What Iwa is Like...

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NSRP
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What Iwa is Like...

Post by NSRP » Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:30 pm


Iwagakure no Sato

Overview

Iwagakure is the second oldest shinobi village, created shortly after the first shinobi village was established in Fire Country. It was built within the Shinan Valley in Rock Country's southernmost major mountain range, the Minami no Kabe, just north of the high plains of Rock Country. The village is made entirely out of stone, built to blend in with the surrounding mountains. This makes it nearly impossible to find or stumble on due to its location and several hundred feet of mountains to any side of it that prevent access. The mountains around the village are old and wild, populated heavily by wild tribesmen at best and at worst thick packs of mountain wolves, bears, goats and predatory birds such as hawks and falcons.

The terrain of the mountains in the Minami no Kabe range make it impossible to directly access Iwagakure from above due to their slanted peaks and incredible height. The most apt example of this are the peaks directly around the space Iwagakure no Sato occupies, known as the Megami no Kiba, or the Goddesses of Fangs. These fifteen hundred feet elevation peaks are incredibly rigid and sturdy made of the most solid minerals and their slant makes them criss-cross over each other like the locked fangs of wolves. The mountains have constant direct sunlight but due to their elevation they are constantly frozen over and only the hardiest of men can live even half-way up their peaks, which are often in a constant state of sub-zero temperature.

As the steppes, altitude and location provide horrible agricultural conditions, the village is also home to a booming steel industry. Iwagakure is also acknowledged as the most proficient village at weapons technology, and in times of war they control a majority of all military exports, supported by the slave trade that has been part of their culture for centuries. While these practices make Iwa arguably the most monetarily prosperous of the Five Great Nations, the bulk of the profits are then funneled back into their military and infrastructure..

Historically, the village began as a military instillation that is now located at the center of the village and compromises a 25 square block market district. The other districts run radially outward from this center. All over the village there are multiple training facilities, arenas, and private medical complexes specializing in stitching up the various and inevitable bumps and bruises that come with rigorous coombat exercise. Few villages can claim as complete or thorough an integration of their military life with civilian downtime as Iwa does.

The village is very high on defense, being surrounded by a near impenetrable mile thick wall created by the Shodaime Tsuchikage. One notable fact about this wall is that there are no gates, since the wall guards use Doton jutsu to maneuver through it and allow access to the village. Because of this, few people of the village worry about being attacked.

Village Layout

At the village’s center is a huge market district that is typically buzzing with activity. The market is unique in structure and design in that it contains several underground layers arranged in a spiral that twists below the village. The two uppermost layers contain general markets at which the public can buy daily necessities such as groceries and clothing. The lower layers contain more specialty shops, such as weapons shops.

The rest of Iwagakure extends radially from the center and is separated into four distinct districts in the north, south, east, and west of the village. Though there are residences in each district, the Western and Southern Districts contain the majority of the residential areas. The Southern District, also known as the Shadow District due to the area being in the wall’s shadow for much of the day, contains much of the engineering, mining, smelting, and construction industries. The Northern District is the most affluent of the four, containing much of the wealth of the village. The Eastern District is unofficially known as the “power district,” as most government buildings and major businesses are located in this area. The Eastern District is home to the Tsuchikage’s office.

Iwagakure does not have a very impressive skyline. Few buildings are higher than five or six stories, and for good reason. Much of Iwa - an estimated 60% - is underground. All public buildings have underground spaces that are larger than what can be seen above ground. All of these underground locations are illuminated by artificial lighting that reflects the conditions above ground. Training grounds are scattered throughout the village, both above ground and underground, and most are open to free public use.

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What Iwa is Like...

Post by NSRP » Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:34 pm

Government

The government of Iwagakure is led by a small elected council that decides on matters regarding all aspects of life in the village. Because of this, the council is made of individuals from each of the social classes of the village: the military class - i.e. shinobi - the samurai class, the civilian class, and the slave class. The number of council members from each class is a direct representation of that class's influence in the village. Therefore, since Iwagakure is largely influenced by the military, the majority of the council members are active or former shinobi. The civilian and samurai classes have fewer representation. The slave class is represented by a single member, known as The Voice.

