Prologue
The Empire of Yamato stood for centuries. It was a vast and united land blessed by the gifts of its mysterious ruler, the Mikado. He reigned from the country's founding. He bore gifts of peace and prosperity as well as sounding the drums of war for Yamato's enemies. His gifts were that of knowledge and technology. It was ancient and alien in nature and understood by no one but he. To his Eight Pillar Generals, he bestowed masks that granted terrible power. They enforced his rule on his many vassals as well as orchestrated war in foreign lands. To the peninsula of Nakoku he forged into the sea The Great Bridge of Inava which cut through the angry waters and made land trade possible for the betterment of all.
To challenge the Mikado's rule would require ample madness, but power often begets just that. The animal hybrid inhabitants of Yamato were immersed in an era of peace. Until, by decree of the Mikado, Yamato would invade Tuskuru, their neighboring country by sea. However, as quickly as their power had turned to hubris Yamato suffered swift defeat. It was during this chaotic time that the all-powerful Mikado succumbed to an assassination attempt that mystified his Pillar Generals.
The people of Yamato are still recovering from the Civil War that followed in his wake. The fathers and mothers that would never make it home and the young that would never see old age left the land bruised and desperate, but the struggles were only beginning for those left behind.
The winter and summer seasons became unpredictable and the sun seemed to disappear completely for a time. The tides churned and even the stars were rearranged. Government officials scrambled to distribute lifesaving resources where they were needed most, but the heat scorched and razed farmland. Workers couldn't be long in the sun's renewed anger without risking death. Winds as cold as steel brought frost and creatures out from hiding in the night. The Civil War was over, but the earth was determined to purge Yamato from its back.
However, change is no stranger to the people of Yamato. As sure as the tide once was, they will press on and soon, in a most unlikely place, on a small island off the coast of Shyahoro called Kiyoshima, a discovery will be made that rewrites history for the last time.