Jen Shu, Divine Emperor of Eastrun

Jen Shu, known as the Conqueror, was a legendary figure of indomitable spirit and strategic brilliance in the annals of his chronicler and general, Bao Dan. Rising from humble origins, he forged an unyielding brotherhood among his Daizu companions, bound by loyalty and a creed of honor. He led them through relentless campaigns across the Sea of Grass, conquering tribes and cities, and facing formidable foes.

A master of warfare and diplomacy, Jen Shu offered parley to those who would accept his terms of peace, displaying both mercy and ruthless determination in equal measure. His victories spanned decades, marking him as a leader of unparalleled courage and resilience. Despite his martial prowess, Jen Shu's quest for an heir remained unfulfilled, siring only daughters despite his efforts with multiple wives and concubines.

Throughout his life, Jen Shu exemplified the ideals of honor, duty, and unity among his people. His legacy, etched in the tales of the Nine Companions and the conquests of the Golden Tribe, immortalizes him as a towering figure whose name resonates through the ages, a symbol of both conquest and the quest for enduring legacy.

Temple of the Stone Fist

The Temple of the Stone Fist is located in Chiro. It is a tall and narrow tediously graven stone tower situated in front of a sandy depression around which a stone walk has been laid.  In front of the door of the tower is a large gong and mallet on a wood lintel between two stone stelas. Around all of that a tall palisade of brightly painted wood has been constructed. 

The monks of this school are known for their martial prowess but also for what seems to be an utter lack of emotion, and an almost fanatical search for knowledge and wisdom. The dye used by the Temple for their robes makes a dingy yellow color of their cast-off cloth.

The monks view regulation and discipline as the proper course between good and evil. They believe that the ultimate hope of the world rests upon a well-ordered approach to life and that things like good and evil are nothing more than unspent desires at either end of a meaningless spectrum. Bao Dan understood that a  prosperous kingdom was possible because of the Way of Order, not because of what that Way taught specifically, but only because it was a rule. Adopting and maintaining rules is the best emulation of Bao Dan.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is their commitment to peace and diplomacy. They are frequently called upon to arbiter disputes between nobles and even Emperors. They have become diplomats of the highest order and are well-respected across all of Eastrun.

Temple of the Rising Tide

The Temple of the Rising Tide is located in Chiro. Made of blue laquered wood, this single story temple rests on an artificial island not far from the middle of the city. The pond surrounding the temple is traversable by a large arching bridge that connects it to the city streets. On each side of the temple is a practice green where the monks can be seen taking their exercise. 

The monks of this school are known for their martial prowess but also for their fabled inability to lie. They are often sought by noblemen in the training of their youth. A class of warrior known as the Jae Shi has its origins in this Temple, among others. The dye used by the Temple for their robes makes a brown color of their cast-off cloth.

The monks believe that order and discipline will improve the common good, that truth is of the highest value, followed by beauty and life. They know that laws may restrict freedoms, but they are also for the best and should be pursued so long as they conform to goodness. Following this Way of Order is the best emulation of Bao Dan for the good of all people.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is their regard for the health and welfare of society. Their monks can often be found ministering to the sick and dispossessed, using their healing arts to treat those that the rest of society would leave abandoned on its bridge.

The Temple of Raging Winter

The Temple of Raging Winter is located in Chiro. It is built upon a grassy hill in the center of the city. There are four staircases leading to the top of the hill. A square temple of roughcut stone sits atop that hill. A colossus of the praying Bao Dan sits astride it.

The monks that reside there are known far and wide for their martial prowess, but also for their devotion to the dark arts of spying and assassination. The dye used by the Temple for their robes makes a dull red color of their cast-off cloth.

The monks sell their services through the auspices of their Grandmaster and will undertake any mission he sends them on with fanatic devotion. They have been known to impersonate monks of other schools and do not consider this deception an ignoble act. Because of their devotion to the dark arts, the monks of this temple have been frequently called upon to eliminate various noblemen caught in acts of impropriety and shame.

Like the monks of other temples, they are absolutely lawful with regard to their life devotion. They respect discipline and regulation but view things such as life and beauty as meaningless abstractions. It is the desire of these monks to impose order and keep discipline, especially as regards loyalty to the Sawato Dynasty. They view Kotaro Sawato as the Emperor of Shu and are utterly devoted to whatever will see his line continue. Following the example of Bao Dan means that one often has to be merciless, in order to assure that the dynasty prospers.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is that they have no concern for politics outside of their own city/state. Individual monks have been called upon to act in other city/states and kingdoms across Erenth. When they are hired to do so, they follow three strictures:

A monk will only practice the dark arts under the auspices of a recognized Grandmaster.

A monk will never identify one who is working the dark arts. 

A monk will not prevent one who is working the dark arts.

Imperial City of Chiro

Chiro is located in the Land of Eastrun.

The second city/state founded by Venerable Jen Shu according to the holy book of Bao Dan. It was named for his consort, the mother of ten of his children, including his firstborn son.

Chiro is able to project power outward from its walls northward to the Swift River and southward to the Sea. It is able to control two ports, but once out of sight of land, its trading vessels vie continually against the Hayao.

Chiro is located in a series of valleys swept and flooded by frequent rains brought by the tropical winds from the sea. It boasts crops in rice, sweet potato, sugar cane, bananas, pipe weed, beans and taro. The latter produce is the sacred fruit of Chiro and is a staple of households and its most common export.

The Emperor of Chiro is Kotaro Sawato.