Ryukami
History & Culture
From the first settlers who crossed ancient seas to the eternal conflicts that shape the present, discover the rich tapestry of aRyukami's past and the traditions that bind its people together.
Timeline of Major Events
The First Settlers
AncientAncient peoples from the Esharan mainland crossed the sea to settle the islands thousands of years ago, seeking refuge and fortune in these fertile lands.
The Dragon Pact
AncientEarly settlers formed a covenant with the oriental dragons (Ryujin, Fujin, Shenlong) for protection in exchange for reverence and annual offerings.
Rise of the Drakonis
MedievalThe feudal system crystallized as powerful warrior-lords claimed divine dragon heritage, establishing themselves as the Drakonis ruling class.
The Yuan-Ti Migration
MedievalThe serpent-folk arrived from southern lands, establishing their kingdom on Kaijuroku and Midorijima, bringing ancient magic and cunning to the archipelago.
The Gogath Uprising
MedievalOgre magi on Kuroshima united the monster races under a single banner, creating the third kingdom and challenging human and serpent dominion.
The Three Kingdoms War
ModernThe current ongoing conflict between Kagemura, Sserakai, and Gogath erupted, fought across all islands with no clear victor in sight.
The Rune Sword Forging
ModernLegendary Kaishin smiths created the nine rune swords during the height of the conflict, each wielded by a legendary Kensai warrior of immense power.
The Pirate Incursion
ModernThe Freeport of Scuttle Cove began exploiting the war, establishing smuggling routes through the archipelago and profiting from the eternal conflict.
Myths and Legends
The Ryukami Archipelago is woven from ancient tales and timeless legends, passed down through generations. These stories shape the beliefs, fears, and dreams of all who dwell upon the islands.
1
The Dragon's Tears
A legend of how the islands were formed from tears shed by the first dragon in mourning for a lost love.
2
The Moonbridge
A bridge of light said to appear between Shiroshima and the spirit realm during full moons, allowing passage between worlds.
3
The Sword Saint
The tale of the first Kensai who defeated all nine challengers in a single day without drawing blood.
4
The Serpent's Garden
A myth of a hidden garden where all poisons become cures and all cures become poison, depending on the wielder's intent.
5
The Iron Mountain's Heart
A legend that Kuroshima's volcano contains the beating heart of a sleeping titan, keeping it dormant through ancient magic.
6
The Kenku's Lost Voice
The tale of why the kenku can only mimic sounds, tied to a bargain struck with Fujin the Wind Dragon centuries ago.
7
The Tabaxi Navigator
An ancient tale of a tabaxi who sailed beyond the world's edge and returned with star charts that guide sailors to this day.
8
The Ghost Fleet
Spectral ships that appear during storms, crewed by the dead of ancient naval battles, warning the living to stay ashore.
9
The Jade Emperor's Game
A myth that the three kingdoms' war is actually a celestial game played by divine spirits, with mortal souls as pieces.
10
The Last Cherry Blossom
A prophecy that when the last cherry tree on Ryuujima blooms black, the war will finally end in fire and rebirth.
Magical Flora
The archipelago is home to extraordinary plants imbued with magical properties, each serving medicinal, alchemical, or ceremonial purposes. These flora are carefully cultivated, harvested, and traded throughout Ryukami.
Sakura no Yume
Dream Blossom
Color:
Pink
Effect:
Inhaling pollen induces prophetic dreams and visions of futures untold
Location:
Ryuujima
Hebi no Tsuru
Serpent Vine
Color:
Dark Green
Effect:
Produces powerful antivenom and immunity to poison for brief periods
Location:
Kaijuroku
Umi no Hana
Sea Flower
Color:
Bioluminescent Blue
Effect:
Grows underwater and used in navigation potions to chart course by starlight
Location:
Aojima (Underwater)
Yuki no Kiku
Snow Chrysanthemum
Color:
White
Effect:
Blooms only in snowfall; key component for cold resistance and winter protection
Location:
Shiroshima
Hi no Tsubaki
Fire Camellia
Color:
Crimson Red
Effect:
Grows near volcanic vents; grants fire resistance and heat immunity
Location:
Kuroshima
Midori no Suiren
Green Lotus
Color:
Jade Green
Effect:
Giant lily pad with powerful healing properties; core of restoration potions
Location:
Midorijima
Tsuki no Ran
Moon Orchid
Color:
Silver
Effect:
Blooms only under moonlight; enhances divination and lunar magic
Location:
Shiroshima
Kaze no Sugi
Wind Cedar
Color:
Golden Brown
Effect:
Bark whistles in the wind; wood used for magical musical instruments
Location:
All Islands (High Peaks)
Yami no Kinoko
Shadow Mushroom
Color:
Black
Effect:
Grows in caves; used in shadow magic and stealth potions for invisibility
Location:
Underground Caverns
Ryu no Koke
Dragon Moss
Color:
Golden
Effect:
Found near dragon lairs; essential component for draconic magic rituals
Location:
Dragon Sanctuaries
Chi no Bara
Blood Rose
Color:
Deep Crimson
Effect:
Thorned roses that drain vitality; used in necromantic and binding magic
Location:
Battlefields (Kagemura/Sserakai borders)
Magical Roots
Raikonkon
Thunder Root
Grants temporary lightning resistance and protection from electrical magic
Dokukon
Poison Root
Either cures or causes poison depending on preparation method and alchemist intent
Shinkon
Spirit Root
Allows brief communication with the dead and contact with ancestral spirits
Chiryokon
Healing Root
Powerful restorative potion, but causes drowsiness and temporal disorientation
Ryukon
Dragon Root
Grants temporary draconic features including scales, claws, and elemental breath
Cultural Traditions
Despite the divisions of war and kingdom, the people of Ryukami share ancient traditions that bind them together through ritual, ceremony, and shared values that transcend political boundaries.
Ancestor Veneration
The spirits of ancestors are honored at household shrines throughout the islands, guiding and protecting the living through ancestral wisdom.
The Way of the Blade
A martial philosophy governing the Kensai, emphasizing honor, discipline, and the spiritual connection between warrior and weapon.
Tea Ceremony
A ritualized social interaction and meditation practice that fosters harmony, respect, and mindfulness among practitioners.
Tournament of Blades
An annual inter-island martial competition where the greatest warriors test their skills and prove their worth in honorable combat.
Dragon Festivals
Celebrations honoring the three oriental dragons with elaborate ceremonies, offerings, and festivals across all islands.
Ghost Lantern Night
An annual festival where paper lanterns guide the spirits of the dead, allowing them to visit the living for one sacred night.
Historical Scenes
Ancient Dragon Shrine
The First Settlers Arrive
Kensai Warrior Training
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Three Kingdoms War
Ghost Lantern Night
The history of Ryukami is written in the blood of ancient heroes, the tears of the dragons, and the unwavering determination of those who refuse to let their traditions die. Every scar on the islands tells a story, and every tradition connects the present to the eternal past.