Setting | Eastern Kingdom

[jikan_mod]

Eastern Kingdom 東帝国

• Kanto
  • Tokyo
  • Yokohama
  • Hakone
• Chubu
  • Mt. Fuji
• Hokkaido
  • Sapporo

The Eastern Kingdom of Nippon is considered to be the Kingdom of Humans, and is ruled by a government overseen by a human Emperor. Steam-based technology is the primary source of energy, and the advent of magi-tech has led to a reduction in the number of humans who can wield magic. It is the Kingdom closest to modern day Japan, with an anachronistic spin to account for things like steam-engines existing alongside the internet.

In addition to humans, there is also a sizable population of half-Yokai people known as Hanyo.

Kanto 関東
The most populated region of the Eastern Kingdom. In the recent past, Kanto was hit by a destructive time surge that caused the landscape to transform dramatically, flooding much of the region. As a result, vast swamplands surround the capital, and large bodies of water can be found cutting through the mainland. Many ruins from before the time surge can still be found just under the surface of the water.

Despite this, the entire region is still served by a dedicated train service, with many tracks either running through underground tunnels, or seemingly floating atop the surface of the water.


Tokyo 東京

Tokyo is the largest city in Kanto, and among the largest in Nippon. A steam-powered metropolis, Tokyo is also the most technologically advanced city. Magi-tech devices are commonplace, the entire city is interconnected by steam-powered trains and trolleys, and some of the tallest buildings in the country can be found here. Each Ward of Tokyo is diverse, some functioning more like cities within a city.

All Refugees who arrive in the Eastern Kingdom will be housed here.

Nihonbashi 日本橋 The center of Tokyo, elevated above the flooded ground level near the port. Nihonbashi is the commercial heart of Tokyo, and sits high in the sky compared to the rest of the city. Large bridges connect the various streets and pathways that make up this district, with shops and stalls selling just about anything as far as the eye can see. Nihonbashi is also the location of the Nanjikan Research Lab, and where all refugees originally start.
Landmarks: Nanjikan Research Laboratory: The Tokyo arrival point for all refugees, and where all scientists can be found. The campus includes a research lab, an auditorium, a library, and a mental hospital.
Tokyo Loop Line: An isolated track that circles around all of Tokyo, the Loop Line is the most popular way of traveling in the city. However, every Friday night, the last train becomes trapped in a time loop, causing it to repeat the same line of track endlessly until morning. Taking advantage of this, a coalition of businesses work to create unique party settings in each car every week, including more risque options in the latter cars.
Little Edo 小江戸 A neighborhood seemingly untouched by the advancements of technology, Little Edo sits in the suburbs and is mostly residential, along with a large number of shrines and Buddhist temples. Many homes here were left abandoned following the end of the time loop. Out of every neighborhood in Tokyo, the people here are by far the kindest to the Refugees.
Landmarks: Kanayama Shrine: Located on an island in the Tokyo Outskirts, this shrine is accessible by boat via Little Edo. It's the location for the annual Kanamaru Matsuri in April, venerating the Steel Phallus.
Hanzaki Clan: A hunting clan who operates in the forests on the outskirts of Tokyo. While smaller clans exist, the Hanzaki are the most inclusive, and favor strength and intellect over bloodline. While they primary hunt for sustenance and materials, they are known to take on jobs exterminating dangerous yokai as well.
Yoshiwara 吉原 Essentially Nippon's answer to Hollywood, Yoshiwara is the entertainment capital of the nation, and the location of all dorm-style housing. Completely walled off from the rest of the city and accessible only through four entrances located at each compass point, Yoshiwara is sometimes considered a city within a city. While much of the district is dedicated to theater and other performing arts, the back alleys are populated mostly by brothels and bars.
Landmarks: Sakuranbo: An exclusive brothel that aims to employ only refugees as their entertainers. They offers the highest salary in Yoshiwara, thanks to their horny benefactors. Employees may choose to work as sex workers, entertainers, or servers. Specializing primarily in voyeurism, all sex performances are watched through an opaque shoji screen, that can be poked open for a higher fee.
Shinbashi Playhouse: One of the most prestigious theaters in Yoshiwara. Many up and coming movie actors got their start on this stage. Competition to join one of the many acting troupes is fierce, but it seems the theater's director is keen on introducing new types of performing arts from other worlds.
Shibuya 渋谷 Much like its modern day counterpart, Shibuya is the fashion capital of Tokyo. High-end clothing stores, boutiques, and custom tailors can all be found here, selling the latest fashions as well as new and unusual styles inspired by the Refugees. It's also home to the largest department store in Nippon, which offers a special voucher to all refugees for up to three free outfits at any of their stores.
Landmarks: Shibuya Station: A popular meeting spot for friends and dates alike. Rather curiously, at a certain time of day, a very friendly Inu Yokai can be found sitting outside the station, waiting for someone who never arrives.
Shitaya 下谷 Located beneath the massive Nihonbashi Bridge, which extends far over the flooded region that was once Shitaya, it is the poorest district in Tokyo. Various tunnels and abandoned subways lines make up a majority of the streets, while small boats are used to the navigate the many canals and waterways throughout the flooded city. The largest population of Hanyo can be found living here, resulting in a curious blend of Eastern and Western Nippon culture.
Landmarks: Kabe-Skate Park: A large tunnel carved into a perfectly round pipe, it's used for playing Kabe-Skate, a game from the Western Kingdom that involves two people donning roller skates to try and roll up the walls to grab a flag hanging from the ceiling without falling.
Jigoku: An array of tunnel systems deep beneath Tokyo that have long since been abandoned. They are often used for smuggling contraband into the city, and in the past, have been utilized for cremating and entombing the deceased.
Shinjuku 新宿 A busy commercial district known for its nightlife. Illegal gambling rings are common in the backrooms of older bars. Shinjuku Station is also one of the busiest in Nippon, serving as the starting point for anyone leaving the city by train.
Landmarks: Shinjuku Station: The busiest train station in Nippon, this station is the transfer point for anyone headed for the Western Kingdom, as well as other regions of the East.
Awanokuniya: A new popular bookstore chain, known for selling "Refugee doujinshi" produced by locals, as well as a mysterious bookshelf that fills with books from other worlds.
Iyarashii Ryu: An exotic dildo store run by an amorous old woman who traveled the globe in search of rare dick. The seven-foot tall penis statue that once sat out front has mysteriously disappeared. They also have a branch in Gion, Kyoto.
Kabukicho: One of the sleazier sections of Shinjuku, this area is known for its abundant love hotels and illegal gambling.
Golden Gai: A narrow alley filled with small bars and restaurants that mostly cater to regulars, but sometimes offer "food from home" to Refugees using recipes they've heard of through the grapevine.
Itabashi 板橋 Although mostly urban and filled with offices and warehouses, Itabashi is also a known tourist destination, filled with a number of intriguing landmarks. The most well known is Itabashi Gardens.
Landmarks: Itabashi Gardens: A vast indoor complex containing a botanical garden with dangerous plants and ayakashi, a large aquarium that offers conventional tours as well as scuba tours within the tanks, and a large water park under a glass dome with a reputation for slightly dangerous slides and attractions.
Setagaya 世田谷 A suburban neighborhood northwest of Little Edo. Outside of Shitaya, it has the largest population of Hanyo in Tokyo, particularly middle class Bakeneko Hanyo.
Landmarks: Gotokuji Temple: A temple that venerate Maneki Neko, a folk hero thought to be the first Bakeneko to gain sentience as a Yokai. It houses thousands of Maneki Neko charms and figures, and has a large population of stray cats.

