The Owai Free Nations are a group of nations who liberated themselves back from the Tang Dynasty and seperated themselves from
Oskuwa to become their own rules. Even though there is an alliance between these cities, it is not always peaceful.
These nations include:
- Karanga
- Seishone
- Ragatan
- Yokuba
The Free Cities of Owai are a collection of seven powerful, independent city-states in the southern region of the continent, beyond the Oda Strip. These cities were once part of the vast Oskuwan Empire but gained their independence during the Great Rebellion against the Tsang Dynasty. Although each city is fiercely autonomous and ruled by a Dyomo, they collectively form the Council of Regents—a governing body that manages inter-city relations and coordinates defense against external threats, particularly the looming menace of the Tsang Dynasty.
The Free Cities are known for their complex political intrigues, thriving economies, and martial traditions. Despite their unity against a common enemy, the cities are often embroiled in subtle power struggles, with each Dyomo vying for supremacy while carefully avoiding full-scale civil war that could weaken them in the face of the Tsang Dynasty.
Political Structure
Dyomo and Vyamo:
Dyomo: Each of the seven Free Cities is ruled by a Dyomo, a title that translates to "Lord of the City." The Dyomos wield absolute power within their territories, governing their lands with a mix of military might, political acumen, and, in some cases, spiritual authority. They are the ultimate authority in their respective cities, making decisions on everything from trade policies to military strategy.
Vyamo: Serving directly under the Dyomos are the Vyamo, who are powerful vassals entrusted with governing fiefs within the city’s domain. These fiefs are often small towns, villages, or key territories that contribute to the city's overall wealth and power. In return for their loyalty and service, Vyamos receive protection and the right to collect taxes from their lands. Vyamos are also expected to provide military support to their Dyomo in times of conflict.
Council of Regents:
The Council of Regents is a governing body composed of the seven Dyomos. The council meets periodically to discuss matters of mutual interest, such as defense strategies, trade agreements, and diplomatic relations. While the council serves as a platform for cooperation, it is also a stage for political maneuvering, as each Dyomo seeks to expand their influence and undermine rivals without triggering a full-scale war that could allow the Tsang Dynasty to reclaim control.
The council's decisions are often a result of complex negotiations and shifting alliances, with each Dyomo balancing their ambitions against the need for unity in the face of external threats. While open conflict is rare, the council sessions are fraught with tension, as every Dyomo eyes the vacant seat of ultimate power over all Free Cities.
The Elite Warrior Caste: Daikama
Daikama: The Daikama are the elite warrior caste of the Free Cities, comparable to the knights of Enther. They are highly trained in martial arts and warfare, with their iconic weapon being the katana. Daikama warriors are not just soldiers but also serve as protectors of the noble class and enforcers of the Dyomos' will.
Roles and Responsibilities: Beyond their military duties, Daikama may also serve as Vyamo, governing fiefs on behalf of their Dyomo. They are expected to uphold a strict code of honor, emphasizing loyalty, bravery, and mastery of the sword. The Daikama's loyalty to their Dyomo is absolute, and they are often involved in the political machinations of their cities, acting as both bodyguards and political enforcers.
Major Cities of the Free Cities
1. Karanga: The City of Iron Discipline
Ruler: Dyomo Heihachi Homura
Overview: Karanga is the largest and most militarized of the Free Cities, ruled by the fearsome Dyomo Heihachi Homura. Known for his iron-fisted rule and unmatched strategic mind, Heihachi commands the Seifuku Zaibatsu, a formidable personal army that is both feared and respected by the other Dyomos. Karanga is a city of discipline, where order and loyalty are paramount, and the military presence is strongly felt in every aspect of life.
Seifuku Zaibatsu: This elite military force is loyal only to Heihachi and is known for its ruthless efficiency and unbreakable discipline. The Zaibatsu soldiers are rigorously trained from a young age, and their loyalty to Heihachi is matched only by their skill in combat. The Seifuku Zaibatsu's presence ensures that Karanga remains secure from both internal dissent and external threats.
2. Ratagan: The City of Converts
Ruler: Dyomo Anjin Okydo
Overview: Ratagan, the second largest of the Free Cities, is unique among its peers for its religious divergence. Dyomo Anjin Okydo, known as an Osu (a convert), has embraced the western religion of The Five, distancing himself and his city from the traditional Wushen beliefs that dominate the rest of Owai. This religious shift has led to tension with the other Dyomos, who view Anjin's faith with suspicion and, in some cases, hostility.
Cultural and Religious Tensions: Under Anjin's rule, Ratagan has become a center for the followers of The Five, attracting converts and religious scholars from across Owai and even beyond. The city's architecture reflects this blend of cultures, with grand temples dedicated to The Five standing alongside traditional Oskuwan structures. Despite its differences, Ratagan remains a powerful and wealthy city, leveraging its position as a religious and cultural crossroads to maintain influence within the Free Cities.
Other Notable Free Cities
3. Yokuba: The City of Scholars
Ruler: Dyomo Kaede Fushimi
Overview: Tsumago is renowned for its academies and libraries, making it the intellectual heart of the Free Cities. Ruled by the wise Dyomo Kaede Fushimi, the city is a hub for scholars, philosophers, and alchemists. Tsumago's wealth comes not from its military might but from its knowledge and the trade of rare manuscripts, potions, and magical artifacts.
4. Hakyama: The City of Merchants
Ruler: Dyomo Masaru Shigenobu
Overview: Hakama is the wealthiest of the Free Cities, located on the coast and thriving on trade. Ruled by Dyomo Masaru Shigenobu, a shrewd and ambitious leader, Hakama is a city where commerce reigns supreme. The city’s markets are bustling with goods from across Aigea, and its navy ensures the safety of its merchant fleet.
5. Seishone: The Fortress City
Ruler: Dyomo Kaito Matsunaga
Overview: Iwane is the most fortified of the Free Cities, strategically located on a plateau surrounded by natural barriers. Dyomo Kaito Matsunaga is a master tactician, and under his rule, Iwane has become an impregnable bastion. The city is known for its massive walls, defensive fortifications, and the elite Iwane Guard, who are second only to the Daikama in terms of martial prowess.
6. Sado: The Hidden City
Ruler: Dyomo Ryoko Takeda
Overview: Sado is shrouded in mystery, nestled in the dense forests at the foot of the Lost East mountains. Dyomo Ryoko Takeda governs with an air of secrecy, and Sado is known for its assassins and spies who gather intelligence from across Owai. The city’s economy is driven by the trade of rare herbs, poisons, and information.
7. Yonaguni: The City of Artisans
Ruler: Dyomo Haruto Akiyama
Overview: Yonaguni is a city dedicated to the arts and craftsmanship, ruled by the cultured Dyomo Haruto Akiyama. The city is famous for its master craftsmen who produce exquisite weapons, armor, and art pieces that are highly sought after throughout Owai. Yonaguni is also home to numerous festivals celebrating the city’s artistic heritage.
Culture and Society in the Free Cities
Religion:
Wushen vs. The Five: Most of the Free Cities continue to follow the traditional Wushen beliefs, worshiping a pantheon of gods associated with nature, war, and spirituality. However, Ratagan’s embrace of The Five has introduced a new religious dynamic, creating both tension and a unique blend of cultural practices.
Economy:
Trade and Wealth: The Free Cities are economically diverse, with each city specializing in different trades, from Ratagan’s religious pilgrimages to Hakama’s bustling markets. This economic diversity contributes to the cities' wealth and their ability to maintain independence from both each other and the Oskuwan Empire.
Military:
City Militias: Each city maintains its own militia, led by the Dyomo and bolstered by the Daikama. While these forces are primarily defensive, the cities are known to engage in skirmishes over disputed territories or resources. The constant threat of the Tsang Dynasty forces the Free Cities to maintain strong and well-equipped armies.
Challenges and Prospects
Internal Rivalries:
Political Intrigue: The competition among the Dyomos for influence and power within the Council of Regents keeps the Free Cities in a state of constant tension. While outright war is avoided, the cities often engage in espionage, sabotage, and strategic alliances to gain the upper hand.
External Threats:
The Tsang Dynasty: The greatest external threat to the Free Cities is the Tsang Dynasty, which seeks to reclaim its lost territories. The Free Cities must constantly prepare for the possibility of invasion, balancing their internal rivalries with the need for a united defense.
Cultural Evolution:
Religious and Cultural Synthesis: The presence of different religious and cultural influences, especially with Ratagan’s conversion to The Five, creates a unique and evolving cultural landscape. This synthesis of traditions may lead to new forms of governance, art, and social structure within the Free Cities, potentially reshaping their identities in the years to come.
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