Post by EriChar on Dec 11, 2012 14:53:53 GMT -5
Created by moi.[/size]
◊- Name of Island: Netherworld Island
◊- Society: Infernia
◊- Size of Island: Above water it’s very small, with the crater of the huge under water volcano that makes up this island being only about half the size of Little Garden.
◊- Location: Nightmare Route, Grand Line
◊- Log Pose Time: Six days, six hours and six minutes… MWA HA HA HA HAAAA!
◊- Climatic Type: Summer Type Island
◊- Climate: Hot and Humid, with the underwater lava flows evaporating any seawater that takes a wrong turn in the islands underground caverns.
◊- Island Appearance: The landscape of this island, to the unknowing eye would seem rather barren, featuring only the peak and crater of a large and dormant volcano that rises out of the sea. From a distance, Netherworld Island can look rather intimidating, as a dark mass of land lurking within the fog created by seawater evaporating in the heat of the dormant volcano.
Inside the land built within a volcano certainly lives up to the name of the island, ‘Netherworld’; looking rather alien and uncomfortable to live in. Filled with channels of magma which act like rivers, the darkness of the caves that make up the inhabitable space of Infernia are lit with the orange hue of fire, giving the land a decidedly eerie look. Thanks to the use of some of the natural flora, the settlements of Inferia is far less unnerving, with Mushrooms producing blue light to balance out the surrounding orange glows.
◊- Flora and Fauna:The surface of underworld is surprisingly barren of flora or fauna, appearing only as the top of a volcano peeking out from the ocean’s surface. Much of the island’s plants and animals live underground in the warmth offered by the dormant magma that heats the inner tunnels of the island.
Many of the fauna of the island are adapted to burrowing through the ground, and are quite hardy, able to resist much higher degrees of temperature than animals of other islands.
Molamander
The Molamander is a large reptile, a little bit smaller than your average komodo dragon, though better resemble an odd-looking salamander, with a decidedly more docile temperament. Crimson in colour, these animals often have black patterns on their scales which are completely unique to each individual, and can be quite beautiful to look at in the light. With long, stocky bodies, the Molamander have large, long and strong forelimbs with tough nails, which are widely believed to be as durable as steel. These adaptations are ideal for digging through even the toughest sedimentary layers of the islands.
As an animal that spends most of its life underground, in the dark, the Molamander has a very weak sense of sight, being barely able to pick up movement in normal lighting levels. However, in an environment where burrowing in the wrong direction would lead to a volcanic death, the Molamander has developed an excellent ability to detect warmth and heat; it is perfectly capable of selecting the perfect place to create a nest where the warmth of the island’s molten rock keeps the animals warm, without risking their lives to lava flow.
Many of the caves and tunnels that the early settlers on the island used for shelter and to develop their earliest settlements are believed to have been dug out by Molamanders, and the inhabitants of the island quickly recognised the benefits of these intelligent and industrious creatures. While there are still many Molamanders that live wild in the island, the Demonian have long tamed a number of the animals who now aid them in a variety of tasks.
Imps
Named for their resemblance to the creatures of legends, the Imps are small creatures that somewhat resemble a hybrid between a primate and a reptile, being a sort of scaly monkey. Roughly being the same sort of size as a large cat, these animals are capable of walking on their hind limbs, though often favour scurrying around on all fours, and can be something of an annoyance to those unfamiliar with their behaviour; prone to stealing or harassing new faces, though more out of a desire for attention than malicious intent. They tend to leave the natives alone for the most part, as they have learned that Imps will tend to go away if you ignore them, and don’t give into their aggressive tactics.
Mushrooms
As a largely underground environment, lacking the sunlight needed for plants to grow, Infernia has been guided by the hands of its inhabitants to be wealthy in another form of life; mushrooms. While many different varieties were somewhat common before the Demonian population colonized the island, the settlers quickly took advantage of this and have ‘groomed’ the population of fungi to suit their requirements, favouring the more useful forms of mushroom and allowing others to dwindle, to benefit their own convenience.
