are strictly regulated, but allowed to be owned and controlled by the private sector and market. The popular view is that the resources of the land belong to the people, not just one family, nor select investors. To this end all people of the nation benefit from the mining and gathering of the wealth of the land.
Economy Sector– Nalibia has a capitalist economy for the most part, but some sectors fall under state control. Water, electricity, gas and communications fall under State control. Essential foods such as rice, wheat and potatoes are subsidized by the government, and their price to sell is regulated. That said however, the private sector still owns and maintains most of the empire's economic industries such as Manufacturing, Production, Technology, Stocks and Trade, Retail, most of the Agriculture, and Entertainment to name a few.
Taxation– Nalibia has a voluntary flat income tax rate for all citizens. A person who does not pay taxes is not allowed to take part in elections; to vote nor can they run for political office, they are not eligible for government programs, nor can they file claims in courts. It should be stated that citizens whom do not pay taxes are allowed to defend themselves in court and are allowed to report crimes, they are just not allowed to file civil claims or bring petitions before the government. For non-citizen residents however it is non-voluntary, with them paying a slightly higher flat rate.
Provincial Parliament– Each province has its own Parliament sometimes referred to as the Legislative Minor Government Branch; with the power to pass laws to govern its province as long as the laws are not unconstitutional, nor in opposition to the Laws of the faith, nor in opposition to imperial Law. Once a law is created by parliament with a simple majority vote it is than approved or rejected by the Provincial Ruler; needing a 2/3rd majority to be enacted if the ruler rejects the law’s creation. Once a law is created by Parliament it stays in affect for only 50 years; After which it needs to be brought to the floor to be voted on and re-enacted into law again. The Parliament also decides where to allocate taxes of the province, with a small percentage allocated to the Imperial Government. The Provincial Parliament may also hold hearings and inquiries into matters regarding the province of the Parliament, but do not have the power to summon its ruler. The people also elect local judges, prosecutors, sheriffs, treasures and other such offices which there territory may need. Representatives are elected as advisors to the king/queen and Emperor allowing the needs and wants of the people to be heard via their respective.

Lastly the Parliament falls under the power of the Theocratic, Judicial and Royal branches in function, and checks non of the powers of the three main branches of government in turn.
The Priesthood– Nalibia's Priesthood is part of its government. Its role is to check the power of the Royal Rulers and Supreme Court to assure the Laws of the Faith are preserved. It has no power to make new laws, but does have the authority to enforce the Laws of the Faith, and may pass edicts (laws of past rulers). The Main role of the Priesthood is to carry out and teach the tenets of the faith throughout the nation. The Elder High Priest is the head of the Priesthood overseeing all orders of the faith. He has the responsibility of choosing the successor to the various Royal Rulers of Nalibia, and can repeal or nullify any law passed by the Parliament or Royal Rulers that go against the Laws of the Faith.
The Supreme Court– The Supreme Court of Nalibia is one of the three Balances of power; the other two being the Priesthood and the Royal families. Its role is to check the power of the Royal rulers and Priesthood to assure the constitution is upheld. Made up of lawyers and judges the Supreme Court oversees the Judicial branch of the government. It has no power to pass law, but can repeal or nullify any law passed by the Parliament or Royal Rulers deemed to be unconstitutional. There are seven Supreme Judges holding the highest office of the Nalibian Supreme Court called Mishpats. Two are appointed by the Emperor, two are appointed by vote of the other Royals, two more are appointed by the Elder High Priest, and lastly one is appointed by popular vote of the people being the only office of the Three Branches which is elected into power. All Mishpats serve until retirement at the age of 70 unless they resign or are removed from office.
Royal Rulers– The Royal Rulers, rule over the provinces of Nalibia within the limitations of the Supreme Court and Priesthood. Nefalme/Nenala, meaning king/queen is the proper title of the Provincial Rulers of Nalibia. Passing laws, pronouncing judgments, administering resources, and meeting with foreign diplomates and dignitaries are but a few duties of a Royal Ruler. Each sits as a head of state over his or her own province; with the emperor ruling over the entire nation welding Imperial authority over the other provinces, as well as his own province. The Royal Rulers also decides where to allocate profits from the state-run industries of their province, with a small percentage allocated to the Imperial Government. When a Royal Ruler dies, all laws made or enacted by that ruler are enforced for no more than 50 years of the time in which they were first enacted. The succeeding ruler, the Parliament and the Priesthood may enact these newly repealed laws as edicts if they so wish to.
The Emperor- Negumalchei which means King of Kings in the Nalibian language, is the proper title of the Emperor of Nalibia. Still classified as part of the Royal Branch of Government; the Negumalchei acts as Head of State of the empire, Imperial Leader of the Armies during war, and holds exclusive powers not limited to; calling for a vote for war, make treaties with the approval of the other Royal Rulers, implementing Imperial law over the whole of the nation, represent the nation in talks with foreign Heads of State, granting pardons of imperial criminals, and appointing ambassadors. The laws which the Negumalchei pass can be repealed or nullified if deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, or if found to be in contradiction to the Holy Law of the faith. These law stay in effect for 60 years after being enacted, and can be passed as edicts by the succeeding Negumalchei, or by a 2/3 vote of the Royal Rulers. The Imperial House of Melzedek is the current ruling family of the nation, and has been the ruling family since the Constitutional Founding of 1015AF.
 

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.