Chibalba

Republic of Chibalba la República de Chibalba
Flag
Motto: "Tuméen le na' ujo' yéetel yuum k'iino' unidos sobrevivi" United by Mother Moon and Sun Priest we survive
Chibalba is located in southeastern Madurin, Teremara.
Capital and largest city	Itznam
Official languages	Chibalban
Demonym(s)	Chibalban
Government	Constitutional Federal Presidential Republic
• Premier	Estrella de Septeportes
• Presidente	Verano de Esmeralda
• Minister of the Interior & Vice Premier	J. Efrain Carvallo
Legislature	Parlement
Establishment
• Founding of Chibalba	854
• Exchange of Ideas	1510 - 1739
• Gaulic Rule	1740 - 1794
• Le désordre	1794 - 1830
• First Republic	1858 - 1918
• Regency Commitee	1918 - 1938
• Ebony Palisade	1938 - 1989
Area
•	985,750 km2 (380,600 sq mi)
Population
• 2020 census	63,963,271
• Density	65/km2 (168.3/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	estimate
• Total	$2.19 trillion
• Per capita	$34,238
GDP (nominal)	estimate
• Total	$991 billion
• Per capita	$15,493
Gini (+0.5)	32 medium
HDI (2022)	0.856 very high
Currency	Chibalban Domar (D) (DC)
Date format	dd-mm-yyyy
Driving side	right

Chibalba is an egalitarian society founded in the 800’s. It resisted conquest by Espicuta in the early 1500's, but later invited Terre des Gaules subjugation in 1740 only to overthrown Gaulic rule during the Gaulic Revolution in 1789. She has been ruled by heroes and villains with greater and lesser success. Chibalba instituted democractic rule in 1858 under President Cualli Aguinaldo-Miats after seven years of struggle during the War for Unification. In 1923 the Marxist-Communist party came to power and didn’t relinquish it until 1989. She is still in the throes of capitalist reform, struggling to remake herself for the modern age.

Chibalba is a nation with potential. Only in the last 30 years has it thrown off the yoke of communism and the specter of that haunts the land. Chibalban technology and culture struggle to come into the modern age. Her antiquated state-run industries waste resources and promote inefficiency. The private market cannot meet customer demand, but few consumers can afford shiny, new foreign goods. Her people are well-read, educated, hard-working, and enterprising, but they lack the means and experience to capitalize on their abilities. Chibalba has a proud history, her indigenous peoples resisted Espicuta conquest and survived 50 years of Terre des Gaules rule while retain a hold on their native culture. She has moved past mercurial rule by heroes and villains and subjugation to a Communist manifesto. Chibalba looks to the future and wonders what it holds for her people.

History

Antiquity (pre-854)

250 - 620 CE - Rule of the Snake Kingdom - The Snake Kingdom dominates the coastal lowlands. From their capital at Kiri’anam, the K'uhul Kaanal Ajaw (Divine Lords of the Snake) rule over ancient Acan and neighboring coastal regions, demanding tribute from the cities of the Nui’ja River valley and the Cuatzul Mountain tribes living along the Kiri River.

556 - 714 CE - Chelix-Einnaki War -

623 - 630 CE - Nahaurax Revolt – King Ka’am Mat of Nahaurax rebels against Queen Yoh Ik’nal of Chelix and attempts to ally with Einnaki. Princess Yoh K’inich twice defeats Ka’am Mat in battle – each time he manages to escape and muster his scattered forces. She eventually captures him and overruns the city in 630. In 631, newly crowned Queen Yoh K’inich ritually tortures, sacrifices, and eats the rebel king.

Empire of the Twin Thrones (854-1739)

1510 - 1739 - Exchange of Ideas – Numerous attempts by foreign colonial powers to colonize Chibalban fail. Chibalban applies the lessons learned from each attempt to enhance their defensive capabilities and meet successive attempts head-on. Despite this, trade is fostered between Chibalban and foreign nations prompting an exchange of ideas between the two. Chibalban becomes a haven for slaves escaping from foreign colonies. A disparity develops within Chibalba between the coastal and inland cities as trade and new ideas enrich the coast but largely fail to penetrate the interior. With the introduction of moveable type, Chibalba adopts the Latin alphabet and Arabic numerals. Aided by foreign nautical technology, Chibalban merchant trade and fishing flourish – as do pirates based in Chibalban ports.

