• HISAKAWA LORE & REGIONS

♦ HISAKAWA

Hisakawa is a naturally secluded nation, surrounded by sea to the East, South and West there was a small mountain range to the north. At this point although the mountains were small no human could traverse them. It started off in the Gozzuriba region, over time there were many tribes, and families around the land. Not much information was shared however the 'Tham" family which had built a settlement and brought together a couple of smaller families into the first village had started to gather information about the rest of the land south to them. It was 2,500 years before the great war, only legends have been passed along. The people lived without much technology however to many the Tham Family who had settled in the mountains were considered to be the strongest. This thinking started a rumor that they were the descendants of gods; Nothing is known today due to the happenings back then as it was a long time ago. However even a creature who was alive in the great war can tell you that their grandparents were taught the same thing. The gods saw this blessed land, they were the gods of many religions, not just one. From there they saw many small tribes of people, the first settlers of the land. The tenacity of the daughter of Tham caught the eyes of the gods. Which lead to her being blessed with godhood, and giving birth to the first God of the land named "Hisakawa" together they started the 'Tham family'

At around 1200 years before the great war technology was at the 'medieval stage' and those families who were stronger started to build up their tents and gathering places into proper villages and towns. The Tham family started to unite the country, becoming the Imperial Tham Dynasty and naming the country after the son 'Hisakawa' of legend.


Hisakawa's history is riddled with myth, due to the odd happenings which have occurred due to eldritch energies. In the year 0 when the great war occurred at the end of it two major events occoured, the first being the mutations which caused animalistic species to be able to shapeshift into a human like form and join society. The other major event being the formation of the mountain ranges to the north of Hisakwa. Before the ancient war the mountains here were much smaller, their peaks barely reaching the clouds. However after the ancient war the bodies of the dead were piled so high upon the mountains that when they turned to stone and became the mountain, the protective ranges easily reached through the clouds. Many believed that this was an act of the gods, those who had ied now protected the border.

During the ancient war the main palace of the Imperial Family was destroyed, and they moved to what was their summer palace in Kogane no Toshi. Previously named the Tham Dynasty new emperor renamed it the 'Ong Dynasty' as a symbol of the new Hisakawa which was forming. After the great war Hisakawa was recreated, with technology moving forward and a massive influx of new citizens of an array of species. Kogane no Toshi was the new Capital city and the land was more clearly divided into regions.
The next three hundred years after Hisakawa has been building in strength and prosperity as the nation brings together and uses all species to flourish. Its government revolving around the Imperial family has been perfected to allow the representation of many species and types of people.

♦ Government

Hisakawa has an absolute monarchy, where the monarch has the power to rule their lands, state and citizens as they wish, there are no laws or rules binding a monarch as all the lands and people are the property of the monarch. The Ong family and all those who carry their main family blood are known to be properly bred, strongly trained monarchs raised from birth for the role. Common names for the monarchy are, the Imperial House, the Ong Dynasty and the Imperial family. Those within the Imperial family do not have last names and simply fall under the 'Ong Dynasty'

The Ong family is the current imperial family of Hisakawa, Emperor Nao-Zia is the ruling monarch with his wife Empress Yu-Feng, Yu-Feng is his first and only wife who has bore him with five children. In terms of etiquette the Imperial family is revered as gods to the common folk and lesser nobles,

Both an Emperor and Empress have the ability to take on consorts, madames or concubines to keep them company. If a concubine conceives the child of the Emperor she is encouraged to remove it however has the option to drink what is known as purifying tea, which will remove any royal blood the child has. If the Empress conceives the child of one of her attendants the illegitimate child is removed with a calming cup of tea.

Emperor Nao-Zia and Empress Yu-Feng aged 51 and 57 respectively have had a total of five children, as follows with tradition the eldest child is the first in line with the crown prince Mou Chou being 33. He has taken over many roles within the Imperial family and acts closely with his parents to guide Hisakawa. Crown Prince Mou Chou is married to the daughter of Military General Ruogen, when announced the engagement was questioned due to the brides low rank.

Yu Yane 31 has married a Marquis and is active within the government, Prince Fei Mian 30 is married to a countess and is the General of Chishiki Academy, Yue Aki 28 married to Marquis Anlosu the governor of the Gozzuriba region, Hiina Kuri 21 is unmarried and the center of attention at many social events.

