#Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket

[ceiling-karasu]

World Building continued: Backstory for the wars involving Flower Hill, Teikoku, and Usuhan Jiyeog, and subsequent occupations.

Apologies in advance for this being so long. I wanted to know how widespread Japanese weasels are in real life, and found something interesting I could use.

Japanese weasels originate from three areas of Japan, that being Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku.

Coincidentally, Japan famously has three Ceremonial Regalia in the form of a sword, magatama beads, and a mirror. These items are not seen by anyone other than the royal family and certain priests (images on the internet are recreations of what they could possibly look like, and those seen in public are symbolic stand-ins), but they symbolize the authority of the royal family.

Which allows me to make a backstory for my AU to help explain the wars and occupations, very loosely based off of events and locations in history, especially since animal biology limits certain events from happening.

In the past, there was an Emperor, who preferred for Teikoku to be in isolation. Under his rule, and of those before him, are smaller prefectures run by princes, lords, or other lessor royal families.

Contact with the United States Alliance and other nations led to a period of aggression and imperialism surrounding the empire of Teikoku, as they strove to fight against a stagnating economy that believed in its own superiority in the world, as well as a strict caste system preventing innovation.

Eventually, after some time, three princes are sent out to conquer the final few neighboring islands, so that may join the empire, and provide a larger force for when they make a move for the peninsula and the mainland.

The three princes are named after their prefectures, and the Emperor has given them each one of the Imperial Regalia as proof of their superiority.

The Sword

Honshu is the main island of Japan, and is also known as the dragonfly island. Teikoku will call it Tonbo, which refers to dragonflies, which are fierce and deadly creatures. As such, their Imperial Regalia is the sword, Yūki no ken (the sword of valor), and is based off of Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass-Cutter). Tonbo is the main physical fighting force of Teikoku.

The Magatama Jewels

Kyushu is smaller than Honshu, but it had a lot of trade circuits around the ocean and the mountains. So I will make a prefecture named Kairo (Circuit), and have the area be responsible for trade and roads around the empire, as well as in the fighting forces. I would use the famous Magatama jewels (Benevolence) to symbolize their rule.

The Mirror

Shikoku means four provinces, and is the least populated area of the three areas. Shikoku also has a lot of temples (perhaps run by green pheasants, the national symbol of Japan), which draws in a lot of pilgrims. But they also maintain a lot of gateways to other prefectures. So maybe Genkan for entryway. They are responsible for planning and strategizing for the other two. They can have the Michi no kagami, mirror of the path to represent wisdom/truth, based on the Yata no Kagami.

VERY loosely taking inspiration from The Tale of the Heike, a collection of Japanese epic poetry with many translations and retelling (actually written down 200 years after said events supposedly happened), which says that the royal families that held these Regalia were defeated in a naval battle, and threw themselves and the treasures into the sea. Subsequent legends suggest that many search and diving parties have been led to recover the Regalia.

In my AU, I hold that the items were thrown into the sea, with the princes believing that they could return for them later even if they were captured, although they managed to escape. It was a complete disgrace for the Emperor, as without the Ceremonial Regalia, the legitimacy of the entire palace was thrown into question.

And then the box holding the Magatama washed up on the shores of the peninsula.

It is returned as a gesture of good will, but as no good deed goes unpunished, Teikoku believes that they must have taken the other Imperial Regalia for themselves, starting a land invasion. The small army is annihilated by farmers, fresh out of overthrowing their own monarchy, wielding guns, which Teikoku has never seen before.

Which results in a larger army being sent, which is also defeated and the princes captured and possibly executed by the hedgehog army in the north of the country. At this point, without the authority of the Ceremonial Regalia, and increasing economical desperation, the country is forced to undergo a reformation. While there is still an Emperor, he does not hold as much political power as he once did.

Teikoku left behind settlements of soldiers and colonists controlling the southern portion of the peninsula, which they name Usuhan Jiyeog, who take up ruler-ship and fish farming.

The hedgehogs use the proof of their power in defending their areas to take control of what they would name Flower Hill.

It is a strongly held belief that before they backed away from Usuhan Jiyeog, the Emperor promised that anyone who managed to retrieve the Ceremonial Regalia from Flower Hill would be reinstated as the next emperor, and be rewarded with power beyond their wildest dreams.

Did the other two, heavier, items, even wash up on the shores of the peninsula like the jewels, locked in an airtight box? Or did they sink to the bottom, as they were heavier? Who is to say...

