Tsargoku

The illusion of peace survives at the threshold of total chaos on this sprawling island nation. An emperor yet retains his seat in the capitol, but most of the nation has split into self-contained regions of varying size. Lords and ladies fortify their borders and conspire to grab land and other valuable resources from each other. Combat is confined to irregular skirmishes between long-feuding neighbors for now. Soon the war everyone anticipates will erupt. The commoners will have to contend with their masters' war along with the harsh climate, natural phenomena, and nomadic bandits that constitute day-to-day life. Nobility has not escaped strife but are privileged to grapple with more abstract conflicts.   This setting is based on a fusion of 15th through 17th century Russia and Japan, particularly the peak of Tsar Russia and Sengoku (Warring States) Japan. Every level of social class and every part of the country has unique battles to fight, from the completely isolated villagers toiling in the wastes to the lords casting suspicion on their retainers and their own family.   Very much a work-in-progress. I have many historical studies to conduct, priorities to manage, short stories to write, etc. I haven't even decided on the fantastical elements of what I'm sure is a fantasy setting.