Land of Wind

== Lore of the Land ==
The Land of Wind is one of the Five Great Shinobi Countries, situated south-west of the Land of Fire - with the Land of Earth due north of it and the Land of Iron to the north-east. The Land of Wind is a vast expanse of harsh desert, with very little rainfall throughout the year. This lack of precipitation resulted in the formation of settlements near the many oases scattered across the country. The country’s official head is Tokugawa Ieyasu, formally known as the Wind Daimyo. Under Tokugawa are 6 vassals, who help maintain and control the major settlements spread across the country. Vassals directly report to Tokugawa, each of them being from the Ieyasu Family, with the exception of one individual; Hiroki Shiranui, who’s province lies within the north-eastern segment of the country. This province, while currently holding no official name, is referred to as the Village Hidden in the Sand(Sunagakure) - true to its name, Sunagakure cannot be found by normal means, as the entire settlement is concealed within a colossal irregularly-shaped dome of chakra infused sandstone, giving it a similar appearance to that of a Platea; though the structure has no roof leaving the village vulnerable from above. This dome is not a natural occurrence, as it was once an almost circular ridge spanning several miles in diameter. The ridge was then built upon, by a single person to form the massive structure it is today. Furthermore, due to the harsh environment, there is the constant threat of sandstorms, that occur at fluctuating intervals. Once a storm has arisen, it can be expected to last for several hours or even several days in more severe cases. This constant barrage of sand storms, help keep Sunagakure hidden, as even someone versed in the layout of the land can find themselves lost within the onset of a storm.
== Government ==
The Land of Wind’s government consists of the Daimyo as its head of government and 6 vassals directly under him. These vessels not only hold a position in the Daimyo’s court, they also control certain areas where major settlements have arisen on behalf of the Daimyo. Each vessel has their own court within their respective provinces and as such the laws and cultures of each province differs. The already mentioned parties make up the government, but there is one special exception among the vassals - the leader of Sunagakure, the KazeKage. Due to Sunagakure’s role in the shinobi world and it being the major source of the Land of Wind’s military power, the KazeKage has a great amount of influence in the country’s internal affairs.
* Daimyo (Tokugawa Ieyasu)
Tokugawa Ieyasu is the current head of the Ieyasu family’s main branch and the ruler of the Land of Wind. His domain, Saisho no taiyō is located in the south-east, due south of Sunagakure. Additionally, Tokugawa is in direct control of smaller provinces scattered across Sunagakure and he equally shares control and management of the Demon Desert, with Hiroki.
* KazeKage (Hiroki Shiranui)
Hiroki Shiranui is the third leader of the hidden village known as Sunagakure. Despite this, he is the first to have been officially recognised by the title, thus making him the first KazeKage. His territory includes: Sunagakure and 30 miles of desert surrounding it and the Demon Desert. While his domain is small, his position in the Shinobi world and his contribution to the Land of Wind’s army gives him a great amount of influence in the country.Vassals:
* Chief Minister (Giichi Ieyasu)
* Treasurer (Hisashi Ieyasu)
* Advisor (Sora Ieyasu)
* Court Chaplain (Natsuo Ieyasu)
* Marshal (Izumi Ieyasu)
* Spymaster (Hiroki Shiranui)
== Settlements and Places of Interest ==
* Saisho no taiyō(First Sun) - Saisho is what some may consider the capital of the Land of Wind, but it does not necessarily function as one. It is the first province to have ever been established and every other settlement has branched out from it. Due to this the leaders of all other settlements, whether major or minor are all subordinates of the Saisho’s leader, Tokugawa Ieyasu. The province is the largest in the country, as it was founded next to a rather large oasis, allowing it to expand freely without the worries of water shortages. Saisho and its officials hold the highest authority in the land, though the current head doesn't seem to exert this authority often, if at all. The city is heavily fortified with both shinobi from Tono and Sunagakure, as well as certain individuals from the religious sectors. Additionally passage into the city is restricted. Any unwelcome visitors are unlikely to get in and if they manage to do so leaving the city is a much more difficult task. It seems like a regular city, quiet and reserved, with nothing particularly of interest occuring, but looks can be deceiving.
* Sunagakure - The Village Hidden in the Sand is an important asset to the Land of Wind, as it supplies most of the country's military might and acts as a diplomatic intermediary for the country and other nations alongside the Chief Minister. Though small when compared to the other villages, its ambitions far exceed them. The village is constantly expanding and with its installment into a position of power, the KazeKage has now set his sights on other lands. Being mainly populated by shinobi, Sunagakure has a militaristic culture rooted in its core, but one would not assume this at first glance.
* Daini no taiyō(Second Sun) - Daini is the second settlement to be established in the Land of Wind. Located in the central area of the country, it is the second largest city. Giichi Ieyasu is the current head of Daini. The city handles all diplomatic affairs alongsideSunagakure and as such, all foreign activity must be cleared by both powers.
* Yoshiwara - Run by Hisashi Ieyasu, the city is usually governed by the state’s Treasurer and as such it often operates as a mercantile city, but there have been instances when others have held the province. Any and all foreigin or local trades are handled by this city. Located north-west of Sunagakure, it is home to the Merchant’s Guild.
* Ryogoku - A small settlement run by the Daimyo’s advisor, Sora Ieyasu. The settlement is not of much importance and is nestled at the southern base of the Western Range. Isolated from the other powers of the country, it has little involvement with the outside world.
