Shounejo

Category	Empires
World	Bal-Kriav
Region	Kalaran, Aerie of Dragons
Government	Matriarchy
Capital	Zujukiz
Population	3,000,000+
Races	Shou 85% Terrant 4% Corralum 2% Minâth 1% other 8%
Alignment	non-evil
Deities	Huemutril, Zhusalax
Enemies	Dead Ancestors, Pirate Lords, Thashangriel, Tiya'lith
Established	16 Brightstar 847
Maps	Gakebe Iizus Yeldah

In the year 847, numerous Shou feudal lords from Kalaran united, establishing the formidable Shounejo empire.

Shouenjo was established on the foundations of three Shou groups dispersed across distinct geographic regions - the Shou inhabiting the Geezhinul plain, the highland barbarians of the Qibemjues, and the coastal dwelling groups of Ibue Jagnare. These were broad classifications, as within them existed numerous smaller Shou groups (or tribes) led by chieftains, warlords, or other petty authorities. Prior to the formation of Shounejo, the Shou endured five centuries of decentralized rule. The consolidation process commenced during the First Epoch, initiated by the founding of Guetol by the warlord Ejigez. Following this, other leaders began unifying their territories to address the growing threat posed by the Guetol city-state. The Shou of Geezhinul subsequently established Utoto, while those of the Qibemjues founded Zujukiz.

Shounejo is a matriarchal society with women occupying the highest positions of power in the military and government. The leadership of women among the Shou dates back to the Lith-Crillion Era when three goddesses became the dominant religions of Kalaran. These deities competed against each other in terms of beauty, feats, and the greatest number of heroes and victories among their followers. This caused extensive warfare and the emergence of heroines who became heroes and great leaders. Since this trio of goddesses competed on beauty amongst themselves, they also expected the same traits from their priests. Over time, this led to Shou females holding the top posts in the churches. When Shounejo was founded, one of the requirements was that the females relinquish this tradition and allow males to also hold positions of power in the churches. This is the only concession the political parties representing the males secured during the Shou Unification. In Shounejo society, males commonly occupy positions of power in the trades and now the church.

The rapidly expanding population of Shounejo has necessitated occasional harsh measures, such as the forceful relocation of families to distant lands to establish new settlements. The empire's inaugural attempt at colonization occurred on Torvild. In 1330, the Llydaros were expelled from the empire and sent to a remote island to establish a new colony. Accounts of this event vary, with Llydaros journals asserting they were exiled and no longer considered citizens of Shounejo. Regardless, the Llydaros project proved unsuccessful, yet other colonization endeavors have succeeded.

Shounejo is primarily a maritime power. They possess a formidable navy, the Dazi Tetzezan, equipped with ships-of-the-line and manned by seasoned, battle-tested crews. Warships routinely escort large merchant convoys to distant harbors. The greatest peril to Shounejo emanates from the interior, where the chaotic hordes of Tiya'lith reside.

Shounejo is an amiable state, slow to resort to aggression, favoring peaceful resolutions over conflict. When compelled to the arts of war, they have demonstrated themselves to be adept mariners and formidable adversaries on land.