Shengui Guo

East of the Southern Continent and surrounded by water on all sides, Shengui Guo has enjoyed isolation for most of its history. According to legend, the land itself is carried on the back of an enormous chelon, which is reflected in the country's name (the more skeptical historians speculate that the shape of the continent itself gave birth to its name). Older locals claim this is the reason for its relative inaccessibility. Reports from earlier seafarers have indicated strange activity in the island's close proximity, which would compound the difficulties in and any seafarers who know of its location have guarded this knowledge zealously.

Though an island by definition, the kingdom itself is vast. The country is home to impressive peaks and verdant valleys alike, with much of its hills used to grow tea. The climate is temperate; tea is harvested year round, but spring's offerings are considered to be especially fragrant.

In some ways, the country is caught between the past and the present. Strict construction rules have prevented the land from being taken over by urbanization, but newfound interest in the land has sparked desire for tourist-friendly accommodations and activities. Shengui Guo's famous floating markets are largely frequented by visitors rather than locals these days, but the experience of purchasing goods from boat-based vendors remains authentic.

People

Shengui Guo’s population is quite diverse in spite of its historical lack of immigration. Shengui Guo’s human residents have much in common with other Subetans despite being separated geographically. Their skin tones are diverse, ranging from fair to brown to less conventional tones (particularly for those who are half-human). Hair and eye color are usually dark.

Others are decidedly unique to Shengui Guo, particularly those who Subetans would recognize as anthropomorphic versions of their beloved pets. Non-humanoid, cognizant bipeds make up a large part of the population and are treated with the same respect as their humanoid counterparts. These residents are likely the distant ancestors of the bipeds who make the other continents their homes. Some of these individuals are unique to their land and have no recognizable, non-cogent quadrupedal equivalents elsewhere.

Some Shengui Guo Ren display characteristics common to the both of the aforementioned groups, and it is not uncommon to come across a local who is humanoid save for a unique characteristic or two.

Others still- the spirits of the deceased- are purported to have a large presence in Shengui Guo. Some claim that the divide between this imperceptible spirit world and the corporeal world are especially weak at certain times of the year, allowing for two-way communication between the spirits and the living.

Government

In the past, Shengui Guo was ruled by emperors and empresses descended from imperial bloodlines. While these exist today and remain respected, they are largely figureheads with the bulk of the decisions being made by elected officers who represent the people.

The nation is eager to appoint a representative who could communicate with its neighbors around the world while advocating for his country’s interests.

Culture

Shengui Guo culture is steeped in tradition; even those who are decidedly secular find it important to maintain these traditions. Age hierarchy and filial piety are particularly important, and ancestor worship might be viewed as an extension of this. While Shengui Guo has a large non-religous population, other diligently show up at temple. The living pay respects to the deceased by making regular visits to temples and the memorials of their kin, lighting incense in their honor, praying, and making offerings. People who survive their relatives are expected to take care of the deceased in the afterlife by providing regular offerings- particularly offerings of food. There is a large (and not unsubstantiated) fear that orphaned spirits- those who no longer have people in their lives willing to take care of them- will turn into malevolent, hungry ghosts if they continue to be denied respect and sustenance.