Kuroyoushaku Nation
by Aoz(Japanese for Obsidian)
Cathos and Vacros Island | Picture from pandius.com
The Maze of the Riddling Minotaur wrote:The Island of Vacros is a barren volcanic land.
Hidden treasure, strange gems and great magic.
The east-west road, the lighthouse, and temple area. The Jungle covers most of the island and has reduced the once proud buildings of the city to rubble.
The Maze of the Riddling Minotaur takes place on the tip of a large island abandoned for centuries by civilized man. There may be greater treasure and adventure among the jungle ruins of the city, as well as in the volcanic highlands.
The Events and Creation of Kuroyoushaku
Navarre Nisi Investments (Nisi is Greek for Island) will start raising money before Navarre even has an Island.
This reborn trickster has decided with the assistance of his mentor (The mentor will send Lord Evokron to help) to draw certain Glantri and Darokin investors to invest in the Kuroyoushaku (Japanese for Obsidian) Nation, a fictional land. Hundreds will invest their gold in the supposed Kuroyoushaku Nation for hopes of a jackpot.
Magus Evokron will send a message to Navarre that a great opportunity has arrived. He will teleport to Magus Evokron and meet Princess Lydora of Cathos.
Events
- Multiple Children are taken from Cathos to Vacros Island by Cultists.
-The Princess Lydora: Priestess of Cathos will sneak off and lead the rescue mission herself.
- Magus Evokron, The Princess and Master Navarre will defeat the villains along with rescuing 113 children. The three will return as heroes of Cathos Island.
-The King of Cathos will ask what each whats. Magus Evokron will ask for a rare ocean spell component, the Princess will ask for funds for the kidnapped victims, and then Master Navarre will ask for Vacros Island to be turned into a territory under Princess Lydora control.
-The King and his advisors will be shocked; however, the Princess will be pleased and support the request. She will tell everyone there, "The Island has been a source of Evil for so long even I was kidnapped not that long ago. "It is time We, reclaim Vacros for the Light."
-After a few weeks, the King of Cathos will agree but will still he gather information on Navarre. He allowed it after learning the children saw him transform into a Golden Dragon. He doesn't want to get on the bad side of a dragon along with the fact that the dragon is supporting the Princess.
- Master Navarre will name suggest that the territory be named: Kuroyoushaku (Japanese for Obsidian) and the Princess will take his suggestion on a unique government.
Since Vacros City was destroyed long ago, the Princess will have a new city built over the ruins of Vacros City and renamed Garum City with the funds Master Navarre donates to the cause.
This is how a fictional land becomes a real place and nation.
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Kuroyoushaku Populations As of 1.1023.
Garum City| [3,960] Settlers and Investors.
The Adventurers Guild of Kuroyoushaku | Average 144 members of TAG.
Temple of Huul'daac [138 members]
Garum Institute of Wizardry [89 members]
Total Population: 4,331
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Kuroyoushaku
Law and Government
Each founding guild and house gets a vote. This institution, being established in the first days of the territory.
The System of rulership is broken down into different parts. The monarchical is the Princess Lydora: Priestess of Cathos, who retained executive authority, each House and Guild is represented by a Senator, and the democratic by the people, represented through popular assemblies known as the Tribunal.
The citizen (of the islands) can elect a representative: three Tribunal are important officials are empire.
The tribunal of 3 provides a balance between the power of Princess Lydora of Cathos, the guilds, houses and the needs of the people. There are 3 at any time, and they could act separately or together.
These Tribunal members are to support the common people. They could summon the Senate (Guilds and houses), propose legislation and intervene on the behalf of citizens in legal matters. Most important of all was the power to veto (need 2 votes of 3) the actions of the Senate or a magistrate (judge) and require the Master Navarre to make the final decision. An assault on any of the Tribunal even by a Master Navarre is a death sentence by the law.
Tribunal were elected by the People's vote. They could be adventurers, intelligent animals, commoners. Their role lasts will last 10 years. They are a stabilizing force in the Empire.
