"Our history is writhed of violence and martial combat. I will burn the old world to fuel the engines of our future." - Prime Minister Lei
The Land of Shimmering Fates is dying.
A world once embedded in ancient tradition makes way for the roaring age of industrial steam-powered machinery.
Prime Minister Lei has ousted the Emperor's control over the land, establishing the Republic of Daozen in its stead. His army of war machines scour the territories, destroying magical artifacts and scrolls of the past. Their numbers are vast and overwhelming, but not everyone will go quietly into the night...
The Golden Masters of The Iron Gate represent the Elite Schools of Martial Combat, the last bastion of hope against the unrelenting machine hellbent on erasing the past. The Annual Battle Tournament at Secret Cove is underway. It is the perfect opportunity for them to recruit the best in order to take on the gargantuan task of reclaiming their dying culture.
These Masters stand firm, not just as guardians of tradition, but as saviors of a world unknowingly blind to the real underlying threat at hand. Should Prime Minister Lei succeed at ridding all of the magical relics in the land, then there will be far more worse things to worry about than mortal tyrants....
The Lore:The Halberd Dynasty: Established at the end of The Dueling Banners Era 100 years ago. Lion General Zetram had rallied the lesser clans to decimate the remainder of his opposition to the throne. His elven blood ensured a long and prosperous rule. Over a span of one hundred years, he dedicated himself to Daozen wholeheartedly. And then, without warning... Prime Minister Lei swooped in to claim ownership.
The Republic of Daozen: Their rise into power was carefully planned. Originally, the key founders were members of Emperor Zetram's counsel - some had been by his side since the beginning of his reign. The execution of Venerable Boar was the catalyst that set their wheels into motion. Venerable Boar was a beloved Monk from the Temple of the Smiling Fist. Known for his peaceful teachings of the Shimmering Fate, Venerable Monk was the voice of the people. The reason behind the Emperor's decision to execute him remains unclear. It was done swiftly and publicly for everyone to witness. This, among several other uncharacteristically cruel incidents enforced by the Emperor, propelled Prime Minister Lei and his followers to gain the trust from the people. Three years since the death of Venerable Boar, Lei launched his campaign. Backed by an army of thousands, the Republic struck quickly, seizing all key locations starting with The Halberd Jewel. The Emperor and his family was taken prisoner inside their quarters allowing Prime Minister Lei to aggressive take charge of Daozen. The move was celebrated by everyone who was tired of the Emperor's tyrannical antics. Little did they know that in his place was a far more venomous snake.
Magic: It is said that inner chi is guided by Watching Mother's spindle. Threading one's energy with the world can unlock near limitless potential. That is the general foundation for all magic users. Various schools incorporate martial arts with this phenomena, often serving as the backbone of their philosophy. Control of the elements, heightened abilities, healing, and even summoning the undead are some of the more common practices. Acquiring raw magic (without guidance) is rarely contained. Those who usually have a sense for such things are urged to hone their gifts at one of the many schools offered in Daozen.
Schools: The practice of honing martial combat and magic has existed since the Era of Dueling Banners. For hundreds of years, schools have been competing for supremacy, desperately seeking the Emperor's recognition as the best in the world. There are four schools that have established themselves as the elite: The Shallow Step (power through speed), The Grieving Spider (power through deception), The Smiling Fist (power through might), and The Seeking Sword (power through precision). They are lead by a collective known as The Golden Masters of The Iron Gate. These powerful elders guide their students according to the tenets of their practice, keeping them on their toes by scheduling friendly tournaments year round. Not all competition is friendly. Under this umbrella of The Four is a branch of many different schools all jockeying to be in the limelight. Some have come close, but the resiliency of The Four have always outlasted the competition.
Technology: Steam-powered machinery isn't a new concept for Daozen. Steam-engines power airships, steamboats, mills and innovative farming tools. Many of the major cities like the Floating Leaf and the Lantern Fortress adopt some form of steam-driven technology into their society. However, since the Republic of Daozen's takeover five years ago, Prime Minister Lei has established industrial factories in the north, pooling ores and metals from the Grand Tortoise Mines to pump out his war machines.
The Halberd Jewel: The Emperor's Fortress City currently seized by the Republic of Daozen. Known for its high walls carved directly out of stone from the mountainside it is founded on.
City of the Lantern Fortress: A massive trade port city surrounds an impregnable, moated fortress. It shines like a beacon at night because of its impressive display of over 10,000 lanterns that are almost always lit. Because of this lighting attraction, the Lantern Fortress is also called the Gem of Daozen, sparkling with festive events and tourist attractions held year round.
Lotus Port: This port town is the main checkpoint for all sea vessels. There is a large influx of foreigners here. Whether or not it correlates to the rising crime rate in the area remains to be seen, but the locals like to think so.
Scorpion Bay: With a name like that, you'd think it would be a hotbed for pirates and criminals. While it isn't necessarily a spawning ground for that sort, they make it a point to let themselves be known. Even still, its stunning isle of beach islands are full of wonderful attractions and easygoing people. Scorpion Bay is famous for its annual sail boat race: The Thirsty Fish Trail.
Floating Leaf City: A vast network of large scale sea vessels have been retrofitted as the foundation for this unique location. Where the City of the Lantern Fortress is known as the Gem of Daozen, The Floating Leaf City is known as the Pearl of the People. There are great walls of coral reefs underneath it that take up a big portion of the underwater surface area.
Valley of the Beggar's Song: A land full of those who own nothing. It is a sea of makeshift shanty towns, cursed with non fertile land and polluted water. Should you find yourself stuck in these dead lands, pray the Watching Mother guides you away from its twisted vice grip. This is a true haven for the detestable, run by whichever raiding party is currently the strongest. These parts are known for illegal pit fights.
More to be added...
The Rundown: -Steampunk in a Wuxia-type setting
-Magic and firearms will be present in this RP
-To keep things contained, we'll be on the side of The Golden Masters.
-Fantasy races will be allowed.
