Post by mercy on Jun 8, 2017 18:54:18 GMT
The whimsical Zhunong Isles are located on the far eastern side of the Mirrasil landmasses, a fairly lengthy voyage from its nearest neighbor. The region is geographically shaped like a circle split directly through the middle by a stretch of Ocean, known as ‘The Great Divide’, regarded as two twin islands with some smaller crops of land located around its proximity. While the islands have more or less the same racial inhabitants, the cultures between the two are quite different, despite originating from the same background and history. To understand this, one must also know the natives’ legend of the island’s history.
The Zhunong Legend
Long ago, the region was but one island created and ruled by a King-God, Nakajima. He was a fair ruler, and the god of balance; He sowed chaos so that his people could be free to live their own lives, able to stand their ground and question things, but knew that there must be law in order to keep them responsible and ensure they were not swayed into needless corruption. Nakajima bore two sons, Togashi and Yuan, who from birth would constantly squabble with one another, and their rivalry caused their father great fear for his land’s future when his inevitable death came.
Eventually the fateful day passed, and in hopes of keeping his sons from disputing out of envy with one another and jeopardizing the majesty of his kingdom, he passed on one responsibility of balance to each of them. Togashi was given the responsibility of Law; to ensure that the people of the land were watched over and guided appropriately, avoiding conflict and giving peaceful alternatives when possible. Yuan was given the responsibility of Chaos; to ensure that the people were acting as individuals and capable of making their own decisions independent of their leader, doing what is necessary in order to truly live.
Nakajima’s plan had sadly not fallen into place, as the two brothers were soon to quarrel with one another yet again. The responsibilities they were given had only escalated their disputes further, and each became obsessed with the importance of their own as they refused to co-operate, instead dividing their duties between the land as Togashi subjugated Law in the North while Yuan taught the ways of Chaos to the South. The two eventually fought, Yuan wielding a mighty blade forged to crush any opposition in its path, and Togashi bearing a righteous shield, forged strong enough to protect anyone until their enemies should forfeit. When the two legendary artifacts clashed, the strength of each brother’s will was so immense that it sundered the land completely in two, the great chasm swallowing both brothers into the Underworld before it was covered by the Ocean’s waters. There in the Underworld they continue to battle, endlessly locked in combat beneath the earth to this day. It is believed that should one brother ever fall, the other will escape the Underworld and rule over the mortal realm alone, rupturing the balance of Law and Chaos forever after.
Culture
The denizens of the Zhunong Isles are divided into two main subcultures just as the region itself is divided into two main islands; Law and Chaos, though they are usually referred to as ‘Order’ and ‘Freedom’ by their followers, and these cultures are treated almost like religions. While both are very different, neither are inherently good nor evil; those of Law are capable of being zealous and corrupt just as those of Chaos are capable of being kind and heroic. Law denotes that order must be kept, with a figure to lead all to glory and everyone must obey lest chaos consume them. Law does not mean that one cannot fight nor express themselves, but it does insist that conflict be avoided absolutely when possible and one must not speak against authority. Chaos denotes that all must be free, with the weak falling the strong thriving without others to enforce restraints, lest law take one’s individuality and freedom. Chaos does not mean that one cannot be selfless, but it insists that one shouldn’t be pressured under another’s demands and should always take oneself into consideration before others.
Another great difference between the isles is the ethical conflicts both subcultures tend to have; Law fights to preserve what is currently known and accepted in the world, seeing change as a threat to the order and peace that is currently held, whereas Chaos strives for change and a better future, be it selfish or for the world to behold. While the two subcultures directly oppose one another, they are usually disinterested in one another and large-scale war is extremely rare between the two, the islands often keeping to themselves rather than bothering with petty disputes already shared countless times in the past ages.
Jiatsang Dynasty, the North-Western Isle
The north-western twin isle is known as the Jiatsang Dynasty, although it is often referred to simply as ‘Jiatsang’ while the capital city close to the island's center, Kishuu, and the surrounding nearby province is known more inherently as the actual Dynasty, which has been governed by Human lineage for countless ages; the Dynasty is currently ruled by the Emperor Shibata, and as a whole it employs the culture of ‘Order’. There are relatively few large cities and towns scattered around Jiatsang, each with their own independent leadership, but all falling under the almighty rulership of the Dynasty. The entire country is run under the same strict laws, and deviance from these regulations is not treated lightly. Most settlements are run by trade, the native currency being ‘Uji’, represented in the form of coins consisting of three parts silver per two parts copper and is cast in nine slightly varying shapes and sizes; one Uji, five Uji, twenty five Uji, one hundred Uji, two hundred and fifty Uji, one thosuand Uji, five thousand uji, twenty five thousand Uji, and one-hundred thousand Uji (Known simply as a Xagi, it is the only coin to consist of gold in place of copper). Each coin is imprinted with the same depiction of the brother of Law’s face on one side (excluding the Xagi which depicts the King God Nakajima’s face) and a virtue of Law (Such as Peace, Obedience etc) on the opposite side that varies, depending on the coin. For reference, one thousand Uji is approximately worth a bottle of cheap wine.
The denizens of Jiatsang are often seen as friendly, but are quite cautious of outsiders, especially those that express little interest in their laws and so it may take some time for outsiders to prove themselves trustworthy of more than simple friendship. They are also very proud of their culture and are always eager to show others their products and trade, though this is usually a gesture of demonstrating how theirs is superior to others and comes across as rude. Most smaller towns with less influence from the Dynasty’s control tend to be more open to strangers and take a keen interest in foreign cultures, though they are still usually afraid and very hesitant to practice or incorporate it themselves. In larger towns, especially those close to the Dynasty, races tend to divided into different districts; although one can freely roam between districts as they please, their district of residence and market must pertain to their appropriate race. It is unknown outside of the Dynasty's hierarchy whether this is simply a cultural preference or part of some underlying regime.
Farming is a very common occupation seen throughout Jiatsang as most of the fertile landscape makes suitable farmland, and a lot of villages dedicate most of their trade to farming alone. Angling is also a common occupation due to the abundance of fresh water sources and variety of fish, of which the Great Divide is said to have the most exotic and delicious, however fishing there is extremely taboo and legend says that any man who dares to fish in the Great Divide will be dragged into the Underworld just as the brothers of legend were. Together, farm and fish produce makes up a very large portion of Jiatsang’s outport trade, however there is less and less demand for their abundance of it in recent years and more for their luxuries as other kingdoms continue to procure wealth. This recent change has encouraged many tradesmen to seek other professions and abandon their previous agricultural lifestyle. Other common occupations include tailoring, cooking, leather working, and, perhaps most prominently, illustration. Zhunese artwork is widely sought after by foreign regions for its eccentricity and elusiveness, as few other cultures can accurately replicate the unique style.