Yokohama 横浜

The second largest city in Kanto, Yokohama is nearly on par with Tokyo in terms of technology, but suffers from a high crime rate and staggering amounts of government corruption. However, there's far more to Yokohama than meets the eye. In addition to being a bastion of international trade, this is one of the few cities with large numbers of foreign immigrants outside of the Refugees. The city is less than an hour away by train, making it an easy commute for those who wish to visit.

Kannai 関内 The downtown center of Yokohama, Kannai is both a tourist destination and political center. Anyone coming to Yokohama will pass through Kannai Station on their way in, making it a convenient place for refugees looking for private apartments to live. Here, steam-cycles capable of flight can be rented out to those in need of transportation around the city for a reasonable fee.
Landmarks: Zhongguo Town: With architecture modeled after the nearby country of Zhongguo, Zhongguo Town is a beautiful and wealthy neighborhood said to be among the most diverse in all of Nippon, containing the highest population of Yokai in the East, as well as many foreigners from Zhongguo. Restaurants serving cuisine from countries all over the world can be found here.
Moonkicks: A booming chain of coffee houses serving the cheapest genuine coffee in Nippon, provided by a Refugee with a unique ability to recreate any plant from his body. These shops double as community outreach centers for Refugees, and co-owner Shailesh also holds after hours support groups for Refugees struggling with life in Nippon.

Kohaku 港北 Although chiefly a residential neighborhood, Kohaku has quickly become known for hidden gems, including hole-in-the-wall restaurants, boutiques, and day spas. Due to its proximity to Port Market Territory, businesses here may or may not have underworld connections.
Landmarks: Fils de Splendeur: A small fashion boutique run by a refugee named Adeline, who carries only fashion inspired by clothing from other worlds. Clothes range from JRPG-esque to the more avant-garde world of high fashion. It's not uncommon for the owner, Adeline, to coerce customers into modeling for her catalogues.
Port Market Territory ポートマーケット Named for the market that seemingly occupies the bulk of the coastline, this area is completely under the jurisdiction of the Port Market, one of the largest criminal organizations in Nippon. The Samurai who patrol this region are infamously corrupt, and can easily be bribed to look the other way for crimes committed. As such, pickpocketing is very common here. Despite this, it's a popular tourist area, and even includes Yokohama's largest amusement park.
Landmarks: Port Market: The largest market in all of Nippon, open all day and all night. Although tourist friendly on the surface, heading to the underground shops is a different story. You can find anything there for the right price, legal or otherwise. Many of the bars and brothels in the area operate under the Market's jurisdiction.
Club Hexxx: A popular nightclub that serves enchanted drinks with entertaining and humorous effects, such as kinks being listed on one's face or making someone irresistibly kissable.
Isogo 磯子 Home to the Amerikana neighborhood, among others, Isogo is known for its many international businesses and residents. While not as lavish as the more high-class Zhongguo Town, there's plenty of little hole in the wall places to find hidden among the city streets.
Landmarks: Antenna America: Located among numerous shops owned by East American expats, this bar is entirely themed around iconic Americana. Those who speak English will receive special discounts on drinks and food, though given the differences between worlds, the level of slang used by East Americans may make communication difficult regardless.


Hakone 箱根

Completely inaccessible by anything other than a lengthy cable car ride over a boiling lake, the city of Hakone is the epicenter of the devastating time surge that altered so much of the Kanto landscape. Active steam vents and natural hot springs dominate this small, tourist city. Due to the natural sources of heat and steam, it's also a prime location for steam-operated factories and the development of steam-based technology.

Lake Ashi 芦ノ湖 Once a popular and beautiful lake, this area has been completely transformed by a time surge into a hellscape known as the Boiling Lake. It completely surrounds the city of Hakone, meaning the only way to access the city is using the Kanagawa Cable Car. The lake is sometimes jokingly referred to as Lake Atsui (Hot).
Landmarks: Kanagawa Cable Car: Suspended over a deadly boiling sea, the Kanagawa Cable Car is currently the only way to access Hakone. It's a five hour trip in a car filled with up to twenty people. A clan of Rogue ninjas is known for attacking passengers while running along the lines, teleporting into the cars to rob them of their valuables.
Ōwakudani Hot Spring Resort 大涌谷温泉場 A luxurious spa famous for their enchanted outdoor hot springs. Owned by a family friend of one of the NRL's leading scientists, refugees are welcome to stay for a week or more at a very generous discount. While their indoor baths are gender segregated, the outdoor baths are mixed. It's not uncommon to find wild monkeys bathing alongside visitors, sometimes stealing their towels when they aren't looking.
Landmarks: Monkey Spring: An enchanted outdoor bath, named for the monkeys who prefer to bathe in it. Also known as the speak-no-evil spring, people will feel compelled to reveal truths about themselves, and will become unable to lie. This effect lingers even after leaving for up to six hours.
Fountain of Youth: A seemingly ordinary spring that sprung out of a time surge. Those who sit in it will be spontaneously de-aged so long as they remain sitting in the spring. Bathers retain just enough of their present memories to avoid panicking, and effects wear off immediately upon standing. Occasionally, this effect will cause spontaneous aging instead.
Spring of Rejuvenation: An enchanted spring with mild healing properties, these water cause Kizuna side-effects to increase tenfold, with these effects lasting up to 24 hours after bathing in it.
Owakudani Summit: Located at the highest point in Hakone sits a single spring containing a Siren Jelly. While a warning sign is placed at the entrance, it has a tenancy to be ripped out by swimmers attempting to escape the Siren Jelly's tentacles.
Hakone City 箱根町 Sitting in a small valley shielded from the nearby boiling lake, this small city is mostly home to those who work in the nearby Owakudani Resort or one of the many steam factories sitting at the edge of the lake. Despite the harsh environment, the city itself is noted to be very peaceful.
Landmarks: Tokyo-3 Steam and Robot Facility: A robotics research facility that recently unearthed ancient robot-like structures. New steam tech is developed here every day, and is the main source of income for many of Hakone's residents.


Chubu 中部
Considered to be the second most dangerous region of Nippon, Chubu is comprised of mostly uninhabited forests. Isolated Ninja villages are said to exist somewhere within the dense canopies that cover this region, and small fishing villages line the southern coast. Due to the large amount of dangerous flora and fauna alike, as well as undocumented Ayakashi, Chubu has long served as a natural barrier separating the two Kingdoms. An express train connecting Tokyo to Kyoto runs deep underground in order to avoid much of the danger found in Chubu.

