Akashiro Shogunate

The Akashiro Shogunate [Akashiren: アカシロシャルク] is a nation-state located on the continent of Halinn, in the south-west of Abexilas. It is ruled by the Akashiro Clan, the family of the first Shōgun and Shigen-sha of Akashiro. Founded by Jirayu La’ir Akashiro nearly three millennia ago, the Akashiro Shogunate remains as one of the longest lasting states in the history of Abexilas as well as a global cultural powerhouse. Tennyoku has served as the capital city of the Shogunate since the nation's founding, with Tenshin being the state-enforced religion.
== History ==
=== Pre-founding [≈2700 BU (Before Unification)] ===
Before the arrival of any foreign beings, the thick forests of Akashiro were inhabited by the native Kirumasa Clan, a species of serpent-elves able to live up to 350 years. Next to them, on the other side of the Tengaki mountain range, lived the Seuhi, a fox people native to parallel region of Seuku [Soijiro].
=== Creation of Akashiro [2700 BU] ===
Over two millennium ago, a blindfolded man came back from what the people call 'The Abyss' or 'Shinan' [シナン] with a sound mind. Arriving in the land of the Kirumasa, he quickly spread his teachings from the Shinan to the native people, as they became infinitely loyal to him, sparking the creation of the Tenshin religion. The blindfolded man became known as the Shigen-sha, meaning prophet from the abyss. This was due to him receiving a necklace blessed by both Dejelkhai and Ryula, engraved with his clan mon of Akashiro, as well as a message from the gods themselves saying: 'Travel to the region of the serpents, there you will find lush and plentiful lands. You will found a nation where both Xalli and Haicinar will live in harmony, and you shall see it strong and prosperous'. The Shigen-sha's rule allowed the land to prosper, with more clans forming over time. This monumental endeavor caused the birth of a nation, hailed as Akashiro, an absolute Shōgunate under the Shigen-sha with him receiving the title of Shōgun and ruled the nation for the years to come.
=== First Shōgun's Dynasty [2700 BU - 200 BU] ===
Little is known of the first Shōgun's rule due to many documents being destroyed during the following battles of the Muhō Jidai. However, the Shōgun was extremely popular amongst the people, being seen as a savior and undisputed leader, as Akashiro adopted isolationism and continued to develop and expand. Despite this, 2500 years after his foundation of the nation, the Shōgun succumbed to his old age, and with no children, an heir was needed.
=== Muhō Jidai (Age of Lawlessness) [200 BU - 0 AU] ===
With internal clan chaos of not finding an heir, the Akashiro Shogunate fell into a panic, with their authority over the nation weakening as other clans saw the opportunity to seize land and power for themselves. The noble clans broke away into their respective territories, plunging the nation into a 200 year long period of civil war known as the Muhō Jidai, meaning age of lawlessness. During this time, the Akashiro Clan was led by Akira Akashiro and Tsukikage Akashiro, both nephews of the first Shōgun.
==== Post-Death of the Shigen-sha [200 BU - 199 BU] ====
News of the death of the first Shōgun and Shigen-sha reached the silent ears of the Hiragawa Clan, a major clan of humans who were led by an ambitious Daimyo. The Hiragawan Daimyo wanted control over the entirety of Akashiro, and therefore initiated a series of audacious attacks on the neighbouring provinces and villages, as he took control of the land under his clan's banner, moving slowly towards his final goal of capturing the capital city of Tennyoku. These attacks caused many clans to react, whether that be launching their own attacks on the original Shogunate, siding with the Akashiro, or confining themselves to their own peaceful territories.
* Akashiro Clan: The first Shōgun’s family, original rulers of the nation
* Kirumasa Clan: A clan of native serpent-elves infinitely loyal to the Akashiro
* Hirasaka Clan: A clan of Xalli spiritualists that are extremely loyal to the first Shigen-sha and his family
* Morimoto Clan: A neutral clan within the conflict, confined to their territories
* Fujishina Clan: An opposing clan of Akashiro and other stand-alone clans
* Hiragawa Clan: An opposing clan of Akashiro and other stand-alone clans
* Kaguro Clan: An opposing clan of Akashiro and other stand-alone clans
==== The Three Seeds (イノド サニュシドゥラ) [199 BU - 50 BU] ====
The Hiragawa Clan, first launched its attack upon their neighbouring territory of Kaguro Province. Battles erupted across the nation as the rivalling clans vied for supremacy. Skirmishes broke out in the countryside and the various prefectures as the clan warlords sought to seize strategic strongholds and valuable resources, throughout the course of the decades. Over time, the Hiragawa Clan absorbed more and more territories, including that of the Kaguro Clan and part of the Fujishina Clan. Now 80 years into the war, the Daimyo then turned his attention towards the other side of the Tengaki mountain range, towards the neighbouring and peaceful nation of Seuku [Soijiro]. He led his Hiragawan forces, trampling the lands and invaded, occupying it for decades to come. The conquering of these three territories, whether fully or partial, was named "The Three Seeds" or "Inodo Sanyu Shidura" [イノド サニュ シドゥラ]. Amidst the chaos of the Three Seeds, smaller clans such as the Tigoma would migrate from their former clan lands in northern Akashiren territory to the coastlines of southern Talasi, organising one of the world's first colonial companies roughly around the turn of the century in 100 BU.
