Kingdom of Hyrule & Kitochi

The Kingdom of Hyrule & Kitochi generally shortened to just Hyrule is the an incarnation of the general Kingdom of Hyrule in an unnamed Zelda title. As the name would suggest, the lands are comprised of two Kingdoms that at some point in history merged, notably they're separated by a large mountain range that has frequently served as a natural barrier to Hyrule's north.
==Demographics==
===Hylian Races===
Hyrule is comprised of many races of varying origin, some races are found primarily in the original lands of Hyrule while others are found in the northlands known as Kitochi. The most prevalent being the Hylians, a human-like race with elfish ears they're the mot widespread of the races although their title is somewhat misleading as they're actually comprised of several subsets including the Half-Hylians. Generally Hylians have a fair complexion and light hair with the aforementioned exception tending to have darker hair. They're the most average in physique of the major races of old Hyrule.
Amongst the other old Hyrule races are the Gerudo a race of once desert faring people, they're immediately recognizable for their generally taller and more slender physique and darker skin, notably the race is in a much friendlier state with the rest of Hyrule than previous iterations due to the sheer length of time since the Hyrulean Civil War. They're mostly found in their home province of Lanayru but many visit the settlements across Hyrule, the most notable structure in their society is the mighty Gerudo Fortress a giant armoured structure that sits at the mouth of the Gerudo Desert protecting Hyrule from the monsters that dwell within the desert.
On the opposing side of old Hyrule are the Gorons a mighty and friendly folk who subsist off the rocks of their environment, their strange mannerisms make them a bit of an odd bunch although they're often quite forthcoming and welcoming to outsiders in spite of their home's rather, extreme heat. The Gorons are generally consider the mineral experts of Hyrule, many Hylian blacksmiths learn from the Gorons as their knowledge of ores, crystals and rocks is second to none. The Gorons are also notably in a sort of symbiotic existence with a race of fiery birds known as the Phoenixes, powerful and ancient magical creatures, the Phoenix are believed to be descendants of an ancient lineage of birds that once flew high in the sky, able to carry the ancient Hylians before they returned to Hyrule. The Gorons and Phoenixes relationship allows them to support one another when dealing with the various monsters that stalk the high peaks of Death Mountain.
The Zora of Hyrule are split between two sub-races, the Subami or Ocean Zora who reside along the southern coast and are known for maintaining many of the ancient traditions of their people and the Skyrian or Mountain Peak Zora who can be found high up in the icy mountains where their unique adaptations have caused a split within the race. Both demographics are generally viewed as quite regal in nature, often adorning themselves in jewellery to appear more splendid. The Subami Zora are found in the southern reaches of the Faron Province where they make their home on the southern coast of the Kingdom, they maintain a cordial relationship with the Hylians although seem to act more independently than most, physically they're a humanoid race with many fish-like attributes including gills and fins that aide them in swimming, the Subami in particular have many deep-sea qualities such as rather vibrant arrays of colouration in their scales, pupil-less eyes and often small bioluminescent markings on their body. The Skyrian Zora by comparison, found high atop the mountains of Hyrule were long separated from their ocean-dwelling cousins due to the freezing over of the Zora River, the population that became stuck atop the mountains adapted to the limited water, their lesser fins becoming smaller and eventually non existent and their primary fins becoming larger with a more loose appearance which could become taut when they took flight, a trait unique to these Zora. Their scales are generally larger and smoother than their deep-sea cousins giving them a somewhat armoured appearance although this gives them improved aerodynamics as well as protection against the cold. Due to their location they're also noticeably more clothed than Subami Zora the latter opting for more flowing attire such as Togas while the former prefer heavier furred attire to help keep them warm.
The strange reptilian species of Hyrule, Tokay are a quirky race found along the southern coast of Hyrule although some have migrated into Kitochi as well. They're descendants of the ancient monsters known as Lizalfos and are believed to have been given intelligence by the protector of the forests known as the Great Deku Tree. Though they're generally friendly they're a fairly simple people who live calm and mostly uneventful lives tending to prefer simply fishing or performing menial tasks. They notably lack the common currency of Hyrule and instead trade with a form of bartering, seemingly having no interest in the value of the Rupee. It should be noted that periodically significantly more active and intelligent Tokay are known to appear often being quite cultured and possessing a unique perspective from most due to their upbringing.
