Nippon2

Actual assaults on well-garrisoned castles are apt to be extremely bloody, since Nipponese fortresses are designed to channel attackers into a succession of narrow passageways where they can be riddled with arrows. When such an assault takes place, it is usually because the attackers are either desperate to take the castle, or have underestimated the strength of the defenders.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Basically-speaking Nippon is not a very open society and distrusts all foreigners, save those from Cathay perhaps, and all Old Worlders are viewed as hairy savages. When Shogun Yoritomo Ieyasu rose to power, and re-united the warring states of Nippon, he imposed certain restrictions on foreigners as well as restricting his own people from leaving the island. Most foreigners are confined to sealed off areas in whichever city they are occupying and dealings with them is often conducted by lower class characters, such as merchants.

The Empire

There have been very few dealings with the Empire and few Imperial merchant ships have ever made the long and arduous journey to the Far East. However, the Empire is anxious to change this not least because of Marienburg’s enviable position with Nippon and the Far East as a whole. They do not want to be barred from the riches of the Far East as they are from Lustria, although this has more to do with Marienburg’s alliance with Ulthuan than anything else. Emperor Karl-Franz therefore sent a diplomatic mission to Nippon in order to cement some kind of an alliance or treaty. Unfortunately progress has been painfully slow as they try to get to grips with Nippon customs. The fact that they are confined to sealed off foreign quarters in the capital of Hyudo also possess problems as many days can go by without any meetings with Nipponese officials and what is more is that the translators present at all of the meetings are Marienburgoise Clerics of Haendryk. It is rumoured that they are economical with the truth when relaying back to the Nipponese what the Imperials want and can give in return. However, the Imperials have been successful in converting a few people to the cult of Sigmar both in and outside the city. Sigmar’s appeal to the new converts is one of strength and unity and they view him as another kami or god. With dozens of Nipponese Sigmarites created maybe the Empire can make some gains?

Estalia

Estalia, especially the great seaport of Magritta, is in competition with Marienburg when it comes to securing trade with the Far East. This has even amounted to clashes in the Ind Ocean between Estalian ships and those of Marienburg. As these incidences are very embarrassing both sides have conveniently chosen to brush them under the carpet. The Estalians haven’t been as successful as the Marienburgers in their dealings with Nippon but they occupy a bit of the merchant quarters in the port of Tokaido. The

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Marienburgers are unhappy with their presence and rumour has it that both sides are seeking to sabotage each other’s trade.

Marienburg

The most important Old World trading partner is Marienburg. It was Marienburg who introduced firearms into Nippon some twenty years ago and one of the merchant houses, the den Euwe, has an heir married to a daimyo’s daughter Lady Katsi Okumoto. It is not presumptuous to say that Marienburg has a firm foothold on Nippon. Although they are, like the Imperials, confined to sealed off quarters of Hyudo for most of the time, they also occupy a small island just off the port city called Dejim. The tiny island is complete with its own set of quays so that ships can anchor there and if anything the island is a piece of Marienburg transported some seven thousand miles across the globe. The Marienburgers were given the island when they first came to Nippon to keep their influences away from the populous as the Jinto priests viewed them with distain because they were merchants. But on Dejim the Marienburgers are free to do as they please although the Shogun isn’t without his eyes and ears there, as a shrine to Jinto attended by several priests testifies along with the fishermen who often moor their boats on the island. The Marienburgers, while they are happy to join them in their religious ceremonies, do not trust them. Nippon itself has a little community in the city of Marienburg. It was there quite a few years before the present Shogun made it harder for people to leave his island. While he was opposed to it at first Yoritomo has grown used to the arrangement.

Ulthuan

High Elves used to live in several of the cities of Nippon pre-Incursions of Chaos, but when Tor Elithis was attacked by the forces of Chaos the vast majority of the Elves left to defend it. Small communities lived on in some of the cities but over the subsequent years they gradually left. Most chose to go back to Ulthuan but those who did not decided to go to the Gates of Calith and reinforce the garrison there against sporadic attacks from Chaos armies. To this day that is where they remain. The High Elves are welcome in Nippon although they are often feared.

