Pre-Great War Map and Country Guide

These are the archives that contain important information about the world, various countries, religions, historical events and historical figures.
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Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:45 am

Country 42
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Ookawa no Kuni
The Country of Rivers and Streams



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Geography

Nestled firmly between such major countries as Lightning, Rock, and Fire, the land of River Country is a long stretch of land, with some of the worlds longest rivers starting in northern Fire Country, or southern Lightning Country, before travelling the entire length of River and depositing in to the ocean. The northwest of river country is most well known for relatively flat land, before turning in to hilly, thick, mostly untamed forest towards the center. Various flat patches can be found throughout the country, though they tend not to last for very long before a sudden drop off, often resulting in a waterfall, or even the formation of a few lakes. Southeastern River Country is perhaps the most tame, existing primarily in a valley before dropping off in to the ocean, though the forest still permeates anywhere man has yet to settle down.

Ookawa no Kuni is littered with a multitude of ancient, overgrown temples that have long since been completely buried underground, or are so overgrown with vegetation that they would be nearly impossible to delve in to, let alone recover any artifacts from. This does not stop mercenaries and nobles alike coming to visit some of the more famous sites.

Ecology, Climate and Resources

While the forest does not make River country the easiest to live in, its plentiful fertile land and relatively calm waters make both fishing and light farming a common occurrence that keep the people well fed. Several rare species of bird call the forests of Ookawa no Kuni home, and find themselves well fed on fish and large amounts of frogs alike. While birds and fish are perhaps the most common animals, elk, deer, and the occasional wild sheep make themselves home there as well, though perhaps the most famous of animals that make their home in river country are frogs that reach the size of large dogs (though some reports have noted them being as large as houses.) In the northernmost part of River, the people tend to get along well with the wildlife, though in the southern areas there are often reports of wildlife attacks do to an encroachment of territory and distrust from the animals. Snakes, spiders, and other small but dangerous threats find their home in river country, though perhaps the deadliest of beings in River is hundreds of bacteria types known to cause some of the worlds worst sicknesses.

Temperatures in Ookawa tend to be on the warm side, even during winter, though summers are known to be particularly sweltering especially due to the ridiculous amounts of humidity thanks to water spray from the rivers. The spring leaves a tendency to rain nearly every day, often overflowing rivers and lakes alike, and sometimes flooding the entirety of the country under a thin layer of water, and it is because of this that most houses are built up on top of foundations meant to allow the water flow around and underneath with little problems. Winters, while colder, still tend to rain rather than snow or hail, and while some rivers freeze over, especially in the northernmost parts, most continue flowing freely all year round.
People and Culture

While not dense in population, all of Ookawa no Kuni is dotted with small fishing and farming communities, usually consisting of around fifty adults each, with quite a few children as well. Because of the sicknesses and diseases that are prevalent especially in central River Country, families are accustomed to having rather large numbers of children (Often five or more.), though unfortunately only around half or less will survive the first five years of life. Those who do survive, however, tend to build up a strong immunity to such things, and go on to live long, healthy lives well in to their nineties or later. Ookawa is also somewhat well known for a mutation known as the "Numakon" trait, which manifests itself in a few families, who often have no direct relations, but tends to make them rather sickly and ugly looking, with webbed feet or hands, and many still grow oversized tongues, and develop spit sticky enough to act as glue.

The further south one travels in River Country, the more population dense it becomes, small communities turning in to a single large town at the coast, the capital of River, Shimekiri. Compared to the rest of the country, Shimekiri is incredibly well developed, with well-made docks leading out to the ocean, and being home to some of the worlds best shipmakers outside of Water Country proper. It is a rather rich and prosperous town, despite its otherwise small size, and home to many noble families.

The general populace is unafraid of newcomers, having very few problems with banditry or piracy, and known to celebrate wildly at the sixth birthday of any of its many children. Those in the capital, on the other hand, tend to turn up their noses even to their fellow countrymen. Those of River Country are also remarkably undereducated, with a less than five percent literacy rate. River country holds no real fighting style of its own, though several small dojos with personal styles have popped up over the years; Most that can truly call themselves samurai under the daimyou of the river country have trained in dojo's from Pebble, Lightning, or Waterfall country, and very few are actually from Ookawa no Kuni itself, often receiving their notation as 'samurai' after showing their strength to the Nagare clan.

The dead in Ookawa no Kuni are not buried, for fear of being washed up again come the spring season, and instead are cremated, and their ashes dumped ceremoniously in to one of the many rivers; If possible, in the nearest river to where they were born.

Politics

River Country is, unfortunately, not well taken care of by its leaders, the Nagare clan, who have lead the country from generation to generation for hundreds of years. This is made evident by awful dirt roads anywhere west of the capital, though Shimekiri itself is incredibly beautiful with the latest in stone roads, excellent woodworking for the houses, and even some steel construction due to a trade deal with Water Country. The rest of the country pays for this, however, in the form of exorbitant taxes on both farming and fishing for the simple pleasure of existing in the country owned by the Nagare clan.

The ruling body of government is a feudal monarchy, and it gives full power to whoever happens to hold the 'throne' at the time. The Nagare clan have long held other nobles in their court and keep them around as advisers, though final say does go to the monarchy. At current, anyone inside the capital is considered a first class citizen, with very low tax rates on trading in order to help pay for the samurai, all of which reside in or around the capital as a type of police force. Any outside the main city are treated as third class citizens, with high tax rates, and very little return for the investment in to the land. Regardless that the land supports more than simple subsistence farming, the taxes from the capital leave only just enough to survive on.

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Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:45 am

Country 43
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Rice Country - 米

Geography:

The Rice Country is a warm country, filled with vast and wide grasslands, mixed forests, temperate broadleaves and such. It is home to many rivers, which cover the entire country. It has multiple and long mountain groups around its edges, which creates natural valleys and terraces that are used to grow copious amounts of rice, which earns the Country its name. This country is positioned in the north east section of the world map, bordered by two other small countries and a noticeably larger one, the Land of Fire, aside having a front which directly connects to the sea.

Ecology, Climate and Resources:

The entire land space is covered in grass and pine forests, though there are several fruit tree-covered plains, such as apple, pear and orange fields. The country is covered in soaked rice fields, which extend from the longest of the plains to the most acute of the valleys, giving the Country its name.

Wolves, Panda, Bats, Shrews, Moles, Sables, Sea Otters, Hares, Rabbits, Badgers, Mice, Racoon Dogs, Sea Lions, Squirrels, Weasels, Foxes, Deer, Serow, Koi Fish, Rats and Bears populate this Country, keeping it active and filled with life. These animals are typically respected, though hunted by the populace.

The countries major resource is its rice, obviously, as it is the largest supplier of rice in the entire world, trading to all countries and keeping a neutral state. However, it also has a decent comerce of tea plants, normaly fruits and exotic animal skins.

However, the country still has one particular delicacy: the diamond-head jade serpent. This snake's size varies, but is commonly among the 3 feet in length. Much like its name indicates, it has a diamond pattern over the top of its head and its color is that of a bright jade green. Its venom is one of the most potent in the world in order to compensate for its lack of size and power. It functions as a neurotoxin, destroying the nervous system as it goes, and even though it does take at least fourty-eight hours to kill its victims, a cure is hard to find, and since it deals nervous damage, whatever damage had been made could not be reverted. These serpents are considered a luxury and a delicacy, and, if one can pay, they may obtain the meat, skin and venom of these creatures from a capable hunter or at a pricy restaurant.


People and Culture:

The population consists of roughly 400,000 people throughout the entire country, which is enough description of its size, and all live in the Okome district. The people of the Rice Country mostly consist of farmers though it does have some daring fishermen who are either valiant or greedy enough to hunt the dangerous creatures that sail the nearby sea. Of course, this means there aren't many.

Due to the huge trade of rice and other specialties, the low population the country and its Daimyo are very wealthy. The money they make is used to hire Samurai or the like to protect their country which is often attacked to gain this resource for themselves. Overall the people are very happy, have great health care and are always fed. This also makes it a beautiful, safe and most of all, comfortable haven for a Missing Ninja to retire or spend time in just to enjoy life. There's riches, there's luxuries and there's a place for those who are determined enough.

There is also its dark side. Right below the Okome district in a subterranean tunnel system lies its deepest darkest secret Onigiri Market. One of the most infamous and well-prepared black markets in the whole world.

This one is infamous for its amounts of weaponry, poisons and other lethal instruments which are being sold. Jade Serpents are also sold here as pets. Lastly, there's also a section, owned and commercialized by a few expert illegal surgeons, which is known for applying new and powerful body mods and, for a price, even transplant a certain part of a certain Kekkei Genkai, if one is interested.


Politics:

The Rice Country is ruled by a Daimyo, who has no council nor nothing that may relate to it. The civilians and generals/subordinates simply follow their ruling. This Daimyo is not elected, as the system works on a lineage system. Needless to say, this lineage's members are treated like royalty. They hold and monopolize the majority of the wealth of the country and its trade. However, they do keep a firm hand on the land, exercising law and enforcing it, and will not allow any disrespect towards themselves, their country or their people.

The Rice Country is ruled by a Daimyo, who has no council nor nothing that may relate to it. The civilians and generals/subordinates simply follow their ruling. This Daimyo is not elected, as the system works on a lineage system. Needless to say, this lineage's members are treated like royalty. They hold and monopolize the majority of the wealth of the country and its trade. However, they do keep a firm hand on the land, exercising law and enforcing it, and will not allow any disrespect towards themselves, their country or their people.

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Country 44
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Whirlpool Country - 渦

Geography:

The Whirlpool Country is a warm country, filled with vast and wide grasslands, mixed forests, temperate broadleaves. It is home to many rivers, which cover the entire country, cutting apart its various islands. It has multiple and long mountain groups around its edges, which creates natural valleys and terraces, as well as a natural defense. This country is positioned in the north east section of the world map, between the Fire Country & the Lightning Country. It is used as a pathway for trading caravans, and has many flowing rivers and canals for small trading boats to make way between towns and cities.

