Harukayo, the Distant Continent

Harukayo is a large continent located in the northeastern hemisphere of the world. Its name translates roughly to "remote world" or "distant realm," which is due to the fact that it is cut off from other continents by a vast ocean on each hemisphere. For the most part, Harukayo has a fairly temperate weather, with the northern hemisphere of the continent seeing its due share of snow during the winter months. The southern hemisphere of the continent does have a more tropical climate, which is why the wilderness in that region tends to be more of the rainforest/jungle variety, in contrast to the more traditional forests of the north. Harukayo has a wide variety of natural resources that spread across its lands, the most famous being jade. While jade is a scarce resource in the rest of the world, it is fairly common in Harukayo, especially in the northern hemisphere of the continent, where the largest concentration of jade mines can be found in a large number of mountain ranges.

The Jade Empire

The Jade Empire was founded two thousand years ago by the progenitor of the imperial dynastic line, a human known as Otsuka Kanjiro, who went on to be referred to as Emperor Kanjiro, first of his name. It is located in the northern hemisphere of Harukayo, controlling the region that boasts the most jade mines in the whole continent.

During the early days of the empire, many warlords attempted to challenge the emperor's claim. However, Kanjiro I proved to be a fearless leader, a masterful tactician and a skilled swordsman, able to defend his claim from the many impostors who sought to steal the throne away from him. By the time Kanjiro I married and named his heir, his realms were no longer under the threat of war, for he had defeated all his rivals and united other lords under his command as his vassals. Even after his death, his firstborn son, Kanjiro II, was able to rule the empire as his father had. Many more came after him, properly establishing the Kanjiro imperial dynasty.

In modern times, the Jade Empire is ruled by Emperor Kanjiro XXXVII, who rules the empire from the imperial palace located in Hisui no Toshi, the City of Jade. While the imperial family still holds a vast amount of power throughout the empire, other noble families have amassed a decent amount of economic power and political clout over the past couple of centuries. This has been a cause for concern for members of the imperial family, as well as those who oppose any potential conflicts that may endanger the stability of the Jade Empire as a whole.

Hisui no Toshi, the City of Jade

The capital of the Jade Empire is known as Hisui no Toshi, which translates roughly into "The City of Jade." An homage to the empire as a whole, the imperial palace is located within the walls of this city, and rumored to be built entirely out of jade. Hisui no Toshi is also the largest city within the empire, and as such, benefits from astounding economic growth and stability. Security is pretty tight within the city's walls, especially in the areas surrounding the imperial palace.

Hisui no Toshi is divided into five districts that make up the Imperial Capital. The Imperial District is where one can find the Imperial Palace, as well as the residences of many other noble families. It is the wealthiest district of course, boasting the finest homes within the city. It is also the home of many foreign embassies.

The Military District is where one can find most of the dojos in the city, as well as the main barracks for the Imperial Guard. Many of the most notorious warriors of the Jade Empire have trained in one or more of the many dojos found within this district. It suffices to say that the Military District is one of the safest within the city, with the exception of the Imperial District.

The Economic District is the home of the largest bank in the empire, as well as one of the largest markets. A wide variety of shops and businesses can be found within the district, as well as the homes of most merchants and their families. It is a fairly busy district, appearing to be always open for business in some form or another.

The Spiritual District is where one may find the majority of the temples and monasteries that are located within Hisui no Toshi. It is smaller than some of the other districts, since many temples and monasteries within the empire can be found in other remote locations all on their own. However, this district serves an important role, housing many monks and priests that can provide spiritual guidance to those that seek it.

The Labor District is arguably the largest district within the Imperial Capital. Serving as the home to the majority of the city's population, it houses several thousand working class families. It is definitely more rundown than some of the other districts, and due to its size and lower economic status, security is slightly more relaxed (or lacking) in this particular district.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:47, Tue 07 June 2016.