[ Lore ] Diaries of a Spider Lily

The province has served as the keeper southern sea of Kina since the head of the Susa clan was ushered into the role of daimyo during the Great Famine. During that time, when there was a scarcity of food and water, they had been among those who helped establish trade with other daimyo to secure the survival of the people in the area. It produces a sizable naval force and assists in protecting others from the pirates and monsters that lurk there.

CULTURE
Nonhuman residents are seen no different as their monster counterparts and treated as no less than slaves to be used and discarded. Many of these individuals having been trafficked into the land over the years. Under the employment and distribution of the daimyo, nonhumans are provided the bare minimum of housing and food in exchange for their service. Each individual is branded at birth by the lesser ruling lord of their resident domain. Those with magic abilities are fastened with anti-magic collars for their entire lives until death or in rare cases, freed.

The traditional code of honor holds different value here, only the brave and strong are due the highest respects. It is not uncommon to see a woman taking up positions suited for men. Even the current daimyo has declared his young daughter as the heir to his land and titles. Despite being held to higher standards than the men in their position, they are not to be feared any less. If anything, the fearsome reputation of these women proceeds them.


A tiny island off the south coast, Shiita is nicknamed The Star of the South. The island has a large stone lighthouse or kagariya with a raging fire to guide people away from the jagged, treacherous coastline and the ebony sands that blend with the sea. Locals on the island are known to be as rough and wild as the storms that plague the land.

Honor of the mainland holds no value here, only the brave and strong hold the highest respects. So much so, that indentured slavery is commonplace among the nobility.

SHIITA FORTRESS
A large, fortified castle built around the lighthouse, surrounded with great walls constructed from the deep slate that breaks off the cliffside and into the murky depths. Long suspended bridges mark the only way in or out of the great fortress. Large crossbows line the inner walls, prepared to take siege against any yokai that dare threaten them. It is home to the keeper and his clan as well as many vassals that serve under them.

UMISHO LIGHTHOUSE
This kagariya is said to be one of the largest in Kina, situated on the highest altitude of the island and reaching upwards to 60 meters tall. The bright pyre at the top is said to have been kept aflame since it was built.

MIZUMATA PORT
The main hub for all ships going in and out of the island. Fishermen dock their boats, shipwrights gather to hone their crafts, pirates and merchants from other parts of Mori all gather to deal in their wares and tricks.

JAGGED CLIFFS
Large black cliffs with mineral rich deposits of soil utilized for farming that taper off into the saline. A rumored cavern lies somewhere at the base, said to be home to a dormant yokai.

SUSA SHRINE
A shrine dedicated to Susano'o no Mikoto, the god of the sea and storms. The altar is kept in pristine condition, decorated with the beautiful shells that wash up on the black sands of the island shores. Those who visit never linger too long but those that do often do so in prayer.

DEN OF RYUKI
The rumored cavern that lies on the base of the cliffs is said to be home to a monstrous yokai named Ryuki. Some claim that it was a divine beast, a great sea serpent that once served Susano'o no Mikoto himself in his fight against the Yamata no Orochi. Others claim that it is the multi-headed beast himself laid dormant. However, it has long been corrupted by the demons that infest the seas. None of the locals dare enter in fear of the gods and the unknown. Those who do not heed the warnings don't ever seem to come back in one piece.

The clan operates under a militant doctrine and nurture many samurai into their ranks even in times of peace. Their feats along with the kamon chosen for their clan, three bolts of lightning behind storm clouds, began to stir rumors that claimed their clan as descendants of the kami, Susano'o no Mikoto.

As a bold supporter in the elimination and enslavement of nonhumans, they have had a good standing with others who have felt similar for many years.

Susa, Hachiro rose into the position of daimyo roughly ten years ago after the death of his father, who was the previous holder of the title. He upholds the laws and traditions set by his forefathers while being open to the change of the times. His skill as a samurai is acknowledgeable but his talents as a sailor and navigator are rival to the best of them. He was wed to a distant relative to the Imperial line during that time and she died three years later under unknown circumstances right after the birth of their daughter.