Mitzu

To be found to the south west of Ara, west of Ebrion and to the south of Vozdukh, lies Mitzu. Once a large continent, a calamity caused most of the continent to sink, leaving a collection of many islands. The major island is Karta, the second largest is Odon. It is ruled by the Imperial Line of Mitzu.

Structure

The Empire of Mitzu is official ruled by the Emperor. The Emperor is supported by a Vizier-like individual, the Arakon who acts as an advisor and, especially during the Seclusion, act for the Emperor within the world. However, in reality, that leadership is secured by the relationship fostered with the leaders, or Isika, of each of the Iparaku of Mitzu. These form the Council of the Isikaya.

Isika	Iparak	Territory
Vaka Sani (deceased)	Kikani	Kita
Koyama Hisa	Azumani	Azuma
Shizu Kune	Katani	Karta
Yakan Gawa	Nishini	Nishi
Suki Rumi	Mulini	Mul
Hiki Yunin	Odoni	Odon
Matsu Tomio	Olippini	Olippi

In the case of the death of the Emperor with no apparent heirs, historically a new Emperor has been found from the Isikaya. They traditionally then renounce their tribe and an new Isika elected. Outside of the Isikaya and their Iparaku, there is significant political influence from the Monastic orders, and also two shadowy Cabals - the School of the Spider and the School of the Scorpion

Culture

The Mitzui are divided into an number of tribes with varying cultures (and cultural stereotypes). However, there are some uniting elements. In general, the Mitzui value excellence in one's field, be it intellectual & academic, physical or fiscal. There is also a culture of honour and loyalty to one's family, tribe and country. Most are relatively open to outsiders, most so in the south, and less so to the North. Being composed of so many islands, the Mitzui are keen seafarers and it is a very maritime kingdom – lots of explorers, water very important.

Language

As well as racial languages, the people of Miztu speak a dialect of Common, called Mitzui. It is written in their alphabet of Takode

Food

The Mitzui dislike cooking upon open flames. As such, most food is boiled, steamed, steam-ovened or fried on large hot meal plates. Grain is largely wet-wheat based, eaten either as steamed bread or boiled into sticky grains, sometimes formed into dumplings or rolled in seaweed with additional vegetable or protein additions. Protein largely is derived from fish & sea-birds (which also provide eggs) in the diet, though some pork is also reared on the larger islands. Sauces are popular with foods, often using imported spices appropriate to the consumer's wealth. Fermentation is also used for pickles and sauces, and some teas. However, alcohol is less prevalent here than in other areas of Ara with the major beverage being a wide range of teas.

Architecture

Common Mitzui buildings are built with white-washed wood. In cities, particularly the capital, stone is more prevalent, particular in richer buildings. The white stone of Mitzu is the most prestigious and is used to dazzling extent in Szhen-Dgou. This is usually coupled with hip-and-gable style roofing, with corners rounding up to be higher than the sides. Blue is the most prestigious colour for roofing. This may be achieved through painted wooden shingles, slate and varying quality Mitzu blue Lapis.

Fashion

Clothing is mostly in the form of robes of silk. Layering is important, with clothing specially designed for professions and to sit on top of armour. Blue and white are common, as auspicious colours, but there is a wide variety available based on budget. Some colours and styles are restricted to certain professions and classes. Furs are more common in Northern regions, while in some Southern regions it is common to bare one's chest.

Iparaku

Mitzui citizens owe loyalty to a tribe or Iparak. These are regional groupings as well as connected by family. It is possible to change Iparak, though many who move within the country retain their former allegiance and this is normally accepted. Historically, the territories of these tribes were disputed and fought over, though for the last century or so, they have been relatively stable. These tribes all have their own rich and varied cultures and histories, though also have lazy stereotypes associated with them by the other Iparaku.

Tribe	Region	Stereotypical Traits/outlook
Kikani	Kita	Isolationist. Untrustworthy of outside influences and relatively hostile to immigration, particularly from outside Mitzu
Azumani	Azuma	Diplomats, but also in the extreme viewed as cunning, sly and manipulative. Representatives from the Azumani are largely responsible for the domestic stability Mitzu now enjoys
Katani	Karta	Place strong value in might and power. Seen as militaristic and pugilistic
Nishini	Nishi	Highly traditionalist and resistant to change. Often ally in disagreements with the Kikani
Mulini	Mul	Famed for their wisdom, criticised for their idealism over pragmatism. Home to many monastic and academic traditions, a Mulini accent can advantage one - sometimes unfairly.
Odoni	Odon	Viewed as the business powerhouse of Mitzu, the Odoni are viewed as mercantile and sometimes avaricious
Olippini	Olippi	Being at one of the extremes of the territory, Olippi has been the starting point of many explorers. People from this region are believed to be adventurous, though often dismissed as dreamers.

History

Mitzu was founded by Emperor Tshanhona gathering the survivors from the calamity. Nearly all pre-calamity organisations, assets and infrastructure were lost, with the exception of some in very mountainous regions. As such, any remaining items are highly prized and valuable

Demography and Population

Mitzu is home to most of the races of Ara, with prevalence in descending order:

Humans
Elves
Dragonborn
Half-elves
Halfings
Orcs & Half-orcs

Territories

The Empire of Mitzu covers a number of major islands. These are:

Szhen-Dgou - The small island that is the capital
Kita (The Northern Islands) - Coolest of the islands with famously harsh winters
Azuma (The Eastern Islands)
Karta
Nishi (The Western Islands)
Odon - the largest landmass of the island group
Mul - the second largest island
Olippi (The South Islands)