Hino

**Government** | The Shogunate

**Hino** (火野, *Hino*) meaning "Sun Field" or as locals refer to it "The Sun's first kissed" is the Eastern-most country of Domah, an archipelago consisting of three large Islands and several smaller ones. Ruled by their Shogun and the three families that make up the Daimyo, the government of Hino is a Shogunate.

## Geography & Topography

As stated above, Hino is the Eastern-most country within Domah's known world, a collection of three large islands and several smaller ones that exists one thousand eight hundred and ninety two miles (3044 km) from the mainland within the Eastern sea with the sea between the country and the mainland often referred to as "The guarded sea" as it is home to a sea serpent known to Hinoian sailors as the Ikuchi: A massive eel-like creature said to cause large waves to batter ships and even sink them directly if they are not deterred by its warnings. This of course allows Hino to benefit from a great deal of natural protection from outside forces, however, it is a double edged sword as it makes trade with other countries difficult as one must avoid the Ikuchi's territory entirely if they wish to make it to Hino from the mainland or vice versa.

The climate of Hino can vary wildy depending on the time of year, the spring brings beautiful blooms and temperate temperatures but can be marred by heavy rains and tropical storms flowing in from the sea. Summer days are often hot and humid but its nights bring much needed relief allowing its citizens to sleep comfortably, meaning that summer nights are also when most celebrations are held be they personal or communal. Winters on the Northen-most Island of Kojin have been known to be harsh, with heavy snowfall blanketing the island for a great deal of the winter months while the other two islands will see moderate to no snow at all.

The terrain of Hino of is vast and well balanced, large mountains and deep valley's litter the Northern-most Island while Amatersau finds itself most consisting of plains and thick forests with only a single mountain on which it's capital city rests. A large volcano finds itself in the middle of the Southern-most island, vents keeping the island warm all year-round and thus is the considered the most agricultural of the islands as the climate allows for crop growth at all times of the year.

### Kojin Island

Kojin is the northern-most of the main three islands to make up the country of Hino, known for its harsh winters the people of Kojin island are considered to the hardiest people the country has to offer. Those who inhabit the island tend to make their living as hunters and trappers, using the meat and pelts for food and clothing during the winters and selling any excess, others sell wood and charcoal or brave northern seas for large fish. The people of Kojin are also known to be excellent cooks, having adapted to eating the same meats by creating hundreds of different recipes that have become popular all over the island nation with some breaking the boarders and finding their way to the mainland.

The island has also become a popular travel destination for the rich and poor alike as natural mineral hotsprings located on the island's northern mountains are used for medicinal and beautification purposes with many making the pilgrimage for the chance to experience the springs' wonders.

### Amaterasu Island

The largest and most highly populated of the three main islands it sits between the two others and is home to Hino's capital city of **Sogen** (元, *Origin*) where the palace of the Shogun is located in the most highly elevated section of the city. Sogen is divided into three separate sections, the outskirts where the lower class live, consisting mostly of farmers and those who work jobs within the city but don't own land for themselves, these less than sightly areas lie outside of the city walls. The middle section of the city is most commonly referred to as the market as it contains the central trading hub of the city, however, middle class familys such as well off merchants and business owners live. The upper section of the city is home to wealthiest in Hino, namely the noble families that serve directly under the shogun as well as their vassel families and high ranking military officers.

The market place is the only section of the city where one will see both the lower and upper class mingling among one another as there are shops and businesses that cater and serve those from any background or linage providing they have the coin for their services. However, even among the shops there is a clear divide in caste with restaurants, open baths, and even brothels being separated by quality and class.

Beyond the city are the Inari plains, named such by the great volume of rice fields that can be found for miles along the main road leading toward Sogen. Several villages make their living growing the country's most popular crop eaten by every citizen regardless of status as well as one of Hino's primary exports. These villages are often home to the more humble of Hino's residence, those who go about their lives tending to their fields and making enough money from their labor to feed their family. Their contribution as the life blood that keeps Hino's residents fed is not something that goes unnoticed as a festival is held every year in their honor in which the mighty shogun blesses them with bountiful gifts to help them survive the winters when their rice will not grow.

Within the Inari plains rests **Tamashii** (魂 *Spirit/Soul*) Forest at the base of a large hill atop which sets Hi-no-Kami shrine, headquarters of the Country's church. The forest is populated by a great number of wisteria trees, an ancient tradition in Hino is for one to plant a tree along with the ashes of their dearly departed so that their passing may once again sprout life. Wisteria trees being the most popular to plant as legend says the beautiful petals of the tree ward off evil. The forest is thick and easy to become lost in, thus those entering a forest are recommended to bring a guide or some way of finding their way out of the forest. However, if one is able to find the path up to the shrine they'll easily be able to find their way out from there, the path to the shrine being made from cobblestone and lined with torii gates and statues to greet those making the journey to the shrine.

Once one has arrived at the shrine they're allowed to pray to and make offerings to their deity in the form of food, gold, and other precious items. Many make the journey with their lives savings in order to beg the diety for a Catalyst though the Shrine maidens will inform them that doing so will do no good it does little to deter those who are truly willing to give up everything for the power one can gain by wielding a piece of the God's power. The Shrine is also home to several shrine maidens as well as the church's most prominent religous leader: The Divine Priestess, a role passed down through the Generations from mother to daughter for as long as anyone can remember and further back still even then. This tradition is held by the **Fujihara** (藤原, *Wisteria Plain*) family who live in service to their deity.

## Trivia

* The names of the islands represent different aspects of fire, Kojin representing both the hearth and the stove. Fire giving life through warmth both of the body and the food one eats. Amaterasu representing the sun, providing light. It's ever burning flame providing safety from the dark and nutrients for crops to grow. Konohanasakuya representing benevolence and creation, the volcano on the island believed to have been the birthplace of the nation from which all the islands formed. Benevolence in keeping the volcano from erupting again, sparing the citizens of not just the island but all of Hino from tragedy.