Sho

The Sho are a people for whom duty and self-discipline are the highest virtues. Though generally peaceful, they have raised warfare to an art form and a philosophy. While they are slow to be moved, they make formidable enemies - or lifelong friends.

The Sho have long been geographically separated from most other cultures. Now, on Dereth, they find themselves in unexpectedly close quarters with the Aluvians and the Gharu’ndim.

History

In the beginning (the Sho believe) a divine Creator made three divine spirits, the Elders, to rule the world: the Unicorn of Grace, the Firebird of Splendor, and the Dragon of Power. Humans were created as servants to the Unicorn of Sho Painting Grace. But when mankind forcibly rose above his station, Grace left the world and was hidden, Splendor fled and became elusive, and the now-jealous Dragon of Power became a treacherous ally. This, the wise say, explains much about the world.

The most ancient legends tell how the Sho warred with the Dragon and were driven to the edge of the sea. There, the family of Shou-Jen established a kingdom and named it after the Dragon (Ryujii) to placate the Elder. However, rival families instead founded their own kingdoms upon islands named after the Firebird (Iiwah) and the Unicorn (Chiran-tou). Centuries passed, with warlords feuding amongst themselves, mostly in the name of one of the Elder spirits or another.

Around eight hundred years ago, the prophet Jojii received revelations from the Unicorn of Grace on how to reach Paradise. Jojii then began to teach of four primary precepts, called the Four Stones: Humility, Discipline, Detachment and Compassion. These precepts incorporated beliefs in the Unicorn, Firebird, and Dragon, and unified them into a single whole. This new religion, called Jojiism, gradually became the guiding school of thought for the Sho. However, with warfare running rampant, Discipline, associated with the Dragon and martial prowess, quickly eclipsed the other precepts and altered the teachings of Jojiism.

Two centuries ago, the Emperor Kou rose to power in Ryujii. Though he was only 15 when he took the throne, the devout Jojiist knew his destiny was to unite the war-torn Sho under his banner. Iiwah he took by force, invading Sho Houses with a massive fleet; Chiran-tou he took by peace, marrying the daughter of its ruler and moving his throne there. Then, he quickly began reforming Jojiism and encouraging its spread. Thus began the Kou dynasty, and the Sho people were at last unified under one Throne and one vision.

The Sho today still enjoy the stability brought by the Kou Dynasty. Monasteries and temples provide a solid foundation of education and training for the populace; they are, aside from the Throne, the true powers in society. However, old rivalries still remain, mostly split along the faultlines of the three Elders and their associated Jojiist principles. There are also increasing rumors of secret groups loyal only to the Dragon, people who despise both Sho Houses Jojiism and the Kou Dynasty. Meanwhile, trade has begun in earnest with the Gharu’ndim and the Milantos, the two nearest kingdoms, and the Sho are growing increasingly aware of the vast lands beyond their borders.

The Sho are the most recent people to arrive on Dereth Isle. Surprised to find themselves so close to cultures considered far away at home, they have largely kept to themselves, pouring their energies into building up their towns and defending against marauding monsters. But some wonder: as more Sho arrive, how will they adapt? Will old rivalries continue? Will the foundations of wisdom survive, and grow?

Factions

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
• Chiran Jou Gai - Order of the Unicorn Temple
• Chiran Jishui Dan - The Ranks of the Unicorn’s Battle
• Washui Iiwah Jou Gai - Order of the Splendor of the Firebird Temple.
• Jojii Zhen Gai - Order of Jojii.
• Nanjou Shou-Jen - Sons of Shou-Jen. Also called the "Order of the Shadows."