Ecology, Climate and Resources:

The entire land space is covered in grass and pine forests, though there are several fruit tree-covered plains, such as apple, pear and orange fields. The country is lightly populated with a few crime dens that are rotting away, and have yet to be fully eradicated. There are a few towns spaced out that are in a bare-bones state with a strong presence of military attempting to keep peace and help rebuild. Its capital is located in a pit of the borderline near Fire Country so that it may call for aid if needed.

Wolves, Panda, Bats, Shrews, Moles, Sables, Sea Otters, Hares, Rabbits, Badgers, Mice, Racoon Dogs, Sea Lions, Squirrels, Weasels, Foxes, Deer, Serow, Koi Fish, Rats and Bears populate this Country, keeping it active and filled with life, while still somewhat dangerous for the occasional regular farmer or trader.

The climate is normal, almost lukewarm all throughout the year, though it does suffer from the regular weekly storm which ravages the land and the sea. The only real evident and permanent characteristic is Whirlpool's insane amount and variety of whirlpools. The rivers are testaments of this as they are literally filled with them. These waters are not for any inexperienced sailor or swimmer. Despite the ecology being hostile during storms or whirlpools creating dangerous conditions, the trained sailors of Whirlpool are no stranger able to expertly navigate the waters, and prevent them from taking them.

People and Culture:
PastShow
The Whirlpool Country was a major trading ally of Konhagakure, very much like the tea country was. However, when a gigantic tidal wave struck the country, the entire poplulace was completely wiped out. The hidden village of the Fire Country, Konohagakure donned the symbol formerly used by Whirlpool on their flak jackets as a mark of respect and a way to remember their allies.

The Whirlpool Country was, put in gentle words, a place for the less reputable members of society. Thieves and bandits who attack trading carvans and a major hub for missing ninja. If something in Whirlpool seems too good to be true, it always is. The ruins of Whirlpool's cities were used as hideouts and illegal markets for missing ninja and bandits and few people who go there without permission come out unscathed. Whirlpool was a dangerous route to navigate during its terrible past, during this time many people died attempting to reach lightning country via ground or air. This was known the Route of Flame & Storms.
The Present

Now Whirlpool Country is a country that has a few sparse towns with more popping up. Its returned to its hunting and fishing roots for economics. Its people are a very diverse culture with no set way as it varies from people to people due to the mass immigration encouraged by the returning ruling family. They aim to rebuild a society fit for all to come and partake in to rebuild their lives, and be a contributing member to the growth of Whirlpool's hopeful rebuild. The people are trained by the nobles of old in the ways of managing the waterways, and the trades that once populated the area making the populace close with the ruling family. With the diversity comes disputes from the different walks of life and cultures that populate the towns. There are few feuds that are kept on the low with the military intervening with civil courts and nobles mediating the differences people face from the diversity.

With this Whirlpool country seems to be on an upwards trend of growth as it expands its trading allies, and hopefully grows to become a large trading hub sitting in-between Lightning Country, Fire Country, Tea Country, Water Country, Rock Country, and etc. they seek to expand their trade to help build a stronger region to prevent the tragedy from occurring to any neighboring country or themselves again.

Politics:
PastShow
Due to the natural disaster that effected the Whirlpool Country its entire populace were killed, deeming it a lawless place not important enough to be cleansed. Ruled by bandits and thieves, this means it has no political power.
Whirlpool Country is ruled by a Daimyo, and a noble family that passes its rule down by the generations. Its feudal system grants nobility of different regions and states in the area for the nobles to better serve their people. The nobles are close with the populace as they train, and work alongside to bring prosperity back to the region and to unite a strong front building a better society. The nobles also are there to unit people despite cultural differences due to the diversity, and help mediate issues cultural, political, or social. The nobles are very grounded people, empathizing, and growing close with the populace due to their own fate with the destruction of Whirlpool their fathers face. Their desire to serve, and grow like minded people to bring others together is admirable, and serves to inspire the populace to stick to the same ideals.

Whirlpool Country is close friends with Konoha and Fire Country, due to Fire Country harboring the remnants of the old royal family of Whirlpool, and Konoha clearing the lands out from heinous criminals. The trio have strong alliances and a vow to protect and trade with each other. Despite this agreement, Konoha and Fire Country have not prohibited Whirlpool from seeking other friends in the region, and have encouraged them to reach out to Lightning Country so that they can be their own country with their own goals.

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Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:45 am

Country 45
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Tree Country
The Land of Trees
45
Geography Tree Country is a northern country that borders Lightning Country and River Country. It is much traversed as it covers the entire land entryway to the massive Lightning Country. The country is small compared to its neighbors, and but remains important for its pathways, resources, and people. Stretching across the continent, Tree Country touches the ocean on both sides, providing for ports that support the nations fishermen and traders. Although the country’s forests encroach on one another, they are actually three separate forests. Over the years, the forests have blended together, and only the natives, or those with an old map, are able to tell where one forest ends and another begins. The largest of the three forests, comprising the most of the east of the country, is known as the Kurerin. This forest had been told to have unique creatures and spirits since ancient times, but they have been largely overkilled, slain by heroes lost to history. As such, rarely are any of the fantastical beasts seen anymore.

The other two forests, the Haiirorin and Tairin make up the majority of the rest of the country. The Haiirorin makes up most of the northwest, and the Tairin makes up the most of the south. As such, the Tairin is known to be more mixed than temperate; this may be the only distinction available to non-natives. In the far south of the country are most of its farms. A long strip of fields, optimal for farming, are put to good use. The majority of the food the country produces comes from this small part of the country, resulting in the country’s reliance on its fishermen and traders for food.

Ecology Tree Country is named for its bountiful forests that cover nearly the entire nation. These temperate and mixed forests have provided for its people for thousands of years. They maintain an advanced ecosystem that supports a variety of woodland creatures, from rabbits, to deer, to large black bears. In particular, wolf packs guard the forests, and many travelers have been attacked when encroaching onto the wolves’ territory. The temperate climate is perfect for these large carnivores, particularly the bears who hunt in the warmer months and hibernate over the colder winters.

Tree Country is abundant with resources. Timber is its main export; the forests for which it is named are iconically its main strength. However, the country also exports animal furs, a variety of nuts, and fish from its many ports. Its many oak trees make Tree Country a strong producer of furniture, and its artisans are held in high esteem.


People and Culture The people of Tree Country claim a unique heritage. Descendants of the original tribespeople who lived in the forests, they have since intermingled with the surrounding people, particularly those from Lightning Country. Now, they are more similar to Lightning Country folk than the ancient tribes, but they still retain a lot of their past through oral history. Other than their stories, several other traditions remain from the tribal days, including a strong respect for the forests. Many people still worship the spirits of the forest, and in many homes a hearth can be seen protecting the doorway. These hearths are thought to bring luck by preventing bad spirits from entering the home.

Nowadays, the country is covered with merchants, artisans, fisherman, and, in the south, farmers. The nation has few samurai, but some of the noble families maintain their own forces. Many homegrown warriors come from the relatively large monk population. Most commonly, especially for the most important missions, shinobi from Lightning Country are hired.
Kinatsurakai Perhaps the largest reminder of Tree Country’s past is Kinatsurakai, the forest city, found deep in the Kurerin. Historically, the buildings were built into the side of trees, with several layers of buildings and adjoining bridges. Currently, however, there are buildings on the ground as well, making up a relatively large market. While the village was once the largest in the country, that honor has been long overtaken by the capitol in the south. However, it is in Kinatsurakai that one can see the fullest adherence to the cultural traditions of the country's former tribes.

Tsurato The city of Tsurato is the capitol of Tree Country, where the Daimyo and many nobles reside. It was once a small village, but it developed to create the largest market in the country. Because it became a commercial center, when the government was reformed, it chose to relocate to Tsurato. The city is in the far south of the country, making it completely outside the country’s many forests. On the main road leading in from River Country, the city is almost impossible to avoid if one is heading towards Lightning Country.
History and Politics The people of Tree Country have an ancient history. The peoples of the forest were culturally different from those in the surrounding territories, praying to their own ancient spirits and living in their own tribes. It wasn’t long before a single tribe arose to rule the entirety of the forests, forming their own kingdom. The early kingdom had a rocky start, but after a few decades the kingdom became stable, and, as a valuable trade route, began to be quite lucrative. Some say it was the success of Tree Country that catalyzed the federation war of the Land of Lightning.

With its success, travelers from all over the world began using its trade routes, changing the nation culturally and politically. The people merged with those from the Land of Lightning and River Country to become more homogeneous with the area. At the same time, a group of nomadic monks chose Tree Country as the place for their new temple. Known as Ryuzu Temple quickly became a strong facet of local life. The monk’s ideology spread through the populace, and travelers and nobles alike visited and joined the temple. Several smaller temples were built across the country as well, all in the same vein as the Ryuzu, and which the temple eventually claimed dominion over.

Several hundred years ago, the leading monk of the Ryuzu Temple attempted to remove the king of Tree Country. The king sought help from outside mercenaries, and with their help they destroyed many of the temples across the country. The monk surrendered himself just outside the Ryuzu Temple, and the king replaced him with a monk loyal to the king.

Tree Country has since reorganized, creating the system that remains in place today. A Daimyo rules the country, selected by a Council of Elders, an institution adopted from the people’s history. These Elders are chosen from among the noble families as well as a representative from the Ryuzu Temple, although the monk is generally considered honorary. The country is very friendly with Lightning Country, and Tree Country receives “advisors” from Lightning Country quite often. They also often hire ninja from Kumogakure to protect themselves, and handle crime, although they also use homegrown samurai or monks.

