UKYO
An Ancient Empire at the Brink of Revolution
The thousand-generation Empire of Ukyo is a land of contrasts. Once a realm of artistic and cultural prosperity under Imperator Kaori — a peasant hero elevated by the mysterious Emerald Masters — it has since transformed into an industrial society focused on mining, manufacturing, and maintaining their enigmatic Observation Spheres.
Across Ukyo's landscape, ornate pagodas and traditional shiros overlook expanding strip mines where peasants toil in terrible conditions. The once-vibrant cities now serve as centres for manufacturing and military might, while rural districts are systematically destroyed and stripped of resources. The Emerald Masters claim this is the will of their sleeping Imperator, claiming to protect Ukyo from invisible threats while advancing mysterious plans of their own.
THE OBSERVATION SPHERES
Ancient devices of unknown origin maintained under strict Emerald Master supervision. These mysterious spheres require immense resources to power, justifying the expanding strip mines and harsh labour conditions imposed on Ukyo's peasant class. The Emerald Masters claim that the spheres monitor threats to the slumbering Imperator’s wellbeing, but rebels whisper they serve a more sinister plan. Some speculate that the spheres are advanced machines that were built to peer into other realities, providing glimpses of worlds beyond Ukyo that the Masters seek to influence or control.
Ukyo Characters
OPHELLA
THE REVERED
When the heavens first opened upon Ukyo, Ophella basked in its radiance and witnessed the glory of what lay beyond and opened her twin minds to the divine. Overseeing the nation’s development from afar, Ophella’s concern with the spiritual purity of Ukyo has been recently overshadowed by the burden of the Celestial Imperator’s impending death.
GOVERNOR TEMU
THE STOIC
Showing only a kind and gentle face, Temu controls the land’s political narrative with a seemingly endless supply of precious gold and metals. Governing the land should be Temu’s primary role, but he now focuses on securing the mineral transports needed to appease Ophella’s increasing demands.
GENERAL OSHI
THE LOYALIST
After a lifetime of training with the wisest military generals in the land, Oshi’s control over Ukyo has been shattered by a single peasant army holding the mythical blade, Kuro-kinzoku. When the Celestial Imperator was selected by Ophella to ascend, Oshi left his family to protect her. Should this blade reach Ukyo’s beloved ruler, he will give all to prevent her death.
KOTAI
THE REBELLIOUS
Kotai’s passionate and murderous hatred towards the Emerald Masters is fuelled by years of institutional poverty and suffering. Discarded by society and suffering in the streets, miraculous circumstances placed in his possession the mythical blade, Kuro-kinzoku. Kotai has been transformed by destiny: few that hear his legendary speeches can resist his call to fight.
YUGO
CROOKED OUTLAW
From the depths of poverty amongst polluted strip mines, Yugo has used a cocktail of brutal violence and careful planning to construct a criminal empire spanning far across Ukyo. With agents placed within Ukyo’s Observation Spheres, Yugo disrupts the Emerald Master’s information network and hides Kotai’s growing rebellion from prying eyes.
RYNOLA
THE ANARCHIST
A swift and ruthless killer, Rynola’s past transgressions have been purified by the light of Kuro-kinzoku, forgiving her of past sins and binding her to Kotai’s cause. Her dedication to carving a bloody path through Ukyo’s countryside is only matched by her eagerness to reach the slumbering Celestial Imperator.