The Phoenix King, although he would like to regain Tor Elithis, is more concerned with keeping his island territories in the vast ocean between Cathay and the southern tip of the Southlands which are: the Fortress of Dawn, Tower of Stars, Tor Elasor and the Tower of the Sun. In truth, King Finubar is not too bothered about Nippon and sees the Kingdoms of Ind and Cathay as more valuable. However, this has not prevented High Elf clippers from exploring the ocean east of Nippon, as in the past, though long ago, the Dark Elves of Naggaroth sailed a Black Ark from the western New World to the coast of Cathay. Fortunately the Black Ark was destroyed therefore preventing a probable Druchii invasion.

THE ASHIWARA CLAN

The Ashiwara have a long and proud history, claiming descent from the first Cathayan Emperor Chung I- Hsien, whose family travelled to Nippon long ago. Ashiwara Kunichika, the daimyo, is certainly bold and brave enough to have imperial blood in his veins: he once jumped off a castle wall on a dare!

Regardless if whether or not their heritage is true, they certainly know how to act like nobility. The Ashiwara diplomats are among the most prominent at the Imperial Court, and have won many of their battles in the courtrooms rather than the battlefield.

They are a mostly peaceful clan, and have made few open transgressions in the past, instead preferring to solve conflicts through diplomacy rather than open battle – their favourite method being of forging alliances with other clans to fight their battles for them! That said, the Ashiwara do not shy away from a fight when faced with one. Opting for defence over offence, they have perfected their skill with the bow over many years, becoming the best in Nippon.

The Ashiwara generally have a good standing with the other clans, if only due to their wise choice of words in meeting with them. Some would perhaps consider them cowardly due to their non-warlike manners and dislike for close combat, though this is hardly the case. The way the Ashiwara see it, mind wins over matter, and theirs is the strongest by far.

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THE URUCHI CLAN

The Uruchi clan was founded by Uruchi Tomomune when he was given control of Okakama by the first Shogun Mirumoto Nobunaga at the end of the 12th Century. The clan steadily gained influence until recently, when fighting broke out within the clan over the issue of a marriage alliance with the Horumi. Uruchi Harumune quarreled violently with his own father, Tanemune, over plans to marry off his younger brother: a large number of the Uruchi retainers and warriors agreed with Harumune and the old man was removed.

The Uruchi are known for their aggressive behaviour, both towards other clans and members of their own. They respect only strength and bravery in battle, and look down upon the other clans whom they consider weaker. The Uruchi have often been at the forefront of many conflicts, and have probably been the catalyst for more conflicts in Nippon than any other clan.

Other clans consider the Uruchi rather barbaric in their ways and mostly stay away from them if possible.

Uruchi warriors have fierce and unforgiving natures. Their foes learn this on the battlefield, shortly before they die. They favour the no-dachi sword which they swing with reckless abandon, barely being slowed down despite the length of the blade. They are famous for their Sumo Warriors, and have the largest Sumai dojo in all of Nippon.

THE SHINZEI CLAN

The Shinzei reside in Haikido in the north of Nippon, a place where few men dare travel. Despite the large amount of daemons, Beastmen and undead dwelling there, the Shinzei have kept their old realm for themselves. Residing high up in the mountains, their fortresses are virtually impenetrable to attack, and thus they have been able to survive any serious attacks from the island’s fell inhabitants.

Indeed, Haikido’s foul reputation is even beneficial to the Shinzei, who have their secrets to keep. They developed a school of martial arts, the ninjutsu, which combined martial arts, assassination techniques and unconventional warfare tactics. They used their ninjutsu to keep their independence, and then to make themselves wealthy as swords-for-hire to the other clans, for there are no greater Ninja than those of the Shinzei clan. The tradition of independence, however, has remained strong among the Shinzei. Ninjutsu remains a dark art, passed down through families and jealously guarded from outsiders eyes. It is not surprising, then, that their ninja also have more expertise, both on and off the battlefield. The exception to this has been their ancient trade agreement with the Skaven, whom they taught the art of ninjutsu in return for refined warpstone they could use to increase the potency of their poisons.

The Shinzei are generally distrusted by the other clans, both due to their residence and their reputation for assassinating those who would seek to oppose them.

