Asuka Monogatari [ OOC / COMMENTS & PLANING / OPEN ]

[New Aeyariss]

THE TALE OF ASUKA


XVIII century illustration: Kikuchi Yukimura, Chosokame Mitsuhide and his brother Chosokame Yorimoto plan campaign against Ii Toyohisa.

The tale of Asuka is both an epic poem by New Aeyariss and at the same time, IC work of culture very prominent in Nifon. Part history part myth, The Tale of Asuka begins in 1498 and ends in 1548, describing over 50 years of constant warfare (named so from Asuka castle, which used to be Lord Murakami's center of power) and ending with battle of Shimazu and establishment of first Christian shogunate by victorious warlord, Chosokame no Yorimoto. This tale will also serve to systematize the Nifonese lore and will include characters which I often referenced in my post: such as Chosokame no Yorimoto, Chosokame no Mitsuhide, Murakami Kenshin, Date Mugen, Kusunoki Shigeharu, Kikuchi Yukimura, Fujikawa Katsuyori, Komatsuhime, Emperor Kogyoku or from the bad guys, Ii Toyohisa, Soga Tadakatsu and usurper prince Ranmaru ( known also as Emperor Go - Jimmu after his usurpation ) others.

If you wish to know the Nifonese culture, you should never move without reading this epic from desk to desk. Although it is part history part myth (for example Prince Ranmaru is portrayed as a "son of an oni" who was 9 shaku tall ( about 280 centimeters ) and swung club so great that he easily broke ranks with it) and Oni appear to be lending some guidance to few persons from the Soga clan, many events in this work are descriptions of IC historical events. 2/3 of all Nifonese animations are in some way inspired by this poem, and not even the mecha genre is free from it's influence.

I am ALWAYS counting on your comments, ideas and opinions. I love them and want to listen to them as much as I can. Thus happy reading of...

THE TALE OF ASUKA!

[New United States of Columbia]

Interesting.

[TURTLESHROOM II]

You can't go wrong with a good poem. You certainly know Japan and Japanese culture inside and out. If you aren't Japanese yourself, then you've transcended beyond Weeaboo status. I see that the "white men" you refer to are the Christians.

If you need any feedback, message me a link to the new post and I'll write it here.

[Greater Carloso]

Really, very good.

The poem illustrates the politically charged and Buddhist-dominated feudal period in Nifon, and the beginning of the end of this period, as well as the dominance of the traditional Buddhist faith. It is beginning of the righteous arrival of the Christian faith to a foreign land, which is mandated to unite the entire land of Nifon under one faith and one banner.

[New Aeyariss]

Really, very good.

The poem illustrates the politically charged and Buddhist-dominated feudal period in Nifon, and the beginning of the end of this period, as well as the dominance of the traditional Buddhist faith. It is beginning of the righteous arrival of the Christian faith to a foreign land, which is mandated to unite the entire land of Nifon under one faith and one banner.

Oh worry not. At this moment I have material for 70 chapters at minium. Taking them will take a while, but this is something I like.

You can't go wrong with a good poem. You certainly know Japan and Japanese culture inside and out. If you aren't Japanese yourself, then you've transcended beyond Weeaboo status. I see that the "white men" you refer to are the Christians.

If you need any feedback, message me a link to the new post and I'll write it here.

Sure . That said though yeah, I took enormous amount of time to research the stuff I am writing about. You will be most likely able to see references to such works of art like Romance of 3 kingdoms or the Tale of Heike, which were my inspiration for this one.

[New Aeyariss]

Year: 1498



RED: Territories of the Murakami clan; domain of their Daimyo (Hara) and two domains ruled by his close relatives: Asuka and Minamiminowa.

DARK: Territories of the Chosokame clan: Hiraya domain ruled by their daimyo and Kurotaki & Chibu domains ruled by his relatives. Hiraya domain contains the city of Ishikawa.

TEAL: Territories of the Fujikawa clan: Sakae domain ruled by the Daimyo & Dōshi ruled by his relative.

[McNernia]

I wonder. Nestorians from Wenchuan?

[The IASM]

Very interesting imagery across this work. It seems a synthesis of Christian and Japanese cultural ideas, throughout the text.