===Kitochi Races===
The most numerous of the Kitochi races are the Inogian, a human-like race whose stocky appearance often leads to some mistaking them for children, in spite of this they're one of the hardiest races known to exist, they appear to be seemingly oblivious to most things that cause discomfort to other races such as the extreme heat of Death Mountain, extreme cold of Snowpeak, or being underwater. Even more notably, Inogians are completely immune to lightning as such they reside in the often storm-riddled lands of northern Nosh province around the Akurea Jungle where rain is frequent. The race is generally regarded as masters of plants as they have a unique connection with nature possessing magic that they believe was given to them by the spirits of the forests, as such they often protect the forests rather fervently as well as tend to many farms, this latter trait being significant as the Inogians have become somewhat of the bread-basket for Hyrule thanks to their skill with tending to farmlands, however often the Inogians taste in food is questionable as the food they grow in their homelands is considered foul and abhorrent in odour by most other races.
Found primarily in the Ramuark Province the Henosh are a deeply spiritual race, according to their history they're in fact a population of Hinoxes who managed to break free of the shackles of the demonic control their ancestors had suffered for generations. Though the race is somewhat reclusive they are friendly to outsiders and often encourage others to seek enlightenment through meditation and spiritual journeys. Due to their history a folk hero who became prominent among them was the Lightning Saint a Henosh of great power who's devotion towards the Golden Goddesses blessed him with power from Ramuark's blessing was able to free his people from the demons and would go on to lead them towards enlightenment, gaining a state of enlightenment himself after centuries of meditation and trials that would forever leave his body marked. For many of the Henosh, due to not reaching a higher level of spirituality they cover their eyes with a veiled cloth that has insignia on it to ward off evil spirits, the insignia vary from Henosh to Henosh and typically revolve around the type of evil spirit that the Henosh is most vulnerable to. The exception to this are the High Priests and Priestesses of their order who have achieved the higher spirituality to give them the power to ward off evil spirits.
The Seito are a peculiar race, found near the Goddess Mountains they're physically the most similar to Hylians and Gerudo causing some to believe they share a common ancestor. Seito are known to be a race dedicated to learning the culture of others and adapting as such, many Seito have become integrated with their new homes taking on mannerisms and using their clothing to match the styles of other races. In their home province however this tendency towards creating styles through clothing is extremely prominent as the various families who reside in their primary settlement of Serruhn Town each have their own clothing style which matches the culture they developed over generations. The Seito people are also known to be scholarly and have long documented historical accounts of events that transpired in the Kitochi region long ago as well as myths and legends that formed because of that history, as such they're sometimes referred to as the Storytellers of Kitochi. Many of these such stories have evolved with their distinct culture into performances whether musical, dramatic or through simple dance they exposit the stories of their people through these means.
The Kawabi are a peculiar race, found residing in the Damosin Swamp in the Ramuark Province they're diminutive creatures with amphibious traits similar to how Zora possess fish-like traits, however their small stature leads to them having stubby limbs. Although they appear cute they're not to be underestimated, as many an unfortunate Hylian has learned and many an Inogian has warned about the Kawabi are devilishly tricky in their means of trade and will often skimp a Hylian out of their rupees and personal belongings. The Kawabi are a bit of an odd race as well as they're generally more separate from the other races being quite territorial mainly due to the sheer number of monsters that inhabit the Damosin Swamps, in addition where other races tend to have a degree of independence between each of their people working towards their own goals, the Kawabi seem to function more as a collective, hoarding the various goods they're able to trade for back at their main settlement, seemingly aiming to try and acquire the most regal of items although for what purpose is unknown.
Although the rarest of the Kitochi races, the Masishi are respected by many, found often in their small, temple settlements atop the mountains of Kitochi they're known to be masters of particular crafts, although generally there is nothing special about them, their dedication to a sole craft as part of their culture has made them specialists without equals. Often the Masishi keep to themselves although are welcoming of outsiders often eager to learn from or teach those that visit their temples for that temple's primary purpose. They're also the only race known to have settlements beyond the extent of the Kitochi region although each settlement acts as an independent entity so only certain clans decided to become incorporated into Hyrule. Although the temples would suggest that the skills of crafts are passed down through lineages this is not necessarily the case as often the Masishi will send their young to each others temples to learn different crafts and find the craft that fits that individual most.
