Once the abode of the gods and

THE COMPASS OF CELESTIAL DIRECTIONS, VOL. I THE BLESSED ISLE

home to the Old Realms Law-
givers and their Lunar consorts,
the Blessed Isle is now the center
of the Creation-spanning Scarlet

Empire, ruled by the Empress

and her Terrestrial Exalted
children. Spared the worst of
the Contagion, the Fair Folk
invasion that followed and the
centuries of conflict and want
that reduced the rest of the world
to barbarism and savagery, the
Isle remains the jewel of Creation.

But now, the architect of the

Blessed Isles long peace, the
Scarlet Empress, has vanished.
With no clear heir, the Great
Houses gird themselves for civil
war. On top of that, the long-
forgotten Lawgivers have
returned to reclaim dominion
over Creation. Will the Blessed
Isles tranquility be shattered
at last, or is there still some
way to shield Creations heart
from the Time of Tumult?

The first of five Celestial Direction

books devoted to fleshing out the bare
bones of Creations supernatural locales
presented in the Exalted core book, this
book includes:
Mass combat traits for the Realms
Imperial Army, from the standard
heavy infantry to the cutthroats of the
Vermilion Legion, as well as dominion
traits for the Mandate of Heaven
Traits for the Blessed Isles native gods
and beasts

ISBN 1-58846-690-6 WW80215 $24.99 U.S.

WHITE WOLF
WW80215

www.white-wolf.com/exalted
PRINTED IN CANADA

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 TM

BY CARL BOWEN, JOSEPH CARRIKER, JESS HARTLEY AND JOHN SNEAD

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 CREDITS
Authors: Carl Bowen, Joseph Carriker, Jess Hartley and COMING NEXT:
John Snead
Comic Scripter: Carl Bowen SCROLL OF THE MONK
Storyteller Game System Design
Design: Mark ReinHagen
Developer: John Chambers $24.99 160 PAGES
Editor: Carl Bowen From the back-alleys of Nexus to the hectic thor-
Art Direction: Brian Glass oughfares of the Imperial City and from the wide avenues
Artists: Andrew Hepworth, Imaginary Friends Studio (with of Yu-Shan to the twisting corridors of the Labyrinth,
Lan Jun Kang), Saana Kiyo Lappalainen, MESS Studio (with martial artists of all kinds stride the mean streets of the
HOON, Nino Aguilar, Nice Balce, Jeff Simpson and Linda Tso), Exalted world, living their lives by esoteric codes of
Pasi Pitkanen, Andie Tong, UDON (with Mike Franchina, Dax honor and neither offering nor accepting quarter from
Gordine and Chris Stevens) and Melissa Uran their enemies. Will the return of the Solar Exalted
Cover Art: Imaginary Friends Studio featuring Kendrick Lim throw the Martial Arts World into chaos, or will that
Book Design: Brian Glass cultures Sidereal masters rein in the Lawgivers or put
them down permanently?

COMING NEXT IN THIS SERIES:

THE COMPASS OF CELESTIAL DIRECTIONS,
BAD BRIAN, WRONG CREDIT. VOL. II THE WYLD
NO COOKIE. $24.99 160 PAGES
So, I messed up. I got this great artist
The second of five books dedicated to the supernatu-
to illustrate a fantastic depiction of Nexus ral locales of the Exalted setting, this supplement focuses
for the cover of Scavenger Lands. Its his on the Wyld. Outside the bounds of Creation, there exists
first cover and I wind up giving the credit an infinite expanse of roiling chaos that breaks upon the
to the wrong person. So, the correct credit shaped world like a storm-tossed sea against the shore,
for the great looking cover to the Scavenger threatening to wear it away. Where it does wear away,
Lands book belongs to the talented Mike reality breaks down and savage denizens of the chaos
Franchina. Sorry Mike! beyond Creation dwell. The dangers of the Wyld, the
kingdoms of the Fair Folk and the savage Wyld tribes
are all detailed within.

2006 White Wolf Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction

without the written permission of the publisher is expressly forbidden,
except for the purposes of reviews, and for blank character sheets, which
may be reproduced for personal use only. White Wolf and Exalted are reg-
istered trademarks of White Wolf Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. The
Compass of Celestial Directions, the Blessed Isle, the Manual of Exalted
Power the Dragon-Blooded, the Books of Sorcery, Wonders of the Lost
Age, the Age of Sorrows and the Second Age of Man are trademarks of
White Wolf Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. All characters, names,
places and text herein are copyrighted by White Wolf Publishing, Inc.
The mention of or reference to any company or product in these pages
is not a challenge to the trademark or copyright concerned.
This book uses the supernatural for settings, characters and themes. All mystical and supernatural elements are fiction and intended
for entertainment purposes only. This book contains mature content. Reader discretion is advised.
Check out White Wolf online at http://www.white-wolf.com/
PRINTED IN CANADA

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 TM

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 4
CHAPTER ONE: HISTORY OF THE BLESSED ISLE 7
CHAPTER TWO: LIFE ON THE BLESSED ISLE 20
CHAPTER THREE: THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT 43
CHAPTER FOUR: THE IMMACULATE ORDER 73
CHAPTER FIVE: THE LAND 94
CHAPTER SIX: THE HEART OF THE REALM 129
CHAPTER SEVEN: GODS & CREATURES OF THE BLESSED ISLE 148

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 4
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 INTRODUCTION

To plunder, butcher, steal, these things they misname

empire: they make a desolation and they call it peace.
Tacitus, attributed to the Scottish chief Calgacus

Originally home to the gods in the time before the

Primordial War and the center of the Solar-led Old Realm
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
The Compass of Celestial Directions, Vol. IThe
that followed, the Blessed Isle lies at the very heart of Blessed Isle is a setting book designed to provide players and
Creation and is home to the Scarlet Dynasty that has Storytellers with all they need to play games set in the Heart
ruled Creation for the past eight centuries. The Isle is of the Realm. From the rough docks of Arjuf to the delicate
the pinnacle of civilization in the Second Age and has spires of the Imperial City, from the foot of the vertiginous
known peace and prosperity undreamed of by the remain- Imperial Mountain to the green sands of the picturesque Jade
der of the Exalted world. With the disappearance of the Coast, this book provides settings aplenty for every type of
Empress, however, the Realm stands at the brink of civil group and style of playcomplete with dominion traits for
war, as the scions of the Great Houses seek to promote Exalteds optional Mandate of Heaven rules.
Exalted
one candidate or another to become the inheritor of the Chapter One: History of the Blessed Isle
Scarlet Throne. Meanwhile, the long-imprisoned Lawgiv- This chapter is a concise history of the Blessed Isle from
ers have returned, some with designs to smash the Realm its creation as the abode of the gods to its time as the center
and reestablish the dominance of the Solar Deliberative. of the Old Realm, through the Dragon-Blooded Shogunate
Can the Blessed Isle weather this Time of Tumult, or is on down to the modern-day home of the Scarlet Empire.
its long peace finally at an end? It includes a timeline of major events in the reign of the
Scarlet Empress as well.

INTRODUCTION 5
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 Chapter Two: Life on the Blessed Isle interest and manses they contain. Divided by geographical
Chapter Two offers an overview of what its like to live region, the chapter provides an overview of who the movers
on the Blessed Isle, whether one is disenfranchised, a slave, a and shakers are in each area, as well as each areas important
peasant, a citizen, a patrician or even a Dynast. The Blessed natural and supernatural features.
Isle is the safest and most prosperous land in Creation. All Chapter Six: The Heart of the Realm
it demands in return is the peoples freedom. Chapter Six focuses on the Scarlet Prefecture and the
Chapter Three: The Imperial Government Imperial City. At the hub of a Creation-spanning empire of
This section examines the government of the Scarlet Exalted demigods, this region is arguably the most important
Empire, a maze of overlapping agencies and redundant in the Exalted world and is presented in detail for those who
purviews designed to obfuscate the reality that the Empress wish to set their games there.
was the one true power on the Blessed Isle. It remains to Chapter Seven: Gods & Creatures of the Blessed Isle
be seen if the Imperial Bureaucracy can survive the loss of This section provides traits for the gods and beasts na-
its architect. tive to the heart of Creation. Although the preeminence
Chapter Four: The Immaculate Order of the Immaculate Order keeps the gods of the Blessed Isle
This section focuses on the Order of the Immaculate on a short leash, the immense prosperity of the Isle and the
Dragons, the most powerful religious institution in Cre- strength of its institutions have still produced some of the
ation and the state religion of the Scarlet Empire. Included Exalted worlds most powerful gods. Also, while its lands
are descriptions of the Orders major religious centers and were long ago cleared of dangerous predators, the Blessed
figures, as well as details of how its monks, nuns and priests Isle is still home to a number of unique creatures, some of
advance though the Five Coils from lowly postulants to the which were engineered through breeding processes lost to
Paragons themselves. the rest of Creation.
Chapter Five: The Land
This chapter concerns itself with the various dominions
and prefectures of the Blessed Isle and the cities, points of

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 CHAPTER ONE HISTORY OF THE BLESSED ISLE 7
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 CHAPTER ONE
HISTORY OF THE BLESSED ISLE

When the Primordials first crystallized Creation out of the Primordials. While much of the Threshold was blasted
the raw chaos of the Wyld, the Blessed Isle was the seed crystal by this epic war, the Blessed Isle came through this conflict
around which the remainder accreted. It formed so swiftly relatively unscathed.
that the Fair Folk who were trapped inside the region that In the wars aftermath, the gods took possession of Yu-
became the Blessed Isle were transformed into the Jadeborn Shan and left the Blessed Isle to the residents of Creation.
Mountain Folk. In the uncountable eons that followed, the As a reward for their heroic efforts fighting the Primordials
Primordials forged an otherspace reflection of the Blessed Isle and their many thousands of well-armed and deadly demon
into the Celestial City of Yu-Shan, while they transformed servants, the gods gave the Blessed Isle to the Celestial
the Blessed Isle itself into the home for the gods they had Exalted to serve as the center of their newly formed Realm.
created to be their servants. While the Dragon Kings ruled From their capital city of Meru, built on the slopes of the
the Threshold, the gods lived amidst splendor and wonders towering Imperial Mountain, this Realm stretched out in
unmatched by anything except the supernal glories of Yu- all directions.
Shan itself. In the first few centuries of the rule of the Solar Delib-
When the gods grew restless under the yoke of the Pri- erativebefore the Celestial Exalted had grown into the
mordials, they planned their rebellion within the cities of the full extent of their power or Autochthon had departed from
Blessed Isle. The Isle is also where they used the techniques Creationthe Solar Exalted feared attack by Fair Folk seeking
learned from the rogue Primordial Autochthon to create to take advantage of the disruptions caused by the Primordial
the first of the mighty Exalted. Because it was their home, War, or by Yozis or Neverborn seeking vengeance. The Solar
they defended it against all counterattacks by the armies of Exalted worked with Autochthon to construct a network of

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 defenses against such attacks. The outermost
ring of these defenses extended around the
borders of Creation. The most powerful
defenses were located on the Blessed Isle
itself, at the site of the largest and most
powerful demesne in Creation. Situated near
the Blessed Isles eastern coast, this massive
artifact was known as the Sword of Creation.
In the early centuries of the First Age, the
Solars used the Sword of Creation several
times to repel serious incursions by the Fair
Folk, but its full power was not used again
until the full-scale Fair Folk invasions fol-
lowing the unparalleled devastation caused
by the Contagion.
For the many thousands of years, the
Old Realm remained intact and the Blessed
Isle truly lived up to its name. In addition
to containing the huge and glorious capi-
tal city of Meru, it was also the home for
most of the Celestial Exalts in Creation.
Despite their vast power, there were only
a few hundred Celestial Exalts, and most
of them preferred to live near members of
their own kind. Although each of the Solar
Exalted ruled a vast metropolis someplace
in Creation, all of them also possessed
huge rural estates on the Blessed Isle and
mansions in Meru. The Celestial Exalts
used powerful sorcery, impressive artifacts
and the gates to and from Yu-Shan to al-
low them to rapidly travel from the cities
they ruled and the provinces they admin-
istered to their luxurious dwellings on the
Blessed Isle.
The vast metropolis of Meru, which
had a population of more than 25 million
people at its height, took up the heart of
the island. The Blessed Isle was also home
to a dozen other cities with populations of
more than five million, including the huge
port of Arjuf, where fleets of merchant
ships went to and from Chiaroscuro, the
Lap and other important Southern ports.
Yet, while the population of the island was
more than 120 million, more than half of its
land area was owned and administered by
various Celestial Exalted. They built huge
villas surrounded by vast stretches of land,
including private farms, elegant gardens
and grandiose hunting preserves where the
Exalts could hunt everything from dangerous
imported beasts to stolen Wyld aberrations
to the latest designer predators created in the
laboratories of the Copper Spiders.

CHAPTER ONE HISTORY OF THE BLESSED ISLE 9

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 The Blessed Isle also contained the finest magical work- the beauty of the music and the inventiveness and extremity
shops in Creation, where the sorcerers and artisans of the of the tortures used.
Twilight Caste developed new and ever more powerful artifacts Shortly before the Usurpation, almost every mortal living
and wondrous life forms. Surrounding Meru was a series of in the Blessed Isle knew someone who had been killed or horribly
the grandest and most advanced factory-cathedrals, where used by the Solar Exalted. As a result, the cities of the Blessed
scores of powerful automata labored ceaselessly alongside Isle became centers for a carefully hidden resistance against
dozens of elementals and demons to help the Exalts create a the excesses of the Solar Deliberative. Knowing the horrible
never-ending stream of powerful Essence technologies. fates that awaited anyone caught in a conspiracy against the
Because it was both the home to the Celestial Exalts and Solar Exalted, the rebels and dissidents held secret meetings,
the center for the most advanced manufacturing, the many where most members wore masks and otherwise disguised
millions of inhabitants of the Blessed Isle benefited from easy their identities. These precautions made sure that conspirators
access to wonders that were uncommon in the Threshold caught by the Solars could not reveal the identities of other
even in that miraculous Age. In addition to having the finest rebels, even when powerful Charms forced them to love their
weather-control systems and the latest artificial life forms for Solar interrogators with undying passion.
use as pets, work animals or servants, the wealthier mortal This spirit of resistance grew among the citizens of
inhabitants could take advantage of regular skyship service the Blessed Isle, while the Sidereal Exalted examined the
to travel anywhere on the Blessed Isle with great speed. Also, complexities of the Loom of Fate and made their own plans.
these mortals initially benefited from having far more con- Using impenetrable disguises, the Sidereals moved among the
tact with the Celestial Exalted. The luckiest might become dissidents and would-be rebels and used these mortals and
consorts and have Half-Caste children who would make sure Dragon-Bloods as the workforce to lay the groundwork for
that their parents were well cared for. Many more were able their daring coup. Although they had operatives and dupes
to find work as the aides and servants to the Exaltsworking throughout Creation, the heart of the Sidereals carefully
in their households and having access to riches and wonders managed conspiracy was the Blessed Isle. Here, they arranged
of which even the wealthiest mortal merchant or the most a vast banquet and invited every Solar they could persuade
powerful thaumaturge could only dream. to come. More than two thirds of all Solars, including almost
Also, the Celestial Exalts regularly selected citizens of every Solar Exalt currently on the Blessed Isle, attended this
the Blessed Isle to become part of their programs designed to banquet and was slain without even a chance to resist.
improve humanity. Residents who particularly distinguished Once again, the Blessed Isle was protected against the
themselves could volunteer to be transformed into the first destruction caused by this violent coup by the Sidereals and
human inhabitants of the skies and the seas, as Solars gave the Dragon-Blooded. After the deadly banquet, the few Solar
them and their descendents gills or wings. To more fully Exalted still in the Realm rapidly fled to the furthest por-
make use of these new breeds of humanity, the Exalts built tions of the Threshold, seeking some place of safety. Almost
huge undersea cities off the coast of the Blessed Isle and none even stopped to destroy a single village or town before
created enormous floating cities that flew above it on cur- they fled for their lives. As a result, once the Usurpation was
rents of Essence. over, the Blessed Isle remained largely untouched. The only
While this degree of contact was a wondrous blessing remaining dangers were in the estates left behind by the
at the height of the Solar Deliberative, the inhabitants of murdered Solars. These estates housed strange and deadly
the Blessed Isle suffered greatly as the Solar Exalted grew artifacts and were inhabited by exotic beings whose loyalty
increasingly mad. While the influence of their saner fel- to their Solar masters often extended far beyond the Solars
lows kept the most violent and dangerous Solar Exalts from deaths. While dozens of Dragon-Blooded and many hundreds
laying waste to entire cities, as they did in some portions of of mortals met their deaths purging the dangers from these
the Threshold, the households of the Solar Exalts who still estates, the Dragon-Blooded took complete control of the
lived on the Blessed Isle became strange and terrible places. Realm after less than a decade of work, all under the careful
Servants were killed or tortured for trivial mistakes or sub- guidance of their secret Sidereal advisors.
jected to horrific experiments to improve their efficiency Although the time of the Dragon-Blooded Shogunate
or test some mad theory their Exalted masters had devel- was a less grandiose era, the Blessed Isle remained the match-
oped. On one Solar estate, half of the thousands of mortal less and immaculate jewel of Creation and the center of
servants were given roots and bark-like skin and planted in the new Terrestrial dynasty. The cities continued to thrive,
elaborate gardens. In another mansion, hundreds of mortals and much of the Isle was now divided up into estates for
were altered so that their screams became inhumanly lovely the Dragon-Blooded. Most such estates were built on lands
and melodious. The Exalt who owned this mansion crafted once used for the Solars expansive homes, and a few were
beautiful, merciless automata to play upon the flesh of these actually made from the actual buildings once inhabited by
servants, and powerful life-preserving Charms and artifacts the murdered Solars.
kept the servants alive. The Exalt put on performances that For 70 mortal generations, the Shogunate ruled Creation,
lasted for many days at a time and were renowned for both and the seat of its power was always the Blessed Isle. As with

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 the Celestial Exalted before them, most Dragon-Bloods had in a single structurethe forbidding Palace of the Anathema,
homes in the Blessed Isle, and many lived there full time, a long-sealed fortress in the center of Vanchow, a moderate-
administering distant provinces using proxies, Charms and sized but otherwise unremarkable city near the eastern coast
sorcery. of the Blessed Isle. Commandeering a boat, she and four of
Although the Dragon-Blooded made few new discoveries her most trusted lieutenants sailed back to the Blessed Isle.
during this era, floating cities still hovered in the skies above With her, she carried several tattered books and one ancient
the Blessed Isle, and even the poorest inhabitant benefited map. She believed that these items held the key to locating
from the eras many wonders. For instance, luxuries such and activating the defenses the ancients had used against
as Essence-powered machines that provided every dwelling the encroaching Fair Folk in years past. While battles raged
with light, heat and clean water were available to everyone. throughout the Threshold, she and her companions sought
In addition, housing was inexpensive because every city to unseal the entrances to the ancient manse. After weeks of
contained dozens (or sometimes hundreds) of towers that frantic attempts to breach its defenses, which easily withstood
were as much as 300 yards tall. The largest of these towers the mightiest weapons of the era, she managed to unlock the
could house as many as 8,000 mortals, carried up and down gates of the manse and enter.
these vast structures in Essence-powered lifts.
Although attacks by the Fair Folk increased during the
Shogunate and the Neverborn occasionally sent forth scores of THE IMPERIAL MANSE
ghosts to attack the living, the power of the Dragon-Blooded Known as the Sword of Creation during the First
and the distance of the Blessed Isle from the troubled edges Age, and as the Palace of the Anathema in the Shogunate,
of Creation protected the land and its inhabitants from such this huge structure is now universally called the Imperial
dangers. Even once the Dragon-Blooded began to war among Manse. It is located in the center of what is now the
themselves, the majority of their battles took place in the Imperial City, near the eastern coast of the Blessed Isle.
Threshold. Dragon-Blooded on the Blessed Isle sometimes Here the currents of Essence flowing through the Blessed
had to fear assassination or court intrigues, but the cities and Isle converge and meet in a vast upwelling of power
estates of this land remained safe from warfare. that is tapped by this mighty fortress. Using techniques
Records indicate that although the Great Contagion understood only by Autochthon and the wisest Solar
ravaged the populace of the Blessed Isle to a lesser extent Exalted, and which could be safely used only by one of the
than it did in the Threshold, the Isles dense cities and vast Celestial Exalted, the Imperial Manse lay vacant during
estates were where mortality was the highest. Although the Shogunate Era. The Dragon-Blooded rightly feared
the Contagion killed almost nine tenths of the population the many lethal defenses within, andlike many other
throughout Creation, the mortality was almost 100 percent powerful sites used exclusively by the Anathemathey
within the boundaries of the Blessed Isles cities. The tall tow- placed it under heavy guard. They permitted limited
ers of Meru became enormous charnel houses. Shortly after experiments with the devices within such sites but were
this catastrophe, the vanguard of the armies of the Fair Folk unwilling to risk the safety of the Blessed Isle to the
overran the outermost portions of this once-serene land. little-understood powers contained there.

THE SCARLET EMPRESS AND THE IMPERIAL MANSE

When the armies of the Fair Folk invaded Creation, the Records do not describe what happened inside the Impe-
woman who was to become the Scarlet Empress was yet a rial Manse that day, but the young captain was the only one
young captain of the Ninth Legion of the personal army of who returned from the desperate mission inside the Palace of
the Shogun of the Realm. She was a woman of impeccable the Anathema. Only the Empress and a few of her closest advi-
family and some wealth, whose ability to rally her troops in sors know that two of her four companions were slaughtered
the face of even the most dangerous crisis had earned her by the lethally intricate defenses surrounding the engines of
several commendations. Fortunate enough to possess well- destruction. The third shed his hearts blood upon a stone
equipped and well-motivated soldiers, she understood the slab so that his sacrifice might awaken and feed the powerful
futility of fighting the vast armies of Fair Folk in the field. and hungry spirits who tended the venerable defenses. And
Their numbers were too great, their powers too terrifying, and the last was given, willingly, as a gift by the captain to the
the Dragon-Blooded simply too few. She became convinced guardian of the site, her soul torn screaming from her broken
that the Realms only hope of salvation lay in the abandoned body as a token of the survivors deadly earnest. Everyone
and potentially deadly relics of the First Age. who ventured into the Palace of the Anathema had been
The histories of the First Age told of prior Fair Folk ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of the land
invasions, but those invasions were always driven back by when they entered the citadel. Only the future Empress was
heroes wielding incredible powers. After studying forbidden left with the terrible burden of survival.
texts, she became convinced that these legends were true. The results of these heroic sacrifices were immediate
The majority of this power, she discovered, was concentrated and obvious. In less than an hour, vast beams of crackling

CHAPTER ONE HISTORY OF THE BLESSED ISLE 11

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 Essence struck out from the Imperial Manse and the score so-called Seven Tigers returned to their troops and began
of war manses that were scattered across the Blessed Isle. a systematic war of conquest. They planned to subdue the
These beams instantly evaporated the front ranks of the coasts of the Threshold and then turn their attentions to
Fair Folk armies. Simultaneously, a host of giant warriors, the Blessed Isle itself.
some as many as a dozen yards tall, rode and flew out of the
Imperial Manse. Inhuman and terrible to look upon, most THE EMPRESSS RIPOSTE
had unnatural bodies composed of one of the five elements. Word of the Seven Tigers depredations reached the
These deadly beings attacked the survivors and drove them Empress quickly, as refugees from the Threshold streamed
back out into the Wyld. These huge warriors faded only once onto the Blessed Isle with tales of the brutality of the Seven
the Fair Folk reached the Bordermarches of the Wyld. Tigers conquests. Their armies methodically reduced the
This vast display of power saved both the Blessed Isle already half-destroyed cities and fortresses to rubble. Once
and those portions of Creation that had not yet been fully they conquered a region, they pressed all surviving vessels
subsumed by the Wyld. Because the Scarlet Empress lacked into service as troop transports and were clearly readying
both the knowledge and finesse of the Solar Exalted for whom an invasion force for the conquest of the Blessed Isle itself.
these defenses had been built, however, earthquakes rocked As news of their victories spread, the coastal cities of the
the Blessed Isle. After the attacking armies of the Fair Folk Blessed Isle repaired and augmented the defenses built in
had been destroyed and the few survivors had fled to the haste against the Fair Folk, and the elderly and the young
Middlemarches, both Vanchow and the northern portion were mustered to man them.
of abandoned Meru lay in ruins. The devastation was far In an effort to avoid further conflict and not spill the
less throughout most of the Blessed Isle, but no portion of it blood of Exalts who had once been her fellow officers, the
remained untouched. soon-to-be Empress sent messengers to order the Seven Tigers
to desist their actions. The heads of the messengers were
THE SEVEN TIGERS returned across the Inland Sea, their mouths stuffed with
the silken scrolls theyd carried. The Empress saw only two
In the hours that followed the end of the Fair Folk in-
vasion, there was stunned silence. For days, the only sights options before her: Turn the weapons she had so recently
on battlefields were dazed soldiers keeping a half-bewildered mastered on those soldiers who once fought alongside her, or
sentry against a possible counterattack and looters half-heart- allow them to overrun the Isle and then turn on one another.
edly stripping the bodies of the dead. Rain poured steadily Having heard stories from the cities the Seven Tigers had
from the heavens, casting a gray veil across all Creation and already overrun, and knowing that the Fair Folk still lurked
driving even the greediest corpse robber to higher ground. on the borders of Creation, ready to return if they saw weak-
But for a precious handful of days, there was no strife, as the ness, she made the only possible choice.
entire world struggled to come to grips with the fact that As the Seven Tigers readied their forces for the invasion of
both the Contagion and the Fair Folk invasion were over. the Blessed Isle, she ventured back inside the Imperial Manse.
An Age had ended and a new one had begun. Soon after, pale streamers of fire struck from the heavens at the
Dragon-Blooded commanders found themselves in the encampments of the Seven Tigers. Vast and twisted warriors
field with armies at their back and no Shogun to command of water strode across the waves and smashed ships at harbor.
them. Some few choose to harry the rear guard of the Fair Screaming winds that left coats of frost on the ground ripped
Folk as it retreated, but they did so without passion, since their down siege towers and froze men solid with a touch. Bolts
best efforts had done little to aid the vast Essence constructs of Essence-lightning leveled fortresses and vaporized mighty
called forth by the Imperial Manse. jade war machines. By the time the Empress called a halt, the
More ambitious generals began to wonder what they armies of the Seven Tigers were scattered, and the generals
could make of this new world. Even as the forces of the various themselves were being led back to the Isle in chains. Met at
Threshold daimyos struggled out of the mire, they faced the the harbor by a handful of Dragon-Blooded who had already
specter of a new age of warfare, as the shattered Shogunate thrown in their lot with the then-mysterious Empress, the
made conquest a possibility now that mere survival was no Seven Tigers vanished, never to be seen or heard from again.
longer an issue. A handful of the boldest and most daring Meanwhile, the laborious task of rounding up the scattered
of these generals and daimyos joined forces and agreed to troops of the Dragon-Blooded daimyos and forging them into
rule Creation together (at least until one could gain some legions was begun. The young officer had now irrevocably
advantage over the others). set in motion her climb to the Scarlet Throne.
The oldest, Skri Shanash, invited the others to her As before, her strike against the Seven Tigers was not
camp at the Lap, to discuss the future of the lands around without consequences. This attack on her enemies caused
the Inland Sea. They drew up plans to carve up both the already-damaged buildings throughout the Blessed Isle to
Blessed Isle and the lands of the Threshold, with provinces fall. She learned, however, that if she limited the scope of
apportioned to each. Satisfied with the arrangement, the her weapons to the Blessed Isle and the seas immediately
surrounding it, she could control the forces of the Imperial

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 Defense Gridas she had renamed the Sword of Creation conquerors so that they could learn the secrets of the Imperial
sufficiently well to avoid anything more than minor tremors. Manse, and Creation would succumb to chaos and endless
As a result, the Scarlet Empress had to be content with ruling war. Yet, if she used her power indiscriminately to eliminate
the Blessed Isle. all who stood against her, shed simply raise new generations
Although it had suffered vast devastation, the Blessed of enemiesor depopulate the Realm of the Dragon-Blooded
Isle had been cleansed of all Wyld taint, and a combination needed to defend it against further invasions. And while she
of the islands natural Essence flows and the Defense Grid was safe from any sane rival as long as she was the only one
kept shadowlands from forming within its borders. As a with access to the defenses of Imperial Manse, she also knew
result, while it was a barren and devastated land compared that some of her rivals were far from sane.
to its former glory, it had suffered far less than most of the Kejaks proposition offered her a glimmer of hope. She
Threshold. It remained the tarnished crown of a much-bat- returned the emissary with a promise of acceptance as long
tered Creation. The finest cities of the post-Contagion era as Kejak came to her. Stunned by her insolence, but fully
would have been considered both small and exceptionally aware of both her raw power and the gravity of the situation,
primitive by the standards of both the First Age and the the Sidereal swallowed his pride and journeyedalone and
Shogunate, but regardless, the finest cities remained in the on footto the ancient fortress that housed the Celestials
Blessed Isle. defensesand the Empress as well. He knelt before the gates,
head bowed, for a full day. Impressed by his show of humility,
CHEJOP KEJAK AND THE FORMATION OF and by the fact that the arrangement was obviously so impor-
tant to Kejak, the Empress opened the doors of the Palace
THE SCARLET EMPIRE of the Anathema and bade him enter. What transpired in
After her triumph over her rivals, the soon-to-be Scarlet that meeting can be pieced together from later events and
Empress was approached by an emissary of Chejop Kejak, scraps of correspondence long since destroyed.
leader of the Bronze Faction of the Sidereal Exalted. Troubled Kejak outlined his problems, what he thought the
by the possibility of a recurrence of either the Contagion or Empresss problems were and where their interests overlapped.
the Fair Folk invasion, he wished to make sure that such He then proposed a solution: resurrecting the Realm, under
catastrophes never happened again. He believed that the the Empresss guidance. Hed get a stable central political
young woman who had just saved Creation was his best hope entity that could impose some kind of social structure on the
for achieving this goal. The Empress recognized the precari- Dragon-Blooded, and the Empress would receive both the
ous nature of her situation. If she attempted to step down, empire and freedom from her rivals. The Empress thought
she would almost certainly be tortured by ruthless would-be his plan overly optimistic and nave. In her opinion, officially

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 reestablishing the Realm would engender a series of bloody upholding the reign of the Dragon-Blooded and, through
civil wars. While her control of Celestial powers would them, the Empress. Neither the Empress nor Kejak trusted
allow her to win those wars, the price of victory seemed the other, but both recognized that both higher loyalties
prohibitively high. and practical necessities would bind each to uphold their
Kejak then informed her of the full extent of what his respective ends of the bargain.
aid would mean. She would have the assistance of the entire
Bronze Faction of the Sidereal Exalted and its most prominent THE BIRTH OF EMPIRE
tool, the Immaculate Order. He required only one condition. After she completed her fateful deal with Chejop Kejak,
Kejaks examinations of the Loom of Fate told him that a purely the Empress once more used the vast machines of the Impe-
secular empire would eventually collapse into decadence. To rial Manse, but this time they had a peaceful purpose. She
avoid this, he proposed linking the political necessity of empire projected an enormous image of herself in the sky above every
to the spiritual structure of the existing Immaculate Philosophy. village and city on the Blessed Isle. When all eyes in the
The doctrine of the Immaculate faith already stated that the Blessed Isle were turned upon her, she used these machines
Dragon-Blooded themselves were essentially divine and that to send her voice so that it could be heard as clearly as if she
their word was law. Using this philosophy to explicitly support stood no more than an arms length away from each and
the new Realm (as it had implicitly supported the Shogunate every listener. Her image was clad in inhumanly vivid scarlet
before the Contagion) would both help pacify the masses and robes, and even today, poets, novelists and foreign artists
also offer a sop to the other Dragon-Blooded. If they accepted attempt to capture a pale shadow of her finery and grandeur
Kejaks plan and supported the empire, they would be regarded on that fateful day. In the proclamation, she informed all of
as gods. If they didnt, theyd rapidly find themselves outside the inhabitants of the Blessed Isle that the Realm was hers
the empire and at the mercy of the Anathema and Fair Folk to do with as she willed. This speech is familiar to every
in the hinterlands. Meanwhile, the humans of the new Realm literate citizen of the Realm.
would be trained to support the empire as a matter of faith as
well as good business, ensuring the loyalty of the populace. THE REACTION TO THE PROCLAMATION
Successive generations of Dragon-Blooded would then grow In the wake of the Imperial Proclamation, there was
up with a spiritually and politically advantageous code of chaos throughout the Blessed Isle. Local daimyos who
conduct in place. dreamed of power and glory gathered their armies around
They argued and negotiated for nine long days, as the them, swearing theyd serve no usurper. Immaculate temples
Empress weighed the temptations of his offer against the were filled with the faithful and terrified, and true to Kejaks
risks of attempting to support an empire with an untried word, the priests counseled the troubled masses to accept
faithand of allowing Kejak and his allies substantial official the divinely granted authority of the Empress. Troops whod
influence. Eventually, she could see no other option, and she witnessed the destruction of the Seven Tigers or who desper-
accepted his offer. She granted imperial sponsorship to the ately sought a new and stable order flocked to the Empresss
Immaculate Order, with the caveat that it be dedicated to scarlet banner. This banner was raised in every town and

THE IMPERIAL PROCLAMATION

Children of the Blessed Isle, soldiers and priests, Exalted of the Immaculate Dragons and those
who toil in the dust, hear me. Know that the wars and the Contagion are over, now and forever.
Know that the Fair Folk have been driven back to the empty places beyond the walls of the world and
that it is my power that has done so. Know that those who sought unlawful dominion over the Blessed
Isle have been vanquished and their bones sunk beneath the mire at the bottom of the hungry seas.
You have peace. This is my gift to you. I think you are all wise enough to accept it.
Your gift to me shall be obedience. For I am the Scarlet Empress, she who has laid waste to the
Fair Folk and washed clean the Contagion and she who has protected the Blessed Isle so that you
might live. Mine is the power and the right to rule, and mine is the power and the right to destroy all
those who would threaten this land.
Let it be proclaimed, therefore, that the Realm has risen and that the Scarlet Empress reigns over
it with honor as its shogun and queen. Let it be proclaimed that the subjects of the Realm do fealty
to the Empress and serve the Realm faithfully, for it nurtures and protects them even as the Empress
does. And let the enemies of the Realm tremble, for there is no power in all Creation that can stand
against it.

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 hamlet on the Blessed Isle (often through the actions of Using summoned demons and elementals and some of
itinerant monks, whod been alerted by their superiors the more powerful artifacts remaining from the Shogunate,
that the proclamation was coming). Within a fortnight, as well as vast numbers of skilled and unskilled mortals, the
the bulk of the troops on the Isle had sworn fealty to the initial plan was completed in nine years. As the inhabitants
Scarlet Empress, and their commanding officers had received of the Realm came to terms with their survival and the fact
visitations from the Empress like the one in which she had that life would indeed go on in this new Age, however, more
proclaimed her authority. The legions were put in motion people continued to flock to the Imperial City. As a result,
against those Dragon-Blooded who had announced their construction continued, albeit at a slower pace, for the next
defiance or their desire for independence, and the results were 91 years. By the time it was largely completed in RY 103, the
swift and bloody. In less than a year, the Empresss legions city was home to more than two million inhabitants. Both
had scoured the Isle of most opposition and established the then and now, it is the largest city in Creation.
new Realm as a solid and forceful entity that soldiers could
follow and citizens could take comfort in. THE FATE OF THE THRESHOLD
The Scarlet Empress soon realized that without regular
THE FOUNDING OF IMPERIAL CITY use of the full power of the Imperial Manse, she had little
The capital city of the Old Realm was the vast me- hope of ruling the entirety of Creation. By the time she had
tropolis of Meru, located at the foot of the huge Imperial brought the Blessed Isle largely under her control, reports
Mountain. Here were located the vast palaces and largest were already coming in about various states in the Threshold
factory-cathedrals of the Anathema. The moderate-sized city forming around all manner of local leaders. After further
known as Vanchow, however, near the eastern coast of the discussion with Chejop Kejak, they both sadly understood
Blessed Isle, had once been a vital part of the Old Realms that without fleets of skyships and other lost wonders of the
defenses. There, Autochthon had built the Sword of Creation Shogunate, there was no way for any Dragon-Blood, even
over the largest confluence of Essence currents in Creation. one backed by the power of the Imperial Manse, to control
Yet, when she activated the Realms defenses both to repel much more territory than the Empress already did.
the Fair Folk invasion and to destroy the Seven Tigers, the The Scarlet Empress also realized, though, that her
resulting earthquakes had destroyed most of Vanchow. Only newly founded empire could be gradually strangled if it
the Imperial Manse stood untouched amid the ruins and were cut off from the rich provinces surrounding the Inland
the thousands of corpses created by the Great Contagion. Sea. At this point, she attempted to ensure a solid impe-
Afterward, the Empress lived in the outer chambers of the rial foothold off the Blessed Isle without world conquest.
building she now referred to as the Imperial Manse. Those states that immediately offered allegiance to her
As word of her presence there spread, petitioners, would- were granted special privileges. Their queens and princes
be courtiers and representatives of the Immaculate Order were invited to meet with the Empress and offer counsel,
sent by Chejop Kejak all came to the ruins of Vanchow. At and legions were posted throughout their territories so that
first, they settled in the few surviving structures or camped they need not bear the expenditure of their own defense.
among the ruins. In time, they began to bury the bodies of In addition, the export of their goods to the Blessed Isle
the dead and remove the rubble. Soon, the Scarlet Empresss was exempted from the usual tariffs imposed on foreign
advisors among the Immaculate Order suggested that she trade. Ambassadors, accompanied by operatives of the
commission a new capital. nascent All-Seeing Eye, traveled on diplomatic missions
The capitol of the Dragon-Blooded Shogunate was to the neighbors of these allied provinces. Empowered to
also in ruins, and those few portions that survived were a offer similarly generous terms, these ambassadors proposed
vast charnel house. The Scarlet Empress knew how closely unification with the new Realm without the slightest
her rule was tied to her control of the Imperial Manse, so threat or effort at coercion. Meanwhile, other agents of
she ordered the Shogunate capitol be razed and proclaimed the All-Seeing Eye canvassed the territory, with an eye
Vanchow as the new capital of the Realm. Three years after toward subversion or gathering intelligence for invasion
the Imperial Proclamation, the Scarlet Empress commanded should the offer be refused.
her subjects to build the Imperial City on the ruins of Van- Ultimately, most of the kingdoms, duchies, provinces
chow. Here, the Realms greatest architects competed to gain and city-states along the rim of the sea agreed to various
permission to build the largest and most important public tributary relationships with the Realm. Several came to
buildings. In addition to monies derived from taxes, much of agreements with imperial ambassadors only after legion
the city was paid for by wealthy Dragon-Blooded who wished troops deposed rulers disinclined to negotiate, and inde-
to lavishly demonstrate their wealth, their generosity and, pendent-minded governors demonstrated a tendency to
most importantly, their loyalty to their new Empress. The suddenly drop dead with no visible cause. By RY 223, much
Scarlet Empress personally approved all of the plans for the of the Threshold had come loosely under imperial control.
city, as she was determined to have a capitol that was the Imperial territories and tributary lands paid taxes to the
gem of Creation.