But alongside the greed, desperation for power, and food production issues, the temptation of finding the supposedly stolen Imperial Regalia locked away in some distant stronghold is a good enough reason as any to attempt to occupy Flower Hill.

Now, I'm not about to retcon what I have already written and say that Commander Jogjebi wanted the sword and mirror, and Huinjogjebi is a weasel of science who would likely not be interested anyway. But claiming that Flower Hill stole precious items and symbols of their country in the past, and them not being able to disprove it, is enough of an excuse to make quite a few countries in the international courts turn a blind eye to the happenings surrounding Flower Hill.

Oil Production

I did figure out the oil and gas situation. I did go ahead and give the Jindo Empire a large amount of oil. The Venezuela country below the United States Alliance is now the República de Cultivos Oleaginosos, and is trying to prevent the wolves' country from occupying their regions.

Meanwhile, the vast majority of the world's oil in my AU is being produced in this country.

While it used to be many different nations in the past, the leaders understood that their vast oil and gas reserves would result in large scale invasions, and agreed to band together into the Equatorial Allegiance.

[ceiling-karasu]

A scene from Chapter 9 of Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket

(Marker)

(Colored Pencils)

(Draft)

Excerpt Below the Read More

Mulmangcho obliviously walked past them both, carrying a large box of farming hand tools and booklets. “Mulsajo, Oegwipali, radishes grow in the summer months as well. Cabbage only grows in spring and fall, so I suggest we grow more of those now. Also, it turns out that we may be able to grow potatoes during the winter, but I’ll have to…figure out.... that is not our car…”

I guess that mouse was not officially declared dead. Murori survived the same type of explosion. But where is he hiding? Geumsaegi thought, bitterly. Still, the missing mouse suggested that there might be hidden compartments somewhere in the farmhouse that he could search for information.

Shaking, Oegwipali pointed in the direction of the Special Aide. Mulmangcho’s confused expression changed to one of surprised apprehension, then anger.

Suddenly, the farmhouse was approached by the roaring of more jeeps, cars, and small trucks. Within a minute, the Regimental Commander and several large members of the Wolf Unit were inside the house. They stretched, speaking loudly, “So, we’ve finally arrived. Kinda small though, eh?”

Geumsaegi, needing to keep his cover, pointed at Oegwipali, the wolves leering over everyone, “Go and assist in bringing their luggage inside. You, Mulmangcho, you stay here.” The one eared mouse, understanding the situation, saluted properly and left to do as he was told.

“And what exactly are you doing all the way out here, Special Aide?” Mulmangcho saluted sarcastically. Best to at least pretend to be polite. He could be dead in the next minute, after all, and it would look bad if Special Aide shot someone giving a greeting. He wondered what the Special Aide had told the Wolf Unit about him, if maybe they would be fine if he was shot dead giving a greeting.

“You are on house arrest. You do not get to question why an army unit should pay a remote area a visit,” Geumsaegi played his role.

Before either of them could continue, shouts were heard as another vehicle roared wildly around the house, wolves yelping, jumping out of the way, some colliding with the walls with a thump, laughing at their close calls.

Something green and tattered flew past the window, thrown up by spinning tires.

“MY CABBAGES!” Oegwipali wailed in alarm from outside.  

Commander Seungnyangi burst into the farmhouse, eyes flashing blue, followed by the slightly shaken Officer Yeou.

[ceiling-karasu]

Other Countries in the Squirrel and Hedgehog AUs, Part One, Plus OCs

Chaand Hadia (Moon Gift, Urdu)

For my AUs, I will have Flower Hill (North Korea) be very close to the country of Chaand Hadia (Moon Gift), located the left of the country. I'm ignoring the distance in between them for now, because this is fiction and I have decided it.

Location and Geography: Shares a border with Flower Hill. Plains, plateaus, mountains, rivers, fertile valleys, and ocean make for varied regions.

The Farmhouse Villa for Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket most likely takes place a few hours from the border between Flower Hill and Chaand Hadia.

Government: democratic parliamentary federal republic but local cultural rules specific regions.

Economy: The economy is largely based off of herbs, medicines, and dyes, with large exports of textiles. Essential medical compounds are grown in villages around the country or on mountaintops. Herbalists are seen as an essential job, and doctors that travel between small villages and neighboring countries are commonplace.