Gaulic Rule (1740-1794)

Gaulic rule of Chibalba (which they rename Esalba) is fraught with problems. Chibalba is egalitarian since the founding – there are no strict male or female roles or vocations. Gaul is decidedly a patriarchy.

Unrest and dissatisfaction with the Twin Thrones prompts a coalition of coastal cities to invite Gaul to invade and rule. King Christphe VI eagerly accepts, and with native assistance Gaulic troops land and quickly crush the Chibalban monarchy. The Last Twin Monarchs, King K’ab Chuup Le’ and Queen Sáamal U Lool ritually sacrifice themselves upon the altar at the Temple of the Sun in Itznam. Gaulic rule of Chibalba is fraught with problems – beyond the coastal plan and southern states, there is much resistance – but much division among those who oppose Gaul. Regional governors and armed garrisons are established in the larger cities as Gaul works to exploit Chibalba’s abundant natural resources: copper and marble from the Gocopa Plateau; gold and emeralds from the Caynyon Lands; and cocoa, peppers, and ebony from the coastal jungles. Cattle and horses are imported and flourish on the broad, fertile central Plain of Ixokta. Coffee and sugar cane plantations are cut into the jungles. Everywhere the Gaulic take from Chibalba and leave their mark. Rich on the wealth of the land, the Governors-General erect a palace in Itznam from which to rule. They also build the first university, L’ Université du Grand Homme, Chibalba’s first institute of higher learning. Though the Gaulic rule is bloody and unpopular, it doesn’t end until revolution in Gaul topples the monarchy of House Gargnon. Revolutionary fervor spreads to Chibalba and the streets throughout the country run with blood. On August 12th, 1794, Governor Gérald-Jules Esole La Bellegarde, Duke of Esalba, loses his head to the guillotine at Le Place des Sirènes in Estes-H’ommes (Itznam). Gaulic aristocrats flee the country and Gaulic Rule of Chibalba ends.

Le désordre (1794-1851)

Following the dissolution of Gaulic rule, the nation of Chibalba fractures. Centralized government disappears. Regions are left to fend for themselves and everywhere strongmen (and women) and warlords seize control if they are able. Abandoned by their leaders and unwilling to leave on foot, many Gaulic soldiers find employment as mercenaries or turn to brigandry. Gaulic settlers stubbornly cling to their farms, ranches, and businesses, without government protection, many are displaced during the chaos.

Esalba supports Emperor Niel and contributes ships to his war effort – they are promptly sunk by Rome. With the defeat of Emperor Niel, the new Gaulic government demands repayment on investments made in Esalban infrastructure and industry. The outstanding debt crushes the economy of Esalba.

The desire for democratic reform grows amid chaos, violence, and dissatisfaction with rule by local nobility. Trade with Asuckian merchant republics brings new ideas.

1830 - 1842 - Ernesto Báalam – In spring of 1830, having spent four years defeating his rivals with the aid of the Neu Engollon navy & marines, General Ernesto Báalam seizes control of the Palais de Océanique and the city of Itznam declaring himself Arch-Duke of the Palantine Duchy of Chibalba. Báalam encourages foreign investment in Chibalba and sells off huge tracts of land to outside monied interests.

On March 28, 1842, anarchists bomb the Ducal Summer Palace, killing Arch-Duke Báalam and most of his court.

1842 - 1851 - Yatzil Courbet-Bonnel – Major Yatzil Courbet-Bonnel leads the military coup that seizes control of the reigns of Chibalban government. Gaulic military advisors play a sizeable role in “Madam-General” Courbet-Bonnel’s success. Courbet-Bonne’s reign is marked by unrest, arrests, detentions, and executions. Military tribunals replace the already shaky judiciary. Gaulic business interests are given preferential treatment. Coffee plantations are built in the Eastern Highlands. Vineyards are established in the Coastal Lowlands. Construction of the Itznam-Nahaurax Railroad starts in 1850 – strife prevents its completion until 1863.

On October 8th, 1851, Assassins in the employ of rival, General Cakulha Peek-Bateel, ambush and murder Madam-General Courbet-Bonnel.

