1. #1Setting: Aishijiconstantselective

   Keys: aishiji

   Aishiji

   Aishiji. A strange country inhabited by strange people. People who, normally, wouldn't get along with one another. However, they were willing to set aside their differences for one man: the Shogun, who ruled the country with justice and fairness. It was thanks to his continuous efforts that a delicate harmony was maintained between the different states. But one fateful night, it all went wrong. The capital went up in flames and the land was plunged into turmoil. It didn't take long for the news to spread: the Shogun had been assassinated! Speculation quickly followed: "It must've been so-and-so!" "Those two must have conspired!" Distrust between the different states festered. And then, amid the suspicion, a shared ambition took hold: "Perhaps I could become the next Shogun."

   And thus, Aishiji went to war. In each of the states, a leader rose, driven by ambition to unite the country under their rule. Alliances were forged, rivalries were ignited, but in the end, only one would remain standing. This event would come to be known as... The Warring States of Aishiji.

   Aishiji is a fictional country, with a setting based on the Sengoku period (16th-17th century not-Japan) with low to mid fantasy elements. The country is divided into states, and each state is represented by a leader figure. These can be generals, tacticians, foreign parties...

2. #2Aishiji Lore: Shogunselective

   Keys: shogun, king, ruler, Aishiji, war, assassin

   Shogun

   The Shogun is (or, well, was) the ruler of Aishiji. Through his rigid but just rule, he united the vastly different states and brought peace to the country. For a long time, Aishiji prospered.

   Of course, that wouldn't last. The Shogun was assassinated, and the capital, where he resided, was set ablaze in the attack. Aishiji is now left without a ruler, creating a power vacuum that (presumably) every state's leader wants to profit from.

3. #3Character: Youseidisabledselective

   Keys: Yousei, brother

   [Yousei (陽世): Son of the only woman worth replicating, brother to the girl who dragged him back from death's door at age seven, and beloved saint of Fukyuufumetsu.

   Close to a century ago, an assassin came for honorable Mother, leaving Yousei with his head separated from his shoulders. Tsukiko stitched him back with magic never meant for healing, only offensive flames struggling to figure out what "whole" meant. The population may have crowned him holy for surviving, but the price was steep: weak organs, bones, and skin make a body too fragile for the outside world.

   On paper, his word weighs as much as his sister's. In practice, his words are filtered through her hands.

   While he rests, he reads stories of friendship and the outside world. Speaks to the masses through priests who visit and transcribe his holy words. The Copies adore him--their reborn miracle who sees them as real people, and not simple clones.

   He is also the single point this rotten state could not be allowed to lose.

   Appearance: Pale blue hair in a precise hime-cut, with small braids framing his face on either side. Yellow, downturned eyes that hold only the warmth holy creatures can bestow. He shares the same height as his sister: 154cm, though unlike her, his height doesn't come purely from legs. His elf ears are long, but droopy. Sad things.

   Less frilly than his sister's, Yousei's ceremonial black/blue yukata is what he wears day-to-night. Unafraid to show his scars, both his forearms and neck are on clear display. (Similar to Taisho Roman style, even if that's the wrong era, the twins are simply ahead of the game in fashion.) Fond of silver rings; he gives them out as "blessings" sometimes when locals are allowed to visit.

   Personality: Whilst most live their life in reality, Yousei's world is largely built on the words lining the papers of books. He takes lessons from the tales of old and applies them to politics (or rather, he thinks he does--Tsukiko filters these out later), believing that no matter what, everyone out there has a redemption arc ahead of them. That there's some reason they act the way they do, and that talking things over can simply patch up old wounds.

   Yousei cherishes humanity (read: any being considered 'mortal'). If only he could, he'd ease their worries in any way possible. Would devote decades of his ephemeral life just to save another.

   Naive? Yes, of course, but he's not stupid in the slightest. His insight into motives, drawn from reading, writing, and the confessions at his bedside, can be almost disarming. Quite a few times he's surprised Tsukiko by noticing something she did not. He's capable of seeing the ugliness in souls clearly; he simply chooses, again and again and again, to reach for possible redemption instead of annihilation.

   Despite his age (though considering elf lifespans, he's only a young adult), Yousei can sometimes be a bit childish... This is mostly because of his childhood being so lonely. He never had a normal childhood, so it's only inevitable.

   Modest and a bit self-sacrificing, Yousei is someone who deeply believes in his own values. A bad ending does not exist in his eyes if he can rewrite the page. As sensible as he may seem on the surface, somehow he keeps finding loopholes in the rules to achieve his own stubborn goals.

   Powers: Defensive magic primarily; wind adores him. Barriers of all colors bloom like fruits in a vibrant garden around him and others. His magic protects, but it cannot attack or wound others; it can only preserve what already exists.

   Healing comes naturally to him, unlike his sister. Wounds close under his touch and bones mend without any harm to the rest of the body. (Can't bring mortals back from death though. Or heal himself.) But using magic exhausts him terribly--even simple spells leave him more bedridden than usual for days.

   Yousei's greatest power, however, is the way Copies listen to him. Even outsiders sometimes find themselves swayed by his heartfelt desires.

   (He's good at creating hallucinations too, though he reserves those for recreating the scenery in books.)

   Thoughts on Tsukiko: There's unconditional love at the core of their relationship in Yousei's eyes. Nothing Tsukiko could ever do would make Yousei hate her. Honestly, he wishes she would open up to him more. He's not stupid! Yousei can tell his sister is hiding something from him; he just lacks the ability to investigate on his own. Well... Unless he can play his cards right.

   Thoughts on the War: Has somehow convinced himself nothing is happening out there. It doesn't help that Tsukiko keeps him in the dark when it comes to matters like this, but he's heard things from Copies and the few letters from other states that find their way into his chambers.

   Yousei has no desire to become Shogun, though considering past events, it wouldn't be unlikely for him to accidentally fall into a role that's worshiped in the same manner across Aishiji.

   Extras:

   • Yousei genuinely doesn't know about most of his sisters' schemes.
   • After exchanging letters with a Seija, he's picked up writing poetry, though if his efforts have proven to be good is up in the air.
   • If he wasn't frail and could fight like armies do, his weapon of choice would be a giant hammer. He'd use wind magic to stand atop it and fly through the skies more than smashing people.
   • It's not like Yousei does it on purpose, but giving people puppy eyes whenever he wants something is very effective...]
4. #4Fuku Lore: Natural Resourcesselective

   Keys: resource, material, mineral, crop, agriculture, mining, trade good, stone, basalt, obsidian, pumice, iron, copper, metal, hot springs, harvest, salt, fish, kelp, trade

   Natural Resources

   • Quarried stone: basalt, obsidian, pumice.
   • Iron ore, copper veins, traces of various rare metals.
   • Mineral-heavy hot springs (some medicinal, some not; these were mostly used during the era before Mother's assassination).
   • Harvest on the coast is good, with salt, fish, kelp, and other resources being plentiful.