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Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:46 am


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Countries Guide

Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:47 am


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Countries Guide

Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:47 am


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Countries Guide

Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:47 am

Country 49
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Tea Country - 茶

Geography:

The Tea Country is located in the southern hemisphere of the globe. Bordered only by Fire Country and the ocean, it is a peninsula on itself. The country itself is a warm yet rainy place with a simple beauty in its landscapes. Its climate allows it to grow exotic plants, including copious amounts of tea, which form the economy that gives the country its name, though it also houses subtropical and Mediterranean forests. It has many rivers and many beaches, allowing for a thriving fishing industry as well.

Ecology, Climate and Resources:

The entire land space is covered in fruit trees, such as apples, pears, bananas, oranges and other exotic fruit and vegetables. The country is covered with tea plants and harvests, the Tea Country's largest export.

Tea Country has a fantastically rich wildlife in terms of diversity, mostly of an exotic nature, such as Pandas, Tigers, Leopards, Foxes, Racoon Dogs, Racoons, Ibexes, Elephants, Goats, Gazelles, Porcupines, Wolverines, Rhinoceroses, Pangolins, Beavers, Jerbora, Lynxes, Yaks, a variety of monkeys such as Gibbons, Mandrills and Pygmies. Its sea life, consisting of a variety of exotic fishes, is made up of Whales, Seals, Dolphins, Porpoise, Dugongs and Sharks this is accompanied by vast amounts of exotic bids.

This is, of course, without mentioning the country's major resource, tea. The exotic weather allows of its more than vast growing of tea. Its second major economy and source of money and external resources, however, due to its many ports, is it’s fishing trade, as the country's rich marine wildlife attracts many customers.


People and Culture:

The population consists of roughly 4000 people across the small country. Out of these 4000, a good portion consists of farmers and fishermen, working in the vast, watery tea fields or the ports. Another good portion is also made up of hunters, who search for the various trinkets and useful resources they may find in the exotic animals that populate the country's forests.

There are also a few specialized farmers who grow many exotic fruits and vegetables not easily available in the rest of the world. Due to these resources, many envy the trading relationship between Fire Country & Tea Country. The Tea Country supplies the Fire Country with this cheap trade and in return they are protected by the Shinobi Village Konohagakure No Sato. In fact, the Cha outpost is placed upon the border, where a small team of powerful and capable Shinobi are posted, just as a way to defend Tea Country quickly and efficiently.

Though the country consists of mostly civilians and none shinobi, they have a thriving Samurai community that follow the teachings of Iaido style created in Tea Country itself which in turn is one of the most popular Kenjutsu styles across the world bringing many people to its country to train, leading to many dojos teaching the style. Of course, only one dojo actually teaches it's secret and most powerful technique.

Due to the vast amounts of ports which allow for easy access to the country, the beautiful landscapes, the many tea and bath houses, the vast forests and calm towns, this country is very popular with Missing Ninja on the run who require a place to hide and remain in. However due to the protection from the Fire Country, this makes it a very lawful country. Any Missing Ninja who cause trouble will soon be dealt with by the Shinobi of Konohagakure No Sato, with no rank or bounty being discriminated.

Tea Country has a few rival families in several industries and commerce’s, but none large enough to be of any importance. However, in the near future, this may very well change. Tea Country is a land of opportunity, and anyone with decent intelligence and strategy may find themselves owning a portion of it. It is a country which requires brain, not brawn.



Politics:

The leadership of Tea Country is granted to a small parliament. One representative of each village generally one of the eldest and considered one of the wisest is sent to be part of the Tea Daimyo’s council. Each village is given more power, or votes by the amount of income they make for the country.

Despite their own ruling system, though, their pact with the people and leaders of the Country of Fire requires that they follow said Country's laws and rules as well. Enforcing these rules and laws is up to the man from Konohagakure no Sato who reside in the Cha outpost.

However, supreme and last word is power only wielded by the Daimyo, despite whatever pacts or contracts exist. His or her decision may overrule any and all council decisions.

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Country 50
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Lava Island
Geography and Resources:
Lava Island is a volcanic island, much as its name would suggest; the active shield volcano that forms much of its original land mass is known to the locals as Savai'i. The center is raised with a gentle slope above its shores, standing much higher than appearances may suggest, and its edges are flat, looking much like a clam shell from above. The island grows in size every year due to the active lava flow that runs from the top of the mountain to the ocean.

Around three-quarters of the way up the mountain, there is a hot spring heated by the magma from within the volcano. This spring is said to have healing properties, and many locals will make the journey up several times a day to fetch water from that spring.

There are also several sources of metal such as iron and bronze that are not mined often.

Underneath the island, there is a dizzying maze of underwater caves that have yet to be explored, for no one living there can hold their breath long enough to explore and escape.
Ecology/Climate:
Lava Island resides in a rather temperate area of the world; temperatures hardly ever fall below 10°C, and can reach up to 32°C. Rainfall is generally light, and snow happens once every hundred years or so, when Savai'i's activity is lower.

The ecology of Lava Island is rather strange, composed of rather different biomes; the coasts of the island are either filled with black sand or mangrove forests, both products of the almost constant lava flow into the ocean. Palm trees are also present, although they are not as plentiful as expected. Travelling inland, a mix of deciduous and the rare coniferous trees make up the majority of plant life, surprisingly. Plants such as berry bushes, fruit trees, and herbs are common as well. There are also a multitude of unique, brightly colored flowers, mutations that have been influenced by their surroundings. At the very center of the island, near the summit, any taller plant life is either long dead or dying, unable to take the heat of the lava flows.

Common animals include bats, deer, wild boar, various sea birds, hummingbirds, various forest birds, pythons, crocodiles, tigers, crabs, bees, monkeys, and hundreds of types of insects. It should be noted that animals living on Lava Island are all either larger or smaller than average world size. Interestingly, certain types of insects are considered delicacies.
Politics/People/History:
It is unknown how the people of Lava Island got there, as they do not have a written history. A group of indigenous people, everyone on the island is from the same village. They have no knowledge of how to use chakra, nor do they even have technology that is up to speed with the rest of the world's, relying on simple tools and weapons made of stone and metal from their island. Housing is mostly huts composed of mud, baked clay, and wood. Science is restricted to a rudimentary understanding of herbs and healing, although prayer is still the primary way of helping someone get better.

Religion is something that the people of Lava Island heavily depend on, for they cannot explain the mysteries of their world without it. There are dozens of deities that supposedly hold power over just about everything, and all were created at the same time out of nothing, according to the oral retellings of the story. Children are indoctrinated with the village's religious ideas from a very young age, and the idea of believing anything else is unthinkable. Festivals are held multiple times a year to honor the gods.

There is no true government in the village on Lava Island; rather, a council composed of elders will decide how to solve problems. In the event that there is an even number of elders, or that it is decided that there are not enough to come to a proper decision, members of the village who have proved themselves to be worthy in some way will temporarily join the council until a replacement can be found.

Everyone in the village, save for the elders, is considered equal, although there are occasionally the more prideful people who try to raise themselves above the rest. They are quickly shot down, however, and reminded of the ways of their people: each has a role, and that role is to serve others. Intravillage conflicts are rare, as the people believe that conflict will cause the gods to become unhappy with them, and strike them with an epidemic or some other awful punishment. There is no real society-implied difference between women and men other than the fact that women can have children. Women are taught to hunt just as men are taught to raise children; each person finds something they can do and fits easily into that role. Gender makes no difference.

However, there is a difference between children and adults. The people of Lava Island have a coming-of-age ceremony in which a 14-year-old teenager must prepare something, whether it is a dance, a meal, or something else for the council of elders, and present it before them and the entire village. Although it isn't possible to "fail" the presentation, the more impressive the presentation, the higher they are regarded among their new peers. The newly deemed adult is then allowed to wear the traditional face paints of the Lava Island people, which are often intricate and colorful in nature.

The people of Lava Country have little to no knowledge of the outside world, other than that there are neighboring islands that hold little to no value to them. However, recently there have been sightings of ships from other countries that have inspired some of the new generation to try and persuade the people of their village to investigate. It hasn’t worked.

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Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:48 am

Country 51
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Starfall Island

History
Starfall Island is considered one of the greatest mysteries in the world. A gorgeous, fascinating island from afar, perfectly situated for year long sub-tropical heat. It was paradise, or at least it should have been. Instead, it was feared as a death trap. The island devoured any that dared to shore there, and even those that floated nearby mysteriously disappeared. The few survivors were clearly mad, claiming stories of impossible beasts and insane experiences.

This is because Starfall Island is not from this realm. The island fell literally from the sky during a temporary tear between our realm and the spirit realm. The island was a battle ground for different spiritual creatures from around the world, and the last battle was the tipping point. The chakra was so great, it ripped a hole between the two realms and landed in ours. It's mostly a geographical nightmare that makes it such a killer. All of the original life died in the transition, all but the very unique fungus and flora. The otherworldly realm remained, and it was aggressively lethal.

Whenever any life steps onto the island or comes remotely close enough, it alerts the creatures of the island. Many come clambering, intent on feeding on any intruders.