==== The Kadono Battles (イノド カドノ テンクルラ) [50 BU - 20 BU] ====
During the events of Inodo Sanyu Shidura, the Akashiro Clan lost more and more control too, facing assaults from multiple various forces. Pivotal moments in the conflicts occurred across the outskirts of Akashiro territory, known as the Kadono battles, as they defended from the advancing Hiragawa and Fujishina Clan in decisive confrontations. Despite efforts over multiple years and supported by the formidable logistical and informational prowess of the Kirumasa, the Akashiro suffered crushing defeats, losing control of their most strategically important castles and outposts, with the opposing clans seizing the opportunities to consolidate their power and expand their influence.
==== The Siege of Tennyoku (イノド ゲンショ ノテンニョク) [20 BU - 15 BU] ====
After almost two centuries of continuous battles, the Akashiro Clan was cornered within the capital of Tennyoku, the city surrounded by Hiragawan forces as they commenced a final siege to at last claim the Shogunate under their own banner. During this time, Akashiro’s leader Akira, sought desperate solutions to quell the conflict. Therefore, like the first Shōgun before him, he ventured into the abyss, searching for divine reason and disappearing from the material world. The Siege of Tennyoku then saw the Akashiro, decisively led by Akira's younger brother Tsukikage, defend their ancestral stronghold against relentless assaults, creating a longstanding stalemate. Rumors spread of the emergence from the abyss of the second Shigen-sha within Tennyoku, revealed to be the former leader Akira. He claimed that the god Dejelkhai himself told him that the original Akashiro had the divine right to the throne and proved so by taking out the first Shigen-sha’s lost blessed necklace.
==== The Final Alliance [15 BU - 0 AU] ====
This revelation of a second Shigen-sha ignited hope among the war-weary populace as the news spread throughout all of the nation’s territories. Hearing of this and gaining confirmation by the evidence provided, the Fujishina Clan formed an alliance with the Akashiro, as the usurped Kaguro Clan also broke away from the Hiragawa. The creation of the alliance proved to be a turning point in the war, with the Siege of Tennyoku finally coming to an end. This alliance of clans then led their forces against the Hiragawa, completely quelling their military and reclaiming the land, as well as liberating the nation of Seuku [Soijiro] after a rule of almost a century via the Seuku Campaign, led by Kyoujiro Kirumasa. The Hiragawa Clan then collapsed, with some members either joining other clans or fleeing to neighboring nations. 
=== Reunification of Akashiro [0 AU - 50 AU] ===
Tsukikage Akashiro gave an inspirational speech and promised that those not satisfied under their leadership may leave and gain independence during his rule. After this, a period of reorganization occured, seeing a few clans leave, including the Kaguro Clan, sparking a reset of the Akashiren calendar to the year 0 AU. The Akashiro Clan reunified the nation under the original clan banner, Tsukikage was elevated to Shōgun of the realm, and Akashiro enteeds a peacetime era, restoring the Shogunate. Following this reunification, foreign colonial companies, which had once acted largely independent of the state, would declare their allegiance to the new Shōgun, formally recognising the territory under their management as part of the wider Akashiren realm; despite this, company rule continued largely unimpeded.
=== Post-reunification [50 AU - 60 AU] ===
As the colonizers, from lands far away, arrived on the lands of Abeshiro [Abexilas] the Akashiro Shogunate observed them with a watchful eye. Seeing them scramble to claim all the land they could and fight with each other over mere meters of land, some nations settled near the Shogunate. As they did so, the Shōgun, Tsukikage Akashiro, sent them an invitation to a regional meeting, in which he and his Daijō-kan discussed borders and boundaries with the new settlers, as well as friendships, potential trade routes and alliances. The Shōgun offered them Akashiren sake as they all shared stories with one and other, of the past and of lands not yet seen by the Shogunate. After which, they wrote up a treaty, with each neighbouring nation signing it, marking the creation of 'The Five Winds' Alliance. Amidst the chaos of the scramble, Akashiro would seize the opportunity to institute direct colonial rule over its territories in Talasi between 49-55 AU, establishing the Colony of Sundatano and cementing the allegiances of local Sikoto warlords during the Takushima Concessions in 59 AU.
=== Soijiran Crisis [60 AU - 61 AU] ===
In 51 AU, Juno Osabu also known regnally as Princess Ingyeo, was crowned Queen of Akashiro's closely-tied neighbouring nation of Soijiro. Queen Ingyeo’s reign started off well, with her introducing new laws allowing common folk to join the government and funding the reconstruction of ruins following the liberation of Soijiro from the Hiragawa Clan via the Seuku Campaign, roughly 50 years prior. However, the Soijiran Court then split into two factions. The Kanoto Hearts Party, led by the Sajo Clan and Akashiren Daijō-kan, Kyoujiro Kirumasa, favoured a closer relationship with Soijiro’s neighbours and Halinn in general. The Pahin Party, led by Juno Mura, Queen Ingyeo’s sister, favoured Soijiran self-reliance and was aggressively anti-Akashiren influence. Queen Ingyeo soon began to favour the Pahin Party due to her familial connections, further causing a rift in the court. In 58 AU, Queen Ingyeo unstable half sister, Meeju, secretly began banditing and murdering across other nations. The following year, the head of the Sajo Clan, Prince Keichi, confronted Queen Ingyeo about the an incident where Meeju had been caught in the act killing a peasant, but without evidence Keichi was accused of treason, further isolating the Kanoto Hearts Party and Sajo Clan in the court further. 