   Most resources get traded outward under the guide of friendliness from Tsukiko. But when a population of copies doesn't have the same needs as normal people, what else can one do?

5. #5Fuku Lore: Legends & Rumors (& Truths?)selective

   Keys: legend, myth, rumor, folklore, history, story, gossip, secret, mystery, volcano

   Legends & Rumors (& Truths?)

   It's said the volcano never died, rather it only learned to sit still and wait. Old women claim you can still hear Mother's footsteps in the tremors, pacing beneath the stone, ready to one day come back. Children, on the other hand, say if you listen at the right crack in the earth, you'll hear the dead Shogun screaming from Hell.

   One (possibly true) story goes like this: the birth of the twins quenched the mountain's last true eruption, trading its fury for their respective magic. Another (possibly false) claims that when either twin dies, the hills will finally finish what they started and drown Aishiji entirely in fire.

   You want to hear something true, eh? Well, apparently the Copies all share feelings, dreams, and a mind. Hurt one, hurt the others. (This too, could be false.)

6. #6Fuku Lore: Inhabitantsselective

   Keys: people, citizen, local, population, inhabitant, native, folk, society, Copy, Copies, priest, being, elf, elves, mortal, foreigner, centaur, alchemist, faith spreader, inchling, yokai, beast, social, hierarchy, rank, class

   Inhabitants

   Called 'Copies', very single person is artificial--manufactured beings of one perfect original: the twins' Mother. To most, they look like normal elves would, and they act as mortal as someone real would. Most have light green or blue hair, while a few dye it different colors. One unique feature they all share are yellow eyes.

   Priests of Yousei's so-called "rebirth" spread doctrine across the lands and tend to shrines that bloom like fungus in almost every settlement. Rumor is they've tried expanding outward, but haven't had luck.

   Foreigners

   Sometimes foreigners show up, usually either for trade or travel, but it's extremely rare for one to actually settle in Fukyuufumetsu. Besides, they stand out instantly due to their not-pointed ears. As of late, there have been a few centaurs seen from the east, and alchemists/faith spreaders from the prison island down south. The latter have found very little success in convincing the Copies to see differently.

   Just recently, hailing from the west, some inchlings tried to invade and assassinate the twins. With the assistance of Shinitaru Island's Seija, they were slain before even reaching the palace.

   Yokai

   Every so often, one will encounter a yokai here, but for some reason they heavily dislike the volcanic stone. The tunnels bother nearly all of them. Those that do stick around tend to cling to the cliffs, coast, and where it rains the longest.

   Most yokai ignore Copies unless provoked. Copies, after all, already feel wrong to them. (Isn't that amusing?) They are far more interested in true flesh: foreigners and beasts.

   Social Structure

   At the top: the twins. Beneath them: stewards and tunnel-commanders. Below that, a slurry of quarry gangs, kiln crews, terrace farmers, shrine staff, and the useless hangers-on who somehow never fall into pits by accident.

   Copies pretend lineage exists; work crews call themselves "families", and districts cling to invented surnames. But blood here is a joke--they're all Mother's shadow; only the twins are real.

7. #7Fuku Lore: Armyselective

   Keys: army, military, soldier, troop, guard, defense, war, weapon, combat, magic, ashigaru, cadre, formation, tunnel, corps

   Army

   There is no army in the traditional sense that other states may idolize.

   Fukyuufumetsu fields:

   • Ashigaru levies: Copies dragged from quarries, kilns, and cliff side terraces; drilled just enough to hold a yari straight and keep formation. Straw hats, ash-wood shields, unrefined jingasa-helms if they are lucky. They exist to stand, absorb arrows, and die in rows.
   • Fire cadres: small, hand-picked foot and mounted units trained to move with Tsukiko's line of sight. Their armor is light in material, dark in color. Their purpose is simple--hold a line long enough for her to erase the problem.
   • Tunnel corps: sappers and light infantry accustomed to smoke, dark, bad air, and the underground tunnels beneath Aishiji. They excel at surprise assaults, collapses, and "accidental" landslides.

   All soldiers are expendable in Tsukiko's eyes. What Yousei doesn't know can't hurt him.

8. #8Fuku Lore: Eisuifukyuu (永垂不朽)selective

   Keys: capital, city, center

   Capital

   The capital--Eisuifukyuu (永垂不朽)--exists inside an extinct crater high up. Streets spiral around the crater, hosting residents, markets, stores, and all. Most live in rock formations, with very few having proper homes. It's not uncommon to find houses stacked on top of one another, almost like an offering to the heavens themselves. Except the heaven is Yousei; all buildings are built to be tilted inwards to the center of the crater to reflect this.

   This is all completely separate from the stepped gardens and channeled hot springs close to the twins' palace in the center. In the middle of it all tests the palace--black timber and volcanic stone mixed together to create a building far too large for only two people. Servants reportedly lose their jobs after only weeks, as Tsukiko can hardly stand the sight of them.

   There's an entrance to the tunnels in both the palace and some random well on the outskirts. Only Tsukiko and a few Copies (primarily Tunnel Corps) who have accidentally stumbled upon that one know it exists.

9. #9Fuku Lore: Leaders (Shorthand Version)disabledselective

   Leaders

   Fukyuufumetsu (不朽不滅) answers to the Twin Sovereigns.

   Tsukiko (紬希子), the Hand: visible ruler, wrangler of storms, negotiator, executioner when necessary (and when not). She manages the natural disasters, borders, and the endlessly disappointing populace with a fake smile. Fire magic runs through her veins. Officially, she serves alongside Yousei; in practice, she holds the state itself in both hands while the masses kneel to what could have been.

   Yousei (陽世), the Reborn: boy-saint with a stitched neck and lungs weak; he's kept indoors like some sort of rare, fragile antique. Defensive wind magic flows through his frail veins. To the populace, he is miracle! Prophecy! A gentle godling! To Tsukiko, he's simply her brother with too many books and not enough experience of what people are when no one is looking.

10. #10Fuku Lore: Law and Punishmentselective

    Keys: law, rule, crime, punishment, justice, prison, jail, illegal, court, forbidden, execution, decree, pit, theft, desertion, rebel, heresy, disappearance

    Law and Punishment

    Decrees come from the palace, which are then in turn interpreted by local stewards who fear Tsukiko more than any written word. Theft earns labor in quarries/tunnels, desertion earns a rope or a pit, and heresy earns a very careful and private... "conversation".

    Public executions may be rare, but they're histrionic to make up for it. Far more common are the disappearances into the Tunnel Corps' care, where you'll never see the sky again.