1851 - Three Warlords - Following the murder of General Courbet-Bonnel, three warlords take control of the countryside: General Cakulha Peek-Bateel, “Queen” Sacnite Ukojobo, and General Juan-Carlos Tepin. Each seek to carve a piece of the body of Chibalba for themselves. Tired of constant war and chaos the people rise up to take back their country initiating the War for Chibalban Unification.

War for Chibalban Unification (1851-1858)

Chibalba is torn by internal strife and violence as three warlords vie for supremacy: General Cakulha Peek-Bateel, “Queen” Sacnite Ukojobo, and General Juan-Carlos Tepin. Alliances between the three shift as each attempts to rally popular support among the common people. Those with the means use their money to buy security. The people rally around the cause of Unification and work to defeat the warlords and their foreign backers.

February 25th, 1856, General Cakulha Peek-Bateel dies at the Battle of Kano’xnu.

April 3rd, 1857, “Queen” Sacnite Ukojobo takes her own life when surrounded at the Siege of Pe’emi.

May 1858, General Juan-Carlos Tepin, pursued by Unification forces, retreats to northern Xanameka, declaring the creation of the Xanameka Free-State. Pursued by the Army of the Unification, under General Patricia Gayoso Ik'nal, Tepin is defeated in September of 1858.

First Republic (1858-1917)

Following years of disorder, military dictatorship, and fractious warlords, the War for Chibalban Unification gives birth to the First Republic. Based on the principles of democracy, equality, and security: Cualli Aguinaldo-Miats is elected the nation’s first President. States and municipalities elect representatives to a national legislature. Together the President and Legislature go about installing a judiciary.

The Regency (1918-1939)

With the death of Xavier "Papa" Fraga in 1917 and his son Ian in 1918, the aging Fraganist-Republicans were left without leadership. Rather than face an election in which they would surely lose, they instituted the Regency Committee: a ruling council of seven senior senators. The Republicans felt this would give them time to re-group. However, the resentment and disenfranchisement felt by many was great enough that the Republican party chose to keep control of the executive office fractured rather than risk losing it altogether.

By 1928 it becomes obvious that the Regency and the Fraganist Republicans have no intention of surrendering power any time soon. Civil unrest ensues – barricades, strikes, protests, and burning of tax offices.

The Fraganista corruption and power is such that the Regency forestalls Presidential elections for 20 years. In the end, civil unrest allows the Constitutional Congress to convene. In summer of 1939, the Constitutional Congress suspends the Regency and begins addressing democratic reforms. Changes to the Constitution of the Republic create the Office of the Premier and define its duties. The President will henceforth be a ceremonial office. The mandate for executive and parliamentary elections are codified. Other amendments are ratified as well (TBD). Elections for Premier and President are held in the fall of 1940.

Ebony Palisade (1940-1989)

Following the Constitutional Congress of 1939, the communist Red Hats party, the Pars de Páawo'ob Petasum, came to power in the election of 1940. The mandate of the PPP nearly absolute at all levels, they capitalized on the reforms enacted under the Constitutional Congress and took them even further. Industries, newspapers, and agricultural production are nationalized. Private properties are seized – most specifically the large haciendas, ranches, and estates of the wealthy elite. National borders are closed. Strict austerity programs are instituted. Chibalba struggles to remake itself under new, one party, (Marxist-Leninist) authoritarian rule. As PPP control grows, Chibalba allies itself with like-minded nations: Falkasia, Kimina, YSR, and Vionna-Frankenlisch. Communist rule experiences both successes and failures. Nationalized industries, especially oil production and exportation, allow Chibalba to improve its infrastructure and modernize its armed forces. But manufacturing industrial base proves difficult to initiate and Chibalba lags behind other industrialized nations in the production of finished goods, especially consumer products. Trade with other communist regimes, Chibalban oil, wheat, and beef for finished goods, works to offset this disparity, but imported products are expensive and distribution is uneven.