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 imperial coffers, receiving in exchange the protection af-
forded by the legions, the benefits of the presence of the
Immaculate Order and a preferential trade relationship
both with the Isle and with other imperial territories and
tributaries. The Realm also built paved roads and harbors
in many areas. These latter were put in place to facilitate
the movement of troops should such become necessary
in the future. In the interim, though, the benefit they af-
forded trade was immeasurable. Using a careful mixture
of occasional brutal punishments and frequent generous
rewards, the Empress was able to minimize revolts and
disruptions to trade from one end of the Inland Sea to
the other, and the resultant flow of wealth to the Blessed
Isle was both immense and unceasing.
Some of these allied states were reduced to penury
by taxes and similar forms of tribute they paid to the
Realm, but several of the stronger young nations were
potent enough to be able to dictate their own terms in
their dealings with the Realm. Armed with magics of their
own, strong defenses and ready troops, they were rich but
unprofitable targets, and the Empress wisely accepted
their allegiance without forcing their subservience. The
only term that was immutable in any treaty made with
the Realm involved the Anathema. Other concessions
could be asked for and granted, tariffs lowered and taxes
negotiated. But in every single instance of discussion with
the Realm, one constant held: Any Anathema found were
to be turned over to the agents of the Realm immediately.
Failure to do so was always grounds for war.

THE SCAVENGER LANDS

The only place where the Empresss policy of alli-
ance and subversion utterly failed was in the territories
once known as the River Province, now referred to as
the Scavenger Lands. The Scarlet Empress desperately
wished to gain control of the large store of First Age
weapons and technologies held by the Seventh Legion
of the Shogunate. Unfortunately, this same storehouse
of ancient wonders is the reason for her continued fail-
ures in this region. The Seventh Legion soon formed
the city-state of Lookshy from the ruins of Deheleshen.
Determined to make their land the last bastion of the
Shogunate, the generals of Lookshy had no interest in
forming an alliance with a woman they regarded as a brash
upstart. Using their advanced weapons, they successfully
repulsed the Empresss many attempts at invasion. By RY
302, Lookshy and the Realm had an uneasy truce, but
Lookshy remains ever vigilant. Over the next 466 years
since that truce was reached, the Empress continued to
send various military expeditions and covert missions
into the Scavenger Lands, but she avoided making direct
threats to Lookshy.

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 absences, carrying itself forward on sheer momentum as the
HISTORY AND THE STATUS QUO mechanisms of government lurched along with business as
The history of the Scarlet Empresss Realm has usual. Certain that she would soon return, none of the Great
included decades-long (even centuries-long) stretches Houses made a play for the Scarlet Throne. Even the mostly
when nothing of historical importance occurred. Crops powerful and highly placed Dynasts were wary that this could
were planted and harvested, taxes were levied and be some trick of the Empresss to see which of her offspring
collected, and the sun rose and set every day without were too ambitious for their own good. In the past, she had
incident. This stability is a hallmark of the Empresss always returned as if she had never been away, with no word
success. Having seen the horrors of the Contagion and as to where she had been or what she had done.
the social chaos that led up to the end of the Shogunate,
both the Scarlet Empress and the Sidereal Exalted of THE VACANT THRONE
the Bronze Faction desire nothing so much as to leave Popular songs of the Realm speak of what the Empress
behind a legacy of peace, prosperity and stability. For did during her disappearances. The more romantic ones claim
the Empress, a decade without the need for another that, during these times, the Empress took it upon herself
war was both a decade without anything that might to disguise herself as a humble peasant woman and walk to
upset her reign and a decade when the populace could and fro on her lands, and up and down in them, so that she
live without fear. might better understand the suffering of her people. When
Nevertheless, large-scale stability was not the she had seen enough, the songs went, she would return to
same as stasis. While the incidents of those long the Imperial Palace and use what she had learned to govern
decades never shook the pillars of the empire, they the Realm more wisely. Other more ribald (and less widely
were certainly not dull to those living through them. performed) tunes describe debauched and erotic adventures
Great Houses rose and fell to intrigue or poor fortune. with everyone from the gods of Yu-Shan to the Lintha pirates
Local peasant revolts arose and were put down, often of Bluehaven.
brutally. Provinces declared independence and were These melodies are, of course, not close to the truth.
dragged back into the fold. Pirates hunted Realm ships After centuries of rule, the Scarlet Empress cares for nothing
and were harried across the Inland Sea. Anathema except the Realm, her continued dominance over it and the
appeared and were slain by the Wyld Hunt, and not powerful and potentially deadly mysteries of the Imperial
a year went by without some prodigy, omen or false Manse. The Empresss absences from public life were all spent
heir appearing and causing the gossipmongers of the deep in the depths of the Imperial Manse itself. There, she
Imperial City to predict changes, scandals or even the labored to propitiate the engines and the things dwelling
imminent fall of the Realm. therein that had brought her to power, offering them sacri-
As dramatic as these brief incidents were, they fices of treasure, blood and souls in exchange for continued
neither shook nor altered the course of the Realm. mastery of the devices and further instruction in their use.
Business continued as usual, and citizens and peas- Thousands of slaves have been sacrificed thus over the years,
ants who were not directly involved in these incidents as well as some of the Realms most powerful Dragon-Blooded,
rarely knew which province was in revolt on a given a handful of unwary spirits, at least one imperial consort and
day and typically forgot this information within a the Empresss youngest daughter, whose curiosity led her to
few weeks. The Realm endured. While the elevation follow her mother a trifle too far into the palace.
of each Great House and the fall of each rebellious
satrap were duly recorded by clerks of the Ministry
THE LONG ABSENCE: THE REALM
of Scrupulous Observance of History, most of these BEGINS TO FRAGMENT
events were largely forgotten before scribes finished While everyone pretended it was business as usual when
chronicling them. the Empress first vanished in RY 763, every well-connected
Dynast was aware that something was seriously amiss by
late 764. While the Empress had vanished before, she had
never been gone for so long, and the complete absence of any
CURRENT EVENTS: THE DISAPPEARANCE communication had senior members of the Thousand Scales,
OF THE SCARLET EMPRESS the Dynasty and the Immaculate Order extremely worried.
Five years ago, in the midst of the inauspicious five-day Several luminariesmost notably the venerable Shenesh of
period of Calibration, the Empress vanished without a trace. House Iselsi, the ancient and well-respected Minister of the
Simply disappearing for a few days or even a few months was Imperial Gardens, and no fewer than six abbots of the Im-
not necessarily unusual. She had taken brief sabbaticals from maculate Orderconvened a meeting to address the question
the Scarlet Throne before, some lasting as long as half a year. of what to do if she failed to return. After making certain
The Realm continued to function smoothly during these that there was no hint as to her actual fate or any evidence

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 that she might return, the council began to debate the far shadowland. Farther north, a minor barbarian upstart known
trickier question of succession. Presented with what might as the Bull of the North was revealed to be a powerful
be their golden opportunity, the most powerful Dynasts were Anathema working with an Anathema sorceress known as
reluctant to seize power. They not only feared that civil war Samea. Together, they and their forces defeated the Realms
might result but also simultaneously hoped and feared that the Linowan allies and destroyed the Tepet Legions. The activi-
Empress might secretly be watching and would return mere ties of both the Deathlords and the Anathema terrified the
hours after they declared their rulership, inflicting decades populace of the Realm, who began to worry that the Scarlet
of torture upon anyone foolish enough to attempt to usurp Empress disappearance might have signaled the dawn of a
her throne. Instead, an unlikely alliance of Nellens, Ragara new and terrible era.
and Cynis nobles put forth the following plan: The heads Emboldened by tales of the Bull of the Norths victo-
of the Immaculate Order would announce that the Empress ries over the Realms forces, barbarian attacks on legion
had gone into seclusion to meditate upon the state of the outposts increased. As the various branches of the Impe-
Realm and would return in due time. rial Service began to strive against each other, the legions
The Deliberative would choose a regent to guide the found themselves increasingly ill supported. In the satra-
Realm in her place, doing nothing save occasionally waving pies of the northern coast, rainy winters and dry summers
to the populace, so that the peasants would not grow restive. wrecked crops, and the taxes levied on tributary states shot
Should the Empress not return within seven years, then upward as the machinery of empire lurched to a halt. As
steps toward a more permanent succession might be taken. further evidence of weakness inspired increasingly greedy
In the interim, all were to regard themselves as caretakers and self-serving thoughts, the least loyal tributaries in the
of the Realm against the day when the Empress returned. Threshold edged toward revolt and independence. On the
Both satisfied and relieved, the various representatives to Blessed Isle, the families of the Dynasty circled each other
the Council of the Empty Throne departed and immediately warily, waiting for an opening either to ascend or to bring
began strengthening their positions against the day when a rival down. Meanwhile, the Scarlet Throne sat empty,
competition for the Scarlet Throne would be thrown open. for not even Regent Fokuf dared seat himself upon it more
The Deliberative did its part to perfection, selecting a timid than once. In the streets, some peasants sing songs of the
and mediocre member of House Tepet to keep the Empresss Empresss triumphant return in the hopes that she will
seat cushions warm in her absence. be their salvation. In the Immaculate temples, the priests
That selection, however, was the only aspect of the and the faithful nervously discuss whether the Elemental
councils decision that went as planned. Even before the Dragons are displeased. And in the Realms halls of power,
council met, the allied city-state of Thorns was conquered the possibility of civil war becomes ever more real with
by the Mask of Winters and transformed into a vast new every passing day.

TIMELINE OF THE SCARLET EMPRESS REALM

Realm Year Event
1 The destruction of the Fair Folk armies. The annihilation of the Seven Tigers. The founding of the
Realm.
3 The Imperial City is founded
12 Founding of the All-Seeing Eye.
38 Establishment of the first ministries and magistrates.
40 The legions are reestablished.
44 Araka Jeresh, lover of the Scarlet Empress, assassinated by a lovesick suitor.
57 First assault on the River Province.
69 Imperial forces withdraw from the Scavenger Lands.
75 Second invasion of the Scavenger Lands.
76 Seventh Legion troops use First Age weapons against the legions of the Realm. Imperial forces withdraw
from the Scavenger Lands again.
81 Empress decrees the separation of High and Low Realm.
88 Realms last full invasion of the Scavenger Lands.
89 Empresss Guard destroyed at Melevhil.
103 Founding of the Deliberative.
114 Assassination attempt on the Empress; founding of the policy of the Thousand Mazy Paths. Empress
marries Rawar of Arjuf.

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 TIMELINE OF THE SCARLET EMPRESS REALM CONTINUED
130 Birth of Manosque.
139 Birth of Ragara.
146 Bagrash Kl uses the Eye of Autochthon to build a great kingdom in the North, which surpasses the
early Realm.
174 Nine Duchies Banner is raised to the northwest across the Inland Sea. Three legions are sent to
crush it.
176 Bagrash Kl destroyed by the Eye.
202 The Thousand Scales reaches its current form.
211 Delzahn Horde conquers Chiaroscuro, offers fealty to the Realm.
223 Relationship finalized with all states along Inland Sea and many well into the Threshold.
227 Nellens taken as consort.
231 Sesus born.
235 Ledaal born.
244 Manosque Viridian uses the Eye of Autochthon in an attempt to stage a coup. He is destroyed by the
defenses of the Realm, and his House is put to the sword.
261 Nellens dies.
299 Trae Lengs Revolt.
301 House Iselsi sponsors a semi-official expedition into the Scavenger Lands, which fails spectacularly.
303 House Iselsi attempts a coup after its unsuccessful adventure in the Scavenger Lands. The attempt
is crushed out of hand, and the Iselsi are stripped of most of their possessions and made servants of
the Scarlet Throne.
326 Vengeful Harvest uprising.
362 Tepet taken as consort.
364 Barbarian incursions along the northern coast of the Inland Sea repulsed by the Gleaming Fang
Legion (formerly the 11th).
369 Birth of Mnemon.
370 Rawar dies.
371 Imperial consort Tepet vanishes.
416 The Guild boycotts trade with the Blessed Isle. The Trade War ensues; resolved in RY 418 as each
side recognizes how untenable continued hostilities are. Guild trade items bear an extra tariff for the
next two centuries as a result.
422 Elevation of House Nellens.
433 Fire seen in the skies over the Imperial Mountain. Mountain People send emissary to the Empress
and return with remarkable gifts, though their delegation had been reduced in number.
465 Unbroken Rushes Rebellion.
550 Treaties renegotiated with Chiaroscuro and other major cities to relax tariffs.
578 War against the Anathema Jochim, which ends in 585.
591 Ragaras Widows Uprising.
707 Bloodied Scythe Uprising.
748 The Empress supports an underdog in the succession of the city of Thorns in exchange for a cats-paw
to use against the Scavenger Lands.
752 The forces of Thorns are mauled.
754 The Battle of Mishaka. Armies of Thorns devastated.
763 The Empress vanishes.
764 The Council of the Empty Throne. Armies of Mask of Winters attack and sack Thorns. The Battle
of Futile Blood, the Bull of the North slaughters the remainder of the Tepet Legions, under the com-
mand of Tepet Arada, in the Valley of Shards.
768 Current day.

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 20
Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 CHAPTER
CHAPTERTWO
TWO
LIFECHARACTER
ON THE BLESSED ISLE
CREATION

This vast island is home to the largest kingdom in THE 11 GREAT HOUSES
Creation, as well as the most populous and the most The 11 Great Houses are matrilineal family lines that
advanced. When discussing the lives of any of its tens of have a recognized political place in the Realm. They were
millions of inhabitants, the first and most important factor all created by the Empress to recognize the fact that the
to consider is always those inhabitants social class. In the hereditary nature of Terrestrial Exaltation meant that certain
rigid hierarchy of the Blessed Isle, the lives of the Dynasts, families were destined to become politically and economi-
patricians, citizens, peasants and slaves are all prescribed by cally important to the Realm. The leaders of Great Houses
their status. Within the limitations of their social classes, have special rights of audience with the Empress, each of the
the lives of the patricians and citizens can be rich and Houses may own slaves, and each can also keep small numbers
full, but neither group can ever aspire to the power and of household troops. In addition, the Dynasts get special tax
influence of the Dynasts. The lives of the peasants might arrangements, and they fill important roles in the Realm by
be largely free from either famine or the threat of violent providing generals, satraps, ministers and other important
death, but they can look forward to only toil and drudgery functionaries in the imperial government. In almost all cases,
as their lot. With the exception of a few carefully regulated the founders of Great Houses are Dragon-BloodedHouse
paths to advancement, everyone is born into a station, Nellens is the only Great House with a mortal founder.
and attempting to go beyond that station is not only nigh Leaders of Great Houses are usually descendants of the
impossible but a transgression against the will of the Im- Empress, but three times, the Empress has adopted a worthy
maculate Dragons. as her child in order to use that child as the foundation of

CHAPTER TWO LIFE ON THE BLESSED ISLE 21

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 a Great House. The founder of a Great House uses only her vast majority of Dynasts have absolutely no social contact
given name, and any offspring she bears or adopts take the with commoners.
founders given name as their family name. On many Dynastic estates, the majority of work is per-
Great Houses do not necessarily endure forever. There formed by slaves, and the residents interact with almost no
have been 23 recognized Great Houses during the Realms commoners. Even when working in the Thousand Scales or
history, of which only 11 survive today. The other 12 fell in trade, most Dynasts and almost all Dragon-Blooded make
to treachery, treason or misfortune. The last House created an effort to isolate themselves from commoners. Common-
was House Vneef, founded 60 years ago by the Imperial ers must instead talk to a Dynasts patrician secretary or her
Cupbearer, probably to counterbalance the Peleps maritime enslaved amanuensis. Both the Scarlet Empress and the
advantage, though that was only apparent several years later. tenets of the Immaculate Philosophy strongly encourage this
New Great Houses always enjoyed the Empresss utmost separation on the grounds that familiarity breeds contempt,
favor; if they did not, their peers would quickly rend them while isolation increases respect and deference. The Scarlet
asunder. The Great Houses always dread the creation of a Empress understood that social isolation combined with the
new House, as it means that some or all of the established Dragon-Bloodeds inhuman powers would cause commoners
Houses would lose assets, which are stripped away and given to think of them as almost divine beings whose power was
to the new House. nearly limitless because it was so mysterious. More impor-
The members of the 11 Great Houses grow up know- tantly, this isolation would also help encourage the people
ing that they are the true lords of the Realm. They also are to accept the Immaculate Philosophys teaching that the
taught that even those members unfortunate enough not Dragon-Blooded were inherently wiser and more perfect than
to Exalt are inherently far superior to the lower classes. To ordinary mortals. Therefore, most commoners would blame
maintain this separation between Dynasts and commoners the problems of the Realm upon patricians and other lesser
and this sense of superiority, the lives of all Dynastses- government officials.
pecially of the Dragon-Bloodedare designed to
physically distance themselves from the other
inhabitants of the Realm. Although many
members of the 11 Great Houses regu-
larly socialize with patricians, the

22
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 The only places where commoners can freely interact exception of some social and economic interactions with
with Dynasts is within the ranks of the Imperial Army the wealthiest commoners, most patricians rarely deal with
or inside the Immaculate Order. In both cases, all such commoners except as their servants or underlings. Like the
interactions are governed by strict rules, and the mortals Dynasts, patricians live on large estates, and when they stay
have been thoroughly indoctrinated in the proper attitude in cities, they stay in lavish townhouses isolated from the
of deference toward Dragon-Blooded. Dynasts, both mortal lives of most urbanites. With their lavish silks and jewelry
and Dragon-Blooded, who have spent time in either organi- and their easy command of High Realm, patricians live
zation usually develop at least some degree of rapport with vastly different lives than citizens or peasants do, concern-
their fellows, regardless of whether these individuals are ing themselves far more with the lives and troubles of the
commoners or other Dynasts. The strict rituals and rigid Dynasts than with the fates of commoners.
discipline of both organizations, however, keeps Dynasts Yet, despite the fact that most patricians prefer to iso-
in either organization from forgetting the division between late themselves from commoners as much as possible, they
themselves and ordinary commoners. are rarely able to do so effectively. While urban Dynasts
Within the Realm, many peasants assume that all Dy- live in walled palaces and enclosed urban compounds, the
nasts are Exalts, but a large number of the children born to lavish townhouses of the patricians are rarely more than a
Dynasts never Exalt. These elevated mortals lead privileged few hundred yards from the more modest dwellings of the
and wealthy lives, but few go on to secondary school, and well-off citizens. Even patricians who live on their vast ru-
most must be content with less highly elevated positions ral estates must deal with commoners because they almost
within the Realm. Many are encouraged to look after their never have access to slaves. Unlike Dynasts, who can have
family estates so that the Dragon-Blooded members of the slaves perform all the work on their estates, patricians must
House will be free to spend time in the Immaculate Order rely upon peasant laborers to work their fields and skilled
or the Thousand Scales, but determined mortal Dynasts can citizens to sew their clothes, cook their meals and craft
rise quite high in the Realm. Nevertheless, many Dragon- their jewelry. As a result, most patricians must interact
Blooded consider the most important feature of any mortal with commoners every day of their lives. While few have
Dynast to be his bloodline, and being the parent of a child any social or informal dealings with any but the wealthiest
who Exalts always earns such a Dynast much acclaim. commoners, patricians are well used to seeing and speaking
with commoners, and vice versa.
THE PATRICIANS Their social position means that patricians often serve
Second only to the Dynasts themselves are the patricians. as intermediaries between commoners and the Dragon-
Related distantly by blood to the glorious Dragon-Blooded Blooded. Except for soldiers in the legions, priests and monks
and occasionally giving birth to Dragon-Blooded children, of the Immaculate Order and servants who work for one
the patricians make up the wealthiest and most powerful of the 11 Great Houses, most commoners rarely see one of
class of mortals in the Realm. They also have greater rights the Dragon-Blooded and almost never have any chance to
and more power than any commoners. The Dragon-Bloods interact with these majestic beings. Most commoners see
of the 11 Great Houses hold all of the highest offices on the the Dragon-Blooded only at public ceremonies. The Ter-
Blessed Isle, and their un-Exalted kin typically become their restrial Exalted are distant rulers whose lives and concerns
aides and immediate underlings, as well as forming the bulk are largely unrelated to the lives of the average citizens of
of the mid-level officers of the legions. The bureaucracy of the Realm. Patricians are far less isolated, though. Their
the Realm is far too large, however, for the important offices larger numbers and their positions in both the Thousand
to be held solely by Dynasts. The highest-ranking patricians Scales and local government mean that almost every com-
are ministers of the Thousand Scales, prefects in the regional moner has come before a patrician to seek redress for some
government, winglords of the legions and trierarchs of ships injustice, as a defendant or witness in the Imperial Court
in the Imperial Navy. The children of these worthiesin or simply to register some piece of important paperwork.
fact, any patrician children who show sufficient promisecan Also, just as the patricians serve as the underlings of the
attend the same primary schools as the children of the 11 Dragon-Blooded, the better-educated citizens sometimes
Great Houses. Here, they learn and play beside individuals serve as the underlings of patrician ministers, prefects and
who will Exalt and become the lords of the Realm. Such archons. As a result, commoners are often quite familiar
contacts both in school and later in government or the legions with the lives and dispositions of the patricians.
permit friendships and a close understanding to grow among As so often happens, familiarity indeed breeds contempt.
the patricians and the Dynasts. As a result, many patricians Because the Dragon-Blooded are inhuman Exalts who are
have Dragon-Blooded mentors, patrons and allies they can glorified by the Immaculate Philosophy, as well as being
ask for both favors and information. distant figures whose faults and petty squabbles are rarely
The close bonds between the patricians and the Dynasts visible to commoners, many citizens and peasants regard
of the 11 Great Houses are also reflected by the vast social them with deference and awe. Patricians, however, are both
distance between patricians and commoners. With the merely mortal and far more accessible. Their lives, excesses

CHAPTER TWO LIFE ON THE BLESSED ISLE 23

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 and misfortunes are frequently the subject of public gossip still understand that they cannot directly oppose the wishes
and private speculation among the commoners, and they of the Dragon-Blooded. As a result, patricians in prefectures
are often blamed for problems that commoners experience that contain estates owned by one of the 11 Great Houses
with the government. almost always either remain loyal to the Realm as a whole
In addition to legitimate complaints about greed, fa- or to a particular Great House. Many prefectures in the
voritism or incompetence by patricians, many commoners more remote and less fertile portions of the Blessed Isle,
regard the Dragon-Blooded as semi-divine beings who can however, are of little interest to the Dynasts. The patricians
do no wrong. Therefore, any problems they have with the who control these prefectures understand that the Dragon-
local government, the Thousand Scales or any other of- Bloods must now expend far more of their effort in conflicts
ficial agency must naturally be the fault of stupid or venal with other nations and between the Great Houses, leaving
patricians who are somehow subverting the righteous will of the backwater inhabitants to fend for themselves. As the
the Exalts. For obvious reasons, the Dragon-Blooded often cohesion of the Realm decays, these patricians are becoming
attempt to encourage such feelings. As a result, in many of increasingly comfortable with the idea of ruling their own
the peasant and citizen revolts that have occurred in the lands as they see fit and ignoring the governments distant
Realms history, the commoners rise up and vent their anger and sporadic demands.
upon easily accessible bodies of patricians before they are
captured or killed by the legions. THE LIVES OF THE COMMONERS
The mortal citizens of the Realm have lives that are
PATRICIANS AND LOCAL POWER both far less dangerous and considerably less free than those
While their lives are destined never to be as grand or of many of the inhabitants of the Threshold. Widespread
glorious as those of the Exalted, patricians, like the members famine is an almost nonexistent fear, as even the poorest
of the 11 Great Houses, have only a few acceptable career inhabitant is assured a minimal amount of grain, onions,
options in life. Many choose to leave their estates and attempt tubers and other simple foods. None need fear the depreda-
to make a name for themselves in the world. Some go into the tions of the Fair Folk or the dead either. The commoners
Imperial Army or Navy, others join the Immaculate Order, are excluded from all positions of power, however, and they
and many find careers in the vast Imperial Bureaucracy. Yet, are ruled by thousands of inhumanly powerful Exalted with
not all patricians are so ambitious or so willing to travel. Some centuries-long life spans.
patricians prefer to live on their great rural estates. Like the
Dynasts, all patricians grow up believing that individuals URBAN LIFE AND THE LIVES
of their station in life are expected, both by their fellows
and by the Immaculate Dragons, to serve the Realm and its OF THE CITIZENS
interests in some important fashion. While a few become The vast majority of citizens are skilled workers who
noted bons vivants and dissolute rakes, the vast majority of earn solid but not lavish rewards for their labors and who
patricians who eschew the Imperial Service go into trade to are mostly literate and at least somewhat educated. While
help increase their families wealth. Others manage their farms some live in rural areas as petty landowners or managers
and estates, while still others gain important appointments employed by patricians or Dynasts to administer the labor
within the government of their prefectures. Most prefects of peasants, most citizens work in the cities and towns of
and archons of the various prefectures are patricians whose the Realm. The Blessed Isle is a highly urbanized land (for
estates lie within the prefecture they rule. These local leaders the Second Age). Almost a quarter of its population lives
understand the particular needs of their prefectures and have in cities. This is possible only because a combination of
connections to the various important commoners living there, weather control, good soil and carefully regulated agricul-
allowing them to be just and efficient leaders. Unfortunately, tural practices makes sure that the Blessed Isles farmland
these connections can also allow such local officials to be always produces bountiful amounts of food during its five
especially corrupt and unjustfabricating charges against yearly rice harvests. Also, on the few occasions when food
commoners whose lands or businesses they wish to control production is inadequate, the Realm demands that its satra-
and knowing the best ways to extort excessive amounts of pies and protectorates pay their taxes in food, thus making
wealth from the populace. certain that the inhabitants of the Blessed Isle always have
In the past, the unquestioned power of the magistrates enough to eat.
kept the most corrupt patrician prefects in line. The disap- Every one of the islands prefectures has a capital city
pearance of the Scarlet Empress, however, has caused some of with a population of at least 10,000, however, and most
the more self-serving prefects and their allies to consider their prefectural capitals have populations of between 20,000
prefectures to be their personal property and the residents to and 40,000. While none of these cities are as cosmopolitan
be their subjects. As disharmony increases throughout the or diverse as the Realms largest cities (which can rise to
Realm, many of the more ambitious patricians are becoming the hundreds of thousands in population), all cities on the
increasingly free in asserting their power. Fortunately, most Blessed Isle share an essential similarity. With the excep-

24
Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 tion of Arjuf and less than a dozen other cities that date buildings. Also, everyone who is in need can go to the lo-
from the First Age, all of the Blessed Isles cities were built cal granary and obtain a weekly ration of rice, salt, onions
after the Usurpation, and most were built during the reign and dried beans. While this meager and limited food is far
of the Scarlet Empress. from appetizing, it is freely available to anyone in need. As
Regardless of when they were built, cities from all eras a result, starvation (as well as the riots and lesser crimes
were carefully planned. Because the Scarlet Empress has that it so often produces in the Threshold) is largely absent
complete authority over the Blessed Isle, she was able to from the Realm.
decree that all city plans would share the same character- The Empresss strict utilitarianism has resulted in many
istics that have been used since the end of the war with the similar benefits for urban dwellers in the Realm. The Realm
Primordials. As a result, all cities on the Blessed Isle share has strict building codes that include provisions that mandate
one of two exacting city plans. the use of materials that will help prevent and slow fires, as
well as the use of thaumaturgical anti-fire safeguards in all
PLANNED CITIES multistory buildings. In addition, use of paid street cleaners
Cities designed to support trade or to impress visitors, and the requirements for indoor plumbing serve to greatly
such as Lords Crossing, the Imperial City and many of the reduce disease, rendering the Realm largely free from the
prefectural capitals, are all built on a radial plan. The streets epidemics of various contagious diseases such as typhoid
include both a series of roads that run in concentric circles that regularly sweep through cities such as Nexus. In addi-
and wide boulevards that run from the city center to the tion to reducing civil unrest, these measures also serve to
periphery. The center of the city is always a large open area maintain both morale and productivity.
that may be a market, as is the case in Lords Crossing, or
a large public building, such as the Imperial Palace, which THE LIVES OF CITIZENS
lies at the heart of the Imperial City. The jewelers, scribes, minor bureaucrats, shop own-
Cities with large military garrisons or those that form an ers, scholars, physicians, thaumaturges and small-scale
important part of the Realms defenses are built on a rigidly merchants of the Realm are all citizens. In many ways, the
square grid plan to maximize ease of movement. Chanos citizenry in the Realm is an exceedingly diverse default cat-
and Arjuf (which is located near the House of Bells) are egoryevery official resident (thus excluding slaves and the
typical examples of such cities. Most ports are also built disenfranchised) who is not a Dynast, patrician or peasant
on a grid plan to help with their defense against invasion. is a citizen. Their lives are much like the lives of the middle
Each block in these cities is between 300 and 500 yards on class throughout Creation. They engage in skilled work and
a side and is walled, with sturdy gates, so that each block earn sufficient monies to afford at least minor luxuries. The
can be sealed off from all of the others. In all of the Realms poorest have several suits of clothing and meals somewhat
ports, foreigners must live in a designated foreigners quarter, more varied than the peasants, while the wealthiest live
which consists of one or more of these walled blocks. While in lavish mansions and townhouses that rival those of the
foreigners can freely venture out of the foreigners quarter patricians. The citizens also make up the only class with
in the daytime and early evening, there is a curfew after significant economic mobility. By definition, peasants are
which they will be escorted back to the foreigners quarter always relatively poor, and both patricians and Dynasts are
and fined unless they can provide an excellent reason for exceptionally wealthy. Citizens span the gamut in between.
being out after curfew. Shrewd mercantile practices, acquiring a patrician patron
Regardless of the plan used in any individual city, any or simple luck can transform a citizen with a modest home
large-scale changes to a city must be approved by the local and worn but serviceable clothes into someone whose wealth
authorities. Buildings cannot simply be put up where or how earns invitations to patrician balls and parties. Also, while
the land lessee desires. Roads and alleys must always have most citizens follow in the profession of one of their parents
a certain minimum width, only certain building materials or some other close family member, citizens are free to choose
are allowed, and the requirements for multistory buildings their occupation. If the daughter of a potter has the talent
are even stricter. Also, every building must have adequate and the funds to pay for her training, she can become a
drainage and plumbing and a minimal number of windows. thaumaturge, a sailor or a playwright. Even the wealthiest
All of these laws help reduce the spread of both fires and and most renowned citizens have no real voice in govern-
disease and so allow cities in the Blessed Isle to be far safer ment, however, and the whims of the Dynasts can raise or
and more productive than squalid Threshold cesspits such topple their fortunes with the stroke of a pen.
as Nexus.
Even the poorest inhabitants of these cities have certain WEALTHY CITIZENS
amenities to which few other inhabitants of Creation have While the stereotype is that the citizens of the Realm
access. Streetlights line the roads, while running water are the hard-working middle class and that the wealthy
and wide stairs for multistory buildings are found in both and the powerful consist solely of the patricians and the
the wealthiest urban mansions and the poorest apartment members of the Great Houses, commoners occasionally

CHAPTER TWO LIFE ON THE BLESSED ISLE 25

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 achieve great wealth in the Realm. Most of these wealthy Using such techniques, these wealthy commoners can
mortals are merchants, but trade is not the only path to gain access to one of the Dragon-Bloods greatest advantages,
riches. Some are skilled artists or artisans who have both longevity. The oldest of these mortals sometimes live to al-
Dragon-Blooded patrons and a studio of apprentices and most 200, and few find the existence of wealthy commoners
assistants carrying out their wishes and bringing them the who are healthy and active well into their second century
bulk of the profits. Others are entertainers of various sorts, of life to be at all surprising. In rare cases, commoners even
whose novels, plays or songs have captured the imagina- make deals with spirits to become God-Blooded or outfit
tions and the monies of both commoners and Dynasts alike. themselves with hearthstones and artifacts usable by mortals.
Naturally, a few are the children of wealthy parents who Such individuals often fall under suspicion of wishing to
were born to riches. Regardless of how they make or made usurp power beyond that allotted to them by the Immaculate
their fortune, all of these individuals live in a unique posi- Dragons as well as having forbidden dealings with gods.
tion. Under the Realms laws, they possess no more rights Since such heresies can be considered treasonous, wealthy
than any other commonerthe Dragon-Blooded rule the commoners who wish to empower themselves in this fashion
Blessed Isle and even the wealthiest commoner will never usually leave the Blessed Isle to take up residence in a land
have a real voice in the government. The wealthiest and more hospitable to their desires.
most influential might potentially gain the false power of Most of the Realms wealthiest commoners are content
a seat in the Lesser Chamber of the Deliberative, but very to live on the Blessed Isle, though. While their power is
few who are not at least of patrician birth will ever hold circumscribed, they also have far less reason to fear dangers
even this office. Commoners are barred even from positions that plague other large cities. (For instance, riots occasionally
of moderate official power such as becoming ministers or spill out from the poorer quarters of Nexus or Chiaroscuro,
prefects. Instead, wealthy mortals are left with two paths the undead and fae monsters threaten Whitewall or the cit-
to greater influence. They can marry a patrician, or they ies of the Haslanti League, and wars can swiftly engulf any
can forgo official power and concentrate on increasing their of the nations of the Threshold.) All wealthy individuals
wealth and their connections with the Threshold. desire peace, safety and stability around their homes, and
There are always patrician families interested in increas- many mortals value these ideals far more than freedom,
ing their wealth through marriage, especially by marrying a especially if they possess sufficient wealth to indulge their
member of a family whose wealth and commercial connections pleasures and need never fear hunger or want.
are greater than their own. As a result, the eligible members of Unfortunately, many of these wealthy commoners
the wealthiest commoner families rarely have difficulty secur- believe that their wealth will protect them from the nega-
ing invitations to patrician balls and other social functions. tive repercussions of their actions. For those who cultivate
Historically, many wealthy commoner families have merged close contacts with well-connected patricians, this is usually
their fates with slightly less prosperous patrician families to true. Wealthy commoners who look outside the Realm for
their mutual benefit. In some cases, especially wealthy mortals most of their allies, however, can find their allies helpless
can negotiate for their siblings and other close relatives to be to aid them if they break any of the Realms stringent laws
adopted into the patrician family they marry into, completely or even if they appear to be getting too powerful and too
joining the two families and instantly elevating all of their well connected with foreign powers.
relatives into the patrician class. The Dynasts are both jealous of their power and dis-
Some commoners choose another optioncultivat- trustful of significant international relations that they do
ing contacts with the Threshold. Doing so usually means not control. Wealthy commoners sometimes find themselves
establishing an especially close relationship with one or stripped of much of their wealth and power due to trivial
more Guild factors or with one or more rulers of kingdoms or fabricated offenses, and those who complain too loudly
in the Threshold that have favorable relations with the can find themselves also losing their citizenship or even
Realm. Regardless of which powerful Threshold-dwellers their lives. A few foolish or idealist commoners who spend
these wealthy commoners develop close ties to, the results time outside the Realm might consider the idea that the
are usually similar. In addition to making occasional visits Dragon-Blooded might not have an inborn right to rule.
to lands where mortals have at least some control over their Even the wealthiest of these individuals swiftly discover
own destinies, these contacts also give wealthy commoners that their riches cannot protect them if they begin to speak
access to wonders forbidden on the Blessed Isle. Many avail openly, or just too often, about these opinions. As a result,
themselves of the opportunities to gain access to skilled few wealthy commoner families remain wealthy for more
thaumaturges who can make improved longevity drugs and than three generations. By that time, most have either
powerful talismans against ill health. Some go further and married into the patrician class, left the Blessed Isle for less
gain access to artifacts that allow them to use the power of regimented lands or lost their wealth (or lives) because one
a hearthstone from a Threshold manse, or even to make or more of their members were seen as a potential threat
bargains with spirits or demons for various powers. to the Realm.

