Shaola
The Land of Mists. Shaola. I've nary seen a land with such alien beauty nor a people to match. Their traditions stand strong after millennia, and even the shocking introduction they received to the Known World has not diminished them...What? Of course I'm not just saying that because my wife is Yokai. Don't tell her about this interview, though...please.
-Atezka Tlalli, when asked about Shaola
Structure
The Emperor: Unequalled ruler of Shaola, they traditionally take a sort of moniker, such as the current Empress: Current regent is known as the Silent Empress
The Emperor's Voice: Speaks with the authority of the Emperor, though how they know what to say is up to debate.
The Clans: The nobility of Shaola. The clans are considered as totally above the peasantry.
Culture
A culture of honor and societal responsibility, the people of Shaola are willing to great make personal sacrifice for their nation. Be it money, materials, or their own lives, all are viewed as paling in comparison to the needs of the country. This should not be confused with certain other governments that simply take what they want, as the honor of individuals and organizations are held in the highest regard. To break that honor leaves many without options, as previous friends and allies refuse business and aid. Leaving the afflicted out in the cold.
Assets
- Kenkō Lotus
- Kenkō Water
- Gekkō Jade
- The Mists of Shaola
- 95,000 Oni Heavy Infantry
- 795,000 Yokai Standard Infantry
- 30,000 Imperial Palace Guardians
- 25,000 Samurai Blademastesters (Also known as the old guard)
- 200 Military Constructs
History
There is no country that has managed to weave an enigmatic blanket as large as the one Shaola has managed to keep clutched around its shoulders in the Known World. Remaining hidden for so long that their continent had (and still has) a multitude of myths and legends about what lay within her mists. The Varlishi thought that there was no land within the mist, and it was merely a breeding ground for sea serpents. The Avalonians thought a tribe of semi-sentient cannibals lived on an island paradise somewhere in the center of the fog bank. The only reason that any of these ideas and misconceptions were broken was a complete accident.
During the Varli-Gilge War, two Varlishi ships were separated from their flotilla. In an attempt to flee from the Gilgeshi ships that were hot on their heels, they executed a hail mary and plunged into the unmapped mists that were ever-present on the eastern edge of the North Central Region. Inside the fog, they found no one. Only tightly grouped stony-islands that rose above the waves in large cliffs. Fleeing deeper and deeper into the mists, the Varlishi couldn't quite escape from their pursuers. Throwing everything they had into the boilers, they attempted to outpace them, to no avail, until their crews suddenly found themselves sprawled across the deck. looking forward, they found their prows buried inland and stone and timber. They had run aground. And right into what looked to be a warehouse in a port town of some description. A port town that was waking up to the pair of ships that had interrupted their breakfast. Before they could react, thunder rumbled behind them, and cannonballs started to rain down around them. Smashing nearby housing and scattering townspeople that had come out to look. Instead of curious townsfolk, now armed soldiers started to swarm around the ships. Only wielding swords and primitive lamellar armor, they massed outside of the beached ships before advancing en mass, ignoring the cannon shots raining down around them. In the next of what had already become a long list of blunders, the Varlishi merchant marine opened fire, bringing down scores of warriors before they made it to the grounded ships. Despite their casualties, the warriors seemed to just keep pouring out. Even the Gilgeshi cannons fell silent, surrounded and boarded in the same manner. By some twist of fate, the crews found themselves captured and held prisoner, instead of slaughtered wholesale. Gathered together, the former enemies found themselves bonded together in imprisonment. They did not have to await their fate long, as they were soon loaded onto a ship and sailed back the way they had come. Out of the fog, and back towards their homelands. This time in chains.
What followed was a round of tense introductions and negotiations with the powers of the North Central Region. Trade deals and research deals were established. Examples of the newly revealed nation's resources and capabilities put on full display for delegates and dignitaries. Their magics showed off, but obviously not taught. While the natural resources of the land of mists would flow outward, and all involved would make a great deal of money, the Known Worlds technology would flow inward. The muskets and cannons of the era, followed by the telegraph and steam-powered ironclads.
All the while the Known World reveled at the economic boost Shaola would provide it, the two powers that had found it were kept pointedly on the sidelines to even the scales with the destruction they had accidentally caused. It is rare that the Varlishi Trade Company is kept from doing anything, let alone the expansion into new-found lands. And it is almost unheard of for them to be kept from worming their way into a country after being initially rebuffed. In this respect, and many others, the bureaucrats and government have proven exceedingly competent in their negotiations. Never letting the company get a foothold they could use to build a base of power, much to the Varlishi's chagrin.
Tradition is still alive and well within the nation, for good or ill. Modern technology has struggled to get a substantial foothold, as many feel tradition is more important than modern comforts, but things like telegraphs and a small number of vehicles have proven popular. The current ruler, the Silent Empress, seems keen on keeping talks open while modernizing the nation in any way possible. Having made great strides in doing so in the military and the capital, though there is a great distance to go.
