Post by EriChar on Sept 9, 2015 12:54:30 GMT -5
Created by TorinName: Zaisho
Size: Small
Location: Grandline
Magnetic Shift: No Signature
Access through: Word of mouth, Island specific pose, Trade routes
Appearance: Zaisho, a singular plateau-like island, rests fairly high from the natural sea level, riddled with age old carved staircases embedded into the clean rock-sides along with respective docking areas. These grand methods onto the islands flatlands very much resemble large-scale walk-ways, riddled with statues and artistry of a very Asian orientated culture riddle these essential entrances to the island, with a rather sharp straight climb to the reasonable flatland atop the islands primary surface. The plains themselves are mostly farmland, with the overall circumference of the platform the island arguably rests upon being rather narrow, no collection of nomad housing is enough to be named anything beyond a hamlet and even then is a stretch. The island itself holds one major landmark, and though its official boarders leak outside its interesting set-up, primary the island is named after its one and only city near its centre which embeds itself into the islands risen surface area.
This large crater descends via man-made means into its core, and serves as Zaisho's city centre expanding up and outwards beyond the circular crevasse, houses and local businesses surrounding the natural phenomenon and outwards across a small amount of flatland. Its most notable feature is its gigantic flora and plant-life. More specifically a Goliath-like blossom tree that winds up just beyond the crater itself, large enough to house its own platforms of winding bridges and small abodes, and even support its own lake system which falls into the city and circulates throughout the plains. This lake takes up a majority of the islands quarter in with the tree resides, cascading off the ridge of the island northerly in replacement of a means of access.
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Climate: Zaisho's climate supports a constant spring-time atmosphere, its placement granting it very little extreme weather changes, but its entire array of possibilities, despite its consistent warm nature: snow, rainfall, heavy winds and heat waves are a possibility. Its drastic yet minimal unpredictable weather often comes from further islands or passing conditions moving from place to place about the sea, the island itself possessing no real pull allows freak chances of aftermath conditions to pass by. On the extreme chance the worst that could come to Zaisho is Monsoon level rainfall for brief periods of time, or strong winds that quickly cycle through its flatland.
Flora and Fauna: The specific habitat of the island provides no out of place or largely unheard of specimens, though its combination of climate and placement within the world over its thousands of years have introduced unique natures into an arguably commonplace island within the Grand line by comparison. Flora, through the mineral strength and nurtured assistance of the islands main landmark known as Ashita.. A gargantuan blossom tree that shades a majority of Zaisho's capital, its surrounding plant-life and even to the stretches of the islands flatlands have a beyond normal endurance and capacity, producing incredible quality crops and resources. Its flowers, not much out the ordinary are however quick to coat areas, and are often considered a natural pest as opposed to a beauty by locals as it consumes their farm-lands.
Animals are rare outside of live-stock and pets traded in from neighbouring markets to a near self-sustaining point, which have too been amplified beyond natural means due to the islands traits. Exotic stand-outs are the rare natural residents.. The Oozaru, a once massive race of primate named in jest for their now very small size, a naturally challenging habitat since removed by the presence of humans and supernatural consumables have over the hundreds of years reduced their need for size and power to be drastically reduced, yet still possessing a strength akin to an ants unique talent despite their small size.
The Siren is a bird which has worked in opposite however, originally living off the island, this large four winged bird bears resemblance to a colourful eagle, a butterfly quirk to never have one look-alike amongst them in patterns yet mirrored in design.. The Siren has since moved from its pray upon the island to the seas, being named such as it uses its multiple wings as make-shift fins to dive into the ocean and hunt larger, water based pray. Even to the extent of attacking small ships and crews to steal open food stocks.
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Inhabitants: Locals hardly change, yet are notably different as you reach the outskirts of the island despite its small size. Inhabitants consist of hundred year blood-lines maintaining strength through family ties, private businesses setting up local storage to trade the islands prosperous nature, warriors of home and abroad looking to invest in the islands renowned swordsmanship talent, and humble farming families who reside on the islands outer rim to make the most of land and sea resources.
All of which are for the most part, tied to some sort of older family that have resided her for generations, investing in their ancestors right of ownership to find professions and humble lives. Tourist are frequent, supports a small yet impressive tourist industry chain of Inns and markets. While overall being welcome and kind to outsiders and regulars alike. Curve balls consist of rivalling families and displacements of power when individuals come from far-off lands claiming ownership of this or that, overall disrupting the natural balance and pointing our the cultures obvious flaw for dislike of change. Despite, the island-folk live for the most part in harmony, leading to a comfortable and sound social system.