Flower Hill provides a lot of silk to Chaand Hadia, and receives essential medicines, dyes, and weapon components (in secret) that they may not have been able to grow or find themselves.

Demographics: hog deer, goats, sheep, boars, mongoose, Indian pangolin, striped hyenas, black and brown bears

Culture: Each province has it’s own rules and specific clothing styles based on the standard. Important families carry a detailed pocket compass to identify themselves, although the meanings can vary, and the presence of one can be a coded message.

Foreign Relations: Balanced and outwardly neutral, although getting more and more friendly with Flower Hill. Very friendly with Chambelli Koh.

Relation to Flower Hill: Alongside regular trade, secretly smuggles extra weapons and medicines into Flower Hill, possibly even up to weapons of mass destruction. After all, if Flower Hill falls the the Weasel Unit, their own coastlines will be next. Will not do anything overtly to support their neighbor, though, unless pushed.

Traditional Clothing Style (Not military attire): Shalwar kameez, hijab, Niqab. Clothing used to be more plain until they began acquiring large amounts of silk from Flower Hill.

OC Character: Soor-Hiran (May appear Briefly)

Rei-Does-Stuff mentioned the idea of a goat that could smuggle weapons and such into Flower Hill, and to Geumsaegi. I made a joke about the deer I had made in Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket, who does kind of do that. They responded with the concept of the Pakistani hog-deer, with absolutely no hesitation. Later, they discussed how Pakistan was such a close ally of North Korea, to the point that they smuggled nuclear weapons into the country. Well, that was also a background plot (not a spoiler), and the deer smuggling weapons and poisons may be a larger plot-line in the current AU. So, we got to talking.

As such, I would like to formally dedicate my Hog-Deer Smuggler, Soor-Hiran, to @Rei-Does-Stuff.

Gender: Ambiguous.

Country: Chaand Hadia (Moon gift, Urdu)

Alliance: Chaand Hadia

Attire: Hijab, loose trousers and shirts (Shalwar kameez), but province styles are blended together.

Skills: Herbs, medicine, espionage, deceit, eavesdropping, eidetic memory of mountain paths and plants, and schematics.

Weapon: Poison needles.

Day job: traveling herbalist, doctor. Is allowed to travel between Chaand Hadia and Flower Hill, and works with the commanders in Cherry Valley, as permitted by their own government. Alongside medicines, they bring materials for weapons, schematics, and messages pertaining to Weasel Unit movements and acquisitions. Their village is next to the border of Flower Hill, so it is easy to travel in between.

Works with: markhor goat group of apprentice herbalists and couriers. But they may be more than they seem to be...

Secret Job and backstory: While they will happily accept requests from Flower Hill, Soor-Hiran's group secretly works as a black market smuggler. Other weapons, foods, stolen items, jewels, and information are sold to those willing to pay the price. So far, the Weasel Unit has been unable to afford their cost, but how desperate will they get until they are willing to pay?

Likes: Silk, moths, flowers

Dislikes: being belittled for their culture

Personal Item: Beloved family antique pocket compass/sundial. This specific heirloom allows them free entry into Flower Hill.

OC Character: Pangulggot

Gender: Male

Country and Alliance: Chaand Hadia

Attire: loose trousers and shirts (Shalwar kameez)

Skills: medicine, ignoring things that don't apply to him.

Weapon: nothing other than his scales and claws. Is far too mild mannered to fight back if attacked for the most part. His scales prevent him from being harmed.

Day Job: traveling herbalist and medicine worker, bringing important medicinal components to Flower Hill

Works with: markhor goat group of apprentice herbalists, guards, and couriers

Likes: his job, Lily of the Valley flowers

Dislikes: People trying to eat Lily of the Valley Flowers. They are poisonous, but yet...

Backstory: They do very much love their name. However:

Pangulggot is aware that authorities act strangely when they say their name, and tries to hide it, since there is something going on that they probably should not know. Possibly a dangerous individual with the same name, or a military code word…?

Whatever it is, they sure notice that it gets them pulled into empty rooms while going through customs and checkpoints as ‘randomly selected,’ for extra questioning that sure sounds like they contain specific phrases for a specific person he is not.

[ceiling-karasu]

New Chapter of Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket

[ceiling-karasu]

For the anniversary of the start of Lily Bell in The Thorn Thicket, I thought I would finally post the amazing Illustration @bobbybutterfly made based off of Chapter Four of the story!

