Dark Cacao

1. #1A blizzard-ridden kingdom of warriors.

   Keys: Dark Cacao Kingdom

   The Dark Cacao Kingdom, sometimes referred to as simply Dark Cacao, is a kingdom founded by Head Icon Dark Cacao Cookie. Due to the denouncement of his son and the kingdom's prince, Head Icon Dark Choco Cookie, Dark Cacao Cookie remains the sole member of the kingdom's royal family.

   This kingdom's culture is strongly based on Joseon-era (Korean: 조선) Korea, whilst the environment is perhaps based on Tibet, located in the frigid Himalayas.

   The Dark Cacao Kingdom is the focus of the Snow on the Black Wall and Citadel of the Frozen Cliff World Exploration: Crispia Episodes, and its Decoration Theme is the Kingdom of the Unwavering.

   ~

   The Dark Cacao Kingdom is located on the continent of Crispia in the Cookie Kingdom. It sits on the easternmost segment of the continent with the Jellyfish Ocean bordering it to the right and the Licorice Sea with an unlabeled offshoot river to the northeast. It is sheltered to the southwest by the frigid Giant Icing Ridge. Some adjacent landmarks are the Wish Tree, the Cream Cake Mountains, the Milkyway Lake, and what appears to be the Tower of Sweet Chaos. The nearest other kingdom is the Hollyberry Kingdom to the south-southeast.

   While the Licorice Sea is labeled only in gibberish text in the final Cookie Kingdom map, the draft map reveals its true name.

2. #2Landscape

   Keys: Giant, Great Chocolate Wall, animals, icing, snow

   -Flora & Fauna: Giant Icing Ridge Woods: The slopes of the Giant Icing Ridge are covered with thick woods of frozen icing. A traveler risks to lose their track quickly in this snow-covered land unless they carefully mark the road. If it did happen, all there is left is to pray Fortuna that a sugar mouse left its chocoball fruit stash somewhere nearby...

   Predatory Animals: Predators like the Cacao Eagle or the Dire Creamwolf hunt their prey in the Dark Cacao Kingdom’s wilderness. While most of the animals native to this land have a white coat to camouflage into the snowy environment, there are also dark-coated beasts. Be extremely careful if you spot one of them: the dark fur signifies that they are not afraid of their natural enemies.

   Geography & Environment: The snow never stops falling high up in the mountains of the Giant Icing Ridge on the eastmost edge of Crispia. The Black Citadel towers above the edge of a cliff, watching over endless birch forests. Dire beasts of all kinds stalk this frigid wilderness, but they are harmless compared to the terrors of the Licorice Sea across the ridge. These creatures pose a constant threat to the Kingdom, but fortunately, it has been kept safe by the Great Chocolate Wall until now.

3. #3Style

   Keys: Culture, Philosophy, Architecture, founding, History

   Architecture: The Dark Cacao Kingdom’s architecture is distinguished by its roof-supporting cylindrical columns topped with massive chocolate capitals. For wind protection, walls are often covered with chocolate panels with several layers of thick cream between them. Dark Cacao architects often address the motif of life and death by or interweaving black and white elements. Altars and shrines fashioned out of chocolate to commemorate the fallen can be found throughout the Kingdom.

   The architecture of the Dark Cacao Kingdom strongly resembles that of Korea's Goryeo (Korean: 고려) (918-1392) and Joseon (Korean: 조선) (1392-1910) dynasties, leaning more towards the Joseon style of architecture.

   During the Goryeo period, Buddhism was at its most influential in Korea's history, and the importance of religion strongly affected the period's architecture. Numerous temples and pagodas were constructed to accommodate religious needs, with the vast majority of pagodas being made from stone due to the nation's abundance of granite.

   The Joseon dynasty followed directly after the Goryeo dynasty and thus still had the previous period's architecture, though the change of those in influential positions caused the architectural style to change accordingly. Those in power stressed an importance of practicality and frugality similar to the Dark Cacao Kingdom's own sense of values.

   The Black Citadel's design strikingly resembles Geunjeongjeon (Korean: 근정전), the throne hall in Gyeongbokgung (Korean: 경복궁). Both exteriors of the buildings are adorned with numerous sculptures of real and mythical creatures.

   Culture: Harsh climate doesn’t make for a developed sense of humor. What the Dark Cacao Cookies genuinely excel at is combat. From a young age they learn weapons or martial arts. When the time comes, an apprentice finally receives a sword to defeat a wolf on their own and complete the coming of age ritual, and although the Cookie was allowed sweet cocoa or delicate milk chocolate, it is only bitter food from this point on. The Dark Cacao consider bitter food a constant reminder of perils and death. As a result the Cookies are not afraid of crumbling, but rather despise dishonorable living.