26
Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 RURAL LIFE AND THE PEASANTRY required to do so, just as they are required to live in their
parents village, town or city. When there are labor short-
Although it boasts the largest cities in Creation and
has a larger proportion of its population living in cities and ages or surpluses, ministers in the Honorable and Humble
large towns than anyplace in Creation, three quarters of the Caretakers of the Common Folk relocate peasants to differ-
population of the Blessed Isle still lives in rural areas. Along ent portions of the Blessed Isle. Peasants can also petition
with the gangs of toiling work slaves, these farmers, foresters these ministers to move or even to change profession, and if
and small-scale craftspersons are responsible for much of there is any justification for this request, it is usually granted.
the Realms prosperity. Unlike those slaves, however, the Regardless, most peasants live and die in the same city or
Blessed Isles rural inhabitants have all of the rights and village and work in their parents profession. Farmers farm
responsibilities of mortal inhabitants of the Realm. As is the land, fishers sail out to catch fish, and urban laborers
true everywhere in Creation, foresters and peasant farmers unload ships, clean streets or perform manual labor for
have hard lives filled with menial work. Yet, unlike similar hire. In this last case, urban peasants are not expected to
rural inhabitants elsewhere in Creation, these people live negotiate their own contracts. Instead, they assemble at
free from fear of monsters devouring them or armies tram- hiring halls run by the Honorable and Humble Caretakers
pling their fields. Most peasants on the Blessed Isle can look of the Common Folk, where citizens and patricians in need
forward to nothing except living in a small and rude house, of laborers come to ask the clerks in charge for a work crew.
performing physical labor and eating meals largely consisting All arrangements are made between the individuals hiring
of food they raise, but they always have good weather and the laborers and the clerks administering the hiring halls.
sufficient food. When they are sick or injured, they can rely Peasants are hired for terms ranging anywhere from a day
upon trained physicians to treat their ailments. to a year, but regardless of their term of hiring, they are
Despite the inevitable association of peasants and rural paid once a week by the clerks at their hiring hall. Their
areas, peasants on the Blessed Isle are not simply farmers. pay is a standard rate that all of them know well, so few
Some fish the streams of the Blessed Isle or work on the clerks attempt to short their pay. Doing so can easily result
fishing boats that sail out every morning from every port in in riots and similar violence.
the Realm. Others work as laborers in the cities. The defini-
tion of a peasant is a laborer with a hereditary occupation ADVANCEMENT AND SOCIAL MOBILITY
and a hereditary home. Unlike citizens, peasants are not The Scarlet Empress and her advisors who helped craft
only expected to follow their parents profession, they are the Realms laws and government cared far more about

CHAPTER TWO LIFE ON THE BLESSED ISLE 27

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 stability and peace than about freedom. As a result, little Order are expected to work unusually hard to prove their
allowance was made for individuals who wished to improve worth, and any who refuse to do so are soon asked to depart
their station in life, because doing so risked upsetting the and never return.
social order. The Immaculate Philosophy teaches that its
wrong to seek a different position in this life. Doing well at THE DISENFRANCHISED
ones assigned role is what leads to advancement in ones next The majority of crimes against the government are
incarnation. The Scarlet Empress did understand, though, considered to be treason and are punishable by death. In the
that not everyone could abide such strictures, so the restless case of serious crimes such as arson, attacking a Dynast or
yearnings of the few who refuse to be satisfied with their lot sedition, the punishment is death by torture. Other crimes
in life were harnessed to the demands of government. In the against mortals or their property are considered less seri-
Realm, two ways to advance in status exist. The individual ous. While the commoner courts (see p. 66) deal with most
can take the coin or take the razor. In short, the person problems, more serious crimes such as large-scale vandal-
can join the Imperial Army and fight for the Realm at home ism or riots attract the attention of the magistrates. The
and abroad, or he can shave his head, join the Immaculate typical penalty that the magistrates issue for such crimes is
Order and fight the enemies and aid the believers of the disenfranchisement. Usually only a portion of a village or
Immaculate Philosophy at home and abroad. an urban neighborhood, ranging from a single individual
A peasant who serves a 15-year term in the legions is to several families, is disenfranchised. Sometimes, however,
automatically elevated to citizenship and can then retire entire villages or neighborhoods are disenfranchised, forcing
with a modest cash bonus that will hopefully allow him to several dozen to several hundred individuals to leave their
set himself up well in his new life. Serving an additional homes and take to the roads.
five years provides the individual with a modest pension Disenfranchising an entire village or urban block is
when he retires. Citizens who join the army automatically supposed to be an extreme measure that is applied only in
earn modest pensions after 15 years and somewhat larger situations where the entire local population is peripherally
ones after 20. In addition, acts of exceptional bravery or involved in the crime or where everyone attempted to shield
especially impressive service in the direct defense of the the identity of the perpetrators. In actual practice, the
Realm can result in common-born soldiers being elevated magistrates, prefects and archons use this power far more
to the status of patricians. Such ennoblements occur very widely. Sometimes, officials decide to eliminate a village or
rarely, but they form a major incentive for would-be heroes other concentration of people who have been problematic
to give their all for the Blessed Isle. Naturally, most such in the past, or a busy prefect decides to save the trouble of
ennoblements are awarded posthumously. More commonly, finding the actual criminal by disenfranchising everyone
significant service to the Realm is rewarded by land grants who might be guilty. In addition, when a Dynast or other
and other monetary rewards provided when a soldier retires. powerful individual wishes to obtain the title to a specific
Even the disenfranchised can regain their place in society piece of rural land or a city block, she might convince the
through military service. After 15 years, one can choose local magistrate or prefect to disenfranchise the locals the
either citizenship or the stable life of a peasant on a fertile next time one of them commits some minor infraction.
tract of land. Because commoners have no recourse, this particular power
Service in the Immaculate Order offers no such obvious is exceedingly easy to abuse, and it is difficult to tell how
rewards, but it does allow intelligent young commoners to often such abuses occur, since most disenfranchised mortals
gain an education that they might otherwise be denied. It arent eager to talk about how they were unfairly turned out
also provides everyone seeking such a thing a life of faith, of their homes.
service, contemplation, duty and self-enlightenment. Unlike The fate of the disenfranchised depends upon their
joining the legions, membership in the Immaculate Order wealth and the feelings of their non-disenfranchised
is typically for life, but especially devout and hard-working neighbors. Once the magistrates leave, the well-liked
members can advance far in the Order. When they grow old, disenfranchised are allowed to stay in the houses of their
these priests and monks can look forward to a comfortable friends or relatives. If an entire village is disenfranchised,
retirement surrounded by younger monks who earn merit the individuals must walk to villages that house their
by caring for them. friends or relatives. Once there, they are typically allowed
These two choices are the only options for advance- to stay for a few days or weeks, until they can make some
ment in social class for commoners in the Realm, and they plans for what they will do next. For those who are not
are available to everyone from the lowliest disenfranchised wealthy enough to pay the four-koku residency pledge fee
peasant to the wealthiest citizen. Even outcaste Dragon- to move into a new prefect, the best option is to leave the
Blooded who are born among the ranks of the commoners Realm and settle in the Threshold. Those who can afford
are expected to choose one of these two options. Neither passage and have a useful skill can often make decent lives
option is a choice for the lazy or the incompetent, however. for themselves and their families in Chiaroscuro, Nexus
Recruits to both the Imperial Army or the Immaculate or one of the other large cities of the Threshold. While

28
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 it is perfectly legal to steal such peoples money and then odd jobs and the most menial forms of labor and often
deny them passage, ship captains rightly worry that such end up the equivalent of privately owned slaves. Others
activities will diminish the number of disenfranchised seek out prefectures that have a sufficient labor shortage
customers they will have in the future. Still, the disen- that their residency fees will be waived. Once again, any-
franchised regularly pay between half again and twice as one possessing skills in a trade has a far greater chance
much for their passage as do citizens of the Realm. of obtaining such a boon. Many disenfranchised end up
Those who lack the money to pay for their own pas- agreeing to work for an archon or some other minor of-
sage can find passage-brokers in every port in the Blessed ficial or wealthy local in return for room and board and
Isle. In return for agreeing to spend the next three to a promise of becoming a citizen of the prefecture within
seven years as indentured servants, these individuals are a month or two. All too often, at the end of this time,
given passage to someplace where their indentures will be these disenfranchised laborers are turned out to wander
purchased. While skilled individuals such as physicians or the roads again with nothing to show for several weeks of
jewelers can usually sign relatively short indenture contracts backbreaking labor except barely adequate food and poor
and are usually treated well, farmers and unskilled labor- housing for the duration of their work.
ers often find that they have signed up for seven years of
clearing poisonous jungles or rowing a war galley or mining SLAVERY ON THE BLESSED ISLE
gemstones in the Far South. The least fortunate end up During both the First Age and the Shogunate, the
being sold as slaves or, occasionally, becoming part of a wonders of the Blessed Isle ultimately came from the power
human tithe to the Fair Folk. of the Exalted and the magics of their Essence-based tech-
The lot of those who elect to remain on the Blessed nologies. In addition to controlling the weather and altering
Isle is often no better. Disenfranchised who are wealthy the landscape to better serve the needs of the mortals who
or even members of the middle class are often robbed worked the land, the Exalts built automata that worked in
repeatedly within a few days of their disenfranchisement, the factory-cathedrals and others that mined and purified
reducing them to utter poverty. Also, regardless of their valuable resources. They also produced many other artifacts,
wealth, unless they can afford the high residency fee for including the glorious skyships that once swiftly carried vast
another prefecture, they are condemned to wander from numbers people and enormous cargoes to the cities and towns
place to place. Such individuals typically subsist by doing of the Blessed Isle and the far reaches of Creation.

CHAPTER TWO LIFE ON THE BLESSED ISLE 29

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 The remnants of these technologies still provide many cian interests to perform unskilled and manual labor. Most
essential services for both the Dynasts and the mortal Dynastic household servants are slaves, but some households,
citizens of the Realm. Most automata, vehicles and other especially among the few Dragon-Blooded who are opposed
complex artifacts no longer function, however, and cannot be to slavery, also hire from among the local peasantry and
repaired. As a result, there is a continual demand for work- pay wages in food, clothing and staple goods.
ers to quarry stone, mine metal, repair non-magical roads, The laws governing slavery are set up to both maximize
reclaim poor land, dredge harbors, haul freight overland and the work that can be obtained from slaves and to prevent
perform a host of similarly backbreaking tasks. To meet this slave revolts. In addition to preventing contact between
demand internally, the Realm would need to employ tens slaves and commoners, the Dynasts also make certain that
of thousands of its citizens every year. The Scarlet Empress commoners lack sympathy for slaves. To this end, the Scarlet
long ago realized that the Realm could not afford to pay Empress established the firm rule that citizens of the Realm
sufficient numbers of its residents to perform such tasks and can never be enslaved. Slaves are always foreigners, who even
that demanding the citizenry of the Realm perform such the peasants are taught to regard as inferior barbarians. To
services for free would both reduce tax revenues and incite further prevent contact, the laws about freeing slaves are
significant amounts of civil unrest. Instead, the Blessed Isle also quite strict, preventing the growth of a large population
now imports many thousands of slaves every year. Most of who might attempt to help aid rebel slaves.
these slaves work in gangs of up to 10,000 and are given Dragon-Blooded can free their slaves only with the
such strenuous work that few survive more than five years. permission of the Deliberative. Each Dragon-Blood is al-
Some are war captives, but most are given to the Realm as lowed to free no more than three slaves per decade. The only
tribute from its many allies and foreign satrapies. exception is freeing slaves after death. A Dragon-Blood with
Every citizen of the Realm knows that slaves are a a will registered with the Department of Graceful Passings
necessary part of the infrastructure that allows them to is permitted to free up to 16 slaves (one for every month of
live in the most prosperous land in all of Creation. As a the year, and one for Calibration) upon her passing.
result, opposition to the brutal treatment of these slaves is Some Dragon-Bloods use freedom as a reward for slaves
minimal, especially since imperial law forbids any resident who perform heroically in the service of their masters. Oth-
of the Realm from ever being enslaved. ers use the lure of eventual freedom to prod new slaves into
To help prevent slave revolts, these gangs of work slaves ever-more dangerous or degrading acts. A few Dragon-Bloods
are kept isolated both from each other and from the citizens simply free as many slaves as they can get away with. It is
of the Realm. Slaves live in rude villages constructed at their rare for the Deliberative to deny a request to free a slave.
work sites. These villages and the areas where the slaves Yet, while few slaves can hope to be freed, and work
work are well guarded, and commoners are prevented from slaves are almost never freed, certain regulations govern the
coming into contact with them. This policy of strict isolation treatment of work gangs and the treatment of specialty and
is even maintained when a slave gang must dredge a harbor. domestic slaves. Slaves who are starved, needlessly beaten
The slaves are quartered on vast barges and almost never set or mutilated are far less efficient than healthy, well-fed, un-
foot in the cities whose harbors they are dredging. injured slaves. As a result, while mutilating pleasure slaves
Work slaves can be freed, but only in the most extreme for the purpose of increasing the range of pleasures she can
circumstances, such as if one of them undergoes Terrestrial be used for is considered acceptable, mutilating a slave as
Exaltation, selflessly saves the life of a Dynast or single- punishment is considered both wrong and foolish. Minor
handedly prevents a large slave revolt. infractions are resolved through beatings, and major infrac-
The lot of specialty and domestic slaves is far less oner- tions are dealt with by transferring specialty or domestic
ous, though less than one twentieth of the slaves coming slaves to work gangs and by executing work slaves.
into the Realm end up in either position. When new slaves
first arrive in the Blessed Isle, well-trained overseers examine CITIZENSHIP ON THE BLESSED ISLE
them and separate out the unusual, the highly skilled, the Because it is the safest and most prosperous nation
well educated and the most beautiful for use as either skilled in Creation, large numbers of mortals wish to live on the
workers or personal servants to the Dynasts. The lives of Blessed Isle. Although many nations in the Threshold offer
these slaves are typically much longer than (and far superior more freedom and chances for advancement, they also of-
to) those of the work slaves. fer the threats of rogue gods, hungry ghosts, predatory Fair
Most Dragon-Blooded households have at least two Folk and all manner of similar dangers that the inhabitants
or three specialty and domestic slaves, either for pleasure of the Blessed Isle never face. Many mortals would happily
or to handle the particularly distasteful or dangerous jobs. trade the opportunities that they might find elsewhere
Dragon-Blooded estates sometimes keep small groups of for the safety of the Realm, especially since living on the
work slaves for dangerous mass labor such as mining, and the Blessed Isle also means that they are far less likely to face
Dynastic families lease slave gangs to the Realm or to patri- crop failures or starvation.

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 While the Realm always needs more slaves, the Dy- works that conflict with the approved histories, as well as all
nasts understand that even this huge island cannot accept records from the early days of the First Age, especially those
unlimited numbers of free immigrants. As a result, the that portray the Anathema in any sort of positive light. The
process of becoming a citizen of the Blessed Isle is both Dynasts also limit access to any information that could be
difficult and governed by strict rules. Everyone who has use to endanger their lives or to disrupt the social order. As
at least one parent who is a citizen of the Blessed Isle is a result, books on thaumaturgy, poisons or even detailed
automatically of the same social class as their Realm-born medical texts are available to only the Dynasts themselves
parent. Dragon-Blooded from any part of Creation may or to the few mortals whom the Dynasts grant access.
automatically become citizens of the Realm if they first The result of this system of censorship and control has
join either the Imperial Army or the Immaculate Order. been the grouping of all books, thought crystals and other
For everyone else, the process of becoming a citizen of the types of recording media into three categories. The most
Realm is far more arduous. stringently controlled are considered too problematic for
Only three ways exist for ordinary mortals from the even the majority of the Dragon-Bloods to access. Although
Threshold to become citizens of the Realm. The wealthy they all are referred to as heretical texts, most have nothing
can make a payment equal to Resources 4 (between four to do with religious heresies. Such books include all uncen-
and six talents of jade) and instantly gain citizenship for sored writings from of the First Age, plans and details of the
themselves, their spouses and their children. Everyone else construction and workings of national secrets such as the
can either serve in the legions for a term of 15 years or work war manses and the Imperial Manse, and all information
for at least a decade in the vast civil service that the Realm on making magical deals and pacts with the Neverborn or
maintains in its colonies, protectorates and close allies and the Yozis. Copies of the infamous Broken-Winged Crane,
gain at least one major or three minor commendations. which allows any Exalted to gain vast amounts of infernal
A major commendation is given only to individuals power, are the most closely guarded of these books. Those
whose actions either directly save the lives of one or more works that are not kept in the most secure portions of the
Dynasts or who otherwise perform some service that directly Heptagram library or the sacred Chamber of Records in
prevents a crisis. Minor commendations are far easier to the Cloister of Wisdom are stored in the Imperial Manse
come by but still demand that the individual perform some or in the most restricted portion of the Imperial Library in
important task above and beyond the call of duty. Many the Imperial City.
of the bureaucrats who manage to perform such services The only individuals who have free and unrestricted
are either employed as spies by the Realm or act as spies access to these books are the Sidereal Exalted of the Bronze
and informants in addition to their ordinary bureaucratic Faction, the highest officials in the Thousand Scales, the
duties, in the hope of gaining citizenship. In this fashion, Scarlet Empress and her most trusted advisors, and the
the Dynasts are assured of both excellent intelligence and senior members of both the Immaculate Order and the
valuable new citizens. Heptagram staff. Mortals, including patricians and un-
The only other way that outsiders can become citizens Exalted members of the Great Houses, are never allowed
of the Realm is for one of the Dynasts to recommend them access to any of these works. These texts are considered so
for citizenship. Any Dynast can do this, but doing so too sensitive that only the Exalted can read them. In addition,
often can earn Dynasts the contempt of their fellows. Dy- Dragon-Bloods who are not members of one of the few
nasts are expected to provide this service only for relatives groups allowed free access to such works must petition for
or close companions or to reward valued servants for many access to them. Professors and students at the Heptagram
years of service. As a result of these inducements, foreign must request them from the heads of the Heptagram. Monks
soldiers and bureaucrats are always eager to obtain work in and priests of the Immaculate Order must ask permission
the Realms legions and civil service, and Dynasts who live of their leaders. Everyone else must request them from the
in one of the Realms satrapies are always assured of having special librarians who deal with these works. To gain access
exceptionally dutiful servants. to any of these books, petitioners must state an acceptable
reason to look at them. Anyone granted access to these
THE CONTROL OF KNOWLEDGE works can examine only one book at a time and cannot
remove it from the room where it is stored. In addition,
The Scarlet Empresss regime, like the Shogunate before
it, has a deliberately created ideology as its basis. As a result, manually copying these works or using Charms to do so
the Dynasts are keenly aware of the power of information, is forbidden, and all of the rooms where these books are
and they maintain careful control of any books or other stored are equipped with enchantments that register any
records that contradict the Immaculate Philosophy or that use of Essence. Also, the Thousand Scales Office of Literary
are otherwise potentially dangerous. Over the years, the defi- Control keeps track of everyone who requests such works
nition of potentially dangerous information has expanded. and alerts the All-Seeing Eye if someone appears to be too
Naturally, the Dynasts severely limit the availability of any interested in dangerous topics of research.

CHAPTER TWO LIFE ON THE BLESSED ISLE 31

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 characters speaking out against the Dynasts, practicing
LIBRARIES ON THE BLESSED ISLE heresy or praising the Anathema earn a place on this list.
The vast Imperial Library, located in the Imperial Beyond prohibiting plays and novels that are openly sedi-
City, contains at least one copy of every work written tious or heretical, the Dynasts rarely concern themselves
since the Contagion. In addition, it contains several with the entertainments of the commoners.
hundred works written during the Shogunate, as well Dragon-Bloods may freely own a copy of any restricted
as a few dozen books and other more exotic recordings book, but they are forbidden from copying these books or
dating from the First Age. (The latter works include allowing mortals access to these works. Mortals must be
everything from lurid First Age novels to scholarly individually approved to read any of these texts, and their
works on complex Essence-powered devices that have names are recorded. Patricians and the mortal members
not existed since the Great Uprising.) of the Great Houses can easily get approval to read any of
While most inhabitants of the Blessed Isle think these texts. Other mortals must apply to the Honorable
of this vast repository of knowledge when someone and Humble Caretakers of the Common Folk to gain ac-
mentions a library, there are three other types of li- cess to such works. In addition to presenting a signed and
braries in common use. Dynasts and a few patricians witnessed permission for access to a specific work and a
maintain large private libraries, institutions such as statement of why they wish to read the work, commoners
the Dynastic secondary schools maintain large librar- must also present appropriate credentials. Only licensed
ies of works devoted to topics related to the subjects physicians can gain access to restricted medical texts, and
they teach, and the Realm maintains a series of public only licensed thaumaturges can gain access to restricted
libraries. Every small city and large town has at least works on thaumaturgy.
one such library, and large cities might contain as Finally, general texts are books that are freely available
many as half a dozen. Here, copies of the general to all mortals. Such books include approved histories com-
texts that are freely accessible to all commoners are piled by skilled scholars, treatises on various non-restricted
freely available for everyone to read. Books may not trades, books on geography, travelers tales, novels, plays and
be removed from the library, but any resident of the similar entertainments, guides to etiquette and morality and
Realm is free to come in and read any of the works. the religious texts of the Immaculate Philosophy. Mortals
These public libraries exist to both encourage the with the means to do so can freely purchase such works,
populace to read the wisdom contained in the general and other mortals can read them in one of the Realms
texts and to indirectly discourage anyone from seeking many libraries. In addition to the fact that they contain no
out restricted or heretical texts. potentially dangerous or troubling knowledge that might
In all of the Realms libraries, the books are not upset commoners, these works are also mostly written so
openly available. Instead, there are large catalogs list- that they help inculcate appropriate standards of ethics and
ing the titles, authors and brief descriptions of every behavior in the readers. As a result, most novels and plays
work contained in the library. Patrons must request tend to feature heroic Dynasts and evil heretics, and in the
a text from a librarian, sign for it, read the book in end, the heroes usually either triumph or die heroically, while
the library and return it before they depart. the villains receive some sort of justice or retribution.
After any book in the Realm is written or when printer
or book dealer attempts to import a book from the Thresh-
old, the work must be submitted for approval and editing to
Restricted books are those that are considered ac-
the scribes of the Honorable and Humble Caretakers of the
ceptable for any Dragon-Blooded to read, but that are not
Common Folk. Books not immediately deemed heretical and
considered suitable for the majority of mortals. Restricted
confiscated are classified as either restricted texts or general
books include works on thaumaturgy; military strategy and
texts. This classification must be made before any books can
tactics; specific information on gods, demons, elementals or
be printed or sold in the Realm. All such books are given a
other supernatural beings; uncensored histories of the First
special stamp indicating both their classification as well as
Age or the Shogunate; uncensored accounts about any faith
the date it was made and the name of the sub-minister who
other than the Immaculate Philosophy; martial-arts manu-
approved it. Duplicates of these stamps are printed on the
als; treatises on poisons; medical texts that include more
back cover of every book printed by the Realm, along with
than basic first aid and the treatment of simple diseases; and
the name of the printer, the address and license number of
any books that give detailed information about the Charms
the printing press and the date it was printed.
of the Dragon-Blooded or the powers or construction of
artifacts or other enchantments. In addition, fiction that
is considered too disrespectful of appropriate standards of
MEDICAL CARE
While the Dragon-Blooded are largely immune to the
ethics or morality is also restricted. In general, only plays
frailties of mortal flesh, the un-Exalted members of the Great
or novels that have the protagonists or other sympathetic
Houses and the patricians are all treated by well-paid on-staff

32
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 physicians. Most commoners must pay private physicians to loophole because few Exalts consider these inferior mortal
treat their ailments. All physicians in the Realm are licensed magics as being worth their trouble to learn. While mortals
because the Empress was unwilling to allow mortals free are permitted to learn the secrets of thaumaturgy, however,
access to treatises on disease, injury or poisons. Mortals those who do are carefully monitored. Learning such skills
who wish to learn more than the simple first aid and basic requires the individual to look beyond the narrow range of
remedies found in the general medical texts must apply for general texts that are approved for unrestricted use. Books on
a license to study medicine and apprentice themselves to a thaumaturgy are all restricted texts. Gaining access to such
licensed physician for a period of at least four years. books requires special petitions and appropriate qualifica-
In addition to bringing in revenue and limiting access to tions, as well as regular payments to the Imperial Treasury
potentially dangerous knowledge, licensing physicians also for the appropriate license from the Thousand Scales.
allows the Thousand Scales to keep track of them. Because Once obtained, this license allows mortals to work as
the Empress and most of her Sidereal allies still remember astrologers, alchemists and enchanters, making medicines
the dark days of the Contagion, the Realms commitment and other wares for wealthy mortals and the few Dragon-
to public health is quite strong. Every licensed physician Bloods who desire such services. Alternatively, talented
must spend one month every year treating the urban poor thaumaturges can always find employment with the Bureau
or the rural peasantry. Elderly or infirm physicians may of Climatic Deliberations, which is in charge of weather
be excused, as may any physician who can instead send a control for the Blessed Isle. Within the Realm, however,
licensed apprentice capable of passing a test indicating that the practice of thaumaturgy is strictly limited. In addition
she possesses at least Lore 1, Medicine 2 and Occult 1. In to being forbidden from passing on their knowledge to
return for obtaining free but modest room and board at a anyone who lacks the appropriate training and licenses,
government medical station administered by the Thousand there are strict limits on the types of magics that licensed
Scales, for this month, these physicians freely treat everyone thaumaturges can perform.
in need of their services. This practice is useful because a Astrology is one of the more popular and widely used
healthy populace increases productivity and morale. It also services they offer. Astrologers make predictions about
helps reduce the severity of epidemics. trade, marriage, money and a host of other topics, but
they are forbidden from making readings about the lives
MEDICAL STATIONS of the Terrestrial Exalted. According to the Immaculate
Every city has one government medical station for every Philosophy, reading the fate of the mighty Exalted is an act
10,000 inhabitants, and most of the large farming towns of hubris that fosters the officially heretical belief that the
also have one. Even the most isolated rural peasants must Dynasts are bound by fate in the same manner as mortals.
travel no more than five miles to reach a medical station. Yet, Similarly, making predictions about political upheavals or
while the bureaucrats of the Thousand Scales wish to make the outcome of imperial battles (or attempting to predict
certain that cuts and broken legs do not become crippling any similar actions involving the government or the Great
injuries and that most peasants will recover from fevers and Houses) is also forbidden. Not only that, but doing so is
infections, they are not interested in giving the peasantry almost treasonous because it calls into question the fact
unlimited medical care. As a result, while performing their that the power and success of the government and the
public service, physicians are specifically instructed to treat Dynasts who rule it are divinely ordained by the Elemental
only contagious diseases and relatively simple problems such Dragons themselves.
as fevers, infections or broken bones. While all responsible Alchemy is almost as popular as astrology. There is
physicians provide drugs and palliative treatments for more always a demand for medicines, exotic recreational drugs
serious or difficult problems, they are forbidden from taking and potent draughts that enhance the prowess of soldiers,
time away from their official duties to treat serious conditions athletes and other mortals. Most such drugs are perfectly
such as cancer or the various age-related ailments. Despite legal, and the Honorable and Humble Caretakers of the
this limitation, the poor and the peasants are all grateful Common Folk regard providing these substances as an
for the medical stations, in part because free treatment of important addition to their own efforts. There are, how-
simple illnesses allows those who are slightly better off than ever, strict limits on the sorts of drugs that alchemists can
their neighbors to save up monies to help pay for private provide to mortals. Drugs that lengthen mortal life spans
physicians to treat more serious conditions. by more than 25 percent are forbidden, as are any drugs
that allow mortals to perceive or interact with spirits or
THAUMATURGES AND MORTAL MAGIC ON ghosts. In addition, all poisons are strictly regulated, as are
all recreational drugs more potent than opium, marijuana
THE BLESSED ISLE
or qat. Finally, drugs that allow mortals to ape the abilities
Mortal thaumaturges are exceptions to the accepted
or physical prowess of the Exalted, even for a short time, are
social order because mortals are normally supposed to leave
strictly forbidden, and the use of any such drugs is considered
magic to the Dragon-Blooded. Thaumaturgy offers a useful
an offense against the power of the Exalted.

CHAPTER TWO LIFE ON THE BLESSED ISLE 33

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 OFFICIAL THAUMATURGES uses. During the First Age and the Shogunate, a larger
Thaumaturges who wish to delve deeper into the se- and far more extensive version of this system powered vast
crets of magic or to manufacture the most potent potions or numbers of vehicles that hovered above the imperial roads
enchantments can do so only while working for one of the and automata that worked in mines and factories throughout
Great Houses or the Thousand Scales. The government em- the Blessed Isle. Today, the imperial power system is far less
ploys thaumaturges skilled in alchemy to create and stockpile extensive, but it still powers streetlights and provides both
medicines, and many dozens of thaumaturges who are adept light and heat to public buildings and to the mansions of the
at weather working are employed by the Bureau of Climatic Dynasts and the patricians. These Essence-derived energies
Deliberations. In addition, the Heptagram teaches limited also pump water to the Realms cities and farms.
amounts of thaumaturgy to its students, largely to help them Essence lights are globes of glass infused with powdered
better understand the theory of magic. While mere mortals can blue jade. These lights are all slightly less than a foot in di-
never become instructors at the Heptagram, the most skilled ameter and glow with the light of a half dozen torches. They
thaumaturges can gain lucrative and prestigious positions as are placed atop tall iron poles along many city streets in the
adjunct teachers of the classes on thaumaturgy. Realm and in ornamented fixtures inside important buildings.
The majority of the thaumaturges employed by the Flat panels of a glass infused with red jade provide heat in
Dragon-Blooded, however, work directly for one of the these same buildings, and Essence-powered pumps are found
Great Houses. In addition to providing medicines and in both rural canals and urban plumbing systems. All of these
recreational drugs for their Dragon-Blooded patrons, these devices can still be manufactured, but doing so requires either a
thaumaturges are occasionally asked to create deadly and highly trained thaumaturge or Exalts working for several days.
untraceable poisons, as well as complex enchanted traps. Therefore, they are mostly reserved for use by the government
They also create minor enchantments and talismans for their or by the powerful families of the Realm. A few such devices
employers, ward their dwellings and perform all manner of are sold to wealthy merchant families, but only the wealthiest
similarly useful services that many Dynasts consider to be can afford more than one or two of these minor wonders.
vitally important but far too time-consuming for them to
spare the time or effort to perform. WEATHER CONTROL
Although the weather in the Threshold is subject to
MAGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE both chance and the whims of the gods and elementals, the
weather is carefully regulated in the Realm. One branch of
Except for licensed thaumaturges, Immaculate monks
and a few God-Bloods, none of the mortals in the Realm can the Home Office is the Bureau of Climatic Deliberations,
wield Essence, but all of them greatly benefit from various popularly known as the weather workers. Employing dozens
Essence-based technologies. While the Blessed Isle suffered of Dragon-Bloods and a sizeable minority of the Realms
greatly during the Contagion, the Fair Folk invasion and the licensed thaumaturges, this bureau is charged with control-
minor earthquakes caused by the Scarlet Empresss use of the ling the weather over the entire Blessed Isle.
full power of the Realm Defense Grid, portions of the First The weather workers mostly operate through a combi-
Age infrastructure remained intact after the Scarlet Empress nation of sorcery, Charms, mortal thaumaturgy, advanced
took power. In addition, hundreds of skilled Dragon-Blooded weather-working devices such as the powerful sky mantis
survived the Contagion, and some of them were able to towers (see Wonders of the First Age, Age p. 65) and a host of
rebuild a few of the ruined artifacts. Most of the complex or larger and more powerful artifacts such as the huge weather
delicate Essence-technologies that survived the Contagion monoliths created during the Shogunate. Placed a maximum
failed during the first century of the Scarlet Dynasty, but of 100 miles from one another, these weather monoliths
many of the more robust and simple portions of the Realms help make certain that no place on the Blessed Isle is out
infrastructure are still in use and continue to be maintained. of reach of the weather-control network that the rulers of
While there are many unique First Age wonders to be found the Shogunate used to replace the awesome power of the
throughout the Blessed Isle, the only ones that are univer- fallen Anathema.
sally available are the Essence-based power systems and the Although the Bureau of Climatic Deliberations is orga-
weather control system. nized by prefecture, the director of the weather workers has the
authority and the ability to alter the weather over the entire
ESSENCE POWER Blessed Isle. Making large-scale unplanned changes in the
overall weather can produce serious side effects that can take as
Drawing on the power of several dozen small (mostly
one-dot) manses scattered throughout the Blessed Isle, the long as a week to gain control of. As a result, rapid, unplanned
Dynasts maintain a system of Essence distribution with an changes are made only by the direct order of the Empress or
infrastructure that, in its earliest form, dates from before the a general of the Imperial Army. Such a change is usually only
war against the Primordials. Jade pillars placed throughout needed to help thwart a major attack on the Blessed Isle. Such
the Blessed Isle channel and direct this power for various an attack has not occurred since the second century of the

34
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 Empresss reign, so the current director of the weather workers
is ill prepared to deal with such an emergency. TRAVEL AND COMMUNICATIONS
This bureau, however, has regular duties that extend far Many Exalts can travel across the Realm in a few hours
beyond simply making sure that the weather remains ideal using Essence-powered vehicles or sorcery spells such as
for farming. Members of the Great Houses regularly peti- Stormwind Rider, and most Dragon-Bloods know Charms or
tion for specific types of weather during various important spells that allow them to instantly communicate with people
parties or festivals. As long as these weather conditions last miles distant. All of the imperial bureaus and each of the 11
no more than a day or two and are not sufficiently drastic Great Houses employ Exalts who can send messages anywhere
that they might seriously impact local farming, such requests on the Blessed Isle in an instant, as well as a few sorcerers
are almost always granted, in return for a sufficient bribe. In who can carry passengers and small cargoes at high speeds.
addition, the weather workers form an essential part of the In addition, many well-connected patricians can ask a Dynast
mechanisms of social control in the Blessed Isle. they know to instantly send a message for them, especially if
The rising urban tensions that often occur in especially the patrician offers to perform some favor in return.
hot summers are regularly defused with sudden summer rain- The lives of the mortal residents of the Blessed Isle
storms or breaks in heat waves. On a more immediate scale, are very different, though. In some Threshold cities such
if a riot, public protest or other large disturbance occurs or as Nexus, wealthy mortals can pay Dragon-Bloods to send
even looks likely to break out, rain, hail or some similarly messages or carry packages, but on the Blessed Isle, mak-
inclement weather swiftly appears over the troubled area and ing such an offer could easily result in the Dragon-Blood
helps to drive all but the most dedicated rioters or dissidents killing the mortal for her impudence. Instead, ordinary
off the street. Once the less dedicated have sought shelter, the mortals must rely upon mundane means of communication
local Guardians of the Realm have far fewer people to deal and transport.
with and generally assume that anyone who is still outside is
a serious trouble-maker worth arresting. The weather workers COMMUNICATIONS
also form an important part of the Realms emergency services. Despite ordinary mortals lack of access to magic, com-
Fires in cities or fields can be rapidly quenched by heavy rains, munication in the Realm is far superior to whats available
and ships trapped near the coast during a dangerous storm in most of the Threshold. The Blessed Isle is covered with
can expect a local decrease in both rain and wind once the a network of heliograph towers that can flash messages
local weather workers become aware of their plight. from one side of the Blessed Isle to another in less than

CHAPTER TWO LIFE ON THE BLESSED ISLE 35

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 four hours. These towers are in operation 24 hours a day Similar costs apply to sea voyages around the coast of the
and are relatively inexpensive to put to use. At night, they Blessed Isle. Since the coast-hugging vessels that make such
use bright Essence-powered light globes instead of mirrors journeys never travel out of sight of the Isle, the risks of these
that reflect the sunlight. journeys are little greater than travel by carriage. Mortals who
In addition to the heliograph, official couriers of the absolutely must travel more rapidly can rent the use of the horses
Infallible Conveyers of Official Messages and Heartfelt used by the few private elaborate horse relays on the Blessed
Expressionsmore commonly referred to as the Imperial Isle. Individuals who attempt this, however, must have at least
Postare authorized to take private packages if they do not Ride 3, and their players must make successful daily (Stamina
have official items to carry. Imperial couriers change horses + Resistance) rolls for the characters with a difficulty equal to
every few hours and can travel as many as 120 miles a day. half the number of days (round up) they have been traveling
Because private packages have far less priority than official in this fashion. Failure means that the rider must rest for at
imperial documents or messages, however, the couriers rarely least two full days before resuming his journey.
go more than 100 miles a day. The Realm is also home to
half a dozen private courier systems using simple horse relays MAGICAL COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPORT
(see Exalted
Exalted, p. 265). Even for mortals, the fastest forms of both communi-
cation and transport involve magic. Mortal thaumaturges
TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT regularly summon up air elementals that can travel rapidly
For the vast majority of mortals, transport on the and carry messages on the wind. With sufficient payment,
Blessed Isle involves feet, horses, carriages or boats. these beings are sometimes even willing to carry passen-
Important mortal officials, personal assistants to the gers. Although only the most desperate mortals risk being
Dragon-Blooded and well-connected patricians can some- hauled about by an elemental, thaumaturgy provides the
times persuade Dragon-Bloods to take them along when most rapid form of mortal transport and communication
the Exalts are using spells or artifacts to travel inhumanly on the Blessed Isle. It is also the most expensive form of
fast. Similarly, the most well-trained mortal soldiers in the transport or communication by far, since summoned el-
Imperial Army or Navyespecially those trained in the ementals often ask for rare and expensive payment, and no
use of artifacts such as ashigaru armorare sometimes thaumaturge is willing to risk summoning any elemental
ordered to accompany Exalts on important missions, during without substantial payment. A character must have at
which they are carried in such swift artifacts as chariots least three dots of Resources to be able to afford to send
of the infinite heavens. (See Wonders of the First Age, Age p. a message or a small package this way, and carrying a
79 for ashigaru armor, and p. 37 for chariots of the infinite large package or a person increases that minimum by one
heavens.) In all such cases, however, the mortals either dot. Skilled bargainers can sometimes obtain a promise
travel under orders from the Exalts or on their sufferance. of a round trip journey for the same price (which requires
Also, only a tiny fraction of the tens of millions of the at least three successes in an opposed [Manipulation +
inhabitants of the Blessed Isle has ever traveled by any of Bureaucracy] roll against the thaumaturge).
these means. Instead, the greatest boon that the Realm
provides to mortal travelers is the military might that keeps INTERNAL TRADE
bandits and other threats to travelers at a level far less than With the Guild barred from involvement in the Blessed
is found in the vast majority of the Threshold. Isles internal trade, patricians, Dynasts and their agents
For most mortals, the fastest transport is that provided by handle all of the trade in weapons, armor, jade and rice.
the various carriage services that travel throughout the Blessed These strategic commodities are kept out of the control of
Isle. The best travel almost exclusively on the well-maintained- the commoners. Yet, the Blessed Isle is a prosperous land
imperial roads and have special stations for changing horses in inhabited by tens of millions of mortals who also require
ever city and town in which they stop. As a result, they travel cloth, spices, jewelry, medicines, intoxicants and a host
at the speed of a simple horse relay (see Exalted
Exalted, p. 264). A of other luxuries and necessities. Given their many other
character must have at least two dots of Resources to be able duties, the patricians and Dynasts cannot handle this mas-
to afford a journey of up to 100 miles courtesy of a carriage sive volume of trade, and most have little interest in doing
service.. A trip across a large portion of the Blessed Isle is an so. Instead, mortal citizens are responsible for the bulk of
epic journey for which a character would need at least three trade on the Blessed Isle. Such mortals range from itiner-
dots of Resources. In both cases, travelers must supply their ant peddlers carrying their wares on their back between
own food and lodgings, unless they wish to book travel with villages to skilled caravan masters hauling only the finest
one of the luxury carriage services that exist to serve wealthy rare merchandise between the Blessed Isles largest cities.
merchants and other rich notables. These services add one dot The largest merchant companies come close to rivaling
to the minimum requirement of all travel but allow a traveler the scale of the Guilds operations in any of Creations four
to carry large amounts of baggage, and they make sure that she quarters and are headed by individuals whose wealth and
has excellent food and lodgings on the entirety of her journey. power almost outweighs their status as commoners.

