Kozakura

Kozakura is a nation composed of many islands, the largest of which stretches fourteen hundred miles from tip to tip. It is a land where constant political power struggles are fought, and the central government in the Imperial Capital only has power within its immediate reach. Political intrigue is common as the great clans of Kozakura seek to outmanoeuvre each other in their bid for power and wealth.

Geography
An archipelago nation, Kozakura consists of many islands. There are twenty-four islands large enough to support multiple settlements, as well as uncountable smaller islets. The largest island, which is roughly fourteen hundred miles across its length, is named Shinkoku and is the location for the current imperial capital, Doiyu.

The larger islands are generally mountainous towards the centre, sloping steeply down to wide plains before reaching the coastline. There is a great deal of forest covering much of the islands - most kozakuran construction is done in wood. At higher altitudes, such as the mountain slopes, the forests are typically of cedar and pine. In the more humid lower climes, cypress and bamboo are more common.

Politics
The nominal head of government is a hereditary Emperor, who traditionally takes over from his father at a very young age, necessitating the services of a regent to rule in his name. The old Emperor is forced into retirement, but still maintains some influence with a title of Retired Emperor. This means that generally there are three factions in the Imperial Court vying for control.

Over the past several hundred years, the position of Emperor has faded in importance and the Shogun has become the de facto ruler of Kozakura. The position of Shogun is, however, tainted with much of the same politics and manoevering that affected the Emperor. This results in many Shoguns ascending to the position at a young age, and the need for a shikken, which is a regent for the Shogun.

While the Imperial and Shogunate courts still have solid control over the imperial capital and the lands close by, many Daimyos, or local lords, still have near-absolute authority in their own lands and do not defer to the central government.