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 the ancient arts of their forefathers and 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 throughout the years of the Republic 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 elderly but wise warrior chief made sure his tiny clan can survive the winters as each year comes full round, constantly checking the grain harvest and wood stock so that there will be enough to go around each family. Their warriors kept watchful eyes for signs of danger each day and night, warding off vicious creatures emerging from the forest. Their scholars kept records of each season and generation on fine bark strips with the ink distilled from the Belkeil tree sap to later bind them into books and tomes, stored away in an underground library where not many souls, even among the scholar themselves, have seen. The small clan flourished and thrived off the land they had settled in growing in culture, tradition and ingenuity. The Time of Tranquility seemed to last for eons, but that was not meant to be.

Only after seventeen generations had passed, the high seer perceived a grave danger looming in the distance. Hajira tried to warn Headman Kouran, now elevated to the status of the Chieftain, but was politely disregarded as Chief Kouran continued to check the ration stores prepared for the nearing winter. High Seer Hajira went back to his hut with a heavy heart and, sensing his own end drawing near, wrote down his vision before hiding it in a cavern at the foot of the Shirayama Mountains.

Not long after the outlanders came ashore in their mighty ocean vessel. Not wanting to be of much resistance, as it was the way the Snow Heron had always sustained themselves against the other clans, Chieftain Kouran agreed with the other faction leaders to let Chieftain Fannos of the Burning River to do the negotiating. However, this peaceful tribe had no idea the world around them had plunged into open war and alliances had been torn asunder. During those dark years, the Snow Heron kept to themselves in the protection of the woods.

The Onslaught

One fateful day, the warriors on guard duty heard awful cries of deranged creatures lurking in the woods to the south. The beastly creatures, called by the fleeing survivors as "Skinless Warriors," laid siege upon the unprepared village and many were forced to flee. A small band of fighters remained to fight the invaders, led by the High Seer himself, 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 Hajira was cut down by the dark sword of the Skinless Leader. In triumph, Hrozma the Skinless torched down the buildings with his fiery breath. Within minutes what was once Snow Heron was now in flames. Everything from ancient records of fertility to Lores passed down from family to family was 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.

Redemption and Lady Akashima

Even as the Onslaught dragged on for years on end, all hope was not lost. Of the twelve warriors fighting alongside Hajira was a young swordmaiden who had followed the High Seer wherever he went. During that time, women were not allowed to fight, even to defend themselves much less wield a weapon. The High Seer, however, foresaw something that was to come and allowed her despite the protest of her peers. As each warrior fell in battle against the heartless beasts they ordered her to flee along with the survivors but she remained and fought alongside gallantly. Bleeding profusely and hanging onto dear life by a single thread, she hobbled into the cavern where her master had hidden the secret vision. There, her strength diminished and she fell down in the crystalline cavern with the bark strip in her hand...

The next day, she found herself healed and healthy though many wounds remained as light battle scars. Her eyes turned towards a strange glowing blue light and saw a vision of wondrous creatures with radiant eyes and great 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, some had already begun to construct crude rafts in a desperate attempt to flee the land. The swordmaiden tried to reassure them in vain, and after seeing her promise was doubted, left them while chanting her battle prayer.

What went on after that remained a mystery to the rest of the tribe but at daybreak a great beam of silver light rushed forth from the earth off in the distance where the Skinless Ones had supposedly razed. A small scout party was sent and reports came back 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 Coronian 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 rather well-kept and paved with cobblestone, well-mapped and outlined 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, Asuka.

The South

Duke of the South - Minamoto Satoshi

To the south lies several rock quarries and a few well-placed fortresses built soon after victory over the Demon Invasion. This area is known for refined architecture and hardy men well-trained for defense of their homeland. As it is known in Akashima, no man is more devoted to his land than the Southern Akashiman soldier. It is here that the main training ground of the Akashiman Royal Army. Utilizing the limited stretch of open land to conduct drills and standard training, the Concordian forestland beyond the boundary is used as testing ground for all new recruits. The city is well-built and nearly half of the outer buildings are made from solid granite blocks, all lined up to resemble a gigantic wall in preparation for combat. Not surprisingly, the Smith Rikishi lives here and makes his rounds every morning to check on his grand masterwork for cracks and holes to fill. 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 of Capital City, the nearly endless shoreline offers the Akashiman respite from the usual sight of green and brown. Though not quite beautiful enough to be called a vacation spot, the sea is filled with ocean harvest and Yambo Harbor is making every effort to bring in enough for the people while not destroying the fertile stock. 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 shop remained in its place with the faint, eerie ticking of a clock heard in the darkness. Some say it is haunted, but others are quick to dismiss it. 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 lush green forest, the brilliant rays will shine into the Great Crystal Spire which stands in the center of Capital City, illuminating the cobblestone streets below. Strangely, it also produced a sort of domain which allowed ethereal beings to take shape on their own without the need of a channeller or vessel. It is a phenomenon that the Akashimans have kept studying over the course of their history, though no conclusions have yet to be drawn. 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.

The Akashiman Royal Palace: A grand palace for the Royal Family was constructed not far from the Great Crystal Spire and that is where to Royal Family resides. 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 housed and stationed within the walls of the palace to respond to any threat they may find. Highly trained by the Royal Army and instructed in the Way by the Ninyama scholars and the Spirit Warders, they are a force to be reckoned with and no infiltrator has escaped the compound with their lives intact. Though technically a part of the Coronian Assembly in terms of government, Akashima retained Matriarchal Rule within its borders. The Lady of Akashima rules as head of local government with the Princess of Akashima being the direct heir to the throne. The King of Akashima is the local commander, controlling the Akashiman Royal Army and Navy. However, he must forfeit control over to the Master General in times of continental war.