36
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 Although all caravans must be licensed by the Thou-
sand Scales, experienced caravaners have little difficulty
in obtaining licenses, as the Realms bureaucracy has little
interest in preventing necessary trade. Many of the official
regulations governing caravans exist only to make certain
that all caravans are property outfitted so that they will
both be able to complete their journeys and avoid making
themselves too tempting a target to bandits. In return for
dealing with the regulations and the required payments,
caravaners on the Blessed Isle need have no fear of attack
by predatory monsters or extortion by greedy gods. Even
the risk of attack by mortal bandits is considerably lower.
As a result, caravan traffic is high, and so are profits. Even
the Realms taxes do not offset the fact that considerably
fewer caravans are lost on the Blessed Isle than anywhere
else in Creation.

FAITH AND HERESY

The Immaculate Philosophy is the official faith of the
Realm, and anyone who worships in any other manner is
a treasonous heretic. The great majority of the populace,
including almost the entirety of the peasantry, accepts
the Immaculate Philosophy as the revealed truth of the
Immaculate Dragons, rarely questioning any of the teach-
ings of the Immaculate priests and monks. The degree of
religious feeling differs from one person to another, though,
and both innate cynicism and exposure to foreign ideas
lead some away from this faith. As a result, Immaculate
priests accept that individuals in the Realm are free to
believe whatever they wish, as long as they take part in the
appropriate rituals and avoid worshiping in any proscribed
manner. Worshiping in a manner deemed inappropriate for
mortals results in punishments ranging from heavy fines to
disenfranchisement or even death. Proselytizing or otherwise
encouraging others to worship in an inappropriate manner
seriously compounds this offense. Worshiping the Fair Folk,
demons, the Deathlords or the Anathema are all treason.
The worshiper is directly aiding the deadliest enemies of
the Realm with his prayers and sacrifices.

MAJOR HERESIES
Before the disappearance of the Scarlet Empress,
these four varieties of heretical worship were largely
unknown on the Blessed Isle. Almost all mortals there
had enough sense to realize the dangers of worshiping
inhuman monsters such as the Fair Folk or the Deathlords.
Only a handful of the most dissolute or power-hungry
thaumaturges engaged in any form of demon worship, and
the Anathema were little more than a distant myth of
far-off monsters that the Wyld Hunt swiftly dispatched.
As the Realm becomes increasingly chaotic, how-
ever, and news of the reappearance of the Anathema
continues to be heard, even the most extreme forms
of heresy are becoming increasingly common. Daring
and twisted thaumaturges are more willing to worship

CHAPTER TWO LIFE ON THE BLESSED ISLE 37

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 demons, and while the Fair Folk are still no more than a the identities of any gods or elementals caught accepting
distant, unknown menace, the fall of the city of Thorns to unauthorized prayers.
the Deathlords gave birth to a small number of death cults Once discovered, rogue spirits are then interrogated
on the Blessed Isle. by their superiors or the Immaculate monks until they
The most common major heresy now, however, is the reveal the identities of their worshipers. There is a great
worship of the Anathema. Most mortals in the Realm still deal of gossip and speculation among the local gods of the
trust the teaching of the Immaculate Philosophy and con- Blessed Isle as to the desirability of accepting private wor-
sider the Anathema to be insane and predatory monsters, ship from mortals, but only the most daring or foolish gods
but small groups of mortals have seized on the idea that are willing to accept it. Occasionally, when a particularly
the return of the Anathema will somehow save them from timid or law-abiding god is offered worship, it comes to the
all of their troubles. The Bull of the Norths destruction of Immaculates on its own and denounces the mortals offer-
the Tepet Legions shook the Realm, and even sincere and ing sacrifices to it.
pious commoners sometimes worry that the newly returned Now that the Realm is increasingly in disarray, far more
Anathema will soon overwhelm the mighty Dragon-Blooded. gods are willing to defy the precepts of the Immaculate
Although its efforts here are still quite furtive and subtle, Philosophy and accept worship. A few have even taken
these beliefs are aided by the mysterious Cult of the Il- to materializing and setting themselves up as the rulers of
luminated. Its temple on the outskirts of the city of Lords isolated villages. So far, these offenses have been relatively
Crossing continues to attract more followers, and for the isolated, and the gods involved have been willing to assert
moment, its existence is completely unknown to the Dynasts their authority over only the most remote portions of the
and the Immaculate Order. island. The longer the current problems persist, however,
Anyone found practicing any of these four major heresies the bolder some of the gods become. A few members of the
is condemned to death. Their only hope of avoiding torture is to Immaculate Order now fear that, unless order is restored to
freely confess the names of the leaders of their cults. Any who the Blessed Isle, it could end up as infested with greedy and
refuse are tortured and interrogated with powerful Charms venal gods as many portions of the Threshold.
until they confess the names of all of their confederates. After While illicit worship of gods is growing, ancestor wor-
their ordeals, these heretics are paraded through the streets ship has been a small but endemic problem on the Blessed
of their city or town and publicly executed after Immaculate Isle since the end of the Contagion. Every mortal on the
priests describe in detail the nature of their offense and use the Blessed Isle knows she will die someday. While most correctly
occasion to explain the necessity of combating such horrific assume that they will swiftly be reborn, a few worry about
heresies by any means necessary. One of the major reasons the possibility that they or their loved ones will become
for the complete lack of tolerance of such worship is the fact ghostly vagabonds, wandering the Underworld in heedless
that mortal prayers and sacrifices provide these beings with and miserable poverty. In addition, a few mortals prefer the
additional power and wealth. possibility of continued existence as a ghost to losing their
To further combat heresy, the Immaculate Order memories in the process of rebirth.
offers a substantial reward for any non-heretic who acts The Dynasts are well aware that allowing unsanctioned
as an informer and reveals the names of individuals who funeral rites risks disrupting the cycle of rebirth and creating
turn out to be practicing any major heresy. The standard a multitude of ghosts. In addition to not wanting the living to
reward amounts to a shekels worth of jade, but it can be as be troubled by their ancestors materializing and demanding
much as a whole talent of jade if the informer reveals the offerings, the Dynasts also fear that too many ghosts might
existence of a large cult. lead to the creation of one or more shadowlands. When she
first unleashed the power of the Imperial Manse, the Scarlet
MINOR HERESIES Empress destroyed almost all of the shadowlands that had ap-
Although worshiping the enemies of the Realm is quite peared on the Blessed Isle in the aftermath of the Contagion,
rare and has only recently begun to gain in popularity, lesser and Immaculate monks and Sidereal sorcerers then worked
religious offenses are considerably more widespread. Two such together to seal the remainder. The Dynasts are resolute in
heresies are particularly common: direct worship of gods or their determination not to allow new shadowlands to form
elementals and ancestor worship. The first is less common in the Blessed Isle, especially not now that the Deathlords
than the second, both because of the greater appeal of ancestor are served by the terrible deathknights.
worship and because many of the local gods and elementals on Magistrates and lesser officials cannot police every
the Blessed Isle are fearful of the consequences of being caught funeral that occurs in the Blessed Isle, though. Occasion-
accepting illicit worship. Exalted Immaculate monks readily ally, illicit funerals occur. Most happen in small towns and
punish rogue deities found guilty of receiving illicit prayers rural villages, far from the scrutiny of the local authorities.
and occasionally make deals with some of the high-ranking Sometimes, entire villages fall into heresy and begin burying
gods so that these gods will police their underlings and reveal their dead in unsanctioned ways, with grave goods. This oc-

38
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 curs most often on the coast, where individuals periodically to avoid punishment. In contrast, actual death cultists are
have contact with foreigners with heretical ideas. always either executed or disenfranchised.
Few such villages persist in their illicit ways for long,
however. The Realms thaumaturges soon register the presence
of significant numbers of ghosts in a specific region, and the
THE REALMS DEMIWORLD
Despite living in a rigidly controlled society, some
local magistrate visits the villagetypically accompanied people fall through the cracks, and others deliberately
by a small company of Exalted Immaculate monks and a avoid attention. In rural areas, wanderers travel without
sorcerer or two. If the magistrate reveals the existence of regard for prefecture boundaries, and bandits hide in wasted
widespread illicit burial practices, the priest in charge of the places. In the cities, criminals, rogue thaumaturges and
funerals is executed for treason in front of the villagers, and even some God-Bloods make their livings outside of the
the remainder are then executed or disenfranchised. established social order.
While open heresy is relatively rare, occasionally some
error is made in the funeral service or the deceased is in some THE WANDERERS
manner unsuitable for rebirth, and the individual becomes a As a result of the many difficulties involved in being
ghost. This happens most frequently in poor funerals, where disenfranchised, some who do not leave the Realm become
the family might not be able to afford all of the necessary professional wanderers, while others turn to banditry. Both
trappings, in the hasty funerals of slaves or in the funerals options have becoming increasingly common since the dis-
of thaumaturges who have tainted their Essence in some appearance of the Scarlet Empress. Professional wanderers
manner and so are denied rebirth. The ghosts produced by are mortals who have forsaken the comforts of home and
these botched funerals are typically pathetic wretches who hearth to travel from village to village on foot or in simple
wander the Underworld as paupers and whose families have carts and carriages. They have existed since the days of the
no idea that they have not been reborn. Contagion, when bands of mortals took to the roads and
The fear of becoming an impoverished and forgotten fled the dying cities. While most later chose to settle and
ghost troubles some residents of the Blessed Isle. Thauma- accept the benefits of rural or urban life once the Scarlet
turges and con artists regularly sell various amulets and Empress restored order, a few decided to remain on the
talismans of dubious effectiveness that are supposed to either roads. Some wanderers are disenfranchised, but most were
keep someone who dies from becoming a ghost or to make either born to this life or voluntarily left their previous lives
certain that a funeral goes well and that the deceased is as citizens or peasants behind and took to the roads. The
swiftly reborn. These talismans are bought by both rich and more prosperous and organized wanderers travel in small
poor, and they serve as useful sources of additional income groups for mutual protection, but a few, mostly the newer
for both wanderers and licensed thaumaturges. wanderers who have not yet been accepted into a wanderer
In addition, wanderers, covert ancestor cultists, thau- clan, walk the roads alone.
maturges of dubious morals and outright con artists all Regardless of whether they are lone travelers or small
sometimes offer to use real or fake thaumaturgical practices to clans riding in a handful of wagons, wanderers all perform
inform people if any of their recently departed relatives have similar functions. They travel from one town or village to
become ghosts. Some elderly individuals pay for this service another, providing entertainment such as music, storytelling
in advance, so that their surviving relatives will know if they or simply the latest news. In addition, they sell simple crafts
become ghosts. The person performing this service generally and goods from distant towns and perform various services
offers either to sacrifice grave goods or to accept payment for such as helping to bring in unusually large harvests, repairing
high-quality grave goods that he will then sacrifice. pots, sharpening knives or applying tattoos. Many wanderers
These services are offered equally often by sincere death have a reputation for being minor thaumaturges and so are
cultists who are deeply troubled by the existence of home- often called upon to cast horoscopes or sell minor talismans.
less and impoverished ghosts and by con artists who have While some wanderers are indeed skilled mortal magicians,
no interest in anything beyond the monies they can extort many more make their living telling gullible villagers what
from the gullible and bereaved. The most skilled of these they want to hear and selling worthless trinkets. For all that
con artists are thaumaturges who make deals with ghosts or, they provide useful or entertaining services, their reputation
more commonly, with minor elementals who pretend to be is relatively mixed, since they are also known for being con
the departed relative when they are summoned. Afterward, artists and petty thieves.
the ghost or elemental and the thaumaturge split the profits. Because they exist on the fringes of society and have
While magistrates and the Guardians of the Realm certainly little to offer jaded urbanites, wanderers almost never visit
do not approve of con artists bilking money from villagers large cities. They mostly travel from one rural farming vil-
and townspeople, they consider such illicit enterprises to lage or small market town to another. Avoiding cities and
be far less illegal than actual ancestor worship. As a result, patrician- or Dynast-owned estates also helps them avoid
a moderate bribe is often sufficient to allow a mountebank the attentions of the government and the Great Houses.

CHAPTER TWO LIFE ON THE BLESSED ISLE 39

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 As a result, most wanderers are ignored unless they draw to cooperate with their neighbors to fight bandits. As a result,
attention to themselves in some fashion. gangs of bandits can more easily find refuge in the wilds of one
When they travel through one of the Realms smaller prefecture, as long as they confine the vast majority of their
ports, wanderers often purchase unusual musical instru- raids to the inhabitants of neighboring prefectures and leave
ments and exotic trained animals or recruit skilled foreign the inhabitants of their home prefecture alone. In some cases,
entertainers, artists or thaumaturges who cannot otherwise bandits purchase their safety by giving a cut of their ill-gotten
find a way to live in the Realm. As a result, some of the more profits to local officials in return for an assurance that their
well-known troupes of wanderers put on Haltan beast shows presence will be ignored. While this type of corruption has
or exhibitions of Chiaroscuran fire dancing. These talented always occurred, it is now more common, and fewer officials are
wanderers are always welcome, and the most popular troupes caught and punished. Some of the most skilled and politically
contain as many as a dozen wagons and 40 or 50 people. adept bandit gangs now operate free from interference by the
Such a troupe arriving in a town creates a local sensation, legions or the private armies of the Dynasts. To do so, they
and their presence is cause for a festival that lasts for the must remain relatively small, never attack the estates of patri-
few days they remain in town. For every large wandering cians or Dynasts and avoid any hint that they are attempting
troupe of skilled performers and talented thaumaturges, to set themselves up as warlords or otherwise openly defying
however, there are a dozen that are little more than grifters, the power of the local authorities.
semi-talented storytellers and hackneyed musicians. They
scrape by only because many villagers have enough food to CRIME AND THE CRIMINAL UNDERWORLD
share with strangers and are eager for any entertainment Although the Dynasts regularly boast about how
that breaks the dull routine of their lives. orderly and well run the Realm is, its inhabitants are still
While entire troupes of the disenfranchised are almost largely ordinary mortals with the same desire for power,
unknown, disenfranchised individuals who have useful talents easy money and illicit entertainment as every other resi-
can sometimes find a home among troupes of wanderers. As a dent of Creation.
result, most troupes contain several disenfranchised members, Criminals thrive in the Realm, and any citizen who
and the majority of wanderers have at least one disenfranchised wishes to purchase illegal drugs or other smuggled goods,
ancestor. Regardless of this fact, officials generally ignore the to hire assassins or thieves, or to find a buyer for blackmail
wanderers because they are relatively rare and seldom cause information or stolen goods can almost always manage
any trouble beyond conning a farmer out of a chicken or sack any of these feats in any city in the Realm. Every criminal
of yams. Even wanderers who are not disenfranchised are not within the Realm knows that both his success in his chosen
eligible for any aid from the government unless they agree to profession and his very survival depends upon remaining
settle down in some village, city or town. As a result, they cost unnoticed by the magistrates and the Black Helms, though.
the imperial government nothing, they help keep the rural To do so, all criminals know that they must stringently
population entertained, and they occasionally give villagers avoid all of the following practices:
something to complain about other than the government Organizing criminal gangs that encompass more
or their taxes. The only exception to this policy of passive than one city or town or that contain more than a few
neglect occurs when a troupe of wanderers actively incites hundred members.
heresy or its members become bandits. Committing any crimes against the Dynasts, the
A few troupes of wanderers make illicit deals with minor patricians, the Immaculate Order or the government.
gods and attempt to get villagers to give these gods offerings Interfering with large-scale commerce or threatening
or prayers in return for minor boons. Such cults are typically the uneasy peace between the Dynasts and the Guild.
short-lived because they are usually found out when either Inciting riots, committing large-scale property de-
a villager or the god reports the heresy to a representative struction (including arson) or encouraging open opposition
of the Immaculate Order. A more serious and long-term to the Dynasts or the government.
problem is that some wanderers, especially those with several Committing or inciting others to commit major or
foreign members, are ancestor cultists who bury their dead minor heresies.
in hidden graves with significant grave goods. In addition, All of these acts are considered to be direct affronts to
these wanderers sometimes act as brokers of offerings for the Empresss rule, as well as serious threats to the existing
villagers they can convince to take advantage of their ser- social and political order. As a result, they are considered
vices. Several groups of wanderers have been responsible to be treasonous and are therefore capital crimes.
for the rise of ancestor cults in the villages through which Conversely, criminal acts that do not involve any of
they pass. Today, the number of wanderers is increasing as the aforementioned crimes are considered relatively minor
more villagers are disenfranchised. Also, greater numbers disturbances. Criminals who are careful to avoid leaving
of them are turning to banditry. witnesses or obvious evidence of minor crimes such as small-
Since the departure of the Scarlet Empress, many prefec- scale theft frequently avoid discovery. The magistrates just
tures have become somewhat more insular and are less eager take no interest in their crimes, and the Guardians of the

40
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 Realm rarely have the time to spend many days tracking down in these efforts. Nonetheless, the Dynasts have no desire
someone who stole a pig or a scribes prized cloak clasp. In to completely wipe out these syndicates. The leaders of all
addition, criminals can sometimes bribe their way out of arrest of the local drug syndicates regularly pay large bribes to
for minor crimes unless several commoners or at least one both the Guardians of the Realm and bureaucrats in the
wealthy and powerful individual complains to the magistrate. Thousand Scales, providing a significant source of income to
The Guardians of the Realm mostly assume that a certain the coffers of those who help police the Realms drug trade.
minimal amount of crime is unavoidable, and as long as a Also, these syndicates offer a relatively harmless place for
crime does not interfere with the Dynasts rule or impinge too highly ambitious and amoral mortals to go. The Dynasts
heavily on their tax revenues, the guardians are often willing would far rather have these people peddling intoxicants to
to ignore it, in return for suitable recompense. shopkeepers than engaged in activities that might actually
threaten the safety and stability of the Realm.
RECREATIONAL DRUGS
Like almost everywhere else in Creation, alcohol, THE LIVES OF THE GOD-BLOODED
marijuana and qat are all legal and widely available on the The Dynasts attempt to maintain a precise social or-
Blessed Isle. While public overuse is frowned upon and be- der: Ordinary humans serve, and the Dragon-Blooded rule.
ing high to the point that it interferes with an individuals In addition, the Dragon-Blooded and carefully licensed
expected duties results in various financial, legal and social thaumaturges are the only individuals who are supposed to
penalties, the Realm does not legislate the use of these drugs. manipulate the powers of Essence. Unfortunately, reality is
Because the Empress was unwilling to allow large number far more complex that this simple vision. Two groups disturb
of her citizens to become worthless addicts, however, most this rigidly ordered view of the Blessed Isle: Dragon-Blooded
of the harder drugs are illegal. The only exceptions are Half-Castes and the God-Blooded. The first is the easiest
drugs that allow tired or overworked individuals to either for the Dynasts to deal with. Among the Great Houses and
increase their productivity or reduce the degree to which the patricians, Half-Caste children occupy a place halfway
fatigue impairs them. Opium is available only to licensed between mortal children and the Dragon-Blooded. Many
physicians, while heroin is completely illegal, and coca who are born to patrician families are usually fostered into
leaves are legal, while cocaine is illegal. (The penalties for one of the 11 Great Houses, and both they and the Half-
sale and possession are relatively minor, though.) Caste children of the Dynasts often go to secondary school.
In addition to preventing social disruption, the fact Once they graduate, some become minor functionaries in
that many drugs are illegal is also used as a way both to the Realms vast bureaucracy, while others gain positions of
control the populace and to enrich the coffers of guardians minor distinction within the Imperial Army, the Imperial
and bureaucrats. The laws forbidding any drugs that allow Navy or the Immaculate Order. Patrician Half-Castes who
mortals to perform feats reserved for the Dragon-Blooded are stay with their families typically gain positions of importance
exceedingly strict and are broken only by career criminals and in their family. In fact, their longevity and other advantages
would-be rebels. There is, however, a high demand for many typically mean that they become the heads of their families.
other illegal drugs by people in all levels of society. Wealthy In contrast, Dynastic Half-Castes who do not go to secondary
mortals can evade the law fairly easily, and small amounts school remain forever in the shadow of their Dragon-Blooded
of all manner of illegal intoxicants are a feature at many of relatives, and the best they can expect is to earn distinguished
the wilder parties held by the Dynasts, the patricians and the but minor positions in their households.
wealthiest commoners. (Patricians and wealthy commoners Dragon-Blooded men frequently dally with commoner
often pay the local Black Helms to ignore their excesses.) women, however, and the result is occasionally a Half-Caste
The poor and middle classes have considerably more child born into a commoner family. Like any commoner, they
difficulty obtaining illegal intoxicants. The many small have the option of attempting to gain wealth and distinction
criminal syndicates smuggle in various illegal drugs and sell by joining either the legions or the Immaculate Order. Most
them to anyone who can meet their high prices. These drug do so because their natural abilities allow them to rise in rank
syndicates make substantial profits, but the majority of the until they are just below the Dynasts. Few are willing to pass
Realms citizens cannot afford the drugs they are selling. up the chance to number among the wealthiest and most
Officials in the Thousand Scales know a great deal about powerful mortals in the Realm. Some, however, choose to
these syndicates and carefully monitor their activities using remain outside of the imperial power structure. Some of these
Charms, spies and paid informants. As long as these syn- Half-Castes become famous traders, renowned entertainers
dicates remain small and antagonistic, they cannot import or exceptionally powerful thaumaturges.
sufficient amounts of drugs or reduce prices low enough to The lot of God-Blooded born in the Realm is even more
cause significant social problems. complex. By their vary nature, God-Bloods are evidence of
As a result, the Black Helms put a stop to any at- improper relations with gods, elementals or demons. Their
tempts at mergers or long-term alliances between criminal disreputable parentage is considered nothing more than a
syndicates by arresting and enslaving everyone involved minor fault if they are born into one of the Great Houses.

CHAPTER TWO LIFE ON THE BLESSED ISLE 41

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 Since the Dragon-Blooded are the rightful intermediaries Depending upon the exact circumstances of their concep-
between humanity and the spirits, the children of an Exalt tion, their mortal parents are often fined and occasionally
and one of these inhuman beings gains a certain degree disenfranchised. The Dynasts are rarely wasteful, though.
of legitimacy. Depending upon their particular gifts, these They strongly encourage all such God-Bloods to join the
children are strongly encouraged to join the legions or the legions or the Immaculate Order, where their special talents
Immaculate Order. Because they often possess unusual can be put to the service of the Blessed Isle. The Dynasts
Charms allowing them to interact with gods or demons foster young God-Bloods with disenfranchised or dead mortal
with great ease, most are urged to join the Immaculate parents into the Immaculate Order, and they send official
Order, and a few have distinguished themselves as having recruiters to other God-Bloods when they reach their teens.
special talents at hunting down and punishing rogue gods. A few God-Bloods refuse these generous offers and must live
God-Blooded Dynasts who do not choose one of these in a society where most mortals fear them and the Dynasts
two paths are frequently encouraged toward scholarly either distrust or ignore them. Like Half-Castes who refuse
pursuits or others lines of work that will keep them out of Dynastic employment, most become traders, entertainers
the public eye. Some attend the Heptagram, while most or thaumaturges. Some become wanderers, assassins or
others find unobtrusive jobs such as joining the staff of other sorts of criminals. (The ability to dematerialize allows
the Imperial Library. them to execute crimes impossible for ordinary mortals to
Under the laws and customs of the Immaculate Phi- perform.) Today, an increasing number of such God-Bloods
losophy, God-Bloods with one parent who is a commoner are working for or with one of the increasingly daring rogue
or a patrician are living proof of a serious religious offense. gods who have begun to plague the Blessed Isle.

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 CHAPTER THREE THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT 43
Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER THREE
THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT
TRAITS

For centuries, the Scarlet Empress has cared for this managing the Realm was the responsibility of layer upon layer
government shes created. She has nurtured it and pruned of bureaucracy. The Deliberative Senate did the legwork of
it like a decorative bonsai tree, gradually shaping it into a proposing and ratifying new legislation. The ministries of the
symbol of extraordinary patience and craftsmanshipmeant Imperial Service (also known as the Thousand Scales) brushed
more to appease and distract than for functionality. And and stamped and rolled and filed every piece of important
like a bonsai, the Realms government grew, flourished and documentation that was the lifeblood of the empire. Spies
ultimately survived at the whim of its caretaker. maintained strict scrutiny over the bureaucracy, rooting out
Savants who have mediated on the nature and structure corruption or dissidence. Powerful wandering officers enforced
of the Realms government have come to realize this fact, the laws in the farthest reaches of the empire. Each of these
which has caused them to wonder exactly why the Empress branches fed back into their central core, always upholding
would go to such trouble for such a result. They speculate that the power and glory of the Scarlet Empire.
perhaps the Empress was not as competent as she seemed or Yet for all her founding efforts, the Scarlet Empress never
that she designed her government with nothing but cynical actually divided up any real power. The real power in her
disdain for the very notion of government and created this government rested solely in her own hands, and the system she
mess as a grand joke. In fact, though, the Empress was neither created is rife with overlapping authority, redundant levels of
an idiot nor a satirist. She designed the best of all possible bureaucracy, inherent internal conflict and built-in divisive-
governments based on the circumstances she dictated. ness. Rather than rendering her government a monument to
By her design, all the true power of the government inefficiency and plunging her civilization into ruin, however,
rested in her hands, though the day-to-day work of ruling and the Scarlet Empress pulled off a masterwork of sleight of hand.

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 She created the illusion of a division of power and provided and did her dirty work at her command. The wandering law
a vast playground for her most treacherous and ambitious officers, the magistrates, were appointed by the Empress and
underlings to test each other and waste their energy. While undyingly loyal to her. Nothing of any importance happened
her underlings fought for advantage, she retained the only in the government that was not done at the behest or under
true power worth having. And with it, she made sure that the direction of the Empress herself.
her government appeared to function efficiently. And although corruption will eventually pervade any
Now, the Scarlet Empress is gone, and this government of authoritarian bureaucracy, the Empress allowed much of that
contradiction and confusion must exert its seeming authority corruption to proliferate by design. Rooting out that corrup-
without its true guiding spirit. While it still retains its ideal tion kept various competing government agencies busy and
purposesmaking the laws, maintaining the empire and distracted, and no single corrupt official could do much serious
protecting its peoplethe government is in for a trial by fire harm to the entire system. The system was designed with so
the likes of which it was never truly prepared to face. much superfluous redundancy that corruption would have
had to have been not just pervasive, but total to effect any
MAKING THE LAWS lasting deleterious change. That also ignores the existence
of the Empresss secret police and the capacity in the average
Ideally, the Empress would drive every lawmaking
initiative. In her absence, this responsibility falls on her sniveling bureaucrat to expose corruption and betray it to the
Regent, Tepet Fokuf. All things being equal, however, the Empress for his own personal advancement. As clunky and
true responsibility falls on the one body the Empress never worm-eaten as the Scarlet Empresss government might seem,
intended to have itthe Deliberative Senate of Exceedingly it was designed to be just the way it is so she could focus on
Judicious Nobles. the real problems of ruling Creation from the center.

THE EMPRESS AND YET

The only real problem in such a system is what to do
At every point on any diagram of authority in her
once the designers hand weakens or lifts, which is the prob-
government, the Empress was the one actually in control.
lem facing the Realm today. With the Empress gone, all the
She could propose legislation to the Deliberative at any
redundancy and internal conflict built into the government
time, and she had a resounding veto on any legislation that
is beginning to bog everything down. Ideally, the Empress
cleared both chambers of that body. The spies who watched
would be the one who breaks through the bureaucratic log-
over the various ministries all reported back to the Empress
jams and resolves disputes (whose only real purpose was to

CHAPTER THREE THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT 45

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 enhance the Empresss perspective on a given matter anyway). his vapid mien precisely for that reason? Worse, did he and
Now, shes gone, and shes apparently not coming back, so the Scarlet Empress actually work out this whole elaborate
her government that wasnt technically designed to work is charade decades ago in order to stress test her Dynasts true
functioning true to form. loyalty to the Empress?
Only three things could possibly break this destructive These possibilities are remote, to be sure, but the fact that
pattern of bureaucratic entropy. The best thing would be for no one can ultimately disprove them is cause for unease.
the Empress to return. If she came back, perhaps this Time of
Tumult would fizzle out and things would get back to normal THE DELIBERATIVE
after some bloody housecleaning among the Dynasts. Whats The Empress established the Deliberative one century
more likely is that someone else will take the Scarlet Throne after she came to power. She had no intention to share
and inherit the mantle of the Empresss powers. Two serious power with squabbling lawmakers, of course, and she had
contenders are in the running right now, but neither one is no wish to honor the ancient structure of the First Age by
in a strong enough position to make a move. Whats least emulating it. Instead, she created the Deliberative both to
likelythough gaining some popular supportis that the quell a burgeoning rebellion of several tributary states and
government could learn to get along without the Empress. to insulate her divine authority while seeming to divide
The reforms that would make such a radical thing possible it among her most honored subjects. In fact, while the
would need to be sweeping and vast, and a civil war would tributary states still seceded, she still ended up relegating
almost certainly break out, but history tends to look back the tedious work of lawmaking to a bunch of bickering
on such upheavals as mere growing pains if their outcome bureaucrats (who thanked her for it), while simultaneously
is worth the effort. making sure that real power over the creation of laws rested
firmly in her hands.
FOR NOW, THOUGH
In the meantime, a weak old man casts furtive glances at THE DESIGN OF THE DELIBERATIVE
the Scarlet Throne, appearing baffled by how he was chosen When she founded the Deliberative, the Scarlet Empress
to sit in it. His name is Tepet Fokuf, and he is the August devised strict rules for all of that august bodys behaviors.
Lord Regent of the Scarlet Throne. Fokuf is the epitome of The rules describe everything from how new Senators should
the figurehead ruler, chosen by the squabbling Dynasts of the be appointed to the rules of debate. In time, the latter rules
Great Houses as the man least offensive to them all. None of order have acquired unquestionable authority, and the
of them would dare sit on the Scarlet Throne as its regent, process of initiating debate on the Deliberatives floor has
but they all agreed that somebody had to. become ritualized to the nth degree. Such was the Empresss
That somebody turned out to be a harmless old self-congratulation over the mess she had wrought that she
nobody who is the antithesis of the Empress. He doesnt even visited the Greater and Lesser Chambers in disguise to
understand how his government works, hes never hear the debates and enjoy the show. Those Senators who
demonstrated a will to power, and he allows himself to were aware of this open secret presumed that the Empress
be swayed by whatever charismatic argument is most visited to check up on their behavior, so they advocated for
recent. Senators, noble scions, ministers and officious even stricter adherence to the Empresss rules of order.
satraps all do their best to win over the malleable Regent Regent Fokuf never visits the Deliberative. He trusts
and have him sign and seal official documents that give that the Senators of the Greater Chamber know what
them whatever they want. His only redeeming quality is theyre doing. If they didnt, he reasons, they wouldnt have
that he endures all this with a placid smile and doesnt deserved the Empresss appointment in the first place. Such
begrudge anyone their abuse of him. He merely bides his deductions are only yet further evidence of why Fokuf is the
time in the throne room every day until he can retire to right man for his job.
his personal chambers to exhaustively study the racier
passages of the Immaculate Texts. Then, maybe hell have THE CHAMBERS
a nice supper and take a nap. The Deliberative consists of two chambers, the Greater
Whats troubling about Regent Fokuf is the possibility Chamber and the Lesser Chamber. Members of both cham-
that he isnt as oblivious as he seems. Hes lived all his life bers are called Senators or Deliberators. In the Greater
immersed in the political games played by the Great Houses. Chamber, Senators sponsor petitions that, if approved,
It is possiblethough hopefully unlikelythat he has been then move to the Lesser Chamber. In the Lesser Chamber,
playing every one of the Great Houses for fools, lulling them a motion can either pass or be overturned by a two-thirds
into a false sense of patronizing disregard of him. After all, in vote. If the petition passes both Chambers, it becomes an
the Regents hands now lies every power the Scarlet Empress imperial decree and law of the land, unless vetoed by the
ever claimed for herself. Such power is too dangerous for any Empress (now the Regent).
truly ambitious Dynast to try to grab right now, but the Regent The Senators of the Greater Chamber are all Dragon-
was chosen precisely for his lack of ambition. Did he cultivate Blooded members of the Scarlet Dynasty, each having

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 been appointed by members of their Great Houses and SUCCESSION
approved by the Scarlet Empress. The Senators of the Another false concession of power made at the Deliber-
Lesser Chamber are appointed by the Greater Chamber atives founding is the fact that the Empress bestowed upon it
and approved by the Empress. That chambers membership the power to approve the succession to the Scarlet Throne.
consists of representatives drawn from the ranks of the All that both chambers have to do to approve a new ruler is
merchant and patrician classes, as well as tributary lords. support him or her by a two-thirds majority vote. Yet, even
There are only a few Dragon-Blooded members of the now, the chambers can muster only a thin majority to back
Lesser Chamber, and those few wield considerable power a weak regent. The political situation is just too precarious
among their peers. Their hope is to become powerful for any serious contender to even whisper aloud her ambition
enough and influential enough to warrant an appointment for the Scarlet Throne.
to the Greater Chamber someday, though this ambition If some candidate were to make a political play for the
is just the sort of thing that helps keep a Lesser Chamber Scarlet Throne, achieving the necessary majority in either
Dragon-Blood right where he is. Chamber is merely wishful thinking. The Empress chose her
In fact, picking members of either chamber is often Greater Chamber Senators with an eye toward fractious divi-
no more than a tool to neutralize political threats. History siveness, and an imperial succession vote would be the most
shows that the best way to deal with firebrand upstarts is to important piece of legislation ever to arise in the Deliberative.
subvert them into the establishment in the futile hope of What might begin as heated debate on the Senate floor will
making things better from the inside. By the same token, almost certainly end in civil war if advocates on every side
putting representatives from each of the 11 Great Houses in of the issue are not extremely wise and reasonable. The best
the Deliberative keeps the Dynasts happily convinced that many Senators can hope for, should any of the theoretical
they have a guiding hand on the tiller of imperial policy. The contenders act on their potential, is that some loophole can
Empress always encouraged these idealistic beliefs among be found (or implanted) in the law to allow for a cunning
Senators of both chambers with wry bemusement. compromise. The Regency cant go on like this forever. Time
It was within the Empresss power to propose any petition is running out on the Deliberatives stopgap measure.
in the Greater Chamber, and her sponsorship was critical to
the passage of controversial ones. The idea that the Empress BECOMING A SENATOR
might not approve of ones proposed legislation was usually The Dragon-Blooded members of the Greater Chamber
more than enough motivation to sway the fence-sitters. The come only from the Great Houses. It is an honor to have a
Empress also reserved a veto of any passed piece of legislation, House member selected, and it keeps the familys interests
which could be overturned only by a subsequent unanimous from being trampled in debate. Deliberative appointments
vote in both chambers. Rather, the overturn vote needed are generally celebrated with banquets or even auspicious
be nearly unanimous, thanks to the Obstructive Naysayer marriages. Naturally, these social events are designed to
rule. In a rare concession to the Deliberatives wheedling, the ingratiate future political allies, snub expected rivals and
Empress long ago updated her rules of order such that if only secure formative alliances between Senators.
one Senator votes in a way opposite the rest of his fellows, Once selected, a Senator of the Greater Chamber must
the vote is still considered unanimous. Of course, there is no journey to the Imperial City for her formal investiture, which
Obstructive Naysaying Duo rule, which makes the conces- takes place at the opening of a meeting of the Deliberative.
sion practically meaningless. Should the Deliberative ever A Senator who arrives late for her investiture is already
dare try to overturn an imperial veto, the Empress usually behind in the great political game of the Deliberative. As
had no trouble swaying at least two Senators to her way of a result, the amount of effort current Senators put toward
thinking. (The only time the Deliberative ever stood up for summoning their new appointees can reveal how important
itself and defied the Empress by overturning her vetothree that appointees voice will be in deliberations to come. A
times, no lessshe had the willful legislators slaughtered and highly valued appointee might have a scale of troops from his
replaced with more dutiful successors.) Houses pet legion dispatched to hustle him to the Imperial
The Empress also built in a subtler check on Senatorial City for his investiture. A Senator whose appointment came
power: the fact that theres no fixed number of Senators. as a grudging compromise between die-hard rivals might
Since one of the primary functions of the body is to placate find his boat harried by privateers, his luggage mistakenly
upstarts, she wanted the flexibility to make room for lots of held up for inspection at port and his palanquin overturned
appointments if a volatile political situation demanded. As by hooligans in the street. Its unheard of for Senators to
a result, the Deliberative stays relatively small in prosperous condone or arrange the actual assassination of prospective
times and swells in bad times. The reason this flexibility colleagues en route to their investiture, but those outside the
remains a check on the Deliberative is that new Senators Senate who rely on crucial upcoming votes going a certain
favorably disposed to support the Empress could be pumped way might not be above it. It is, therefore, wise for members
into the Chambers in tough times to alter the balance of of the appointees family to take steps to ensure the safety
power in the Empresss favor. and prompt arrival of their selected Senators.

