Culture of Vulshain
LANGUAGE
Languages spoken in your country:
Unonian and Lobonese, as well as English, Latin, and many ancient Unonian languages, or tribal Vulpine, are spoken. Ancient Unonian is often spoken in many rural areas, but it is not unusual for city dwellers to speak it as well. However, Unonian, Lobonese, and tribal Vulpine are the three most commonly spoken languages, followed by, in order of usage, Latin, English, Russian, and French.
Knowledge of foreign languages:
Foreign languages are taught in many schools and universities. This is because during the reign of Presidential Viceroy Merill Rivers, he made it required for all schools to teach foreign languages and that all students must take a foreign language in order to graduate.
This requirement is still carried on, even after the fall of the Human Superiority Regime, as many see it as a useful tool in benefiting Vulshain in the international community. The most common languages taught are German, Russian, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic. Classes are also taught on learning Ancient Unonian languages. While taking such classes meets the foreign language requirements in order to graduate, most students learning Ancient Vulpine languages are usually studying archaeology or anthropology.
Facts about your language; speaking distance & directness:
Please see information about Vekaiyu to learn more about the languages.
NUMBERS
Decimal point:
The decimal point is a period.
Definition of a billion:
The usual definition is 1E9, same as it is in Vekaiyu. However, many people more often use the Arabic definition of a billion, which is nine zeroes.
System of measurement:
The metric system is regarded as the standard, although the non-SI measurement system is also used as well for everyday use (i.e. feet, inches, gallons, etc.). Both systems of measurement are taught in schools, as Vulshain has become aware that some countries do not use the metric system.
How date is written & most important dates:
Dates are written in the following order Month/Day/Year, with the day and year separated by a comma. At one time, months were named after ancient cities, spiritual leaders, or rulers, but this has been replaced with the Gregorian calendar (January, February, March, April, May, etc.) after the Human Superiority Regime tried to remove any sign of Vulpine culture from the nation. Currently, there is speculation that Vulshain will adopt the Vekaiyun calendar, but it is unlikely as many humans and Vulpines are used to the Gregorian calendar.
Luckily, historical records containing dates of ancient festivals and celebrations have helped to restore much of the nation’s heritage that was assumed lost during the Purging ordered by Presidential Viceroy Rivers.
RACE
Variety of races / attitudes about race & foreigners:
Like Vekaiyu and Listonia, Vulshain’s population is made up of mostly foxes with slightly varying fur color. There is very little difference between the Vulpines of Vekaiyu, Listonia, and Vulshain, although Vulshainian Vulpines have bushier tails, sleeker and silkier fur coats, and cat-like eyes with slit-like pupils. Vulshainian Vulpines also have sharper claws. Only in the military is it allowed to use one’s claws to fight with. Many Vekaiyun and Listonian Vulpines find their Vulshainian cousins to be quite attractive, and the reverse is true of the Vulshainian Vulpines as well.
Lobos are the next largest race in Vulshain, many being descendants of Lobo settlers, as well as descendants of native Lobos.
Humans make up the rest of the population, with a small population of Jewish elves living in the eastern forests.
You make jokes about:
Making fun about someone because of their species is frowned upon, although it does happen. Usually, comments are made about humans and their lack of tails and fur, with the usual insults being furless monkeys, tail-less monkeys, and even hairless apes.
Jokes about religion are extremely taboo, due to the nation’s strong belief in freedom of religion, with a few exceptions.
Jokes about one’s sexual preference, age, nationality, social background, political opinions, education, and physical appearance are also frowned upon, and are considered offensive by society. However, political satire is common in the society and perfectly acceptable, as long as they don’t get too offensive.
Self-deprecating humor, or laughing at oneself, is quite common, especially among politicians.
Most jokes are about humans, elves (mainly about their pointed ears, as well as their similarities to humans), and other non-Vulpines/non-Lobos, although many keep such comments as less offensive as possible, or they just keep their mouths shut. Slap-stick comedy is quite popular, however.
