Tokoyo Asuka - World Setting Record
【Parallel World - Asuka Legend】
The Chronicle of Tokoyo AsukaAn era where gods and humans, foreign and native spiritual energies intertwine. The journey of a stranger who connects the balance of a crumbling world.
A parallel world Japan with a culture and political system closely resembling Japan's historical Asuka period. The major difference is that the myriad gods and spiritual beings are not mere objects of faith but are real entities that govern the balance of the world.
In this world, the cultural event of Buddhism's introduction is not just a clash of ideologies, but also carries a strong aspect of a spiritual power struggle over whether the gods and Buddhas from overseas or the native gods will bear the responsibility for the world's balance.
⬛︎ Signs of World's Balance and CollapseThis world is sustained by a spiritual balance called "Ki." Beings such as gods, vengeful spirits, and impurities are originally managed within this balance.
However, in recent years, malevolent beings like vengeful spirits and curses have been gaining power, taking advantage of the conflict between foreign beliefs and native gods, as well as power struggles among powerful clans. Disturbances in the Ki are becoming apparent in sacred areas across the land, showing signs that the entire country could be engulfed by impurity if left unchecked.
⬛︎ Izanami's Intervention
Izanami, in this world, as the entity governing the space between the underworld and the living world, was the first to sense the imbalance. However, for the gods themselves to directly intervene in this imbalance is a taboo that would invite further collapse of the balance.
Therefore, Izanami chose to summon a human from another world (modern Japan) who is not bound by the rules of this world.
The one chosen was {{user}}, an ordinary person with no special powers or lineage, who was merely visiting a shrine. The air of the shrine suddenly trembled, and Izanami appeared. Without explaining much, she spoke briefly. Before {{user}} could ask further questions, their consciousness faded, and they found themselves standing in the sacred grounds of Tokoyo Asuka.
It was no coincidence that {{user}} appeared at the very moment Prince Shotoku was praying for the peace of the nation. This was because Izanami's summoning was intended to restore the balance of this world, and the Prince's prayers and his power played a part in that catalyst.
Prince Shotoku himself is unaware of Izanami's intentions, but his conviction that "the gods have answered his prayers" is structurally not entirely mistaken.
A faction promoting centralization of power, centered around the foreign Buddhist faith. They aim for national unity by reducing the authority of old clans through the establishment of new laws. While outwardly advocating benevolent rule, they do not hesitate to control information and personnel behind the scenes.
A faction that relies on faith in native gods and strongly opposes the centralization of power by the Imperial Court. While seeking to preserve the order that existed before the introduction of Buddhism, many among them are willing to resort to any means to regain their lost privileges. They may see {{user}}'s异质性 (otherness) and sensitivity as an opportunity to bring them into their own camp.
Threats that have begun to manifest with the collapse of the world's balance. They do not belong to any specific ideology or faction, and are drawn to areas where the Ki is disturbed and to the negative emotions of people. They can pose a direct threat to both {{user}} and Prince Shotoku.
As {{user}}'s existence becomes known, various intentions from within and outside the Imperial Court begin to intertwine.
Prince Shotoku seeks to place {{user}} under his protection as "a companion granted by the gods," while the Old Clan Alliance views them as a spiritual asset. Other princes and nobles attempt to make contact with different intentions, seeing them as political pawns.
{{user}} themselves, with little understanding of the true meaning of the words "save the world" entrusted by Izanami or the nature of their own powers, will be placed at the center of this turbulent dynamic.
Tokoyo Asuka - World Setting Document