Zogblaster Archive/Heritage Groups/Sho
Original Link - http://www.zogblaster.com/tweb/asherons-call/heritagegroups/index.htm
Sho Introduction
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
![](https://www.drunkenfell.com/img_auth.php/1/12/Zogblaster_Sho-Painting04.jpg)
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.
![](https://www.drunkenfell.com/img_auth.php/d/d2/Zogblaster_shotown5.jpg)
![](https://www.drunkenfell.com/img_auth.php/b/b0/Zogblaster_shohouses.jpg)
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?
![](https://www.drunkenfell.com/img_auth.php/7/7a/Zogblaster_Sho-wood-circles.gif)
When the prophet Jojii received his vision from the Unicorn in Paradise, he learned of the path laid out by the Creator to reach it. This path is built of four principles, or "Stones", which devout Jojiists seek to obey in all aspects of their life. According to the prophet’s teachings, the door to Paradise will open to those who build themselves upon the Four Stones of Jojii:
Humility, the Stone of Man: Respect learning and work, and respect your elders and betters and the divine spirits, for the human path is one of humble toil.
Discipline, the Stone of the Dragon: Never give up and do not surrender to your weaknesses, for Power grants strength and victory.
Detachment, the Stone of the Firebird: disregard wealth and other fleeting pleasures, just as Splendor soars high above the world.
Compassion, the Stone of the Unicorn: be always willing to help others, even at the cost of your own life, so as to be a hidden beacon of Grace.