The XX Kingdom: Denkou
Species: Human, though amongst the first. The Denkou have walked the face of Vescrutia for ages, literally. In their early years as nomads, they often would go on intense pilgrimages around Vescrutia to advance their hold of Naten. They were searching for more purpose behind their newly awakened naten awareness. The firm belief that the gateway to knowledge required a body strong enough to equal the knowledge sought and the willpower to match. What they sought and prayed to every star above, every moon that orbits Vescrutia, was for them to find a place to call home. That their line be etched upon her, they underwent trials testing the mortal limits of their mental, physical, and spiritual selves for eons. The training and nature granted them tougher hides than most humans. Though not superhuman, the Denkou bodies resist environments unsuitable for regular folk. They can tolerate extreme heat/cold far longer and have developed many antidotes and vaccines for various illnesses and poisons, including wildlife.
Few human bloodlines have withstood the omnipotence of time. However, the illustrious legacy of Denkou fought with tenacity and grace. Their reward for their undying will and prayers for growth was being blessed by the union of Fulgora, a power Djynn of Lightning, and the then Chief, who became the First Emerald King. No longer just a walking vessel of potential but now a living incarnation of magic and flesh. With this bond, magical energy was flushed through the Emerald King’s body, alternating his DNA and extending his life to 1000 years. The EK shared this boon with his entire clan, transforming them into Lightning Mages and allowing them to safeguard their home permanently. It should be noted that while Denkou are all related by magic, they are not all related by blood. The early purveyors recruited many people on their travels and had a widespread diaspora of bloodlines, most notably among civilians.
The Center of Denkou culture is the concept of Opulence. They are eccentric people who value and take pride in their various art forms, and their kingdom's very architecture reflects this. The Denkou see health as wealth, meaning that although they do not praise value through monetary means, they place much value in their tangible possessions, such as their abundance of resources and the myriad of skills and overall success of their kingdom. Their fashion is unique if not for just the composition of their garments alone; the varying styles only add to the culture. Despite this, Denkou is largely community-oriented and prioritizes equity-based approaches. They can be seen as braggarts, sharing knowledge to brag and compare as they are competitive but would never admit it.
Glossary
Illuminite: The foundation of the Denkou kingdom's prosperity. This ore is a durable yet surprisingly malleable resource with an uncanny capacity to serve as a conduit for electricity. It was first discovered through the pilgrimage of a group of Denkou nomads who happened upon it at the top of the largest and most dangerous mountain in the Emerald Ascension, Mt.Vulkan. Through the will of the First Emerald King, the great storms of Vulkan were quelled and allowed for mining the metal. The resource is as plentiful as the mountain itself and, as such, is intimately interrelated throughout most of the Kingdom. Denkou architecture allows them to have a constant pool of energy fed into acting as lightning rod-like constructs that distribute this energy through the Kingdom.
Shaper: The blacksmiths of the kingdom. Their forge magic makes for creating some of the sturdiest weapons. From basic knives to enchanted blades and beyond. Shapers also possess the ability to create Emerald Fae. Golems were created from Illuminite for physical tasks and labor. Some are even designed for combat and protection.
Conduits:Alongside Iluminite, Conduits are the innovative birthchild of Denkou's ancient understanding of Lightning and energy and their natural knack for progressive ingenuity. In the early stages of their creation, conduits were little more than essential yet basic magic tools to help better focus the power of the extraordinary might of the Emerald King's blessing. However, after ages of research and engineering, Conduits have not become the most versatile aspect and advanced creation produced by the Denkou, now ranging from vehicles to everyday necessities to top-notch military arms and some of the most advanced medical equipment known to man.
Weavers: Magical precursors, Hands of Fulgora, Weaving is a transmutation magic unique to Denkou. It enables them to alter the constitution of metal and stone, making the most challenging materials like diamonds as fine as silk. Combined with their eccentric fashionista mindset, this talent has completely redefined the term glass cannon in Denkou Mages. Though it appears light, Denkou clothing can withstand incredible pressure and, depending on its make and purpose, the resistance of different damage types(i.e., slashing/piercing/ various elemental nature, etc.).
Kingsthread: At the summit of the Emerald Ascension is a vicious storm that has raged without end since the inauguration of the First Emerald King. A deposit of Illuminite rests within the epicenter and is saturated with the jade storm. Deep beneath the castle exists a place none but the royal house know. Panna Chiyo; Emerald Blood. An Oasis of raw naten. Its acquisition is dangerous, but the Emerald King can harvest it. The creation of King's thread is the delicate and potentially hazardous process of breaking down the metals and reconstructing them using the emerald blood as a bonding agent, reinforcing its protists and providing uncanny durability. Garments fashioned from such material were only given to the heads of the Households and, of course, the Emerald King.
