Kingdom of Tsukiyama
Table of Contents
Basics
Summary
Tsukiyama is a Kingdom forged out of blood, fire and steel. Its existence is a result of the loss and desecration of the namesake city and the holy war to recapture it. It is a society of warrior-poets, and feudal egalitarianism where every man is a Lord and every woman is a Lady. Take up the Sign of the Moon, chant the holy "Desu Wa!" and fight for the glory of Our Lady!
Overview
Kingdom of Tsukiyama
Capital: Tsukiyama
Official Name: Oukoku Tsukiyama
Demonym: Tsukiyamijin
Language: Tsukigo
Religion: Nijishindo
Sect: Sasorite
Religious Head: Emperor of Tsukinode (de jure), Seiou of Tsukiyama (de facto)
Government Type: Theocratic Feudal Monarchy
Overlord: Tsukinode Empire
Dynasty: Ashikaga
King: Tsugutsura Ashikaga
Heir: Tsunamaki Ashikaga
Direct Vassals:
County of Lehwaldt
Principality of Nijikerk
Duchy of Auvergne
County of Miyagi
Duchy of Hyakumatenbara
Principality of Sasori
Short History
- February 7th, 1047: Birth of Tsunatatsu Ashikaga
- February 7th, 1069: Tsukiyama sacked and desecrated.Visions received by Tsunatatsu
- May 24th, 1074: Salome is introduced to the world and to Tsunatatsu.
- First Seisen was launched formally on March 10th, 1075.
- Events of it last till 1078, when Tsunatatsu Ashikaga conquers Tsukiyama and liberates it on the June 7th.
- Second Seisen 1087-95: Conquers lands down to Sapporo
- December 12th 1111 Death of the Seinaru Mono and Subarashii Mono: Seiou Tsunatatsu Ashikaga
- Third Seisen 1113-19: Conquers lands up to Nijikerk
- 1120: Tsugutsura Ashikaga declares a halt to the constant conquest.
Seiou List:
- Seiou Tsunatatsu Ashikaga, Seinaru Mono (Holy One) and Subarashii Mono (Great One)
(b. 1047, r. 1078 to d. 1111) - Seiou Tsugutsura Ashikaga Kashikoi Hito (Wise One)
(b. 1084, r. 1111 to present)
National Map, Desu Wa:
Government
Structure
A Feudal state, the Kingdom is ruled from the top by it's religious and secular leader, the Seiou. The Seiou is the divinely appointed and tasked ruler of Tsukiyama as was ordained by Salome herself. His responsibilities are immense, as he also must serve as the divine mediator of between Salome and the people below along with his Kingly duties. Naturally, it was obvious that the Seiou would have to grant power to others in order for the state to succeed, and that is where the various lords of all statuses come into play as the ruler of their lands on behalf of the Seiou. The 6 Marcher Lords serve this purpose, but within the directly ruled land of the Kingdom are also lesser lords granted land to rule on the behalf of the Seiou.
It is nothing unique at all, and is greatly modelled after the Tsukijin system along with the Iridisian system of feudalism as well. Everything you would expect out of a feudal state is present in the Kingdom, with the main difference being that the Holy Orders are also vassals to the Seiou as well but do not follow the same rules as the feudal lords since they are not taxed.
Most of the state's money comes from taxation, and as the Kingdom grows, so does the Bureaucracy.
Factions
There are 3 major political factions within the Kingdom that have arisen over the years but mostly cooperate. They serve the interests of the groups they represent but also have some from the same group that disagree on how things should be conducted.
The first faction are the "Spiritists". They generally are concerned with ensuring the growth of the faith and the strengthining of its power in the lives of everyone. To truly cleanse the land, they argue, they must cleanse themselves. The priests and many people from the west are part of this faction.
The second faction are the "Expansionists". They believe that the growth of faith can only happen by more conquest and are supremely concerned with taking more and more land back. The Holy Orders are the greatest champions of this faction along with the Northern marcher lords. They want to end the policy of "Transforming the Land" and resume the offensives. They conflict greatly with the "Pragmatists" which are mentioned below.
The third faction are the "Pragmatists". They believe that the expansion must be held off until a later time when the realm is ready for it again, and they generally align with the interests of the Spiritists on most matters but are far more pragmatic than them. They, for example, wish to open up trade with Ailivian nations for growth and invite investors from the Serene Republic. They are most concentrated in the South and with the southern marcher lords and with the artisans of the cities.
