Still working on bits, but here's the gist. [hider=Shihoma] [center][b]Nation[/b][/center] Nation Name: Shihoma National Flag: [img]http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae218/AbsolutCharlie/Shihoma/fire_nation_nouveau_by_wingsfordreams-d7t9gti_zpssc6ogfei.png[/img] Sounouchi Family Crest: [img]http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae218/AbsolutCharlie/Shihoma/fire___avatar_by_alextaniciel-d9gc8ea_zpsguehilbk.jpg[/img] What do you call the denizens: Shihomani Government type: Shihoma's government includes a mixture of monarchical, oligarchical and democratic elements. It is a magocracy, with political power dominated by the sorcerer elite. Its executive power rests with a hereditary monarch and a council of nobles with ties to the nation's founding. The role of the monarch primarily concerns judicial, military and religious affairs. Xe has the last say in the passing of legislation and may appoint any individuals xe finds competent to the council. The monarch is considered to be Shihoma's religious head, as well as the chief military commander in times of war. Members of the higher council are drawn from Shihoma's most privileged nobles. Members may be appointed directly by the monarch at any time, but there are seats reserved for each senior bishop in the state. The council is the most powerful political force in Shihoma, next to the monarch. It can create laws and appoint new monarchs if they leave no heir. However, those nominated for the position may not already be a member of the council. The monarch has the ability to overturn legislation that the council suggests. The council also is responsible for monitoring the lower council. The lower council is tasked with the bureaucratic matters of Shihoma, in practice. In reality, it holds little political power in the face of the higher council; however, it tends to back the decisions of its counterpart. It consists of publicly-elected representatives. Leader/Leaders: -[url=http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae218/AbsolutCharlie/Shihoma/ATLA-what-ulterior-motive_zpshq99qecy.png]Queen Sounouchi Sakai[/url] With her mother having died in childbirth and her father deceased due to illness three years ago, Sakai sits upon the Shihomani throne. Just twenty four years of age, she is also the acting religious head of Yahasato. While such responsibility is capable of pushing rulers so young to their limits, Sakai has adjusted remarkably well. She is strong-willed and resolute, pushing her own agendas in the Shihomai courts and upholding the integrity of Yahasato at home and abroad. She is known to be astutely aware of the political climate, abhorring displays of weakness and pursuing opportunities where they can be found. Sakai has recently established a kind of secret police, in order to carry out both her personal will and to promote Yahasato tenets. Ruling factions/dynasty if applicable: The current dynasty is ruled by the Sounouchi family. Other Important political figures: TBA Currency: Kyoda State Religion: Shihoma follows a religious philosophy called Yahasato. See Culture section. [center][b]Demographics and Geography[/b][/center] World map location: http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae218/AbsolutCharlie/Shihoma/Maps/RestlessFires_Shihoma_zps4bcwqc6y.png Shihoma's territory is orange red. Interior map: Major cities: Major military installments: Important locations and buildings: Capital: Kuzumatsunai Population: 2,109,800 Race and Ethnic demographic: The population is largely homogeneous, with the majority being Shihoman humans by ethnicity. Few foreigners are seen outside of visitors; these being either adherents of Yahasato on pilgrimage, merchants, or political emissaries. Economy: Wealth balance: Major exports: Major Imports: Staple agricultural crops: Trade partners: [center][b]Culture[/b][/center] Religion demographics: Religious heads: Queen Sounouchi Sakai is the defacto head of Yahasato. Popular opinion on the volcano: Popular opinion on wars: Popular opinion on magic: Popular opinion on religion: Popular opinion on the Aristocracy: Pauper opinion on the Government: Popular opinion on foreigners: Popular opinion on other cultures: Cultural name for the Volcano: Homugara is the name attributed to the volcano and the region it encompasses. Cultural Notes: Shihoma is the birthplace of the religious philosophy of Yahasato. Because of this, its whole political and cultural society is heavily-influenced by the belief. Yahasato holds that the volcano, or Homugara, is an incredibly fickle, dangerous entity, possibly originating in another plane of existence. The magic it radiates is an incomprehensible, sacred product, and is therefore not something to be used lightly. As such, the less practitioners of magic there are, the safer society will be. It defers the duty to “guarding” the secrets of magic to the ruling elite of the state; those who are most powerful and trustworthy. It is for this reason that commoners are prohibited from attempting to practice magic. In addition to outlining the proper use of magic, Shihomani Yahasato values social hierarchy and subservience. It holds that the masses should admire and look to their superiors for leadership. Respect for authority is a defining principle of Shihomani-brand Yahasato; one which inevitably has allowed it to remain an oligarchy for so long. After government, family is the next tier of priority. Shihoman families are quite large, as both sides of a marriage treat each other like immediate relatives. Any 'proper' Shihoman maintains close ties to his or her relatives and comes to their aid in times of need. To be disowned or to turn one's back on family is among the gravest ills one can commit. As Yahasato believes the Volcano to be a destructive force of nature, it holds it both in fear and veneration. Just as it teaches a man subservience to his superior, it teaches all to be subordinate to Homugara. The Volcano's hairy messengers, called Youkabi in Shihoman, are seen as either signs of great fortune, or great disaster. For that reason, when one is near, everyone in the area will devote a silent prayer or offering, in hopes of keeping in good grace with the Volcano. Youkabi are prominent features in Shihoman art, and shrines with statues depicting unique, named Youkabi abound in temples throughout the country. Cultural history: Notable figures: [center][b]Military and History[/b][/center] Type of Military: Shihoma's military service is voluntary, with conscription having been abolished several decades prior to Queen Sounouchi's reign. The nation prides itself on having a well-trained and equipped fighting force, and it is considered prestigious to have a family with multiple generations of service. Total Military fighting units: Approx. 220,000 men and women Unit demographics: (heavy infantry, marksman, etc and their equipment/training) Notable figures: Past wars and notable events: Past conflicts with other nations: Current conflicts and wars: [center][b]Other[/b][/center] Artifacts and famous enchantments: Anything else we should all know:[/hider]