Ascendants: Denkou, who, despite not being born with the Emerald gene, still can inherit another mutation that has only shown itself within the four Royal bloodlines and is typically appointed as their heads. Those born with this trait possess blazing amber eyes and remarkable magic powers. They are known as Ascendants. Producing an ascendant is rare, as only one or two live in the same house. Save for the Ri’ore, who, though the smallest of the households, are mainly composed of Ascendant mages, being they are direct descendants of the Fist Emerald King. If an Emerald sires a child without the birthright or does not produce an heir, an ascendant may take the throne. In comparison, a normal dental can live as long as 200 years. Ascendants can live almost 400 years old.
Emerald King: As powerful as the Denkou mages are with lightning magic and as exceptional as the Ascendants are, there exists an exception to the exception. A magus that no blood flowing through the Denkou line could hold a candle to. That being would be The Emerald King. The title of Emerald King is one step in prophecy. Living Lightning, The Rai-Father. Bringer of life, wisdom, and millennial prosperity for the Denkou Kingdom. A living, breathing Djynn, a veritable deity. Over the vast Eons, the Denkou have traveled the body of Vescrutia. Only five Emerald Kings possessing the birthright have ever sat on the throne. The first of his kind and the grand ancestor, he started the Kingdom of Denkou, The First Emerald King: Ains Vulkyn Ri'ore Denkou. The Emerald King is said to be a harbinger of change, ushering in a new age of prosperity for the Denkou during his reign.
Geography
The Emerald Ascenion is a massive mountain range that not only encompasses but also outlines the north of Neovia with many peaks that lead to several different pastures of varying ecosystems. This is primarily due to the constantly shifting tropical weather. The two most notable peaks, however, are one governed by the Spirit of the Land, where the Gafrin reside, and the other is the summit of the tallest peak. It is here that the Denkou live. There are a series of complex caverns throughout the mountains that the Denkou is still charting. They share this mountain range with the Titans, a fierce, fantastic race, and the shore with Atlanteans, with whom they have had skirmishes in the early days of settling. The peace is kept between them all by a creed of agreement. They would all mind their spaces and band together should anything threaten the Ascension.
Government:
Though initially led by the clan chiefs, after the coronation of King Ains, a Monarchy was birthed. Those respective clan chiefs became the first of the Royal houses. From this, a long line of Denkou would Govern over the rest: The Ri’ore. Though a monarchy, the kingdom is primarily committed-oriented. Like the rest of Neovia, the Denkou place no value in coins as currency and instead have created a kingdom where each person plays a role in the overall sustainability of the kingdom through trade. They possess no desire to expand their borders, merely their horizons, and have established trades throughout Madeira. Though the descendants of the Emerald King sit at the pinnacle of society, they are not the sole reason the Denkou have flourished through the last twenty millennia. It has been through the faithful combined efforts of the other three great houses.
The Ebon Bear; Grizzly House Of Urso
The Sapphire Mantis; Severing House Of Flonne
The Crimson Ant: Industrious House Of Gamallow
The Emerald Serpent; Eminent House Of Ri’ore
The Kingdom: The Denkou Kingdom is divided into 5 Districts. Four of these five are governed by the respective noble households, with the fifth belonging to the Denkou Cilvialns. Each has contributed greatly to the daily strides taken to improve Denkou's stability and progression actively. Presiding over respective districts in the kingdom, they take the utmost pride in their efforts. Denkou architecture combines ancient designs, modern concepts, and futuristic execution. The House of Flonne's house resides in the "Medical Research and Development" district. Here, the Denkou medical and general education system exists, littered with hospitals and schools. They are partially responsible for many of the concepts co-led by the House of Gamallow, whose persistence knows no bounds. The Gamalow resides in the "Industrial Integrity and Commerce district." On one side is the industrial park where all the smithing and mass production occurs. Despite its serious name, the Commerce Piece is a massive, elaborate bazaar housing many trades and goods alongside many civilian and noble-owned armors and weapons smiths. The Gamalow are gifted artisans with uncanny attention to detail and the potential evolution of anything. They have handcrafted every piece of both the kingdom's architecture as well as its technology. From communication devices to the plethora of Conduits used in everyday life for medical, transportation, or even those used in battle, the hands of Gamallow have touched it all.
Since the founding of the Kingdom, the famed Grizzly mages, the Vanguard and Protectors of the house of Ri’ore, the house of Urso, have served and preserved the house of Ri’ore. They are larger than the Denkou and boast offensive power to match. Possessing more members than the other houses, they make up the brunt of the kingdom's mighty military. It is said that a single Urso is worth a single battalion, but that and Ascdnat Urso are veritable armies. In the house of Urso, the women possess greater physical and magical power and larger bodies than their smaller male counterparts. But their power does not exist in sheer magical ability alone; they are incredibly well-versed in war and combat and have led the Ri’ore and the Denkou kingdom through many harrowing battles. They oversee the kingdom's "Magical Safety and Kingdom Protection" district. Even a Denkou civil with the finest echo of magic must be trained to wield it. The Urso have a personal hand in training all the kingdom aside from its protection.