POLITICS
Political Parties:
At the present time, there are three major political parties:
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The Svetlana Party: A Democratic Socialist party that is considered very popular among the people due to its dedication in promoting health care, social welfare, education, and religion. The Svetlana Party is a mixture of both liberal, conservative, and moderate ideals and philosophies. It is named after a famous female Vulpine socialist philosopher who immigrated from Vekaiyu during the early 1700s, where her moderate socialist beliefs became well-liked and embraced by Vulshainians, especially among the monarchy and nobility. During the Human Superiority Regime, its members were targeted the most by the Regime humans due to the Svetlana Party’s having more Vulpines and Lobos than any other political party. After the civil war and overthrowing of the Regime, a few Svetlana party members have suggested limiting rights to humans, although the vast majority of the party is against such actions.
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The Konstantin Party: The Konstantin party is a conservative party that seeks to promote capitalism and more democratic freedoms, and is considered the more militaristic of the three, as well as being well-liked by corporations and business executives. Many retired military officers and military-minded conservative politicians are drawn to this party.
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The Iziaslav Party: A liberal party that is the smaller of the three, but is still popular, especially among the intellectual, environmental, agricultural, and artistic communities. It is also popular amongst Vulpine pagans, although Vayan Catholics also support the Iziaslav party, but not as much as the Konstantin Party.
However, Vayan Catholics, Lobo Christians, and pagans are most often supporters of the Svetlana Party, as the Svetlana party has, and still does, strongly promotes many religions in order to further cooperation amongst the citizens.
There are several other smaller parties, but their political leanings and beliefs vary from party to party.
No political party is forbidden from running for office, with several important exceptions, such as speciesist groups, as well as those that advocate terrorism, assassinations, and genocide.
Attitude toward Socialism & Communism:
While capitalism is practiced, there are strong trappings of socialism, especially of market socialism. While private ownership and competition are allowed, businesses are still regulated, especially when the government believes corporations are harming the people.
Many people really do not have a preference for or against socialism or capitalism, although those of Vekaiyun heritage strongly support socialism, while those of a Southern Yugoslavian heritage prefer captialism.
Communism is viewed too extreme for the Vulshainians’ tastes.
Does the government listen to you?
The government has always, more or less, listened to its people. There have been times where the government has gotten too large and restrictive, but the monarch usually acts a check against such things, as the monarch is seen as the protector of the people. Although, in reality, the monarchs usually prevent the formation of an oppressive government as an act of self-preservation in order to protect themselves from criticism and controversy, but there are a few who do so in order to protect the nation against political corruption and tyranny.
While many cities have developed a small degree of cityism similar, but not quite the level, to what developed in many Vekaiyun cities, the vast majority of Vulshainians see themselves as citizens of their nation first, rarely, if ever, putting their cities’ histories and pride ahead of their national pride and heritage.
Elections are voluntary.
Can problems be solved?
Yes, and very quickly in fact. Vulshainians are not huge fans of bureaucracy, preferring issues and decisions to be made quickly and without a lot of headaches.
There have been some bad decisions made, but overall, decision-making is extremely efficient.
Although, the Confederacy has had to do a lot of house cleaning in order to remove the bureaucratic elements from the government after the toppling of the Human Superiority Regime so as to restore the monarchy to power.
If a politician cheats on his wife…
Usually, the politician is thought less of, and may possibly be in danger of losing both respect and confidence from voters and his/her fellow politicians.
Similar to Vekaiyun society, sexual interaction is rarely censored, although certain things are frowned upon.
Military involvement with government:
There is some closeness between the military and the government, but not a lot, as many are afraid of a return to either the Time of Bloodshed in the mid to late 15th century when the military took power or the time when the militant Regime was in power.
At the moment, many are concerned with the election and crowning of a veteran as king.
Freedom of speech, patriotism, royalty, changing names, misc.:
Freedom of speech is very open, although it is limited to certain things, such as the transferring of classified information. Vulshainians are very patriotic and nationalistic. Those living in or near historically famous cities usually express a great deal of pride in that city, namely that city’s history and prestige; but, as mentioned earlier, Vulshainians are more prideful of their nation.