==Environment==
Like previous incarnations of Hyrule, this incarnation is widely varied in terms of its environments possessing many distinct locations and landmarks that are unique among the Kingdom. Predominantly, much of Hyrule and Kitochi are plains with a decent proportion also being heavily forested in particular the largest forests being the Faron Woods, Kokiri Forest and Kayama Forest. Among the more verdant locations there is also the vast Akurea Jungle which comprises most of the Kingdom's northern border and leads into the other major verdant area of Kitochi known as the Damosin Swamp, the largest of its kind housing several lakes and rivers that intersect with one another.
The barrier that splits that two halves of Hyrule is of course the Goddess Mountains a range of mountains stretching from South-East to North-West and is comprised of the active volcano, Death Mountain, giant glacier, Snowpeak and the mystical precipice of Hinoat Peaks. South of Snowpeak one would find that the lack of rainfall has given way to the massive Gerudo Desert a vast sea of sand that stretches across the South-West border of the Kingdom and is separated from the rest of Hyrule by the vast mountains and the gigantic, ancient Gerudo Valley one of the two large valleys formed long ago by ancient rivers that once flowed through the lands. The other large valley being the Akurok Fissure a dangerous valley that according to legend formed when a demon buried beneath the land physically clawed their way out, the valley's jagged appearance and monstrous inhabitants seem to back-up this story.
The Kingdom is also home to several large lakes, the most prominent being the twin lakes that receive their water from the icy peaks of Snowpeak those being Lake Hylia and Lake Mekazor both with storied histories and serve as a lifeblood for their surrounding environments.
===Dungeons===
Scattered across this iteration of Hyrule are various dungeons that house strange monsters that Link must travel through there are a total of eleven dungeons found throughout Hyrule, six in Old Hyrule and five in Kitochi.
====Old Hyrule Dungeons====
=====Goron Mines=====
The Goron Mines are initially invaded by the demonic forces of the Dark Realm, driving the Gorons out and resurrecting the many defeated Dodongos from long ago. The fiery caverns are a tricky area to navigate with plumes of fire jetting out from the molten rock below and minecart tracks twisting to the various rooms that cover the dungeon. Deep within the cavern is the Dodongo Basilisk a monstrous demon who appears to lead the Dodongos although like its dinosaur subordinates it has an aversion and weakness to bombs. 
=====Mirage Pyramid=====
The Mirage Pyramid is an ancient structure built by the Gerudo long ago, the pyramid serves to recount the history of their people and is one of the oldest structures in Hyrule with its records dating back to before the Hyrulean Civil War. It is considered sacred to the Gerudo and without permission from the Desert Colossus none can enter the Pyramid. At some point the pyramid was taken over by the foul Demon Princess, Majishira who appears to serve directly under the Demon King. Using her powerful magic she cursed the statues of ancient Gerudo heroines to take life and guard the Pyramid while she manipulated the Desert Colossus. The interior of the pyramid's layout makes it tricky to navigate with many trap rooms and one-way paths intended to ensnare intruders. Though many Gerudo relics rest within the Pyramid's various tombs the most notable of them is the Gust Bellows a magical object that has its origins traced back to the era when Hylia still walked the earth, able to blow away objects with incredible wind.
=====Leviathan Skeleton=====
The Leviathan Skeleton is an ancient relic of a great beast from long ago, heralded by the Zora as a monster of the ancient past that their original protector, the mighty Lord Jabu-Jabu managed to defeat in battle. The skeleton has become somewhat of a cursed site over time with a dark energy surrounding the skeleton that seems to energize the monsters there to act more aggressively. The skeleton is partially submerged and the large bones of the creature have been reinforced by the more intelligent monsters creating a strange dungeon within. Within the ruins lies a weapon said to be able to break through brittle surfaces known as the Aero Cannon a device that supposedly originated from ancient Zora intended to ward off the dangerous Gyorgs that once roamed their ocean territories. With the appearance of a piece of the Triforce of Courage the demons of the dark realm attempted a take over of the Leviathan Skeleton, turning the parasites that picked the bones clean for food into their loyal subjects turning the largest of them into the monster known as Bermarclaw.
