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Hello! So this is a project I've been working at on and off again for quite a while now, and I figured actually posting stuff might get me to finish it. I ran Jade Regent all the way through once, and I am about 2/3rds of the way through a second run. While the information in the books is great, Minkai is a very big country with a long history and unfortunately there's a lot of blank space. So I've been working on this campaign setting style book. I'll post the first 2 chapters now, with 3, 4 and 5 coming later. Chapter 3 is pretty much done, 4 and 5 need a lot of work. It could probably use a firm edit, given the length, but I hope you enjoy it!
A few caveats, there might be some awful translation errors (I don't speak Japanese, so some of the things I might have been going for could be waaaay off) and there are a few nuggets here from official sources. So if I need to take those out for copyright reasons, I have no problem doing so. Also, if this belongs in the homebrew section, moving it is no issue.
The Age of Dragons
~ -5000: The terrible creature known as Mokushiroku is defeated, and buried deep beneath the Kamifushi mountains.
~ -3500: An unknown dragon begins creating the Dragon Gates, magical portals used to summon the spirits of draconic ancestors for wisdom.
The Age of Ashes
-2414: An unknown clan of humans makes a series of intricate cave paintings dedicated to Shizuru in a cavern on the Sakehiyaku River, becoming the earliest evidence of humanity on the peninsula.
-1820: A foolish clan of humans manages to summon Mogaru in an attempt to kill a rival clan. Mogaru obliges by destroying nearly every human settlement in southern Minkai, including the summoning clans home.
-1349: An army of oni from Shirogoku attempt to slaughter the people of Minkai, but are foiled by kami lords and a small army of humans.
-619: The first ninja, only known as Hannyo, is born.
91: The legendary swordsmith Akasuka Jomon begins his journey across the country, crafting his magnificent weapons along the way.
867: Niicho Iburagi is born, who would later change his clan's name to Teikoku after a divine vision, becoming the sire of the Teikoku clan.
1350: The Yumogu and Utare people continue to be driven north by the expanding Tien-Min population to the south. Eventually both tribes settle in the Osogen Grasslands.
1949: The hero Okirori Tomoko settles the great dispute between the kami of the Warashi River and the Seseragi Forest.
2600: Shizuru bestows her grace on five mortal families, creating the imperial families
The Teikoku Shogunate
2612: The Teikoku Shogunate establishes itself, becoming the first kingdom of minkai
2790: The samurai Zaokoyu and his kingdom are destroyed by the kami of the Forest of Spirits. This land is forevermore regarded as the northern limit to Teikoku’s (and later, Minkai’s) northern expansion.
2831: Uddo is founded, becoming the capital of the Teikoku Shogunate.
2970: General Ishanda Aiko leads a regiment into the throat of Mount Kumiginja and becomes the first to successfully navigate the Ghost Path, although she is forced to abandon all of her soldiers in the outskirts of Shirogoku in order to return to her lord and make her grim report of the strange discoveries within the exposed Sekaminan cavern.
2986: Hiyosai is founded.
3001: Wanshi is founded.
3263: Under the rule of the Crane Shogun, the eastern half of Minkai is strong-armed into officially becoming part of the empire.
3370: Admiral Higashiyama Yagiten routs the pirate lord Fa Xen Khai in the Battle of Okija Straits.
3511: Shogokabe is founded.
3601: A brutal and long winter grips Minkai, snow reaching as far south as Uddo. The Yokai Civil War erupts.
3657: Akafuto is founded.
3698: After much council between the spirits of the forest, the shogunate, and the khans of Hongal, the Spirit Road between Minkai and Hongal is established as a trade route.
3755: After the Battle of Taidami Cavern, a truce is drawn up and the Yokai Civil War comes to an end.
3800: Amatatsu Aganhei establishes the trade route known as the Path of Aganhei between Tian Xia and Avistan over the Crown of the World. Scandalized by this new method of connection to barbaric lands, the shogun of Teikoku orders the explorer executed and destroys what he thinks are all of Aganhei’s maps—but the explorer had feared this might happen and stashed copies his maps and notes somewhere safe. Those copies—and the path itself—would remain hidden for 3,000 years.
3844: Kasai is founded, starting out as merely a small trading outpost.
3913: Shojinawa Itachi funds the building of the Magnolia highway, a series of well maintained roads to connect the major cities of southern Minkai.
4444: A group of demon worshippers kidnaps the Shogun's children and plans to use them in a cult sacrifice. Their plan is foiled by a small group of adventurers, and the Shogun makes the day of their success a national holiday.
4539: Oda is founded.
5218: Explorers officially discover the Seven Venom Springs for the first time.
5391: Sakakabe is founded.
5594: Sangoshi is founded.
6010: Enganoka is founded
6086: Sangoshi crumbles beneath the waves.
6116: The Perfect Swordswoman, Setsuna Kuga, leads the armies of the Minkai against the forces of the Teikoku Shogunate at the Battle of Eight Bridges. With the shogun’s forces routed, Minkai’s armies march upon the old capital and raze it.
The Empire of Minkai
6119: The empire of Minkai is established in Tian Xia. Kasai is named the new capital.
6192: Setsuna Kuga passes away from old age.
6263: A dying kraken washes up at Akafuto, carrying a plague that would kill thousands and become known as the Aya-Maru Taint.
6438: Empress Sugimatu Kairi grants Kitsune and Wayangs the right to be more than hinin in Minkai's social hierarchy.
6569: The Mad Empress, Higashiyama Cho, is slain by Amatatsu Daisuke, who claims the throne as his own. To everyone's shock, the Jade Throne accepts him. His regicide would trigger a civil war in the country that would rage for 8 years.
6571: No fewer than 5 emperors and empresses sat on the throne this year, and it is known amongst scholars as the Year of Five Rulers.
6577: While preparing to deal the death blow to Amatatsu Onoko, Empress Teikoku Kiyoshi is struck by a bolt of divine lightning. Some say the patron that granted her witch powers was collecting her soul, others say the bolt was from Hei-Fang himself, returning a favor to Shizuru. Regardless, this event signified the end of the war.
6741: A bandit warlord named Anamurumon begins gathering power in the foothills of the Wanshi province, eventually leading a barbarian army that would devastate Minkai for 6 years.
6747: Emperor Shojinawa Kenshiro and Anamurumon meet on the field of battle, and both are slain. The barbarian army is routed.
6765: Emperor Shojinawa Ito assumes the throne after his father's mysterious death.
6800: The lost maps of Aganhei’s route over the Crown of the World is rediscovered by another Minkai explorer, and the trade route soon becomes quite well used.
6840: After killing and turning most opposition against him into undead monsters, Emperor Ito begins his war against the Empire of Lung Wa. The eastern coast of the Tian mainland suffered greatly for the next two decades.
6861: Emperor Ito is slain by the sovereign dragon Daidorei, ending his reign of terror. A regent is put on the throne for only the second time in history as the nation recovers.
6912: Emperor Sugimatu Kobashi's birthday party results in the harbor of Kasai being flooded with sake, earning the beloved ruler his nickname
7050: The oni known as the Five Storms launch their plan to take control of Minkai by escaping the House of Withered Blossoms in the Forest of Spirits.
7059: The Golden League is founded, and controls Minkai’s commerce for 12 years.
7071: The Golden League is banished from Minkai.
7106: Aroden Dies. The Emperor of Lung Wa dies and the empire splits apart. Storms wracking the coast prevent Minkai from seizing any kind of power on the mainland. Emperor Teikoku Takamura perishes while at sea in such a storm.
7124: The Sugimatu's begin dying under peculiar circumstances, slowly being poisoned by oni disguised as healers.
7129: The last member of the Sugimatu family dies.
7132: The Shojinawa Manor burns to the ground in cold, black fire, killing all who were gathered inside and ending the line.
7149: The Teikoku family begins to be killed off in large numbers. Most of the family holes up in their mountain manor, isolating themselves from the rest of Minkai. The Amatatsus conclude that someone is targeting the royal families, and start an exodus from the country.
7152: The oni complete the destruction or stealthy subjugation of four of the five royal families of Minkai, leaving the Amatatsu family as the last holdout. Yet when the oni turn their attention to this family, they discover that the Amatatsus have fled Minkai over the Crown of the World.
7208: Emperor Shigure is taken into hiding by the rest of his family. The Higashiyama clan claims assassins are planning to kill the Emperor, and he is replaced by the Jade Regent. Political turmoil in the capital eventually explodes into violence, and the governor of Kasai is executed after being accused of planning to kill the Emperor.
7210: An increase in the number of unexplained sinkings among trade vessels sailing the waters of Xidao strains relations between Minkai and the locathah.
7211: The current year.
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For over 4 and a half millennia, the peninsula of Minkai has been ruled over by the 5 Imperial Families. These five clans were chosen by Shizuru to lead her people to prosperity, for in the time before the Imperial Families clan warfare constantly tore the lands of Minkai apart. The ancient scrolls say that atop the Mount of Seven Shrines, Shizuru descended from Heaven and gifted Teikoku Yuri, Higashiyama Shinju, Shojinawa Taro, Amatatsu Miyako, and Sugimatu Mai the Imperial Seals. The five families spent the next few years uniting their holdings and discussing the best way to rule the country. Eventually it was decided that the Teikoku clan, the most powerful of the families at the time, would rule over the others as shogun, with the other four families making up the Imperial Court. Thus was born the Teikoku Shogunate, which ruled over Minkai for nearly 4000 years. It wasn't until the revolution in 6116 that the five families gained equal power once again, and instituted the new law of cycling familial rule as the Jade Throne saw fit. A family would rule hereditarily (with the eldest child taking the throne on their parents death, and if an emperor or empress was childless upon death their oldest living sibling would take the throne) until the Jade Throne did not respond to the commands of whomever was put on the throne. At that point, the other four families would put forward their candidates, who would journey to the Imperial Shrine in Kasai's harbor and ask for favor from the ancestral spirits of rulers long passed. Once these rituals were complete, they would return to the palace and whomever the throne chose after this was deemed emperor or empress. A ruler can appoint a regent to rule in their stead, though this rule has only been called for in the most extreme circumstances. A regent is not kicked from the throne as a commoner would be, but is unable to access the throne's powers.
Each of the families has certain values they hold dear, and are often associated with. Though saying all members of each family hold true to these values would be painting with a broad brush so to speak, they make for good guidelines on what has been traditionally expected of members of the families. More details on these values can be found in PZO AP#53 Tide of Honor.
Amatatsu
Colors: Blue and Red
Crest: A sparrow taking flight
Location of Family Holdings: North of Akafuto
Royal Weapon: The katana Suishen
Famous non ruling Amatatsu: Amatatsu Miyako (2561-2660, F, LG, fighter 15)- The leader of the Amatatsu family at the time of Shizuru's choosing.
Amatatsu Aganhei (3759-3800, M, NG, aristocrat 1/ranger 9)- A famous explorer who discovered the Path of Aganhei over the Crown of the World.
Amatatsu Kaku (6382-6430, M, NE, aristocrat 6)- Called Kaku the corpulent, this morbidly obese man was known for his selfish greed and limitless appetite. His love of artwork did produce a few classic commissioned pieces however, so his rule as clan leader isn't seen as entirely wasteful.
Amatatsu Anko (3009-3108, F, NG, alchemist 10/wizard 2)- A tireless inventor, Anko is credited with no fewer than 50 discoveries. She created a faster method of making paper, a better technique for crafting with sky metals, and discovered over six different uses for phoenix feathers.
Amatatsu Keitai (4965-5027, M, LN, samurai 17)- Keitai was called the greatest warrior of his time, and was given the position of the shogun's personal bodyguard at age 14.
Shojinawa
Colors: Purple and Gold
Crest: A water lily in front of the moon
Location of Family Holdings: Northern Oda province
Royal Weapon: The mirror Seiten
Famous non ruling Shojinawa: Shojinawa Taro (2540-2629, M, LN, monk 16)- The leader of the Shojinawa at the time of Shizuru's choosing
Shojinawa Hisato (4789-4830, F, CG, aristocrat 8)- A famous poet and philanthropist
Shojinawa Akamichi (2821-2922, M, CE, demon-blooded tiefling bloodrager 10)- Known as the Twelve-Fingered Prince, he attempted to overthrow the Teikoku family but was defeated and exiled to the Ikkaku Peninsula. He remained a thorn in the side of the Imperial Families for decades until, in old age, he was finally slain in a duel by his grandniece Shojinawa Sango
Shojinawa Yoh (6392-6476, M, N, cleric 6/expert 6)- Born a very sick child, he miraculously survived and became a respected and influential healer, living to a ripe old age of 84.
Shojinawa Okita (2700-2771, F, LE, wizard 15)- Though not often mentioned in historical documents, Okita's time as leader of the clan may have influenced the Shojinawa line more than any other. She had a voracious hunger for power, and wished to ensure greatness for her clan for all time. She took it upon herself to have children with powerful magical bloodlines, regardless of what that entailed. The Shojinawa's dark reputation can be traced back to Okita's foul deeds.