There is some nobility that exists, but usually nobles are simply wealthy members of society who descend from famous houses of nobility tracing back to periods in Vulshain’s history. They have very little, if any at all, control over the people. The monarch, while possessing legislative, judicial, and executive powers granted by the Constitution of the Confederacy, is seen more as a symbol of hope and pride among the nation’s people, but the monarch does take part quite often in policy making.
Overall, the people are happy with their lives, although many are suspicious of humans due to the atrocities committed by humans against Vulpines and Lobos during the Human Superiority Regime and Vulshainian Civil War.
ECONOMICS
Utilities & companies: public or private:
All universities and schools are required by law to be public, with a few privately-run schools. Those that are admitted do so because of their intellectual performance. With the exception of privately-run schools, students do not pay tuition. Education is extremely important in Vulshainian society, and the people take great pride in their commitment to a strong education for their children.
Privately-owned schools are usually special academies and universities that cater to a special selection of students, usually military and special education.
Utilities and companies are usually privately owned, although a few are run by the government.
Inflation & unemployment:
Both problems are under control, although during a civil war seven years ago where followers of Merrill Rivers tried to restore the Human Superiority Regime did the country suffer under a major economic crisis. It took four years for Vulshain’s economy to return to normal, but the nation has a long way to go before it can return to its former glory.
Taxes:
The tax rate is usually reasonable, but the wealthy are usually taxed a little bit more. People complain about their taxes, but that’s normal.
Variety of items for sale, haggling:
This very common, as Vulshain doesn’t outlaw private ownership. Haggling and bargain hunting are commonplace in many areas, even in the cities.
Credit cards:
Credit cards are allowed and are usually issued out by private businesses, although the government does have some control in order to prevent scams and illegal racketeering. It doesn’t monitor it too closely, however. Debit cards are much more popular than credit cards.
Inheritance:
Because inheritance can’t be completely controlled, the government doesn’t have an inheritance tax, although a few cities do have a small tax, but it isn’t big. Most inheritances are not taxed due to an ancient Vulshainian tradition that considered the taxing of inheritance to be the same as trespassing and stealing, although when this tradition began is still debated.
SOCIAL WELFARE
Attitudes toward social security, welfare programs, unemployment payments, medical assistance, charitable aid:
Charity and compassion are important parts of Vulshainian culture, so it is no surprise that there is a social welfare system. Social security is usually given out to those who have been working for at least ten to sixteen years, although there is some leeway depending on when the worker started working. Most often, social security is given to the elderly and disabled, although the amount of the social security check is dependent on their incomes. Medical assistance is provided to the elderly, disabled, mentally handicapped, orphans, and veterans, due to strong beliefs in helping others.
The government does have unemployment and disabilities insurance, as many believe it is their duty to help their fellow citizens. However, the government has stated that those who are unemployed are expected to find new jobs quickly as it will only give an unemployed worker checks for at the most five months, seven if the economy isn’t doing so well. To help the unemployed, the government has set up government run employment help centers where trained staff assist the jobless in finding a new job. Even family members and friends help an unemployed loved one in finding another job.
All businesses are required by law to allow employees time off for emergencies and events such as death in the family, regardless if the death was in the immediate family or not, sickness, marriages, maternity leave, and family emergencies.
INTERNATIONAL
Knowledge of world capitals & leaders:
Most people know at least something about relations with other countries, although the majority living in the cities are more informed than those living in rural areas.
Students are required to write papers and do projects on foreign nations in order to promote a healthy relationship with foreigners and help improve relations with other countries.
Attitudes toward the other countries of the East Pacific:
Mixed. Vulshain is constantly on guard against the possibility of a foreign power that trying to invade.
During the Human Superiority Regime, many speciesist and human-centric nations like Drakkengard were strongly allied with before the Monarchical Revolution.
Vulshain gets along quite well with the Vulpine nations of Vekaiyu and Listonia, as well Southern Yugoslavia, although ties with those nations were greatly damaged during the Human Superiority Regime and the Civil War. Currently, Vulshain’s newly elected and crowned king is trying to improve relations with many countries in order to help restore his nation.
