It is the year 22 of tenno Fuyoko's reign, divine empress of Yamato. It was during her father's reign that the warring clans, temples and cities of the empire were bent and broken by the astute warlord Kamon Masaru; the first shogun of the Kamon tent-government.
Under the rule of the Kamon, the warrior-class, the samurai, were once more established as the ruling class of the empire, the nobles long having been confined to the arts and sciences. The divine figureheads of the imperial clan, as always, recognised the legitimacy of the military dictatorship and continued to seclude themselves in the ancient capital of Nankyo. After centuries of warfare, it seemed that a period of peace was finally at hand. And yet, a people bred for war are rarely suited for peace. Rebellions rose and fell, spurred on by samurai unhappy with national unification or its consequences. Plunged once more into war, the Shogun rallied his forces and fought once more, hoping to deal with the last vestiges of independent spirit amongst the warrior clans.
Before further blood could be spilled however, tenno Aruto committed an unheard of deed; leaving the imperial palace without palanquin. Upon his own feet, he spoke to the people of the city - perhaps wishing to ensure that the envoys of the many lords knew of his message. He spoke in the imperial voice, an archaic tongue known to only few. It was the very first time many commoners had heard their sovereign's voice, let alone see the mortal god's body. With light radiating from his eyes and orifices, Aruto spoke of the Necessity to aid their ancient ally beyond the northern sea, Yabajkae. Surrounded by foes, Yabajkae defended against the Celestial navy to their west, and Injans to the east. It was by ancient pact and divine memory that the houses of the imperial clan and the clan of the foreign realm of Yabakjae were allied. Indeed, the Yabakjae were of the same blood of the Yamato people, perhaps even their predecessors.
In more than 760 years of seclusion, the Yamato emperors had never given a public edict, let alone one spoken by the emperor himself. Even for the samurai lords, it was not simple to ignore. Though the ancient Jaiyuri Shoguns had first forced the emperor into seclusion, few had the willpower- or ability- to disregard a divine order. As such, the various rebellious samurai, and the Kamon Shogunate, made peace. In the following weeks, plans were hatched and enacted; the Yamato warriors sailed north for war.
The ensuing war lasted a decade, with Yabakjae lost and the Yamato armies dismembered. Though great gains were initially made, the brilliance of the Injan armies, and the innumerable vesselsof the Celestial Realm, saw the warrior-caste broken and in disarray. Peace was signed with the Celestials and the Injans, with many Yabakjae allowed to take refuge in Yamato. Their kings reside in the court of the the tenno to this day.
Tenno Aruto died soon after. Leaving no male heir, his daughter was coronated and named Fuyoko. Under her reign it was hoped that peace could finally come to Yamato, especially with the warriors robbed of their spirit and numbers on the battlefields of the mainland. And yet, whispers soon came from the west, of a new development. The Great Liao Khanate had fallen, not to a foreign foe, but to its own people. Its artisans, peasants and merchants had overthrown the warrior-khans and their retinues, declaring themselves free of monarchs and indeed, traditional law. They declared for a world where all had liberty, where no one was subject to another, where all power resided not in those people with the most force, but in the community itself. They declared the Great Kurultai and declared that in time, all would be freed of their chains. Unifying the khanate under the Great Union of Kurultai Republics (GUKR), they entered into a time of vast industrialisation, propaganda, and war.
Soon, the apostles of the new ideology reached the shores of Yamato, speaking of their views with feverish belief, converting many to the Red-Wrung Ideal. In fear, the Shogunate banned the ideology, its spread and its believers. After much deliberation, an isolationist policy came to be, with all foreign influence in the nation prohibited save for a few zones. Rebellions of the people rose as a result, and were ultimately crushed by the gun-toting armies of the Shogun. Brutal repressions resulted, with many martyrs made.
And yet, it is not the lower classes who fear. The despot-shogun and his corrupt daimyos sleep uneasy as the Red-Wrung tide creeps throughout the Yamato Archipelago. It is whispered in the hovels and piss-scented tanneries. It's siren call is heard in underground poems and songs, printed by hidden presses and flyers found on grimy workfloors. it is what is scribbled on walls by ronin and bandits, disappearing into the night.
It is the chant of equality, the banner of the People, the Red-Wrung call of Socialism. Down with the Shogun, Power to the Kurultai; Break the Chains of Tyranny.
This game will be a
hopefully cooperative multiplayer game with 4 or so players (there may be other slots opening later on), each representing a member of the ruling government of a rebellious anti-shogunate region. It is a turn-based gamed with each turn having several issues and happenings that the players will have to deal with, as well as allocating resources to problems. However, the player government is not the only region rebelling against the military government and indeed, cooperation between them is vital for final victory.
