The World - Geography and cities

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KODAMA

Imperial Flag of Kodama

Known as the center of the world, Kodama is a country named for it's most identifying feature, the World Tree. The World Tree is so enormous that it remains visible from the mountains of Oni-Ryoudo to the furthest reaches of the Wastes. The lowlands of Kodama are covered in dense jungle and rocky land, remaining mostly uninhabited by man.

The Imperial City

The Kodama Tree itself supports an entire state in it's mighty branches. This sprawling city has been built upon and within the tree, where people may live from birth to death without stepping foot on the soil far below. The city is divided by branches, which serve as hubs of activity, and divide the castes from each other.

Umibe

This city serves as a major fishing and trading dock for the Imperial City. Umibe is known for it's vast fleets of fishing vessels, and is also the primary location of Kodama's Navy. The bulk of the city has been built upon the high land, with many homes closer to the sea on stilts to avoid flooding.

Nishiko

Nishiko is a small fishing village to the west of Kodama, known for it's independent nature. Nishiko has remained firmly rooted in old ways, resisting technology and government control. The people of Nishiko are hunters, gatherers, and fishers primarily. Nishiko warriors are known to use blowguns with poisoned darts, and will defend their village at any cost.

Minamijoo

This fortress, sister city of Kitajoo, was created to defend Kodama against the Oni invasion. This fortress would later become home to a Numachi Daimyo who taxed Kodama for Emperor Hiraku. The Kodama rebels eventually killed the Daimyo, and shortly after Kodama was declared independent. It now guards Kodama against encroachment from the north. Minamijoo and Kitajoo are fierce rivals, despite a shared interest in trade.


BORO / BURJ

Flag of Boro/Burj

This fortress city was created by Kodama after their armies were defeated in the first contact battle with the Akuma. Created to serve as a safeguard against invasion, the city walls are made from thick stone. However, with peace between the races, Boro has become a neutral trade site, under shared rule and protection with Akuma. It is one of the few places in Kodama that Ningen are not the majority race.


SEA OF MANA

A sea only by name, this vast body of fresh water lies in between all of the states. Fed constantly by the snow of the Banshi Mountains, the lake distributes fresh water across many smaller rivers and streams. As the primary source of fresh water other than rivers and the sky, the Sea of Mana is considered a blessing and revered by all. The surface of the sea has seen many naval battles in the past, but in these times it's waters are disturbed only by fishing and trade expeditions. Even so, the Sea of Mana is not without it's dangers, as any sailor can profess. Many ships have fallen prey to rough sea storms, and others become the target of pirates. Some ships have disappeared mysteriously, amongst rumors of sea monsters. The Sea of Mana is home to the Naga, the mythic serpentine race.


NUMACHI

Imperial Flag of Numachi

Known for it's vast marshes and endless fields of rice, Numachi is a dissolved empire, with many independent city states. These provinces vary in nature, from cruel taxation to generous prosperity. Some historians believe that Numachi may be the original birthplace of the Ninjen, or "humans," who now dominate the world. There is no denying that Numachi is marked by the passage of man, with signs of ancient civilization lost in the depths of swamps. Much of this unexplored territory is home to the wild Vanara, remaining impassable to humans due to thick vegetation and deadly wildlife.

Kitajoo

This ruined fortress, sister city of Minamijoo, shares a very similar history. Kitajoo was created to defend Kodama against the Oni invasion, but unlike Minamijoo, it would eventually be defeated and razed. While still heavily fortified, Kitajoo has been rebuilt primarily to serve as a trade village. Minamijoo and Kitajoo are fierce rivals, despite a shared interest in trade.

Kippu Ryokan

While not a city per say, Kippu Ryokan is a well known location to many travelers and traders. Near the branch of the river stands an enormous Inn and Tavern, serving as a hub between cities. Kippu Ryokan is named for it's late founder, an eccentric Vanara by the name of Kippu. Over time the size and services provided have grown, and small homes have began to spring up in the area.

Takagake

This small village is home to both Tengu and Ningen. The local Daimyo realized that the Tengu-ji Monks needed a location to trade for goods that could not be produced on the isle, and thus Takagake was created. The Tengu have mixed feelings about this village, some Monks believe the Ningen are too close for comfort. However, this trade city is only continuing to grow with it's success.

Niko

This farming city, known as Dojhilom to the Vanara workers, is one of the largest provinces in Numachi. Niko's primary export is rice, and in fact this one city produces more rice than any of the other nations combined. Niko is ruled by a rich Daimyo, and a large portion of the city's profit is harshly taxed.

Tataraba

This fortress city is located in the center of a shallow lake, built up from below the surface. Tataraba is an ironsand smelting village, Originally created as a safeguard against the Oni armies. This fortress is now fiercely guarded from greedy Daimyo, defended by cannoneers and soldiers equipped with matchlock guns. Tataraba trades primarily in iron and gunpowder. The people of Tataraba are fiercely independent, and this town welcomes the poor and unfortunate.