Teikoku
Colors: Black and Cream
Crest: A red dragon entwined with a sword
Location of Family Holdings: Northeastern Kasai province
Royal Weapon: The nodachi Mirin
Famous non ruling Teikoku: Teikoku Yuri (2562-2630, F, N, fighter 9/wizard 5/eldritch knight 3)- The leader of the Teikoku at the time of Shizuru's choosing
Teikoku Sozo (3223-3295, M, LG, Samurai 13)- A famous general who led the successful campaign to fold Hiyosai into the Teikoku Shogunate.
Teikoku Kaga (5576-5639, M, LN, bard 4/ranger 3)- A notoriously obsessed scholar who spent decades categorizing the strange creatures of Minkai, penning several authoritative bestiaries.
Teikoku Kaiba (6825-6860, M, NG, aristocrat 4/fighter 4)- One of the most prominent critics of Emperor Ito during the years of war against the Lung Wa, he was eventually executed for treason. His death made him a martyr, and served as a rallying point for those who stood against the Dark Emperor.
Teikoku Hana (4211-4280, F, CE, psychic 6)- A fervent and mad worshipper of ancient, evil things from beyond the stars. She was one of the first Minkaians to be exiled to Oboro Island, where she eventually disappeared into the wild at an old age.
Higashiyama
Colors: Yellow and Sky Blue
Crest: The Minkaian Rainbow Ibis
Location of Family Holdings: Eastern Shogokabe province
Royal Weapon: The daikyu Baraka, of Commanding Presence
Famous non ruling Higashiyama: Higashiyama Shinju (2575-2623, M, LN, shaman 14)- The head of the Higashiyama family at the time of Shizuru's choosing
Higashiyama Ken (3640-3721, M, LG, aristocrat 10/bard 3)- A famed diplomat who was key in brokering the trade alliance between Hongal and Minkai that formed the Spirit Road.
Higashiyama Ameiko (4008-4080, F, LG, cleric of shizuru 12)- The head of the church of Shizuru
Higashiyama Yagiten (3340-3394, M, CN, fighter 8/swashbuckler 6)- An admiral famous for his brazen yet successful tactics. He helped Minkai's navy prosper and took down a number of dangerous pirate captains.
Higashiyama Koei (5995-6068, F, CE, anti paladin 7)- A former paladin of Shizuru who turned her back on the faith, she became infamous for slaughtering nobles in their sleep. The people of southern Shogokabe still speak of her as a bogeyman of sorts.
Sugimatu
Colors: Orange and Brown
Crest: A circle of bamboo leaves around a wisdom filled scroll
Location of Family Holdings: In the center of the city of Wanshi
Royal Weapon: The naginata Raiko, the Thundering Blade
Famous non ruling Sugimatu: Sugimatu Mai (2550-2639, F, NG, cleric of shizuru 13)- The head of the Sugimatu family at the time of Shizuru's choosing.
Sugimatu Eishi (4690-4753, M, CG, aristocrat 5/commoner 3)- Known as Eishi the wanderer, he travelled by foot all across the country, living with the common folk and bringing tales of their lives back to the Imperial court.
Sugimatu Yukari (3706-3800, F, LG, aristocrat 4/bard 13)- A Minkaian envoy known for her beauty and wit, she spent a vast majority of her life on the Tian mainland, spreading word of her homeland and people.
Sugimatu Baan (7091-7129, M, CN, expert 2/fighter 6)- The last member of the Sugimatu family to die, he was renowned for his physical fitness but eventually succumbed to the same poisons that destroyed the rest of his clan.
Sugimatu Togashi (6905-6969, M, NE, expert 10)- A famous sculptor and nihilist whose work in mithral was (and still is) groundbreaking and grotesque.
I already made a post detailing the rulers that have sat on the throne since Minkai became a country, which you can find here
Agreed!
Awesome work!
Please carry on!
--C.
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Minkai, as it currently stands, is made up of 8 official provinces, along with three large claimed territories on the peninsula and multiple islands which it claims sovereignty over. The size and shape of these provinces has fluctuated over the centuries, but the number hasn't changed in over a millennia.
Kasai:
The largest province of the eight, Kasai is a land with phenomenal history and tremendous wealth. It is from these lands that the 5 imperial families originated, and it has held the capitals of both modern Minkai and the former Teikoku Shogunate. Before the Shogunate was overthrown, this province was known as the Uddo province. Nearly 9000 years ago, Minkaians first settled these lands, at first clinging to the coasts of the seas and rivers. They quickly expanded from these settlements, and began to build much larger towns and cities. Clan warfare was rampant in these early times, and monsters were all too common. Some of the oldest and most prestigious families in Minkai trace their lineages back to this time. Despite the dangers of war and the wild, the Minkaian population rapidly increased, and spread into bordering future provinces. In roughly 1500 IC, kami from the shrinking wilderness started to attack settlers, and the expansion of Minkai was threatened. A legendary Kami Medium, a woman named Tamiya Keita, met with the lords of the Kami and brokered a peace agreement that still stands in the present. Kasai has seen tremendous amounts of conflict in the interim times, from civil wars to natural disasters, but it has remained the hub of the country's culture and commerce.
Bordered on the north by the Tagiryu river and the Kamiteki river to the east, Kasai encompasses many different ecosystems. The western arm of Kasai is dominated by wide plains, eventually giving way to the Xidao Gulf. The northern lands contain many marshes, and are the most fertile part of the province. The central and eastern part of the province are made up of rolling hills. The southern lands of Kasai are heavily settled, and have been since the Teikoku Shogunate.
Baso: This small city sits on the westernmost part of the mainland of the province. Baso was home to many supporters of Shojinawa Ito, and was a much greater city during his reign. It is now a disgraced and shrunken city, with a number of abandoned buildings throughout. People from Baso are known for being dour, and have little good to say about the Imperial families. The mayor of the city, Kenji Renkastu (LN male human aristocrat 5), is a vocal supporter of the Jade Regent. Due to its proximity to Nemuiryu Island, Baso has a fairly large amount of knowledge on how to combat the undead.
Chihama: The famous City of Scholars can be found on the shores of the Kamiteki river, northeast of the ruins of Uddo. This city hosts no fewer than 12 different academies, and has produced some of the greatest minds in Minkai's history. The academies teach such varied skills as calligraphy and wizardry, and here rival schools act as dojos would in other cities. The rivalry between the magical academies Shangketsu and Oritama is legendary, and has gone on longer than many countries have been in existence. The current headmaster of Oritama is an expatriate from Po Li named Mei Qedong (N female human diviner 11), who enjoys taking her favored pupils on teleportation trips back to her homeland.
Murusan Marshes: These freshwater marshes stretch for miles south of the Tagiryu river. The shores near the river are fairly developed into a number of rice paddies, but the majority of the marsh remains wild. The clay found in this marsh is valued by potters for its high quality. Getting this clay is not without peril, as numerous monsters like drakes, otyughs, and giant dragonflies call the marsh home.
Iekaki: Called the "Restless City", Iekaki is a large industrial town settled in the central hills of the province. Founded in 6697 on top of a massive ore deposit, Iekaki has been producing iron for the country for centuries. The armor and weapon smiths here claim to be the finest in Minkai, though Wanshi's blacksmiths would disagree on this matter. The population of the town is always in flux, as people come in to make their fortunes and then leave. Natives are known for being more boisterous and outspoken than is typically accepted in Minkaian society. It's a noisy town, and the pollution can be unbearable. Iekaki has an icy relationship with the Kami in the best of times, and battles between miners and nature spirits are reasonably common. Nearly all remember the year 7183, when Kami sent swarms of Rust Monsters into the mines and nearly crippled Iekaki's economy.
Kasai: The capital of the nation and seat of the Imperial family. More information on this city can be found in AP#54 Tide of Honor.
Kazeuta Fields: These wide open fields make up most of western Kasai, and have seen countless battles. It was here that the Clash of 10,000 Corpses took place, as well as the battle between Emperor Shojinawa Kenshiro and Anamurumon. Some of these battle sites have remained places of dark power, and are patrolled by restless dead. There are many shrines throughout the plains, dedicated to the lost soldiers and small kami of these lands.
Nemuiryu Island: Once a beautiful flower covered island, this land is now permanently tainted by evil. It was here that The Dark Emperor, Shojinawa Ito, staged his war against the Lung Wa. Though his defeat was centuries ago, the island still crawls with undead legions and other abominations. The only place on this island even remotely safe is Mera town on the northern coast. It is here that the Order of the Pure Orchid stays, a coalition of Paladins, Samurai and Monks dedicated to purifying the island. It is led by Mato Choujiin (LG old male human Paladin of Shizuru 8/Samurai 5), a man of lowly birth who rose to great prestige through his hard work and faith. The Black Keep of Ito is found on this island, and is explored in more detail in Chapter 4.
Teikoku Manor: This sprawling compound was the family retreat of the Teikoku family when they were not the ruling Imperial line. It is nestled in a mountain valley, not far from Kamiteki river. It was here where the Teikoku's met their end, trapped by oni and mercenary bandits. It is mostly a destroyed ruin at this point, but historians or explorers could find value in the rubble here.
Uddo: The former capital of the Shogunate is now overgrown and avoided, home to bandits and monsters. Sailors steer clear of these mist shrouded shores for fear of robbery, and also of restless Teikoku spirits. The crypts beneath the city hold incalculable wealth, but are guarded by curses, traps and worse. For more information on Uddo see Dragons Unleashed.
Hiyosai:
The easternmost province is known as the Cradle of Minkai, and it was here that the Minkaian people are first known to have originated. Clans from Kasai may argue this, but people from Hiyosai are confident in this as fact. Perhaps it is the distance from the capital, but the lands of Hiyosai have always been independent from the rest of the nation, and was the last inhabited area of the peninsula to fold into the Teikoku Shogunate. Officially, the province begins 111 miles south of the Sakehiyaku river and goes all the way to the Ningyo Gulf. This would make it the largest province. However, everyone knows that the area north of the Warashi River is its own territory, and only answers to Hiyosai out of custom. Hiyosai is among the least populated of the eight official provinces, and contains miles of untamed wilderness and many forgotten ruins. Though Oda suffers the brunt of typhoons during the rainy season, the storms travel up the coast resulting in this province having fairly damp weather patterns. Forests thrive in Hiyosai, and the forests and rivers of the province have shaped the culture here for generations.
Mizuru: A small town perhaps 200 miles north of the capital city, Mizuru would barely register as a place worth visiting if it weren't for one peculiar inhabitant. In the year 7191 IC, Mizuru became the new home of Oso Midori (CG male tengu alchemist 12), the self-proclaimed Guru of Gears. Though an exceptional braggart, Midori is a very talented creator of constructs. In particular, he creates clockwork puppets called Karakuri. These talents have attracted a number of rich clientele, and the town has been seeing an economic boost due to his presence. Midori is unaware though that the nearby Demon's Fang ninja clan has taken an interest in him, and plan to use his skills to create a band of clockwork assassins.
The Floating City of Yajiwara: The Sakehiyaku is one of Minkai's longest rivers, and each year it bears witness to a most peculiar journey. On the first day of spring, as the snow begins to melt, a massive white storm cloud appears over the peak of Mount Yogan. At the headwaters of the river, the cloud unleashes a torrent of debris, which then begins to float down the river. No less than a week later, the debris coalesces into a marvelous yet haphazard city. The inhabitants of this city seem to spring out of thin air, and go about their lives as if nothing unusual is occurring. Kami, kitsune, tengu, tsukumogami, tanuki, proteans, fey, and even some humans live in this city. Visitors are welcome, though the city's tight construction is nonsensical to outsiders, and normal rules of physics and dimensions seem to waver. Those who would harm the city find themselves attacked by Yajiwara's guardians who take the form of huge red apes with massive, unsettling masks. The city finishes its journey at the winter solstice, where it arrives at the mouth of the river and Hiyosai itself. There is a 3 day festival held every year between the two cities, where they trade goods and entertainment. After the three days, the city floats into the bay, and dissolves into sea foam. No one is sure exactly the purpose or history behind Yajiwara, but all enjoy seeing the strange city every year.
Lake Juwo: The area around the mouth of the Warashi river is known as the Cape of Lakes. Due to geological formations, the Warashi river splits underground, and feeds a number of lakes near the coast. The largest of these lakes is Lake Juwo, the third largest lake in Minkai. Local legends say that the guardian of the lake, a great turtle named Bojimaru, is a romantic and will bless any couples that marry on the lake shore with lifelong good luck.
