Cultural Overview of Hell
See also: Natsuko, Lucifer, Yami, Sword of Hell

Originally an unnamed part of the vast Meikarinai, Hell became its own kingdom when Yami took it over early in the First Age. As history shows, Yami was killed after Recognizing Fianna, and Hell was passed to his brother Inari until Inari gave the land to Lucifer, in return for a favor done. Lucifer became the first Prince (or Lord) of Hell, and Natsuko, it’s first Queen. Under them, as well as Janmei, and eventually, Kamael, Hell had become a prosperous country, as its major exports (topaz, smokestone, fleshroot, charcoal and candies) were in high demand in other countries.

Most of the population of Hell is made up of demons (who tend to vary so much in appearance that an outsider would be hard-pressed to believe they’re all of the same race), angels (typically refugees from Heaven following its conquest by the True Human God), and various youkai races, such as oukamiyoukai. Magic-related occupations are common in Hell, there are also a number of long-standing farming families, and even a few who specialize in the manufacture and repair of magical armors. However, as with most countries, many ‘common’ folk are content to live as semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, as game is plentiful, and a common sentiment is that it’s always good to sometimes hunt as their ancestors did, with tooth, claw and primitive weapons.

In terms of religion, Hell is a colorful country. There are some who choose not to worship any god or goddess, a practice not looked down upon as might be expected, and there are many religion-based occupations, as well. Miko (shrine maidens or priestesses) and houshi (monks) are a common sight, two-spirits only slightly less so, while hijra and Saints are revered for their closeness to the gods.

As with any country, Hell has its own Lost City , which was rediscovered by some in recent years, Cockaigne. This city is of scholarly and religious interest, as it was here that Konzen left the Tenchi Kaigen, one of five sets of sacred scriptures detailing the early history and evolution of the world. Lucifer himself has particular interest in safeguarding this priceless area of historical and religious value, being Konzen’s stepson.

Again like other countries, Hell has its national banner. On the Hell banner is a picture of the Meikarinai star Kinyala, a purple blazing supernova, on a field of black and red diagonal stripes, as black and red are considered protective colors.

Certain changes to Hell have been made in the wake of the Creation Wars, however. When True Humans started to become truly dangerous, Lucifer created nine Hell Gates at the physical and magical boundaries of his kingdom, which specifically prey on pureblooded five-fingers.

Also, there has been a royalty-supported black market for the hunting and trade of True Human meat and bones. Following the Creation Wars and collapse of True Human culture, several splinter groups have rounded up ‘herds’ of True Humans and placed them into wilderness preserves, where they’re free to breed and do whatever there like, but have no freedom to speak of. Often, these preserves can comfortably support a population of roughly two hundred and seventy-five, at the most. When these population numbers of exceeded, True Humans are then removed from the preserve until there are just enough to continue breeding and survive on their limited resources for a year or so without outside interference. Mages are present to make sure children and pregnant women are left behind, while those removed are released into the wild, where hunters are free to track and butcher them for their meat and other products. Often, this is around the times of festivals and feast-days (like birthing days, weddings, etc), when True Human meat is considered a delicious delicacy. True Human bones are ground to make medicines for a wide range of maladies and afflictions, while their skins and psychic energy are used by mages to create copies of the Umar no Hon, a powerful, sentient book full of ancient, and potentially dangerous, spells, instructions for magical rites, and recipes for potions.