Hinode

Hinode is the land of the East, beyond the Kirakira Lake. A great, beautiful country steeped in ancient traditions and customs, Hinode is both mysterious and reclusive. Most citizens keep to themselves, and are seemingly unfriendly to strangers, but this is often because they are so steeped in their traditions. The capital is kept by an Emperor.

There are many cities in Hinode, yet there are a number of tribes of nomads, too. While many stay within Hinode's borders, others move west and beyond, and can be found throughout Vitaria.

Hinode is famous for its metalsmithing and mastery in the metaphysical realms of magic, which taps directly into the Weave itself, without regard to the elements. Everyone born in the city must spend two years of their lives learning the art of metalsmithing, as it is believed that those skilled in metalsmithing can make the tools needed to protect their loved ones.

The people of Hinode may seem cold and distant to others, but to themselves, they see each other as family. The people enjoy a laidback, peaceful sort of life, taking part in many relaxing activities like hour-long bathing, fishing, music, and stargazing. The people of Hinode will defend their city with the utmost devotion, as they believe an attack on their city is an affront on their family.

Many Hinodeans view the elements as an ultimately balanced state, and because of this, they must be preserved. Along with peace with the world, and an adherence to tradition, Hinode's people are set to defend it. They see the forging of metal, from the earth, as a way to put themselves back into the earth, using these weapons to defend the lands they love.

This is where their preferences for the metaphysical aspects of magic come from. Hinodeans think elemental magic disrupts the balance of things, by altering the elements and the Weave in dangerous, unfavourable ways. Metaphysics alter the Weave in a sense that doesn't affect its elemental flow, which is why they consider it the most worthiest of magics to use. Elemental spells to them are perversions of nature and balance, and disrupt the harmony of the world.

Hinode, the country's capital, is ruled by the Emperor, and there are two sub-capitals, Xiaohe and Jiangsha. These three are in an treaty that if one is to be attacked, the others must send soldiers over immediately to aid in defense. Given the Hinodeans' strong military background and skill with the blade, their soldiers have a fearsome reputation. Their armies are known by the black bandanas they were into battle.

Hinode has a mandatory requirement that all of its citizens must serve in its military for at least five years, whether that be in the field of battle, as a miner, or as a forger. They can enlist as young as 21, but no older than 27. Those that evade this law are considered exiles, and those that are found present within their borders after have knowingly disobeyed are killed.

Hinode is a land of tradition, and dedication to ones family, honor, and land, are seen as the highest traits of one's character. Travelers will ask to have their bodies return to their home city or village after death, as they see it as the highest honor of returning to the land they lived to preserve.

Those born with the ability to use magic in Hinode are much rarer than those in the rest of Vitaria, and it is more than possible to have entire tribes or groups with one or no mages present within.

Elemental mages are often feared by many of Hinode's citizens, yet even those with good intentions are still looked upon as untrustworthy.

Hinodean relations with Guinevere and Eth'leen are peaceful, and trade is prosperous. Hinode exports large amounts of their weapons and metals to maintain their economy, as well as their fish and livestock.

Hinode and Cor Anara have never really been at peace. Hinodeans view Cor Anarans are untrustworthy, power-hungry, and evil, and despise their practices of slaveholding and how magery is promoted so highly. The alliance between Cor Anara and Guinevere holds them at bay from declaring war, as Guinevere's trade opportunities is vital to obtaining items not present on their lands, but they would doubtlessly engage Cor Anara otherwise.

The language most people speak now is Vitaran, and it's been adopted from Eldyr, the language of the Eldyrians, mixed with a bit of the other countries' native dialects.

Hinode has three dialects -

Hino is the language of older years and the first language spoken by Mei Lin and her descendants when she founded the land. Now, only scholars are expected to speak this language, and it's very difficult compared to the succeeding two.

Theno is known as the 'traditional' language. It is easier to learn than Hino, and is now usually used in traditional ceremonies, events, and funerals. Most Hinodeans are taught Theno as their first language. In Hinode, it is mandatory to speak Theno to someone that is a military leader, royalty, or those that command high respect or formality. Speaking Jieno or Vitarian to someone socially higher than you is considered extremely rude and tactless.

Jieno is now the native language of Hinode, spoken by those of similar social status, friends, or those that don't know Theno or Vitaran. Relatively new, it has nonetheless caught on for its appeal, mixing ease of learning with its adherence to the roots of Hino and Theno.

Hinode is the home of faeries, magical creatures said to be created entirely by Chessah. A few of these creatures are said to possess a Link to their Earth Maiden, the being many of them seem to worship. Scholars wonder if this is how faeries interpret being Favoured, themselves, but none have been able to prove this point, so far. Curiously, if faeries are indeed capable of being Favoured, this opens the floor to many further questions.

Special pages