Has your country been conquered?
Yes, but not completely. Barbarian raiders during 200 AD conquered parts of Vulshain before being driven out 50 years later.
Many Vulshainians consider the time when the Regime was in charge as being conquered.
A civil war broke out seven years ago, where several parts of the country were invaded and occupied by Human Superiority Regime remnants.
Wars:
While Vulshain is a peaceful nation, the people are not idiots, and they know that not everyone is peaceful. When push comes to shove, they push back. However, they will try to reason in order to prevent needless bloodshed. They do not fight to conquer, but to defend themselves and others from aggressors.
There have been three civil wars: during the Time of Bloodshed in the 1400s, the Monarchical Revolution that overthrew the Regime, and the recent Vulshainian Civil War.
There was some infighting in ancient times before an ancient Vulpine king unified Ancient Vulshain, bringing about an age of peace to the country. Many hope for a similar age as the new king is directly descended from that ancient king.
LAW AND CRIME
Court system & lawsuits
The courts function extremely well, although, the government is struggling with restoring the legal system to normal, especially after the Regime rearranged the legal system to benefit humans. Many laws were altered or completely changed, and the original documents were lost when the Regime came to power. Many have suggested looking to the court systems of other countries for inspiration in fixing the system.
Bribes:
Bribes occur from time to time, but it mainly depends on who know and how much you’re offering. The last two monarchs prior to the current one have done much to fight back against corruption. The current king is also doing his best as well.
Police & gun ownership:
Gun ownership is protected by the Constitution, but the law strictly requires a person to be a certain age in order to own and use a firearm. In order to use any gun, one must be twenty-two and must pass a written exam on gun safety before being allowed to own a gun, as well as pay a small licensing fee.
Police officers are allowed to use a gun, but they are prohibited from using excessive force. This stems from the Human Protection Enforcers (HPEf) that were used by the Regime to instill fear and terror in the non-human citizens. HPEf officers were infamous for their brutality and disregard for people’s rights. They were little more than glorified government-sanctioned thugs wearing a badge, possessing really bad tempers, and having itchy trigger-fingers.
The restoration of the monarchy also restored the Vulshainian Police Militia. The Police Militia is both a law enforcement organization and during times of emergency or crisis, functions as a backup paramilitary organization. The Police Militia can only operate as a military unit when they receive what is commonly called the ‘Hell Light’ order, which is basically an order to mobilize as all hell’s broken loose. It was originally suggested as a joke, but the usefulness has paid off as shown during the civil war when the Police Militia helped the military drive out the Regime forces during fighting in several major cities. Corruption is very low, and rarely occurs. All police officers are required to read a suspect’s rights upon their arrest.
Dangerous places:
The most dangerous places are those where hate groups, street gangs, and other lowlifes hang out. Most citizens stay clear of them, and many advise tourists to do the same. Some of these areas have gotten worse after the Civil War ended, as now these areas are hiding places and staging grounds for small cells of many human-centric terrorist organizations. The police and military have so far, been successful in removing these dangerous elements from the streets, although it is a slow and uphill battle.
There has been a small increase in crime in immigrant neighborhoods, but so far, the immigrants obey the laws and behave themselves.
Lawyers
Lawyers are probably the reason why the court and legal systems haven’t fallen into chaos, as many are well-educated and take pride in their professions. The government usually assigns a lawyer to those accused.
EDUCATION
History you learned:
The history of both Vulshain and other nations are taught, although Vulshainian history is usually a little bit nationalistic, but is normally factual and extensive. The histories of other countries are also taught quite extensively as well, in order to promote a better understanding of how the world works.
Cost of school:
Thanks to taxes, the majority of schools are free.
College:
College is also free of cost. Many universities and colleges throughout Vulshain are renowned for being centers of the arts, science, and technology. To be admitted, one’s achievements in grade school, along with other areas, are closely looked at. Normally, college can last from three to seven years. It is encouraged for students to go through graduate school, which is also free, but one is required to maintain a strict GPA of at least 2.99. The first time one falls below this range, they are placed on academic probation. The second time, you are expelled. Many Vulshainians like to tease their Vekayiun cousins that they’re nicer to their students than Vekayiu is to its students. Many Vekayiuns simply roll their eyes and groaned.