CHAPTER THREE THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT 47

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 Lesser Chamber Senators are not selected directly by the tive made a point of overturning three successive imperial
Great Houses, but by the members of the Greater Chamber. vetoes. In response, she stationed a legion outside the Palace
That distinction is a fine one in the grand scheme of things, of the Deliberative and ordered her soldiers to disperse the
of course. Though she did not appoint Lesser Chamber De- Senators once their session got under way. Every member of
liberators directly, the Empress also exerted pressure on the the Lesser Chamber was killed that day, as were a majority
Senators of the Greater Chamber to choose Lesser Chamber of Greater Chamber Senators. (The rest were exiled.) The
Senators. As a result, the Senators of the Lesser Chamber Empress had a new roster of Greater Chamber Senators ap-
are picked from the wealthiest patricians, merchants and pointed after that, and they appointed new Senators to the
tributary nobles for their pliability, their wealth and their Lesser Chamber. While the Empress did not need to use
potential to be useful to their betters. The Lesser Chamber this unspoken authority again, the threat of it has loomed
is also one of the best places to stick loud-mouthed politi- ever since. The notion that Regent Fokuf might exercise
cal dissidents in order to either pacify them or keep a close it someday is laughable. The thought that the Roseblack,
watch over them. Tepet Ejava, will do so if she becomes Empress (or in order
As far as leaving the Deliberative and divesting one- to become Empress) is not nearly so funny.
self of rank goes, three ways exist to do so. The first is to
be summarily removed by the Empress herself, a tactic she THE OFFICES
frequently employed when her Senators showed too much The most powerful office in the Deliberative is that of
initiative or resistance to her. The second is exile, and the the Master of the Deliberative, who oversees the Greater
third is death. The Empress reserved the power to reinstate Chambers debates. Also attached to the Greater Chamber is
any disgraced Senator, but in her long rein, she did so only the Incorruptible Secretary, who tallies all votes. These two
half a dozen times (and only when it was politically effective roles have Lesser Chamber reflections in the Master of the
to show such magnanimity). Lesser Chamber and the Scrupulous Monitor of the Will of
The Empress also reserved the power to dissolve the the People. The Greater Chamber also has the Guardian of
Deliberative completely. She never felt it necessary to have the Enlightened Discourse, who commands that chambers
this power expressed in official records, or to warn the Guardians of the Deliberative, an elite security force charged
Deliberative of its existence, but she did have occasion to with protecting the Senators from all threatsincluding one
use it a little more than a century ago when the Delibera- another. Similarly, the Protector of the Debate commands

48
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 those guardians responsible for safeguarding the Lesser
Chamber. Beyond that, all Senators are purported to be equal.
There is no doubt, though, that a Senator of the Greater
THE PETITIONERS LINE
Every Declaration of Harmonious Intent must
Chamber outranks one of the Lesser. Within each chamber
be hand delivered by its sponsor to the Master of the
also exists a largely invisible hierarchy of alliances, allegiances
Deliberative at the beginning of a days session, and
and blackmail that ensures a rigid pecking order.
the line to do so forms early every day. Jockeying for
All offices are voted on at the first session of the new
position within the line of petitioners has become yet
year, though a no-confidence vote can be called at any time.
another self-important political ritual in the Greater
If such a vote succeeds, all officers are removed from their
Chamber, and allowing a Senator to advance past one
posts, and no new business can be brought to the attention
in the line is the sort of favor that can actually reap
of the Deliberative until a new Master of the Deliberative
political dividends down the line. Of course, the most
is in place. New officers are elected by a two-thirds major-
effective way to make friends in the petitioners line is
ity in the Greater Chamber and a simple majority in the
to invite someone relatively close in power, experience
Lesser. In both chambers, no-confidence votes require a
or influence to cut ahead of you. Allowing someone too
two-thirds majority.
far beneath himself to cut ahead can make a Senator
THE GREATER CHAMBER seem foolish or disingenuous. Reaching too high above
Any power the Deliberative actually has rests in the oneself to let a senior Senator cut ahead is not always
Greater Chamber. An appointment to the Greater Chamber effective either. The most senior Senators expect to
carries with it more prestige and, indeed, more authority than be allowed to cut in front of their least experienced
one to the Lesser. Greater Chamber Senators have right of peers, so a junior Senator is really only likely to at-
way in processions, are served first at formal occasions and tract a distinguished seniors notice if he fails to allow
have the right to displace a Lesser Chamber Senator from him to cut in line. Snubbing a senior Senator might
her seat at any state function. And thats on top of the power earn a newbie the temporary respect of the victims
Greater Chamber Senators have to appoint Lesser Chamber rivals, but its certain to earn him the victims cold,
Senators in the first place. lingering wrath.
When the Deliberative is in sessionfrom the first day
of Ascending Air to the last day of Descending Earthonly
these Senators can introduce a motion into debate. Each mo- starting with any petitions left over from the previous days
tion needs a sponsor and a pair of seconds, who compose whats discussion or tabled in previous sessions. When controver-
called a Declaration of Harmonious Intent. The Declaration sial proposals generate extensive debate, days and days of
is a scroll consisting of the proposed motion and testimonies un-debated Declarations can pile up. The Master of the
from its sponsor and seconds that it will blend harmoniously Deliberative decides the order in which the proposals reach
with the existing laws of the Realm upon approval. the floor, granting him one of the only real powers associated
As each Declaration is received, it is read in its entirety with his position.
to the Greater Chamber as the Senators scribes furiously When debate opens on a particular petition, the spon-
write it down. The Master of the Deliberative then calls for soring Senator is given the chance to orate in favor of it
a formal vote to determine whether the Chamber is willing first. Once the sponsor is finished, the rest of the Delibera-
to debate the Declaration. If the majority accedes, the Dec- tive may join the debate. The Master of the Deliberative
laration is burned in a brazier kept to the left of the Masters chooses the order of the debate, which grants the office yet
chairand woe be unto the scribe who didnt get the whole more power. Rare is the Master who will put off an eloquent
thing transcribed. If debate is refused, the Declaration is speaker indefinitely or simply refuse to allow him to make
returned to the sponsor as a badge of shame. Some petulant his case. Instead, a Master might allow several subsequent
Senators (especially Fire-aspected ones) burn their returned dunderheads to speak out in favor of a proposal he finds
Declarations themselves, but most just have a slave throw distasteful, then have a brilliant orator who agrees with him
them away instead. Enterprising historians, dejected Senators, stand and mop the floor with them. If the Master is feeling
collectors and political malcontents all vie for possession of especially ruthless, he can then allow a stammering junior
these rejected Declarations. It has become a popular pastime appointee fresh from his investiture to speak up next in the
in recent decades to compare yesterdays failed Declarations to proposals defense.
todays passing legislation in hopes of finding ironic similari- When debate on a petition finally dies down, a vote
ties. Certain collectors of eclectic esoterica pay unreasonable is called for and tallied by the Incorruptible Secretary. If
sums of money for rejected historical Declarations of Har- a simple majority approves, the motion goes to the Lesser
monious Intent that closely match modern laws. Chamber to dare its disapproval. If a majority disapproves,
Once the days Declarations have been dealt with, the then the petition is considered denied and debate moves on
Master of the Deliberative then formally opens the debates, to the next Declaration.

CHAPTER THREE THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT 49

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 Should a debate on the Greater Chamber floor degenerate and nothing gives them greater pleasure than to stymie their
into frustrating deadlock, the motion described in the Decla- betters. Bribes or implied threats from above can help get
ration can simply be tabled until a prescribed later date when the Lesser Chamber in linesome rare junior Senators have
everyone has had a chance to meditate on it (or meet privately even been swayed by appeals to their sense of duty to the
to discuss it, more likely). If the vote to table the motion suc- Realmbut mostly, the Lesser Chamber Senators derive too
ceeds, the petition is removed from the floor and discussion of much satisfaction from disrupting the plans of the Greater
the next begins. A canny Master of the Deliberative can then Chamber. The fact that all of the current Lesser Chamber
capitalize on the lingering frustration of the deadlocked debate Senators owe their political careers to appointments descend-
by following it up with an even more controversial Declaration ing from the Greater Chamber only makes this obstinacy all
for the fractious Senators to fight over. In so doing, he can stall the more baffling.
upcoming Declarations that he finds objectionable or indirectly A third reason for friction between the Chambers is
push back critical Declarations on which he wants certain absent the growing influx of Lesser Chamber Senators who actually
Senators to vote when they are next available. believe they can make a difference in the Realm. Guided by
nothing more than conscience or some rare sense of ethics,
THE LESSER CHAMBER they have taken it into their minds to strike down laws they
The Lesser Chamber of the Deliberative can vote only consider unjust or bad for the Scarlet Empire. While such
on those pieces of legislation passed down from the Greater idealistic grandstanding is not uncommon among new patri-
Chamber. The Master of the Lesser Chamber solemnly cian appointees or elevated officials from backwater satrapies
reads each motion that the Greater Chamber has passed, in the Threshold, such upstarts usually learn their hard, cold
then debate is opened. In theory, the Master of the Lesser lessons about the way things work and settle down in time.
Chamber calls the order of the debate just as the Master of A timely crisis of conscience has recently rallied one of the
the Greater Chamber does, but in practice, debates in the Lesser Chambers most influential Dragon-Blooded Sena-
Lesser Chamber immediately erupt into shouting matches tors to this unlikely banner, however, giving its proponents
and unbroken streams of interruptions that the uninitiated unexpected traction in Lesser Chamber debates. His sudden,
find intimidating. Making things that much more chaotic, unexpected adoption of patriotic idealism has even inspired
any member of the Lesser Chamber can call for a vote at any some younger Senators in the Greater Chamber to do the
time during the debate. That motion must be approved by same, earning him the everlasting enmity of the Deliberatives
the Master of the Lesser Chamber and then voted on by the most cruel and jaded elder statesmen.
entire body. If two thirds of the Senators agree to the vote,
the actual vote proceeds. Otherwise, debate rages on.
When a vote has been called, the Scrupulous Monitor
MAINTAINING THE EMPIRE
The bureaucracy that maintains the Scarlet Empire
records each Senators vote and tallies the results. As in the
known officially as the Imperial Service and colloquially
Greater Chamber, all votes are public. If a two-thirds majority
as the Thousand Scalesconsists of all the brush-wavers,
votes aye, the motion passes. It becomes a decree and goes to
judges and accountants who execute the decrees of the
the Empress (the Regent these days) for consideration. If more
Deliberative. Each level of government is supposed to be
than two thirds of the voting Senators vote in the negative,
responsible for the one below it, and everyone is supposed
the motion is defeated. In such instances, a scroll bearing the
to look out for corruption on the levels below them. This
text of the motion is returned to the Greater Chamber, bound
responsibility is but an idealistic veneer lacquered over an
in twined black and red ribbons. (Unlike failed Declarations
uglier reality. The true design of this web of ministries,
of Harmonious Intent, these defeated motions are not rare
departments, councils and committees is not as much to
enough to be so highly prized by collectors.)
perpetuate the functions of empire but to obscure said
It is easy to conceive of the Lesser Chamber as an au-
functions from the empires citizens.
tomatic approving machine for the decrees of the Greater
Until recently, the Imperial Army, the Magistracy (and
Chamber, but such is not entirely the case. First of all, many
the innumerable ministries overseen by its magistrates) and
Senators of the Lesser Chamber are so desperate to justify
the All-Seeing Eye all worked in harmony, with the hand of
their existence that they comment on every piece of legisla-
the Empress balancing their rivalries. Her absence, however,
tion proposed, regardless of the signal-to-noise ratio of their
has propelled the ministries of the Imperial Bureaucracy into
contributions. When such long-winded Senators are lucky,
a position of greater authority at the expense of the other
tenacious erosion of their audiences will to argue (or live)
two. Whats more, the ministers of the bureaucracy have
earns them grudging capitulation in exchange for blessed
even waged a revolution (in miniature) against their nominal
silence. When theyre unlucky, theyre declared Obstructive
overseers, the magistrates.
Naysayers and frog-marched outsideoften to the sound of
These ministers are appointed officials who serve in the
thunderous applause.
actual Imperial Bureaucracy itself. Drawn from the ranks of
Second, many of the current stock of Lesser Chamber
mortals as well as the occasional Dragon-Blood, the minis-
Senators envy and hate the Senators of the Greater Chamber,

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 interest to maintain the illusion. If the masses clamor and
OFF THE FLOOR compete for positions in the Bureaucracy, the ministries can
Considering how it was designed, it is no surprise pick and choose at their leisure. They thereby assure themselves
that little of true importance is resolved within the a constant supply of talented, eager potential recruits.
bounds of the Deliberatives normal operating procedure. But how does one start out in the Imperial Bureaucracy,
Yet, it can still be effective at what it does, thanks in making his dreams of sinecure and avarice (or duty and
large part to the work that is done off the debate floor. devotion to the atavistic romantic) into reality? The best
The cloakrooms, meditative gardens and shadowed method is to be born into it. Just as the Great Houses adorn
corridors that surround the Deliberatives meeting halls the heights of Realm society, so too do the first families of the
provide perfect places to cut secret deals. ministers run its government. Of course, the Imperial Service
Outside cooperation between Chambers is not un- is a meritocracyor so claim the jaded, the cynical and the
heard of either, though it is less common these days. The navebut entrenched families with long service records take
Dynasts of the Greater Chamber are not above promising every precaution to make sure that their offspring are the
social or political favors to Senators or children of Sena- ones acknowledged to have the most merit. Many of them
tors in the Lesser Chamber in exchange for votes from even command private armies, and they recruit the best and
the Lesser Chamber that support the Dynasts positions. brightest offspring of the Great Houses as their servants.
Technically, the strict letter of the rules of conduct that The second best way to get involved in the Imperial
govern the Deliberative forbids this trade, as does the Bureaucracy is to be born into one of the Great Houses.
spirit in which the entire body was created. Granted, the patricians govern the Realm while the Dragon-
Of course, many things are technically forbidden

ters officially have their powers severely limited by law. Yet,

just as the number of tasks the maintenance of the Realm
requires is huge, so also is the ministers number legion. Us-
ing the laws and regulations of the Realm as a noose, they
have slowly drawn their powers tight around the once-proud
magistrates and seem intent on either harnessing them or
grinding them into dust.

ENTERING IMPERIAL SERVICE

The life of a bureaucratic minister is something that
many Realm civilians desire, if not for themselves, then for
their children. The obvious advantages inherent to such a
position include safety, security and respect. Merchant fleets
can be set upon by pirates, and the Guild makes ever more
headway squeezing Realm merchants out of the Threshold
every day. The soldiers of the legions are pawns in the Great
Houses power games, when they arent trying desperately to
put down rebellions or snuff out the zealotry that surrounds the
rampant Anathema. The Order of the Immaculate Dragons
offers some of the same benefits as the bureaucracy, but with
many fewer openings per year and no hope of a pension or
a lavish retirement fund.
Indeed, the life of an imperial bureaucrat involves lifting
nothing heavier than paper and brush all day, while dressed
in finery that would bankrupt the average citizen. If one
cannot hope to be Exalted by the Elemental Dragons, one
could do worse than to settle for the opulent life among
their Thousand Scales. And to dwell in the Scarlet Empires
thriving Imperial Cityor the Imperial Palace itself, for those
truly blessedwhy, thats a dream beyond imagining.
To say that the truth is somewhat different beggars the con-
cept of understatement, but it is in the Imperial Bureaucracys

CHAPTER THREE THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT 51

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 Blooded rule it, but the Houses exert plenty of control over mental lock, to which the Respected and Impartial Keeper of
the Bureaucracy. The Dragon-Blooded make every effort to the Registry keeps the single key, and the book rests on a bare
marry their mortal children into prominent patrician fami- lectern in a bare room inside the Imperial Palace. In the next
lies, which gives them influence over (and agents among) room over, dozens of calligraphers toil eternally to transcribe
the patricians. Serious corruption and collusion is supposed copies of the book, which are to be distributed to the Realms
to be kept to a minimum by the ministers internal auditing provincial seats of government. Every office and ministry keeps
process, and the Empresss power is even supposed to allow a copy of the Registry, and any employee worth her office spends
the patrician ministers to deal with the Dragon-Blooded as many hours each week examining the changes in regulations
equals. Yet, the Empress is gone, and only the most powerful, to make sure her power remains secure. It is also a good idea
connected, corrupt or foolish patricians in the Bureaucracy for the Realms magistrates to be well versed in the Registrys
stand in the Great Houses way if they dont have to. laws so that they can make sure ambitious ministers in the
Finally, perhaps the worst way to ascend into the Impe- protectorates arent overstepping their authority.
rial Service is to work hard, study ones material and apply Subordinate to the Keeper of the Registry is a team of
oneself with due diligence to being the best worker one can legal scholars who do nothing more than travel the Realm
be. Granted, some anecdotal evidence suggests that working resolving disputes over authority between ministers. To
hard and being good at ones job will garner one the notice qualify for the post, these roving arbitrators must memorize
of entrenched ministers and bureaucrats, thus earning one a the entire book and be unflinchingly incorruptible. To help
well-deserved position of respect and acclaim in the Bureau- safeguard that incorruptibility, every decision these scholars
cracy. Such evidence is almost certainly fabricated, however, make in matters of bureaucratic authority is taken down
circulated by propagandists and hereditary bureaucrats to and delivered to the Imperial City, where it is reviewed by
encourage hard, diligent work in nave souls who lack the auditors to make sure it is the correct decision. If it is, the
guile and initiative to exert their own will to power. This is decision is logged as a legal precedent. If its wrongthat
not to say that no one in the entire history of the Realm has is, if it directly contradicts a previous imperial decree re-
ever been awarded a juicy government post as a direct reward corded elsewhere in the Registrythe mistake is noted in
for hard work and good faith its just never happened to any the arbitrators permanent record and he has to answer for
person that any given bureaucrat can actually name. it when he reports for a periodic performance review. (The
ruling stands in the matter on which he ruled, however, until
THE MINISTERS the aggrieved party appeals the ruling and a new arbitrator
In the churning bureaucracy of the Imperial Service, is dispatched to hear the case.)
there exist well over 100 bureaus, departments, ministries Should his services be called for, an arbitrator is sent as
and offices, each assigned specific areas of oversight and soon as possible to hear arguments from everyone involved.
responsibilities. They range from the miniscule (the Office He then deliberates for a period of between three days and two
of the Imperial Overseer of Civilian Airships, consisting of weeks, privately calling additional witnesses and otherwise
one minister and one clerk) to the mundane (the Righteous considering the evidence. When he makes his pronounce-
and Accountable Ministry of Weights and Measures) to the ment, it is final, and he continues on his way. By tradition,
massive (the Humble and Honest Assessors of the Imperial an arbitrator must leave the city by sundown on the day
Tax). The responsibilities of each ministry have been set down he makes his decision, so that the winning side will not be
in a massive tome known as the Imperial Registry, which is tempted to reward him. (The quick departure also makes it
the final authority on all disputes between ministries. harder for the losing side to reward the arbitrator.)
Of course, both rules are little more than nominal
THE IMPERIAL REGISTRY good-faith concessions to a suspicious populace. The means
The Imperial Registry runs for more than 3,000 pages of bribing interpreters of the Registry could fill a book larger
of lists dating back to the earliest days of the Scarlet Empire. than the Registry itself. It usually starts before a minister actu-
This document changes constantly, such that each new im- ally calls for an arbitrator, with the minister sending runners
perial decree alters the description of the imperial service. to butter up every arbitrator in the area with gifts. It doesnt
When such a change is called for by a new decree, a skilled stop when the arbitrator gets to the city either. Arbitrators
calligrapher must modify the original Registry, and (ideally) are gifted with everything from fancy clothes to exquisite
runners head out for each of the Realms provincial seats of concubinesall provided not by the interested parties (of
government to update those copies as well. Short of being course), but by anyone seeking to curry favor second-hand.
consulted by one of the gods before making a move in the If a merchant prince of the Guild realizes that an unfavor-
Games of Divinity, being called upon to make a change to able ruling by an arbitrator will allow an imperial bureaucrat
the original Imperial Registry is one of the highest honors a to cut in on his business, he will suggest to the arbitrator
mortal calligrapher could ever receive. that some courses of action are more prudent than others.
The Imperial Registrys covers are plates of beaten brass, If a clever malcontent wants to sow divisiveness between a
inlaid with gold and silver characters. The cover has one orna- litigant and the Imperial Bureaucracy, he can approach an

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 incorruptible arbitrator with a clumsy bribery attempt on the as some of the Realms most elite Black Helm troops. The
litigants (unwitting) behalf. Realms income might be drying up now that the Empress
The penalty on an arbitrator who abuses his position, is gone, but the current fortune will abideperhaps beyond
however, is a terrible one. The most common punishment the outbreak of civil war.
involves removing the tongue and hands of the offender. The
offender then has a tablet detailing his crime affixed to his THE WISE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE ADVISORS
neck, and hes set loose to wander the roads of the Realm as OF FOREIGN TRIBUTARIES
a warning to all and sundry. Those who conspire to bribe an The Realms satrapsall Great House Dynastsand
arbiter are punished as well, with such penalties as exorbitant their personal staff compose the leadership of the Realms
fines, removal from office, exile or even execution. Foreign Office. These Dynasts oversee the gathering and
paying out of a subject kingdoms tribute to the Realm. In
THE MINISTRIES theory, this job is a simple one involving nothing more
Despite its antagonistic design and its in-built dependence than clicking the beads on an abacus and making marks
on the Scarlet Empress, the machine of her empire has not on a tally sheet, but in reality, its a challenging interplay
completely seized up yet without her. The largest ministries of power politics and managerial skills. Making a country
of the Imperial Bureaucracy enjoy widespread recognition, wealthy enough to generate constant revenue streams for
authority and wealth. This is not to suggest that they wont the Realm is good. Making it wealthy enough to afford to
self-destruct in time if nothing is done to reform them, just improve its army so it can revolt against the divinely or-
that they will be the last to fall if things keep going as they dained leadership of the Realm is bad. The Foreign Office
are. Some of the largest include: works closely with the legions and has been in danger ever
THE HUMBLE AND HONEST ASSESSORS OF THE IMPERIAL TAX since the army was gutted and restructured to best suit the
This heavily policed ministry not only assesses the Great Houses.
imperial tax but collects it as well. The threat of corruption THE ETHICAL AND DILIGENT INTERPRETERS AND
at the ministrys various levels was once mitigated (where
not completely expunged) by the strict scrutiny of the All- MAINTAINERS OF THE IMPERIAL CODE OF LAW
Seeing Eye and the oversight of the magistrates, but the Eye The extensive bureaucratic work of seeing to the re-
has filmed over since the disappearance of the Empress, and cording and disseminating of changes in the law falls to
the magistrates are hunted men. As a result, the local tax this ministry, which employs a veritable legion of scribes,
collectors have become very cozy with the Great Houses arbiters, essayists and legal thinkers. Their duties include
(largely to the common mans detriment). In reaction, some not only the maintenance of the physical Code of Law itself,
of the most notorious bandits and highwaymen have been but the production of copies of the Code and all educational
granted an unusual boon in the farthest imperial provinces. materials used in the Realm for the teaching of the law and
They can take greater risks stealing larger chunks of those the philosophy of the law. They poll experts when changes
governments tax money, because the regional governors are made and craft essays on the thinking that went into a
are too afraid of exposing their own corruption to call for change and the systemic ramifications of such change. What
help from the imperial government. The only thing such this means, in practice, is that they are legal librarians who
robbers have to worry about is the intervention of a wan- are able to find and research material from the Code to keep
dering magistrateor the fury of a righteous Anathema the more active agencies of order from being bogged down
who means welland most are more than willing to take with that tedious duty. Still, it is a large ministry, and its
their chances. long-term utility for conspiratorial forces is very large. The
Great Houses know this and have seeded it liberally with
THE IMPERIAL TREASURY ministers loyal to them for centuries.
The one main check on the tax-assessors power is that
they have no authority to spend the money they collect. Every THE HONORABLE AND HUMBLE CARETAKERS
jade bit of revenue must be handed over to the Treasury, which OF THE COMMON FOLK
then authorizes the tax collectors expenditures. In her day, Satraps oversee and collect the peoples tribute from
the Scarlet Empress derived most of her income from these satrapies; prefects oversee and collect taxes from the Empresss
revenues, doling most of it back out to pay for the upkeep people on the Blessed Isle. She owned all the land and property
of the Realm. (Not all of it, though. She didnt become the on the Blessed Isle (and only rented it out to the Great Houses
most fabulously wealthy being in Creation leading trade and citizens), and the prefectural taxes formed the bedrock
caravans.) The ministers who minded her fortune for her of the Empresss budget. Now, the prefectural establishments
were her most loyal and trusted servants, not to mention her are the tools of the Great Houses, many of which are trying
best paid. Her nigh-impregnable treasure manses were (and to secure for themselves ownership of the property for which
remain) guarded by demons she summoned personally, as well the Empress has made them pay for so long.

CHAPTER THREE THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT 53

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 THE ALL-SEEING EYE
Working in the shadows to maintain the Empresss rule SECRET MASTERS
is the All-Seeing Eye, the imperial secret police. Its existence A better-kept secret about the hierarchy of the
is widely feared throughout the Realm, though its agents and All-Seeing Eye is the fact that the utmost ranks are
methods are not fully known. It is seen as both a heartless rife with Sidereal Exalted of great age and power, all
conspiracy of bloody-minded killerssymptomatic of the affiliated with the Bronze Faction. These Sidereals are
abiding treachery, paranoia and mistrust in its founders not only the true guiding hand on the All-Seeing Eye,
heartand an ugly necessity in this Age of Sorrowsstaffed but its most talented and subtle assassin agents.
by morbid patriots who at least have the decency to conduct
their dirty work in secret. A collection of spies, assassins,
observers and informants, it is the invisible blade the Empress agency in small ways. Known Eye agents are being discredited,
held to her closest subjects throats. Fear of the Eyes attention exposed, and even killed, which has forced many spies deep
has been an effective check against nascent conspirators, underground and left vulnerable those agents stuck in the
rebels and other riffraff for centuries, as a simple indication field. The security forces of the Great Houses have grown so
that the Eye might already be onto some illicit activity is bold as to subvert (or outright assassinate) those spies within
enough to sap the life out of that illicit activity. After all, their own ranks whom theyve exposed. The lucky spies
its better to give up a risky, politically dangerous illicit idea whove managed to keep their affiliation secret long enough
for fear that the Eye has caught on and be wrong, than it is to realize the danger they are in must now hide behind false
to do the reverse. identities in lands far from their homes. There they wait,
The Scarlet Empress established the All-Seeing Eye growing ever more bitter that their service to the Realm is
a mere decade after her rise to power, chartering it as her being undone by petty, bickering would-be tyrants.
means of observing and controlling the rest of the Realm. It Making matters worse, Bal Keraz has used his influence
is primarily populated by members of the publicly disgraced to allow the agencys slush funds to be depleted, and hes cut
House Iselsi, whose membership in the Eye is something of its budget on more than one occasion. He does so not to gut
an open secret among the knowledgeable elite. When House the agency or make it less effective, but in order to confirm his
Iselsis coup attempt of several centuries ago failed, the Scarlet position of authority over it. Since hes technically supposed
Empress took steps to appropriate the Houses resources rather to be in charge and he controls the purse strings, he sees no
than destroy it outright. Part of appropriating said resources conflict of interest in throwing his weight around.
involved pressuring talented Iselsi family members into doing Today, operations of the All-Seeing Eye in the Thresh-
the dirty work that keeps the Realm functioning smoothly. old are being spread ever thinner by uprisings and growing
Whether she had to provide new identities and relocate discontent, especially with the number of Anathema fire-
her new pawns as an alternative to execution or she had to brands on the rise. Even the operation of the Wyld Hunt has
kidnap a reluctant agents beloved family members to ensure decreased in efficiency, as the Eyes Sidereal astrologers must
cooperation, the Empress always did what needed to be done. turn their attention to the doings of the Great Houses, rather
Some new agents even thanked her for the opportunity. than the emergence of the Anathema. The Eye was once
These erstwhile traitors have since risen through the ranks able to count on the malleability (some would say faithful
of the All-Seeing Eye and become its masters, trainers and gullibility) of the Immaculate Order to see that the Wyld
most pervasive Dragon-Blooded agents. Hunt ran smoothly on the Eyes terms, but as the Time of
Technically, the hierarchy of the Eye reports to the Tumult grows more chaotic, more Realm citizens have sought
Esteemed Minister of the Treasury, Bal Keraza ruthless, 180- refuge in religion. This new blush of panicked reliance on
year-old Dynast who oversees much of the Thousand Scales the church has increased the influence of the Immaculate
bureaucracy. The Scarlet Empress also made sure that the Order, which now uses that influence to direct the Wyld
Eye reported directly to her. With her disappearance, though, Hunt more as it sees fit. It has grown ever more difficult for
the Eyes members report to no one, and the Eye has suffered the All-Seeing Eye to steer the Wyld Hunt and make sure
hard times. The organization is not only the secret police of that it is being used and deployed properly.
the Realm, but its most important last line of defense, and Naturally, the real powers behind the All-Seeing Eyethe
it is coming undone. The mere thought that the All-Seeing assassins and spymasters whom even the most knowledgeable
Eye might be watching them still terrifies the leaders of the of the Scarlet Dynasty believe to be nothing more than Iselsi
Great Houses and the ministers in the Thousand Scales, but Dragon-Bloodsare gravely concerned with what is happening
the agency is losing more actual range and influence by the to their bureau. To safeguard themselves and their organiza-
day. Were its reputation not already so fearsome, it would tion, therefore, they have been releasing key pieces of tracer
certainly have collapsed by now. information to the Esteemed Minister of the Imperial Treasury
Yet, without the Empresss patronage, the enemies of (as well as those he influences and is influenced by in turn)
the All-Seeing Eye are tentatively taking revenge on the watching to see where that information surfaces. Doing so

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Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 gives the Eye a keen insight into how information circulates
among its enemies, as well as who is snapping at the bait it
drops. Such information-gathering exercises often result in the
sacrifice of agents in the field, but no truly highly placed spy
or informant will be hung out to dry like that without a solid
expectation of a concomitant reward. The Eye has even used
these tactics to perform a little internal housecleaning, get-
ting rid of agents with no abiding value and forging borderline
agents into cannier, more capable survivors. That these latter
survivors will appreciate the Eyes gambling with their lives is
not always a given, though, and there is no more dangerous
threat than a trained spy and assassin who has been abused
by his callous handlers.

RECRUITMENT
Unlike the other two branches of the Thousand Scales,
the All-Seeing Eye actively recruits its own members. Some
prospective members are soldiers or officers in the Imperial
Army. Others are talented clerks in important ministries with
no hopes of advancement. Still others are well-connected
patricians or even minor nobles in the Scarlet Dynasty. The
recruiters of the All-Seeing Eye do not hesitate to consider
peasants, slaves or even Immaculate monks should circum-
stances necessitate. If a prospective agent has skills that
will serve the Eye well, is in a social position that regularly
makes her privy to important information or simply has the
right combination of patriotic zeal and keen wit, the Eyes
recruiters will draw her in no matter who she is.
The All-Seeing Eye is probably the most equal-opportunity
organization in the Realm. Sidereal Exalted astrologer-assassins
regularly work with streetwise fences and otherwise-ignored
slaves, all chosen, placed and paid according to their skill and
usefulness. Despite the veneer, though, most of the Eyes best
and most trusted agents are Dragon-Bloodedmostly talented
outcastes and Iselsi fugitives. The reason the Eye relies on such
undesirables is that their loyalties are the least likely to
be divided by Great House power-mongering, and they are
the easiest citizens for whom to provide false cover identi-
ties. Its much easier to insert an outcaste Dragon-Blood
from the Threshold into the society of the Blessed Isle in
the guise of a far-flung provincial governor promoted to
a position in the big city than it is to take a Dynast from the
big city and falsify a new identity for him. Its also easier to rely
on such an outcaste because he knows how it feels to be an
outsider observing the polite society that has heretofore wanted
nothing to do with him. The only real danger in doing so is if
the implanted agent becomes too comfortable in his cover role
within a Great House and begins to feel like a true member
of the unwitting family that has welcomed him.
Regardless, those whom the Eye deems worthy of
recruitmentdue to valuable skills, or because they
managed to uncover an Eye operation with no formal train-
ingare secretly given a sign marked with a single lidless
eye. Those who are clever enough to recognize the symbol
for what it represents, and to hold their silence, are openly

CHAPTER THREE THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT 55

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 approached and taken into the fold eventually. Desperately plenty willing and able to take action to deal with it. Depend-
unfortunate are those who cannot refrain from spreading the ing on the nature and severity of the guilty partys scheme,
word of what theyve received, though. Should the confused the Eye passes and executes sentences, which are carried
prospect take the strange symbol to a mentor, or should he out in the Eyes own subtle idiom. Such sentences include
let some unsuspecting family member stumble across it, his privately warning the offender to return the illicit funds,
life is forfeit. stealing the missing funds back directly from the offenders
coffers, spreading slanderous lies to publicly humiliate the
WHAT THE ALL-SEEING EYE SURVEYS offender and cost him his position, and even getting word to
The All-Seeing Eye has one main function, with multiple an overzealous local magistrate. Corrupt agents of the Eye
other individual duties arrayed beneath it. That main func- have been known to employ that latter tactic in hopes of the
tion is to ensure the continued existence of the Realm by any resulting confusion being distracting enough to cover their
means and at any cost. There is no single way to uphold that own tracks when they are up to no good.
function, though, so the Eyes missions are many. They include
monitoring the tributary states of the Threshold for signs of THE WYLD HUNT
willfulness and insurrection, spying on the Great Houses of Among its most dangerous and fearsome agents, the
the Realm for the same, maintaining and subtly directing All-Seeing Eye also employs a surprisingly large number
the Wyld Hunt and standing at the gates of the Realms vast of astronomers and diviners who are dedicated to locating
influence and watching for trouble from without. the reborn Anathema. Working closely with the diviners of
Many of the All-Seeing Eyes actual missions complement the Immaculate Order (though usually on the sly or acting
those responsibilities the magistrates take upon themselves, as a double-blind backup to those diviners), these agents of
and fierce rivalries spring up between members of those the Eye are the ones who call down the Wyld Hunt when
organizations over the interference each perceives in the ac- signs indicate that an Anathema has reemerged into the
tions of the other. The Scarlet Empress used the magistrates world. Once the Eye is convinced that a new Anathema is
to stymie the ambitions of the Eye while simultaneously us- destined to rise, the diviners work hard to provide their best
ing the Eye to do the same against the magistrates. Luckily, estimate as to where the threat will do so. Agents, observers
despite their other problems resulting from the Empresss and informants are all then dispatched to the area that their
disappearance, the Eyes agents are far more numerous than results suggest, all of whom scour the local area at the Eyes
the magistrates, and they operate far more subtly. The Eyes behest for the slightest hint of where the presaged Anathema
power is much more strictly regulated, however, and much will turn up.
of its day-to-day resources go toward auditing the mundane Once agents of the Eye have finally located the Anath-
operations of the Thousand Scales. ema, they get word back as quickly as they can to a scout,
an Immaculate or a magistrate who will call the Wyld Hunt
FINANCES forth. Officially, calling and coordinating a Wyld Hunt is the
Thanks again to the influence of Bal Keraz, monitor- Immaculate Orders job, which is just as the All-Seeing Eye
ing the Thousand Scales revenues and receipts is the most prefers, but at least one agent of the Eye usually rides with the
important (if least exciting) of the All-Seeing Eyes duties. If Hunt during the chase. This agent makes sure the hunters do
no one were keeping tabs on the tax revenues collected from as they are bid and that they do it welland that they actu-
the tributaries and the prefectures, the Realm would hemor- ally hunt down the right person. Granted, ones Anathema
rhage more jade than a wounded god of pecuniary excess. nature makes itself very plain once an attack by the Wyld
Therefore, the Eye has long had access to, if not actually Hunt has begun, but if the Hunt comes down on an innocent
placed agents in, every customs office and counting house. mortal or God-Blood (likely as a result of Anathema trickery),
Many of those observers have been exposed and subsequently a Hunt might not realize as much until its too late. Such has
bribed, threatened or otherwise forced to turn a blind eye happened in the pastthe most recent incidents occurring
to burgeoning embezzlement schemes and corruption. With in the Threshold cities of Gem and Chiaroscuro, as well as
the Eye blinded to such indiscretions, crooked nobles and in far-flung Greyfalls. The former two incidents involved
merchants are in much better positions to fiddle with the Hunts for canny Anathema assassins, one of whom has ties
tax revenues they surrender to the Realm. While money to a Southern cult of worshippers of the demon Sondok. The
still finds its way to the Imperial Treasury, the amount of latter focused on a masked Anathema insurgent attempting
it decreases every year. (Some tributary governments have to stir up dissent among the Nuri support staff of Greyfalls
even taken to secretly hiring privateer bandits to raid tribute government. In each of those cases, however, the All-Seeing
shipments and turn a portion of the spoils back over to the Eye minders of the Hunt allowed the mistakes to be carried
criminals who hired themanything to keep the resources forward, as the falsely identified targets the Hunt rolled up
out of the Realms hands.) on were corrupt ministers already under investigation by the
Of course, when an Eye asset uncovers concrete proof Eye. While the Anathema in each case did manage to escape,
of embezzlement or other willful corruption, the Eye is still and the leaders of each Hunt were publicly humiliated, the

56
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 Eye still counts each Hunt as a partial success. safety and social nicety. In a small percentage of cases, each
With fewer agents in the All-Seeing Eyes employ these of the conspirators might be stolen from their beds at night,
days, however, more Anathema are slipping away from even rushed to a hidden Eye installation, locked in an otherwise
the best-trained Wyld Hunts. Even when the signs of the empty room together and left there for hoursand all the
arrival of a new Anathema are noted, there is simply not while, none of their abductors reveal their identities or say a
enough manpower available for the Eye to see the abomination single word. Upon their eventual release, most such conspira-
hunted down and slaughtered. Likewise, the sheer number tors have learned their lessons. Sometimes, however, death is
of newly reborn Solar Exalted has shocked the overwhelmed the only solution. An assassin might quietly execute a minor
Wyld Hunt. The Eyes youngest and most zealous agents find conspirator to warn the remaining traitors, for instance. The
this situation intolerable and have taken steps to establish a Eye has also been known to convince the local magistrate to
Wyld Hunt manned entirely by members of the All-Seeing put on a public execution, complete with a denouncement of
Eye. Unlike the unmistakable, blazing display of power that the involved dissidents and a recitation of the traitors crimes.
a normal Wyld Hunt puts on, however, this nascent cult of A magistrates showing up out of the blue and unraveling a
Anathema-killers relies on the Eyes favored techniques of complicated conspiracy with no visible effort is undeniable
stealth, cunning, ambush and assassination. As a result, it evidence to even the most ignorant layman that the Realms
can field fewer agents per Hunt with the same expectations spies truly are everywhere.
of success and expose them to less outright danger than a Of course, it gets that same message across regard-
normal Wyld Hunt would face. In fact, the biggest challenge less of whether the alleged dissidents are involved in a
these assassins face in carrying out their work is beating the real conspiracy.
official Wyld Hunt to a target once a diviner warns of another
Anathemas imminent rise. WATCHING THE FRINGE
For all the effort it puts into safeguarding the Realm,
PRESERVING THE PEACE the All-Seeing Eye does not focus exclusively inward. One
The common perception is that agents of the Eye are last, though not inconsequential, aspect of its labors is
everywhere, and anybody could be one, so no word spoken to gather valuable intelligence beyond the sphere of the
out against the government goes unheard. The perception Realms influence. Every major city of the Threshold, and
is a far cry from the truth, especially these days, but it aids several well beyond, have agents in place whose duties are to
the Eye in its duties nonetheless. This perception has even observe, to recruit and, on rare occasions, to act to defend
worked to help ward off some of the Eyes actual enemies. the Realm. If an up-and-coming Sijanese criminal cartel is
High-ranking agents in the organization have begun to using the traffic of ghost flowers as cover for smuggling body
circulate a rumor that the All-Seeing Eye is well aware of parts out of the crypts of revered Dynasts, the All-Seeing
where the Scarlet Empress is, why she has been absent and Eye will put a stop to it. If the armies of the Fair Folk are
when she plans to return. Fortunately, none have yet dared about to overrun the far-flung city of Greyfalls, the All-
to call these agents bluff (if they are bluffing), and no one Seeing Eye will make sure that the garrison commander
has made any overt, sweeping moves against the Empresss there is prepared. If the Lunar Leviathan has found some
pet intelligence organization. way to raise the sunken city of Luthe, the All-Seeing Eye
Regardless, the Eye does funnel considerable resources will make sure that the agents of the Bodhisattva Anointed
toward forestalling potential conspiracies. Frankly, its by Dark Waters are too distracted to take advantage of the
easier to deal with a few burgeoning conspirators skulking situation first.
in the shadows than it is to hold back a revolutionary army
on the battlefield. When evidence of treason arisesas it
regularly does in this Time of Tumultcareful delibera-
PROTECTING THE PEOPLE
In this troubling, dangerous timepotentially the worst
tion precedes any actual overt action. The general rule is Creation has seen since the Usurpationthe responsibility to
that the more power and influence the guilty party can protect its people is the most serious one the Realms govern-
wield, the more subtle and circumspect the All-Seeing Eye ment has. Threats come from within (in the form of corruption,
must be in its actions. A loud, drunken mortal braggart rebellion and lawlessness) and from without (in the form of
who mouths off in a whorehouse about wanting to kill Anathema, divine unruliness and foreign aggression). While
his tributary governments satrap and free his people from the All-Seeing Eye shares in the responsibility for watching
Realm control might turn up the next morning in an alley out for such threats, different branches and appointees of
with his throat slit. House Iselsi, on the other hand, tried the government must actually do the work of protecting the
to carry off an assassination and a bloody coup against Realms citizens. The task of upholding the laws within the
the Scarlet Empress herself after spectacularly failing to Realm and in its external provinces falls on the magistrates and
pacify the River Province the Guardians of the Realm, as well as on the Realms courts.
In most cases, a hint that the Eye is indeed watching Defending the Realm from external threats is the purview of
the traitors is enough to send everyone scurrying back into the Imperial Army and the Wyld Hunt.

