After being enslaved by the humans that inhabited this land hundreds of years ago, the monsters of Danjon successfully overthrew the tyrannical reign of the Sistine empire in the year 303 N.B.. Eager to prove they are more than bloodthirsty beasts, these monsters established a constitutional democracy with representatives from each race making political decisions in place of a single emperor. Beautiful, organized cities populate the land, juxtaposing against the multitude of creatures that occupy them.
Capitol
Saru
Trading Goods
Animal Products, Beer, Cloth, Copper, Grains, Wine
Population
~642,532
Prevalent Races
| Races | Percentage |
|---|
| Orcs |
16% |
| Goblins |
14% |
| Humans |
13% |
| Minotaurs |
12% |
| Kobolds |
11% |
| Hobgoblins |
10% |
| Lizardfolk |
6% |
| Duergar |
6% |
| Bugbears |
5% |
| Drow Elves |
4% |
| Misc. |
3% |
Geography
The land of Danjon is comprised of four, distinct geographical area:
The Quiet Lands
Stretching from the northern-most tip of Danjon down to Saru, the Quiet Lands are mostly composed of tropical lowlands. Between Funsui and Saru are endless fields of rice and livestock. The most prominent destination here is the lone mountain Heto where Funsui is located. Here, Kobolds and Duergar extract copper from the mountain. The air in the Quiet Lands is humid and hot with rain being a climatic constant. This also makes it quite beautiful with rich, lush hills of jungle foliage breaking up the flat land where rice is grown.
Fertile Canyon
Named in jest of the sperm-shaped lake located in its center, the Fertile Canyon includes the massive, mile-deep gorge that runs through the center of Danjon along with the mountain range that surrounds it. The land is so steep and uneven here that no above-ground cities exist. Instead, a large civilization of Drow Elves and goblins live in an underground city named Gin. Here, copper is even more plentiful than at Mount Heto; however, due to the dangerous nature of transporting goods through the Fertile Mountains, most of it is used internally in Gin while the copper from Heto is used for trade. Despite being quite hostile and dangerous, it is largely considered the most beautiful location in Sebai and is a popular travel destination for those brave enough to enter.
Danjon Badlands
Despite their title, the Danjon Badlands aren't nearly as dry and barren as the name makes them out to be. Danjon's rainfall comes from the south-west and is blocked by the Fertile Mountains, making this location unable to support the dense jungle that covers the rest of the country. Instead, soft, rolling hills covered in tall, golden grass define the badlands. While they might not be as breathtakingly beautiful as the rest of the country, the badlands are crucial to Danjon's economy. The lower rainfall and harder earth make this land perfect for growing corn, wheat, hops, and other grains and vegetables. Because the Fertile Canyon is near impossible to navigate, produce is sent by ship from Pōto to Saru through the Cove of Irie.
Paradaisu Isles
Danjon's most popular vacation spot. With beautiful white beaches and crystal blue water, almost all of Sebai's wealthiest have vacation homes here. Danjon has also taken great strides to ensure the isles are accessible to common folk as well by establishing small towns along the isles with cheap rooms and food. Usually, settlements located on a beach are dangerous due to Sebai's strong pirate presence; however, the Sebanese Navy expends a great amount of its resources to keep the isles and the Cove of Irie safe.
Tabaki Island
A mountanous continental island just off the southern coast of Danjon. The land is rich in minerals; however, it is uninhabited due to the entire island being designated as a "holy land" by the Church of the Masked God. It is here that Teelen first communicated with the Masked God and, as such, only Danjonians making their pilgrimage to Nehan dare step foot on the island. This consecration has done little to discourage pirates and thieves from making the island their home.
Geographical Areas of Danjon
Map of Danjon showcasing the land's five distinct geographical areas as drawn by world famous cartographer, Jaurdin Shores.
Culture
Despite Danjon's population being majority monster, it is by far the most civil and welcoming land in Sebai. This is largely due to the country's religion, which teaches that one must be kind and understanding to all. Citizens are encouraged to explore a career path they desire, but most are content to stay where they are born. Having a country run by monsters, however, also has its downsides. Crime is common and often messy. Cannibalism, mass genocide, and village raids reflect the actions of those who reject Danjon and the church's principles and instead embrace their animalistic nature.