Several unique mushroom species of note include;
Cac-shroom – A kind of mushroom with many qualities in common with cacti; these fungus are adept at drawing water from their environment, and steadily swell up with it to look like balloons. To protect themselves from predators, like the cactus, these overgrown spores are covered in sharp spines to prevent their useful centres from being plundered. Amusingly, if placed into a large enough body of water, this mushroom will swell to gigantic proportions in a short amount of time, reaching the size of a dustbin after only a few seconds of submergence.
Lamp-shroom – A rather odd mushroom, which has developed a defence against the dark-dwelling creatures that inhabited the island by performing a glowing chemical reaction to blind and scare them away. Harvested by the Demonians, these fungi make handy lamps to light up rooms or the dark caves of their subterranean homes; set in pots and where needed covered by screens to dim any excessive level of brightness.
Chill-shroom – This particular fungus is one that especially enjoys feeling warm, and will actively affect it’s environment by drawing in the heat around it, making its surroundings a little cooler. Amusingly though, it isn’t advised to make skin contact with these mushrooms; their love for heat means that they carry a natural temperature capable of burning ordinary flesh.
While the Demonians have largely learned to cope with the heated environment that a volcanic cave might produce, Chill-shroom’s are favoured by less heat resistant species, such as humans or fishmen, and perform a sort of function similar to an air conditioning unit; placing several within a room to reduce the overwhelming temperature within.
Fruity-shroom – A range of mushrooms that look rather similar, but vary in shading. All of these mushrooms seem to closely imitate the sweet taste of many existing fruits and berries, so closely that many chefs favour using these mushrooms over the expensive to import fruit required for their recipes. As a rough guide to the colour/flavour relationship;
- Pink ~ Strawberries
- Deep Red ~ Cherries
- Lime Green ~ Pears
- Dark Green ~ Apples
- Orange ~ Tangerines
- Yellow ~ Lemons
- Purple ~ Grapes
- Blue ~ Blueberries
◊- Inhabitants:Demonians
While they are mostly human in genome, the inhabitants of this island classify themselves separately (Similar to Skypieans) because of the differences in their appearances;
Most prominent of these appearance differences from the average human is the presence of wings on the back of those with Demonian heritage, similar to the peoples of the sky, but wildly different in appearance. While the wings of Skypieans and Bilkans are feathered in appearance, the wings of the Demonians are more like those of a bat, and are the source of the name of the people’s names, given their semi-demonic appearances. While uncommon, the Demonians do also occasionally possess some rather uncommon tones of their skin, outside the usual range of human skin tones, with rare individuals sporting rich shades of green or red coloured skin, though this is very far from commonplace.
While the people of this island may seem scary in their appearance, they are ironically rather friendly and welcoming, contrary to the expectations that their visage may give. In their history, the Demonians were a nomadic folk prior to settling on Netherworld Island, and have a great deal of time and kindness for those who also live the life of a traveller, regardless of the path they may walk. This island is not a member nation of the World Government, so they have little need to heed the words of the Marines, but also do not tolerate aggressiveness from other parties; Pirates are welcome to stay if they choose to, as long as they show respect for the laws of the land.
Other Races
Like many lands in the world, Infernia has developed a healthy body of human settlers, who are largely made up of the travellers who have reached Netherworld Island and decided to settle in this place.
While humans are perhaps the most notable non-Demonian race to have settled in this environment, they are by no means the only people to have. While perhaps very much in the minority, if one took the time to look, they would probably find races from most walks of life in the world; due to the hospitable nature of the Demonians, they would never turn away someone who wanted to live in their lands.
◊- Prominent Organizations, Groups and Establishments:Infernian Senate
The governing body of the Inferian lands, led by their president, Satan. Each and every member of the senate has a particular job, from Satan themselves to the representative of the environment, and are elected via popular vote to their position by the citizens.
Black Wing Brigade
The national army of the Inferians, which mainly serves a combined role of self-defence force as well as the duties of policing. Standard weapons of this fighting force largely consists of the use of polearms; in a the hot and humid environment of Infernia, gunpowder doesn’t survive very well, and so the forces of the island are trained to fight with polearm weaponry instead.Three Heads of Cerberus
A trio of Battalions within the Black Wing Brigade, which serve as a sort of National Guard for the nation of Inferia; being its first line of defence against invaders. Highly trained, even one division of this small army is more than enough to repel the malicious intentions of pirates, and even make Marine Battleships think twice about stepping foot on the island.
