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{{Infobox civilization|name=Nara|subheader=|image=Nara_Flag.png|capital_city=[[Shiroyama]] | government_type=Feudal Shogunate|position_title1=Shikken|position_title2=Rensho|position_title4=Daimyo|position_title5=Samurai|position_title6=Komuin|position_title3=Taishō|position_name1=[[SwordMaster7777]]|position_name2=[[Prawny331]]|position_name3=[[BlankestAtlas]]|foundation_date=2nd June 2022|preceded_by={{flag|Far Seas Alliance}}, {{flag|Inferno}}|discord=https://discord.gg/M8etHAEyBB|demonym=Naran|position_name4=[[Bronnakus]], [[Earyx]]||position_name5=[[HPLaptop]]||position_name6=[[JeyHey]], [[Bronnakus]], [[mtfUJi]], [[BlankestAtlas]], [[Hg__80]]|caption=Nara's flag, with three heavenly trigrams<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagua</ref> representing the divinity of the nation. In the center the moon rises in a dark night sky.|location=3300, 4700|area=3.05 km^2<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/vpobr3/new_map_new_nation_size_analysis_details_in/</ref>|alliance=[[Dalgon-Nara Alliance]], {{flag|Independent Southern Powers}}|activity_level=High|settlements=Ichinokawa, Sunatoride, Kajitsu|territories=[[Q'Barra]], Akheron (defunct)|mascot=Finn}}

'''Nara''' is a nation on [[CivMC]], located in the deep (+,+) on the continent of [[Alenarith]]. The nation is primarily Japanese-themed, though it takes some inspiration from other east Asian cultures.

Nara's territory runs from Lake Biwa in the north to the world border, with a long, narrow claim reminiscent of the nation of Chile. The nation is bordered to the west by [[Dalgon]], the east by [[Free Danzilonan Republic]] and [[Gensokyo]], and to the north and northwest by [[Doom City]] and the [[Arsenio Pact]]. 

==History==
Initially founded in late 2020 by several members of nations in the [[Far Seas Alliance]] in [[CivRealms 2.0]], Nara was planned for the now-cancelled iteration [[CivEx 4.0]]<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivEx/comments/oou4i3/its_dead_btw/</ref>. Following the decline of player count on [[CivRealms]], Nara was initially planned as a ''nation of states'', much like [[Nro'meagh]] and later the [[Imperial Federation]] (albeit with a more rigid federal structure), to make use of some of the planned mechanics of [[CivEx]]. Due to the cancellation of [[CivEx]], many members continued on to play [[CivUniverse]] or [[Devoted Hell]] in the interim. In Hell, many Narans composed the successful nation of [[Inferno]] while waiting for a more serious, stable server to release. This did not occur until the announcement of [[CivMC]] in early 2022. With [[CivEx]] out of the picture, Nara was merged under one banner in preparation for launch, and many of the plans for subdivision into smaller nations (such as the planned nation of Nagoya) were abandoned.

=== Launch===
Upon launch, the Narans paired up with the Dalgonians to find suitable land for settlement. Given the nature of both nations' ambitions, with Nara wanting to build its capital by a mountain and Dalgon wanting to live inside a mountain, the two were natural neighbors. Within half an hour of launch, Dalgonian leader Fredhun14 found and shared pictures of beautiful white cliffs by a birch forest. Shikken [[SwordMaster7777]] loved it, and the scattered Narans beelined to settle the area. After switching to the meadows north of the mountains, work quickly began to set up defenses and farms in what would become Shiroyama.

Within a week of founding, Shiroyama had begun construction in earnest. The house of [[Bronnakus]], Nara's oldest building, was built on 6/4/2022, followed quickly by [[Ukai]]'s house and sheep gauntlet in Noto Point. By the end of the week, Nara hosted a flower shop, wood exchange, multiple houses, and the global headquarters of MofuMofu Wool. Shiroyama, a city built at a reasonable scale and focused on aesthetics, quickly blossomed into an attractive place for foreign visitors and investors. For much of this period, most of the nation operated out of a single small bunker, with resources freely shared between citizens. This was referred to as the ''communism bunker'' by citizens and lasted until the bunker was upgraded in mid July. 