Timeline

~5000 BCE	Xa’ro sea peoples reach the coastal areas of present-day Chibalban
2903 BCE	Pelenenle tribe migrates onto the Ixokta Plain, found city of Yonnaro on the Tu’ja River.
1236 BCE	Four Cities Period as Pe’emi, Ta’axil, Talxan, and Nahaurax dominate the Ixokta Plain.
1027 BCE	Island city of Xcalak (Ka’tuanan) founded.
513 BCE	City of Rauniakai founded on the Gocopa Plateau (Mele Gorge on the Tipi’ut’ja River).
392 BCE	Rauniakai subjugates the city-states of the Gocopa Plateau.
200 BCE	Rauniakai conquers Pe’emi and Talxan spreading its dominance into the Ixokta Plain.
173 BCE	Ta’axil subjugates Nahaurax and other smaller cities of the Ixokta Plain to counter Raunaikai aggression.
86 BCE	Series of bloody wars between Rauniakai and Ta’axil nearly depopulates the cities of the Ixokta Plain.
37 CE	Raunaikai is defeated, but Ta’axil is unable to maintain hold over other cities and the land falls into chaos.
104 CE	Rise of the Moon Goddess Cult amid the turmoil in the city-states of the Ixokta Plain.
250 - 620 CE	Rule of the Snake Kingdom.
286 CE	Founding of the Seven-Daughters Empire as Queen Pauna unites the warring Ta’axi city-states of Nahaurax, Pe’emi, Tlantax’il, and Ta’axil (Taltlaxtlan).
350 CE	Queen Yoh’Pauna (granddaughter of Queen Pauna) builds the city of Chelix at Yonnaro on the Tu’ja River and dedicates it to the Moon Goddess Ixchatla. Founding of the Chelix Moon Empire.
457 CE	The city of Indax’zith founded at Oxmi Bay by refugees from Noxilan (Ka’tuanan) ravaged by pirates and sacked by Snake Kingdom raiders.
481 CE	Gold and emerald miners found the city of Kirau on the Semoe’ja River in the Canyon Lands. It sits on top of a massive gold deposit. The gold and emeralds mined at Kirau draw fortune hunters from far and wide, making it one of the wealthiest cities in the land – and a target for every greedy despot.
501 CE	City of Itznam founded at the mouth of the Honik’ja River by coalition of former Snake Kingdom mercenaries, defeated pirates, displaced islanders, and religious refugees fleeing the Chelix Moon Empire.
509 CE	Indax’zith allies with island city of Ixmokah (Ka’tuanan) and begins pushing back against the rule of the Snake Kingdom.
543 CE	The city-state of Einnaki conquers half the Gocopa Plateau, invades the Canyon Lands, and lays siege to Kirau. The city-states of Raunaikai, Xel-Há, Pujuc, and Muyil swear fealty to Chelix.
556 CE	Chelix allies with Kirau and begins their long war with Einnaki.
565 CE	Itznam conquers O’matlan (Oriotan).
573 CE	King Yáax Báat (the First Axe) takes the throne of Einnaki and begins his bloody reign.
592	King Ka’atúul (Number Two Axe) of Einnaki lays siege, sacks, and destroys the city of Xel-Há, a vassal of Chelix. King Ka’atúul enslaves the people of Xel-Há. Most he sacrifices to his bloody war god: Bulak Chabtan.
620	Following a series of revolts by vassals and defeats by neighbors, Kiri’anam is sacked and the Rule of the Divine Lords of the Snake comes to an end.
623 - 630	Nahaurax Revolt.
655	Great Canal between River Honik’ja and River Nui’ja links Chelix and Pe’emi with Tlantax’il.
698	Itznam unites with Indax’zith.
744	Katuan islands pledge their fealty to Itznam.
758	Canal of the Flowers between Nahaurax and Taltlaxtlan completed.
854	Queen Cualli Cheun of Itznam and King Ah Mun Chaak of Chelix marry, uniting their nations to form Chibalba, the Empire of the Twin Thrones.
883	Revolt in Yaxuna (a minor city in the north of the Ixokta Plain). After two years of skirmishes, the city is besieged and razed – her line of monarchs is sacrificed to the gods.
980	Hegemony of the Empire of the Twin Thrones extends over all the cities of the Gocopa Plateau.
1050	Climbing Locks of Amon’eke completed to raise and lower barges (850m elevation change through 3 ship elevators) along the River Tipi’tu’ja enabling waterborne commerce to flow from Rauniakai to Chelix.
1115	Satap’omi Canal completed connecting the River Tipi’tu’ja with the River Tu’ja above the Tu’tora Rise, connecting the cities of Rauniakai and Einnaki.
1123	City-State of Tzodax joins the Empire of the Twin Thrones.
1237	Kin’anam joins Empire of the Twin Thrones.
1345	Narai joins the Empire of the Twin Thrones.
1490	Espicutan explorers arrive on Chibalban’s shores (Edza’tlan Island) – welcomed with some amount of trepidation.
1510	First attempt by Espicutan Conquistadors to conquer Chibalba fails spectacularly.
1534	Chibalba invites Po’honea to join the Empire.
1730 - 1739	Last Twin Monarchs – The reign of King K'ab Chuup Le' (Hand Full of Leaves) and Queen Sáamal U Lool (Morning of Flowers) is a disaster for Chibalban.
1740 - 1794	Gaulic Rule
1794 - 1851	Le désordre
1851 - 1858	War for Chibalban Unification
1858 - 1917	First Republic
1892 - 1917	The Fragato
1917	The Ill-Fated Venture
1918 - 1939	The Regency
1940 - 1989	Ebony Palisade - the Communist Era
1952 - 1958	San Rosito Civil War
1989 - present	Modern Era
2002	National Drought & Famine