Starfall Island is arguably the most dangerous place in the world.
Geography
  • Mushroom Mangrove
The southern part of the island is a lethal fungus mangrove. It looks very much like a mangrove swamp from earth, except in the place of trees there's a wide spectrum of differently shaped and colored mushrooms. The outermost layer of mushrooms are a mostly harmless, but extremely hallucinogenic mushroom that is constantly releasing its spores into the air. Inhaling the spores or making physical contact with one causes targets to be trapped within an illusion equal to an A-ranked Overlay genjutsu. This genjutsu is the equivalent of a hallucinogenic trip and causes the user to see an incomprehensible experience. The lucky view that manage to break out of the genjutsu tend to have experience with such drugs or were somehow prepared, otherwise they would have been blathering idiots for a long time. The next layer of mushrooms looks almost like a small ring of grass, but is once again more fungus. This time what's seen are the fungus roots which jut out from the ground like long and slender blades of grass. From these blades, small hair-like roots emerge, moving with the breeze. These roots suck chakra out of the very air, and any creature that steps into them. Stamina is drained from any target starting at (-2) per post. Many have had the misfortune of being trapped in the previous genjutsu-like trap and falling into this deathtrap. The final section of the mangrove is in the dead center and is only a small ring of the most lethal fungus on the island. They look much like regular flowers, except constantly emitting a thick, visible stream of poison into the air. The poison is a neurotoxin that drains every stat by (-3) per post.
  • The Jungle
The Jungle is one of the hardest terrains to move through in the entire world. Every tree is five times larger than the average one in the rest of the world, and 10 times sturdier. They all have an endless amount of thorny branches creating a thick wall that's nearly impossible to cross. There is a natural mathematics at work here, with each tree releasing enough greenery and branches that allow the trees to collect copious amounts of sunlight. This network of branches makes crossing through a near impossibility. If someone could find them, this massive jungle covers nearly the entire forest except for the top part which the mushroom mangrove has covered and the eastern part which is where the Titans Grail starts. The Jungle has clean water flowing through it from the high mountains of the east to the low end in the south, these waters are usually shallow but in the middle of the forest lies a huge pond that is said to be deep enough for a giant monster to live in. It is said that this pond leads to an underground cave, although these are merely tales these days. Deep in the forest one can hear echoes of animals, animals that are hundreds of yards away, one can feel how ancient this forest might be. Trees can reach nearly two hundred meters high, their roots are bigger than one can imagine and can run from the center of the forest out to the edges of the island. This is by far the most biologically active region of the island.
  • Titans Grail
The Titan Grail is a 77-mile canyon varies in width between 600 feet and 6 miles, and is half-a-mile-deep. Otherworldly comets created the canyon which created large craters. The canyon's walls are made up of nearly 40 rock layers, between the area's two most active faults. The canyon is plagued by hurricanes and earthquakes. At the bottom of the canyon there's a lake with water said to hold many secrets and treasures. There is said to be a deity's temple hidden somewhere in the grail but it has yet to be discovered.
  • Skyfall Reef
Skyfall Reef is an essentially unnavigatable coast that covers all but the southern end of the island. Looking very much like what it is, the reef looks as though land were destroyed in the sky and sent rocketting into the ocean. There is no one clear route from outside the 50-mile buffer zone with erratic outcroppings and arrangements of these rocks blocking access. The rocks themselves are particular in and enough themselves, as they're as hard as steel.
The land is otherworldly and packed densely with chakra and foreign material that makes every part of it as hard as steel. These massive rock outcroppings are sharp in every direction, which explains the mass ship graveyard littered throughout the ocean floor around it.

Ecology, Climate and Resources

The Deadly Jungle holds plenty of unknown plants and animals ready to be explored by anyone who dares to set foot in the island, although there are plenty of sources for food it also houses plenty of predators ready to attack anyone who steps in their territory. While the Mushroom Mangrove is filled with poisonous mushrooms, many of them are inedible, some of them are can be processed into medical supplies but it takes a mycologist to be able to tell which is which. During the spring months, the island is humid and the weather is mostly calm. During summer the island is hot during the days but the island is constantly battered by rain for months. As Fall rolls in, the island is plagued with hurricanes coming in from the Skyfall Reef which at times brings in the skeletons of ships from the bottom of the reef. Winter time is when the second rain season occurs. For three months the Jungle, Mangrove and the Reef are showered by heavy rain.

People and Culture

It is believed that there once was an ancient civilization that lived deep within the Titan Grail, but they died out for reasons unknown to outsiders. There is said to be a temple hidden somewhere in the grail dedicated to a powerful god but it too has yet to be discovered.

Plot Points

Barring some creative method, the island is currently just about impenetrable. Approach from the north is physically blocked and approach from the south is blocked by death.

After six posts in the island, spirits will begin to emerge. They'll start off weak but after each thread they will increase in rank.

Potential Plot Boards
Finding GodShow
This island was once home to a Grand Level spirit, strong enough to rival the Genma. Information on it has been lost to time, but lingering stories around the world tell of an altar within which the spirit is still trapped. A war caused by the god's forces and it's enemies led to the tear that transported the island in the first place, and it was his enemies that trapped him for all eternity. Those daring enough to pursue it will either find themselves with their destroyer, or an unimaginable new weapon.
  • First information must be found. The altar is hidden, its exact location needs to be pieced together from stories around the world, inscriptions around the island or from the spirits that arrive there. This should take at least a B-ranked plot board, but the manner with which the information is found is pretty much up to the story writer.
  • The altar must be found. This requires facing spirits and ecological challenges in the pursuit of the altar. This should be at least an A-ranked Plot board.
  • The spirit must be released and then fought. It will first attempt to possess those that release it, then it will attempt to escape, and then finally it will fight. It's extremely powerful, even for an S-rank shnobi. A/S-rank Plot board
Closing the breachShow

The island has created a bridge between two realms. One that spirits constantly travel through to wreak havoc on our own, either by murdering any foolish enough to arrive on the island or by choosing to explore the rest of the world. There are many that would believe the right thing to do is sever that connection, but to do so would be no easy thing. The spirits are old and they will fight any attempt to close or sever the connection.
  • An at least B-ranked PB will be needed to discover the true nature of the island in the first place. Either through complicated jutsu or spirits, the way the island is linked to another realm needs to be studied and discovered.
  • An S-ranked PB will be needed to set up to put seals around the boundary of the island before it's finally activated. The activation to sever the connection requires the same kind of stamina and set up needed to seal a genma. Once the jutsu is initiated, a proportionally powerful set up of spirits will appear. These spirits will be of A-rank and above.

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Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:48 am

Country 52
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Jinjeku Island People and Culture

Before a period of time that can be traced back roughly a hundred and fifty years, there were no people on Jinjeku. The island was totally claimed by wildlife and it still would be if it weren't for the men who came here. For all of the things many people hate Kirigakure for, the village is credited with bringing piracy to its knees. But men always have greed in their hearts and many hid out on this small island in the seas south of Kirigakure. The pirates that first came here carved out a niche in the local environment using a handful of shinobi in their crews. Built into a cove on the southern side of the island is a community of unsavory criminals who follow no one's laws but their own. They maintain their freedom by only attacking targets without large navies.

In the past a hundred and fifty years, multiple efforts have been made to drive these men out but none been totally successful. No matter what one does, these men will keep coming back again and again, the knowledge of their safe haven passed down from generation to generation of pirates. Within this island, all bad blood is put aside. No matter how vicious two enemies are on the high seas, within the walls of their pirate cove, they are brothers. Many of them respect this, following a sort of gentleman's honor. As a matter of fact, fighting amongst the crews of the island is nearly unheard of because of the island existing as a confederation.

In times of 'war' (to use the term loosely), the pirates will elect a king from amongst their captains to coordinate tactics and act as a leader in large engagements. Although they rarely unite, their navy is one of the best in the world when they actually band together. Usually though, the men act as lone raiders, falling upon ships as they go along trade routes and disappearing back to their island before anyone can properly retaliate. Rumors persist that the men have developed some sort of fuuinjutsu cannonball mechanism via the occasional missing-nin siding with them but even the reports received by Konoha and Kiri, the two villages that care the most about piracy, have been sketchy at best.

The island has existed in its current form for the past twenty years. The island was found again by a young captain named Kizashi and his fledgling crew and formed into a free democratic brotherhood. Kizashi has since banished but many more legendary pirates have taken his place such as Redbeard, Maizen the Fearless, Mana Hanamori (a young runaway shinobi from Kirigakure who styles herself the pirate queen), and numerous other famous captains. They exist democratically. Five crews originally formed the confederation and all crews since have made their case to the four remaining crews that they deserve to join the confederation. Many captains consider it a honor to be allowed to join this brotherhood considering it means they all get protection.

Many of the pirates disagree on a number of issues. Some of them are smugglers, neck-deep in the slave trade and other highly illicit activities. Other crews merely sail the seas because they wish to live free and die young forging their own legends. At any given time, roughly 500 pirates make their home in a cove that runs several miles into the island. Others have hideouts where their treasure is hidden or buried all over the treacherous terrain of the island. Roughly two thousand people call this island home although they don't see it for sometimes years on end.

The island has a thriving underground black market. Exotic creatures, silks from foreign lands, and sometimes even ninja tools can be bought here for a price. One of the big draws for budding pirate crews is the ability to have their loot fenced at a reasonable price. One cannot, after all, just walk into a random general store and try to sell large amounts of treasure without questions being asked. The fencing trade on the island works like clockwork and many of the pirates gifted with number-sense consider the system they've crafted a point of prize, selling the items gained through piracy to a variety of legitimate merchants throughout the world. The merchants smart enough to realize the ploy these men play with dumber merchants demand a mark be placed on the ships sent to trade. The mark of Jinjeku marks them as being under the island's protection or a business partner. Ships whose flags do not bear the mark are subject to raiding and the loot, already sold, might end up in the black market again.

The cove is filled with all sorts of places to resupply and unload after a good haul. Bars, places to grab food, ships, fighting pits for crews to blow off steam, brothels, and every other kind of business, Jinjeku has something for every type of pirate, from hedonists to thrill seekers. Many of these men hold to the same ideal as their forebears, that a short and merry life is better than a normal, boring one. As such, they play fast and loose with their own life.

Geography

Located in the great sea west of Sea Country and south of water's neighbors, Jinjeku disguises itself as just another uncharted island. The coves are hidden naturally. The island is roughly 40 miles across from one end to the other. Much of the island is wetlands, its secrets protected by a variety of wildlife that almost seem to take pleasure in ending the lives of those who venture into the island. Parts of the island make good farmland after some non-ninjutsu terraforming and slaves are sent out before and after hurricane season to harvest crops. Swamps pop up a lot as one crosses the terrain. Tall, twisting trees grow that create a maze that claims the lives of many adventurous explorers.

