The Nations of the planet Covolo

General Timeline

1: The world is formed by Yagoo. Sora is created. Humanity is created.
13: Sora successfully convinces Yagoo to create siblings for her. Roboco is created.
14: Suisei is created.
17: Mel is created.
21: Chris, Fubuki, Matsuri, Aki, and Haato/Haachama are created.
22: For the crime of attempting to destroy Yagoo’s Tower, Chris is purged, and her nation scoured from the face of the earth as an example to be made of should any others misbehave.
23: Miko and Aqua are created.
24: Shion is created.
25: Ayame and Choco are created.
26: Subaru is created.
29: AZKi is created.
31: Mio is created.
39: Okayu and Korone are created.
43: Miyabi and Kira are created.
44: Izuru is created.
46: Pekora and Rushia are created.
47: Noel, Flare, and Marine are created.
49: Aruran and Suzaku are created.
50: Yogiri is created.
52: Rikka is created.
53: Civia is created.
55: Astel and Temma are created.
56: Roberu, Coco, Kanata, and Watame are created.
57: Towa and Luna are created.
58: Spade is created.
61: Suzaku is slain in battle with Haachama. His lands quickly decay and fall to ruin.
63: Doris, Rosalyn, Artia, Risu, Iofi, and Moona are created.
64: Shien and Kaoru are created.
65: Oga is created.
70: Kaoru is assassinated with a firearm by a puritan extremist. His lands fall apart within a fortnight as the people flee en masse. Puritans simultaneously fail to assassinate Kira but leave him badly wounded. His injuries trouble him for the rest of his life.
71: Lamy, Polka, Botan, Nene, and Aloe are created.
72: Attempting to breach the fog to secure lands for her people, Aloe disappears on an expedition that is lost with all hands. Her lands decay within a year, seemingly confirming her death.
73: Mori, Gura, Kiara, Ina, and Amelia are created.
78: His health failing him and in terrible pain day after day, Kira asks Yagoo to be granted death in exchange for sparing his people. Yagoo agrees. Kira’s ever youthful body lies in state in a holy mausoleum to this day as a pilgrimage sight known as God’s Grave, never decaying.
78: For the crime of conspiring to destroy Yagoo together and replace him with a new system, he enacts judgment upon Doris, Rosalyn, Artia, Civia, Spade, and Yogiri. Artia, the ringleader of the plot, alongside Spade and Civia, are destroyed instantly and their lands reduced to ash. The others struggle to survive the slow and torturous death Yagoo inflicts on them with unrelenting hordes of monsters. He tells the others not to interfere, and witness their judgment. Should they survive the trial, they will be allowed to live.
79: Ollie, Reine, and Anya are created.
79: Doris falls to the hordes of savage beasts, torn limb from limb. Her lands are depopulated.
80: Yogiri begs for mercy and receives none, being crucified by the hordes of monsters and puritan fanatics that have joined them. Last to fall is Rosalyn, who burns herself to death in her library as her cities smolder. Both countries become blighted wastelands of nothing but extinction.
93: IRyS is created.
93: Growing tired of the world, Coco asks Yagoo to depart this world in peace but spare her subjects. He grants this request. Rumors persist of a purple haired swordswoman with a similar personality that roams the lands…
96: Sana, Baelz, Fauna, Kronii, and Mumei are created.
102: La+, Iroha, Lui, Chloe, and Koyori are created.
108: For the crime of attempting to use necromancy to resurrect her fallen siblings, Rushia and her lands are purged. A foul cloud of plague washes over the Uruha Highlands and spreads to neighboring countries.
110: Kobo, Kaela, Zeta, Fuma, Rio, Uyu, and Gamma are created.
117: Having grown dissatisfied with the world, Sana requests Yagoo’s permission to leave to explore the stars. He agrees. The inhabitants of her land bid her farewell, knowing they would never see her again. Sightings are sometimes reported in the night sky by observatories of a massive goddess adrift in the far depths of outer space.
118: Regis, Vesper, Axel, and Magni are created.
126: For not showing proper respect to Yagoo, Vesper’s western lands are scorched with rays of hellfire, annihilating a good portion of his territory. The land remains uninhabitable to this day.
129: Bettel, Hakka, Flayon, and Shinri are created.
142: Shiori, Bijou, Fuwawa, Mococo, and Nerissa are created.
144: Magni and Vesper are slain under unclear circumstances when engaging with monsters near the borders of Nerissa's territory. Rumors spread like wildfire as the realm of both demigods quickly collapse into anarchy. Vesper's realm, already unstable, quickly falls apart as monsters overwhelm it. The survivors flee to Magni's land who use heavily experimental alchemy to maintain their realms at terrible human cost.
145: Ao, Kanade, Ririka, Raden, and Hajime are created.
150: Goldbullet, Octavio, Jurard, and Ruze are created.
153: Mel is gravely injured by a renegade member of her Blessed. As the country descends into a second civil war, Yagoo purges it with hellfire for the crime of being incapable of managing itself. Mel is slain in this purge.

United Stellar States of Tokino (U.S.S.T.)

Leader: Tokino Sora

Size: 25’000 km2

Population: 4.42 Million

Founding Date: Year 1

Capital: Okunotohe

Geography and Infrastructure

A slightly elevated plateau of many grasslands and forests. A low valley with a long river runs through the north of the nation and down south to Matsuri’s country. Sora is bordered by Roboco to the west, Yagoo’s Tower to the southwest, Matsuri to the south and east, and the endless fog to the north.

The infrastructure is very beautiful with a design reminiscent of Greek architecture, replete with large amounts of marble buildings. Said buildings are often very large. It is more common to build onto an existing structure rather than build new ones, keeping the urban sprawl in the country down at the cost of making cities rather cramped. Significant portions of the economy go into creating religious places of worship, each more extravagant than the last.

Flag

A cobalt 5-pointed star outlined in dark yellow projecting 15 sky blue rays over a cobalt field.

General Overview

The United Stellar States are the first nation to come into existence, when the world was naught around it but fog. As the oldest state, they are considered by many to be the closest equivalent to a holy land on the planet.

Many pilgrims flock to the states every year to worship and to join the Cult of Yagoo, the main religion of the nation. It has a higher-than-average number of religious zealots in its borders who often pressure others into joining their flock.

The country is a theocratic monarchy with Sora at the head. She usually delegates leadership to the thirteen prime ministers which run the thirteen states that make up this nation. The reason for thirteen refers to the supposed original thirteen human templates Yagoo presented to Sora as blueprints for the Human race that she approved of. They prioritize moral quality over all else, and the lands of Sora are known for being clean, peaceful, and stable.

Sora does not tolerate corruption or what she considers to be morally questionable decisions. Those who are unkind or unrighteous are swiftly removed from their positions. The people’s faith in Sora has ensured they remain devoted to her, and so actual examples of such bad behavior are quite rare.

Much of the nation’s economy is tourism based, receiving many visitors every year who flock to the site of the world’s creation. The three core tenets of the state’s government is good morals, excellent conduct, and superb beauty.

Blessed

The blessed of Sora are extremely rare, being less in number than all other Blessed of their respective demigods. There are always thirteen in existence at once, with each fulfilling the function as a prime minister of one of the thirteen states.

Every year, one among them is also elected as the high priest of the Yagoo cult for one year. Those blessed by Sora have their physical features shift into a perfect form, becoming beautiful beyond possibility. Almost all of Sora’s Blessed are women for unknown reasons.

Leader Description

Tokino Sora is the first, and mightiest, of Yagoo’s children. She also claims to have met him, the only one to do so, and also claims to have helped create humanity by selecting among the many templates that Yagoo offered her thirteen designs that would go on to form the basis of humanity.

She formed the first state, wrote the first constitution for which all other states have taken inspiration from in some form, and convinced Yagoo to make other children, starting with her sister Roboco in the year 13. Despite all Yagoo has done to the world, Sora preaches forgiveness and worship of him, saying it is all in his grand design. She champions proper moral conduct and idol-like behavior, which she says pleases Yagoo, and forms the basis of her society with her people trying to emulate her and her decisions.

It is through her influence and behavior that the cult of Yagoo thrives in her state and almost entirely in her state alone. Among her sisters she is highly respected and regarded for her righteous behavior and kindly nature, and has helped to solve many disputes. However, it is she alone who continues to be blindly obedient to Yagoo, much to the others chagrin and her countries delight.

Leader Powers

Sora is the mightiest of all the demigods. Her powers are near limitless. Flight, strength, speed, magic, nearly everything one can consider is at her disposal. Much like Superman, the only true limit is her moral character. While perfectly happy to defend her people, she shirks at the possibility of violence against another of her kind, and has in the past been reluctant to punish incursions or abuses by another of her siblings against her lands.

Nevertheless, her reputation is such that such incidents rarely happen, especially in this modern age of technology where word gets around fast.

Techno Union of Roboco

Leader: Roboco-san

Size: 25’000 km2

Population: 3.12 Million

Founding Date: Year 13

Capital: Tama

Geography and Infrastructure

The lands of the Techno Union are heavily industrialized and as a result have become an arid wasteland of near extinction where little life remains. Because food cannot be grown, it is instead produced in hydroponic labs or imported from outside.

