Aztec Lands
04-10-2004, 05:22
OOC: React to this story, even if it's just "OMG." I expect some people to be revolted. You may even stop trade. Anything really drastic (such as embargoes) need to be discussed in another thread.
AP NEWS
-Jeanne Donnovan, Sidewinder City, Aztec Lands
October 3rd is the Founding Day of the Aztec Lands. It marks the day the first Aztec settlers from the defeated "Sideways-Snake Tribe" (meaning the Sidewinder tribe) arrived in what would become the Holy Empire of the Aztec Lands. Through years of the Aztecs dominating the other indigenous tribes and quelling reigonal unrest, the nation finally unifiied under Emperor Moctezuma III, coincidentally, on the same October 3rd, albeit in 1554. Ironically, the losers of the circa-1300 Aztec Civil War survived the downfall of the main Aztec civilization in 1521. By the time the nation was discovered in 1588, Spain was far too weak to take it, having its Invincible Armada defeated.
History lesson aside, huge celebrations were on hand for the 450th anniversary of the Holy Empire. Streamers, fireworks, an entire squadron of fighters overflying, and, of course, human sacrifice.
This has been a liability in recent years, as other nations, especially those either adhering to a Judeo-Christian belief system, or those with concern for human rights, have looked down on the nation for this. Hallad was on record as saying this:
The Federation sees religious sacrafice as barbaric. However, it is part of some nations culture. As long as people arn't being killed for their political ideals or in order to wipe out a race in Aztec Lands, we will not consider it genocide.
The Commissariat of Culture
The Commissariat of Diplomacy
The Socialist Federation of Hallad
Today, 45,000 people were sacrificed to honor the 450th annicersary of the nation. A modest figure, when compared to the amount sacrificed in ancient times. However, human rights groups, including Amnesty International, staged a huge protest in the outskirts of the capital city.
"You don't need to kill to show patriotism! You don't need to kill to show devotion to your religion!" chanted Amnesty International's leader as they staged a candlelight vigil during sundown, when sacrifices ended. An estimated 200,000 protestors showed up. The protest did go peacefully, though riot police were always at hand.
A poll conducted by Gallup shows that the vast majority of Aztecs are not opposed at all to the sacrifices: 94% believe that it is fine, and 69% would not attempt to flee if they were selected.
The sacrifices themselves are simple: the people are led up the massive Temple of the Sun where a priest and aides await. If a victim is fearful, she or he can request a drug. However, after stepping on the pyramid, one cannot refuse. The victim is lied down and has his or her heart removed with a gold knife. The body is then thrown down the front of the pyramid. Selection is at random, but some people, such as vital goverment workers, military personnel, people who do not believe in the religion of the state, heads of companies, children under the age of adolescence, the mentally unstable, and those who object immediately (as in not on the altar), by law, cannot be sacrificed. Those who are in love can die with their lover if they do not wish to be separated. The working parent of the family can object.
Objectors are offered either lesser physical sacrifices, such as bloodletting, or simple donations.
An ordinary citizen I met in a cafe that day explained the viewpoint of the people rather eloquently: "In life, we can accomplish so much, but in death, we can accomplish so much more, even if it is inconvenient for us at that moment." said banker Wind-Lizard.
AP NEWS
-Jeanne Donnovan, Sidewinder City, Aztec Lands
October 3rd is the Founding Day of the Aztec Lands. It marks the day the first Aztec settlers from the defeated "Sideways-Snake Tribe" (meaning the Sidewinder tribe) arrived in what would become the Holy Empire of the Aztec Lands. Through years of the Aztecs dominating the other indigenous tribes and quelling reigonal unrest, the nation finally unifiied under Emperor Moctezuma III, coincidentally, on the same October 3rd, albeit in 1554. Ironically, the losers of the circa-1300 Aztec Civil War survived the downfall of the main Aztec civilization in 1521. By the time the nation was discovered in 1588, Spain was far too weak to take it, having its Invincible Armada defeated.
History lesson aside, huge celebrations were on hand for the 450th anniversary of the Holy Empire. Streamers, fireworks, an entire squadron of fighters overflying, and, of course, human sacrifice.
This has been a liability in recent years, as other nations, especially those either adhering to a Judeo-Christian belief system, or those with concern for human rights, have looked down on the nation for this. Hallad was on record as saying this:
The Federation sees religious sacrafice as barbaric. However, it is part of some nations culture. As long as people arn't being killed for their political ideals or in order to wipe out a race in Aztec Lands, we will not consider it genocide.
The Commissariat of Culture
The Commissariat of Diplomacy
The Socialist Federation of Hallad
Today, 45,000 people were sacrificed to honor the 450th annicersary of the nation. A modest figure, when compared to the amount sacrificed in ancient times. However, human rights groups, including Amnesty International, staged a huge protest in the outskirts of the capital city.
"You don't need to kill to show patriotism! You don't need to kill to show devotion to your religion!" chanted Amnesty International's leader as they staged a candlelight vigil during sundown, when sacrifices ended. An estimated 200,000 protestors showed up. The protest did go peacefully, though riot police were always at hand.
A poll conducted by Gallup shows that the vast majority of Aztecs are not opposed at all to the sacrifices: 94% believe that it is fine, and 69% would not attempt to flee if they were selected.
The sacrifices themselves are simple: the people are led up the massive Temple of the Sun where a priest and aides await. If a victim is fearful, she or he can request a drug. However, after stepping on the pyramid, one cannot refuse. The victim is lied down and has his or her heart removed with a gold knife. The body is then thrown down the front of the pyramid. Selection is at random, but some people, such as vital goverment workers, military personnel, people who do not believe in the religion of the state, heads of companies, children under the age of adolescence, the mentally unstable, and those who object immediately (as in not on the altar), by law, cannot be sacrificed. Those who are in love can die with their lover if they do not wish to be separated. The working parent of the family can object.
Objectors are offered either lesser physical sacrifices, such as bloodletting, or simple donations.
An ordinary citizen I met in a cafe that day explained the viewpoint of the people rather eloquently: "In life, we can accomplish so much, but in death, we can accomplish so much more, even if it is inconvenient for us at that moment." said banker Wind-Lizard.