Idea Tales of Nakashigata -- Feedback Thread

[Chordling]

Updated content here

Hello everyone! This is a new idea that has distracted me from responding to my role plays on a usual schedule for the past couple of days, hahaha. It's got steampunk (which is no surprise to those of you who know me lol). I still haven't made a decision about whether I will get this off the ground and running. The idea is still in the early development stages. What I have for you today are snippets of concepts that I was interested in including in the lore and setting, which I have been doing research on so far.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions and knowledge to contribute to these subjects!

Spoiler: Japanese Dragons Images and Lore

Dragon lore is primarily based off of themes observed in Japanese/ Chinese mythology.

Dragons were recognized as water deities. They were serpent-like and did not have wings as observed with dragons from European mythology. Some records show human sacrifices of various forms to the dragons. They even explain dragons as shapeshifters; dragons could disguise themselves as humans. Many stories connect them to royal bloodlines and the four realms of astrology. Military fleets often named themselves after these powerful creatures, which could be seen living in bodies of waters by dedicated temples and shrines. Japanese dragons notably have three claws on each foot. There are annual firework festivals to honor these mythical beasts.

Here, Here, Here, and Here

Spoiler: Steampunk Dragons

Images depict possible design concepts for structures of dragons but not of the creatures themselves (see spoiler above).

Here, Here, and Here

Spoiler: Samurais

Content and research is currently lacking.

Spoiler: Martial Arts

Video demonstrations of four common types of Chinese martial arts.

Kung fu
Tai Chi
Hung Gar
Ba Gua Zhang

Spoiler: Music

A mix of various styles of music. Traditional Chinese music contributions from Onmyoji, thank you. I would like to add more traditional Japanese music to this list as well as other types of "Steampunk" music in the future.

Relaxing Armenian Music with Duduk
Kinobe Kalimba Performance
Traditional Japanese Music
Three Variations on Plum Blossom
Wild Geese Descending on the Sandbank
Prelude to a Fair evening
Dialogue Between the Fisherman and the Woodcutter

Spoiler: Fashion

Some images that I was able to dig up for what I think I want the clothing to resemble in the setting.

Here, Here, Here, Here, Here

Spoiler: More Inspiration

The Elderscrolls: Skyrim
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Attack on Titan

 

[Chordling]

M Mesenterium I'll check out that anime and see if I can draw some inspiration. Do you believe that the content I have so far is an accurate representation of the topics you mentioned in your response? What could I consider adding if you feel like I am missing something? I don't want to get super historical with this concept here but I want to represent the culture well. I am not familiar with Asian culture and history in the slightest so I've been rummaging through the dark a bit. I don't know what I don't know.

 

[Chordling]

I'd really love to see how you're planning on introducing steampunk dragons because I think it is such a cool idea!

Right now, the idea is that they are only sculptures. I'm having trouble fusing the ideas together at the moment and that's mostly due to the little research that I have done for the steampunk side of things. It will be exciting once I figure it out though, hahaha, and I have a feeling it will come later when I start to focus on the plot.

 

[Chordling]

I clearly have a couple of shows to watch, hahaha.

 

[Folly-Derrezzed]

Haha i did this

 

[Folly-Derrezzed]

Hol up i can't access the image links.

 

[Chordling]

Haha i did this

To be fair, I was considering whether I wanted a one on one or a group roleplay and I decided to just go with both. Are you having trouble with all of the images or just some of them?

 

[Folly-Derrezzed]

I know, i was jokin. Aint gonna take all the credit. Its uh..all of em unfortunately. Don't worry bout it though i have some idea of the dragons.

 

[Chordling]

Folly-Derrezzed I looked up drawings/ sketches of traditional Japanese dragons and steampunk dragons.