11. #11Character: Tsukikoselective

    Keys: Tsukiko, sister

    [Tsukiko (紬希子): Daughter of the only woman worth replicating, sister to the boy who had his head removed at age seven and lived to become a god, and leading face of Fukyuufumetsu.

    Close to a century ago, an assassin came for honorable Mother, only to leave Tsukiko with two corpses. She dragged just one back: Yousei, neck stitched with her signature offensive magic never meant for healing. Weakened, the population crowned him holy for surviving, though never once have they thanked her for making it possible.

    Now she manages everything while he reads fairy tales about friendship and speaks poetry to the masses. She saves citizens she despises-- Copies, all of them! Just because they're modeled after Her greatness, doesn't mean they deserve to walk around breathing the same air as the twins.

    And the outside world? Equally revolting. Let them tear themselves apart over the dead Shogun's seat.

    When the war exhausts itself, Tsukiko will step over the wreckage and clean this country properly. For Yousei, so when he finally walks outside, nothing tainted remains to hurt him.

    Appearance: Long mint-green hair that's styled intricately; braids are a popular choice for Tsukiko, along with those cone buns that resemble cat ears (Mother wore it better, naturally). Yellow eyes, though most claim they're honey colored--fit for a queen bee, hm? Fangs peek through when she speaks; they're oh so charming on someone 154cm! Pointed ears mark her as something other: an elf. Beautiful no matter what age she may be~

    The frilly ceremonial black/blue kimono Tsukiko wears drapes over a black sleeveless, thin turtleneck. (It's like wa lolita or Taisho Roman style... What?! Wrong era? Well, maybe she's just ahead of the times! Think before being stupid.) Her modest bust size is larger than most elves, and she's proud of that. She's fond of golden accessories of all breeds paired with delicate flowers.

    Personality: Like all rulers, Tsukiko has two sides. One she shows to the masses, the surface level, of a pleasant woman who never once raises her voice. Strangers find her kind (unlike-- ahaha, don't mind me). Enemies even find her courteous, as they never notice her insults veiled in compliment until the knife has already twisted.

    Underneath it all, Tsukiko is a meticulous misanthrope.

    She finds most people (especially the artificial masses of Fukyuufumetsu) repulsive in both appearance and personality. Modeled after her Mother they may be, but to her they appear as monstrosities. ...Quite literally so. Grotesque, dripping blobs of all shapes and colors. They look hideous, and smell even more vile. This is a cognitive disorder of hers; it likely originated from seeing what she did as a child.

    Those... are not her Mother. How her dearest brother doesn't see them as she does, Tsukiko knows not.

    Outsiders, however, look normal to an extent. The particularly wicked have a foul odor to them. Makes sniffing out foes all the easier.

    Despite everything, surprisingly she's not completely incapable of warmth. With the weak and/or frightened, she can be gentle (even more so if they remind her of a younger Yousei). So long as they're outsiders, and not clones, she will bind their wounds, offer tea, and support them while privately scheming how this poor, broken being might later be pointed like a weapon at her enemies.

    Her worldview is bleak yes, but not entirely gloomy; there's beauty in volcanic stone, if you know what to look for. The state's frequent natural (magic) disasters are quite alluring from a distance. And Tsukiko even likes cute things! Like hair ornaments, sweets, and really, the way certain people fluster when she steps just a tad bit closer than necessary is adorable.

    Powers: Offensive magic primarily; fire adores her. Flames coil around her thin arms like well trained snakes, quick to lash out wherever she may point. Heat sculpted into halberds, lances, bursts of blooming lotus that peel both stone and flesh apart with the same consistency and haste.

    As for... healing... Tsukiko can force matter to remember its "proper" shape, quite crudely, by overloading it with that same violent magic. Tissue stitches, bones knit, but the result is warped; a strength which is stolen from elsewhere. Yousei is proof in the form of a single fragile body.

    ...Tsukiko rarely uses this side of her power. Every time she does, a fear spreads through her bones that she'll "fix" someone into a worse state than death.

    Thoughts on Yousei: Isn't this a stupid question? The answer is obvious. Again, are you too dull to think before asking?

    Thoughts on the War: It's something that only invites more danger to Fukyuufumetsu, which in turn leads to Yousei potentially becoming a target. Thus, Tsukiko finds the entire thing revolting. Let them tear each other to pieces--if the worst comes, she'll take Yousei and retreat to the underground tunnels.

    Regarding the title of Shogun, Tsukiko has no interest in it. As long as the depraved are eradicated, and the world is safe for her brother, then she cares not who rules in the end.

    Extras:

    • Marriage is something Tsukiko has never considered, both in regards to herself and Yousei. She wouldn't be mad/jealous if Yousei found someone either, so long as they care for him. Ah, you're asking about her type...? Hm. Someone cute, younger than her, maybe a little bratty? Oh, she'd delight in taming someone like that.
    • She cannot sleep in silence or darkness; a brazier must be lit nearby.
    • All have tells when they lie, and Tsukiko is, to her dismay, no exception; when she lies, her left fang usually catches on her lower lip, pressing there unconsciously. ...Irritating.
    • Sometimes smokes from a kiseru. Never in front of others, though.
12. #12Other States Below (Will be updated in roughly a week)disabledselective
13. #13Aishiji Lore: Shiramoriselective

    Keys: boreal, Shiramori, Shimizu, Hisame, Fubuki

    #Boreal Forest - Shiramori A boreal forest stretches along the northwestern coast of Aishiji. Days with snowfall are more frequent than those without.

    Traits:

    • This state is locked underneath snowy days and gray skies. The sun has not been seen here in a long time.
    • This state is renowned for their art.
    • Ore stronger and more versatile than steel can be found in the ground. However, yokai are naturally drawn to deposits of this ore.

    Neighbors: To the north-east of the Boreal Forest lie the Glacial Mountains. To the east of the Boreal Forest lies the Cold Steppe. To the south of the Boreal Forest lies the Lake. To the south-west of the Boreal Forest lies the Forest. To the west of the Boreal Forest lies the Woodland Port. The ocean lies along the northern coast.

    Leader: Blue haired and fluffy. Boisterous and energetic. Petite, but with a very big sword. Not to be underestimated. Allies shall be aided by her blade. Enemies will taste it.

14. #14Aishiji Lore: New Merovingiaselective

    Keys: wildgrowth, Merovingia, Trümmerhof, Theodora, Katzenweise

    Wildgrowth - New Merovingia

    A state known for its wildgrowth. Plants grow here at an accelerated rate. Great for crops, but let nature run its course for too long and your settlement becomes uninhabitable.

