Largely feudal - warrior families descended from the original Nakhasi noble families of the Nakhasi Empire that internally rebelled against its corruption. They became "blessed" by Eris during the collapse of the old Nakhasi Empire in an agreement to give them power to break away from the Empire and protect themselves. Generations later, the descendents of those familiers and inheritors of that power now hold sway over the land and economy of Kyokuri and maintain the peace and protect the populace.
As such, society is split between this aristocratic warrior-class and the commoners. The lords/ladies and their families live in extremely well-guarded, private vistas, with commoners living in densely packed towns and villages or scattered villas and farmsteads throughout the countryside.
Summary
Kyokuri, a nation in the world of Alathor, has its roots in the collapse of the once-great Nakhasi Empire. As the empire fell into discord and fragmented, a group of noble families, who identified themselves as "Neutral," sought to break away from the chaos and establish their own society. These families, originally part of the Nakhasi aristocracy, made a fateful pact with Eris, one of the Three Sisters, divine offspring of the Steward Huichi.
The Pact with Eris:
Eris granted the noble families power and her blessing to form their own nation, but this came with a sacred agreement. In exchange for their power, the lords and ladies of Kyokuri swore to use their influence to serve and protect the general populace and to help hide and protect Eris and her sisters from those who sought to exploit or harm them. This pact laid the foundation for the values and traditions that would come to define Kyokuri.
Founding and Early Years:
With Eris's blessing, the noble families established Kyokuri, a land where they could maintain their autonomy while upholding their end of the bargain. They built a society that blended their Nakhasi heritage with a strong emphasis on honor, duty, and the protection of the common people. The early years of Kyokuri were marked by a focus on strengthening their defenses, both to protect their borders and to provide a safe haven for the Three Sisters when needed.
Cultural Development:
As Kyokuri grew and stabilized, its culture began to take shape around the principles of privacy, honor, and the sanctity of the pact with Eris. The noble families developed a tradition of wearing masks when outside their compounds, a practice that served to conceal their identities and designate their family affiliations. This tradition became a cornerstone of Kyokuri society, with strict rules and harsh punishments surrounding the use and misuse of these masks.
Generational Shift:
Over time, as Kyokuri enjoyed a period of relative peace and prosperity, a shift began to occur among the younger generations of the noble families. Having grown up in comfort and security, some of these young nobles started to view their status as a birthright rather than a sacred responsibility. A sense of elitism and entitlement crept into their attitudes, leading them to question and sometimes outright reject the old ways and the pact with Eris.
The Threat of Aurorum:
Despite the growing internal tensions, Kyokuri remained united in the face of an external threat: the expansionist Aurorum Empire. As Aurorum's influence grew, Kyokuri was forced to adapt and strengthen its alliances with other nations to maintain its independence. While treaties have lessened the immediate danger, the specter of Aurorum still looms, and some of the more militaristic young nobles view themselves as the first line of defense, demanding honor and obedience in return for their protection.
Present Day:
In the present day, Kyokuri stands as a nation caught between its ancient pact and the changing tides of a new generation. The older nobles strive to uphold their oaths to Eris and the people, while many of the younger nobles bristle against traditions they see as outdated. As the external pressures mount and internal divisions grow, the future of Kyokuri and its ability to fulfill its sacred pact remain uncertain.
Through this history, Kyokuri emerges as a nation deeply rooted in its past, yet struggling to adapt to the challenges of a changing world. Its story is one of honor, duty, and the struggle to maintain ancient oaths in the face of shifting values and new threats.