Organisations: Zaisho, named after the islands fabled saviour, left behind two blood-lines known prominently in the islands history, these two are to no surprise renowned, while one other who claims to be descendants take third seat, yet do not trifle themselves with the capitals deeper affairs. This forms the trinity of businesses through Brothers long past that maintain balance and clarity within the islands cultural perspective, and a majority of these families names have since faded in importance, yet make up a large amount of its populace:
- The Hand of Zaisho: the current governing body of the island are known by the family name of Ze'hn (Zay-Hoon) and reside within its capital building and acclaimed swordsman temple of the four spirits. Its head of house, Tao, controls the overall final vote of public affairs, and maintains control of its massive traditional and tourist pull of the families renowned sword-styles and disciplined training routines.
- The Voice of Zaisho: second most notable family and equally factoring in island concerns is known by the name Gu'un (Gew-Oon), establish themselves in the highest building in the cities centre adjacent to the temple and climbs up the craters wall. This business hub is owned by the head of house, Lin. She controls all trade and market upon the island, and to a point, trade lines miles into the ocean around it, handling Zaisho's enhanced natural resources and sustains its rich livelihood.
- The Heart of Zaisho: aptly named for its control over farm-land, livestock and natural well-being of the island's history and present day conditions, is a third direct blood-line of the fabled swordsman, though through the family head of house, Mei Tau'sh (Tow-Shu) decides to disconnect herself and her family from out-of-island affairs whether they be internal or external. The family has prided themselves on being guardians of the islands core beliefs and traditions for centuries, and are an unbiased voice in power should the need ever arise.
Trends:
- Fashion maintains a very Oriental influence, garbs and robes being commonplace for both men and women, with the off chance of abroad clothing styles such as furs and baggy specific upper body or lower body apparel. Head wear and ornaments within hair are nearly always used, tattoo's are also incredibly popular as walking historical and personal accolades, family names and accomplishments are often signified by symbolism on the body. Out of island cultures have slowly crept into a regular diversity which is accepted by more rigid clothing norms, such as armour from warriors being worn day-to-day, business attire of suits and branded shirts and apparel are not extremes.
- Politics remain internal, and are often communicated to the outside world through heads of house, or more specifically their head of business, Lin Gu'un. Zaisho credibly remains out of worldly affairs beyond trade and training for other countries more elite troops. And have no specific desire to pick sides or even involve themselves in troubles overseas. The World Government acknowledges Zaisho as a power-house of talent and resource despite its small size, and though it has not requested it tie in with its chain of alligences, Zaisho does provide swords and fire-arms to its Marines Captains and ranking officials.
- Industry, though not world renown, yet Grand-line notable for its incredible craftsmanship, foods and wood resources, in ratio to its size the island is extremely prosperous, a gains a net worth way over its required quota. Its riches remain tied to family names and honourable inductees to the close-knit businesses and training method secrets, it constantly remains on the line towards being credited as a powerhouse of their trades.
- Delicacies are not the islands strongest point, enhanced live-stock and farm-goods through beyond natural island health and prosperity makes typical eastern-style dishes remarkable in taste, and through tourism have developed and small chain of food markets both on island and through travelling restaurant vessels.
Notable Occupants:
- Tao Ze'hn: The oldest of 12 brothers, and current master of the Four Spirits temple within Zaisho's capital, the Warriors of Zai are renowned for their combat prowess, especially swordsmanship, and have achieved great diversity and understanding of blade-work and general combat alike through his near 50 years of leadership. Put into power at a very young age from his fathers early passing, he is a very stubborn man with a kind heart often negotiated with through his younger brothers and daughters, remaining a solid icon for leadership within the island and the temple alike.
- Lin Gu'un: Only daughter of her direct family, and considered young prodigy in business and strategy, originally a swordsman who turned to the islands more concerning affairs of trade and wealth. Despite being the youngest head of house even though her elders still being alive at the age of 27, she took to the metaphorical helm after a pilgrimage around the Grand-lines more wealthy islands, and came back arguably leaps and bounds more knowledgeable than her peers. Her cold, no-nonsense attitude yet humble counter-nature leaves her a force to be reckoned with, yet a very understanding voice of reason within her family.