Those who are not of descent of the current Emperor and Empress but still hold Imperial blood are given the title of duke or duchess, currently there is his younger sister Duchess Zhiyan (48) who married into the Ryuga family and his older brother Duke Shu Nian who abdicated. Prince Feng Hong would have been the eldest had he not died as a child, an event which caused many concerns for the imperial bloodline with whispers of curses to arise.

Within Hisakawa there is strict etiquette when it comes to politics.
Dukes, Duchess; are descendants of the imperial family who are not in line for the throne, the siblings of an Emperor or Empress. They usually hold major areas of land and the title cannot be inherited or gained via marriage.
Marquis, Marchioness; own large amounts of land or important resources, they are normally the children or descendants of Dukes.
Counts, Countess; are minor nobles who have little or no land, these minor noble families still have access to the social events that the upper nobles have.
Barons, Baroness; are normally citizens who are not of noble descent but who have achieved greatness. The title is rather rare as it is hard to acquire and comes with few benefits.

The Golden Hill region is small and few areas within the region fall under the care of the governor, due to this the Golden Hill Region also acts as a political center. The Mangjeol family care for the Golden Hill Region as well as political relations with other countries.

Koirao Doragoi region governor The Ryuga family heads are currently Duchess Zhiyan and Marquis Zhen Yue. Duchess Zhiyan who is sister to the Crown Prince married the Marquis and they assumed the position of caring for the Koirao Doragoi Region. The Ryuga’s are well known as they control the largest territory and out of the four regions are thought to be the most powerful.

The Gozzuriba region governor is Marquis Anlosu who married Princess Yue Aki, they are at the center of the spiritual land and are both strong supporters of religion within Hisakawa as well as caring for the region.

The Yuguba region governor is the head of the most prominent tribe. This does have a tendency to change as the power balance between tribes can grow to be unstable, however for the past three generations it has been the Kwan Tribe.

Shuangseoi region governor is Marquis Jeung, she has married a minor Count however the family not only governs the Shuangseoi region but also protects the trade and ocean transport of Hisakawa.

The Chishiki Academy General is Prince Fei Mian, his territory is limited to the academy grounds itself which is just a short tram ride from the imperial city. Married to

Military General Ruogen is a well known man who controls both the military and the police force within Hisakawa. He is from a small noble family who are barely known. The army is not large however are known for their strict training and using their talents and species abilities wisely.

Territories ♦

Hisakawa is a country slightly smaller than Mistere, sharing a mountainous northern border with Arka and Mistere while to the east south and west there is the Lanbao Ocean.

In Hisakawa the names for areas and locations have always been rather simplistic, and that is to have one or two main names for each region such as the region name and city name being the same, there might be a forest river or lake with the same name. Although with newer settlements this has changed over time in the more traditional areas the titles are rather similar and only distinguished by the ‘river’ ‘forest’ or ‘town’ at the end of the name.


GOLDEN HILL: The capital, Golden Hill territory, is on top of a large hill, the area surrounding Kogane no Toshi the capital city is considerably smaller than other territories. In the center of river travel, roads and railway tracks Kogane no Toshi is at the center of the countries transport. Its size is immense, holding both the Imperial City, as well as the notable Chishiki Academy. The academy itself is a recent addition being built only forty years ago, however it was built in a traditional style just outside of the city, a tram service running between the academy and the city. Due to the expanding size of it several residential areas have been built outside of the walls of the city.

Cities:

• Kogane no Toshi - The center of Hisakawa's transportation, Kogane No Toshi is a crowded and bustling city. It neighbors the nation's most prestigious school, Chishiki Academy, which it connects to via a tram service.
• Imperial City - The capital of Hisakawa is a small but upscale city, mixed with both historic treasures and palaces, along with new modern and technological additions. It is home to the imperial palace and family in the center of the city, with higher ranked nobles populating the rest of it. Its tall walls keep out unwanted people and groups and the grounds are strictly guarded as it acts as the political and governmental center of Hisakawa.

