Nation of Ishui
Off the Western shores of Tokavah, lies the nation of Ishui. Ishui is comprised of hundreds of islands, littered across the turquoise seas. From towering volcanic peaks shrouded in mist to tranquil inlets adorned with pristine beaches, every island holds its own adventure. Off the coasts, the seas hold their own allure. Coral reefs line the Shallows, while monstrous denizens lurk in the Deep. The waters of the Ishui islands are rich in the biodiversity of life.
The Ishui people have an internal wonder and curiosity of nature. Many are scholars who attempt to understand the tapestry of the natural world. Some are caretakers, preserving the cycle of life in their ecosystem. Others are explorers, traversing the many uncharted islands of Ishui.
While many Ishui seek to explore the world, others find the answers they seek in the past. Just as the ocean stores its profound mysteries in the fathomless depths of the abyss, time has concealed its own secrets in the annals of history.
The Ishui people place great importance on learning about and preserving the past. Much of their knowledge is from stories passed down from generation to generation. Any books or scrolls of the past are highly revered to the Ishui.
Yet there are many other mysteries that surround this nation. The different island chains that make up Ishui, mirror the constellations in the night sky. With astronomy already being so critical to its navigators, many Ishui have branched off into the study of astrology, trying to find the answers they seek from the stars above. The knowledge that their worldly abode is somehow intertwined with the celestial wonders above, has been woven into the fabric of their social identity.
Over the years, tribes have formed around these identities. Rivalries often bubble beneath the surface, as different individuals advocate for their vision of the islands' future. A council of elders, each with their own motivations, are the ones tasked with maintaining the delicate balance of harmony and unity of the Ishui.
With an almost unquenchable thirst for knowledge, the Ishui are explorers and scholars, astronomers and astrologers, trying to understand everything's place in the cyclical nature of life.
The Tribes
Honukai
Constellation: A turtle entwined with a serpent.
Role: Defense and Protection.
The Honukai constellation represents strength, resilience, and protection. They are tasked with defending the islands from external threats. The Honukai have taken up the mantle of the defenders of the Ishui. The Honukai tribe trains together to act as one as the Shell of its people. The Honukai archipelago form the eastern side of Ishui, and separate the rest of the islands from the mainland, and are used by the Tribe as the first line of defense.
Arahi
Constellation: A navigator’s compass.
Role: Exploration and Navigation.
The Arahi constellation symbolizes guidance, discovery, and connection. The Arahi Navigators are the explorers and traders of Ishui, using their deep knowledge of celestial navigation to chart new territories and establish trade routes. They are adventurous, curious, and skilled in interpreting the stars. The Arahi play a crucial role in expanding Ishui’s horizons, bringing back knowledge, resources, and fostering relationships with the other nations of Tokavah. However, the Arahi are not just charting above land. With most Ishui learning to breath water a young age, the Arahi explore the depths of the Moonlit Sea, mapping the seabed and discovering all manner of life. Navigators, sailors, astronomers, and cartographers are all common professions among the Arahi.
Uta'Kani
Constellation: A pan flute.
Role: Arts and Music.
The Uta'Kani constellation embodies creativity, harmony, and cultural expression. The Uta'Kani Artisans are the keepers of Ishui’s artistic and musical traditions. They craft beautiful works of art, weave magical melodies into their music, and preserve the cultural heritage of the islands. Their tribe values creativity, skill, and the ability to evoke emotion through their creations. Often, Uta'Kani artisans use what the sea provides in their crafts, collected from the coasts and shores, or with care from reefs and sea life. Shells, coral, and glass melted from sand are used to make musical instruments and jewelry. Delicate seasilks are made into fine garments, and bioluminescent materials gathered from ocean flora and fauna for various works of art.
Kuaqili
Constellation: The Great Tree.
Role: Preservation of Nature.
The Kuaqili constellation represents growth, stability, and the nurturing of life. The Kuaqili are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of Ishui. They are experts in gardening and alchemy. They are stewards of the natural cycle, working tirelessly to preserve the lands and the seas of Ishui. While this often includes conservation, they also help battle plagues and diseases that have infected the wildlife. To this end, Physickers are more common among the Kuaqili, than any other tribe. However they don’t limit themselves to curing people, but try to help all living things.
Ishui Names
Given Names
Ishui names are inspired by Japanese, Hawaiian, Maori, Cantonese and Mandarin names and words. The name you choose does not have to match exactly the sounds or meanings from any of these languages.
Ishui names often draw inspirations from nature and natural concepts, using multiple concepts within a single name. More than 4 concepts, or six syllables, within a name is uncommon, but not unheard of. For example: "Tera'ha'nami" (or Sunset-on-the-waves, inspired by Maori and Japanese), "Le'a-fetu" (Joy-of-the-star, inspired by Maori and Hawaiian), "Luo'mo-umi" (Shell-spiral-holds-the-ocean, inspired by Cantonese and Japanese).
Family Names
There are no last names in the culture, and each name is unique within the family. If a parent chooses, they may use a portion of their name as part of the child’s name, but no parent would give their child the same exact name as theirs. For example, Parent: Kaiyo'kaze, Child: Kaze'nui.
Name Examples
Kaimana
Kalea
Valu
Maru'kai
Tatsu'haru
Costuming References
Common Elements
Natural Fabrics: Clothing is typically made from natural materials like cotton and silk. These fabrics are lightweight and breathable.
Flowing Designs: Garments are designed to be loose and flowing for ease of movement and comfort.
Intricate Patterns: Many pieces feature intricate patterns and embroidery that represent the wearer’s tribe or family. These designs often incorporate symbols of water, celestial bodies, and natural elements.
Adornments: Everyday clothing is often decorated with small shells, pearls, and pieces of coral.
Colors: Typical clothing often features colors of blue, green, turquoise, and aquamarine, representing the ocean and the sky.
Everyday Wear
Tunics and Shawls: Lightweight tunics, shawls are used for many day to day activities
Cloaks: Water-resistant cloaks woven reed fibers, linen, or straw are common when fishing.
Sarongs and Wraps: People commonly wear sarongs, wraps, or hooded kimonos for beachwear
Footwear: Leather sandals are the most common footwear. When traveling they often switch to boots or other shoes suited to the terrain on which they are traveling.
Tribe-Specific Attire
Honukai: Having many warriors, the Honukai often wear durable, reinforced tunics and trousers. Leather and Brigandine armor are common. In order to be easily differentiated and located in a fight by their allies, Honukai prefer dark red fabric.
Arahi: With many explorers and traders, the Arahi favor practical, weather-resistant garments. Long, flowing robes or coats with deep hoods protect them from the elements. These are often decorated with celestial motifs and navigation symbols.
Uta'Kani: The Uta’Kani often prefer colorful attire with flowing robes, decorated with detailed embroidery and beadwork, to reflect their artistic spirit.
Kuaqili: Those who work closely with nature wear clothing that blends with their environment. Greens, browns, and blues are common, with patterns inspired by nature. Practical elements like pockets and tool belts are integrated into their attire.
Check out the Citadel Ishui Pinterest page for pictures of costuming references.
Faith & Religion
The religion of the Ishui is deeply intertwined with their understanding of nature, the cosmos, and their place in the world. At the heart of their belief system is Makua Mahina'kai, the Mother of the Moonlit Sea. According to legend, Makua Mahina'kai sent the Ishui four celestial messengers, each represented by a constellation in the night sky: Honukai - a serpent entwined with a turtle, Arahi - a navigator's compass, Kuaqili - the Great Tree, and Uta'Kani - a pan flute. She then shaped the islands of Ishui in the form of these constellations, forever tying the fate of the Ishui to the heavens.
Makua Mahina'kai is revered as the benevolent and nurturing creator of the Ishui archipelago. She is often depicted as a serene and wise figure, watching over the islands from the night sky, her presence felt in the shimmering reflections of the Moonlit Sea. Central to the Ishui faith is the concept of the cyclical nature of life. They see existence as a continuous loop of creation, preservation, and renewal.
To the Ishui, all people are tasked with preserving nature. However, Makua Mahina'kai bestowed upon them the gift to breathe water, by doing so they believe they are the ones specifically tasked to preserve the sea.