The Techno Union’s cities have become vast and almost self-sustaining machines that strip the earth bare to provide what its people need, while its technology has become one of the most advanced on the planet. A plan to repopulate the environment with cloned flora and fauna is currently in the works.

The LaLion Sea’s river originates from here as the Mudwater River. Roboco is bordered to the west by Sora, the south by Yagoo’s Tower, the west by Ayame, the southwest by Suisei, and the endless fog to the north.

Flag

A black diagonal band with a gunmetal gray eight-toothed circular gear in the middle. There are two triangles in the upper left and lower right-hand sides that divide the flag’s black band. These triangles are covered in an urban camouflage scheme of dark red, both light and dark gray, and pink. In the middle of both triangles is the white paw print of a feline.

General Overview

The Techno Union are a highly industrial, urban, scientific focused technocracy focused on the advance of humanity’s knowledge and technical prowess above all else. Many of the new inventions of the world originate from the Techno Union, who treasure science and learning above all else.

The Techno Union is also considered the world’s front-runner in robotics. It is very common for the citizens of this country to replace parts of their body with machines. Likewise, AI has become steadily more sophisticated at such a rate that fully autonomous worker robots are expected to be created within the next twenty years.

The Techno Union elects its leaders based on expertise, with the leading engineers and scientists as the head of government. Due to worry of their own technology being used against them, they have refused to export their inventions, and are considered somewhat isolationist despite being among the most technologically advanced nations on the planet.

Owing to the desecrated state of their terrain, what food is not imported is grown indoors, and because the air is so heavily polluted, it is quite common for the citizens of Roboco’s land to rarely venture outdoors. They can be thus easily identified by their pale and somewhat gaunt appearance. The people of this land believe that the ends justify the means, and so are willing to sacrifice basic liberties for the needs of the many, all up to a certain extent.

Blessed

Occasionally, a citizen of Roboco’s land will feel the need to further accessorize their body with mechanical parts beyond the norm. Forsaking flesh and their humanity, they will attempt to replace their entire body with metal and machine. This does not always work, but when it does, they join the ranks of Roboco’s Blessed.

Cold and logical, her Blessed have given away what made them Human to attempt to become closer to her. Ironically, in doing so they have become more distant, and Roboco often feels quite uncomfortable around her Blessed. In time, as technology improves, it is likely that such fleeting concepts as emotions and senses may be retained. But for now, these Blessed are looked upon both with wonder and with fear.

Leader Description

Roboco, often referred to with her honorific as Roboco-san, is the robotic demigod of the Techno Union, and the second of Yagoo’s children to come into existence. Roboco is mild, calm, but slightly air headed. In the past, this has been mistaken for ditziness, which Roboco has since proven to be not the case after an embarrassing defeat of Suisei nearly a century ago led to the loss of her eastern lands and the creation of what is now considered the southern panhandle of the Techno Union.

Roboco has also been shown to be very diplomatically shrewd. She maintains a position of neutrality in most aspects of running her state, all the while spoon feeding the rest of the world her technological achievements to make them reliant on her state for exporting technology. In meetings with her kin, she maintains her soft-spoken and gentle demeanor which masks a more cunning mind, and there is a reason why the Techno Union is blindly obedient to her wishes.

Leader Powers

Roboco, aside from being a robot, possesses the capability to create powerful beams of energy. This she uses to blast threats to her land from afar. In addition, she can control the strength, speed, density, and flow of said beams, and over the years has become very creative with her powers.

In coordination with her robotic body, she is more than capable of using this in conjunction with upgrades to become an unstoppable machine on the battlefield. The Techno Union has been facing frequent incursions since day one, and its wastelands offer excellent breeding grounds for monsters, so Roboco is often busy protecting her lands seemingly every week.

Stellar Republic of Hoshimachi

Leader: Hoshimachi Suisei

Size: 25’000 km2

Population: 4.06 Million

Founding Date: Year 14

Capital: Mihoyami

Geography and Infrastructure

The Stellar Republic is seen as the rising star of the nations of the world. Once a harsh backwater that fought incessantly with its neighbors for resources and survival, under the leadership and determination of Suisei, they have grown to become a new regional powerhouse in both might and economy. Proud fighters and infamous for their tenacity, the armies of the Stellar Republic have been aiding the other nations in the perpetual battle against the endless fog.

However, this was not always the case. Once, the Stellar Republic was a troubled and angry nation that lashed out at its neighbors with little regard for what others thought. The Stellar Republic has been at war with every state it borders in the past, many of them unsuccessful save for one which annexed the southern tips of Ayame’s lands, and the northern tip of Mel’s.

Today the country is modernized. Having focused inward instead of outward for growth, it has gone from the troubled black sheep of the nations near the tower to a shining star that is a superpower in the region, and is currently the largest economy in the region as well, surpassing the Elite Shinto Dynasty of Sakura. They have urbanized significantly, but not to the extent of the bordering Techno Union.

Suisei’s lands are mainly taiga, and have a cooler than average temperature with highs of low 80’s and lows of 20’s in the Fahrenheit scale. Much of the old growth has been chopped down through the decades of urban expansion, though some patches still remain to give the country a natural feel. It is bordered by Roboco in the north, Ayame in the northwest, Choco in the west, Mel in the southwest, Miko in the southeast and east, Yagoo’s Tower in the east, and Sora in the northwest. Most of the cities are heavily developed and linked via a well-maintained system of highways and roads. Poverty and unemployment has been dropping rapidly for the past several decades as well.

Flag

A white field with two obtuse triangles of ultramarine in the top and bottom respectively, giving the white field the appearance of being diagonal, facing right. A stylized shooting star is in the middle of the flag, facing towards the left. The star itself is a golden five-pointed star overlapping a bronze five-pointed star except for the tips of the bronze star, which jut out from the non-pointed angles of the golden star, giving it the appearance of a ten-pointed star. The overall tail of the comet is composed of three colors and five tails. The first color is a lighter blue with one tail, which overlaps a darker blue with two tails, which overlaps an even dark blue also with two tails, for a total of five tails.

General Overview

The Stellar Republic is the unlikely story of a nation with all odds stacked against it that, like their leader, arose like a rising star to become a regional superpower. In the beginning, however, the nation was a hard and difficult land to live in. At the time of its creation, much of it was bordered by fog. Although not unusual in those early days, what was unusual was the harsher climate and volume of attacks.

Because of this, the struggle to survive was much more severe than in other lands of the time. Colder climates made it more difficult to grow food as well. Not only this, but constant disruption due to monster attacks often threatened the viability of crops.

What began as raids by the desperate soon turned into a tradition of stealing from other lands, which then escalated into constant warfare. Suisei gained a fell reputation as a bloodthirsty warmonger. All confrontations into her behavior were rebuffed, stating that she needed what they had so her country did not go extinct. Indeed, in those days, times were hard. Mortality rates were high, average lifespan was lower than that of other surrounding nations, famine was common, and conscription was mandatory.

The first change came after an embarrassing defeat by Choco’s much smaller armed forces in the year 58. During yet another dialogue of treaties and land changes, Suisei poured out her frustrations over the years of mistreatment and poor fortune she felt she had received. By now her borders had become more secure. She no longer bordered the fog, though endless warfare and attrition had kept her lands poor. It was a vicious cycle.

To her surprise, Sora agreed. Though others were sick of her and her constant muddling, Sora proposed thus. Choco, Roboco, and Miko would grant a portion of their lands to Suisei as appeasement. In return, Suisei would not attack them again or risk a combined assault to wipe out her state. What happened afterwards was up to her.

With peace finally achieved, Suisei reflected. She was rather unpopular, for obvious reasons. To say her nation was the only one with strife was a lie as well, for Mel was in the midst of a brutal and vicious civil war and was still missing, while Roboco and Ayame were dealing with constant barrages of monster assaults. This was a hard world, she mused.

Suisei decided to change this. For the first several years, she focused on the infrastructure of her lands, a much-needed change. Commodities became more common, resources more available to her people, and, most importantly, a more sophisticated means of preserving and growing food using newer farming techniques and technologies.

In the year 65, Suisei began to offer her army’s services as hired mercenaries in other nations. They would pay a tithe to Suisei, who would have them guard their lands from monsters. Already battle hardened and with many veterans in their ranks, multiple nations found their borders more secured. Income flowed into the Stellar Republic, and these bands became known as the Comet Legions.

With the added cash, the country modernized and democratized, transitioning from an authoritarian state into a democratic one as Suisei finally stepped down into an advisory role (though still retaining the traditional title Stellar Leader). So far, she has not acted to remove individuals from government, trusting the will of the people. Indeed, corruption in the Stellar Republic is quite low.

In modern years, the Stellar Republic is a massive success story. Having successfully urbanized and updated their country into a fully functional one with a massive GDP, the Comet Legions are known across the world as protectors of the peace who, for a price, will keep your lands safe. Though casualties are high, it is considered an honor to serve, for in their mind you are bettering not just your client’s lands but your homelands as well.