Food is also a very precious subject to the Jiatsangese, and practically every family, company and establishment will have a variety of their own personal recipes among countless classics. Most Jiatsangese dishes are said to be an acquired taste to foreigners, despite how many of the natives themselves may enjoy them, and so it is advised that one be sure they have the stomach for it before visiting. Vegetables and fish are integral to many of these dishes, which is to be expected due to the land’s overwhelming yield of both, but salt water fish is preferred by most natives. An abundance of herbs, spices and seasonings are usually included in a lot of dishes, which plays a large role in Jiatsang food’s “unique taste”.
Education in Jiatsang is strict; most youths are pressured to attend schools and their carers to pay for it. The most common subjects taught are literature, mathematics, fine art and history. It is also customary that all youths be taught an abridged version of the region’s Legend, in such a way that it favors Togashi’s story, and learning and accepting the codes of Order is strictly enforced. Youths that defy or question the codes of Order are oppressively reconditioned until they submit to it, else they and their families are often exiled from the lands. Defying the codes of Order is politically viewed as a sign of rebellion and corruption, and so there is no tolerance for it whatsoever, even in youths.
Technologically, the Jiatsang Dynasty isn’t terribly outstanding, fearing advancements as a gateway to change and losing their way. Their most advanced weaponry is short-range artillery, with a maximum range of 900 meters and capable of firing cannonballs up to 12lbs at 180m/s, however it is highly unreliable at maximum range due to inaccuracy, and is difficult to operate in wet conditions. Jiatsang infantry is usually suited with iron-plate armor with leather or iron-mail coated with leather, and employed shields are usually square, constructed from hardwood and occasionally reinforced with a layer of iron or occasionally steel. Jiatsang militia is normally armed with a variety of iron or steel weaponry, including sabres, polearms, maces and spears. Ranged weaponry includes basic recurve bows, crossbows ranging from 100lbs - 160lbs draw weight, and short-range, low-power rapid fire crossbows. The Jiatsang Dynasty’s less than admirable ranged weaponry is their greatest weakness, and so cavalry is commonly employed in order to allow close-combat troops to close long distances quicker and enter the fray where they can utilise their deadly melee weaponry and savage combat skills.
Kuijong Freelands, The South-Eastern Isle
The South-Eastern twin isle is known as the Kuijong Freelands, often referred to as simply ‘Kuijong’, and does not have any political figures as such, although usually one individual is elected by the nation and looked up to as an “Oracle” of sorts. This Oracle does not employ any rules or laws, but is instead viewed as a wise czar and fearless warrior that can be relied upon as a leader in times of desperation, even for personal struggles. The current Oracle is Shone, a young Human man who is well known for his saint-like patience, and resides in what could be considered the capital of Kuijong, Ghin-ti. The land is divided mostly into many small settlements with short voyages between, with a few larger ones scattered sparsely, but there are also many groups of bandits that stay away from the dangers of settlements and instead pick on weak outcasts or lonely travelers, and so travel is usually made in large groups or with guarded caravans. Due to the lack of laws, the entirety of the country is free to run itself as it sees fit, and so a settlement can choose whether it does or does not have any leader and codes, which in most cases is the latter. This is seen as a large mistake and a disastrous scenario by most outsiders, however it actually works almost harmoniously; many settlements consist of individuals bonded by trust and vigilantism, and so transgressions against one another are likely to result in deadly and one-sided conflict, discouraging harmful activities. This gives more than enough reason to be cautious of one’s actions, even if they boast incredible power; many others could easily come together to terminate one’s appointment with no laws or authorities for protection. Just because there are no laws does not mean that the natives are careless either; inhumane and immoral actions tend to spark justified reception.
Kuijong is a land where only the strong survive; the weak or foolish are often picked out and dispatched one way or another, be it due to their systematic fantasies or inability to contribute more than they take. This leaves many settlements with few numbers, but strong ties between those that persevere. Despite what one might think, Kuijong is open to outsiders regardless of their story and beliefs, being the land of the free, but one must always be cautious of their actions and especially their words; the Kuijongese don’t take kindly to control and dictation. They tend to keep their trade secrets and personal business to themselves, but are welcoming enough to visitors provided they are respectful of the native culture. In contrast to the Dynasty, settlements in Kuijong tend to hold no bars against diversity, almost every one totally integrating at least 2 different races in its population and usually co-existing peacefully. This is likely due to the reliance on one another, leaving no room for fighting over petty differences between race and culture while true danger lurks outside, ready to strike at the slightest sign of weakness.
Unlike the Jiatsang Dynasty, Kuijong has no nationally accepted currency, instead relying primarily on trade and favors. Some individual settlements have adopted their own form of ‘currency’, usually in the form of a valuable resource, but none of these are a form of legal tender. The closest thing the Kuijong natives nationally accept to a currency is Arcanetite, a mineral that acts as a fuel source which exudes raw mana when burned, comparable to a magical form of coal, and is a fairly uncommon material throughout Zhunong. This is usually used to operate their machinery which often relies on mana as a source of power, allowing these machines to operate without needing a mage to constantly infuse it.
Occupations vary considerably in Kuijong. While Jiatsang tends to focus on the finer, more delicate crafts, the Kuijongese prefer more proactive vocations such as hunting, mining, lumberjacking and engineering, and are known for struggling to deal with idleness. A lot of Kuijongese structures consist of ample wood, and metal finds a lot of use in crockery and even decoration, as opposed to the Jiatsang Dynasty who use it almost exclusively for militant and construction purposes. The soil is equally as fertile in Kuijong as it is in Jiatsang, however the environment is generally more treacherous and rocky mountains are more typical hence agriculture is less commonly dedicated to harvesting crops and instead moreso breeding cattle.
Education in Kuijong is an unsteady topic, as there is no legally established system to it. It generally falls into the hands of parents to educate their young, though texts are another commonplace source of knowledge. Because of the lack of any system, generally, intelligence in Kuijong tends to be inferior to that of Jiatsang, however, it is also more free and does not promote one-way-thinking in youths from an early age as the Jiatsang Dynasty does. Instead, lessons are given less systematically and controlling by parents, and sometimes voluntary teachers, rather than enforcing an agenda on youths.
In terms of technology, Kuijong surprisingly surpasses Jiatsang in a lot of ways. Unlike Jiatsang, Kuijong does not fear development and is more scientifically advanced in many fields including medicine and industrialisation, able to construct simple machines that operate on arcane energy. While it may not be the most advanced country in the world, their machines certainly are the envy of many neighboring regions. A good example of their machines are perhaps automated farming mechanisms- they act quite slowly, but can plow and sow entire fields given enough time and arcanetite. They have also made their share of savage and devastating weaponry, in some ways better than that of Jiatsang. There is no official military as such, rather most of the country acts as ‘brothers in arms’, fighting to protect their freedom when they must. Normally they are armed with scale mail or iron-plated leather armor and, rarely, square hard-wood or steel shields. The Kuijongese tend to favor heavier melee weaponry such as two-handed blades, heavy clubs and large glaives, and high draw-weight ranged weapons such as the Longbow.
