Akashima

Akashima is a small country nestled in the northeastern area of the Corone island. Once a small village of barbarians when the Raiaeran explorers first found them, the Demon War left them torn from their ancient roots. However, from the ashes of the fallen a new nation emerged to reclaim the land of their ancestors, the new generations of warriors and artisan reviving their forefathers' way of life. This small nation is unique in a sense that it is an island within an island - ruling independently of the Coronian Government while still remaining in good terms with them since reconnecting with the outside world.

Geography

Akashima, while a rather small nation, stretches from the coast to as far inland as Concordia Forest. Because of the great difference in longitudal variation, climate varies as much as a light breeze in one region while there would be snowfall in another. From the rolling plains and farmland in the west, the vast open fields and rocky quarries in the south to the mild eastern coastline and the frigid snowy slopes in the north, Akashima offers a wide variety of wildlife as well as a diverse range of flora not normally found in such close proximity due to their climate niches.

Topography

Akashima lies at the foot of the Comb Mountains (known to the nation as Shirayama Mountains for its pristine white slopes in the winter), stretching to the eastern Coronian seaboard and as far south as the borders of Jadet. The western edge is marked by the beginning of Concordia Forest, beyond that is the road linking Underwood to the Coronian Capital, Radasanth. While occupying only a small area for a nation so ancient, the country is gifted with many harvest from the earth and the sea.

The nation is a Matriarchal Monarchy with the nation divided into five Duchy. The Five Houses - Sakurazuka, Yamihara, Asaraki, Minamoto and Harumura - oversee protection of the North, the West, the East, the South and Central Akashima and each has used the resources found in the region to further strengthen the nation.

Climate

In the North, West and Central Akashima, the temperature varies greatly with the season. While summertime is fairly mild with plenty of cool winds sweeping in from the Comb Mountains, in winter the snowfall will turn this region into a Winter Wonderland. Ancient treebark scripts once recorded snowfall as high as a grown man's head, although the average snowfall has been only two feet deep. Winter generally last for no more than three months, the same could be said for each of the other seasons.

The East, influenced by the constant flow of warm air coming from the ocean, remains cool in the winter while growing slightly warm during the balmy summer. Similar conditions exist in the South, although snowfall can also be found during the peak months of winter where temperature drops to match that of Central Akashima.

History

Dawn of the Snow Heron

Formerly a peaceful clan of barbarians called the Snow Heron, the people lived in peace with each other and tended the land under the watchful rule of their headman. The wise warrior chief made sure his tiny clan would survive the winters as each year came full round, constantly checking the grain harvest and wood stock to go around each family. Their warriors kept watchful eyes for signs of danger day and night, repelling vicous creatures from the forests. Their scribes kept records of each season on fine bark strips with the ink extracted from tree sap to later bind them into books and tomes, stored away in an underground library where they would be protected from the elements. The small clan flourished off the land they had settled in, thriving on tradition and ingenuity. The Time of Tranquility seemed to last for eons, but it was not meant to be.

Many years later, the outlanders came ashore in their mighty ocean vessels. Finding resistence unneeded when one could opt for peace, Chieftain Kouran agreed with the other clan leaders to let Chieftain Fannos of the Burning River represent their society. However, this peaceful tribe had no idea the world around them had plunged into open war and alliances torn asunder. During those dark years, the Snow Heron kept to themselves in the protection of the woods. High Seer Hajira, having foreseen a prophecy, carefully wrote them down onto a strip of dry bark and hid it within a cavern. He passed on this secret to his successors, hoping that it would be of some use one day.

The Onslaught

Almost two thousand years had passed since Hajira had been succeeded by his great grandson, Hojo, when "Skinless Warriors," laid siege upon the unprepared village. Many were forced to flee, lest they be cut down by the might of the invaders. A small band of fighters remained to fight, led by the High Seer of the time, and clashed with the unholy army on the outskirt of what used to be the Snow Heron's tribal community. One by one the warriors fell until at last Hojo himself was slain by the sword of the Skinless Leader. In triumph, they razed the village with a single fiery breath from the Leader. Everything from ancient records of the land to Lores passed down for generations were lost in the unquenchable flames. It was said, as modern scholars had calculated, the Age of Onslaught coincided with the Demon Invasion during the Age of Darkness.