Tsurishi

This village is quite similar to Umibe, serving as the primary port of Numachi. Tsurishi has a massive fishing fleet, which is often the target of Naga attacks. Tsurishi is ruled benevolently by it's aging Daimyo, but maintains a strong military presence.


BANSHI MOUNTAINS

These mountains were formed long ago by natural geological processes, some of which continue to this day. The southern peaks are coated with a permanent blanket of snow, providing a constant source of fresh water into the Sea of Mana. These snowy peaks are covered in alpine forests, inhabited by a variety of wildlife. Far away on the spine of the northern ranges, sparse plants and hardy animals struggle to survive in the intense heat and dry air. Here the ground rumbles with the threats of active volcanoes, and the canyons provide an endless and deadly maze.


AKUMA

This land was formed long ago when a meteorite impacted the Banshi Mountains, forming a large impact crater. Within this protected valley small villages were formed, those that had the benefit of life-giving water would prosper while their neighbors collapsed. Akuma is a land divided into many separate kingdoms, which are constantly at war and under political change.

Sirat al-Jahim

Few outsiders have ever lain eyes upon the beautiful valley of the Akuma and survived. The pass entering the crater is decorated with the rotting bodies and bleached bones of trespassers. This narrow cliff is defended by soldiers both dead and alive, and few dare enter without a seasoned guide and soldiers.

Al Riyadh

Royal Flag of Al Riyadh Kingdom

Known for it's aqueducts and vast gardens, Al Riyadh is the pinnacle of Akuma civilization. While it is often the center of revolution and regicide, it has remained mostly unchanged for centuries. This kingdom produces the bulk of Akuma's food, with it's fresh water and fields of green contrasting against the primarily dry and arid land outside it's gates.

Amjad

Royal Flag of Amjad Kingdom

This kingdom is built upon the ruins of an even older fortress city, all traces of it's creator have been lost to the sands. The strong stone walls form a defense against jealous neighbors, and protect the people from sandstorms. This city is overpopulated, with homes crowded close together. Fed by a pair of rivers, Amjad produces grains and breads primarily for it's own use.

Essam

Royal Flag of Essam Kingdom

This is one of the most successful kingdoms of Akuma, having a strong trade base and serving as a traveling hub. Essam is a mix of traditional and outside cultures, with peasants and mercenaries living in close proximity. Essam is often known as the "City of One Thousand Assassins," and is under constant political change.

ONI-RYOUDO

Territorial Flag of Oni-Ryoudo

This volcanic and savage land is inhabited by the Oni-jin, or "the Ogre People." The land possesses few permanent features, as the volcanic floes serve to constantly shape the geography. Jagged rocks and canyons make up the bulk of the terrain, thrust from the earth. The temperature ranges from hot to unbearable, and there is no true signs of seasons here. Only the most rugged shrubs and weeds survive, and the animals that make this place home are known for exceptional toughness.

Boeki

The only major city of the Oni, Boeki is little more than a collection of tent villages. It serves as a hub of trade, primarily in gold mined by slaves. Numachi merchants risk the dangers of Oni territory to sell their wares at greatly increased prices to the Oni, who in turn barter with their native countrymen for other goods and services. Boeki is extremely dangerous, and trade is often performed by armed warriors.

TENGU-JI ISLE

Territorial Flag of Tengu-Ji Island

This island rests on the edge of the state of Numachi, but it owes it's allegiances to no country. Nevertheless, the Tengu islanders are considered allies by Numachi and come and go as they please. The island's only man made landmark is the Tengu-ji, or "the Tengu Temple." The Tengu use this island as a meeting place, holding festivals and gatherings here. However, only Tengu monks stay here year round. The Tengu monks that dwell in this temple spend their days in study of nature, practicing ritual skills of medicine and martial arts.


THE WASTES & SANZUKEN MOUNTAINS

The vast deserts of the west were once vibrant, home to a state long forgotten. When Oroborus flooded the world, the unfortunate land was changed, now all that is left is dry dunes as far as the eye can see. It is rumored that deep in the desert lies the ruins of a vast city, filled with untold riches. However, no maps have charted it's location.

Sakuzen Gates

These great gates and battlements once formed a defense against the outside world, but now the ruins serve only as a home for Nezumi, and prime hunting grounds for Slavers. The gates into the Wastes remain firmly closed, yet the Nezumi know secret paths and tunnels to bypass them.

Nezumi no Dokutsu

In these times the deserts are occupied only by the Nezumi-jin, who have found paths between oasis and caverns which they use to survive. Many Nezumi live in the shadowy caves of the Sanzuken Mountains, within canyon lands that provide some protection from constant sandstorms. Deep underground aquifers provide fresh water, fed by the mountain peaks above.