[The Selkie]

Good evening,
ah, the origin myth of the Nifonese, their national and political myth - and the foundation of Nifonese Culture, if I understood you correctly. This is going to be a very interesting read, I am very sure of it. The beginning is a very good one, if you ask me, it captures the epic journey we are about to depart on under your guidance, we are introduced to our main characters and their backgrounds, as well as the situation they are in.
I like the style it is written in as well, not only because of epic poem, but also because of the wording, phrases used. It reminds me a bit of other epic poetry, which is most likely intended.
Also, major kudos to you for your research. That is remarkable so far, not only here, but also in other threads.

Please do keep me posted about this project, I would love to read it - and to see it finished.

[Motokata]

I don't know a great deal about poetry but I can say this very visual you convey a real strong voice in it. Really reflects the key culture aspects of your nation the fusion of Eastern and Christian philosophies of religion and life itself. You do have a strong sense in your writing, keep it going I think you have more epics within you.

[Cuprum]

Christianity goes against the sacred status of the Emperor which is the heir of Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun in the shinto pantheon and is contrary to the Buddhist teachings so is quite weird that a christian warlord could be enthroned as a Shogun when that title is given by the sacred figure of the Emperor.

[New Aeyariss]

Christianity goes against the sacred status of the Emperor which is the heir of Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun in the shinto pantheon and is contrary to the Buddhist teachings so is quite weird that a christian warlord could be enthroned as a Shogun when that title is given by the sacred figure of the Emperor.

Actually third part will be about that one; one of major events leading to Chosokame's victory was the fact that Emperor Kogyoku chose to convert and renounce his divinity. As you can imagine, this decision instantly set the entire court against him, leading to his brother starting a palace coup and usurping the power.

I don't know a great deal about poetry but I can say this very visual you convey a real strong voice in it. Really reflects the key culture aspects of your nation the fusion of Eastern and Christian philosophies of religion and life itself. You do have a strong sense in your writing, keep it going I think you have more epics within you.

Thank you, I will eagerly continue with this project as soon as I have settled up!

Good evening,
ah, the origin myth of the Nifonese, their national and political myth - and the foundation of Nifonese Culture, if I understood you correctly. This is going to be a very interesting read, I am very sure of it. The beginning is a very good one, if you ask me, it captures the epic journey we are about to depart on under your guidance, we are introduced to our main characters and their backgrounds, as well as the situation they are in.
I like the style it is written in as well, not only because of epic poem, but also because of the wording, phrases used. It reminds me a bit of other epic poetry, which is most likely intended.
Also, major kudos to you for your research. That is remarkable so far, not only here, but also in other threads.

Well I do not like to write about things I do not know about - so yes, I spent a lot of time reading about Japanese culture & history.

Very interesting imagery across this work. It seems a synthesis of Christian and Japanese cultural ideas, throughout the text.

You are seeing correctly. Especially "pseudo - Confucian" philosophy will play an important role.

I wonder. Nestorians from Wenchuan?

Actually no... you shall see.

[Cuprum]

Actually third part will be about that one; one of major events leading to Chosokame's victory was the fact that Emperor Kogyoku chose to convert and renounce his divinity. As you can imagine, this decision instantly set the entire court against him, leading to his brother starting a palace coup and usurping the power.

Emperor Kogyoku chose to convert and renounce his divinity.... Why would he do something so foolish? Wouldn't be more simple if Chosokame converted to the Imperial cult since he is a mere servant of the Emperor?

[New Aeyariss]

Emperor Kogyoku chose to convert and renounce his divinity.... Why would he do something so foolish? Wouldn't be more simple if Chosokame converted to the Imperial cult since he is a mere servant of the Emperor?

Mind if I remind you that this happened several times in human history? Various "deva-rajas" from South - Eastern Asia done it countless times by choosing to switch to Islam. In addition to that, it has also to be noted that there is a reason why Shinto per se was quickly overturned by Buddhism: because Buddhism was far more developed, content and spiritual wise.

Also I would like to point out that Kogyokist Christianity has it's own native flavour which it gained by assimilating "Confucianism" (or Tanzism how it is called ICly). I do not know how much are you familiar with my writing but see this for details.

