Honji

Honji is perhaps one of the safest places to live. Being relatively shrouded by mountains, jungles, forests, and snowy mountaintops, the land is shielded from both invaders and predators alike. Above the island continent looms a large, floating landmass referred to as the 'Seglyo' which was sent from the heavens in ancient times. This floating rock as left to hover there by the ancient Hanese and other inhabitants of the land and has since come to serve as the resting spot for the capital of Jolok, a sprawling and beautiful metropolis where the Empress Hyanja Myung resides.

Alternative Names:

• Land of Spirit
• The Foreign Home
• Jingon, Land of Treasure

Geography

As stated previous, the geography of the land is rather simple. Made from a volcanic mountain chain which encompasses the area, the soil is rich and new in comparison to some other lands, ever expanding from the volcanic activities of the lands. Towards the north end of the island chain holds more snowy mountains awhile the south is more well known for its dense and humid jungles. The people of Honji live relatively isolated lives from one another, but have since come to spread information quickly through word of mouth. The lands are dotted with monasteries, and small farming villages.

The largest city by far in the lands is Jolok, residing atop the meteor Seglyo. Jolok is well known for its ancient tombs, as well as being the world's best source for Meteoric Iron, which comes up in surprisingly rare quantities given the landmass they preside on. Seglyo has changed a great deal over the Millennia, since becoming more adorned in trees, and wildlife brought up by the natives. Large chains act as bridges, tethering it to the tall peaks of the land so that those who reside below may make the journey to the capital city.

Government

The government of Honji is surprisingly a simple one given the diversity and acceptance of the general populace. The Myung dynasty has always ruled over the lands, with an Empress at the head. Never before has a male sat atop the highest throne, instead being sent to rule over the smaller castles dotting the lands and other holds. The Empress is seen as a divine being, and is worshiped as a straight connection to the gods. She is highly respected by all those who reside in the lands, who look up to her as a motherly figure and see themselves as her children. At her side sit a council of advisers where most of the political 'games' happen. Being advisers in war, law, finances, and other tasks, these figures seek to wrestle power from one another and favor from the Empress. Due to recent events and the Empress advanced age, however-this has been called to question.

Matters of religion differ from culture to culture, though are prevalent in monasteries throughout the land. A general consensus is the respect and serenity that is hep between the races of the land. The only race which is not respected in such a way is the race of Goblins which reside on the island which are likened to demons or pests. It is often that the other races would send out their men to handle these nuisances, or at least scare them off back into the holes from whence they came.

Culture

The culture of Honji is rather variable, however there are some key similarities between all the races which inhabit the continent. One is that the Goblins which reside within the high mountains are seen as wicked creatures, and are to be left alone by the peaceful folk of Honji. Surprisingly, the people of Honji have found relative peace coinciding with each of the races, which not only hold similar interests, but similar values as well. Many of the people on the continent wish for no more than peace, prosperity, and knowledge. This is not to say the inhabitants aren't trained, as many are well practiced in the ways of combat from their recent engagements with their war-mongering neighbors to the west.

Common Legends and Rumors

• It is said that the Hanese Empress, Hyanje Myung, is an aspect of the deity Veltes. She is said to irradiate a feeling of peace, order, and loyalty for those who grow near her sacred and wondrous presence. Her advanced age and weakening however has led to the more devious nobles to begin to undermine her authority.
• The Aervans are said to have stored hidden information and texts dating back Millennia on the most sacred of topics deep within the mountains.
• It is said there is a growing minority group within the lands, built from the established races which plan to assault Aestatia from under the Empress's nose and without her permission. Such is tantamount to high treason, but many patriots are rallying due to their recent incursion.

Trading and Travel

• Currency: The currency of Honji is that of the Geum, a petal-shaped coin with a slight bend in it, making it easily dispensed, but hard to be stacked. These are most commonly stored in pouches or special holsters to hold their curved forms.
• Trading Status: Open and Welcoming.
• Travel Status: Open and Welcoming.

Ethnicity

• Hanese Humans - 50%
• High Elves - 15%
• Aervans - 10%
• Danakov - 10%
• Unknown - 10%
• Goblins - 5%

The World of Aethius • The Multiverse of Aethier