Nakahonia

Geography

Climate

Natural Disasters

Major Geographical Features

The Nakai Mountains are the second tallest mountain range in Ashihara and have historically isolated Nakahonia from the rest of the world, except for a small strip of land along the southwestern portion which connects to Kushatani. Through this narrow corridor, cultural innovations have been able to enter Nakahonia. Even in modern times, the mountains remain a formidable barrier, making travel through them impractical. However, with the increasing availability of naval transportation, circumventing the mountains has become a more viable option.

The Daya Mountains are a massive range that divides the western region of Nakahonia from the rest of the land. They are known for their abundance of mineral resources and serve as home to various mountain yokai and tribes.

According to local legend, the Daya Mountains were formed after a powerful kami, or spirit, was slain in ancient times. As the kami's body fell to the earth, its massive form caused the land to quake and heave, forming the rugged peaks and valleys of the mountain range. The kami's power was said to have infused the mountains with a fierce energy that has endured to this day, attracting adventurers and seekers of wealth and power to brave the treacherous terrain in search of the mountains' hidden treasures.

The Tahan Mountains in the northeast are a relatively small range that creates a partially isolated coastal region, characterized by numerous coastal caverns, bays, and cliffs. The cities and towns along this coast are bustling centers of commerce, with a high volume of shipping traffic passing through the nearby Kaminari Channel, which serves as a key trade route to Izumo, Kumamori, and western Yamatai.

The Zaitun Peninsula, situated to the west of the Daya Mountains and bordered by the Orochi Sea to the west, is a predominantly low-lying region characterized by vast marshlands and floodplains. Despite this, the region is a crucial hub in the trade routes that run along the Orochi Sea, with numerous prosperous city-states located along its coast. The peninsula's strategic location has made it a coveted prize throughout history, with numerous conflicts having been fought over its control.

The Surya Peninsula is situated along Nakahonia's eastern coast and extends into the sea in a north-south direction. The peninsula is connected to the mainland in the middle, forming large bays that have become the region's largest ocean ports. However, the Surya Peninsula has also been known for its history of smuggling activity, with numerous hideouts located in and around the peninsula. Smugglers from Nakahonia and neighboring regions have used the peninsula as a base for their operations, taking advantage of its strategic location and many coves and inlets. Despite efforts by foreign governments to crack down on smuggling, the Surya Peninsula remains a popular spot for illicit activity on the high seas.

The Nankai Hills are situated in the central region of Nakahonia and act as a natural boundary between the southern and northern regions. The hills are notorious for being a site of constant conflict and tension between various rival clans.

Lake Sasi is the third largest lake in Ashihara and is situated in the northern central region of Nakahonia. Apart from being a significant hub for regional trade, the lake has also gained immense cultural and religious importance in Nakahonia. It is steeped in numerous legends and along its coasts was home to the capital of the Nakhatia Empire, the only Empire to have nearly united the region.

Cultures

Nakhan

The northern Nakhan culture is well known as the Crossroads between the regions of Izumo, Kushatani, and Yamatai. The Nakhan maintains a distinctive culture, valuing Fairness, honesty, and humbleness. This aspect has led the Nakhan to arbiters in Nakahonia disputes, historically being a leader among as the first to adopt aspects of Kushatani. More recently the Nakhon have served as a neutral ground between conflicting powers as the world becomes more connected. The Nakhan are well known craftsmen, from clocks to other hand crafted items whose quality stands out against industrialized mass production. In part this comes from Nakhan's willingness to accept non-humans into their ranks; Yosei, kitsune, and Tanuki have assisted in establishing their industries.

Venlai

The western Venlai are a people innately tied to the water, much of their land is swamps and then further surrounded by sea which lead to the Venlai being fishers and Sailors. Culturally the Venlai are more closely related to that of Kushatani at times due the Susa Protectorate colonization, adapting Susa gods, dress, and language. The Venlai see themselves as equals to the Susa, but many are committed to the Protectorate, serving in the navy, merchant fleet, with the largest Protectorate city being a Venlai city. Still the Venlai despise the ruthlessness that the Susa pursue trade, and disregard the promotion of its culture and religion. In this the Venlai prefer a balanced approach, arguing to deals based on mutual trust and promotion of culture and religion, especially in the Protectorate colonies.

Liranese

The Liranese are coastal mountainous people, making their living from the sea. Most settlements are located either in valleys or coastal coves, because of which the Liranese have developed a form of terraced farming to deal with limited agriculture suited land. The Coves have become the home of pirate groups both local and foreign which raid the international trade which travel between Izumo and Kushatani. The Liranese have a culture that is communal based, with the good of many prioritized over a few, but has started to break down over disagreements about Industrialization and foreign involvement. The Liranese in particular have greatly been affected by Yamatai trade whose sheer industry has devastated local craftsmen and Artisans as Zaibatsu move in with their products in exchange Liranese mining and fishing industries have boomed. Many of the devastated have become migrant labor, in Yamatai, Izumo, or on the Sinraja Plantations.

Ralenthia

The Ralenthia are the most war-like, only loosely united over jungle, hills, and floodplains, and have a history of disunity. The short unification ended not long ago, and foreign involvement of mercenaries and weapons in the ongoing civil war has only intensified the conflict between warlords. Despite this the wars provide opportunities for promotion in a normally stratified society. Most Ralenthia through are subsistence farmers, occasionally logging to make extra, with limited cotton plantations being operated by the warlords. The Ralenthia value traditional customs heavily, with ritualized combat before battle being considered important by the Ralenthia, in addition to ritualized meetings and procedures, common more among the warlords but to a smaller degree the peasants. The Ralenthia are heavily reluctant to engage with foreigners unless necessary, and minorities within their territory being pressured to adopt mainstream Ralenthia culture.

Sinraja

The Sinraja are an agriculture based society, centered around the cultivation of cash crops, such as sugar, coffee, various spices, and tropical fruits. The Sinraja society is centered around the plantation, with labor intensive requirements leading to a large poor labor class with concentrated control among wealthy landowners pushing out smaller substantive farmers. The Sinraja have become reliant on the export of these goods, selling in every corner of the world, but this in turn has caused the Sinraja to become reliant on foreign import of food and industrial goods.

Religion

The Religion of Nakahonia is a mix of Kushatani, Izumo, and Yamatai traditions, with most native religions having been abandoned or disregarded except for one. The Nakahonia only native god still widely worshiped is the Lost god, a figure without a name or face, but which has become a refuge for the lost, particular children. Most of the Lost gods shrines also double as orphanages, with the Lost god said to find and protect children who lost their parents, and are now alone. The Lost god has limited attention outside of Nakahonia, with orphanages and similar organizations using his symbols.