These factions are not problems yet and most of the nation is not part of these factions, but they could be an issue in the future, especially under a weak Seiou.
Things of Note
- The legal code is universal. A Peasant has the same legal rights as the highest noble and the only person truly above the law is the Seiou himself.
- The apparatus of the state can only extend itself so far, and in some regions like Date and Mizugameza, there is a lack of government in these regions. Given these regions are sparsely populated, the locals often have to rely on themselves and the few lords in these regions for help.
- Judges are appointed by the Seiou in all lands. This is quite the headache, and some consideration is given to turning this over to local magistrates.
Society
Religion
Basics
The Kingdom is officially part of the Nijishindo Pantheon and there are very few differences of note, as the root of the Kingdom was from a long prophesized Seiou, who would emerge to free "a great holy city" in her time of need. As a result, this is very much an orthodox faith, and the differences only really show when you get into details.
Beliefs and Theology
The Kingdom holds the same beliefs and theology as a whole that the Nijishindo pantheon does. With some notable changes, however.
The biggest change is the notion of a Seisen, or Holy War being much more prominent in the Sasori branch and according to many theologians, a recent development in the Nijishindo Pantheon. The idea of a Seisen was thrown around in some form by various monks over the years, but it appears that the concept of "Taking up the Moon" was wholly invented during the times of the First Seisen by the teachings of Tsunatatsu Ashikaga and by the popular demand of the times for liberation. Before then, a Seisen was largely mentioned on a philosophical level, and while there was mentions of the Seiou and liberation, this was regarded as a part of the mythos more than a religious policy. But times change things, and so do great men. Thus, while the mainland has never truly bought into the idea of a Seisen in the same way, the concept indeed has attracted many to the Sasori, both from the Tsukijin and the Nachijin of the south.
Officially, a Seisen is a war for the defense of the faith and the ultimate purification of one's soul from the evils of this war. Though not a single Seisen has been called by the emperor since the first, the Seiou has been "granted" this right and has used it 3 times since the first one. The Sasorites consider themselves to be the "Sword of Nijisanji", as per the teachings of the great one.
(Will need to work on the story for more info desu wa!)
Religious Services
Religious services are nothing out of the usual for Sasorites in terms of the diverse beliefs of the Nijishindo Pantheon but still are unique.
- At 23:00 Hours each day, one hour of constant prayer is performed by all Sasorites, whereby reflections upon the Great Ojou-sama herself, her life and her spirit is absorbed.
- Each Prayer is ended in Desu Wa and Salome is called "Our Lady" in all prayers.
- Putting on your best clothes is expected for every single religious service.
- Special Services and Festivals, which will be more detailed later are held on the date of birth of the Ojou, on the date of her introduction into the world, the date of the liberation of Tsukiyama, and the date of the Seisen being called.
Holy Sites
Sasorites have many Holy Sites across the Kingdom and back on the mainland as well. A few of these include:
- The City of Tsukiyama itself as a whole (details)
- Sapporo (details)
- The Seinaruhata, outside of Ichikara where the famous speech given by the Great One was delivered.
- The "Holy Path", which goes from the Seinaruhata to Suzuhara and all Sasorites are expected to walk on.
- The "Sacred Path" which follows the path of the Seisen Army from its land at Akihama to Tsukiyama. Also expected for all Sasorites to follow this path once in their lives.
- Lake Tsukimori (details)
Structure
Keeping with the Nijishindo traditions, there is no great structure as seen in other pantheons for the Sasorites. But there are some noteworthy differences.
The Seiou, being the divine mediator between the people and Salome, is the ultimate authority on theological disputes and is the de facto religious head of the sect. His words are considered to be inspired by Salome herself in official decrees. All of the Holy and Religious Orders that came from the Seisens are directly at his command and are in part supposed to be extensions of his authority as the religious head. His powers, however, are not complete, as he must follow the "Path of the Ojou" for his authority to be considered true. This balancing act has not been a problem yet, as the first two Seious have indeed followed this path without fail and the heir seems to be as well, but the notion of the Seiou having to follow this path could lead to issues in the future.
