In a land much like ours laid a continent. This continent was primarily inhabited by men, much like Earth and if any further comparisons had to be made it would resemble North East Asia during its feudal periods. Geographically, it was surrounded by the ocean from three sides. On the eastern end was a great mountain range which was practically impenetrable. Further east were lands rumored to be fertile and unclaimed. The only base where fools would attempt the crossing was at the base of a waterfall that flowed down from the highest peaks, in the shadow Heaven’s Watch the tallest amongst them.

From this waterfall, the river snaked through the rolling steppes and finally emptying to the southwestern end of the continent. As such, two of the three major nations that occupied the continent made their home there.

Those that claimed the banks of the rivers around the steppes were the Shokun Empire. It is currently ruled by the Child Emperor, Shokun II who ascended after his father’s recent passing. For fear of so much power to a single man, two men have been appointed as regents. The commander of the Empire’s military, Shogun Beniyama Daisuke was one; the spiritual leader of the Empire, Master Adjudicator Hohoemi Shiranui was the other. These two men represented the two greatest factors that governed the lives of the people of Shokun; martial prowess and religion. The Empire was a militaristic nation, much more so that its neighbours; having little peers in this regard. Famed for their mastery of cavalry and infantry, the Empire could and did in fact have regular contests of martial arts; even for children. To mistake the Empire for a culture of violent savages would be a great mistake as the glue that binds the populace together was religion. Practically all of the citizens believed in the One and True God, who sits atop Heaven’s Watch and judged one’s worth as one lived their life. Those who were deemed worthy or not were handed different fates once they died.

As with all religions, there have been lengthy disputes to the interpretation of divine mandate. Given the militaristic nature of the Empire this has ended up as a ritual war between the two main schools of martial arts and thought. These ritual wars were decided not by body count but by an impartial adjudicator, a custodian of the religion, or for smaller skirmishes, an adjutant.

And then there was the issue of those who were Weh no Su. A term from an older tongue, it translated roughly as “Closer to the Heavens.” What was special about Weh no Su was their usual skill in exorcism and other matters of spirituality. Such powers come at a price, ranging from mild nausea to a slow and painful death. Weh no Su bear a common mark somewhere on their dominant arm (truly ambidextrous Weh no Su are seen with two marks), that of a lily in bloom, and it was said that those that had bigger marks were meant to die young though this has not always been the case. Becoming Weh no Su is no different than drawing a winning lot. Often than not, many are born as Weh no Su, their marks clear from birth while other times grown men and women are seen to suddenly grasp their arm as if on fire and discover a blooming lily etched on it. Regardless of their origin, Weh no Su have a place in the Empire’s society regardless of how they choose to live. Many, seeking to further understand the mystery behind their powers choose to become people of cloth, using their powers to serve the One and True God, while others may simple decide to live normal, peaceful lives. Those that choose the path of a criminal usually end up deader than cicadas at summer’s end. After all, they were men and women too and even if there were some jealousy, respect would equal it.

Thankfully, there were not many threats that specifically required a Weh no Su to act. Of note there was only one, spirits of the deceased would often stalk the lands. They were known by many names, Yure was one that was most common, to the south, Singh and to the north, Khiimori. When immaterial, they took various recognisable forms, otherwise, their material manifestation resembled a beetle with sizeable jaws that stood upright with a fur lined back. The carapace of their material bodies was harder than steel, even the joints were like unbreakable chainmail yet it was a shiny obsidian colour. However, they still remained vulnerable from behind as their backs were lined with brown fur. Yure, in their physical form, were as diverse as any species, retaining only the armoured chitin and vulnerable backs as a common trait. The immaterial bodies however, were far more dangerous as they could possess and take control of still living humans and animals. Side effects of this vary but it is certain that many who are possessed have glazed and immobile eyes. Only Weh no Su could exorcise and then return the spirit to wherever they come. These spirits could only possess one person and once they are driven out they become relatively harmless regardless of their original intentions. Some of the more amiable spirits coexist with whoever tolerated their presence.

With all this mention of spirits, it could be said that there was something magical about this land. This was not completely inaccurate. It was simply just the power of a belief and the blessings of God taking form. Such blessings usual resided in weapons and items as the Weh no Su were usually the only ones who could manifest amongst other things, forceful gales, superior strength and greater endurance. This power was drawn from the conviction of the wielder and usually produced effects associated with the name of the item.

Fighting Styles

• The Science of Eight Limbs: This style from Talay does not shy away from weapons but the core of it remains as an unarmed style. Employing knees, kicks, elbows and fists to maximize the destructive potential of a human it leaves opponents broken, battered, dead or dying. The Science of Eight Limbs is also one of the oldest styles.
• Krabi Krabong: Weapon fighting style originating the country of Talay. Utilizing a cutting sabre in the main hand and an equally long stick (usually the scabbard) in the off hand, this style emphasizes simultaneous attack and defence, with the intention to kill in one hit. This is more an offshoot of the Science of Eight Limbs but its history is nearly as long, no doubt developing along side the former.
• Tartariyan Wrestling: A style of grappling originating from the northern lands of the Tartariya. Bringing down foes, especially those that are large, before finishing them off with finishing strikes and holds are a specialty. Those caught unwary by the primal looking stance are in for a rude surprise as it is possibly one of the most stable. Wrestlers maintain a low profile allowing them greater stability on which to launch their attacks.
• Winged Man of the Mesa: This is not the true name of the style since it is the one used in Tartariyan military doctrine for their elite cavalry. Students are taught archery, swordsmanship and use of a lance, both on horseback and on foot. Little else is known as battlefield accounts are rare and most of the style is shrouded in myth.
• Way of Balance: A style originating from one of the two warring sects of Shokun religion, the Way of Balance is notable for having two styles in one. Men and women are taught diametrically opposed styles. It is the union of the two style and practitioners that define the philosophy of opposites achieving balance, of which the style is named. A notable offshoot is the Maiden Supreme Swordsmanship which combines in to one, straight swords, two lovers and a harmonious yet formidable style of fighting. Fortunately, this offshoot is rather small as straight swords are not mass produced in Shokun.
• Triumvirate School: The other sect of Shogun religion believes in humans possessing three characters. Notable for its three stances, that of Virtue, Perseverance and Sin, it can theoretically be applied to any weapon, even unarmed. Each stance has its own philosophy and application. The stance of Virtue favours non-violence, with the user pointing their weapons away and using it only to deflect and defend. The stance of Perseverance favours survival and thus simultaneous defence and attack; a useful and balanced stance. Finally, the stance of Sin is one of calculated viciousness to the point of ignoring defence to land a blow.