The Stellar Republic has also become famous for its entertainers. Many famous singers originate from these lands. Finest among them is Hoshimachi Suisei herself, who is thought by many to be perhaps the best of all the demigods in terms of musical talents.

Blessed

The Blessed of Suisei are growing more common with every year. They primarily inherit their demigoddesses’ physical traits, often growing blue hair and becoming slender. A notable talent they all share is an incredible vocal range, one which Suisei herself is famous for.

They are often found commanding the Comet Legions, as the transformation greatly enhances their reaction times. A fondness for stargazing, optimism, and energetic behavior is also noted to affect their personality, almost as if lost in a dream. This is great contrast to the early Blessed, who were far more bloodthirsty in behavior.

Leader Description

Hoshimachi Suisei, the shooting star, has come far throughout the years to get to where she is. After countless struggles, she has finally achieved what she sought so long ago, that being a stable, peaceful, and above all powerful country.

Suisei has focused on her musical career in recent years, leaving much of the governing to the citizenry. Among all of the demigods, she perhaps has among the least role in governing these days. She has also worked to patch up her reputation over the years, to a fairly decent degree of success.

It must be noted however that a ruthless streak exists in her that tends to come out when angered. Though one would not suspect it by looking at her, brutality is one of her favorite ways to solve problems. If one visits her personal dwelling, they may note a collection of skulls of those who particularly annoyed her in the past. Some state that the low corruption of the lands has less to do with love than it does with fear.

Leader Powers

Hoshimachi Suisei, as befitting her name, controls a unique form of cosmic and stellar magic that pulls foreign objects from orbit or manifests them. Although this would ordinarily lend itself to a ranged fighting style, Suisei prefers to use it point blank for maximum effect. She also often combos it with her trusty axe which she is never without.

Her enthusiasm to use her axe to split skulls has often alarmed the others, particularly the way she cackles gleefully as she cleaves skulls, but Suisei has never seemed to mind. However, this is usually how she toys with her foes. When she needs to get serious, she will ascend and begin raining comets down from the skies to absolutely flatten and obliterate all around her. Because of the high chance of friendly fire, her soldiers know the best way to survive is by staying as far away from her as possible.

Nocturnal State of Yozora

Leader: None (Formerly Yozora Mel)

Size: 27’000 km2

Population: 3.5 Million

Founding Date: Year 17

Capital: Taramato

Geography and Infrastructure

The Nocturnal State featured a wide variety of black spired gothic architecture to befit its ruler, Mel. Towering spires and ancient castles lurked atop tall hills over thatched roof villages with cobblestone homes. The country was very mountainous and craggy, though the soil was quite rich. Tomatoes and acerola cherries were grown here in abundance more so than any other part of the world, and are believed to originate from these lands. As a consequence of the land’s destruction, prices of these produce items have increased substantially.

The mountains also provided excellent defense, which makes assaulting the lands hard. This came at the cost of also harboring a much higher than normal rate of monsters. The day and night cycle in this land always favored long nights and short days. The sun did not rise until 8:30 AM and set at 6:00 PM, leading to harsh winters and fervent summers.

Because of the uneven terrain, many of the roads in the Nocturnal State were unpaved. Electricity was only recently fully adopted across the country, and many backwater villages and hamlets existed away from civilization’s interior at the time of the nation’s destruction. Most villages had at least one family of vampires to guard them.

The country was landlocked and was bordered by Choco in the northwest, Suisei in the northeast, Miko in the east, Azki in the southeast, Aki in the southwest, and Subaru in the west.

Flag

Five horizontal bands of yellow, black, white, black, and yellow. The black bands are double the width of the yellow bands, and the white band is double width of the black bands. In the center of the white band are two black bat wings.

General Overview

The people of the Nocturnal State were quiet, suspicious of outsiders, and introverted. Because of the harshness of the land, as well as the near-death experience of Mel at the hands of foreign would-be usurpers, the Yozorans were not accepting of those who originated outside of their country, and tended towards xenophobia.

There was a sharp divide between the ruling power of the common class and the elites, the vampires. Early on in the country’s history, Mel created the first vampires as her thralls, to make those who would better appreciate and understand her by becoming more like her. These vampires grew to become the nobility of the nation, and were expected to be their defenders as well.

The vampires held too much power, being taxed little, granted much of the peasantry’s lands, were allowed to drink the blood of the peasants, and were greedy with their power. In the year 50, the vampires were coerced by outside agitators of an unknown state to attempt to kill Mel. What followed was her disappearance and a bitter civil war between the vampires and foreign agents against the peasants and Mel’s Blessed.

In the end the peasantry won, and the power of the vampires was reduced. Mel returned towards the end of the conflict and revealed she’d been forced into hiding to recover her strength after being poisoned and nearly losing her life. With Mel on their side, the civil war ended quickly in favor of the peasants in the year 63.

As a result of their betrayal, the power of the vampires was reduced, and many houses or titles were expunged. The vampires enjoyed a higher social class, but few of the luxuries they once did, being closer to an upper middle class in wealth. They did still, however, retain control of the country’s government. Both classes remained highly devoted to Mel, whose popularity only grew after the civil war.

Or so it seemed. One member of Mel’s Blessed turned upon her suddenly in a single night of violence that scoured her royal palace of most of its population. Gathering supporters, she made war upon the land, herself having been once one of the traitorous vampires Mel had forgiven. Ultimately her kindness proved to be her downfall. Said vampire got close enough to Mel to become Blessed, and then lay in wait for many years plotting their revenge.

This war quickly erupted into a chaos that threatened to spread to other countries. Within a fortnight, the state had collapsed into anarchy. Mel herself vanished early on in the conflict, grievously wounded by said rogue Blessed. She was not seen again. For failing to properly control her state and its populace, Yagoo subjected her land to intense hellfire. All within were slain. Though no one has confirmed Mel’s death, none believe she survived the apocalypse.

The Nocturnal State was somewhat poor for its existence, and was primarily agrarian in function. Only just able to grow enough to feed itself, and totally unwilling to harbor tourists, this closeted and old country kept to itself until the bitter end. Perhaps its downfall was its inability to change not from the outside but, ironically enough, from the inside.

Blessed

The Blessed of Mel were created by Mel specifically when she chose to bite a vampire. This second bite magnifies their powers further, and their bond with Mel increases. Psychically attuned, they become true forces of nature, capable of incredible feats of strength, agility, and endurance. Their job, in addition to keeping monsters at bay, is also to keep the lesser vampires in check.

Mel knew where her Blessed are at all times due to their psychic bond, and their devotion to her is beyond fanatical. This has led to incidents of overzealous protection in the past, as they have grown paranoid after Mel’s near-death experiences. Though they served no function in the country’s government, they worked tirelessly to make sure no corruption spreads among the vampires.

It was ironic thus that one of her own Blessed would betray her. Before this incident, Mel had been creating fewer and fewer, growing somewhat paranoid of the vampires. She had begun to take away power from them and put more into her Blessed on the off chance that another incident occur. It was thus unfortunate that this fear would end up being correctly founded. It is not believed any of her Blessed survived the countries desolation.

Leader Description

Yozora Mel, beloved by her country (and don’t you dare let them think you don’t love her either), was a sweet and calm woman who is known for dealing with pressure and stressful situations rather well. This personality of hers, as well as siding with the people during the civil war, had made her tremendously popular in her country. Most of her countrymen would have gladly died for her.

As a vampire however, and especially a powerful one like her, she had to occasionally drink blood. While she tried to suppress this urge as much as possible, every now and then a human sacrifice is required. It is considered a great honor among the Nocturnal State to be eaten by Mel, to the point that people opt in for selection, and being selected is seen as the equivalent of winning the lottery. Outsiders wonder if perhaps Mel has used hypnosis on her population to make them love her.

Unlike many of the other demigods who rule their lands, Mel is not a terribly ambitious one. She is quite content with what she has been given. She also does not tend to interfere in the administration of her nation either, leaving this to those she has governed. Mel does not desire a grand state, but simply a functional one, and despite the Nocturnal State’s poverty she seemed content.

Ultimately her greatest weakness was her kindness. She had difficulty in assuming ill intentions from her subjects, which made it easy to deceive her in the end.

Leader Powers

As a vampire, Mel had all of the powers expected of one in such a role. This included flight, blood-draining, incredible strength and endurance, and the ability to turn into animals such as bats. Other powers such as hypnosis were also rumored but not confirmed, and Mel had also practiced some level of hemomancy in order to bolster her powers. The practice of hemomancy was banned to the general public, and no magical studies existed en masse within the Nocturnal State at the time of its death.

Although not giving the appearance of one who would seem a strong fighter, Mel had proved time and again she was not to be trifled with. A popular account of her tearing a rogue vampire in half with her bare hands in one, single rip, was often used as an example of her innate strength. In spite of this, she still fell to an attack from within, never suspecting a spy among her Blessed of all people.