In 60 AU, Salamdeul, a town run by the Sajo Clan, was infiltrated by Meeju, leading to the death of Governor and Princess Sajo Asan’s bestfriend. Greatly angered, Asan locked down Salamdeul, with the court petitioning Queen Ingyeo once more, but again were disregarded and accused of treason. The Sajo Clan then fled to the fortress town of Gowon, meeting with Daijō-kan Kyoujiro Kirumasa, where together, they plotted to overthrow the corrupted Queen Ingyeo and her government. After months of planning, the Sajo Clan gathered their forces and those of other dissatisfied noble families and surrounded the capital of Honbu. In a last resort effort to maintain their power, Juno Mura petitioned the Shōgun Tsukikage Akashiro and his Daijō-kan, including Kyoujiro Kirumasa, to enter the crisis as mediators to prevent a violent conflict and judicate a conclusion.
After just a day, Shōgun Tsukikage and the Daijō-kan decreed that Queen Ingyeo shall step down from her position along with her government, installing Prince Sajo Keichi as the new King of Soijiro. Although a complete civil war was avoided, the Royal Palace was still stormed, leading to the hanging of Meeju by Sajo soldiers and King Keichi being mortally wounded. Despite this, peace in Soijiro was at last restored.
=== Dissolving of Kanōto relations [61 AU - 66 AU] ===
Once the Royal Palace in Soijiro's capital of Honbu was claimed, King Keichi, against the original plan with the Sajo Clan and Kyoujiro Kirumasa, allied himself with the impeached Queen Ingyeo's sister, Juno Mura. King Keichi decreed that Ingyeo would be exiled to the distant island of Seubu, forming her own new nation, but was later poisoned by her own sister, removing all remnants of her past power. In her last days, Ingyeo reached out to Akashiren Daijō-kan, Daigo Fujishina, concurring that the Kingdom of Seubu would be fully integrated into the Shogunate. Once the old queen was eliminated, King Keichi and Juno Mura created their government council with the previously discussed members, however, removing Daijō-kan Kyoujiro Kirumasa due to Mura's strong anti-Akashiren sentiment. 
Upon hearing this Shōgun Tsukikage was completely outraged due to all that Kyoujiro Kirumasa had done for Soijiro and its people, with the whole nation of Akashiro feeling utterly betrayed by King Keichi. Due to this, the relations between the two Kanōto culture nations broke down, with defence treaties dissolving. The following year, King Keichi succumbed to his wounds obtained in the rush of the Honbu Royal Palace, leaving his daughter, Sajo Ashin becoming the new queen. Queen Ashin, newly known by her regnal name Jihwa, reformed Soijiro into the Hwaryeong Niruku, with Jihwa becoming the first Niruha and Akashiro limiting its contact with the new nation. A decent number Akashiro's Soijiran (Hwa) population would be sent to work in the colonies during this period, resulting in an immense boom in the Sundatano's population. This led to the Shōgun publising the Edict of Colonial Settlement, setting quotas for the number of Akashirens that could migrate to the colonial possessions, as well as creating a secondary colony, Hōu Zhanaland, specifically for housing the nation's minorities. 
=== Vassalisation of Yun-Tsau & Yasuda agreements [66 AU - 67 AU] ===
Following the passing of the ruler of Yun-Tsau, a neighbouring nation to the north-west, their lands fell to disarray. Yun-Tsau began growing barren and poverty stricken, with their people dissatisfied as conditions turned dire. As the state worsened, the provisional councillors of Yun-Tsau reached out to Shōgun Tsukikage and the Daijō-kan, seeking for aid. After thorough talks, the two nations agreed that Yun-Tsau would become a formal vassal of Akashiro, with the Shōgun vowing to protect Yun-Tsau and motivate the people inhabiting the lands. Following the vassalisation of Yun-Tsau, the Shōgun would oversee negotiations between the new Shogunate of Tsuojiin and his colonial administrators to formalise the borders between the two entities, which would be formalised in the Yasuda Agreements of 67 AU, cementing the legitimacy of Akashiren holdings in Talasi.
=== First expansions, regions and prefectures [67 AU - 83 AU] ===
Following the vassalisation of Yun-Tsau, their leader passed away from his old age and the nation's cropped stopped growing, causing problems throughout the land. This eventually led to mass starvation and a national famine, leading to the death of thousands of native Yun-Tsau people. Unable to sustain themselves, the Yun-Tsau council came together and created a pact that would fully integrate Yun-Tsau into Akashiro. The council approached Shōgun Tsukikage and his Daijō-kan with this proposal, agreeing upon the terms, formally absorbing Yun-Tsau in 82 AU. This act caused the first formal expansion of the Akashiro Shogunate since its founding.