Geography

Geographic Regions

Chibalban is a land of extreme terrains.

The Coastal Lowlands are dominated by tropical jungle. Mangrove swamps form estuaries where the inland river systems meet the sea.

Inland from the coast is the Ixokta Plain, the broad forested plains that are the breadbasket of the nation.

West are the Canyon Lands, the Tlota'bral, broken karst topography carved into a maze of canyons, valleys, and pinnacles by the Semoe’a River.

Ringing the Ixokta Plain to the west and north is the high (2000m above sea level) Gocopa Plateau. Along the eastern and southern edges of the plateau is the Tu’tora Rise, a 148km long, 350m high escarpment that runs along the eastern edge of the plateau.

Dividing Chibalba from Aestralis in the northeast are the Omacatl Mountains - the lofty volcano dotted Central Peaks (no passes under 4000m and the highest peak, the Witso’ Gran Miis, at 5400m).

To the west are the Cabracana Mountains - with elevations between 2500 and 2700m.

To the east, forming the border with San Rosito are the Cuatzul Mountains - with summits at about 3000m.

In the northwest corner are the jungle highlands of Poneho in the State of Xanameka.

In the far west are the jungled highlands of Narai in the State of Macatl.

Offshore in Katuan Bay are the Katuan Isles: Great Katua to the east, Tohil (in the north), Ukuxkaj (in the west), Pichantoa (dead center), and Edza’tlan (to the south), with a plethora of smaller islands, reefs, shoals, atolls, and cays.

460km south of the mainland are the Outer Islands and the archipelago of San Nicholas: Esmergarde Cay, San Isobel, Saint Catherine, Nedger Cay, the Dozier Pinnacles, Altamarina Cay, Fortunada, and San Nicholas.

Politics

Government

Local elections are held for municipal, district, and state offices – term lengths vary depending upon office. National (Parlement) elections are every four years. Deputés du Parlement are allocated based on population size to each Circonscription Législative (district); generally, these are contained within the borders of an État. The party that elects the most Deputés selects the Gabinette de Ministeres and the Premier. The Premier is Chibalba’s functional leader, s/he lives in the Palais de K'áak'Náabo' in the national capital of Itznam. Every five years since 1995 the États hold elections to select the President, Chibalba’s ceremonial head-of-state. As of 2024, the Palais Presidential in Chelix is nearing completion (built on the site of the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Helena, which itself was built on top of the Pyramid of the Moon Goddess).

États

State of Acan along the southeast coast produces wine, coffee, cocoa, koka, sugarcane, rice, hot peppers, hemp, cotton, bananas, avocados, citrus, papaya, guava, mangos, coconut, palm oil, and ethnobotanical pharmaceuticals. It has a long tradition of distilled spirits. Fishing is important along the coast and in the Kiri River. Previously known for smuggling, Kiri’anam is a major port.

State of Awilix in the west on the Gocopa Plateau, is the major petroleum producing state of Chibalba, it also produces copper, nickel, bauxite, marble, salt, limestone, and coal. Goats and woolly sheep are raised in higher elevations. Cotton. Awilix has several hydroelectric dams. It is also home to the Satap’omti Canal.