Players will be chosen based on which I like the most. Fairly arbitrary, I know!
Pre-Game SelectionsBefore the game starts, I'll need four players and a starting region.
The Genros (Players)The genro are four supreme heads of the local revolutionary forces that for whatever reason, have come to cooperate with each other in order to defeat the shogun. It is the forces of the individual genro that make-up much of the revolutionary government's forces and it is to them (perhaps individually), that they are loyal to. Each genro has a vote to determine the policies of the government for the turn, as well as several personal actions to carry out their own ambitions. Due to their influence, the backgrounds of the genro are hugely important in determining starting resources and ideology of the rebellion government. Having a merchant (and one who continues to support merchants) on board will for example, shift the ideology of the empire to one more supportive of the bourgeoisie.
Genros can come from 5 broad backgrounds: Noble, Samurai, Priest, Peasant-Artisan and Merchant. Other backgrounds are also available, although these are much rarer than the main five. This includes professions like ninja or bandit.
In traditional Yamato belief, Nobles and Samurai sit on top, with peasants and artisans compromising the majority. Merchants are considered socially inferior to the peasants, although are often wealthier, some even rivalling daimyos in their wealth. Priests are outside the system and can come from any of the social classes. Due to the revolution, samurai are seen as tyrants and most samurai involved in the revolution have forsaken their official status. Whilst samurais are the warrior class, much of the fighting in previous wars involved peasant-artisan troops called ashigaru who served the samurai. Many temples and monasteries too, have fielded armies of monks in previous decades.
Along with backgrounds, Genros can come from several ethnicities, which due to the culture of the Yamato empire, confers different advantages and disadvantages. In order of how common they are in the empire they are: Yamato, Yabakjae, Aihoni, Celestial and Detche. Whilst the Yamato people make up most of the population, the immigrants from Yabakjae comprise a significant minority. The people of Yabakjae are known for their crafts, such as celadon porcelain, as well as their skills of alchemy and magic. The native Aihoni, often considered inferior in Yamato society, live in a manner similar to before the arrival of Yamato culture on the archipelago. They mainly live in the northern lands of the empire and are known for their primitive lifestyle and close connection to the natural world. The Celestials are the subjects of the Son (or Daughter) of Heaven, who rules absolutely in the Celestial Realm. Known for being the supposed progenitors of civilisation, the Celestials are advanced in the many ways, most notably in the manners of the arts and engineering. Detche is a catch-all term for foreigners from the Very Distant Continent which is famed for its technological advances, sweets and military innovations. Detche people are nearly always few in number, mainly men, and reside in small factories throughout the tradeports of the empire. Smaller ethnicities, much rarer, also exist in Yamato.
For most regions of the empire, Yamato are considered the default culture, with the Yabakjae seen as a respected but exotic (and related) culture. Celestials and Detche are intrinsically foreign and are sometimes at the mercy of xenophobic locals. The majority of Celestials and Detche in the empire are traders, although there are exceptions. The renowned samurai Yahuto-no-Amje for example, was a dark-skinned Detche from the land of Parzan. Many other Celestials and Detche are missionaries, with the former often espousing the Meditationist beliefs (read: Fantasy Buddhism) and the latter spreading the word of the Singular Being (read: Fantasy Semi-Deistic Christianity). Meditationist beliefs have long been accepted in Yamato and are intrinsically intertwined with the local worship of the gods, whilst Singularist belief is viewed with some xenophobia and suspicion.
RegionsYamato is composed of many regions, some of which are more hospitable to the revolution than others. There are six available options.
Nankyo, The Imperial DomainDescription: The land of Nankyo is renowned for its ancient traditions and many temples to the gods, both native to Yamato and from beyond its shores. In Nankyo, the living goddess-queen of the empire lives in seclusion and it is where most of the holiest temples are found. Amongst the many manses of the imperial capital are also found the households of the prestigious noble clans that in former times ruled the empire. Now, they specialise in various professions, offering their teachings to those who can afford their time. Beyond the city, much of the land is hilly and crisscrossed by rivers, most of which end in the holy lake of Barwa. Much of the land is dedicated to the production of grains, fruits vegetables, with some even producing the luxurious coconuts, dragon fruit and macadamia. Whilst rich, a revolution in Nankyo would greatly trouble the shogun, who would be quick to send his armies to crush the rebels and ensure the 'safety' of the imperial line. Still, if the revolution were to obtain legitimacy from the Empress, then it is near-guaranteed that many in the archipelago would flock to our banner. Assuming of course, the Empress does not instead denounce our existence.