Followers of Balance and other information
Besides the cultures of Law and Chaos, there are also those who try to pursue the forgotten ways of ‘Balance’, however they are few and far apart, generally limited to the tiny islands that surround Zhunong’s proximity. Not much can be said about the followers of Balance as there is no particularly unique culture to them or their codes, which generally take elements from both Law and Chaos and employ them in a way that harmonises their virtues and negates their faults, just as Nakajima wanted. As such, their culture itself tends to draw elements from Jiatsang and Kuijong, but the intricacies vary depending on the specific island and settlement the individual hails from.
Regardless of the differences between the isles, the inhabitants of each share the same lineage; Primarily Humans inhabit the isles, along with all other known races in fairly lesser numbers like they are elsewhere. It is uncertain whether any or all of the races are long time natives to the isles, but it is believed by a few that Humans were the native people created by Nakajima while the other races were introduced by other gods when he lost several bets against them, eventually becoming accepted as natives themselves who taught the Humans numerous trades and skills. As such, humans and non-humans get along well in Zhunong, or at least this is what outsiders would believe; apparently, there is racism and darkness to be seen beneath the veil.
The Zhunese are extremely superstitious, though not exactly gullible, and love sharing tales with travelers. One could probably make up a story about a monster or god from their homeland and a native would most likely believe it, if it were told like a mystical legend. They fear the unknown greatly and often mistake logical or even false circumstances for spiritual intervention, and nearly every individual wears some kind of protective charm.
Conveniently, the Zhunese internationally speak the same language- ‘Modern Zhunese’ (or simply ‘Zhunese’), and also understand other Mirrasil Native tongue. Older iterations of Zhunese, most prominently ‘Ancient Zhunese’, still exist but are not commonly used and are only known by those specifically seeking to learn them such as scholars and linguists. Neither Jiatsang nor Kuijong denizens generally have any qualms with speaking other languages, particularly with travelers, but their accent does tend to have an effect on pronunciation. Literarily, Zhunese is widely thought to be an easy language to learn, albeit with a slight difficulty curve for beginners, and is extremely efficient in terms of brevity. Considering image, the Jiatsangese and Kuijongese both have a slight distinction in their general appearances, particularly in Humans. The Jiatsangese tend to have a slight tan to their skin and more rounded facial features, and like to wear ‘fancy’, comfortable clothing, while the Kuijongese tend to have fairly pronounced and raised cheekbones in addition to ‘sharper’ facial structure, and prefer to wear ‘practical’ and affordable clothing.
Examples of appearances
Jiatsangese Human
Jiatsangese Orc
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Kujoingese Human
Kuijongese Daedran
Most races of Zhunong are quite different to the rest of their brethren, both culturally and physically, as they have become more adapted to Zhunese lifestyle. Some will have features not usually seen in their kind elsewhere, for instance Daedran can have unusual eye-colours and tusks, and Orcs may dress more civilised.
Wildlife
The Zhunong Isles are home to a massive variety of animals; most insignificant or unremarkable, but some interesting and unique. Just a few notable examples are listed here.
Indigenous to all of Zhunong:
[Grassland]: Horses (more common in Jiatsang), Boars, Bovine, Wolves, Deer.
[Forests]: Bears, Tigers, Snakes (mostly venomous), Monkeys, Spiders (most very large and venomous), Foxes.
[Arid/Mountainous]: Lizards.
[Wetland]: Frogs (some poisonous), Snapping Turtles.
[Ocean]: Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Whales, Sea Urchins (mostly venomous), Large Crabs, Octopus.
(Subspecies and such vary slightly between isles)
Indigenous only to Jiatsang:
[Grassland]: Hares.
[Forests]: -
[Arid/Mountainous]: Jumping Rodents, Pangolin.
[Wetlands]: Alligators
[Ocean]:Sea-Lions.
Indigenous only to Kuijong:
[Grassland]: Moles.
[Forests]: Sloths.
[Arid/Mountainous]: Mountain Goats, Donkeys.
[Wetland]: -
[Ocean]: Squid, Frilled Shark (rare, but commonly talked about).
While the Zhunong Isles do have a lot of flora, not much of it is particularly outstanding compared to what can be found elsewhere throughout Mirrasil, but a few examples of important or note-worthy plant-life include:
Djinza
The Zhunese believe that when the great divide was created, endless dark spirits escaped from a place known as the ‘Underworld’ that plagued the living with self-doubt. It is thought that before the Great Divide people were happy with who they were; all freely expressed themselves and lived their lives honestly, but when the spirits had escaped from the Underworld they cursed the living with malicious energies that grow in their being known as “Djinza”. People began to lose their self-respect, hiding their true selves behind a facade of false personality as the “Djinza” infesting them grew stronger, feeding on their negative energies and denial.
It is believed that this is where the term ‘Inner Demons’ originates from, referring to the supposed Djinza living inside one and creating a darker side that one tries desperately to hide. Society was forced to find a way to cope with these beasts inside them, dismissing the fears and doubts they had about their personalities, accepting the hideous traits that the Djinza were creating inside them as part of their true selves. When the Djinza became weakened by their acceptance, they could then be evicted from the body and the individual could find peace with themselves once more.
The natives of Zhunong believe that a Djinza is created in a person’s spirit from birth, like it were part of them. As the host grows and develops a personality of its own, the Djinza creates darkness in their heart; parts of themselves that they grow to feel ashamed of and hide away from the rest of the world. The negativity from this self hatred is what feeds the Djinza and helps it to grow. If a person lets the Djinza inside them grow too strong, they can be driven mad with self hatred, despising every part of themself and losing the will to live, at which point the Djinza will engorge and eventually leave to find another being to terrorise before the host ends themselves or becomes unable to act rationally anymore.
Practically every Zhunese native at some point in their life will have had their Djinza evicted from their body at some point, normally when they reach adolescence- however it is possible that one has not. Curiously, Djinza now inhabit the Zhunong Isles almost like wild animals, (although they tend to be reclusive and live in less civilised areas such as caves) and yet are practically unheard of around the rest of the world. To the Zhunese, this is because the people of the Zhunong Isles are taught to accept their faults as part of themselves from youth and are not plagued by self-depreciation like so many of other civilisations are, thus Djinza lose their power and are easily evicted from their hosts, left to roam the lands.
Djinza can take almost any form; large, small, fearsome, ridiculous- there is no clear pattern nor method to their appearance, however it has been observed that they can sometimes be varyingly influenced by the host and the flaws they represent. They are rarely seen outside of the Zhunong Islands, as almost nobody but the natives of these lands have even considered the possibility of their existence.
While they are considered to be disgusting and malicious beasts, Djinza are actually quite intelligent in nature, being a shard of their host’s mentality post-eviction. They are usually capable of speech and other civilised activities like humanoids, but beware; they are equally cunning as they are clever, and will try to manipulate anyone who gives them an opportunity.
Other Legends and Sites.