Kuroyoushaku's Supreme Court, headed by 1 magistrate appointed from each House and Guild, rules on constitutional, legal and law issues. Other cases can be appealed to the (2 of 3 votes) Tribunal. The Houses and Guilds cannot overturn court decisions; however, the Tribunal can ask Princess Lydora of Cathos to overturn the court's decision.
Air-balloon(s) called Ätherflügel (German for Aetherwing) can be rode around and to nearby islands created by the adaptors that moved to the Island.
Foreign relations
In 1020, the Princess of Cathos and Kuroyoushaku will send out messengers declaring itself a sovereign territory.
Economy
The Vacros economy is strong in obsidian. Using mining and the coral reef, this will account for the majority of its economic output. The Adventurers Guild will also assist Kuroyoushaku with "adventurers" and containment of the maze.? The government places a small percentage of material's earnings into the Tribunal Commonwealth Trust.
The trust manages long-term investments, which are intended to support the citizens of Vacros Island in the future (overseen by the Master Navarre and Tribunal). As, of 1020 AC the Tribunal Commonwealth Trust is currently at 3000 GP.
There are no personal taxes on Vacros. However, Exports and Imports are charged a flat 10% fee along with spells for profit [personal spells: no fee]. Tourism is not a major contributor to the economy. However, the Master Navarre and the Adventurers Guild hope to change that very soon.
A portion of the 10% is split between all the Houses, Guilds and the people.
10% Share Split
Princess of Cathos: 20
Master Navarre Wynmyar: 2
-Village of Ilymalume then will transform into Mira's Mystara Fund (charity) after Village rebuilt: 3
Kuroyoushaku Nation: 25
Tribunal Commonwealth Trust: 5
His Mentor (Magus Evokron is his Representative): 5
Magic Guild: 5
Temple of Huul'daac (Vice-GuildMaster is the Representative): 5
The Adventurers Guild: 5
Merchant Guild: 5
6 different Houses and 4 other Guilds: 20 (split among this groups: 2 each)
100 % total
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Garum City
TOWERS: Multiple lookout towers are all over the village. Each tower holds a few guards. At least one lookout is in each tower at all times.
BOATS: The outriggers are beached unless the citizens are out fishing, coral collecting, and pearl harvesting.
HUTS: Magus Evokron over the next 2 years and 6 months with use wood shaping, stone shaping and fabrication along with summoned labors to create "modern" Huts for the Vacros Island.
The Turtle Tavern. This tavern is made of a medium dragon turtle shell and the tavern serves coconut lime moonshine along with other alcohol.
Various Merchant Establishments. These buildings are the property of the Kuroyoushaku Merchants’ Guild. Some of them serve as simple shelters, including workmen who come to town. They buy at items at 40% (50% in a TAG member or Trade Partners) and sells for 150%.
The Stone Inn. The Inn was the best meeting place in town. Visitors can rent rooms by the night, and meals are sold in a large common room where sailors and traders mix. Rooms cost 2 gp per night; meals range from 5 sp (seaweed soup) to 20 gp (Hydra Burger). The inn is always crowded with ship captains and officers, prominent merchants passing through town, adventurers, pirates and gamblers.
Garum Beach Store. These two buildings use to have everything a Traveller may need. Any equipment from ropes to mining gear to paddle boards and the best Iron Rations from Glantri.
Fishermen’s Houses. Kuroyoushaku’s fishermen Guild owes several buildings scattered near the docks.
Town Square. Most of the main buildings in the business district are built around the middle of town, an open-air marketplace with public auctions. One day a week, the square it was filled with merchants and traders peddling their wares. On market day, virtually any item imaginable (even possibly a magic item or two) can be bought from one of the vendors.
Coral, Pearl and Oyster Warehouses.
Seafolk trade welcomed.