These lists may also prove useful: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fi ... rtial_arts , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_martial_arts

Other Countries
Talay and its capital sit at the delta of the river that flows through Shokun. Roughly to the south west, its lands encompass what Shokun does not to the south. Travel south enough from the main river bank and you would suddenly find yourself in the country of Talay. Its people were darker skinned, but not much more than those of Shokun, and were mostly traders. Those were not merchants could easily be part of Talay’s navy. Goods had to be shipped to the other side of the continent after all and with all many of dangers associated with the crossing, there had to be some protection. Rightly so as Talay itself means “the Sea.” Consequently, many males from Talay know a good measure of the Science of Eight Limbs, an iconic fighting style used as self defence. Rarely do their regular barges sail upriver, but when they do, it is usually as a cruise ship of some sort, bringing wealthy men and women who delight in Shokun’s ritual wars or “Blood Sport” as it was known in their tongue. However, living in such a mercantile and at times, opulent environment, trustworthiness and Talay are an ocean apart if there is no payment of some kind being arranged.

Ages ago, there were great rivers and the land that is now known as Tartariya was probably underneath the sea level at some point. Now it is home to a civilization of s****, nomads, inventors and assassins hidden among the canyons’ nooks and crannies. The aspect of Tartariya that the world sees most is the s**** though. Horses are usually necessary to leap over chasms and canyons that men could not. Many sport a wooden frame running up from the saddle with feathers on it like a wing and they are some of the best cavalrymen in the world. The Shokun called these winged s**** the Hayaijin. Their capital is translated as Black Mesa, a single, wide and round mesa that had been hollowed out and used as a city. Surrounding it was a relatively wide plain and even then, there was no other geological formation taller in sight. No one could challenge the Black Mesa without being spotted from faraway. Even then, they would have to brave the lands of opportunistic raiders and a certain order of assassins who have made their home in this unforgiving landscape. Men and women however, live in almost their own societies, coming only together for family occasions such as marriage or funerals. Men are usually hairless save for a top knot which they grow and adorn with their family marked decorations. They are the warriors and protectors of Tartariya. The women on the other hand, handle almost everything from the household to innovation to spirituality. Though women handle greater positions of power, there has never been much of a power struggle between men and women as infighting did nothing to help cope in the brutal lands they lived. As such, Tartariyans never refuse help and are immensely loyal. If one owed their life to another, they would serve dutifully and even close friends could become like family members.

Naming Conventions

• Shokun names follow a Family then Given name format. Japanese names recommended.
• Talay names follow a Given then Family name format. Chinese or South East Asian names recommended.
• Tartariya follows a Given names, Patronymic then Family name format. Manchurian or Mongolian names recommended.
• Fighting Style names should be at least indicative, descriptive or related to its specialty in some way.
• Weapon names can be flowery and poetic. Be careful lest you do it poorly.

Name: Hohoemi Suzu
Age: Out of childhood
Combat Style/Weapon: The Balancer School of Maiden Supreme Swordsmanship is perhaps one of the smallest of the Balancer martial arts schools. It is a style primarily focused on training noble daughters of the Empire with a straight sword so that they may accompany their would-be husbands where ever they may go. Mastery would of course only come from the young woman and her lover harmonising their styles, and thus becoming an unstoppable duo in combat. It only worked because of the trust that lovers had in their relationship. A master and student would have the latter be too subservient, best friends would be too reserved and so on. Weapons in Suzu's possession are the late Onimodo Kutama's standard length katana called Whimsical Hurricane, in bright blue, cloudless sky and her own straight sword slightly longer than her own arm called River God Peach, she who holds the very reigns of the world.
Present Appearance: Suzu's hair flows freely down past her waist, it is black and the locks on the sides are tied with a crisscrossing red ribbon. Her hakama are red and her haori is white. Suzu is in effect, a miniature version of a shrine priestess, or Miko. She stands are a normal height for a youth her age, and that makes her about chest height to a grown man. Though she is out of childhood, her body still lacks womanly curves. Perhaps in a few more years her beauty will shine, allowing men to indulge in the sight of her and not be called a deviant.
Why your character is accompanying the caravan east:Her brother's letter had bid Kutama and her to come speak to him about matters regarding her terminal illness. However Kutama was dead and she had miraculously recovered. There was no longer a need to speak to Hohoemi Shiranui about her health. Instead, now she sought answers to the attack. The night God had taken Kutama in to his fold, and why. Surely the head of the Empire's religious body would have answers.