The practice of religion among the Ishui has both practical and spiritual dimensions. They study astronomy to aid in navigation, but they also study astrology to find portents in the heavens. Observing the stars, they find guidance for their voyages and insights into the will of Makua Mahina'kai. This blend of practical skills and spiritual beliefs is central to their way of life, reflecting their deep connection to the natural world and the cosmos.
Economy & International Relations
The Ishui are very conservative with their resources. Most of their local economy is based on fishing and farming. On the island of Kaiyo, trees seem to grow unnaturally fast, making lumber one of their chief exports. They also manufacture paper, both from the trees, and from the bamboo that is common to the Arahi islands. From the sealife, they are able to either obtain or manufacture both ink and oil for trade. Art and crafts are common trade items by the Uta’Kani, and some of their beaches have the proper sand for glass production.
Relations with other nations
The following information is the general, cultural biases (both positive and negative) that Ishui tend to have toward those from other nations.
Kyr
The Ishui probably have more in common with the Kyr than any other nation. They both share a thirst for knowledge. However, the Ishui see the Kyrie approach as too academic, while the Ishui take a more practical approach. The Uta'Kani often find common interest with the Kyrie pursuit of Song.
While the Ishui maintain normal trade with the Kyr, they often also trade books and scrolls between the countries, sharing their collective knowledge.
Ora
The Ora always try to be neighborly and are hard workers so they tend to be welcome in Ishui. They share a love of nature and also a kind of wanderlust. However, the Orani travel the same circuit, which is odd to the Ishui, who prefer exploring new places and searching the undiscovered.
Most of the Ora that live among the Ishui stay on the isles of the Kuaqili, and are well suited to the preservation lifestyle that the Kuaqili possess.
With regards to trade, the traveling Orani always have plenty of wares, but never anything really specific. So most trade is done on an ad hoc basis, rather than any long term contracts. For the Orani who live within the isles, the Ishui appreciate their hard effort and willingness to work the land. They'll happily provide the Orani with what they need to live comfortably for this exchange.
Razir
The Raziri are both so similar and yet so different than the Ishui. The Raziri are hunters, while the Ishui are fishers. They both have great appreciation of what nature provides, and do their most to not waste any portion of what they receive. Yet the Raziri let emotion drive them too often. They're short-tempered and are prone to unnecessary confrontation. The Ishui often think the Raziri should be more independent, and not have such a heavy group mentality. They also rely too heavily on their leaders, entrenching their authority, while the Ishui believe that power should ebb and flow.
Trade with the Raziri is difficult, due to the distance and geographical barriers in between them. So what does get sent between the two nations, is often more luxury based, items of art or works of craftmanship that show each others cultural heritage. Though Inscription materials do tend to offer a good trade rate.
Vonor
The Ishui find the Vonori to be a bit grave. Mostly they hear stories of how the Vonori act as caretakers of the dead. The Ishui have deep appreciation of the past, and their ancestry. However, you still need to live in the present and enjoy life, and not always be as serious as they view the people of Vonor.
The Ishui are constantly trying to trade for the metal that the Vonor exports. Mostly they trade lumber, cloth, or glass, as the Vonori are more interested in practical goods, than in the artistic goods that Ishui often export.
Trade & Magic Skills
The core of Ishui magic is centered around the element of Water. The element is integral in every aspect of life in Ishui, and most practitioners of magic tie themselves to it. However some people might choose to learn another element. While rare for any person to do so, the Arahi in particular, being explorers and traders, frequent the mainland the most, and will sometimes learn magic from the people they meet there.
Within the element of water, are certain themes: Blood, depth, mystery, wisdom, and the past. Blood magic is the most controversial. It can be very potent, drawing upon life itself, but it is also risky and the most abusable. Because of this, there are certain practices that are strictly forbidden. You may never store blood for later use, neither your own nor another person's. If using the blood of a living individual, you must seek their permission first. If using the blood of a dead person, you are only permitted to do so if you have their best interest at heart. For example: divining on the blood of an individual to find their killer. The use of blood in magic is not limited to ritualism and channeling, but is present in trade skills as well, particularly alchemy and inscription.
Although you can find masters of all the magic and trade skills in Ishui, some are more common than others, and the way the Ishui practice the skills might be different than those of other nations.
Rarity Term Definitions:
Rare: Relatively unseen, only a few experts in the entire nation
Uncommon: Not seen often and would be considered unusual among the population for someone to obtain an intermediate level or mastery of the skill.