These buildings serve as warehouses for coral, Pearl and oysters recovered from diving expeditions off the coast. Kuroyoushaku’s coral and pearl trade fell under the supervision of the Zacarius Sea Merchants’ Guild.
A deal was made with the Zacarius: Wizard of Cathos, Seashell Ambassador. Transportation via teleport to The Adventurers Guild of Kuroyoushaku and back to the Adventurers Guild of Glantrian once every 4 months. He will be part of the Merchant Guild. He will buy and sell Coral and Pearls. Important dates for the Seashell Ambassador Timeline from 1015 AC to 1020 AC. In 1.1021, Zacarius will have a meeting on the Vacros Island (be transport there via magic) and to his joy find Princess of Cathos there (Navarre's mentor made this possible). Once every 4 months the two will get to see each other for a few hours (Zacarius will disguise himself as Lord Fang).
Thorn Wall: Garum City is surrounded by a wall of thorn and stone walsl. The 5-foot tall by 10-foot-wide wall keeps out all but the largest animals.
Tropical Fruit Stand and Günther and Sons's Blacksmithing. Everything is under construction.
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The Adventurers Guild of Kuroyoushaku
Built by The Adventurers Guild (TAG) with the help from Priests of Huul'daac Tarthuul.
Main Gate. Two large wooden gates, built into the stone. One of the gates stands open. A search of the ground reveals a lot of tracks through the open gate.
Gate House. These two small rooms served as gate houses, providing shelter and office space for the guards who were assigned to protect the gates and admit visitors. Both rooms are completely empty, the furniture is being made for the keep.
Welcoming room and Statues. Built to honor Mîra Wynmyar and her Immortal patron: Ilsundal ( with a Banner of Huul'daac hanging in the background). Huul'daac thought this would win over Navarre.
Dining Hall. This large room will serve as the dining and meeting hall.
Kitchen. New cooking utensils can be found in this area.
Storage. Will be used as a food store; however, there is hidden room in the back of the room.
Adventure Hall. This room will serve as main part of the Headquarters. This room in the keep, is furnished.
Study and Guild Master's Room. This room was created for the Guild Master of TAG. The one condition for The Adventurers Guild investing was Navarre become the Kuroyoushaku Guild Master and the face of the Tag in Kuroyoushaku. The Vice-Guild Master is a 11th level female Priest of Huul'daac (Irene Kokkinos) from the Kingdom of Ierendi.
A small library and sleeping area along with a secret compartment hidden in the wall.
This safe was locked by magic and is carved directly into the cave walls. The door to the compartment is wizard locked (at 10th level), can be unlocked by Navarre paw and only those the size of a cat can enter this room.
In the compartment are two pouches, one filled with a variety of pearls (total value 2,500 gp), the other containing 1000 PP and a crystal ball. His most important items are in a compartment, and they are three perfectly preserved books, each bound in green dragon hide.
Three elven spell books (Mira's) with 1st to 5th level spells and adventuring notes.
Spiral Staircase. This room contains a stone spiral staircase that leads down to the dungeon. The staircase is narrow and can accommodate humanoids in single file only.
The bottom of the spiral staircase opens into a large room with multiple obsidian statues.
Dungeon Entrance. The lowest point of the caves. Explorers need some form of magical or artificial light from this point on, as no natural light makes its way down here.
The Priests and Mages Room. For the Priests and Mages of Huul'daac. A total of 16 priests from 1st to 10th level (some living and a few undead), has 8 wizards/elves of Huuldaac from 1st to 8th level for sleeping and resting. As of the date, 12.1022.
Treasury. A room, adventurer packs, multiple empty chests, 500 sheets of parchment, and other treasures. The vault has some minor magical items, scrolls, books, potions and a few magic weapons. The vault is defended with priests, wizards, 6 animated armors, 2 spirit guardians and warded with magics.
Altar to Huuldaac: This is where the priests' open portals to planar dungeons. The Priests and Wizards of Huul'daac also provide teleport to Glantri Adventurers Guild for 500 gold pieces per person.