Each position, except for the positions of the Tsuchikage and the slave council member, is voted for exclusively by members belonging to that class. The councilmen belonging to the shinobi class are elected every five years; the council member belonging to the civilian class is elected every three years; the member belong to the slave class is chosen every two years. The samurai members of the council are chosen exclusively by the daimyo every two years.

The council is charged with overseeing the activities of the various departments of the government. Although each member has a hand in leading the various aspects of the government, most government departments are officially headed by a council member. Traditionally, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Interior Development is headed by a samurai council member; The Department of the Treasury, the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Department of Commerce is headed by a civilian council member; The Department of Trade is headed by a member of the shinobi class. The Department of Defense, which is the largest government department of Iwagakure, is headed by the Tsuchikage and its various military and intelligence services are headed by the other shinobi members of the council.
Current Council MembersShow
Iwagakure Village Council

The Shinobi

Chuutetsu Ishidai, Tsuchikage
Age: 57

The one, the only, the Tsuchikage of Iwagakure. Having been the leader of the village for several years, Ishidai's opinion is the most respected in the council. Though he has the ultimate decision-making power when it comes to village affairs, Ishidai rarely brings the hammer down by overruling council decisions. He typically lets his council members do most of the talking and deliberating, only speaking when his thoughts are needed or when the council's bickering gets out of hand.

Enkouten Kaizen
Age: 42

A proud man, Enkouten Kaizen is a firm Iwagakure loyalist. Following village tradition he values power above all else, which includes not only military strength but also economic dominance. Kaizen is not a very forgiving man and believes any affront to the village and to the people who rule it should be punished swiftly and severely. He is particularly harsh when it comes to members of clans, believing that they of all people should seek to do everything in their power to contribute to increasing the village's power and influence. He believes village affairs should be handled primarily by shinobi, and although he tolerates non-military personnel having some influence in the village. He does not like the fact that both the Daimyo's samurai and slaves have seats on the council. After the deaths of the slave councilman and one of the samurai he has made it known that he does not support replacing them. He does not believe slave voices need to be heard, and he despises the fact that the samurai, by definition, are loyal to the daimyo and not the village. Despite his focus on power and strength, he does not thirst for war with rival villages. He will, however, defend the village to the death should war occur.

Sakata Kanna
Age: 52

For most of her shinobi career, she has stressed the importance of improving village defenses. Kanna believes the village defenses are nowhere near as strong as they should be and her agenda primarily focuses on Iwagakure's walls and protecting the village from outside forces. In addition, she has always stressed the importance of the knowledge of tenkujutsu and has been the primary overseer for issues related to jinchuuriki even before she became a member of the council.

The Samurai

Nakatomi Kuroda
Age: 43

Not much is known about Nakatomi Kuroda except that he is very close to the daimyo and is possibly related to him. His primary concern is to ensure Iwagakure maintains its strength and power since it is a reflection of Rock Country's military might, and to ensure the village maintains the trade industries necessary for its survival. Unlike Fujiwara, Nakatomi is a likable man and gets along well with most of the other council members.

The Civilians

Iwasa Yuzuru
Age: 73

Possibly the wealthiest man in Iwagakure, Yuzuru's primary concern is the economic standing of the village. He and his family deal extensively with mining minerals in central and northern Rock Country and trading both the raw materials and the finished products. Compared to the likes of Enkouten Kaizen, he is quite open minded when it comes to shinobi affairs, which often puts the two men at odds. He believes that while the shinobi on the council should focus on maintaining the village's military strength, as a long time merchant it is his duty to ensure the village's economic dominance by whatever means he deems necessary.
Former Council Members, Recently DeceasedShow
Due to an imperfect genma sealing, several council members are recently deceased. These recent developments shifted power to be even more firmly in the hands of the village's shinobi. Interestingly, there has been little push from neither civilians nor from the daimyo to replace the fallen council members. Due to the leadership of the village being currently in transition, the village anticipates a new Tsuchikage and the subsequent shuffling and appointings of council members.

