Ezogashima

Ezogashima is one of the five continents of Nova.

Overview

Geography

Ezogashima is a coalition of volcanic islands spanning 800 miles in Nova’s eastern equatorial region. Each island features misty mountains, cherry blossom-lined shores, and steaming hot springs, with volcanic peaks shaping the skyline. The Astral Moon casts a soft, ethereal glow on pagoda rooftops and Sakura trees, while the Umbral Moon deepens the shadows of bamboo groves and volcanic caves, where Aetheric rifts from the First Shattering pulse with chaotic energy. Ebon Scales, remnants of the shattered Ebon Moon, are buried in volcanic ash or enshrined in sacred sites, emitting a subtle hum that attracts draconic and human interest.

Climate and Hazards

The subtropical climate brings humid summers and mild winters, interrupted by volcanic tremors and Aetheric Eruptions. Bamboo Thickets, Lava Flows, and Sakura Storms challenge travelers and inhabitants.

Culture

The Shogunate of Ezogashima, led by the Shogun of Kiyomura, unites the island coalition under a feudal system rooted in bushido. The Sakura Clans, comprising samurai, shugenja (shrine priests), and ninja, govern the three major islands—Kiyomura (central hub), Tsukishima (northern peaks), and Sakurajima (southern springs)—pledging fealty to the Shogun. They travel with caravans mounted on Sakura Raptors, agile avian runners native to the islands, and worship the Kami Pantheon, a nine-deity Shinto-inspired group reflecting the islands’ diversity:

• Amateru (Courage)
• Susanoo (Strength)
• Inari (Prosperity)
• Tsukiyomi (Stealth)
• Hachiman (Honor)
• Ryujin (Water)
• Izanagi (Creation)
• Izanami (Death)
• Kagutsuchi (Fire)

Rituals vary by island: tea ceremonies and duels in Kiyomura, shadow dances in Tsukishima, and sea offerings in Sakurajima. These practices maintain harmony against Klythar. The Order of the Ouroboros tempts clans with Ebon Scales, while the Ravus Empire seeks Aetheric resources.

History

Ezogashima was once a kami-blessed realm, thriving on Aetheric harmony until the First Shattering sank some islands and scattered Ebon Scales. The Shogunate united the clans, but recent Ravus incursions suggest a grand scheme on the horizon.

Key Factions

• Sakura Clans (Kiyomura (Clan), Tsukishima, Sakurajima): Feudal warriors, priests, and ninja, allies if bushido is respected.
• Shogun’s Council: Guards an Ebon Scale in the Shrine of the Kami.
• Ravus Empire: Harvests Aetheric resources.

Key Locations

• Kiyomura: Kiyomura
• Tsukishima: Tsukishima (100 miles north of Kiyomura)
• Sakurajima: Sakurajima (150 miles south of Kiyomura)

Species Population

• Sentient Species:
• Humans: Dominant Shogunate population under the Shogun of Kiyomura (est. 50-55%).
• Tabaxi: Agile scouts and messengers (est. 14-16%).
• Kenku: Crafty spies and artisans (est. 10-12%).
• Tieflings: Mystics or enforcers (est. 6-8%).
• Dragonborn: Second-class citizens, often laborers or soldiers (est. 3-4%).
• Kobolds: Second-class citizens, serving as miners or servants (est. 3-4%).
• Lizardfolk: Swamp-dwellers near volcanic lagoons, traders or recluses (est. 3-4%).
• Fire Genasi: Volcanic mystics (est. 3-4%).

In the timeline

• Circa 1000: The War of the First Races fractures Roh-ber, creating Ezogashima through tectonic upheaval.
• Circa 2001: Ezogashima's settlers harness volcanic energy.
• Circa 2500: Ezogashima's Ember Tribes forge volcanic strongholds.
• Circa 2900: Ezogashima's Ember Tribes honor a Kami Pantheon.
• Circa 4000: The Ouroboros Cult builds strength primarily in Glacithar and Ezogashima.
• Circa 5000: Ezogashima's Shogunate emerges.
• Circa 5200: Ezogashima resists Dawn Haven in the Dawnforge War.
• 6352: A campaign hub.