The Azuma Sovereignty

The Regnant Blossom

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"Strength and Unity Through the Eternal Glory of the ***Taihō"***

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Before the many nations of the world had begun to form, there was once a cluster of tiny micronations all competing for power over each other. Countless years of conflict followed with few ever claiming title to become ruler of them all. Finally after generations of fighting amongst each other, these similar city state like entities were united under one flag. The first ***Taihō*** conquered what many now consider to be the heart of the empire using his brilliant battle tactics before firmly placing himself at the top of the new government using his boundless charisma.

After several thousand years of progress, The Azuma Sovereignty solidified its culture and national identity to be rooted deeply into military and religion. Many of its most famous structures, such as the Yamato Castle, have been standing long before their introduction into the larger world. Their isolationist tendancies and highly hostile nature to outsiders have constantly pegged them as rude and selfish, always trying to find something that would benefit themselves. Though their home is lack of fertile soil and starvation is always a problem, the capital of the nation is known for its nearly impenitrable mountains and thick forests of cherry trees.

## Government

### The ***Taihō***

*Taihō* (大邦) or Emperor is the lead political and absolute figure of The Azuma Sovereignty. The *Taihō* is able to appoint all members of his or her government, including the seats of all five houses of Azuma and the Azuma themselves. If the *Taihō* does not like how something is, their word is able to change it, be it replacing members of their council or making broad sweeping changes across all of Azuma. The *Taihō's* rule is enforced by loyalty to the throne and to the gods that placed them in that position. Every and all decisions (Including issues brought before an *Aotaka*) must pass through the *Taihō* where he or she then must either agree or disagree on the issue and provide a way to fix it.

### The **Azuma**

The Azuma is the leading figure head of the country's military. Extremely proficient in military strategy and war/peace time army building, the Azuma holds control over all of the military, including internal peace keeping forces. However, the *Taihō* is able to undermine the Azuma's authority by replacing him or her. The ***Taihō*** is also the higher authority of the two. An Azuma shares in the riches of the Emperor so long as they are complacent with their position.

#### The Five Houses of Azuma

The Five houses of Azuma are the pillars of the nation, holding up the roof of the government by enacting the ***Taihō's*** will. Each of the Five houses are headed by a single *Aotaka* who answers only to the ***Taihō***. Each *Aotaka* has a group of appointed members known as Special Citizens who help guide the *Aotaka* into creating the best possible future for the citizens of Azuma.

1. The House of Karshira - Known for their prowess and prestigious military achievements.
2. The House of Nijira - Known for their great accomplishments in culture and the arts.
3. The House of Amdapala - Known for their ability to concoct any and all sorts in manner of spells and potions.
4. The House of Denire - Known for their vast conglomerate of wealth.
5. The House of Baninje - Known for their undying devotion to the spiritual realm.

## History

### Ancient History

The Beginning of the Azuma Sovereignty can be traced back for generations, starting with the very first colonizers from the North Eastern tribe of Sakura who made their way South to avoid the harsh and often deadly winters of their original home. What they found when they arrived was a beautiful sprawling field of cherry blossoms that they decided to call their home. Over many generations and countless years, these tribal peoples eventually developed a splitting culture and identity from the rest, splitting off and creating their own societies.

### Early History

Though the early years of the Azuma states were peaceful, it wouldn't be until these small nation-states began fighting over resources that things began to escalate in the valley of cherry blossoms. Countless battles were fought and won or lost, causing entire civilizations to be wiped out in the process as 3 separate eras arose. The Messi Period, The Lionel period, And the Azuma period. Each period brought with them countless waves of bloodshed, desensitizing the population to the thought of death. In fact, death had become something of celebration and was to be as honorable as possible, making dying on the battlefield the most honorable act one could give.

### The Age of the ***Taihō***

It was not until the first ***Taihō*** united together all of the many warring nation-states under one government through the use of his tactical might that the age of the ***Taihō*** finally began. In the grand scheme of the nation's long history, the Azuma period has lasted far shorter than any other period to date but has arguably seen the most amount of progress in the nation. Each ***Taihō*** is revered and respected by all in Azuma, believing them to be of god-like status. It is most commonly believed that the ***Taihō*** is the messenger of the gods, enacting their will through the form of someone tangible. Dynasties are rare in the Sovereignty but not unheard of. One of the more famous ***Taihō*** dynasties was the grand ***Taihō*** Yumiko family dynasty. It is held in folklore that this family is responsible for a majority of The Azuma Sovereignty's military traditions commonly held throughout the year.