Hiyosai: The oldest standing city in the country, in truth Hiyosai has been rebuilt a number of times. Earthquakes and tsunamis have ruined the city numerous times, but the resilient inhabitants have weathered the disasters and reconstructed every time. Even with these disasters, a few of the buildings here are millennia old. The main center of worship for Shizuru can be found on the coast of the city, a beautiful white and gold pagoda situated to be the first place in the city to be kissed by the sun's rays. Other sites of note include The Houses of Bronze, where Hiyosai's main export is melted down into bars and shipped to Kasai, and the longest operating inn and restaurant in the country, Uzu's Inn.
HIYOSAI
LG Small city
Corruption +2; Crime -1; Economy +5; Law +6; Lore +1; Society +0
Qualities financial, holy site, military presence, prosperous
Danger +5
DEMOGRAPHICS
Government Overlord
Population 7,290 (6546 Humans, 363 Tengu, 203 Kitsune, 96 Tritons, 68 Wayangs, 14 Nagaji)
Notable NPCs
Governor Yishono Shingen (LG middle-aged human male aristocrat 7)
Admiral Dejima Kari (LN female samurai 5/hunter 5)
High Priest Tokuyasu Ohto (LG old male cleric of Shizuru 16)
Biriban Yuya (CN male ninja 6/expert 1)
MARKETPLACE
Base Value 6,800 gp; Purchase Limit 50,000 gp; Spellcasting 8th
Minor Items 4d4 (Scroll of Mage Armor, Scroll of Touch of the Sea, Wand of Reduce Person, Scroll of Magic Missile, Scroll of Silent Image, Potion of Warp Wood, Scroll of Disguise Self, Oil of Magic Fang, Potion of Cure Light Wounds);
Medium Items 3d4(+2 Longsword, +3 Trident, Luck Blade (0 wishes), Wand of Ray of Exhaustion, Potion of Protection from Good, Shieldsplitter Lance)
Major Items 1d6 (Staff of Frost, Staff of Illusion, Rod of Lordly Might, +4 Putrid Do-Maru, Staff of Necromancy, Greater Metamagic (+1 spell level) Rod)
The House of Stinging Metal: Situated near the foot of the Kyojin mountains between the two rivers of the province, this ruin has confounded those who have come across it. A large mansion built in an old style, it is constructed out of iron and cold Siccatite. This is bizarre in and of itself, but the metal reacts violently to intruders as if alive. Needles and swords constantly attack all those who dare set foot in the building. Those who have come here to mine the metal have often left empty handed, or even with fewer hands than they came with.
Oda:
The most fertile lands in all of Minkai can be found in Oda. The province provides prodigious amounts of rice for the country, thanks to a warm climate and moderate rains most of the year. Oda can be easily divided into three sections: the well traveled forests and plains of the north, the vast and wild Kurodoro Swamp in the center, and the populated agricultural center of the south. Aogaito Island is under jurisdiction of the province as well, and produces lumber for construction in the capital.
Oda: Of all of Minkai's cities, Oda is far and away the most diverse and chaotic. The city has long been welcoming of expatriates coming to work the many fields around the city, and foreign communities have existed since the city's founding. After the fall of the Lung Wa, many immigrants came to Oda for the relative stability of Minkai. In the following decades, the city has exploded outside of its original borders, and new city walls to discourage bandit and monster attacks have to be constantly rebuilt. The lawful elements of the city are consistently overworked trying to manage such a large and diverse group of people, and this has caused Oda to recently become a safer place for less savory groups to gather. Since the Jade Regent rose to the throne, demand for rice has tripled, yet proper compensation has been nonexistent. There have been stirrings of a rebellion brewing in the working class as of late, though the governor has made a point to stamp out these fires before they grow, and by any means necessary. Regardless of these darker times, Oda remains a city with gorgeous artwork, delectable cuisine, and a proud and hardworking community.
ODA
N Large city
Corruption +4; Crime +0; Economy +3; Law +3; Lore +6; Society +1
Qualities counterculture movement, prosperous, rabble rousers, rumormongering citizens, tourist attraction
Danger +10
DEMOGRAPHICS
Government Overlord
Population 11,200 (10,025 Humans, 856 Tengu, 113 Kitsune, 79 Elves, 75 Wayang, 40 Half-Elves, 12 Lizardfolk)
Notable NPCs
Governor Katori Okun (LE old female human aristocrat 3/samurai 3)
Chief Yawasa Tasumiki (LE male kuwa oni fighter 4)
Ambassador Chikwat-a (N female lizardfolk bard 5)
Pham Du Cheok (CG female human dragon-blooded sorceress 7)
Ganjuro Hatsu (CN male elf alchemist 9)
MARKETPLACE
Base Value 11,200 gp; Purchase Limit 70,000 gp; Spellcasting 7th
Minor Items +1 Leather Lamellar, Oil of Sanctify Corpse, Oil of Gentle Repose, Scroll of Identify, Scroll of Protection from Good, Scroll of Resist Energy, Scroll of Web, Potion of Shield of Faith, Potion of Pass Without Trace, Scroll of Shield, +1 Longspear, Scroll of Comprehend Languages
Medium Items Headband of Mental Superiority +2, Wand of Heroism (35 charges), Scroll of Cone of Cold, Wand of Greater Magic Weapon (39 charges), Potion of Greater Magic Fang, Book of the Loremaster
Major Items +3 Flaming Burst Mighty Cleaving Longsword, Wand of Dimension Door, Headband of Aerial Agility +4, Scroll of Greater Shadow Conjuration, +4 Arrow Catching Heavy Wooden Shield, +3 Wounding Frost Flaming Burst Nodachi, Rod of Thunder and Lightning
Kurodoro Swamp: Impenetrable and ancient, the great southern swamp known as Kurodoro dominates the Oda province. This vast mire has shaped the province since before mankind set foot on Minkai, being home to powerful nature spirits and generations of lizardfolk. The presence of the swamp creates a natural chokepoint between the city of Oda and the rest of the country, and this military position has saved the city a few times during civil unrest. Categorizing all that could be found here would be a challenge to any scholar, but a few well known places in the swamp include The Boggard Territories, The Castle of the Misery Princess, and Takeuma no Machi (stilt town). A small ethnic group of Minkaians known as the Taka live here. The Taka all have blue eyes, are generally quite thin, and stand almost a full foot taller than the average Tian-Min man. Unconfirmed stories from the deepest parts of Kurodoro tell of portals to other planes, ancient ruins of blue stone, fountains of youth, ninja fortresses, and a slow-churning whirlpool of mud a mile across that speaks to those who visit it.
Hachurui Okoku: Much of the southern Kurodoro Swamp is part of the Hachurui Okoku, or Reptile Kingdoms. Here, Lizardfolk rule as they have since before recorded history. The Kingdoms have never succumbed to outside invaders, and as far as the Lizardfolk are concerned they are an independent nation within Minkai. The Kingdoms are made up of multiple clans similar to Minkai's social hierarchy, though mobility within the hierarchy is far more common with the reptilians. Leaders of the clans are always clerics, shamans or druids, as reverence and communication with the kami of the swamp is tantamount to surviving in Kurodoro. Infighting within the kingdoms is common and even traditional. The clans will always band together when faced with an outside threat however. For millennia, the Hachurui Okoku held a hardline stance towards Minkaians, never allowing settlement of their territories but rarely interfering with affairs outside their lands. Within the past few decades however, advancements in irrigation techniques have allowed the farmers of Oda to make inroads into the swamp. At first, there was much bloodshed between the farmers and the lizardfolk, but eventually a tenuous truce was reached as both sides saw brutal losses with little gain. The southernmost clan of the kingdoms, the Uqua-Na-Oisa, has sent an envoy of ambassadors to the city of Oda to make sure the rights and traditions of the lizardfolk are not infringed upon by these new settlers.
Aogaito Island: This subtropical island is part of the province, but remains mostly wild and fairly independent. The entire island is the domain of the Kinoshita family, the largest and most influential clan in Minkai other than the five imperial families. Outside of the Jade Regent, their family produced the only other regent to sit on the Jade Throne. The island was given as a gift to the clan during the Teikoku Shogunate, when the reigning Shogun fell so madly in love with the head of the clan she renamed the island after him and granted his family rule over it. The island has seen sporadic attempts to colonize it throughout the centuries, but these attempts are often foiled by foul weather, protective kami, and pirates who would like the island to remain wild and unclaimed. Piracy has long been Aogaito's biggest issue, much to the Kinoshita's chagrin. The massive number of hidden coves and bays on the island makes rooting out all pirates far too difficult. The only town with any sized population is Karibi, a small town on the north shore where the Kinoshita family resides. This town is known for shipping out high quality lumber, particularly mahogany.
Nagura: This small town is in the northern part of the province. It is located near the fork in the Magnolia Highway that splits to connect Oda, Wanshi and Hiyosai. Though it does not have a large population, Nagura always has a number of traders and wanderers passing through. For more information on Nagura, see [u]Pathfinder Society Scenario #3-15: The Haunting of Hinojai[/u].
Shojinawa Manor: A cursed reminder of the loss of the imperial families, the ruins of the Shojinawa Manor are located at the foot of the Kyojin Mountains near the border with the Wanshi province. It was here, on the day of the Summer Solstice in 7132 that the Shojinawa line met a terrible end. It was the 1st birthday of Shojinawa Nikko, the daughter of the head of the clan Shojinawa Shirota. Shirota invited all family relatives to the manor grounds to celebrate his child's birthday, unknowingly dooming his family line. There is no verified story of what occurred that night, but it is known all of the Shojinawa clan was present. Somehow, the manor became engulfed in a mysterious black flame, colder than ice. Only a few retainers managed to escape the blaze, and none of the Shojinawa escaped. Rumor holds that those who visit the site are cursed to burst into this cold black flame at random, and the descendants of the retainers who escaped are subject to this curse as well.
Oboro Island: The small island east of Aogaito has played an important part in Minkaian politics for generations. Traditionally, the island houses exiled and disgraced nobles and samurai. The people here are too important to have killed, but have no place in society. For many samurai, exile to Oboro is the ultimate dishonor. The island has few towns and is primarily wilderness, but the settlements that do exist are unexpectedly lavish. Most of the exiled lords here have connections to the pirates of the south or yakuza on the mainland. Some of the more famous current residents of the island are The Blood-Mist Samurai Kaishaku Ieyagi, Baruku Jozu, and Sonyo Umie, the Babbling Daimyo.
Wanshi:
Despite being the smallest of the provinces, Wanshi holds a great deal of economic and social influence. Comfortably situated between Oda, Kasai and Shogokabe, Wanshi is split nearly in two by the Awahana river. This river is the lifeblood of the province, allowing transport of goods all the way from the northern hills to the Sorui Gulf. The geography is simple in the province, with the north being well forested and hilly before sloping down to the coast in rolling, grassy plains.
Akatsuchi Ranch: This ranch covers nearly 25 square miles of beautiful grass covered plains. Here, the Hireitama family raises the finest horses and cattle in the country. The imperial army selects the best steeds for their generals and leaders from this ranch. A unique breed of cow is raised here, the Minkaian White, which produces not only a nutritious milk but a beef so delicious that it regularly sells for 5 gold a pound. The head of the family, Hireitama Gohan (NG middle-aged male human expert 7), often hires adventurers to help keep his pastures safe from natural predators and thieves.
Magnolia Highway: The Magnolia Highway is a series of well maintained and defended roads that stretches across southern Minkai. Originally it connected Kasai, Uddo, Wanshi and Hiyosai, but added routes to access Shogokabe and Oda once those cities became established. After the fall of the Teikoku Shogunate, the highway was re-routed to avoid Uddo entirely. The original highway was funded by Shojinawa Itachi, one of the most historically beloved members of that clan. The roads are marked with magnolia trees planted along the sides, at 3 mile intervals. The journey down this road during the spring when the flowers bloom is said to be the most beautiful trip in all of Tian-Xia. The highway also is home to a large number of Dosojin Kami, who help maintain the roads and paths.
Sugimatu Manor: Located within Wanshi, the Sugimatu manor is mostly empty and abandoned. The family was wiped out nearly 90 years ago, from a combination of deadly accidents, diseases, and poisonings. A few of the smaller houses in the compound have been repurposed into a hospital and a museum, but otherwise the once magnificent mansion has been boarded up and left alone. The museum is run by Bajka (NG middle-aged male samsaran aristocrat 2/expert 2) a blind Samsaran who served the Sugimatu family for 3 lifetimes. He is greatly saddened by the loss of his friends and colleagues, but holds out hope that someday the clan will be reborn. Anything of true value was moved to the capital decades ago, but any up and coming sleuths may be able to glean some information from the manor about how the Sugimatus came to an end.
The Plain of Forgotten Shrines: Located in the center of the eastern half of the province, this area was once a hub of spiritual activity. Many years ago, this plain housed hundreds of kami and other nature spirits. People built shrines and statues in their honor, and the Kami gladly moved into these new wards. Torii gates were erected, and for a long time things were peaceful and prosperous. Suddenly, the spirits abandoned the area. Where there was once life and joy, nothing. Not even animals came to the plains anymore. The stillness, silence, and miles of empty eyed statues are unsettling, and travelers avoid this place when possible. The kami say nothing when asked of this area or what happened, and even the oni (who would normally revel in the kami's misfortune) go silent on the matter when pressed.