Last but not least is the Monarchy, the Emenint House of Ri’ore, the only Bloodline in the Denkou kingdom to produce the Emerald King and boast the highest number of Asdent Denkou. The Ri’ore have led with an iron fist laced with fair and equal treatment and distribution of wealth throughout the Kingdom. The Ri’ore are the literal amalgamation of all the presiding households in one. Brawn, Brain, oscillating opulence, and a unique flair for magic are the true guardians of Denkou and the protectors of their legacy and blood. But they are not infamous in name and blood alone. Unlike a typical monarchy, the Ri’ore seldom uses members of other households as ambassadors for other lands or critical political meetings.
They are the force behind their collective voices. Doing so constantly puts their lives at risk for the many who would want to get their hands on the kingdom's vast resources, but theirs is a code that has not ever been broken: We are the Keepers of Fulgora, The precursors of Denkou and we are the Blade of the Weak and the Shields of the Strong. This motto has echoed through the ages and is why these Warrior Diplomats can be found at the front line of every war and skirmish. They were leading from the front, not behind. This willingness to lay down their lives and fight with all they are to protect their kingdom has earned them respect aside from their great bloodline. They preside over the Emerald Palace; Eminnece, home of the Emerald King, is the bastion for many of their daily political intrigues and houses Paana Chiyo: Emerald Blood, the oasis and font of the kingdom's magical resource.
The truth of the Denkou origins; Blight of the Denkou-Shi
It has always been said that the Denkou were a family of mages from before such titles were given to those born with the gift to wield naten that power that fuels magic. No one could speculate why they became nomadic, only that they traveled the world and were given a promise. Should they survive the rise and fall of ten thousand moons, the light of the Emerald Sun would bless them, granting them the home they fiercely sought. They would encounter trial after trial, peril after peril, but joy everlasting and prosperity eternal would be their prize. They were guided by the chieftain, the one chosen by the spirit of nature to navigate through rituals. Every ten years, Rituals would gift that leader the knowledge needed to complete the next phase of the journey. The chieftains were the strongest of the clan and held the ability to commune with these spirits. This, though, was a lie. The Denkou were not the wholesome neighborly pilgrims they had been taught they were. Denkou-Shi: The Original name of the brutal clan of fearsome warriors that stormed the lands long ago. Beings of accretion, skill, and relentless brutality. Mystic Shinobi. Despite their ability, Shinobi were looked at as lesser-class citizens. Nothing but bloodthirsty demons for hire. Beholded to no master but the Lord with the deepest pocket. Eventually, they grew tired of their meager existence and decided to take over, overthrowing many lords and taking their people and land. It was then that Fulgora, Djynn of Lightning, set its gaze upon them, not only because of their strategic cruelty, ambition, and brute magical power but also for their anthem. The original anthem of the Denkoushi was not lightning magic. That was a product of Ain’s betrayal of the Djynn. Keisho, or "Inheritance," is the ability to consume the soul of one's victim, adding to one's magical might. What remained of the continent banded together, forcing the Denkou-Shi off the land. Fulgora approached Ain's Leader of the Shinobi and presented an offer. Travel to Madeira, the Emerald Ascension, and slay Azar, an evil mage. Then have the kingdom your people have bled for.
Only after killing Azar and his people did Ain realize he had been deceived. Azar was not some made villain but the Djynn of Flames, the hot-headed but peaceful protector of his people and land. Specifically, the oasis housed here. It was a merciless slaughter, a furious war of blood and flames that culled the Denkoushi forces by more than half. A war that came to be known as "The Founders Sin." Erased. Despite the heavy losses, they succeeded...Azar's forces were defeated. When a Denkou-Shi absorbs a soul, they can recall the feelings and memories within that spirit. The truth of Fulgora and his true aims were revealed.
At that very moment, Ains Ri'ore, who had devoured the soul of the Azar, resonated with the pain, suffering, and loss the Former King felt. He learned the truth of Djynn's origins and its nefarious plot for power. This changed Ain, who, though he had been a ruthless warrior most of his life, now begged to question if this was indeed the kind of dynasty he wished to leave behind. It was for survival; he had always told himself the deaths of thousands were merely a means to an end. But Azar's love and despair for his land land hit him deeply.
Incredibly pleased, the Deity of Lightning took this time to pounce. He sought to forcibly merge his entity with Ains, taking possession of his body and holding both Ain's and Azar's power. However, despite Fulgora watching the incredible mental and physical fortitude the Denkoushi displayed upon their pilgrimage, he severely underestimated them. He was devoured by Ains, who slew the wicked carnation, submerging Ains in the overwhelming power of the Fulgora himself, binding a fae to human flesh, and giving rise to the First Emerald King.
With the coming of this power also gave way to memories of the world before mortals. The peace and harmony of nature before the ambitious. This persuaded the King's heart; he would start his people down a new path. One of peace, prosperity, and joy. Using his power, he linked his people to his essence and cast a powerful spell that would rewrite their memories, with only he knowing the truth, sealing the part of the Azar's essence he absorbed within himself. Azar's essence was corrupted by hatred and sired a revenge and curse that he would have his vengeance. Thus, the nefarious Denkoushi ceased to be, and the pristine, illustrious kingdom of Denkou was born. Unaware of their dark history.
