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"Unappeal to Heaven"

Part 1: The Scarred Sanctimony 

The Holy Union of Shirochi is a deeply religious and isolationist nation characterized by its strict theocratic governance and self-reliant economy. Shirochi operates as a United Theocratic Republic, where Solfaran Christianity is mandated by the state and integrated into every aspect of governance, society, and the military. Elections and governmental positions are decided through a system of directed democracy, where the individual with the highest popular vote takes office.

Shirochi shares a similar geography to Santallo, consisting of light forests and vast farmland. Its predominantly agricultural economy sustains its population and fuels limited trade with its sole neighboring nation, Ohlin, primarily in agricultural goods. The nation’s focus on self-reliance drives its heavy subsidization of farming and religious establishments, ensuring the preservation of its values and self-sufficiency.

Despite operating under a capitalist free-market system, Shirochi’s strict prioritization of religious funding and state control over key economic sectors make it markedly different from more liberal economic systems. This economic model bolsters its isolationist stance, reducing dependency on foreign resources and minimizing the nation’s vulnerability to external influences or sanctions.

Shirochi’s isolationism is politically motivated by a desire to avoid becoming a target for Santallo and to prepare for potential future conflicts. The nation’s theocratic governance fosters a highly unified cultural identity centered on religious devotion and the belief in self-reliance. However, this insularity breeds a distrust of outsiders and stifles innovation, creating a stable yet rigid society.

The occupation by Santallo in the past left a lasting scar on Shirochi’s cultural psyche, resulting in a deep-seated animosity towards Santallo and its people. Santonese are often labeled as “heathens” by the Shironese, despite the shared Christian majority between the two nations. This cultural divide remains a central factor in Shirochi’s isolationist policies.

Part 2: The Empire That Was Never to Be

Santallo is a secular Federal Republic, marked by its agricultural prominence and its significant role in the Sons of Mars alliance. Governed by a system of electoral representation, Santallo’s federal structure balances power among its eight states: Jungle Drive, New Ender, Cheeco, South Santo, North Santo, Solta, Jivertin, and Longland. The nation’s secularism contrasts sharply with Shirochi’s theocratic rigidity, creating a culturally diverse and dynamic society.

Santallo’s geography consists mostly of plains and prairies, with light forestation supporting a robust agricultural sector—the largest in its economy. The state of Jungle Drive, with its coastline, also drives a thriving tourism industry, capitalizing on its beaches and natural beauty.

Trade plays a vital role in Santallo’s economic recovery and stability, particularly through its imports of raw materials from its allies in the Sons of Mars (Sylvorrenia, Thelenia, and Ostravya). In return, Santallo exports vast amounts of agricultural goods, solidifying its reputation as the breadbasket of the alliance.

The secular nature of Santallo’s government fosters an inclusive yet pragmatic culture, where religion, though significant, remains a personal matter rather than a state mandate. This openness stands in stark contrast to its history with Shirochi, where attempts to impose secular policies during its occupation led to resistance and eventual withdrawal.

Santallo’s experience with civil war and the failed colonization of Shirochi reshaped its priorities, leading to a greater focus on national stability and collaboration with allies. The nation’s role within the Sons of Mars alliance reinforces its economic recovery and strengthens its diplomatic influence, positioning Santallo as a key player in the region.

Part 3: Lovers in Mutual Destruction

The relationship between Shirochi and Santallo is deeply strained, rooted in their conflicting ideologies and historical conflicts. While both nations share a Christian majority and similar agricultural economies, their governance and cultural priorities place them at odds.

Santallo’s colonization and subsequent occupation of Shirochi remain the defining source of animosity. Santallo’s enforcement of secular policies, such as regulating church services and education, was seen as an affront to Shirochi’s deeply religious values. The Shironese revolt during Santallo’s civil war, coupled with the reinstatement of Shirochi’s theocratic republic, solidified the cultural and political rift between the two nations.

Santallo’s integration into the Sons of Mars alliance allows it access to extensive trade and diplomatic support, whereas Shirochi’s isolationism limits its international influence. The contrasting economic policies—Santallo’s secular free-market approach versus Shirochi’s subsidized and religiously driven system—reflect their opposing priorities.

Santallo views Shirochi’s isolationism as a practical non-threat but remains wary of its potential militarization and religious extremism. Shirochi, on the other hand, sees Santallo as a symbol of secular corruption and a potential aggressor, driving its emphasis on self-reliance and defensive preparedness.

Trade between the two nations is virtually nonexistent, with Shirochi engaging only minimally with its northern neighbor, Ohlin. This lack of cooperation perpetuates mutual distrust, leaving both nations at an uneasy stalemate, shaped by their history and divergent paths.