WuXing Lands Of The Xian Empire
193CE
It is the year 193CE, and WuXing is a land in chaos. The Xian Empire, it's dynasty centuries long, is falling prey to internal corruption and pride. The kingdoms of the Empire play dangerous games amongst themselves, scheming and manouvering to gain the most influence and power in these darkening times. But while they squabble and reposition, threats loom on the horizons of the empire. In the West, the Red Sky rebels are gaining footholds amongst the poor and downtrodden, while Zhangpei horse tribes are beginning to encroach from beyond the mountains. To the North, the Shadowlands beyond the Northern Barrier mountains are a constant threat. In the South West, the ever fierce tribes of the Mannan jungles threaten the security of the valuable trade routes to the populous Sharat peninsula, and the distant Empire of Tyber. And in the East, across the Sea of Fallen Stars, the island nation of Mayato once again fixes it's greedy eyes on WuXing's vast resources.
In this time of Uncertanty and Strife, children really are the future, as only the scions of WuXing's most powerful families have the ability, the drive, and the respect to forge a new path ahead for WuXing, whatever that future's form may take...
The Code
The Code is a system of nobility brought into place by the Noble families of WuXing to prove to the people they still retain the right to rule and protect them. Every member of the Noble families strives to live by The Code, yet each family tends to treat different tenets of The Code differently. All nobles are taught to to embrace the ideals of The Code and strive ever towards them, at the expense of personal gain. But noty even the Fortunes themselves could uphold this system without flaw, and the struggle to adhere to every tenet can consume many a noble's existence.
Compassion
The Celestial Heavens appointed the lords and nobles to rule over the lower castes, but with power comes responsibility. Compassion represents the obligation of nobles to the common folk. Most families take this to represent extending protection, but others go even further.
Courage
Every Noble must be prepared to give their life for their Lord, Their Family, and The Empire at a moment's notice. To die in service to one's lord further's one's Karma, and thus many nobles eagerly embrace the idea of noble death in the service of their family.
Courtesy
The social order isnt just important in WuXing, it is - in a literal manner - what the heavens rest upon. A noble is expected to maintain appearances and withstand adversity, exhibiting courteousness even when faced with the most vile lack of it. It is for this reason that courtiers practice the fine arts of indirect insults, and subtle insinuation.
Duty and Loyalty
Nobles are expected to do their duty to their Lord and their subordinates without hesitation or reservation, no matter the cost to their own reputation. Of course, any duty given to them by their Lord is expected to be within the bounds of The Code, and should bring honour to the noble obeying it.
Honour
This is the most subtle, yet all encompassing virtue. Nobles without honour cannot truly claim to follow any of the other tents of The Code. If their Honour is intact, however, they will follow the ways of The Code without flaw or failure.
Righteousness
Righteousness is the sunlight glinting off the Jian, bright and painful to the eye. there is only truth and falsehood, justice and injustice, and it is the Noble's job to live in accordance with justice, and see that it is meted out.
Sincerity
Nobles must align intent with their word and deed, acting with complete and total conviction, whether they serve themselves or their Lord. A convincing manner is more valued in WuXing than the absolute truth, because the Noble who speaks with sincerity has commited the totality of their being to the sentiment.