Friendly Union of Shirakami

Leader: Shirakami Fubuki

Size: 29’000 km2

Population: 7.3 Million

Founding Date: Year 21

Capital: Nawa

Geography and Infrastructure

Much of the Friendly Union is taiga or coniferous forest, and experiences a colder climate. Snowpack is present across most of the year, which makes agriculture difficult. Almost all food is imported from other countries. Temperatures start to rise the further south one goes, but even in the summer it rarely climbs above the 60’s. Yet Fubuki’s influence ensures the winters remain comfortable, so temperatures below the 30’s are rare as well.

The land is mostly flat as well, and in fact declines in elevation further towards the south, with the southern coastline being an unusual snow-covered coast known as the Pale Shore. Numerous rivers run through the country to the sea, providing fresh water for the inhabitants. Many estuaries are also in this country as well.

Because Humans and Kami both live in this state, they have their own separate municipalities that are separate from one another, as well as separate forms of governance. At the top is Fubuki, who is head of both governments. Both governments are traditionally tribal in structure. Because the inhabitants of this land are generally satisfied, they don’t concern themselves much with governing things.

Fubuki is bordered to the south by the ocean, to the west by Haato/Haachama and AZKi, to the northwest by Miko, to the northeast by what once was Chris, and to the west by Shion.

Flag

A vertical pentaband of light blue, white, black, white, and light blue. The white stripes are three times the size of the other stripes. On the right side of the flag is a black left pointing triangle with a white pentagram in the center.

General Overview

The Friendly Union’s title refers to the bond between the people of this land and the native inhabitants, known as Kami. The first Kami were said to be monsters that Fubuki approached in the early days of the territory’s existence. Utilizing her legendary powers of diplomacy, she proposed a compact. This became the eponymous Friendly Union of Shirakami.

Under this compact, monsters may not kill man, and man may not kill monsters, or Kami as they would come to be known. The Kami changed under the subtle influence of Fubuki, becoming less vicious and more esoteric, mystical, and bizarre. Within a generation, their transformation was complete, and the land has been shared since. Similar attempts to share the land with monsters has all failed catastrophically. Only Fubuki can claim success in this endeavor.

Facing a near constant incursion of hostile monsters from Chris’s former territory, both Human and Kami work together to keep the Friendly Union safe. Though there is a certain irony in Kami turning on their former brethren, they have yet to complain. Fubuki has attempted to invite monsters to join her nation, but has been unable to replicate her success so far. Happiness and kindness are key to the success of this land. No prisons exist. Those who cause enough problems are disappeared.

The country is well developed in some respects, but there are large portions of the country that give the appearance of being completely wild. This is further supported by the Kami portions often being very rural to the point of seeming little different to feral, owing to their different needs and often heavy ties to the environment. What this results is patches of civilization, followed by packets of wilderness. The current ratio of population puts the Kami at approximately 60%, and Humans at 40%. The total population of the country counts the Kami among their numbers.

Because of the Kami living within the country, the people of this land have developed a very close bond. Numerous customs and cultural traits are often absorbed by Humans depending on which Kami live nearest to them. An example is one settlement who have adopted hats in the shape of the stalks of mushrooms and cultivate fungi farms along with glowing mushroom lanterns. This is because their nearest neighbors are mushroom Kami.

One unusual aspect of Fubuki’s territory is marriage is a serious crime. Fubuki has never elaborated much on this, other than she is vehemently opposed to the concept of it, and believes that marriage would override or discredit the “friendship” aspect of the country. However, all attempts at asking her why this is have fallen flat.

The Friendly Union is part of the Beastlands Compact with Mio, Korone, and Okayu, and was invited to join them a year after their formation in the year 42 in spite of having no shared borders. This is due to a shared set of values regarding the preservation of nature as well as an animalistic and spiritual theme that Fubuki shared. She also asked very politely.

Blessed

The blessed of Fubuki adopt vulpine features, becoming fox-like in many ways. The fullness of the transformation depends upon the individual, but all are able to shift into a Werefox form, or in the most practiced, a full Fox. Unlike many countries, their role is not military but diplomatic. They ensure disputes are resolved amicably, relations between species kept high, and the rare problematic person disposed of.

Leader Description

Shirakami Fubuki is a truly remarkable soul of unbridled wisdom and kindness that masquerades much of this behind a shy and a sleepy-eyed appearance. Fubuki is known for her very calm personality, perhaps second only to Okayu, though she can also be rather mischievous when in the right mood. It is very common of her to sneak around the villages disguised as a fox.

Playing upon the fact that literally any fox could be Fubuki in disguise, she uses this to ascertain what is going on in her country. Because nobody is bold enough to strike a fox in the event it may be the demigoddess herself, Fubuki often gets around in plain sight and interacts with her populace, or tricks them into thinking they are dealing with her instead of what is actually a regular vulpine. She is very fond of her practical jokes, though they are always mild and never harmful.

Leader Powers

Shirakami Fubuki is in possession of a mighty sword, a pair of twins. The one she carries has a mastery over water, while the other was gifted to Mio on her birthday long ago. Her sword is known by the moniker of Uzumi. With this blade, Fubuki can control the tides and the waters with masterful efficiency, often utilizing them for high precision combat maneuvers. As with other beastly demigods, she can also turn into an animal, in this case being a fox of varying size. Although her giant fox form is quite vicious and feral, she rarely uses it as she is not a violent sort, preferring instead to meander about in her land as a small arctic fox instead.

Decapitated Tsardom of Akai

Leader: Akai Haato/Akai Haachama

Size: 20’000 km2

Population: 5.42 Million.

Founding Date: Year 21.

Capital: Toku.

Geography and Infrastructure

The geography of this country has a peculiar feature in that it drastically changes depending on whomever is in charge. If Akai Haato is in control, then the land is for the most part unremarkable. A coastal nation, much of the country is tropical or subtropical along the shore, becoming more temperate as one goes further inland. It is fairly flat with many rivers and smaller hillocks.

This all changes dramatically if Haachama is in control. In that case, the biomes become unpredictable, to the point where cartography becomes to all intents and purposes useless. As it is not possible to create a consistent description of the country’s geography when Haachama reigns, it is best to describe it as “anything goes.”

Though formerly quite rich, the economy of this country has been stagnating for quite some time. This is a consequence of other countries being reluctant to trade as whenever the country shifts to Haachama, any foreigners still inside are almost always lost. This also applies to tourism. Very few people visit because they are worried of being stuck inside when a switch happens. Every time Haachama gains control, a mass casualty event occurs.

Although Haachama does not harm her own citizens (physically, for the most part), she does not tolerate foreigners. Nobody has yet asked her why this is, because nobody is brave enough to get close enough to ask. She is the most feared of all the demigods. The only plus side is this fear extends to monsters as well. The Decapitated Tsardom boasts the lowest number of monster attacks in the entire known world. Even wild beasts fear Haachama and the possibility of her appearing.

Because of this, the economy is slow to grow, and some resources can become scarce at times. However, this has never reached a level of famine or abject poverty. Akai Haato is thankfully economically gifted and is quite good at managing her nation when she is in charge. As much as is undone when her other side shows up, she takes steps to ensure some remains. In short, their economy and infrastructure is two steps forward and one step back. Physically they are bordered by Miyabi to the west, AZKi to the north, Fubuki to the east, and the ocean to the south.

Flag

The nation’s flag has two sides. Which side is flown depends on whichever personality is in control at the moment.

If Akai Haato is in command, the flag is a white field with two vertical blue lines running from top to bottom on the right and left sides. In the center is a golden disk with a red heart.

If Haachama is in control, the flag is a blood red field with a black heart on the left side. Two white triangles with black bands along their longest side are in the upper right and bottom right corners.

General Overview

The Decapitated Tsardom is quite possibly the most erratic of all the nations on the known world, as it is the only one which completely changes based on chance. The story of this peculiar land is shrouded in myth and fact equally. It is said that Yagoo attempted to create two beings, twins, to govern one land as an experiment. Both would cover one aspect of the soul’s personality, a living yin and yang so to speak.

It is thus unknown as to what exactly went wrong. Some say this incident occurred before she was born, others say it happened in battle. What is known is that the twins died, legend also stating at their own hands. Yet due to the peculiarity of their two powers they survived in a fashion. Now both souls inhabit the same body, constantly fighting for control. Whenever one gains control, the entire country shifts its form to better reflect one of the two. Akai Haato is more orderly, while the one known as Haachama is madness incarnate.

Those who live in this land are simultaneously aware of this odd dichotomy as they are indifferent. They have simply accepted it as fact of life. As a consequence of the dual nature of their demigoddess, the citizens too have a dual nature. Like their ruler, they are two souls in one body. Whichever one is in control depends entirely on which personality of the demigoddess is active. This facet is unique to them and will switch even when outside of their country.

Under Akai Haato, the country functions more or less as a stable entity. It cannot be said that she is normal entirely, but compared to her other half she is by far the saner of the two. She focuses mainly on working to protect the country against Haachama by improving its infrastructure and enacting safeguards in various aspects of trade deals, diplomacy, and imports. Under Haachama, she quite simply does whatever she wants. The country manages to function enough to get by under her rule, but a significant portion of Akai Haato’s time is spent rebuilding. This is the prime reason why the Tsardom is poorer than its neighbors. Regardless of whom is in charge, the nation is an absolute autocracy. She has the final say in all matters and makes almost all decisions for the country. None are allowed to challenge her rule, and punishments are often draconian.