Lady Akashima

Even as the Onslaught dragged on for years, all hope was not lost. Of the twelve warriors who fought the invaders was a young swordmaiden who survived the final battle. After the catastrophic defeat at the sacred tribal grounds, she hobbled into the cavern where her master's ancestor had hidden a secret vision. There, the maiden's strength diminished and she fell down within the crystalline cavern.

The next day, she found herself miraculously healed and healthy. Her eyes turned towards a strange blue glow and saw a vision of wondrous creatures with unfathomable powers. They spoke to her without even a sound, yet she understood completely what needed to be done.

Reina returned to the survivors cowering at the seaside, finding the survivors had already begun to construct crude rafts in a desperate attempt to flee the land. The swordmaiden tried to reassure them of safety, but after finding doubt in their minds, she left them while chanting a battle prayer given by the mythical creatures.

At daybreak, a great beam of silver light rushed forth into the sky where the Skinless Ones had supposedly razed. Later on, a scout party returned telling of the vanquished invaders and a great crystal spire that had sprung up in the center of the battlefield. However, all that was left of the courageous swordsmaiden was her silver sword. In honor of her selfless sacrifice, the Chieftain declared her their Savior and deified her name. That evening, as the sun shone on the crystalline tower, the spirit of Reina appeared before the Chieftain and instructed him in the knowledge of the Lore. From time to time, strange mystical creatures with friendly intent ventured down from the slopes of the Shirayama Mountains to help the rebuilding community grow into its glory as of today.

Advent of Unification

Over the centuries, Akashima has kept a very low profile as the other cities (Radasanth, Underwood, Serenti and Gisela) prospered and grew during the Era of Dawn. Only until recently the Akashiman Royal Family decided to reconnect bonds with the outside world through diplomacy and trade. Despite the fact this city is nearly an island nation within an island, its borders are inconspicuous and lenient for travelers and traders to come and go with little hassle. Tributes are also sent out each year to the Corone Government, ensuring its independent rule within the borders with justification from the Council Members.

To keep peace with the Assembly, The Akashiman High Court had also made available the Akashiman Royal Army and the Akashiman Royal Navy to the Master General.

With the current civil war between the newly-established Coronian Empire and the remnants of the Corone Rangers, Akashima kept itself at a distance with regards to the conflict. But despite of the external power struggles going on just beyond the borders, internal turmoil began stirring as well...

Social Organization

Important People of Akashima

Even though Akashima is a rather small and isolated country within Corone, the need for self-sustainable society has led to the different classes of people forming and moving the kingdom forward. While the Royal Family acts as the Ruling Head and National Commander, the people still has a say in what goes on in their country. The Dukes, each overseeing the different areas of Akashima, act as both the Regional Mayor, Marshall, Judge and Jury within their boundaries. The safety of Akashima as a whole depends on the cooperation of each Dukes and their devotion to the Nation as well as the Royal Family.

The Royal Family

Lady Akashima – Akashima Honoka. The Queen of Akashima, she oversees the governing of the nation. Her caring smile and sensitivity to the tiny nuances of social life has assured her people peace and joy for many years.

Lord Akashima – Akashima Ryohou. The King of Akashima, Commander of the Royal Army and the Royal Navy. He is a stern and cautious general who many believes he need to lighten up from time to time. In truth, he enjoys a good laugh as much as the average citizen - the military figurehead just has a very good control over his emotions. He is widely regarded as thorough and painfully attentive to details.

Princess Akashima – Akashima Kikyo. The direct heir to the Akashima throne, Princess Kikyo is learning the ways of the proper royal conduct as well as the many things needed to know about running an entire nation. There have been funny rumors about her daring deeds within the castle walls, though anyone who knows of it would immediately clam up in front of a stranger.

Regional Organization

The Capital

Duke of the Capital - Harumura Kano

Centered at the very core of Akashima society is the Royal Family, the location of Capital City reflecting this belief into concrete form. Much of the area is made up of luxuriously-decorated homes and shops, the architecture being a unique blend of Radasanthian and Traditional Akashiman style. The streets are well-kept and paved with cobblestone, designed to provide order and simplicity for travelling. Capital City is where the Crystal Spires stand, along with the Royal Palace and the Cadet Recruiment Center for Akashiman soldiers. The Duke of the Capital oversees the safety of this area.