Common: Frequently found among the population, and it would be expected for most people to at least have a basic understanding of the skill.
Wide Spread: It is normal for adults to have an intermediate level of skill, and there are masters of the skill in almost every family.
Artificing
Rarity: Rare
The Ishui have a great reluctance to mine their mountains due to the potential damage to the land. As such, metal is rare, making Artificing difficult. They do trade extensively for it with the other countries, but things like nails for ships tend to take priority over weaponry. That isn't to say it's unheard of. Every tribe has a small contingent who practice the craft. They first learn to craft items that have little to no metal in them: spears, staves, and leather armor are common. They also know how to make the most from what nature has provided them. Armor might be made from Bamboo, or shields might be made from the shells of the Iron Turtles. Understanding nature and using what it provides really showcases the resourcefulness of their artisans. Those who show talent are provided metal use. They are assigned a direct mentor so that as little metal as possible is wasted. The Ishui also have extensive notes of processes and patterns. Among the islands, Sparktech and Grappling hooks are often sought after due to their usefulness in Naval combat.
Arcanatech
Rarity: Rare
While Artificing is rare in Ishui, almost every artificer takes up Arcanatech. The Ishui believe in making the most out of every resource, so if they already have a sword, they are going to do the most to make that sword as effective as possible.
Inscription
Rarity: Widespread
Paper, both made from trees and bamboo, is one of Ishui's most prevalent commodities. Dyes and ink are also common. As such, Inscription is practiced everywhere in the isles. From early childhood education to lifelong learning, the practice of Inscription is a testament to the importance of knowledge and history that define the ideals of the Ishui people. While Inscription is common throughout the islands, it is most heavily practiced by the Uta’Kani.
Sigilcraft
Rarity: Common
Sigils and Glyphs appear in even the oldest stories of Ishui. And since that time the practice of it has made its way even to the most remote islands. The Uta'Kani, who study the Arts are particularly adept at Tattoos. But even as old as it is in Ishui, Sigilcraft is still on the forefront of innovation for islands. The Arahi are finding ways to line their ships with Glyphs, while the Kuaqili are finding ways to seal poisons and diseases.
Physicker Studies
Rarity: Uncommon
The practice of healing is common in Ishui, but it's spread over multiple disciplines, so Physickers aren't as widespread as one would think. Every town will have a few Physickers, but with Water Magic being common, people who want to become healers often choose a different path. The biggest exception to this would be the isles of Kuaqili, where it is a rather common field of study. Being very in-tune with nature, they have long studied the isles' natural remedies. Continuing their studies to understand the finer points of medicine, is often seen as a highly prestigious profession.
Alchemy
Rarity: Uncommon
The natural curiosity of the Ishui and the desire to understand the fundamental aspects of the elements leads people to this profession. Yet, mastery of this art can take a lifetime, and often families can't afford the luxury to support those who are interested. Yet every tribe sees its importance, and even the smallest island tries to support at least a couple of people in pursuit of the art of Alchemy.
Gardening
Rarity: Widespread
The Ishui believe they are the stewards of nature. Gardening is a way to give back. To some it’s almost a religious rite. Because of this, they rarely try to profit from it. Some will grow plants, and replant them in the wild. Others will use their herbs to support their local Physickers. While the Ishui have traditional gardens, many will keep water gardens, specializing in plants that only grow beneath the surface of the waters.
Ritualism
Rarity: Uncommon
While most knowledge in Ishui is passed down from elder members of a tribe, to any who seek it, Ritualism is different. Inscription is so widespread here, so too are the Binding Contracts that protect the secrets of a Cabal. Those new to the practice have to commission an individual Cabal, and agree to terms before they can even begin to learn their secrets. Cabals are often self motivated and not under the control of any tribe. Sometimes they are limited to a specific family, and don't take in outside members. Those who do find their way into a Cabal, often times find a second family. By strengthening a lone member, they are strengthening the entire Cabal. Secrets are guarded closely, but so too are a person's fellow members of a Cabal.
