Kōryō

1355

Wreathed in mist, its surrounding waters teeming with strange yet wondrous creatures, is the isolated orient of Kōryō. Cut off from the rest of Ormodinia, Kōryō is a mystical land that embodies naturalism and mysticism. Here, Daimyō (feudal lords) rule powerful cities and command Samurai to safeguard their people and cut down any who would threaten the peace. From the raucous trade outpost of Hayakawa to the North, to the stringent militaristic desert cities of Miketsukami and Byakuroku to the South, Kōryō's cities are rich and diverse in culture and lifestyle. However, there is one great city that commands the respect of all the others. The capital city of Tengoku, located at the center of Kōryō, is a shining jewel of beauty, wealth, and culture. In Tengoku, the cherry blossom trees are always in full bloom, painting a vibrantly beautiful picture of serenity and calmness. The capital is ruled by Saiha el-Ryugamine, the Saint of Tranquility. A powerful Onmyōuji, Saiha is a just ruler, and a kind, peace-loving man respected and admired by peasant and noble alike. His apprentice, Tao-Ren el-Nagaoka is equally respected, particularly by the Samurai-her skill in martial combat is rivaled only by her beauty. And yet, Kōryō is still predominantly a "wild" land. Apart from the heart of Kōryō, the majority of the island remains unsettled. The rivers, gorges, forests, swamps, mountain ranges and deserts are home to the Yokai. Tied directly to the well-being of the land, these mystical, predatory creatures are indigenous to Kōryō and come in every size, shape and temperament imaginable. As such, they are treated with the utmost respect, with some of the more powerful among them even being revered as local deities. Every town, village, and city has a local shrine to a Tochigami (land god) they revere and make offerings to in exchange for that Yokai’s protection, blessings, and good fortune. Though the more ancient, powerful Yokai tend to keep to themselves and avoid humans, most Yokai have learned to coexist in harmony with them. Some even form contractual bonds with humans they favor, becoming bound to them as Ayakashi who serve them.   It is here, in this far-away, removed continent that many adventures were had, and where many heroes were born. And it is here, where our story begins.