Nara's claims went public on the 8th of June<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/v7g06b/official_claims_of_nara/</ref>, spawning the now infamous Chile Admirer copypasta<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/v7g06b/official_claims_of_nara/ibkiafo/</ref>. An unnofficial claim was posted by [[theJmqn]] three days earlier<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/v5noos/civmc_unofficial_and_a_few_other_areas_claims_map/</ref>, though this showed Nara to be much larger than it actually was. Much of this land had been signposted with small claim markers prior to publicizing the entire claim, though at this time the exact shape was unknown internally. Both Dalgon and Nara initially shared claims for the first few days at launch<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/v4hdx3/please_stop_overclaiming_our_territories_ap_joint/</ref>, with many claim signs specifying both Dalgon and Nara. 

===The First Month (June 2022)===
The town of Ichinokawa was planned by [[Paragonius]] as the nation's second settlement within the first week, though it was not established until the third week. In that time Shiroyama also was expanding quickly and drawing in new players, as well as advancing through the tech tree with the help of [[Greltam]] and his farms in the Greltam Special Economic Zone (GSEZ), which is located in north Dalgon. Two new Komuin were promoted for their efforts following launch, with [[Ukai]] as the Komuin of Domestic Affairs (which would later be renamed the Komuin of the Interior). [[Dynamiczbee]] was also promoted as the Komuin of Agriculture, and spearheaded farm construction, with a particular focus on producing aesthetically pleasing farms, instead of the usual ugly squares typical for XP production. 

A rail connection north to Mount Augusta was established as one of the first international rail lines on the server. Running underneath Doom City, the unauthorised line was discovered by Doom when several raiders used the tunnel to bypass border snitches. This served to actually improve the relationship between both nations following negotiations, and the rail line was allowed to stay. 

A public factory room was set up in Shiroyama, and then Komuin [[Bronnakus]] continued to encourage settlement and the construction of houses. New parts of the city were seeing growth, and the SpeedyJustice Manor Neighborhood began to take shape at this time with the construction of the eponymous manor.

===The Sack of Shiroyama (July-September 2022)===
The second month of the server did not go as smoothly as the first, though Nara was still flourishing. During this time the Nara Royal Academy of Sciences, an academy with the mission to collect every written book in the world and allow free access to them, as well as the Nara Brewers Guild, were created. The settlements of Kajitsu and Sunatoride sprung up and many new recruits joined the citizenry of Nara. 

However, notorious raider [[Vah]] decided to set his set his sights on the continent of Alenarith in this time period. Due to his slippery nature, for quite some time [[Vah]] was able to raid with impunity. However, one fateful day [[Vah]] decided to raid the newly-founded Nara Brewers Guild, burning any materials he could find and killing Bronnakus several times. With reinforcements inbound, [[Vah]] attempted to escape, chased by [[Bronnakus]] (still armorless and weaponless) and [[Earyx]] (who was in gold prot), when he lagged out and was stuck in the void upon reconnecting<ref>https://youtu.be/pKQ4J81j1lw</ref> due to a client-side issue. Seizing the moment, the duo of buildfriends attacked without mercy and killed [[Vah]]. Despite not being able to pearl him, the kill was not without its benefits, as [[Vah]] lost multiple weapons, potions, tools, and armor pieces, most of which was burnt<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/w90h7d/vah_loses_to_two_naked_buildfriends/</ref> or dropchested far from Nara. 

Wanting revenge, Vah re-geared and made the long trip back to Shiroyama from his bunker in the Fellowship, obbybombing downtown Shiroyama with a stack of IRO<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/w9agx9/notable_pissbaby_vah_dies_to_naked_newfriends_in/</ref> before being chased off. This was easily cleaned up with the help of allies, and peace temporarily returned to Shiroyama once more. For the next short while, due to [[Vah]] being banned, Shiroyama expanded and welcomed the businesses and embassies of many nations. This peace was enjoyed but it was known it was temporary. Upon the end of [[Vah]]'s ban, raids returned intermittently, with several raiders joining the group over the coming weeks, most notably [[Ez2Clutch]], following his pearling and subsequent betrayal of [[Estalia]] upon being released by [[Rhode Island]]. Nara's activity and relative wealth made it an obvious target for attacks, in addition to Vah's historic defeat in Shiroyama. With the assistance of regional allies in the [[Alenarith Forum]], damage to Shiroyama was light. The raiders did successfully kill many Narans, claiming the loot they dropped before running away. This included RezzyDaddy, who was moving house from MTA when he was caught in Dalgon carrying two stacks of diamond blocks<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/wochal/bounty_doesnt_go_up_if_you_steal_all_their/</ref>.