The North

Duke of the North - Sakurazuka Yukio

To the North of Capital City is a small stretch of farmland and forest before rising gently into the Shirayama slopes. This is also where Ninyama village is located, well-hidden among the trees a short distance up the slopes where snow occasionally touches the tips of grass. The towns in this area are fairly well-developed and easy to navigate. The path to Ninyama Village, however, is an entirely different story as it winds through the forest with only a small beaten trail being the only guide. Aside from Ninyama Village, the North is also well-known for its warm hotsprings and delicious fruit harvest, the best place to find strawberries and cherries of the highest quality. The largest population of Nekojin seemed to have made their homes here as well along the western outskirts of the city. The Duke of the North oversees protection of this area.

The West

Duke of the West - Yamihara Hiroi (Deceased)

This was the site the Snow Heron tribe once made their village long before the Demon Invasion, the defiled woodland now converted to massive oats and rice plantations to feed the growing population and support the entire kingdom. Beyond the fields lay the fringes of Concordia Forest, a short ways before reaching the main road linking Underwood to Radasanth. Much of the homes in this area has still retained their usual traditional ways, saved for the Estate which was modeled in the new Akashiman style. Also, the late swordsmith Kashihiro Murakama was said to have his home here, though it would now be difficult to find. The Duke of the West oversees the defense of this area, though it is now skeptical whether it is truly as safe as it appears with the recent death of Duke Hiroi Yamihara. The next in line to inherit the position is none other than the eldest of the Yamihara sisters.

The South

Duke of the South - Minamoto Satoshi

To the south lies several rock quarries and well-placed fortresses built after victory over the Demon Invasion. This area is known for refined architecture and hardy men drilled for defense of their homeland. As it is known in Akashima, no man is more devoted to his land than the Southern Akashiman soldier. The land here is also the training ground of the Akashiman Royal Army. Utilizing the limited stretch of open field to conduct drills and standard training, the Concordian Forest beyond is used for survival training for all new recruits. The city is well-built and nearly half of the outer buildings are made from solid granite blocks, lined up as a gigantic wall in preparation for combat. Not surprisingly, the Smith Rikishi lives here and makes his rounds every morning to periodically check on his grand masterwork. The Duke of the South overlooks the welfare of this area to make sure nothing sneaks in on his watch.

The East

Duke of the East - Asaraki Jube

To the East, a nearly endless shoreline offers the Akashiman respite from the usual sight of yellow and green. Though not quite beautiful enough to be called a vacation spot, the sea is filled with ocean harvest and Yanbo Harbor is making every effort to balance the nature's reserve and the needs of the people. It is also here that the gigantic Battle Arks are anchored, ready to defend the sea whenever threats come their way. It is also here that Higurashi Hajime's shop once stood, now only an empty room remains with the faint, eerie ticking of a clock heard in the darkness. Some say the shop is haunted, but others are quick to dismiss the rumor. The Duke of the East manages the ocean harvest here and sends it to the Capital to be distributed to other areas, assuring that there will always be enough to eat for everyone.

Places of Note

The Great Crystal Spire: Every evening as the sun sinks below the forest, the brilliant rays will shine into the Great Crystal Spire which stands in the center of Capital City and illuminate the cobblestone streets below. Strangely, it also produces a sort of spiritual domain which allowed ethereal beings to take shape without the need of a vessel. Sometimes when a stray spark from the Crystal Spire strikes an inanimate object with its thunder bolt-like energy arc, the object becomes animate and the locals say it is the spirit of someone who had passed away. However, the phenomena remains only until sunset when the solar rays disappear behind the vast sea of trees of Concordia Forest. These phenomena have been actively studied by the Akashiman scholars, although no conclusion could be found.

The Akashiman Royal Palace: A grand palace for the Royal Family was constructed not far from the Great Crystal Spire and is home to the Royal Family. The great granite structure, even while fashioned to become a formidable fortress in times of war, depicted delicate artworks and stone masterpieces throughout its grand halls and towering walls. The Akashiman Royal Guards are stationed within the walls to respond to any threat they may find. Highly trained by the Royal Army and instructed in the Way by the Ninyama Spirit Warders, they are a force to be reckoned with and no infiltrator has escaped the palace with their lives intact.

Ninyama Village: A small village on the slope of the Shirayama Mountains near the Sacred Crystal Cavern, this is where the scholars unearth and study ancient scripts their ancestors had left behind before the Siege. It is also here that the Spirit Warders are trained and charged with putting malicious spirits to rest using their knowledge of the Way of Spirits. Their patron Guardian is Gingitsu, the Spirit Fox. The village, while not officially part of the Northern Duchy, remains under the charge of the Sakurazuka House.