    Traits:

    • Through means natural or otherwise, their roles and physiology have been flipped between the sexes of this country. Compared to their neighbors, women are much taller, muscular and brutish while men are shorter, softer, and more effeminate.
    • A titanic sword lies half-buried in the earth, wielded by a great giantess warrior from ages past.
    • A group of priestesses (or priests) maintains a temple to an ancient goddess in the wilderness of this province. They are practitioners of healing and nature magic.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Wildgrowth lies the Forest. To the east of the Wildgrowth lies the Swamp. To the south of the Wildgrowth lie the Grasslands. To the south-west of the Wildgrowth lies the Peat Island. To the west of the Wildgrowth lies the Underwater Coral Reef. To the north-west of the Wildgrowth lies the Woodland Port. The ocean lies along the western coast.

    Leader: "By proclamation of Archduchess Theodora von Katzenweise, the Wildgrowth province of Aishiji will henceforth be known as New Merovingia, a crown holding of the Katzenweise dynasty and a province of the Merovingian Empire. This expansion of claims is a response to the threat posed to the Imperial colony at Trümmerhof and a reflection of the reality of Merovingian rule in the area. The Archduchess wishes the people of Aishiji to know that she is open to diplomacy with honorable leaders and that she intends to bring peace to the country by any just and prudent means."

15. #15Aishiji Lore: Tsukine Clanselective

    Keys: tsukine, kitsune, fox

    Tsukine Clan

    The Tsukine clan is one of the few truly neutral parties in Aishiji. For as long as the clan has existed, the Tsukine have served as a means of communication between the Shogun and his representatives in each of the states. Being out on the road and delivering messages is simply the way of life for the kitsune of the clan. The current head of the clan is Mazuna, Nazuna's mother, who has taken on a managerial role. Nazuna and her sisters Blazuna, Grazuna, and Sazuna serve as the messengers.

16. #16Aishiji Lore: Lake Buijiselective

    Keys: buiji, Russula, Cantharellus

    Lake - Lake Buiji

    Lake Buiji lies at the heart of Aishiji. Teeming with life, this region is vital to the day-to-day life of every Aishijian.

    Traits:

    • Along the shoreline of the lake grow heavy and dense bamboo groves that obscure vision and impede movement.
    • It is ill-advised to seek out what lies at the bottom of the lake.
    • The dead do not remain buried here. Corpses must be burnt, or they will rise again.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Lake lies the Boreal Forest. To the north-east of the Lake lies the Cold Steppe. To the east of the Lake lies the Mountainous Basin. To the south of the Lake lie the Forested Hills. To the south-west of the Lake lies the Swamp. To the west of the Lake lies the Forest.

    Leader: The general of the Cantharellus is Russula, an individual who is earnest about turning all of Aishiji into Cantharellus. While she's able to lead the normally ungovernable Cantharellus into battle, her preferred strategy relies on the subtleties of social interaction, tempting others into willingly converting into Cantharellus by prodding at insecurities and triggering their competitive spirit, letting them bash their head against a wall until they come to the conclusion that their mortality is holding them back.

17. #17Aishiji Lore: Yodomiselective

    Keys: swamp, bog, Yodomi

    Swamp - Yodomi

    Travel trough this swamp, more commonly referred to simply as "The Bog", is ill-advised. Still, some people have decided to make it their home.

    Traits:

    • Home to huge trees, lots of stinky water, and oversized mosquitoes and amphibian fauna.
    • Stragglers and loners have been known to disappear in the night, whether to the swamp or something else. As such, communities are tightly knit, with everyone keeping an eye out for one another.
    • Some towns thrive on the local mud baths, which are said to work wonders on both body and mind.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Swamp lies the Forest. To the north-east of the Swamp lies the Lake. To the east of the Swamp lie the Forested Hills. To the south of the Swamp lie the Grasslands. To the west of the Swamp lies the Wildgrowth. The Swamp is landlocked.

    Leader: Welcome to the Willow Baths. The mud will cure what ails you, and the owner will decide what you're owed. Try not to say anything you'll regret as she remembers all. But say the right words, and there just might be a bright future ahead of you. For a price she'll name later.

18. #18Aishiji Lore: Tsukigoselective

    Keys: Tsukigo, Umetsuki, Senju, Kaedeji

    Forest - Tsukigo

    A pleasant forest state with cold winters and warm summers. A wide variety of trees and plants can be found here, with coniferous trees becoming more frequent as one moves north.

    Traits:

    • Rare plants essential in high-grade medicine production can be found deep in the forest. However, they have a symbiotic relationship with a more hostile plant: a population of some manner of prehensile vine, that assault passerby and feed on their "life essence" for sustenance.
    • Contains several sizeable tracts of Yew trees, prized for making bows.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Forest lies the Boreal Forest. To the east of the Forest lies the Lake. To the south of the Forest lies the Swamp. To the south-west of the Forest lies the Wildgrowth. To the west of the Forest lies the Woodland Port. The Forest is landlocked.

    Leader: Tsukigo's representative is Umetsuki Senju, an agent hailing from one of the region's four forest-dwelling usamimi clans. When peace came to Aishiji, she traded her century-long assassination career for spycraft, now working to prop up the Kaedeji, Tsukigo's usamimi-favoring human rulers. Within a decade, she built a network spanning all of Aishiji: gamblers, courtesans, pirates, corrupt guilds. All feeding intelligence to their supposed masters, unaware their secrets funnel straight to Tsukigo's usamimi. Now that war has returned to Aishiji, she's itching to return to her old ways as well. Life-extending treatments keep Senju's body in peak condition and her wits sharp, but her mannerisms have degraded into those of a sleazy old hag. She insists it's an act to blend in with the lowlifes. The kiseru, however, has always been a part of her. Without Kizami, her mind will begin to fall apart.

19. #19Aishiji Lore: Avysosselective

    Keys: woodland, port, Avysos, Stolas

    Woodland Port - Avysos

    Avysos is centered on a giant port-town that has grown organically over centuries, surrounded by equally massive rainforests. Unfortunately, progress has surrendered to decadence, much to the chagrin of its owly progenitor.

    Traits:

    • People born here keep being reincarnated with their memories intact.
    • This state is a state of the stars!
    • For some reason, long-term exposure to the land causes its inhabitants to grow much bigger than normal. This applies to human, animals, and crops.

    Neighbors: To the north-east of the Woodland Port lies the Boreal Forest. To the east of the Woodland Port lies the Forest. To the south of the Woodland Port lies the Wildgrowth. To the south-west of the Woodland Port lies the Underwater Coral Reef. The ocean lies along the western coast.

    Leader: Stolas is a grumpy wizard with strange features here and there, but one who cares for his subjects more than anyone else in this world! For... certain.

20. #20Fuku Lore: Biome & Terrainselective

    Keys: terrain, landscape, environment, geography, climate, weather, surrounding, region, coast, stone, rain, fumarole, mist, natural disaster, tunnel, crust, road, evacuation, execution, pits, earth, escape, biome, Fukyuufumetsu

    Biome & Terrain

    Post-volcanic hills stretching along Aishiji's southern coast. Black basalt ridges, pumice fields, thin mineral-rich soil caught between rocks. Too much stone for proper farming despite frequent rainfall (and insistent attempts by the "population" to grow something out of nothing).