State of Bacab in the central Ixokta Plain, is onne of the major agricultural states of Chibalba: cattle, wheat, corn, vegetables, soybeans, cotton, avocados, cassava, watermelon, papaya, and citrus. Previously known for raising horses.

State of Bolon along the south coast is a major maritime and agricultural state. It is well known for exotic hardwoods, coffee, cocoa, koka, sugarcane, rice, pineapple, palm oil, oranges, tangerines, coconut, mangos, guavas, tomatoes, melons, hot peppers, hemp, bananas, and ethnobotanical pharmaceuticals. And fishing!

State of Cabrakan encompasses most of the Tlota'bral (Canyon Lands) in the west. It produces gold, emeralds, jade, copper, limestone, and marble.

State of Cha'ac in the highlands of the east, produces sugarcane, maize, bananas, rice, pineapple, potatoes, palm oil, cassava, koka, citrus, watermelon, papaya, melons, and tomatoes.

State of Ekchuaja in the northern Gocopa Plateau, produces potatoes, maize, bananas, copper, coal, petroleum, natural gas, nickel, bauxite, marble, salt, limestone, and coal. Goats and woolly sheep are raised in higher elevations. Ekchuaja has several hydroelectric dams. Ekchuaja is best known for its coffee production!

State of Hunbatz in the east between the mountain ranges, produces bananas, maize, potatoes, cassava, citrus, koka, cocoa, and coffee. Some petroleum and coal are mined here. Goats and sheep are raised in the highlands.

State of Katua the southern islands are home to the natin's largest fishing fleet. Tourism is big business here. Beneath Katua Bay are vast petroleum reserves. This state also has vigorous pearl, shellfish, and shrimp industries. Katua is home to a large shipbuilding industry: specializing in wooden sailing vessels and racing yachts.

State of Macatl ...under construction...

State of Muzencab ...under construction...

State of Techibco ...under construction...

State of Uyabxo ...under construction...

State of Xanameka ...under construction...

Political Parties

During the Communist Era the Marxist-Communist Pars de Páawo'ob Petasum] (PPP or "Red Hat") held firm control of all the levers of power and maintained them through strict government policies. Other parties existed, but they were underfunded, understaffed, and unable to do more than fill a few seats in Parlement. The widely public failure of the communist system in 1989 engendered a host of new, diverse, and often radical political parties. Local elections in 1990 saw massive losses by the PPP. National elections in 1992 ushered in sweeping changes. The newly minted Pars de Changement Institutionnel (PCI), standing on a platform of business-friendly change swept into power. The more radical Pars Libéral (PL) gained the second most seats; the PPP was a distant third. Since then, local and national elections have seen frequent trade-offs in power between the PCI and PL. 2016 saw the first members of the Pars de Ecologiqué (PE) seated in Parlement. The PPP has been consigned to a dust heap of political irrelevance.

Economics

Chibalba has large coal reserves. It has vast hydroelectric potential. Large petroleum reserves exist offshore and beneath the Coastal Lowlands. Mines in the Canyon Lands once produced vast quantities of gold and emeralds. Chibalba possesses significant amounts of nickel, copper, and bauxite along with small amounts of iron ore. Nonmetallic mined minerals include salt, limestone, sulfur, gypsum, dolomite, barite, feldspar, clay, magnetite, mica, talcum, and marble. Despite the variety of minerals available for exploitation, Chibalba still had to import iron, copper, and aluminum to meet its industrial needs. Minerals, in particular coal, oil, and natural gas, and nickel have played an important role in Chibalba’s GDP and foreign trade over the last 20 years. But mining and petroleum technology is antiquated and inefficient.

Chibalba’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, fishing, and petroleum. Coastal communities rely on fishing and shrimping. Chibalba's large fishing industry often runs afoul of international Fisheries Treaties.

Infrastructure

Chibalban doesn’t have a home grown auto industry or national highway system. Automobiles are heavily taxed luxury items out of reach of most consumers. Vehicles on the road are the well-kept remnants of Communist era imports. In antiquity the Twin Thrones built a system of canals and waterways connecting all the cities under their dominion, the current State struggles to maintain these. Railroads built during the Communist Era largely replaced the aging canals and barges and continue to be the most economical means of moving goods and people throughout the country. Many inland families maintain motorboats and barges. The flower barges of Chelix are considered a national treasure. Nearly everyone living near the coast knows how to sail, and sailboat racing is second only to soccer in terms of national passions. Every four years the Itznam’s Favor Regatta draws visitors from throughout the country as they cheer on their favorite captains and crews.

