Xihuitzilacui

Flag of the Xihuitzilacui

**The Xihuitzilacui** is a nation based in the north of the map centered around a jungle covered peninsula. It has a strong warrior culture, as well as a central religion called Itzcali from which most internal matters sprout from. A majority of affairs include some link to this religion, with a rituals and sacrifices to the gods being commonplace for a variety of reasons. The unofficial demonym is Xihuitzi.

## Etymology

"Xihuitzilacui" is a Tlexictli term that refers to everything in the nation and culture in the physical world, a sort of omni-demonym used to talk about everything everywhere that relates to Xihuitzilacui. *The* Xihuitzilacui is used to refer specifically to the nation.

## Culture

### Clothing

Xihuitzi clothing consists of thick, yellow fabric and bushy leaves accompanied by highlights of golden jewelry. It is customary for higher ranks to show less and less skin, with the Teoxihuitl showing almost nothing except for their eyes and lower legs.

Sandals are the shoe wear of choice, and hoods are also common place. These are both designed to help protect the wearer from the elements of the jungle, with sandals not being able to get filled with mud like an enclosed shoe, and hoods keeping the eyes out of the rain as well as camouflaging from tree dwelling predators.

### Luxuries

In Xihuitzi culture Luxuries are extremely important. Luxuries are considered to be things like, Gold, Gems, Netherite, Cocoa, or just exceptionally rare commodities. The more of these items that are in Xihuitzilacui, the more well off the people will be. Luxuries make very good gifts, and very appreciated when given.

#### Sacrifice

The yin to the yang of luxuries is the idea of sacrifice. Ritualistically, luxuries will be destroyed in the name of the gods in order to achieve some goal. Certain gods may demand cyclical sacrifices, e.g. the destruction of a Netherite bar once a season or else a crop harvest will fail. Human sacrifice is uncommon, but still present. Typically enemies defeated in battle will be ritualistically sacrificed.

### Warrior Spirit

Fighting is very well respected in Xihuitzi culture, and warriors are often exonerated with showers of luxuries as well as titles and superior housing. Eagle warriors are those who will fight on behalf of Xihuitzilacui, while Itzcali Warriors are those who will fight on behalf of the gods.

### Itzcali

The religion of Xihuitzilacui is Itzcali. Itzcali believes in a pantheon of gods lead by Malinalzoh; the god of the jungle. In total, there are 13 gods ranging from agriculture to death, and it is believed they bless Xihuitzilacui with endless bounty and victory if they are maintained well. This religion is mandatory, and priests are often leaders in powerful positions. The link between Itzcali and the Xihuitzilacui is incredibly strong; the capital of Quetzalcahuipani was founded on the location that is stands on today by direction of the gods.

## Governance

### Government Structure

The government of the Xihuitzilacui is a theocracy lead by the Teoxihuitl. The Teoxihuitl the highest-ranking priest and warrior in the Xihuitzilacui who is said to be able to communicate with the gods all by themself. Every morning, they must rise early and ring a large golden bell in order to awaken the gods; shouting "*Awaken Xilozatl! Arise from your slumber! Your people require you upon one more day!"* while they do so. If the gods are not awakened, they get very cranky because they slept in and now their sleep cycle is ruined, meaning that they will make that day particularly harsh.

### Link With Itzcali

Itzcali priests can elect themselves up to the Itzcali council, a group of priests who can jointly communicate with the gods. This council runs the Xihuitzilacui jointly along with the Teoxihuitl, and individual priests can own and live in small temples.

## Vexillology

The flag of the Xihuitzilacui is a tricolour of Green, White and Black covered with Cyan bars and a large Sun in the middle. The green represents the link to the jungle; the thick leaves and vines that coat the world and help to protect the gods. The white represents the link to the world; everything physical that can be interacted with in this life. The black represents the link to death; that everything must die upon reaching the end and that it is a fact to be accepted. The cyan represents the link to the gods; cyclical and always present in every stage of life to death. Finally, the sun represents itself; above all, blessing everything with life. The orange represents the physical sun, with the yellow surrounding it represents Xilozatl himself.

1. ↑ *Xilozatl is the god of the sun.*