=====Royal Tomb=====
The Royal Tomb is considered a sacred and secretive location for the Hylians, access to it is denied to any with the Sigil of the Royal Family and only a few can give such permission. The Tomb's interior is quite maze-like to deter would be graverobbers and ancient automatons and the deceased of those who swore to protect the royal family patrol the corridors in search of targets. Though the living Royal Family were unaware of one of the shards of the Triforce of Courage ending up within the Royal Tomb, their deceased ancestors were aware and protect it fiercely against intruders, awaiting the arrival of the Goddess' chosen hero to claim the shard. Amongst the various treasures of the Royal Tomb one stands out, the Sealing Paper an artifact of Sheikah origin whose mysterious power manifests in a form of paralysis inflicted on those it tags and is especially potent against spirits. For those that dare to enter the tomb, they will be accosted and warned by its greatest guardian the spirit of the ancient Hylian Royal Knight, Eucalium.
=====Lakebed Ruins=====
It is said that long ago these ruins housed an ancient artifact and powerful monsters that guarded said treasure, however over time the Temple's state fell into disrepair and few daring to even enter the temple eventually lead to its collapse. The interior of this dungeon is flooded with large areas tricky to navigate, however ancient machines capable of shifting the flow of water as well as new passageways opened up by the collapse allow for navigation through regardless. The amphibious creatures of Lake Hylia have also developed tunnels connecting into the ruins where their young are safe from would be predators however they are ruthless in their guarding resulting in them being quite dangerous, the most ferocious being the Sangtoba a rarely seen monster who's described as a scourge by the nearby fishing village. Amongst the depths of the ruins sits an ancient chest containing the uniquely bizarre Sparkler Bombs although not as powerful as their explosive counterparts they release a blinding light able to dispel creatures of darkness and blind many other monsters, they also create a powerful fire where they detonate which lingers burning all who cross it.
=====Wind Temple=====
The Wind Temple is an ancient structure hidden amongst the Castoral Woods in North-West Old Hyrule, a region shrouded in mystery the ruins date back well before the era of the Hero of Time and their architecture suggests a wholly distinct tribe that once existed in the area. Clearly sacred to some the Temple is locked and requires one to solve a series of wind-based puzzles in the Castoral Woods to receive the Sapling Key to enter the dungeon. Within the dungeon's architecture had been overgrown by plants, the native Deku Baba being the most prolific although Lesser Manhandla also appear throughout. Should one manage to delve within the temple's lower floors they can find the Clawshot a powerful piece of equipment giving one the ability to traverse across vast open spaces through grabbing onto objects and either pulling the user to the object or the object to the user. The temple's upper currents lead up to where the Triforce of Courage Shard for this dungeon rests, guarded by a monster converted by the Triforce's immense power into the mighty Dimiotan the formidable mother plant of the Deku Babas.
====Kitochi Dungeons====
=====Lightning Temple=====
The Lightning Temple is a divine location for the Henosh, located a ways off from their village the Temple is the location of the Earthly God Kamarin who was once a Henosh who attained enlightenment through his devotion to the greater Gods of Hyrule. The Temple was unfortunately taken over by monsters and demons from the nearby Akurok Fissure some time ago and the Henosh, having a fervent faith in their Earthly God believed that Kamarin would be able to purge the temple of the demons. This however was not the case as amongst the demons was the mighty Thunderbird a powerful magical creature whose magic was steeped in strange origins. Within the temple rests an ancient treasure of the Henosh known as the Rod of Storms whose power has been untapped for generations.
=====Gilded Temple=====
A sacred temple located amongst the dense forests of the Kitochi province, the temple was built long ago by the Kawabi as a symbol of their devotion to the three Golden Goddesses. It's believed by the Kawabi that such devotion would grant them great wealth and fortune. The various metallic statues of the temple are also its guardians serving to deter intruders although over time monsters have also appeared within the temple although the Kawabi seem ambivalent to do much about it believing that the monsters perhaps are seeking enlightenment from the Golden Goddesses. Among the temple's various rooms rests an old treasure of the Kawabi that was abandoned long ago when they focused more on trade with the other races, the Cane of Saneta a powerful artifact capable of melting precious metals simply through a focused blast of energy, some believe the artifact was used in the construction of the temple itself. Amongst the guardians of the temple as well, one in particular, the largest of the automatons, Oirejin was struck by a shard of the Triforce of Courage empowering the golem with unusual divine power.