Thank you very much! I love it!

[ceiling-karasu]

Final Chapter of Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket!

I've finally managed to finish my first AU story at 145,867 words!

I would like to thank everyone who read the AU and enjoyed it! In a few months, I will be starting the next AU, featuring Geumsaegi, so I hope everyone will enjoy that as well!

That one is going to be more of the regular espionage, humor, and action more like the actual show. Much more of the Commanders and the young Scout Trio as well. Going to have to do much more research into the communication between spies and their handlers.

[ceiling-karasu]

Basic summery of chapter 28 of Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket

[ceiling-karasu]

Have to do a lot more species research for this AU

So far I'm keeping my idea of Geumsaegi trying to pass himself off as a hazel dormouse/striped field mouse cross (even though those aren't compatible, but I have to drop the realism somewhere). Still have to study the behavioral and dietary habits between squirrels and mice so Geumsaegi can watch himself or the Wolf Unit might get suspicious.

Red squirrels in Asia and Europe are said to have more tufted ears than American ones, but it turns out that is primarily in the winter, meaning they have rounder ears during the rest of the year.

So my plot point in the first AU on Guemsaegi and Juldarami having to trim their fur to avoid detection is still something I need to keep in mind. I don't think SEK wanted to worry about it though.

Turns out that stripe looking thing is not even a stripe. Some Red squirrel families just kind of have that darker color around the head and back, to the point that it can be solid black. Black stripes of a different color on the sides are how you determine red from gray squirrels in some areas.

I have heard (I wanted to look up the names other countries use) some Russian and near Russia Localizations like to use 'Chipmunk' instead of 'Squirrel?' But I'm not here to trample on anyone's personal headcanon, if they want to say chipmunk then I'll respect that for them.

Yes, Darami can translate into squirrel or chipmunk, but Red Squirrel and Hedgehog does not sound as natural coming off the tongue, I would think.

Of course, there is Juldarami. His name means striped, and I read somewhere that 'Juldarami' is an old archaic word for 'chipmunk,' but that it in turn can mean striped.

There are in fact, multiple species of striped squirrel, especially in Asia.

These include but are not limited to (excuse the PowerPoint screenshot I made):

Plus, chipmunks have stripes on their face, while it does not appear that striped squirrel stripes go into that area for the most part.

So far, no character has been shown with stripes on their face that I have seen, so I'm sticking with squirrel.

Honestly the bigger question is how Juldarami managed to pull off being a mouse. I can't think of any mouse species right now that would have multiple stripes like that.

There is the Four Striped Grass Mouse, but while the Weasel Army is grabbing species from all around, a mouse from Africa is a bit of a stretch.

I am assuming that the Weasel Army calls any mouse that does not look like a typical gray mouse a field mouse without worrying about the abundance of species.

I bet someone has been spontaneously executed because there were a dormouse and said field mouse, only to get shot because that is not what a field mouse should look like. Dr. Huinjogjebi seems paranoid enough to do that.

[ceiling-karasu]

Honestly, the original Squirrel and Hedgehog shipping polls I made had the purpose of helping me put my own thoughts in order. Like ‘how do I really feel about them? How much do I really like the ship?’ Because seeing them in an actual poll would really force me to think about my own feelings on the matter.

Because while I felt it would be weird to have any in Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket given the plot, I definitely wanted to try adding some romance to The Rod That Blocks the Lightning.

Characters being dead don’t matter. I can always write side stories of the past, or have characters pine after the ones they lost, or even have flashback scenes.

Edit: I do not mean in a ‘let’s go with what’s the most popular’ type way.

I feel like I should clarify I mean in a, if I vote in this poll I’d be influencing the vote, now I have to think about if I really want to influence it one way or the other type way.

Also, I would be forced to think on if I would be disappointed if people didn’t like a ship, because that would help me understand how I really felt about it.

[ceiling-karasu]

Other Countries in the AUs: Part Two, Plus OCs

Chambelli Koh (Flower Hill, Urdu)

(Hyena AU, mostly)

Background:

A nation in Africa, with a large population of Urdu speakers, explores the world, and forms an alliance with Chaand Hadia, as they are also Urdu speakers with some of the same values. To the left of Chaand Hadia, a colony of African Spotted Hyenas is formed to allow for easier trading.

But the country the hyenas came from is now defunct (joined up with another country peacefully), as suggested by the flag above, granting independence to the colony, which expanded into its own country as more hyenas join.

