Balamelle (BAH-lah-MEL-lay)
Balamelle is a moderately sized nation known for being the capital of arts. Many believe that it is the ideal place to grow old and retire.
Culture
Social
Socially, Balamelle is a nation that values pleasure over all else. Following the belief that one life is all you get, Balama citizens tend to lead more relaxed lives in comparison to citizens of other countries; since happiness is ingrained into the culture there are laws and regulations that enforce it, allowing a working Balama citizen much more free time than someone of a similar position in another nation. For example, on a national level, Balama businesses operate on a four day work week and a six hour work day.Arts
Because the average Balama citizen has far more free time than citizens of other countries allowing them to study and practice crafts, Balamelle is a beacon of the arts. Art is also highly valued in Balamelle, art classes are mandatory subjects for students regardless of the student's major. Balamelle hails the highest percentage of art schools out of any nation. Of the ten most prestigious universities in Balamelle, seven of them are art schools. Of course with the industry so oversaturated, it is incredibly difficult to make a career out of art alone leading many Balama artists to travel to foreign countries to build their artistic careers. Most of the most prominent artists have studied in Balamelle at one point or another.Military
For centuries Balamelle has pledged neutrality in every major international conflict, taking up neither arms nor aid against another. As such, the military is incredibly small; in fact, there is a running joke among Balama citizens that the military is just for show.
Foreign Relations
Balamelle will not intervene with other nations' affairs under nearly any circumstance. In fact, bridges with other countries have been burned over this very issue. Formerly close allies with Jenarus, Balamelle showed no support to either Riza or Jenarus when the Rizan Jenari War began, causing many Jenari citizens to view Balamelle disfavor ably; not least of which being Zin Rani Ji and Zin Balmiri Ji.
Since declaring themselves a nation, Balamelle has had a very close relationship with E.S.o.R.M., who has been diverting a large amount of power to Balamelle for an unknown purpose.
Agriculture & Industry
Balamelle leans heavily towards agriculture. Outside of major cities where most universities and schools are, a large portion of citizens living in rural Balamelle are farmers. Balamelle is well known for their fruit production because of the booming wine industry. Some of Balamelle's most significant crops are grapes and apples.
Infrastructure
The roads of Balamelle are typically cobblestone.
There are many public spaces in Balamelle, significantly Sarantino Square which is home to the Sarantino Market, a flea market that runs 24/7 selling exclusively handmade pieces of art, pottery, clothing, jewelery, fabrics, and such. Outside of the Sarantino Market the streets of Balamelle are lined with similar shop stalls selling arts and crafts.
Architecture
Because of the hilly geography of the Balamelle coast, many singular buildings will be split horizontally with one shop on top and one on the bottom. The two shops will typically have two different enterances, but often have a circular staircase that connect the two in the interior. The architectural style is similar to the style of 18th century Paris architecture, however there is a large presence of lace in Balamelle; both in fabric and outside of it. Lace like patterns are often carved, painted, rendered, or otherwise added to non cloth materials such as wood or stone. Many windows have lace shaped window sills, and cobblestone streets have designs intended to resemble lace.
Founding Date
March 31, 527
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Demonym
Balame
Leader
Government System
Democracy, Parliamentary
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Elos
Official State Religion
Neighboring Nations
Meta
Culturally based off of southern Italy, with elements of northern Italy and Spain. The script used is Latin, and the real world language equivalent is Italian.Allies
Balamelle recognizes E.S.o.R.M. as a nation, Balamelle is the only nation that has consistent trade with E.S.o.R.M.
Formerly allies, Balamelle's reputation among Jenari citizens took a dive when upon the beginning of the Rizan Jenari war, Balamelle refused to offer Jenarus aid.
Tensions have begun rising since the discovery that E.S.o.R.M. has been sending a large amount of energy to Balamelle without explanation, leading the council to believe that Balamelle is planning to take up arms against Riza and Le Veaux over E.S.o.R.M.s freedom.
Tensions have begun rising since the discovery that E.S.o.R.M. has been sending a large amount of energy to Balamelle without explanation, leading the council to believe that Balamelle is planning to take up arms against Riza and Le Veaux over E.S.o.R.M.s freedom.
An ARK intelligence party went to Balamelle to investigate, resulting in the discovery and destruction of a war machina Balamelle was developing.
Comments