KOIRAO DORAGOI: Koirao Doragoi is a large city to the west of the capital Kogane no Toshi, the land is mainly forest sloping down from the mountains the land is riddled with many rivers and streams. Named after these rivers the city means ‘coiled dragons’ as it was built in the center of a nest of coiled blue dragons. This is the city with the largest area of land, that it watches over, the boundary marks being the mountains to the north which border Arka, the great Wakeru river marks the eastern boundary with Gozzuriba, the boundary with the capital Kogane no Toshi, and the southern boundary with Shuangseoi, to the west is the ocean border.

To the west of Koirao Doragoi's territory there is the Saem River, running down from the Fangyu Sheng mountain ranges towards the sea. In the middle of Saem river there is a small branch which heads south. This stretch of the river is called Saem Weiba. At the point where the river splits into three main 'teeth' there is a large town known as Chao-dosi. These three parts of the river split up further creating the harsh waterway 'Saems Jaws' where the icy mountain melts meet the salty ocean. The land here is very sandy and few trees grow tall, most of the beach is broken up by rivers and streams of water meeting the ocean, while the beach is beautiful the tides and currents here are dangerous due to the islands and rocks offshore.

Just offland are the Long Ya Isles, to the north is Long Ya minor, and Long Ya major is the larger is to the south. Both of these two islands are moderately guarded and closed to public visitors however those who wash up stranded are cared for and shipped to the mainland. This is due to the nobility of these two islands.

Cities:

• Koirao Doragoi City - Koirao Doragoi City is the largest city in the district, in the center of the riverlands it connects the territory with pathways of roads, rivers and train tracks. Unlike many of the other towns and villages the center of the city is not built out of local wood but great chunks of stone and dark wood from eastern Gozzibura, the richer areas of town are flush with bright paints and flowing sculptures and statues. At the center of it all is a bountiful botanical gardens, using the local water to feed its water features and fountains.
• Xiangfu-hasu - Xiangfu-hasu is a lakeside town next to the Wakeru lake, this is a bustling town which is a key part to Hisakawa trade. Most of the town are storage warehouses as barges and transport boats can easily move across the lake to the capital as well as up the river to Gozzuriba and downriver out to sea. Many lower class citizens will lodge here instead of in the capital itself.
• Chao-dosi - Chao-dosi is a large river town, home to fishers and a center of trade along the Saem Weiba.

Natural Features:

• Long Ya Isles - Just offland are the Long Ya Isles, to the north is Long Ya minor, and Long Ya major is the larger is to the south. Both of these two islands are moderately guarded and closed to public visitors however those who wash up stranded are cared for and shipped to the mainland. This is due to the nobility of these two islands.
  Long Ya Major holds the summer palace for the Imperial Family, it is often used for events and gatherings by the Imperial Family as well as an area for them all to gather in. The grounds are well kept, what has not been transformed into a beautiful traditional palace has been sculpted into first class gardens. The few areas of island which have not been cleared are similar to Long Ya Minor, in that it is a lush meadow with tall trees and strong roots. Long Ya Minor is also closed to the public, it acts as a hotel for higher ranked aristocrats.
• Tangeul-anha River - As many of the rivers do in this district the Tangeul-anha river starts off from a mountain strong and grows as it curls down through the forests and farmlands. Once it is out of the mountains Tangeul-anha is smooth, with deep waters and wide banks it is home to large and small fish alike, it's common for small villages close to the Tangeul-anha to not only harvest wood and crops but also fish from it. Often there are barges of people or small privately owned boats moving up or down the river which goes from the frozen mountaintops to Koirao Doragoi City.
• Mount Shonaegi - Mount Shonaegi is part of the Fangyu shen mountain range, in myths and tales Mount Shonaegi is where the fledgling dragons of the nest have climbed, it is here that they have unfolded their wings and flown into the, the icy winds from their takeoff has frozen the eastern side of the mountain into a glittering glacier. It is an extremely hard mountain to climb, and there are few professional guides.
• Mount Au-oduyen - Mount Au-oduyen is another snow capped high rising mountain, its steep slopes and deep cracking valleys carved out by the wind are a sight to behold. It's said that Mount Au-oduyen is the spirit of a beautiful woman, when the gods started carving Hisakawa she was the most beautiful mortal. After falling in love with the charming lullabies she played on the harp the gods froze her into a mountain.
• Tatsuwei Lake - Tatsuwei lake is a deep lake where water bubbles up from under the rock, rich in mineral deposits from metal ore the lake is a rich deep blue and has many species of odd and rare fish. Fishermen are restricted to catching only small amounts of adult fully grown fish to protect these rare species. The lake is also known as some of the surrounding land is owned by rich nobility and merchants due to the beautiful forest landscape.
• Doma-baemi River - Doma-baemi river is in the southern half of the Koirao Doragoi territory, it runs south from Tatsuwei lake, through the Doma-Baemi forest and curs east out to sea. The mineral rich waters are often used to grow high class plants and medicinal herbs due to the nutrients it gets from Tatsuwei lake.
• Doma-Baemi Forest - Doma-Baemi Forest is the southern forest of Koirao territory, after Koirao Doragoi city the forest thins out and becomes mure luscious plentiful with rich soil, throughout the forest are streams and creeks. Whilst the majority of settlements continue on with fishing and hunting there are a few which are known to take advantage of the soil and have orchids alongside lumber mills. The forest borders the Wakeru river down until the southern coastlines.
• Saem Forest - Saem Forest is the forest that reaches down from the mountain slopes through Chao-dosi and to the northern branch of the Tangeul-anha. These trees are thick with dark trunks and leaves. Adapted to embrace with the harsh mountain climates as well as the humidity that sweeps up from the lush forests of the south. Hunters here can fish as well as seeking mammal prey in the woodland.
• Wakeru River - Wakeru river flows from the Shinzodoan lake in the Gozzuriba territory after it falls down the waterfall, the river has many small streams that split off from it and swirl towards the center of the Koirao Doragoi territory. After the rapids caused by the waterfall the river is generally wide, deep and slow. as it runs down the center of Hisakawa its not only used for fishing but also transportation. The Wakeru river and lake acts as the eastern border for the Koirao Doragoi territory. The border starting on the western slopes of mount Sinso o Vuong the border goes around the west side of Shinzodoan lake before following the Wakeru river south down to the river mouth.