During the same time as the famine of Yun-Tsau, the Hwaryeong Niruku reformed into the nation Gyeondo, following the retirement of Niruha Sajo Ajin and the ascension of Prime Minister Ieras Ferronious, a foreign diplomat from Maecinia. This act caused unrest amongst the people, particularly due to Maecinian control. The nation struggled and was still unable to fully recover from the civil war years prior. With an unhappy population and left without options, the Gyeondo leaders came to their neighbour Akashiro, once again looking for aid. The two parties signed a pact in 83 AU which fully absorbed Gyeondo into the Shogunate. 
Following these two mass-expansions and an influx of various cultures, Minister of Culture, Daijō-kan Kyoujiro Kirumasa drew up 3 new regions and 14 new prefectures in 83 AU. This was to better distinguish and represent each area based on their cultural differences, heritage, regional customs and traditions.
=== Modern Akashiro [83 AU - Present Day] ===
For the better part of two decades since the Yasuda Agreements, Akashiro's colonial possessions had began to decline in their ability to administrate their territories, leading to a full-scale uprising by Sikoto warlords and the general populace in 78 AU. In 82-3 AU, Tennyoku would host negotiation talks between Sikoto warlords, representatives of Sundatano's indigenous communities and the colonial administrators of Sundatano, mediated by the Shōgun, his Daijō-kan & the Colony of Hōu Zhanaland. The main points of contention were the White Knight Laws, a set of segregatory laws instituted in the colonies that prevented the Sikoto majority from participating in the society of the colony which stripped the Sikoto leaders of any power they once held in their lands. Hōu Zhanaland would intervene, mediating a settlement that pulled back some of the 'White Knight Laws' that enshrined minority rule in law, reducing much of the policies to a regional decision. 
In 84 AU, Daijō-kan Daigo Fujishina retired from all positions, feeling fully accomplished following the construction and development of his town and clan. Daigo gave control to his town of Saniroshi to Shikken Kinichi no Tadamichi and his position of Minister of Internal Affairs to Ōgosho Akira Akashiro. Relieved of his stress, Daigo became a humble brewer within his town, a much revered and honoured Akashiren figure. The Daijō-kan and even the Shōgun, seek his advice from time to time, over a freshly and locally brewed Kukaji Beer. 
The decisions made at the Akashiren colonial conferences the year prior dramatically weakened the governing ability of the ministry in Gaaten, Sundatano's capital. However, the Gaaten leadership subsequently approached Hōu Zhanaland with the concept of uniting the two colonies into a single colonial entity. While initially refused by Hōu Zhanaland at first, following two colonial conferences in Tennyoku in 84 AU, Haikato would agree to introduce Sundatano into Hōu Zhanaland. This unification gave Hōu Zhanaland the ability to seek dominionship, which was granted in the Act of Federation, which allowed for unification under a new responsible government the following year in 85 AU, creating the Dominion of Hōu Zhanaland.
A decade later, in 95 AU, Daijō-kan and Minister of Culture Kyoujiro Kirumasa died from natural causes. Being a 295 year old Kirumasan, the equivalent of an 84 year human, Kyoujiro succumbed to his old age and passed away at his countryside residence in Tsumikami. The following day, a state funeral was held in Tennyoku, with the Shōgun and Shigen-sha giving their friend a royal tribute.
== Culture ==
=== General ===
Akashiren culture is deeply rooted in the land of Akashiro, where its native inhabitants have cultivated a unique way of life mixed with the natural landscape. Comprised mainly of Xalli, Haicinar, and Kirusama serpent-folk, Akashiro's population has fostered a culture that embraces diversity, yet each community retains distinct characteristics reflective of their respective races. The Akashiren calendar, of which is used throughout all of the Shogunate as well as other nations, starts at the year 2700 BU [Before Unification]. This is based on the arrival of the first Shōgun and Shigen-sha and foundation of Akashiro itself, with the calendar resetting at the year 0 AU [After Unification], at the end of the Muhō Jidai. The Akashiren Calendar is 50 years ahead of the VE [Voyager's Era] Calendar. (As of 12/9/24), the current year is 91 AU.
Akashiro boasts several national symbols: the revered first Shigen-sha and their family crest as the national symbol, 'Shirai' a specie of lotus flower that can grow in both the Abyss and the Overworld as the religious symbol, the Matori fish as the national fish, the Yoroko Green Peafowl as both national bird, and the Mizurana Oak tree designated as the national flora. Akashiren Ramen, a spicy noodle dish, holds the status of national dish, with Akashiren Sake being the national drink. 
Social customs in Akashiren society reflect reverence for tradition and respect for the spiritual realm. Akashiren people don't shake hands or hug when meeting, they often bow to each other instead. Entering houses involves removing shoes and offering quick prayers to local kami. Dining etiquette in Akashiro emphasizes silence while eating, utilizing chopsticks, and elevating dishes rather than bowing to consume food directly. Akashiren people prefer sitting on the floor, it is believed that this tradition of sitting on the floor has many health benefits and is also extremely proficient in space usage. The majority of Akashirens are members of noble clans, each with their own distinct role within Akashiren society; information can be found here: Akashiren Clans.