The Weasels took over the coastlines of Chambelli Koh with the help of the Wolf Unit, establishing a few bases there, but found a lack of workers they could intimidate into working the fish farms. The Wolf Unit then took over several villages, forcing the larger hyenas and other residents into working as troops for the unit, assuming that they are as blood thirsty as them, with the promise that they will not go after 'weak prey' like Flower Hill. The central government is playing the long game in allowing this to happen. After all, it is only a few villages on the coast, and discretely sabotaging the weasels and wolves will result in victory in the long run. Besides, the hyena soldiers will revolt, eventually, and no one will be able to stop them.

I have the idea that Nurse Eomin from her AU will have been conscripted from the coastline when she was visiting family. The Weasel Unit has no idea she is actually a resident of Flower Hill, just as they have no idea that the hyenas have an incredibly strong bond with the hedgehogs to the point of a few romances.

Location and Geography: Shares a border with Chaand Hadia. Mostly fertile farmland surrounded by mountains, but has a rich coastline of fish.

Government: Stratocracy, although local villages may have their own rules. Central government usually, but coastlines are controlled by the weasels

Economy: Mostly just an agricultural and mining society. They trade minerals and weapons to Flower Hill in exchange for silk, and to Chaand Hadia in exchange for paints and dyes.

Demographics: Much of the country is striped and spotted hyenas. Other species include Swinhoe's striped squirrel, three striped ground squirrels, red squirrels, deer, ermines, pigs, sheep, goats, and monkeys.

Culture: Peaceful, but pragmatic and can switch to warlike. Dark humor with loud laughter is a staple of the populace, but the art scene is booming.

Foreign Relations: Mostly Isolated for now, as most creatures are scared of them, and they are a relatively new nation. They are also far louder and m ore brash than everyone else.

Relation to Flower Hill: Flower Hill was concerned by these massive newcomers, so they invited the hyenas to engage in diplomatic discussions. It was discovered that both countries are called 'Flower Hill,' in their own languages, completely by accident, breaking the tension. The hyenas were impressed and thrilled that the hedgehogs were not at all terrified of them and happily formed peace treaties

Traditional Clothing Style (When not in Military attire): Hanbok, shirts, blouses, large robes, and pants, elaborate beaded necklaces.

Hyena OCs

It's not going to be a serious or long AU, once I get to it. I might combine it with the Nope AU and create a series of stories involving Chambelli Koh and Flower Hill. Otherwise they will be mentioned as existing in the AU, maybe in passing, but they won't be big players in The Rod That Blocks the Lightning, if at all.

Really, the name for this one will probably be One Mind All the Time. The hyenas are super intimidating and powerful, but if they are not in a fight, then they are big friendly goofballs who share one brain cell. But still smart, in the way they can plan for a battle, as well as subtly indicate to Flower Hill that they are being coerced.

Honestly, I could set the location of the prison for the Kidnapped Scientist AU somewhere around in this country, perhaps. Or at least near one of their borders.

Jindo Dog Island

This isn't made up, I just straight up took an actual island around Korea. It was supposed to be a one off gag for an inconsequential chapter, but afterwards I had ideas!

Location and Geography: Down near the Southern part of the Weasel Territory, but not part of it. Island nation with lots of fertile farmland and mixed with birch trees.

Government: Imperialistic, yet willing to trade with other countries.

Economy: Large soju exports, necessitating large wheat and rice fields, as well as a large variety of fruits and vegetables for taste. They also have a large export of xylitol made form imported birch trees, although their uses for it remain mysterious, as it is not used in the soju. Sugar, fruits, silk, and vegetables are large imports.

Demographics: Jindo dogs, pigs, deer, mice

Culture: farmers, loving the peaceful life, paintings, but everyone is conscripted for a short period of time when they become adults, and are very reserved to outsiders. They have never been successfully invaded, but young males of important families are expected to enrich themselves with travel to foreign countries so they can better run the family and the nation, so the country is not completely shut off and behind the times.

Foreign Relations: Open to trade, but due to being an island nation, they have a massive imperial fleet of a highly trained navy. This is also how they are able to trade soju safely despite being so close the weasel territory, in addition to the Myeongnyang Strait, which provides heavy protection to the islands. Stories abound of assassins from the country poisoning enemies with mysterious powders, but the diplomats assure that those are simply rumors. It is only a coincidence that enemies who tried to invade their country, or seriously talked about invading tend to wind up mysteriously dead or in comas.