In early August, the province of [[Q'Barra]] was formalised<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/wgurqg/qbarra_naran_exclave/</ref>, with Earyx spearheading the claim and being promoted to Daimyo of the region. This left Nara with two formal provinces, with Bronnakus being promoted to Daimyo in early July. The government also saw some reshuffling, with [[JeyHey]] joining as Komuin of Infrastructure, and [[Greltam]] replacing Dynamiczbee as Komuin of Agriculture owing to his predecessor's inactivity. JeyHey did not remain as Komuin of Infrastructure for long, replacing Ukai. The Infrastructure position was converted into a citizen-led Infrastructure Committee, consisting of [[Asakuun]], [[Toshiba Laptop]] and [[MythicPatronymic]]. This committee started planning work for a cross-continental rail to the north-west, which started construction and was named the Shiroyama North to Arsenio, Caliphate and Commonwealth (SNACC) line.

==== The Southern Border Kerfuffle (August 2022) ====
During August 2022, Naran citizen [[Saren_Solaris]] was searching for bunkers belonging to the raiders harassing Nara and strayed into Gensokyo. He was immediately confronted in DMs by [[Topaz4293]] and was told to leave. Saren chose to /ignore her, but did turn to leave. Enraged at his decision to ignore her and his prior conduct<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/wyni7i/a_response_to_nara_evidence_included/</ref>, Topaz ordered Ferro_Vir and Asumaru to pearl Saren. In the resulting skirmish, Saren dropped both Ferro and Asumaru<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/wv5jzh/two_gensokyo_menace_jumps_me_at_their_border_and/</ref>, securing both pearls. Due to a server bug, Ferro was pearled yet still free, and he returned to the scene to re-gear. Saren re-engaged with him and chased him down to secure the pearl in Tenseimiya. This caused a boiling-over of tensions with Gensokyo<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/wyea10/interim_statement_on_dnagensokyo_relations/</ref>, whom already had grievances against Nara for their perceived failure to temper or otherwise remove Saren for his conduct referring to Asumaru. Gensokyo and later Mount Augusta would leave the Alenarith Forum in protest, and in a discussion mediated by Lowtuff between both nations' leaders failed to agree on terms both parties considered reasonable. Both Saren and Asu were banned, and Gensokyo went on an extended hiatus for several months as a result. Following [[Danzilona]]'s declaration of the territory as a protectorate<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/wzgstn/gensokyo_is_now_a_protectorate_of_the_free/</ref>, Ferro was freed in a attempt to extend an olive branch and improve relations.

=== The Generic War and its Conclusion (October-November 2022) ===
While Nara was not party to the Generic War, due to the continued raiding of [[Vah]] and [[Ez2Clutch]] (both of which were associated with [[Rhode Island]]), Nara suffered declining activity during the war. There were some minor victories, such as [[BlankestAtlas]] quick-dropping clutch in central Shiroyama, but it was a stressful time in Nara. Great focus was placed on building up defenses in the form of bunker upgrades and traps. In early September, the Rhode Island group (including Clutch) were banned en masse<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/xgskza/clean_sweep/</ref>, meaning Nara was once again at peace. However, the war took it's toll, and burnout set in. Several mainstays of Nara took extended breaks at this point, and the nation appeared to be in decline<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/z0m9cz/documentary_on_naran_lies/</ref>. Great effort was still expended by the remaining members of government to turn the tide. 