Ecology, Climate, Resources

Reeds grow over much of the country. 90% of the ground outside the coastline is wet at all times, the air humid and thick with moisture. Most days are clear but during the winter months thick fogs can roll over the middle of the country. The island has two yearly hurricane seasons which each last three months. One of the reasons that the inhabitants value this island's location so much is how the hurricanes form a sort of natural defense in the event that someone should find out about their base and attempt to stomp them out. Nearly a hundred years ago, the pirates managed to defeat a force of Kirigakure sailors by taking advantage of a hurricane.

The land is naturally bountiful because of the copious amounts of sunlight and easy access to drinking water because of deep springs and natural rainfall. Annually, if anyone cared to measure, the country gets roughly a hundred and twenty inches of rainfall. A large number of crops are produced via irrigation. The chief crops are wheat, rice, and (surprisingly) cotton for clothing and other purposes. Trees along the coastline bear coconuts as well as large amounts of fruit. If someone got shipwrecked on this island and didn't go further inland, they might think that it was a paradise of sorts.

The island is anything but.

Further inland, the island's fauna inhabits the area. For the most part, they ignore the pirates that stay in the cove but those that choose to make a home for themselves in the island's inland have a near-constant battle on their hand.
Animals found hereShow
One of the few examples of actual megafauna found on the island, a large species of alligator calls this island home. Ranging in length from nine to twenty feet, these large predators are surprisingly stealthy, keeping much of their body underwater until they find the perfect moment to strike.

Perhaps the strangest creature that inhabits the creature is a bipedal cross between man and ape. Standing ten feet tall, the creature is solitary and makes few appearances other than to terrorize humans and steal food when the island's supply of wheat, fruit, berries, and nuts run low. Although a few people have made attempts to find their home over the years, they have all failed. It is theorized that there is a large family of them somewhere, although many are convinced the creatures are just myths.

The poisoned arrow frogs, as the pirates call them, are viewed as both a blessing and a curse. When handled carefully, these barely two inch long frogs can be killed and the deadly poison that seeps through their skin applied to weapons. This poison is one of the deadliest things in the world, able to cause full body paralysis within three minutes and death within twenty. These creatures feast mainly on the insects around the area and kill most things that consume it so the other creatures on the island avoid it like the plague. They live high in the trees and lay eggs in the water.

The viria snakes are a major threat to the pirates on the island. Unlike many other creatures, they actively seek out the warmth of the cove and many of them manage to sneak their way onto the pirate's ships. Their bite induces a sort of frenzy in its victims, causing them to go into a wild rage and attack those around it blindly. Before the pirates came to the island, these sneaky predators used this on the large creatures around the island to get others to do their dirty work for them, eating the remains of whatever was killed. These snakes are chiefly blue in color with triangular scale patterns with hints of yellow making them stand out.

Numerous types of rodents and insects that serve as food for the larger creatures on the island.

Introduced years ago into the ecosystem after a Konoha ship transporting them to Tea Country crashed on the island, deer have called the island home. Natural selection has helped ensure that only very aggressive deer survived. They fight off attackers with their horns and there is a plentiful amount of game on the island.

Various types of underwater wildlife that swim through the rivers and streams on the island.
Politics and Foreign Relations

To sum matters up concisely, the main reason that Kirigakure hasn't wiped the pirates on this island out is that they're a bigger thorn in the sides of their enemies than to them. The pirates mostly attack minor country trading ships and only attack Konoha ships if they're dead-set on destroying the ship and killing everyone onboard.

The island is ruled by a governor that is elected every year and many of the crews do yearly elections as well to determine who is their captain. Many minor elements of numerous countries seep their way into the political environment of the island due to the pirates coming from all walks of life. The area is a melting pot of ideas and if someone could manage to find someone willing to share their life story with them, they'd probably learn about a new interesting place

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Countries Guide

Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:48 am

Country 53
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Land of Fountains




Geography

The Land of Fountains is an island located South from Water Country. The country is known for their vast forests that are home to some of the most beautiful geysers the world has ever seen. The way the trees form around the watering holes and geysers makes them look like nature's fountains, hence the name. Through the center of the island is a large series of mountain ranges the go from north to south that split the island into three distinctive parts.
Green GeyserShow
Green Geyser
Green Geyser is the northern most part of the country that expands half way down toward the middle of the countries mountain range. Covering this part of the island is a large broadleaf forest with trees reaching heights of 60 meters or so. The trees range from the lightest shades of green and red to darker shades and expand all across in a thick grove leading up toward the northern base of the mountain range. Flowing throughout the broadleaf forests are small creeks and streams that connect all of the geysers of the northern most part of the country. The streams start from the base of the mountain range, using the melted ice caps as a source, and leading out into the ocean surrounding the northern part of the island.
Mountains of the FountainShow
Mountains of the Fountain

Not the most ingenious of names, Mountains of the Fountain, are a series of mountain ranges that start from the northern most part of the island, leading all they way down to the south before splitting off toward the east and west. These mountains are what split off the three different forests within the Land of Fountains and are the primary reason that geysers occur all across the country. Because of the way the mountains plate tectonics had shifted over time, the ground beneath the island formed looping chambers that would constantly heat up the water underneath shooting streams of water into the air and creating natural fountains. These fountains were connected by streams of water that came from the melting ice caps of the mountains.

Within the Mountain of Fountains are three important places of note:
  • Skyward City:
    A city built within the highest part on the central mountain range. The city is made of stone and iron that people have been able to mine from the insides of the mountains. It is built roughly two miles from the top of the center most mountain and is built within and around the eastern side. A trail to walk up to this mountain is located near the mediterranean forest and is usually about a day and a half of walking.
  • The Fountain of Aging:
    A fountain that was somehow created near the northern most part of the mountain range. To get to it, one must first hike through the tallest mountain from the northern side, weaving through a series of maze like tunnels, before finding a series of three lesser mountains surrounded in broadleaf forest. It sits high on a natural pedestal with a large spiral staircase that is used to climb up to the waters. Due to the way the three mountains are formed around the fountain, the hot water from the geysers create a constant steam that makes it hard to see through these parts.

    It is said by the people who live around here that those who bathe within this fountain's warm waters will have their bodies age at a rapid place. Staying within it for too long means almost certain death and it is not recommended to ever dip into the warm waters more than once.
Fountain of AgingShow
  • The Fountain of Youth:
    A fountain on the far south side of the Mountains of Fountain where the subtropical broadleaf forest and the mediterranean forest meet. Deep within this part of the mountain range is a deep valley, surrounded by thick forests that are nearly impossible to see through, with a large statue of a woman. The area around here is always covered in a thick fog that cannot be seen through past ten feet.

    The woman is holding a tea kettle and pouring a never ending stream of brightly colored water into a special stone bath below herself. Around the bath are alters with crosses that are about ten feet in height each. No person knows how the fountain was created or even if it were man made. The lore of this fountain is that any who bathe within the bright waters will be blessed with youth. Unlike the Fountain of Aging that ages a person forward, this fountain ages a person backwards and staying within it too long will mean almost certain death.
Fountain of YouthShow
The OvergrowthShow
The Overgrowth
The Overgrowth is what is known as the most southern part of the island. Here lies a thick subtropical broadleaf forest with trees and plants making it nearly impossible to see through. It starts out at the base of the ocean which is met by a large statue holding a spear toward the ground and extends all the way up toward the southern mountain range. The area around here has only one notable town to visit which is Harmony:
  • Harmony:
    Harmony is a town built by the locals within the thick overgrowth of the trees. It is located about ten miles off the coast where the trees grow the tallest. Their huts are all suspended within the air like tree houses and they use the land around them to grow food. Bridges are used for suspension to get to and from the different houses and shops within this forest. The natives of this town are all very peaceful and welcoming of outsiders to their way of life.
Harmony TownShow
Green OverpassShow
Green Overpass

The last of the three forests on the Land of Fountains is a small mediterranean forest that covers a small portion of the eastern island. There are no notable places of interest here other than the entrance way toward Skyward City. This part of the island always seems to be the most welcoming to newcomers since the trees are the brightest of green.
Climate/Ecology

The area within the Land of Fountains has different temperatures based on the locations in which the person is present. The southern most part of the island is usually always hot with temperatures reaching about 35 to 40 degrees Celsius. Due to the thick overgrowth of the trees and plants around this area, people always tend to feel hot and muggy. This feeling is usually worse during the summer when the humidity kicks in the highest. Winter in these parts are still relatively warm until you get closer toward the mountainside where the snowfall can be seen. In the south side of the island are known to house many kinds of species of birds and reptiles. Bobcats, Jaguars, and mountain lions are of the few cat species that can be found here as well. The last and most prominent of animals that can be found are monkeys and large gorillas.

Toward the eastern part of the island, the mediterranean forest, the freshest of weather can be found. Here the weather always stays below 30 degrees Celsius year round. The only time where it gets too cold is when winter comes around and the mountain ranges are showing snow. The kinds of animals found here are usually birds, deer, buffalo, mountain lions, and smaller reptiles.

Across the Mountain of Fountains the weather is usually always cold. Snow usually falls across the top of the mountain almost year round unless the summer sun is to high in heat. Mountain lions, deer, foxes, and bears are usually the only animals found around here.

Lastly, the north seems to have weather much like the east, except for the fact that they reach up to 10 degrees colder in the winter and can reach as high as 35 degrees Celsius. This part of the island is home to many foxes, deer, raccoons, possums, birds, and reptile alike.

Politics/People

There is no political system within the Land of Fountains. Up north you will find the farmers who tend to their flock as well as grow vegetables on nearby creeks and streams. Within the mountains are the people who farm the iron to sustain their way of life. The eastern part of the island is for the most part uninhabited and the southern part of the island is home to those who try to be one with nature. All people from all sides of the island respect each other equally and do their best not to involve each other in each others' own affairs.

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Countries Guide

Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:49 am


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Posts: 1650
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Countries Guide

Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:49 am


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Countries Guide

Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:49 am

Country 56
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Soul Country
Geography Soul Country is a small island located just south of Lightning Country and found almost directly in the middle of the Lands of Water, Fire, and Lightning. While it may seem to be perfectly situated as a trading hub between the surrounding nations, various factors have led to Soul Country being largely ignored by the outside world.