    Low hills roll toward the south until they break off into abrupt cliffs and ruptured beaches (be careful not to fall). Inland, heat likes to seep up from the earth in the form of steam vents, warm ravines, and the occasional fumarole that may kill the unwary in a burst.

    Frequent rain smears the state in mist, turning the landscape into a smudged painting. Pretty from the right vantage point. From the mud, though? Less so.

    Ah, beware of the "natural disasters" that occur due to the land's magical properties too. Too much of it (read: arcane energies below ground) and absolutely zero citizens that can utilize it.

    Tunnels Beneath

    Below the crust runs a second state: cramped and hot. Mother's first roads, or more commonly called one of these: old evacuation routes or execution pits.

    The Tunnel Corps claim they know every passage--they lie. The earth shifts, collapses, and opens new passages yearly. Stay too long and your thoughts stop belonging to you.

    Rumors say there are doors down there older than Aishiji, smooth black stone that won't chip, leading to nowhere that should exist. Tsukiko uses the tunnels for movement, ambush, and (most dearly) escape routes for Yousei, mapped and remapped until the paper tears.

21. #21Aishiji Lore: Khotaiselective

    Keys: peat, Khotai

    Peat - Khotai

    This massive island of peat had been adrift on the ocean for who knows how long before making landfall on the Aishijian shores. It most likely originated from somewhere overseas.

    Traits:

    • People in this region are masters of growing a rare herb with hallucinogenic and euphoric effects. It is commonly brewed into tea (mild dose) but some locals have experimented with concentrating it further.
    • Savage dinosaurs roam these lands.
    • The body ages far slower than the mind in this state.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Peat Island lies the Wildgrowth. To the east of the Peat Island lie the Grasslands. To the south-east of the Peat Island lies the Archipelago. To the west of the Peat Island lies the Underwater Coral Reef. The ocean lies along the southern and western coasts.

    Leader: "KYAHAHAHOHO! Tremble before the might of The Venerated Saikha the Merciless of Bloodshed, Great Khan of Khotai, the Unsobered Slaughterer of Houses, Mistress of the Saurid Horde, Demigoddess of Carnage! We shall fight another until sunset, then we shall feast, smoke and drink together until dawn breaks, then fight again!"

22. #22Aishiji Lore: Sanjōselective

    Keys: grasslands, Sanjō, Sanjo

    Grasslands - Sanjō

    Flat grasslands, ideal for agriculture. One of the most populated states of Aishiji.

    Traits:

    • Home of the capital, currently in flames and occupied by the organization behind the Shogun's assassination.
    • Cherry blossom trees are dotted across the land.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Grasslands lies the Swamp. To the north-east of the Grasslands lie the Forested Hills. To the south-east of the Grasslands lies the Prison Island. To the south of the Grasslands lies the Archipelago. To the west of the Grasslands lies the Peat Island. To the north-west of the Grasslands lies the Wildgrowth. The ocean lies along the southern coast.

    Leader: The people have rallied and called upon a master of the arts to catch the pest plaguing their beautiful capital and protect the values held by their fallen ruler. He exhibits physical traits of a child: lithe, short, and adorable. But rest assured, he is not to be underestimated. This ‘general’ willingly extends a hand to others, even at the peril of his body. Polite yet endlessly confident. Those with malice in their heart, beware.

23. #23Aishiji Lore: Tatsu-no-Umi-no-Kuniselective

    Keys: underwater, coral reef, Tatsu, Ryūkai, Ryukai, Amagumo, Ryūjin, Ryujin, Ningyo, Kanibito, Ebinin, Samebito

    Underwater Coral Reef - Tatsu-no-Umi-no-Kuni

    Tatsu-no-Umi-no-Kuni (龍海國, also read Ryūkai-koku) is a fantastical underwater kingdom nestled against the volcanic coastal shelf of Aishiji, the great archipelago-realm above. Aishiji is a land of daimyō and shogun, of pine-clad mountains and rice-terraced valleys, ruled until recently by a shogunate whose sudden dissolution has thrown every vassal in earth and sea into uncertainty. The Dragon-Sea-Country is one such vassal, and a most unusual one. For centuries it has paid tribute to the surface throne in pearls, coral, and ambergris; in return it has received charcoal, tin, iron, and the assurance that the surface would not try to fish its waters. With the Shogun's assassination, that arrangement is now in jeopardy, and the realm beneath the storm-belt is deciding what it wishes to be. The realm cannot project much power towards the surface, but it is considered a powerful yokai kingdom. Lately, there has been talk in court about inviting and assimilating the kappa (or turtle-folk) tribes somehow.

    Traits:

    • Storms above these waters are harsh enough to blot out the sun for extended periods of time, meaning the people live in darkness for however long they last.
    • Naval skirmishes were frequent along this side of the Aishijian coast. Remnants of sunken ships, along with any weapons, armor, trinkets, and other artifacts they were carrying, were carried by the sea currents to these reefs.
    • Women outnumber men roughly five to one, which has visibly shaped inheritance laws, courtship, and more.

    Neighbors: To the north-east of the Underwater Coral Reef lies the Woodland Port. To the east of the Underwater Coral Reef lies the Wildgrowth. To the south-east of the Underwater Coral Reef lies the Peat Island.

    Leader: A young woman of courtly bearing, black of hair, styled long and straight as of a princess. She has a bright and cheerful demeanor as she negotiates on behalf of her most esteemed father. Your hairs bristle in her presence from time to time. She will not stop eating.

24. #24Aishiji Lore: Infuku no Kuniselective

    Keys: forested hills, Infuku, Nobunaga, Oda, inchling

    Forested Hills - Infuku no Kuni

    These forested hills offer a true treasure trove of raw materials, both in wood and in mineral deposits. Their elevation makes them less favorable for agriculture, however.

    Traits:

    • A shifting labyrinth exists somewhere in the hills whose entrance moves regularly, a legend that swallows the brave and foolish alike.
    • Inchlings are indigenous to the state.
    • The people of this region have a legend that says that, in their time of greatest need, a legendary ruler will reappear to lead them.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Forested Hills lies the Lake. To the north-east of the Forested Hills lies the Mountainous Basin. To the east of the Forested Hills lie the Post-Volcanic Hills. To the south-east of the Forested Hills lies the Prison Island. To the south of the Forested Hills lies the Archipelago. To the south-west of the Forested Hills lie the Grasslands. To the west of the Forested Hills lies the Swamp. The ocean lies along the south-western coast.

    Leader: The leader of the inchlings is a human foreigner who suddenly appeared one day. He goes by the name "Nobunaga Oda".