   The Kingdom of the Unwavering decoration theme is based on the Dark Cacao Kingdom and contains decorations described as simple, elegant, and modest. The description for the Royal Feast Table states that the kingdom's denizens value modesty above all and vastly prefer neat, simple looking things as opposed to fancy embellishments.

   This Dark Cacao decor may be based off a Korean cultural ceremony known as Jesa (Korean: 제사), or ancestral rites. Jesa is a ceremony where Koreans act as if they are talking to their passed ancestors as they put food on the ceremony's table. Jesa is also usually celebrated at an anniversary of the ancestor's death, during which the dearly departed's favorite foods and drinks would be offered on the table.

   In Citadel of the Frozen Cliff, the painting of The Sun, the Moon, and Five Peaks seems to be based on the real-life painting of the same name, or Irworobongdo (Korean: 일월오봉도). The painting is also set right behind the Phoenix Throne in Gyeongbokgung (Korean: 경복궁), upon which the Citadel is likely based.

   Philosophy: The Dark Cacao Kingdom largely adheres to the beliefs of Confucianism, aligning with the historical prevalence of Neo-Confucianism Joseon-era Korea. While distinct from one another, the traditions of the Dark Cacao Kingdom largely exist within the overlap between the two philosophies, making it difficult to place a definitive label. However, with the addition of Head Icon Mystic Flour Cookie, it can be assumed that the Dark Cacao Kingdom is retroactively intended to lean towards Neo-Confucianism; it is said to have emerged in direct response to the prevalence of Buddhism throughout east Asia. This concept of new ideals emerging from the groundwork of previous beliefs is particularly apt in the case of Head Icon Mystic Flour Cookie and Head Icon Dark Cacao Cookie, who are each respectively rooted in Chinese and Korean cultures that have experienced a similar relationship throughout history.

   Confucianism is at its core a rational and humanistic philosophy. It places great emphasis on an individual's actions with the end goal of social harmony, setting it apart from other philosophies and religions of its time by its relatively grounded, narrow lens. Rather than dictating tradition through the wishes of a higher power, such as the Buddhist beliefs of karma or nirvana, Confucianism believes that one should live a righteous life for the sake of themselves, their family, and those around them - hence the term "humanistic". This mindset appears to find itself within each citizen of the Dark Cacao Kingdom - even more so amongst Head Icon government and Head Icon military officials - who find their strength in banding together as a collective against the harsh and at times, dangerous environment the kingdom is situated in. In particular, citizens of the Milk Tribe are known for being "stalwart and strong", believing that Cookies should always help other Cookies, even towards strangers and especially in times of strife.

   There is a deep loyalty and reliance upon the crown and its delegates, with even the lowest of citizens able to make direct requests to their king with the expectation of response. Such rapport, rarely seen within a monarchical structure, speaks great volumes to the humble collectivism fostered within the kingdom, circling back to the Confucianist ideal of harmony. The Dark Cacao Kingdom additionally goes out of its way to honor those who have gone above and beyond in this pursuit, particularly by giving their lives. They continue to be highly respected long after they are no more than spirits, never forgetting the sacrifices made in order to protect their land. Such an honorable fate is idealized to the point where even Head Icon Dark Cacao Cookie, the kingdom's reigning sovereign, aspires to one day be laid to rest amongst them. To a lesser extreme, all members of the Black Citadel appear unwaveringly loyal to their kingdom even if they are not combatants.

   -History: Founding: Dark Cacao Kingdom was founded by Head Icon Dark Cacao Cookie on the edge of the Giant Icing Ridge, in the very place where with a single stroke, he had put an end to the many day-long battle between the White Dragon of the South and the Black Dragon of the North.

4. #4Cookies of the Dark Cacao Kingdom

   Keys: Citizen, Dark Cacao Cookie, Citizens, Denizens, Caramel Arrow Cookie, Crunchy Chip Cookie

   Denizens: Having to cope with dangerous beasts and a harsh climate that makes farming extremely hard, all Cookies of the Dark Cacao Kingdom undergo rigorous combat training from a young age. With peril always lurking nearby, the locals tend to cultivate asceticism and abstain from pleasures.

   Denizens of the Dark Cacao Kingdom are referred to as the Dark Cacao, Dark Cacao Cookies, or Cookies of the Dark Cacao Kingdom. The Dark Cacao generally consist of physically fit, resilient Cookies with deep brown dough, black or brown hair with light streaks and various textures, and scars or other dough imperfections. The majority of the populace are chocolate-based, though races based on coffee, licorice, and milk are also prevalent in their society.

   The Dark Cacao are often disciplined and humorless in demeanor due to their harsh environment and strict traditions, though lighter personalities exist despite the stringency of their world. They hold great pride in their way of life but remain modest in all other respects.

