Fantasy [Archived] Tales of Nakashigata -- Interest Check

[Chordling]

Tales of Nakashigata

The Land of Nakashigata
Nakashigata is of ancient soil. Life was simple when it began. A substantial portion of the meager population back then consisted of farmers and merchants. It would have been impossible for the founding generation of Nakashigata to predict that the bare farmland would prosper and blossom into the bustling society it is today. The Land of Nakashigata is divided into four regions, one for each of the four lakes and spirit shrines, but the Emperor and his cabinet of trusted advisors rule over all. Imperial power has governed the land for over the last century after a meek and grim era of martial law. The people of Nakashigata have enjoyed an era of prosperity and peace ever since Imperial power was restored. Civilization was reformed and technology was transformed during the upbringing of national unity. Many of them see it as a blessing from mythical creatures, the Dragons.

Dragons
Dragons are recognized as water deities. They are serpentine and do not have wings as observed with dragons from European mythology. Some records show human sacrifices of various forms to the dragons. They even explain dragons as shapeshifters; dragons could disguise themselves as humans. Military fleets often named themselves after these powerful creatures, which could be seen living in bodies of waters by dedicated temples or shrines. Japanese dragons notably have three claws on each foot. Dragons have been connected to the royal bloodline in countless tales. Modern rumor has it that some of the ancestors of the Emperor still live. The people celebrate an annual festival is held in honor of the great serpents that feature five main events. It is a showcase of Nakashigata pride and culture.

History of Steam Technology
The Nakashigata military pushed advancements of steam technology and industrialization to fortify and protect the land from potential invading forces. But advanced weaponry and some technology were banned from the nation once the Emperor regained power from the military for the way officers used them to abuse society, break from traditional culture, and cause long periods of terror. Citizens and military members alike are no longer allowed to own or manufacture firearms. Steam technology is only allowed to be used for recreational purposes or for manufacturing commercial ships. The Emperor receives aide from allied nations in times of war in exchange for a share of Nakashigata's riches.

Your Mission
News of prohibited weapon production from an unknown manufacturer is spreading. Most cases like this have been proven to be a hoax but other clues within the rumors make it less and less plausible for the Emperor to ignore. No word has been sent from the royal palace yet- but it is only a matter of time. Your character is a student enrolled at Nakashigata's National Defense Academy to train and prepare for the rest of your professional life when dark forces threaten to end the land's era of peace and prosperity. Explore the four regions of Nakashigata. Unravel mysteries and truths about the land, the lakes, the shrines, and the people. Will you be ready to answer the call that could save humanity?


Thank you so much for your time. Please respond to the thread if you would like to be invited to the OOC Discord server. Tag your friends!

Genre/Theme: Japanese Steampunk Dragon Fantasy
Type: Character-focused, plot-driven.
Writing: 300 - 1000 words (average)
Commitment: At least one reply per week.
Character expectations: Avoid unrealistic, uninteresting, and inherently overpowered characters. Backgrounds should not break the reality of the setting.
Player expectations: Mature, flexible, reliable, and open to communication.
Storytelling: Preplanned missions with room for player-to-GM collaboration
Group size: 4+ players

 

[Crayons]

I would be interested in joining the OOC discord

 

[simj26]

Watched

 

[Kaerri]

What general time period is it (as compared to our world)? What is the level of fantasy, or is it just the dragons themselves that are the fantastical element?

 

[Chordling]

What general time period is it (as compared to our world)? What is the level of fantasy, or is it just the dragons themselves that are the fantastical element?

This roleplay is heavily inspired by the Meiji period of Japan. No cars, no modern phones, no computers. Humans cannot use any type of magic and there will be other mythical creatures who are at least mentioned further into the roleplay.

 

[Kaerri]

I should have added that I'm interested, I was just asking for character inspiration

 

[Pepsionne]

Sounds fun! I'm interested

 

[Arcanist]

Interested!

 

[Anne Boolean]

What are the weapons like? I'm guessing swords and bows and the like? And can we play creatures that are not human?

 

[vaelis]

Interested!

 

[Chordling]

What are the weapons like? I'm guessing swords and bows and the like? And can we play creatures that are not human?

Swords, bows and arrows, and your bare fists are the weapons of choice. You cannot play non-human characters.

 

[Arkaeis]

Where is the technology at with weaponry? Is this true to form historical, or does the steam punk aesthetic branch into these as well?

[Flintlock katars for example]

 

[Chordling]

Where is the technology at with weaponry? Is this true to form historical, or does the steam punk aesthetic branch into these as well?

Swords, bows and arrows, and your bare fists are the weapons of choice. More information about the technology is available in the description above.

 

[CupAndCough]

Is this setting an entirely different world from our own(like is Nakashigata not on Earth?) Are there foreign influences that came with the modernity? What is the governmental system like? Is there a decline of a warrior class like the samurai that was prevalent in the Meji period, perhaps outlawed like it?

 

[Chordling]

Is this setting an entirely different world from our own(like is Nakashigata not on Earth?) Are there foreign influences that came with the modernity? What is the governmental system like? Is there a decline of a warrior class like the samurai that was prevalent in the Meji period, perhaps outlawed like it?

We are still in a world that is referred to as "Earth". Some modern influences arrived but it's not worth mentioning what those are at this time. The Emperor rules over Nakashigata with the help of his small group of advisors. There was a decline of the samurai but they were not outlawed.

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

i have intrigue

discord plz

 

[CerpinTaxt]

 

[CupAndCough]

We are still in a world that is referred to as "Earth". Some modern influences arrived but it's not worth mentioning what those are at this time. The Emperor rules over Nakashigata with the help of his small group of advisors. There was a decline of the samurai but they were not outlawed.

Hrm im starting to get interest, how bout a yakuza like group? Yakuza were often used as muscle for some Meji period officials, along with their activities in the criminal underworld and general crime itself--would making a character who has taken advantage of the modernity steam power provides to become a better yakuza or general criminal be allowed? Sorry for the lack of well off syntax atm on my phone atm

 

[Chordling]

would making a character who has taken advantage of the modernity steam power provides to become a better yakuza or general criminal be allowed?

No.

 

[CupAndCough]

No.

How bout someone who has been expelled from a yakuza background?

 

[Chordling]

How bout someone who has been expelled from a yakuza background?

No, this person would not have been accepted to study at the National Defense Academy because of their criminal background.

 

[CerpinTaxt]

Bandit told me to post the monkey, gib discord please.

 

[Chordling]

Still looking for more players!

 

[Dizmason Eternus X]

Count me in, this looks very intriguing!

 

[Abyss]

Hello. Can I ask how much of the RP will focus on/involve the dragons?