Tomotai: By all accounts, Tomotai is a lovely town. Located roughly 100 miles north of Wanshi on the western bank of the Awahana, the small town is the perfect representation of the classical Minkaian lifestyle. The farms are plentiful, the people honorable and friendly, and the sake is renowned for being some of the finest in the province. And yet, Tomotai harbors a dark secret. In the nearly 200 years since the town was founded, Tomotai has be beset by no fewer than 8 serial killers. No one knows why seemingly normal people in the town suddenly turn into vicious murderers, but Mayor Hiroki Tsuyu (LN female human aristocrat 2/bard 1) would reward anyone who could discreetly discover the truth handsomely.
Wanshi: The city of Wanshi was built in the year 3001 by the order of Sugimatu Daisuke, and is the second oldest standing city in the country. Daisuke's civil planning was unparalleled, and the construction of the city has soundly radiated outward from its center even millennia later. Wanshi is affluent, but not overtly so. The city folk consider overt displays of wealth to be in poor taste, resulting in even the governor's housing to be humble. The city has a long history with Minkai's military, housing 2 important forts. The naval fort Shironami is said to be impregnable, and always houses some of Minkai's greatest ships in case of emergency. The best bars in Minkai are found here in Wanshi, as the province produces massive quantities of alcohol. There is a temple-bar of Sun Wukong in the city that throws outrageous parties, with the Harvest Party every fall being of note. It's been said the Sun Wukong himself has attended a handful of these parties over the centuries.
WANSHI
LG Large city
Corruption +6; Crime +1; Economy +8; Law[b/] +7; [b]Lore +2; Society +2
Qualities financial, military presence, party town, prosperous, strategic location
Danger +10
DEMOGRAPHICS
Government Overlord
Population 11,390 (10132 humans, 527 kitsune, 460 tengu, 152 tanuki, 83 Nagaji, 35 Wayang, 1 Samsaran)
Notable NPCs
Governor Nurebiki Gentaro (LG venerable male human aristocrat 11)
Admiral Sonyo Heihachiro (LN male human fighter 13)
Priestess Kamui (NG female kitsune cleric of Daikitsu 10)
Yabato (CE male kappa ninja 5)
MARKETPLACE
Base Value 14,400 gp; Purchase Limit 100,000 gp; Spellcasting 7th
Minor Items 4d4; Dust of Emulation, Wand of Expeditious Retreat, Scroll of Inflict Moderate Wounds, Wand of Shocking Grasp, Potion of Reduce Person, Potion of Protection from Evil, Wand of Magic Weapon, Wand of Magic Missile, Potion of Resist Energy: Fire
Medium Items 3d4; Potion of Water Breathing, +1 Flaming Shortspear, Staff of Courage
Major Items 2d4; Scroll of Firefall, Staff of Performance, Ring of Wizardry II, Greater Belt of Mighty Hurling, Ring of Protection +5
Shogokabe
The southernmost province of Minkai is highly tied to the sea. Thanks to the huge Jishu Forest in the interior of the province, a large majority of Shogokabe's towns and cities are located on the coast. The waters here are warm and bountiful, with the Sorui Gulf being particularly plentiful. Perhaps it's the warm weather, but the people of this province are known for being more casual and laid back than their northern and eastern counterparts. Merchants from Kasai often joke there is a '3 day tax' on goods from Shogokabe.
Shogokabe: The second largest city in Minkai has an odd rhythm compared to the other cities of the nation. Shogokabans have a laid back attitude compared to other Minkaians, yet the city is always bustling and alive. It results in an odd pace where things will always be finished, just at their own schedule. Fishing is the lifeblood of Shogokabe, whether its in the many small rivers and streams that flow through the city or in the sea. The best seafood restaurants can be found in the city, and one of Minkai's staple foods, sushi, was created here. The city is home to a number of varied shrines to water and weather deities. These shrines often attract the attention of cults, for both good and ill in the city.
SHOGOKABE
LN Metropolis
Corruption +7; Crime -1; Economy +7; Law +7; Lore +6; Society +3
Qualities magically attuned, organized crime, prosperous, rumormongering citizens, superstitious, tourist attraction
Danger +20
DEMOGRAPHICS
Government Overlord
Population 62,450 (60272 Humans, 1267 Kitsune, 622 Tengu, 131 Wayang, 90 Half Elves, 40 Samsaran, 28 Nagaji)
Noteable NPCs
Governor Mutsu Tomomi (LN human female aristocrat 5/adept 7)
Restauranteur Kuniaki Tako (NG middle-aged human male expert 14/bard 1)
Priest of Lightning Daizan (CN tengu male shaman 6/cleric of Hei Feng 5)
Harbormaster Yojimba Tsuyoshi (N human male swashbuckler 5/aristocrat 1)
Hoseki (NE awakened sapphire jellyfish sorcerer 8)
MARKETPLACE
Base Value 27,200 gp; Purchase Limit 170,000 gp; Spellcasting 8th
Minor Items Nearly All;
Medium Items 4d4; Snakeskin Tunic, +1 Defending Furious Morningstar, +1 Menacing Called Handaxe, Minor Metamagic (+3 spell level) Rod, Scroll of Contact Other Plane, Ring of Protection +3, Scroll of Dominate Person
Major Items 3d4, Wand of Hold Monster, Oathbow, Greater Metamagic (+1 spell level) Rod, Ring of the Ecclesiarch, Potion of Countless Eyes, Gauntlets of the Weaponmaster, Potion of Protection from Energy: Cold
Jishu Forest: This large forest covers much of the province of Shogokabe. The volume of lumber that comes from Jishu is outdone by Akafuto and even Aogaito, but none can argue the quality of the produced wood. Darkwood from Jishu in particular fetches very high prices. The Kami often negotiate with shamans to inform the lumberjacks which trees are acceptable to take. For the most part, the relationship between the spirits and the woodsmen is professional.
The Jishu Forest is also known as The Forest of Dreams. For unknown reasons, the barrier between the realm of dreams and the waking world is very thin in the deep woods here. Animate Dreams and Nightmares walk between the trees, flickering in and out of existence. Many pilgrims have journeyed here to open up secrets of the mind, but not all return. As a result of the dreamstuff readily available, the Jishu forest is home to a large population of Baku.
Mizubo: Not far from Shogokabe, Mizubo is a small city that is renowned for its shipbuilding. Nearly 70% of the people that live here are involved in the shipbuilding trade, and have been for generations. One of the city's oldest families is the Tekkatsu clan. This family of wizards produces numerous magical maritime items for sailors, ranging from enchanted sails to intelligent figureheads. The city has frequent problems with piracy.
The Castle of Mists: Deep in the Jishu Forest is the hidden Castle of Mists. Legend says the castle never appears in the same place twice, and other tales say it only appears during a half moon. The castle is always shrouded in a fine fog, and even the halls are filled with this mist. Supposedly, the castle is ruled by the spirit of Rokuwa Saigo, the daimyo of a long dead clan that once feuded with the Higashiyama family.
Shadowcove: This large town is tucked away in a difficult to access cove, far to the southwest of Shogokabe. Hidden not only by natural terrain but magic as well, this town is one of the only pirate ports on the mainland of Minkai. Originally a small hidden ninja village supporting the Black Wave ninja clan, the town expanded when it was accidentally discovered by a leader of the Zo pirates. The ninja and the pirates saw a chance to mutually benefit each other, and struck a bargain of cooperation. Here, illegal goods flow freely and life is cheap. The leaders of Shogokabe are vaguely aware of Shadowcove's existence, and would gladly pay for any information about the town and its defenses.
Greenfire Glade: Once a modest city whose name has been lost to time, the Greenfire Glade is a dangerous ruin. Long ago, this city was a haven for religious pilgrims. The Kami of the forest would gladly walk amongst the city and converse with humans, and this drew many great shamans and priests. This joyous union would not last, for the peace and tranquility drew the ire of a powerful green hag named Hakusomi. She, along with a clutch of young forest dragons and a small hobgoblin army, ransacked the city. The hero Yojimba Ryoka managed to slay Hakusomi with a magic arrow, but the city was destroyed. The brutality of the monsters and the loss of life was so great, the land itself became twisted and tainted. Now, the ruins are a place where oni sometimes spawn. Hakusomi herself returned from the dead in the form of a witchfire, and rules over the city as its queen. Her most trusted servant is the last remaining Forest Dragon from the clutch she attacked the city with, Ichiwarui, who happily rules by her side. The glade is found in the northern edge of the Jishu Forest, around a days travel from the banks of the Kamiteki river.
Higashiyama Manor: Located on a cliff overlooking the Sorui gulf, nearly 200 miles south of Wanshi, this manor and compound is occupied by Imperial caretakers. The few Higashiyama that still remain live in Kasai, watched over by the Imperial army and the Jade Regent's personal mercenaries, the Typhoon Guard. The manor itself is quite lovely, with a gorgeous ocean few and pleasant sea breezes blowing through the many courtyards. Nearby locals whisper that the caretakers who live here are actually monstrous, and are desecrating the grounds with wild parties and other profane acts.
Akafuto
The province of Akafuto is reliant on two major natural landmarks; the Tagiryu River and the Yurasuna Forest. The presence of these two features has made Akafuto a major economic power, and the province supplies the majority of lumber for the empire. Akafuto is also rich in mineral wealth (particularly gold), and both the timber and ores flow down the Tagiryu to the city at the mouth of the river. The province is an odd shape, thanks to a rivalry with the Enganoka province that has stretched back centuries. The border mostly follows the two rivers here, and ends 199 miles south of Lake Tsukishizuku.
Akafuto: The capital city of the province is considered by many to be the second most important city in Minkai, falling only behind the capital. Being the endpoint of the trade route running from Lake Tsukushizuku to the sea certainly helps in this regard, as does the close proximity to the Yurasuna forest. The finest woodcarvers in the country ply their trade here, creating objects as simple as toys to mighty Imperial warships. Goldsmiths also have a presence here, working with the ore shipped down from the slopes of the Kyojin mountains. Akafuto also boasts the largest shipyard in Minkai, and creates the majority of the Minkaian fleet. People from Shogokabe will argue that the ships of Mizubo are superior, but any person from Akafuto will reassure you that's simply jealousy talking. Other famous landmarks in the city include Ukuashi-ji (an important temple to Kofusachi), the prestigious Juhimeiyo school, and the headquarters of the Kurayami no Sentoki. This unique group of brawler/paladins seeks to eliminate injustice and evil not just in Minkai, but throughout Tian Xia. Though Minkaians of the other provinces acknowledge the importance the city holds, people from here have a reputation of being somewhat dull and focused only on work.
AKAFUTO
LN Metropolis
Corruption +4; Crime +2; Economy +9; Law +9; Lore +5; Society +0
Qualities holy site, military presence, monastic order, prosperous, strategic location, tourist attraction
Danger +10
DEMOGRAPHICS
Government Overlord
Population 42,500 (39966 humans, 2317 kitsune, 217 tengu)
Noteable NPCs
Governor Moniwa Kamon (LG middle-aged male human aristocrat 5/bard 3)
General Hidetsugu (LE male ogre mage samurai 4)
Hojo Monzaemon (NE male rakshasa)
Ohba Inoue (LN female human ninja 9)
Arata Tadakuma (N male kitsune cleric of Daikitsu 11)
Akaniwatori (LG male human paladin of shizuru 5/brawler 4)
MARKETPLACE
Base Value 27,200 gp; Purchase Limit 150,000 gp; Spellcasting 9th
Minor Items Nearly All;
Medium Items Scroll of Summon Nature's Ally IV, Ring of Retribution, +4 Tower Shield, Potion of Resist Energy: Fire, Potion of Invisibility, Boots of the Mastodon, +3 light steel shield
Major Items Staff of Passage, Greater Gauntlet of Rust, +3 Vicious Wakizashi, Scroll of Mass Invisibility, +5 Glamered Improved Cold Resistance Do-maru, Wand of Rainbow Pattern, Potion of Burrow, 6th level Pearl of Power, Greater Quicken Metamagic Rod, Potion of Resist Energy: Sonic, Greater +2 spell level Metamagic Rod, +4 Brilliant Energy Distance Shock composite longbow (+2 str bonus)
Amatatsu Manor: Located a days travel north from Akafuto on a bluff overlooking the sea, the Amatatsu manor has been abandoned in the decades since the family vanished. Very few know the true fate of the imperial family, and as a result their disappearance has fueled a multitude of conspiracy theories. 5 years ago, a group of amateur detectives calling themselves the Seekers of Divine Truths set up shop here, trying to unravel this historical mystery.