 

[kikuQ]

Woahh, I'm in love! The juxtaposition between such distinct cultures creates such an interesting image and a really amazing setting. The fashion really caught my eye, the super extra and intentionally over-accessorized steampunk mixed with the elegance of traditional Japanese pieces, wow! Not sure what kind of plot you have in mind but it seems like an incredible setting lol

 

[Crayons]

The idea of Steampunk Japan/China is pretty great ngl.

As Kahir said, the nineteenth century in Japan was kind of a wild time. If you are going to set it semi-historically I would advise very late nineteenth century, after all the wars and so on, when you're right in the middle of the Meiji era. There's a ton of Western/Eastern culture clash, culture absorbing, exciting things going on at that time, which would make it perfect for a steampunk setting. But it does require research. Luckily there is a TON of photography and art from that period that you can find online as well as ... words.

China also had a bunch of stuff going on in the 19th century. They were forcibly colonised by the Western nations and generally screwed over repeatedly, with the Opium Wars and so on. Lots of rebellions, etc. It was very turbulent. It was seeing what the Western powers did to China that made Japan eventually capitulate with them over trade deals and so on.

Either nation would make a cool setting for a steampunk story. Since you want to "represent the culture well" I would advise against mixing Chinese and Japanese together because the cultures are so different, unless you want it to be a complete fantasy world like Avatar. This would take a lot more world building, but still a similar amount of research, so it depends how much you like this aspect of designing a roleplay.

Good luck, happy to answer more questions if you have them.

 

[Chordling]

Since you want to "represent the culture well" I would advise against mixing Chinese and Japanese together because the cultures are so different, unless you want it to be a complete fantasy world like Avatar.

This is ultimately the end goal. I am taking characteristics of the elements that I want from each of the spoiler concepts that I have so far. I'm not going to outline bathroom technology unless I find that to be a dominant characteristic of something I want to add (if that makes sense). Definitely going to add some 19th century Japan research to my list though! The Meiji period sounds interesting.

 

[Crayons]

This is ultimately the end goal. I am taking characteristics of the elements that I want from each of the spoiler concepts that I have so far. I'm not going to outline bathroom technology unless I find that to be a dominant characteristic of something I want to add (if that makes sense). Definitely going to add some 19th century Japan research to my list though! The Meiji period sounds interesting.

Ask me what I know about public toilets in 19th century Japan pre-modernisation I dare ya!

They were like little screened-off rooms with a poop bucket in, and they were unisex.

Yesss it is really interesting ...! I'll try to think of some good media that would make for fun times research for you.

 

[Chordling]

They were like little screened-off rooms with a poop bucket in, and they were unisex.

eXcUsE mE but I did not consent to this answer, hahaha. Though knowing this now adds a much more interesting flavor. It's a lot cooler than just regular toilets. xD

 

[Chordling]

Update: Instrument Petting Zoo!
Here I have for you a complete list of musical sounds that I will include in this setting. It is a mixture of instruments that can be mostly found from Asian cultures with a few exceptions. I curated a healthy portion of the list of instruments from the ATLA soundtrack. They have been reorganized by instrument category for my sanity. This is a petting zoo, so feel free to listen only to what you are interested in. You don't have to say hello to everyone today. You can always come back for future visits (ps. They're free).

I am still thinking about the Meiji period and I have to start looking at more Steampunk material eventually. I figured that I would focus on an element that I'm much more familiar with for now. More development updates to come! In the meantime, feel free to comment about the music.

Japanese Shakuhachi Flute
Tibetan Dungchen
Armenian Duduk

Japanese Biwa
Japanese Koto
Tibetan Dramyin, Dranyen, Ladakhi Lute
Chinese Guzheng
Chinese Erhu
Chinese Liuqin
Chinese Pipa
Chinese Ruan
Chinese Yueqin
Mongolian Morin Khuur

Japense Precussion1
Japanese Percussion 2
African Djembe

African Kalimba

 

[Onmyoji]

Guzheng is Chinese, not Japanese. closest Japanese thing would be Koto.
Also, let me just throw in Korean Gayageum zither since we're going that way XD

 

[Arkaeis]

Damn girl.. *takes notes on interest check creation*

 

[Chordling]

This isn't even an interest check. XD

 

[Arkaeis]

I know.. but you have a really clear vision from the start.. *inspired to do research in ways I haven't even thought of yet*

 

[Arkaeis]

#backtoediting

 

[Arkaeis]

Also, love this idea.