And final, third point: Nifon is NOT RL Japan.

[Cuprum]

Emperor Kogyoku chose to convert and renounce his divinity.... Why would he do something so foolish? Wouldn't be more simple if Chosokame converted to the Imperial cult since he is a mere servant of the Emperor?

Mind if I remind you that this happened several times in human history? Various "deva-rajas" from South - Eastern Asia done it countless times by choosing to switch to Islam. In addition to that, it has also to be noted that there is a reason why Shinto per se was quickly overturned by Buddhism: because Buddhism was far more developed, content and spiritual wise.

Also I would like to point out that Kogyokist Christianity has it's own native flavour which it gained by assimilating "Confucianism" (or Tanzism how it is called ICly). I do not know how much are you familiar with my writing but see this for details.

And final, third point: Nifon is NOT RL Japan.

Buddhism like Confucianism is not a religion, is a defined way of life which explained many of the moral flaws of the animistic Shinto, there a form of humanism and it had a political background the Mononobe Clan was in charge of the religious ceremonies concerning the ruler. The Soga clan could reduce their power by convincing Prince Shotoku that the new doctrine could go quite well with the traditional Shinto because the Buddhist - Hindu deities would be transformed into Kami without changing the holy status of the Emperor while christianity is a monotheistic religion that was used by the Jesuits and the Spanish to increase their influence in the island by destroying the ruler sacred authority in favour of the Pope and the Spanish Monarch who was the defender of the faith which ended in the Sakoku policy or in the worst cases a Sonno Joi.

For Christians there is only one true religion, Christianity; all other religions are false. A True religion must have two basic factors: the religio objectiva (God and His revelation), and the religio subjectiva (the fear of the Lord). From these two factors we conclude that Confucianism and Buddhism is not a true religion. For Shinto and the sects of Buddhism, the emperor is a living god and his court can claim to be descendants of a deity from the dawns of the day, for christianism thats a heresy because there is only one god with three natures.

[Novo Wagondia]

Another splendid job, as I've come to expect from you

I'm very intrigued by the edited map of Japan with overlays for the Murakami, Chosokame, and Fujikawa clan. I was under the impression that Nifon existed separately from the Japanese islands, on a sort of fictional landmass. I of course know that Nifon is entirely separate from Nippon in its history, government, culture, and military, but have you begun to use RL Japan as your geographic template?

[New Aeyariss]

Okay, let me get to the point. First, I want to note something again: NIFON IS NOT RL JAPAN, and should NOT be treated as such. It is a fictional country that is as much inspired by Japan as holds my ideas, and was never meant to be a perfect copy. I realize also that some changes may be controversial thus I want to state it beforehand.

Buddhism like Confucianism is not a religion, is a defined way of life which explained many of the moral flaws of the animistic Shinto, there a form of humanism and it had a political background the Mononobe Clan was in charge of the religious ceremonies concerning the ruler. The Soga clan could reduce their power by convincing Prince Shotoku that the new doctrine could go quite well with the traditional Shinto because the Buddhist - Hindu deities would be transformed into Kami without changing the holy status of the Emperor while christianity is a monotheistic religion that was used by the Jesuits and the Spanish to increase their influence in the island by destroying the ruler sacred authority in favour of the Pope and the Spanish Monarch who was the defender of the faith which ended in the Sakoku policy or in the worst cases a Sonno Joi.

For Christians there is only one true religion, Christianity; all other religions are false. A True religion must have two basic factors: the religio objectiva (God and His revelation), and the religio subjectiva (the fear of the Lord). From these two factors we conclude that Confucianism and Buddhism is not a true religion. For Shinto and the sects of Buddhism, the emperor is a living god and his court can claim to be descendants of a deity from the dawns of the day, for christianism thats a heresy because there is only one god with three natures.

I firmly disagree that Buddhism is not a religion. Core of Buddhism, or as you can say principles of Moksha, Nirvana or Drahma are related to strictly religious belief in reincarnation. In fact there were several attempts to fuse Buddhism with Shinto; various Buddhist monks concluded that the kami are guiding people to nirvana, and often themselves influenced by such processes. In addition to that, as for example in Daoism, god can be impersonal force ruling the universe.