* Nishikigoi - Nishi is an interesting settlement, nestled in the southern edge of the country and south-west from Saisho. It usually stays out of the affairs of the other settlements and is more focused on religious teachings above all else. Nishi is the centre for any and all religious activities in the Land of Wind, brimming with various religions. Within Nishi these religions have surprisingly flourished, forming a sort of religious hierarchy. Family names mean nothing in Nishi, as one’s faith and their position within said religion determines their influence in the settlement. Currently Shinto and Taoism are the leading religions in Nishi, with a few other smaller groups consisting mainly of monks lurking in their shadow. The current head of Nishi is Natsuo Ieyasu, who is also the head of Taoism. Currently Taoism and Shinto are in a mutual agreement, with what seems to be a joint cooperation between the two religions to maintain their status. Nishi is located on the southern edge of the country, south-west from Saisho
* Nejireme Shrine - Nejireme is a massive shrine located on the outskirts of Nishi. The shrine is home to Himitsu, a group which influences the affairs of not only Nishi, but the entire country to some extent. Not much is known about it except its clear distaste for shinobi and its notorious assassins
* Nishi Temple - Nishi Temple is one of the many temples in Nishi. This one in particular has gained much attraction and fame in the country, as the leaders in Nishi’s religious orders often converge here to discuss important matters. Additionally the temple is the home of the Toaist leader Natsuo Ieysau.
* Tōno Village - Tono is the second major military contributor for the Land of Wind. Similar to Sunagakure their ambitious spirit is too great to be confined under the Daimyo’s rule and as such Tono has secretly allied itself with Sunagakure. The village’s shinobi are known for their skill in espionage and the use of genjutsu, while operating as if they were a clan separate from the Daimyo’s rule, causing regular comotion within the Daimyo’s court. Little is known about Tono except its unwilling nature to ally itself with others and its prowess in battle. Located on the western side of the country near Rashomon Fissure, the village’s current head is Izumi Ieyasu, a member of the Ieyasu branch family and the Daimyo's marshal.
* Demon Desert - The Demon Desert is a small desert island located off the eastern coast of the Land of Wind. The island is frequently used as a training ground for shinobi, and at its centre lies a tower, where ongoing activities can be monitored.
* Rashomon Fissure - Rashomon Fissure lies on the western side of the country, alongside an expanding fault. The fissure is easy to spot and differentiate from the other openings in the earth, as it is the largest and most prominent feature on the western side of the country. Within sections of the fissure are active magma chambers that are eruption prone. On the other hand, there is a set of docile chambers which lead into an underground network of caves. A wild and diverse population of flora and fauna flourish within these chakra rich depths.
* Western Range - This is a small mountain range on the western end of the country. It runs from north to south, blocking entrance into the country from the west and Rashomon Fissure lies to the east of it. This range is one of the few places in the country where the soil isn’t completely barren and some signs of life exist. The chakra emanating from the earth here is too immense to have been from the environment alone, hinting at the possible existence of something lurking upon the range.
== Influential Parties ==
==== Ieyasu Family ====
The Ieyasu Family is the oldest and most powerful family that currently resides in the Land of Wind. Their influence exceeds that of any other power in the country and only what they allow can occur. Their word in the country is law and anyone who goes against it, is likely to suffer the death penalty or be deemed an outcast from the country. Despite this the current head is extremely lenient to the point where it seems as if he doesn't care about the country's affairs. The family was once a famous shinobi clan, but their former clan name has been lost to sands of time and they no longer consider themselves shinobi. Only those within the family know of its history and even then, such information is only available to certain members of the main family Important Members: Tokugawa Ieyasu: Main Family HeadGiichi Ieyasu: Main FamilyHisashi Ieyasu: Main Family (Adopted)Sora Ieyasu: Branch FamilyNatsuo Ieyasu: Main FamilyIzumi Ieyasu: Branch Family
==== KazeKage Lineage ====
KazeKage is the title given to the leader of Sunagakure. Due to the role Sunagakure plays for the country and in the shinobi world, the KazeKage has been lifted to a status of some importance in the country and stands on equal footing with a member of the Ieyasu’s main family. The title of KazeKage is usually passed onto the relatives or descendants of the Kage and as such those who fall into that category are also elevated in status. Though the Kage can appoint his/her successor from within or outside of their bloodline. Important Members:Hiroki Shiranui: Current KazeKage
==== Taoists ====
Taoism is more than just a “philosophy” or a “religion”. Taoism should be understood as being: A system of belief, attitudes, and practices set towards the service and living to a person’s nature.The definition of Taoism is to start within yourself. Understanding Taoism is simply accepting oneself. This leads to inner peace. Live life and discover who you are. Your nature is ever changing and is always the same. Don’t try to resolve the various contradictions in life, instead learn acceptance of your nature and follow the Dao(the way).Important Members:Natsuo Ieyasu: Taoist Head
==== Shintoists ====
Shinto means the way of the gods. Shintoism is an ancient religion and the followers of Shintoism believe that spiritual powers exist in the natural world. They believe that spirits called "kami" live in natural places such as in animals, plants, stones, mountains, rivers, people and even the dead. Shinto is not a way of explaining the world. What matters are rituals that enable human beings to communicate with kami.Important Members:Goro Uchida: Shintoist Head
==== Himitsu ====
This group of “monks” is almost as old as the Ieyasu Family and is shrouded in mystery. It has undergone various changes throughout the years, adapting to each new era it has found itself in, but the most notable change being its sudden and extreme disliking of shinobi. The group’s notorious assassins are considered a common folklore in the country, but few know if they or the group truly exist. This air of uncertainty surrounding them has sparked fear in the country’s residents to the point where no one would dare speak of them in public.Important Members:Unknown
==== Merchant’s Guild ====
The Merchant’s Guild is a local association of merchants directed towards foreign and local trade. The guild was founded by Hisashi Ieyasu, in order to create a secure trading environment for merchants even when political circumstances are unstable.Important Members:Hisashi Ieyasu: Guild Founder and Current Head