Black Wing Police
Comprising of two battalions of the Black Wing Brigade, and headed by Commissioner Nergal, the Black Wing Police are charged with keeping the peace on the island, and investigating any crimes that take place within the borders of Inferia. While perhaps not having the same level of strength as the Three Heads of Cerberus, the forces of the Infernian Police are a force to be reckoned with, and tend to fight with weaponry more geared towards capture rather than killing, such as Tsukubo, Sodegarami and Sasumata.
◊- Trends:Fashion
Fashions in Inferia tend to be a sort of mix of Gothic styles, and Holiday clothing, if there is such a thing. Favouring dark colours for the most part, such as deep red, navy, dark green, purple and of course black; Inferian Fashions tend to be cut to be somewhat close and quite revealing, like clothes that one might wear in hot weather or at the beach, in order to cope with the hot and humid environment of the island.
Historically, the Infernians were known to have a somewhat savage style of dress; often wearing clothing that was primarily made from animals skins, and rather limited in body coverage overall. It is only in more recent times, where trade with surrounding islands have been fostered, that fashion trends have begun to resemble those more in line with global fashion.
Recent fashion trends seem to favour a sort of embellishment of the demonic characteristics of the native Demonians, who are proud of their somewhat demonic characteristics; commonplace apparel amongst natives, particular women, are the inclusion in one’s wardrobe for faux horns or a pair of wings on one’s head, as well as the addition of pointed tails to lower garments, enhancing the already otherworldly look that their wings provide.
Politics
A liberal and tolerant people, the Infernian’s promote good relations with all walks of life in the world, which is somewhat ironic given their appearance and history. While not a member nation of the World Government, Infernia maintains a good enough relationship with the islands in that particular union to promote trade between the nation and the lands within that group, as importing has been an invaluable source of materials that the island cannot find within the confines of a dormant volcano.
Industry
Currently, the primary industries of Infernia is the mining of natural resources that the island can provide, the processing of these resources, and the export of them. Being created in a volcano, the land of Infernia is gifted with substantial reserves of many metals, precious or otherwise, and is home to no small number of skilled workers dedicated to using these materials. Fishing tends to be another primary form of occupation for Infernian Workers; with the lacking capacity to farm domesticated animals, the nation relies heavily on the fishing industry to keep its people fed.
Infernia’s primary imports tend to be foodstuffs; produce that cannot be attained with the resources available to the island is usually in high demand, particularly with more and more races immigrating to the island. Textile is another key import for Infernia, as the island is not particularly gifted with resources geared towards the creation of linen and other fabrics.
Cuisine
With the Demonians natural tolerance for heat, Inferian cuisine tends to be on the spicy side, and heavily involve the use of mushrooms in the preparation, as they are one of the nation’s most abundant forms of foodstuff. While it isn’t uncommon for Molamander meat to be on the menu, the most common form of animal protein used in Infernian cooking is fish, which is caught off the coasts of volcano crater that peaks above the sea.