Aside from the fact that at given time there is little power that Emperor has over warring vassals, there is far more to it than you think. You seem to be equating Christianity with Catholicism, yet ignore the fact that there are far more denominations, some of which - especially protestants - consider Rome to be "Babylon the Great". While Konrad Wyss is of that stock... there is more.

You see multiple Chinese groups believe that Shangdi worshiped by Yao, Shun or Yu the Great was the same as El Shaddai / Jehovah of the Old Testament. I remember that a contemporary scholar written during the fifty fourth year of the Kangxi emperor (1715) a thesis on this subject, and it is held today by multiple groups. Now of course Nifon is greatly influenced by Wenchuani culture (fictional equivalent of China).

Though at this point I want to note that since it is related to fictional story, my goal here is not to argue weather it is true or not; my point is to portray how Christianity could adopt itself on Nifonese soil.

When Konrad Wyss comes to Nifon, he arrives not as the one bringing a new religion. On the contrary - Wyss already has been preaching in Wenchuan for at least two decades and firmly gotten knowledge of works of Tang Tzu (Tancius, local equivalent of Confucius) which he actually translated to Aravean, his home language. When he arrives, and starts preaching, his reasoning is simple.

The God he preaches is not alien, he was worshiped by early sage - rulers of Wenchuan (although he chose a different nation to give his revelation). Then, Wenchuani gradually abandoned him, letting in heterodoxies of Daoism and Buddhism, while Tang Tzu, still remembering the teachings of pious sages of Wenchuani antiquity, but still recognizing that much was lost, wrote down what he remembered of those rules. As a result of abandoning of heavenly father, over the centuries Wenchuani were punished, to finally see the punishment of Chagataian invasion, which was the reason why Wyss left Wenchuan. Of course it was to be noted that

Emperor Kogyoku was not asked to rule in the name of God he did not know, but rather, to assume the Mandate of Heaven( ly father ) that Wenchuani rejected and continue glory of their empire and be placed in one row with people like Jianhong or Xinyi (Wenchuani equivalents of ancient sage rulers like Yao or Shun) by restoring the faith they practiced, while Wenchuani were punished for refusing to return to the God they knew by the Chagatai invasion. In fact, first converts actually thought that Christianity is a new Wenchuani faith, akin to Daoism(!). As you will see in Chapter 1, when Chosokame picks up Konrad Wyss, he sees him not in Western Clothing, but in robes of a Tanzist scholar, and they have a long debate about the classics where Wyss introduces the concept of God to the Nifonese.

When we add nationalist movement among scholars that the Nifonese are true heirs of Wenchuani culture... everything becomes clear. At that time Chagatai were getting close to Changqi (which they finally captured in 1519, establishing Chagatai dynasty of Ma, which quickly Wenchuanized and ruled until 1889). The approach of the nomad horde caused countless scholars and men of culture to flee to Nifon - which despite the era of feudal warfare caused massive cultural growth. Alongside with reunification of the country, this would have been a perfect opportunity for Emperor Kogyoku to call himself true heir to Wenchuani empire (especially since his Empress was from there) - and such seen Christianity would have given him perfect justification to do so. In fact such claimed legitimacy to rule was one of major reasons for the Kosunian war, that erupted 21 years after the Chosokame Bakufu was established (1569).

In addition to that, at cost of rejecting his divinity ( already being aware that he has no power whatsoever ) Kogyoku would gain a lot, namely a religious system with theology far more developed than Buddhism, which after all surpassed Shinto due to lack of developed theology on behalf of that last one, a religion that would perfectly be suitable as a new base of power, especially with promise of being put in one rank with sage rulers of Wenchuani antiquity. In multiple protestant churches, it is the Monarch that is head of the church. Nifonese Christianity, while far more orthodox in it's believes, is still more akin to Taipings than Roman Catholicism.


On a final note, Shinto deities in Nifon are not fully the same as in RL Japan.