The Geography of the Country itself is split almost in half: the Southern part of the land consists of flat, low lying grassland long since tamed for the use of agriculture. The coastline is relatively gentle on both the eastern and western sides of the country, with both the town of Hakone and the village of Kusatsu being located in order to take advantage of such a fact.

The Northern part of the Country, on the other hand, is almost the complete opposite. When one passes the Oirase Monastery, they will find that the land becomes far more uneven and mountainous the further north they go. More than that, the land is almost entirely barren with only a few hardy plants being capable of growing there. In the place of plants, the land has become much like a desert with sprawling sands covering the terrain. The combinations of scant life, difficult conditions, zero human habitation, and the harsh winds that seem to plague the area all give off a very foreboding feeling regarding the area in general.

Ecology, Climate and Resources

People and Culture
In a word, the people of southern Soul Country are isolationist in nature. With the rare exceptions that are the merchants in Hakone (and to a lesser extent those in Kusatsu), the fisherman, farmers, and even political figures in the region want nothing to do with outsiders. This is the main reason that so little trade occurs in the country and by extension why opulence is a luxury many cannot even begin to afford. The extent to which this mentality extends differs between the capital and Kusatsu, however, and is the main reason that Hokane has grown to be the more prosperous of the two. While most citizens in Hokane are at least able to tolerate outsiders after having to deal with the men who bring goods to the country for generations, the locals in Kusatsu are entirely unwilling to host people from outside of the Country. For the fishermen of the smaller settlement, even farmers from the surrounding land and merchants from Hokane are treated with disdain, and it is not unknown for people coming from beyond the ocean to be killed should they choose to stay overnight in the fishing village. This mentality comes in large part due to the belief that outsiders will only ever lead to the ruin of Soul Country. A popular myth in both settlements, for example, tells the story of how a warlord from the mainland came to Soul Country and that it was his lust for power that led to the desolation of northern Soul Country. To a far smaller extent, many people (in Kusatsu in particular) find it abhorrent that outsiders use money to conduct trade and believe that they plan to cheat the locals through doing so.

The culture of the settlements when not regarding people from outside the country is incredibly different, however. The people of both Hokane and Kusatsu, as well as the farmers that dot south Soul Country, believe that co-dependence is the key to their continued survival and success. Each individual adds a unique contribution to the prosperity of the region, and to undermine any single group would only lead to more difficult conditions in their mind. The fishermen and farmers both supply the food that Soul Country needs to survive, the tradesmen build houses and produce other goods that ease the lives of the population at large, and the merchants bring in the resources that cannot be found on the island. Without any of these groups the inhabitants of Soul Country would not be able to advance, and the locals are all too aware of that fact. This belief perhaps hold less strongly in Hokane, due to the segregated nature of its two districts, but even they believe that it is through peaceful cohabitation that prosperity is found. This belief in itself adds another layer to the isolationist mind-set of Soul Country's inhabitants, for they believe that outsiders do not share their culture and would rather take advantage of them in order to ensure their own success. This undermining of the local's group mentality only leads to more distrust and hate for the outside world.

Politics

As it is with most countries, the highest authority within Soul Country is its Daimyo. The title is hereditary, but does not automatically go to the firstborn heir of the current Daimyo. Instead, the government of the country (made up by members of certain longstanding families of state-servants, as well as representatives from the various classes of Hokane, the farming communities of the country, and Kusatsu's trading guild) decide between them which member of the ruling family most deserves the position. As a result, heirs who might otherwise have caused great trouble for the country are avoided. This has had the not at all small effect of making Soul Country one of the more peaceful communities in the world in recent times, with only folk law existing of the last wars held within the land.

Locations of Note[/center]
The Shimokawa Ruins Undoubtedly the most mysterious of all the locations in Soul Country, the Shimokawa Ruins are almost entirely unknown. For hundreds of years the existence of the former stone city went undiscovered, covered as it was by both the sands and the hills that plagued northern Soul Country. It was only 30 years ago, when a monk of the Oirase Monastery uncovered a small structure from the ruins that excavation of the location began. Even now, however, little is known about the ruins. Visitors have theorised that the existence of what seems to have once been a settlement greater than the current Capital meant that Northern Soul Country was not always barren and infertile, but little progress in uncovering the city is ever made. This is due to the sheer isolation of the ruins, as well as the fact that it is near impossible to stay in northern Soul Country for an extended period of time. Food and water must be taken there, and the superstitions held by the local’s means that support is not likely to ever be given to visitors seeking the ruins. All in all, it is unlikely that the history behind Shimokawa will ever be discovered.
The Oirase Monastery Located on the divide between north and south Soul Country, the approach to the Oirase Monastery is by far the most beautiful part of the entire region. The closest thing to a forest on the entire island is kept and nurtured by the monks at the monastery, and visitors to the area often spend a great amount of time within it. The land that the monastery itself is built on contrasts sharply with such beauty, however, for it stands in north Soul Country atop the first of the many hills in the region. The monastery is without a doubt the most famed part of the Country, and it is from the practises of the monks there that Soul Country gets its name. They believe that the absence of life in northern Soul Country allows one to make peace with their own souls without being disturbed by what is around them and many spiritually minded men from across the world visit the land to confront their own inner selves. Unlike the rest of Soul Country's people, the residents of the monastery make frequent trips deeper into north Soul country under the belief that the further away from life they travel, the better they are able to discover their souls.
Hakone The town of Hakone serves as the Capital of Soul Country, and also houses the Daimyo of the region. The settlement houses approximately 65% of the entire population of the Country, and houses the only true port on the island. The people of the town live the most comfortable lives out of everyone on the island, but even so there is little opulence present due to the overall lack of resources in the area. Despite the fact that Hakone serves as the only trading hub of Soul Country, it is still little more than a glorified fishing town with only a small proportion of the town's population actually working as traders. In terms of geography the town is split into two distinct districts: the salt district, and the stone district. The salt district is so named due to its closer proximity to the sea, as well as the scent of salt that permeates the area. Those who live here are the fishermen and other tradesmen of the town and are the less prosperous group. The Stone District is so named because of the stone wall that surrounds the district. It is far smaller than the salt district, and houses only the Daimyo's palace, the rest of the government, and the more successful trading families.
Kusatsu The fishing village of Kusatsu is both the second largest and the smallest major settlement in Soul Country. About 15% of the entire population of Soul Country resides in the stilted houses that make up the village, and almost all of those people work the bounties of the ocean in order to make their living. Almost all trading that occurs in Kusatsu occurs in the form of bartering, with the close knit community valuing items that they need in their lives far more than money. In order to obtain what they don't produce, a small trading guild works to obtain grain and building materials from the surrounding farmers an Hakone in return for their surplus fish. This trading guild is the closest thing that the village has to internal leadership, with the village otherwise maintaining an incredibly equal society. While the people of Kusatsu do not live lives as comfortable a those in Hakone, it could be said that the lack of boundaries between the villagers leads to happier lives amongst them.

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Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:52 am

Country 57
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Description:
The Fishing Wastes are primarily what they sound like, a wasteland. Nearly the entire country is covered in thick blankets of ice and snow, with no change in seasons to really notice. The frozen tundra is near empty, but there is a sliver that tears through it going North-East of frozen forest. In this area there are multiple huts and old homes through the tree lines and within the trees. Some even built up into the trees, but without any real technology or signs of chakra usage. No one really knows where the houses came from, however. The entire place almost looks as if it was abandoned overnight. The rumor is that the disappearances has something to do with its close proximity to Yaseyama. Yet all that exist are rumors and myths among the fishermen.

Despite being abandoned and nearly a wasteland, the Fishing Wastes have become a favored spot for fishermen. The location strangely only gets roughly four hours of daylight most of the year due to its location. However the land extends into a thick set of ice out into the waters, making it ideal for ice fishing. Through out the year several fishing companies will send out expeditions to stay in the abandoned cabins and fish on the ice. They do some hunting of the local wildlife as well, including polar bears, penguins and similar critters. The place is harsh and unkind to its visitors, often killing some who came unprepared for what it held.
The Darkest Night - 暗い夜 - Kurai Yoru:
Once a year, on the night of October 31st, there is a single day & night where the sun never seems to rise and darkness covers The Fishing Wastes. Any unfortunate visitors to the country find themselves in a single horrific event. Creatures no higher than one’s knees come crawling out of the earth. They are humanoid and yet covered in fur and run on all fours like a canine. Their claws are sharper than daggers, capable of rending flesh, and their teeth are just as bad. Their eyes are red and pierce the darkness to see anything and everything around them. Burrowing out of the ground they destroy everything they can find that doesn’t belong to the country. They never seem to touch the wildlife or creatures that reside there, but any visitors are absolutely torn apart. Though some companies have learned their lessons, there always seems to be one expedition still in country when the phenomenon hits.

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Country 58
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Yaseyama

Geography

The northernmost country of a small continent in the Northern Hemisphere, earned its name from those who have so far attempted and failed to explore it. Little is known specifically of most of the continent, this country specifically. The land is cut through by a large mountain range that travels up from the Southern part of the continent, following through the Eastern half of the country. The remainder of the country is uneven, lifting into high hills before descending into deep caverns cut into the icy snow. The coast becomes rocky within about a mile of the ocean, the terrain sloping down, creating a dangerous and epic ice terrain before flowing into the frozen waters.

Near the middle of the country, to the west of the mountain range exists underground a vast cavern that travels unknown distances across the country and even the continent. At one time, the cavern had been an underground river but with the continuously decreasing temperatures the ice built up and the continent rose, emptying the cavern of water and leaving behind a natural wonder that has yet to be explored.

Ecology, Climate and Resources

Not surprisingly, the flora of this country is practically non-existent until the southernmost area is reached. The remainder of the country is snow and ice covered year round causing it to be so far uninhabitable. While the flora is lacking, the fauna runs rampant, many creatures existing here that have been undiscovered in the rest of the world. During the winter months harsh blizzards ravage the country, moving and altering the terrain beyond recognition, recreating the country over and over again. During the summer months the blizzards take a break and allow the wildlife to thrive for a few months, the air becoming dry though remaining just as frigid.