Okada Rin
Age: 41

Okada Rin is a woman who came from nothing and managed to gain everything. She wears her status proudly, often by garnishing gaudy jewelry and robes and announcing her title at every given opportunity. She is very opinionated especially in matters that involve shinobi lifestyles, but she knows when to argue and when to bend to the will of the rest of the council for the sake of the village. Though she is not the most popular woman, she has time and time again proved her worth as a shinobi and council member.

Genkoyoushi Juroumaru
Age: 48

Juroumaru is the record keeper of the council. Tasked with knowing anything and everything about the village and its people, the Genkoyoushi is mostly interested in maintaining village archives. He has worked with the village's libraries for decades and seeks to extend Iwagakure's knowledge to include information that reaches far beyond its borders.

Fujiwara Kamatari
Age: 49

A stern man, Fujiwara was hand chosen by the from the daimyo's court to keep an eye on Iwagakure affairs. He has been selected to his seat several times under the current daimyo and is well known for sending detailed and often scathing reports to his master. Fujiwara is critical of the Tsuchikage and thinks it is time for him to step down and place the village in the hands of a younger leader; because of his stance and reputation for being the daimyo's lap dog, he is not very well liked in the council.

Tezuka Hotarubi
Age: 64

Hotarubi is a quiet woman most of the time, though that changes when she is passionate about an issue. Her main concern is usually maintaining the cultural richness of Iwagakure, which includes everything from ensuring annual festivals go well to the upkeep and preservation of underground village structures and forests. When it comes to the village, Hotarubi is all about maintaining Iwagakure aesthetics and traditions.

Shu
Age: 46

Known as "The Voice," Shu is the representative of the slave population. A taciturn man, he often does not speak on matters unless it relates directly to slaves. He is very aware of how others perceive him, especially the fact that neither Enkouten Kaizen nor Iwasa Yuzuru care for his presence on the council. Like many of his station, he wishes to improve the lives of slaves and eventually eliminate the practice of slavery in both Rock Country and Iwagakure. He knows this is a nearly impossible goal, but that does not stop him from pushing legislation that would improve the lives of his brethren.
The Tsuchikage

Through the council as a whole regulates the village and approves the Tsuchikage, once the kage is chosen he or she has the ultimate decision making power in the village. The Tsuchikage approves the council members to their positions, can dismiss a council member at any time, and can overrule any council decision pertaining to the military. In this sense, Iwagakure can fall into a dictatorship at any time. The current village leader is the eighteenth Tsuchikage, Chuutetsu Ishidai.

Immigration

Iwagakure is notoriously difficult to enter. Citizens of Rock Country may enter the village only with the proper paperwork and for proper reason, such as for trade or business purposes. These kinds of immigrants are granted access to the village for a limited amount of time, after which they must promptly leave the village. Individuals wishing to take up residence in the village must undergo rigorous screening, and only a small percentage of applicants are allowed permanent residency; those denied residency are then moved to other villages in Rock Country that are under the village's supervision. Individuals from other countries are almost never granted entrance to the village except for special cases.

Foreign Affairs

Iwagakure is a village that firmly believes it is the best of the five. Because of its citizens' indoctrinated belief that Iwagakure is inherently better than the other great shinobi villages, they have shaky or poor foreign relations. Kirigakure is the only other village that Iwagakure views somewhat favorably, but even this relationship is imperfect and is at times tense. Iwa traditionally sees Kirigakure as merely a partner in trade, but in the past few months both villages have made efforts in strengthening their relationship into a more formal alliance. With the rise of a new Mizukage, the villages participated in a joint celebration and the village leaders are on better, friendlier terms. Most Iwagakure citizens still do not harbor any strong feelings of loyalty or duty to Kirigakure, but are slowly warming up to the idea of a true partnership.

