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 Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 2:09 pm
Songjewel After-Songjewel-Prettification WoGv2.0 Map (click thumbnail)
If you are in charge of something, you need to tell me where the important stuff is! So far I've got Lab and Deinos located. And I called the light country the wrong thing, I'll fix that. Pay no attention to the names, I tried to do them from memory and failed. WILL FIX, but in the meantime, tell me the locations of your shiz!
Countries:
West: Hyphos
Merchant Republic: Astraena
East: Higashi
Deinos is the Capital City of the West.
The ruling family is also the main bloodline of the shadow elemental, the Royal House of Mournay.
Also residing in the West are the conquered earth bloodline tribes...
【国都】 Kokuto [こくと] is the Capital City of the East
The ruling family is also the main bloodline of the Light Elemental, the Kaikou Clan.
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Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 4:55 pm
question Location Description Index question
WoGv2.0
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Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 12:37 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:28 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:40 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 1:52 pm
exclaim Hyouto exclaim HistoryHyouto is a small nation, built upon the small islands between Higashi and Astraena. Once upon a time, these islands were uninhabited, unclaimed land. They were first settled by pirates, who needed a place to go to ground after a successful raid. The first settlements were ramshackle, cobbled together from driftwood and rope, a place to store loot, sleep, drink rum, share stories, and little else. It was the dread pirate captain Kyoko Amayuki, captain of the ship Suimibara, that first began to look at Hyouto as a more permanent home. Kyoko had gained quite a reputation as a corsair; there was no port where her name was not recognized and feared. Though this made raiding so much easier, it meant she could not set foot in a port town and expect to walk away without a fight. So when it came time that she wanted to retire, and live a more peaceful, less strenuous life, she and her crew turned to Hyouto, the one place they would not be thrown out. She and her crew began using their loot to purchase raw materials and hire stonemasons and other artisans, building an extravagant settlement that would eventually become the capital, Arrosent. Hyouto became a place where corsairs could retire in peace, where convicts and exiles could flee. A number of the craftsmen Amayuki had hired settled there, as well, and other artisans and architects flocked to the isles. They were needed to build the cities and towns of the budding nation, for pirates have expensive tastes and the gold to pay for it. PresentNowadays, the nation has learned more peaceful ways of acquiring wealth, though a number of corsairs still sail from the islands, and violence is more common than in other countries. The nation is known for its tolerance; as it was founded by the scum of society, it allows all manner of folk to settle upon it. Its people are known to care more about profit than honor, and it is said they will celebrate at the drop of a hat. They are ruled by the Suimibara clan, the descendants of Captain Amayuki and her crew and the Zephyre family of Astraena. The current head of the clan is Yuriko Amayuki. Her daughter is Nami Amayuki. Nami's children are too numerous to list. Architecture and landmarksThe architecture is lavish in most of the older parts of Hyouto, and was clearly influenced by that of Higashi. Every home the original corsairs built is like a palace. Most are extravagant, but tasteful; only occasionally does one come across an Eastern mansion with Western turrets sprouting from its roots, or Hyphan style castles built by people who had clearly never seen one. The newer settlements are generally more modest in style, and an amalgation of eastern and western influences. The capital, Arrosent, is a city built over a bay. The old homes of the corsairs rise into the sky above beautiful canals, wide and deep enough to row a small boat down. Occasionally, fanciful waterfalls have been built that empty into the canals. One can go through the city on foot, over stone walkways, or pay for a ride through the canals. As one goes further toward the ocean, the walkways become fewer, until finally they cease to exist altogether, ending in front of the arena. Beyond the arena lie the slums, a haphazard grouping of rafts and small ships that the poor of Arrosent live on. It is possible, though hazardous to move from raft to raft through the slums. Many of the rafts have wooden planks between them, so that one might walk across, but their stability is questionable. Sometimes there are no planks, and a person will have to jump to get across. Each island of Hyouto has a number of watchtowers along the coast line. It is their job to warn the nation of hostile ships, and the duty of the mages who man the towers to be the first line of defense between Hyouto and any invaders. TerrainThe islands are small and hilly. It is difficult to find a place on dry land where you are neither going uphill or down. Whenever one