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Vacros Island
The fertile areas on this once volcanic island, is where coconut palms flourish. The land around the island supports blue bananas, purple coconuts, and bamboo.
There are limited natural sources of freshwater. Rooftop storage tanks collect rainwater and collect the water that runs down the cliffs in the rainy season.
Climate
Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year, with hot days and warm nights. The dry season lasts from June to October, but there is some precipitation even during those months with a heavy atmosphere and sometimes violent storms resulting in heavy rains. These rains can last for several days, but this does not preclude many sunny days during the wet season. The humidity level usually ranges from 75% to 90%, sometimes reaching 100%. The dry season is between April and October, with warm and fairly dry weather, but the trade winds sometimes blow strongly. The days are still sunny, but although the dry season is present, this does not prevent the occurrence of some showers or even thunderstorms in the afternoon. The temperature ranges between 30 and 35.9 °C (86 and 96 °F) during the day and is quite stable at around 25 °C (77 °F) at night.
Ecology
There are a few rare plant species native to the island. Coconut farming, mining, and introduced species have seriously disturbed the native vegetation.
The diversity of the reef marine life will make fishing a popular activity; also popular are scuba diving and snorkeling.
Plants and Farming
The settlers kept household gardens that provided much of the food that they needed through subsistence farming, with the most common food plants including coconuts, blue banana and other tropical fruit. The soil in is rich on the Island, the area is still recovering from the mines, and makes an extremely fertile and great for growing crops.
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Guild, Houses and Trade Goods
Potions, Scrolls and Spell Prices are regulated by the Kuroyoushaku Guilds.
Spells: 100 GP per Spell Level
Potions and Scrolls: 500 GP per level of potions or scroll level
Healing Potion [Equal to a 1st level spell]: 500 GP
Normal Goods on Vacros Island will be + 20% higher than normal.
Garum Blue Healing Potion (TAG Marketing: Cureall): Cost 3000 GP
Average Adventurers from Wizard to Fighter can make up to 300 GP per level per month.
Teleport to Another TAG Location(s)
Cost: 500 gp per person
The Sky Ship called Drekagas (Icelandic for Dragon Gas)
Bought from a Gnome by a wealthy Darokin Merchant Family.
Route from Kuroyoushaku then back again with a few chests of holding.
Glantri
Darokin
Ierendi
Isle of Dread
Kuroyoushaku
Cost: the rates are per mile at 5 gp per passenger and 2 gp per one hundred pounds (per mile) for sky ship transit.
Air-balloon(s) called Ätherflügel (German for Aetherwing) give rides to nearby islands.
The fastest hot air balloon has ever traveled is 245 miles per hour. These Adaptor Air-balloon(s) get 180 miles per hour. Can fly mostly anywhere, even to the Isle of Dread and back again. The group of adaptors seem to be searching for some special gems on Vacros.
Cost: 2-hour trip for about 10 to 20 GP per person.
Some goods and exports of Kuroyoushaku:
mawana tree sap| soothes burn wounds; regain 1d4 hit points from fire damage (75 gp)
kiwiki fruit | provides 1 day of liquid for a medium creature (20 gp)
blue orchid | beautiful (worth 1500 GP) [Protected]
clay vial of perfume (worth 15 gp)
small sharkskin pouch (worth 20 gp)
freshwater pearl (each worth 50 gp)
ivory-handled knife (worth 75 gp)
purple coral figurine (worth 90 gp)
Garum Caviar 1 pound is 90 to 120 GP
obsidian, coral, sea shells, pearls, rare plants and even some fish.
Blue orchid Bee
Royal Beekeepers
Princess Lydora personal business
Vacros Orchid Honey (1 pound: 100 - 200 GP)
90 hives shattered around island
Makes 60 pounds per hive per year.
Vacros Ants
Blue Java banana
Vacros coconut: Coconut husks are mostly used in direct burning to produce charcoal.