Ryosan: The small city on the southern side of the mouth of the Mekkyo river has a long and intertwined history with the town opposite the river from it, Genbari. The two settlements were founded in 5560 by the Harimoto clan, as one large city connected by a bridge. The city prospered, but after the founder of the city passed away, his twin sons argued between themselves over who should take command. The two came to battle on the bridge, but found themselves in a draw. Their fight destroyed the bridge, and each brother claimed the side they remained on as their own. Harimoto Kurode ruled over this southern side, renaming it to Ryosan. The two settlements still have a fierce rivalry with each other, occasionally escalating into violence. The bridge connecting the two has been rebuilt and destroyed numerous times.
Ryosan is known for producing sorcerers, and nearly all the elite families in the city have magical blood flowing in them. Those who have dragon's blood, as Kurode did, are held in the highest esteem. The city's symbol is a sea dragon, and natives often refer to themselves as 'dragons', though only as a nickname of course.
Yurasuna Forest: This forest is the ancestral home of the Kitsune people. The largest population of kitsune in Minkai can be found here, with many towns and cities spread throughout the woods. As a result of this, Yurasuna is probably the safest of Minkai's forests. That is not to say it is without its dangers however. Tribes of lycanthropes also wander these woods, perhaps feeling more at home with other shape shifters. Large numbers of spiders live in the woods as well, including a unique variety of spider called the Yurasuna Hairy Spider that has a petrifying venom. Magical varieties of spiders, such as Araneas, Jorogumos, and Tsuchigumos call the forest home as well.
The Temple of the Silver Spider: Hidden in the forest, this humble two story pagoda covers a huge underground dungeon. In the heart of this dungeon is a spider that spins webs of the purest silver. This spider is said to be the offspring of Iba, a legendary spider that lived for 10,000 years and became a demigoddess. Iba actually appears in the Tayagama, weaving the hero a magical cloak. Old kitsune tales say that Iba knew that greedy humans would try to abuse her child's gift, so she hid her away deep underground and protected her with floor after floor of increasingly deadly traps.
Zarikei: Located on the shores of the Tagiryu north of Yurasuna forest, Zarikei is a small town that is a regular stop for merchants traveling from the lake to the sea. It's a pleasant town, self-sufficient and slowly but steadily growing. It has two main exports, glassworks and candles, that both bring in gold from the province capitals for their quality. Zarikei does have one strange, entirely unique feature. There is an ancient well in the city that is constantly spewing a powerful, silent wind. It is unknown who or what built the well, how deep it is, or even what purpose it serves. The people have come to accept it as part of their lives, and use the winds to assist in glassblowing and power windmills. They even hold a kite flying holiday every year on the first day of summer.
Enganoka
Enganoka Province has long been the most fluid and militant of all the provinces. Thanks to the numerous battles it has seen from barbarian attacks, monster attacks and even civil unrest from within, the borders of Enganoka fluxed often over the centuries. The province stands as a bulwark against bandit tribes from the north, and houses many forts and castles to protect the rest of the nation. Enganoka has smaller reserves of natural resources compared to it's neighboring provinces, but makes up for it with fine manufactured goods such as silk and artwork. Enganoka has a strong rivalry with the Akafuto province to the south, with the two trading control of swaths of land in the past. Two-hundred years ago, the Sikutsu clan took control of all the land west of the Mekkyo river after a grave insult by one of the daimyos of Akafuto. There was 5 years of battle between the two provinces because of this, which was eventually brought to an end due to military intervention from Empress Teikoku Kagome herself.
Enganoka: Enganoka is the most recently built of all of Minkai's capital cities. Established only a century before the end of the Teikoku Shogunate, Enganoka wasted no time in becoming an important fixture of Minkai's economy. The city prides itself on having the widest variety of goods to be bought in the empire, even greater than Kasai. Thanks to the wealth of the merchant class here and the general affluence of the city, citizens have a reputation for having big egos. The most critical shopping center in the city is the Kuroi Yane market, a place for high end buyers where a staggering array of merchandise can be found. The city of Enganoka owes a great deal of it's power to the governing family, the Sikutsu clan. This family is one of the most influential in Minkaian history, and can trace their lineage back to before the Teikoku Shogunate. Some important locations here include the embassy of Xidao, Fort Yamanobe, and Seitaro Castle (home of the Sikutsu Clan).
ENGANOKA
LN Metropolis
Corruption +8; Crime +4; Economy +10; Law +6; Lore +5; Society +2
Qualities financial, military presence, notorious, organized crime, strategic location, tourist attraction
Danger +30
DEMOGRAPHICS
Government Overlord
Population 37,418 (33903 Humans; 2051 Tengu; 748 Kitsune; 374 Locathah; 187 Wayangs; 112 Samsarans; 40 Ratfolk; 3 Kappas)
Notable NPCs
Governor Sikutsu Sennaka (LE male human samurai 14)
Ishibasho (LN male human ninja 5/ranger 3)
Hosokaya Kazu (NE male human ninja 7)
Kondo Yori (CG female human commoner 3/ninja 6)
Makoto Tenbu (LE female tengu cleric of Yaezhing 10)
MARKETPLACE
Base Value 32,000 gp; Purchase Limit 200,000 gp; Spellcasting 8th
Minor Items Nearly All
Medium Items Scroll of Fireball (CL 5th, 375 gp), Wand of Eagle's Splendor (4500gp), Rod of Nettles (18000 gp), Wand of Resist Energy (4500 gp), Staff of Authority (23000 gp), Wand of Remove Curse (11250 gp), Ring of Invisibility (20000 gp), Scroll of Dispel Magic (375 gp), Belt of Physical Might +2 (10000 gp)
Major Items ; Ring of Shooting Stars (50000 gp), Normal Metamagic Rod (+3 spell level, 54000 gp), Spiritualist Rings (70000 gp), Potion of Gaseous Form (750 gp), Amulet of the Planes (120000 gp), Scroll of Wall of Force (1125 gp), +4 radiant light steel shield (23659 gp)
Genbari: Genbari is the northern of the two settlements at the mouth of the Mekkyo river. More on its history can be found in the entry on Ryosan. After the battle between the twins, Harimoto Yoshihada took command of the smaller northern half of the city. He immediately sent word to Enganoka, asking to become part of the province. The Sikutsu clan gladly took this offer to expand the province. This act nearly caused a small civil war, but thankfully the Amatatsu family stepped in and negotiated the land rights peacefully.
Genbari is a town for those who respect hard work and grit. The people here are proud and fierce, and are known for never quitting regardless of the odds or difficulty. These traits make for good soldiers and samurai, which the town often produces. The civilians here call themselves 'Tigers' in opposition to the haughty 'dragons' of the south. Merchants who travel the Mekkyo river have to be cautious in which city they chose to do business with, as trading with the wrong people can get you in serious trouble with natives of the other city.
The Land of Hungry Moss: On the northern part of the Mekkyo River, close to the source of the river, lies a green and swampy land. This area is completely covered in a thick moss, which is sentient and hungry. Sages claim this moss contains the spirit on an ancient oni, bound centuries ago by great heroes. The moss won't deny or verify this tale, and simply refers to itself as Midorikuchi. It is known to be able to send aspects of itself out as shambling mounds and other plant creatures. Recently, travelers have told frightening tales that a powerful demon has come to the Land of Hungry Moss to corrupt Midorikuchi to the side of Cyth-V'sug.
Lake Tsukushizuku: By far the largest lake in Minkai, Lake Tsukushizuku is a vitally important landmark economically, historically and spiritually. Fed primarily by the Kosokunami and Chijonami rivers, the lake starts at the foot of the northern Kyojin range, stretching nearly 300 miles before feeding the Tagiryu river flowing south. The lake is the hub of nearly all the inland trading in northern Minkai, being the focal point for trade folk to meet and ship their wares south to larger cities. For much of the Teikoku Shogunate, the lake was used as both a vacation destination in the summer and a place to hold meetings with diplomats. The serenity of the mountains reflected on the lake waters was said to aid in many peaceful negotiations. The imperial barge Senrenserata Hakucho, twelfth of it's name, still sails these waters for such purposes, though it's been well over a century since its last use.
Due to its sheer length and depth, Tsukushizuku hosts an enormous amount of life. Fish are abundant, and can grow to spectacular sizes. There are perhaps uncountable kami that dwell in the lake, though none are greater than Lord Yoko, a jinushigami elder who has shrines dedicated to her up and down the lake shores. Lord Yoko is typically quiet, and spends much of her time in mediation. Her anger is not to be tested however, for she has shown the power to wash away cities and sink fleets. Those who wish to meet Yoko would be wise to bring any information regarding Lysianassa, the former elemental lord of water. Yoko has not elaborated on what drives her interest in the missing lord, but sages speculate she may be a friend or even daughter to Lysianassa. Non kami inhabitants include kappa, water elementals, giant salamanders, and (if the sailor's tales are true) a hidden city of merfolk with the tails of koi.
Pagoda of the Kami Lords: The grandest structure in all of Minkai is not the Imperial Castle or the Temple of Shizuru, but the Pagoda of the Kami Lords. Located in the plains between Lake Tsukushizuku and the Mekkyo River, this pagoda was built thousands of years ago during the Teikoku Shogunate. In the year 3300, Shogun Teikoku Hanabi ordered the structure to be built to appease the spirits of the land who had been so crucial to the empire's success. Through a masterstroke of diplomacy, she even convinced several tribes of giants to assist with the building of the temple. The result still stands to this day, a soaring pagoda that tops out at 500 feet, with 25 twenty foot high floors. The grounds around the palace are just as massive; a sprawling 787 square miles of untamed wilderness. The grounds are marked by statues and posts, warning visitors they are entering a holy place and that settlement is forbidden. Roads and trails connect to the pagoda and allow travel around the massive park, and the southern, eastern, and western trails are all marked with enormous torii gates, each standing 300 feet tall. This whole area is a premier destination for kami worshippers, and thousands of pilgrims flock to the pagoda every year to pay their respects and say their prayers.
Iromachu: Located on the western shore of Lake Tsukushizuku, nearly directly east of Sakakabe, Iromachu is a small but blessed town. It's a popular place to visit for traders and travelers and is well known for it's peaceful atmosphere and kind inhabitants. Many of the people who live here are artists or poets, and they find inspiration from the magnificent natural beauty that surrounds them. The most famous landmark here is the Gakko no Shijima, and bardic school that focuses on the art of haiku. Sensei Tagoma (NG old female human bard 10) is the headmaster of the school, and due to her affable nature and long life she has numerous connections with important people who frequent the lake.
Ancient tribal burial mounds: Long before Minkai was an empire, and even before the Teikoku Shogunate, these northern lands were populated. The Yumogu and Utare people lived and travelled through these lands, though very few reminders of their habitation remains. Some of the only remaining indicators that the Tien-Min were not the first people of these lands are the burial mounds scattered across much of Enganoka, as well as parts of the Sakakabe province and northern Akafuto. Most burial sites have no more than 6 or 7 mounds, but sites farther north have been found to have up to 60. The mounds hold the remains of chieftains or shamans of these ancient tribes, along with their belongings or even servants. Superstition holds that disturbing these mounds invites a century of bad luck on one's family, so most are left untouched. Recently, unusual numbers of ghouls have been spotted at the plot of mounds nearest Enganoka, which has both travelers and city officials very worried.
Sakakabe
Sometimes called Minkai's last frontier, Sakakabe is the northernmost official province of the nation. It technically includes the Osogen Grasslands as well, but the power of the governor only truly extends to the southernmost bank of the Kosokunami River. This province is mostly uninhabited outside of the city itself, with only a smattering of small towns around the Shuryo Forest and the outskirts of the capital city. The coastline of this province is quite rough, with numerous reefs and cliffs preventing large settlements. Most of the province is taken up by the Sankyodai Mountains, as well as the Shuryo Forest. North of the mountains is wild hill country, cut through only by the Sazu River. The people of Sakakabe can be easily classified into two groups. The people of the city are very cosmopolitan and reflect traditional Minkaian values. Those outside the city are much hardier folk, having to deal with the wild dangers of the province. The two groups don't care for one another, seeing one another as elitist or backwards respectively, but they understand the need for each other to keep society moving.
An important fact about Sakakabe that is not well known is that this province was the birthplace of the ninja. Here in the hills and dark forests, the first ninja Hannyo plied his trade and learned secret arts. He founded the first ninja clan, which has since disbanded but was the genesis of all other clans. Not many ninja clans remain in the province, as Sakakabe is not heavily populated, but a few holdouts remain in the mountains. Explorers will find an abandoned hideout every so often.
