Story Placement: Era, Country and Reality

Deciding where my story will take place!

Ishi no Kokoro is a tale following the path of twins that are effected by the curse of the long forgotten generations. Fighting, Alchemy and forms of magic do exist, along with mythical creatures, demons and human hybrids. I am slightly unsure to what era or even land it will take lace in, nor how advance their living technology is (lights, computers etc). This post is to show possible ideas exploration into existing eras. I want to look into what has been and might yet to come before I go and design an entirely new world.

The areas/ era's I can vision my characters in are the English Victorian era, but like the dark side underbelly of it. i mainly like the architecture within this time period. Imperial China, Edo Japan or the third kingdom in the Korean dynasty Silla are the other areas I want to look into.


First up is the Victorian era in England. I personally have always had a affection for this time period, and although the time period is interesting I don't feel that it quite fits with my story line. Although it was a time rife with Alchemy and dark twists, and speak of demon and ghosts, warriors and fighting underground wars doesn't seem to likely.

Clothing wise it also seems slightly restricting too, especially when it comes to the women. Not exactly what I am looking for. Fighting wise, it has rather set uniforms, and against doesn't include women in the rand scheme of things. However, if I end up creating my own world I want to incorporate the architecture into it one way or another.

Victorian Era facts:

1. Hypnotism, divination and spiritualism were huge
2. Taxidermy was also huge in the Victorian Era
3. The Victorian Era took place in the rule of Queen Victoria, she ruled 64 years.
4. Almost 50% of children died before he age of 5
5. Whenever a family member died, especially a child, in a upperclass family a photo would be taken of the body posed as if it was still alive.

.Next up is Imperial China

Interesting fact about Imperial China which relate to my story:

1. Martial arts are were practiced widely throughout China, and were largely developed from ancient farming and hunting techniques
2. Red is symbolised as the colour of happiness and often used at weddings, festivals and birthdays.
3. Any commoner who saw the Emperor in the forbidden kingdom was killed on the spot. 
4. In the Tang dynasty, anyone with an education was expected to greet as well as say goodbye to another person in poetic verse composed on the spot.
5. Sword, spears, chariots, cross bows, axe and daggers where primarily the weapons of choice.

There where several dynasty's reaching from Tang dynasty (army had a army of 575,372 men) , Song dynasty, Yuan dynasty (250,000 man army), Ming dynasty and Qing dynasty.

The terracotta warriors ( the original premise that inspired my story of course originated from china, and of course dressed in their warrior clothing.)

Although the time period is rather restricting in terms of technology and science, it does have the type of clothing I am interested in, as well as the weapons and views on society.


Next Edo Japan

Edo Japan was a very basic time, but full of bright colours festivals and celebrations under the rule of Tokugawa Shogunate. Palaces were designed for the emperor, but the feudal lords started to design castles and grand homes for themselves.

Clothing wise it varies largely from the beautiful brightly coloured kimono's and yukata's, to the all black clothing of their secret service, through to the scraps of cloth fixed into a shabby cover used by the commoners. Warrior clothing stemming from those of the imperial armour, the way of the samurai and the rumoured ninja underground society.

Japanese architecture is quite similar to other societies in Asia Strong colours, pointed roofs and extravagant palaces. The outlying villagers, however, are very basic wooden buildings with no running water, and often surrounded by rice fields as it was a primary source of income for the villagers.

The final area I want to look into is the Silla dynasty in Korean history. Primarily looking at the Hwarang fighting group that was flourishing at the time.
I love the beautiful clothing and styled hair with the golden hair pins and head gear. The Hwarang was a group of beautiful men recruited due to their bone hierarchy and appearance. They where trained to fight under two women, but eventually the group imploded in on itself, ending in blood, tragedy and heartbreak.

From my story aspect it probably is best suited in a cross between Edo Japan and the Silla dynasty, pulling parts of hierarchy belief, warrior clothing and palace décor from Imperial China, leaving the use of Alchemy and belief in the spiritual after life and alike from Victorian England. In the end it look like I will be designing my own world rather than placing it in a specific time period in already existing history.

With this in mind I will be using references from all to help design and develop my village, rather than focusing on the specifics of the entire world. After all I don't want to cram to much within 24 pages of comic.