Religious Minority Policy
All followers of the Nijishindo and the other pantheons that are related to the Nijishindo pantheon such as the Iridisian pantheon are welcome and free to worship as they wish within the land. However, the Kingdom does not tolerate anyone who does not come from these pantheons and forbids entry officially to anyone from the Ailivian or Shu Pantheons in particular. Other pantheons are allowed in, but not allowed to worship their gods in the Kingdom officially, although this is hardly enforced on them. One of the results of the Seisens was the mass conversion, deportation and killing of all "heathens" within the Kingdom.
Culture
Basics
The lands of the Kingdom and its vassal states are ones with a troubled history that deserves a lot of detail, but the state that resides on the lands now is in no shape or form that of the people who lived on these lands 100 years ago. The Great One, out of his divinely granted wisdom, effectively removed all of the sub humans from the land and returned it to it's original state before the Shuzi came and raped it. The policy of purge, purify and perfect resulted in perhaps millions being displaced, forcibly converted, enslaved or killed by the new regime and the effects of it cannot be understated in the social history of the nation, particularly in areas away from the coast and capital where the policy has not fully taken hold.
Nonetheless, while this act of genocide has perhaps been too drastic, it certainly changed the fortunes of the lands the Kingdom is now in and has developed a diverse group of people that have unified under one banner and one religion. As the Great One said "The evils committed for the faith pale in comparison to the eternal redemption that these lands shall recieve by Our Lady. For under my banner is a host of 1,000,000 different peoples, all united in faith and with one mission in mind; bringing glory to Our Lady."
This is why the people of the land are called sometimes the 100 bannin.
Traditions and Festivals
In a religious and cultural aspect, traditions and festivals are an important part in understanding society; the same is true for Tsukiyama. Aside from the usual festivals present among the Tsukijin, there are also unique festivals to the Kingdom itself and these come on Holy Days such as:
- Salome's entrance into the world on May 24th and Liberation Day on June 7th
For 13 days, a festival is held celebrating the Arrival of Our Lady, and tales of her are shared amongst the youth while Adults participate in such activities as horse riding, playing the violin and piano, flower arranging, beautifying their communities, sharing love with each other and spending time with their families. This ends with Liberation Day, where the "1,000,000 Peoples" read the Holy Words of Victory in unison at Noon. Chants of "Desu Wa", "Glory to Our Lady, who hath granted us this day!" and "From ordinary men, she has made us lords of all!" ring out and fireworks are set off. - The Night of the Rising Moon, February 7th, which coincidences with the traditional introduction of Tsukino Mito into the world, the birthday of the Holy and Great One, and also is the day Tsukiyama fell to the heathens.
This is a night which combines the traditions of Mito's celebrations with the celebrations of the Holy and Great One and the mourning of the cities fate. The Holy and Great One is merely introduced as a servant of the Kami and it is read that his greatness was that of Our Lady and Iinchou. His own celebration is that all may try to be like him and not forget his legacy. The mourning of Tsukiyama involves the public reading of the events that happened during itself fall but also the great cleansing of the city. - Seisen Day: March 10th when the first Seisen began.
This day involves the reading of the speech of the Holy and Great One when he announced the First Seisen and calls on the people to keep carrying on with his inspired words. With his death, this was made a holy day and the Seiou replicates it each March 10th to hundreds of thousands on a hill outside Tsukiyama.
Entertainment
The most celebrated form of entertainment is acting and the play. In every town, some form of amphitheatre is found where plays are regularly held and the audiences are subjected to the highest form of Kayfabe that can be produced. Tsukiyama has become rapidly one of the great centres of acting, and the finer arts in the world; with the people of the nation being naturally gifted thanks to Our Lady for the craft and many others being attracted.
Martial arts and sports are also extremely common forms of entertainment, with Baseball quickly growing into a nationwide sport along with jousting and shooting. Song and Dance are flourishing as well, largely as a result of the emphasis on refined culture by the Kingdom.
General Makeup of the Population
The "host of 1,000,000 different peoples" is a bit of an exagerration, for the reality is most of the people that now live in these lands come from the Tsukinode Empire and the different peoples of the Iridisian Empire. The largest groups that have settled are Tsukijin, and Lazurians; but you can find communities from about any group of the Nijishindo pantheon and its brotherly faiths. Concentrations can vary depending on location also, and there also remains a good minority of the former Dilupakanis, some of whom have moved back and integrated nicely into society. In this hodgepodge of ethnicities, is harmony that is brought by the common goal and opportunities offered by the land and from it a unique culture is emerging.