The Zhunong Isles are a land brimming with mysteries, legends and history. It is up to the bravest and diligent of explorers to discover them all, but there are several that anyone interested in the land should know of.
The Shattered Lands
The Shattered Lands are a testament to the horrors of war; an abandoned battlefield that lay in ruin, scarred by cannon-fire and the blood of countless fallen warriors. Though not a particularly popular site, it is still one often visited if not to pay tribute to those that selflessly gave their lives during Jiatsang’s biggest, and since, only civil war. In ages long past, the codes of Law were much more lenient; freedom of thought and speech was more accepted and practice of other culture was more common in the Jiatsang Dynasty. This however brought many to the realisation of Jiatsang’s oppressive regime, noting the freedom that Kuijong truly had compared to the restraints of the Dynasty’s laws. This soon formed an uprising, hundreds of Jiatsang citizens turning to the ways of Chaos and revolting against the Dynasty.
The war raged on for almost a year and resulted in many casualties on both sides, but eventually the Chaos uprising was wiped out and the Dynasty emerged victorious. This was the event in history that lead to the the Dynasty reinforcing its control and making the codes of Law even stricter for fear of another uprising threat, warning all Jiatsangese citizens that allowing their minds to be corrupted by Chaos would result in death or exile. For a long time after this, the Dynasty was very reluctant toward visitors, allowing almost no travel or even trade to be conducted between neighboring lands, however it has more or less returned to its former stance on these matters in recent years. The Shattered Lands still serve as a grim reminder of the lengths humanity will go to in the name of their cause and, to the Dynasty, the cost of disobedience.
Azo, watcher of the Isles
Rumor speaks of a creature greater than the highest mountain, tall enough to walk the length of Zhunong in a single stride, a god more massive than a mere man could possibly imagine. These legends refer to Azo, a titan of flesh and metal that watches over the Zhunong Isles with an adamant gaze, and while the legends are mostly exaggerated, it is indeed a mighty creature. Towering nearly a hundred and fifty feet tall, the behemoth is only shadowed by the tremendous mountain ranges it lives among, however it is a gentle giant, never leaving the ring of hills that encircle its abode nor causing disturbance to the other denizens of the lands. While only the courageous and foolhardy dare to enter its vicinity, it is most often reported seen sitting upon a throne of rock molded into the side of Zhunong’s tallest mountain, toward the North-Eastern edge of Kuijong, however it has also been witnessed wandering the surrounding foothills in a ponderous manner. The few brave enough to approach it have all been surprised to find it act mostly passive toward them, even after laying its gaze directly upon them, promptly continuing its patrol- yet none have been brave enough to truly greet it so far.
Though the legends are foggied and mostly forgotten in the land’s modern era, the colossus was once believed to be one of several guardians that protect the Zhunong Isles, whom were forged by the great Nakajima from the flesh of gods fallen by his blade and the steel from their armies many ages ago in order to defend his sacred land from other envious deities. Azo is thought to be the ‘leader’ of these guardians, tirelessly watching over the land to this day, ready to awaken its brethren whenever a formidable enemy should attempt to conquer their home. Though there are said to be quite a many of these guardians, only a few have been reportedly found besides Azo, and all of them lay dormant, any attempts to awaken them resulting in disappointment. The few discovered are located in; The Northern ridges of Jiatsang, The Shattered Land in South Jiatsang, and the Southern Kuijong Jungle.
The Never-ending Keep
Among the Northern hills of Jiatsang lies a towering fortress as old as history tells. The sight itself is admirable, but it is far from a simple decaying marvel of stone and timber, for within its walls lies many mysteries and oddities. Said to have belonged to a lord who went mad after acquiring all knowledge the world holds and ordering the phenomenon to be constructed, the architecture and formation is often bizarre and nonsensical; stairs that lead to nowhere, hallways that climb the walls and ceilings, and a maze of rooms that spans for miles. The complex is so confusing that men have spent days wandering in circles, becoming hopelessly lost as they delve further into the labyrinth’s clutches, but that is the least of any adventurer’s worries, for the keep is home to endless Djinza and monsters that show no mercy to any who dare to invade their dwelling.
Few men have entered the castle and left to tell of their perils, and none yet have wished to return. Some have tried to map the layout of its twisting corridors, but all eventually accept futility, the geometry and architecture defying all logic and sensibility. Adventurers are teased, however, as it is said that the lord still rests deep within the fortress, along with his countless riches and treasures, patiently awaiting the day someone as mad as himself reaches the heart of the keep to take it all from him.
Firos, king of Demons
Perhaps the most famous legend Zhunong has to offer, the stories of Firos date far, far back into history, in the times where Nakajima was still just a young deity. Before Nakajima became the God-King he is more appropriately known as now, he had to face a great many trials in order to earn his place among the skies, and one of his greatest by far was his triumph over the oldest foe of Zhunong, the devil Firos. The beast was said to devour a hundred thousand souls a year and was fueled by a blinding, unrelenting hatred, caused when his family, kingdom and power were taken from him. As the story tells, he was once the god of thunder, ruling a great city in the clouds and using his control over the storms to strike down those who threatened his people, but after he was framed for the murder of another god, his throne was taken from him by those he sought to protect, his family eradicated and he finally was cast down into the Underworld as a criminal.
After losing everything of value to him, he was overwhelmed by insufferable hatred for all those that defamed him. This hatred became strength over time, transforming him into a hideous beast and he eventually amassed a huge following of demons in the Underworld as he proved his power, finally waging war against the gods and even turning against his own past followers. The casualties were great, both men and god fell at his hands, and he was thought to be an unstoppable force. This is where Nakajima bravely stood against the devil king, practically a mere infant by divine standards, and yet he was adamant to stop the beast. With a simple blade at his hands, he fought gallantly against Firos, the battle lasting days and the odds stacked well against him, yet he stood tall.
The devil’s power was overwhelming, nearly unbearable, but through sheer unrelenting willpower Nakajima felled the monstrosity no matter how grievous his wounds. In his dying breath, Firos cursed Nakajima’s very name, swearing that he would rise again many times after to take everything Nakajima loves from him, just as it had happened to the beast himself. In response, Nakajima swore to send him back to the Underworld every time he rose, and would slay a thousand demons in return for each man Firos devoured. Shortly after his victory, Nakajima was pronounced ‘King of Gods’ and became the most prestigious and respected among his peers.
Firos was far from stopped, however, as every few centuries his spirit in the Underworld would revitalise and his corporeal form would return once more to Zhunong to feast on the mortals and usurp Nakajima’s throne; but true to his word, Nakajima forced him back to his hovel every time and laid waste to his legions of followers. Even after his death, Nakajima’s son’s put aside their differences just once in order to stop the return of Firos in his honor. The stories truly are legends each in their own right; a mere excerpt serves the epic no justice, and paying audience to their full majesty is the only way to experience their true greatness. According to the latest known story, Firos’s last uprising was countless millennia ago however, and fear of his inevitable return has since dwindled, most believing him to finally be sealed in the Underworld once and for all and leaving his legend as little more than a tale of old. It is said that when a storm forms over Zhunong, it is what remains of Firos’s rage seeping through from the Great Divide, trying desperately to escape once more.
