Aku-Kyūden

## Introduction

Aku-Kyuden, or Red Palace is the name given to the land ruled by the Anoka clan. Aku-Kyuden is located to the west and boarders Byakko-kyū on it's western boarder. The two nations are currently in a uneasy alliance with the Byakko-kyu holding the upper hand in the relationship. Aku-Kyuden remains because taking it would prove to difficult of a challenge and would. To put it plain and simple if they took the Red Palace they would leave themselves vulnerable to others, and as a result the two Palaces are at peace with each other. Bakko-kyu gets to enjoy a eastern buffer to any incoming invasions, and Aku-Kyuden gets to hold onto the lads Anoka fought despirately to obtain.

## Geography

Aku-Kyuden is the name of the nation, but the land itself is called Shiroi tochi, or The white lands. It got it's name from the ever present mist that wraps the land like a blanket. The entire province is surrounded by steep cliffs to the north and the south. The two mountains, Akumara to the north, and Kiba to the south watch over the Shiro Tochi. The elevations is higher on the western end of Shiro Tochi and gradually lowers toward the east. Thick forest permeate the Eastern front along with crags that drop deep into the earth. The western end is just as treacherous with thick woodlands, and tall grasses. The river water from the mountains flows first to the west causing the higher lands to be soggy with water, and giving deep pools that men can disappear in.

Rice grows well in the west, and river fish swim the many pools and rivers. The east is perfect for growing carrots, cucumbers, and other vegetables. In the north they grow wheat, a important plant from the days of the empire. To the south they grow potatos which they turn to strong drink to keep them warm in the winter. Wolf Dogs are raised here as both pets and beast of burden. They have very few horses. Goats are common to the West, and the Giant Enemy Crabs infest the waters the reside in the east. Many poisonous snakes infest the south.

## Government

Aku-Kyuden is currently ruled by the Anoka Clan. It should be noted that the Anoka Clan is a family of Homunculus. Over a hundred years ago Anoka, The Great, gathered up as many of his people as he could. Following the wisdom of Flamma, The Godess of the Flame, they traveled to Shirei Tochi ans spread themselves across the land. When the empire fell they sprung a rebellion. Taking advantage of their small size and the ancient art of Ninjutsu they Anoka Clan overthought the provisional governor, and took the land for their own. Thus started Aku-Kyuden, or The Red Palace. The nation got it's name from the vision of Flamma. A palace painted crimson with a sea of flames.

Aku-Kyuden is run like a Shogunate. The Shogun, Anoka, lives in the Hidden Palace, and runs the nation from it. The Palace has never been visited by a foreign ruler and it's location is a safe gaurded secret. Below the Shogun is the Four Cardinals. The Tiger of The North, The Phoenix of The South, The Dragon of the West, and The Turtle of the South. Below the Cardinals is the Samurai Clan Heads. these are the great noble families of the region who rule the lands. Below them are the AshAnokaru, the foot soldiers and loyal warriors of the Palace. Bwlow them are merchants, and below the merchants are common peasants.

It should be noted that the Shogun can make and disband samurai clans as he desires. However he can not remove a Cardinal. The Cardinals are not born into their spot, but appointed by the Samurai. Their job is to govern their region and to keep a eye on the Shogun. If the Shogun becomes tyrannical and begins to rule without the best interest of the nation then the Cardinals can remove him from power. When the Shogun dies the Cardinals are the ones who chose to replace him. It normally follows the line of succession, but if the Cardinals think that a heir is unfit they can chose another to take the throne instead.

As a special note. Despite the fact that they have terms for Samurai and Noble familes the Aku -Kyuden's military force is primarily ninjas. The entire Palace is designed like a ninja fortress. The roads in the region are dug into the ground so one can not see anyone moving across. The fortifications are hidden into the side of natural structures to keep them from view. The soldiers train in the arts of stealth and sabotage as part of their common stratagem.

The Roads that criscross thought the region are dug into the ground and fitted with drains for the heavy rains. This is done to keep them from being seen from ground level. There are also the Under Roads that run across the Palace deep underground. Most outsiders don't know about them. They serve as the main travel points for the military. There are guard post thought the entire region, along with scouts. With the sight of a enemy from any direction a message can be sent back to the hidden fortresses to mobolize.