The most infamous moment in the Decapitated Tsardom’s history came in the Suzaku Affair, also known as the 4-month War. During this time, the now defunct nation of Yakushiji Suzaku created another weapon for their demigod, a sword said to be able to be unbreakable. Haachama, for reasons unclear (as they often are), took offense. She demanded the sword as well as tribute. When Suzaku refused, a war broke out early in the year 61. Miyabi also provided support to Suzaku by allowing his troops to move through his borders.

The war was short but vicious. It ended at the Battle of Daishozu where the two deities fought for the fifth and final time. In this conflict, Haachama succeeded in slaying Suzaku, but not before he utilized his skills in battle to remove her left eye in a blow that came extremely close to slaying her outright. Since then, she has become overly cautious on picking fights with her siblings.

With the death of Suzaku, his nation collapsed to the fog. Miyabi was also forced to relinquish his eastern-most holdings which were summarily purged by Haachama, forcing Miyabi’s people to leave or die. They have yet to be returned, and relations between the two countries remain poor. Haachama has since taken to wearing an eyepatch over her lost eye. Akai Haato does not seem to suffer the same injury, and does not need an eyepatch. She is to date the only sibling of the deities to commit fratricide.

Haachama’s poor behavior and erratic displays make dealing with her difficult. Most countries therefore simply won’t bother. They will close the borders by force until she departs. Although it is possible to get Haachama to cooperate on matters, she is as fickle as the tides. Few are able to get consistent results from her and one of them, Coco, is no longer around. For as much as she is flawed, she shows devotion to her countrymen and is fiercely protective of them. They indulge in the chaos as much as she does, so perhaps she feels a sense of kinship.

Akai Haato frequently finds herself overshadowed by her disturbed other half, which causes her endless consternation. She would much prefer a world without her other half, and vice versa. Feeling that a lot of her effort is simply picking up her other half’s messes (and it is) has resulted in a very tense relationship which has never improved. In recent years however, the gaps between Haachama’s appearances have been growing. Some believe this to be a good omen, while others think it a harbinger of worse to come.

One final thing to note is Valentine’s Day is akin to a holy day in this country. It is expected to consume chocolate coated tarantulas, take the day off, and watch their mandated cooking programs. In spite of the populace’s insistence that they love their leader’s cooking, food poisoning rates skyrocket at this time, and both personalities are known to be abhorrent cooks.

Blessed

The Blessed of Akai Haato (and Haachama) are as split as their demigoddess. Each one has two distinct personalities within them which only manifest depending on which of their personalities is active. Generally, the calmer one is active during Akai Haato’s time, while the more energetic one is active during Haachama. Actual personality traits vary wildly. The Blessed are very few in number owing to both Haato and Haachama finding them suspicious, often imprisoning or executing them as spies for the other half. This has not necessarily curbed their populace’s devotion to them, but rather their life expectancy. Their subject's devotion to their strange god borders on fanatical in spite of her behavior.

Leader Description

Akai Haato and Haachama are essentially two different people trapped in one body. Akai Haato is the more reserved of the two, though anyone would be reserved compared to Haachama. Somewhat sassy and tsundere in nature, Haato is at times prickly but this is often believed to be due to the stress of having to manage her other half. She rules with a not necessarily iron but stern fist, tending to respond to criticisms with an annoyed dismissive grunt before going through with the idea regardless.

Haachama on the other hand is absolutely bonkers. Her behavior is as unhinged as her nation. Nothing is consistent about her except for the fact she is inconsistent. Haachama’s moods fluctuate wildly at random intervals. She may decide on one thing then do another, or become offended and threaten to start a war only to get distracted by a butterfly. She also often abuses her powers to warp reality, bending the very fabric of space and time until it snaps like a rubber band. It’s difficult to stay unharmed with her nearby because what sets her off is inconsistent.

Both personalities despise the other, each blaming the separate one for their current state of affairs. They refuse to elaborate on the subject. It is believed both are actively trying to suppress or kill the other. A consistent way to make one of them upset is to even remotely imply the opposite personality is superior. This is a prickly subject, and many people have been killed even when they didn’t mean to mention it. The only thing they share is a love of the color red and heart symbolism, which adorns and decorates all manners of their country.

Leader Powers

The powers of the duo are separate but somewhat consistent. Haato’s powers involve the negation of bodily functions. What this often leads to is her simply looking at her foe and causing them to keel over and die of a heart attack or a brain aneurysm. Haachama on the other hand bends reality like nobody’s business. The only one who can remotely keep up is Baelz, and even she struggles to match Haachama. Those who are attacked by Haachama may seem to “glitch” before dropping through the earth itself into an infinite void of pain and suffering. Such is but one of many fates to those who displease the one-eyed fiend.

Elite Shinto Dynasty of Sakura

Leader: Sakura Miko

Size: 32’000 km2

Population: 6.34 Million

Founding Date: Year 23

Capital: Aizen

Geography and Infrastructure

The Elite Shinto Dynasty is a peaceful landlocked nation with many quiet forests, tall snowy mountains, serene fields of grass and gently trickling waterfalls. Its cities are primarily made of wood, and are well-developed yet fitting in well with nature so as not to overwhelm it. There is a symbiosis in this country between man and wildlife which makes it a very comfortable place to live. The average altitude of the country is higher than normal.

Shintoism is the dominant religion in this land, unlike the worship of Yagoo. Best described as a mixture between animism and polytheism with traces of Buddhism, numerous shrines exist throughout the nation. Even the smallest villa will have at least one shrine. When leaving on a journey, it is a custom to visit your shrine before you go to bring you good luck.

A singular volcano sits outside of the capital Aizen, known as Mt. Kazan. This volcano is mostly dormant, and plays a key role in the art as a prominent backdrop. A famous incident in Miko’s life led to her somehow simultaneously falling into the volcano and triggering an eruption which destroyed most of the capital in the year 38. The exact circumstances of this incident have been suppressed on Miko’s orders.

The nation is bordered to the north by Yagoo’s Tower and Suisei, Mel to the west, AZKi to the Southwest, Fubuki to the southeast, the ruins of Chris to the east, and Matsuri to the northeast.

Flag

A large white circle over a dark pink background. In the center of the circle are five pink cherry blossom petals, forming a complete cherry blossom.

General Overview

The Elite Shinto Dynasty is somewhat of a misnomer, as the nation’s titular dynasty consists of exactly one individual who has no real government function. It instead operates as a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with Miko having willingly stepped down from operating as head of government after realizing she simply wasn’t very good at it. This peaceful transition to power not only saved the nation but allowed it to thrive.

Miko is technically the head of state, religion, and military all at the same time. In theory this gives her almost unlimited power. However, in practice she can be vetoed by nearly every branch of society she operates in. As a result, Miko, despite being loved and respected, does not command much power within her own country, being almost redundant. Miko is allowed to advise or make decisions in most matters, and is well regarded, but often others will go around her or adjust her ideas.

Although she could certainly go on a rampage and use force if she wished to usurp back power, Miko simply isn’t that sort of person, and is quite tolerant of the masses so long as they don’t try and take away her comforts. In fact, she does not participate much in decision making these days unless she feels it’s crucial.

The country’s origins lie in the murky past in the early days of the world, and coming fresh off the destruction of Chris. Much of Miko’s territory bordered this ruined fogland. Put in charge of a new country, Miko found that the logistics of building up her country as well as fending off attacks and managing her religion were too much for her to manage. So, she delegated the task to her people.

In the year 43, Miko handed power over to her countrymen. What was widely seen as an impoverished and failing state began to slowly turn around. Always a bit disinterested in such aspects of civilization, Miko was able to focus more on defending her homeland and shrines while the people managed the resources of the land. The new arrangement greatly worked in her favor, as it lessened her workload significantly and made her much more focused. This continued when in the year 103, Miko also gave up her military and religious powers for a more facial based role instead as opposed to function.

Content with lazing about and occasionally showing up for various functionaries, Miko has become complacent in her life. So complacent in fact that she did not mind when her royal position as empress and high priestess of the realm became little more than a title with a tax break. Miko has yet to complain. As far as she’s concerned, she’s succeeded, as befits an “elite” demigoddess like her. So far, she has not yet made an effort to find an heir, though there are rumors she may one day grow bored and depart.

The Elite Shinto Dynasty is like a well-organized machine. The trains run on time, the lands are well-guarded, and the economy is good. It is the largest country in the region, and was even larger in the past before forfeiting some lands to Suisei. Its shrines are also home to a strong if localized religious community. Miko spends a fair portion of her free time making sure shrines are kept up to quality, and that proper rites are being observed. As often as she is accused of being lazy, a badly maintained shrine is one of the few things to get her going.