Relation to Flower Hill: Flower Hill gives them wood and silk, and they trade with exquisite soju. Flower Hill has been sure to treat visitors from there very well for generations, in order to secure alliances.

Traditional Clothing Style: Loose clothes, pants, dresses. Higher classes wear robes, everyone has armor they can use.

OC Character: Jinro the Jindo Dog

Gender: Male

Country and Alliance: Jindo Dog Island

Attire: Western clothes

Skills: Cooking, soju production

Job: drifter, cook

Backstory: He and his twin, Hite, were born to the nation's largest soju production factory in the kingdom. On a trip, he was conscripted by the Weasel Unit as a cook. He escapes with a group of friends he makes in the barracks. Now, as per tradition for the family, he wanders to earth searching for new food and soju recipes.

Just a funny guy I'm going to have wander in and out of stories.

Wolf Country

I don't really have a whole lot of ideas on this right now that I have not spoken of in my previous post. To be honest, I don't think the actual country will feature too much, if at all, since the action is around Flower Hill and other nations nearby.

But, I'm guessing the wolves represent America, and the alligators/crocodiles are Mexico that has been occupied by the Wolf Unit. I'm still working on personalities and such for this group, but I'm guessing they are very strong, and see the smaller animals as weak and beneath them.

I want to call this one Steven or Miguel.

I still say the alligators/crocs are good for underwater reconnaissance in the absence of the underground study data, Dr. Dudeoji, or his assistant, Bamsaegi. Disarming mines Flower Hill has planted in the water is also probably a good use for them. They are, however, cold blooded, and this comes with its own problems when doing their jobs.

It is possible that the alligators/crocs may want to take over Flower Hill for themselves, but they would want to get out from under the thumb of the Wolf Unit first.

[ceiling-karasu]

No officer, I’m not woobifying the squirrel of death, the other characters think that of him because he’s young.

[ceiling-karasu]

New Chapter of Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket

[ceiling-karasu]

THREE New Chapters for Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket

Early holiday gift, I guess. I am having surgery tomorrow, so I probably can't start on the next few chapters until January, so I wanted to put these up on a happier note.

Chapter 24 is a bit dialogue heavy, but I hope you like it!

[ceiling-karasu]

World-Building for My Squirrel and Hedgehog AUs: Flower Hill Area Specific

I could not find the motivation to write for The Rod That Blocks the Lightning this week, so I made these instead. Splitting it into three posts, because they are pretty large and a lot of information. I also cannot draw well, so I have

So, I think I have finally figured out how my AUs work a bit in context of the Squirrel and Hedgehog universe, or at least what I will use. This is subject to be changed as time goes on, but none of this should spoil anything I have written so far, or what I will write in the future.

Shout out to @sah-headcanons for listening to me ramble nonsensically about ideas for AUs for the past 3-4 years, and offering encouragement the whole time as I had revelations to actually write it out! Might have taken an offhand comment or two they made and turned them into entire massive plot ideas.

For one, the continents appear to be about the same as in the real world. I am assuming the flag colors represent the dominant culture or country in the region.

It is likely that Asia is more in the middle, but is blocked on the screen here. Some real life world maps have their own country in the middle to make it easier. It is safe to say that North and South Korea would be in the same shape and place.

As such, I think I can say that some of the same concepts will appear throughout all of my AUs. It does not necessarily mean they are taking place in the same timeline/AU, just that the areas, countries, and concepts are the same.

History of the area Around Flower Hill:

As with regular Korea, it used to be run by emperors, and had a strict caste system split up by species. Strong predators such as tigers were at the top, while weaker animals were towards the bottom. Most creatures lived in villages located according to their species or biological (food, sleep, hibernation) needs, and did not mingle with each other.

Within each caste, there were hierarchies depending on how useful the attributes of the family bloodline were. For instance, sheep that grew wool rapidly that could be used as clothing, as with domesticated sheep, were higher ranking than sheep who did not have fast growing wool, or wool that simply blew off (wild sheep). This would help explain the appearance of domestic sheep, pigs, and Korean Village dogs in the absence of humans. Plus why accusing individuals of being a lapdog or running dog is apparently a thing in universe.