GOZZURIBA: Gozzuriba is the spiritual lands, this territory is full of divine areas where many religious follows travel to closer connect to their gods. It has no strict laws regarding religion and accepts all.

Cities:

• Tham Dynasty Palace. - 328 years ago when the Ancient war occurred much of Hisakawa was ruined, commonly known as the Old palace the previous imperial family resided within the reach of heavens. For over a thousand years beforehand the Tham Emperor and Empresses have ruled over Hisakawa from The Tham Dynasty Palace which over time has strongly embedded the idea into Hisakawan society that the Imperial family are gods. However now the old palace sits in ruins, the west wing which was the guest rooms and servants rooms remained while much of the rest of the palace structure was ruined. A small group of people remain here to watch over the land and care for the ruins. Those with the money can stay for a short time while others will have to camp in the bushland surrounding the lake.
• Gozzuriba City - Gozzuriba city is built into several layers, the fourth tier is where common residents have their homes, it sits next to Wakeru river, the third tier is built onto the plateau next to the bottom of the Falls, this is the shopping and entertainment district. Gozzuriba city is built into the mountain rock next to the waterfalls, its designed so that the highest and most accomplished residents are closest to Shinzodoan lake and get to look over all those beneath them. Rich merchants and nobility live in the second tier, where as the religious places of worship and another royal residence is in the highest first tier. Many make the pilgrimage from the fourth tier to the first tier, instead of more modern transport that is available in the city pilgrims take a staircase. thousands of steps are said to clear the mind, after reaching the first tier the climb continues up to the old palace and Shinzodoan lake.
• Sang Mining Town - Sang Mining Town is the center of the resources within Gozzuriba, Mount Sanglogsu and the Fangyu Shen mountain ranges to the north draw miners and companies from all around. The town itself has a high number of craftsmen and small factories, the flatter terrain and mountain slopes are home to large amounts of dark trees which are logged and sold at a high price due to taking many decades to grow.
• Shino Pass - Shino Pass is a border outpost, a small guard garrison along with a village. From here patrols are sent out along the border as well as being the place where citizens can travel between Hisakawa and Mistere. Geographically it is the large saddle that splits up the Fangyu Shen mountains.
• Kawakari Town - Kawakari Town is named after the terraces, it's a small town which is rarely travelled to by the masses, the majority of citizens are there to study or reach a greater understanding due to Yuugen lake or the Kawakari terraces which are both considered to be spiritual places. Due to the most frequent visitors being religious and holy the town is simplistic, the buildings free of decorative paint it is a peaceful and calming place.

Natural Features:

• Mount Sinso o Vuong - The tallest mountain in Hisakawa, towering over all else its peak is so high that the clouds start a quarter of the way up. At the base of the mountain there are various religious places of worship as well as a small security force. Climbing the mountain is seen as an act of religious treason and will be imprisoned for half of their species expected lifetime.
• Mount Sanglogsu - Mount Sanglogsu is the most eastern mountain in the district which is an active mine, between Mt Sanglogsu and the border outpost the mountains are all used as mines. Mt Sanglosu has the deepest mine, rich with ore veins that seem to never run out it's said that the ore that is mined here always returns here. Used to produce machinery, mine equipment and tools there are many tales and myths of how these mountains were blessed that the resources found here would always find their way back to nature.
• Shinzodoan lake - Shinzodoan lake is at the center of two mountain ranges, it is the heart of the Fangyu Shen mountain range and is considered to be the heart of spiritual energy in the country. The waters are rich with nutrients, pure chilled mountain waters provide a place to fish and enjoy the watersports. The lake is rather high in the mountains, secured with the strength of mountains there is an area where the divinity flows into the rest of the country, this is known as the falls. The Old palace is built into the mountain next to Shinzodoan lake, however Gozzuriba is built at the bottom of the falls. The falls in itself is a beautiful sight, reaching high into the sky it creates atmosphere and weather for itself, the clouds from the gallons of water plummeting down give an ethereal feeling. At the bottom of the falls there is a small lake along with some rapids before it turns into Wakeru river.
• Mount Haneul - Mount Haneul is at the end of an offshoot range from the main Fangyu Shen mountains, although there is nothing particularly distinguishing about the mountains they mark where the faultlines of the earth are, and the start of a jungle and cave riddled landscape.
• Lake Yuugen - Lake Yuugen, where Shizodoan lake is the heart of Hisakawa's divine spirits Lake Yuugen is the soul, it is a place of pilgrimage for those who seek a higher meaning to understand the universe. Rarely travelled to by the common man there are no roads or boats to the lake from the nearest town. Surrounded by mountains the lake is geothermally heated, occasionally a few small geysers keeping it warm. The waters cleanse the skin in small amounts however prolonged bathing can be poisonous.
• Kawakari Terraces - The Kawakari Terraces are south of Yuugen Lake, these are geothermal hot springs which are secluded away in a rocky forest without a set path its three to four hours trek from the town. These are large hotspring like pools formed over time by the crystallization of salts and silica to form quartz terraces, small waterfalls and pools. Due to their colour they have been named 'kawakari' as the quartz are soft white, blue and pink pastels that seem to give off an ethereal glow during sunsets and sunrises. ts considered to be a place of great healing.
• Mt. Wasuremono - Mt. Wasuremono is on the eastern point of Gozzuriba territory, sitting next to the ocean the waves batter a harsh rocky cliff that marks the border between Hisakawa and the wildlands. Due to the isolation of its location it is a place rarely traveled to and has little attraction. The solitude of Mt. Wasuremono has lured a few hermits to its land and among the darker side of society it is known as a good place to go if you wish to be a forgotten thing

YUGUBA: Yuguba territory is named after the jade green valleys and caverns which create a diverse landscape, the land is covered with humid rich jungle, the ground often opening up to reveal caves and sinkholes. Several nomadic tribes wander the lands, they vary in species but are all equally as wary of outsiders.

There are three major sites of splitting in the territory, this is where the earth has come apart so much that entire ecosystems has formed at the bottom in a world devoid of light. To the north is the aptly named 'Northern rifts' which stretch to the coastal mountains, the eastern stretch of the northern rift comes close to the Maw, the land in between these two rifts is very unstable, sinkholes often open up to reveal treacherous rocks and caves. The maw runs south west until it meets the Agmaui Hundan caverns. These rifts are hundreds of meters across, the only safe passage across being either flight or walking across the umstead land between the rifts.

The northern rifts are special in the way that there are often temporary waterfalls flowing down into the darkness, this water comes from the Bureiku river and the ocean to the east when rains have been heavy.
The maw is the most commonly used passage to the rest of Hisakawa as the land around the rifts are the most stable. Entering Yuguba the humidity intensify and the rainforest grows denser.