Religion
Danjon's main religion is the Church of the Masked God. If this god has a name, gender, personality or anything else, it is not discussed by those who might know. Danjonian art and masonry depict this god as a robed, humanoid figure wearing a simple, wooden mask. Near the end of the Sisten Empire, there was born a female minotaur named Teelen. Teelen was a slave of the empire, like all other monsters at the time, and worked in a mine on Tabaki Island. Today, the island is not inhabited by citizens of Danjon, but, at the time, it was a mining colony.
One day, Teelen escaped and, with nowhere else to go, began to climb the mountains. After several days, Teelen reached the highest peak and decided she was going to jump off. At this point, the Masked God appeared wearing a robe and wooden mask. They asked Teelen why she planned to end her life. Frightened, Teelen responded that she was tired of being a slave and that she would rather pass onto the next life than suffer in this one. The Masked God asked the minotaur if she would reconsider ending her life if they helped her overthrow the Sistine Empire. Teelen hesitantly accepted the proposal, but inquired as to why the god was helping her. The Masked God said they would rather see the nation run by a caring monster than a heartless human.
The Masked God then told Teelen that she must prove herself before continuing. The Masked God would remove their mask and observe Teelen. If they detected any disgust, disapproval, or anger from the minotaur, they would deem her as unworthy to be their champion. Teelen passed and, with the strength the Masked God gave her, began the Sistine Revolution. Teelen and the monsters of the Sistine Empire defied the odds and defeated the empire. Angry and full of animalistic rage, the goblins, orcs, minotaurs, and other monsters under Teelen's command suggested they subject the denizens of the empire to slavery as retribution. Here, Teelen began to teach her fellow monsters the way of the Masked God:
The Masked God is self-conscious and ashamed of who they are. As such, they understand the importance of treating others with kindness and understanding. Due to this principle, Teelen did not condemn the Sistine citizens to slavery, but instead allowed them to join the new nation of Danjon if they would but accept the teachings of the Masked God. After setting up her new nation, Teelen then established the Church of the Masked God and proclaimed it Danjon's main religion.
It is the belief of worshippers of the Masked God that all should be treated with kindness and respect. If a member of the church feels they have achieved Shinsetsu- i.e. they can greet all without any form of prejudice or dislike- they can make a pilgrimage to Nehan, the point where Teelen met the Masked God. Here, the Masked God will greet them and reveal their face to them. If they can see it without negative emotions, they become Reta and will be accepted to the Swelling Halls, the home of the Masked God. If they react negatively, they are burnt by the Masked God and sent to Gorgoth- the Masked God's realm of punishment. Due to the extreme consequences of this visit, most take this journey at the end of their lives once they feel adequately prepared. Members of the Church of the Masked God spend their lives in preparation for this pilgrimage.
The church's headquarters are located in Saru, but there are buildings of worship in almost every town in Danjon. Training to become an acolyte of the church is quite extensive and the only place to receive official tutelage is at the temple of the Masked God in Shinri. At the top of the church's power structure are the three Enlightened, three creatures hand-picked by the Masked God. For scripture, the church uses the Sefuku which contains recordings about Teelen's conquests, teachings, and life story.
Government
In an attempt to represent all citizens equally, the federal government of Danjon is run by a group of 100 Danjonian citizens called the Collective. For every one percent of Danjon's population that is a certain race, they have a seat in the Collective. So, currently, there are 16 orc representatives, 14 goblin representatives, 13 human representatives, etc. Creatures of a certain race vote every 5 years to determine who they would prefer represent their race.
During these elections, a past representative is voted in as the Diplonent, who leads the Collective in their decision making process. Smaller, local groups called Conclaves are also elected during this time. Conclaves represent a specific city and are determined in the same manner as the Collective; the only difference being that there are only 50 members of a Conclave, one for each 2% of a specific race in a city. Because the government structure is so reliant on population percentages, a thorough census is conducted before each election, often changing the number of government seats each race receives.