Another splendid job, as I've come to expect from you

I'm very intrigued by the edited map of Japan with overlays for the Murakami, Chosokame, and Fujikawa clan. I was under the impression that Nifon existed separately from the Japanese islands, on a sort of fictional landmass. I of course know that Nifon is entirely separate from Nippon in its history, government, culture, and military, but have you begun to use RL Japan as your geographic template?

To compare:






They are alike, but far from being the same.

[Gigaverse]

On a final note, Shinto deities in Nifon are not fully the same as in RL Japan.

From what I've read, I doubt Nifon even had Shinto.

More likely, it had a religion that, in certain aesthetic aspects, was similar to Shinto, but was otherwise native proto-monotheism.

[New Aeyariss]

On a final note, Shinto deities in Nifon are not fully the same as in RL Japan.

From what I've read, I doubt Nifon even had Shinto.

More likely, it had a religion that, in certain aesthetic aspects, was similar to Shinto, but was otherwise native proto-monotheism.

That is another matter, but I love solving the issues from different angles. Court's religion was based on worship of the "Ryūjin" (Dragon kami), with the Emperor being seen as incarnation of the most important one (thus a living God as in RL Japan).

"Proto-monotheism" existed outside the Imperial Court, mostly in scholarly circles practicing "Sogaku" (Nifonese name fo Wenchuan is "So" which comes from Chu dynasty written as 楚). Those circles helped develop what later became official doctrine of the state.

[McNernia]

From what I've read, I doubt Nifon even had Shinto.

More likely, it had a religion that, in certain aesthetic aspects, was similar to Shinto, but was otherwise native proto-monotheism.

That is another matter, but I love solving the issues from different angles. Court's religion was based on worship of the "Ryūjin" (Dragon kami), with the Emperor being seen as incarnation of the most important one (thus a living God as in RL Japan).

"Proto-monotheism" existed outside the Imperial Court, mostly in scholarly circles practicing "Sogaku" (Nifonese name fo Wenchuan is "So" which comes from Chu dynasty written as 楚). Those circles helped develop what later became official doctrine of the state.

I wonder. Mcnernian traders are like Dutch and Portuguese for RL Japan?

[Cuprum]

The Buddha himself never claimed divinity -- only clear-sightedness and purity of apprehension of truth through deepest intuition, leading to equanimity and enlightenment. He was a great and rare individual but not a god. If some simple and mistaken few have elevated him to godship and worship him with requests for favors and special dispensations, this does not alter the situation one bit.

It seems that in these troubled times, as, indeed, since time immemorial, man has felt the need to have a faith in a supreme being, one who could redeem him from "sin" and relieve his suffering. This is a great fallacy. If indeed there were such a being, why should he be asked to give redemption? Isn't it more important for man to redeem himself? This is what the Buddha believed. Man, he said, is born to suffering. Life is suffering. That is the first of the Four Noble Truths he enunciates -- that there is suffering. In the Second Truth he points out that all suffering has its origins which we must learn to understand, because this is the only way we can arrive at the Third Truth, which is that cessation of this suffering can be achieved. His Fourth Truth clarifies the way out from suffering via the Eightfold Path which we will discuss later.

Therefore we ask, if Buddhism is not a religion, what then is it? My reply is: Buddhism is a way of life, a philosophy, a psychology, a way of thinking, through which we may ourselves take on the responsibility of determining how our life-bearing kamma (karma) will work out for us. Meditation is one of the procedures of mental discipline and purification through which we may begin to learn such responsibility.

The Mandate of Heaven (天命) was a principle used to justify the power of the emperor, as well as explaining suitability for the office. According to this belief, the heavens which embody the natural order and will of the universe, bestows its mandate to a just ruler, the Son of Heaven. The Mandate of Heaven depends on the virtue of the emperor; if he does not fulfill his obligations as emperor, then he loses the Mandate and thus the right to be emperor. Theoretically the Mandate of Heaven would then transfer to whoever would rule best. The fact that a ruler was overthrown was taken by itself as an indication that the ruler had lost the Mandate of Heaven. In addition, it was also common belief that natural disasters such as famine and flood were other signs of heaven's displeasure with the current ruler, so there would often be revolts following major environmental events as citizens saw these as signs of heaven's displeasure.