Pros: Near the Empress, Holy Land, Breadbasket, Perfect Climate, Noble Influence, Strategic Commodity: Islander Crops
Cons: Near the Empress, Noble Influence, Will Quickly Attract Shogunate Reprisal
Tutelary Deity: Amar-no-kami, Goddess of the Sun and Mother of Yamato. Whilst Amar-no-Isu's head shrine is found in Isu province, Nankyo is the home of her descendants- the imperial clan. As such, she protects Nankyo and its divine family, ensuring that harm does not befall them. Should Nankyo be administered in a manner according to her will, Nankyo will continue to be pleasant to inhabit. Amar-no-Isu has not provided any support to the shogunate or any revolutionary force and is indeed, seemingly concerned only with her divine lineage.
Tutelary Deity: The Great Fox, God of Fertility, Rice and Commerce. Unlike Amar-no-kami, the Great Fox (who's name is considered too sacred to say) itself resides in Nankyo, atop the aptly named Fox Mountain. The Great Fox is beloved by all people and is content with nominal worship as much as true worship- as long as the same sacrifices are offered. The Great Fox is most beloved by the peasants and the merchants, although all classes worship him. Whilst oft called him, the Great Fox is in truth, completely lacking in sex and chooses to express himself as male, female and androgynous in a myriad of forms depending on its whims. As long as the Great Fox is kept happy, the lands will be eternally fertile and business will flow smoothly.
Iziyaki, Land of Hidden WarriorsDescription: Iziyaki is a land of mountains and forests with poor soil that is near-worthless for agriculture. Indeed, many of the inhabitants are herders or otherwise engaged in the forest economy. However, Iziyaki is notorious for its finest export: the ninja. It is from the sixteen hidden villages that the art of ninjutsu emerged and made samurai and peasant alike fear for their lives. Whilst providing immense service to the various factions of the warring period, Shogun Kamon Masaru saw them as a liability. Having extracted the permanent service of the Ryuojin and Wan ninja clans, the shogun sent his armies to raze Iziyaki's villages and execute all ninja who would not bow. Even their families were not spared, with the hidden records absorbed into the shogunate archives or otherwise destroyed. In the years since, Iziyaki has become a backwater, though one still lingering with animosity against the shogunate. Whispers speak of two surviving ninja villages. If true, their services could be vital in dealing with the shogunate, although others would perhaps find it disreputable to consort with criminal clans. Even should such ninja not exist, the lands of Iziyaki are guarded by mountains, narrow passes and great forests. Better yet, whilst remote, Iziyaki is geographically near the centre of the archipelago, allowing for the Revolution to easily spread from it. It would be difficult for any enemy to take Iziyaki. Whilst technically a fiefdom of the daimyos of clan Yan, Iziyaki is too remote for them to exert much control here.
Pros: Possible Ninja Influence, Easily Defended, Strategic Commodity: Prime Lumber, Shogun Antipathy, Central Position, Remote
Cons: Possible Ninja Influence, Poor Soil, Backwater.
Tutelary Deity: None. Whilst some say that Iziyaki's patron deity isthe Meditationist goddess Satchura-Celestial (a deity of sin and mortal evil), in truth, the modern inhabitants put no significant trust in any one deity. When the ninja ruled these lands, the moon god Toyou-no-kami and the Lucky Triad were considered the land's protectors. With the scattering and extinction of the ninja, no god is said to protect Iziyaki.
Tsuchima, The Shogun's MarketDescription: The island domain of the Soi Clan is one of the few places in Yamato where trade with foreign realms is allowed. Indeed, it is perhaps the greatest of the nation's tradeports. Here, Celestials and Detche alike walk freely in the city, with even more exotic peoples (many of which are not human) inhabiting the domain. Tsuchima itself is ruled by a foreign-descended daimyo, with the current Soi clan head being the Detche-blooded Soi Sakura-no-Yngland. Even odder, the Soi Clan has the practise of changing its daimyo every few years, electing from its numbers a new ruler. This almost democratic custom has caused the shogun to eye the Soi with some suspicion, though the Soi have so far proven to be loyal vassals. As Tsuchima is where most foreign goods enter the empire, and where most exports leave the empire, Tsuchima is vastly wealthy. Its merchants oft rival daimyos in wealth, earning them written reprimand from the shogun. Not only rich in wealth, Tsuchima is also rich in knowledge, with most foreign expertise and teachings first promulgating here before spreading elsewhere. Indeed, many academies on 'Foreign Studies' are found here. Still, for all its prosperity, Tsuchima is still an island, and not one rich in space. It relies on trade for its food, clothing and shelter. Without ships, it will be impossible to spread the Revolution elsewhere- especially as Tsuchima is lacking in much old-growth forest.