While Shaola is considered a peaceful land, that image is not entirely correct. It's peaceful islands have, occasionally, been marred by conflict between the 'Imperial' and 'Separatist' Clans. These Separatist Clans were originally clans that had rejected what they considered the false right to rule of the emperor. In recent decades, their numbers have been swelled by the addition of clans that have been forced out of Imperial lands due to their honor being lost. Whatever they did to be stripped of such an important notion, they have no choice but to leave Imperial lands to try and find something to make a living off of. Those that can't afford to move their whole household across the sea to places that do not have the same concept of honor that the Shaola do, more than likely fall in with the Separatist clans. Whether they truly thirst after the deposition of the Empress should be observed on a case by case basis, they are all driven together for livelihood and protection. It's either them or a death in the wilds.
In recent years, the Separatist clans and the Imperial authority have been clashing with ever increasing regularity. The exact reason why is any ones guess, though some theorize that both groups have simply run out of space. If that isn't the case, there's a myriad of other theories to take it's place.
Demography and Population
The density of different species in Shaola is almost staggering in comparison to other nations. The Yokai, however, are the largest section of the populace by a long shot.
Territories
The extent of their territory is still mostly unknown, as they have not shared that info with any outside government. What few maps have made it out of the country are considered to be inaccurate. Outdated at best. Intentionally incomplete at worst.
Military
Every clan provides it's own section of the armed forces, but unlike the clans of Vralgard, there is almost no concern over them not delivering. After all, it is their divine prerogative to follow the orders of the Emperess and to support her in all her endeavors. They have a 'choice' without really having one.
Religion
It is said that Shaola was founded by a pantheon of dragons that developed their own divinity. Differing from the standard depiction of a dragon. A long thin body that bears no wings, yet could still fly.
It's said that the head of the pantheon, Kaiyō, seized a pearl from his domain, and cracked it upon the peak of Mt. Tanjō. The first Emperor was birthed from the seawater that spilled forth from the pearl. As Kaiyō taught the first Emperor, the water spilled down the mountain and onto the plains below. From there, it would drain into the ocean and form the islands of Shaola. As it left, the fields sprouted forth, with the first of the Yokai, in the image of the first Emperor, who would form the clans and peasantry.
Agriculture & Industry
Massively agricultural, many families farm some sort of foodstuff or medicinal product. No official factories exist, and those that have opened in the past struggled to hire local workers no matter how much pay they offered.
Education
The Imperial College takes and trains promising youth for service to the Empire. An all in one facility, it trains it's students in whatever path best suits them or what is needed, be it bureaucratic, military, arcane, or divine.
Infrastructure
There is little infrastructure anywhere in the provinces. What little there is is found entirely within urban centers. the moment you leave those walls, you will only find dirt roads and the odd telegraph pole.
Even within cities, modern amenities have struggled to find a place. Spectacularly crafted automobiles mingle with mud caked oxcarts, becoming equally caked as they pass each other. A few industrial constructs can be see in the fields working methodically as always. Everything else is the picturesque image of a feudal kingdom. Straight out of a history book.
Mythology & Lore
There is not a creation myth for the Divine Dragons, they are regarded to have simply existed. Hugely intelligent, they are regarded as highly academic divine beings, with many myths following someone searching for them in order to gather knowledge from them.
They do not have 'positions' like many pantheons, instead embodying parts of the natural world. such as Kaiyō, the head of the pantheon, which represents the sea and it's inhabitants. Or Taifū, who embodies the wind. Or Hanabira, who more specifically represents the Cherry trees and their blossoms that have become emblematic of the nation.
Worship
Offerings are, by far, the most common form of worship to the Divine Dragons. Each one has a preference for food or material, and you make the offerings to the one that represents an aspect of life that you need assistance with.
Founding Date
15, Age of Dragons
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Alternative Names
The Land of Mists, Country of Cherry Blossoms
Demonym
Shaola
Leader
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Market economy
Currency
Imperial Sen: A sort of pale white note with a pink cherry tree stamped on it.
Major Exports
The most valuable thing that Shaola can export is the Kenkō Lotus. The flowers ability to heal is highly sought after, as well as the interest to try and grow it in other parts of the world. Kenkō Water is also highly sought after as the finished product for healing potions.
Major Imports
At the moment, the most numerous import is modern weaponry. Firearms and vehicles are bought up for any price, and even foreign mercenaries are hired to train soldiers in modern combat.
Judicial Body
Every clan watches their own ancestral lands and are responsible for carrying out the Empresses decrees to the letter. If the Empress says jump, the clans ask how high. If she says that you are to gut yourself in front of the whole court, they ask how deep they are to cut. Of course, an intelligent ruler doesn't ask that of their followers, but the threat is still there.
Official State Religion
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