=== '''Naran Resurgence (December 2022- Present)''' ===
Due to the efforts of the charismatic newfriend [[BlankestAtlas]], Shiroyama started to see great increases in mega-builds, first the Atlas Palace Library then the Shiroyama Hockey Rink. These buildings made great usage of land and added amenities to the city. They also sparked further development of the city of Shiroyama, as more businesses were attracted to the larger city. Notable meme maker and current Komuin of the Interior mTfUJi began taking on the role of grindfriend at this point, which greatly facilitated economic reinvigoration. As activity begets activity, and due to the changes to force newfriends to spawn in cities with people online, Shiroyama began to be the spawn point for many newfriends, leading to a large slew of newfriend arrivals joining the nation. These newfriends built houses and businesses, and returned life to the streets of Shiroyama. Concurrently, former citizens returned to activity as their school semesters ended, which bolstered the activity of the nation. It was during this time that the village of Yoshiwara was settled in Central Nara, that Q'Barra and Ichinokawa expanded and gained branches of the Nara Library System, and that the Castle Trench was completed. Presently, the national focus is the building of the castle, the beautification and expansion of the cities and towns, and developing and fostering the newfriends into the next generation of Narans.

==== Olympics (March 10-12, 2023) ====
''See Also: [[Nara-Danzilona Olympics]]''

During this time BlankestAtlas was named the Komuin of Culture and Nara was looking to build a greater relationship with nearby Danzilona, and so the idea of hosting the server's first Olympics was floated around. As it was Winter, the concept emerged as a Winter Olympics, though due to political shenanigans, would not end up being held until the beginning of Spring, in the middle of March 2023. The majority of events were held in Shiroyama Nara, and some new sports facilities, like a Spleef Arena (Sponsored by Doom Delivery) were built to accomodate more event ideas. Other events were held in [[New Swisston]], Danzilona and Venera, Old [[Venne (CivMC)|Venne]]. Nara took home the most medals of any nation in this Olympics, with Hg__80 being the stand-out athlete brining home 4 of Nara's 5 gold medals.

==Geography==
[[File:Public Claims of Nara as of 6-8-22.png|thumb|668x668px|The first public claims map of Nara was released on June Eighth, six days after SOTW and two days following [[Dalgon]] publicizing their claims.]]

===Cities, Towns, and Villages ===

====Shiroyama====
Shiroyama ("White Mountain") is the capital city of Nara. It is a Japanese word best translated as either White Mountain (白山) or Castle Mountain (城山) depending on the kanji used. The name draws inspiration from the real-life [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Shiroyama_(Kagoshima) Mount Shiroyama] in Kagoshima, the site of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Shiroyama Battle of Shiroyama].

As a capital city, Shiroyama is the largest city in Nara. It benefits from its proximity to populated, allied nations, and fringes multiple bodies of water including Lake Biwa to the north, Beartooth River to the west, and the Ebi River to the east. The sizable Lake Biwa is of particular note due to its central location in the plus-plus (+,+) quadrant. It connects at least six different nations both to each other and to the ocean via water.

Port Shiroyama is located on the Beartooth River. It acts as the central area for shipping to and from Nara. It connects to roads Ninjin St. and Taru Terr. which host many of Nara's businesses and residences, respectively.

Within Shiroyama are multiple neighborhoods. The Old Town, centered on the intersection of Bokuso-chi Ave. and Ninjin St. is the most developed of them all, and is the place of residence for most citizens. It extends from the port in the Beartooth River to the Canal in the north, the Brewer's guild in the south, and to the West Castle Wall in the east. Also notable neighborhoods are:

Katanishi-ku, a subdivision of the Old Town founded by [[HPLaptop]]. It's known for its density and incorporation of natural elements. It is home of the Venne Brewery.

The Atlas Library Neigborhood, which hosts several shops, quite a few houses, and the largest library in Alenarith.

The Modern Area, which contains the rail station, the casino, and the Hockey Rink. It is built in a much larger, more modern style and is developing in its own right.

Sakura Forest, a planned nature reserve in Southeast Shiroyama anchored by the two Bannedsions of [[Saren_Solaris]] and [[TwigBranch]]. It is to be filled with built Sakura trees. 
[[File:Bokuso-Chi.png|thumb|A view down one of Old Town Shiroyama's main avenues, Bokuso-Chi Ave.]]