 

[Chordling]

Gonna have an update for this thread later today. Keep your eyes peeled.

 

[Chordling]

Update: Lore & Setting
The lore and setting of this story are heavily inspired by elements that I found after researching information about the Meiji Period and the Industrial Revolution. Here is a taste of what I have written so far. My intent is to focus on plot elements next but I may stray and flesh out more of the lore anyway because that is what has me more excited at the moment. XD


The Land of Nakashigata
Underlined sections may be expanded upon.

Nakashigata is of ancient soil. Life was simple when it began. A substantial portion of the meager population back then consisted of farmers and merchants. It would have been impossible for the founding generation of Nakashigata to predict that the bare farmland would prosper and blossom into the bustling society it is today. The Land of Nakashigata is divided into four regions, one for each of the four lakes and spirit shrines, but the Emperor and his cabinet of trusted advisors rule over all. Imperial power has governed the land for over the last century after a meek and grim era of martial law. The people of Nakashigata have enjoyed an era of prosperity and peace ever since Imperial power was restored. Civilization was reformed and technology was transformed during the upbringing of national unity. Many of them see it as a blessing from mythical creatures, the Dragons, which have been connected to the royal bloodline in countless tales. Modern rumor has it that four ancestors of the Emperor still live. The people celebrate an annual festival is held in honor of the great serpents that feature five main events. It is a showcase of Nakashigata pride and culture.

 

[Crayons]

Update: Lore & Setting
The lore and setting of this story are heavily inspired by elements that I found after researching information about the Meiji Period and the Industrial Revolution. Here is a taste of what I have written so far. My intent is to focus on plot elements next but I may stray and flesh out more of the lore anyway because that is what has me more excited at the moment. XD


The Land of Nakashigata
Underlined sections may be expanded upon.

Nakashigata is of ancient soil. Life was simple when it began. A substantial portion of the meager population back then consisted of farmers and merchants. It would have been impossible for the founding generation of Nakashigata to predict that the bare farmland would prosper and blossom into the bustling society it is today. The Land of Nakashigata is divided into four regions, one for each of the four lakes and spirit shrines, but the Emperor and his cabinet of trusted advisors rule over all. Imperial power has governed the land for over the last century after a meek and grim era of martial law. The people of Nakashigata have enjoyed an era of prosperity and peace ever since Imperial power was restored. Civilization was reformed and technology was transformed during the upbringing of national unity. Many of them see it as a blessing from mythical creatures, the Dragons, which have been connected to the royal bloodline in countless tales. Modern rumor has it that four ancestors of the Emperor still live. The people celebrate an annual festival is held in honor of the great serpents that feature five main events. It is a showcase of Nakashigata pride and culture.

Yay updates!

Gonna just add a few points you might want to look at to expand this:

I think you need to work on (or state, if you already have but just haven't presented it here) the reason why this civilisation that was basically agrarian suddenly developed new technology and became industrialised. There's a big difference in a society that industrialised from developments within that society, say Victorian Britain, and societies that were suddenly industrialised almost by force, like 19th century Japan.

For me, the industrialisation from outside forces is something that heavily characterises both Japan and China of the 19th century. The sudden changes that lead to a kind of mass civilisation-quake.

Who was governing during the era of martial law? Was it something like a shogunate, or more like a conquest? What was the Emperor doing during this period and how did the era of martial law come to an end?

I'd be interested to see how things stand in the nation at the moment with regards to the politics and social structure, and how it relates to the outside world.

 

[Chordling]

@ Crayons I already intend to answer all of your concerns when I expand on those ideas further in future lore sections.