One notable problem of the country is corruption, particularly bribery. With the demigod of the state being lax, politicians in all levels of the nation hold more allegiance to coin than to country. As Miko is quite happy with letting her people run the show, and nothing so far has come of it besides annoyance, it is unlikely to be solved anytime soon. Travelers should bring extra cash for bribes lest the wheels of bureaucracy churn slowly.

Blessed

The Blessed of Miko are known for their pink hair, and a shocking decline in dexterity related functions, becoming very clumsy. Although many would not see this as a boon, her Blessed fervently maintain this is a symbol of them becoming closer to her. They mainly act in a high priest function for the religion of the land, as their clumsiness renders them unsuitable for many tasks. Thus, they devote their life to studying Shinto, and become very knowledgeable in the magic and rites that their god shares with them. Miko often consorts with them to garner knowledge of the country during times she is preoccupied with other matters.

Leader Description

Sakura Miko is certainly an interesting demigod. From an outside perspective she seems airheaded, clumsy, and a bit pompous. This is not technically incorrect, but it hides a much more intelligent personality than she lets on. Miko is aware very much she does not make for a great leader, not possessing the capabilities to properly organize a nation. By keeping the country run by the people, she keeps them happy, and herself happy.

Miko maintains positive relations with all of her neighboring states, especially Fubuki, of whom the kami ridden forests mesh well with the Shinto shrines of her country. In the past she devoted serious time and effort to creating magic to cleanse what was once the lands of Chris from monsters, but has largely given up from lack of progress.

Miko often professes herself to be “elite” and has a somewhat haughty streak that can get her into trouble. The most famous of these incidents led to the capital being burnt down and her refusing to go near open flame of any sort for the rest of her life. Miko finds herself humiliated and humbled time and again, but always seems to bounce back regardless. What she lacks in motor coordination she makes up for in tenacity.

Some often question why she is so inactive in the modern world. The truth is quite simple, and it’s that she puts her own needs first. Feeling that her reward should be to enjoy life for defending the people (though these days she only intervenes when necessary), Miko has created a land designed around being as easy for her to relax in as possible. While others fight for survival, Miko chills out on the couch and watches television. The best way to get her to act is if she thinks the country’s future is in imminent danger. She’ll work extra hard so she doesn’t have to work at all if that’s the case.

Leader Powers

Miko’s powers are somewhat unusual. As a shrine maiden, much of her powers relate to Shintoism. She specializes in magic, specifically rituals and purification, making her an expert in dealing with ghosts and spirits. Miko is widely recognized as the greatest exorcist in the world. When not cleansing the lands, she uses her powers to heal or augment others, or make the lines blur between reality and the spirit world to attack from unusual spots.

AZKian Virtual Frontier

Leader: Virtual Diva AZKi

Size: 28’000 km2

Population: 7.02 Million

Founding Date: Year 29

Capital: Totokumi

Geography and Infrastructure

The Virtual Frontier is a heavily urbanized nation which has turned the majority of its central country into an urban megacity. Only the outer edges furthest away from the capital retain any trace of greenery left. It is a somewhat hilly country but with few rivers, so it has a slightly arid climate. From all sides it is surrounded by fellow nations, although many of its rivers do link to the sea eventually.

The train was invented here, which revolutionized transportation and paved the way for further inventions such as automobiles, planes, and the like. Unlike the somewhat reclusive nation of Roboco, the people of the Virtual Frontier have always been extroverted and willing to share their technological gains.

A significant portion of the country is in virtual space, much like their demigoddess AZKi. . It was AZKi herself who created the virtual world when the nation was first founded, though it was significantly more primitive at the timeMost citizens lead a double life in virtual reality independent of their physical form. The nation has advanced so heavily into virtual development that they expect the ability to create virtual life before the century is out. What this means is that most of the population lives two lives at once. This includes the government, of whom a Physical and a Virtual parliament exist.

The AZKian Virtual Frontier is bordered by Miko to the northeast, Mel to the northwest, Aki to the west, a small portion of Miyabi to the southwest that was taken in a war, Haato/Haachama to the south, and Fubuki to the east.

Flag

Two left facing diagonal bands of black and dark pink. The black band has a smaller light blue band running down the right side. In the top left and bottom right corner are two white acute triangles that both point towards the corners of the flag.

General Overview

As prior mentioned, the Virtual Frontier is distinguished by its neighbors for its openness and virtual reality pioneering. The Virtual Frontier has long encouraged members of the other nations to adopt their virtual reality-based lifestyles too, to mild success. Almost all citizens have an alternate avatar where they can live their private lives, and many dream of one day bridging the gap completely to be with their demigod.

It was AZKi who first suggested to Sora the benefits of collaborating through the internet as a means of both entertainment and diplomacy. Since the first streams began in the year 94, warfare between the nations has dropped. In a way, it could be said AZKi is the greatest diplomat of her sisters and brothers.

AZKi primarily operates in the virtual world instead of physical reality, and specializes in virtual monsters, not physical. As a result, her citizens’ best chance to interact with her is to join her in the virtual world, where the cover of anonymity allows for greater confidence. Most of the country operates on a virtual backdrop to its physical counterparts, which means that it is just as large to explore as the nation itself.

The country is not all sunshine and rainbows, however. Like all utopias, it has its seedy underbelly. For once, cyber crime is a serious felony in this state. This wide reaching term covers aspects such as avatar destruction, hacking, virtualspace terrorism, and various other forms of mischief and larceny that endanger and degrade the virtual world. It is possible to die in the real world if the virtual body sustains enough trauma. There is also the risk of becoming too engrossed. Many are the tales of bodies wasted away to nothing while their minds roam the avatar realms forever, growing wilder and madder.

After the tragic disappearance of Aloe Mano, AZKi founded the Exploration Corps which aims to map out the known world in spite of the fog by using both virtual and physical exploration. These brave scouts have aided many lost souls trapped close to the endless fog, assisted in the evacuations of doomed countries, and scouted out the physical geography of the fog lands.

The map of the world, unmarked as it is, has been meticulously scouted and detailed on the Exploration Corps maps. Strange landmarks and features cause many to guess at what Yagoo is building out there, and these maps have also been used to plan out means of defense against future monster attacks.

Blessed

The Blessed of AZKi lose their physical form entirely, becoming true virtual entities of raw data so complex it would make a computer pop like a balloon if converted onto a hard drive. They gain near unlimited power over virtual space as well, and often assist AZKi by acting as virtual police.

Of course, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Although exceedingly rare for a Blessed to betray their demigod, it is not impossible. Because of the near unlimited amount of matter warping allocated to these Blessed in the Virtual World, when they go rogue, and it happens more often than other demigods, they become a serious threat, erasing and destroying as they go.

Leader Description

AZKi is an unusual demigod in that she prefers to exist in the realm of virtual than physical, having often cited she feels uncomfortable in the real world. In her own realm, which she helped create, she sings and performs nearly every day. Entertained subjects are happy ones. This is the creed she has always stuck by, and it has allowed her nation to thrive. The people of the Virtual Frontier are joyous, and love their ruler.

AZKi is both persistent and playful, someone who doesn’t take things too seriously yet refuses to give up on challenges. Multiple times she has dealt with exhaustive levels of monsters to keep her people safe. Multiple times she has collapsed from exhaustion and overexertion. Because she created the virtual world, she feels responsible for it, and often blames herself when things go wrong.

Leader Powers

AZKi, being a virtual diva, has the power to manipulate the space around her as she sees fit. Although incredibly powerful, this only works within the virtual space she has created and helped grow. While making her almost godly in her own territory, it greatly limits her capabilities for combat outside, like a sailor on solid land after years at sea.

Much of her remaining powers specialize in the application of sound. Be it sonic shockwaves that rupture organs or pure noise that overwhelms the senses. She is currently coaching Nerissa in her sonic based powers as well in order to develop them better, as Nerissa has been struggling to control her borders. The core difference between the two is raw volume and controlled sound.

Angelic Heavens of Amane

Leader: Amane Kanata

Size: 34’000 km2

Population: 5.58 Million

Founding Date: Year 56

Capital: Hanoseushi

Geography and Infrastructure

The lands the Angelic Heavens occupy are the tallest known mountains in the world, with the portion inhabited by Kanata being the coldest and tallest part of them all. Known as the Dragon Spine mountains, they are to all extents and purposes uninhabitable. It is dark and stormy, blanketed with snow all year round.

To escape this unlivable landscape, the people of the Angelic Heavens were lifted above by Kanata and built their civilization within the clouds. Kanata raised the first sky palace in the year of her nation’s founding, and has since raised many more. These fortifications have been added onto over the years, becoming towering floating islands of tethered pieces of stolen land and extra buildings built up to support a growing population.

All habitations are built with defense in mind. The means to produce these floating settlements is known only to Kanata, who sacrificed much of her wingspan in order to do so. They are hard to make, and harder to replace, so growth in this country is slow.

Life at such a high altitude is not without its extremes. The oxygen is very thin, necessitating acclimation for visitors who are forced to wear oxygen masks. Most citizens of the country are quite heavily tanned, and many develop skin cancer. The altitude also presents a constant issue of freezing, so heavy clothing is a necessity. There is also of course the issue of falling. This is circumvented by gliders to travel between settlements, small planes, and even personal aerial devices such as pedaled gyrocopters.