- Mei Tau'sh: Despite being only 20 years old, the laid-back and light-hearted leader of the family took up the mantle after her parents grew ill unexpectedly, the only son of the house a warrior who left the island years before. her nonchalant persona eases the complications that she encounters, and is never seen without a smile. She manages the islands agricultural affairs and her families well-being, seeing a role-model in Tao while also being very close personal friends with Lin. She see's the islands history fading with its dedication to prosperity via external means, and constantly stands for her reliance on older methods.
History: Zaisho, named aptly through a old legend told enough to be reality to the islands townsfolk, tells of a Wano Country Samurai who ventured to this island after years of honing his craft and witnessing the worlds split ideals with intent to create an outer haven. A visionary of remarkable talent communed with the locals of the island who had all seemingly be gathered by fate to this small rock within the seas, creating a single monument of teaching and understanding for the world, that slowly expanded to consume a majority of the islands land-mass. With the Four spirits temple at its helm, Zaisho embraced the teachings of his new kin, and within the coined temple crafted with his fellow warriors and craftsman a school of combat and creation with his temple as a the center-piece. His credibility as an individual warrior and the possibility of training under him brought people from all around the globe, most finding hidden talent through other practices as well as swordsmanship, and ultimately expanding the four pillars that built the islands culture. Warriors would often leave champions of their style, resulting in being a 'Son of Zaisho' a remarkable credit of honour and talent throughout the seas. Its reaches into taboo were not undermined, female warriors taking refuge in knowing they would not be judged on these grounds, the tailoring of firearms and alternate weaponry beyond the sword being tested and trained on the island also. Zaisho believed in souls within the weapons people held, the combined essence that collected on this island imbuing him with the means to better his students, and expressed freedom of diversity in every breath.
The expanse of the island was inevitable, from the need for weapons came additional craftsman who prided themselves on working with the best the world had to offer, tailors for outfits long worn throughout peoples training, food and farming talents came to capitalise on the flatlands and thrive off the business of locals requirement for hearty meals in training. The array of training housing and temples became residential, and again tall buildings of independent purpose spouted due to the lack of room to expand on such a small island. Thousands of years ago this island stood as the prodigy of from all walks of life, only limited by the potential that would grace its shores next. The positivity of the tale however stops there, history talks less of this time of prosperity and more of the catastrophe that consumed its future, to deny decades to come of the most advanced methods of trade and combat artistry. A comet of unknown origin and unfathomable size one day blackened the skies, threatening to smash into the world and in turn a large body of water which the island resided, inhabitants fled, with no hope to salvage what was about to be sent crashing into the depths of the sea and shaking the earth. However Zaisho refused, he deemed that powers beyond were testing his final hours amongst the living. and though he knew his time had come, it was not yet the end for what he had created.
The people of the island didn't have enough time to be fully clear of the blast that would occur, everyone aboard the island no matter how far they sailed would be eclipsed in waves and fire one way or another, the only way to assure the safety of those escaping was the minimise the impact of the soaring rock. No one witnessed first hand his actions. And though a legend or even a myth to this day, shrouded within the thousands of years unlogged and left to debate in the stretches of history. Stories tell of a triangle of bright light being formed above the island, the massive rock-face that emerged from the clouds, descending in fiery fury and destructive intent shrouded in gleams and a white-noise that raced across the seas of a blade clashing with stone. And in a flash the comet became a mist of boulder and debris, its only true remnant of destruction crashing into the island and Zaisho along with it, waves erupted from the rain of rock and stone, but ultimately the earth was merely scratched in comparison. The island remained, though damaged and riddled with struts of the comets remains.. Zaisho was nowhere to be found.
He was a hero, a saviour, some at the time would even claim him to be guided by some sort of god to enact the judgement he had that day. And in his name the island and its occupants not only rebuilt, but took residence in the aftermath. A single tree remained from the barren waste, a broken trunk remedied and aided in progression, the minerals of the comet was said to have granted the earth divine qualities, the tree then named Ashita grew beyond natural proportions in a small span of time, animals returned with unique traits and flora and farmland were extraordinary. To this day Zaisho's island, now known as such in title is inhabited by grandchildren hundreds of years in the making, still upholding the island as a realm of peace and equality, and prodigies of their professions.