Yanbo Harbor: The main fishing city of Akashima. Here, shipwrights are active at work building fishing ships and trading barges while supplying the nation with their ocean harvest. The Akashiman Royal Navy requested the merchants to keep their trading barges ready to convert into transport ships in case mass evacuation of their home was ever needed. The Akashiman Royal Navy also resides here where their galleons, waiting to tackle any seaward threat. Notable harvests are marine creatures of various kinds, pearls and ambergris.

Shikigawa Village: The largest known gathering of the Akashiman Nekojin is in fact a small town and not a village at all. With the population reaching almost 200 households, the feline citizens have been able to maintain a steady relationship with the rest of Akashima by supplying wild fowl, game meat as well as animal hides from the forest just beyond the Akashiman border. The town is located in the western reaches of North Akashima, thus its protection is ensured by the ruling House of Northern Akashima.

Foreign Relations

Akashima has kept a very low profile ever since the Demon Wars. Two thousand years had passed and the new generation of young adventurers seek to reunite the nation with the world. While still an unknown force in the realm of the superpowers, the nation nonetheless keep their vigil should certain incidents come to pass.

Corone: Technically a part of the Coronian Assembly in terms of government, Akashima retained independent rule within its borders. With the Queen of Akashima as head of the Nation's government, she sends her representative to the Capital in order to remind them of their peaceful contract. However, with the formation of the Coronian Empire, this trust begins to sway.

Scara Brae: Many warriors from the small island of Scara Brae has ventured into the nation. While most are already well-received like many of the travellers commonly passing through, some exceptionally talented individuals have been approached with great interest by the warriors of the city. Some aspiring warriors have ventured forth from Akashima to Scara Brae itself, intent on spreading the nation's legacy of combat prowess.

Raiaera: Relatively little contact has kept the Akashiman from holding neither good nor bad views of the noble Elves.

Alerar: Because of some technological dependences, Akashima attempts to remain on good terms with the Aleran nation despite the strict trade barriers. Because of this, most contact with the Dark Elves are strictly business. Nothing more.

Salvar: No relations with the nation to the north has caused Akashima to remain neutral in all affairs. However, the ruling class has expressed interest in surveying the lands for possible technological artifacts they could study.

Fallien: No contact has been made with the Desert Nation, therefore the Akashiman hold no prejudice nor knowledge of what the people and culture there are like.

Military Power

While a small nation in comparison to even Scara Brae, the people of Akashima themselves are nonetheless spirited fighters sworn to protect their nation to ensure there is a future for their children. Thus, much of the combat style portrayed in conventional Akashiman tactics are defensive stances as well as slow, impenetrable advances aimed at repelling invaders as opposed to sheer offensive powers.

Akashiman Royal Army: Lead by the King of Akashima, the Army consists of approximately 5,000 Swordsmen trained in various longsword styles (Katana, Odachi, Tower Blades), 3,500 Bowmen armed with the traditional shortbow and a squad of Autobowmen. There are also 1,500 Pikemen armed with long pikes and 1,250 Halberdiers who wield the traditional naginata of Akashiman design. Several granite fortresses also exist, scattered throughout the southern and western regions. One notable fortress in the West, however, have fallen into a bandit's den in the aftermath of the regional Duke's passing.

In Akashima, Army service is mandatory in order to train the entire able-bodied citizen for any instances of surprise attacks that may occur, such as the ones leading up to the Demon War in Akashima. Service only lasts for one year, with some allowed to serve for merely six months.

Akashiman Royal Navy: The Akashiman Royal Navy's strength lies heavily with their galleons, though only 8 ships have been completed. However, there are three Battle Arks ready for combat at the harbors and another Battle Ark under construction. Due to the heavy financial burden placed upon the shipyards for the construction of such titanic battleships, they could not afford to construct any more ships at the moment.

Each galleons carry 12 9-pounder cannons on two gundecks and each ship is trimmed with four triangle sails, capable of doing up to 3 knots in good wind. Crew size is 75.

