The Land of the Silver Sun
The Island Nation of Kaidu in 1698
The island nation of Kaidu has experienced centuries of civil war, social oppression and cultural stagnation reliant on a warrior and sorcerer class. The old emperor has passed away, his infant son taken hostage and hidden by the local warlords. It is the year 1698, and the lands of Kaidu are approaching an era of great transience and uncertainty.
Foreign traders have appeared on the horizon in monstrous ships powered by steam, coal and sail. They hail from a distant land intent on making landfall and exchanging exotic goods. Weapons, sugar, tobacco and strong liquor are but a few of the myriad things offered. In return they wish for silks, silver, gold, and jade imported from the isolationist empire Ogudei, across the Sea of Shivers. They are also interested in learning about 'Dynama', ancient Kaidu sorcery that relies on the multitude of resident spirits called Kami that inhabit the Land of the Silver Sun.
Likewise, the insular warlords of Kaidu are fascinated by the machines and technological advances of the foreigners, seeking an edge on their rivals and enemies. Conflicting ideologies on cosmology, science, warfare and social class as well as the fate of an ancient kingdom are at the heart of this RP. Room for worldbuilding is allowed, as well as shared history. Communication in the OOC will be key to the success of this RP. You can expect to post about twice a month using casual-advanced standards. Minimum of 500 words per post and maximum of 2000 per post. Read on and start a preliminary application if your interested.
Foreign traders have appeared on the horizon in monstrous ships powered by steam, coal and sail. They hail from a distant land intent on making landfall and exchanging exotic goods. Weapons, sugar, tobacco and strong liquor are but a few of the myriad things offered. In return they wish for silks, silver, gold, and jade imported from the isolationist empire Ogudei, across the Sea of Shivers. They are also interested in learning about 'Dynama', ancient Kaidu sorcery that relies on the multitude of resident spirits called Kami that inhabit the Land of the Silver Sun.
Likewise, the insular warlords of Kaidu are fascinated by the machines and technological advances of the foreigners, seeking an edge on their rivals and enemies. Conflicting ideologies on cosmology, science, warfare and social class as well as the fate of an ancient kingdom are at the heart of this RP. Room for worldbuilding is allowed, as well as shared history. Communication in the OOC will be key to the success of this RP. You can expect to post about twice a month using casual-advanced standards. Minimum of 500 words per post and maximum of 2000 per post. Read on and start a preliminary application if your interested.
A Note On 'Dynama'
The Dynama has its origins in the land of Ogudei, beyond the Sea of Shivers. Twenty centuries ago, an Ogudei king traveled to Kaidu with his army. Unbeknownst to the warlord, he had in his soul an evil Kami, a devilish spirit that leapt out of his body upon reaching land. The Kami hid in the highest mountain in all of Kaidu and married the spirit of that mountain. They had many children that spread all across Kaidu. This is why Dynama can only be used in the Land of the Silver Sun...
-The Origins of Sorcery, Scroll III, author unknown c.1509
Dynama is a form of sorcery combining occultism, metaphysical forces, innate power and forms of geomancy that rely on various Kami or spirits. Kaidu in 1698 has become tolerant of the practice of Dynama and the closely related disciplines. The witchcraft it was once associated with has been replaced by a society of learned scholars, practical sorcerers and carefully guarded artifacts. A court wizard is a common position in the various fiefdoms of Kaidu; the recently deceased emperor had 172 of them of varying power. Is Dynama real? Absolutely. Their are literally spirits from a mystical realm that can be tapped to perform magical tasks. The power of Dynama lies in direct opposition & contrast (narratively speaking) to the steam and coal power sources that foreign visitors to Kaidu depend upon. The foreigners are infinitely fascinated with Dynama and react in wide variety of ways towards it, some proclaiming it (as it once was called in Kaidu) as witchcraft, others merely intrigued.
Obviously, the aesthetics of 'The Land of the Silver Sun' will rely heavily on Medieval Japanese and Chinese culture, but it should by no means be limited to that alone. I'm visualizing Kaidu as a mash-up of Middle Eastern, Mongolian, Japanese, Chinese and Classical Indian influences with room for variation...
Accepting 4-5 Players
Application: You may apply as a Kaidu Warlord with a small fiefdom, a foreign presence such as a trading house or sovereign power, an Ogudei invader etc. If you have ideas for other factions feel free to discuss.
Basic Application: (Adjust as needed, feel free to use small images to enhance your app)
Name: What is the name of your Clan/Kingdom/etc.
House Seal (Called a Tamgha): Images or description
Current Ruler: Name and brief description
Faction Description: The most important section. You need to tell us your factions goals, strengths and weaknesses. Get into character or add a vignette if need be.
Area Of Influence: Use the Map provided
Territory Description:
Brief description of your lands. Most Houses will have a handful of villages, a town or two and a fortress. Note any woods, swamps, rivers, lakes or temples.
Military Forces:
Who controls your military? What weapons do your troops rely upon? Most factions (other than foreign invaders) will have little to no navy due to the insular nature of Kaidu
Other: Add sections as you need them.
Glossary
Kaidu-Island Nation with Cultural Influence from the Empire of Ogudei
Ogudei-Ancient Empire beyond the Sea of Shivers. The origins of Dynama can be found here.
Dynama-Sorcery combining occultism, geomancy, metaphysical manipulation, esoteric practices etc.
Steampower-Power source of foreign powers. They use engines and machines to power their sea-faring vessels, certain weapons and other technological innovations mostly associated with commerce.
Coal & Clockwork Power- Alternatives to Steampower. See above.
Cartography