Pros: Major Tradeport, Island,Merchant Influence, Centre of Knowledge: Foreign Studies, Cosmopolitan, Socialist Taint
Cons: Merchant Influence, Island, Strong Shogunate Navy Presence, Resource Poor, Shogun Loyalty
Tutelary Deity: Maro-no-kami, Goddess of Navigation, Commerce and Innovation. A foreign-descended goddess of Celestial origin, Maro-no-kami has for centuries resided in the Palace of Waters, a semi-aquatic temple adjacent to Tsuchichima City's harbour district. For generations, the Cheung family has acted as her priests, having brought her tutelary statue from her birth place of Arjian in the Celestial Realm. Locals and foreigners alike pray to Maro-no-kami, asking for safe journeys, good luck and good ideas. It also has other functions, with the temple's workers operating hospitals and allowing groups to rent halls- usually for negotiation or craft demonstrations. Like many deities, Maro-no-kami has not made any official announcement of support for the shogunate or the Revolution. As long as she is worshipped well, Maro-no-kami will likely continue to protect Tsuchima's luck and prosperity.
Agame, God-Cursed RuinsDescription: Agame is known for one thing: its curse. Generations ago, the god Baizhoten-no-kenshi died here in defense of its descendants, the Zu Shikkens. In its dying moments, it cursed the lands of Agame with its blood forevermore. Being the patron god of warriors, its blood manifested in the form of weapons. Since its death, the land has experienced no rain of water, but only of swords, spear and gunpowder. Those few people who live here are mostly descendants of the Zu or are otherwise too poor or stupid to leave. Some have been exiled here for one crime or another, or are otherwise engaged in the domain's godsblood trade. Whilst much of the godsblood weaponry of the region are useless for war, a large enough minority is useful enough to be exported. Some of these weapons are of exquisite status, and never dull or corrode. Some seemingly inherit more of Baizhoten-no-kenshi's being and have magical effects, with some said to exhibit fragments of the warrior god's conscious soul. Due to the characteristics of the godsblood, no smith or sorcerer has yet discovered how to smelt the material. Whilst weapons are perhaps the most exotic characteristics of Agame, the Zu people are not to be overlooked. In centuries past, the Zu ruled the lands as shikkens; chief ministers of the Ai Shoguns, who had been made puppets just as the shoguns had made the emperors their puppets. Ousted from power, their descendants each have a piece of their warrior-god ancestor, as well as the Zu's proclivity for scheming and intrigue. Whilst banned by consecutive governments from leaving Agame, the Zu could be used to great effect in the coming battles against the Kamon Shogunate. Still, the lands are poor in all resources beyond its godsblood weaponry. Some whisper that the old ruins of the land harbour secrets that have yet to be discovered.
Pros: Strategic Commodity: Godsblood Weaponry, Zu Influence, Remote, Shogun Antipathy, Ancient Ruins
Cons: Curse of Swords, Resource Poor, Barren, Zu Influence
Tutelary Deity: None. Though Agame is associated with Baizhoten-no-kenshi, former god of warriors, Agame has never known a tutelary deity, even before the curse of swords.
Emshin, Primeval Domains of the AihoniDescription: The northern lands of Emshin are a collection of domains in the far north of Yamato that has only relatively recently been settled by those of Yamato culture. Indeed, many of the inhabitants are Aihoni, with some daimyos here being of that ethnicity as well. The majority of people here still dwell in small villages of pit-huts and engage in esoteric rituals and customs, such as the worship of the bear, the feminine tattooing of lips, and the unruly growing of beards. Indeed, the Aihoni natives are known for being unusually hairy by Yamato standards. Still, none can deny that the Emshin peoples are excellent horsemen and breed the finest war steeds in the whole archipelago. Some renowned breeders even produce bear cavalry or war snakes. Besides this, Emshin is also valued for its vast natural resources. This includes lumber, amber, furs, shark skin, deer antler and high-quality roe. Even so, the Yamato administrators often have trouble collecting these bounties due to the local animosity for the Yamato; a fair opinion since the Yamato invaded these lands. Indeed, the title of shogun originally referred to the military general in charge of invading Aihoni lands. Whilst the Aihoni make up much of the population, and the colonial Yamato a minority, older and darker beings also reside here. Dark and savage kami are said to reside in these ancient lands, remnants of the primitive times before Yamato culture spread throughout the lands. Their creations and allies stalk the primeval forests of Emshin and without sufficient tribute, are known to cause harm and chaos.
