The Shogunate of Kyokai

Name of Country: Kyokai (formed from the words gate Kaimon and Rising Sun Kyokujitsu to mean, "Gates to the Rising Sun"

Nickname: Kyokai - people would be termed as the Kyokai, or even Kyokan.

Race: Human - Kyokan

Motto: Eizoku-sei o Kaishite Danketsu wa, Chishiki no Kyōdo — "Strength in Unity, Knowledge through Persistence"

Flag:
Location (on map): Teal island nations by the center.

Various Symbols: The Rising Sun (as with the flag), The Mountain Hawk-Eagle (National Bird), Sakura Blossoms (National Tree), Cicadas (National Insect), Pond Koi (National Fish), Kyokan Tree Frog (National Amphibian)

Leader Title: Shogun

Leader Name: Ieyasu Torunaga

Capital: Eidou

State Religion:

Shinto - many local deities, some being national such as the Goddess of the Moon (Amaterasu), the God of the Sun (Susanoo), the God of the Moon (Tsukuyomi), the God of Life (Izanagi), and finally the Goddess of Death (Izanami). Though religion is held in high esteem to the people of Kyokai, it isn't necessary, thus is formed a sort of freedom to practice any religion.

Political Overview:

The Shogun is the supreme ruler of the nation, however any and all legislation travels through the Bakufu (Shogunal govt. apparatus). The Bakufu is made up of prefectural leaders named the Daimyo. The fiefs they own are further divided into zones that their own appointed Kage will look after. Leadership, though closely knit, is still rather feudal.

Though the final word, and most power is invested in the Shogun, checks and balances seem to persist as important family is taken as collateral. To insure stability, and non-aggression, the old Pre-Shogunal tradition of Daimyo-Shogunal human collateral is used - this meaning that during certain times of the year the Shogun agrees to send a family member to live with a Daimyo, and a Daimyo's family member to live with the Shogun. The prior use of this was essentially a mutual threat of cooperation - if a Daimyo pulled anything in the Bakufu, their family member's life was at stake, and vice versa. Because the Daimyo are chosen by the Shogun, and thus deemed trustworthy, this practice is often just used as a precaution.

Other than the power of the Shogunate, there is still a figurehead Emperor. Though they do not hold any political power, they hold an important part in Kyokai's culture and tradition. Currently, the Emperor's domain lies within Tenken, which is the reason why the city doesn't have a Daimyo or Kage.

Economic Overview:

The economy is, and always has been directly controlled by the Bakufu. Currency is dictated by the amount of crops one town or city can produce in a year, aptly named the Kokujin system. In this system, an amount of currency backed by both gold and the Kokujin is taxed. The taxes however, in most cases, are kept relatively bearable unless the economy were to dive into a recession.
The Bakufu, under guidance from the Shogun, controls how and for what the capital is used. Because of the powers and influence of rival countries, Kyokai has taken it upon themselves to remain as self-sufficient as possible.

National History:

Kyokai's lineage dates back to pre-history. It's history starts as largely clan-based and spread out over the land. The first peoples of the country were mountaineers and lived rough lives. Kyokai has a history rich with warfare as well as cultural advancement. Before a Shogunate was instated as a centralized government in 794 AD, clans fought for control of land, territories, and, of course power over others.

By the year 1450 however, the [Torunaga] Shogunate had grown large, centralized, and powerful. Clans no longer vied for control through violent wars, but rather representation within the Bakufu. The Torunaga is the fifth and most successful Shogun line to date. The first Shogun of that line was Iemura Torunaga, who created the nation's first banks, modernized weapons, and code of laws. Deemed as his most grand achievement was his opening the borders to the west. His great grandson has continued the Shogunate for nearly 60 (more) years, being Ieyasu Torunaga in the current year of 1570.