Likewise, animals within a caste with a bloodline that allowed them to see colors better than others were also higher ranking, such as wolves seeing the color green, since they cannot in real life, and seeing green made them more effective in their tasks.

Eventually, the royal families were overthrown, as was the caste system some time later. Newfound trade allowed different species to move between areas and better survive, leading to populations forming alliances with each other based on what they needed and for protection, as well as larger villages and some cities.

However, even generations later, echos of the caste system still remain. Weasels and tigers still see themselves as being superior over mice, squirrels, rabbits, and other, smaller creatures, for instance. Inter caste system issues still occur, such as canines that have trouble seeing the color green seen as lesser than canines who can see green.

Descendants of the old royal families still exist, and while some are content with their lives, others seethe over the lost power their ancestors used to hold. Some wish to hold the values of their royal ancestors, whilst living within their means. These descendants can usually be identified by the possession of a royal or high ranking family munjang, which is useless to many, but still gives the wielder much respect.

I also have the headcanon (and we came up with these ideas separately) that Mulamgcho's family are descendants of royalty. Although it does not seem as if he wishes to reinstall an empire himself, as much as live comfortably and in power somewhere with his surviving family member(s).

Food and dietary habits are close to that of real world animals. Animals that eat meat subsist on seafood (non-sentient in this universe), small non-sentient birds, and insects. Cannibalism, even of the enemy, is seen as unclean and taboo, so bodies are disposed of as quickly as possible and thoroughly as possible to prevent temptation. Crematoriums are a booming business, although the wealthy may get personalized electrified coffins to dispose of their bodies in a more individual manner, if funerals are available, as seen when General Commander Jogjebi faked his death.

The split between South and North

I hold the idea that weasels and other obligate carnivores live in villages around the ocean and large lakes in the South. There, they are able to create fish farms for food. The south of the continent is great for fish farms, as long as they are properly managed, although agriculture is possible. Other inhabitants live towards the middle of the country, or labor for the weasels.

The North of the country is better for agriculture, and proper management has made it very profitable. Fish farming is possible, but given the coast would require considerable more effort. Smaller species, and those who were not obligate carnivores, also migrated up north to avoid the amassing weasels taking over the power vacuum from the royals. Silkworms also thrive in the Northern climate.

Weasel Empires:

Location and Geography: South Korean area. The weasels mostly live in villages around the coastline in small fishing kingdoms. Smaller weasel villages might live inland around larger lakes. Non weasel species, such as mice, also live inland in impoverished villages. But the villages are subject to being raided, with inhabitants being forcibly conscripted into the service of the weasels, when not taxed heavily.

Government: A central government dictatorship, but since the territories are scattered, the strongest weasel in the area leads.

Economy: most of the economy comes from fishing. There may be small areas of agriculture for species that work for the weasels. Wheat and rice farms exist for the purpose of making soju for export in some areas. Weasels levy large taxes against all non weasel villages, leading to very poor villages that struggle to survive and trade amongst themselves. Agriculture is looked down upon, so while farming could be viable, it is seen as for servants and lesser species.

Demographics: Mostly weasels and mice, some crows, anyone else they can force to join to their side.

Foreign relations and relations involving Flower Hill: The weasel policy is to fish farm in an area until there are not enough fish to sustain the current population. Then, they will create a new territories up or down the coast. However, severe mismanagement has led to a depletion in fish across the weasel villages throughout the nation. Flower Hill has coastlines, and therefore, fish. Which means more power and food to whoever takes over the area, which is also very rich in other resources. Also, forced labor for the fish farms, so they can rule over the area while they themselves relax. Many upstart weasels are promised fame and power if they occupy a region of Flower Hill, and the temptation of new servants to rule over. The mice are mostly just desperate to take over Flower Hill for the food, and to force the residents to work for them so they can taste a bit of power for once. Propaganda posters also promise mice and crows higher pay and higher ranks for joining the army, and the idea that they can treat the residents of conquered regions as their own servants.

Political Alliances: Wolf Unit and tiger kingdoms, and what would be the equivalent of Japan, in universe, that I have not gotten around to yet as I highly doubt they will play a part.

Traditional Clothing style (other than military gear): Much taken from the Japan equivalent, clothing is a Kimono covered by a Haori, although these are usually worn more by high class individuals.

Regular shirts and trousers are worn by lower and working classes. Villagers more towards the inner part of the country wear simple, traditional Hanbok.