=====Noto Peninsula=====
North of Shiroyama lays the Noto peninsula (named for a place in Japan), flanked by the diverging rivers Ebi and Beartooth. It is the northernmost geographical region of Shiroyama, reaching a northern extremity at Noto Point, the tip of the peninsula. There is a small, unincorporated agricultural community on the peninsula founded by former Komuin [[dynamicbeez|dynamiczbee]]. Notable features include the headquarters of the Naran Agricultural Department and its expansive farm, spanning the entire northern half of the peninsula. it is a source of easy food and XP materials for newfriends to use to get themselves established. 

===='''Ichinokawa'''====
Ichinokawa ("Rock Quarry Village") is a village in the central birch forest of Nara, located south-east of Shiroyama, right below Ebi river. Almost entirely constructed by mayor Paragonius, the village now features, following quite rapid development in December of 2022, a community center for all residents, the Ichinokawa Public Library, the Amaterasu Tea Shop and a shinto shrine dedicated to Tsukuyomi, kami of the moon. Although originally intended as a place for an aesthetically pleasing quarry to satisfy the stone needs of ever-growing Shiroyama, it took until December to fulfill that intention, making that name a misnomer for just over six months. The focus shifted to Ichinokawa being a serene and atmospheric retreat from the busy capital for the residents of Nara.

==== Q'Barra ====
Q'Barra (named after the jungle region from the fantasy setting "Eberron") is a Naran exclave located in the heart of the [[Eastern Continent]]. Q'Barra started as a passion project from [[Earyx]] with the goal to find an unclaimed jungle biome that would allow [[Nara]] to harvest jungle crops while at the same time allowing him to develop a different style of town and culture whitin the nation of [[Nara]]. After exploring some promising areas [[Earyx]] finally discovered the land which, on May the 8th of 2022, became known as Q'Barra.

That same day a group of settlers led and guided by [[Earyx]] traveled to the exclave colony and officially founded the village of Q'Barra. This group included [[LunaaCatt]], who helped building roads, [[Bronnakus]] who helped with developing factories, [[BlankestAtlas]] who helped clearing the claim posts around the border of vegetation, and [[MythicPatronymic]] who helped transporting materials. Only a few weeks later [[asakuun]] joined the settlers team to develop the last stretch of the rail connecting Q'Barra to Shiroyama.

Q'Barran culture, architecture and lore is a blend of Aztec, the mesoamerican indiginous people, and Argonian, the fantasy lizardfolk race from The Elder Scrolls series. This blend produces a theme of stony but colorful builds, wooden huts overclaimed by vegetation, big step pyramid temples and a magical lore with The Hist Tree as cornerstone. 

====Kajitsu ====
Kajitsu ("Berry") is a hamlet in Southern Nara founded by [[Ukai]] upon his return to CivMC. The site was chosen due to its remote nature and allows for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of economic activity and politics. On the site is [[Bronnakus]]'s Berry Cabin, built in early July to "make the southern part of Nara a little less Crayola sixty-four pack with sharpener, and a little more Crayola twenty-four pack" ([[Bronnakus]]), as well as some farms for brewery supplies.

==== Sunatoride====
On July 22, 2022, it was discovered that a trio of newfriends began building a village in an Arabian style on a small beach in central Nara, unaware of the claims. At the time Komuin of Citizen Management Bronnakus, as well as [[HPLaptop]], discovered the settlement on a trip southwards. After some investigation, the pair was able to determine the owners of the settlement. Rather than reacting harshly, the group was invited to join Nara as an official village. Sunatoride ("Sand Fort") was given as a temporary name while the group decides for itself a proper settlement name. However, due to inactivity of said newfriends, the settlement is abandoned, with its materials being cannibalized for the development of the industrial center of Nara and supplies for Yoshiwara.

==== Yoshiwara ====
Yoshiwara was founded by an IRL friend duo of [[AnbuBlack0ps]] and [[T0astyAce]] in Central Nara. The two were joined by [[MrDarkini]] on the day of founding, who was coincidentally looking for a small village to found in a taiga. The trio set to work developing their village with the help of [[Bronnakus]].

