Akagijin

Example Female Names: Taguchi Mizuki, Aoki Kou, Miya Aika, Okita Nao

Example Male Names: Ozaki Kunio, Seki Yasushi, Miura Masayoshi, Sako Eiji

The Akagijin follow Japanese naming conventions, with the surname preceding the given name.

The Isles of Crimson Mist are a profoundly mysterious place, even to the inhabitants. The only explanation for the perpetual fog present on the isles is that the place serves as the border between the realm of man and the realm of spirits, with the haze serving as a blurry transition. Given the highly superstitious and spiritual nature of the Akagijin, there exists a plethora of local myths and legends, most often regarding stray or corrupted spirits lurking among the mists. Inhabitants of the isles are typically reserved and quiet, believing that unnecessary words are meaningless, and that to truly understand someone’s intentions, one needs to do more than simply listen. Out of all values, the one held to be most important is self-actualization. Akagjin society heavily emphasizes the viability of mortals to achieve divine status through perfection and purity of self. As such, individuals are appraised on a basis of piety, wisdom, and conduct. Many expect others to hold themselves to the highest possible standard, and in return, will treat them with respect to receive the same due diligence. This, however, is merely an ideal and does not reflect the reality of the isles: people continue to hold grudges, harbor malevolence, and give in to temptation. As such, shrine visits for the purpose of cleansing and purification are central to the lives of the Akagijin. Priestesses and attendants occupy extremely well-regarded positions, as they are believed to be a key component of attaining spiritual immaculateness.   Almost all Akagijin speak Akagigo and Common.

Religion

As with all Lotus State nations, Akagi derives its main belief system from the Great Cosmic Dragon. Their particular name for the entity is Ryujin (Dragon King). Their particular branch focuses on the belief that mortals are capable of integrating themselves into the hoard of the Great Cosmic Dragon once they attain spiritual purity. Given that the treasure trove of concepts represents ‘perfection’, the life goal of many Akagijin is to strive to get as close as possible to self-idealization. In pursuit of this, rituals are conducted in a decentralized system of shrines, with each locality often containing a few designated sacred grounds. Common practices involve cleansing oneself with spring water, or writing one’s wicked thoughts down on slips of parchment and burning them. As every individual is contracted to a particular concept from the Great Cosmic Dragon’s hoard, each residence, regardless of wealth or status, contains an offering altar to their respective conceptual spirit.

Family

Family is regarded as the center of one’s life as a child. One should revere and obey one’s mother and father. One should listen to the words of one’s elder sisters and brothers. One should cherish and protect one’s younger sisters and brothers. However, once a certain age is reached (often at around eighteen), Akagijin are expected to embark on a journey of self-discovery in the pursuit of purity. Whether their travels take them merely around their home, or to distant shores, they are only given the blessing of their family, with no material gifts. After a year away from their family, they are permitted to return, whether or not they found their answers. It is the period of independence and self-sufficiency that is believed to be crucial to one’s spiritual development.  

Food

The Akagijin eat small portions, but take care to ensure that the allotments are sufficient for both sustenance and satisfaction. Culinarians consider themselves artists, and when viewing the elegant, picturesque dishes from the misty isles, visitors have compared their beauty to that of jewelry. It is this precision in selection and moderation in consumption that allows for the isles to retain its natural beauty. Seafood from the nearby waters provides a sizable portion of the population’s diet, with the rest being fruits, vegetables, and grains harvested from small farms and gardens. Meat is considered a delicacy for special occasions, but there is little objection to having the occasional fowl or flank.

Both male and female Akagijin typically wear long-sleeved garments that are wrapped about the front of the body and folded over. The length of the cloth differs depending on locality for practical purposes, but it is not uncommon for the hem of the garment to fall around ankle-length. Male attire is dull in coloration, using colors like blue, grey, black, and brown. Female attire, in stark contrast, is often marked with bright, eye-catching hues like red, violet, and gold. These garments are patterned with motifs pertaining to the wearer’s spirit guardian, whether it be an animal, plant, or object.  

Accessories

Given the constant low-visibility setting of the isles as a whole, a common accessory for one to wear is a silver or gold bell, either within one’s hair or around one’s neck. These bells can be as simple or intricate as the wearer desires, but refusing to wear one is considered taboo. In terms of additional decor, flowers and feathers are common adornments for one’s hair. Large ribbons made of silk can often be tied around the waist, or pinned in the hair. Wooden sandals are a popular option for footwear. Most Akagijin will carry a small lantern, a hand-fan, and a small, silver recreation of their contracted spirit.

Many Akagijin, regardless of profession or position, pursue art as yet another possible pathway to perfection. The ability to express one’s heart and soul, whether it be through song, script, or stroke. Common mediums are watercolors, calligraphy, carpentry, and papercraft. There exists, however, a widespread philosophy that one should treat their craft as an artform. Just as a painter must strive to capture the essence of his muse, a swordsmith must strive to forge metal to near-peak form, in hopes of searching for answers to one’s self-idealization.