THE BATAKE CLAN

The Batake began their rise to power modestly enough on the Kanto plain, taking advantage of civil war and the troubles of others to establish themselves. Takamura Shinkuro, a powerful official in the shogunate, founded the clan, but it was his son who adopted the name Batake.

The Batake control the coast north of Tokaguchi, where they often battle against the Wako Pirates who pursue their raids against the region. Their fortresses are the steadiest in Nippon, and one of the reasons so few has ever tried to invade their lands. Some say the Batake castles protecting their borders the only reason the Uruchi clan has not tried to invade anyone during the past ten years.

The Batake are considered rather haughty and arrogant by the other clans, for they consider themselves the future of the Nippon whose technology will outlast the traditions of old. They spend most of their time researching new technology, developing their engines of war and iron industry, and have access to far more gunpowder than any other clan.

The Batake are the greatest builders in Nippon and produce better siege weapons than any other clan. On the battlefield, they use their war machines to rain death on their foes from afar before engaging them in combat to mop up the remaining forces. Though this might seem dishonourable, the Batake have garnered great successes using this tactic, and are confident it will one day win them the Shogunate of Nippon.

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THE MUSHAGI CLAN

From his castle in Hydo, Mushagi Nobuhide commands a clan with a formidable reputation. The Mushagi are rightly respected for their skills as inspiring battlefield commanders of Ashigaru.

Originally retainers of the Hita clan, the Mushagi grew as the Hita faded, but this only led to decades of strife within the family for supremacy. Eventually, a branch of the family came to prominence and eventually changed the clan name to Mushagi, a respectful acknowledgement of their ancestor of the same name.

The Mushagi are looked favourably upon by the common people, for their samurai almost treat the lowborn as equals. Well, at least as equal as they could be without lowering their standards in the Celestial Order anyway!

The other clans can certainly respect the forces at the Mushagi’s command, for theirs is the largest armies in Nippon, though some also consider them “peasantlovers” behind their backs, thinking they let the simple Ashigaru bask in the same glory as the samurai on the field on battle. That said, the Mushagi Ashigaru are the most well drilled in Nippon, who fight on against great odds out of devotion for their commanders.

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THE DAIMATZU CLAN

The Daimatzu are a proud clan, with a long history worthy of their pride. To the Daimatzu, loyalty is everything, and their generals are less likely to develop ambitions of their own. Failure to adhere to the bushido code is much more strongly looked down upon than by any other clan, and for this reason, more Ronin can be found originating from Daimatzu lands than anywhere else.

The clan can trace its ancestry back to Mirumoto Nobunaga, the founder and first shogun of Nippon. In 1187, Nobunaga appointed his son, Tadahisa, as military governor of northern Koshu. The young man took the name of Daimatzu in Sumata province, his seat of government, as his own. Thanks to a wellorganised army and administration, abundant local resources, and a certain distance between Nagashige and the Imperial court, the Daimatzu clan became rich and powerful.

The Daimatzu considers themselves the most honourable of the clans, and they adhere to the strict traditions of old more than anyone else. They have a strong dislike for trade outside Nippon, and generally shun the use of gunpowder and missile weapons, instead favouring the use of the katana above any other weapon. Their samurai are among the most skilled in Nippon, and they are great duellers and wielders of the blade. The best swords in Nippon are made by Daimatzu sword smiths, for which the clan are famous for and earn much of their income from.

Other clans usually respect the Daimatzu for their dedication to the way of the sword, though their behaviour border on being arrogant towards those who think Nippon needs to advance technologically to survive in the future.

THE TANEKA CLAN

Taneka warlords have ruled their home province, since the 12th Century, but they have known little peace. Clan infighting, a long series of struggles against repeated invasions and wars against the Batake and Mushagi clans, saw to that. They have, however, mastered diplomacy as well as horses, and have achieved peace on occasions.

The Taneka Clans reside on the many fertile plains of the region, where their many horses can wander freely and graze to their hearts content. The Taneka take great pride in their horses, which is their most valuable possession. Originally imported from the steppe nomads of Cathay long ago, the Taneka horses are the finest steeds in Nippon, able to outpace any others when pressed.