EMPLOYMENT
Are you a farmer?
Possibly. Much of the eastern and southeastern areas of Vulshain possess rich and fertile lands suitable for agriculture.
Can you be fired?
Yes, but your being fired much be reasonable. An employer cannot terminate your employment for simply no reason. The government steps in if it even slightly suspects an employer of firing a worker for a dumb reason. Job termination is usually based on competency and if the worker in question is causing a disturbance in the workplace. Being fired is looked down upon, but it is not the end of the world. Many quickly seek out new jobs as laziness is frowned upon more than getting fired is.
Labor day:
The vast majority of businesses recognize the first Friday of each Month as a labor day, unless that Friday is a religious or already a national holiday, then it is the first Monday that is a labor day. While Vulshainians are a hard-working people, they like their time off just as everyone else does.
Appointments, punctuality, negotiating:
Tardiness is looked down upon, although it is excused if the person has a good reason. That’s reason, not excuse. To a Vulshainian, there’s a huge difference between the two. As long as a worker let’s his boss know he will be late and is already heading to work, then there will no punishment. However, constant lateness is considered disrespectful not only to one’s employer but also to one’s fellow employees. Both deductions in wages for each offense, as well as the social stigma for being late are enough to keep one from being tardy.
Appointments and negotiations are flexible, as government regulations of businesses, even those privately owned, give employers little room to maneuver.
TRANSPORTATION
Which side of the road / traffic lights / pedestrian safety:
All cities and towns, even smaller ones, have well-maintained sidewalks for pedestrians. Villages, are often safe, as most very few own cars in rural areas, although there have been traffic accidents occurring in rural parts of the countries. Traffic lights have three lights - one green, one yellow, and one red; the light blinks before it turns completely. Roads are driven on the left-hand side, and the conditions of the roads get worse as one gets farther from the cities, although in recent times, the government is attempting to improve all of its road.
Normally, people travel by train when going into rural areas as the railway system is considered the lifeline of the entire country, a fact that many enemies have exploited.
Taxis:
Taxis are used quite common, especially in the smaller towns and villages, where many don’t own their own cars. Buses, taxis, and subways are being used quite often nowadays.
Quality of public transportation, trains, buses, planes:
The conditions of buses and taxis are in excellent shape, although the railway system is used by all parts of society, from citizens to the military to industries. Prior to the rise of the Regime, many railways were constructed during a profitable economic boon and that have been well-maintained, although the civil war damaged many important railroads and the government is still trying to restore them before letting anyone use them in order to prevent a disaster such as the chemical spill that resulted in the evacuation of an entire town a year ago. Airplanes are also well-maintained as Vulshain is well known for its aerospace industry, which has both private and military contracts.
RELATIONSHIPS
First names & forms of address
Vulshain uses the same rules of addressing someone as Vekaiyu does, although addressing someone on a first name basis is usually reserved for relationships between friends and family.
Arranged marriages & wedding customs:
Similar to Vekaiyu, marriages are usually not arranged. Like Vekaiyu, there are two forms of marriage: the more formal, modern ceremony involving a ceremony at a cathedral or church and a mass leading up to it, and the old form of marriage which can be in a cathedral or in an open field or forest, which involves cutting the wrists of both partners and “letting their blood run as one”, in response to pagan beliefs in which blood should meet in marriage and during consummation, where the souls are said to meet and unite for a short period of time, forming the “Yivur” or in modern terms a zygote. Health concerns, even deaths have caused the zygote part of the marriage to be replaced with a hand fasting ritual.
Because there are roughly the same amount Vulpine pagans as there are Vayan Catholics, it is not uncommon for members of the two different faiths to marry each other, much to the shock of religious leaders of both faiths, as well as many Vekaiyuns. It is not unusual for these couples to have two marriages, the Vayan Catholic and then the pagan marriage.
