Shinano

"Under Heaven, Protection in Belief."

"To the Eternal Emperor. While your grace may rest, I pray that my words reach you in the heavens above. For the land is abundant, and the people are safe. Soon, all shall be in balance, and the land may find true peace."

-Spirtua Retainer of the Eternal Emperor

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Culture

Dominated by the various lineages of Beastkins, the lands of Kirinokuni follow a variety of divinities that are unique to the continent.
Many citizens exist solely within their own regions known as Sects, which are groups of Beastkin Tribes of their individual ancestries. Intermingling between Sects occurs rarely, as each is blessed with a land that lacks disease, disasters, and famine.
Consolidated under rule of the Council of Xin, the various Beastkin Sects are granted little autonomy. With little to no poverty, the lands are filled hard-working farmers that dedicate themselves to toiling the land.
Many of these individuals do not bear the ability to write or read. Instead, they are assisted by the Retainers of the Eternal Emperor for guidance. These Retainers are blessed individuals whose talent and skillset go far beyond the typical farmer. They offer their assistance and instruct the people of Kirinokuni as an extension of the Eternal Emperor's wishes.
Occasionally, some individuals will have the inclination to depart their lands in search of lands beyond Shinano and Kirinokuni itself. These people are marked as "Wanderers."

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People of Shinano

Farmers

Accounting for the vast majority of the population within Kirinokuni, these individuals live peaceful lives by relying on the retainers.
Whether it be abominable monsters or intolerable plagues, all are solved by the Retainers of the Emperor. Farmers dedicate themselves to the Eternal Emperor and at least one of the Divinities of the Pantheon of Kirinokunis.

Retainers

Blessed by the Eternal Emperor, these Retainers are granted powers that only a few could obtain. Bearing a deep connection to Spirtuas that reside in the land, they are powerful individuals who conduct, shape, and guide the land in the shape of their divinity.
While there are far and few that exist, a singular one is known to be a force to be reckoned with. As many of them solve various issues that plague the lands. From devastating Kaiju attacks, to plagues and infestations, they are known to protect all of the citizens that follow their creed.

Wanderers

Travelers have found themselves in the Lands of Kirinokuni before, many times even before the Mist was settled in place. Occasionally, there will be periods where Wanders wash ashore. Assumed to be blessed with permittance by the God of the Sea (___), these Wanders are invited along to join them, as long as they follow the customs of their culture.

Council Members

While the land requires little governance, some order is necessary. Only the most respected Retainers that have distinguished themselves in ceremony, conduct, and skill are granted admission into the Council of Xin. They grant missions to Retainers and even to Wanders to solve issues regarding the land.

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History

Centered within the islands of Kirinokuni, the lands of Shinano span an archipelago of various regions. Encompassing various tribes of Beastkins who once fought against each other, they now remain united underneath the banner of the Council of Xin.
Presently a land of peace, one without tragedy, struggle, or fragility. It is now an idyllic land where time passes gently and comfortably. However, this was not always the case.
Formerly known as a land of strife and constant warfare named The Disputed Lands, it was a region where ruthless warlords would run amok for power, and endless conflict would transpire. Collations of Beastkin would ravage their lands, and even consume the loser's flesh.
Many would flee in fear of the inhumane actions, and form their own Collations to survive in these desperate times. Carnivorous Beastkins would induct the placid Herbavores Beastkin into their rule of slavery. To forever toil their land, and live off their flesh, blood, and tears, many would suffer

However, this would all come to a sounding resolution. Rumors would spread, as the words of the forsaken would usher about a mountaintop. The sighting of a divine being that descended from the heavens itself, rendering its own flesh, and bestowed it upon the mountain. From this miracle, came the birth of the divine known as the Eternal Emperor Yin.
An extension of the Divinity who is known to be Shinano No Mikoto, they would assemble devote retainers that would carry out their will.
Bearing great powers, the newly formed Retainers would subjugate the Collations, parley, and exterminate all that went against tradition. Through many years of conflict, the lands now remain at peace. With political powers formerly held by various military dictators and feudal lords, these lands have fully abolished such classes in lieu of a classless society.
Satisfied, the Emperor left their finest work. the Haiyuki (灰雪). An Ash-Like-Snow Mist that surrounds the entirety of Kirinokuni. This provides protection against the Kaijus of the Sea, and the destructive forces that lay dormant within the land.
Today, the lands are at a solemn-like peace while the Eternal Emperor rests. While many issues still reside even after the events of the Haiyuki (灰雪), the land continues to prosper under the continued guidance of the Retainers.

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Government

Council of Xin utilizes a Imperial Regent Council / Mandate of Heaven as their form of government. While the land is best seen as a region of self-governance, they are overseen by Retainers that come and go.

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Geography

Surrounded by a stepped terraces land, the mountains regions of Shinano are difficult to maneuver around unless one takes routes that are blessed and paved.

Government

Cultural Hegemony

Type

Capital

Owner/Ruler

Eternal Emperor Yin

Regions

• The Forbidden Palace
• Land of the Retainers
• Commoner's Land
• Worker's Harvest
• Stream of the Winds

Tech Level

Society and Technology

• 2-3: Minimal Writing and Reading, Constructed, Pulleys, Carts.

Weaponry

• 2: Basic Metals, Bows, and Strings.

Transportation

• 2: Domestic Animals, Canoes, Rowboats.

Magic

2-3: Shamanistic, Primal Magic.

Faith

• 8: Oracles and Champions.

Medicial

2-3: Potion Making.

Power

2-4: Domestic Animals- Windmill.

Wealth

• 1: Simple Trades, Local.