Political Systems: Feudal Shogunate (Military Dictatorship)

Economic Systems: Feudalistic / Controlled - Hybrid Mercantilism (Trade and economics are controlled by the Bakufu, and nobility [Daimyos/Kage] control most wealth. However, everyone else down to the peasantry can enjoy economic and social mobility)

Important Resources: Steel, Iron, Gold, Silver, Diamonds, Fish, Rice (Staple crop), Chicken, Beef, Sugar, Oil, Coal, Dark Ore (NOTE: ONLY AVAILABLE AND PRODUCED IN KYOKAI)

Significant Figures:

- Ieyasu Torunaga (Current Shogun)
- Heianhito (Emperor Heian)
- Shingan Takeda (Daimyo of Negasaki)
- Keishi Uesugi (Daimyo of Ezojima)
- Nobutame Oda (Daimyo of Tsukishima)
- Kanato Uematsu (Daimyo of Fushima)
- Sawatari Senju (Daimyo of Sendai)
- Retsu Sakurada (Daimyo of Yukijima)
- Oyajii Sonozaki (Daimyo of Hinamizawa)
- Senzo Komomura (Daimyo of Onigafuji)
- Genshin Iwamaru (Hatamoto)
- Kenshi Yutagane (Regent of War)
- Jun Maebara (Regent of Commerce)
- Noburo Oishi (Regent of Foreign Affairs)
- Eizo Demigawa (Regent of Domestic Affairs)

Societal Overview:

Though the use of the term "military dictatorship" would be seen as synonymous with corruption and injustice, the Shogunate is well liked by the people in general. Advisers to the Shogun, namely the Hatamoto have long since the ancient times traveled amongst the people to help form their Lord's policy.
The Shogun uses his Hatamoto to discern what his people would like from the government, and acts upon it. Of course, the Bakufu doesn't act as a Congress or Senate – there are no written checks and balances (exception being human collateral). However, in regards to such, it is within Kyokai's customs, tradition, and nature to abide to the laws written down and to keep the family's and country's honor.

On the other hand, unwritten law has allowed the people to rise up against a tyrannical Shogun should the need arise – this has never been used since the Shogunate's formation.

Within society, there is a hierarchical ladder that the people have been separated into. Poor, Middle, and Noble classes are but three links in a rather long chain. Within the class system, there exists sub-classes from highest in power to lowest.

-Shogun
-Emperor (only figurehead but regarded as divine)
--Imperial Aristocracy (those of the Imperial family)
-Daimyo
-Hatamoto
-Kage
-Samurai (law enforcers and military)
-[Commercial] Farmer
-Merchant
-Peasant
-Eta (lowest of hierarchical order – exceedingly difficult for social mobility)

The Eta are essentially foreigners, properly called Gaijin. Though Kyokai generally enjoys visitors, foreigners who seek to live there will find it hard to become comfortable at first (in some areas). Eta as a word is derogatory, whereas Gaijin is the proper term meaning "foreigner". As stated above, social mobility is tough (but do-able) as opportunity is rare for these people. This is likely due to the fact that the country is 99% Kyokan and only 1% other ethnicities.

Geographical Overview: The main island is rather large and hosts the densest population of Kyokai. Much of the north, due to the climate, has two large snow-capped mountain ranges: the Ichinose Mountains, and the Fukushima Mountains. The north, as well as much of the rest of the country is mountainous or hilly. Below the grand peaks are vast valleys of green grasslands and forests of Banzai and Evergreen. Within these forests and valleys, animals such as deer, various birds, and smaller mammals can be found. The Mountain Hawk-Eagle is most prevalent in these parts of Kyokai.

Toward the south, within the Sub-Tropical Belt of Kyokai, forests transform into dense jungles. There, indigenous palm trees and fruit trees. In this section of Kyokai, rice paddies are more common because of the perfect weather conditions. The Kyokai Tree Frog also is found here and is protected by the government as a national Amphibian.


Climate Overview: Temperate, Sub-Tropical (in the south)

Because of the country's positioning upon the globe, out of many nations, Kyokai tends to experience many oceanic storms such as Hurricanes, Typhoons, and more notably Tsunami's. Earthquakes occur frequently, however most tend to be mild on the Richter scale.

Much of the year, parts of the country have "Rainy Seasons" in which the harvests tend to ironically do quite well. Farmers have ways to anticipate heavy rain fall and will harvest accordingly for optimal picking. In the more sub-tropical areas of the country, forests and jungles grow lush, while toward the north in the temperate zones four seasons are apparent. In the north, snow is extremely frequent during the winters and can many-times be prone to violent blizzard conditions.