   -Known Denizens: Current Residents: Dark Cacao Cookie, Caramel Arrow Cookie (The First Watcher), Crunchy Chip Cookie, The Second Watcher and many warriors and citizens.

   Cookies of Dark Cacao Ancestry: Milk Cookie, Licorice Cookie, Espresso Cookie, Chess Choco Cookies.

   Banished, Ex-residents: Dark Choco Cookie, Affogato Cookie.

   Swordsmen: 검사 : 다크카카오 왕국의 대표적인 직업. 밤이 되면 중무장한 채 마을 주변을 순찰는 다크카카오 전사들을 심심치 않게 만날 수 있다.

   Swordsmen: A quintessential occupation of the Dark Cacao Kingdom. At night, it's not uncommon to encounter heavily armed Dark Cacao warriors patrolling the kingdom.

   The Dark Cacao Kingdom is home to many varieties of warriors including swordsmen, spear warriors, and archers. There have been Cookies shown with even daggers as a choice of weapon, as courtesy from the Coffee Village.

   Pharmacists: 약재상 : 다크 카카오 국민들의 건강을 책임지는 사람들이다. 각종 약이 들어있는 큰 초콜릿약가방을 메고다닌다. 이들이 만든 탕약이 없다면 다크카카오 국민들은 하루도 빠짐없이 감기에 걸려있을 것이다.

   Pharmacists: These are the Cookies responsible for the health of the Dark Cacao Cookies. They carry large chocolate medicine bags filled with various remedies. Without their dedication, the Cookies of the Dark Cacao Kingdom would catch a cold every day.

   Dark Cacao pharmaceutical practices are near-identical to traditional Korean medicine. Its practitioners are modeled after uinyeo (Korean: 의녀)—though these Cookie uinyeo seem to neither be nor treat exclusively women[1] like real-life Joseon uinyeo—and treat citizens with identifiable methods like yakchim (Korean: 약침). The traveling, backpacked pharmacists of early concept art, whose real-life inspirations are unclear, appear to have been replaced by the uinyeo Cookies.

   Tamers (including Crunchy Chip Cookie): 조련사 : 야생동물을 길들여 파트너로 함께 싸우는 전사, 보통 카카오매나 크림늑대와 파트너일때가 많지만 종종 특이한 생물과 함께 다니는 쿠키도 보인다.

   Tamers: Warriors who tame wild animals to fight alongside them as partners. These Cookies usually partner with Cacao Hawks or Cream Wolves, though some can be seen alongside more unusual creatures.

   These wildlife tamer Cookies are seen chiefly in Head Icon Crunchy Chip Cookie and his Cream Wolves squadron, with the latter likely consisting of even more unseen Tamer Cookies.

   Disc Sledders: 원반썰매꾼 : 온통 눈밭인 다크카카오 킹덤 주변을 빠르게 돌아다니고 싶다면 이들의 도움은 필수이다. 그들은 마법기계를 조종할 수 있는 외지인 마법사로 구성되어 있다.

   Disc Sledders: Their help is essential for quick travel across the snow-covered Dark Cacao Kingdom. They are made up of foreign sorcerers who can control magic machines.

   The Disc Sledders appear to be absent altogether from the final version of the Dark Cacao Kingdom. Their real-life cultural inspiration, if any, is unknown.

   -Tribes & Villages: The following are tribes and villages whose lands fall within this kingdom's borders.

   Coffee Tribe/Village: Cookies of the Coffee Tribe live beside the Dark Cocoa Kingdom(sic) in their tent settlement. They are quick and agile and are known to last without sleep for several nights. These traits allow them to work as scouts, infiltrators, and messengers for the Kingdom. Due to the high caffeine content, their pupils are always constricted.

   -Affogato Cookie -Espresso Cookie (ancestral)

   Milk Tribe/Village: Before the Great Chocolate Wall, the Dark Cacao Kingdom was open to invasions from the Licorice Sea. The Milk Village north of the Black Citadel was on the brink of extinction until the Dark Cacao warriors put an end to the monsters' attacks. The tribe survived, and its Cookies swore their friendship to the Kingdom. They have been supplying their special Milk Potions ever since.

   -Milk Cookie

   Licorice Tribe/Village: Nothing is known about the Licorice Tribes/Village or it's people.

   -Licorice Cookie

5. #5Ruler

   Keys: Dark Choco Cookie, Dark Cacao Cookie

   Government: The Dark Cacao Kingdom is an absolute monarchy with Head Icon Dark Cacao Cookie reigning as King, wielding supreme authority. He is widely regarded by the kingdom's people with titles such as "Your Majesty" or "King Dark Cacao Cookie".

   Royal Family: -Dark Cacao Cookie, king/current ruler -Dark Choco Cookie, former heir/son of Dark Cacao Cookie

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