=== Religion ===
Religion plays a vital and central role in Akashiren life, with all citizens adhering to the Tenshin faith, which is entrenched into the nation-identity itself. The religion gave way to a more stable relationship between the different races within Akashiro, especially the Xalli and Haicinar, however each did develop their own unique religious identity depending on their unique attributes. The Xalli are usually more drawn into nature, often protecting it, becoming close to nature spirits and worship the goddess Ryula. Meanwhile, Haicinar are seen more drawn to the Abyss, usually dwelling into it the moment they have a chance and worship the god Dejelkhai. Shrines, temples and other holy sites can be frequently seen dotted around Akashiro, whether those be dedicated to general gods or local kami.
=== Kami ===
Akashiren Kami [アカシレン カミ] are deified spirits venerated throughout Akashiro and the Tenshin religion. Kami can be forces of nature and beings, often having the forms of animals, monsters or demons. Some kami are particularly worshipped and associated with specific Akashiren Clans. Kami can be found in the Shinan [シナン], meaning abyss, which is ruled by the god Dejelkhai, or the overworld, which is ruled by the goddesss Ryula. Within the eight layers of the Abyss, reside the Eight Abyssal Retainers, kami who are the assigned overseers of each respective layer. 
Notable kami include the following:
* Dejelkhai: Kami of the Shinan
* Ryula: Kami of the Overworld
* Kiirumei: Kami of Insight
* Shinzaiten: Kami of Poetry
* Suki: Kami of the Moon
* Taoi: Kami of the Sun
* Ninroku: Kami of Perserverance
* Shinroku: Kami of Faith
=== Language ===
Through the ages, the Akashiren people have developed their own language unique to the Akashiren land. Praised for its simplicity, the language is used in many literature feats such as great poetry and novels. The language uses its own alphabet system with unique characters and is one of the many languages in the South-Western language group.
=== Cuisine ===
Akashiro sits in fertile land surrounded by icy mountains, rivers and lakes to the south and west, and sea to the north and east. The Akashiren land contains flora and fauna unique to it and the surrounding areas, green shrub-plants like the Nanuwabi and Sasakura are heavily used in Akashiren cuisine. Akashiro is one of Abexilas's largest rice consumers, growing it locally since ancient times in the prosperous area of Tsumikami. Nanuwabi as well as many other plants and roots are used to make many different sauces and spices in Akashiren cuisine. Usually used as dressing or topping for dishes or to add flavor to meals, an example is the unique spicy taste of Nanuwabi that is liked by many in Akashiro. Multiple different plants are used to make desserts such as the fruits and syrup tapped from the Todorotoki Maple trees. Another famous Akashiren dish is Amukotoki Tempura, which is a mixture of salted and fermented, deep-fried vegetables, which can be eaten as a starter or side dish.
Similarly, the fauna of Akashiro is quite diverse and unique. Home to many species of birds, quills, pigeons, plovers and ducks are all used in many soups and stews as well as being consumed roasted or cooked with rice in some dishes. Like most nations, Akashiro has a culture of eating cow and sheep cattle, as well as goats in the mountains. Fish is also of utmost importance to Akashiren cuisine. Dishes have a wide range, such as raw, roasted, cooked fish and multiple variations of soup. Akashiren people eat squid, shrimp and other sea creatures. However, opposite to eating common fish, Akashiren people prefer shrimp and squid cooked rather than raw.
Another important part of Akashiren cuisine is locally produced drinks. Juices, wines and beers are often made from the various fruits and vegetation that are present in Akashiro, such as Odamasuki, a spicy heavy wine crafted from a mixture of indigenous flowers, or Kukaji Beer, a commonly-drunk beverage from Saniroshi in Kukaji Prefecture. However, the prized drink of the nation is Akashiren sake. Drinking sake is seen as an act of purification and is used to bring people and gods together, playing a major role in wedding ceremonies and formal conferences. 
=== Gardens ===
Gardening is considered one of the greatest arts to the people of Akashiro. Akashiren gardens are wide-spread across the nation, with many local flowers and plant species being utilised, each each with their own meaning and representation. Rocks, plants and water are the unifying elements in nature and are therefore of paramount importance in Akashiren gardens. Rock reflects strength, stability and endurance, the placement of these and other stones in the garden enhances the feeling of safety and security one needs in order to relax. An Akashiren's garden is a reflection of one's state of mind, promoting a sense of emotional stability and inner peace. Another common practice is flower arranging, in which an Akashiren carefully select blossoms, greenery and other flora, placing them in compositional harmony to create a balance between the different flowers and elements, conveying a specific feeling or emotion to an observer. 
===Art ===
The artistic traditions of the Akashiro Shogunate embody a deep reverence for both the Abyssal and Overworld realms. The first recorded and still practiced Akashiren art form is stone carving, with the oldest found sculptures dating back to 1100 BU. Stone statues typically depict kami of all kinds and can be found in both public temples as well as smaller household shrines used for personal devotion. Though most commonly seen are stone lanterns, which were originally designed to illuminate the kami statues and perhaps surrounding gardens.
The next major Akashiren artistic tradition arose with parchment illustrations, which became prominent around 950 BU. These works, often accompanied by intricate calligraphy, offered much more freedom than stone carvings. Therefore, they would tend to display more detailed depictions of kami as well as religious and courtly scenes in ancient Akashiren society under the first Shōgun. These illustrated scrolls frequently showed images from the Overworld, giving form to the ethereal beauty and tranquility of Ryula’s realm. However, in recent years, parchments depicting various Abyssal kami have been uncovered.
