Highpass
| Democratic Humanist Republic of Highpass Demokreit Humanisten Ripublek Passi | |||
| |||
| Motto: | |||
| Anthem: | |||
| [[|250px|Location of Highpass|frameless]] | |||
| Map versions | |||
| Capital | Rhodondra | ||
| Largest city | Spleazure, Abermeade, Tusk | ||
| Official language(s) | Passikaans, Istvanistani | ||
| Official religion(s) | Way of the Veldt, Holodomatic Cedrozurvanism | ||
| Demonym | Highpassian | ||
| - Adjective | Highpassian | ||
| Government | One-Party Humanist Corporate State | ||
| - Archon | Pit Kuuk | ||
| - Legislature | Chamber of Guilds and Corporations | ||
| Establishment | 13.XIV 1699 AN | ||
| Area | 619,525 km2 | ||
| Population | 2,400,000 (1700 approx.) | ||
| Currency | Benacian sovereign (£) Highpassian sovereign (H£) (proposed) | ||
| Calendar | Norton (AN) | ||
| Time zone(s) | CMT -9 | ||
| Mains electricity | |||
| Driving side | Right | ||
| Track gauge | |||
| National website | |||
| National forum | |||
| National animal | |||
| National food | |||
| National drink | |||
| National tree | |||
| Abbreviation | HIP | ||
The Democratic Humanist Republic of Highpass is a land-locked internationally unrecognized state in south-central Benacia.
In 1703, the then unrecognized Republic participated in the Port Esther Summit and walked away with full recognition from Sanama, Cisamarra, Shireroth, Hurmu, and the Benacian Union.
Geography
Highpass is geographically known for The Veldt.
The Veldt is a vast area of grassland stretching from northern Tusk to southern Perrynge. Populated by such species as Aaak Birds and the Wulde Boar, it is a popular hunting ground and because of this there are many historical hunting towns surrounding the Veldt.
The Wulde Boar is farmed on the Veldt and is an important part of the local diet. It is also kept by farmers because its footsteps help prepare the soil for the planting of Graan, which can be brewed for beer.
Culture
Stick Fighting
Highpass was once fiercely tribal with constant battles between those in the North and the South. This regional violence continues today in the form of Steikfaat, a martial art based on the ancient battles of the Veldt. Fighters take branches of the Veldt Acacia Tree tied to the bones of the Aaak Bird to form intimidating weapons, sometimes up to nine feet in length.
Fighters from all of the towns of the region gather in on the outskirts of the city of Tusk to take part in the yearly Steikfaat tournament. The winner of the tournament is declared Champion of the Veldt. A quirk of the Charter of Highpass, declared by Count Oze decrees that the means of winning at Steikfaat shall never be recorded. Because of this, all of the fighters have their own idea of how to win.
Steikfaat is usually carried out in the name of the demi-god of Broken Limbs, Spleazure.
Music
While Steikfaat interests the more barbaric north of Highpass, the southern towns Abermeade, Churn and Shampayne enjoy a rich musical culture. Highpassian Folk Music can be heard on the streets of these towns on most days. With its bending notes and intricate ornamentations, Highpassian music could be considered one of the most difficult styles to play. Count Oze himself enjoyed to practise the Highpassian Fiddle, and often makes guest appearances in the band Veldt Noise.
Religion
Most of the residents of Highpass are firm Cedrists, worshipping the local deities of Rhodondra and Spleazure with various explosions. Natives of the Veldt may also be followers of the Way of the Veldt, a way of life passed down for centuries.