=====Blossomed Oak=====
The Blossomed Oak is a sacred location for the Inogians being considered a means by which they can communicate with the spirit of Inari. The dungeon's interior is the hollowed out interior of a massive tree trunk with rooms stretching high up into the branches of the tree as a large temple was constructed that houses many plants within. Among the Inogian it is considered a great honour to have one's body be buried within the tree as it brings new life to the plants that grow, as such many spirits become attracted to the tree giving it a distinctive glow at night and in the darkness, fortunately for those entering the dungeon it can be navigated with the use of the Poe Lamp a device the Inogians created long ago which would temper the spirits of the tree and uses a magical fire that does not exhaust itself. The guardian of the dungeon is the deadly Ranamari a ferocious creature which grew massive thanks to the care of the Inogians, although not a malevolent creature it is deftly protective of the sacred burial grounds.
=====Murklight Basin=====
Located in the Akurok Fissure, this deep watery cavern buried far underground seems to be a rotting scar on the land for many, the foul odour of death emanates from the wound and few dare approach it. According to some legends around the area a great beast once roamed the fissure wrecking havoc and mayhem to the people travelling through, in response a group of knights took it upon themselves to hunt the monster, following it back to its cavern and waiting for it to fall asleep before slaying the creature, its remains left in that dark cavern forever more. The Murklight Basin is very eerie to navigate as a result and strange creatures are found roaming within it, strangely amongst the decay and filthy rests a chest containing the Goddess Horn a musical instrument imbued with the powers of the goddess to purge the decay with divine music. Supposedly in the deepest recesses of the dungeon amongst the corpse of that ancient monster a disturbing army of insects known as Zhattunden resides awaiting new prey to fall into its home.
=====Skyreach Island=====
Initially a sunken island resting just below the surface of Lake Mekazor, the island was once a mighty floating fortress for an ancient civilization that had long since disappeared from history. The mysterious island's interior contains many small pathways to navigate through its mechanical sections although these can prove quite hazardous due to the tight space and various traps to keep rodents out. Although the dungeon is predominantly mechanical its lower rooms are in fact filled with molten metal as the island once acted as a forge long ago, constructing armour and weapons forgotten by time. Perhaps a hint at those that once resided on the island, found surprisingly well-guarded is the Roc's Feather a relic of an ancient era that gifts its user with incredible acrobatics. An ancient inscribing on the walls of the dungeon also suggests that long ago the island was once attacked by a ferocious dragon known as Arakarg who was the one to originally plunge the island into the lake in the first place.
==Artifacts==
Across this incarnation of Hyrule there are many artifacts scattered across the lands, many of the artifacts are found within the game's dungeons although several are acquired through the overworld.
===Link's Equipment===
The initial kit of Link in this game is the Squire's Sword and Deku Shield, both are items that Link receives early on in his journey, the former being given to him by the Knight-Lieutenant and the Deku Shield being an item that Link has from the start of the game being a gift from one of his childhood friends in Ordon Town.
===Non-Dungeon Items===
The following are items that are found outside of dungeons, they're either able to be bought in some circumstances while in others are found through the completion of objectives that loop back into the main plot.
*Boomerang - The Boomerang is an early game weapon that the player gets which allows Link to target and stun enemies, it can be obtained by completing the Ordonian Combat Ring and is required fairly early on, it is intended to be one of the first items that the player gets in the game after the Sword & Shield.
*Knight's Bow - The Knight's Bow is a piece of equipment that Link receives further on in the game, after being recognized for his valour in helping the Earthly Gods Link can take on the Knight's Trials a series of challenges in Hyrule Castle that test Link on the three virtues of Power, Courage & Wisdom, if Link succeeds then he will receive the Bow. Although the Knight's Trials are available fairly early on the Bow is not needed until later in the game.
*Power Bracelet - The Power Bracelet is an item given to Link by Impa in Kakariko Town, the Power Bracelet is required fairly early on to reach the first dungeon as the path up through the Eldin Highlands is blocked by large boulders. The item is received upon clearing Kakariko Town of a Poe infestation at night.
*Shovel - The Shovel is a completely optional item that can be purchased from the shop, it is useful in digging for rupees and other items and can also unearth secret passages that would otherwise require Bombs. Although it's not required to complete the main story, the minigame Crystal Dig requires the player to have bought the Shovel. It can be purchased in Ordon Town, Kakariko Town or Castleton
*Whip - The Whip is an optional item that provides a long-range stunning attack and is useful for crowd control, its range is more limited than the Clawshot but it can also be used to steal treasures from enemies and acquire collectible items. The Whip is also useful as it allows the player to navigate through hazardous locations where grippable surfaces are present similar to the Clawshot.
Category:The Legend of Zelda (series)
Category:Kingdoms