It is not uncommon for people of different races to marry, although the most common are Lobos and Vulpines.
Importance of family background & social status:
While Vulshainians regard the Vulpine people as one big family just like their Vekaiyun cousins, the individual family is still considered just as important, more so than it is in Vekaiyu. Still, it is not uncommon for families to help other families, believing they are all related in a common thread. Social status is rarely paid any heed to, even by the few remaining members of the nobility.
Preferences of physical appearance:
Just like Vekaiyu, green eyes are considered attractive and those living in rural areas believe green-eyed people are able to wield magic. Being thin is considered attractive just as it is in Vekaiyu.
There are some differences, however. Vulshainians have sleeker and silkier furs than Vulpines in other countries. Their tails are also bushier than other Vulpines. In addition, Vulshainians have cat-like eyes with slit-like pupils. Many Vekaiyuns and Listonians find their Vulshainians cousins to be extremely attractive, and the reverse is true, too. Proper hygiene is strongly encouraged and grooming one’s fur, especially the tail, is considered part of maintaining one’s image. Dying one’s fur for religious events is also common. In ancient times, exaggerating the outline of the eyes and having larger ears was considered very attractive. Unlike Vekaiyuns, Vulshainians take great pride in their tails, and it is extremely taboo to yank on somebody’s tail. Removing the tail is extremely taboo for the same reason: pride. Thus, in contrast to Vekaiyu, Vulshainian swimmers still have their tails.
Vulshainian Lobos are like their Southern Yugoslavian relatives.
Sexuality & attitudes toward homosexuality:
Just like in Vekaiyu, sex is a very open subject, and is often encouraged, especially in the spring months. There is very little censorship of sexual practices, but pornography is frowned upon. Homosexuality and bisexuality are not really a problem, and while the Vayan Catholic Church outlaws them, society as a whole is tolerate of them. Gay marriage is also becoming more common especially in suburban areas.
Abortion is a touchy subject, but the law does allow it for situations due to rape or where the mother’s life is at risk. Abortion is never given simply because the mother wants to do it. Instead of abortion, the government recommends putting the newborn up for adoptation.
Relations with family / visiting / misc.:
Family is considered both the entire Vulpine and the Lobo races and the immediate family. Even humans and other races may be considered “among their fold”, being very accepting to those who wish to be with them. Immediate family is considered to be loving and accepting of those within it, even if one member is fired or is unable to advance in education. In recent years, many Vulpine and Lobo couples have started adopting orphaned human children in the hopes of teaching acceptance to others. This is why there were many humans who were horrified and angered by the bigotry committed by the Regime.
AT HOME
Things in your house:
Typically household furniture, pictures of vulpine heroes, family members, etc. Beds, a television and a few radios are common. Computers are common nowadays, and in the rural areas, more and more people are using computers. Most houses, apartments, and non-detached houses are allowed their own unique artistry, and residential areas are often kept up very well and appear quite unique. Crosses and pagan symbols, representing protection, may decorate doors or sides of houses.
Bathroom:
Shower, toilet, sink, and sometimes a bathtub. Larger homes may have a hot tub-like bathtub.
Telephone:
Telephone services are plentiful and reliable - a free service covered under taxes. Although, cell pone service is run privately.
Climate:
Much of Vulshain has roughly the same climate as Vekaiyu and Southern Yugoslavia, with a few differences, such as summers being a little bit cooler, usually between 65°F to 80°F. Winters are little bit colder, although they rarely drop below freezing. It does snow at times. Rain is frequent, especially in the eastern parts of the country.
FOOD
Biggest meals of the day:
Lunch in midday.
What you won’t eat (and odd things you will):
Vulshainians will never eat sentient species; cannibalism is outlawed. They are generally omnivorous, eating a steady diet of fruits, vegetables, and meats. Unlike their Vekaiyun cousins, Vulshainians do not drink blood. Many Vulshainians are shocked upon seeing their Vekaiyun cousins drinking blood. Although it was once taboo, the arrival of many Vekaiyun immigrants have caused the practice to become more or less tolerated.