Common Infernian dishes of note include;
Molamander Curry (Ranging from ‘Mild’ in spiciness to ‘Volcanic’)
Chilli Bass
Fruit-Mushroom Salad
◊- NPCS:Satan
The leader of the island; like the title of ‘Kami’ in Skypiea, ‘Satan’ is merely a name associated with the post of the nation’s leader, and is passed through democratic succession. The current Satan, a man by the name of ‘Himhop Steeples’, is a benevolent but shrewd politician. As long as you don’t endanger his people, he won’t show you the true ‘Hell’ of Infernia.General Bereth
The chief of the island’s military, overseeing all facets of the Black Wing Brigade, and held by many to be the island’s most powerful warrior. Skilled in any facets of combat, Bereth may claim to be past his prime, but is still a warrior with the strength and skill to rival one of the Shichibukai, and dedicates his prowess to his homeland. Bereth personally commands a battalion of the Black Wing army comprised of its strongest fighters, and principally charged with the defence of Infernia’s capital, and the Senate.Colonel Agares
The leader of the island’s first division of national guard, Agares is said to be so swift on his feet that he can make others who run appear as if they stand still; he can be a little on the ruthless side, however, and tends to lack mercy towards those who cross Infernia, hunting down even fleeing foes with his incredible pace.Colonel Zaebos
One of the immigrant fishmen on the island, Zaebos largely performs the duties that are aquatic in nature, which suits his natural abilities to the ground. Born from a family with strong ties to the Army of Ryugu Kingdom, Zaebos offers Infernia the benefit of this and has worked to become a strong link between the nation and the Fishmen of the world.Colonel Behemoth
A hulking giant of a man, who commands the Third Battalion of the island’s national guard. True to his size, Behemoth possesses incredible physical strength and is a powerful military commander, but also perhaps the most liberal of the island’s military leaders; a good natured man who would strike his hammer down only on those who truly deserve it.Commissioner Nergal
This man commands both the fourth and fifth battalions of the island, which is charged with the policing of the island in general. Unlike the Agares or the commanders of the three ‘Cerberus’ divisions, Nergal is not a man who is gifted with any great level of combat prowess, but is regarded by most to be far more intelligent than any of them. Careful and observant, there have been few crimes in Infernia during Leonard’s tenure that hasn’t been solved.
◊- Town(s)/Village(s)/City or Cities:Kerberos
Usually the first settlement of Infernia that most visitors see, this small town has been built at the entrance to the subterranean lands, and started out as something of a checkpoint for visitors to pass through. Consisting of a few shops and homes, the most prominent feature of the village of Kerberos is it’s barracks, as the first, second and third battalions of the Black Wing Brigade, which are nicknamed ‘The Three Heads of Cerberus’.Lucis City
The capital city of Infernia, named for the light of the huge belt of Lamp-shrooms that shine down on it, day and night, like bright and illuminating stars in a black sky. While a city in name, Lucis City is likely like no city you have ever seen; the centre of the settlement being formed in a huge cave, being several miles deep and wide, where many buildings have been constructed from black volcanic rocks, which shine with the light of the reflected light from the bed of Lamp-shrooms above. Surging through the central cave of Lucis is a large flowing ‘river’ of lava; the largest channel of liquid rock that is visible within the various inhabitable places of the island.
Located in the central cave of Lucis City is the Senate Hall and Presidents office, along with the homes for all of the wealthy and influential in the nation. Libraries, Schools and various chambers of ‘Official Business’ also have their homes in the Central district of Lucis City, along with the headquarters for the Black Wing Brigade.
Outside of the central cave, many smaller arrangements of buildings have been constructed, with several smaller caves being home to the buildings that make up homes, and a whole cave dedicated simply to commerce, Lucis having its own shopping district that is filled with shops of various wares to sell, as well as many of the finest eateries that the island has to offer. While they vary in size, each cave-district of the mushroom illuminated city also has its branch to hold the long arm of the law, with the Black Wing Police possessing a station in every single district of Lucis, making for very rapid responses in emergency situations.
◊- Island History: To understand the history of Netherworld Island, and Infernia which inhabits it, one must look to its founders; the Demonian’s. A Nomadic race originally, these people travelled the world not out of any particular attachment for movement but rather necessity; in the days before the Demonian’s settled in their eventual home, their people were subject to a a large degree of racism and persecution because of that. Superficial as people can tend to be, because of the strange and even slightly scary appearances that they have, non-Demonian human’s tended to readily associate the nomadic race as a people who shared their blood with demons, and brought curses and cruelty upon the people that shared their lands with them. Driven out of their homes time and again by the supersticions and prejudices of the more numerous persons than their own, it is no surprise that after several centuries of a nomadic life, the Demonian’s eventually sought to create a new home in a place that was practically bereft of any sort of inhabitant, and when the forbearers of Infernia found the island dubbed ‘Netherworld’, they also finally found a place from which they wouldn’t be rejected, at least not by the natives.