This culture is rather unique to the land and its people, and it mostly comes from their circumstances, shared beliefs and the religion itself. A culture based upon the common values of gentleman/ladyhood for all, humility, chivalry, piety and "semi-sophistication" has emerged. Semi-sophistication as like Salome, the people themselves do not quit live up to the blue-blooded standards that snobs hold.
Regional Differences
Life on the frontiers is rather different to the pacified lands of the nation. Life is much harder and the people on the frontiers that are constantly in battle against the enemies of the state reflect this. They are some of the most religious, most diligent and hardiest people in the whole world perhaps, as life dictates this to them. There simply isn't enough time to truly appreciate the finer culture either, given that a lot is given to the cause in these regions.
Given that the grand policy has not been finished in these lands, there are violent and stubborn minorities always causing issues within these regions and mass killings are not uncommon on both sides. How long this will last is anyones guess, but the further the Kingdom has expanded, the harder the fighting has got.
Societal Structure
Nobility
The Nobles of the Kingdom can trace their rank directly to their outstanding service in a Seisen. Once commoners have became nobles thanks to them, and the 6 great Principalities that have the most power amongst the nobility were all close friends of the Great One. Nobles are the mechanism by which the Seiou rules over the land by.
Priestly
The simple priests are valued greatly as is their wisdom. They are sacred people who dedicate their lives to Salome, but also in this class falls those in the Holy Orders, which are Warrior Priests, and are trained in both theology and warfare. They represent perhaps the most honored class in the Kingdom.
Soldiers
Either landed, or well paid men who have the honor of protecting the Kingdom, and its people. Being one is a double edge sword as the benefits are great, but death is not uncommon. There are naturally different types within this rank, with the landed ones often being Knights. Those who fight within the Holy Orders have even more benefits and risks to them, as they are the primary defenders of the realm.
Artisans and Tradesmen
The carpenters, bricklayers, shoemakers, etc. that are essential to the Kingdom's economy. They are greatly valued by all and many were attracted by the Great One as part of his programme of revival. Cities are filled with such men.
Bureaucrats
The taxmen, pencil pushers and book keepers are never loved but do essential work administratively. They are there to make sure things run smoothly and are under extra attention given aborrance of corruption in society. It isn't uncommon for them to recieve more abuse than the simple peasants because their job is so hated, yet they are paid handsomely for it.
Peasantry
The common folk that make up most of the population and most of them are naturally immigrants as a result of the "great cleansing". While they are part of the feudal structure in that part of what they produce is given to their lords, they are exempt from military service, are not tied to the land, can raise complaints against an unjust lord, and are protected both legally and religiously. All of them are expected to be treated by their superiors as if they are nobles themselves, as is the case for all classes except slaves.
Slaves
Slaves are the bottom of the society and are all non-believers. They have no rights and are considered to be subhumans as most are the wicked Shu. They spend their days under close watch as they toil deep in mines for the good of the state. Ironically, the Shu actually seem to be happy in their new positions, as the meeting the daily quote for gold and silver seems to satisfy them. They compete with each other to see who can get the highest total of ore per day and the winner is granted a hamburger. Most interesting, Desu Wa.
Regional Differences
There are far greater numbers of soldiers and warrior-priests in the frontier than in the pacified lands. Indeed, most of the Holy Orders are found on the frontier and not in the heartland out of necessity.
Things of Note
- As per the Way of Our Lady, every sentence must end in Desu Wa.
- Burgers are the national dish, and seems to have come from this land
- Extra care is taken into looking ones best by wearing fancy clothes, bathing, purchasing perfume, etc. but there is also an emphasis on getting things at a bargain. "Look your best at the cheapest, Desu Wa!"
- It appears the people of the land have genuinely developed a culture that is naturally good at acting and is filled with enthusiasum. This baffles many considering that there is no synthesized culture or ethnic group given the age of the nation, but it also seems like that culture and people are developing as time goes along.
Geography
Climate
The Kingdom's climate is rather interesting. Thanks to the effects of the other nearby climates, there are 4 different types of climates in the nation that. The centre is of a hot summer continental, largely from the effects of the mountains of Tsukiyama and the neighboring Tsukijin climate. The north is of a tropical monsoon climate, the west of a dry tropical savanna climate and the south of a hot semi-arid.