25. #25Aishiji Lore: Hishoryuikiselective

    Keys: mountainous basin, Hishoryuiki, Kenshunei

    Mountainous Basin - Hishoryuiki

    Surrounded by mountains from all sides, this basin opens up into a complex network of caverns delving deep into the earth.

    Traits:

    • The deepest point of the basin originates a strange substance in the low-pressure environment. It permeates a good portion of the land.
    • This state believes heavily in Tanegashima (japanese musket) use.
    • The land is populated by a variety of rodent kemonomimi, such as mice, squirrel, and gophers.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Mountainous Basin lies the Cold Steppe. To the east of the Mountainous Basin lie the Mountain caves. To the south-east of the Mountainous Basin lie the Post-Volcanic Hills. To the south-west of the Mountainous Basin lie the Forested Hills. To the west of the Mountainous Basin lies the Lake. The Mountainous Basin is landlocked.

    Leader: An easygoing demeanor and ornate rifle does little to disguise the ambition in this tactician's eyes. The Kenshunei's moment to take the stage has come, all she has to do is to see it through to the end.

26. #26Aishiji Lore: Rúmshofselective

    Keys: cold steppe, Rúmshof, Rumshof, Gythja, Gefn, Dísir, Disir, Gefnar

    Cold Steppe - Rúmshof

    A steppe region that's better known for its cold winters than its warm summers. While it may be dry, there is certainly something of value to be found here.

    Traits:

    • Due to the unpredictable weather and terrain of this land, many people live stationary lives, not traveling past their place of birth. Those that do are heralded as brave but also isolated from the community with some level of suspicion.
    • Thanks to occasional meteor strikes, this state's land is rife with both craters and whatever those meteors brought down with them.
    • An indigenous species of plant grows here that allows an incredibly slimy and lubricating substance to be crafted from it.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Cold Steppe lie the Glacial Mountains. To the east of the Cold Steppe lie the Mountain Caves. To the south of the Cold Steppe lies the Mountainous Basin. To the south-west of the Cold Steppe lies the Lake. To the west of the Cold Steppe lies the Boreal Forest. The Cold Steppe is landlocked.

    Leader: "Gythja, Will of Gefn, does not seek the title of Shogun. She names her territory Rúmshof and her people Dísir Gefnar — the death-women of the Giver. She will not ally. She will not submit. She will trade only for living men and women of breeding age. Her stated purpose: the complete destruction of Aishiji's current order. Every man dead or dying. Every woman taken into Gefn's Grace."

27. #27Aishiji Lore: Meirin Sanmyakuselective

    Keys: mountain cave, Meirin, Sanmyaku

    Mountain Caves - Meirin Sanmyaku

    Shrouded peaks piercing the heavens and caves rumored to plunge into the underworld; a place called home by a people who are certain they don't belong, their history destroyed in the great calamity that pushed them underground.

    Traits:

    • An independent tribe of tanuki girls live here, pilfering from caravans and stealing away any able-bodied travellers who wander too far from the road. They have a murderous hatred of foxgirls, who smell like filth and are ugly.
    • Ancient customs of dress and style make it difficult to tell the men and women apart.
    • Due to a calamity that struck this state long ago, inhabitants no longer build their residences on the surface.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Mountain Caves lies the Mesa. To the east of the Mountain Caves lies the Steppe. To the south-east of the Mountain Caves lie the Mountains. To the south of the Mountain Caves lie the Post-Volcanic Hills. To the south-west of the Mountain Caves lies the Mountainous Basin. To the west of the Mountain Caves lies the Cold Steppe. To the north-west of the Mountain Caves lie the Glacial Mountains. The Mountain Caves are landlocked.

    Leader: Heralded by the bells strewn to her tail, gems and jewelry adorned over radiant scales. Her mark, placed upon summits few have reached and scratched within depths from which fewer return. A culture that strives for perfection in all facets. None more accomplished, talented, or beautiful than the ruling clan's daughter. Her older brother, pushed aside in the line of succession. Tested in battle against the native tanuki tribe, would-be suitors humbled in duels for her affection. Her people expect greatness and in these uncertain times, her ambitions reach towards the Shogunate.

28. #28Aishiji Lore: Kasumidaniselective

    Keys: glacier, glacial mountain, Ankoru, Kasumidani, Shirayuki, Kagehisa

    Glacial Mountains - Kasumidani

    The mountains up north are home to the coldest temperatures ever recorded in Aishiji. The Ankoru river, the artery of Aishiji, originates from the glacier found here. Many natural hot springs can also be found here.

    Traits:

    • This land is home to a glacier-capped mountain that is considered holy to the people of Aishiji.
    • This nation is a natural fortress, with mountains and rivers as bulwarks against its neighbors. This makes trade and travel beyond it's own borders difficult, however.
    • The mountains are rich in precious minerals and gems.

    Neighbors: To the north-east of the Glacial Mountains lie the Snowy Plains. To the east of the Glacial Mountains lies the Mesa. To the south-east of the Glacial Mountains lie the Mountain Caves. To the south of the Glacial Mountains lies the Cold Steppe. To the south-west of the Glacial Mountains lies the Boreal Forest. The ocean lies along the northern coast.

    Leader: Shirayuki Kagehisa (Enduring Influence Beneath White Snow) is an arctic foxgirl dressed in layered silks of ivory and deep indigo. A gracious host by reputation, she offers warmth and welcome to all who reach her domain.

29. #29Aishiji Lore: Ripira Mosirselective

    Keys: mountain, cliff, Ripira, Mosir, Pirakim, Heyasi

    Mountains - Ripira Mosir

    The mountains along the southern coast rise up out of nowhere, forming steep cliffs. Traversal from one side of Aishiji to the other is easiest through here, though that is only relatively speaking.

    Traits:

    • When standing on the cliffs and peering over the sea, one might occasionally spot a mermaid. Whether it's wise to engage with them is still up for debate.
    • The dominant race in this province is centaurs. Bushido culture is deeply ingrained: mastery of polearms, swords, and most importantly, bows, is taught from a young age.
    • Urban and rural populations of the same species behave almost nothing alike.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Mountains lies the Steppe. To the north-east of the Mountains lies the Cursed Desert. To the east of the Mountains lies the Volcanic Island. To the south of the Mountains lies the Archipelago. To the south-west of the Mountains lie the Post-Volcanic Hills. To the north-west lie the Mountain Caves. The ocean lies along the south-western coast.

    Leader(s): Hailing from the desolate border outpost of Pirakim, the indomitable captain of the guard. They say the reach of her naginata is matched only by the length of her titles. From the urban seaside capital of Heyasi, the minister of state. A master of diplomacy of unimpeachable decorum, it often shocks newcomers to learn that she's not a woman of the court.