Which means the mongols (Chagataian invasion) were the legitimate rulers of Wenchuan by right of conquest and because the mandate of heaven was a good excuse.

And Shangdi or yellow emperor is just a minor deity that currently has more relevance than other gods due to the ignorance of the people and because is the patron of the Qing dinasty's Imperial family. The real boss is the Emperor of Jade which was a mere secretary of the Great progenitor of Jade before he took a rest and the emperor of Jade could take his office. Shangdi is the son of the Emperor of Jade and he was the first god to interact with humans and the first one to be defeated by one of them (Chi You).

So you are creating a sect? Subordinating the holy power of the Emperor to Jesus? So he is no longer a living god but a mere human that represents Jesus on earth like the pope? That's a political suicide. Polygamy would be abandoned, reducing the chances for a noble to have a royal in his family, Sodomy and the society dominated by the four caste system would end destroyed which would reduce the power of the samurai class and the oligarchy of the court. In RL Japan that happened after the Meiji restoration.

When we add nationalist movement among scholars that the Nifonese are true heirs of Wenchuani culture...

So they were so stupid that they even have their own culture? Like the Jomon and Yamato culture in Japan? Japanese created their own ideograms adapting Chinese kanjis to their tongue but they weren't devoured by Chinese culture like the Romans when they conquered Greece. Chinese culture and influence was abandoned after the fall of the Tang dinasty because the Japanese court concluded that the Chinese model was a failure and continue improving their own traditions like Waka, the two syllabaries, Haiku and many other things.

[New Aeyariss]

A Nifonese painting portraying the " Heroes of the cherry orchard ". Kusunoki Shigeharu & Date Mugen are sparing, while Lord Murakami watches.

Okay. I decided to move forth and do some character designing for the series (expect a new contribution around next week). I figured out that it would aid you if I released a brief information about the characters - and so I decided to do so with a picture.

Center: Daimyo Murakami no Kenshin, sitting on a rock observing as his two generals prepare for a sparing. He wears a nanban armor, combining both Western (Aravean) and local elements. The sign on his helmet is Kanji for "Heaven / Ten" which he also uses as his personal kamon. Next to him is his weapon of choice - the White Lotus spear. According to the legend, it had a spearhead made of a meteorite that fell from heaven, thus capable of piercing through almost any armor.

Murakami's character is inspired by people like Liu Bei and Oda Nobunaga - he is both military reformed and ambitious strategist Nobunaga was, and attempts to carry out the ambitious task of restoring the order in the war - torn country like Liu Bei attempted. He is yet to see what price will he be forced to pay for peace...

He represents the virtue of benevolence.

Right: Date Mugen - I on purpose attempted to portray him with a more crude and primitive look to emphasize his past of an outlaw ronin. Date Mugen wears an o - yoroi armor, an equipment that a poor samurai would be likely to posses (and that Mugen frequently refuses to change). He uses a katana in combat - I decided to switch his vision from massive, muscular odachi vielder to one relying more on speed and out-thinking his enemy (being also a ninjutsu master which he learned during his years as Ronin). This does not change the vision for Date's character - he is rude, lacks any degree of good manners and loves huge amount of sake.

His swordsmastery is unquestionable - Mugen was capable of defeating in a duel any Samurai that was sent by a local feudal lord caravans of whom he raided (and like Robin Hood, distributed the goods to poor peasants the Daimyo oppressed). Then, Lord Murakami's father before his death gave his two sons a task: each one had to accomplish something extra-ordinary. Kenshin's brother composed a poetic masterpiece, while Murakami decided that he will use a ruse to defeat Date Mugen. He went to him incognito and joined his gang of outlaws, befriending the ronin in the time, before challenging him on swimming competition. Letting him get away, Murakami returned and replaced Date's sword with a wooden one. Then, once Date returned, he revealed him who he is and what is his intention. Mugen grabbed his sword, only to have the wooden blade lock itself in the sheath. Kenshin however learned by that time that this ronin is no mere bandit, but merely raiding caravans of unjust lord who oppressed his people - thus he decided to spare Date should he serve him, and the outlaw - also impressed with Murakami - eagerly agreed. Murakami's father chose Kenshin to succeed him, and following that both Date and newly appointed Daimyo invaded the province of the unjust lord, removing him from power. Mugen often took maters of administering justice into his own hands, being famed for his skill in determining the truth and refusal to take sides in trials.

