Ushinawa Isles

Ushinawa Isles

(Region)

Titles

Sublime Shogunate of Ushinawa

Nation

Shackles

Capital

Genzei

Ruler

Tanagowu Heigo

Government

Shogunate

Source: Isles of the Shackles, pg(s). 34

The Ushinawa Isles, an archipelago of ten islands in the Shackles, are home to the Sublime Shogunate of Ushinawa.

History

The Sublime Shogunate of Ushinawa was founded in the Ushinawa Isles by the samurai patriarch Tanagowu Useme nearly two centuries ago. Grown tired of the labyrinthine intrigues of Minkan politics, Useme led seven ships from Minkai to the Shackles on a journey halfway around the world. The fiercely independent samurai and his rowdy followers first set foot on what is now the largest of the Ushinawa Isles. The proud warriors fought the murderous kuru natives who populated the stony Ghol-Gani ruins that dotted the island. The bloody fighting lasted one month, and at the end every kuru was put to the sword.

The warriors and the Tian-Min sailors and servants who accompanied them established the new limestone town of Genzei, and within four years the nine other islands of the archipelago were similarly cleansed of their natives. The descendants of Useme have reigned these two centuries, though not without numerous challenges, as the arrogant and aggressive samurai offer their fealty only to the ruler who proves strongest.

Government

The current Shogun is Tanagowu Heigo. All pirates who call Ushinawa Isles their home pay a hefty tribute to the Shogun, but otherwise the isles boast great independence.

Demographics

Most inhabitants are descendants of the original Tian settlers but elves soured by the Witch-Queen Kaala of Kepre Dua have made a home in the Ushinawa Isles, appreciating the bold meritocracy of the shogunate. A large number of tengu retire from their seagoing life to live here, usually tending shops and taverns or working the docks. Ushinawa samurai scorn slavery and refuse to permit enslaved persons on the islands.

Though the islands have been cleansed of kuru and Ghol-Gani threats, adventurers still occasionally find entrances to deep dungeons. Most such sites are marked and sealed off immediately.