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 Magistrates wander the land either looking for trouble
THE LAW or forcing it to come to them. Normally, if anything going
The Imperial Code of Law, like the Imperial Regis- on in a given region demands a magistrates attention, the
try that is technically an offshoot of the Code, is a living overburdened or frustrated local government will send run-
document lengthy enough to warrant an entire ministry ners to find her immediately. This is assuming, of course, that
to oversee it. It contains every law and precedent-setting the local authorities want to incur the magistrates attention.
judgment or interpretation made since the earliest days When they dont, its up to lesser government functionaries or
of the Empresss reignand sections of it date back to even dutiful citizens to seek out the magistrate independently
the Shogunate. Though it has spawned several schools and plead for her help. The most proactive magistrates also
of thought and dozens of ministerial offices, it is not a employ networks of spies and informants in the lands they
literal accounting of proscribed activities as one might travel, so as not to have to wait for honest, honorable people
expect. It is, instead, a collection of ideas about the na- to step forward. Sometimes even the best and most honorable
ture of law, accompanied by annotations of every major people wont stand up against injustice unless they already
decision and thinking based on that collection. know they can count on the immediate support of a powerful
Imperial law is a fluid system with regular changes magistrate. To do otherwise shows either remarkable faith or
being introduced around a stable, central ethical core. a thundering lack of foresight.
The Immaculate Philosophy provides this core with its Magistrates most often work more or less alone. The
ideas of a celestially ordained order and the importance average magistrate employs a single scribe and perhaps a
of knowing ones place in it. This is not an official warrior or two as a bodyguard. The former records all of
stance on the part of the government or the Immaculate the magistrates deeds for inclusion in the Realms official
Order, it is simply a result of generations of Immaculate histories, the Realms Code of Law, and whatever piece
thinking throughout the Realm. The Immaculate faith of popular propagandist literature the scribe has accepted
is the religion of the Realm, and the Realms Code of a sideline commission to write. (Magistrates are also ac-
Law is a clear reflection of that. countable for their actions, though only to the Empress, so
As such, the Code is not a strictly explicit list of it behooves them to maintain fastidious records of what they
commandments or set of clear definitions of what is are doing.) The bodyguards magistrates employ are usually
criminal. There is no need for such a list. Every citizen not necessary per se, as every magistrate is a powerful Ter-
of the Realm knows the ethics of the Immaculate Order. restrial Exalt in his own right, but the bodyguards provide
It permeates their culture and society. Everyone knows invaluable distractions in ambushes or other situations when
what is right and wrong when it comes to matters of a magistrates is indisposed.
theft, negligence, murder, rape and violation in all its Different magistrates rely on different forms of support
forms. The Code, then, is a procedural and interpretive staff to get their work done. Some walk a predetermined
document. It serves as a foundational ethical document route through the lands they consider their protectorate,
that details the imperial understanding of order, from paying off a vast network of snitches, gossips and undercover
which every agent of the law can then be assumed to agents to keep them informed of the protectorates general
draw correct judgments. disposition. Others cultivate relationships with auditors
working within the Imperial Bureaucracy in order to keep
tabs on the health of the area. Still others rely on members
of the All-Seeing Eye whom theyve unmasked, extorting
MAGISTRATES carefully gleaned information in return for the magistrates
Magistrates are those lone appointed heroes who roam the
not blowing the agents cover. Some rare few even work
satrapies and prefectures of the Realm to dispense justice on
directly with the satraps, prefects or provincial governors to
evildoers and protect the citizenry in the name of the Scarlet
help maintain order.
Empress. They investigate potential uprisings among the
Realms tributary kingdoms, they catch tax-dodgers, and they ARCHONS
root out dangerous threats that tributary lords cant handle. Aside from their normal support staff, magistrates also
Magistrates also act as independent investigators in complex have the power to recruit subordinates called archons. These
trials and help manage crisis situations in times of disaster individuals can be Dragon-Blooded or otherwise, but they
(be it pulling people out of the rubble when starmetal falls are typically criminals, young revolutionaries or outcastes a
onto an inhabited city or walking into a burning building magistrate has saved from execution or exile. Should they
and collapsing it from within to keep the fire from spread- accept the magistrates offer to serve the Realm, they are
ing). Each task the magistrate performs is for the good of the bound to obey that magistrates orders. They can be called
Scarlet Empire and its tributary stateseither enforcing its upon to find evidence, locate witnesses, spy and defend the
laws, protecting its citizens or punishing its worst criminals magistrate with their own liveswhatever best suits the skills
and terrorists. for which the magistrate called upon them.

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 These individuals owe their survival and freedom to magistrates, though, she very rarely had to divest a magistrate
their magistrates influence, and their fortunes are tied to of his powers. (The last time she did so was almost two cen-
the magistrates. Each archons life is bound up with the life turies ago when she summarily stripped every magistrate she
of the magistrate he serves, as well, for if the magistrates had elevated from House Iselsi of honor and rank.)
life should end, so too must that of the archon. For such a In her mercy, the Empress plucked many magistrates
penalty to be invoked, however, another magistrate first must from prison or worse, so that they might choose between
know that one of his own has fallen and, second, must find death and service to the Realm. Having been spared thus, the
the fallen magistrates surviving archons. Considering how magistrates pledged their considerable skills to the service of
difficult and time-consuming such a search can be, some the Realm. Almost uniform among them is a deep personal
older magistrates have taken it upon themselves to devote loyalty to the Empress herself, which is almost unheard of
their entire careers to tracking down renegade archons of in the Imperial Service. Those who are not loyalor worse,
fallen magistrates. are corruptface a hard road ahead, as not only their better
The only real hope a surviving archon of a slain magistrate devoted compatriots spare nothing to hunt them down, but
once had for the future was the possibility of being appointed angry locals, spirits of justice and honor-bound Lawgivers
a magistrate himself and taking up the slain ones protectorate. do so as well.
Such has happened in the past, though not often, but only Once appointed, there is no formal training for magis-
the Scarlet Empress ever had the power to make someone a trates. They are simply given their badges of office, instructed
magistrate. With her gone, surviving archons have no hope, in their duties, informed of the limits of their new power and
and that makes them desperate, hunted creatures. told to familiarize themselves with the laws of the Realm as
best they are able. In some cases (especially if the magistrate
BECOMING A MAGISTRATE in question has been far removed from society for a long
The only way to become a magistrate is to be appointed time), a newly appointed magistrate is assigned a scribe and
by the Scarlet Empress. She needs no approval or ratification, historian who also happens to be fluent in current Realm laws.
so her word on the subject is final. In Her Imperial Majesty Older magistrates also shadow the younger ones to keep tabs
also lies the sole authority to strip a magistrate of his position. on their performance and provide assistance when doing so
Considering the Empresss care and discretion in appointing doesnt interfere too much with their own duties.

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 RESPONSIBILITIES AND BENEFITS their judgments in the past when times grow harsh. Some
When they are in the field, magistrates can perform a even relish the opportunity the disappearance has provided
wide variety of tasks, and they enjoy some significant perks them to carry on about their work undisturbed. After all, a
for performing them. Magistrates can confiscate any property, magistrate can range much farther afield if he doesnt have
execute any sentence and exercise their will and powers any to make the long, regular treks back to the Imperial City
other way they want. They serve as the visible manifesta- every so often.
tion of the Empresss will, so anything they do in her name As for what magistrates are actually called upon to do, a
must be just and unquestionable. In theory, this power has number of responsibilities fall upon their shoulders. The follow-
no limit save the Empresss direct opposition to one of their ing are just a random sampling of the most common ones:
decrees, and such opposition was only likely to arise well
ACTING AS JUDGES
after the decree is issued if some offended party had the
Magistrates often hear suits or are petitioned to serve
courage and the clout to appeal the magistrates sentence to
as judges in cases of murder and other heinous crimes that
the Empress herself.
occur in their protectorates. They have the power to render
Magistrates have no set routes to patrol or territory
judgment and levy sentences. A magistrate can also observe
for which they are responsible. Any place in Creation
an official court proceeding without acting as judge himself
over which the Realm claims dominion is considered the
if the local judge has the situation well in hand. His doing so
purview of a magistrate. The average magistrate will make
can help maintain order if the trial in question is especially
his home in a single town, often a provincial capital, and
emotionally charged (such as if a hapless Ghost-Blooded
establish a far-ranging patrol route. This route (and the
asylum-seeker from a neighboring shadowland has been
Realm territory it encompasses) is known as the magistrates
accused of opening the citys gates to an invading army of
protectorate. No magistrate is required to establish a
the dead), or it can lend legitimacy to the proceedings (if,
protectorate, but all magistrates are expected to respect
for instance the populace is unjustly suspicious of its judge).
each others protectorates. By tradition, no magistrate can
Some magistrates do nothing but act as wandering judges
overrule another in that others own protectorate unless
in their protectorates, maintaining a staff of agents in each
the other is demonstrably corrupt, incompetent or act-
city whose sole job it is to round up, question and protect
ing counter to the Realms best interest. Putting down a
witnesses in various cases.
magistrate in his own protectorate is a risky proposition,
however, as the evidence that he deserves it must be over- HUNTING BEASTS
whelming enough to forestall all suspicious questioning. The simplest expression of this responsibility is the
Plus, the damage done by usurping himnot only to the idea of magistrate as shepherd. With stout staff in hand
protectorate, but to the Realms image in that protector- (representing the righteous authority vested in him), he
atemust be considerably less severe than that of leaving watches over his docile flock and chases away the wolves
the corrupt or incompetent magistrate in power. For this who seek to steal his sheep. In popular heroic fiction
reason, most magistrates mind the business of their own commissioned by the Scarlet Empress, magistrates are
protectorates and leave their neighbors to deal with their the ones who rescue hapless maidens from evil monsters,
own affairs. When honor, law or their conscience requires storming the monsters lairs and slaying them where
they do otherwise, though, it is best to rope in at least one they stand. In the past, beasts were generally regarded
other magistrate to lend the effort an air of legitimacy and as just thatanimals or monsters that preyed upon the
the strength of numbers. Empresss subjects. In the modern day, however, magis-
Once every five years, a magistrate must report to the trates are expected to hunt any and every sort of beast
Imperial City with his associated scribe (if hes got one) to that troubles decent people, including lawless fugitives,
detail his deeds and judgments. At that time, the Empress troublesome ghosts, ambitious Fair Folk and even those
reviews the work the magistrate has done (comparing it to Anathema who escape the notice of the Wyld Hunt. The
the reports made on the same magistrate by the All-Seeing most recent instance of a magistrate seeking to purge a
Eye). With the disappearance of the Empress, though, magis- young Anathema on his own ended in tragedy, however,
trates have become notably reluctant to answer the five-year when the Water-aspected Peleps Gerik fell in battle with
summons. They dont know if the Regent can (or will) strip a Solar Exalt named Swan from the Coral Archipelago.
their power from them when they do, and they dont want Initial reports from survivors of that incident claim that
to expose themselves to the enemies they might have made the Anathema also died in that battle, but such reports
in the field besides. Some have grown corrupt without this have been greatly exaggerated before.
oversight, accepting or extorting bribes from the officials in
their protectorates or the bandits who plague them. Others DEALING WITH UNQUIET SPIRITS
continue to function in the far reaches of the Realm as best If a spirit or ghost is refusing to behavean increas-
they can, calling on favors from those who have valued ingly common occurrence these daysa magistrate is
generally called for. The expectation is that the magistrate

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 will demonstrate to the spirit or ghost the folly of its ways. worst time in the Second Age to be a magistrate. For one
Out of respect for not only its own low place in Creation, thing, no one has any authority to appoint new magistrates
but for the Dragon-Blooded magistrates high one, the spirit to replace those who fall in the line of duty. It is conceivable
is then expected to amend its behavior so that life gets back that Regent Fokuf could exercise this aspect of the Empresss
to normal. It behooves the magistrate in this situation to power himself, but he lacks the drive or the will to do so
show the spirit its due respect so as not to rile the other unprompted. Any one of the supplicants who has the
spirits of its court. Some spirits will not see reason, though, Regents ear (from the eldest Senators of the Deliberative to
so sometimes a magistrate has to smite the offending entity. the scions of the Great Houses) could recommend certain
When that regrettable necessity arises, the magistrate is best Dragon-Blooded heroes for the Regents consideration, but
served to call upon local members of the Immaculate Order. doing so would be inherently dangerous for them. Those
The Immaculates are expected to defer to the magistrate for trusted advisors wouldnt have to worry about potential
the duration of their cooperation. (Such arrangements also refusal, of course, as the Regent would willingly go along
hastily arise on those rare occasions when a foolish magis- with their recommendations without question. Using the
trate-sorcerer summons a demonic servant that proves too malleable pawn to exercise such direct influence on the
powerful for him to control.) Realm, however, could break the influence armistice that
the Regents appointment represents. Its one thing to
ROOTING OUT CORRUPTION convince Fokuf not to veto a piece of legislation that has
When suspicion grows that a satrap, prefect or min- been forged in the fires of the Deliberatives debate floors.
ister is corrupt, it is the magistrates who are called in to Its quite another to use the Regent to place someone from
investigate the matter. This duty is perhaps the magistrates your House above the law for your personal benefit.
most important one, though perhaps for different reasons Whats more, as the magistrates numbers dwindle, those
today than might have existed before. In the past, evidence they have hunted or ruled against in the past are now look-
of corruption in a Realm official was considered a slap in ing for revenge. From corrupt ministers to escaped bandit
the Empresss face, an unpardonable insult. It was through kings to disgraced Dragon-Blooded whose villainy gives the
her magistrates that the Empress expressed her displeasure Realm a bad name, everyone with an axe to grind with a
with her willful, crooked ministers and other officials and magistrate knows that now is the time to act. Magistrates
kept the rest of them in line. Today, though, the Empress is are powerful and canny warriors, to be sure, but when their
gone, and her will is entirely the purview of precedent and enemies have sufficient power to threaten them, embattled
guesswork. Therefore, some magistrates have taken it upon magistrates now have nowhere to turn for official support.
themselves to crack down on this rampant criminality as Even the ministers of the Thousand Scales are reluctant
the only means of keeping the Realm from disintegrating to support their erstwhile overseers, as a reduction in the
entirely into chaos. As a result, it is these magistrates who presence and power of said overseers only makes a corrupt
garner the most enemies and have had the most to lose since ministers life that much easier.
the Empresss disappearance. To make matters worse, many surviving magistrates
LIMITATIONS ON MAGISTRATES were once criminals or outcastes themselves before their
Although the magistrates enjoyed tremendous power appointments. Most have powerful enemies who resent
and not inconsiderable influence, this is not to say that their undeserved elevation, and those enemies are making
their power went unchecked. One of the most important their presence felt. Villains with plans to snatch up the
precautions the Empress took when she created the position Scarlet Throne and those who feel they have been wronged
was to forbid her magistrates from acquiring wealth. Thus by magistrates are making their moves with little interfer-
would they be the poorest inhabitants of the Realm and ence. At the same time, members of the All-Seeing Eye are
consequently its humblest. Yet, since all citizens are duty- taking this unexpected opportunity to carve out some of
bound to accede to any and every request a magistrate makes, the magistrates power. Since the Empresss disappearance,
to say that a magistrate is poor is an overstatement of the many magistratesfrom the most heinous and corrupt
lifestyle. (No man who can requisition a penthouse apart- to the weakest and most navehave been assassinated.
ment in any provincial capital within his protectorate and Others have been arrested, brought to trial, and executed
demand three square meals of expensive delicacies without for perceived treason. Only political influence, espionage,
being expected to pay for it can hardly be considered poor.) and raw physical power can protect the magistrates who are
Whats best about this imperial stricture on the position is left from being eliminated altogether. The situation is so
that it makes magistrates hard to bribe. After all, what could desperate that some hunted magistrates have fallen under
a magistrate possibly be offered that would compare to what the sway of enterprising, opportunistic Solar Exalted who
he is already entitled to? promise either righteous justice for or sweet revenge against
Granted, the stricture against wealth is not much of those who have turned a noble profession in the Empresss
a true limitation, but this Time of Tumult is probably the service into a magistracy of hares.

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 THE GUARDIANS OF THE REALM
While the magistrates are the most famous and influential
individual agents of the Empresss law, the fearsomely clad
Guardians of the Realm (a.k.a. the Black Helms) are the
face of imperial law and police power to most of the peasants
and patricians of the Realm. This fact, of course, subjects
the Black Helms to every imaginable variety of underclass
griping, and makes them out to be the villains of most of the
peasantrys tales of oppression. The common perception is
that the Guardians of the Realm represent everything thats
scary and wrong about law enforcement by the government,
while magistrates are lone heroes driven by nothing more
than a noble understanding of justice. The sudden appearance
of the Black Helms is a sure way to empty a marketplace or
focus the attention of everyone in a farm field on the ground
beneath their feet. Even citizens whove done nothing wrong
find the presence and authority of the Black Helms intimi-
dating. This vicious reputation the guardians have earned
is not entirely inaccurate, as the Black Helms count more
than a few bullies among their number. They also have the
power and right to judge a peasant or dispossessed person on
the spot without turning to the courts, which makes them
even more fearsome to the lower classes. That being said,
Guardians of the Realm are just men and women doing a
hard, thankless job, and there are as many different ways to
do that job as there are guardians to do it. For every bully
with a shield and truncheon, theres a local woman whos a
Black Helm simply because she felt called to make maintain-
ing peace and order her occupation.
Patricians detained by the guardians are brought before
the judges of the imperial courts, as long as there is a rea-
sonable case to be made against them. The guardians have
a fair amount of latitude in deciding whom to prosecute.
Guardians may hold patricians or citizens for up to a week
without prosecuting them, although if a prisoner is particularly
influential this can cause problems, and the Black Helms hurry
the process along. Peasants and the disenfranchised may be
held for up to a month, but holding peasants for extended
periods of time without a good reason is considered evidence
of inefficiency and laziness among the guardians. As noted,
guardians may settle minor charges against citizens or peasants
without recourse to courts. Punishments for citizens include
fines or simply spending up to a week imprisoned. More serious
crimes, whose punishment can be death, disenfranchisement
or exile must be taken before the courts, as must any accused
who is a patrician or a Dynast.
Upon officially entering the fold, all Guardians of the
Realm take an oath to uphold the stability and order of the
Realm and to preserve the well-being of its people and mate-
rial assets. The underlying thought behind using so simple
an oath is that its easier to indoctrinate all guardians with
one basic core idea than it is to bewilder individual Black
Helms with the vastness of the ever-evolving Code of Laws.
As a result, most guardians who have not achieved officer

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 rank usually deal with criminals and other neer-do-wells in ASSETS AND EQUIPMENT
the most timely and decisive fashion they can think of, rather Presence is the greatest asset of the Guardians of the
than complicating their lives studying intricate procedural Realm, greater even than their prerogative to use force to
matters. They simply move in, remove the problem, and move preserve order or their highly efficient means of long-distance
on. Doing so can include anything from putting a rowdy communication. Their colloquial name, the Black Helms,
drunks arm up his back and marching him home to sleep is a testament to their skill at using force of personality and
it off, to raiding the warehouses frequented by a smuggling intimidation as their tool of choice in most matters, in addi-
ring and rounding up the perpetrators for trial. This is not tion to describing their imposing appearance. The uniform
to imply that the Black Helms are necessarily discourteous of the guardians is standardized, with variations stemming
or violent in all cases. They are just trained to be efficient only from workmanship. Gleaming black helmets are often
and orderly before they are diplomatic or crafty. Its the job worn with full-face masks, circumstances permitting, along
of their officers to worry about the minutia of the law and with black gauntlets and buff jackets with imperial scarlet
tell the rank-and-file what to do. trim and details. The quality of a Black Helms kit depends
It is a prefects job (or that of her staff) to make ap- largely on the budget available for that regions forces and
pointments to the Guardians of the Realm. Although the the diligence required by local officers in maintaining the
Deliberative is technically supposed to approve any appoint- equipment. In more rural posts, uniforms are weathered and
ments or promotions to the rank of dragonlord, doing so is threadbare, while the guardians in the Imperial City are the
largely an ink-stamped formality. Even the malcontents of very picture of careful attention to detail in production and
the Lesser Chamber seldom rally against the appointment maintenance of their uniforms. These choices in garb have
of prominent guardians to that rank. In this manner do the an obvious and immediate impact on the populace at large.
interests of the prefect and the Great House that supports The guardians cut a very imposing figure when fully and
her become what decides how many guardians any given properly attired, especially in groups.
town or area has and how they are distributed. Officials The Black Helms make use of a few different configura-
who rely heavily on these police forces for legitimate (or tions of weapons and team sizes when actual force is called
other) reasons will make sure that many guardians are easily for, based on the needs of the situation and the location. The
appointed or promoted in the area in question. Those who average squad or patrol makes use of small shields and clubs as
prefer to rely on their own private troops or who would rather primary weapons and carries short swords for more dangerous
not risk having the police around to get underfoot or expose circumstances. Guardians can also be armed with spears and
their troublesome governance, make sure that Black Helms bows when needed. Their unit size is usually increased to make
are scarce. In general, all large cities or similar population proper use of such weapons. As with their armor, the quality of
centers have a minimum of one Black Helm dragonlord and their weapons varies based on location, with shoddy weapons
appropriate manpower for such an officer. Some coastal ports in neglected or remote posts contrasted with the uniformly
with heavy trade from the Threshold, and many marketplaces exceptional weapons of the showpiece patrols of Imperial City.
such as Arjuf, support as many as five dragons of guardians The minimum unit size for a patrol, in optimal conditions, is
with a full complement of officers and a monolithic civilian three guardianstwo to watch over one another in case of
bureaucratic staff. Conversely, even the smallest hamlet or trouble and one to move to alert help. In especially dangerous
collection of farmsteads has at least one, though preferably areas, more troops are added as needed, up to and including
two, guardians posted there full time. large, legion-style flights and military formations. In extreme
In rural and small towns, the majority of guardians are emergencies (or when a spectacular show of force is required),
peasants. Here, either one or two guardians are posted from Black Helms employ such artifact weaponry as shock pikes,
a larger town or one or two locals will be given the job. Lo- Essence twisters or haze shield generators for area defense. (See
cals are typically taken to a city for a few weeks and given Wonders of the Lost Age Age, pp. 76, 132 and 92, respectively, for
training for the job, then returned to their town. They earn these artifacts traits.)
a small salary and their job is to settle problems among the Guardians are typically skilled riders, sprinters and
peasantry and to send for help when they face any serious endurance runners. Mobility is as great a boon to these
problems. They may levy fines against citizens or hold them imperial police as it is to the legions, and the Black Helms
for trial in a city, but all of their judgments against citizens make extensive use of horses and runners for both tactical
are subject to review if the citizen can find a sympathetic and communication purposes in their regular routines. Ad-
ear among the guardians in the nearest city. These peasant ditionally, it is common practice for a patrol to send one or
guardians do not have the authority to do anything more more of its number off to alert the nearest guardian post in the
to a patrician than detain him until help arrives, and they event of any sort of conflict or trouble. Also like the legions,
may not touch a Dragon-Blood. When confronted with one the imperial police make use of a swift and sophisticated
of the Dragon-Blooded who is obviously breaking laws, they communication network. It is of the utmost importance that
are ordered to call for assistance. news about bandits or wanted criminals is disseminated as

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 widely and quickly as possible to other guardians. To this end, Any Terrestrial Exalt who works as part of the Guard-
heliography, post riders and carrier birds of various species ians of the Realm is automatically part of the Imperial Force
are used to make sure that the Black Helms as a whole are branch. Terrestrials might work as officers over the mundane
well informed and never more than a few hours from the Black Helms of the common police force, but they are paid
chain of command. an Imperial Force salary, and they stand with their Impe-
rial Force brethren when dicey circumstances necessitate.
GUARDIANS OF THE REALM Dragon-Blooded among the Imperial Force are usually former
Description: These traits represent a scale of Black Helms legionnaires or Immaculate martial-art students. There are
that would be stationed in the Imperial City. also many sorcerers among the Imperial Force, and many of
Commanding Officer: Varies them know plenty of spells that help them investigate with
Armor Color: Black with scarlet trim and a scarlet pentacle supernatural prowess or pull the truth from witnesses minds
on the back and chest. with little interference. Knowledge of divination techniques
Motto: Break it up! is also common. For Dragon-Blooded veterans, service with
General Makeup: 25 mortal peacekeeping officers, armed with the Imperial Force is a way to apply existing skills to an oc-
iron-banded cudgels and tower shields, wearing reinforced cupation that doesnt require extensive travel or retraining.
black buff jackets, black gauntlets and black masked helms. As the ebon helm is the best-known feature of the Guard-
Overall Quality: Excellent ians of the Realm, dragon armor is indelibly etched in the
Magnitude: 2 minds of every citizen as the hallmark of the Imperial Force.
Drill: 3 The Empress spared no expense in outfitting her imperial
Close Combat Attack: 3 Close Combat Damage: 3 police, and examples of all five of the main elemental armor
Ranged Attack: Ranged Damage: configurations (see Wonders of the Lost Age Age, pp. 84-87) are
Endurance: 6 Might: 0 Armor: 2 (-3 mobility) in the Imperial Forces possession, as well as many variant
Morale: 3 models. These suits of armor are what come to mind for most
Formation: When a scale of Black Helms is deployed, such as when the Imperial Force is mentioned. A team of Exalts
in response to a growing riot on the street, the troops form wearing vine armor can quickly and safely manhandle even
one long line, standing shoulder-to-shoulder. (In cramped an experienced Essence-wielding foe, and it is the Imperial
conditions, such as a narrow street, they stack up several Forces typical response to orders to apprehend a suspect.
parallel rows.) They then march forward slowly, banging their Though far less common than among the soldiers of
cudgels against their shields in a dread rhythm that saps the the rogue Seventh Legion, ashigaru armor (see Wonders of
will of any half-hearted, would-be rioter. the Lost Age,
Age p. 79) is in regular use by the mortal troop-
THE IMPERIAL FORCE ers of the Imperial Force. The most trusted and able of the
There are some criminals in the Realm that no mortal mortal Dragon Handlers (as members of the Imperial Force
agent is equipped to handle. There are some crimes that no are called) also frequently make use of sentinel defense force
purely mortal force has any business speaking out against. For armor (see Wonders of the Lost Age Age, pp. 8182). Sentinel
such cases, or when the powers that be prefer to make use of armor is similar to ashigaru but specifically designed as a
more trusted operatives, an elite subsection of the Guardians defense/site security model, sacrificing strategic mobility
of the Realm is called in. That subsection, the Imperial Force, and stealth capabilities for tactical mobility, hard defensive
performs those dangerous or high-profile actions that the Black strength and area-control capability.
Helms cannot. It deals with criminal Dragon-Bloods or spirits, These mortal operatives are equipped with more than
it patrols key imperial centers, and it harnesses the power just armor, a requirement if they are to meaningfully stand
of Essence and artifacts to especially thorny police matters. against Exalted or spirit targets. Practically every item of their
The Imperial Force makes up the Realms special police, its kit is at least of exceptional quality and is often elementally
imperial guard. It is the most skilled group of bloodhounds empowered as well. Making mundane armor and equip-
in the world todaysave for the Wyld Hunt itself, which ment magically light or making them protect the user from
hunts only one particular type of quarry. the extremes of environment are common enhancements.
The Imperial Force consists of mortals and Terrestrial Also common are talismans of all sorts (see Exalted
Exalted, p. 379)
Exalts. The forces mortals are drawn primarily from the most including walkaways and good luck charms. Their weapons
talented and powerful veterans of the legions or the Black are the best that are available and are artifacts of no small
Helms, as well as the hardiest monks of the Immaculate power in many cases. These items are less efficient in the
Order. Mortals in the Imperial Force have access to a vast hands of mortals, of course, but that small edge of magi-
array of artifacts, weapons and armor that allow them to cal power can mean a great deal, especially if the items in
serve alongside the Dragon-Blooded against terrible, inhu- question are specifically applicable to the task at hand and
man threats against which no mortal without such access designed for mortal use.
could possibly stand a chance. Easy to overlook is the power that a mixed group of
Dragon-Bloods and mortals can bring to bear when they

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 have all drilled to fight while under the influence of the many and sending her friends and relatives out to uncover infor-
Terrestrial Charms that enhance the capabilities of the users mation about her accuser. These assistants also frequently
allies as well as herself. The Imperial Forces mortal troopers attempt to determine the identity of the person who actually
are very familiar with these Charms, and training to make committed the crimeor the identity of someone who can
the most effective use of the Essence boost is a high priority be conveniently framed for it. Defendants who lack a detailed
in Dragon Handler training. While lacking the punch of ar- knowledge of the law typically ask for a relative or close friend
tifacts, Immaculate martial arts and special training in tactics to represent them. When possible, patricians attempt to per-
to use against Essence wielders provides the foundation upon suade one of the Dragon-Blooded to represent them. Given
which these very skilled mortals develop their vital prowess. the complexity of such trials and the elaborate formalities
It is worth stating once more that the Dragon-Blooded do that must be followed to try a member of the upper classes,
not lightly train mortals in techniques that could be turned such trials can last for several days, especially in the case of
against them. To a man, the mortal members of the Imperial serious crimes where the penalties can be extreme.
Force are trained in anti-Exalt combat. The loyalty of such a Trials of commoners are quite different. While the
fighter must be beyond reproach to receive this level of trust, accused is always allowed to speak in his own defense, the
and the Deliberative approves every single person named to judge can cut him off after a few minutes. Thereafter, beyond
the Imperial Force. making a speech after all the evidence has been presented,
the accused must remain silent unless he is addressed by the
IMPERIAL FORCE SCALE judge. Trials of commoners are usually brief affairs and rarely
Description: These traits represent an average scale last more than a few hours. In most cases, a judge can try two
of Dragon Handlers stationed on the Blessed Isle in the cases an hour, and near the end of the day, if the judge is tired,
Imperial City. sometimes she decides cases considerably more rapidly.
Commanding Officer: Varies
Armor Color: Various colors of jade, with black helmets. PUNISHMENTS IN THE REALM
Motto: Stop, in the Empresss name! Punishments on the Blessed Isle are unlike those in most
General Makeup: 25 Dragon-Blooded in dragon armor, of Creation. The Scarlet Empress saw little to be gained from
wielding Essence-powered weapons. either imprisoning or maiming offenders, since both forms
Overall Quality: Elite of punishment become drains upon the state. To maintain
Magnitude: 2 the strict division between slaves and the remainder of the
Drill: 5 Realms population, no legal resident of the Realm can be
Close Combat Attack: 5 Close Combat Damage: 5 enslaved. Although they can be killed without recourse or
Ranged Attack: 4 Ranged Damage: 4 trial, even the disenfranchised cannot be enslaved.
Endurance: 9 Might: 5 Armor: 6 Instead, there are five common punishments used in
Morale: 5 the Realm: fines, disenfranchisement, loss of status, exile
Formation: It is thankfully rare for an entire scale of Dragon- or death. Fines are the typical punishments for all property
Handlers to be needed on the scene at one time. Normally, crimes against commoners or patricians, for minor violence
only one fang will actually mobilize per Terrestrial Exalt who such as public brawling, for attempted violence where no
has run afoul of the law. An entire scale might be called one is harmed and for accidental murder. Fines are typically
into emergency action if a powerful Anathema (or, Dragons set at three times the value of the goods stolen or destroyed,
forbid, a circle of the same) evades the Wyld Hunt and turns with one third of this payment going to the victim and two
up inside the Imperial City. thirds to the Realm.
Violent crimes against commoners committed by Dy-
THE IMPERIAL COURTS nasts or by patricians with close allies in one of the Great
When they are brought before an imperial court, patri- Houses are also typically punished by fines. Given their great
cians, mortal members of the Great Houses and Dragon-Bloods wealth, such fines can be quite large, especially in the case
may all ask for a trial by a jury of their peers if they do not of serious offenses such as multiple murder. Property crimes
wish a local judge of the Thousand Scales to decide their committed by a commoner or a patrician against one of the
fate. Any punishment to be levied is still decided by a judge, Great Houses or any of its members is considered treason
however. Many Dynasts exercise this option because the vast and so is punished by death.
majority of local judges have strong loyalties to one of the More serious crimes committed by peasants have one
Great Houses, and none wish to be tried by an ally of their of two punishments: disenfranchisement or death. Death
rivals. In contrast, a single local judge decides the fate of all is reserved for heinous offenses such as multiple murder or
commoners who are not punished by the guardians. Com- arson, or for all forms of treason. Other crimes are punished
moners have no right to appeal these decisions. by disenfranchisement. Punishments for citizens are largely
Trials of patricians and Dynasts are often elaborate and identical, except that some of the less serious crimes that
lengthy affairs, with the accused calling character witnesses would result in a peasant being disenfranchised are more

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 often punished by loss of status. The citizen is permanently
demoted to the status of a peasant and set to work the land
THE IMPERIAL ARMY
The Imperial Armys orders are simple: to obey the Scarlet
on an estate owned by one of the Great Houses. Empress or, in her absence, the Regent (and through him, the
Punishments for crimes committed by patricians and Deliberative). The rest is just details. In theory, if tomorrow
members of the Great Houses are treated somewhat differ- the Regent called for the legions to raze the Arjuf prefecture
ently. Patricians and mortal members of the Great Houses are to the ground, the legions would do so or die trying.
never disenfranchised. Instead, they can be fined, executed The Empress once commanded as many as 81 full le-
or exiled for some period of time, usually set at somewhere gions, each with 5,000 front-line soldiers and half that many
from five years to a lifetime. Occasionally, when the courts skirmishers and auxiliaries, all of whom would kill or die at
wish to set an example but the accused are sufficiently well her whispered command. In these fallen days, however, only
connected to avoid execution, they are punished by reduc- 30 legions remainplus the notorious Vermilion Legion.
tion in status to become citizens or even peasants. This is Making matters worse, few of these legions actually fight or
considered a punishment almost as extreme as execution, even mobilize at their full strength.
not to mention a profound disgrace. Most who are given Once the Empress disappeared, imperial funding set aside
this punishment either find a way to flee and become exiles to support the troops did so as well. The loss of the Empresss
or commit suicide to avoid being forced to till the land or guiding, unifying intelligence over the legions was an even
perform similar menial tasks. For Dragon-Blooded, the greater blow, and the chain of command that remains in
imperial courts have only three punishments: fines, exile place is a poor substitute. The legions were not designed to
and death. be as internally fractious as the bureaucratic ministries were,
COMMONER COURTS but without a mandate for ongoing monetary support and a
The imperial courts have little interest in disputes over singular cohesive leadership in place, they are in just as dire
contracts or other questions involving property that occur straits. The other branches of the Thousand Scales take larger
solely between commoners. In such cases, commoners must and larger bites out of the militarys budget, and the scions of
rely on an informal but long-standing tradition of com- the Great Houses have begun to divide up the legions between
moner courts. These unofficial courts have no authority them for their own personal uses (and abuses).
over patricians or Dynasts and no official standing. In the With each passing day, the Great Houses of the Scarlet
interest of maintaining public order, however, and in return Dynasty have more to say in where the legions are deployed.
for a small monthly payment, members of the Guardians of They pay for the posting, so the legions go where the Great
the Realm typically work with their local commoner courts Houses need them. This new reality has proven undeniably
to make sure that its judgments are carried out. advantageous to the Great Houses, who no longer need to
Commoner courts are found in both large cities and mount private armies to look after their interests. (Nor do
small farming villages, and are used by peasants and citizens they risk the specter of treason for doing so.) Whats more,
alike. Unlike the official courts, commoner courts usually officer commissions within the legions are now awarded as
treat citizens and peasants as equals, in large part because prizes to faithful servants of the Great Houses, rather than
the peasants greatly outnumber the citizens and giving them as rewards for long and skillful service. Professional officers
equal standing is the only way to make them accept the have not been done away with entirely, but the number of
validity of these courts. All decisions in commoner courts experienced, competent officers is shrinking rapidly while
are decided by a respected and learned individual who is an the number of untalented dolts appointed for petty reasons
unofficial judge. These judges are usually citizens, because few rises equally quickly.
peasants are literate and judges are supposed to be widely read STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION
individuals who are well versed in the Immaculate Philosophy. At full strength, an imperial legion consists of 5,000
Commoner courts specifically exist to resolve conflicts that front-line infantry soldiers (both men and women). The le-
do not involve official crimes. They are often called to settle gions take no cavalry with them when they move out, which
issues of inheritance, contract disputes and other complex makes it much faster to send them hence and dramatically
matters involving the ownership and transfer of property. reduces the complexity of the logistics involved in deploy-
Because everyone involved is taking time away from their ment. If a legion intends to employ cavalry, it co-opts that
work, trials rarely last longer than a few hours. The judge of of the local potentate instead. Its for this same reason that
this court almost always attempts to get everyone involved to no legion deploys with siege equipment. Its much easier to
agree to a fair settlement, at which point the various parties travel with a scales worth of engineers and have them build
all split the costs for hiring the judge. If mutual reconciliation such equipment on site than it is to lug siege towers across
proves impossible, then the judge makes a decision based unfriendly terrain.
upon the merits of the various parties claims, and the loser Legions also tack on talons of archers or slingers, number-
must pay her fees. ing about half the regular legions size and largely considered to

