Uncharted Shireroth
| Uncharted Shireroth: A Guide to the Unspoiled Regions | |
| |
| Original title | Uncharted Shireroth: A Guide to the Unspoiled Regions |
| Language | Common Tongue, Jingdaoese, Praeta |
| Author(s) | Zhao Feng |
| Genre | Travel guide |
| Location(s) | Shireroth |
| Published | 1728 AN |
The Uncharted Shireroth: A Guide to the Unspoiled Regions is a travel guide written by Zhao Feng, a prominent Shiro-Jing writer and politician, and published in 1728 AN. The book serves as a comprehensive guide for travelers looking to explore the lesser-known regions of Shireroth, providing detailed descriptions of the geography, climate, culture, and history of the various areas. It tells the story of Zhao's own travels throughout the country between 1725 and 1727 AN through his own eyes.
Background
At the time of the book's publication, Shireroth was experiencing a period of rapid economical growth and development. The political situation in Greater Kildare had been stabilised by Li Suyi with his Chastisement of the Hereditary Lords, the general elections (and had been held relatively peaceful and had brought forth a large coalition of like-minded parties in both the Folksraad and Adelsraad, Kaiseress Salome and her administration were succesfully keeping rowdy nobles in check and never before had a large portion of the population enjoyed access to basic services than now. It was a decade with many travelers and settlers flocking to -for them often- unknown regions to take advantage of its vast resources and economic opportunities. However, large swaps of the country remained unexplored and unknown to outsiders, with many remote regions remaining isolated and undeveloped. And even the well-developed regions were often unknown to the broader public, with the integration of both Batavia and Greater Kildare only recent. Worryingly, the Shirerithians didn't know their own country, which had expanded beyond most citizen's wildest dreams.
Zhao Feng, a Jingdaoese resident of Shireroth and Lord of Nangang, sought to address this knowledge gap with his book, which aimed to provide readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country's diverse cultures, histories, and landscapes.
Content
The book is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a different region of Shireroth. Zhao Feng begins by introducing the reader by talking about his first impressions of the town, city or hamlet he visits, before delving into the specific characteristics of each region. A common thread throughout the story is his visits to a tea house.
Some of the regions covered in the book include:
The Heart of the Empire: Shirekeep
As the capital city of the Imperial Republic of Shireroth, Shirekeep is a bustling metropolis that is home to a diverse range of cultures and peoples. Zhao Feng, who worked as the Minister of Military Affairs at the time of writing, takes the reader on a tour of the city's most impressive landmarks, viewing them through the eyes of a Jingdaoese who has spent years living in the capital but still finds it difficult to fully adjust to its fast-paced and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
From the ancient Raynor's Keep, seat of the Kaiser of Shireroth, to the sprawling marketplaces and vibrant nightlife, Zhao paints a vivid picture of a city that is at once both proud of its heritage and eager to embrace change and progress. He notes the presence of various cultures, including Kildari, Babkhans, native Brookshirians, Elwynnese refugees and loyalists, and how they have all contributed to the city's unique character.
The Heartlands of Shireroth
Instead of taking the conventional route by boat, Zhao chooses to travel by rail, allowing him to see firsthand the rolling hills and picturesque villages that dot the landscape of Brookshire. As he journeys through the mountain ranges that separate the Kingdom of Ransenar (formerly Goldshire) from the heartlands of the "Birth land of Kaiser Raynor I," Zhao marvels at the ingenuity of the railroad system, which has revolutionized transportation and commerce in Shireroth.
Along the way, he stops in various towns, each with its own unique charm and character. He describes the bustling streets of Market Square in Modan Hamlet, where merchants and traders gather to buy and sell goods from all corners of the empire. He also visits the historic town of Fortis, nestled deep within the mountains, where he notes the distinctive architecture and customs of the local population.
The Gate of Benacia: Guttuli
Located on the southeastern coast of Shireroth, the Duchy of Guttuli is a thriving hub of commerce and industry. Especially since the reintegration of the eastern and Batavian lands it acts as the main supply hub and meeting place for merchants thanks to its central location. Zhao arrives in the city of Musika by train, giving him a chance to observe the busy port and its bustling docks. He notes the significance of the recently developed rail network and imperial roads, which have become increasingly important as tensions with the Benacian Union continue to rise and access to the Elwynn River became increasingly insecure.
As he explores the city, Zhao is struck by the diversity of cultures present in Guttuli. He encounters merchants and sailors from all over the world, each bringing their own unique perspectives and experiences to this imperial dominion. He also highlights the importance its strategic location, which makes it a vital link between Shireroth's capital and the outside world.
Batavia, land of Plenty
From Lichport, Zhao travels to 's Koningenwaarde by ship. Situated on the western coast of Benacia, Batavia is a region known for its abundant natural resources and fertile soil. Zhao takes the reader on a journey through the picturesque countryside, where he marvels at the rolling hills, dense forests, and sparkling rivers. He notes the rich cultural heritage of the region, which is home to a diverse range of peoples, including the native Batavians, Gasconians and descendants of their former Jingdaoese and Shirerithian occupiers.
One of the highlights of Zhao's journey is his visit to the historic city of Vinandy, known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant arts scene.
The Lands of Anarchy: Sathrati
Located in the southeastern corner of Benacia, Sathrati is a region unlike any other. Comprised of hundreds of small and large islands, the region is home to a diverse range of cultures and peoples, each with their own unique customs and ways of life. Zhao delves deeper into the intriguing culture of Sathrati, warning the reader that his views may be influenced by his own humanistic perspective.
Greater Kildare: The Orient
For his own birth country, Zhao focuses on some of the larger cities (including Port Nevermore, Gaelen's Landing, Daocheng and Xiacheng) and a few smaller less-known towns like Hantian.
Each chapter provides readers with a wealth of information, including details on the local flora and fauna, customs and beliefs of the inhabitants, and notable landmarks and attractions. Zhao Feng also includes personal anecdotes and observations, gained from his own travels and interactions with the local populations.
Impact
"Uncharted Shireroth: A Guide to the Unspoiled Regions" was well-received by both critics and the public, with many praising Zhao Feng's engaging writing style and thorough research. The book quickly became a bestseller, appealing to both armchair travelers and intrepid explorers. Nonetheless, he also received negative criticism for traveling in times he was acting as Minister of Military Affairs.
The book's impact extended beyond the literary world, as it helped to raise awareness of Shireroth's diverse cultures and landscapes, contributing to a growing interest in the country among travelers and scholars. In the years following the book's publication, Shireroth experienced a surge in tourism and cultural exchange, with many travelers inspired by Zhao Feng's writings to explore places which were further away than the nearest large town.
Legacy
In recognition of his contributions to Shirerothian culture and literature, Zhao Feng was posthumously awarded the prestigious title of "Master of the Word" by the Metzler University, an honor reserved for the nation's most esteemed writers and thinkers.