Many in Iwagakure hold a deep resentment for Konohagakure. The two villages have been on the opposite ends of bitter wars several times in the past, and their current relationship is essentially a hostile one. Though the villages are not at war, the common sentiment is that Konoha is a meddling, arrogant, and hypocritical village that cannot be trusted. Since Sunagakure betrayed their alliance to become Konoha's ally, Iwa views them harshly as well; citizens are taught to never trust Sunagakure's intentions. Sungakure shinobi are viewed as cowards and liars above all else. As for Kumogakure, the two villages have no relationship at all and Iwagakure prefers to ignore them.

Iwagakure - and by extension, Rock Country - has recently established an alliance with Grass Country.


Economy

Those who choose not to pursue a career in the shinobi forces have many options when it comes to employment. Once they have graduated from the academy, civilians may enter various trade schools. Those who wish to enter trade schools must take an exam which determines the schools they may attend.

Civilians may attend trade schools to become Engineers, Blacksmiths, Artisans, Merchants, Government Records Keepers, Tradesmen, Medical Workers, along with other professions. Those who choose to become Miners, Farmers, or Traders often live outside of the village for part of the year and are required to maintain the proper paperwork and screenings to be able to somewhat freely enter and leave the village.

Resources

Rock Country and the mountains surrounding Iwagakure are known to be rich in various minerals. Iron ore is the most mined resource and creates a large portion of the village's wealth. In addition, there are considerable marble, copper, and granite deposits in the country. Gold and precious stones, such as rubies and diamonds, are also found throughout the mountains. Iwagakure also engages in fur trading and the lumber industry.

The climate and geography of Iwagakure makes farming within and near the village nearly impossible. Therefore, the agricultural industry is largely maintained by importing crops and livestock from the somewhat more fertile areas in central Rock Country's river valleys. Iwagakure heavily depends on this area to maintain the farming industry, so it is not uncommon to see Iwagakure shinobi stationed in these areas throughout the year.

The Slave Trade

Although the slave trade has been part of its culture for centuries, Iwagakure itself does not employ slavers. Slaves are primarily procured by obtaining them from Rock Country slavers, who do their dealings at designated trading posts throughout Rock Country. Once the slaves are examined at the trading post, they are marched to the village where they are examined a second time and then purchased. Iwagakure monitors the slave trade closely. If slavers are suspected using grossly unethical practices to obtain slaves, they are promptly investigated by Iwagakure shinobi.

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What Iwa is Like...

Post by NSRP » Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:37 pm

Military

Shinobi Forces

Every citizen of Iwagakure is subject to compulsory military education. Iwagakure has six large academies that not only teach the basics of military and shinobi education, but they also teach academic subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics. This does not mean every child is taught how to use shinobi arts; only those who are determined to be adept with chakra use are taught ninjutsu and genjutsu. Students are also taught an Iwa centric military and world history, indoctrinating that Iwa is the strongest, most self-reliant village and that they are expected to protect the village with their lives if need be. They are also taught that although the world is not at war, the other villages - including, to some extent, Kirigkure - are not to be trusted.

Naturally, there are many families with long histories of producing career shinobi in Iwagkure, and their members are often expected to become shinobi themselves. Civilians are strongly encouraged to become shinobi as well if they are able, though if they choose not to enter the military then they enroll in trade schools after graduation from the academy.

Children from shinobi families can enroll starting at age 7 if they already have received some training. Otherwise, the typical age of enrollment is age 8 though children may enroll in the academy between ages 8 and 10. Children must be enrolled by age 10, otherwise families may be punished by heavy fines. Children spend a mandatory 4 years minimum in the academy and must graduate.

Once students have graduated, they choose whether to enter the shinoobi forces as genin or to end their military education and enter trade school or the reserves. Iwagakure has no formal genin team arrangement, though they are encouraged to team up with other genin or chuunin. If not part of a registered team, genin may hire training partners - typically chuunin or special jounin - to assist them in furthering their training. No matter how genin choose to continue their training and education, they are assigned to a jounin superior to whom they report until they themselves are jounin- though this jounin usually does not directly participate in the genin's training.

