Provinces Within the Oda Empire
Keywords:
ODA-PROVINCES
Provinces
Hikaru is divided into a number of semi-authonomous regions, all
claimed by the empire. In practice some are ruled directly by a noble
house, others by new powers and groups which have colonised the lands
during the decline of the once supreme Vapilas people.
Oda region - as the name suggests, this is the home province of the
Oda clan. Its centres is the great fortress-city at the east of their
domain. The other main settlement of the area is Oda town, although
this resembles a fortified village more than a capital city. A decree
of the current Empress has preserved the town as it was when she
ascended to the throne. The main trades include silk cultivation and
weaving, mining and metalwork.
Nrae region - this area of fertile lowlands covers much of eastern
Hikaru, although the Darkstone Peaks divide it from the sea. The soil
is rich, suited for pastures and arable farming, supporting a large
population of Vapilas and other humans. Unlike most of Hikaru, wheat
and grain are grown in favour to rice, together with flocks of sheep
for meat, milk and wool. The population, including their rulers, are
rather ovine in their habits - placid, prosperous, and content so
long as they are left in peace.
Akoki - a flat region in southern of Hikaru. The land is sparse, but
includes resources such as veins of minerals and herds of fiery half
-wild horses. Akoki warruors are famous for their horsemanship,
wielding spears, bows or swords in the saddle. The character of the
land, harsh and stony, touches the people that live there,
contributing to the popularity of the cult of Kasimir. In the time of
Prince Akoki, perhaps even today, vampirism was not uncommon. A group
of them fled at the time of his fall; their whereabouts is unknown.
Felinta - this is a region of wild forest. It holds a few scattered
villages, but few people chose to settle in the eerie woodlands.
Those who must traverse the area try to travel in convoys, guarded by
ashigaru warriors. There are groups, even tribes, of mrem
and feral occupants but these are not Imperial subjects, viewed more
as wild animals to be treated with care and respect. Brutal rulers,
such as Shogun Akoki, have sought to enslave the mrem just as they
mistreated their own human subjects. The remains of a great city lie
within the forest, a settlement of potent mages who brought down a
curse upon themselves and haunt their homes to this day.
Danver - an independent city of mages on the edge of the Empire.
Enhardt - an old draconian port city. This was semi-autonymous,
giving tribute to the throne from the tolls paid by merchants and
travellers. Enhart seceeded during the Oda-Akoki wars, but itself
fell to a Kobold invasion at that time. This disruption has
contributed to the isolation of Hikaru as a whole.
Sendak City - a recent settlement on the northern fringe of Hikaru.
The city was constructed on wooden pilings driven into the sea,
claiming to be beyond the imperial domain. This led to the first of
several conflicts and battles through the mountain passes. The humans
populating the city are mainly exiles from the island of Seidai and
elsewhere who sought refuge and fellow believers. They still lay
claim to the northern coast, but the port itself is free