Channeling
Rarity: Common
The Ishui take to Channeling like a fish takes to water. Being surrounded on all sides by the bluest seas makes the people want to dive head first into the magic. It's also highly practical. From naval combat to fishing, most every aspect of living on Ishui lends itself to learning the craft. It's still a practice that takes time to learn, and there's lot of appeal to the other fields, so it isn't for everyone. Each Ishui walks their own path, but many choose the path of the Channeler.
Order Presence
Academy of the Rising Wind
The Mission of the Academy of the Rising Wind (to collect, preserve, and share knowledge for posterity; to discover lost knowledge, and to make new discoveries) is a principle that strikes true to the Ishui people. Knowledge of the past, and learning from those walked before you, is important to the isles.
The Academy of the Rising Tide is located on the isle of Kala in the Kuaqili islands. Different courses of study are all available, but the primary disciplines are History, Archiving, and Astrology. Dialectics and Arcane Studies are also common. They also maintain a catalog of the flora and fauna of the islands with all known information that can be gathered accompanied by artistic drawings for visual recognition.
Ishui who wish to obtain a more broad education are encouraged to spend at least one year in the Academy of the Rising tide and before moving on to a branch of their choice.
Kinship of Pallas Adine
The Kinship has only a small number of members in Ishui. The Kinship's goal of being a sword and shield against threat to the five nations, falls in line with the protective nature of the Honukai. They are the most practiced warriors of the Ishui, and the Kinship often look there first for recruitment. While the Kinships numbers are small, there is enough interest to house a small chapterhouse on the island of Hoku'pono in the Honukai islands. However the rigid structure of the order often doesn't always align with the natural fluidity of the Ishui, and many choose to find their own method to fight.
Wardens of the Endless Road
The Wardens are widespread through Ishui. There are many aspects to the Wardens that the certain tribes find appealing: travel and exploration, safeguarding trade routes, and even reconnaissance into Gorgrazhi, are facets valued by the Arahi and the Honukai. It's not an easy life, and often takes members very far from home, so only the most committed take up the call. There are several outposts throughout Ishui. The largest is located on Tsubala in the Arahi islands.
Caretakers of the Heartsgrove
The ideals of the Caretakers, particularly natural conservation and compassionate aid, fall in line with many of the Ishui, particularly those from Kuaqili. The nature of the element of Water lends itself well to the Order, so you'll find people from all over the country who find interest. Though those who don't find it as a home for themselves, still see the necessity of its goals. Gardening is common throughout Ishui, and people will often donate excess herbs to Physickers. In turn, the Caretakers help those most in need. Ishui has two main chapters of the Order. One is located in Kilo'koa in the Kuaqili islands. This branch is more research based, and concerned with environmental conservation. The other is located on the island of Mahinamara in the Honukai islands. The Honukai see the most battle, so this branch is focused mainly on tending the wounds of the Ishui warriors.
The Braided Band
The Braided Band have members all throughout Ishui. Trade is essential among the Ishui due to the natural physical barriers that separate them from each other. Keeping up trade with the mainland is also a mutual benefit. So every island will have people who decide to join with group. The Uta'Kani and the Arahi specifically have several members.
The Uta'Kani, known for their artistic crafts and musical heritage, play a significant role within the Braided Band. The island’s artisans are renowned for their intricate designs, masterful craftsmanship, and the ability to weave magic into their creations. From delicate jewelry and finely crafted instruments to elaborate tapestries, the products of Uta'Kani are highly sought after in the markets of the mainland. The Braided Band take their wares even as far as Razir, helping showcase the rich heritage and creativity of the Ishui people to the wider world.
The Arahi, with their adventurous spirit and navigational prowess, complement the Braided Band’s activities through exploration and trade. The people of Arahi are master navigators, making them exceptional explorers and traders, capable of forging new trade routes and establishing connections with distant lands. The adventurous spirit of the Arahi aligns perfectly with the Braided Band’s goals of mutual benefit and growth.
The Good and the Bad
The Ishui are adventurous and curious, making them very suited to explore the Citadel and seek out its mysteries. The ever-shifting power dynamics among the tribes will create opportunities for engaging in political intrigue and strategic plotting. Their contemplative and reflective nature make them good for a reserved style of play.
On the contrary side, their desire for wisdom and to understand history might require learning more detailed information than a casual player might want to do. Their conservationist mentality and beliefs in astrology might not be suited for everyone.