Pros: Rich in Resources, Strategic Commodity: War Beasts, Strategic Commodity: Prime Lumber Shogun Antipathy, Decentralised Population, Aihoni Influence, Yamato Antipathy, Weak Daimyos, Remote
Cons: Aihoni Influence, Yamato Antipathy, Decentralised Population, Backwater,
Hostile Kami
Tutelary Deity: None recognised by the Yamato. The native Aihoni do not recognise any such concept as a tutelary deity over a whole region, but do venerate They-Whispered-Quickly as a pseudo-guardian. Suffice to say, They-Whispered-Quickly is known for its hate of the Yamato and its terrorising of the colonists. It is said that They-Whispered-Quickly demands human sacrifice and self-flagellation. Whilst a frightening deity, defenders of the Aihoni practises say that they have only consorted with such foul powers because of Yamato repression and invasion.
Kanogawa, Domain of IronDescription: Kanogawa is a land of mountains and is known as the only place in all of Yamato with reliable iron mines; nearly all of the nation's iron is sourced from foreign lands. It is only in Kanogawa that iron can be found in relative plenty, with much of the nation's pre-eminent iron smiths working within in the domain. Construction materials, weapons, armour, art, farming tools and horse shoes; all are mass produced in Kanogawa at the behest of the Charuke clan. The current daimyo of Kanogawa is feared and respected as the best swordswoman (and swordsman) in all of Yamato, earning herself the title of kensei. Whilst nominally retired, daimyo Charuke Sakura is still a match for most and due to her skill and personality, has garnered the loyalty of many samurai- even those of the oni clans. She has entrusted much of the duties of her titles to her heir, Charuke Ajin, and resides in her secluded home on the slopes of Mount Yashin, where she continues to teach her sword style. Even so, the Charuke rarely have to dabble with the domain's innerworkings, as the artisans guilds (called za) of the land handle most matters. the Whilst plotting the Revolution here would provide us with significant amounts of iron- and the use of the region's artisans- facing Lady Charuke and her skilled students is a daunting task. Perhaps however, she could be made to join the Revolution. Whilst she has not yet heard the Red-Wrung Ideal in her heart, she has no love for the Shogun, only sheathing her blade due to the shogun's practise of keeping hostages. Such hostages include Charuke Sakura's children and grandchildren.
Pros: Strategic Commodity: Iron, Artisan Influence, Oni Presence
Cons: Artisan Influence, Oni Presence, Strong Daimyos,
Kensei Presence
Tutelary Deity: Kagan-no-hichi, God of Industry, the Forge and Fire. A kami of native descent, Kagan-no-hichi is one of the major deities of Yamato and resides amongst his beloved artisans. His spirit is said to aid in the forging of weapons, and is present in the looms of the weavers. He is said to be an earthy god, who jokes and swears and drinks and mourns. His chief temple is a modest affair, being only the size of a normal city block and is as much a temple as it is a craft hall. Indeed, many guilds have their headquarters on the temple grounds or nearby. As long as the fire god is respected, the industry of the realm should remain efficient. Like other gods, Kagan-no-hichi has not declared for the shogunate or the Revolution.
How to Apply:
Fluff up a sheet using the format below AND choose a starting region. All players will start in the same region, with the region with the most votes being chosen. If there is no consensus amongst the picked players, all votes for a region will be considered instead.
Name: Either in Family Name/First Name format or just your first name if you want to play a person who for whatever reason, does not have a family name. This is quite common amongst the lower classes.
Background: Noble/Samurai/Priest/Peasant-Artisan/Merchant. Note that you can choose to come from a background besides these options.
Ethnicity: Choose from the following, in order of how common they are in the empire; Yamato, Yabakjae, Aihoni, Celestial, Detche, Other. Whilst the Yamato people make up most of the population, the immigrants from Yabakjae comprise a significant minority. The native Aihoni, often considered inferior in Yamato society, live in a manner similar to before the arrival of Yamato culture on the archipelago. The Celestials are a cultured people known primarily for their art and engineering. Detche is a catch-all term for foreigners from the Very Distant Continent which is famed for its technological advances, sweets and funny accents.
Appearance: Exactly what you think
Backstory: Go nuts.IC here:
http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=175649.0Discord here:
https://discord.gg/cBzKXqx [peoples-republic-of-japan]