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 of a lieutenant (or scalelord). The bottom of the command
THE THOUSAND CORRECT ACTIONS structure is a five-man unit known as a fang, each commanded
The training manual known as The Thousand by non-commissioned sergeants.
Correct Actions of the Upright Soldier details the proper RANK
action to be taken in any conceivable situation, from Terrestrial Exalted compose most of the Imperial Armys
striking camp after a successful campaign to facing a senior officer corps. It is possible for a mortal soldier to achieve
superior foe in an uphill battle during the dead of night an officers rank, but these individuals rarely rise above the
in the middle of Calibration. It covers every battlefield rank of winglord. The Dragon-Blooded do not enlist in the
tactic from open-field legion maneuvering to small-unit ranks without an exceptional reasonbe it to thumb her
house-to-house urban combat, as well as the proper forms nose at a hated parent, cousin or rival, or to entertain her
of address and acceptable levels of familiarity between jaded peers with her artful condescension. Such gestures,
soldiers of different ranks and stations. A commander however, are regarded as symbolic only, and woe be unto
who follows the Thousand Correct Actions, knows to the mortal staff sergeant who does not defer to his enlisted
halt his troops march well before nightfall so everyone Dragon-Blood soldier.
can properly entrench, change out their socks and en-
sure access to clean water before everyones too tired. EQUIPMENT OF THE IMPERIAL ARMY
A soldier who internalizes the deep wisdom of the To the jaded theorist, the only real power the legions
Thousand Correct Actions understands that his life wield derives from their numbers and their rigid discipline.
might be sacrificed to gain a military objective, but it will At its height, the Imperial Army boasted more than 600,000
never simply be thrown away. When an officers actions troops, all in matching armor, carrying matching gear, and
are Correct Actions, his soldiers faith and obedience is all marching in step to the rhythm of the Scarlet Thrones
unswerving and victory is assured. whim. Like the Black Helms, the legions relied as much on
presence and reputation to overwhelm their foes as they do
on strategy and force of arms. Some would even say it doesnt
be expendable, even by their own commanders. Such soldiers matter how powerful the legions actually are as long as the
are only lightly armored, if at all, and are not accounted part of troops mass in large enough force and march in step with
the legion proper. Each legion also travels with a slave-tended utter confidence.
baggage and supply train. A single wing under the command The religious zealot might counter this theory by
of the quartermaster (second only to the legions commander) claiming that the true power of the legions derives from the
guards this train. With the baggage train also comes the legions divine mandate of the Terrestrial Exalted in charge. To the
support, consisting of smiths, armorers, fletchers, coopers, Dragon-Blooded is given the power and wisdom to ensure the
cooks and other miscellaneous personnel. These attached safety and upright behavior of the masses, and the legions
slaves and laborers can number up to a quarter of a legions soldiers are extensions of that power. As the units of each
strength, but no general worth a damn would even consider legion metaphorically compose the bodies of glorious, power-
putting weapons in these extra hands. ful dragons, the armys Terrestrial Exalted officers are those
A general is the commander in charge of a legion. Be- dragons hearts, minds and souls. Theirs is the true power
neath her are 10 colonels (or dragonlords), each in charge that makes the enemies of the Realm tremble.
of a single dragon, with the chain of command determined Regardless of philosophy or cynicism, however, one fact
by seniority. Generally, four of those 10 dragons are heavy that cannot be ignored is that the strength of an army relies
infantry, and the other six are medium infantry. The skirmish- heavily on the quality of its equipment. From mundane sup-
ers and missile troops make up between four and six loosely plies to First Age and Shogunate relics, the Imperial Army is
organized dragons outside the legion proper. Management outfitted better than any enemy it could choose to face.
of all these subunits is the purview of a flight, a formation of In the beginning, after the Great Contagion and Fair
dragons put together to see to some specific task. Normally, Folk invasion when the burgeoning Realm first set about to
a fielded legion uses three dragons of heavy infantry in one rebuild its armys ranks, the burden of providing mundane
flight, along with two medium infantry dragons and a dragons equipment fell largely upon its provincial soldiers. When he
worth of skirmishers. The legions remaining reserve heavy first reported for duty, each soldier provided 100 liters of dried
infantry dragon and all the rest of the skirmishers stay back rice and three liters of salt, which was stored in the nearest
under the legion commanders control. The most senior provincial armory and reissued when the legion mobilized
dragonlord in the flight leads it. for war. Individuals were also responsible for providing a
Beneath each dragonlord is a pair of wings, and a major bow, bow case, bowstring, 50 arrows, a quiver, a long sword,
(or winglord) commands each one. Two talons make up a a short sword, a whetstone, a rain hat, a bag for carrying rice,
wing, and a captain (or talonlord) is in charge of each one. a canteen, a bag for carrying salt, a pair of leggings and a
Talons each consist of five scales, each under the command pair of straw sandals. In addition, each group of 10 men was

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 to furnish a tent, two copper trays, two small pots, a hoe, a General Makeup: 25 mortal heavy infantry soldiers armed
grass scythe, an axe, a hatchet, a chisel, two sickles and a with spears and target shields, wearing reinforced breastplates
pair of metal tongs. Each group of 50 soldiers was to provide of fine construction and masked helms.
a flint, a bundle of tinder grass and a handsaw. Should a man Overall Quality: Excellent
or group not be able to provide the necessary up-front sup- Magnitude: 2
plies, he could either return home in shame or purchase the Drill: 4
essentials he lacked from the legions quartermaster (usually Close Combat Attack: 4 Close Combat Damage: 3
by allowing a garnishment of his wages). These items were not Ranged Attack: Ranged Damage:
returned to a soldier or his family if he retired or was killed, so Endurance: 8 Might: 0 Armor: 3 (-4 mobility)
early military campaigns netted the Imperial Treasury a tidy Morale: 4
profitwhich the Empress could either reinvest in supplying Formation: This scales commanding officer is its only
her military or sell off in bulk during times of peace. Dragon-Blooded member, but the scale rarely deploys alone.
In the modern day, much of this basic equipment can Normally, it and four other scales deploy as a talon at mini-
be provided to an enlisting soldier, especially with so many mum, and the five scalelords form a sworn brotherhood that
legions having been recently disbanded (at which point, leads from the front.
their gear and supplies were absorbed into the remaining
legions). A soldier can expect to be given a dagger, a chop- IMPERIAL LEGION MEDIUM INFANTRY
ping sword, a small shield, a spear, a buff jacket, a helmet, Description: These traits represent the talon known as
a sturdy uniform appropriate to the climate, as well as the the God-Scotching Patriots of the 15th Legion. The talon
training to use and care for every piece of his gear. He can earned this name after forcing the army of rebellious peasants
also expect to be housed and fed regularly in return for his and bandits raised by the river god Crying Okoto to quit the
valued service. The life of a soldier is never leisurely, but field after less than one hour of fighting.
military service is certainly preferable to backbreaking labor Commanding Officer: Talonlord Nellens Fucian
or abject poverty. And while service in the legions is not the Armor Color: Crimson, with black and white trim
glorious, respectable profession it once was, it does provide Motto: Dont run! Dont hide!
discipline and training in certain mundane skills that can General Makeup: 125 mortal medium infantry soldiers armed
serve a hardworking soul well all the rest of his life. with slashing swords and bucklers, and wearing lamellar
The relative quality of a soldiers gear and training, of armor and pot helms.
course, depends on his proximity to the Imperial Manse and Overall Quality: Excellent
the importance of his assignment. The lowly enlisted man Magnitude: 3
in a peaceful, far-flung satrapy might have to make do with Drill: 3
a buff jacket, pot helmet and short sword, while the satraps Close Combat Attack: 3 Close Combat Damage: 2
personal guards all carry polearms and protect themselves Ranged Attack: Ranged Damage:
with visored helmets, crested shields and cuirasses of strong Endurance: 6 Might: 0 Armor: 2 (-2 mobility)
steel. The enlisted man stationed at Arjuf on the Blessed Morale: 3
Isle probably carries an exquisite sword and shield, with a Formation: The talon consists of five scales, each consisting of
fancy all-weather lined buff jacket and a helmet designed five fangs of mortal troops. The Dragon-Blooded commanders
as much to intimidate as to protect. The upper echelons of of each of the five scales form a single sworn brotherhood,
that soldiers enlisted ranks are decked out full articulated and the talonlord of the talon forms a sworn brotherhood
plate armor and carrying weapons with names and storied with the other talonlords and the winglord who make up
pastsnot to mention talismans and charms that the average and command his wing.
peasant laborer would pay a months wages for, should they IMPERIAL RANGED SKIRMISHERS
be unlucky enough to need them. Description: These traits represent a dragons worth of
IMPERIAL LEGION HEAVY INFANTRY archers and slingers attached to a standard imperial legion.
Description: These traits represent the Third Storm Commanding Officer: Varies
Scale, a moderately well-known scale within the 23rd Legion Armor Color: Brown, with crimson trim
that helped to drive back the barbarian army of the Anathema Motto: None
Sleeves of War in the Valley of Two Storms by breaking a General Makeup: 500 soldiers armed with long bows or slings,
charge of buck-ogres and killing more of the beasts than any wearing pot helms and reinforced buff jackets.
other scale in the legion did. Overall Quality: Good
Commanding Officer: Scalelord Cynis Denovah Avaku of Magnitude: 5
Ways Drill: 2
Armor Color: Crimson, with orange and yellow trim Close Combat Attack: Close Combat Damage:
Motto: Give no ground! Ranged Attack: 3 Ranged Damage: 2

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 Endurance: 5 Might: 0 Armor: 1 (-1 mobility) The Realms naval indomitability is all but assured as well,
Morale: 2 thanks to superior technology. In addition to the five elementally
Formation: A dragon of ranged skirmishers normally con- themed battle fleets of mundane construction, the Imperial
sists of one talon of slingers and three talons of archers. Navy boasts a wealth of First Age and Shogunate artifact ves-
The command personnel at the scale and higher level are sels, as well as modern ships built on those relics same design.
normally Dragon-Blooded officers, just as in the infantry, but It maintains a dozen Whirligig-class fast couriers, half again that
on average, only those at the dragonlord or general rank are many Resplendent Dolphin-class submersible vehicles and several
any better suited to command than any mortal would be. By dozen Swift Midday Brilliance-class light warships. It can also
custom, a Dragon-Blooded officer in a unit of this variety is supplement its various battle groups with more than two dozen
primarily responsible for defending his unit in battle, rather Glorious Dragonfly-class patrol boats. The flagships of the fleet,
than leading it. however, are the Realms handful of Dawning Sun Indomitable-
class heavy battlecruisers. Despite drifting into disrepair since
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT the end of the First Age, these awesome artifact vessels still
While the might conferred to the Imperial Army by outclass everything else on the water. (See Wonders of the Lost
its stock and care of mundane military hardware is not in- Age for descriptions of these artifact vessels.) All throughout the
considerable, its most feared power comes from its enduring West and along the eastern coast of the Inland Sea, it is a high
artifact equipment. A Dragon-Blood is a powerful asset on honor to be able to provoke the Realm to such an extent that it
the battlefieldworth any scale of mortal soldiersbut his unleashes such a ship against you. (Of course, the significance of
power increases dramatically when hes armed with a jade the honor is often lost in the grip of the bowel-clenching terror
reaver daiklave and protected by articulated jade plate armor. of facing such a fearsome vessel.)
(And thats only the most mundane of the artifact equipment Finally, the most effective and recognizable symbol of
the Realm makes available to its exemplary warriors.) the awesome and majestic might of the Realms military is
No matter how far it might have fallen in the centuries its warstriders. The Realm divides almost 200 warstriders
following the High First Age, the Realm still maintains among its remaining 30 legions, most of which it circulates
factory-cathedrals and other facilities for the production of in high visibility parades, occupation deployments and
artifact weaponry and armor. From powerbows to goremauls, symbolic raids. Most of the Realms warstriders are of the
from jade plate to haze-shield generators, the Realm takes common designation, although some 20 percent are modified
pains to outfit as many of its most valued officers as possible scouts, 15 percent are of the noble variety, and one is even
with accouterments of war befitting their Exalted station. a red-jade royal warstrider (though that last is the Empresss
And where standard requisition procedures fall short, the personal warstrider and has never seen actual use). Houses
noble family heads of the Great Houses see to it that their Cathak and Sesus each maintain one warstrider fang per
offspring are outfitted appropriately for war. With the Great legion they control, House Tepet has none left after its los-
Houses taking ever tighter control of the legions and embed- ing battle with the Bull of the North, and the other eight
ding their children at the legions heads, it behooves them to houses divide control of the remaining warstriders as evenly
provide as much magical materiel as they can put together. as they are forced to.
After all, every advantage they can provide the heads of
their pet legions is another advantage those legions can put IMPERIAL WARSTRIDER FANG
toward achieving their Houses goals. Description: Due to scarcity and the difficulty of repair-
Aside from its officers personal arms and armor, the ing them, warstriders are rare commodities in the Imperial
military can deploy a nigh-unrivaled supply of magical Army. As such, they are normally used in low-risk, high-
equipment (from arms to transport vessels). In its land- visibility operations such as raids on bandit strongholds,
based arsenal, it maintains eight battle carriers, more regime changes on foreign soil and festival-day parades on
than a dozen siege striders and five indomitable conquest the Blessed Isle.
platforms. It also outfits its fortresses and fastnessesas Commanding Officer: Varies
well as its mobile infantry unitswith Essence cannon, Armor Color: Varying colors of jade.
implosion bows, wall eaters, lightning ballistae, glorious Motto: Varies
scythes and Essence twisters. For moving troops by air, General Makeup: Five warstriders of common designation
the Realm maintains a modest fleet of warbird single-pilot with variable weaponry, plus about 50 auxiliary personnel.
craft, as well almost two dozen Manta-class skyships. Used Overall Quality: Good
to circumvent impenetrable ground defenses or break sieges, Magnitude: 1
these latter air transports often carry fangs of elite drop Drill: 4
troops. These troops wear ashigaru armor and make use of Close Combat Attack: 5 Close Combat Damage: 6
jump harnesses and shock pikes (or fire lances) to assault Ranged Attack: 4 Ranged Damage: 6
entrenched troops from overhead. (See Wonders of the Lost Endurance: 7 Might: 5 Armor: 8 (-6 mobility)
Age for descriptions of these artifacts.) Morale: 4

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 DOOMSDAY EQUIPMENT
For all of its mundane might and its stock of artifact equipment, the Realm boasts two types of military equipment
that far exceed anything else any other military can put forth. These devices include the Thousand-Forged Dragons
and the Realm Defense Grid. Even the upstarts of the renegade Seventh Legion tremble when they contemplate
these mighty and eternal constructs.
THOUSAND-FORGED DRAGONS
The Thousand-Forged Dragons are 30-foot-long metal dragons with 20-foot wingspans that can fly up to 100
miles per hour. Their paws sport talons the size of grand daiklaves, and rows of serrated orichalcum fangs are set
in the monsters hinged jaws. They can suck a demesne or manse dry of Essence in a matter of moments, breathe
their stolen Essence back on their targets as a ray or pulse of explosive energy, or destroy not only themselves but
everything for miles around them in a self-destruct blast of terrifying scope. Fortunately (though the Great Houses
might disagree), many of the command codes for the abiding Thousand-Forged Dragons have been lost, so only a
fraction of those that still exist can be used today. Should anyone find and discover how to reprogram one of these
monstrosities, however, the consequences for his enemies would be disastrous.
THE REALM DEFENSE GRID
More powerful than even the scattered war manses of the Blessed Isle, the Realm Defense Grid was the Empresss
consummate hold-out weapon and final deterrent. With it, she literally saved Creation from the Fair Folk, raining
fire, eerily silent scouring winds, living lightning and other horrors of Essence given fixed form. Very few who are
still alive today remember exactly what the Realm Defense Grid does, but everyone knows what scale of carnage it
is capable of and that it can be controlled by a single person working alone. For centuries, that one person has been
the Scarlet Empress. Only she knew how to even gain access to the controls, much less make them work, and how
she gained this knowledge is a mystery. Whether she read it in an ancient text, tortured it out of a Sidereal Exalt
or bargained it out of a demon, the secret has disappeared with her. If any of the contenders for the Scarlet Throne
knew how to operate the system, she would have stepped up and proven it by now (likely cinching her place as the
Empresss successor), but none have done so. This eases the minds of those rebellious provinces whose loyalty to
the Realm has been contingent only upon this fearful deterrent, but it strikes terror into those who are wiser. After
all, if it was only the successful activation of the Realm Defense Grid that pushed back the Fair Folks crusade of
madness last timeand no one knows how it works nowwhat will spare Creation this time if the Fair Folk should
attack again?

Formation: The warstriders in a fang are supported by one RESTRICTION OF SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
ground guide, two fangs of scouts and three fangs of heavy For all the knowledge and skill it can put toward the de-
infantry to the front, with one sorcerer, one fang of medics ployment and use of its high-level artifact weaponry, however,
and a handful of other miscellaneous aides and technicians the Realm actually demonstrates great reluctance to do so in
to the rear. the modern day. The Thousand Correct Actions of the Upright
Of course, whats even better than the access the Soldier downplays the utility of such fantastic equipment
Realm has to such resources and its ability to manufac- and counsels officers against a reliance on it. Why risk the
ture more is the fact that the Realm can actually train its expense of a wall eater, it argues, when its cheaper to employ
warriors to utilize such equipment. Sure, its nice for him a team of engineers to build a catapult that can achieve the
when some lost egg digs up a magic sword somewhere same effect in time? The manual urges restraint, so that an
in the hinterlands, but hes still just one man inexpertly officer will never sacrifice competent strategy, discipline and
waving around a weapon he doesnt really understand. A resourcefulness for flash and thunder.
soldier of the Realm entrusted with a wonder of signifi- Nonetheless, a deeper pragmatic reality underpins this
cant power, though, has received rigorous and extensive wise reasoning. The truth is that the technology simply isnt
training to make sure he knows not only how to wield it, there anymore to mass-produce and maintain the most power-
but how to put it to its best tactical and strategic effect. ful of the Realms artifact weaponry. As chaos multiplies in
Whats even better is that the rest of the officers in his this Time of Tumult, the Realm must think conservatively
sworn brotherhood have received the same training, and and reserve its most potent assets for its direst emergencies.
theyve all been trained how to work together and work In the past, the Empress might have sent a Dawning Sun
their skills in tandem. Indomitable-class flagship at the head of a fleet intent upon

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 razing the island hideout of some troublesome gang of Western if a few pirate attacks or bandit raids out in the Threshold
pirates. Such a deployment would be extremely effective not go unanswered in the short term?
only in achieving the military goal, but also in demonstrat-
ing the Realms might to its own Western provincesthus SPECIAL LEGIONS
quelling thoughts of rebellion or tax evasion. Today, though, Of the 30 legions that compose the Imperial Army, most
pirates such as the Lintha Family go seemingly unchallenged have been co-opted by crafty scions of the Great Houses.
as long as they dont attack the shores of the Realm directly. The loyalties of the soldiers to the Realm notwithstanding,
The resources simply arent there to chase it down and de- these legions exist now to do the bidding of the Dynasts.
stroy it utterly without suffering crippling losses as a result. Out of the entire army, only two legions dont fall neatly
So instead, the Lintha Family goes on about its business, the into any one Houses campone by design, and the other
victimized masses wonder why their government wont stick by circumstance.
up for them like it would have years ago, and other villains THE LEGION OF SILENCE
are encouraged by the Realms inaction. The Legion of Silence is eternally faithful to the Scar-
The gobbling up of the Realms military assets by the let Empress. Its soldiers do her will and guard her Imperial
Great Houses (and the subversion of the same for the Houses Manse without hesitation and without question, for that is
own ends) has only exacerbated this top-end decline and exactly what they are bred and designed to do. Unlike any
resultant lawlessness. Now, as the center struggles to hold, other legion, the Legion of Silence actually consists of slave
the perpetual conflict at the fringes of the empire increases. conscripts whose tongues have been cut out and testicles
Bandits, pirates, rebels and even entrepreneurial arms dealers have been removed. Dragon-Blooded sorcerers of Houses
in the Guild have all noticed and begun to take advantage Cynis and Sesus created these soldiers after the failed Iselsi
of the Realms withering military presence in the Threshold. coup attempt, breeding large, tough, obedient soldiers and
This only makes the Realms undefended far-flung citizens boosting their power with secret sorcerous Charms. These
angrier and more prone to defy and disrespect their rightful broad, blank-faced soldiers wield polearms and carry shields,
overlords, which leads to more lawlessness. What doesnt and their bodies glow with sorcerous sigils and ornate red and
occur to these ungrateful peasants is that, if an army of the black tattoos. They dont so much follow orders as act accord-
Anathema were to lay siege to the Blessed Isle, the Realm ing to their programming, and only the Scarlet Empress
would need every piece of artifact equipment it had on hand. can implement or change said programming. These soldiers
Honestly, with so much at stake back home, who really cares compose a full legion, but unless the Scarlet Empress returns

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 or her personal records can be found, there will be no more. the Realmor, rarely, to get tough in a hurry. Its soldiers
While the physical processes for breeding and augmenting a are deployed into the worst hellscapes of modern combat,
soldier as one of the Silent still exist, the secret Charms that their lives considered worthless by the Great Houses and
made the Silent even stronger, tougher and more obedient was the other legions alike.
kept by the Empress alone. (The Cynis and Sesus sorcerers Yet, the Red Piss Legion soldiers on. It survives the
who originally developed these Charms tragically vanished most pitched and supposedly one-sided battles into which
after the legion debuted.) its thrown, defying all odds and boggling the minds of those
Those of the Silent who remain are deployed around the who sent their rivals off to die. This is not to imply that the
Imperial Manse and other important sites around the Imperial legion never suffers severe casualtiesit certainly doesbut
City. With the necessary authorization from Regent Fokuf, up the survivors of every mission come back tougher and stronger
to a scale of these intimidating soldiers can be dispatched to and better warriors. Their battles might burn off the fat of
accompany high-ranking Dynasts who travel abroad. useless, incompetent officers and soldiers, but the lean fighting
force left over is a power with which to be reckoned. And
SILENT SCALE with the fearsome Roseblack, Tepet Ejava, in command of
Description: These traits represent a standard scale of this legion, its potential is unsettling to consider.
Silent Legion soldiers.
Commanding Officer: Varies VERMILION LEGION WING
Armor Color: N/A Description: This arctic-trained heavy infantry unit
Motto: None was named Two-Day Fast after the Battle of Five Fangs,
General Makeup: 25 sorcerously bred eunuch super-soldiers during which Tepet Elana defended more than 2,000 fallen
armed with polearms and with tower shields bolted deep into and wounded soldiers from ravenous Varajtul cannibals
the thickened bones of their forearms. They wear no armor, for two days until reinforcements arrived. Tepet Elana has
but sorcerous augmentation provides the same protection as since moved on, but her wing retains the name to com-
chain swathing without the mobility penalty. memorate her victory. The vast majority of its troops are
Overall Quality: Excellent mortals, but the commander and his two talonlords form
Magnitude: 2 a sworn brotherhood of Dragon-Blooded. The five Exalts
Drill: 5 who command the individual scales within the wing also
Close Combat Attack: 4 Close Combat Damage: 5 make up a sworn brotherhood.
Ranged Attack: Ranged Damage: Commanding Officer: Winglord Vneef Teraka (Air-
Endurance: 12 Might: 3 Armor: 4 aspected)
Morale: Armor Color: Brilliant, scarlet red, with white trim
Formation: Silent Legion soldiers are created and housed in Motto: Vermilion blood washes away the past!
laboratory cloisters within the Imperial City. Unless theyre General Makeup: 250 mortal heavy infantry soldiers, armed
being repaired, rearmed or decommissioned for parts, they with spears and tower shields, wearing reinforced breastplates
remain on duty where they are stationed. and pot helms.
Overall Quality: Excellent
THE VERMILION LEGION Magnitude: 4
Those fortunate enough to secure a post in the Vermilion Drill: 4
Legion as either enlisted men or Dragon-Blooded officers Close Combat Attack: 3 Close Combat Damage: 3
learn their station in life the moment they hear the legions Ranged Attack: Ranged Damage:
more common sobriquet: the Red Piss Legion. This legion is Endurance: 8 Might: 1 Armor: 3 (-4 mobility)
the ignominious hideaway of the disgraced, the drunk, the Morale: 4
politically inept and the insubordinate whove been punitively Formation: The Two-Day Fast is currently engaged in piracy
reassigned. It is the legion to which one sends his sons or suppression operations with the rest of the Red-Piss Legion
daughters when he wants those children to die in service to in the Southwest.

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 CHAPTER FOUR THE IMMACULATE ORDER 73
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 CHAPTER FOUR
THE IMMACULATE ORDER

THE NATURE OF THE wheels makes the contraption a wagon. Without them, it
may be many things, but it is not a wagon.
IMMACULATE DRAGONS The Elemental Dragons are purest primal elemental
othernesstheir forms are too pure to be made manifest
At the core of the Immaculate Philosophy sit the
five Immaculate Dragons. Although their names are used in Creation. Yet, in Immaculate theology, the Elemental
long and loud by monks and the Dragon-Blooded Host, Dragons are not aloof or uncaring. They are simply distant,
mosteven many among the Great Housesdo not un- out of a desire to preserve the great Creation of their mother.
derstand the intricacies of Immaculate theology in relation Even from their distance, however, the Elemental Dragons
to these five legends. could not miss the horror the Anathema wrought on their
mothers Creation, threatening to rend it asunder and disperse
IMMACULATE VS. ELEMENTAL DRAGONS its totality into the chaos of the Wyld.
It is first and foremost imperative to understand the dif- The Immaculate Order does not comment on the nature
ference between the Elemental Dragons and the Immaculate of the Elemental Dragons, believing them to be beings of ut-
Dragons. The Elemental Dragons, according to Immaculate ter transcendence. The Immaculate Texts teach that mortals
doctrine, are the sum Essential total of Creations primal can never wholly understand the Elemental Dragons, so it
make-up. Birthed by the Primordial Gaia, the five Elemental contains no commentary on these transcendent beings. What
Dragons are the foundation of Creation in the same way mortals and Exalted can understand of the Elemental Dragons
that the wheels of a wagon are its foundation. The wagon is is present in the Immaculate Dragons, so the Order has noth-
not only built atop the wheels, but the very presence of the ing to say on the matter of the Elemental Dragons.

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 The Immaculate Texts do not say whether the Im- the freedom-loving and self-sufficient seeker might find their
maculate Dragons were born with their power or if they were enlightenment here and now.
merely Dragon-Blooded somehow elevated to the Immacu- Daanads mon is the Crashing Wave That Swallows,
late state. Indeed, it is considered a secular waste of time to symbolic of the plunge one must take in accepting full re-
contemplate the origins of the Immaculate Dragons. It is sponsibility for oneself, without reliance on others.
sufficient that, at the time of greatest need, the Elemental
Dragons made themselves manifest in Creation as the Im- THE UNMANLY BABBLER
maculate Dragons. Whats important are their teachings and The Antithesis of Daanad is the Unmanly Babbler.
the deeds they performed while thus manifest. The Unmanly Babbler depends on others to do everything
for him and finds his worth only in the praise of others. He
EMULATION VS. WORSHIP cannot solve his own problems, and he whines until others
Secondly, it is inappropriate to render up worship to do it for him. He cannot see that the true answer to every
the Immaculate Dragons (to say nothing of the Elemental problem lies in his own Essence.
Dragons). They are not part of the godly bureaucracies.
Instead, the Elemental Dragons made themselves manifest EMULATING DAANAD
in the Immaculate Dragons in order to show mortals the Mortals seek in Daanad the inspiration for self-sufficiency.
correct means of emulating the ineffable dynamic that the They understand that this is not selfishnessthose in need
Dragons themselves embody. are not ignored. In fact, the truly enlightened seeker tries to
The Immaculate Dragons are not gods to be worshipped, inspire others to self-sufficiency, aiding them where they are
but rather are the foremost inspirations for enlightened weak, that they may depend on themselves in the future.
behavior. Through their example, mortals may understand Dragon-Blooded who truly follow Daanad understand
proper action in accordance with the human experience in that all of the riches in the world are nothing before the
the cycle of rebirth. Therefore, to worship the Immaculate ability to do for oneself. Those who truly seek to embody her
Dragons is to lose sight of the message that they taught: Essence should work toward self-sufficiency as complete as
Through proper action in successive lifetimes, mortals possible. Daanads teachings are considered vital for Water-
may one day embody the very powers that the Immaculate aspected Dragon-Blooded to overcome their faults, for their
Dragons did. To worship a thing that one should aspire to be elemental nature inclines them toward dependence on social
is foolishness, shackling oneself to a base existence instead interaction and chains of command.
of striving for true spiritual ascendance.
HESIESH
DAANAD Reciter of Loud Hymns and Efficacious Prayers
Arbiter of the Immaculate Complaint Though none ever saw Hesiesh use his mighty control
Capricious and rebellious was Daanad, the Immaculate of burning Essence, few who gazed upon his brilliant face
of Water, a maiden from the Far West. Although many could doubt the power contained within his frame. Like
claim that their arrogant refusal to obey is in emulation of the paper of a lantern cover that is too close to the burning
this Immaculate Dragon, the rebellious ways of Daanad wick, the body of Hesiesh seemed as though it might ignite
were not the result of such blind vanity. Rather, Daanad at any moment from the power within him.
understood the need within each being to be wholly suf- Calm and reserved was Hesiesh, who understood that
ficient within itself. She bowed her head to none, for those the proper flow of Essence should be continued in all things.
who wished her to do a thing were not enlightened until Therefore, he never wasted his own personal power and was
they did a thing themselves. Likewise, she did not seek careful to render up the proper prayers to the Celestial Bu-
for others to do things on her behalf, for she was the very reaucracy, that mortal Essence might be transubstantiated into
embodiment of capability. divine power, all according to the intention of Creation.
Although the Anathema sought to lure her into their The Anathema sought to lure Hesiesh into a battle frenzy,
thrall, she spurned them, eschewing the seductions they laid into exhausting his volatile Essence, but Hesiesh refused to
before her. She turned aside all offers of power and wealth, take their clumsy bait. He battled according to the strength
asking what followers of Daanad call the Question of Virtue: of his own limbs and the sharpness of his mind. When the
If I did not gain these things on my own virtue, do they have battle was done and the Anathema lay as corpses waiting
worth? In all cases, the answer is a resounding No. for the fall of night to rise up, confident that their foes had
When the Anathema were thrown down, it was Daanad exhausted all of their Essence, only then did Hesiesh unleash
who swam to the bottom of the deepest sea to lock away the his power, burning their bodies to pure, white ash.
gate to the Underworld, preventing them from returning to Hesieshs mon is the Three Candles Lighting Darkness,
trouble the world of man. Her followers teach that, in this symbolic of the sudden flare of power and enlightenment
action, she taught true freedom: the freedom of dependence that comes from the timely application of proper resources
upon the cycle of death and rebirth to enlighten one. Instead, and behavior.

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 THE ILLIBERAL CHURL mind, spirit and Essence, Mela taught those around her to
The Antithesis of Hesiesh is the Illiberal Churl, who settle for no less than personal perfection. A warrior-savant
observes tradition because it is expected of him. The Illiberal without peer, Mela was the very embodiment of glory.
Churl does not see the Essence at the heart of hallowed ways. He Mela was never content to rest on her laurels, always
retains himself out of deep selfishness, rather than restraint. seeking greater and greater tests for herself. She accepted
that glory was the due of the successful and skilled, but she
EMULATING HESIESH did not seek accolades, for they were ultimately empty. Ac-
Mortals seek in Hesiesh the inspiration for tradition and colades did not stand between Mela and the Anathema in
an understanding of the past, though not a slavish devotion the dusk of the First Ageonly her perfection did.
to old ways. They seek only genuine contemplation of these Melas battles with the Anathema were many and well
methods, adhering to them because they save time and energy. lauded. She oft arrived at the forefront of a storm, driving
Tradition becomes tradition because it works. Followers of aside the puling, corruptive fires of the Anathema and blan-
Hesiesh uphold tradition and precedent and are the ones keting the battlefield in cold, pure mists and wind. To Mela,
most involved in the Immaculate Orders catechism. victory was the natural course of events to those who strove
Dragon-Blooded who truly follow Hesiesh understand the greatest. What foe could hope to equal the challenges
that in tradition lies success. Innovation for innovations sake that a truly righteous heroine might lay before herself?
is simply vain. Honoring those who came before and maintain- Melas mon is the Transcendent Fan of the Five Winds,
ing tradition is key to such devotees. Hesieshs teachings are a reminder that, while nature brings wind, those who are
considered vital for Fire-aspected Dragon-Blooded, for their strong and cunning may bring it for themselves.
fiery Essence inclines them toward swift action and personal
vainglory. In the hallowed, reverent traditions and solemn THE SICKLY WHORE
contemplation of Hesiesh are Fire Aspects enlightened. The Antithesis of Mela is the Sickly Whore, who is
beauteous and glorious to behold, but who uses that glory
MELA for the degradation of self and others. The Sickly Whore
collects the accolades that are the favors of her many lov-
Petitioner of Clouds Accordant to the Call of Battle
The eldest of the Immaculate Dragons, called Resplen- ers, allowing the world to use her for pleasure in return for
dent in Perfection, Mela was a mighty warrior. Strong in body, cheap, empty baubles.

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 EMULATING MELA is not in the having of them, but in the making. The solid,
Mortals seek in Mela the drive toward perfection. Mela, honest work ethic evades the Ostentatious Peasant, who sees
who taught men how to wield Essence even though they were only the riches of those around him without seeing the hard
not Exalted, believed that in the pursuit of perfection in this work they have put into acquiring them. The Ostentatious
lifetime, a man might better prepare his spirit for the time Peasant sees only the rewards of hard work, rather than the
between lives. Melas teachings allow men to understand enlightenment that is efforts true reward.
that virtuous action and striving toward perfection give them
leave to claim a place closer to the Dragons themselves in EMULATING PASIAP
the next incarnation. In Pasiap, mortals find that the reward for hard work
Dragon-Blooded who truly follow Mela understand that isnt luxuryit is the enlightenment of a job done well and
glory is hollow and fleeting, and only in the perfection of with care. Architects and builders revere Pasiap, whose gift
oneself and ones Essence is lasting enlightenment found. The to them is the knowledge that, with every brick they lay and
teachings of Mela are considered valuable to Air-aspected every wall they stand, the sweat of their brow has firmed their
Dragon-Blooded, whose mercurial Essence lends to them tread on the path to enlightenment.
an air of either extreme focus in one area or useless dilet- Dragon-Blooded who truly follow Pasiap understand
tantism. Going halfway in either direction is unacceptable. that the wealth of the Great Houses is nothing if it does not
The Dragon-Blooded Host should aspire toward perfection reflect the hard work and dedication of those who possess it.
in all things. The wealthy are to be admired, but only if what they have
reflects their resolute effort. Earth-aspected Dragon-Blooded
are often taught to curb their Essence-driven pride and focus
PASIAP on things of the material world that are the bane of those
He Who Illuminates Both Worlds with Majesty and Power
who would be enlightened. But rather than eschewing it, they
The great warrior Pasiap was a pillar of strength in
are reminded that it should stand for something. Wealth and
the war against the Anathema. Never did he turn from
respect are the natural result of hard work, nothing more.
the field in fear, nor did he succumb to the Anathemas
taunts with fury. In all instances, it was said that Pasiap
had only to place himself so that his back was to the Impe- SEXTES JYLIS
rial Mountain, and it was clear to all who saw him that he He Who Hath Strewn Much Grass
stood at the Center of All Creation: unmovable, resolute, Compassionate Sextes Jylis was loved by all the people
strong and enduring. of Creation. Kind and unwilling to see those around him
Pasiap taught his followers that there was no difference suffer, Sextes Jylis could not bear the pain caused by the
between the Essence of the self and the Essence of Creation. Anathema. Sextes Jylis is the responsible healer, who bears
Did not the Exalted and gods draw into themselves the power great knowledge and the potential to do great harm. Yet, he
of the dragon lines? Control of ones Essence led to control is willing to do a small, immediate harm to prevent a greater
of the Essence around one. Likewise, in shaping the things one, and thus, Sextes Jylis, Beloved of Creation, raised his
of the world, the shaper was himself shaped. bow against the Anathema.
Time and again the Anathema tried to destroy Pasiap. It was not in war, but in the peace that followed, that
When he proved too mighty, they instead threw down those the followers of Sextes Jylis take their inspiration in his
things he had created, in hopes of driving him to anger or story. The Immaculate of Wood wandered Creation after the
despair. The Immaculate Texts say that he but smiled and destruction of the Anathema, rebuilding toppled mountains
thanked his foes for the chance to build again. When the and setting fallen trees aright. To the wounded, he brought
wars against the Anathema drew to a close, Pasiap remained relief of pain and healing, and to destroyed fields, he spread
incarnate to teach men the ways of controlling the Essence clean, new grass.
of the earth. He is considered the father of geomancy, Though the Anathema sought to corrupt Sextes Jylis
where once that art was the sole province of the Exalted into using his powers irresponsibly, he could not be tempted.
and Anathema. He knew that the rash use of the great and terrible power
Pasiaps mon is the Omphalos Triumphant, the symbol that was his legacy could bring disaster and ruin, and he
of the Imperial Mountain, the center upon which all of dedicated himself to uplifting Creation. The Anathema
Creation is balanced, the spoke between Heaven and the could not understand his ways, and so failed.
lands of mortals, reminding the Dragon-Blooded that they, Sextes Jylis mon is the Leaf Upraised in Vigor, the
too, must act to join the propriety of Heaven with the reali- emblem of growth, renewal and life, symbolic of the first
ties of Creation. plants to arise from the shattered fields of battle.

