
(A full-sized version of the map is located here: https://imgur.com/bAYcKIM) The final strike...
The final cry
And then war enveloped us all. The world of Shira'kaiu was enveloped in war. The former dynasty - The Aizuco Family - were disposed in the climax of an anti-imperialistic uprising. The emperor's death sent ripples throughout the entire country, as greedy province lords began to grab for as much power as they could, swallowing minor prefectures and states, until there were only 25 left. National war soon followed, sending the entire known world into conflict. However, what was once believed (from each side) to be a pushover of a war soon turned into a long and bloody conflict. All due to the arrival of some strange artifacts...
The Kirimazu Oshonari (lit. "The Blessed Swords") soon found their way into the hands of the 25 Province Lords, and despite the secrecy to their arrival and acquisition, they came with such an immense source of raw power... such raw strength... that just the mere threat of arming a general with such a sword was enough to instigate a conflict.
What seemed to completely miss the attention of the public was the Emperor's Wife. Whilst the revolutionists had slain his concubines, his wife had went into hiding. Despite many believing her to be infertile, she gave birth in secrecy; swearing that one day her newborn child will unite the known world and bring honour back to the Aizuco family.
Yet what stood in their way was 25 provinces and a rising threat from the darkness...
It was time to end a war.
*Swords/Provinces~
Kuruzamoto; The Fallen Empire. Flamberge of Embers
Gwasan; Province of Weeping. Estoc of Tears
Hangmen; Province of Valleys. Nihonto of Death
Tairamay; Province of Maritime. Kopis of Blood
Heiter; Province of Trade. Katana of Scorn
Gwajin; Province of Rebellion. Epee of Swiftness
Xinmay; Province of Music. Curtana of Judgement
Qugwan; Province of Mining. Falx of Salt
Moschia; Province of Thieves. Backsword of Brutality
Sirshasia; Province of Luxury. Szabla of Purity
Mianrao; Province of Benevolence. Pata of Peace
Shizuiqiu; Province of Mystery. Cestus of Bone
Rukoml; Province of Cyclones. Daab of Gales
Butooroi; Province of Dao of Storms
Vozyrka; Province of Fish. Cutlass of Seas
Narashibetsu; Province of Spices. Rapier of Kariku
Naje; Province of Trade. Estoc of Hariku
Uchio; Province of Pelts. Claymore of Mariku
Subech; Province of Worship. Machete of Divinity
Mstisla; Province of Romance. Odachi of Time
Kimotoro; Province of Knights. Longsword of Chivalry
Samnam; Province of Gourmet. Spadroon of Strength
Pohung; Province of Art. Scimitar of Minds
Shinekhan; Province of Mountains. Dussack of Wealth
Ensato; Province of Diplomacy. Katzbalger of Eternity
*Shira~
The inhabitants of Shira'kaiu are all incredibly similar to humans, albeit with a few minor differences.
- Depending in which region you originate from, your skin tone can range from a bone white to a dark grey.
- Small, tube-like growths wrap around their scalene mucluar area (a bit like macaroni). The purpose for these tubes are unknown.
Males and females tend to live as long as humans, although due to the war, life expectancy is around 50.
All careers are open to both sexes, although men tend to stick to more physically demanding or strategic jobs whilst women happily work making food, performing and showing off their artistic side.
Many citizens follow what can be described as “Shiplife”; living out at seas either in peace, as missionaries or in waiting for a new victim to attack.
The Shira have a strict caste system that people are born into. Those that perform well or gain enough power can move up the caste.
- Emeror: Supreme Ruler of the Attol. Position filled by the Kirisho - the non-imperialistic Ruler.
- Province Lords: Self explanatory; the rulers of the 25 provinces.
- Aristocracy: Other nobles and higher soldiers that have gained many benefits.
- Soldiers: Those that aid their country in fighting gain special privileges over regular peasants.
- Peasants: The majority of the population. Consists of everyday people.
- Volko: A class of those that are mercenaries, assassins, escaped and/or convicted criminals. They are treated with immense disdain.
The Attoll is divided into six ethnocentric regions. Each has its own quirks and charms, although some are treated with more respect than others.
North Aida- the most populous region, North Aida is full of forests and towns, bustling with many people. Holds the Capital Province and former seat of the Aizuco Dynasty. Skin colour here tends to be extremely pale or light grey.
Juhiri Headlands- named in honour of a native war hero, Juhiri is full of vast, open fields and a few swampy areas. Skin tone here is generally a reddish-brown. Think clay.
Kraken’s Claw- a region that is as diverse as it is beautiful. The atmosphere is slightly cold and bitter, with some areas being barren and laden with gravel, whilst others are peaked with snow. Skin tone here is more of a caramel or golden colour.
Merchant Trail- full of pristine beaches, tropical climate and sea-breeze air, it’s no wonder the area here is a delight to stay at. Skin here tends to be pale with a slight tint of pink.
North-East Exotics- full of mystical jungles, foggy coasts and a unique culture, the Exotics are usually visited by merchants, explorers or soldiers. Skin tone here is a dark grey, and blonde or red hair is rare.
South Aida- full of deserts and volcanic landscape, the Basalt Sands of South Aida make the region incredibly tough to live in, which makes the people there strong. Skin tone here is usually a deep or medium brown.