The Zhunong Legend
Long ago, the region was but one island created and ruled by a King-God, Nakajima. He was a fair ruler, and the god of balance; He sowed chaos so that his people could be free to live their own lives, able to stand their ground and question things, but knew that there must be law in order to keep them responsible and ensure they were not swayed into needless corruption. Nakajima bore two sons, Togashi and Yuan, who from birth would constantly squabble with one another, and their rivalry caused their father great fear for his land’s future when his inevitable death came.
Eventually the fateful day passed, and in hopes of keeping his sons from disputing out of envy with one another and jeopardizing the majesty of his kingdom, he passed on one responsibility of balance to each of them. Togashi was given the responsibility of Law; to ensure that the people of the land were watched over and guided appropriately, avoiding conflict and giving peaceful alternatives when possible. Yuan was given the responsibility of Chaos; to ensure that the people were acting as individuals and capable of making their own decisions independent of their leader, doing what is necessary in order to truly live.
Nakajima’s plan had sadly not fallen into place, as the two brothers were soon to quarrel with one another yet again. The responsibilities they were given had only escalated their disputes further, and each became obsessed with the importance of their own as they refused to co-operate, instead dividing their duties between the land as Togashi subjugated Law in the North while Yuan taught the ways of Chaos to the South. The two eventually fought, Yuan wielding a mighty blade forged to crush any opposition in its path, and Togashi bearing a righteous shield, forged strong enough to protect anyone until their enemies should forfeit. When the two legendary artifacts clashed, the strength of each brother’s will was so immense that it sundered the land completely in two, the great chasm swallowing both brothers into the Underworld before it was covered by the Ocean’s waters. There in the Underworld they continue to battle, endlessly locked in combat beneath the earth to this day. It is believed that should one brother ever fall, the other will escape the Underworld and rule over the mortal realm alone, rupturing the balance of Law and Chaos forever after.
Culture
The denizens of the Zhunong Isles are divided into two main subcultures just as the region itself is divided into two main islands; Law and Chaos, though they are usually referred to as ‘Order’ and ‘Freedom’ by their followers, and these cultures are treated almost like religions. While both are very different, neither are inherently good nor evil; those of Law are capable of being zealous and corrupt just as those of Chaos are capable of being kind and heroic. Law denotes that order must be kept, with a figure to lead all to glory and everyone must obey lest chaos consume them. Law does not mean that one cannot fight nor express themselves, but it does insist that conflict be avoided absolutely when possible and one must not speak against authority. Chaos denotes that all must be free, with the weak falling the strong thriving without others to enforce restraints, lest law take one’s individuality and freedom. Chaos does not mean that one cannot be selfless, but it insists that one shouldn’t be pressured under another’s demands and should always take oneself into consideration before others.
Another great difference between the isles is the ethical conflicts both subcultures tend to have; Law fights to preserve what is currently known and accepted in the world, seeing change as a threat to the order and peace that is currently held, whereas Chaos strives for change and a better future, be it selfish or for the world to behold. While the two subcultures directly oppose one another, they are usually disinterested in one another and large-scale war is extremely rare between the two, the islands often keeping to themselves rather than bothering with petty disputes already shared countless times in the past ages.
Jiatsang Dynasty, the North-Western Isle
The north-western twin isle is known as the Jiatsang Dynasty, although it is often referred to simply as ‘Jiatsang’ while the capital city close to the island's center, Kishuu, and the surrounding nearby province is known more inherently as the actual Dynasty, which has been governed by Human lineage for countless ages; the Dynasty is currently ruled by the Emperor Shibata, and as a whole it employs the culture of ‘Order’. There are relatively few large cities and towns scattered around Jiatsang, each with their own independent leadership, but all falling under the almighty rulership of the Dynasty. The entire country is run under the same strict laws, and deviance from these regulations is not treated lightly. Most settlements are run by trade, the native currency being ‘Uji’, represented in the form of coins consisting of three parts silver per two parts copper and is cast in nine slightly varying shapes and sizes; one Uji, five Uji, twenty five Uji, one hundred Uji, two hundred and fifty Uji, one thosuand Uji, five thousand uji, twenty five thousand Uji, and one-hundred thousand Uji (Known simply as a Xagi, it is the only coin to consist of gold in place of copper). Each coin is imprinted with the same depiction of the brother of Law’s face on one side (excluding the Xagi which depicts the King God Nakajima’s face) and a virtue of Law (Such as Peace, Obedience etc) on the opposite side that varies, depending on the coin. For reference, one thousand Uji is approximately worth a bottle of cheap wine.
The denizens of Jiatsang are often seen as friendly, but are quite cautious of outsiders, especially those that express little interest in their laws and so it may take some time for outsiders to prove themselves trustworthy of more than simple friendship. They are also very proud of their culture and are always eager to show others their products and trade, though this is usually a gesture of demonstrating how theirs is superior to others and comes across as rude. Most smaller towns with less influence from the Dynasty’s control tend to be more open to strangers and take a keen interest in foreign cultures, though they are still usually afraid and very hesitant to practice or incorporate it themselves. In larger towns, especially those close to the Dynasty, races tend to divided into different districts; although one can freely roam between districts as they please, their district of residence and market must pertain to their appropriate race. It is unknown outside of the Dynasty's hierarchy whether this is simply a cultural preference or part of some underlying regime.
Farming is a very common occupation seen throughout Jiatsang as most of the fertile landscape makes suitable farmland, and a lot of villages dedicate most of their trade to farming alone. Angling is also a common occupation due to the abundance of fresh water sources and variety of fish, of which the Great Divide is said to have the most exotic and delicious, however fishing there is extremely taboo and legend says that any man who dares to fish in the Great Divide will be dragged into the Underworld just as the brothers of legend were. Together, farm and fish produce makes up a very large portion of Jiatsang’s outport trade, however there is less and less demand for their abundance of it in recent years and more for their luxuries as other kingdoms continue to procure wealth. This recent change has encouraged many tradesmen to seek other professions and abandon their previous agricultural lifestyle. Other common occupations include tailoring, cooking, leather working, and, perhaps most prominently, illustration. Zhunese artwork is widely sought after by foreign regions for its eccentricity and elusiveness, as few other cultures can accurately replicate the unique style.
Food is also a very precious subject to the Jiatsangese, and practically every family, company and establishment will have a variety of their own personal recipes among countless classics. Most Jiatsangese dishes are said to be an acquired taste to foreigners, despite how many of the natives themselves may enjoy them, and so it is advised that one be sure they have the stomach for it before visiting. Vegetables and fish are integral to many of these dishes, which is to be expected due to the land’s overwhelming yield of both, but salt water fish is preferred by most natives. An abundance of herbs, spices and seasonings are usually included in a lot of dishes, which plays a large role in Jiatsang food’s “unique taste”.