Water is collected in rain barrels which are lowered to cloud levels via lengthy chains to accumulate precipitation. Because food must be grown to be produced as no natural plant or animal life exists at this altitude beyond the occasional high-flying bird, all citizens are expected to farm plots of their own land. The people of this land exist in a semi-serfdom state as a result.

The entire northern border of the Angelic Heavens borders the fog, so monster attacks are a constant problem. It is believed that of all border states, they receive some of the most frequent monster attacks due to the ground being untamed. To the east is Okayu, southeast Korone, south Pekora, southwest Flare, and west Coco. A very small passage exists in the northwest corridor to Towa’s lands, and has traditionally been a sight of many battles between these two opposite demigods.

Flag

A horizontal triband of blue, white, and blue. The white band is quadruple the size of the blue bands. There are two black stripes in-between the two blue bands and the white band. . In the center is the halo of Kanata outlined in dark yellow.

General Overview

The Angelic Heavens are a curious land full of hardworking, kindly people that live hard lives for the betterment of all. They are born into a difficult land and expected to work or fight until the day they die, all while being a moral example to others. The term Heimin is often used to refer to the citizens of the Angelic Heavens.

One would expect this to be the description of a dictatorship. The truth is as far from this as possible. Kanata and her Blessed rule the floating sky islands and castles of the Heavens acting not only as a vanguard for other countries and a first line of defense, but also as a bastion of good and proper moral behavior. The best way to describe the Angelic Heavens is a judicial “moralocracy”.

The meaning of moralocracy, as defined by Kanata herself, is a society ruled by good behavior solely. Laws are enforced around innate goodness in the human spirit and behavior, not necessarily legal specifics. Judges, the highest authority in the land, are expected to make calls not based on prior precedent but by morality and by what they deem to be best in advancing the goodness of the community and person. Theft for the sake of feeding a hungry child may well be forgiven, but excessive rudeness may be punished. Kanata sits as the head of the supreme angelic court, the highest authority in the land.

The Angelic Heavens receive constant monster attacks from flying enemies on a near daily basis. All members of the nation are expected to serve in some capacity. From twelve to sixty-eight, all citizens are members of the militia and expected to defend their settlements in whatever means necessary. Those wishing to join the military proper become one of the Angel Guard.

The Angel Guard, made up of Blessed and volunteers alike, are the highly trained and disciplined sky knights of Kanta’s land. With mechanical (or real in the Blessed’s case) they soar through the air with crossbow and sword, acting as the first line of defense for not just the country but many nations as well. The Angelic Heavens suffers the brunt of monster attacks that pour down from the fog in the north so those to the south do not suffer.

When Kanata raised her people aloft, she did so with the expectation they would be a force of good, righteousness through adversity, kindness through hardships. She often emphasizes the heavy burden they bear so that others in the lands below may not suffer. An incredible respect is given to this nation by the others, (save for Towa, her rival) who often pour gifts galore to the inhabitants of this country.

It is Kanata’s goal that in time they may scour away the fog and return to conquer the lands below. This goal, lofty as their nation, is quite far away from reality. For now, the Angelic Heavens are held together by a communion of good faith and upright morals which earns them the respect of other nations and demigods.

Blessed

Kanata’s Blessed are often referred to as angels, and for very good reasons. Upon becoming Blessed, they sprout wings from their back, and a halo as well, with four points like Kanata. They serve as the generals and judges of her army in equal measure, and are so willing to risk their lives for the cause that many have fallen in the line of duty.

Only those who display the most genuine and honest moral fiber become Blessed. Their devotion to not just Kanata but to her beliefs must be as fanatical as possible. These are the kinds of people who would donate every last coin to a homeless person, who would volunteer at a senior center every day off, who would never be rude or unkind under any circumstances. They know they must set a good example, because if they do not and faith wanes in Kanata, the entire nation will fall apart.

Leader Description

Amane Kanata is an angel. She has a very firm and poignant approach to humanity, and that is that they are beings of ultimate goodness. She has also resolved to strive to bring out the best in human behavior through whatever means necessary, often acting as a moral example.

She has sacrificed much for her land. To lift them from the ground, she destroyed much of her wingspan, limiting her flight capabilities. In battle with a monster, she suffered intense sonic damage which is gradually making her go deaf. Day and night she studies healing skills to better aid the sick.

This does not mean she is meek, however. Kanata is quite infamous for a personality that does not necessarily follow her actions. She can be very crass and loud when she needs to be, and has more than once used “percussive therapy” to solve issues in her ranks that words were not fixing. Still, her sacrifices and diligence ensure her populace remain loyal. Without her, none would be alive.

Coco was great friends with Kanata. After her departure, Kanata became notably less energetic than before, deeply missing her presence. Her rivalry with Towa, her antithetical opposite, is also well known. The two frequently clash, with both nations built on the concepts of good and evil respectively.

Leader Powers

Kanata as an angel is not just limited to flight. Her powers rely on the manipulation of light for both offense and defense. She is just as capable of adjusting the wavelengths of her soldiers to make them invisible as she is firing massive bursts of light rays to disintegrate her foes.

In her spare time, she researches medicine and healing magics to better assist her people. Kanata is also quite infamous for her hilariously disproportionate physical strength, leading to her being affectionately referred to as a gorilla instead of an angel.

Draconic Khanate of Clan Kiryu

Leader: Clan Kiryu (Formerly Kiryu Coco)

Size: 31’000 km2

Population: 5.04 Million

Founding Date: Year 56

Capital: Odatsuba

Geography and Infrastructure

The Draconic Khanate is one of the most rural nations in the world, with long chains of mountains running straight through the heart of the country. The southern portions have wide open plateaus and grassy steppes, while the north has frosty peaks and untamed wilds. A significant number of rivers begin in the Draconic Khanate from the icy mountains flowing down as meltwater and straight into the sea.

Approximately 40% of the country lives within the capital Odatsuba, a massive sprawling metropolis, with the rest spread across the country in primarily nomadic camps that eschew a more traditional lifestyle. Once, the Khanate was little more than riders. Not just horses, but dragons as well. Primarily in fact. Wildlife continues to thrive even to this day, and dragon riding is an important tradition in this land.

There is a sharp cultural divide between the urban and rural, similar to Mumei’s nation, although in this case it is more a divide between tradition and modernity as opposed to the direction of civilization. However, it has yet to devolve into open hostilities, and is more of a soft disagreement. Some simply prefer the comforts of air-conditioned apartments to riding atop a dragon’s back and sleeping under the stars.

Because the urban centers and urban development as a whole are quite new to the country, it is not as advanced or economically prosperous as its neighbors. This does not bother most, however. The people of this land are long used to living with limited resources. This being said, those in the cities are attempting to attract investors, something the land could use. Coco’s lands are bordered by Towa to the north, Watame to the west, Flare to the south, and Kanata to the east. A mountain pass in the north also connects to the endless fog.

Flag

A large left facing black band bordered by two blood red isosceles triangles. The black band has two smaller orange bands running on the left and right side. In the center of the black band is an eight-toothed orange wheel with a pair of orange dragon horns in the center.

General Overview

The history of the Khanate is tricky. In the beginning, the land was wild and primal. Clans of nomads roamed the countryside, warring and surviving in harmony with nature. Kiryu Coco, the khan of the clan named after her, united the tribes over many years, but kept their traditions strong. Dragons flew freely over the skies, a balance between them and humanity managed by Coco, the largest and fiercest of all dragons.

The first “cities” were large collections of yurts, semi-permanent dwellings. The first true structure was Coco’s famous dragon bone palace at Odasuba, now abandoned but kept in pristine condition. Thanks to the dragons and hardy nature of the people of the khanate, they did not suffer from monsters as much as others, and none dared attack them.

However, the peace did not last. When the six traitors (Holo CN) attempted their ill-fated plot to overthrow Yagoo, it was Coco and Haachama who attempted to halt them. They failed, and Coco was forced to retreat and lick her wounds. She watched on in frustration as her sisters were destroyed, and she blamed herself for the rest of her life.

Coco became more morose and less invested in her land. She attempted to somewhat modernize the country for fears of becoming obsolete, but change was slow, and Coco lacked the drive she once possessed. Even to this day, much of the nation is rural and undeveloped. Eventually, in the year 93, she’d had enough.

One night, Coco disappeared. She left a note on her throne explaining she’d asked Yagoo to leave the country in peace, but let her subjects live on without her. Nobody saw her depart, save for a single hunter that saw through the clouds a silhouette of a massive dragon climbing higher and higher before disappearing forever.

Clan Kiryu retains control of the country as Coco’s former clan, but without a demigod to watch over them, things are changing. Dragons are becoming wilder and more vicious, as well as rarer without Coco’s supervision. Other clans have begun to challenge Clan Kiryu’s right to rule, arguing they have become weak and decrepit.