Culture and Society

Equality is the hallmark of Chibalba: it has no strict gender roles or standards. Founded under the Twin Thrones of Chelix and Itznam, the character of the nation maintains that duality. Chelix was the center of the worship of the Moon Goddess Ixchatla, deity of fertility, the harvest, and childbirth. It is called the Mother City and dominates the inland plains region. Chelix was united through marriage to the coastal city of Itznam. The Father City dedicated to Itzaman, the god of the sea, fishing, medicine, writing, calendars, and cacao. These two cities came to dominate all ancient Chibalba and continue to exert their influence over the culture and character of the nation.

The people of Chibalba are not terribly religious. They are a pragmatic people, their beliefs are ingrained in science, and they have largely outgrown religion. Traditionally, outside of the Twin Capitals, each tribe, city, and region had their own gods, beliefs, and customs. While the faith that was behind them as faded, these beliefs and gods live on as cultural hallmarks, customs, and symbols in the traditions, food, festivals, music, art, and sports teams of individual cities and states.

Traditional indigenous shamanic medicine, especially herbalism, is very much still in practice in Chibalba, supported by a rather inefficient universal healthcare system. She has some of the best doctors in the world, but they rely on woefully antiquated facilities and technology. Education from pre-school through university is free in Chibalba, a remnant of the country’s communist past. Her populace is well-read, well-educated, and most speak several languages.

Chibalba has a tradition of service ingrained since the early days of under the Twin Thrones. Military service for all 18-year-olds is mandatory. While many young people chose military careers, public service is also popular, especially teaching. Truly lucrative careers are absent. There is little difference in the standard of living between the richest and poorest of Chibalba, sadly no one has much. This is slowly starting to change with the capitalist reforms, but it remains to be seen how this will impact the working people of the nation.

Chibalba’s entertainment industry is in its infancy. The home-grown music industry has taken off, but most people grew up consuming foreign media and continue to rely on foreign movies and games. The publishing industry is strong, especially books and newspapers. During the Communist Era publications were State-owned and run and tightly controlled – edited reprints of foreign novels were popular. Since ’89 native authors have flourished, and publishers have free reign to print what they want. Personal computers are heavily taxed luxury items and still out of reach for most consumers. The software industry is hampered by lack of access to tools and technology.

Everyone in Chibalban plays and watches soccer. Regional and city teams compete in a yearly National Cup that is traditionally played in either Chelix or Itznam – though over the past five years other cities have put together bids to host, none have managed to find success. Team mascots can be traced directly back to Chibalban’s ancient pantheon of tribal and regional deities. The Raunaikai Ek-Chuuj (Black War Chiefs) are the current National Champions. Chibalba's ancient sport of Pokolpok is popular in remote areas and among some very old families.

While each state, region, and city have their own specialty foods and flavors, the Chibalba national cuisine is the Bak' ti' jump'éel che' (or Jump sandwich): a surf-and-turf on a bun. Charcoal grilled skewered chunks of shrimp, fish, beef steak, onion, and sweet peppers seasoned with hot peppers, cilantro sauce, and cacao served hot on a sliced baguette.

Language

The Chibalban language came to dominate the nation under the Twin Thrones as the language of those in power. Through internal trade and commerce, it became the language of all regions, stealing from tribal tongues and local dialects when needed. Escaped slaves and emigres from other nations of Teremara added their own words and phrases to the national patois especially where the Chibalban language had no words to describe foreign technologies. Adoption of the Latin alphabet and Arabic numerals allowed for easier introduction of new words and concepts. Fifty years of rule by Terre des Gaules added its own unique character to the language. Since 1989 foreign words and phrases have inundated the Chibalban lexicon; media and institutions struggle to keep up. Most commonly spoken languages in Chibalba are Chibalban, Espicutan, Gaulic, English, Austrakian, Qachari, Achaji, Ijija, Naya, Kachaya, Azkthosu, & Unchi (many more indigenous languages spoken by less than 100k persons).