Post by Duquin on Nov 10, 2013 3:40:35 GMT
Tetsugoku Empire
Type: Empire {In a state of civil war, can change at any moment.}
Location: Far East
Capital: None Currently
Rukh Alignment: Having been at peace for two generations, the people of Tetsugoku have been producing a healthy amount of white rukh for many years. But now that it is in a warring states period, many people suffer as husbands and fathers leave home for war against fellow countrymen for the sake of their lords ambitions. Black rukh has begun to spread and is gradually getting stronger as an age of strife dawns upon the country.
OVERVIEW
Climate/Weather
Tetsugoku has a climate identical to Japan with a few exceptions. In addition to their earthquakes and tsunamis, Tetsugoku possesses seven active volcanoes. Granted they are all fairly small in nature, these volcanoes erupt lick clockwork based on a 50 year lunar cycle. No one knows the reason why these Volcanoes link up to the movements of the stars, but the Magi were said to both visit the volcanoes during each eruption phase. The next phase in upcoming but the Magi are still missing so some think there may be trouble during the next phase.
Plantlife
In this regard Tetsugoku is once again just like Japan. There are some rare and mystical herbs which grow there naturally and possess powerful healing properties. But for the most part the main crop grown is rice.
Wildlife
Once again, Tetsugoku is a carbon copy of Japan in this regard, but the country also possesses a few monsters which roam its lands. There are many creatures of japanese folklore still living in the country, but most are hidden deep within the mountains. There one can find beasts which can manipulate magoi such as Tengu and Kappa. There are also Magoi manipulating spiders and multiple tailed foxes. But all of these creatures are rare these days. There are only a handful of each still inhabiting Testugoku's untouched wilderness and their territory is slowly being encroached upon every day. At sea, the country suffers from your average case of sea monsters. The locals have learned the patterns and territories of the sea monsters so they manage local trade without much incident, but even they have trouble when sailing out of the country. But on the bright side, the country is also protected on all sides by the sea monsters, so they have very few pirate problems.
Architecture
I think you've noticed the pattern by now, but even the buildings in Tetsugoku are based off japan. Fuedal Japan during the warring states period to be exact.
Locals
The people wear the clothing and have the same basic culture as japan and share many of their beliefs, with the alteration that their monks grasp a clear understanding of rukh and magoi. While it was at peace the country gave off a shining light of growth and development! But now that chaos has befallen the lands the people are starting to give off a hopeless feel. The only people who feel like they have futures are the lords whom bicker over rights to rule and their honor bound retainers.
POLITICS
The country used to be ruled by the emperor whom could make imperial decrees and edicts which would then be followed by 13 lords. The lords ruled over fiefdoms and carried out the emperors will...that was until the emperor and his bloodline were killed. Now the lords have taken up arms against each other fighting over the right to rule the entire country. It is essentially one giant battleground for 13 different warlords. Out of all 13 there are four which stand out as the most powerful.
Takenada Clan
A clan of skilled warriors whom have been indebted to the old emperor's family. Instead of making war with the other clans to take the throne for themselves, they have decided to protect the weaker clans and are acting as a barrier between those whom don't want to fight, and the lords who are at each others throats.
Sounori Clan
The most financially powerful of all the clans due to their control over the main ports with foreign trade ties. They have superior weapons and equipment in comparison to their competitors and more supplies. But they also have less well trained men and those they do are paid for with coin making them a bit less willing to fight to the death for their masters.
Hoshiyama Clan
The most aggressive and powerful of all the lords vying for power in Tetsugakure is without a doubt the Hoshiyama. They were the greatest foes of the previous emperor and have long held a grudge against them for a humiliating defeat suffered at the end of the last warring states period. Since then, the clan has thrown themselves into military training and development waiting for an opportunity like this. They might have the smallest standing army, but each of their fighters is far more elite than the common foot soldier found on the typical Tetsugoku battlefield. Many of their fighters are Magoi Manipulators and even the children and women fight on the front line.
KageOni
More of a title given by the people than a proper name. The KageOni are a mysterious group of elite warriors trained in stealth and magoi manipulation. They are the ninja of Tetsugoku, but the groups intentions are not clear. Since the warring states period began anew they've seemingly scattered to the winds and moved to "serve" other lords. But every lord insists that he is not ordering the KageOni to do anything, even though they've seemingly acted on number lords accounts through assassinations of generals or sabotaging of enemy castles and armies. The truth behind these events and the KageOni are a mystery to all but they themselves.
CULTURE
There is a sort of bridge between the every day people of the land, the lords who rule over them, and the samurai/retainers whom follow the lords, bound by a strict code of honor. The average folk, the farmers, the smiths, the firshermen, the weavers, they all just want to live their lives peacefully. They hold many festivals celebrating the spirits of the land which happens to make the local rukh very happy. When they aren't enjoying a seasonal festivity, they live their lives one day at a time dedicating themselves to their land of trade. For the most part it is a country full of good, hardworking people.