In recent years, many of the foods from Southern Yugoslavia have become popular as well, so many restaurants now serve Vekaiyun, Vulshainian, and Southern Yugoslavian foods.
Unlike their Vekaiyun cousins, Vulshainian vulpines like eating sweet-tasting foods, especially cakes and pies; the sweeter and richer, the better. Many Vekaiyuns often say that their Vulshainian cousins have sweet teeth.
How you eat & local cuisine:
Please see Vekaiyu’s section on this, as Vulshainians and Vekaiyuns share the same exact eating habits.
Fast food & restaurants:
Fast food restaurants typically sell easy meals: hamburger-like sandwiches, soups, salads, etc. Restaurants are known for being pricey, and are generally reserved for special occasions, business meetings, dates, and tourists.
Packaging:
Typically involves plastic. Paper is still used in the country, with salt used to keep the meat from rotting. Other items, like jellies, are put in jars. It just depends on the food being packaged.
HEALTH
Quality of health care & national health insurance:
Health care is plentiful and controlled by both the government and private businesses, although the state is the one in charge. Doctors are always available, and many pharmacies are quick to deliver medications. Pharmaceutical research is well-funded especially since many rare plants have been discovered containing cures for several diseases. One plant, doctors and researchers believe, holds the key to curing the Vulpine race of the Yellow Plague forever.
Attitudes toward doctors:
Doctors are honored and considered always right, most of the time. Many Vulshainians take what their doctors say with a grain of salt. In addition, a doctor who has caused too many deaths due to malpractice will surely face both a hefty fine and life in prison.
RELIGION
Major religions & attitudes toward them:
Vayan Catholicism and Vulpine paganism are both practiced in Vulshain, most to the embarrassment of Vekaiyuns. However, many people are not actually pagans, but actually practice many pagan customs and traditions as an act of cultural and national pride. Even many devout Vulshainian Vayan Catholics have admitted to taking part in a few pagan celebrations. To learn more about the Vayan Catholic Church please see Vekaiyu’s section on Religion. Similar to Vekaiyu, sexuality is taken very liberal and believed to be beautiful, so there usually very little censorship.
Many ancient pagan temples are still maintained and visited by Vulpine pagans, especially during pagan festivals and celebrations.
In the last forty years, there has been an increase in the number of marriages between Vayan Catholics and Vulpine pagans. While the Vayan Catholic church was at first strongly against such unions, it decided to, although reluntanctly, allow these marriages thirty years ago.
One human joked, “Vulshain doesn’t have an official religion, but you can consider Vayan Catholicism and Vulpine paganism to be the unofficial state religions, with Methodism next in line.”
Amongst humans, religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity are practiced, although Methodism, a branch Protestant Christianity, is the most often practiced among humans. In fact, many Vulpines are beginning to convert to Methodism in recent months, much to the surprise of the vast majority of Vulshainians, Listonians, and Vekaiyuns.
Many ancient temples and cathedrals were damaged or destroyed by the Regime during both its time in power and during the civil war as the Regime attempted to purge the nation of any and all non-human symbols. Restoration of these sites is still being conducted. A few, unfortunately, are considered lost forever.
Relationship between church and state:
Church and state are completely separated as the Constitution clearly protects one’s choice to worship any religion they want, excepting those that are a danger to society and the public.
Still, the royal coronation is conducted by both the Vayan Catholic Church and Vulpine pagan priests. It is believed that this represents a unity between Vulshain’s two heritages: its Vekaiyun heritage, represented by the church, and its native Vulshainian heritage, represented by paganism.
Christmas & other holidays:
Holidays are the usual Vayan Catholic holidays, although Vulpine pagan holidays are also observed as well in order to promote pride in the nation’s heritage and culture.
VACATIONS
Amount of vacation time:
Generally, the first weekend in one month is a three-day weekend due to the labor days. Many businesses give their employees a two-week paid vacation, although this actually varies from profession to profession as to when an employee receives this vacation.