Cities:

• Yuguba City - Yuguba city is the sole settlement in Yugaba territory which is open to visitors. This is due to the largest and strongest Tribe has acted as the territories governor. There are only three roads in the territory and they all have one destination: Yuguba City.

Natural Features:

• Agmaui Hundan Caverns - Agmaui Hundan caverns are two major splits in the earth which acts as the western border of Yuguba territory. The southern part of the rift has been eroded away and eventually fallen into the sea.
• Bureiku River - The Bureiku river starts at the northern rift pass, the name changing as it enters the rainforest terrain. The river as it enters the territory has less depth but is wider, in several places the river may branch off into small creeks and streams, often draining into caves.
• Yuguba Caves - Yuguba Caves cannot be found on any one section of the map, this is due to how the common the caves are. Some slope downwards, with grass and life inside the caves, others are desolate grey rock, and many are underground rivers with their goals set on crushing any intruder between the current and sharp rocks. The caves are only found within the Yuguba territory, some openings are obscured by greenery however many are open. Many of the Nomadic tribes within the area have thoroughly explored these caves however the tribespeople will be hesitant to act as guides.
• Lovers Battlefield - Lovers battlefield is a section of rainforest which has never grown back even hundreds of years later, a sudden empty area where the rainforest had been burnt away and the blood stained with blood. Beads, coil and jewelry can still be found amongst the soil and roots. The tale is an oddly traditional one, where the heir of a tribe, and the leader of another were supposed to wed, when a third interloper lopped their heads off.
• Tu Giam Islands - Off the southeast coast of Yuguba are the Tu Giam islands, these two islands are rarely traveled to as they are covered in the ruins of buildings and populated by a tribe of savage humanoids who have since lost their humanity. The largest is Tu Giamda which once house Hisakawa's strongest prison. The prison was built there to house traitors and those with life sentences, however after a hurricane swept across it followed by a tsunami the prison was destroyed and closed. The island left to itself. Tu Giamba is the smaller island, the ruins there are notably made out of better material, it was the island where the guards and island caretakers lived.

SHUANGSEOI: The Shuangseoi district is named after the colours of the green jungle merging into the blue sea, it is not a wealthy territory however it is very peaceful and there are few people living in poverty due to the amount of labour and trade jobs.

Cities:

• Jade Village - Jade Village is in the east area of the territory, it's a small village on the edge of the thick jungle, it's the last settlement before the Agmaui Hundan pass which marks the border. There is a direct road back to Shuangseoi City which cuts through the jungle forest.
• Shuangseoi City - Shuangseoi City is a large city, built on top of a hill it overlooks farmland and in the distance jungle. The architecture is highly traditional and there is little poverty, the city acts as a center of transport both within the territory and to other territories.
• Yan-Jing Port - Yan-Jing port is Hisakawa's main port, their forces are minimal however there are commonly fishing ships and cruise ships which leave the port. The port is an industrial area, while the residential areas are fairly traditional in architecture there are more modern storage warehouses and docks.

Natural Features:

• Farmland Heights - Farmland heights is a large area spanning the length of the Wakeru river. The land has been cleared of forest and plateaus have been cut into the land to optimize farming. There are small cottages and houses dotting the land where farm owners and workers live, with the crops varying depending on season.
• Dau Xanh Lake - Dau xanh lake is the second main source of water in the territory, much of its fresh water is pumped away to Shuangseoi City, Jade Village and Yan-Jing port. Named after its shape the lake is surrounded by fields of crops.

♦ Traditions

TRANSPORTATION:

Airships:

• Royal - There is no public airship transportation for civilians. However, Royalty and high ranked nobles have personal airships that they use to traverse the nation.
• Weaponized - The Hisakawan Military uses weaponized airships to transport troops, military cargo, or fight battles in the air.

Trains:

• The most common means of transportation for civilians is the rail system. Trains in Hisakawa typically run on electricity in urban and civilized territories, and eldritch energies anywhere else.

Water Transportation:

• Ferry - A main ferry on the Wakeru River is a common means of travel in Hisakawa.

Coming Soon: Holidays, Traditions, Myths and indepth history

hisakawa guide & territories (c) Chaileo
table by Nightwing™