The Samurai live a different life. They are a warrior class born and raised into combat with nerves as cold and sharp as the blades they carry. These men hold honor above all however each one perceives his own personal honor differently. Some can be bought with coin, while others look for righteousness in their lords, some are even war orphans and are living in debt to their benefactors. But most are all sworn to follow his or her lord, no matter what path said lord may walk. The samurai are not without their ceremonies and they have their own social chemistry far beyond the grasp of the common farmer. Samurai will clash with each other time and time again on various battle fields but rarely do they ever go for the enemy generals heads. Their strength as powerful warriors and rivals is recognized and it isn't unlikely for them to join the side of those whom have defeated them. However most usually don't join with their attackers and leave to go serve another lord or become ronin.
The Lords themselves vary from case to case. Generally they gauge each other based on recent wealth gains and accomplishments in one field or another. The more impressive the lord is, the more likely it is that he will be deferred to for the final say on any group discussion. Many of the lords are close friends and meet often when not at war. But the tensions of the current civil conflict have made all the tea ceremonies and other pleasantries come to an end. Now all the lords have closed their doors to one another for fear of treachery.
INFRASTRUCTURE & ECONOMY
Housing
Most of the population lives in simple homes with humble belongings. Being a primarily agricultural nation much of their land goes into farming which leaves many families grouped into residential areas. The nobles however live in castles and experience much better living conditions.
Hunger Level
While the country is not yet facing a food shortage, many of its farmers have been called to war and it is expected that hunger levels will slowly increase the longer the warring states period lasts. Right now the poverty levels is pretty minor. Few actually starve to death or are unable to make a living. But for how long things will be that way, only time can tell.
Slavery Status
There is no slavery system in Tetsugoku, but the commonfolk are considered surfs whom are allowed to live on their lords land in exchange for taxes and offerings. While these people live generally free lives, should they incur the wrath of their lord then their lives may well be forfeit as they nobles possess all the military power.
Exports/Imports
Tetsugoku makes a large amount of money trough exporting their high quality metal working. The import nothing however which makes their relationship with trade merchants a bit shaky. The merchants don't like risking the dangerous waters just to spend money. But the quality of the kingdom's steel is known world wide and it is the home of many expert blacksmiths. The money earned by selling Tetsugoku weapons and steel aboard more than makes up for the danger involved in trading with them.
Location: Far East
Capital: None Currently
Rukh Alignment: Having been at peace for two generations, the people of Tetsugoku have been producing a healthy amount of white rukh for many years. But now that it is in a warring states period, many people suffer as husbands and fathers leave home for war against fellow countrymen for the sake of their lords ambitions. Black rukh has begun to spread and is gradually getting stronger as an age of strife dawns upon the country.
OVERVIEW
Climate/Weather
Tetsugoku has a climate identical to Japan with a few exceptions. In addition to their earthquakes and tsunamis, Tetsugoku possesses seven active volcanoes. Granted they are all fairly small in nature, these volcanoes erupt lick clockwork based on a 50 year lunar cycle. No one knows the reason why these Volcanoes link up to the movements of the stars, but the Magi were said to both visit the volcanoes during each eruption phase. The next phase in upcoming but the Magi are still missing so some think there may be trouble during the next phase.
Plantlife
In this regard Tetsugoku is once again just like Japan. There are some rare and mystical herbs which grow there naturally and possess powerful healing properties. But for the most part the main crop grown is rice.
Wildlife
Once again, Tetsugoku is a carbon copy of Japan in this regard, but the country also possesses a few monsters which roam its lands. There are many creatures of japanese folklore still living in the country, but most are hidden deep within the mountains. There one can find beasts which can manipulate magoi such as Tengu and Kappa. There are also Magoi manipulating spiders and multiple tailed foxes. But all of these creatures are rare these days. There are only a handful of each still inhabiting Testugoku's untouched wilderness and their territory is slowly being encroached upon every day. At sea, the country suffers from your average case of sea monsters. The locals have learned the patterns and territories of the sea monsters so they manage local trade without much incident, but even they have trouble when sailing out of the country. But on the bright side, the country is also protected on all sides by the sea monsters, so they have very few pirate problems.
Architecture
I think you've noticed the pattern by now, but even the buildings in Tetsugoku are based off japan. Fuedal Japan during the warring states period to be exact.
Locals
The people wear the clothing and have the same basic culture as japan and share many of their beliefs, with the alteration that their monks grasp a clear understanding of rukh and magoi. While it was at peace the country gave off a shining light of growth and development! But now that chaos has befallen the lands the people are starting to give off a hopeless feel. The only people who feel like they have futures are the lords whom bicker over rights to rule and their honor bound retainers.
