doghead
thotd
BACKGROUND
This is a collection of the background material from the old thread, edited and re-posted here for convieniece. I will update all background info here.
| story |
Things have not been peaceful in the Kingdom recently. For years, the Houses struggled amoung themselves for power and influence. Alliances and allegiances shifted and changed rapidly. Disputes were common and often hit flashpoint. The Orcs came out of the mountains. Some whispered of a pact. More lives were lost and more land laid bare until a peace was brokered. A weary calm settled over the kingdom as the Houses licked their wounds (and prepared for next time).
But it was not all bad for House Oe. In return for its steadfast support of the Warlord, the lands of Karatsu were granted to the House. Although a relatively insignificant and poor district, a gift of land is a great honour in the Kingdom. However, for a small House like House Oe, it is also very dangerous one. Sending too many soldiers would weaken the House proper. Sending too few and failing to manage the land would be a loss of face. So, after spending the whole day in discussion with his most trusted advisers, Lord Oe commanded three detachments, 22 soldiers, to be prepared by dawn and summond the young Lord Ari to take them to Karatsu. Lord Ari's objective will be to secure control of the castle and lands and manage them until Lord Oe can organise a permanent force. The timeframe is about six months to year.
House Oe is located far from the capitol in the lands of the south. It is a relative old and honourable House, but a small provincial one all the same. Lord Oe is a traditionalist, not only espousing the virtues of service and moderation, but practicing them as well. He is widely respected and trusted by the people of Oe for his dedication to the land and its people. He rarely travels North.
KORE - THE KINGDOM OF HARMONY
| religion - a rough history |
The original beliefs of the people of the Kingdom of Harmony were animalistic and occult. The fates of man were controlled by the the powers of nature and the spirits of the animals and the dead. Fickle, capricious and sometimes malicious, these forces had to be appeased through offerings and worship.
However, centuries ago, the concept of heaven was brought to the Kingdom from the Middle Kingdom and the southern lands. Heaven was placed above all else, and through piety and purity, man could achieve enlightenment and assension to divinity.
The spirits of the ancestors became the intermediarys between man and the incomprehensable and indifferent forces of harmony that were heaven. Over time, numerous different variations of the original teachings developed, each with their own perspective and emphasis.
| religion - a rough guide |
The Godhead created everything, is everything. So the wise know.
The nature of the Godhead is divided into 9 Aspects (ie: the Domains). Each Aspect is represented by a single kanji character. Thoughout the Kingdom, there are hundreds of sects each emphasising two or three different Aspects of the Godhead as the principle means to purity. Each church uses the relevent characters as their symbols of power.
Note: While the Aspects of Evil, Chaos, Death and Magic are considered to be intergral elements of the Godhead, the teaching of them is not permitted or, as in the case of Magic, frowned upon, in the Kingdom of Harmony. Study of these Aspects is undertaken but only under the Emperor's control. This is not common knowledge.
Sects incorporating the Aspect of War and/or that of Law are traditionally the most well supported by the Houses of the Kingdom, their principle teachings neatly coinciding with the interests of the Houses and Shogunate - legitimacy and power. The School of War and Law is one of the most powerful Schools in the Kingdom, being the official School of a number of Houses.
| religion - the school of War and Stength |
While not politically well supported, the School of War and Strength is one of the most widespread, having gained an extensive following amoung the soldiers of the Houses. The School of War and Stength has small temples across the country. The school is very careful to limit its attention to the concerns of the individual warrior, deliberately avoiding getting involved at a political level. This policy has allowed it to coexist harmoniously alongside whatever School is officially supported by the Lord of the district.
House Oe, while officially supporting another Church, has always treated all Schools with great respect, but this one in particular, recognising its importance to its warriors. Indeed, House Oe is rather unusual in that there are a number of different Schools represented in its District.
| currency |
The coins of the Kingdom are small flat rectangles.
EP = Gold piece
PP = Silver piece
GP = Iron piece
SP = Tin piece
CP = Copper piece
| samurai clothing |
A summary of material from here.
As may be expected, the basic clothing item in a samurai's 'everyday' wardrobe was the kimono, which for men normally consisted of an outer and inner layer. Heavier kimonos were worn in the winter, while lighter examples (those made of finer silk, for instance) were worn in the summer.
Beneath the kimono, a loincloth (fundoshi) was worn[.]
Footwear generally consisted of sandals (waraji) and wooden clogs (geta). Sandals were made from various sorts of material, including straw, hemp, and cotton thread. Clogs were generally associated with the lower classes ... though samurai wore them from time to time.
For rainy days, samurai, like everyone else, wore raincoats made out of straw (kappa) and availed themselves of folding umbrellas ...
Between the 12th and 17th Century, the hitatare style of dress was popular. Unlike the common kimono, hitatare was a two-piece costume, though comparably flowing and ample (Yoroi hitatarewas a snugger version for use under armor). This costume, for a possible frame of reference, is what most of the samurai wear in Japanese movies set prior to the Edo Period (the oft-mentioned Kagemusha, Ran, Throne of Blood, Heaven and Earth, ect…). Generally worn when in some 'official' capacity, the hitatare were normally adorned with the crest (or mon) of their immediate family or clan, or, in the case of relatives or direct retainers of the lord, the crest of the daimyô or shugo.