His character takes inspiration from people like Wu Song or Ishikawa Goemon with bits of Zhang Fei and Minamoto Musashi added into it. He represents the virtue of righteousness.

Left: Kusunoki Shigeharu. He is using his famed Tsunami Naginata (famed after motifs of waves engraved over the blade). Kusunoki comes from aristocratic family that once was responsible for repealing the Magudayan invasion on Nifon (story with famous Kamikadze wind). Kusunoki is wearing a classic lamellar armor danagae gunsoku style, with a yak hair wig as was commonly worn by samurai at that time.

Kusunoki family have been retainers of Murakami clan as long as they can remember, and so is Shigeharu - being one of greatest generals that Lord Murakami has under his command side from Date Mugen. Being loyal to his warlord as a dog to his owner, Kusunoki is personification of virtue of loyalty. At the same time, his noble upbringing is both his advantage and his drawback - he tends to consider ceremonies to be holy and hides certain bit of arrogance and feeling of his own superiority in him.

Inspiration for his character came from people like Kusunoki Masashige and Guan Yu.

[TURTLESHROOM II]

Nifon has clearly demonstrated that it follows a mainstream Christian doctrine. From what I could gather from other Nifon posts, the Nifonese Christian Church is Trinitarian and observes the Nicene Creed (as do all mainstream Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox believers). They are monotheistic, see Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, and preach the repentence of one's sins in accordance with the Bible.

Many cultural aspects of Japan and Japanese ethics exist in the Nifonese Church, but none of the theological doctrines which define Christianity are compromised or damaged. Nifonese Christianity is not synchretic with Shintoism, Confucianism, or Buddhism.

As for the Emperor renouncing his Shinto divinity, there's no reason for him not to, because in Nifon's backstory, the Boshin War and Meiji Restoration never happened, and so the Shogunate still retained full power. The Emperor technically appoints the Shogun, but in actuality, the Shogun is the real power.

It's not unrealistic for a pagan ruler- even one as lofty as an emperor -to convert to a new religion. Lithuania did it, the Russians did it, many Indian chieves did it, and even Montezuma of the Aztecs very nearly found Jesus after his blood gods failed to deliver him from the Spanish.

[New Aeyariss]

Nifon has clearly demonstrated that it follows a mainstream Christian doctrine. From what I could gather from other Nifon posts, the Nifonese Christian Church is Trinitarian and observes the Nicene Creed (as do all mainstream Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox believers). They are monotheistic, see Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, and preach the repentence of one's sins in accordance with the Bible.

Many cultural aspects of Japan and Japanese ethics exist in the Nifonese Church, but none of the theological doctrines which define Christianity are compromised or damaged. Nifonese Christianity is not synchretic with Shintoism, Confucianism, or Buddhism.

As for the Emperor renouncing his Shinto divinity, there's no reason for him not to, because in Nifon's backstory, the Boshin War and Meiji Restoration never happened, and so the Shogunate still retained full power. The Emperor technically appoints the Shogun, but in actuality, the Shogun is the real power.

It's not unrealistic for a pagan ruler- even one as lofty as an emperor -to convert to a new religion. Lithuania did it, the Russians did it, many Indian chieves did it, and even Montezuma of the Aztecs very nearly found Jesus after his blood gods failed to deliver him from the Spanish.

I could of course start posting here poems of Emperor Kangxi, but I do think that we have this matter settled. Let's focus on developing the story, characters, etc. etc. rather than religious debates. If someone disagrees with it, he is free to go somewhere else.

[Lamoni]

I found the poetry to be very well done, and like has been mentioned before, it touches upon key themes of RL Chinese and Japanese history.

As for whether Buddhism is a religion or not (it is), one merely has to look at the definition of the word "religion."

Religion

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/religion?s=t

1.) a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2.) a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.

3.) the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.

4.) the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.

5.) the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

6.) something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience.

7.) religions, Archaic. religious rites.

8.) Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion.