The Shogunate of Kalon

The Shogunate of Kalon is a nation of goblinoids, known for its strong martial traditions and pragmatic attitudes. Initially a territory of Lyzum, the orcs of Lyzum refused to participate in the Mercury Road War in earnest, leaving their goblinoid neighbors to fend for themselves in the conflict. In a bloodless event known as the Cashmere Revolution, Kalon declared its independence from Lyzum after this perceived betrayal, and the goblinoids began to forge their own path.

The goblinoids of Kalon saw first-hand the bloodshed brought by modern warfare, and since their separation, the military of the nation has modernized at a breakneck pace. Military reforms have been enacted one after another, to the grumbling and anger of some of the more traditional military leaders of the nation. Still, the results are undeniable, and those forces that embrace new technologies see their effectiveness improve dramatically.

While the armies of Kalon each belong to a different clan, and are therefore less uniform, the navy of Kalon is controlled directly by the Shogun. As a result, the reluctance to modernize that sometimes hangs over the armies is absent when it comes to the nation's sea power, and advancements in this field have made Kalon a major naval power.

Kalon is populated primarily by goblins, hobgoblins, and bugbears who each belong to one of the nation's many clans. These clans form the basis of one's life in the nation, acting as akin to both a family and the local government for each member. The traditions of Kalon dictate that one's clan is more important than one's life, and this is particularly true in war, where any and every member of a clan may be called to serve.

This call to arms is used extensively, as Kalon is in a perpetual state of polite civil war. The various clans are eager to improve their ability to wage war, as well as gain honor through victory in battle. Territory never changes hands as a result of these conflicts, and so the stakes are comparatively low, though leadership of the country can easily change should the Shogun's clan be defeated enough in battle. The clans also view these battles as a necessary form of population control, as the casualties incurred by all participants helps counterbalance the high speed of reproduction that goblinoids are notorious for.

The Shogun is the ultimate ruler of Kalon, with the position occupied by the leader of whichever clan is considered the most capable in battle. Below the Shogun are the Daimyos, the leaders of all other clans which swear allegiance to the Shogun in exchange for being granted land to rule. Clan borders are always adjusted following the ascent of a new Shogun, as the Shogun's clan is expected to handicap itself by surrendering some land, and further adjustments to territory are usually needed to maintain some balance of power between the numerous clans.

Within this system, though, is no shortage of intrigue. Subterfuge and diplomacy are equally important when waging war, and the clans are encouraged to ply these trades as well. The centers of power in Kalon are typically whirlwinds of double-dealings, uneasy alliances, and assurances. Though even in this environment, some actions such as assassinations are typically considered a step to far.

The cites of Kalon are typically abuzz with activity, as they act as some of the most intense centers of mass production for the nation, and are often considered chaotic by the standards of most other races.

The sole land in Kalon that belongs to no clan, Kokochiyoi is the capital of Kalon, and it considered to be owned directly by the reigning Shogun rather than their clan. The city acts as a hotbed of innovation, as outsiders are typically only permitted here, and so it is within the streets of this city that the clans search for anything the outside world may offer that can give their clan an edge.

Separated from the mainland the Shogun rules from, Kurukku is one of the last major holdouts against the modernization that has been occurring in Kalon, and acts as the center of organized resistance by those clans who refuse to abandon the old ways. While not openly treasonous yet, the grumblings of the Daimyos that meet here have been ignored by the Shogun, and talks of using force to prevent the further deterioration of the army is becoming louder.