One of the most esteemed Akashiren visual arts is Sumi-e, a form of ink painting that emphasises negative space and intricacy. This art form, which started to gain popularity in 750 BU, reflects the infinite darkness of the Abyss, contrasting it with the richness of the Overworld. Ink paintings usually show Abyssal layer landscapes or Abyssal kami, with details effectively portraying a more realistic image whilst reflecting the themes of spirituality and mystery.
Noh masks play a significant role in religious Tenshin festivals and rituals, but above all, theater, with their use peaking between 550 and 300 BU. Each mask is hand-carved from Mizurana Oak trees and represents a specific kami or emotion. In theater, Noh masks are used to precisely convey historical stories of the Shogunate, or more commonly, ancient legends of Tenshin, such as the creation tale. Although potentially unreliable, some sources claim that the masks were originally introduced in regular performances to ‘enlighten’ them. Theater directors and actors were wary of the first Shōgun’s incomprehensible old-age and were mindfully anticipating his impending death, wanting to uplift their leader before his inevitable departure. In festivals and rituals, adorning Noh masks is said to bring the wearer closer to the divine, allowing them to more powerfully channel their worship of the kami they depict.
Woodblock printing, known locally as Ukiyo-e and perhaps the most utilised Akashiren art form, was initially practiced around 300 BU. Ukiyo-e is celebrated for its detailed, colourful and beautiful landscapes, capturing the transient beauty of the natural world. These prints often depict serene scenes of mountains, lush farms, vibrant flowers, distant towns and traditional countryside homes, showcasing the diversity of the Akashiren landscape. During the Muhō Jidai, the art form surged in popularity as artists used it to vividly depict detailed battle scenes, reflecting both the chaos of war and the resilience of the Akashiren people. These prints not only portrayed the dramatic events of the time but also became a crucial medium for recording and commenting on the period's social and political upheaval.
Modern painting, which began to flourish after the end of the Muhō Jidai and reunification of the Shogunate in 0 AU, represents a significant evolution in Akashiren art. This new period marked a continued exploration of traditional Akashiren themes along with renewed techniques and post-war perspectives. Modern painters experiment with a wide array of materials, styles and colours, creating more realistic and innovative works that still reflect core Akashiren spiritual themes. This era is characterisd by a deepening exploration of the cosmic duality between Ryula and Dejelkhai, with contemporary pieces also providing precise displays of kami, particularly Abyssal kami. Modern Akashiren artists also continue to celebrate the natural beauty of the Shogunate, portraying the serene landscapes and their spiritual aspects.
===Literature===
The literature of the Akashiro Shogunate reflects a deep engagement with its history and the two realms. Religious works are marked by a sense of reverence for the spiritual world and the ever-present tension between light and shadow. The Inodo Shikuruto [イノド シクルト], also known as ‘The Creation,’ is a sacred text that recounts the origin of the world in the Tenshin religion. It details the divine battle between Ryula and Dejelkhai, causing the destruction of the 9 realms as well as the preservation of the Overworld and the Abyss. It is considered one of the most important works in Akashiren culture and is often the first story taught to children. 
Jirayu’s Collection, another central work, is a compilation of logs written by Jirayu La’ir Akashiro, the first Shigen-sha, narrating his experience venturing through the Abyss. The writings detail accounts of the eight layers of the Abyss, the kami that retain them, and his eventual return. The majority of known information regarding the Abyss derive from Jirayu’s collection. His recounts explore themes of faith and ambition, offering profound philosophical lessons that have shaped the spiritual understanding of Tenshin.
Poetry also holds a significant place in the Shogunate's cultural life. All forms often express the spirituality of the people, with many focusing on the delicate balance between light and darkness, life and death. Tenshin realms, being a natural focal point, are explored via short evocative poems which describe the various characteristics of each, using minimal language to capture their divine properties effectively. The most well-known poem is ‘Enduring Truth and Pure Beauty’, written by Kyoujiro Kirumasa in 62 AU, which captures the cosmic balance between the deities Ryula and Dejelkhai, embodying the tension between purity and sin in a concise yet mysterious manner. Poems have a particularly large influence in Kukaji Prefecture, due to the Fujishina Clan ties to the Kami of Poetry, Shinzaiten. Competitive events are often held in Saniroshi, allowing participants to showcase their oratory and linguistic skills.
Folk tales and myths regarding kami are also an essential part of Akashiren literature. The stories involve local spirits and serve as allegories for moral values or metaphysical truths. These were passed down orally for generations before being recorded in writing and embody the cultural and spiritual heritage of Akashiro, enabling the people another avenue to explore their connection to the divine. The narratives are also frequently adapted and performed in theater or recited during festivals, bringing ancient wisdom and communal values to life.
As well as religious literature, chronicles and historic texts were inscribed during the Muhō Jidai, which offer varying perspectives of the civil war, particularly during the Three Seeds Period (199 AU - 50 BU). Records from the Hiragawa Clan glorify their conquests, while those from the Akashiro Clan portray them as a betrayal that destabilised the nation. Neutral clans like the Morimoto provide more impartial accounts, focusing on civilian suffering, reflecting the deep divisions of the time.