Information on the early history of the settlement on Netheworld Island is largely rare to come across, but it is widely believed that in the days when Infernia was in its infancy, the island was perhaps a bit more hospitable than it seems to be today. There is tell in rumour and legend that a much broader range of species on the island, including some manner of grazing animal similar to a goat, which suggests that in the past, the seas of the Grand Line did not lap so highly upon the sides of the dormant volcano that became the land of Infernia we know today. However, clarification on these animals, and even confirmation that they were native and not simply animals brought with the Demonians has yet to be discovered. The first known historical reference to Infernia in their history is in a diary of one ‘Henry Krinkle’, dated to four hundred years before the present time, in which this person describes the discovery of a mushroom that tastes remarkably like blueberries; also the first known mention of the species of Fungi that is now commonly known as ‘Fruity-Shroom’.
Gradually, as the distance in years between the present and the past decreases, the historical records of Infernia improve. The same diary of Henry Krinkle also holds the first reference to the two settlements of the island, Kerberos and Lucis City, but the first is regarded in this time as little more than a simple check-point; featuring only a small domicile in which the soldiers who manned the entry and exit point for the island’s people would reside. There is no mention at this point to the islands militia or military forces being called the ‘Black Wing Brigade’, so it would appear that the army of Infernia was not called that during this time, instead being referred to by the simple title of ‘Town Guards’. The name Infernia itself does not appear in historical records of the land until three hundred and forty-four years ago, with the island referring to itself before that only as the ‘Country’ or ‘Nation’ before this, and by the time that the historical record reaches the point three hundred years in the past, many of the modern terms and infrastructures seem to be in place.
By Three Hundred years before the present, the amount of documentation to have survived has increased exponentially, and one can see for the first time, what is something of a clear picture of Infernia in the past. Once the nation had reached this point, the office of ‘Satan’ had been set up, along with the senate to govern the island, with the first mentioned leader of Infernia being named ‘Mancomb Seepgood’; who was largely regarded in documentation to be a good leader, who was especially fond of Molamander racing. It would seem that it was the third known ‘Satan’ of Infernia, Joseph Shabadoo, who officially named the national defence force of Netherworld Island the ‘Black Wing Brigade’, an title they inherited from the broad black wings of their first commander, Gag Halfrunt. Fifty years into the future, the Black Wing Brigade had been divided up into a format that began to resemble what is seen on the island now, with their number divided between the duties of a National Guard and Police Force. In this same time frame, with the population having bloomed exponentially from the ragged band of nomads that had settled on the island, there is mention of the first additional cave-district having begun construction, principally using the now tamed Molamanders to burrow out the recesses of the island for habitation.
The first records of immigrants to the island of non-Demonian heritage first crop up around two hundred years in the past, with a mention of one Buck Tuddrussel and family having attained the legal right to live in Infernia, and following this there seem to be archives containing the details of further cases of emigration to the land. From what information is contained in Infernian history it would appear that the island has, for the large part, maintained their current policy of acceptance towards willing settlers, as there is little record of applications for refuge being refused.
With further time passing, the nation of Infernia shapes itself into a country that even more greatly resembles the present one; one hundred years before the present day, the three divisions of the Black Wing Brigade that man it’s border have been given the nickname ‘The Three Heads of Cerberus. The shopping district had been established, in the same burrowed out cavern where it remains today, though at a smaller size than its present incarnation. Even in these days, Infernia had apparently gained much of its power in the world from the metalwork it produced, with much of the country’s revenue being acquired through the sale of iron-based resources to its surrounding nations, and even some trade with the World Government itself.
And so, the history of Infernia reaches the most recent century of its existence, and the island is surprisingly bereft of significant events; still not quite at the level of a global power, politically, the island tended to remain out of the international circuit. With the recent breakout of piracy in the last few decades, the Black Wing Brigade saw an increase in activity, and expansion in numbers, with more dedicated soldiers being needed to deal with the problems that piracy presented. Like any island, the influx of brigands into the waters of the world were a constant threat to the peace of the island, but thanks to the efforts of their well-trained national defences, Infernia has been spared any significant incidents of damage as a result of the sea bandits, and retains a largely open policy to any who might sail under a pirate flag and respect the sanctity of the country; not barring any on the simple grounds of who they are…