Economy and Trade

Akashima relies mainly on self-sustainability within the borders, a philosophy handed down from the pervious generations. For wood, they harvest sparingly from Concordia Forest as well as remote regions north of the Comb Mountains where Akashiman Redwood could be found. For metal ores, many tons had to be imported from the nearby Dwarven mines in Radasanth while more exotic metals are imported from Alerar. Of note are the Master Smiths in each fields of expertise, ranging from metalworks to masonry and shipbuilding. Listed below are the four Master Smiths.

The Four Smiths

Smith of the Sword - Murakama Kashihiro (Deceased) - Master weaponsmith who fashioned the best quality wares in Akashima for the nobility and commoners alike. His recent peaceful passing has left a hole in the market waiting for a rising bladesmith to fill.

Smith of the System - Higurashi Hajime (Missing) - A man known for his skills with clockworks, Hajime is the de facto leading figure of a rising new class of workers in Akashima. However, he is currently missing though news has it he is actually traveling overseas.

Smith of the Sea - Aramaki Taisho - Akashima has only one harbor capable of constructing sea-worthy ships and only one craftsman capable of putting together a colossus like the Battle Ark. Taisho is currently working on completing the ninth of Akashima’s Battle Ark, his work taking precedence over everything else – even if it is a quick meal.

Smith of the Streets - Touhou Rikishi - Rikishi is regarded by the populace as one of the master builders, being the master architect during the construction and layout of the Capital during the most recent Reconstruction. His ancestors were also the people two planned and constructed the Royal Palace, a testament of quality and promise of dedication to stability of the nation.

Akashiman Inventions

Because of the unique history as well as occasional aide from the mythical Lore creatures, Akashiman smiths have come up with some rather ingenius devices. Listed here are some of the more prominent and widely recognized icons of Akashiman inventions.

The Autobow: A repeating crossbow with auto-loading mechanisms. While not very accurate, it can be used to great effect as a means of delivering a massive rain of arrows onto unsuspecting attackers.

Akashiman Battle Arks: Akashima's own heavy galleon design, it is powered by the strange crystals taken from the Sacred Crystal Cavern as opposed to the traditional canvas sails.Resembling three standard galleons merged together, they are armed with ballistas and cannons as well as reinforced ship hulls. Though not made for long range excursions, they are a formidable force in their defensive role.

Demographics

While humans make up the majority of the population in Akashima, strange creatures have also been spotted mingling with the humans as well. Nekojins, Kitsune and other animalistic hybrids have been known to live peacefully amongst the human population. Their existence have always been a curiosity to the scholars, although local lores assert them to be an emissary of the Guardians they serve. There is also rumor that a small hut exists in the western skirts of Akashima, belonging to a fabled Nine-tail Kitsune ronin who now lives a quiet life with her family.

Racial Note: the Nekojin

No one knew for how long had the Nekojin first been seen among the humans, but one can attest to their sense of pride and unity within their relatively small community. These feline-like humans have furry cat ears, tails and eyes though other features are distinctly human. They have coexisted within the human population with little problem at all.

Small communities of the Nekos are spread out in the Akashiman towns and one can easily distinguish the feline citizen from the humans by their pointed triangular ears and distinctly furry appearance – They found hiding their identity an unneeded chore as the human neighbors did not mind their presence.

Culture

Social Structure and Etiquette

Akashima is a nation of peaceful coexistence and tradition, rooted in respect for nature and other living beings. The citizens are well known for their hospitality and welcoming smiles, reflected in their simplistic fashion and lifestyle. Some are better behaved than others, however, so there is always a Lawkeeper around to help keep the peace.

Akashiman Social Structure is not entirely complex, composing of the Commoners, the Artisan and the Royalty. Recently, with the examples set forward by the noteworthy clocksmith Hajime, there is a new class arising in Akashima known as the Engineers. They are still relatively unheard of by most.

Folk Lore - Guardians of Akashima

main article: Akashiman Folklore

Akashima could not have survived the aftermath of the Demon War if it were not for the mystical creatures who taught them the old ways their ancestors had lived by. Among the creatures known as Guardians, there are seven prominent entities who watches over the Akashiman and interacts freely - if a bit playfully - with its residents. According to records found within the Sacred Crystal Cavern near Ninyama Village, the Seven Guardians are Ruka, Maira, Hadaja, Kazen, Gingitsu, Koriko and Aozor. Each of the distinguished Guardians preside over different aspects of Akashiman culture, from agriculture to military morale. Also, three of the Guardians are known to also be protector of different regions within the small kingdom and regularly aide the different rulers in managing their duchy.