[center][img]http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae218/AbsolutCharlie/Kingdoms%20of%20Seyan/fire_nation_nouveau_by_wingsfordreams-d7t9gti_zpswmmxujmr.png[/img] [h3]"The Great Xiang" / The Kingdom of Xiang[/h3][/center] Form of Government: Absolute Monarchy Describe the System: WIP [hider=Location on Map Desired][img]http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae218/AbsolutCharlie/eterna_old_by_ayoungwarthog-d90xwup_zpsxmoztcsj.jpg[/img][/hider] Capital: WIP Important Settlements: WIP Description: The ethnicity of the majority of peoples inhabiting the Kingdom of Xiang and of its fore-bearers refer to themselves as [i]Huaren[/i]. Huaren can be roughly interpreted as [i]illustrious people[/i]. The Huaren are not native to the continent of Edoniras; rather, they were first seen along its eastern shores some thousand years ago, in the ages of antiquity. Since that time, they built up a kingdom of their own, and with each new dynasty came new expansions westward. The Kingdom of Xiang has replaced many of the feudal elements of its fore-bearers with a merit-central basis. The government is propped up by an "intellectual class" selected through examinations and personal recommendation. This civil structure aims to reduce the distortions in power caused by privilege of birth and instead ensure that positions are fulfilled by those most qualified for them. As such, there is heavy emphasis on education. The current age is considered by many to mark the greatest era of cultural prosperity the Huaren have seen. The territory is home to a vibrant, cosmopolitan society, hosting frequent contact with neighboring peoples. Art and literature are widely-respected talents, and study in poetry composition is required for civil examinations. Women have gained a substantial degree of footing in regards to social status and rights. Greater opportunities for economic independence, marital equality, education and employment for women have evened the balance of power between genders. Religion in Xiang consists of folk beliefs and large numbers of deities; some are believed to be divine, others are great historical figures elevated from humanity to godhood. The afterlife runs parallel to the earthly world, and operates much like a reflection. Deceased are buried alongside elaborate rituals and buried with necessities needed in the heavenly world. Alongside traditional folk religion, Huaren recognize philosophical belief systems analogous to Buddhism and Daoism. The kingdom is open to trade from all over Edoniras, and its economy enjoys the flow of goods that connect it to foreign nations. It is a source of many unique goods that cannot be found elsewhere. Huaren silks, laquerware and porcelain are coveted by many, and horses, jewelry, metal goods, textiles, firs, spices, medicines, perfumes, tea and salt are also exported frequently. At the same time, increased contact with foreigners has led to climbing demands for imported products. Xiang enjoys rich agricultural opportunities presented by its geography. Barley, garlic, salt, turnips, soybeans, pears, apricots, peaches, apples, pomegranates, jujubes, rhubarb, hazelnuts, pine nuts, chestnuts, walnuts, yams, and taro make up commonly-grown foodstuffs, and grains include sesamum, legumes, wheat, and millet - panicled and glutinous. Meats commonly consumed by the Huaren are chicken, lamb, and pork, along with more exotic tastes - sea otter and bear being a few. Beef is discouraged, on the account of bovines being valuable working animals. Seafood is regularly consumed as a staple along the coastline, and jellyfish, oysters, squid, horseshoe crabs, swimming crabs, shrimp and pufferfish are oft-eaten creatures. Industrial developments reached a new height during the current dynasty's early reign. Crafts like textiles, ceramics, paper making, tea-leaf processing, and metallurgy have become increasingly pronounced. Huaren metallurgy is famed for its intricacies and the quality of products. Salt mining is another well-regarded industry. Important Characters: [url=http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/38400000/Fan-Bingbing-in-The-Empress-of-China-fan-bingbing-38476838-1280-852.jpg]Queen Regnant Zhou Cheng[/url] (28) Prince Hai Min (Infant), son of Zhou Cheng and deceased King, Hai Zan Prince Hai Jun (Infant), son of Zhou Cheng and deceased King, Hai Zan Lady Yi (67), mother of Zhou Cheng Traits: [u]Army[/u] Outdated Army: Xiang's soldiers are nothing to scoff at, however their equipment is slightly behind the times, compared to many other contemporaries within Edoniras. Xiang has not completely caught on to more modern tactics and still makes widespread use of arms that would not be out-of-place a century ago. +2 Ambitious Generals: Although the kingdom is shifting towards merit-centrism, many commanders remain that have inherited their posts by nobility, and are married to traditional concepts like glory and honor. +1 Decentralized Army: Xiang is divided into several military and administrative regions, each with their own compliment of soldiers. Regional commanders are autonomous to a degree, but each must answer to the Xiang's Supreme Commander in matters of offense. +/- [u]Navy[/u] King of the Seas: Xiang boasts a very competent naval force. A history of seafaring and expedition make Xiang a force to be reckoned with at sea. The kingdom's vessels are sublime in their construction and are armed with powerful artillery. -3 [u]Economy/Industry[/u] Strong Industry: Xiang has pushed its industry to new heights over the past few decades, emerging as one of the top practitioners of metallurgy. Xiang goods are famed for their high quality and fetch fair prices on the international market. -2 Fertile Fields: A strong agricultural background is necessary to sustain Xiang's growing population. Thanks to the natural land, farmers are not want for bountiful harvests. Food shortages are rare, if not unheard of in most of Xiang's developed land. -2 [u]Misc.[/u] Serfs: Xiang's serfdom is central to much of its success. The workforce ensures that goods are made, the land is well-fed and the kingdom's treasury stays stocked. It's not a pleasant job by any means, but somebody has to do it. +/- STATS NEED TO BE DONE Army: (Gowia will roll this, navy, GDP and stability.) Navy: GDP: Population: Stability: