The World and the Kingdoms/Empires + Bonus Information
There are five empires and kigndoms in this world, loosely based on real-world locations, all with their own rich cultures and histories; The Empire of Chrysanthemum, The Empire of Buttercup, The Kingdom of Marigold, The Kingdom of Bluebell, and The Kingdom of Iris.
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The Empire of Chrysanthemum
The Empire of Chrysanthemum is loosely based on Vietnam and Japan. In this empire, there are shrines dotting the streets anywhere you go. These shrines are very important to the citizens, who regularly pray for protection from the witch. Women tend to have a higher status than men, as guards or protectors, while men can be seen working in the shrines.
This is also reflected elsewhere in the empire, most notably the royals themselves. The empress will have more power than the emperor, who’s job is similar to a Queen’s job elsewhere. Daughters are coveted, and preferred over sons, mothers are cherished, you know the drill by now.
Other Information / Facts:
Empire Colour(s): Red, purple
Women are more valuable than men. Women will be favoured over men, and are more commonly seen in higher-ranking positions, such as soldiers/generals, bosses, nobility, etc.. This doesn’t mean men are hated or disliked in Chrysanthemum, but families will favour their daughters over their sons, as their daughters will likely be the ones protecting the empire.
Chrysanthemum is more magic-oriented than the other lands, and is the leading country in learning magic. Women will learn magic based in attacking (fire, ice, explosives), while men will learn defensive and supportive magic (shields/barriers, paralysis).
The empire is very religious, and the religion closely follows Japan’s practice of Shinto.
There are groups of ‘rebels’ set on bringing the witch back, and ransacking the temples used to pray for protection.
The Empire of Buttercup is loosely based on Germany and The Netherlands, with additional influence of surrounding nations. It is the largest of the nations, and always looking to expand its borders. It’s a well-developed empire and is renowned for the advancements in technology. Compared to the other nations, the technology far excels the lands around it.
With the advancements in technology, the empire’s people have more freedom to do as they wish in this empire to help encourage the growth of their technology. However as a result, conflict and crime tends to arise more often. With the conflict in its lands, rapid growth and expansion, it is a kingdom not to be taken lightly.
Other Information / Facts:
Empire Colour(s): Green, yellow
They're the most developed nation, and far ahead of their peers in terms of technology.
Buttercup, as a large empire, puts the other empires and kingdoms on edge.
They’re power-hungry, and could launch war on anyone they choose without much of a challenge. They don’t actively do anything to cause issues, though, but they could if they wished.
The Kingdom of Marigold is loosely based on Spain. It is the second largest of the kingdoms and empires, known predominantly for its residents’ agricultural lifestyle. Along with producing large amounts of food and livestock, which it then can export/trade to other kingdoms, it also bears strong warriors.
Marigold is the leading manufacturer in weaponry, adding to the strength of their soldiers and knights. They fall behind on some other aspects of development, but you can rely on them to have brute strength to work with.
Other Information / Facts:
Kingdom Colour(s): Yellow, orange, brown
The rulers are questioned by the people. There are rumours and gossip circulating around the alleged violent tendencies of the King, and the Queen's affiliation with Bluebell.
The Queen is an immigrant of Bluebell, which is off-putting to many citizens, given Bluebell’s reputation.
Marigold has a temperate climate, meaning warm summers and mild winters.
Marigold follows Spanish naming traditions when it comes to surnames, at least when it comes to those born there.
Marigold, as a nation, is nosy and will get involved where it doesn’t need to be.
As Marigold creates strong warriors, the kingdom is very strength-oriented.
The Kingdom of Bluebell is based on Northern Europe, i.e. Scandinavia and Russia. This kingdom is where the witch originates from, and rumour has it that her children may still live here. What it falls behind on technology-wise, it makes up for with loads of resources. The people here are as cold as the climate, so if you come looking for friends, get ready to be disappointed.
Other Information / Facts:
Kingdom Colour(s): Blue, brown, grey
Bluebell is heavily distrusted as a kingdom, being the ‘birthplace’ of the witch.
Bluebell has a polar/tundra climate, and the land is covered in a semi-permanent layer of ice. There are hardly any trees except where the land falls into tundra climate, and there very few plants, meaning animals are the main source of food.
The magic users of Bluebell are few and far between, but incredibly strong, as magic comes from the Earth itself, living and being raised where hardly anything grows means Bluebell’s magic users learn to maximise their output while using very little energy. This does not make their magic limitless.
The residents of Bluebell are known to be harsh and cold, similar to the climate. This only adds to their bad reputation.
The Kingdom of Iris is very loosely based on France. It’s a land that history forgot, hidden away from the public eye. It’s guarded by natural threats; Sharp cliff-sides, dangerous animals, and thick, winding forests. This ‘kingdom’ was formed from the survivors of the witch, who were smart enough to hide when danger came knocking. Since then, it has become a thriving community within sheltered walls. It’s far behind on technology, but the people are none-the-wiser of what they lack.
Other Information / Facts:
Kingdom Colour(s): Purple, brown, green
Very old-fashioned, and lacking a lot of the development the other kingdoms have, such as tools and artillery.
Travelling by foot is common, but horses are available for the richer families.
A tight-knit community, everyone knows everyone.
People of Iris don’t leave the walls of their kingdom, unless absolutely necessary (Or out of rebellion/curiosity). They’re scared into staying with rumours of what the other kingdoms/empires are like.
Going hand-in-hand with the last point, none of the other kingdoms are aware of Iris. Some travellers may have come across the kingdom at one point or another, but these claims are taken as rumour, ramblings of madmen, or childrens’ imaginations.
Due to the lack of technology, and not leaving their kingdom, they rely heavily on agriculture.