Sakakabe: Sakakabe is one of the youngest of Minkai's capital cities, but foreigners must remember that this still makes the city centuries old. The city is located on one of the few spots of coastline that allows for building, and as such is the focal point for nearly all commerce in the province. Sakakabe is also the start (or end, depending on where one begins) of the Path of Aganhei, which connects Avistan to Tian Xia. The markets here host exotic goods as a result, only increasing Sakakabe's stellar economy. Besides foreign trade, silver and pearls are among Sakakabe's chief exports. The greatest draw of the city comes from it's entertainment district, arguably the best in the nation. The geisha of the teahouses here are renowned for their grace and beauty, and a number of casinos line the upper streets of the city. The flow of money here has drawn the Yakuza to Sakakabe, but as long as they don't engage in violent activity the lenient governor Akatara Shigure is willing to look the other way. After all, illegal gambling has its own allure that always brings in extra tourism. This city is also the most diverse in terms of race, hosting even a few transplants from as far as Avistan and Garund.
SAKAKABE
N Large city
Corruption +7; Crime +3; Economy +8; Law +3; Lore +3; Society +1
Qualities financial, organized crime, party town, strategic location, tourist attraction
Danger +20
DEMOGRAPHICS
Government Overlord
Population 23,500 (22,567 Humans, 562 Tengu, 223 Kitsune, 32 Locathah, 28 Elves, 24 Aasimars, 19 Halflings, 18 Tieflings, 15 Half-Elves, 7 Samsarans, 4 dwarves, 1 gnome)
Noteable NPCs
High Priest Mugoru (CG Male Human Cleric of Kofusachi 13)
O-Sayumi (LN Female Human Bard 13)
O-Kohaku (LN Female Human Aristocrat 4/Bard 8)
O-Hakami (NG Female human Bard 2)
Yakuza Boss Saito (LE female human rogue 11)
Govenor Akatara Shigure (NG male aasimar aristocrat 7)
MARKETPLACE
Base Value 12,800 gp; Purchase Limit 75,000 gp; Spellcasting 7th
Minor Items 4d4; Scroll of Unseen Servant (25gp), Potion of Shocking Grasp (50gp), Scroll of Chill Touch (25 gp), Scroll of Invisibility (150 gp), Ring of Spell Knowledge I (1500 gp, has Protection from Good), Wand of Magic Stone (750 gp), +1 Flaming Dagger (8302 gp)
Medium Items 3d4; Potion of Fly (750 gp), Vampiric Gloves (18,000 gp), Shoes of the Firewalker (21000 gp), +1 Frost Light Crossbow (8335 gp), Potion of Alter Self (300 gp), Wand of Snare (11250 gp), Pale Lavender Ellipsoid Ioun Stone (20000 gp)
Major Items 2d4; +1 radiant Parade Armor (8675 gp), Slippers of the Triton (56000 gp), +5 horn lamellar (25250 gp), Spirit Caller (25302 gp, see Ultimate Equipment), Ring of Friend Shield (50000 gp)
Shuryo Forest: Of all of Minkai's forests, Shuryo Forest has the darkest reputation. For generations, the woods have been rumored to be cursed. Beasts here are aggressive and unruly, and the kami more alien and inhospitable than anywhere else on the peninsula. The trees here grow thickly together, and sunlight can barely reach the forest floor in many places. Brambles are a constant nuisance in the wood, seeming to intentionally tangle up the legs of passerby. In the deepest parts of the forest, the thorns become as large as scimitars and can easily kill a clumsy traveller. Lumberjacks from Sakakabe or other small villages are extremely cautious about harvesting from these woods, and it's customary to bring a cleric or shaman into the forest on tree felling expeditions for luck and safety.
Sankyodai Mountains: The smallest of Minkai's three great mountain ranges, both in area and height, the Sankyodai Mountains are the lands of the Stone Giants. Other giant tribes can be found here, but the Stone Giants claim these peaks as their birthright. As a result, human habitation here is extremely scarce. It's only been in the past century that explorers have had a serious try at mapping the area, including the many rough hills to the north and east. This range is the least geologically active of the three, and all the volcanos here have lain dormant since before mankind stepped foot on the peninsula. The main draw of Sankyodai is it's mineral wealth. Silver is plentiful here, and is one of the provinces' prime exports. Several great mountain forts exist north of the city of Sakakabe to protect the valuable silver mines. Miners have also uncovered some extraordinary gems here in the past, leading to short lived mining booms that were crushed by the giant inhabitants. Adventurers may be attracted here by these ghost towns, or even primordial giant ruins and never-before explored caverns.
Grove of Silence: In the Shuryo forest near the foot of the Sankyodai mountains lies one of the most dangerous areas in Minkai. The Grove of Silence is home to a powerful shinigami known as Kadan, whose long presence here has warped the area into a deadly trap. This section of the forest seems to call out to those who are in despair or are caught in a deep depression, often haunting peoples dreams from hundreds of miles away. Those sad souls are drawn here, and more often than not commit suicide. Kadan will appear to pretend to be a helpful soul who will listen, but his goal is always to talk a person into killing themselves. This whole section of forest is infused with negative emotions and energy, and no animals step foot here. Bones carpet the forest floor in a grisly tapestry. Ghosts, specters, and other forms of incorporeal undead fly between the trees here, stricken by grief though making no sound for fear of Kadan's retribution.
The Sick Mountain: Only discovered by explorers 70 years ago, this dormant volcano appears from far away to be off-color from the hills and mountains around it. Upon closer inspection, one quickly realizes this discoloration is from the various oozes, slimes and molds slithering around the slopes of the mountain. The caves that pockmark the mountain are filled with these disgusting creatures, and occasionally they spew forth like pus from a wound. The oozes seem content to stay within a small range of the mountain, though some have been found as far south as Sakakabe itself. The giants of the range know something about the mountain and why it's currently in this form, but angrily refuse to broach the topic with outsiders.
Bay of Pines: On the northern coast of Sakakabe, in the bay of the mouth of the Sazu River, is a large town that has escaped the notice of the Minkaian government so far. The town was formed 104 years ago by refugees fleeing from Chu Ye after the government collapsed and their country was ravaged by oni. The founders of the village were simple folk just trying to stay alive, and in the decades that passed their settlement has grown. Naturally untrustworthy of governments after the oni uprising in their own country, the settlers never made their presence known and remained self-sufficient. The town is a living time capsule of the culture of Chu Ye, and has a number of scrolls and artworks that now hold great value due to their scarcity. A small group of the descendants who live in this village wish to return to their homeland someday and overthrow the tyrannical rule of the oni.
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Osogen Grasslands
These wide, sprawling grasslands seem to roll endlessly along Minkai's northern coast. The few inhabitants of this land are tribes considered uncivilized by the Minkaians to the south. Though vast, there is little here in the way of resources to use, so expansion by the empire to here has never been a true threat. Despite the seeming emptiness of the grasslands, there are great beasts and hidden natural treasures to be found here.
Seinaru Heikiko: A hidden mountain fortress at the foot of the northern Kyojin range, this fort was built to help push back bandit clans into the mountains. It had many years of use, but eventually its distant location was its undoing and it was abandoned by the empire. Barbarians have traded control of the fort many times in the past few decades.
The Sawgrass Coast: Along a 50 mile stretch of the north coast of the grasslands is a land where a rare sawgrass grows. This grass grows nearly seven feet high and can dangerously cut a careless traveler. The great danger of this land is the demon cults that live within. It is unknown what drew the cults to these lands in the first place, but they have survived and even thrived over time. There are at least seven different cults that operate here, each serving a different demon lord. The cult of Lamashtu is the most powerful, but the cults of Shax and Mestama are not far behind.
Rainbow Geysers: Near the center of the grasslands lies a geothermal hotbed. A multitude of small geysers dots the landscape, constantly spewing forth blasts of hot water. The mist that hangs in the air here forms beautiful rainbows which gives the area its name. It is believed that this area is also the breeding ground for the rare and powerful creatures known as Namazu, colossal catfish that swim through the earth like water.
Umasu: This small village is somewhat legendary to the cities of the south. Located on the Ningyo gulf, Umasu is a village of monster slaying women. These warrior women are renowned for their combat prowess and strategy, and have been called in to deal with powerful beasts in the past. The price for hiring these mercenaries is high however, so only nobles and the richest merchants can afford their services. Due to its isolated location, Umasu has very little regard for the politics of the nation and functions almost entirely independently. The current head of the village is Fuji Michiko (N human female ranger 15) who is respected for her power but harbors a dangerous obsession with kaiju.
Higashita Coast
North of the Hiyosai province is a land where myth and legend mingle daily with the mundane. Located between the Ningyo Gulf and the Warashi river, the Higashita coast is closely tied to otherworldly powers. Those with magical aptitude say magic is different here, almost like a caged beast. The realm of spirits can be felt just beyond the veil of perception, and any shadow could hold a deadly supernatural creature or a portal to another plane of existence. These unique properties are not lost on the creatures of the peninsula, and this area draws a large number of magical sages, spirit callers, oni, and even dragons. Odd ruins can be found by explorers brave enough to look for them, many predating human inhabitancy in Minkai. Human populations here are small, and the cultures found in each town and village may be unique unto themselves. There are no large settlements in the area, though fishing villages dot the coast. One of the few uniting cultural aspects of this area is artwork, and each town produces it's own unique (if somewhat grim) art pieces to a set of artworks known as the 114 Deaths of the Higashita Coast.
Seseragi Forest: Minkai's largest forest houses an astonishing number of kami. Only the Forest of Spirits north of the country has more kami dwelling within. Folktales say every tree here has a guardian, and every stone holds ancient secrets. Most kami here are friendly towards humans, though they will answer questions asked of them in mysterious ways such as riddles or visions. Since there are so many kami here, oni are also a frequent problem. Since the two groups cannot battle each other directly, outside factions are often dragged into the forest to help wage war. There are at least half a dozen mercenary factions that operate exclusively within the forest, offering their services to whichever side they see as morally correct.
Scar of Kazunan: It has been many centuries since Mount Kazunan last erupted, but the remnants of that destructive explosion can still be seen, a rough scar across the landscape. The mountain erupted not straight up, but exploded eastward in a cloud of ash, boiling mud and magma. This pyroclastic flow travelled for miles, eventually cooling and settling into a crusty black rock. Very little grows here, and traveling across this landscape is treacherous and exhausting. Very old tales tell of a city that was destroyed in the blast, and at least one alleges that the eruption was triggered, not natural. For more information, see Kyonba in chapter 4.
Dragon Gate of the Northeast: Hidden deep within the Seseragi forest is a ruin that would confound a human scholar, but be a revelation to a draconic one. In primordial times, an imperial dragon wished to communicate with ancestral dragon spirits to learn the secrets of the universe, the planes, life and death. The dragon gathered sacred stones and placed them in circles at 8 points across Tian Xia. These circles, once attuned with magic, became gateways for the spirits of dragons to return to Golarion and give their wisdom to those who summoned them. Over the centuries, the knowledge of the gates has been lost, recovered, and lost countless times. Not even the Imperial Dragons themselves can recall the locations of all the gates, nor the rituals used to activate them. Only two gates are well known (though neither has been activated in a millennia); the Western Gate which is in Goka, and the Southwestern Gate in the jungles of Nagajor. This Northeastern gate is only known to a few human villages that dwell outside the Seseragi Forest, who assume it's a druidic circle or a shrine to the kami.
Niiwaru: Found on the coast, Niiwaru is an unpleasant and unwelcoming village. Nearby rock formations cause the sea to constantly spray the town, caking everything with a layer of salt. The people here are just as crusty as their houses, driving away outsiders with one major exception. Arcance magic users are treated with the utmost respect, nearly to the point of reverence. They are encouraged to stay as long as they wish, and perform acts of magic or trade magic items for better prices than elsewhere. This is done to please the secret masters of Niiwaru, a colony of merlucents (PZO AP#104).
Yuyujata: The largest settlement in the Higashita area is Yuyujata, found between the banks of the Warashi River and the Seseragi Forest. This town is the birthplace of the hero Okirori Tomoko, and a huge statue dedicated to her can be found in the town square. People of this town are very superstitious, having grown up in such a spiritually dense area. There are numerous rituals and customs here that may baffle outsiders, but come as easily as breathing to inhabitants. Magic of the mind and spirit is strong here, and Yuyujata has a high number of people born with occult powers. In fact, many spiritual advisors to the Imperial families hailed from Yuyujata in ages past.
