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"From Both Sides They Come, From Both They Shall Fall"
Jultixalcl the Shedder, 220 BWoR

Description:

Along the far south-eastern seaboard of Ehriidore lays the great nation of Yuatepuca, one of three, now split aztec empires still spanning the realm. It is here where the largest valley in all Ehriidore rests and became known as the "Great Valley of Man". This massive section of land spans most of the north-western region of Yuatepuca and exceeds 400 miles in circumference.

Within this valley rests the capital city of Cupulatu, hosting over 600,000 inhabitants. This massive city hides itself on the lowest point of the valley and is marvel of civilized architecture. The city itself can be seen the instant this valley's peaks are crested, as it sits within a large area of molten white ash, sand and crushed red volcanic rock. Cupulatu was designed with great care and is nearly impossible to attack with siege equipment of any sort as they simply cannot gain passage beyond the craggy passages of the surrounding mountains. Cupulatu is also surrounded by 15' high, 12' thick wall of stone which keeps all would be wandering monsters at bay and offers great protection against any nation seeking to lay seige to this city. Other much smaller cities, towns and villages can be found within Yuatepuca which include; Hualli, Acutl, Tacus , Xalpu, Talucupl. All of which have similar traditions and ideals, yet are far from seeing the grand architectural designs of Cupulatu.

Yuatepuca is generally hot and muggy, yet all four seasons can be distinguished to some degree. The winter months consist of steady rainfall, while spring and fall see almost none. Spring begins muggy and slowly slips into a hot temperate Summer, where rainfall is rare and drout is overcome by aqueducts and clever arrigation systems.

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Geography:

Yuatepuca stretches over 1400 miles across and is approximately 950 miles in length measuring north to south. Here endless grasslands, lush valley's and hundreds of rolling hills fill the countryside. An abundance of small creeks and slow moving rivers also can be encountered nearly anywhere. The lower valley's having the greatest sources of water, while the upper-steppes and higher areas possess the fewest natural taps.

During the months of spring, thick morning fogs roll in off the ocean, covering nearly the entire length of this nation's lower valley's. However these foggy fronts quickly dissipate within a few hours and part way for all to see this wonderful landscape. The upper steppe lands see little fog, but still succumb to the thick damp mists which rise up from the tail end of Yuatepuca's immense foggy spells. These valley's are also known for being extremely windy, having days where it is nearly impossible to walk upright along the lower vales, while the many rolling hills and mountains ranges protect the great central valley from this occasional nasty occurrence.

The rest of Yuatepuca is covered in lush green grass, meadows and natural rocky spots. There are also several areas where little grows at all, although this is usually due to large amounts of foot traffic trampling the natural vegetation into the dirt.

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History: ?

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Government:

As one might guess, leadership in Yuatepuca is somewhat unstable as the current emperor is nearing the end of his reign. Yuatepuca is governed as an Autocracy. A leader derived from hereditary title and demands absolute power over his people. He represents the community as a whole and demands obedience from all beneath his station. Leaders like this are not often replaced and usually live out their term as emperor until death. However there has been a time in the past when the people of Yuatepuca have come to lose faith in such a leader and have overthrown them allowing a new figurehead to rise to power. A new family then becomes the emperial heads and succeeds that of the old.

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Justice System:

 

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Military/Forces:

Now that local warring has subsided, Yuatepuca's able military forces number fewer than 20,000. Although within a few generations, these ranks should replenish quite well. This army consists of mostly foot soldiers, however a special unit of mounted warriors still exists and commonly leads any assualts on the battlefield.

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Economy:

The Yuatepucan economy is based mainly upon agriculture, corn being a main resource that is easily grown and can be harvested several times a year. Often large surpluses of corn are stored during long harsh times. Fresh fish, leather work, jewelry, wood carvings and exotic animals are also used as trade commodities. Elaborate irrigation systems are also used extensively to transport water to the dryer of farmlands, while the natural rainfall throughout the region seems to adequately support the rest of the region. Shallow lakes are also used to grow crops upon mud landings which allow for fast crop rotations of mostly rice and onions.

Yuatepucan's interestingly have no form of coinage, instead good and services are traded in much the same style as a common barter system would work. However, the upper class citizens often carry silver coins called "Uate Silver Coins", these are used in much the same manner as standard silver of the realm, but hold approximately twice the normal value (1 silver uate coin = 2 standard silver coins). The coins are rarely found among the general populace and when they do leak into society, they are promptly traded back to the upper class citizens for items that are not commonly found within poorer parts of the communities.

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Culture:

Religion is a staple in Yuatepucan society. These people worship a large amount of gods and goddesses; each representing a different aspect of life. Ceremonies and common rituals are very important to the Yuatepucans during the crop seasons as they attempt to ensure plentiful harvests. During these ritual ceremonies, human sacrifices are often given to the gods. Many of the sacrifices are prisoners of war or children from rival nations. Human hearts and blood shed are thought as giving the gods greater power, however many other offerings are also excepted or given depending on the God's desires. Large pyramid-like temples are constructed to perform these sacrifices.

Family is also a major aspect of life for Yuatepucans. The men are primarily hunters or warriors, while women usually tend to the cooking and gathering. Young boys are educated by their fathers until the age of ten when they start their local schooling. Young girls stay at home with their mothers and learn practical skills. Youth are encouraged to marry once they reach the age of 16 if not before.

Yuatepucans enjoy all sorts of food including fresh and dried fish, tortillas, tamales, eggs, turkey, rabbit, dog and on special occasions a green pudding-like slime collected from the swamp lands that tastes similar to soft cheese. Water is the most common refreshment, while mead, beer and other special brews are imported from neighboring lands.

Warm temperatures forces the Yuatepucans to design and use loose fit clothing. Women wear sleeveless blouses and wraparound skirts, while men wear cloth around the hip area, cloaks, shoulder raps etc. Nobles are often seen wearing light leather armors / skirts or cotton clothing with extensive decorations. The poor wear clothing made from maguey fibers, or other loose fitting garments imported from abroad.

Yuatepucans construct simple homes made for purpose rather than design. In the upper steppe lands the houses are made of adobe. In the lowlands and the lowest valley's the walls are typically made of thin branches plastered with clay or mud. These homes also also commonly accompanied by storehouses and small sweathouse's, which are used for steam baths.

Yuatepucans express themselves through music, arts, crafts, and the science. Music is openly played throughout the community. Common instruments include; flutes, drums, and rattles. All of these are used in conjunction with chanting to help commune with the gods.

The Yuatepucans primary and own self taught language is Namucan, this language is also the primary language of Phulmehta and Tangrea. Thoughts, diagrams and teachings are wrote through a system known as pictographic writing. This consists of small pictures and special symbols that represent words. Pictographic writing is mainly used by the noble class to keep political business records.

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Magic Use:

Magic is thought to be for the upper class. These studies and practices are left for those ranking high in power or those of devout religious families or backgrounds. Arcane magic is very rare amongst Yuatepucans and is considered god-like when seen in use. This type of power demands respect, yet is seen as strange and avoided. Divine spell casters, such as clerics are held in the highest respect and often positioned high in social stature within their local communities. Clerics can always be found near and around temples of all Gods and are regularly seen during sacrificial rituals.

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Notable Legends & Lore:

• The Bronze Eagle
• Culdron of Epetu
• The Great Serpent of Yemetzu

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Regional Maps: