Lipovljana is the administrative capital and largest city of District VI (Viskogorje). Located at the foot of Mount Vjetar, the highest peak in the Divine Republic, it is the nation’s premier winter sports destination.
The city is defined by a sharp socioeconomic divide. During the winter season, it serves as the playground for the political and business elite of Sinj, who reside in luxury, heated chalets on the upper slopes. Conversely, the permanent local population—composed largely of service workers, forestry laborers, and National Energy technicians—lives in the “Lower Valley,” an area historically plagued by under-investment and infrastructure failures.
This disparity has made Lipovljana a hotbed of political radicalism. Once a stronghold of Vjetrusa and Blue Dawn, it is now the power base of Senator Chwa Spas and the socialist wing of Northern Power.
History
The Fortress Town (1839–1960)
For much of its history, Lipovljana was a grim garrison town supporting the nearby University of Dubica-Viskogorje (then a military academy) and guarding the mountain passes. Its economy relied on logging and subsistence farming. During the Unification War, it was the staging ground for General Loncar’s alpine campaigns.
The Resort Boom (1960–1990)
In the 1960s, the Council for Development identified the region’s potential for tourism. The state commissioned GradnjaMC (then KBHM) to construct massive ski resorts and hotels.
The city transformed rapidly. The “Upper Town” was developed with Swiss-style architecture, casinos, and spas, catering to the rising merchant class of the capital. The local population was pushed into the “Lower Town,” a grid of concrete tenements built to house the maids, cooks, and lift operators required to service the resorts.
The 2009 “Winter Freeze”
The turning point in the city’s modern history occurred in the winter of 2009. During a severe cold snap, National Energy implemented rolling blackouts to preserve the grid integrity of the capital.
While the luxury resorts in Upper Lipovljana remained lit and heated due to “priority infrastructure” status, power was cut to the Lower Town for four consecutive days. Temperatures inside worker apartments dropped to -15°C. Several elderly residents froze to death.
The event sparked riots. Local doctor Chwa Spas organized the occupation of the municipal heating plant, forcing engineers to redirect power to the tenements. This insurrection broke the hold of the establishment parties in the city.
Geography and Layout
Lipovljana is built vertically along the slopes of the Viskogorje range.
- The Upper Slopes (The Crown): A gated zone of five-star hotels and private villas owned by figures like Bran Maj and Starskard. The streets are heated to prevent ice buildup.
- The Lower Valley (The Basin): Situated in the shadow of the mountains, this area receives little direct sunlight in winter. It is densely populated and houses the city’s permanent residents.
- The Vjetar Dam: Located just 2km upstream, this massive hydroelectric facility is a constant presence, both as an employer and a potential threat.
Economy
Tourism
Tourism is the dominant industry. The ski season (November to March) brings an influx of wealth that rarely trickles down to the service staff, who are often paid minimum wage and face exorbitant costs of living due to the “resort premium” on goods.
Energy
Lipovljana is the regional headquarters of National Energy. The maintenance of the hydroelectric dams and transmission lines employs a significant portion of the male workforce.
Politics
Since 2012, Lipovljana has been a Northern Power stronghold.
- Socialist Policies: Under the influence of Senator Chwa Spas, the municipal government has implemented aggressive rent controls and levied a “Luxury Tax” on non-resident villa owners.
- Tension with Sinj: The city council frequently clashes with the federal government. In 2018, the Mayor threatened to block the roads leading to the ski resorts unless the Council for Health funded a new hospital wing for the Lower Town.
Culture
- Sport: The city is the hometown of Katarina “The Ice Queen” Joric, the Republic’s most famous alpine skier. She is a local hero, known for training on the public slopes rather than the private resorts.
- “The Thaw”: A local festival held in spring to celebrate the end of the tourist season. Traditionally, locals burn effigies of “The Tax Collector” and “The Landlord” in the town square.