This can be seen with this map below:
Geology
Geological, there are several places with great mineral wealth, mainly in Tsukiyama, Misaki, Amagi, Sasori, Yagiza, Lehwaldt and Date. The soil itself is rather fertile in all regions sans the ones that are under the Savannah and Semi-Arid climates, being perfect for agriculture.
Regions
The Kingdom has 26 regions, and they are shown by this map below:
Things of Note
Coming soon, Desu Wa!
Economy
Overall State of the Economy
Perhaps one of the greatest challenges that the nation faced when it was created was that the lands it conquered were undeveloped, in disrepair and overall poor. The former rulers certainly did not seem to care for the land, nor did the people living in it. Farmsteads had long been in ruins, mines caving in, roads covered in weeds, and cities falling apart. The nation has done a decent job overcoming these circumstances, but it would be a lie to say that they are anywhere close to restoring the nation to its former glory. There is simply far too much to accomplish that, and time is needed.
Agriculture
One of the first tasks that had to be accomplished upon the Kingdom's foundation was trying to restore the vacant farmlands that were in total disrepair so that the settlers didn't starve. As with most of the rebuild, this started along the Tsukibatsu river and has spread out over time. But with the Kingdom's urge for expansion, even if it was not the best idea economically, it caused numerous problems as more and more people flowed in. The rate of food produced simply could not keep up with the tidal wave of immigration and conquest, and the Kingdom only avoided starvation thanks to it's mother nations kind watchful hand. Famines, raids and natural disasters did not help the growth of food production either and to this day, the Kingdom still cannot properly feed itself without imports. Still, things are starting to turn towards self sufficeny, with around half the nation being self-sufficient with its food production and this will only grow over time with better harvests.
Mining and Logging
Mining and Logging are an odd sector because the lands themselves lend greatly to both of these industries but the nation itself cannot truly fulfill the potential of either of them because of real needs of the nation outweighing them. Basic mining and logging needed for construction, the minting of coins, and some arms production is currently in place but not much more. This sector has a great future that may take another generation to reach.
Fishing
Fishing is an industry that struggles not because of a lack of fish, but intense competition that locals face in the Strait of Salome. Between the threat of raiders, and the more real threat of Tsukijin fishermen getting their way over the locals, this industry seems to be a dead end and barely contributes to the national food crisis.
Artisans and Industrial Concerns
Artisans and craftsmen have long been incentivized to come, and those that do make the trip are valued greatly, but given the primary sectors issues, it is truly hard for them to florish yet. One of the few parts of this industry that does is the weavers, who find valued customers in the culture of the Tsukiyamijin.
As for proper industries, there really isn't any and efforts to attract investors from the two Empires really isn't working at all. The Imperial Navy might be the only "industry" that seems to find some sort of potential in Tsukiyama, investing into minor logging and shipbuilding facilities and establishing naval bases in the nation proper. But the truth is that until the mining and logging sector experiences the growth it needs, there will not be much foreign investment, which is compounded by the Kingdom's policy of limiting peoples nearly solely to those of the same faith as it.
Infastructure
If there has been one part of the economy that has seen some good growth, it has been regarding the infastructure. The need for fortifications, roads, bridges, and irrigation has recognized since the beginning and the state has heavily invested into it with support from the homeland. It has largely been a success, and it really shows the nation does have a bright future as some of the repairs that had to be done were extensive and extremely time consuming. Getting running water back to Tsukiyama was one of the nation's greatest triumphs, for example. This area of the economy will continue to be important for many years.
Things of Note
The underlying problem of the nation is that it has outgrown its own capabilities and continues to. Fortunately, the current Seiou has recently ended the "conquest" for now at least so actual consolidation can occur before the next great wave of conquest, that hopes to see the state extend up to the Sea of Zeta and down to the mouth of the Strait of Salome will need to wait until the nation is ready for it. If there is anything the Great One can truly be criticised for, it is how he made the nation overextended.
Land Forces
As a nation founded by blood, maintained by blood, and lives through blood; the land forces of the Kingdom, its vassals and the Holy Orders are both extremely experienced and extremely capable warriors that very few nations in the world can match in battle.