It is hardly surprising then, that the Taneka have built most of their armies around cavalry, of which they are widely famous for. No other clan can match them in speed and ferocity, and the Taneka’s ambitious nature has resulted in many attempted expansions into other clan territories.

The other clans respect the Taneka’s strength and courage, but do consider them rather too impetuous for their own good. Still, the Taneka possesses a fair number of skilled diplomats which has helped in quelling open conflict on more than one occasion, for the benefit of all.

THE HORUMI CLAN

The Horumi are proud of their faith. Despite this religious solidarity, the history of the Horumi is not tranquil. The current Horumi leaders were originally the Nagado clan, and were vassals to the Horumi clan, who fought against themselves in a bitter dispute. Weakened by a war with the Mushagi, the Horumi were forced to seek help from the Nagado lord, Kagetora. His help included adopting the name of Horumi, and taking control of the whole Horumi clan! He was an adherent follower the war god, and took religious vows that his descendants have followed ever since.

The Horumi are known for their piety and religious devotion, and have far more Warrior Monks in their armies than any other clan. Hardly surprising though, since their lands are high up in the Kanto Sanchi Mountains, home to many monasteries and wandering Yamabushi. Their faith is reflected in their magic as well, for their Shugenja are the most adept wielders of the five elemental magics in Nippon.

While the other clans have no official qualms about the Horumi, many see them as zealots who are best avoided if possible, while others admire their strong dedication to their religion. To the Horumi, all others are basically heathens, who should all bow down to the might of the Kami and their heavenly guidance.

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THE LA ND

Nippon is a land of diverse geography, ranging from open plains and fertile farmlands to rugged mountains and tropical islands. For the most part, the climate is temperate, with a long and fairly warm summer but a surprisingly bitter winter – all of continental Nippon experiences significant snowfall during the winter months, and travel slows to a crawl duri ng that time.

GEOGRAPHY

Nippon consists of two islands situated 300 miles, at the closest point, off the east coast of C athay. A backbone of mountains lies in the centr e of the main island, Koshu, where some active volcanoes still remain to belch poisonous gases and burning lava. Within the natural boundaries created by river, hill, and mountain, are many semi-autonomous p rovinces and castles ruled by powerful warlords calle d daimyo. Pride of place in Nippon is the province of the shogun, the military dictator of all Nippon. His province is the most productive and the largest fief in t he kingdom. On its borders lies the provinces of the martial governors who are tied to the shogun through bloo d and/or oath and these are known as the Exalted-dai myo. Further still from the provinces of the Exalted-d aimyo come the provinces of the outer-daimyo; warlords the shogun would rather have as far away from him as possible, or those who are of little use to him. This is established through a census of each lord's wealth; the wealthier daimyo near to the shogun and the less wealthy, or those with small armies, as far away as possible from him.

HAIKIDO

Haikido is a large island to the north of Koshu. It is a place shunned by many of the inhabitants of Nippon. The island is situated just to the north of Honshu and seems to be a focal point for Dark Magic. Mutants roam the forests and hills and ghouls haunt the cemeteries. Undead creatures have also been seen in places. It is not unknown for the despicable beings from Haikido to raid the other parts of Nippon. Not surprisingly there is no law here, it was destroyed in th e Incursions of Chaos of 2300 IC.

Haikido is a place where even criminals on the run dare not venture to, although the most determined will try their luck here. Some of these criminals will become Champions of Chaos and lead bands of Beastmen against the small coastal settlements of Honshu. The terrible Black Samurai are seated in the decaying castles of the once proud island, waiting for the ti me when they shall conquer Nippon and create a kingdom of darkness.

OF NIPPON

Nippon is rich in natural reso urces. There are many rivers and streams, with plentiful supplies of fish, large forested areas - much of Nip pon is heavily forested, providing ample wood for co nstruction and burning - and mountainous regions ric h in precious minerals. The land can be roughly divided into three geographical regions: forests, mountains and hills.

