Theocracy of Xochimechatl
MILITARY

Because of the problematic nature of maintaining a military force independent of political interference by the temples, the Couatlan government does not have any form of army, navy, or airforce, just as it has no police or security forces - the presence of any armed personnel under government control could quite possibly lead to its use by the ruling temple against its rivals.

However, Couatl is not free of military-type forces. Each of the nine temples maintains its own armed paramilitary group, each with varying sizes and states of readiness. These forces exist to defend the temples against attack by political enemies or by revolutionists, and could be turned against outside aggressors if need be. The largest paramilitary force is part of the Order of Calacoayan, and sees itself as an unofficial police force for Couatl. It is also the only paramilitary force to possess boats as well as troops, and operates a form of coastguard service. None of the paramilitary groups operate any form of aircraft.

Another significant force in Couatl is the Mepilizatlan Unit, a force of undisclosed size operating under the command of the Mepilizatl (the most senior non-temple-associated official in the Couatlan government). This force exists to protect the Mepilizatl (who may well be attacked by a faction hoping to replace him with a candidate more sympathetic to their cause, thus destroying the position's impartiality), to counter the forces maintained by the temples, and to prevent open warfare between factions. This group is rarely employed, however, and detailed information about it is kept secret.

 

The Theocracy of Xochimechatl is a fictional state on the world of Vexillium.