Few species survive year round in the country, many of the land’s inhabitants migrating to the more southern region where it remains warmer, though only marginally so. This leaves the country barren for most of the year, leaving one hard pressed to find any sign of life. Despite this fact, there are a few species that have adapted enough to be able to survive in their home year round and they are the ones that rule the land.

Perhaps the most notable of creatures that rule the land is the large species of brown bear. Ranging from 7-14ft tall, these bears are lined with a thick double coat that not only protects them from the harsh climate but also creates a waterproof coating that allows them to fish without freezing to death. With large incisors and upwards of six-inch claws the bears are the most dangerous creature on the land. When the blizzards get to be too much, the bears search for caves and caverns that have been carved into the ice and hold out there until they brave the cold again.

As well as bears, the only animal species that lives solely on land throughout the year is a species of wolf. Unlike the bears, these wolves are smaller but thick, carrying large fat deposits in the long winter months. Though thick, their coats are not waterproof forcing them to be more creative with hunting, stalking penguins on land. They travel in small packs, sleeping in huddles underneath large snow banks to preserve their heat while sleeping. They remain in the same square mile during the winter time, branching out in the warmer months when more prey arrives.

The ocean holds a much more dangerous array of creatures, most large with little known about them. The most innocent of the bunch are the penguins that live inland in the winter time, huddled in groups of hundreds against the harsh winter weather though they travel in large groups to the ocean in the summer months where they become prey to the ocean creatures, versus the bears and the wolves. Multiple species of whales, dolphins, and seals live around the country on the coast, feeding on fish, each other, and penguins. The most notable and large whale that gets close to the country gets close to thirty feet in length. A toothed creature, the thick blubber that the whale possesses makes him more than capable of withstanding the harsh weather of the Northern Hemisphere.

During the summer time, the land remains just as white but becomes slightly more inhabitable. Several species of birds, including a large owl, as well as several species of rodents and many species of hares. Lynxes and fox occasionally travel up to the country though they rarely near the ocean, staying more in the mountainous region of the country.

Though the mountains are void of life at all, the deep caverns of the country have been rumored to hold some of the most curious creatures that could ever be known to man. Few sightings have ever been made, those that have been made being heavily criticized. Furry creatures with fangs that reach the ground, whose saliva is highly acidic. Underwater creatures with tentacles that reach through the cesspools and drag their victims under water to drown them. Until further exploration is done though, the rumors are merely that - rumors.

People and Culture

Currently, no one has been able to inhabit Yaseyama. The animals rule the land and are unwelcoming of all other visitors. Between the weather and the animals anyone attempting to inhabit the island even for a short period of time would have an incredibly difficult task.

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Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:53 am

Country 59
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Shard Country
Geography

Frozen to the core, Shard country is th northern tip of the Wastes, west of the Country of Lightening. Artic waters border it to the north but it is otherwise landlocked. Mountains shatter the landscape like broken fingers trying to pierce the sky. What sparse life grows does so against freezing temperatures and little to no sunlight. The mountains are barely organized in a range, it is said they look like they were dropped from an enoumous height and shattered- leaving giant shards of mountain in without order. This is where the country earned it's name.

Ecology, Climate and Resources

Shard country has little in terms of plantlife on it's surface- it is in fact a tundra in every respect. Remote, and virtually unproductive, this country is largely untapped. There are stores of minerals (vast and varied) in the various mountain shards, and even richer resources it is rumored the further down one travels.

Ice storms, rain from the mountain tops- the weather is quite interesting because of the various elevations: storm systems combine and travel like roving beasts, freezing everything in their path. Winds flow from the peaks of mountains and collect speed, savaging any menial heat given from the aloof sun. The only refuge man or beast may find, is in the caves of the mountains.

In the mountains, it is said the "Earth Opens". Cave systems are large and interconnected- some explored, some not. The major problem other countries have had in the past, is while this country is rich in varoius minerals, it is costly and dangerous to mine and transport. Few people brave the tundra to set villages due to the the small percentage of wildlife that exist.

Mamals survive in Shard country- inhabiting the caves and some slopes of the mountains. There is only one plains-animal: it is a massive beast called a Meire. Meire are elephant sized feline built creatures who often travel in packs on the plains because their sheer size and thick fur provide them protection against the harsh elements. They travel from mountain to mountain, eating the sparse flora that dare grow on cliffs, devouring any and every living creature that cross their path. In shard country, everything is an ominvore out of necessity. The pelts of these creatures are famously valuable- the tribal people who exist in the cave systems pray to the Meire. The massive beast can feed a village for a month, provide clothing, and varous other things including rudamentary medicine. There is a way of life around hunting such a creature- thus warriors from each clan are trained to brave the outside world to find, kill, and return with Meire.


People and country

Various tribes can be found in the vast cave-system, most cooperatively focusing on hunting the Holy Meire. Whichever clan kills the beast has rights to its flesh, and barters with other clans for services, tools, knolwedge, etc. Thus their entire trade system is built on the strength of clan's warriors. To hunt and capture a Meire means food for the village and power amongst the other clans. Power to manuver, power to rule. Those who catch the beast ensure their next generation are fed well, thus the clan itself grows stronger with each season while other, less skilled clans, are destined to be subservient.

Some of the lowest clans, in efforts to remain alive, take to cannabalism and are called "feeder" clans. They are ferocious and not to be trifled with- once the clan partakes in human flesh, they are banned from the customs of the Miere hunt- they instead hunt the hunters, and content themselves with the flesh of unwary humans. There is only one, rathe obvious way for a feeder clan to restore it's status: the Meire. It is rarely done, but a clan's past has been put aside in hard times if it meant feeding other clansmen.

Because the societs are entirely within cave systems, most clansmen are intermarried, having never encountered an "outsider". However the underground network is vast, and people infect the tunnels like insects. There are thousands of clans, small and large- the majority of them identify by certain mountains or groups of mountains. Clans of "Sweeping Winds" or "Ironrock" will send women as payment for Meire flesh- elders are warriors that have contacted the sacred creatures. Or killed them. The governing system is mostly intuitive- the climate and need for food and cooperation usually stops most conflict, save for feeder clans- which are looked down upon as worse than dirt.

There have been flesh disputes, however these are few and far between- those who partake of Meire flesh are generally stronger and more able to fight- meaning if the clan was able to bring down a creature, they are regarded as worthy enough to lead other clans, and are not messed wth. It would take a very foolish or very brave clan to try and trifle with the leaders of the hunt.

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Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:54 am

Country 60
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Cold Country

Geography
The land of cold isn't very different in geography from the rest of Friopa, basically a giant block of ice. The terrain is much like that of a desert, but with snow instead of sand The "Frost plains" dominate the majority of the country and are mostly unremarkable, not including the life that inhabits it Two medium sized mountain ranges mark the border to the west and to the east of the country The most hospitable areas the "life basin" in the southern point of the country, lying between the two mountain ranges and being at a lower elevation than most of the country while also having a tiny fumarole, or, a crack in the ground that releases hot steam and heat. This range is fairly protected by the harsh environment in the rest of Cold Country

Fauna + Flora
Like the rest of Friopa, cold country has a surprising amount of life, displaying a very unique world of specializedorganisms The shore and some of the inland terrritory finds itself home to penguins andpolar bears, with the coast being dotted with various kinds of seals and the occasional dolphin and whale.

The "Frost plains" are inhabited by a unique set of organisms that have evolved to fit the environment. These include flowering plants that also have fruits, storing energy during the summer and tapping into its fruit energy storage during the seasons with less sunlight. There are also plants that release seeds that upon contact with snow, release chemicals that heat up the immediate area, melting snow and ice so that the seed makes contact with soil. There are even plants with pitch black roots above the surface that absorb and retain heat, making the immediate area snow/ice and cold-free. The plains also sport the following unique animals (This list is incomplete as many of the organisms have not yet been discovered):
List of animalsShow
Ostruin - The evolutionary descendant of penguins, Ostruins are large penguins, essentially They have the shape and sizeof an ostrich but the anatomy and coloration of penguins Like penguins, their anatomy gives them protection from the cold. They are also very fast and surprisingly vicious and omnivorous. Usually found in areas with less loose snow where they can run.

Gof- The evolution of dolphin to land Gofs are extremely intelligent, medium sized dog-like mammals. The gof has a thick white fur coat and an even thicker body of blubber The golf has a dolphin-like snout and mouth and actually still has a blowhole. It is known to hide in snow to ambush prey and use its blowhole to breathe while buried in snow. Gofs are omnivores that feed mostly on smaller animals.

Friopic Hippo- Despite the name, Friopic Hippos are actually directly descended from whales. They look much like whales except retain the size of a small hippo at their largest These creatures thrive in land constantly covered with snow, crawling through it on their disproportionately stubby legs, eating anything it can get in its mouth by basically filter feeding through the snow It has a powerful jaw that can snap wood in half with ease

Blood Hare- The cutest andmmost voracious predator around. Blood Hares are regular sized rabbits that dominate Friopia and Cold Country. They have a murderous set of teeth and a bear-like sense of smell that allows them to detect prey from miles away they are notoriously good ambush predators, using their white fur to hide in the snow. Despite being so small, Blood Hares are dangerous because they're adept at leaping out and biting a target's carotid artery before quickly running away and waiting for the target to bleed out They got their name from their nasty habit of burrowing into their prey, hiding in their warm corpses as they fed from it as well. They would later reemerge coated in blood. Like most rabbits, the Blood hare reproduces very rapidly and frequently.

Hot Hounds- A very unique descendant of Seals, Hot Hounds look like small seal-like wolves. These creatures are the natural predator of Blood Hares. The get their name from their extremely high body temperature that gets up to 180 Fahrenheit and melts the snow/ice around the Hot Hounds. This bod temperature requires that they eat a massive amount of food on a regular basis, which is probably a major reason why the Blood Hares reproduce so often.