==Politics==

==='''Feudal System'''===
Nara is a Feudalist Shogunate led by Shikken [[SwordMaster7777]], with a government split into three groups in a descending hierarchy of authority.  

==== Imperial Court ====
Reporting to the Shikken is his Rensho, [[Prawny331]], the nation's second-in-command. Also reporting directly to the Shikken is the Taishō [[BlankestAtlas]], the military leader of Nara. The Taisho is in charge of Nara's militia and samurai, military infrastructure, as well as taking effective command of the nation in time of war. These three leaders form the Imperial Court, which functionally acts as a Triarchy.  

==== Daimyo ====
The Daimyo are in charge of a specific region of Nara, and can essentially have complete control over their assigned region (with the exception of military infrastructure), ruling over the land for the Shikken. The most populous prefecture is that of Shiroyama, lead by [[Bronnakus]] and containing the city of the same name. The prefecture of Q'Barra is a strategic exclave on the [[Eastern Continent]], and is ruled over by [[Earyx]]. There is space for the declaration of additional Daimyo, provided their region is either strategic or reasonably populous.  

The city of Akheron in the nether was declared a prefecture, ruled over by the former Daimyo [[TolypeVelleda]]. This position and prefecture were later revoked following an altercation with Dalgon.  

==== Komuin ====
The Komuin are the civil servants of Nara, and operate much of the day-to-day requirements of the government. There are four current roles, these being;

* '''Komuin of Citizen Management'''

Handles recruitment, plot assignment, coordination of zoning, and promotion from resident to citizen, works with the population to ensure citizens are happy and having fun. Currently held by [[Bronnakus]]. Several of these responsibilities were merged into [[Bronnakus]]' appointment as Daimyo of Shiroyama.

* '''Komuin of the Interior'''

Coordinates management of natural resource gathering and farming, as well as all land either reserved for national parks or not currently part of a city/village. Initially held by [[dynamiczbeez]], who stepped down in late July to be replaced by [[Greltam]]. In December the position was filled by [[mTfUJi]], following [[Greltam]]'s absence.

* '''Komuin of the Treasury'''

Oversees shop creation and maintenance, promotes Naran business internationally and encourages businesses to open in Nara in coordination with Citizen Management, identifies opportunities for economic cooperation and works with Infrastructure to develop trade routes and ease travel, controls national currency should the need for one arise. Initially held by [[Ukai]], who also stepped down in late July so that [[JeyHey]] could take the position.

* '''Komuin of Culture'''

Responsible for organising international sports events (like the hockey league and winter olympics) as well as furthering Nara's unique cultural identity. It is currently held by [[BlankestAtlas]].

====Naran Infrastructure Committee====
Initally a full Komuin role, the position was transitioned into a joint citizen committee to oversee public infrastructure works such as roads, rails and bridges. This committee is currently suppended and diluted into different jobs for all citizens to partake in.

====Defunct Positions ====
*'''Komuin of Infrastructure'''
Handled infrastructure for all of Nara, eventually split into the Naran Infrastructure Committee. Previously held by [[JeyHey]] before becoming the Komuin of the Treasury.

==='''International Relations'''===
Nara has a very close relationship with the neighbouring nation of [[Dalgon]]. This is due to the fact that the Shikken [[SwordMaster7777]] is a good friend of the founder of Dalgon, [[fredhun14]]. This close allyship also assisted both nations during the [[CivMC]] launch as they could guard each other's backs from the roaming players at the time, merging their territory until official claims maps could be posted, although this did lead to some confusion with many people believing that the two separate nations were but one. This alliance is yet to be formalised, but has been named the [[DNA|Dalgon-Nara Alliance]], or DNA.

In November 2022, Nara joined the [[Independent Southern Powers]] as a founding member. In early December 2022, Nara and Danzilona formalised a friendship treaty<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/Danzilona/comments/zategf/signed_and_ratified_nara_treaty/</ref>. The two nations also announced a planned 2023 Winter Olympics<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/zatdt6/winter_tidings/</ref>.

Nara maintains friendly relations with most of its neighbors, with an active prescence in the [[Alenarith Forum]], and generally remains neutral on the world stage. Shiroyama hosts a consulate for each of the member nations of the Arsenio Pact, and is connected by rail to Danzilona, MTA, Pridelands and the Commonwealth.