Some images can be found here:
Samurai Family Crests (Mon)
Samurai Banners
| others |
There are a number of other races in the Kingdom. The most common are Kobalds. Orcs. Ogres. Giants. I will post some more background on these later.
Orks - The Orks came to the Kingdom centuries ago, swept from their own lands by the Horde. Side by side with the warriors of the Kingdom, they stood, fought and died on the shores of the Kingdom keeping it free from the Horde. In return, they were granted the right to live in the mountains of the Kingdom. The relationship between the men and the orks of the Kingdom has never been one of outright war. But orks are a fractious and aggressive race, and the relationship has never been an easy one. Most recently, conflict erupted between several Daimyo and a number the tribes. Once again the teahouses were filled with talk about a plot by the 17 tribes to overthrow the Kingdom. But there has always been such talk to a greater or lesser degree. No evidence of such a plan was, or has ever been, brought to light. Eventually, about a year ago, with the Emperor's intervention, peace of a sorts was restored.
Wild animals are plentiful. Crows. Foxes. Wolves. Tigers. Bears. etc.
Deamons are the great enemy - defilers of the land and spirit. But they exist only in legends and the tales mothers tell their children to frighten them.
KARATSU
| geography |
Karatsu is located some 50 miles west of Castle Oe. Although located on the north western tip of the island, it is of limited strategic value. High hills and mountains effectively circle the town to the south and east. The major trade routes run to the southeast of these. During winter, there are only a couple of ways into the district that are always open. The many small islands that lie off the coast around the town make the approach to the harbour quite difficult for larger vessels in anything other than clear conditions. The harbour at Oe is a far safer and more popular destination.
The plains surrounding the town are quite small, raising into low hills just miles from the town. The villages of the district are scattered in and amoung the maze of hills and valleys that make up most of the district. Forests cover a lot of the land.
| industry |
The principle activities of the area are farming, fishing, timber and ceramics.
| orks |
One of the original 17 tribes of Orks settled in the mountains in the southeast of Karatsu. Ogres and a few giants are known to have lived in the district, however, little is known of their activities over the last few decades. There has never been a great deal of communication between the lands of Karatsu and Oe. There has been even less since House Sase took control of the district.
Edit: 20 Aug 2003 | samurai clothing added.
This is a collection of the background material from the old thread, edited and re-posted here for convieniece. I will update all background info here.
| story |
Things have not been peaceful in the Kingdom recently. For years, the Houses struggled amoung themselves for power and influence. Alliances and allegiances shifted and changed rapidly. Disputes were common and often hit flashpoint. The Orcs came out of the mountains. Some whispered of a pact. More lives were lost and more land laid bare until a peace was brokered. A weary calm settled over the kingdom as the Houses licked their wounds (and prepared for next time).
But it was not all bad for House Oe. In return for its steadfast support of the Warlord, the lands of Karatsu were granted to the House. Although a relatively insignificant and poor district, a gift of land is a great honour in the Kingdom. However, for a small House like House Oe, it is also very dangerous one. Sending too many soldiers would weaken the House proper. Sending too few and failing to manage the land would be a loss of face. So, after spending the whole day in discussion with his most trusted advisers, Lord Oe commanded three detachments, 22 soldiers, to be prepared by dawn and summond the young Lord Ari to take them to Karatsu. Lord Ari's objective will be to secure control of the castle and lands and manage them until Lord Oe can organise a permanent force. The timeframe is about six months to year.
House Oe is located far from the capitol in the lands of the south. It is a relative old and honourable House, but a small provincial one all the same. Lord Oe is a traditionalist, not only espousing the virtues of service and moderation, but practicing them as well. He is widely respected and trusted by the people of Oe for his dedication to the land and its people. He rarely travels North.
KORE - THE KINGDOM OF HARMONY
| religion - a rough history |
The original beliefs of the people of the Kingdom of Harmony were animalistic and occult. The fates of man were controlled by the the powers of nature and the spirits of the animals and the dead. Fickle, capricious and sometimes malicious, these forces had to be appeased through offerings and worship.
However, centuries ago, the concept of heaven was brought to the Kingdom from the Middle Kingdom and the southern lands. Heaven was placed above all else, and through piety and purity, man could achieve enlightenment and assension to divinity.
The spirits of the ancestors became the intermediarys between man and the incomprehensable and indifferent forces of harmony that were heaven. Over time, numerous different variations of the original teachings developed, each with their own perspective and emphasis.
| religion - a rough guide |
The Godhead created everything, is everything. So the wise know.
The nature of the Godhead is divided into 9 Aspects (ie: the Domains). Each Aspect is represented by a single kanji character. Thoughout the Kingdom, there are hundreds of sects each emphasising two or three different Aspects of the Godhead as the principle means to purity. Each church uses the relevent characters as their symbols of power.