Beach attire, nude and topless beaches:
Men wear shorts or pants. Unlike Vekaiyu, bikinis are extremely popular among Vulshainian women, and are designed for both swimming and leisure. However, many Vekaiyun immigrants prefer one piece bathing suits instead. Many Vekaiyuns and Southern Yugoslavians experience culture shock upon seeing beaches where the women are wearing bikinis. They experience even greater culture shock when they see that some beaches are actually nude and topless beaches. However, there are very few of these, but many Vulshainians are puzzled by their Vekaiyun and Southern Yugoslavian cousins’ shock as their fur helps to maintain their modesty.
Hotel rooms with private baths:
It is a given. Enough said.
Popular travel destinations & recreational activities:
Beaches and coastal cities are the main tourist attractions, as Vulshain’s white and dark brown sandy beaches are considered unique and a reasonable place to enjoy warmer weather. Historical locations, such as ancient settlements, intact marble statues honoring pagan gods, cathedrals, castles, pagan temples, and even historical cities are very popular destinations. The western and northern parts of the nation are a more colder climate, and skiing and snowboarding are enjoyed here.
After the fall of the Regime, a few labor camp prisons, such as the infamous Thanos Gate Labor Prison, were transformed into museums to remind people of the atrocities that can arise from bigotry and hatred. It is hope that visitors will leave with the knowledge that such should never happen again.
The town of Lily’s Meadow, named for the lily-filled meadows that surround the town, has become a popular tourist attraction as the recently elected and crowned King Samuil Rainard was born in this town. However, the town also has a monument in memory of many of the townsfolk who were slaughtered by Regime soldiers during the Civil War. King Rainard’s own parents were among those killed.
Vandalism of historical sites is strictly prohibited by law and usually carries the punishment of a huge fine and a couple of years in prison, followed by three years of community service.
History is loved and adored in Vulshain. As one tourist noted, “The Vulshainians can’t get enough of history!”
ARTS
Attitude toward opera, ballet, theater, etc.:
Like Vekaiyu, artists, dancers, musicians, and others are held in the same regard as doctors, scientists, and military personnel. However, unlike Vekaiyun art which is dark and disturbing, Vulshainian art is much more colorful and soothing. However, many Vekaiyun art styles have started to appear, mainly due to Vekaiyun immigrants and visiting artists. Ballet and theater are also important and can be about a wide variety of subjects and topics, such as the lives of saints and historical figures, to battles and even fictional stories. Vixen bodies are often believed to be designed perfectly for both dancing and swimming, so both are quite important.
MOVIES
Dubbing or subtitles?
Both, although, subtitles are more commonplace.
TELEVISION
TV news, newspapers, & print media:
There is very little censorship of the media, although there are laws that keeps the media from printing boldface lies to the public. Vulshain has a very sophisticated system of television stations, radio stations, and newspapers. Printed media is also rarely censored. The Internet is quite reliable, and rarely is it slowed by traffic problems, and it is generally free and diverse.
COMICS
Format:
In newspapers and internet, it’s pretty much a general format. Cartoons which criticize the government are allowed.
SPORTS
Popular sports:
Baseball is a common sport in Vekaiyu, as well as soccer and hockey. Women are active in sports, and many are renowned for their skills in swimming, acrobatics, figure skating, and athletics. There are also women’s baseball and soccer teams. This is a surprise to many Vekaiyun visitors and immigrants. Boxing is also watched and participated in; martial arts is also practiced, especially those that focus on speed, agility, and grace, characteristics that the Vulpine body was made for. Martial arts were practiced by the native Vulshainians, and these styles were mixed with those of Vekaiyun and Southern Yugoslavian settlers.
Underwater lacrosse is considered the national sport. Its popularity has soared recently as King Rainard himself was a renowned player in his hometown.
Games and Puzzles:
Pretty much any playing cards are allowed, with general card game both foreign and native to Vekaiyu are enjoyed. Chess is a very competitive game.
OOC: Holy cow! That was a lot of typing, but it was worth it. There are a few similiarities between Vulshain and Vekaiyu, although you will notice a lot of difference between the two countries.