From its very beginning, combined arms warfare has been central to the Kingdom’s strategy of war on a tactical level, and the executive of it’s strategic goals on an operational level of warfare. This is why the outnumbered forces of the first Seisen were able to accomplish what they did. Perhaps one of the more unappreciated genius aspects of the Great One was how he was able to take the best parts of all of the different armies back home. His infantry were almost exclusively Pomeranians, the best infantry on the whole continent. His cavalry were a mix of Marite, Szczerbiak, Lucanians, and Dråkens. His artillery was more or less what he could get at the time, which was Tsukijin, but as he established his state, he was sure to invite Solarians among others to serve in this role.
This foundation, of many different peoples with great skills, is the basis of the Army of both the Kingdom and its vassals. These people groups to this day serve this role within the Holy Army, and many more of them have been intinced to come along with promises of land. It certainly is an effective way of war.
The six marcher lords on the frontier are where most of the army is located. While they all to some degree have their own men, their main duty is to command the Holy Army within their areas and cooperate with each other. This system has its flaws due to competition, and one area in particular around Monfort desperately needs a marcher lord to supervise it. The latter however has no happened because of dispute about who this person should be. But the Seiou soon must make his decision and he personally is not fond about this whole situation.
The Holy Orders on the other hand are different in that they are almost universally homogeneous to their ethnicity but at the same time, are the best available from those groups. In particular, the Cavalry that comes from the Holy Orders is sublime in their abilities and many of the brothers in the order are cavalrymen, as it is expected for the infantry to be filled by the Kingdom itself.
The land forces are also rather innovative in terms of their grand practice of war. Fortresses, and watchtowers are constructed all over the border frontier and there is a degree of depth to them as well, with the stronger fortresses being located further back. Each post is linked by signal rockets to alert of an enemy raid or enemy presence. However, this network is very incomplete, having only been started truly in 1120. This has allowed many raiders to plunder some of the interior, and is a problem that needs to be addressed.
All roads and important locations within the Kingdom are either patrolled or watched over by reserve forces or volunteers to ensure that travelers are safe. The Holy Orders also guard the roads for the pilgrims of the Kingdom.
Naval Forces
The Kingdom has a small ocean going fleet, mostly dedicated to port defense and serving as reserves for the Imperial Navy which it is under formally. The Holy Fleet consists of one 58 gun Razee, two 28 gun frigates, three 12 gun sloops, and about two dozen gunboats.
The river fleet is much more capable, in comparison, and perfect for patrolling the rivers of the Kingdom. Around 60 River gunboats make up the brown water fleet and serve well in patrolling these vital arteries.
Diplomacy
Overall Foreign Policy and Long-Term Goals
The Kingdom's foreign policy is simple. To liberate all of the lost lands of the Empire from the Julia Mountains in the north, the Alivian Sea in the west and the border of the Serene Republic in the south.
Well, that is what is stated. In reality, the Kingdom merely wishes to rid the region of the savages and the equally zealous Watamelons to the south. There are no plans to even consider attacking the Republic of Zeta or Lusitania and in secret, the current Seiou wisely told them that he has zero plans to make war against them unlike his father. A realm from the Sea of Zeta and down to the mouth of the Strait of Salome is the ideal Kingdom and it is the manifest destiny of the state to accomplish this.
There are also no current plans to open up relations with Ailivian nations at all, however, this may change in the future.
Current Relationships
- Tsukinode Empire
The Kingdom is an obedient but extremely autonomous vassal of its motherland. It serves essentially as a march itself against the many threats across the sea that plagued the Empire in the past. Relations are great and will continue to be for years to come. - Iridisian Empire
As a whole, the Kingdom has strong relations with the Iridisians as well and many of its people come from there. - Lusitania
The Kingdom openly declares Lusitania to be an enemy but in private the two nations are content with each other, knowing that neither of them are a real problem. - Republic of Zeta
Same thing as Lusitania - Tribal Kingdoms of Warung Kopi
The northern barbarians have been pushed back greatly but their numbers and resistance seems to grow more and more over the years. Wiping these savages from the earth is a long-term goal of the Kingdom - Agnami Caliphate
Perhaps the greatest current enemy of the Kingdom in terms of might, the Caliphate is well organized and equally zealous in their goals but also just as brutal. Both nations are mirrors of each other in some way with their fanaticism, and there can only be one of them in the future.