All races who do not represent at least one percent of the population are considered one race during elections and can vote for anyone that is of these less-represented races. Currently, a tiefling, dwarf, and troll make up these positions in the Collective, which are known as the "Wildcard Seats."
Taxation is quite high in Danjon, but they also boast a large number of services provided free of charge to their citizens. These include purified water, medicine, and food and housing for the financially destitute.
It is important to note that the Collective works closely with the Church of the Masked God to uphold religious standards throughout the country. Worship of deities other than the Masked God is permitted, but frowned upon.
Imporant Organizations
The Collective
A group of 100 government representatives who lead Danjon's political, economic, and, often, religious affairs. Each chairman represents 1% of the country and, as such, the amount of each race in the Collective changes each election.
The Danjonian Conclaves
Local government chosen in the same manner as the Collective. Oversees city infrastructure, crime, and other needs of the cities.
Church of the Masked God
Official church of Danjon. Teaches that all must be treated with respect and love. Carries great political power.
Teelen's Oath
A group of hunters sponsored by the Collective. When citizens of Danjon embrace their monster heritage and become too much of a threat for the local militia, these elite fighters are called in to take care of the issue. They also spend a large amount of resources on seeking out and exterminating members of Danbor's Revenge.
Danbor's Revenge
A large crime syndicate that worships Danbor, god of monsters. They believe the philosophies of the Church of the Masked God to be in direct conflict with their nature and seek to overthrow the government. While there are many in Danjon who embrace Danbor and engage in wild acts of aggression, members of Danbor's Revenge represent a more organized version of monstrosity by striking at specific targets to weaken the nation.
Cities
Dokku
A pristine, well-organized port city full of brick buildings and well-paved roads. Dokku is Danjon's second-largest city and is a lively, bustling place. Because the city is located in the Danjon Badlands where the land is much flater than anywhere else in the country, the city is, by far, the most neat and well-designed city in Danjon. Nearly all trade from Suna is sent to Dokku where it is then shipped, by land, to Pōto. From there it is delivered by boat through the Cove of Irie. Such close and constant interaction with Sunai traders makes Dokku the most culturally diverse city in Danjon. This close contact also means that the Dokku Conclave is the only one with both a Halfling and a Thri-kreen representative (however, these races' presences are not large enough to earn a seat in the Collective).
The most notable feature of Dokku, however, is its defenses. Ginormous, 40-foot tall walls of concrete have been built around the city's port- encompassing nearly 2 square miles of ocean. Lighthouses, walkways, watchtowers, and gates have been built into this behemoth, making Dokku the most secure port in Sebai.
Funsui
A rather crowded, smelly city located underneath Mount Heto. Most of the buildings are wooden structures hanging on the edge of a massive hole in the earth where copper is extracted. The majority of Danjon's duergar dwarves and kobolds resides here and almost all of them work in the Funsui copper mine. Funsui has the highest crime rates in Danjon, forcing Teelen's Oath to establish a permanent station here. The church has mostly given up on teaching the people here.
Gin
Gin is easily the most isolated city in Danjon. Nestled deep within the Fertile Mountains, Gin is dominated by drow elves, goblins, and hobgoblins. The city is a complicated feat of engineering composed of 3 separate levels built into the side of the Fertile Canyon. Gin is most known for its beautiful sightseeing points from the side of the canyon. Several buildings have glass windows that look out into the canyon. Since Gin was carved into the earth and not built in a preexisting cavern, the entire city feels like one large building- the streets have stone ceilings that range anywhere from 50 feet to as short as 10 feet high. The buildings are carved from the earth and touch the ceilings, as well. There are several mines near Gin that produce large amounts of metals. However, because it is so difficult to transport out of the Fertile Mountains, the majority of Gin's metals stays in the city. This has caused Gin to also become largely self-reliant, even going so far as to grow their own underground gardens to avoid relying on transport from Saru.