YUYUJATA
CN Small Town
Corruption +0; Crime -2; Economy +0; Law +2; Lore +2; Society +2
Qualities magically attuned, superstitious
Danger +0
DEMOGRAPHICS
Government Theocracy
Population 522 (489 humans, 21 kitsune, 12 wayangs)
Noteable NPCs
High Priest Endo Unkei (N old male human spiritualist [onmyoji] 7)
Uroga Akurako (CG female human witch 4)
Captain Kurakawa Saya (LG middle-aged female kitsune paladin of Shelyn 5)
MARKETPLACE
Base Value 1,200 gp; Purchase Limit 6,000 gp; Spellcasting 4th
Minor Items 3d4, Ring of the Grasping Grave, Dragonbone Divination Sticks, Scroll of Web, Wand of Darkness, Potion of Delay Poison
Medium Items 1d6; Ring of Spell Knowledge III, Potion of Aid, Potion of Resist Energy: Sonic, Wand of Enervation (34 charges), Wand of Freedom of Movement (17 charges)
Major Items None
Shiden's Palace: Deep within the Seseragi forest lies a giant castle, home to a cruel lord by the name of Kouma Shiden. Shiden is an earth yai (PZO AP#53) who built the palace himself around 180 years ago, after having his personal army of hill giants and ogres clear cut a sizable chunk of woods. Since then, Shiden has ruled over much of the northeastern part of the forest. His army makes occasional forays to the coastal villages to raid, but for the most part they are tied up defending the castle from vengeful kami. Recently, the group of oni known as the Five Storms contacted Shiden, hoping to have him join their cause. Shiden was far too proud to become a simple minion, and was offended by the offer. His pride may make him a very unlikely ally for those looking to battle the Five Storms.
Kyojin Mountains
The imposing mountain range that forms the spine of Minkai is without question the most important geological feature of the peninsula. The Kyojin mountains have long defined the country's culture, economy, religions, and weather. The range stretches over 1200 miles from it's northern tip in the Osogen Grasslands to its southern slopes in the Kasai province. Though it's not as long or as high as the Wall of Heaven, it's still a massive range that could comfortably hold a few of the smaller Avistani nations.
The range has several mountains that are sacred to Minkaians, and millennia ago it was decided that no province would ever hold sway over any part of the mountains. Provincial power stops at the bottom of the slopes, which unintentionally has made some valleys and mountains in the Kyojin range havens for rebels, bandits, and barbarians. A wide variety of wondrous creatures also call the mountains their home, ranging from holy beings like Kirin and Phoenixes to dangerous monsters such as Giants and Yuki-Onna.
Throughout the range are lost cities, castles, temples to gods both current and ancient, and unique natural wonders. One feature that has eluded explorers for all of Minkai's history is a navigable path that could connect the eastern and western halves of the country. The economic value of such a trail is incalculable, and merchants and daimyo's have longed to discover a safe way through the peaks.
The Mount of Seven Shrines: The peak found at the most southwestern point of the Kyojin Mountains is a holy site for the Imperial families. Legend says it was here that Shizuru descended from heaven and bestowed the right to rule on the 5 families, whose leaders had been led here by visions. She also gave them the Imperial Seals, divine proof for nonbelievers. In the many centuries since, every spring the imperial families would send one chosen member each to the mountain. There, they would ascend the uncounted steps, stopping to pray at the six shrines along the way extolling Shizuru's virtues. The seventh shrine is located at the top, and the five members would each recite their part of a complex prayer meant to keep Minkai thriving. The prayer has not been recited in many years now, due to the missing families, and some priests feel this is the reason Minkai has been inching closer and closer to civil war. Outside of members of the imperial families, the only people allowed on the mountain are members of a unique warrior group called the Taiyo no Anchisukiru. Made up of rangers, samurai, and druids, they keep the pathways safe from monsters and natural hazards.
Mount Yogan: The most active of Minkai's three major volcanoes is Mount Yogan. Plumes of smoke steadily puff out from the caldera, which is filled with a simmering lake of lava. While the volcano hasn't had a devastating eruption since the Teikoku Shogunate, it often has small eruptions that spit out cinders and slow lava flows. On opposite sides of the caldera are a pair of massive fortresses, inhabited by warring fire giants. The Hagane clan are fierce worshippers of Zursvaater and will brook no argument regarding his superiority. The Tetsubo clan splintered from the Hagane 4 generations ago, and consider Yamatsumi to be the God that deserves the worship of Fire Giants. The two clans regularly sail out onto the caldera on magical ships to have scorching naval battles.
Mount Kazunan: Though Mt. Yogan is more active, Mount Kazunan is the most dangerous of the Three Fires. The recorded eruptions from this volcano have all been extremely powerful, resulting in huge pyroclastic flows that annihilate the countryside around it. This has made the area surrounding the mountain jagged and difficult to traverse, and it holds very little life. This doesn't mean there is nothing of value here however. The mountain crevasses leak a number of unique (albeit dangerous and toxic) gasses , which alchemists and wizards will pay good prices for. Sulfur is also plentiful here, and caravans from Higashita villages travel here to collect materials for fireworks. It's been over 600 years since Kazunan last erupted, and the few travelers who regularly visit say that the northern side of the volcano looks as if it's starting to bulge with pressure.
Hyakko: More information on Hyakko can be found in Chapter 4
The Heavenly Forge (Mythic): Not far from Mt Yogan is the birthplace of some of Minkai's most valuable treasures and artifacts. A forge of mythic power stands at the top of Mount Oya, tended to by 3 immortal giants. This forge cannot be seen or interacted with by those who do not past through the Kyojin Gate, a huge Torii gate inhabited by a mythic Zuishin Kami named Heia. Once one passes Heia they can speak with the giant forge masters. Tsujiura (LG immortal female cloud giant expert 6/bard 5/ rogue 2/ MR 6) is a craftswoman of exceptional skill, and a true master of the winds. She operates the bellows and provides the rain needed to quench the heated metals. Her specialty is in magical jewelry such as amulets and rings. Gorogoro (LN immortal male stone giant expert 7/ oracle 7/ MR 6) is the wisest of the three, he knows all the secrets of the earth and its precious metals. He either provides the materials they use or determines the quality of the materials brought to them for creation. His specialty is in armor and shields. Mancha (LE immortal female fire giant expert 5/ kineticist 8/ MR 6) was born of the flames themselves, and can control heat and temperature by reflex. She provides the incredible heat required to operate the forge. Her temper can get the best of her, and she is the most likely to refuse a request. She is a gifted weapon smith, as well as a great leatherworker. The three all have differing world views, but opt to philosophically debate their differences over tea instead of quarreling. Their iconography can be found in many blacksmith shops in Minkai, particularly in the east. Legends say that some of the artifacts the giants created include the Amatatsu sword Suishen, The Dragon Turtle Shield, and the Infinity Beads.
Lair of the Ruby Crypt: One of the most infamous ninja clans in Minkai is the Ruby Crypt, a determined group of assassins that stop at nothing to ensure the deaths of their marks. Their lair is a well hidden dungeon carved deep into a mountain core north of Wanshi. The dungeon is made of a central pit, from which split maze like levels of cells that hold various prisoners and corpses. In the underworld circles, rumors fly that the Ruby Crypt have at least 3 powerful liches held prisoner, as well as several corpses of former Imperial family members.
Hashi's Pagoda: The Kusari-gama have hidden fortresses all over Golarion, and Minkai is no exception. Hashi's Pagoda is found near the Chijonami river in a hidden valley. At a nearby outpost along the river, if one tells the barkeep the secret password, he will give the directions to the valley and the pagoda. The master of the temple is Mugutai (LN male human monk 9), a young master who quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his uncanny wisdom. Students at the pagoda train here, but are also sent to practice their skills against nearby barbarian tribes to keep them from growing too numerous.
Hekireki Canyon: The Kosokunami river is the least navigable of Minkai's rivers, thanks to its numerous waterfalls, rapids, and steep walled canyons. One of the canyons the river slices through is known as Hekireki Canyon, a terrifically noisome area with eight waterfalls and forever churning whitewater rapids. It is also (perhaps given its inaccessibility and therefore privacy) a traditional courting ground for the Sky Dragons of Minkai. Young adult dragons find their way here, and when two compatible souls meet they perform a series of flying dances, songs, and acrobatics all down the canyons length. Failure in any part of these rituals is seen as very undignified, and usually grounds for a quick departure. Some dragons are taught the dances by their parents who met here previously, but for others the ritual instructions are carved into the walls of the canyon in Draconic. Though humanoid guests are not often tolerated, bards are sometimes given a special exception if they can perform the traditional music loudly enough over the noise of the river. Of course, this all depends on the dragon couple at the time.
Ikkaku Peninsula
The northernmost part of Minkai is so far flung from the rest of Minkaian society that it isn't even considered as part of a province. Almost perpetually cold, the majority of the peninsula is taken up by the Kamifushi Mountain range. These mountains are notoriously steep and sharp, shaped by powerful northern winds and constant geological activity. North of the mountains lies a few pine forests, and beyond them is nothing but tundra until the northern tip of the country cedes to the Aokori Gulf.
By far the least inhabited part of the country, the Ikkaku Peninsula is still home to some brave holdouts. The people here are poor but hardy, most being nomadic herders or miners. A lucky few make their living by running temples or bathhouses near the hot springs that are sporadically found throughout the Kamifushi mountains. Not all these springs are natural, and some have various magical properties.
Seven Venom Springs: These unique and difficult to reach springs bubble with potent poisons found no where else. Temples dedicated to reptilian deities are found nearby, tended to by Vishkanyas and Nagaji. The caretakers are indifferent to the majority of visitors, as long as they pay tribute to their serpentine gods. More information about how these springs came to be can be found in the Darklands section.
Yukimaru Castle: The only nobility that dares to live in this difficult land is the Hasana clan, who claim rule over the mountains. While technically they do not have real power bestowed by a governor or imperial family, their ancient noble blood and lack of any competition gives them all the sway they need. The clan lives in the beautiful Yukimaru castle, a marvel of architecture that straddles the Jaken waterfall (part of the Fuwa river). The castle is large enough to hold far more people then are actually in the clan, and in rough winters many of the common folk from the peninsula come to live in the castle. The Hasanas are very proud Minkaians, and have been perhaps the most outspoken nobles against the actions of the Jade Regent. Their relative lack of influence and distance has kept them from receiving any punishment as of yet, though locals are worried that the head of the clan Hasana Kaori (NG human female fighter 9/aristocrat 1) may be pushing her luck. Members of the Hasana clan are easily identified by their white hair, which legends alternatively claim comes from a Yuki-Onna ancestor, or the mythical witch of the mountains, Onibaba.
Mount Kumijinja: The northernmost of the 3 fires, Mount Kumijinja has a strong tie to the Elemental Plane of Fire. Many earth and fire kami dwell on or around the slopes, alongside a surprising number of monks and healers. Mount Kumijinja has long been associated with the purifying power of fire, and it is believed that cleansing rituals have greater strength here. Those who seek to redeem themselves from their wicked ways are told to journey here and shed themselves of evil, where they will be reborn from the flames like a phoenix. Another part of the mountain that draws adventurers is the Ghost Path, a shaft of the volcano long burnt out that plunges all the way to Sekamina.
Raijuro's Observatory: North of Mount Kumijinja, this huge observatory was built roughly 150 years ago by a cloud giant named Raijuro. When he was just a child, Raijuro saw a spectacular sight. One night, a meteor crashed into the side of the mountain where his family lived. He scrambled to the crater and discovered not only the meteor and valuable skymetal, but a dying akata. The creature did not live long enough to cause any trouble, but the prospect of life beyond the stars set the young giants imagination on fire. He decided then and there to dedicate the rest of his life to studying the stars and planets, and trying to discover as many aliens as possible. The observatory is difficult to reach but has spectacular clear views of the sky. Raijuro gladly welcomes visitors who share his passions and hobbies, and his library is the envy of any astronomist who sees it.
Zatanu: Out the handful of small towns based around hot springs in these mountains, Zatanu is the most famous and accessible. A split town in truth, the eastern portion of the town is located on the coast in one of the few safe inlets. From there, guides with their yaks take travelers up the slopes to the springs, complete with amenities. Given the distant nature of Zatanu, it is primarily used by nobles of Hiyosai as a vacation destination. The distance from civilization does make it an excellent (and comfortable) place to discuss matters that need to be kept private as well.
Ikkalluk: The only Erutaki settlement in Tian Xia proper is the tiny outpost of Ikkalluk, found on the northern most tip of the Ikkaku peninsula. Scarcely inhabited most times, it sees some use during the winter months when whalers cannot beat the ice back to Tuvar. The people that do live here are experts on the northern seas, and make for excellent guides around the tundra of the peninsula as well.
Darklands
As with all continents on Golarion, the lands beneath Minkai are riddled with miles of caverns and tunnels known collectively as the darklands. The darklands are separated into 3 levels, each one farther down than the last. The darklands under Minkai tend to shift very often due to the amount of geological activity that affects the country, but there are a few large, stable caverns that explorers use for waypoints.
Nar-Voth
The Ghost Path (Ikkaku): This entrance to the darklands is fairly unique, as it encompasses not only a number of caverns in Nar-Voth but stretches all the way down to Sekamina. The Nar-Voth levels are honeycombed all throughout the shaft of Mt. Kumijinja. Many of these caves have ancient shrines in them, built by unknown hands and worshipping strange spirits. Angry, vengeful ghosts lair here as well, posing a significant threat to climbers. Other dangers here include darkmantles, cave fishers, and belkers. The strangest inhabitants here are werebats. A small colony of them lives in a cave halfway down the shaft, and while they are distrustful of outsiders they have a great deal of knowledge regarding the area.