The storm clouds of conflict are beginning to brew. As of now, the Khanate has been in existence without Coco longer than it had her. It remains to be seen if the Draconic Khanate will survive, or break apart into a massive civil war and disintegrate. Amidst this, there are rumors of a seemingly ageless purple-haired swordswoman that wanders the lands. Only rumors of course…

Blessed

The Blessed of Coco are few now. None have been created since she left this world, and those left are now all seniors. They adopt traits of dragonkind, becoming partially reptilian, and with the ability to shapeshift into a larger and more powerful draconic form. Common traits include horns and long tails. Many eventually live among the dragons, and a few have gone feral without Coco’s guidance. The few Blessed that remain, and it decreases every year, are held in awe by the clans they belong to, and serve as storytellers. Memories to pass on of their beloved, now departed goddess…

Leader Description

Kiryu Coco was well known for her fiery and boisterous personality. She would often wake her subjects with a rousing call of “Good morning motherfuckers!”, and was particularly fond of rowdy behavior. Coco was not afraid to use force or example in order to corral behavior from her subjects. This was how she was able to successfully unify the clans as well as tame (to an extent and often with violence) the dragons.

The morose mood that gripped her in her final years as ruler did not significantly nullify this personality of hers. Her behavior often led to ire from puritans, who proclaimed she was not behaving as a goddess should. Coco’s typical response included a raised middle digit and a thwack from her meaty tail, or, if she was in the mood, simply eating them.

In the early days before the printing press was widely available in the Khanate, Coco would often deliver the news to her subjects herself. The first television station was her morning AsaCoco news, famous for its quirkiness and troublingly not safe for work content. Coco was famous for not giving a damn what others thought of her, though privately it was rumored she was more sensitive than she seemed.

Leader Powers

Kiryu Coco’s powers were both simple yet highly effective. As a massive dragon, she could simply use raw power to bring untold devastation to the lands. In her true form she was the largest of all the demigods, save for Sana of course, also now departed. Although her techniques were crude, they were undeniably effective. Few monsters could last more than a moment under her fiery onslaught.

Calliope’s Reaper Underworld

Leader: Mori Calliope

Size: 30’000 km2

Population: 3.58 Million

Founding Date: Year 73

Capital: Wenbury

Geography and Infrastructure

The Reaper Underworld as it is called lies in a blasted wasteland where little life exists. This geographical area is known as the Dying Lands, and covers both her, Shien, and Ollie’s territory as well as the former nations of the deceased powers that surround her. The heat above is extreme in this desert nation, which forces the entire population to live in subterranean dwellings. Temperatures never go below 80 Fahrenheit, and in the summer may reach as hot as 140 on the worst of days. Large piles of dust and ash blanket the surface, which is endlessly grinding all down into nothingness.

Throughout the entirety of this land, the features above depict the ruins of a past unremembered. For as long as the inhabitants of this country can recall, they have always been there. Pools of tar and canyons that seem to dive down endlessly into the earth. Bones of long extinct gigantic creatures and colossal stone crosses that form the graveyard of seeming giants. Even the ruins of long abandoned cyclopean cities made of obsidian exist. It is difficult to say who lived here before Mori, but they were long gone before she arrived. Or perhaps, she cleared them away to make her domain.

A single river runs through this land, though its waters bestow amnesia on those who drink it, before becoming pure when it touches Kiara’s nation. All water is thus drunk from underground reservoirs, as this is the only place it is pure. Although the cities thrive well enough on their own, only the largest structures of utmost importance poke their heads up onto the surface. Because there are few resources available, the Reaper Underworld often goes a long time without creating new infrastructure, and can seem run down or more impoverished than it actually is. Most cities have a somewhat crumbling or abandoned feel to them, as it is easier to build new dwellings than repair the old ones.

The surface of the Reaper Underworld is simply too hostile. Not only is there no resources, but monsters swarm the lands as easily as if there was fog covering it. Because Mori’s country borders multiple ruined states, the fog blows in often, and to the south, incursions of zombies from Ollie’s raj occur frequently.

Only the tough can survive here, and all citizens of the Reaper Underworld are expected to contribute to the defense of their homeland. It is said you are not an adult until you take your first life. Mori borders the former lands of Artia and Rosalyn to the south and southeast, Ollie and Reine to the southwest, a small strip of Kiara to the west, Gamma to the northwest, and Uyu to the northeast.

Flag: A black field with a diagonal left facing blood red band running through the middle, The red band is bordered by two smaller gold bands. In the center is a black circle with a white skull, giving the appearance of the band disappearing in the middle.

General Overview

Although the geography may be among the most hostile of all states, the Reaper Underworld is a successful country with a modern infrastructure and a stable economy. Mori has managed to create a thriving society in what most would consider a death sentence, although her rule is autocratic and with an iron fist. She is the only government. All obey her, or they get the scythe.

Mori has always seen it as her duty to protect the cycle of life and death, specifically the latter function. To this end, Mori has always been vehement in purging the lands of the undead and those who would avoid the cycle of death. Within less than five years of her state’s creation, the destruction of the traitorous six states (Holo CN) and the ruination of their lands led to her proclaiming a crusade of death. The citizens of the Reaper Underworld have supported her in this endeavor ever since.

Little by little, she has been chipping away at the lands once inhabited by Artia and Rosalyn. She has successfully reclaimed some territory, but it is minor. The process is expected to take centuries. She is also engaged in a perpetual war with Ollie that seems to be an endless stalemate of attrition. Some would argue that Ollie could win as her numbers are limitless if she actually cared, but nobody is bold enough to suggest this to Mori.

Because the Reaper Underworld has more limited resources, this has led to the inhabitants becoming tough and very “urban” as it were. Short tempered and rough around the edges, they are used to having to fight to defend their homes from monsters. A large rap culture has also developed in this country, one which Mori herself supports and engages in.

The worship of the Grim Reaper does occur in this state, one of the few religions outside of the church of Yagoo. As Mori is the apprentice of death, it stands to reason to these individuals that a death deity should exist. The worship of the reaper in fact overpowers Yagoo in this state by popularity. This once led to a puritan onslaught who accused Mori of heresy. However, after a shocking display of violence and slaughter by Mori who massacred the puritans with little regard, they have kept away.

Because the Reaper Underworld is in a constant state of conflict, all individuals are expected to serve militarily. This is combined with an attitude of unity through adversity that makes the people of this land tough it out through the bad times to get to the few good times. Their rough mannerisms however have landed them no friends, save for Kiara who has been rebuffed. They would prefer to get things done themselves so as not to shoulder the burden of their task on others, although they also don’t want anyone to mess things up.

Although a technical military superpower, the endless fighting has resulted in Mori not becoming a global superpower. Her ultimate goal is to cleanse the lands of her lost siblings of the fog and monsters that dominate them, and after that, some whisper, she may turn on her own living siblings as well. For are not immortal demigods in breach of the cycle?

Still, Mori has rebuffed this. Except for Ollie. She hates Ollie. Kiara too if she can find a way to keep her dead. Only time will tell.

Blessed

Those who are Blessed of Mori will lose all of their skin, having it slough off literally overnight and becoming living skeletons. Ironic as it is to have the Blessed of a demigoddess who loathes the undead be the undead, she has come to appreciate them, albeit reluctantly. Her annoyance has given rise to the term “Deadbeat” which has been adopted en masse by them. They share Mori’s personality for many things, as well as enthusiasms, which often means they have a serious almost punk-esque attitude to things. They follow Mori regardless of whatever she wishes, sometimes grumbling but never refusing.

Leader Description

Mori Calliope, the reaper’s apprentice herself, is cool and serious individual who claims to be the apprentice of death. She is also quite relaxed, and rarely loses her demeanor. Mori has no tolerance for dissent in her ranks or troublemaking, and is frequently known to kill those that annoy her with her scythe. This lack of regard for life is generally believed to be because of her philosophy on mortality, that being it is inevitable, and life is both fleeting and one speck between twin eternities of nonexistence.

Mori’s job is to make sure death functions correctly. This means that in addition to purging monsters and undead from her lands, which are extremely common, she also makes sure that things stay dead. Necromancy is highly illegal in the Reaper Underworld, and she loathes any form of unlife association. It is rumored that when Rushia passed, she celebrated for a week. Those who prolong their life through unnatural means also irritate her.

A state of constant war has existed between her and Ollie since the zombie’s descent into undeath, seeing it as her duty to end her unlife. It is unlikely this will end until one of the two ultimately claims final victory and destroys the other. She also rather despises Rio, Mel, and quite a number of others for similar reasons. Because of this, Mori’s relationship with many of the other demigods is chilly, famously loathing Kiara for her inability to die. Some say she has a sweet side, but it is very well buried if this is the case.

Leader Powers

As Mori embodies death, it is no surprise that she wields magic related to death. Aside from casting spells that kill very easily, her obsidian scythe in particular is a lethally effective weapon. This is because the scythe is capable of killing with a single blow, flawlessly, every time. All it takes is the tiniest cut to end a life, quite literally severing the soul from the body and sending them to the afterlife. As the scythe cuts through everything, it is perhaps the most dangerous weapon in the world, because there is absolutely no defense against it. The other demigods are always respectful around Mori as a result.