Ninyama Village: A small village a little ways up the slope of the Shirayama Mountains near the secret cavern, now locally known and protected as the Sacred Crystal Cavern. It is this tiny village that the scholars unearth and study the 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 protection 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, though numbering only a little under ten, rested at the waiting for any seaward threat, be they large or small. Notable harvests are marine creatures of various kinds (mainly Crabs, Lobsters, Squid, Marlins, Snappers, Sardines and Tuna), pearls and ambergris. This seaside city is under the jurisdiction of the Jubei House.

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.

--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 and the human neighbors did not mind having them around anyway.

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.

Demographics

Though humans make up the majority of the population in Akashima, strange creatures have also been spotted mingling with the humans as well. Among them are the Nekojins, strange bipedal beings with a mix of human and feline characteristics who dwell among the populace. No one knows how long these odd creatures have lived among the humans. However, there were no animosity between them and the humans as they have shown no ill to the nation. Therefore, these feline-like creatures are allowed to stay and start their own little community within the borders of Akashima and live freely so long as they follow the law like any other citizens of the country.

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

From time to time, Akashima have been visited by fantastic creatures masquerading as humans and even mundane animals in their effort to help guide this rebuilding nation. Among them, seven Guardians are among the most prominent and most often found in both local folklore and national archives. They are listed below.

Ruka – Guardian of the Forest

The mighty Earth Serpent known as Ruka resides deep within the forest somewhere between Concordia and Akashima. Despite his humongous size, the Lore Guardian has been known to disguise himself as a wandering druid or even as a tiny tree snake. Utilizing the ancient art of Illusion Magic, he can change even his size and weight, deceiving the senses of perception of all but the other ancients of Althanas. Ruka is also known to Akashiman as the Guardian of the Harvest, legend saying that his very presence will cause small seedlings to sprout instantaneously from the ground. Ruka is fairly amiable, though he is also known to be quite slow as well.

Maira – Guardian of the Beasts

From time and time again through its relatively young history, Akashima would be filled with festive music as a wandering band of street performers graced its streets, spreading their joyous tunes throughout the peaceful kingdom. Among them is a wild and lively dancer, her flame-red hair fanning through the crisp, cool air. The Scarlet Dancer, however, is none other than Maira herself – The other performers being the wild animals disguised by her Illusion Magic. She is known for her exuberant and lively personality as well as her fiery zeal in combat. Because of this, Akashiman soldiers consider her their very own Guardian and have on them a small bone-carved image of a saberlion – a reminder of her zeal and as a token of protection. Her natural form is that of the Akashiman Saberlioness.

Hadaja – Guardian of the Sea

Calm and serene, the Maiden of the Sea is known for her wisdom and charm reflected in her elegant turquoise locks and sapphire eyes. In her natural form, she known as the Great Eel of the Ocean and also acts as the Matron Protector of Yanbo Harbor, ensuring the continual flow of harvest as long as nature is respected. The Maiden of the Sea is also known to hold deep philosophical discourses with the sages of old times. She is seldom seen nowadays, but legends have spoken that she rarely even appears in full human form – at most having long, tail-like fins in place of her legs. Most of the locals know her as Hadaja, though some visitors merely regard her as Hadaj.

Kazen – Guardian of the Wind

The Wind Dragon is regarded as one of the most widely-known in Akashiman Lore, appearing in many legends and tales dealing with the Guardians. The Emerald Dragon, however, resembles nothing from the Draconian legends of the Thayne Lore – his snake-like body holds no wing-like appendages and his maned head shines a glimmering jade glow. In his human guise, thanks to the ancient art of Illusion Magic, he resembles a robed sage wandering the rice fields with small birds flocking wherever he went. He is a rather jovial fellow, but he is also known to be ever-changing in temperament.

Gingitsu – Guardian of the Spirits

The Silver Fox known as the Trickster and Illusion Master, Gingitsu is the Patron Guardian of Ninyama Village and the Spirit Warders within. Crafty and mischievous, he is often times found along the slopes of the Shirayama Mountains close to the Sacred Crystal Cavern playing illusion tricks and mind games with the wanderers in the area. Whether it was to protect the Cavern or just for kicks, no one could really tell. Legend has it that his natural fox form has nine tails, though it could also be an illusion on his behalf as well. Then again, the Master of Illusion Arts is unrivalled and equally hard to catch, making him an ever elusive target to find. In his human form, he can often be found garbed in the traditional clothing and flowing silvery hair, a childish grin perpetually plastered on his face.

Koriko – Guardian of the Final End

Koriko, though not as well-known among the populace as much as Kazen or even Maira, is thoroughly feared by many who have heard her tales. “Shirahime,” “Pale Saint” and “Shinigami” being some of the titles usually referred to in place of her name, the Snow Maiden serves as the guide to the Akashiman afterlife. According to legend, when the time of death approaches an Akashiman, A black-hair maiden dressed in snow-white kimono would appear at their side and whisk them away to the mountains. Other time, acquaintances of the deceased have said they would see a white ferret scuttling about around the final moments of their loved ones. Not much else is known about her asides from her cold, enchanting stare and emotionless expression. Who knows what lies beyond her indifferent demeanor…

Aozor – Guardian of the Capital

Aozor manifests himself as a gigantic, snow-white heron who soar through the sky above Akashima, lending the tiny kingdom protection and guidance from afar. In fact, the very clan this nation had risen from regarded the Snow Heron as their sacred totem guardian. Not much is known about Aozor, though, nor has anyone ever seen him in his human disguise. To date, the most anyone had sight of his existence was the gigantic bird-like shadow far above the clouds. Still, his mere presence assures the Akashiman of the Guardians’ eternal protection.