Design Log Part 6: The Nations of Loka

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Lab Zero Games and this project is a fan project and is not endorsed by Lab Zero Games or any of its developers and employees.

 

For a change, instead of focusing on rules and mechanics, I want to talk about the lore of Indivisible instead, and how it affect the TTRPG. Let's talk about the Nations of Loka, namely, Kaanul, Iron Kingdom, Port Marifa, Shayak Kingdom (including Ashwat Village), Tai Krung City and Lhan. I know I promised another combat report, but unfortunately my dear toddler was a little unwell for the past few weeks and that makes him wake up often at night - the only time of day I have to work on anything.

Player Character Background

In many TTRPGs, where a character comes from has an effect, usually both narratively and mechanically, on them. Most TTRPGs based on Tolkein-esque fantasy universes also tend to use race/species such as Dwarves, Elves, etc as their background. Some other RPGs that feature all humans tend to use their countries/cities/clans as their background.

Narratively, these backgrounds will more often than not establish tendencies or stereotypes of people from that country or region. Playing through the Indivisible videogame, I think I can write some preliminary ideas about the people from each region before I attach mechanical benefits for them later. Some information is canon, some are from tendencies or clues from people you talk to in the game, and some are my conjuncture. Do note that I try to only judge from what I see in the videogame and try not to draw direct connections from similar real world locations or countries (though that is sometimes unconsciously unavoidable!).

Kaanul

Kaanul appear to be quite isolationist. Baozhai seemed to have mention something to that effect, and the fact that path from the dock to the city passes through thick overgrown jungles didn't help matters. This must mean that trading with the outside world is rare, if not outright non-existent. Talking to the people of Kaanul, I get the impression that Kaanulians are hard workers with dedication to their selected passion (such as the "perfect corn" guy and the "milk curd" guy, Asiri with her cloths dyeing. Hunoch and Xiboch can't talk about anything other than Tlatchlibol, and Nuna seem dedicated to farming (and Hunoch and/or Xiboch)). There was also a strange indication that Kaanulians can change into plants (according to Nuna, but knowing Nuna, her words are not exactly reliable...) but until I get further confirmation I'll interpret it as Kaanulians having a certain aspect that make them excellent farmers or have an innate understanding of plants and nature. I also see them as being close to nature and the cycles it brings.

For the people, I imagine (and had seen in-game evidence) that they are quite vary of outsiders (as most isolationist nations are). They seem to eschew technology, in start contrast with the Iron Kingdoms next to them, and seem to prefer a simpler way of life. In some ways, I can see other nations viewing them as being a bit "simple" and backwards.

Iron Kingdom

Iron Kingdom is a very interesting place for me. There is some very obvious social stratification, with the "peasantry" and the nobility being so segregated from each other. However, even among the citizens of the Iron Kingdom, there seem to be an interesting network of information spanning throughout Loka. The lady at the dock seem to say as much. I imagine that the citizens of the Iron Kingdom share, trade or sell information to each other and that they are essentially a giant spy network. I can see people from other nations of Loka being a little nervous when engaging in conversation with an Iron Kingdom.....er (note to self: think of demonym for the people of the Iron Kingdom).

Iron Kingdom seem to employ a lot of mercenaries, such as Latigo and that soldier lady who only thinks abut money. I wonder if this attitude extends to its citizens, where they only really do something if there is a benefit to them. I see the citizens of IK as being opportunity-takers at best, and perhaps mercenary (as in, only doing things for their own benefit) at worst. I see this as a natural side effect of the fierce competition in their nation where the lives of its citizens can be easily discarded once they run out of usefulness (as in the case of a certain character's backstory).

The citizens of IK seem to prioritise technology and progress to the point that it's hard for them to live without it, or even at the expense of everything around them.

Port Marifa

I'm not sure how I see Port Marifa. On the one hand, it seem to be a very bustling trade city with people from different backgrounds and cultures all hanging out. On the other, I don't see a clear cultural identity apart from being a trade city. The only thing I see possible is that, base on the background of the city and the presence of the Tower of Wisdom, this nation prioritise learning alongside its economy, and is a hub of universities and libraries. If you want to find some kind of academic information, it's probably here!

The people of Port Marifa seem to be an eccentric mix, so I couldn't pinpoint any particular characteristic that they seem to share. I'll have to play the game again and come back later. For now, I'll say that the people could be the artistic/knowledgeable types.

 

Shayak Kingdom

Shayak Kingdom is another hard one, as the nation had ceased to exist by the time of the videogame. The only points of reference we have are Ashwat Village, and Tungar. I have the impression from Tungar and from Bhadra that the people appear to be quite proud, perhaps from a noble (as in, full of goodness) heritage or tradition. It is not known whether being boastful or garrulous is a common trait among Shayaks, but it would be fun to think that they are, in contrast to the other more sombre nations!

 

Tai Krung City

In a similar vein to Iron Kingdoms, Tai Krung City is a bustling metropolis. However, instead of class stratification between the peasantry and nobility like the Iron Kingdom, Tai Krung seem to have its own class stratification with the "haves" and "have-nots", i.e. the rich and the poor. While this can overlap with Iron Kingdoms, history of the real world have shown us that some peasants can be quite wealthy, and some nobles very poor with naught but the title to themselves. For Tai Krung City, money seem to be king here. Instead of the focus on progress and expansion, Tai Krungers seem to enjoy whatever pleasures can be bought with money. Bars, dance clubs, restaurants, and even what I see as PG versions of prostitute houses and drug dens and more are scattered throughout the city.

As with any shady place (both figuratively and literally), Tai Krung seem to be under the iron fist of Mara, and I also imagine the gangs and organised crime syndicates (which could be great adventure hooks and conflicts) if not also corrupted officials. This could make TKers a rather careful type; taking care not to step onto others' toes or turfs or cause offense by saying the wrong word. Best be careful in case someone has a connection somewhere. On the other hand, TKers could be really good with negotiation and can judge the flow of conversation and deal-making like it's second nature.

 

Lhan

I'm not entirely sure that I could call Lhan a nation, but it's certain a background region a character can hail from.The people of Lhan (Lhannites? Lhanians?) who are not monks seem to live simple lives and many may contribute to the upkeep of the monastery or its protection. Lhannites may seem to be more 'religious' types (as far as you can consider something similar to Buddhism to be a religion) who routinely dedicate part of their lives to ensure the monks of the monastery are fed.

This is another region that I need to replay the game to see what the non-monks are like so I could gauge some common traits.

Other

Looking at the world map, it looks like there must be other nations surrounding the Ocean of Milk, but they are not shown. Many characters such as Zebei, Qadira, Ren, Zahra, Yan, Phoebe and more came from nations that are either mentioned briefly or not at all. I am particularly interested in Zhulong, our China-expy that was largely destroyed in the Cataclysm, because you can see some of its people scattered as refugees across Loka and it is curious whether they can hold onto their cultures and traditions for much longer without a homeland. Without expansion upon the lore, however, we will never know (and given the state of Lab Zero, it is unlikely).

That's all for now

I'll always lament that there is yet to be some kind of art book for Indivisible, and I do believe there is probably enough material to easily fill a good collector's type book for any enthusiasts. Unfortunately, with Lab Zero essentially shutting down and 505 Games seemingly uninterested in this game, it is incredibly unlikely we will get it. Imagine all the lore in the art that did not get into the game!

Next time, I will start musing about a particular challenge I want to tackle: player character classes that are focused on crafting (oh dear!)! See you then and thanks for reading!