Mt. Fuji 富士山

Located in the southeastern corner of Chubu, Mt. Fuji is the tallest peak in Nippon. Visible from most of Kanto, the mountain is considered sacred, and is watched over by a clan of Tengu monks who reside in a small watchtower high above the clouds. Access to Mt. Fuji is typically provided via very affordable airships, leaving from ports in both Tokyo and Yokohama daily. There are no train stops near the mountain.

Refugees who visit the mountain will find it to be the safest part of Chubu, thanks to the watchful eyes of Gojira, who will protect any Refugees from coming into harm's way while hiking through the area.

Jukai 樹海 A dense forest located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Jukai is known for containing strange and unusual plant-life, much of which can only be found in the Chubu region. It's infamous for how easy it is to become lost in the eerily silent sea of trees that makes up this forest. While there are walking paths to be found along the entrances, it's generally recommended not to venture too deep without a local guide.
Summit 山頂 The highest point in Nippon, Mt. Fuji is an icon of the Eastern Kingdom, and widely considered sacred by the people of Chubu. While not an impossibly difficult climb, it's recommended that only those with experience attempt to reach the top.
Landmarks: Gojira, god of destruction: Around the highest hills surrounding the mountain itself, one can find Gojira, the god of destruction and the patron deity of Chubu. It's unknown how or why Gojira came to be known as the god of destruction, as it has lived peacefully near Mt. Fuji since the dawn of written history in Nippon. Curiously, it seems very fond of the refugees, and will watch over them should they decide to hike about the mountains, protecting them from any other dangerous wildlife.


Hokkaido 北海道
Well beyond the stretch of Kanto's flooded valleys and city ruins, Hokkaido sits as the northernmost island of Nippon, and is home to a unique phenomenon known as Everfrost. Due to the Everfrost, Hokkaido is cold and snowy all year round, with many structures built from durable unmelting blocks of dark blue ice. The story goes that a long time ago, a Goddess ruled over a lush and green paradise in the north. But after falling ill with a mysterious disease, her people pitied her suffering and opted to put her out of her misery. The Everfrost rose from the spot where she met her demise.

Sapporo 札幌

The largest city in Hokkaido, Sapporo is also among the coldest, with near constant snowfall year round. Underground subways connect the various neighborhoods within the city, as traveling any other way would be impossible given the roads are almost constantly being covered with fresh snow.

In addition to things like ice skating and skiing, Sapporo is also a popular place for explorers to test their mite. With vast snowy mountains full of abandoned ruins and structures, there's no shortage of things to discover hidden beneath the snowy crystalflowers that blanket the city.

Minami 南 The heart of Sapporo, Minami features both a robust downtown area as well as numerus ski resorts, and even some ancient ruins. Due to the Everfrost, underground railways are available to travel throughout the city.
Landmarks:Ice Princess Hotel: The most famous resort in Hokkaido, most people would never be able to afford a weekend stay here. The building is entirely comprised of Everfrost ice, but is completely heated due to the Everfrost's unmelting nature.
Frozen Castle: Sitting behind the Ice Princess Hotel is an imposing castle that's been completely frozen in ice. Unlike the hotel, it's clear the original structure was once wood that has been swallowed by the Everfrost. Those who dare explore it may find themselves falling victim to a Kouribake, a rare ayakashi that can only be found in Hokkaido. Curiously, this variety seems far more powerful, with the icy phantoms it produces bearing distinct personalities as if they were drawn in from an alternate universe.
Ainosato あいの里 A small, tourist heavy neighborhood in Sapporo. It is also the home of the popular Snow White Lovers cookie, whose containers are frequently enchanted with a minor love spell.
Landmarks:Sapporo's Beer Museum: A museum dedicated to all the brews made throughout Nippon, and including some rare international brands. Naturally, there's free samples, but do try not to get drunk until you reach the bar at the end of the guided tour. This is also the only bar in the East with a permit for selling imported Uki beer, which is almost cloyingly sweet and sure to be an acquired taste, even for those who normally enjoy Uki.
??? Known colloquially as the eye of the storm, this no man's land is a vast and icy wasteland, filled with mysterious structures that don't seem to have much in common with modern Nippon's architecture. All the winds in Hokkaido that carry an icy chill seem to blow from the heart of this district. As such, no one lives here.
Landmarks:Icy Throne: A large structure located at the end of a narrow ice bridge. The inside is blanketed with crystalflowers, and in the center sits a giant flower known to attack intruders. This flower is capable of summoning icy phantoms that take the form of a beautiful woman, who summon icy winds to shred their opponents. Even the flowers roots are dangerous. But should it be defeated, countless treasures lie at its feet, and the storm will even abate for a time. Curiously, it cannot be fully destroyed, no matter what powers one may use.
Unknown Memorial: At the end of the ice bridge leading to the Icy Throne, a white flower sits submerged in the ice. It is unknown who this memorial is dedicated to, but travelers have been known to rest crystalflowers nearby as a symbol of good luck.


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