The Autumnal Blade

"The Autumnal Blade" is set within the world of Hikoku, a special land that since its conception has been largely divided into several provinces. Each province is led by a particular daimyo, or lord, who answers to the ruling shogunate over the land.   This shogunate works in tandem with the Emperor, who is the ruling sovereign, and works to retain peace and prosperity throughout each province.   Of these many provinces exists the southern coastal province of Aki, named so after its beautiful autumn colors and bountiful harvests that precede its most lavish season. Governing this province are the Akiyama family, who have ruled diligently for many generations. Like Aki, the whole of Hikoku has seen generations worth of peace... Until now.   Hikoku's primary religion, Mahoren, has been something of an ancient practice that has existed since the creation of Hikoku. Mahoren is the worship of various deities associated with the many alchemical symbols that exist. Devout practitioners, namely the most practiced of monks, are those that hold such teachings close and make up the swordsmiths that are able to create and conjure such power in the creation of special blades. However, there existed long ago a method of conjuring the same alchemical power in the form of scarification. Though it was a practice that has been banned and rooted out through a vicious period of warring, skirmishes are erupting throughout Hikoku regarding the call to reform Mahoren and return to a zealous emphasis on the religion.   Eventually, this same call for reform and its subsequent riots have sprouted throughout the western provinces of Hikoku and are spreading rapidly throughout. Many oppose such reform, but many others are also beginning to lay down their arms and give up their power or outright join the Mahoren zealots.