Other: The idea of the weasels needing to stay on the coast works with a certain concept with the Kidnapped Scientists AU. It would be an interesting idea to have the scientists eventually work with the weasels by helping them conquer inland areas around Flower Hill, knowingly forcing the weasels to waste resources trying to get extra fish to the area before it goes bad, as well as having the army be stretched thin.

While the Weasel Country is allied with the equivalent of Japan, the country is not interested in helping the weasels take over another country due to pressure from the international community, and the fact that they see countries as too small for them to want to get involved.

Flower Hill:

Location and Geography: North Korea, although I assume the rabbit villages are China. Varies between coastal, woodlands, plains, lakes, rivers, and mountainous areas

Government: Stratocracy, where the government is headed by military chiefs. Villages may have their own chiefs, but they answer to the military in the end. Strangely, more and more village chiefs are becoming military chiefs...

Flower Hill also encourages education and sending intelligent individuals for prestigious universities to hopefully bring back new ideas and information that could help the economy and the government, although it is noticeable that almost everyone that goes seems to have an affiliation to the military as well...

Economy: For the most part, Flower Hill is an agricultural nation, with plenty of food to sustain the population. Fishing is also popular, and many countries like the local goby fish. Science and research allows for many discoveries and patents to be made in Flower Hill.

Honestly, I saw sah-headcanon's post asking about what carnivores eat, and wound up seeing if insects were a food eaten in Korea. What I found was that Beondegi (silkworm pupa) is a well known food in Korea, sold as street food and in convenience stores. Which has led to me deciding that Flower Hill has a massive silk and silkworm industry that takes up the bulk of the exports. Good for lots of food, and also for fancy clothing for themselves and other countries, which bolsters foreign relations.

They will import what they need from other countries.

Demographics: squirrels, hedgehogs, ducks, monkeys, pigs, sheep, deer, geese, bears. Originally, each species had their own specific jobs, such as squirrels being farmers, hedgehogs being military, ducks being the navy, monkeys being entertainers, and so on. But that was abolished a few generations ago, and the hedgehogs encourage other species to join in the military or try other careers.

Foreign relations: Flower Hill prefers to keep peaceful relations with other countries. Even though they are being invaded by the Weasel Unit, they will still invite weasel leaders to diplomatic events and festivals. However, dark secrets are hidden deep from the international eyes. Many countries enjoy the high quality silk that comes from the area.

Political Alliances: Jindo Dog Island, Chaand Hadia, Chambelli Koh

Traditional Clothing Style (not including military uniforms): Flower Hill citizens would wear intricately patterned chosŏn-ot, bolstered by their massive silkworm pupae industry. Otherwise, shirts and trousers for when they are working.

Other Countries/continents outside of the local area:

Tiger Empires: believe that they are of royal blood, and at the top of the old caste system, and will occasionally create small empires. Their disregard for other species usually results in their collapse. Tigers tend to be the main villains for many Korean cartoons, so it is an interesting concept.

White-Naped Crane Party:

Used to be the upper class clergy and preachers meant to keep the lower castes under control. Most of this group fully supports the return to the emperors and caste system. White-Naped Cranes in real life primarily live in the demilitarized zone of North Korea, but they do migrate to other areas before returning. Therefore, it is only natural to have them appear at some point.

Their migrations have them bring back strange, new ideas of subservience to emperors, and they cause each disruptions that Flower Hill considers revoking their traditional permits to come and go as they please. They also tend to be found within the territories of Tiger Empires.

Other Countries:

I don't think other countries outside of the immediate area will feature too much. For them, It's too much effort to get involved in that type of conflict for a country that is not a big superpower. I do hold that the Geneva Convention and international courts exist, but not because of World War reasons. Due to species restrictions, events like World Wars are not possible, but rules of warfare are, for decencies sake.

Travel and trade is still allowed into the area, and both the weasels and Flower Hill avoid angering citizens from other countries due to diplomatic reasons, which can lead into reporters poking their noses in there they don't belong...

Outside of Flower Hill, in more industrious countries, there are larger cities. Universities exist, and some are very prestigious. But, due to the lack of travel ability and certain species restrictions (climate and such), long distance and online classes are available and seen as valid.

[ceiling-karasu]

Happy One Year Anniversary to the first chapter of Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket!

[ceiling-karasu]

Two New Chapters of Lily Bell in the Thorn Thicket!

I knew he had a pocket knife somewhere in the show. I just wanted to use that photo.