reaches the crest of the hill, they are greeted by a spectacular view of what seems to be the entire island laid out before them. ClimateThe climate is mild, warm in summer, cool in winter, and windy all year round. EconomyThough Hyouto is not ridiculously wealthy, it is in no danger of being poor. It's economy is stable, if not thriving. Imports: Some foodstuffs that don't grow on the island, the occasional horse, good stone for building, and technology from Astraena. Exports: Alcohol, from fine wines to cheap booze. Hyouto is home to the best brewers on Gaia. We also export some exotic materials, and exotic foodstuffs in small amounts. EducationFormal education is not seen as too important by most citizens of Hyouto, though the Suimibara clan has recently been stressing it. About half of the nation can read and write fluently, in both Hikago and Common. Hyoutans in general can speak both languages, though they have a distinct dialect of each that often causes Hyphans and citizens of Higashi alike to wonder what the hell they're saying. MilitaryEach island has their own militia, headed by a member of the Sumuibara clan. While their land troops are not in particularly good shape, and their navy is not particularly powerful, these are people who are descended from thugs and pirates, worry little about honor, and have Astraena's advanced technology. They believe they can hold their own against anyone but Astraena. International RelationsLight - Many of the citizens of Hyouto are originally from Higashi families. Even today, the nations keep on friendly terms. Air - Astraena was one of the first nations Hyouto allied with, as it quickly became powerful enough to threaten the corsairs' business. Originally, the alliance was merely a mutual agreement not to harry each other's ships. Now, the two nations have even closer ties, and the Zephyre family of Astraena is an honorary member of the Suimibara clan. Dark - Hyouto has no close ties with Hyphos, but they recognize its power and hope to work out some formal alliance. Earth - Hyouto sympathizes with the plight of the Earth tribe, and should like them to be free of Hyphos. However, they do not wish to antagonize Hyphos, and will not formally treat with the Earth tribe unless they gain independence. Fire - The Fire nation is generally looked upon as being part of Higashi. However, Hyouto is less willing to come to their aid, as the heir to the Fire bloodline has a habit of taking a Water bloodline maiden to wed, with or without the approval of the family. The ruling Water bloodline members on Hyouto try not to let this blood feud leak into their politics, but occasionally things happen.
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Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 3:14 pm
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Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 2:16 pm
Astraena
History:
Truthfully, Astraena is the youngest of the nations. Founded by the head of the Air bloodline, a western lord and skilled merchant named Nasier Zephyre, in the minds of most countries they are considered an 'upstart'. This has not injured the country's growth in the slightest, however, as they've managed to use even that to thier advantage.
Now onto details. For generations before the founding, the Air bloodline and the merchants of Hyphos had been suffering from a lack of trade, a side effect of the drawn out war. Finally, soon after Nasier had inherited his fathers holdings, it was decided that something had to be done. Calling the other merchants of Hyphos to a council, he brought forth the idea that they, the merchants, should break away from the kingdom of Hyphos. For years this council debated, until finally reaching the conclusion that such a separation was simply the foolish dream of a young and foolish lord.
Nasier wasn't so easily dissuaded from his goal.
Gathering together the five families that had supported him, three of them minor offshoots of the Air bloodline and the other two families who had been friends for centuries, Nasier began to plan. Using the technology that his bloodline had played with and developed in the past, he introduced this to the two families who had at that point little knowledge, and soon the five families and thier servants were hard at work. For nearly a decade they toiled, expanding thier knowledge of the machinery and how it worked, until finally they built the very thing that allowed thier escape. It was then that they built the first airship.
With that success, and the crowning of the ship Gale, five others were quickly built, draining quite a bit of the resources those families had left. And then, they left. It was quite a surprise to everyone when thier houses suddenly seemed to just open up and fall down, those large flying ships rising into the air. The ships were greatly overcrowded for this first trip, filled with all of the servants and engineers, as well as thier families. Still, swiftly, they flew towards thier destination, a mostly barren land to the south that had yet to be settled, because of the lack of fertile ground. It was far to the south of that continent they fled, stopping only when they reached mountains. There they built a temporary settlement for the mere 1000 people they had with them, and swiftly resumed thier merchant duties.