Samurai Forces

Samurai typically do not reside in the village permanently. Some samurai do, however, live in the village temporarily, most notably the samurai on the village council. Samurai serve the daimyo, not the Tsuchikage or village, but when they reside in Iwagakure they must follow the village's laws and customs.


Social Classes

Shinobi

Shinobi are the de facto ruling class of Iwagakure. Shinobi enjoy more privileges compared to civilians, including a lower drinking age (16 rather than 19), more freedom of mobility, and more access to village resources.

Civilians

Most civilians of Iwagakure can live rather comfortably. The gap between the rich and the poor is rather large, but even the poorest villager is better off than many of the peasants in Rock Country and the surrounding minor countries. The unemployment rate is rather low, though it is probably one of the highest among the five villages. So long as they can prove their worth, the less affluent citizens may receive some assistance in regards to obtaining basic necessities like food.

Although there are civilian council members, Iwagakure civilians are generally aware that they do not have as much influence and power as the shinobi of the village. On rare occasions there are outbursts of dissent, but such instances are swiftly squashed, and the council usually orchestrates some sort of (often empty) legislation to settle these villagers' discontent. Despite their weaker political hold, Iwagakure civilians are still staunchly patriotic and put the well being of the village above all else. Anyone who feels otherwise knows it is in their best interest to keep such sentiments to themselves.

Due to the village's emphasis on physical strength, villagers tend to be very physically active; the village also imports a variety of healthy food choices from the fertile river valleys in central Rock Country. Leisure time in the village is largely centered around popular public fighting events. Civilian strongmen are celebrities in the village alongside exceptionally strong shinobi. There are also competitive strongmen teams, many of which have huge, devoted followings. There is also a growing art scene, mostly in painting and sculpture, and a privately funded theater. The arts are generally unpopular in the village and are subject to public scorn.

Slaves

The lowest social class, slaves are somewhere between servants and pets. Unlike in Kirigakure, slaves living in Iwa have some rights despite being owned by the village or its denizens. Once purchased a slave is registered with the Office of Slave Records and are subsequently tattooed with the mark of a diamond shape on the back of their dominant hand. Owners are then responsible for their slave and any misconduct, and it is not unusual for slave owners to pass off a fresh slave to a trainer for "taming." Runaway slaves are not unheard of and are either allowed to run and presumably die in the harsh wasteland surrounding Iwagakure or captured at the owner's expense.

Mistreament of slaves can result in fines. In extreme cases the slaves may be taken from the owner and resold, and the owner is then barred from maintaining slaves. In those cases the owner is subject to fines and possible brief jail time.

Slaves can become shinobi by permission of the owner. If the slave shows exceptional skill, they may be purchased by the village and become career shinobi. They are given a new status as military slaves, which is socially somewhere between the shinobi class and the slave class. Slaves belonging to the village have the Iwagakure symbol below their diamond; the military slaves have an additional battle axe symbol.

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What Iwa is Like...

Post by NSRP » Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:40 pm

Clans

Shinobi clans are, overall, well respected in Iwagakure. So long as the clans maintain fealty to Iwagakure and follow the laws of the village, they are allowed to maintain their own traditions and customs with minimum to no interference from village officials. Due to their unique traits, clan members are expected to pursue careers as shinobi. Those who choose to pursue other careers are often not held in high regard, though if they still contribute their talents to the village and to their respective clans in some way they are, for the most part, not ostracized.

The Enkouten, although one of the youngest clans in the village, is generally the most prestigious and respected clan because they produce both talented shinobi and skilled weapon makers. Due to their immense patriotism, Enkouten are often viewed as the paragon of what Iwagakure shinobi and citizens are expected to be. There is almost always an Enkouten on the village council, further solidifying their importance and influence in the village.

The Akari are respected in the sense that they typically produce physically powerful shinobi, but due to their extreme and gruesome customs and their penchant for staying out of village affairs, they are somewhat considered outsiders. Many of the general populace avoid interactions with Akari, though interestingly most Akari prefer to socialize with non-clan members.