Note: While the Aspects of Evil, Chaos, Death and Magic are considered to be intergral elements of the Godhead, the teaching of them is not permitted or, as in the case of Magic, frowned upon, in the Kingdom of Harmony. Study of these Aspects is undertaken but only under the Emperor's control. This is not common knowledge.
Sects incorporating the Aspect of War and/or that of Law are traditionally the most well supported by the Houses of the Kingdom, their principle teachings neatly coinciding with the interests of the Houses and Shogunate - legitimacy and power. The School of War and Law is one of the most powerful Schools in the Kingdom, being the official School of a number of Houses.
| religion - the school of War and Stength |
While not politically well supported, the School of War and Strength is one of the most widespread, having gained an extensive following amoung the soldiers of the Houses. The School of War and Stength has small temples across the country. The school is very careful to limit its attention to the concerns of the individual warrior, deliberately avoiding getting involved at a political level. This policy has allowed it to coexist harmoniously alongside whatever School is officially supported by the Lord of the district.
House Oe, while officially supporting another Church, has always treated all Schools with great respect, but this one in particular, recognising its importance to its warriors. Indeed, House Oe is rather unusual in that there are a number of different Schools represented in its District.
| currency |
The coins of the Kingdom are small flat rectangles.
EP = Gold piece
PP = Silver piece
GP = Iron piece
SP = Tin piece
CP = Copper piece
| samurai clothing |
A summary of material from here.
As may be expected, the basic clothing item in a samurai's 'everyday' wardrobe was the kimono, which for men normally consisted of an outer and inner layer. Heavier kimonos were worn in the winter, while lighter examples (those made of finer silk, for instance) were worn in the summer.
Beneath the kimono, a loincloth (fundoshi) was worn[.]
Footwear generally consisted of sandals (waraji) and wooden clogs (geta). Sandals were made from various sorts of material, including straw, hemp, and cotton thread. Clogs were generally associated with the lower classes ... though samurai wore them from time to time.
For rainy days, samurai, like everyone else, wore raincoats made out of straw (kappa) and availed themselves of folding umbrellas ...
Between the 12th and 17th Century, the hitatare style of dress was popular. Unlike the common kimono, hitatare was a two-piece costume, though comparably flowing and ample (Yoroi hitatarewas a snugger version for use under armor). This costume, for a possible frame of reference, is what most of the samurai wear in Japanese movies set prior to the Edo Period (the oft-mentioned Kagemusha, Ran, Throne of Blood, Heaven and Earth, ect…). Generally worn when in some 'official' capacity, the hitatare were normally adorned with the crest (or mon) of their immediate family or clan, or, in the case of relatives or direct retainers of the lord, the crest of the daimyô or shugo.
Some images can be found here:
Samurai Family Crests (Mon)
Samurai Banners
| others |
There are a number of other races in the Kingdom. The most common are Kobalds. Orcs. Ogres. Giants. I will post some more background on these later.
Orks - The Orks came to the Kingdom centuries ago, swept from their own lands by the Horde. Side by side with the warriors of the Kingdom, they stood, fought and died on the shores of the Kingdom keeping it free from the Horde. In return, they were granted the right to live in the mountains of the Kingdom. The relationship between the men and the orks of the Kingdom has never been one of outright war. But orks are a fractious and aggressive race, and the relationship has never been an easy one. Most recently, conflict erupted between several Daimyo and a number the tribes. Once again the teahouses were filled with talk about a plot by the 17 tribes to overthrow the Kingdom. But there has always been such talk to a greater or lesser degree. No evidence of such a plan was, or has ever been, brought to light. Eventually, about a year ago, with the Emperor's intervention, peace of a sorts was restored.
Wild animals are plentiful. Crows. Foxes. Wolves. Tigers. Bears. etc.
Deamons are the great enemy - defilers of the land and spirit. But they exist only in legends and the tales mothers tell their children to frighten them.
KARATSU
| geography |
Karatsu is located some 50 miles west of Castle Oe. Although located on the north western tip of the island, it is of limited strategic value. High hills and mountains effectively circle the town to the south and east. The major trade routes run to the southeast of these. During winter, there are only a couple of ways into the district that are always open. The many small islands that lie off the coast around the town make the approach to the harbour quite difficult for larger vessels in anything other than clear conditions. The harbour at Oe is a far safer and more popular destination.
The plains surrounding the town are quite small, raising into low hills just miles from the town. The villages of the district are scattered in and amoung the maze of hills and valleys that make up most of the district. Forests cover a lot of the land.
| industry |
The principle activities of the area are farming, fishing, timber and ceramics.
| orks |
One of the original 17 tribes of Orks settled in the mountains in the southeast of Karatsu. Ogres and a few giants are known to have lived in the district, however, little is known of their activities over the last few decades. There has never been a great deal of communication between the lands of Karatsu and Oe. There has been even less since House Sase took control of the district.
Edit: 20 Aug 2003 | samurai clothing added.
Last edited:
I was beginning to wonder.