Oka
Those who want peace and quiet while still having access to everything a city has to offer seek Oka. This city mostly serves as a rest stop for people traveling through the Quiet Lands of Danjon. Because it is built over natural hot springs, Oka has grown to become the major point of civilization in the Quiet Lands. Farmers and ranchers often come here to relax, party, and trade with the myriad of merchants who reside in the city.
Pōto
For the majority of Danjon's history, Pōto has been little more than a trading post where goods from Suna where loaded to take to Saru. Roughly 30 years ago, however, an entrepreneurial bugbear by the name of Ganzobi bought a large portion of land in the city and built a large coliseum. He advertised it as a place where Danjonian monsters who craved violence could fight without being hunted by Teelen's Oath. A way to turn crime into a form of entertainment. The Collective liked the idea and gave Ganzobi permission to host death matches between bloodthirsty criminals. Ganzobi's Coliseum has quickly become the peak form of recreation in Danjon, turning Pōto into a hub of entertainment. Theaters, circuses, and casinos quickly followed, transforming the city from a lazy port town to the energetic center of amusement in Sebai.
Saru
After sailing through the beautiful blue waters of the Paradaisu Isles, travelers and sailors alike are greeted with the stunning sight that is Saru, capitol of Danjon. Bursting out of the dense, green jungle are sparkling white building capped with copper domes. Towering obelisks, enormous fountains, and gorgeous statues dot the mountainous city. Sitting atop the highest hill is a massive, beautiful structure called the Resitory- where the Collective meets.
At the city center sits the sprawling campus that is the College of Versos. The college is known as the greatest place to learn about math and science, making Saru the center of engineering and scientific advancement in Sebai. This is made apparent through the several technological wonders that only exist in this city- such as indoor plumbing and copper landlines that allow communication between any two buildings in the city.
Walking down the brick roads are well-dressed, refined creatures of all races. Minotaurs wearing silk togas and goblins in dapper 3-piece suits are common sights.
Shinri
The "Holy City" of Danjon. During the days of the Sistine Empire, Shinri was little more than a fishing village. It now carries an important historical significance to the people of Danjon as the place Teelen first began her revolution. Several stories from the Tefuku occurred here, making the city a popular travel destination for worshippers of the Masked God. The temple of the Masked God resides in the city square and serves as a combined place of worship, museum, library, and religious college. The 3 Enlightened resided in Shinri until 50 years ago when they moved to Saru to be in better contact with the Collective. Shinri also serves as the exit point for those who wish to initiate their pilgrimage to Nehan.
Holidays
Akirakana
Celebrated during the first full week of Garn (unless impeded by The Waxing Red), Akirakana celebrates the day Teelen first contacted the Masked God at Nehan and lasts throughout the entire week. Parades, fireworks, and traditional Danjonian foods are in great supply during this time. Mask-making has also become an extremely popular activity for this holiday. At the end of the week, the people are asked to reflect on how kind they have become and how they can be better. In Shinri, those who desire to travel to Nehan meet during Akirakana to travel to Tabaki Island.
Creator's Week
Primarily celebrated in Saru, Creator's Week focuses on the technological advancements made during the past year in Danjon. Alchemists, inventors, and engineers showcase their creations in the streets of the city for all to see. Also, professors at the College of Versos offer free lectures and tours to aspiring students. The holiday takes place between the 31st and 34th of Janik.
Furdamu
Celebrated on the 17th of Abash, Furdamu is Danjon's Independence Day. Due to the time of the year, it has morphed into Danjon's harvest festival, as well. By tradition, farmers place wooden helmets built to resemble those worn by Sistine Empire soldiers and place them over young pumpkins. The pumpkins grow into the helmets and, on Furdamu, are placed on wooden poles and used as target practice with bows and firearms to commemorate the fall of the Sistine Empire.
Navy Day
Created in order to raise more support for the newly established organization, Navy Day is the only holiday observed by all three countries in Sebai. The holiday is celebrated on the 15th of Edogas and has struggled to find a footing in Sebanese culture as the Navy continues struggling to create exciting events to celebrate their existence. It mostly consists of impressive military displays at costal cities followed by minor festivals. Citizens that live more inland, however, rarely even acknowledge its existence.
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