Isles of Rhaegora

The islands of Rhaegora are home to many fishing towns which are constantly threatened by pirate raids. The area is protected by monks who live and train in the Temple of Elements located near Rhaegora's capital city. 

History

Rhaegora was established by the Rhaegor clan, who were raiders that terrorized early Espladar’s waters. About one thousand seven hundred years ago the clan’s ships discovered the island.

They settled there, taking advantage of the islands abundant natural resources, and turned many turned their ships into fishing vessels. The Rhaegoran Isles became an isolationist nation, choosing not to get involved with the conflicts of others. They did however keep a loose militia of former raiders that would come to be known as Samurai Warriors.

The Monk order developed from the peaceful philosophy of Satori, which was intended to lead its followers to Spiritual Enlightenment. The Monks focused on meditation and gave up material wants in order to achieve happiness. The monks became a powerful influence on Rhaegoran Art and Culture.

When pirates of the Rashid clan began attacking the Island it was determined that the Samurai would not be enough. The fighting style of the samurai warriors was more geared towards offensive attacks. Seeing the damage caused by the pirate’s constant raids, the monks abandoned their nonviolent ways in order to defend their island nation.

One thousand years ago the Monk Takeshi became Rhaegora’s first and only emperor. Known as the Takeshi the mad, he brought Rhaegora into a dictatorship based upon visions that he claimed that he had been having. His reign ended when his people revolted and the powerful monk summoned the powers of the ocean, swallowing much of Rhaegora beneath the sea. The Order of Priestesses was formed after these events to heal and treat the wounded of the great wave, the order was based upon the wife of Takeshi, who had been a loyal and devote wife and caregiver to the ruler even as he slipped into madness.

After Takeshi it was decided that the Nation would be ruled by a council of Elders, the leader of which would be elected by popular vote. In the last few hundred years Rhaegora’s Isolationist Policies became less popular, and trade agreements with the nearby Kingdom of Brance were formed. In the most recent war, Rhaegora sided with their ally Brance.

Rhaegora is defended against attacks by the Monks of the Temple of Elements. The temple also houses an Order of Priestesses that specialize in healing. One other group is an army of Samurai which is used for offensive attacks.

The Capital is the meeting place for the Council of Elders, five leaders who make decisions about Rhaegora. These leaders must include an elected president, the master of the temple of elements (monk), the high priestess, a samurai general, and one other Rhaegoran citizen to act as an ambassador. 

Monks are skilled in hand to hand martial arts and the use of traditional weapons such as the katana or the bo staff. Some monks also learn to incorporate elemental damage into their attacks.