Although they are the oldest clans in the village, the Shoshiki are typically looked down upon in comparison to other clans due to their physical weakness. They are considered socially inferior in comparison to the other clans and only maintains a weak hold on its social influence due to the clan's age. They are well known to not hold Iwagakure in high regard, which further weakens their perceived value and influence in the village.

The Fukusha clan is the newest addition to the village. Immigrating roughly a decade ago, the clan has yet to gain any influence in the village. Many Iwagakure citizens distrust them as outsiders, but due to their clan abilities they are slowly -very slowly - garnering respect as a clan.

Clan Compound Locations

Akari The Akari compound is the westernmost area in Iwagakure, kept in relative isolation from the rest of the village. The rather large compound is surrounded by a large - and typically guarded - wall to separate the clan-owned areas from that of the rest of the village. The most notable building in the compound is the Arena, located near the center of the compound.

Enkouten The Enkouten compound is located in the western district in Iwagakure, not far from the main market district. A distinctive feature of the Enkouten compound is its numerous, enormous forges, all of which extend deep underground.

Shoshiki The Shoshiki compound is located on the eastern edge of the village, built into the surrounding mountainside. Notable structures within the compound are the Kaleidoscope, a beautiful structure in which important ceremonies are held, and the Glass Cemetery.

Fukusha The recently constructed Fukusha compound is located in the southern district of the village, built in the easternmost area of the district.


Houses

[Full Description In Progress]
[In short, the prestige of houses in Iwagakure depends on how many shinobi they produce on average. Houses that are primarily comprised of shinobi are viewed as a step below clans, while those that are primarily civilians are treated as just that. The power of Civilian Houses lies in how they have historically contributed to the village economically and politically.]

Kamizuru
The Kamizuru compound is located in the northern district of Iwagakure. The clan also have owned storefronts in the second and third rings of the market district for generations.

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What Iwa is Like...

Post by NSRP » Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:42 pm

Notable Locations

The Wall
Iwagakure's Wall speaks for itself. It is enormous, a massive one mile thick circular stone structure that rises high above the village proper and surrounds it on all sides to conceal and protect the village from outsiders. The Wall's only discerning features are its four small towers, shaped like layered pagodas, each one two stories tall but extending deep into the wall. Most traffic in and out of the village is through the northern section of the wall, though it is possible to exit the village through southern, eastern, and western locations. It is constantly guarded and is not considered something to be carelessly visited or approached, even by Iwagakure citizens.

The Catacombs
Far beneath the village lies a huge network of caves and caverns which includes tunnels and crypts that are usually open to the public during the day. Recently, however, it was discovered that the Catacombs are much larger than previously thought. The newly discovered section extends at least a mile below the village and is of unknown size. Only certain members of the village - historians and skilled shinobi - are allowed within the newly discovered expanse.

The Walk of Legends
Located to the north of the village is a large area known as the Walk of Legends. Beyond the large gate is a plaza that contains a row of statues depicting the first four Tsuchikage. Beyond this are smaller statues, arranged on either side of a stone walkway, which depict all of the Tsuchikage starting from the fifth Tsuchikage up to the current leader. At the end of the walkway is a large courtyard, beyond which are stone steps that lead into the mountains. A hidden temple is located in the mountains, at which villagers can pay their respects to the past leaders of Iwagakure. This temple, along with the courtyard at the end of the Walk of Legends, are sites of important official village ceremonies, such as inaugurating bannin and the Tsuchikage.

The Underground Parks and Forest
Above ground, Iwagakure has very little foliage and trees outside of certain residential areas. Below the village, however, are several underground parks available for the public's leisure. These parks boast plant life that is not typically found in Rock Country and awards the village scenery that could not otherwise be enjoyed above ground.

Narusawa Caves
To the west of the village are the Narusawa Caves, named after the shinobi who discovered and expanded them. Though they are nowhere near as impressive as the caves of the Catacombs, the caves are a popular place to visit. Deep within the Narusawa Caves is a large training ground that is only available to shinobi of jounin level or above. One of the caves' exits opens to one of the highest points in Iwagakure, providing a beautiful view of the village and surrounding mountains. This spot is particularly popular among young lovers.

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