The forests of Nippon contain a wide variety of trees because of varying zones of temperature. Western and southern Koshu (the main island of Nippon) is home of broad-leaved evergreen fores ts; characteristic trees are shii and kashi, both a type of oak. Northern Koshu and southern Haikido are home t o beech trees because of the relatively cool temperature. Central and northern Haikido are home to pine trees because of the much colder climate. Not surprisingly the people stay clear of the forests preferring instead to stick to their settlements for protection against bandits and rampaging beastmen; the latter are more common in the cooler regions of norther n Koshu and Haikido, where they are many.

The mountains predominate the central spine of the main island of Koshu and th e centre of the island of Haikido. They are largely uninhabited by Humans, however there are many isol ated communities of Yamabushi and temples and shrines to the Nippon pantheon. There are also ma ny empty temples and auxiliary castles that have, as yet, not been reclaimed due to the inevitable impracticalities of traversing through the treacherous mountains. However, many daimyo, due probably to their own failed attempts, have dismissed the notion of trying to reclaim any lost temples and castles. Aside from the unnatural dangers of beastmen and bandits there is also the danger of occasional volcanic eruptions and the odd earthquake. These natural occurrences also unwittingly serve to protect some of the most unw holesome creatures who lurk in the mountains.

Mount Fuji is the most sacred of mountains in Nippon, it rises to over 14,000 feet an d is surrounded by the nature god's sanctuaries. Ma ny make pilgrimages to see Mount Fuji and to climb her, though women are not allowed to do the latter. It lies in the stretch of mountains known as KantoSanchi that travel 400 miles down the centre of the island. Some peasants claim to have seen the ancien t Kirin galloping across the heavens of Mount Fuji. I solated temples to the gods lie in these mountains. The m ountains aren't without their dangers, Chaos creature s, there since the Incursions of Chaos, someti mes enter the lowlands and attack villages and even the mountain temples - should it be a particularly large monster.

The hills are physically less dangerous to traverse than the mountains but can still b e, nevertheless, awkward due to bandits and beastmen. Dangerous regions of

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hills are known as 'Hill Country' to most, which is a broad ring of hills surrounding the main mountain spine of Kanto-Sanchi in the centre of Koshu. The hills of Haikido are similarly known.

FLORA AND FAUNA

As mentioned briefly above, Nippon has a wide range of temperatures and significant rainfall, which make for a rich abundance of flora whose foliage changes colour from season to season. The highlands of Koshu and the island of Haikido are characterised by alpine plants such as komakusa and subalpine plants of Sakhalan fir and Yesso spruce. Pine (Matsu) and cedar (Sugi) are common throughout Nippon - even in warm southern regions. The pine trees make for splendid scenery and the large pines, of which can grow to 40 metres in height, sometimes serves as windbreaks in coastal areas. Small pines are used as bonsai, garden trees and materials for houses and furniture. Pines are also considered to be holy trees. Most Nipponese are awed by nature and see in plants and trees symbols of divine spirits. At times, for example, it is common to worship evergreen trees such as pine, cedar and cypress because they are thought to provide habitation to heaven-sent deities.

Other flora include the sakura or cherry tree, plum tree, and bamboo. The plum tree carries beautiful blossoms in the spring. Bamboo grows very fast and is also an evergreen. Bamboo wood is used for various handicrafts and constructions and young bamboo plants (takenoko) are also eaten. Trees are commonly used for naming three items like, for example, three different dishes of sushi: pine for the deluxe version, bamboo for the medium dish, and plum tree for the small portion. The fauna is richly diverse because of the widely differing climatic conditions from north to south. The tropical sea off the western coast is home to coral fish, turtles, sea snakes, dugong and the black finless

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porpoise. Horseshoe crabs, the giant spider crab, and the frilled shark can also be found in Nipponese waters. The waters off the coast of more northerly areas are home to sea lions, fur seals and beaked whales. Even walrus are known to visit the cooler island of Haikido from time to time.

On land, western Koshu is inhabited by the crested serpent eagle, flying fox and the variable lizard. Wandering the rest of the lands of Nippon are raccoon dogs, foxes, copper pheasants, giant salamander (one of the largest amphibians), wild boar, deer, bears, hazel grouse, the common lizard, and the macaque (a race of small monkey).

