Kingdoms of Nuact'l

This is the story that the Nuact'a agree upon:

''When the world was young and the stars were bright, the sun-god Inti shone down upon mother Camac, who some call Világ, his warming rays stirred within her great heat. In due time, she gave birth to three daughters: Ameyalli the fountain of life, Cuauhtla, the tree-maiden and Mazatl, the deer. Camac was surrounded by her children and both she and Inti were pleased.''

''But after a time, Camac grew more fond of her daughters than of her husband, and Inti grew lonely. Thus, Itni contrived with Camac to have three children by her that would be with him as her children were with her. Thus were three brothers born unto Camac and Itni, the brothers Paria the blue vicuña, Ichma the white leopard and Tok’I the red condor.''

''For an age, Inti was pleased and he danced with his sons and he shone with great pleasure. Camac, too, was pleased her daughters and brought forth mankind in the plains and valleys where Inti’s warmth had lain. These new children of Camac loved her daughters as well as mother Camac and father Inti. Inti and Camac were very happy and spent much time together doting over mankind and their daughters. ''

''This saddened the brothers, who now felt abandoned. In the darkest of night, when Inti was sleeping, the brothers secreted themselves in Camac’s crown and then did lie with her. In due course, Camac gave birth to three sons and three daughters, who were not like other humans. These couples are the founders of the Children of the Moons.''

Overview
Description::The Kingdoms of Nuact’l are formed of three equal Ayllu, each of whom consider themselves to be the Children of one of the moons and are to be separate and inviolate from the other races of mankind, who are Children of Inti, the sun god. It is not that they are specifically better than the other nations, but rather that they are special and apart in their heritage, their beliefs and their culture.

There are three kingdoms, Paria Ayllu, Ichma Ayllu and Tok’l Ayllu, each named for their respective mythological father. All are hereditary monarchies with interlocking alliances and high amounts of trade between them. This trade occurs on a barter basis, as there is neither currency nor capitalistic profit within the kingdoms.

The people of Nuact'l function in close communion with nature and in harmony with each other to provide a web of interactions which function for the communal good. Their strong religious beliefs, combined with the shared identity work together to form the concept of reciprocity which is woven into every aspect of the culture.

Values
Perhaps the most important ideal which the Nuact’a embrace is that of their shared identity. Indeed, Nuact’a itself means ‘moon-child/moon-children’. This shared cultural identity is what both holds the nation together and, simultaneously separates them from the Int’a (the children of the Sun). The other major ethical value which permeates the Nuact'a is that of Quipatilizque – mutual exchange or reciprocity. Unlike many of the nations on Világ, the Nuact’a believe in a multiplicity of deities. Interestingly enough, however, their beliefs do not make room for the worship of gods who are not of their own pantheon.

Economic Situation


The Nuact’a have a mixed economic culture with, on one hand, a commodity system of trade and on the other a exceptionally centralized system of taxation and redistribution of goods for the benefit of the public. This feudalistic system which involves elements of communism provides a smooth flow of goods and services both up and down the social ladder where it is needed in the form of Quipatilizque while giving those at the top of the ladder the near-complete control of the economy without a cumbersome bureaucracy. In neither aspect is the concept of capitalism a factor in the micro or macro economic theory.

Culture


One of the most obvious things about the Nuact'l which stands out to outsiders is the entire lack of a written language. As one would imagine in a culture that does not have a written tongue, the tradition of an oral history is exceptionally strong. Indeed, one of the most revered occupations in any curaca is that of the cuicani, or keeper of stories. The many festivals which are part of the religious life permeates the calendar and provides a rhythm for the common person. Additionally, the team sport of YehiTlacatl is a strong element in Nuact'a culture, with the pride of each curaca bound in the performance of their respective teams.

Political Situation


As mentioned previously, one of the prime values of the Nuact'a is that of reciprocity, and this is most evident in the highly structured and complex political edifice. Quipatilizque exists at every level, with the Curaca, Pachaca, Gunchaca and Ayllu all having interlocking and mutual obligations to the other branches. At the very top of the pyramid of lies the three Hutan Ayllu, hereditary rulers with the powers of life and death.

In exchange for this supreme and possibly dictatorial power, the average citizen receives a first-rate system of roads, education and a myriad of other social benefits which are supplied by the state.

The Kingdoms at War


Warfare is not unlike the rest of the Nuact'l culture, full of the traditions of reciprocity and strong state control. Full warfare against opponents is not something done frequently, but is given over to raids against weak points in surrounding nations and use of the formidable natural defenses to make the Nuact'a a feared and implacable enemy by those who draw their attention.