Kyonba (Higashita): This long lost city is found underneath Mt. Kazunan. For more information on Kyonba, see Chapter 4.
The Forlorn Caves (Akafuto): Found in the Yurasuna Forest, these caves play host to a tragic story. Many years ago, rumors spread of a fabulous treasure within the caverns. The local daimyo, a greedy man named Tsukasu Jariwo, ordered his vassals to explore the cave and bring him back the treasure. Few returned, but those who did were shaken and claimed the cave was haunted by a terrifying ghost. Jariwo finally sent his court bard, a blind man by the name of Azimichi Ken, to investigate. Ken found in the caves not a ghost, but a lonely lampad. Her name was Jun, and she was the one who spread the rumors of treasure. She simply wanted companionship, but all the others who had come were driven away by her weeping and her startling beauty. Ken could not see her physical beauty, but saw the kindness and wanting in her heart. The two spent many days together, eventually falling in love. Ken eventually had to return to his lord and explain what had happened, but told Jun he would come back for her. When Ken told Jariwo the truth, the daimyo flew into a rage and accused Ken of stealing the treasure and hiding it away. He had Ken beheaded, and the bard was never able to return to his love. Jun still lives in the Forlorn Caves, sadly awaiting her beloved but assuming the worst. Her grief and loneliness permeate the cave, attracting things that feed on negative emotions. Proving to Jun the fate of Ken could help alleviate her soul, and put an end to one of Minkai's sadder tales.
Shizuru's Maze (Oda): Found south of Hiyosai, but in the Oda province, this series of caves is one of the holiest sites to Shizuru's faith. In primordial times when the world was just formed and the gods themselves were young, Shizuru came down to Minkai. She was just a child at this time, and wandered around her new domain. Seeing a cave entrance, she went to explore. However, she was unused to the claustrophobic underworld, and became lost. The sky was darkened in her absence, and the gods searched Tian-Xia all over for the missing goddess. Fumeiyoshi had an idea where Shizuru went, but knew he needed Tsukiyo's help to navigate the caves. The two brothers managed to track Shizuru down, though the various churches of these gods argue on exactly what happened or who saved who. Ever since these events, this area has been known as Shizuru's Maze. These caves are exceptionally dangerous for a Nar-Voth level area. They wind and twist unnaturally, and the darkness here is almost impenetrable. Remnants of divine power can be found here and there, empowering creatures that live here. It's said that a cleric that exactly follows the trail Shizuru took has the potential for a divine awakening.
Sekamina
The Ghost Path (Ikkaku): With the entrance a tiny light far above, the Ghost Path comes to an end in Sekamina. Many bones litter the cave floor, remnants of doomed climbers long past. An ashen fungus clings to the surfaces here, unseen in other caverns of the world. The best accounts of this land come from Ishanda Aiko, a general who explored the Ghost Path centuries ago. She lost her troops when they strayed into a cave too close to Shirogoku, but other tunnels around here held strange mysteries. She described finding an impossible temple, an upside down ziggurat balanced like a top. Inside was a ceramic bell that none of her men dared to chime, for all said it filled them with a deep dread. Also in the caves were giant insects, though none had the correct number of limbs. The most unsettling experience she described was a constant, low thrum, never loud enough to impede a conversation but always a presence.
Shirogoku (Sakakabe/Ikkaku): For those who know about the enormous spiral cavern beneath the Forest of Spirits and Northern Minkai, Hell is not a metaphysical concept or an extraplanar destination but a very real place under their feet. This cave is, and always has been, the realm of the oni. Thousands of these vile spirits live here in numerous palaces and temples, forming a brutal nation. The best hope for a human here is to be enslaved, as others are treated as food, toys to be tortured and broken, or fuel for unholy rituals. Vast areas are dedicated to human ranches, and there are generations born here who have never seen the sunlight, and have no concept of speech or civilization. Humans are not the only slaves here of course, with kitsune and tengu making up noticeable chunks of the chattel. Samsarans are the most valued slaves, as the oni here have figured out a way to hijack the reincarnation process of the Samsarans and force a dead samsaran to be reborn in a specified location in Shirogoku. This creates an eternal servant for the oni, a humanoid treated more like an heirloom than a living being. Detailing all the horrors of Shirogoku is impossible for any mortal lifetime, but some of the more infamous locations here are lakes of boiling oil, labyrinths made of razor wire and sinew, and iron constructs the size of buildings that crush victims into a bloody slurry. Thankfully for the people of Tian Xia, the cruel masters of this land are constantly vexed by the protective kami who dwell above them in The Forest of Spirits, as well as by their own internal scheming and hatred. If the oni here ever fully united as a force against the world over them, there would be little that could possibly stand in their way.
The Three Fires: This name applies not only to the 3 major volcanoes in Minkai, but to a long and winding series of flame soaked caves that connects all the volcanoes to each other. The heat here is death for those without immunity to it, and magma flows here as water would in other caves. Though the tunnels are home to creatures ranging from Thoqquas to the odd Azer, it is undoubtedly the Underworld Dragons who rule. They claim the tunnels were made by their ancestors as a way to traverse Minkai unseen by the haughty sky dragons and sovereign dragons. One of the most powerful dragons here is Jirukarakaza, who dwells beneath Mt. Yogan and is rumored to have his eyes on the treasures of Hiyosai.
The Cavern of Hidden Stars (Wanshi): Though the caves beneath Minkai are rife with myriad dangers, not all of them are hostile. The legendary Cavern of Hidden Stars is a welcome safe haven of unparalleled beauty. Desnan clerics tell a tale that once there was a dragon so huge and so mighty that he could devour the stars themselves. Desna, not wanting to see all the night sky darkened forever, took some of her favorite stars and hid them away inside crystals, burying them for safe keeping. The dragon was eventually slain, but when Desna came to retrieve her stars she saw how beautifully they shimmered underground and how much joy it brought travelers who found them, so she decided to leave them. The story is quite possibly a religious tall tale, but the numerous crystals here do possess a magnificent iridescence unlike anywhere else, and glow faintly at all times. A church of Desna operates here, run by a convent of Nymphs who protect the cave from defilers. Weary travelers are welcome to gaze upon the beauty here and rest, healing their wounds in mineral springs. Though getting to this cave is challenging, all who have returned say it was a life changing experience.
Orv
Osoda (Kasai/Shogokabe): Far beneath the capital city of Minkai lies an alien realm, a cavern of nightmare horrors. It is completely isolated from the rest of the darklands, and the denizens of other caves should be thankful for that. This area is the home of The Red Empire, a vile coalition made up of several enormous hives of the aberrations known as Ghorazaghs. They have dwelled here from the beginning of time; drifting, sculpting and warring in the darkness. The ghorazaghs are the undisputed masters here, though they are not the only denizens. For countless years, the ghorazaghs and xulgath battled each other in an attempt to gain supremacy. The xulgath eventually crumbled, and small cities of backwards troglodytes survive to this day. The reptiles are the ghorazaghs primary food source and building material. The hives of the ghorazaghs are truly enormous and utterly alien in design, stretching miles high in some cases, having been constantly worked on since the world was young.
Osoda itself is vast, stretching from beneath Kasai all the way to Shogokabe. The eastern edge of the cavern nearly reaches beneath Wanshi, and the western section of the cave stretches under the seas of Xidao. The air here is dry and warm, giving most of a cave a desert like feel. A foul dust plagues vast stretches of the cavern, a mixture of grit, powdered bone and broken down chitin from generations of ghorazaghs. Hardy plants unlike any other on the planet survive here, forming tightly knit forests. Other creatures that dwell here include giant lizards, ropers, ants with shells like adamantine, and small bands of vicious plant monsters. In the few places with fresh water, aquatic creatures actually thrive, as the ghorazaghs do not enjoy being submerged since it cuts off their chemical communication.
The Red Empire has four major cities, with smaller hives falling under the domain of whatever city they are closest to. The history of this empire is vast and complex, with long stretches of infighting, but in the past century all the factions of the empire have united underneath a visionary leader named Verazghor (NE female ghorazagh oracle 13). She has long had dreams of the stone above them splitting open, revealing that they are part of a much larger world, filled with new blood to drink and sculpt. She promises her so called 'Day of the Stone Hatching' will occur soon, and the aberrations train and prepare, all while Minkaians remain blissfully unaware of the deadly time bomb ticking beneath their feet.
The Frozen Hell of Mokushiroku (Ikkaku)(Mythic): Sealed deep, deep within the earth, deeper than most humans can imagine, is the prison-tomb of the fell beast Mokushiroku. The story of this creature and how it came to lay here is one of the most ancient tales in Tian Xia.
Many millennia ago, the Naga of Nagajor fought a battle against the serpentfolk of their jungles for supremacy. Their powerful magic rocked southern Tian Xia, and some of it's remnants can still be felt to this day. The battles began to turn in the Naga's favor once an exceptional naga named Nalinivati was born. Over the years, she grew in power and prestige, gaining behind her 9 followers who would become her greatest warriors and priests. The ten of them, along with an army of Naga and Nagaji, assaulted the serpent city of Visshkalai near the northern Chenlun range. They battled dominated hordes of monsters and giants to reach the city, only to find the streets and buildings empty. They approached the massive ziggurat that dominated the city, and what they found would change the very scope of Tian Xia forever. At that moment, the city of serpent folk completed a potent magic ritual that fused all inhabitants of their city into a massive, incredibly powerful ten-headed serpent who would become known as Mokushiroku. Two of Nalinivati's priests were caught off guard and immediately slain. The naga army also suffered great casualties in swift succession, and the host fell back. Visshkalai was reduced to rubble overnight. Mokushiroku had phenomenal magical and physical might, but lost a great deal of it's intelligence when it transformed. It rampaged across Nagajor and what would become Xa Hoi, it's poisons devastating life and it's magic felling dragons, kami and oni alike.
Nalinivati eventually divined that while killing the beast would be nearly impossible, it did have two unique weaknesses. The beast was not harmed by cold, but it was slowed by it. Additionally, the poison of a mythic naga would pass the monsters immunity to poison, and perhaps knock it unconscious. Nalinivati and her warriors began a campaign to push the beast north, to the lands of cold. Along with draconic allies of all kinds, who recognized the threat posed by Mokushiroku, they battled the creature all the way to the Kamifushi mountains of what would eventually become Minkai. There, a Jinushigami of the mountains named Fujioda created a pit in the ground that plummeted all the way to the vaults of Orv. Even when weakened by the cold and decades of poison in it's veins, Mokushiroku still would not be pushed back. It took the arrival of an unlikely ally, the Kaiju Yorak, to finally deal the blow that beat the foul serpent back into the pit. No one knows why Yorak helped when he did; Naga sages speculate the kaiju may have seen Mokushiroku as a rival. Regardless, Nalinivati's warriors travelled to Sekamina, sealing the pit in both directions and falling into a magical, deep slumber. Nalinivati cast one final spell on her warriors, causing them to secrete their poisons while they slept, dripping onto Mokushiroku throughout history and hopefully keeping it sedated. Nalinivati had a temple built to her warriors at the site of their triumph, before returning to Nagajor and eventually ascending to godhood. The venom of the naga's would, over time, bubble to the surface and become the Seven Venom's springs.
These events all occurred long before humans came to Tian Xia, so it is a legend virtually unknown outside of Nagajor and draconic lore, and even then it's is shrouded in just as much myth as fact. The temple keepers in the Kamifushi mountains are probably the best wealth of information on this subject, but due to their remote location and unwillingness to discuss the matter with outsiders, getting the information out of them would prove difficult.
The cavern itself is small when compared to other Orv level caves, for it was not made by the Vault Builders. Thanks to powerful magic, the cave is kept at a deadly freezing temperature, well below -100 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice coats every surface, and glaciers form plateaus and pathways throughout. The only warmth comes from lava flows, which cut through the ice in places making for paradoxical rivers. Mists form here, later condensing into blizzards which howl around the cave. There are also waterfalls of pure poison that cascade from the ceiling, creating lethal pools and vapors. Despite the incredible danger here, it is not uninhabited. Mythic cryohydras roam the ice, giving credence to the theory that Mokushiroku is the sire of all Tian hydras. There are also enormous frost worms here, given mythic power from feasting on Mokushiroku's regenerating flesh. Most importantly, a small cult of undead serpentfolk lives here, tending to the sleeping beast and trying to revive it. Their leader, Kassmahk the Eternal (CE male serpentfolk lich wizard 18/archmage 3) has spent the past 6500 years attempting to undo the potent magic of the cavern. Unfortunately, he may be succeeding.
I know I'm coming to this late, but I still want to tell you that you have done amazing work.