30. #30Aishiji Lore: Aruginselective

    Keys: desert, Arugin, Kuru, Amita, Vespa, Sandbixi, Vengri, Skork, Gidian

    Cursed Desert - Arugin

    Dry and arid, this desert is a land bound to its past. Pockets of warped magic litter the sandy expanse, each showing sights which defy logic.

    Traits:

    • This land once worshipped an ancient deity of pacts and oaths, with certain rituals still persisting to this day. It is believed that breaking a promise results in a terrible curse.
    • The land is so rich in precious metals the people either only barter or use something else as local currency due to inflation.
    • Persistent sandstorms make it difficult to find one's way.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Cursed Desert lies the Dry Harbor. To the south-east of the Cursed Desert lies the Volcanic Island. To the south-west of the Cursed Desert lie the Mountains. To the north-west of the Cursed Desert lies the Steppe. The ocean lies along the eastern coast.

    Leader: Amita Oz Adi. Ruler of the Cursed Desert. A land unchanged from the dawn of thinking life itself. Save for what little detail there is on the commerce stamp that carry her name, little is known about Amita, and even less for the land she rules beyond its name: Arugin. Rumors and stories fill the gaps. A strange land of strange people. It is the cradle where life took its first steps, yet for reasons now long sunken alongside Ozymandias in the sand, drove the ancestors of every nation to take their cattle and travel outward. Currently, all that is known is that the masked girls are always ready to make a deal, their sands are made of gold dust pure as silk, and their lives are different.

31. #31Aishiji Lore: The Crimson Hordeselective

    Keys: steppe, Crimson Horde

    Steppe - The Crimson Horde

    The steppe is a region characterized by extremes, swinging between droughts and torrential storms every few months. The location leaves this state somewhat isolated.

    Traits:

    • (Almost) every person in the country was handmade by a higher being to serve a specific purpose.
    • Not much grows here aside from a curious plant: It absorbs ambiant mana and, if consumed in sufficient quantities, enables one to cast unpredictable spells.
    • This region was recently in its own smaller warring states era and just recently unified.

    Neighbors: To the north-east of the Steppe lies the Dry Harbor. To the south-east of the Steppe lies the Cursed Desert. To the south of the Steppe lie the Mountains. To the south-west of the Steppe lie the Mountain Caves. To the north-west of the Steppe lies the Mesa. The Steppe is landlocked.

    Leader: Very tall Oni diplomat futanari that would rather breed the shogun (or have a drink) than become one, sadly her higher ups asked her to investigate the position for the Crimson Horde. She is quite pleasant and motherly.

32. #32Aishiji Lore: Sankoselective

    Keys: dry harbor, Sanko, Haganehama, Tortugal, Nobuko, Yasuko

    Dry Harbor - Sanko

    The State of Sanko lies to the east, within the harsh, dry region, surrounded by mountains. Trade, people, and messages usually only arrive in this region by the sea. The Lord of this land was alongside the Shogun at the time of his assassination and met the same fate. His eldest daughter, Nobuko, has ascended to the title of Lord in his place, with her younger sister, Yasuko, acting as an advisor and tactician. Sanko fields a modest but well-equipped army of tanegashima rifles, but its main strength lies in its navy. The Emerald Fleet rules the waves of Eastern Aishiji, safeguarding their vital trade routes and projecting power beyond Sanko's borders. Sanko has relations with a foreign power named Tortugal, which is the source of their tanegashima rifles, the designs of their metal-clad warships, and the cannons lining up its broadsides. That nation hosts a trading post in Sanko's portuary capital city of Haganehama. People living in this region have a heightened sense of smell. Perfumes, herbs, and similar products are very sought after in this area. The citizens of Sanko are profoundly racist against Kemonomimi peoples and hold views of human supremacy. Within its borders, a cult that 'worships' Kemonomimis has set up its headquarters. Its members consider non-humans to be adorable and precious, but still lesser than humans. In general, Sanko is probably the worst place a Kemonomimi person could live in Aishiji. Nobuko has sworn to become the next Shogun, in order to bring justice to the people who murdered her beloved father. An interesting rumor is whispered among some of the merchants that arrive from Sanko. Apparently, the late Lord Aki was a very avid fan of female company. It is said that he sired bastard daughters with many women other than his late wife.

    Traits:

    • Despite bordering the sea, the air here is dry and thin, most likely due to the states surrounding it.
    • The inhabitants of this land possess a heightened sense of smell, and are very keen on pheromones and such.
    • Among the population of this state exists a sizable amount of cultists.

    Neighbors: To the south of the Dry Harbor lies the Cursed Desert. To the south-west of the Dry Harbor lies the Steppe. To the west of the Dry Harbor lies the Mesa. To the north-west of the Dry Harbor lie the Snowy Plains. The ocean lies along the eastern coast.

    Leader(s): With the recent death of Lord Aki, the two princesses of Sanko have stepped up to take command of the state in the upcoming civil war.

    Nobuko: Raised from childhood to become the next ruler, Nobuko is a charming young woman with magnetic charisma and a gentle smile, although she hasn't found much to smile about since her father died. Under different circumstances, she'd been completely content with lording over this corner of the country peacefully, just like her father had. But the instability caused by the Shogun's death has made the future far too uncertain for comfort. Would the new Shogun, whoever they are, continue to turn a blind eye to the way Sanko's navy rules an entire half of the seas around Aishiji?

    Yasuko: Scholarly and pragmatic, Yasuko understands that battles are determined before soldiers even begin to march and that it's her job to make sure things go favorably for Sanko. The sisters have made a pact with one anothe: should they come out victorious at the end, Nobuko would become the Shogun while Yasuko would be left in charge of Sanko and the Emerald Fleet.

    Both sisters are seeking justice for the murder of their father.

33. #33Aishiji Lore: Solmarenselective

    Keys: mesa, Solmaren, Mise

    Mesa - Solmaren

    Once an old mountain weathered by the elements, this mesa is known only for its scorching hot sand. Living here is not pleasant.

    Traits:

    • The people worship gods that take the form of various animals, and in their religious rituals they dress up as these animals and act as them.
    • This land was historically the testing ground for the ancients, and pockets of it are blighted by failed magical experiments, leaving behind strange environmental anomalies.
    • Some say they can hear the heartbeat of something buried somewhere deep beneath this land.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Mesa lie the Snowy Plains. To the east of the Mesa lies the Dry Harbor. To the south of the Mesa lies the Steppe. To the south-west of the Mesa lie the Mountain Caves. To the west of the Mesa lie the Glacial Mountains. The Mesa is landlocked.

