Xia Shogunate (She-ah)
In the mind of the Xia, stability and balance in the isles can only exist thanks to the mighty power of the Xia Shogunate, a militaristic authoritarian nation whose powerful and skilled armies protect the land and prevent any outsiders from altering its peace and prosperity. The many provinces that form the shogunate are ruled each by a long lasting lineage of warlords that serve the Sky Shogun Jin Wendatto, the most powerful and disciplined warrior in the nation, and an immortal.
They believe that by divine command, they must rule the isles, and preserve its peace and tradition. Every action the shogunate takes is directed towards achieving this goal, and such efforts can be seen in their expansionist ideology and in their efforts to take over land controlled by other nations such as the Tiashan Empire.
The might of the shogun reaches the seas and oceans, where their mighty floating fortresses and atakebunes sail across their coasts, protecting them against the dangerous creatures of the sea, and worse, foreign invaders. Study of magic is also becoming more widely accepted, and schools of evocation and war magic based on Tiashan academies are becoming the proving grounds for some of the most prominent masters and fighters. The Shogunate has the largest standing army in the isles, but its positioning leaves them unable to act where they feel it is needed. Heated discussions with leaders of the other states have left the Sky Shogun feeling trapped from being able to fulfill what he feels is his duty to protect the isles.
Within the Shogunate, mighty city-fortresses watch over villages, rice fields and highways and military officers direct resource usage and consumption with a heartless iron fist. Governmental decrees control many facets of life within the Shogunate such as mandatory martial arts study and military service for at least one child per family. Laws are strict and punishment is stricter. The shogunate often rules through fear and might, issuing strict laws and banning all foreign literature, trinkets, and alcoholic beverages. In major cities the special Metsukes are tasked to censor and find people who are consistently breaking local laws.
Citizens often take upon themselves a heavy perfectionism with a deep focus on honor and social standing. But, underneath the surface is a culture raptured with comedy, dance, and politically laced poetry. Most take out their frustrations in duels and combat, but there is a budding generation of artists that are pushing back on the traditions of their ancestors. This recent rise has also brought with it whispers of revolution. The shogun’s secret police have been hard at work trying to quell such threats, but have not found any particular leader responsible.
The land of the shogunate is fertile and rich with diversity. Rolling hills, regions of tall steep cliffs, volcanoes, and patches of forest make up the natural beauty of the region. It is also one of the most developed areas thanks to its abundance of resources and the drive for industrialization by its leaders.
Structure
The Shogunate operates under a hierarchal military system with the Sky Shogun at the very top with complete authority over the government and military organizations. Dozens of daimyos swear fealty to the Sky Shogun and operate under a tiered system of three hierarchal military ranks. The ranks, listed from highest rank to lowest are: Mountain, Forest, and River. Under the ranking system of the daimyos is a classic military structure of which much of the Isle's military forces are modeled after.
The Sky Shogun delegates and assigns various duties and jurisdictions to the Mountain Daimyos, who in return delegate their large responsibilities down to subordinates, and so on. Each Mountain, Forest, or River Daimyo has their own bands of military forces which conduct many of the shogunate's day to day operations. Indeed, most official programs, organizations, or systems are run in someway, by the military. One of the only major functions of the society that isn't fully controlled by the military is the market.
A collection of mercantile guilds and houses have been granted freedom to operate as a free market under the careful eye of the shogunate. This decision was hard fought and came to after several years of the Coin Rebellion against military regulated markets, pricing, and supply management. Now merchant princes and guild masters have have gained more power and influence than the Sky Shogun would prefer, but on the other hand, industry and development has increased across the state.
Public Agenda
The main goal of the Shogunate is well known by all of its citizens: to protect the isles from outside forces, and to develop a strong military force capable of doing so. This motivation has driven much of the recent social decrees and laws. The military and police forces enforce the law with exactness and rigidity. The Sky Shogun promises peace and protection to the citizens of Xia, and he extends a helping hand to other states in the isles. While there are many who disagree with the shogunate's methods, it is clear that the current regime has no plan on backing down and has decreed to other states, such as the Tiashan Empire that it will do what it finds necessary to protect the isles, even if it prompts open, albeit temporary war.
Protection Through Order
Founding Date
279 DF
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
The Land of Red, The Fangs
Demonym
Xian
Leader
Head of State
Government System
Stratocracy
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Market economy
Location
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Comments