Fushimi in Rankai.

Description

Fushimi, often referred to as The City of Accord, is the former Imperial Capital of Hoshi-no-Kuni and the political seat of Clan Wakamoto. Situated along the banks of the Aizu River and surrounded by sloping hills and centuries-old shrines, Fushimi is the most diplomatically neutral and politically active city in the Rankai system. Declared neutral ground by all major clans during the Warring Epoch, Fushimi remains the only city where representatives of every great house may walk without immediate threat of bloodshed.
Equal parts cultural crossroads and political battleground, Fushimi is home to secondary estates of all major clans, countless minor families, and a host of trade guilds, information brokers, and diplomats. Though governed by Clan Wakamoto, the city is a stage rather than a throne—a place where alliances are brokered, disputes mediated, and the future of Hoshi-no-Kuni often decided in soft voices over strong tea. Fushimi is known for its balance of old-world refinement and quiet ambition. Marble bridges, ceremonial halls, and stone gardens sit beside bustling marketplaces and information dens. It is a city of masks—where hospitality is sincere, but never without purpose.

Notable Locations

Former Imperial Palace

Once the seat of the ancient imperial lineage that briefly united Hoshi-no-Kuni, the Former Imperial Palace is now a ceremonial site maintained jointly by Clan Wakamoto and a neutral temple order. Though stripped of political power, the palace is still considered sacred ground, where seasonal festivals, high-level negotiations, and rites of truce are performed. The Grand Hall is often used as neutral territory for inter-clan conferences and emergency declarations.

Wakamoto Estate

Located in the northeastern quarter of Fushimi, the Wakamoto Estate is a sprawling compound of subdued elegance. Surrounded by quiet reflecting pools and lined with wisteria-draped walkways, the estate is both residence and administrative center for Wakamoto leadership. Unlike the overt military presence of Tendou or the veiled rituals of Shiratori, the Wakamoto maintain their estate with transparency and ceremony, using it as a stage for diplomacy and mediation.

Great Clan Houses

Tendou: A stark, utilitarian stronghold within Fushimi’s western sector. The Tendou House is heavily fortified, garrisoned by a disciplined contingent of Heaven Guard, and functions more as a watchpost than a residence. Diplomacy occurs here only under strict protocol, and always with visible deterrents.
Hanzo: Unmarked and anonymous, the Hanzo compound is believed to lie beneath or behind one of the quiet garden complexes in the southern district. It has no signage, no visible guards, and no public entryway. Only those expected find their way in. Those who are not never return.
Kurayama: A lavish manor near the merchant quarter, styled like a trade palace more than a fortress. The Kurayama estate doubles as a commerce hall, where business is conducted over wine and soft music, with contracts written in calligraphy finer than most court poetry. Its upper levels serve as private banking and negotiation spaces.
Shiratori: The most beautiful of the Great Houses in Fushimi, the Shiratori estate is a tiered villa overlooking a sacred lotus pond. It is a place of white silk, perfumed air, and polite menace. Every inch is carefully arranged for ritual, reception, and subtle warfare. Few are invited inside—and fewer leave unchanged.

Entertainment District

Fushimi’s Entertainment District, located in the southeastern quarter, is a vibrant, ever-shifting maze of oiran houses, theaters, tea salons, gambling halls, and poetry dens. Both commoners and nobles frequent its shaded walkways, often donning masks to hide their identities. Here, deals are struck in whispers between performances, and secrets are traded for pleasure. Though officially neutral, every establishment is rumored to have an allegiance—to a clan, a spy network, or a cause.