Education in Jiatsang is strict; most youths are pressured to attend schools and their carers to pay for it. The most common subjects taught are literature, mathematics, fine art and history. It is also customary that all youths be taught an abridged version of the region’s Legend, in such a way that it favors Togashi’s story, and learning and accepting the codes of Order is strictly enforced. Youths that defy or question the codes of Order are oppressively reconditioned until they submit to it, else they and their families are often exiled from the lands. Defying the codes of Order is politically viewed as a sign of rebellion and corruption, and so there is no tolerance for it whatsoever, even in youths.
Technologically, the Jiatsang Dynasty isn’t terribly outstanding, fearing advancements as a gateway to change and losing their way. Their most advanced weaponry is short-range artillery, with a maximum range of 900 meters and capable of firing cannonballs up to 12lbs at 180m/s, however it is highly unreliable at maximum range due to inaccuracy, and is difficult to operate in wet conditions. Jiatsang infantry is usually suited with iron-plate armor with leather or iron-mail coated with leather, and employed shields are usually square, constructed from hardwood and occasionally reinforced with a layer of iron or occasionally steel. Jiatsang militia is normally armed with a variety of iron or steel weaponry, including sabres, polearms, maces and spears. Ranged weaponry includes basic recurve bows, crossbows ranging from 100lbs - 160lbs draw weight, and short-range, low-power rapid fire crossbows. The Jiatsang Dynasty’s less than admirable ranged weaponry is their greatest weakness, and so cavalry is commonly employed in order to allow close-combat troops to close long distances quicker and enter the fray where they can utilise their deadly melee weaponry and savage combat skills.
Kuijong Freelands, The South-Eastern Isle
The South-Eastern twin isle is known as the Kuijong Freelands, often referred to as simply ‘Kuijong’, and does not have any political figures as such, although usually one individual is elected by the nation and looked up to as an “Oracle” of sorts. This Oracle does not employ any rules or laws, but is instead viewed as a wise czar and fearless warrior that can be relied upon as a leader in times of desperation, even for personal struggles. The current Oracle is Shone, a young Human man who is well known for his saint-like patience, and resides in what could be considered the capital of Kuijong, Ghin-ti. The land is divided mostly into many small settlements with short voyages between, with a few larger ones scattered sparsely, but there are also many groups of bandits that stay away from the dangers of settlements and instead pick on weak outcasts or lonely travelers, and so travel is usually made in large groups or with guarded caravans. Due to the lack of laws, the entirety of the country is free to run itself as it sees fit, and so a settlement can choose whether it does or does not have any leader and codes, which in most cases is the latter. This is seen as a large mistake and a disastrous scenario by most outsiders, however it actually works almost harmoniously; many settlements consist of individuals bonded by trust and vigilantism, and so transgressions against one another are likely to result in deadly and one-sided conflict, discouraging harmful activities. This gives more than enough reason to be cautious of one’s actions, even if they boast incredible power; many others could easily come together to terminate one’s appointment with no laws or authorities for protection. Just because there are no laws does not mean that the natives are careless either; inhumane and immoral actions tend to spark justified reception.
Kuijong is a land where only the strong survive; the weak or foolish are often picked out and dispatched one way or another, be it due to their systematic fantasies or inability to contribute more than they take. This leaves many settlements with few numbers, but strong ties between those that persevere. Despite what one might think, Kuijong is open to outsiders regardless of their story and beliefs, being the land of the free, but one must always be cautious of their actions and especially their words; the Kuijongese don’t take kindly to control and dictation. They tend to keep their trade secrets and personal business to themselves, but are welcoming enough to visitors provided they are respectful of the native culture. In contrast to the Dynasty, settlements in Kuijong tend to hold no bars against diversity, almost every one totally integrating at least 2 different races in its population and usually co-existing peacefully. This is likely due to the reliance on one another, leaving no room for fighting over petty differences between race and culture while true danger lurks outside, ready to strike at the slightest sign of weakness.
Unlike the Jiatsang Dynasty, Kuijong has no nationally accepted currency, instead relying primarily on trade and favors. Some individual settlements have adopted their own form of ‘currency’, usually in the form of a valuable resource, but none of these are a form of legal tender. The closest thing the Kuijong natives nationally accept to a currency is Arcanetite, a mineral that acts as a fuel source which exudes raw mana when burned, comparable to a magical form of coal, and is a fairly uncommon material throughout Zhunong. This is usually used to operate their machinery which often relies on mana as a source of power, allowing these machines to operate without needing a mage to constantly infuse it.
Occupations vary considerably in Kuijong. While Jiatsang tends to focus on the finer, more delicate crafts, the Kuijongese prefer more proactive vocations such as hunting, mining, lumberjacking and engineering, and are known for struggling to deal with idleness. A lot of Kuijongese structures consist of ample wood, and metal finds a lot of use in crockery and even decoration, as opposed to the Jiatsang Dynasty who use it almost exclusively for militant and construction purposes. The soil is equally as fertile in Kuijong as it is in Jiatsang, however the environment is generally more treacherous and rocky mountains are more typical hence agriculture is less commonly dedicated to harvesting crops and instead moreso breeding cattle.
Education in Kuijong is an unsteady topic, as there is no legally established system to it. It generally falls into the hands of parents to educate their young, though texts are another commonplace source of knowledge. Because of the lack of any system, generally, intelligence in Kuijong tends to be inferior to that of Jiatsang, however, it is also more free and does not promote one-way-thinking in youths from an early age as the Jiatsang Dynasty does. Instead, lessons are given less systematically and controlling by parents, and sometimes voluntary teachers, rather than enforcing an agenda on youths.
In terms of technology, Kuijong surprisingly surpasses Jiatsang in a lot of ways. Unlike Jiatsang, Kuijong does not fear development and is more scientifically advanced in many fields including medicine and industrialisation, able to construct simple machines that operate on arcane energy. While it may not be the most advanced country in the world, their machines certainly are the envy of many neighboring regions. A good example of their machines are perhaps automated farming mechanisms- they act quite slowly, but can plow and sow entire fields given enough time and arcanetite. They have also made their share of savage and devastating weaponry, in some ways better than that of Jiatsang. There is no official military as such, rather most of the country acts as ‘brothers in arms’, fighting to protect their freedom when they must. Normally they are armed with scale mail or iron-plated leather armor and, rarely, square hard-wood or steel shields. The Kuijongese tend to favor heavier melee weaponry such as two-handed blades, heavy clubs and large glaives, and high draw-weight ranged weapons such as the Longbow.