Rivers, especially those of warmer climbs, are inhabited by sea snakes and freshwater sharks. While these creatures are not wholly dangerous to people they have been known to attack when disturbed or provoked. Some sea snake, for example, possess a poisonous bite and the freshwater shark is able to tear flesh with its razor sharp teeth. Some rural people catch these creatures and eat them.

The Kanto-Sanchi Mountains and hills dominate the main area of the island of Koshu. Its southern peaks overlook the wealthy provinces of the Shogun and the Exalted-daimyo. The most mountainous areas lies in the centre and further away the mountains merge into Hill Country. Close to the origin of several rivers, and the sites of dormant volcanoes, there are areas of boiling water and calcified tubes, which intermittently spew forth jets of the bubbling liquid. Sometimes these plumes are as little as one to three yards high but can be as much as twenty yards. On occasion, an iridescent rainbow will rise out of the spume making for a splendid sight. Geysers such as this are rare and can only be found in a few places in the whole of Nippon.

The region of hills surrounding the Kanto-Sanchi Mountains is commonly known as Hill Country. While some parts of it are picturesque and peaceful, combining luscious forests with volcanic ash, there are as many parts that are deadly to any unprepared travellers and perilous even to larger groups. Beastmen and bandits are known to lurk in this region and safe passage through can only be guaranteed in very large numbers.

RIVERS

There are many rivers and streams throughout Nippon. Major waterways are maintained and guarded by gatekeepers and garrisons of soldiers. This means that such rivers can be easily fished by local farmers who may go about their business without fear of attacks from bandits, although they too often find their cargoes confiscated by ruthless gate-wardens to supplement their own greediness.

The Ekawasaki is one of the longest rivers in Nippon. It runs through Kyoto, and passes across the northern boundary of Akita, after which it finishes its journey when it meets lake Kiri-Ko high in the Kanto-Sanchi Mountains. The major river crossing is guarded by an auxiliary fort and a small garrison of troops, ever vigilant for any signs of trouble that could

endanger the bridge. Anyone is allowed to cross the bridge as long as they can pay the toll.

The Moruto flows along the northern boundaries of Yoshida province. Its spring lies deep within the Kanto-Sanchi Mountains where its flow joins the River Sakuma as it forks westwards into the bay of Kumayama-Wan.

The Hita forms the northern boundary of Izumo province and the southern one of Munoguchi province. It provides, like so many of the waterways of Nippon, vital irrigation for the many rice paddies along the river's route.

The Komato runs down from the north out of Munoguchi-Wan, almost symmetrical to the Yodo.

The Yodo serves as the southern boundary for Munoguchi province. It is one of the largest rivers in Nippon and flows some way through Hill Country before it abruptly ceases at the Ikawa spring. Close to this spring is the Nakano Geyser.

The Onachi river flows through the Okakama forest and separates the provinces of Wakakawa and Yamakama at the western most region of Nippon. The river is known for an abundance of fish but also for freshwater shark and the odd sea snake.

FORESTS

Much of Nippon is covered in forest with trees ranging from broad-leaved evergreen to beech and pine. People, usually peasants, tend to steer clear of the forests, not because they can be dangerous, but because they believe that the animals that live there have supernatural powers, such as the raccoon-dog and the red fox especially. This is why only the buke tend to hunt and the peasants stick to catching fish and growing rice.

The Okakama Forest occupies the northern region of Wakakawa province and practically fills up the entirety of Yamakama province to the east. The River Onachi flows through it on its western side and continues its journey until it reaches the Hida-Sanchi Mountains. The Okakama is dominated by evergreen trees and is inhabited by the Nipponese macaque and copper pheasant as well as the giant salamander and dragonfly. The Yamanashi Forest smothers much of Yamanashi province with a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees. Where the forest meets the southern slopes of Kanto-Sanchi, pine trees grow.

The Kumayama Forest is one of the largest forests in Nippon. It is a mixture of evergreen and deciduous; the latter dominates the mountain and hill regions of the northern half of the forest. One of Nippon's major highways passes through this forest and just because it lies within the Shogun's province it does not mean it is safe. Because of the fact that many nobles use it to travel to and fro from the capital to Izumo, many

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