POLITICS
The country used to be ruled by the emperor whom could make imperial decrees and edicts which would then be followed by 13 lords. The lords ruled over fiefdoms and carried out the emperors will...that was until the emperor and his bloodline were killed. Now the lords have taken up arms against each other fighting over the right to rule the entire country. It is essentially one giant battleground for 13 different warlords. Out of all 13 there are four which stand out as the most powerful.
Takenada Clan
A clan of skilled warriors whom have been indebted to the old emperor's family. Instead of making war with the other clans to take the throne for themselves, they have decided to protect the weaker clans and are acting as a barrier between those whom don't want to fight, and the lords who are at each others throats.
Sounori Clan
The most financially powerful of all the clans due to their control over the main ports with foreign trade ties. They have superior weapons and equipment in comparison to their competitors and more supplies. But they also have less well trained men and those they do are paid for with coin making them a bit less willing to fight to the death for their masters.
Hoshiyama Clan
The most aggressive and powerful of all the lords vying for power in Tetsugakure is without a doubt the Hoshiyama. They were the greatest foes of the previous emperor and have long held a grudge against them for a humiliating defeat suffered at the end of the last warring states period. Since then, the clan has thrown themselves into military training and development waiting for an opportunity like this. They might have the smallest standing army, but each of their fighters is far more elite than the common foot soldier found on the typical Tetsugoku battlefield. Many of their fighters are Magoi Manipulators and even the children and women fight on the front line.
KageOni
More of a title given by the people than a proper name. The KageOni are a mysterious group of elite warriors trained in stealth and magoi manipulation. They are the ninja of Tetsugoku, but the groups intentions are not clear. Since the warring states period began anew they've seemingly scattered to the winds and moved to "serve" other lords. But every lord insists that he is not ordering the KageOni to do anything, even though they've seemingly acted on number lords accounts through assassinations of generals or sabotaging of enemy castles and armies. The truth behind these events and the KageOni are a mystery to all but they themselves.
CULTURE
There is a sort of bridge between the every day people of the land, the lords who rule over them, and the samurai/retainers whom follow the lords, bound by a strict code of honor. The average folk, the farmers, the smiths, the firshermen, the weavers, they all just want to live their lives peacefully. They hold many festivals celebrating the spirits of the land which happens to make the local rukh very happy. When they aren't enjoying a seasonal festivity, they live their lives one day at a time dedicating themselves to their land of trade. For the most part it is a country full of good, hardworking people.
The Samurai live a different life. They are a warrior class born and raised into combat with nerves as cold and sharp as the blades they carry. These men hold honor above all however each one perceives his own personal honor differently. Some can be bought with coin, while others look for righteousness in their lords, some are even war orphans and are living in debt to their benefactors. But most are all sworn to follow his or her lord, no matter what path said lord may walk. The samurai are not without their ceremonies and they have their own social chemistry far beyond the grasp of the common farmer. Samurai will clash with each other time and time again on various battle fields but rarely do they ever go for the enemy generals heads. Their strength as powerful warriors and rivals is recognized and it isn't unlikely for them to join the side of those whom have defeated them. However most usually don't join with their attackers and leave to go serve another lord or become ronin.
The Lords themselves vary from case to case. Generally they gauge each other based on recent wealth gains and accomplishments in one field or another. The more impressive the lord is, the more likely it is that he will be deferred to for the final say on any group discussion. Many of the lords are close friends and meet often when not at war. But the tensions of the current civil conflict have made all the tea ceremonies and other pleasantries come to an end. Now all the lords have closed their doors to one another for fear of treachery.
INFRASTRUCTURE & ECONOMY
Housing
Most of the population lives in simple homes with humble belongings. Being a primarily agricultural nation much of their land goes into farming which leaves many families grouped into residential areas. The nobles however live in castles and experience much better living conditions.
Hunger Level
While the country is not yet facing a food shortage, many of its farmers have been called to war and it is expected that hunger levels will slowly increase the longer the warring states period lasts. Right now the poverty levels is pretty minor. Few actually starve to death or are unable to make a living. But for how long things will be that way, only time can tell.
Slavery Status
There is no slavery system in Tetsugoku, but the commonfolk are considered surfs whom are allowed to live on their lords land in exchange for taxes and offerings. While these people live generally free lives, should they incur the wrath of their lord then their lives may well be forfeit as they nobles possess all the military power.
Exports/Imports
Tetsugoku makes a large amount of money trough exporting their high quality metal working. The import nothing however which makes their relationship with trade merchants a bit shaky. The merchants don't like risking the dangerous waters just to spend money. But the quality of the kingdom's steel is known world wide and it is the home of many expert blacksmiths. The money earned by selling Tetsugoku weapons and steel aboard more than makes up for the danger involved in trading with them.
