Coin Rebellion
The Coin Rebellion started in the Xia Region during the summer of 635 DF, when the Xia Shogunate began issuing edicts requiring merchants to accept only state-sanctioned coins for transactions. This created an economic hardship for many citizens, who found their standard copper coins becoming virtually valueless and who saw their incomes diminished from these newly imposed regulations. This edict was on top of many that took control and freedom from its citizens and merchant class. There was no piece of the market that was not controlled by the daimyos and officers.
In response to this sudden change, a nationwide revolt proudly calling themselves “The Coin Rebels” rose up and led protests throughout various city squares and proved difficult to contain due to their ever-increasing numbers. The rebels were met with relentless military force from the Shogunate forces but were able to outwit the troops by smuggling and concealing a large amount of personal treasures across the country which they used as currency instead of relying on officially sanctioned coinage.
The rebels received strong public support, especially from dissidents within the government, and within a few months grew in size making it increasingly difficult for Shogunate forces to maintain control over them. It was even reported that some members of high society could be seen trading illegal coins at certain clandestine locations around town in order to show support or secretly further their business interests during this period of unrest.
Eventually, some semblance of normality was restored after several years when negotiations between both sides took place resulting in substantial reforms such as reduced taxes and eased restrictions on trade. These reforms allowed the Coin Rebels to finally claim a major victory and the Sky Shogun eventually acknowledged their rights and continued peaceful diplomacy.
The rebellion brought about several leading characters. The most prominent one being Fukata Nari, an influential leader of the Coin Rebels who was also known for her masterful negotiation tactics and tactical acumen during confrontations with government forces. A resistance based on honor, fairness and justice is not easily defeated - Fukata understood this and called it a “reign of justice” that she hoped could be maintained long after the Coin Rebellion ended.
Currently several merchant houses work in tenuous harmony with each other and the Shogunate. These houses provide much of the mercantile services within the Xia Region and beyond. While conflict between the houses and other merchant powerhouses across the isles exist, the free market is open for all of the nations within the Isles.
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