Heat Ticks -> Small ticks that burrow into mammals bodies and live off of their blood and heat. They carry a whole slew of diseases and, second to the harsh environment, are the leading cause of death in Friopian organisms. They're impossible to find, as they fully enter the body. They're also hard to avoid, as they're found both in the snow (hibernating until a nearby warm body awakens them) and on plants. They are small and white.

Snow deer -> Tiny dog-sized deer that lives in areas with plants and that doesn't have snow that's too deep.They're extremely fast with their disproportionately muscular and thick legs. Their hooves also have spikes that give them better traction on ice and it adds a means for the deer to protect itself.
Politics + economy
Cold Country has no true government, as it's not really a country population wise. The country is littered with nomadic tribes that stay in one place for as long as the food they hunt does These group, span from 4 people large to 50. They're known to trade animal pelts and meat with each others and those from other countries

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Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:54 am

Country 61
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Knowledge Country

Ecology, Climate, Geography and Resources

Knowledge country boasts the most inaccessible geography of all of the countries in Friopia. It was almost as if the land was designed to be hard to get into. The entirety of its border with the rest of Friopia is one massively long and tall mountain range. This mountain range is continuous, and to date, no easy manner through it has been found. Even Knowledge country's coast is inaccessible, as the entirety of it is just cliffs and large jagged rocks, with very few places even being low enough in elevation to approach through swimming, as the large sharp boulders in the shore make it impossible for ships to get close.

Despite this inaccessibility, Knowledge country is one of the most hospitable countries in the continent. The mountain ranges keep the wind currents from all directions but one from entering the country, also meaning that the country does not gain the moisture from these other wind currents. This makes knowledge country extremely dry and the country with the least amount of snow in the continent. Even so, it is still just as cold as its neighbors and still isn't exactly ideal climate.

The majority of the country has massive underground and in-mountain caverns. The underground caverns are entirely made of ice while the mountainous caverns are of course rock. Within these caverns dwell a very unique set of fauna and flora that has yet to be found or described. Some of the caverns even contain riches in the form of minerals and crystals.

The life that is not found in the caverns is also interesting, but also very similar to the organisms in the rest of the continent, with only an occasional exception.

People and Culture

Knowledge country is barely inhabited by humans, and the humans that are there are very recent newcommers. A large international team of scientists arrived on Knowledge Country, and promptly named it, roughly one hundred years ago. This team quickly set forth to building a small headquarters for their research which was intended to be temporary. Gradually, however, researchers fell more and more in love with the mysteries of the country and that makeshift headquarters gradually became a very unique city.

Atlantis, as the researchers oh so cunningly named their city, is comprised entirely of scientists and their families. The city is littered with unique architecture and public creations, being a city that's entirely occupied and run by the more intelligent and eccentric members of society. The average citizen is very well educated and open minded and there'snot much you can't get away with. Everyone works on the basic ideas of Empathy and Logic to rule their everyday actions, resulting in a generally pleasant, fair and intelligent people.

The city continues to be a draw to scientists and academics from around the world who wish to discover the wonders of Friopia while being in a city designed for people like them.

Politics

Knowledge Country is an extremely pacific democracy. Very few of the citizens of the country are interested in politics at all, and those that are, usually aren't interested in power. The government is run by a small council of 7 members that are voted upon each year. The 7 members generally differ from each other in opinions and are expected to compromise with one another for each major decision, ensuring that all kinds of citizens gain representation in the executive office of the government.

The remainder of the government is fairly small, seeing as there is only one city. Every year, a mayor is elected in Atlantis. The mayor has a council of 12 citizens that work to advise the mayor, but may also band together to veto any of the mayors decisions as well, so long as 9/12 of them vote to do so.

In general, the government is very supportive of its citizens, helping them start their research and build their families. Most citizens end up not paying a dime regularly, but instead giving the government a percentage of the profit that their research generates. This may come in the forum of money from minerals/crystals that were found and sold or from academic prizes from the research done. Mostly, however, the government has its large coffer from donations. Many of the scientists in the country are rich themselves and donate, but also villages and organizations from around the world that support the pursuit of knowledge assisted as well

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Post by Archives » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:55 am

Country 63
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Fossil Country Geography:

Fossil Country is located in the center of the Northern Wastes, northeast of Lightning Country. Colloquially referred to as “Zero Country”, Fossil Country is essentially one large ice field, with a large mountain range spanning the entirety of the border, and with a wide valley making up the majority of the country.

Spanning the entire border of the country are what can essentially be called ice mountains; large blocks of ice which vary greatly in shape, terrain and width, the result of a number of valley glaciers colliding and then being frozen together over many years. These mountains, composed mostly of ice, are often being misshapen by the weather and surrounding animals as the years go by, making it near impossible for maps or anything similar to be created.

The central part of Fossil Country is a wide valley. The valley possesses no major increases in elevation, but the terrain of the area is just as dynamic as the mountains surrounding it. Unlike the mountains, which are primarily ice, the valley is composed mostly of permafrost and frozen stone. Spanning through the entirety of the valley are numerous craters, caves and small sinkholes, many of which interconnect below the frozen earth to form an almost entirely different world below the surface. Fossil Country’s namesake originates from the many ancient relics, bones, as well as other remnants of an ancient era which have become frozen into the foundation of what is today infamously known as a place of the damned.

Ecology, Climate, and Resources:

The climate in Fossil Country, combined with the varying terrain, combine to create one of the, if not the most, dangerous living environments in the entire known world. The weather year round is constantly below zero, most commonly sitting at a range between -40 to -50 degrees Fahrenheit, although can drop as low as -70 during the Winter season. Summer is Fossil Country lasts only 17 days, where the average temperature is usually between 20 & 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Severe snowstorms constantly smother both the mountain range and the central valley, with wind speed reaching whole gale speeds (55-63 mph).

As a result of the harsh weather and rough terrain, plant life in Fossil Country is scarce, to the point of being almost nonexistent. The mountains are completely devoid of plant life, while the central valley is home to a handful of dead trees, all of which remain frozen to the core. A handful of species of moss grow on the rocks in the central valley, usually in some sort of stasis during the majority of the year, while their growth continues during the short summers.

The harsh weather has also had a significant impact on the animal life in the country. During the early years of Fossil Country, many of the herbivorous animals were dying off due to both starvation, or by simply being killed off by predators who were better suited for the harshening environment. As a result, many species of what would normally be herbivorous animals developed carnivorous tendencies as a survival tactic. As time went by, these survival tactics grew deeper and deeper roots into the natural instincts of said animals, turning them into full-blown carnivorous predators. These newborn predators, together with the natural carnivorous predators, have turned surviving in the wild of Fossil Country a game of who can kill and eat who first, giving people just one more reason to stay away from this frozen hell.
Notable Fauna in Fossil CountryShow
Lemming: Lemmings are one of the previously herbivorous species of Fossil Country who learned to adapt to their surroundings. These animals have developed very sharp claws and fangs, both of which allow them to dig into the frozen ground for shelter as well as hunt animals. Lemmings travel in large groups, usually between 20 and 30, and have developed a pack mentality of hunting. Hares are the most common prey of these lemmings, but can take down the occasional fox from time to time.

Ghost Hare: Ghost Hares, like the lemmings, have adapted to the dog-eat-dog world of Fossil Country throughout the years. Named for their all-white fur, and their solid white eyes, these hares are slightly larger than their herbivorous ancestors, growing up to 2 and a half feet tall and weighing as much as 30 pounds. These hares usually travel in small groups of about 3 to 5, and most commonly feed on lemmings, although they will also feast on straggling wolves and sleigh dogs from the occasional expedition.

Arctic Foxes & Wolves: Not much has changed about the foxes and wolves of Fossil Country throughout the years save for the fact they now have thicker coats of fur. Naturally carnivorous and blessed with amazing predatory instincts, these animals were able to adapt almost flawlessly to the changing environment.

Killer Reindeer: A very unique species of reindeer with a very generic name, these deer were another species of previously herbivorous animals that slowly evolved into carnivores. These deer are infamous for their incredibly aggressive behavior, towards other animals, humans, and even other deer. Killer Reindeer have no qualms when it comes to who or what they eat, making them one of the few animals in the wild capable of cannibalism. Although once abundant throughout the entire country, the overall reindeer population has diminished significantly throughout Fossil Country as a result of both their solitary nature and their overly-aggressive nature.

Polar Bear: The polar bears of northern wastes are one of the largest and strongest predators in the frozen land, and in Fossil Country they reign supreme. Although very skilled in both hunting and tracking, these bears are pretty docile creatures, only killing when they need to eat and only attacking other animals when they feel threatened. They inhabit roughly 40% of the caves in the inner alley, rarely leaving their homes unless they’re hunting or fishing.

Note: It’s important to mention that the above list is a very incomplete list of the animals, as much of Fossil Country has yet to be explored, in particular the various caves as well as the entire network of caves that lies under the frozen grounds. While many large roars, as well as screams, and loud stomping noises have been reported, it’s impossible to differentiate between fact and fiction. Those few brave souls who dare to enter the underworld of Fossil Country may find themselves facing them far beyond what they could imagine.
People, Politics and Culture:


Politics in the land of Fossils is all based on one law; only the fittest will survive. With it’s extreme weather, rabid animals and largely unexplored cave network, Fossil Country has no established human population, and therefore, no ruling government or even villages.

There are a handful of myths about the country that survive mainly in its neighboring regions, and in some regions around the world. Many believe that the vast network of caves underground is inhabited by demons, and that the thick ice and vast mountain range is there to prevent them from unleashing chaos onto the world. Others believe that there is a fully thriving society underground, which was established by a group of travelling nomads who sought protection during the era of constant wars. Others, still, believe that is inhabited by ancient beasts, such as giant bears and dire wolves who remain trapped under the frozen ground.

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