Technological Overview:

Technology, since the formation of the Shogunate, has long progressed to the same status as those countries to its west. This is likely due to the introduction of foreign trade and influences - Pre-Shogunal Kyokai was isolated, and thus would have been considered far inferior to other nations. Because of Kyokai's rapid advancement in technologies ranging from domestic use to purely military, the country has become rather self-sufficient economically.

With the introduction to the gunpowder revolution, Kyokai has taken advantage of the use in firearms. Cannon (many bombard-model), flintlock muskets, and smooth-bore long-rifles are used in conjunction with the traditional weapons of Kyokai: The steel katana (regarded as the best sword of them all), the short-bow, and pole-blades like the Naginata or Yari (spear).

Kyokai, out of most other nations, has been advancing far into the fields of medical science. Using both traditional herbal remedies, as well as more advanced methods of discovery, Kyokai boasts one of the healthiest populations and medical facilities in the world.

Military Overview:

The military is largely dominated by two hierarchical factions - the Irregulars, and the Samurai. All in all, the military is directly controlled by the Shogun himself. The Irregulars are last-resort soldiers who usually volunteer as any form of drafting is banned in the Shogunate under the pretense that they would rather have soldiers who want to fight, then poor peasants who know not how to carry a weapon. Irregulars receive the training in both hand-to-hand combat (martial arts), swordsmanship, and some firearms training.

The Samurai, who hold a high class in social and military hierarchy are blood-line warriors. Being Samurai is a way of life, as they follow the Bushido Code. They are largely fanatic, pledge undying allegiance to the Shogun, and are extremely fierce warriors. The Samurai traditionally carry two katana (and their sub-variants) as is their prime right, as well as firearms. Their training is usually conducted through their childhood. By the age of at least seven, most are training intensely in the use of the katana and Yumi bow. By the time they join the military forces, they should gain training in warfare and the use of firearms. They are the best trained out of all the conventional forces.

Samurai and Irregulars are also trained in sea combat, as the country is notably an island continent. Because fishing is a large focus for exports, many people already know how to sail, however aquatic warfare is taught as well to a point.

The Shinsengumi (Newly Selected Corps) are one of two specialty units within the Shogunal Military. These soldiers (many times Samurai) are extensively trained and considered the very best of the best. Mostly used as Special Paramilitary Police, the Shinsengumi are specialists in all forms of warfare, espionage, and should be hindered in battle. They are identifiable through their rather flamboyant uniform which is the traditional kimono and hakama of the Samurai, plus a light blue Haori Jacket and beneath that special Dark Ore armor. Their weapons carried are made of the very same metal however purified and melded for less weight and usefulness on the battlefield.


The Teisatsubutai (Reconnaissance Force) [Pronunciation: T-ae-saht-soo-boo-tah-ee]

A general term for the specialty units that are normally tasked with recon operations, gathering intelligence, and espionage. They do not make an appearance within conventional battalions as they are also specialized in the limited use of arcane magic. Elemental magic runs through these soldiers and is a prime factor into their being chosen for the Teisatsubutai. Much like the Shinsengumi - they are highly trained, efficient, and answer only to the Shogun himself.

Kyokai's New Model Army

-- DURING CIVIL WAR / BAKUMATSU

Previously, before the Bakumatsu, the military was primarily melee coordinated. The largest core of the military was indeed the Samurai and rank and file was not as important when it came to the standing troops. Since the first battle of the Bakumatsu - The Battle for Tsukishima - thing have begun to change. Realizing the need for newer battle tactics and strategy, the Shogun ordered the complete revamp of the currently standing Shogunal Army.

The core of the army has now become the Ashigaru Musketeer. Their primary duty is long range, however melee and hand to hand combat. Tennen-Rishin Ryu combat technique has been adapted as the standard close quarters combat style for troops, being a style in which the utilization of both weapons and the body can be used to kill an enemy. This style is incorporated into basic Military Combat Training of course. Of course, only the standard practice may be taught, while the more advanced training is preserved for melee combat specialists and special forces such as the Shinsengumi or Teisatsubutai.

Uniforms are also standardized - Ashigaru wear matching robes, wear Sakkat hats, and a protective breastplate for shielding against stray musket balls, shrapnel, and blade attacks. Colors notifiable - red, black, and white.

WIP