===Fashion===
Akashiren citizens usually wear loose clothing made of multiple garments of different colors. Many symbols are embroidered into the garments, each containing its own meaning, and usually made from silk cultivated in silkworm farms across Akashiro. Wearing kimonos and yukatas is seen as the societal norm when attending formal ceremonies or meetings. Akashiren soldiers often choose to wear their Samurai armour during day-to-day life, as it represents their eternal devotion to the Shogunate, filling them with a sense of honour.
===Entertainment===
Akashiro embraces a diverse amount of sports and games, including both local and international activities in its culture. Akashiren people are particularly fond of hiking, rock climbing, swimming, hockey and boat racing. However, their attention frequently focuses towards traditional board games, especially Toka and chess. Toka, a game first introduced by Pachiyo Morimoto in 20 AU, has become a celebrated cultural pastime. It is so esteemed that numerous tournaments are held, with prizes awarded to the best players, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of modern Akashiren culture. Paying tribute to its rich traditional culture, Akashiro is home to multiple kinds of martial arts and often hosts combat competitions, particularly participated and enjoyed by the Samurai of the Shogunate's army. Akashiren music is usually calm-sounding and often imitates the noises of nature, with woodwind and string instruments being the most commonly used.
==Government & Politics ==
The Akashiro Shogunate, officially, is a feudal dynastic non-hereditary military dictatorship headed by the Shōgun. While the Shōgun serves as both a head of state and head of government, an official post for head of government exists under the Shikken, despite their ability to exercise power being entirely subservient to the Shōgun. The trifecta of chief governance is completed with the addition of the Ōgosho, who, despite not serving as a head of state or government, is a major position that is critical in the management of the state and its affairs. Senior leadership is accompanied by the upper government, comprised of the esteemed Daijō-kan, which is key in the management of the state's most important affairs. The lower government, made up of the Rōjū and the Mandokoro, are councils comprised of regional leaders to determine internal affairs. 
===Government of the Akashiro Shogunate===
Government Position	Members 	Description
Shōgun 	Tsukikage Akashiro 	The Shōgun is the absolute and sole ruler of the Akashiro Shogunate, and his word is law.
Shikken 	Kinichi no Tadamichi	The Shikken is the Prime Minister of the Akashiro Shogunate, and is personally chosen from amongst the Daijō-kan or Rōjū to represent the common people and the wider government.
Ōgosho 	Akira Akashiro 	An О̄gosho is a retired Shōgun, or the Shōgun's brother. Keeps much of the former authority they held as Shōgun, purely because of respect by the rest of the government due to their former rank and achievements.
Daijō-kan 	
*Kyoujiro Kirumasa
*Raeya Kirumasa
*Chifu Morimoto
*(Formally Daigo Fujishina)	The Daijō-kan is the highest council in all of the Akashiro Shogunate. They are entrusted with the most important of tasks, and several of them are also important ministers. Only the most experienced geopolitical players are entrusted this position, and they are held responsible for the well-being and prosperity of the nation alongside the ranks above.
Rōjū 	
*Tako Morimoto
*[Drink] Kirumasa
*Tigoma Seizō	A Rōjū member is an important figure to the Akashiro Shogunate, often holding positions of large prestige such as scholar, samurai, gensui, or something similar. They are entrusted to make important domestic decisions, and sometimes international and political decisions.
Mandokoro 	 	The Mandokoro is the wider government, a rank often bestowed upon the Mayors and Governors of the Akashiro Shogunate, or any reasonable, relevant, or active player within the Shogunate itself. Mandokoro government role is limited to an extent, but exceptions may be made for exceptionable people.
===Ministries of the Akashiro Shogunate===
Ministry 	Chief Minister 	Office 	Description 	Abrv.
Ministry of Culture 	Kyoujiro Kirumasa	Cultural Office 	Handles the promotion of cultural activities such as holidays, development of languages, worldbuilding and other roleplay events, as well as retaining the nation's lore. Manages the wiki pages related to the Shogunate.	MCO
Ministry of Infrastructure 	Chifu Morimoto 	Infrastructure Office 	Handles all physical infrastructure development in the Shogunate, federally funded building projects, etc. 	MOI
Ministry of Internal Affairs	Akira Akashiro 	National Security Office	Handles communication, management, and discussions between the central government and lower executive governments. Responsible for the continued internal maintenance of the nation. 	MIA
Ministry of Architecture 	Raeya Kirumasa 	Infrastructure Office 	Handles all commercial activity, future infrastructural developments, maintenance of factories. Designs & approves all future projects to be handles by the MOI. 	MAO
Ministry of Defence 	[Drink] Kirumasa 	National Security Office	Handles affairs related to national security, such as preventing griefing, fighting wars, garrisoning the territories of the Shogunate, and much of wartime production. 	MOD
Ministry of Colonial Affairs	Tigoma Seizō 	Colonial Office 	Handles the colonial affairs of the Shogunate and serves as the nerve centre of communication between the colonies and the central government. 	MAC
===Regions & Prefectures===
The Akashiro Shogunate is divided into numerous regions and prefectures. Regions and prefectures are not official administrative units, though are mainly divided by their cultural differences, heritage, regional customs and traditions. The regions prefectures were officially drawn up in 83 AU by Minister of Culture, Daijō-kan Kyoujiro Kirumasa. Akashiro is divided into 3 regions. The original territory of the Shogunate, which was retained until 82 AU, is known as its namesake, the Akashiro region. The nation of Yun-Tsau, a former vassal, was integrated into the Shogunate, creating the Yun-Tsau region. The following year, the nation of Gyeondo was also fully absorbed, sparking the foundation of the Soijiro region.
