Land of Winter



The Land of Tao (道の国, Dō no Kuni) is a fairly large and moderate-temperatured country located in the south-east on the mainland of Shinobi-Knight Country. It's medium-large in size and isn't bordered by any oceans on any sides. Being one of the countries furthest down south it is one of the warmer countries on the continent, however, the further up one travels in the Land of Tao, the colder they'll notice the climate becomes—especially up in the misty mountains, where it rains and snows often.

Considering it's location with regards to the other nations, the Land of Zen is to the north-east of the Land of Zen, to the south of the Silk Forest of Submission, and to the west of the Land of Owls. It is most like it's brother country: The Land of Zen, as both are deeply rooted in religion and martial practices. As for enemies, the Land of Tao and the Land of Zen are bitter enemies, despite having similar societies. Their arts, cultures, and religions are similar, but slightly different, and for generations they have fought over who's "way" is superior. Other than the Land of Zen, the Land of Tao fears the Kinudorei Jorōgumo from the Silk Forest of Submission; they avoid interaction with that cursed land.

The Land of Tao consists of forests and cities in the south, as well as misty, cold, mountains in the north. The country religion is Taoism, so Taoist temples and monasteries can be found scattered throughout the land. Up north, spiritual philosophers meditate and train in their various forms of taijutsu. Many become ninja monks and travelers, while others are hired by ninja villages. These monks are said to be masters of internal martial arts styles. They are masters of the using their internal energies and fluid body movements to destroy their opponents and turn their strengths against them. The internal styles of fighting from this land and its inhabitants contrasts heavily with the external styles of those from the Land of Zen.

The land is mostly artisan towns and villages and deeply are rooted in religious philosophy. The clothes of the inhabitants of this land are typically long and fancy, ornate and beautiful. They are robes and dresses deeply rooted in culture and the arts.