Veiled Dominions

The Veiled Dominions of Nippon (known as the Nippon States prior to the 490s A.U.) were a great power in Celestial Space, up until their subjugation by the great powers of Imperial Space during the Dominions War.
== Overview ==
The Veiled Dominions were one of the weaker empires, militarily and economically, having enjoyed a strong trade position between Imperial and Celestial space but not much power at all in Imperial Space and only limited influence in Celestial Space. In effect, they were rich and powerful enough to maintain a controlled trade but otherwise exist in splendid internal isolation, while occasionally meddling in foreign affairs and fighting the Naga.
== History ==
=== Early History ===
The Nippon States were among the oldest continuous powers of the cosmos, present even in some of the precious few historical records which predate the Mage Imperium. Perhaps their only peers in this regard are the ancient Elvish Enclaves and the long tradition of Kirvan states based upon Bishant. It may be, however, that the Nipponese predated even these entities, as both were necessarily the result of the post-Partition cosmic order, and it is possible that the Nipponese could pre-date the Pantheon War. 
=== First Coalition War ===
The Nippon States were the ill-fated second power of the alliance against the Coalition of Nations. Though they entered the war to improve the longevity of the Second Fialta Imperium against the Coalition, the Nipponese dropped out of the war some months before the final surrender of the Fialta, losing vast swathes of Imperial territory to the most successful Shantine offensives of the war (albeit with the essential support of multiple Aeldman null-bombs).
=== Great Celestial Wars ===
Though the the Nippon States maintained their tight control of trade through the First Great Celestial War of , the Nipponese "Walled Garden" policy ultimately collapsed in the following decades. The Second and Third Great Celestial Wars of the 470s and 480s saw their power and influence dimmed somewhat, with the ascendancy of the Grand Celestial Confederacy.
=== Veiling of Nippon ===
During the 490s A.U., the Veiled Masters asserted direct control over the Nippon States and several outlying petty kingdoms in a series of shadow wars, coups and terror attacks collectively known as the Veiling of Nippon, after which the territory became formally known as the Veiled Dominions. The Veiling saw failed interventions from the Ashgarate of New Nippon and the Grand Celestial Confederacy in support of attempted breakaway worlds from the iron fist of the Veiled Masters. The Ashgarate was subsequently undermined and subjugated into the Dominions.
=== Dominions War ===
The Dominions War was initiated by a secret pact of Aeldrum, Alusia, Bishant and the Fialta Imperium (the "G4") in response to the demonstration of the Veiled Masters' occult "demon virus". Paranoia and fear of a VM first-strike led the G4 to invade the Veiled Dominions, eventually joined by the Brass Cities. While the Veiled Masters unleashed their virus in retaliation, to significant economic effect (especially against the Fialta), the G4 managed to hold the momentum of their invasion and prosecute a successful conventional and intelligence war against the Masters, resulting in the partitioning of the Dominions in into Mandates that would be governed by each of the victorious powers.
== Trade ==
The Nippon States were a technologically advanced empire with a close grip on passage between Celestial and Imperial Space, up until the opening of the trans-celestial route. After the opening of the new trade route, the Nippon States were in a period of decline, with their diminishing trade position forcing them to open up more to foreign merchants who would just as happily avoid restrictions by taking the new route.
== Society ==
=== Vieled Masters ===
The shadowy "Veiled Masters" controlled trade and foreign policy in the Nippon States, and played the "Great Game" against the hated Naga.
=== Yakuza ===
The Yakuza were criminal syndicates in the "foreign quarters", and also sponsors of piracy. They were tolerated by the Veiled Masters as foreign policy assets. 
=== Daimyos ===
The Daimyos were feudal lords given authority by the Veiled Masters. They were involved in some conquests in Celestial Space. In Nipponese society, they doubled as judges and generals.
Category:Nations