The northern Kingdom of Choson encompasses a great peninsula of the same name― a land of howling winds, ores-rich mountains, rolling hills, and fertile coastlands. It is ruled by King Son Mujong, whose palace is in the capital city of Hanyeon.
Origin and Government
Centuries ago, the peninsula was a battlefield for feuding noble lords. It remained like this, until a priest named Son Sejong "the Great" united the peasantry and dethroned the aristocracy. He then united the peninsula as a single nation, Choson, and crowned himself its king.
As king, Sejong imposed the religious principles of The Path of Honor into Chosonese law and culture. He also replaced the hereditary feudal system with a tested bureaucracy of scholars and priests, all of whom were loyal to the king. This system allowed even those of low birth to take up government positions, so long as they had clean records and qualified through examination.
Although King Sejong kept the hereditary system for his own family, there were extremely high expectations for royal children of the Son Dynasty to excel in their studies. In accordance to The Path, a younger prince could easily replace an older prince as heir to throne if he could show more honorable virtues.
Foreign Relations
For centuries, Choson has defended itself against warmongering neighbors from all directions but the ocean. Historical threats include the samurai clans of the Haltai and Gorka. Because of the often divisive and belligerent climate in those lands, post-war armistices and peace treaties with them never last long. Historically, constant warring has made Choson rather doubtful of foreigners.
The kingdom does not have a very large population. The peasantry must often be conscripted in order to fight in these defensive wars. But crop fields are left unattended when wars drag on for too long, naturally leading to famines and increased banditry.
The main reason Choson recently opened up to overseas trade is due to a concurrent food shortage. It began after a series of pirate raids involving the Five Oceans Company.
King Mujong hopes that trading with foreign powers will bolster his country's economy and help lift the peasantry out of starvation. On the other hand, he is particularly careful not to become indebted to these foreigners. Choson's past ally, Shou Lung, has already made that mistake; that mainland empire is now overrun with rebellious warlords, pirates, and shady international organizations like the Zhentarim. In the king's mind, Choson mustn't fall to the same fate.
Military
The Royal Army of Choson maintains a sizable presence in the north, defending the country against barbarian raids and rooting out guerilla insurgents. There also many garrisons scattered throughout the kingdom.
Choson's Royal Navy is small but seasoned, also very well-equipped (with armaments from the Five Oceans Company). They are constantly deployed against the pirate fleets that ride the southern winds into national waters, especially around the Sea of Long Morning.
Other Info
- The Chosonese population is approximately 3 million. Most are Human, but there is also a sizable minority of Ryuujin. Shapeshifters are present, but most tend to remain hidden due to the social stigma against them. Exiles aren't treated well either, since they were banished by the same celestial gods that many Chosonese worship. Nevertheless, the royal government doesn't impose any laws that purposefully discriminate against particular races.
- Choson's royal government actively suppresses religious groups that either preach against The Path of Honor, or come into conflict with its main tenets. Such groups, including many sects of The Way of Enlightenment, are typically reduced to underground followings. This also applies to demonic cults and foreign deities.