With the aid of thier airships, these six families swiftly recouped thier losses, but in Nasier's eyes that still wasn't enough. Cautiously, he called for volunteers to explore the area, looking for a place to build a city. This led to small expeditions on foot to survey the area more closely, and led to the discovery of an area of air stones, including what had to be the largest stone they had ever seen. Apparently, before it's transformation, it had been a large slab, covering miles. The explorers, however, could see that the side they were on was cracked around the edges and apparently unstable, due to bits of water seeping out from underneath. Thus, when mining was attempted by the crew, it was done away from that area. Though, apparently, not far enough.
Only days after the mining had begun, they hit another crack, a place where the water had been seeping through and forcing it's way up. As soon as it formed, the crack quickly expanded, even as the miners ran to report this disaster to Nasier. He arrived just in time to see the breaking finish, and watch the large bit of land float into the air, even as the previously trapped water flowed up quickly to fill the new hole. Nasier reacted immediatly, climbing back aboard his ship and ordering them to land on the now floating rock. At his orders, pistons were driven into the stone and long ropes tied to them, the ropes then tied to the ground to keep the floating island from simply drifting away. Within weeks, those now fraying ropes were replaced one by one with thick, sturdy chains, much longer than the ropes had been. At Nasier's orders, it was centered over the lake it had previously been situated in, floating about a mile in the sky. This again drained most of the funds they had gathered, to pay for all of the needed steel, but in Nasier's eyes it was worth it. They had found the location of thier city.
By this time, the merchants who had been left behind realized what was happening, and that there actually stood a chance for success. Again, many called this a foolish plan, but nearly half of the merchants contacted at least one of the six within the next two years. It was funding gained from these sources that kept everything from falling apart. This money was used first to build a city of iron, steel, and zinc atop of their floating island, and then build more airships. And then, with the city of Astrione completed, the 25 major families who had joined them, as well as the hundreds of smaller merchants, were flown in.
It was then that Astraena was finally founded.
Calling the heads of all of those households together he formed the Merchants Council, consisting of 31 members. 30 'Lords' or 'Ladies' which were basically the most successful of the merchants, led by a single person, the 'King' of the country. It was a given, due to his work in building the country, that Nasier was elected as the first King of the new country.
And, with the forming of the country, they finally gained attention from both Higashi and Hyphos. Higashi wanting the technology they represented, and Hyphos feeling the loss of it's merchants and wanting to suppress the apparent rebels. Seeing the danger, the councils first act was to order the research of new technology for thier defense. In addition, they decided to attempt an alliance with the only other known country, the former pirates of Hyouto.
Nasier went himself to try and gain the alliance, and by both impressing them and offering to share the technology they had, Nasier not only managed to gain the alliance but have his family become honorary members of the Suimibara clan. With that alliance in hand, and the power of thier quickly developing technology to back them, Astraena then opened up negotiations with the two larger and older countries. It took a few years of negotiations, but in the end they managed to stifle the hostilities before they truly started, and reforge thier important trade agreements.
In the decades since, Astraena has been in a state of enhanced growth. Immigrants flowing in, the constant development of new technology, and the building of cities to expand has been the main focus, along with the obvious mercantile activities. To be honest, not much of note has happened in the 50 years since it's actual recognition, beyond the death of Nasier and the almost immediate election of his son Sovenn.
Present:
Technology has advanced quickly in both Astraena and Hyouto, and though still far from perfect, the large amounts of engineers working on single projects has attributed to that speed. Still ruled even now by Sovenn Zephyre, the members of the council have come to realize that the kingship will likely continue to stay with the Air bloodline, because of thier ties to the Suimibara clan. Because of this, they aren't exactly looking forward to the day that Marlon Zephyre gains the position, as he has a reputation as a rouge. Still, as the heirs to those council members themselves tend to say, at least those times will be interesting when they come.
Architecture and landmarks:
Astraena, due to it's technological influences, has come up with a style of architecture all it's own. Though the actual form tends to depend on the builder, all of the buildings in Astrione and most of the ones in the other budding cities are built out of iron and steel, with insulation inside to keep out both the heat and cold.
The capitol, Astrione, is built atop a floating island of air stone which is chained in place. Though it is, admittedly, possible to climb that mile up the chains the guards usually manage to shoot anyone trying to sneak in. Esentially, Astrione is a city closed to those who are not natives of Astraena, only a select few outsiders brought in by airship, and those only by invitation. This isn't because of a need to isolate themselves, but because the city is where most of thier new technology is developed, and the wish to keep it a secret is strong.
There is a single port city to the north, closer to the two superpowers, that is the primary point for merchants to work from. In addition, there is the only settlement that preceded them on the continent, the Air Temple in the mountains.
Terrain:
The continent is mostly, for now, unusable. Vast forests cover the northern and northeastern areas, which have yet to be extensively explored, and mountains to the southwest, cutting off access to that coastline. The only ground able to be easily travelled, and therefore settled in, is the southeastern portion of the continent. From the lake southward is land that is fairly flat, and upto this point that is the land they have been building in.
Climate:
The climate is mild, warm in summer, cool in winter, with high winds.
Economy:
Astraena has a stable, growing economy. Most of the worlds money passes through this country at one point or another.
Imports: Food, primarily. As well as needed elemental stones, metals, and other such materials.
Exports: Mass produced goods, such as cheap clothing and simple toys. As well as anything passing through from the other countries to eachother.
Education:
Education has a very high priority in Astraena, leading to a shocking 99% literacy rate, and overall intelligent people. There are schools that have been set up to teach the basics to each child, and more advanced schools for those who wish to learn to scribe, or become an engineer, or any other trained skill such as that. Both these schools are free to the public, and parents are highly encouraged to have thier children attend.
Military: Though having no set millitary, each merchant has his own millitia of sorts, consisting primarily of trained riflemen. Beyond those and the technological weapns they've been developing, they feel they can use their funds to hire mercenaries if the situation arises.
International Relations:
Light - A good source of both income and goods, but somebody to tread lightly around. Though Astraena feels they could hold off any invasions, they also feel it's better to avoid that need.
Dark - The country that birthed them, Astraena has kept on good terms for the most part, but is also cautious. A good standing point, considering the larger country may decide to try and reabsorb them.
Water - Thier closest ally, and something of a sister country. They rarely act separately.
Earth - Not especially feeling sorry for the tribes, they still wish to assist their freedom. Simply because they see potential for profit there.
Fire - Fire is mostly an unknown. Relations are a little strained, though, because of the hostilities with Water.
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Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 2:19 pm
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Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 7:16 am
FIRE ISLAND DESCRIP
The Island of [insert name here], located in the southern section of Northern Higashi, is filled with mostly dormant volcanoes. They are not the tallest of the mountains of Gaia, but are impressive none the less in their sheer width. What they lack in height is definately made up for with their immense girth. It is a land seldom travelled, and even more seldom survived. There are rich rumours and myths that surround this dangerous place.
Description
The small hills in the grassy lowlands give way to rising foothills of rich dark soil, causing this to be one of the few cultivated areas in Higashi. The foothills continue rising for a short distance and then seemingly stop their growth upwards to continue it width wise. These foothills are the extent that most people or animals venture into the mountains, for the further in one goes the more a yellowish haze permeates the air. This is the sulfur seeping out of still active volcanoes and the hotsprings below the earth.
The mountains themselves look quite different from the gentle foothills. In fact most of the larger mountains look as if their tops had been inexpertly hacked away. This is due to immense volcanic eruptions in the distant past. The rock is often sharp and brittle making it dangerous for anyone to slip as they can be quickly cut open. The rock is naturally granite as is the rock of most of the area, however the volcanic activity has created a wealth of obsidian as well. In the depths of some of the volcanoes molten lava and uneasy magma swirl about in anxious energy. Steam rises from the tops of the mountains and from gaping vent holes in the sides and ground within this area.
Sulfurous mists that poison the lungs hang heavy througout the mountains. It only thickens as you go deeper in the mountains. It is rumoured that a great boiling lake of sulfur lies deep within the mountains. Though none who have ventured so far into the mountains have come back to report on the accuracy of this rumour. This gas along with the supposed residents who inhabit this land make it dangerous and seldom travelled.
Location
The island of [insert name here] is located in the southern section of Higashi.
People
The only people who occupy any portion of this area are the fire bloodline, in particularly the [insert clan name here]. They are very well famous for the smithing they produce, but more often transport raw ores to the capital in Higashi for trade. They are the only ones who do not fear the rumours of fire dragons, and rather view them as something to be given great respect.
Climate
The climate for the foothills is generally cool in the summer and crisp in the winter times due to its position. The mountainous area itself though is another matter. The thick hazes of sulfurous gases make the valleys between the mountains very warm and the air thick. As one climbs higher up the mountain slopes the haze lifts and the chill air is like a violent shock. It is not uncommon to see the rims of the dormant volcanoes lined with snow in the winter. The location of the mountains causes quite a bit of rain to fall on the western slopes as the air's moisture gets trapped against the mountains. With the mists that rise when the rain hits the lava flows, along with the already steaming spots it is not surprising for the mountains to often dissapear in a haze.
Flora
Due to the choking toxins of the sulfurous air and the intense heat of the area, not many plants can live in the mountains themselves. The slopes though with their rich soil and abundant rainfall grow several different plants. Many medicinal herbs that are found in the lowlands also splash up against the lower sections of the mountains. The volcanic activity in the distant past has left fertile soil at the lowlands. Here plant life grow quite abundantly and are actually cultivated instead of just being picked wild like in many of the other areas.
Several different plants do seem to be able to survive and even thrive deeper in the mountains. The most well known plant is one that produces a dye that is highly prized so well worth the risk.
Fauna
The most impressive and elusive of the few animals that make [insert name here] island its home is the fire dragon. While not seen for quite some time, stories tell of when the volcanoes were more active and the dragons were seen much more often. Whether these creatures still exist or their activity is linked to the activity of the volcanoes is unknown.
Another much rumoured animal that is seldom seen is the elusive fire ferret. It is said that if one is lost and in great need, then a fire ferret will guide you to safety. This mostly comes from children's tales. Besides this rumoured animal only a few smaller rodents and birds make their homes in the regions above the sulfurous valleys. A few goats have been supposedly spotted as well, though with an odd yellow fur. There are also rumours of strange beasts deep within the mountains.
Resources
These mountains are filled with raw minerals. It is just difficult to mine the area for long due to the noxious fumes. Iron is the most abundant mineral to be found in the foothills. Obsidian is quite common a ways further in and is highly valued for use in artistic crafts of the Clan, as is Mythril. Gold is also found here, though not in large amounts. Silver and gemstones have not been found yet, but that might just be due to the fact that much of the area cannot be mined due to the sulfur content.
Myth/Lore
Much of the myths that concern this place are related to the fire dragons that at least once inhabited the area. If some miners don't return it is often said that they dug into a fire dragon's lair and in its rage it ate the whole party. Some stories also concern a man who supposedly was a great miner. After some time of mining the foothills and the base of the mountains he stumbled upon an active volcanoe and was fascinated by the molten rock he saw. He then decided to mine down until he found the source of this incredible force. It is said each time the earth shakes that he has punched through another layer to reach where the magma comes from.
A main tale that is often told is the story of Norok Fire Friend. It is the story of a boy who became lost one day while accompanying his father to the mines. It is said that the boy found himself at the depths of a volcanoe and found carved steps that led ever further downwards. There he encountered a cruel witch who captured him for a year and a day. After that day, a fire ferret found him and helped him by burning through the wooden cage he was in. The ferret named Alkbo lead him down a hidden trail that wound around the molten magma. Eventually Alkbo guided him to a fire dragon's lair. The dragon took pity upon him and allowed the boy to climb atop her. She then flew out of the volcanoe and landed him nearby the Fire Temple. He continued to journey into the mountains and had many other adventures as he grew.
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