Here
are some of the historic organizations known to have existed in the homelands of the Sho.
How will these groups - and other groups not written of here - fare in the new land of
Dereth? Your actions will doom some to the dull dust of obscurity, and raise others to the
fiery glow of fame.
Ryu Jou Gai
Order of the Dragon Temple
Motto: "From Discipline
comes true power."
Background: Founded over a thousand years ago, the
Ryu Jou Gai is based at the Dragon Temple in the Sho homelands. Those who swear obedience
to the Dragon Temple dedicate their lives to the warrior’s path. Ryu Jou Gai members
are also encouraged to keep to all Four Stones of Jojiism. The sword is the Order’s
primary weapon, but all forms of battle skill, from magic to hand-to-hand combat, are
means to a common end. Members of the Ryu Jou Gai are also trained to be administrators
and leaders, which is (some argue) the true foundation of power and the true purpose of
the Order, especially in a relatively peaceful age.
Current: Dereth has no Dragon Temple.
However, the demands of survival in wild lands filled with hostile monsters will surely
bring about a renewed interest in the study of battle, and perhaps the Ryu Jou Gai will
rise again.
Chiran Jou
Gai
Order of the Unicorn Temple
Motto: "Without compassion, all is as
dust."
Background: Based at the Unicorn Temple, the ancient
Chiran Jou Gai is made up of those who have dedicated themselves to the study of magic and
healing, with an emphasis upon the virtue of compassion. Some are purely scholars; others
treat the sick who come to the Temple, or go out into the world to help the ailing. Within
the Temple hangs this sign: "Without compassion, an empire of ten thousand years
yields nothing but dust that is lost and forgotten. With compassion, an empire of ten
thousand years even lights the far edge of eternity." Almost anyone who has been
shown to be merciful, compassionate, and dedicated to helping others is allowed to become
a member of the Chiran Jou Gai. Members are encouraged to apply all the Four Stones of
Jojiism. Funding comes from wealthy patrons seeking medical favors and a constant stream
of individual donations from the poor.
Current: A lone Chiran Jou Gai arrival in
Dereth is known to have said, "It matters not if the Chiran Jou Gai survives; what
matters is that compassion itself grows and flourishes."
Chiran
Jishui Dan
The Ranks of the Unicorn’s Battle
Motto: "The Unicorn’s Grace shines in
battle."
Background: The Chiran Jishui Dan
split off from the Chiran Jou Gai 300 years ago. It is dedicated to the study of battle
magic, of such power that it has become a rival of the Order of the Dragon Temple, the Ryu
Jou Gai. However, the Chiran Jishui Dan stubbornly refuses to teach any fighting using
swords or blades, because "The horn of the Unicorn is never used to cut or
pierce." Members of the Chiran Jou Gai remain on polite speaking terms with the
Unicorn Temple, and though not friendly, are quick to come to the Temple’s aid in
times of conflict. Rulers have long funded the Chiran Jishui Dan, in order to win their favor during times of war.
Current: Dereth’s harshness and
different magic seems to have spelled the death of the Chiran Jishui Dan. However, as more
and more Sho arrive and take up the study of new magic, perhaps the Chiran Jishui Dan will
be reborn.
Washui Iiwah
Jou Gai Washui Iiwah
Jou Gai
Order of the Splendor of the Firebird Temple.
Motto: "True Splendor soars above all
earthly cares."
Background: Historically, the Washui Iiwah Jou Gai
has thrived during times of peace and prosperity, and has suffered in times of war.
Members’ vows include a renunciation of worldly wealth, and a dedication to the
higher, non-earthly arts such as painting, music, poetry, and philosophy. They seek to
observe the ways of the universe and learn its truths. Some philosophize and argue so much
that critics call them "songbirds"; others seek to depict the beauty of the
physical world in their works, while at the same time reminding their audience of the
fleeting nature of physical world. The Washui Iiwah Jou Gai normally survives with the
patronage of wealthy nobles.
Current: A lack of wealthy patrons and the
harshness of life in Dereth means that those who seek to follow the Washui Iiwah Jou Gai
are facing a tough battle. However, Washui Iiwa Jou Gai-style philosophical debates are
common in some areas, so perhaps there is hope for this esoteric group.
Jojii Zhen
Gai Jojii Zhen
Gai Jojii Zhen
Gai
Order of Jojii.
Motto: None
Background: This ultra-conservative
Jojiist group is sometimes called the Order of Humanity, to fill in the fourth place among
the Jojiist groups. The members of this group tend to be either generalists, or
specialists who work in diverse teams. They believe balance is essential. They are also
immensely strict within their own ranks. As ascetic as the Washui, they have less
tolerance for a dreamy lifestyle. Jojii Zhen Gai people often wander the countryside,
offering assistance to whoever is in need – whether
it’s a farmer putting up a new roof or a traveler in need of protection.
Current: Some early arrivals have expressed
the sad wish for the arrival of the Jojii Zhen Gai. Once felt to be no longer needed in
the homelands, benevolent mercenaries to help those in need would now be welcomed.
Nanjou
Shou-JenNanjou
Shou-JenNanjou
Shou-Jen
Sons of Shou-Jen. Also called the "Order of the Shadows."
Motto: Unknown. Popularly, it is said that
"Nothing stands between a Nanjou and his objective."
Background: Very little is known of
this group of assassins, spies, thieves and mercenaries. An ancient order that predates
Jojiism, the Nanjou Shou-Jen do not follow the Four Stones of Jojii. They do, however,
believe in strict obedience and stability; as the "sons" (and daughters) of
Shou-Jen, they are extremely loyal to the Sho people, and believe themselves to be the
heirs to the Dragon’s power. The group has been an efficient, shadowy "left
hand" to various powerful warlords throughout Sho history. They believe in following
their paths with single-minded determination. Rumors imply that particularly notable
members of the Ryu Jou Gai and the Chiran Jishui Dan, or their affiliated temples, are
targeted for secret recruitment. The Nanjou is said to
have several hidden temples scattered throughout the Sho lands.
Current: There is as yet no sign of the
Nanjou Shou-Jen. Perhaps, new seeds of its revival may planted, but those who wish to do
such dangerous planting are advised to be cautious, quiet, and wise. |