==Culture==
[[File:Illustrated Map of Naran Claims as of 6-8-22.png|thumb|445x445px|An illustrated map of the early Naran Nation<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/v7g8mo/the_illustrated_claim_of_nara/</ref>]]
Naran culture is built on two pillars:  

#Vibing
#Environmentalism

Vibing has been integral to the foundation of Nara ever since its roots in the [[Far Seas Alliance]], with Shikken [[SwordMaster7777]] leading the nation of [[Vibeville]]. As a principle, Nara does not seek out war with other nations, nor does it engage in wanton expansion. Nara claims that its national interests are to harmonize with its neighbors, to cooperate thoroughly, and to prioritize industry.

Environmentalism is also integral to Nara's roots. Daiymo [[Bronnakus]] and Rensho [[Prawny331]] ran the colony of [[New Providence]], which was built in a Solarpunk style and strongly valued environmental integration and architectural passivity. This translates today into the careful consideration of terrain that is present in all of Shiroyama's construction. While other nations see little issue with wiping out entire flower fields and cutting across mountains with trenches, Nara is keen on avoiding such things.

==Economy==
[[File:NotoPoint.png|thumb|The Naran Agricultural Department's Noto Farmland]]
Nara boasts an agrarian economy with an increasing rate of industrialization. The majority of jobs are currently in construction, with mining and farming being other popular choices. Due to Nara's core lands of meadows, birch forests, and taiga, Nara is a leading producer of carrots and wheat, birch wood, and spruce wood, respectively. Other significant exports include wool, dirt, obsidian, and honey. Presently, there is no official currency of Nara, with most shops trading in iron and diamonds. 

The Naran economy also has a significant amount of shops specializing in brewing items, largely stocked by the Nara Brewers Guild. Presently, there are six shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes in Nara. 

==National Associations and Organizations ==

===Libraries ===
Nara is home to three libraries. The largest library, Atlas Palace Library in Shiroyama, is home to a collection of over forty in-game books. It operates using a library card system, where one library card costs 1 diamond and can be exchanged for any book in the library. This library card is compatible with the Ichinokawa Library and the Q'Barra Library, which host collections of 6 books and 5 books, respectively. The library card is usable internationally as well, working in Lambat as well as planned expansion to Danzilona. 

===Nara Royal Academy of Sciences===
The Nara Royal Academy of Sciences is an academy offering wisdom to all knowledge-seekers of the Civ world. It hosts several new player guides in the Naran Discord<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/CivMC/comments/zmw8ym/naran_royal_academy_find_beginner_guides_and/</ref>.

===Brewer's Guild===
With the addition of the brewing plugin to CivMC server on July 24, 2022, Nara quickly founded the Brewer's Guild on the same date to discover and perfect brewing recipes.

The guild is headquartered in Shiroyama and consists of individuals who have an active shop in Nara related to brews, such as cafes, restaurants, and tea shops, or that are part of The Nara Royal Academy of Sciences. At the same time, guild members cooperate with each other and share their knowledge within the guild.

Nara's Brewer's Guild boasts of having discovered and perfected to 5 stars almost 40 different recipes in the first 4 days of brewing being added to the server.

The guild is currently searching for a new brewmaster, due to the desertion of Superbgamer5225.

Nara has two national brews: 

*Nara Puffer Fish Wine, discovered and perfected by Earyx. Being the first Naran recipe to be perfected, it earned Earyx the title of Auxiliary Brew Master. 

*Nara no Uiskui, discovered and perfected by Daiymo [[Bronnakus]], Director of the Nara Royal Academy of Sciences and Recordkeeper of the guild, after pushing through some harsh times with raids and targeted attacks trying to ruin the brewing process.

===Naran Postal Service (NPS)===
A small government provided service that will ship any item to valid NPS mailboxes and PO boxes. Current branches include Shiroyama and Ichinikawa.

==References==
[[Category:CivMC]]
[[Category:In Progress]]
[[Category:Civilizations]]
[[Category:Alenarith]]

<references />{{Alenarith}}
[[Category:Civilizations (CivMC)]]