Akashiren Regions
No.	Region 	Capital 	Founding Year	Population	Prefectures
1 	Akashiro	Tennyoku	2700 BU 	8,650,000 	Tennyoku
Kukaji
Tuyoto
Kirea
Taosuki
Hiragawa
Tengaki
Akabossa
2 	Soijiro 	Gyeondo 	83 AU 	2,472,000 	Honbu
Kaguro
Seuku
Kibu
3 	Yun-Tsau	Waridon 	82 AU 	1,040,000 	Hinagi
Toshi
The 3 regions are divided further into 14 prefectures. The Akashiro region contains 8 prefectures, the Soijiro contains 4 and the Yun-Tsau region contains 2. Akashiren colonies, such as Hou Zanhaland, Hananoki and Piruka [Piragua], do not have prefectures due their status.
Akashiren Prefectures
No.	Prefecture	Capital 	Region 	Population
1 	Tennyoku 	Tennyoku 	Akashiro	3,996,000
2 	Kukaji 	Saniroshi	Akashiro	1,624,000
3 	Tuyoto 	Kayoto 	Akashiro	1,416,000
4 	Kirea 	Kayoto 	Akashiro	310,000
5 	Taosuki 	Hitama 	Akashiro	460,000
6 	Hiragawa 	Yumeru 	Akashiro	714,000
7 	Tengaki 	Tennyoku 	Akashiro	230,000
8 	Akabossa 	Akabossa 	Akashiro	130,000
9 	Honbu 	Gyeondo 	Soijiro 	470,000
10 	Kaguro 	Ryounami 	Soijiro 	712,000
11 	Seuku 	Perilao 	Soijiro 	680,000
12 	Kibu 	Tyland 	Soijiro 	610,000
13 	Hinagi 	Waridon 	Yun-Tsau	727,000
14 	Toshi 	Kelsatti 	Yun-Tsau	313,000
===Military Hierarchy===
*Gensui • 元帥 ― The Gensui is a General of the Shogunate's Imperial Military, and is a person who is generally well-versed in how combat and wars function on Stoneworks. They're expected to contribute largely to the armoury of the nation, and help upkeep the balance. The Shōgun has direct command over the Gensui, and they often work together in order to upkeep the peace, or to plan battles.
*Samurai • 侍 ― A Samurai is an honourable warrior of the Akashiro Shogunate, and each Samurai is granted a katana which is specialized for them, with detailed lore of it's origin and the spirit which resides in it. The Samurai class is made up of skilled and brave warriors who show competence in understanding combat. Only people who primarily focus on the Akashiro Shogunate may be granted the Samurai rank.
*Konida-tai • 小仁田隊 ― The Konida-tai is the Logisitical Corps of the Akashiro Shogunate, and many of them are efficient resource gatherers or enchanters who provide their craft in service to the Akashiro Imperial Military. They often provide materials such as diamonds, war brews, enchanted gear, etc. They are considered low-ranking military, but many of them have earned massive respect and honourable titles for their work in the Corps.
*Ashigaru • 足軽 ― The Ashigaru are the common foot soldiers of the Akashiro Shogunate, and they can be both low to medium skilled PVPers who have a primary focus on Akashiro, or they may also be highly skilled PVPers that do not necessarily consider the Akashiro Shogunate as their primary nation. They are expected to partake in trainings to get better, and the highly skilled PVPers are expected to uphold loyalty whenever it is feasible.
==Towns & Settlements==
===Tennyoku===
The capital of Akashiro, Tennyoku is a historic city with fortress walls surrounding it and was founded by Jirayu La’ir Akashiro, the first Shōgun, in 2700 BU. Tennyoku is located in the north of the nation, amidst the dense forests. The city served as the commanding location of the Akashiro Clan during the Muhō Jidai. 
===Saniroshi===
The capital of the Fujishina Domain, Saniroshi is a city on the western border of the Akashiro Shogunate founded in ancient times of the first Shogun. Saniroshi has served as the powerbase of the Fujishina Daimyo for millenia, its temperate climate and access to a major river making it an important trade hub. After its war time use as a commanding location of the Fujishina Clan during the Muhō Jidai, it has now became the richest region within the nation due to its vast underground industrial complex.
===Hitama===
Hitama is a city located in the northwestern region of Akashiro, primarily known as the ancestral home of the Hirasaka clan. The city is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and rock formations, where the Hirasaka clan has resided for generations. Founded by the clan's progenitor, Hitama stands on the far northwestern border of Akashiro, offering a secluded environment. Situated on the northern part of the Hitama Plateau, the city is characterized by its arid andscape.
===Kayoto===
===Nojo===
Category:Akashiro
Category:Abexilas
Category:Halinn