Sakuramoria

The second half of the lecture was presented in a more neutral tone and focused primarily on facts rather than the lecturer's personal opinions. Altino also mentioned that Laurence Hatiora would provide a more detailed overview of the country's history in his theology lectures.

Aokami Capital: Seint Lora Form of government: spiritual monarchy Kami: Litiana Territory: 106921 km² Official religion: Pantheon of Kami Origin Historically, it is believed that the Ao clans have existed in the territory of modern Aokami since the people were expelled from the underwater realm of Mana. These were tribes of warriors with extremely patriarchal customs, led by the strongest warriors of the settlements. These leaders, in turn, competed with the warriors of other settlements, and the leaders who lost in a duel or war became vassals of the victor. The Ao clans fought often, not so much because of a real need for it, but because of questions of honor and culture. In their opponents, they saw not enemies, but rivals – it was believed that men could truly understand each other only through hand-to-hand combat, to which swords and other weapons were later added. Over time, this situation could not continue, as foreign invaders began to encroach on the lands of the Ao clans, and the warriors soon realized that questions of military valor were of little importance to them: they resorted to cunning tactics, aimed not to defeat but to kill the enemy, and plundered and enslaved the defeated. Realizing that they could not resist the foreign threat on their own, the tribal leaders organized a popular assembly, at which they decided to unite into a single state with a monarch at its head. There was only one question left: who should take on such responsibility? The strongest warriors changed frequently and could easily lose their status by becoming ill or injured, so the old methods were no longer suitable. Many alternatives were proposed, and they decided to appoint a woman known among all the clans – a folk singer named Kami – as their leader. The reason for this decision was twofold: firstly, unlike men, women at that time did not fight and were in relative safety, which meant they could risk their lives and lead the people for many years; and secondly, despite the patriarchal customs, the images of mother, wife, and daughter were very strong in the culture of the Ao clans, which made it easier to accept a female leader as someone they should care for. Azure Flame It is believed that the queen of this country – Kami – is chosen by her predecessors, hence the name "spiritual monarchy." The identifier of being chosen is the ability to control the azure flame, which appears on the day the Kami is chosen and disappears on the day someone else becomes her. How this all works and whether it is true is still unknown to the world. Fall and Revival During the heyday of the Orion Church, Aokami, like other powers of Lafrenia, fell before the might of Dante's followers, but centuries later, under the leadership of Superbia, who would later lead the Pantheon of Seven, its country was liberated from foreign rule. At the same time, since all their forces were needed to drive out the invaders, women began to be called up into the ranks of warriors, which led to a change in their role in society – since then, they have also practiced military arts and fought side by side with men. Culture At the heart of Aokami society is love for the homeland and care for one's neighbor – their blue-haired fellow countrymen, so they help each other in every possible way, both within the country and abroad. Children are taught military arts and how to defend themselves and their loved ones from an early age. The ability to do something is highly respected: to make things with one's own hands, to compose music, to paint pictures, and so on. Idleness is condemned. Honor and duty to family and homeland are paramount. Among men, it is customary to wear long hair, and a low ponytail is a popular hairstyle, while among women, a high ponytail in various variations is preferred. Diplomatic Relations Sakuramor: hostile due to past military conflicts, as well as the fact that Sakuramor owns lands that Aokami claims. Kermia: territorial disputes and ideological conflict. Oleander: territorial disputes. Elision: ally of Kermia. Origin Two chosen characteristics (excluding defense, critical hit, and Initiative) above 10 (100 for health, 3 for Initiative) are twice as effective; a free skill for a claymore, spear, sword, glaive, bow, or katana, as well as the same weapon of high quality; -15% to the cost of learning these specializations; +25% to the cost of learning other weapons.