Followers of Balance and other information
Besides the cultures of Law and Chaos, there are also those who try to pursue the forgotten ways of ‘Balance’, however they are few and far apart, generally limited to the tiny islands that surround Zhunong’s proximity. Not much can be said about the followers of Balance as there is no particularly unique culture to them or their codes, which generally take elements from both Law and Chaos and employ them in a way that harmonises their virtues and negates their faults, just as Nakajima wanted. As such, their culture itself tends to draw elements from Jiatsang and Kuijong, but the intricacies vary depending on the specific island and settlement the individual hails from.
Regardless of the differences between the isles, the inhabitants of each share the same lineage; Primarily Humans inhabit the isles, along with all other known races in fairly lesser numbers like they are elsewhere. It is uncertain whether any or all of the races are long time natives to the isles, but it is believed by a few that Humans were the native people created by Nakajima while the other races were introduced by other gods when he lost several bets against them, eventually becoming accepted as natives themselves who taught the Humans numerous trades and skills. As such, humans and non-humans get along well in Zhunong, or at least this is what outsiders would believe; apparently, there is racism and darkness to be seen beneath the veil.
The Zhunese are extremely superstitious, though not exactly gullible, and love sharing tales with travelers. One could probably make up a story about a monster or god from their homeland and a native would most likely believe it, if it were told like a mystical legend. They fear the unknown greatly and often mistake logical or even false circumstances for spiritual intervention, and nearly every individual wears some kind of protective charm.
Conveniently, the Zhunese internationally speak the same language- ‘Modern Zhunese’ (or simply ‘Zhunese’), and also understand other Mirrasil Native tongue. Older iterations of Zhunese, most prominently ‘Ancient Zhunese’, still exist but are not commonly used and are only known by those specifically seeking to learn them such as scholars and linguists. Neither Jiatsang nor Kuijong denizens generally have any qualms with speaking other languages, particularly with travelers, but their accent does tend to have an effect on pronunciation. Literarily, Zhunese is widely thought to be an easy language to learn, albeit with a slight difficulty curve for beginners, and is extremely efficient in terms of brevity. Considering image, the Jiatsangese and Kuijongese both have a slight distinction in their general appearances, particularly in Humans. The Jiatsangese tend to have a slight tan to their skin and more rounded facial features, and like to wear ‘fancy’, comfortable clothing, while the Kuijongese tend to have fairly pronounced and raised cheekbones in addition to ‘sharper’ facial structure, and prefer to wear ‘practical’ and affordable clothing.
Examples of appearances
Jiatsangese Human
Jiatsangese Orc
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Kujoingese Human
Kuijongese Daedran
Most races of Zhunong are quite different to the rest of their brethren, both culturally and physically, as they have become more adapted to Zhunese lifestyle. Some will have features not usually seen in their kind elsewhere, for instance Daedran can have unusual eye-colours and tusks, and Orcs may dress more civilised.
Wildlife
The Zhunong Isles are home to a massive variety of animals; most insignificant or unremarkable, but some interesting and unique. Just a few notable examples are listed here.
Indigenous to all of Zhunong:
[Grassland]: Horses (more common in Jiatsang), Boars, Bovine, Wolves, Deer.
[Forests]: Bears, Tigers, Snakes (mostly venomous), Monkeys, Spiders (most very large and venomous), Foxes.
[Arid/Mountainous]: Lizards.
[Wetland]: Frogs (some poisonous), Snapping Turtles.
[Ocean]: Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Whales, Sea Urchins (mostly venomous), Large Crabs, Octopus.
(Subspecies and such vary slightly between isles)
Indigenous only to Jiatsang:
[Grassland]: Hares.
[Forests]: -
[Arid/Mountainous]: Jumping Rodents, Pangolin.
[Wetlands]: Alligators
[Ocean]:Sea-Lions.
Indigenous only to Kuijong:
[Grassland]: Moles.
[Forests]: Sloths.
[Arid/Mountainous]: Mountain Goats, Donkeys.
[Wetland]: -
[Ocean]: Squid, Frilled Shark (rare, but commonly talked about).
While the Zhunong Isles do have a lot of flora, not much of it is particularly outstanding compared to what can be found elsewhere throughout Mirrasil, but a few examples of important or note-worthy plant-life include:
Djinza
The Zhunese believe that when the great divide was created, endless dark spirits escaped from a place known as the ‘Underworld’ that plagued the living with self-doubt. It is thought that before the Great Divide people were happy with who they were; all freely expressed themselves and lived their lives honestly, but when the spirits had escaped from the Underworld they cursed the living with malicious energies that grow in their being known as “Djinza”. People began to lose their self-respect, hiding their true selves behind a facade of false personality as the “Djinza” infesting them grew stronger, feeding on their negative energies and denial.
It is believed that this is where the term ‘Inner Demons’ originates from, referring to the supposed Djinza living inside one and creating a darker side that one tries desperately to hide. Society was forced to find a way to cope with these beasts inside them, dismissing the fears and doubts they had about their personalities, accepting the hideous traits that the Djinza were creating inside them as part of their true selves. When the Djinza became weakened by their acceptance, they could then be evicted from the body and the individual could find peace with themselves once more.
The natives of Zhunong believe that a Djinza is created in a person’s spirit from birth, like it were part of them. As the host grows and develops a personality of its own, the Djinza creates darkness in their heart; parts of themselves that they grow to feel ashamed of and hide away from the rest of the world. The negativity from this self hatred is what feeds the Djinza and helps it to grow. If a person lets the Djinza inside them grow too strong, they can be driven mad with self hatred, despising every part of themself and losing the will to live, at which point the Djinza will engorge and eventually leave to find another being to terrorise before the host ends themselves or becomes unable to act rationally anymore.
Practically every Zhunese native at some point in their life will have had their Djinza evicted from their body at some point, normally when they reach adolescence- however it is possible that one has not. Curiously, Djinza now inhabit the Zhunong Isles almost like wild animals, (although they tend to be reclusive and live in less civilised areas such as caves) and yet are practically unheard of around the rest of the world. To the Zhunese, this is because the people of the Zhunong Isles are taught to accept their faults as part of themselves from youth and are not plagued by self-depreciation like so many of other civilisations are, thus Djinza lose their power and are easily evicted from their hosts, left to roam the lands.
Djinza can take almost any form; large, small, fearsome, ridiculous- there is no clear pattern nor method to their appearance, however it has been observed that they can sometimes be varyingly influenced by the host and the flaws they represent. They are rarely seen outside of the Zhunong Islands, as almost nobody but the natives of these lands have even considered the possibility of their existence.
While they are considered to be disgusting and malicious beasts, Djinza are actually quite intelligent in nature, being a shard of their host’s mentality post-eviction. They are usually capable of speech and other civilised activities like humanoids, but beware; they are equally cunning as they are clever, and will try to manipulate anyone who gives them an opportunity.
Other Legends and Sites.
The Zhunong Isles are a land brimming with mysteries, legends and history. It is up to the bravest and diligent of explorers to discover them all, but there are several that anyone interested in the land should know of.
The Shattered Lands
The Shattered Lands are a testament to the horrors of war; an abandoned battlefield that lay in ruin, scarred by cannon-fire and the blood of countless fallen warriors. Though not a particularly popular site, it is still one often visited if not to pay tribute to those that selflessly gave their lives during Jiatsang’s biggest, and since, only civil war. In ages long past, the codes of Law were much more lenient; freedom of thought and speech was more accepted and practice of other culture was more common in the Jiatsang Dynasty. This however brought many to the realisation of Jiatsang’s oppressive regime, noting the freedom that Kuijong truly had compared to the restraints of the Dynasty’s laws. This soon formed an uprising, hundreds of Jiatsang citizens turning to the ways of Chaos and revolting against the Dynasty.
The war raged on for almost a year and resulted in many casualties on both sides, but eventually the Chaos uprising was wiped out and the Dynasty emerged victorious. This was the event in history that lead to the the Dynasty reinforcing its control and making the codes of Law even stricter for fear of another uprising threat, warning all Jiatsangese citizens that allowing their minds to be corrupted by Chaos would result in death or exile. For a long time after this, the Dynasty was very reluctant toward visitors, allowing almost no travel or even trade to be conducted between neighboring lands, however it has more or less returned to its former stance on these matters in recent years. The Shattered Lands still serve as a grim reminder of the lengths humanity will go to in the name of their cause and, to the Dynasty, the cost of disobedience.
Azo, watcher of the Isles
Rumor speaks of a creature greater than the highest mountain, tall enough to walk the length of Zhunong in a single stride, a god more massive than a mere man could possibly imagine. These legends refer to Azo, a titan of flesh and metal that watches over the Zhunong Isles with an adamant gaze, and while the legends are mostly exaggerated, it is indeed a mighty creature. Towering nearly a hundred and fifty feet tall, the behemoth is only shadowed by the tremendous mountain ranges it lives among, however it is a gentle giant, never leaving the ring of hills that encircle its abode nor causing disturbance to the other denizens of the lands. While only the courageous and foolhardy dare to enter its vicinity, it is most often reported seen sitting upon a throne of rock molded into the side of Zhunong’s tallest mountain, toward the North-Eastern edge of Kuijong, however it has also been witnessed wandering the surrounding foothills in a ponderous manner. The few brave enough to approach it have all been surprised to find it act mostly passive toward them, even after laying its gaze directly upon them, promptly continuing its patrol- yet none have been brave enough to truly greet it so far.
Though the legends are foggied and mostly forgotten in the land’s modern era, the colossus was once believed to be one of several guardians that protect the Zhunong Isles, whom were forged by the great Nakajima from the flesh of gods fallen by his blade and the steel from their armies many ages ago in order to defend his sacred land from other envious deities. Azo is thought to be the ‘leader’ of these guardians, tirelessly watching over the land to this day, ready to awaken its brethren whenever a formidable enemy should attempt to conquer their home. Though there are said to be quite a many of these guardians, only a few have been reportedly found besides Azo, and all of them lay dormant, any attempts to awaken them resulting in disappointment. The few discovered are located in; The Northern ridges of Jiatsang, The Shattered Land in South Jiatsang, and the Southern Kuijong Jungle.
The Never-ending Keep
Among the Northern hills of Jiatsang lies a towering fortress as old as history tells. The sight itself is admirable, but it is far from a simple decaying marvel of stone and timber, for within its walls lies many mysteries and oddities. Said to have belonged to a lord who went mad after acquiring all knowledge the world holds and ordering the phenomenon to be constructed, the architecture and formation is often bizarre and nonsensical; stairs that lead to nowhere, hallways that climb the walls and ceilings, and a maze of rooms that spans for miles. The complex is so confusing that men have spent days wandering in circles, becoming hopelessly lost as they delve further into the labyrinth’s clutches, but that is the least of any adventurer’s worries, for the keep is home to endless Djinza and monsters that show no mercy to any who dare to invade their dwelling.
Few men have entered the castle and left to tell of their perils, and none yet have wished to return. Some have tried to map the layout of its twisting corridors, but all eventually accept futility, the geometry and architecture defying all logic and sensibility. Adventurers are teased, however, as it is said that the lord still rests deep within the fortress, along with his countless riches and treasures, patiently awaiting the day someone as mad as himself reaches the heart of the keep to take it all from him.
Firos, king of Demons
Perhaps the most famous legend Zhunong has to offer, the stories of Firos date far, far back into history, in the times where Nakajima was still just a young deity. Before Nakajima became the God-King he is more appropriately known as now, he had to face a great many trials in order to earn his place among the skies, and one of his greatest by far was his triumph over the oldest foe of Zhunong, the devil Firos. The beast was said to devour a hundred thousand souls a year and was fueled by a blinding, unrelenting hatred, caused when his family, kingdom and power were taken from him. As the story tells, he was once the god of thunder, ruling a great city in the clouds and using his control over the storms to strike down those who threatened his people, but after he was framed for the murder of another god, his throne was taken from him by those he sought to protect, his family eradicated and he finally was cast down into the Underworld as a criminal.
After losing everything of value to him, he was overwhelmed by insufferable hatred for all those that defamed him. This hatred became strength over time, transforming him into a hideous beast and he eventually amassed a huge following of demons in the Underworld as he proved his power, finally waging war against the gods and even turning against his own past followers. The casualties were great, both men and god fell at his hands, and he was thought to be an unstoppable force. This is where Nakajima bravely stood against the devil king, practically a mere infant by divine standards, and yet he was adamant to stop the beast. With a simple blade at his hands, he fought gallantly against Firos, the battle lasting days and the odds stacked well against him, yet he stood tall.
The devil’s power was overwhelming, nearly unbearable, but through sheer unrelenting willpower Nakajima felled the monstrosity no matter how grievous his wounds. In his dying breath, Firos cursed Nakajima’s very name, swearing that he would rise again many times after to take everything Nakajima loves from him, just as it had happened to the beast himself. In response, Nakajima swore to send him back to the Underworld every time he rose, and would slay a thousand demons in return for each man Firos devoured. Shortly after his victory, Nakajima was pronounced ‘King of Gods’ and became the most prestigious and respected among his peers.
Firos was far from stopped, however, as every few centuries his spirit in the Underworld would revitalise and his corporeal form would return once more to Zhunong to feast on the mortals and usurp Nakajima’s throne; but true to his word, Nakajima forced him back to his hovel every time and laid waste to his legions of followers. Even after his death, Nakajima’s son’s put aside their differences just once in order to stop the return of Firos in his honor. The stories truly are legends each in their own right; a mere excerpt serves the epic no justice, and paying audience to their full majesty is the only way to experience their true greatness. According to the latest known story, Firos’s last uprising was countless millennia ago however, and fear of his inevitable return has since dwindled, most believing him to finally be sealed in the Underworld once and for all and leaving his legend as little more than a tale of old. It is said that when a storm forms over Zhunong, it is what remains of Firos’s rage seeping through from the Great Divide, trying desperately to escape once more.