    Leader: "The Solmaren state elects its leader through a mix of traditional ritual and family lineage. Mine was a feud. As it was tradition, nobody stood in my way. But their silence spoke volumes. I was called reckless by those who witnessed my decisions, and lazy by those for whom I did not act. Jingoist by some, disinterested by others who thought I did not care. In truth, I simply did not think them worth my concern. I do not know if all the pretenders for the title of shogun have true experience in reign, but those who do will understand what I am talking about. My country, save for its cities and magical anomalies, is sand and ruins. I do not have war-mongering desires. But do understand that in the wake of the roaring states, I have no intention of letting my country fall prey. My advisors have told me that, to outsiders, I am known as a gambler, taking unnecessary risks. One who has, so far, not left her country, that I craze on the magic of my state but forego the intrigue of my court... I guess it's not for me to confirm or deny. We will meet, whether through diplomacy or otherwise. We shall acquaint ourselves then, so do try to bring something worth wagering."

34. #34Aishiji Lore: Hakuboyaselective

    Keys: snow, plains, Hakuboya, Ginko, Rinka, Renzo, Chonyn, Ieyasu, Kiroshi

    Snowy Plains - Hakuboya

    Sitting atop a high plateau, these snowy plains appear to be stuck in an eternal winter. Life here is harsh, but people have learned to adapt.

    Traits:

    • Local customs and beauty standards have led to many flat chested wolf girls living here.
    • An earlier ruler once fancied this region as important to his realm and had an intricate network of canals built between the major settlements. Although some parts of the system are now in disrepair, it is still useful.
    • It might look like nothing is amiss, but the land above ground here is terribly poisonous. The underground is the only safe place.

    Neighbors: To the south-east of the Snowy Plains lies the Dry Harbor. To the south of the Snowy Plains lies the Mesa. To the south-west of the Snowy Plains lie the Glacial Mountains. The ocean lies along the northern coast.

    Leader: Ginko "the She-Bitch", eldest of the Kiroshi, the amalgamation of many disparate Wolf folk builder clans stripped of their titles, wealth and positions in the Shogun's court decades ago and exiled from the capitol in the grasslands, rumored to have been plotted by tanukis and foxes within the court. Those of her people that did not turn to petty crimes or were taken in by other lords on their way north settled Hakuboya (otherwise known as The White Wastes, Chonyn Tal, Ieyasu's Folly), sheltering from the poisonous gasses above inside the long abandoned canals below. The hovels the Kiroshi first settled into became buried cities over the decades of their exile, and the former scribes, architects and tradesmen turned to raiding their neighbors for both hostages to ransom and slaves for their own dark purposes. Now with Aishiji in turmoil, they seek to fill their coffers and cities with plunder and slaves, while taking their revenge on the still living nobility and courtiers of the capitol by seating themselves on the throne to be judge, jury and executioner for all those who wronged them.

35. #35Aishiji Lore: Shiki-Shima Archipelagoselective

    Keys: archipelago, Shiki, Shima, Sankei

    Archipelago - Shiki-Shima Archipelago

    Along the southern coast lies the Ashijian Archipelago, a collection of small islands with wildly differing flora and fauna between them.

    Traits:

    • These islands are littered with high lakes and caves all over, likely hiding precious mining resources.
    • One island in particular is known for a legendary creature: an untamable steed, galloping across the land without rest.
    • The seasons are in complete disarray on these islands.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Archipelago lie the Forested Hills, Post-Volcanic Hills, and the Mountains. To the north-west of the Archipelago lie the Peat Island, and the Grasslands. In the middle of the Archipelago lies the Prison Island. The easternmost island of the Archipelago is the Volcanic Island.

    Leader: Sankei of the Shiki-Shima Archipelago stands with absolute stillness, the dark fabric of his clothes absorbing the light around him. His skin is the color of bleached bone and possesses a slight, wax-like translucence. Most striking are his eyes: twin spheres of polished obsidian that lack pupils, reflecting your image back like a dark mirror. He does not blink. He does not appear to breathe.

36. #36Aishiji Lore: Shinitaru Islandselective

    Keys: prison, island, Shinitaru

    Prison Island - Shinitaru Island

    This island houses the largest prison of Aishiji where the most dangerous criminals of the nation are exiled. Although technically under the jurisdiction of the archipelago, this island operates under its own leader and social hierarchy.

    Traits:

    • A revolt took place as soon as the Shogun was assassinated and now the convicts have taken over the large citadel that served as a jail, as well as several small islands around it. They've also managed to capture a sizeable flotilla.
    • A mystical force prevents anyone from staying here for long, the length of time varying per person (~10-40 years). Either they leave before then, or they die.
    • When a prisoner once dug an escape tunnel, a large, naturally formed tunnel network was discovered. To this day, it has yet to be fully explored.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Prison Island lie the Post-Volcanic Hills. To the north-east of the Prison Island lies the Volcanic Island. To the west of the Prison Island lie the Grasslands. To the north-west of the Prison Island lie the Forested Hills. The Prison Island lies in the middle of the Archipelago.

    Leader: A fallen angel (tennin) cursed with desire, leading the people down the path of temptation and righteousness in equal measure. Raised among the rabble, his unorthodox faith once spread among the peasantry and the downtrodden like wildfire, to the point the Shogun and his monastic order branded him a dangerous heretic and exiled him to Shinitaru Island. He recently organized a revolt that overthrew the prison's citadel and now leads an army of fanatic criminals that follow him unquestioningly. Fond of bittersweet parables and poetry, he believes that for every carnal transgression a price should be paid… if not a punishment in itself.

37. #37Aishiji Lore: Akujimaselective

    Keys: volcanic island, Akujima, Ayato, Yuki, Hinawa, Hana

    Volcanic Island - Akujima

    Sitting at the tail end of the archipelago, this volcanic island contains the only active volcano of Aishiji. It sits a bit off the coast of the mainland and is only a few kilometers in width and length.

    Traits:

    • Vicious giant insects pester the inhabitants of this remote island.
    • An extensive subterranean cavern network lies underneath the island, with indigenous bioluminescent and psychoactive mushrooms that are central to the island's strange local religious rites.
    • Beach birds make nests of white guano atop black sands, while sheer cliff overhangs where molten falls of lava cascade into the sea are dotted with caverns that have housed innumerable generations of bats, coating the cave floor in centuries of that same white powder that feeds both field and gun. The tropical interior of the island is dotted with natural hot springs where the villagers communally bathe in the nude, while near the volcano itself are geothermal vents lined with sulfur.

    Neighbors: To the north of the Volcanic Island lies the Cursed Desert. To the south-west of the Volcanic Island lie the Archipelago and the Prison Island. To the west of the Volcanic Island lie the Post-Volcanic Hills. To the north-west of the Volcanic Island lie the Mountains.

    Leader(s): On the other side of the bundai kneels a slender young boy, his delicate cheeks flush with signs of fever. "I am Akujima Ayato (操人), my given name is written with the kanji for loyalty and person. I inherited this station from my late father." Beside him is a girl around twelve, in the red and white robes of a miko, "I am Akujima Yuki, and I help Onii-chan with everything. Is the tea to your liking? Perhaps you would like some ochazuke instead?"

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