Hokuto
Hokuto is the western-most continent in the realm of Alleria. Fire is associated with the land of Hokuto: an island nation to the southwest of Alleria. There are volcanoes and steep mountains that guard the people. Imagine Southeast Asia: Korea, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam. The climate can vary between frigid snowscapes and tropical beaches.
Hokuto is a mountainous country that thrives on competition, spirit, and the theatre of achievement. Being able to demonstrate one's prowess is extremely important, so there is a high-pressure culture of inheriting techniques, crafts, abilities, etc. People with greater talent who are able to focus and finely hone their chosen profession are celebrated, while those who sit in satisfaction are generally less generously looked upon. There is also a hierarchy of ability: it must be earned, contested, and continuously improved. Elders must someday relent in their craft if they show diminishing skill or hardship. At this point, they will be retired and cared for by either family or their work family.
History
Geography
Hokuto was home to huge amounts of volcanic activities, and it is not uncommon for new volcanos to bubble up from under the sea on the outer coast. The northern islands have beaches of black sand made from ancient volcanic rock. There is a small island between the two which is famed for its one "star beach", which scholars have determined to be fossilized skeletons of tiny organisms. The southern island experiences a temperate climate and enjoys fertile volcanic soil, which leads to amazing agricultural output.
Government and politics
The country is divided into four sections, governed by
Economy
They export mainly to their sister island and in the far western reach of Istres, formerly Conglin. The cultural exchange between Hokuto and Conglin was immense, and thus the two nations enjoyed a friendly trade relationship. This was disrupted by the Peace Talks where Conglin was annexed by Istres to become West Istres; imports are taxed now and the effect on the good relationship has lessened dramatically. Neither West Istres nor Hokuto are necessarily allies to East Istres, but they are tense trading partners.
Hokuto is the main exporter of short-grain rice, followed by the far western part of Conglin; long grain rice is produced in Boyoma and West Sippar (formerly Weka).
Culture
Part of Hokuto's culture is to imitate the passion of flames and the longstanding effects of the volcanoes around them. To leave an impression and a legacy is important, as is preserving the current state of things. North Hokuto practices the art of preservative wood-burning, which creates a black, carbonized outer layer on wood and thus a barrier against deterioration. On top of that they have created a lacquer that shines and dyes the wood a unique red color, which preserves the wood. In ADDITION to that, they have created seamless joins whose craftsmanship is coveted by many. It is not unusual for a family's wealth to be displayed in an ancestral home.
Southern Hokuto has more plentiful wood available and it's much easier to simply maintain the wood over time, refreshing light thatched roof housing or using shingles made of hardened clay. One home may expand over time to accompany several generations while the home is continuously being improved upon. As a result of larger communities in Southern Hokuto, a larger focus is placed on team sports— one for all vs all for one.
Northern Hokuto focuses more on individual exceptionalism, practicing in more formal settings to compete in a variety of solo activities. By far the most vicious publicized event ended up being a wood-carving competition where the infamous Stabbing of 1697 occurred.
Dragons (Ryu/Salamanders)
Hokutan dragons are called "Ryu" or "Salamanders.” They are shaped like the mountains, thick bases with rough horns, spines, and scales. They taper up at the top and breathe fire. They're related to feasting, power, and the forge. So when you're incorporating them into design or anything for characters, just keep this in mind please.