THE OSTENTATIOUS PEASANT THE INCONSIDERATE HORSEMAN

The Antithesis of Pasiap is the Ostentatious Peasant, who The Antithesis of Sextes Jylis is the Inconsiderate Horse-
does not understand that the true glory in fine possessions man, who is neglectful and short-sighted. This horseman

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 does not take the time to go around the field he encounters, responsibility. Even those Exalted to the Dragons have not
instead trampling it under his mounts hooves simply because completed their walk. It is simply that the heights of the
he is in a hurry and has the power to do so. journey are in sight.

EMULATING SEXTES JYLIS THE SECOND NOBLE INSIGHT

Mortals seek in Sextes Jylis the inspiration for mindful As beings approach the end of the Road, they approach the
action and compassion. To take rash action is to risk tram- infinite perfection of Essence that is the Elemental Dragons, who
pling the fine things of life and to risk harming those who hold Creation together.
have done nothing to deserve it. In mindful action, a job To mortals, this is the promise of one day Exalting as
may take a little longer for one man, perhaps, but if it brings part of the Dragon-Blooded Host, and of being born into one
joy to two, then surely that is a wiser investment. of the Great Houses. Literally, this is the promise of a fine,
Dragon-Blooded who truly follow Sextes Jylis understand high life of wealth and power for those who live according to
that compassion is the source of happiness, both to those who the Perfected Hierarchy. It is also the unspoken agreement
give it and those who receive it, but it must be tempered by between lord and peasant: Obedience to the nobility is not
responsible forethought. The teachings of Sextes Jylis are simply expected, but a compact through successive lives. If
considered valuable to Wood-aspected Dragon-Blooded, for a lord does not behave in ways appropriate to his station,
whom the verdant Essence of their aspect lures them into he will not return as a lord. Likewise, if a peasant is faithful,
either the fulfillment of needs immediately and rashly or respectful and obedient, he will be rewarded for this diligence
moves them to crippling pity for living things around them. by being elevated to a higher station in the next life.
Enlightenment comes through balance. To the Dragon-Blooded, this Insight emphasizes the
importance of their position. They are not merely powerful
THE IMMACULATE PHILOSOPHY overlordsthey share in the power and responsibility of
holding together the very fabric of Creation. Those who do
The Immaculate Order emphasizes several core concepts
to those who would follow its teachings. There are five Noble not hold to this ultimate responsibility will not be reborn to
Insights that all students must understand and internalize in it, until they prove themselves after lifetimes of mortality.
order to be truly counted among the faithful. It also teaches
the five Diligent Practices that the faithful must undertake THE THIRD NOBLE INSIGHT
in order to embody the teachings of the Order. Through Working in solitude and striving to surpass their lot in life,
Noble Insight and Diligent Practice, an adherent to the Im- all beings in Creation draw away from the perfection of the El-
maculate Philosophy is ennobled and elevated, made closer emental Dragons. Working together and accepting their present
to the perfection of the Immaculate Dragons. incarnations, all beings in Creation mimic the Elemental Dragons
and approach their perfection.
To mortals, this is the understanding that in acceptance
THE NOBLE INSIGHTS comes enlightenment. By acknowledging their place in society
The core concepts of Immaculate belief are signi-
and working hard to best master their skills and succeed in
fied by the Noble Insights. These concepts are absolute
what is expected of them, they work to hold the very fabric
across Immaculate orthodoxy. All sub-traditions of the
of Creation together. By doing soby finding holiness and
Immaculate Philosophy believe these to be true, though
perfection in even being a humble street-sweeper, for in-
they might not all agree on the best ways in which to
stancemortals can prove their dedication to Creation and
incorporate them and might have differing conclusions
earn a greater responsibility over it in successive lives.
about them. Ultimately, the Noble Insights teach Coop-
To the Dragon-Blooded, this is an admonition to work
eration, Reincarnation and Perfection.
toward building civilization and empire. Allowing chaos and
THE FIRST NOBLE INSIGHT strife to enter into a thing of great order opens the gates to
All beings in Creation are constantly dying and being reborn, the Wyld, allowing it to erode the very fabric of Creation.
ascending and descending the Road of Enlightenment. Those who It is why a cruel and dishonest Dragon-Blood who works
are Exalted are very close to the end of the Road, while insects within the system is more highly regarded than a kind and
and plants are near the beginning. Most sentient mortals are wise one who departs to live his life alone somewhere in
somewhere near the middle. the Threshold.
To mortals, this Insight is essential for understanding their
place in Creation. The First Noble Insight brings clarity and
THE FOURTH NOBLE INSIGHT
The Dragon-Blooded, who were the disciples and children
an understanding of ones place. Only those who understand
of the mortal incarnations of the Elemental Dragons, are leading
their intended role may successfully perform that role.
the Immaculates toward that degree of perfection.
Likewise, this Insight is what gives the Dragon-Blooded
To mortals, this Insight is what grants the Dragon-
the right to rule in matters both secular and religious. Exalted
Blooded families the right to rule. It is proper to follow those
adherents are taught, however, that this isnt privilege, but

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 who are the children of the Immaculate Dragons. Who bet- lifetime, away from lessons that the soul must learn on its
ter to teach how to properly emulate the Dragons but their way to Exaltation.
own children? It is also proper to follow the wisest. By dint To the Dragon-Blooded, this Insight is the basis for
of their Exaltations and long lives, the Dragon-Blooded are the Wyld Hunt. If, as the Children of the Dragons, they
the ones who are wise in drawing closer to the Essence of acknowledge that they share in the responsibility for keeping
the Immaculate Dragons. Creation whole and sound, then they must fight against that
To the Exalted of the Dragons, this is the statement of which would destabilize it.
utmost responsibility. It is why the Immaculate Order frowns
on greedy and intemperate Dynastic Dragon-Blooded, for THE DILIGENT PRACTICES
they are not providing proper examples. It is too easy for The Diligent Practices provide the framework for correct
base human nature to poison the carefully gathered wisdom action in the Immaculate Philosophy. Simple belief is not
and enlightenment of lifetimes of service with such distrac- enoughthe faithful live their beliefs through correct action.
tions. Dragon-Blooded who are not aware of their duty in
leading mortals toward behavior that will elevate them are THE FIRST DILIGENT PRACTICE
not worthy of their Exaltation. Hear a recital of an Immaculate Text at least once a month,
in the company of at least 17 other followers of the Philosophy.
THE FIFTH NOBLE INSIGHT In hearing the words of the Immaculate Dragons and
The Anathema, who reject the Elemental Dragons and obey those who were closest to them, the faithful discover words
only their own ambitions, are drawing Creation toward despair of wisdom when they need them. The sutras that make up
and ruin. the Immaculate Texts are not simply words of spirituality,
To mortals, this is precautionary. To obey ones own they apply to all elements of the life of mortals. They act as
selfish ambition is the way of the Anathema, who are de- a guide toward the Higher Road that leads to Exaltation.
mons. The faithful of the Immaculate Order are taught to The requirement that the Immaculate Text be heard
expect the Anathema to be glorious and winsome. They in the company of others emphasizes that community and
are demons in their ultimate aims, not in their direct commonality are the foremost practices of the devoted. By
actions. They might heal, teach and praise mortals, but working together to understand their purpose, mortals and
ultimately, they are feeding their own ambition. They Exalted alike grow to understand their respective places in
pull men and women away from their proper role in this Creation, which strengthens the ties of Creation itself.

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 THE SECOND DILIGENT PRACTICE case. In some instances, a monk might suggest to a Dragon-
Respect and honor spirits only according to the calendar and Blood that she seek out the teachings of one of the other
in the specific rites set down by the Immaculate Order, giving each Immaculate Dragons.
spirit its due only insofar as it serves the harmony of Creation.
Worship no spirit, elemental, small god or Anathema at all. THE FOURTH DILIGENT PRACTICE
As the ties that hold Creation together, it is the proper Obey the Dragon-Blooded, who are the descendants and dis-
duty of mortals to contribute to the power of the Celestial ciples of the Immaculate Dragons and are so close to enlightenment
and Terrestrial Bureaucracies. But the gods and spirits of that their commands cannot cause a soul to stray from the Road.
the world do not have the right to rule the lives of mortals. There are those among the Dragon-Blooded who claim
Gods have their duties as surely as mortals and Exalts do, that this Diligent Practice demonstrates the innate righteous-
and to try to gather power over things that are not under ness of the Dragon-Blooded. Certainly, that is what the
their aegis is wrong and prideful. Therefore, the Immaculate Immaculate Order teaches the un-Exalted who follow its
Order is careful to shield mortals from the undue influence beliefs. In truth, though, those Dragon-Blooded who learn
of godly beings. anything about the Immaculate Faith are taught that this
The Immaculate Order teaches that the Dragon-Blooded Diligent Practice does not mean that all of the Terrestrial
are the only ones spiritually strong enough to deal with powerful Exalteds whims and commands are righteous. It simply means
gods and spirits without being corrupted by them. Therefore, that while one of the Princes of the Earth may command a
it is forbidden for mortals to engage in actual worship of indi- man to take unrighteous action, men will not be led astray
vidual gods. Instead, mortals may participate in the rites that by obeying that command. It is the proper place of mortals
glorify the gods as a whole, while Dragon-Blooded monks tend to obey the Exalted, and in the fulfillment of that destiny,
to the individual rites of the Hundred Gods (the name for the men draw closer to the Essence of the Dragons.
multitude of divinities in Creation and Heaven). The Immaculate Order emphasizes to its Exalted ad-
For this reason, the Immaculate Order is aniconic. herents, however, that they are still responsible for making
The mistrust of animal symbols dates back to the First Age, sure that their commands are righteous and proper, in keep-
when many animals were associated with the cults of the ing with the proper order of Creation. In short, while the
Unconquered Sun or Luna, and it has evolved into a general commands that one of the Dragon-Blooded Host gives to a
cultural prohibition against the depiction of gods. Only in the mortal cannot draw that mortal away from enlightenment,
temples of those gods may statuary or depictions be erected, it can pull the Dragon-Blood further from it.
and they may be shown only when a Dragon-Blooded monk
is performing their rites. All other times, they are locked THE FIFTH DILIGENT PRACTICE
away and hidden from view. Resist the commands of the Anathema to the fullest degree of the
It is also considered ill luck to depict the Immaculate abilities of your present incarnation, and do not fall into despair.
Dragons, who are best represented with their simple mon This Diligent Practice emphasizes two things: the un-
symbols. There is no prohibition against depiction of the derstanding of the terrible sway of the Anathema, and the
Elemental Dragons, however, for they are so transcendent fact that mortals have only so much resistance to them. For
that human worship is irrelevant. this reason, the Immaculate Order considers those mortals
who follow the Anathema to be as much victims as those
THE THIRD DILIGENT PRACTICE the Anathema slay. In either case, what can mere mortals
Imitate in word and deed the honorable behaviors of the five do to stymie the will of such demons?
Immaculate Dragons, the mortal incarnations of the Dragons of Of course, by this token, those Dragon-Blooded who
the Elements. Emulate the thoughts appropriate to your incarna- fall to the sway of the Anathema are responsible for their
tion as decreed by the Immaculate Dragons. own weakness. They carry the Essence of the Dragons and
This is the core for all morality and ethical behavior are heirs to the blood of those who overthrew the Anathema
to adherents of the Immaculate Philosophy. Mortals are once, at the height of their power. The Immaculate Orders
expected to try to emulate all of the Immaculate Dragons, orthodoxy has no pity for those who fail to resist the demons,
when and where they can. Self-reliance, adherence to tra- though those who have actually encountered the Anathema
dition and restraint, compassion, the search for perfection, before are more likely to understand, given the power of the
the holiness of hard work: These are the true virtues of the demons that possess them.
Immaculate adherent.
The Dragon-Blooded are assumed, by tradition, to THE ORDER OF
emulate one Immaculate Dragon above others. Most of the
time, this is the Dragon that corresponds to their aspect. A
IMMACULATE DRAGONS
The faith of the Immaculate Dragons is administered by
Fire Aspect manifests spiritual spontaneity and rebelliousness
the Order of Immaculate Dragons, a religion with monastic
in his very anima, so the teachings of Hesiesh will likely
and temple-based traditions, as well as ascetic and itinerant
benefit him the most. Sometimes, however, that is not the

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 off-shoots. The acknowledged heads of the Order of Immacu- time, regardless of the season, a new monk is expected to
late Dragons are the Dragon-Blooded, and this is accepted undertake the pilgrimage by foot from the Imperial City
as right and proper. After all, those who will outlive mortals down the Great Coast Road to the Palace Sublime, in Incas
by entire generations should be in the position to apply the Prefecture. Acolytes are given only their robes, a walking staff
long wisdom they gain. and a begging bowl with which to beg for food or money to
buy food along the way.
BECOMING AN IMMACULATE This is often a humbling experience for monks, especially
The process of joining the Immaculate Order as one for those who come from Dynastic or patrician families.
of its monks is long and arduous. A would-be monk must These pilgrims are forbidden from using Essence or force to
present himself to the monks of the subdued Procession of get their food, and they certainly may not break any laws.
Gray, the small, unassuming monastery in the heart of the The communities between the Imperial City and the Palace
Temple District of the Imperial City. The Procession of Gray Sublime are accustomed to these begging monks and are will-
is a standard monastery, with one difference. At any given ing to give food to those who are sufficiently humble. But a
time, its courtyard may be packed with kneeling postulants, new monk, even one with Dragon-Blooded heritage, who
clad in the gray robes of their station. These postulants seek approaches the task of begging with arrogance or expectation
only to be noticed by the Paragon of Sextes Jylis from the is in for a rude shock.
window of his office that overlooks the courtyard or on her Finally, after weeks of travel by foot and by begging
way to the Scarlet Chapel in the Imperial Palace. rides with those who have wagons, the new acolyte arrives
The Paragon of Sextes Jylis notices everything, it seems. at the Palace Sublime. He is taken in, fed, bathed and his
Those who come to the Procession of Gray must not arrive head shaved again. He is given any medical attention that
with their heads already shaven. To do so is to suggest that one may be necessary from his long and arduous trip and given a
is already suited for the Order, and only the Paragon of Sextes place in the monks cells as a monk of the First Coil.
Jylis may make that decision. Those who come from powerful
families are likely to wait the longest, especially the Exalted, THE COILS OF THE IMMACULATE ORDER
who are expected to exceed the mortals around them in their The Immaculate Order teaches that the Road of Enlight-
capacity to withstand the rigors of fasting, lack of sleep and enment wraps around and around, like the long, sinuous body
constant kneeling on the cobblestones of the courtyard. of a dragon coiled around a great pillar. In the normal process
Occasionally, monks require that postulants aid them of living, a being remains where he stands on this winding
in some small task. Afterward, they are expected to return Road, moving perhaps a few steps up or down.
to their places. At night, all postulants are shown to a single Those who dedicate themselves to the Immaculate
dormitory overseen by a monk, there to sleep on bare wooden Dragons, however, may advance greatly in their place.
floors until just before dawn. When they are not sleeping or Through diligent service and practice of the Immaculate
assisting monks, postulants are expected to remain kneeling Philosophy, they can move their spirits not simply one or
in the courtyard. In the middle of the day, they are brought two steps along the path, but up to the spiral of the road, or
a single shallow bowl of rice to eat; water is brought to them coil of the dragon, above where they now stand.
four times a day. Most postulants continue this process for a The behaviors of the various Coils are required for several
few days, but it is not unheard of for it to go on for weeks for reasons. The first is to set the monks apart from the rest of
those the Paragon suspects may still be wrestling with pride, society, constantly reminding them that they are held to a
particularly Dragon-Blooded postulants. higher standard. Secondly, these voluntary limitations teach
All it takes is a nod from the Paragon as she passes on the monk discipline and allow him to focus his energy and
her way to tend to important business to make a postulant an attention on things of a spiritual, rather than secular, nature.
acolyte. When this happens, the monks around the Paragon Many of the things that provoke lust, greed and envy are
hurry to the side of the new acolyte, to take him into the forbidden the Immaculate monk.
inner adytum of the Procession of Gray, where he is given Immaculate monks speak of this symbolic structure as the
a meal of rice, chicken and fruit and a small cup of watered Five Coils. They are not so prideful as to claim to have any
wine. After this meal, the head of a new acolyte is shaved control over where a monks soul actually standsthey simply
completely. He is thereafter given a freezing cold ritual bath find use in these five levels of devotion to the Immaculate
of cleansing and an acolytes robe. At this time, the monk Philosophy. A monk of higher Coils is expected to exemplify
attending him gives him a new name, and the new acolyte the ideas of the Order more than one of lower Coils, adhering
takes his oath of service. to stricter requirements of behavior and service. The Five Coils
were first described in The Gentle Rule, a text supposedly inspired
THE PILGRIMAGE by Daanad that describes the proper running of monasteries,
New acolytes are given a week to recuperate from the including the division of work, methods of dress and the like.
ordeal of the postulant and to learn the basic sutras and All monks are expected to study The Gentle Rule.
martial-arts stances required of all novice monks. After this

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 FIRST COIL (BACKING [IMMACULATE ORDER ]) tions of the First and Second Coils.
The majority of a monks strictures are established when Status: The monk may hold the position of abbot, vart-
he takes his vows as a monk of the First Coil. It should be abed or sybil, depending on the need for someone to hold such
noted that some of these strictures change as the monk in- a position and the tradition in which the monk works.
creases in Coil, and to assume the strictures of a higher Coil Title: The monk is addressed by lessers as Honored One
is considered an act of vanity and presumption. or Reverend, and when his name is used, the prefix Hon-
Appearance: A monk of the First Coil is required to shave ored is applied to it (Honored Nine Rivers, for instance).
his head, and keep it shaven, though the monk may wear Only speakers within the Order need use these titles, though
facial hair. Such monks are forbidden jewelry and tattoos. those outsiders who wish to win favor might do so.
Celibacy: A monk of the First Coil must take a vow of Vestments: The monk of the Third Coil may wear a
celibacy, under the belief that sex is too great of a distraction robe of soft linen, often left undyed, or dyed to reflect the
and lure from the spiritual endeavors of a true Immaculate. monks devotion to a given Immaculate Dragon. He wears
Masturbation is not forbidden, however. a belt of woven wool.
Diet: The strictures of the First Coil forbid the eating of
red meat and the consumption of intoxicants or narcotics. FOURTH COIL
Name: At the end of her time as a postulant, a monk of (BACKING [IMMACULATE ORDER ])
the First Coil is given a new name, one meant to divorce her All of the strictures from the Third Coil remain in effect,
from her old life and reflect something of her inner nature. It with the following exceptions:
is usually a diminutive or even slightly embarrassing name, Diet: A monk of the Fourth Coil is expected to con-
such as Cricket for the high-jumper or Little Brook for sume no meat whatsoever and to drink nothing but tea and
the monk who cant quite still her tongue. water, while continuing the strictures from the First through
Poverty: A monk of the First Coil takes an oath of Third Coils.
poverty, vowing to own nothing. Even the clothing on his Exaltation: Only the Dragon-Blooded hold ranking of
back belongs to the Order. Any money given to a monk of the Fourth Coil.
the Order, by tradition, has been given to the Order. Status: Should the need for such present itself, the
Vestments: The garb of the First Coil is a simple hempen monk of the Fourth Coil may hold the position of lama. The
robe, belted with rope. The robe may be decorated with mod- monk is almost guaranteed to hold the position of abbot,
est trim, which usually adheres to the traditions to which vartabed or sybil.
the monk belongs (monastic, temple or ascetic). The monk Title: The monk is addressed by lessers as Most En-
may also wear a broad-rimmed hat and sandals. lightened Master, and when his name is used, the prefix
Master is applied to it.
SECOND COIL (BACKING [IMMACULATE ORDER ]) Vestments: As Third Coil, but the belt is made of silk.
All of the strictures from the First Coil remain in effect,
with the following exceptions: FIFTH COIL
Diet: A monk of the Second Coil is expected to con-
sume no fowl, in addition to the dietary strictures of the (BACKING [IMMACULATE ORDER ])
First Coil. All the strictures from the Fourth Coil remain in effect,
Name: Upon being given the linen belt of the Second with the following exceptions:
Coil, the monk may change his name. A monk may reclaim Diet: A monk of the Fifth Coil consumes only rice,
his birth or family name, though doing so is a sign that ones bread, vegetables, tea and water.
family will still play a role in ones life (though there is no Status: Most who hold the Fifth Coil are elder lamas.
stigma for doing so). Many monks ask a mentor or respected The Mouth of Peace and the Immaculate Paragons are all
figure to name them. By tradition, this is a serious name, one chosen from those who stand on the Fifth Coil.
that truly reflects the holy figure the monk is becoming. Vestments: The monk of the Fifth Coil wears a robe
Vestments: As First Coil, save that the hempen robe is and belt of silk.
cinched up with a linen belt. This belt is generally undyed,
unless the monk is a devotee of one of the Immaculate Drag- THE MOUTH OF PEACE
ons, in which case it may be black (Daanad), white (Pasiap), One of the most powerful people in the Realm, the
blue (Mela), red (Hesiesh) or green (Sextes Jylis). Mouth of Peace acts as the conscience of the Scarlet Empress,
counseling peaceful resolutions and the secularized search
THIRD COIL (BACKING [IMMACULATE ORDER ]) for enlightenment in all things. The position is named for
All of the strictures from the Second Coil remain in the offices traditional role in counseling the Dynasty against
effect, with the following exceptions: warfare. Because she sits so closely to the Empress, the Mouth
Diet: A monk of the Third Coil is expected to consume of Peace also acts as the secular-dealing head of the Immacu-
no sweets, sorbets or coarse grains in addition to the restric- late Order. She takes on such things as the disbursement of

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 imperial funds to the Immaculate Order, situations where be distanced from such things. The Immaculate Paragons are
the Immaculate Order and imperial government or Great considered living saints and bodhisattvas, men and women
Houses clash and a variety of other circumstances. of Exaltation so potent it marks everything they do.
It is the intent of the Immaculate Order that the spiritual Invariably, these are some of the few Dragon-Blooded
leadership of the Order, the five Immaculate Paragons, be dis- whose Essence transcends the normal heights of the Dragon-
turbed with secular, mundane matters as little as possible. As a Blooded (often climbing as high as an Essence of 6+), so that
result, though, the Mouth of Peace wields quite a bit of power, they literally wear the element of their Exaltation on their
for she is generally the primary contact and point of authority bodies. Such souls are taught to be close to unity with the
between the Immaculate Order and the secular world. In fact, Dragons once more. The Immaculate Paragons are acknowl-
those outside the Order generally assume that the Mouth of Peace edged as greatly compassionate souls who have delayed this
is the leadership for this massive faith (which is mostly true). unity in order to help elevate the rest of mankind.
The Mouth of Peace is considered a sacrificial figure, When an Immaculate monk is recognized as one of
a being of great enlightenment and spiritual power who the Immaculate Paragons, he abandons all old ties of tradi-
makes the sacrifice of sullying herself with the necessity of tion and House, should he retain any. Unlike the Mouth
involvement in politics, secularism and mundane tasks. It is of Peace, however, each Paragon should be remembered by
understood that she does these things so that othersparticu- the Order, so they take names reflective of the lessons they
larly the Immaculate Paragonsdo not have to. Nonetheless, see themselves as having to teach Creation and the faithful.
few are those who are granted permission to see her in her That way, simply by speaking their names, their message and
Contemplative Chamber atop one of the towers of the Palace teachings are remembered.
Sublime. Only high-ranking members of the Dynasty, the The Paragons are always Dragon-Blooded, with an as-
elders of House Iselsi (who have taken up sanctuary in the pect appropriate to the Dragon that they serve. They are all
Palace Sublime), the Sidereals and highly placed members masters of at least one of the elemental styles (again, of the
of the Immaculate Order are permitted audiences. aspect appropriate to the Dragon they emulate), and most
The Mouth of Peace is expected to give up everything of them are masters of multiple ones.
when she assumes the role: all political connections, family
ties, friendships. The one who is made the Mouth of Peace THE PARAGON OF DAANAD
even surrenders her name, for the Immaculate Order teaches The Paragon of Daanad is expected to oversee the
that the Mouth of Peace should be a single entity, throughout pursuit of liberation and self-fulfillment in the lives of the
the history of the Immaculate Order. The Mouth of Peace righteous. This duty, which names the Paragon of Daanad
does not speak out against the actions of previous Mouths of as The Most Capable and Liberated, is a difficult one, for
Peace, but is expected to act in accordance with them. it applies not only to the individual, but to the Immaculate
The current Mouth of Peace is an Earth Aspect formerly Order as well. It is the Paragon of Daanads responsibility to
of House Mnemon. Of course, this family tie does Mnemon make sure that the Immaculate Order does not become too
herself very little good. In fact, it is a source of aggravation that reliant on any outside force, lest it find itself either beholden
this granddaughter of hers will not accede to her ambitions to another or in danger when something happens. That
and aid her. The Mouth of Peace has also refused Mnemons the disappearance of the Scarlet Empress did not do more
attempts to have the heart of the Immaculate Order moved damage to the Immaculate Order is directly traceable to this
to within the walls of the Imperial City. Her predecessor was endeavor by successive Paragons of Daanad.
a scion of House Iselsi who never truly abandoned her House The Paragon of Daanad is also a seeker of social justice.
affiliation (resulting in, among other things, her murder at the If public censure by the Immaculate Order isnt sufficient to
hands of unknown forces when the House was finally officially curb the whims of a tyrannical or incompetent prefect or
dismantled in RY 570). The current Mouth of Peace, however, governor, the followers of this Paragon instigate The Blos-
has created a definitive separation between her origins and soming of Sorrowful Violence. This act is an uprising led
her role, so she will not move the entire Order for political by the Immaculate monks of a local monastery, maintained
reasons. She has also begun some traditions that are likely until reparations are made to those the lord has harmed, at
to continue with successive Mouths of Peace, including the which point the monks return to their peaceful lives.
tendency to leave the Contemplative Chamber in disguise In many ways, the Paragon of Daanad seeks to do two
once every few years or so and travel the Realm incognito things for the common man: to make certain that the people
to ascertain the spiritual state of her people. know enough to carry on their adherence to the Immaculate
Philosophy in the absence of a monk and to institute social
THE IMMACULATE PARAGONS justice on their behalf. As such, many monks who follow this
Paragon are considered rabble-rousers and troublemakers, but
In terms of hierarchy, the five Immaculate Paragons are
beneath the Mouth of Peace, but this is for a simple reason: The they are careful to remember that order is what the Dragons
top of a hierarchical structure is, of necessity, a political one, built. It is considered irresponsible to rise up against a social
and the true spiritual leaders of the Immaculate Order should order without a plan for a better one.

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 The current Paragon of Daanad is Bride of Justice, an of calm are said to emanate from the center of his serene,
older Water-aspected woman. Her once-fiery anger at the enlightened spirit like the heat from a hot coal, bringing the
Great Housesa result of being born an outcastehas cooled warmth of peace and deliberation to those who need it. The
into a calm determination to see that those responsible for Red Coal Bodhisattva and the Bride of Justice are very close
the Realms social ills are held up to public accountability for friends. Rather than this lessening their official conflicts,
their part in such. She is notorious for her public declamations however, it escalates them, for neither seems beholden to
against important government figures and their excesses. The restrain themselves, knowing that whatever the outcome,
elders of House Cynis have expressed their dislike of Bride their friendship is unlikely to be negatively impacted.
of Justice on more than one drunken occasion.
THE PARAGON OF MELA
THE PARAGON OF HESIESH The Paragon of Mela is expected to watch for the signs of
The Paragon of Hesiesh is expected to act as the voice war carefully, that the righteous might be ready for it. This duty,
of reason and calm deliberation among the Paragons and which is given the poetic title of The Eye upon the Horizon,
the Immaculate Order as a whole. It is he who must pay is one taken very seriously. This does not, however, refer only
attention to any sign of shift away from orthodoxy without to actual war, but to any element that might be a danger to the
good reason. This role has earned the Paragon of Hesiesh pursuit of enlightenment. The Paragon of Mela takes reports
the title of The Suitor of Sutras, for he is said to court of heresy very seriously, and many of those who are devotees of
respected traditions and teachings the way an ardent lover Mela watch for signs of such. Anything that threatens spiritual
courts his beloved. perfection is worthy of the attention of the Paragon of Mela.
The Paragon of Hesiesh is expected to counsel restraint The Paragon of Mela is also expected to be the foremost
in the Immaculate Order, and the Paragons of Hesiesh and defender of the faith. Although this has never come to pass, it
Daanad often find themselves at odds with one another. is she who will act as the Immaculate Orders general should
Arguments between the two are referred to as The Ten it be necessary to mobilize the Order to war.
Thousand Gouts of Steam. The current Paragon of Mela is the youngest of the
The current Paragon of Hesiesh is a Fire Aspect formerly Paragons, an Air Aspect named Righteous Typhoon. El-
of House Cathak named the Red Coal Bodhisattva. His words evated in the years since the Empress disappeared, Righteous

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 Typhoon believes that the Immaculate Order should take the Imperial Palace capable of holding many thousands. The
the opportunity of her disappearance to transform all of the Scarlet Chapel is the official temple for the Great Houses,
Realm into a powerful theocratic nation, with no division though its daily services are sparsely attended and usually
between legal and religious laws. She preaches that, in such only by those who intend on being viewed as faithful and
a nation, a citizens foremost concern would be his own devout. Still, the Order considers it appropriate for the most
enlightenment, rather than the coffers of his masters, and compassionate of the Paragons to be the public priest for
she advocates the use of force in achieving this. Of course, the Great Houses, hoping that they will learn something
the other Paragons have counseled against this, as has the of compassion.
Mouth of Peace. There does seem to be some measure of The current Paragon of Sextes Jylis is named Peaceful
support for her growing in some of the more fundamental Reflection of Compassion, for he hopes to teach the worlds
levels of the Immaculate Order, however. peoples to find compassion first for themselves. He believes
that once a soul finds Sextes Jylis true compassionthat
THE PARAGON OF PASIAP which is stern, yet lovingfor herself, she cannot help but
The duty of the Paragon of Pasiap is to act as the Raiser discover that same compassion for those around her.
of Stones, a builder and creator. Always incredibly skilled
in architectureincluding the design of mansesthe Para-
gon of Pasiap oversees the construction of new temples and
LAMAS
Beneath the Mouth of Peace and the Paragons are the
other structures for the Immaculate Order. His role extends lamas of the Immaculate Order, wise monks with years of
beyond this, however, for he acts as the apportioner of the experience and leadership to their credit. All lamas in the
Immaculate Orders resources, allotting those resources the Immaculate Order are Dragon-Blooded, as befitting men and
Mouth of Peace secures for the use of the Immaculate Order, women in a position such as they are in.
from money and food to artifacts and the hearthstones of the Difficult is the road a lama walks, for he must learn
Orders many manses. to balance the demands of the political Mouth of Peace
The Paragon of Pasiap is to represent the understanding with those of the enlightened Paragonsa task that often
of the greatest weapon that Creation has against the erosion resembles a juggling act. Outsiders point out the difficulty in
of the Wyld: civilization. The Paragon of Pasiap teaches that which lamas find themselves and wonder why it isnt made
Creation was once larger, but with the deaths caused by the simplerwhy is there no definitive chain of command? The
Contagion and the subsequent fall of civilization, the walls that wise know the answer to this, however. A lamas first master
held back the storm of the Wyld fell, and madness breached should be his own wisdom, balancing the needs of the secular
the world. As a result, those monks who follow the teachings world with the demands of enlightenment.
of Pasiap tend to be vehement missionaries, seeking always to Lamas oversee geographical locations, acting as ad-
bring civilization to those places that are without it. ministrators for the abbots, vartabeds and sybils of each of
The current Paragon of Pasiap is the oldest of the Para- those locations. In this role, they are expected to know what
gons, an ancient Earth Aspect with flesh like white marble is going on in their territories, that they may counsel the
known as Foundation of Prosperity. The devotees of Pasiap Mouth of Peace and the Paragons properly. In theory, there
under Foundation of Prosperity have gone a long way toward must be at least one lama for each geographical region and
the accomplishment of what he views as Pasiaps foremost satrapy, but this isnt always the case (particularly away from
goal: the building of prosperity, which builds civilization. the Blessed Isle). A lama is supposed to spend half of every
year in the geographical region he oversees and the other
THE PARAGON OF SEXTES JYLIS half at the Palace Sublime.
The Paragon of Sextes Jylis, unlike the others, is not based
out of the Palace Sublime. Instead, the role of this Paragon
is that of The Sower of New Seeds, a poetic reference to THE CLOISTER TRADITION
his role in accepting postulants into the Immaculate Order The cloister tradition is a strong one in the Immaculate
and then planting them within the Immaculate Order. The Order, with nearly half of all monks following it. Rather than
Paragon of Sextes Jylis is based out of the Procession of Gray, acting as intercessors for the people, the cloister tradition
the monastery in the Temple District of the Imperial City. It teaches Immaculates to sequester themselves from the bustle
is considered appropriate that this Paragon acts in this role, of daily life in remote monasteries. In these places of serenity,
for he must embody the very compassion of the Immaculate the cloistered monk may focus on his Essence and its devel-
Dragon of Wood. He must take pity on those who come from opment, seeking to emulate the Immaculate Dragonswho
the secular world and are burdened by it, accepting them into moved through life remaining apart from the banality of the
the peace and discipline of the Immaculate Order not out of mundane worldas close as anyone can.
desire for power, but out of love and compassion. In the Immaculate Order, the cloistered monks serve
The Paragon of Sextes Jylis also acts as the master of a valuable purpose. It is from cloistered monasteries that
the Scarlet Chapel, a huge temple structure situated within most copies of the sutras come, as one of the spiritual tasks

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 undertaken by these men and women is the hand-copying subordinates toward martial and spiritual excellence relent-
of the Immaculate Texts. Additionally, cloistered monks lessly, seeking to push them until their common weaknesses
study the martial arts significantly more often than those of hinder them, and then to push them some more, allowing
the other traditions, and when trouble with a god or other them to overcome those weaknesses. A cloistered abbot may
spirit is reported to the Immaculate Order, it is usually to a be a grim, insulting master of the martial arts or a kindly old
cloistered monastery that the request for aid is sent. man given to meditation and philosophical talks over tea,
The men and women of the cloisters have established but he is always one thingdriven. Most of the Paragons
something of a frightening reputation to the common folk, are chosen from lamas who once served as abbots.
for they rarely see the monks of the cloisters until the need
for Immaculate martial arts comes about. Then, they are THE TEMPLE TRADITION
grim warriors who come with sutras on their lips and terrible The tradition best known by the common folk of the
elemental Essence about their fists. Blessed Isle, the temple tradition is the part of the Order
Cloistered monks wear only the basic vestments of that sees to the adherence to the Immaculate Calendar and
monks of the Immaculate Order. A given cloister might the performance of the rites to the Celestial and Terrestrial
have a unified pattern of trim at the edges, though, such Bureaucracies. Temple monks are the Immaculates who deal
as the wave motif of the Heavenly Cloister of Sapphire, most often with the common folk, and their penchant for
in the western part of the Blessed Isle, or the Unyielding wisdom and strict watchfulness against heresy is legendary.
Perseverance Keeps pattern of diamonds with a single dot Ultimately, the temple tradition exists for two reasons:
in the middle of each. to see that the appropriate rites are performed for the
gods of the Celestial and Terrestrial Bureaucracies and to
THE ABBOT see that people understand the Immaculate Philosophy.
The head of a cloistered monastery is an abbot or ab- Where cloistered monks live the Philosophy, teaching
bess, a wise elder monk who has served in the Immaculate by example and answering the questions of the curious,
Order for many years. These men and women understand temple monks seek to make those around them understand
their duties quite well. They are there to oversee the monks through the use of parables, prayers and readings. Although
within their monastery and very little else. They drive their they practice the martial arts as well, temple monks spend

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 more of their days overseeing the various rites of propitia- THE SYBIL
tion, teaching the common folk and performing rites of Ascetics have no leaders, in the fashion of cloistered
passage for them. and temple monks. It is, after all, not necessary. Most ascetic
Temple monks often wear prayer shawls, each marked monks remain ascetic for just a few years at a time, returning
with the symbol of the temple to which the monk belongs. to their home monasteries nearly dead of exhaustion, when
They also often wear pectorals or belts hung with the symbolic they have gained whatever insights they sought or when
representations of the gods to whom they are performing rites. their responsibilities pull them home once more.
Most such decorations change daily, though. A rare few ascetic monks, however, do not pursue this
life. These men and women undertake the ascetic tradition
THE VARTABED permanently, believing that, as the Immaculate Dragons
What the abbot is to a cloistered monastery, the vart- wandered Creation in order to understand their Essence,
abed is to a temple. An elder monk known for his wisdom so too must they. When such a monk achieves the kind of
and understanding of the Immaculate rites, the vartabed renown in the Immaculate Order that would elevate other
is responsible for training the monks under him in the monks to the position of vartabed or abbot, the lamas simply
maintenance of the Immaculate Calendar and the education begin referring to him or her as a sybil.
of the populace. Where abbots have a reputation as being Sybils are often sought out by other monks seeking wisdom.
distant and unsociable, vartabeds are usually assumed to be Many teachers instruct the monks beneath them that, in order
quite socially engaging. A vartabed understands that the to truly undertake the ascetic tradition for a time, they must
Immaculate Order wields no small power, as entrenched as seek out a sybil in order for her to impart some wisdom to them.
it is in society. It is his responsibility to make sure that this Sybils invariably dwell in remote regions, the proverbial old man
powerlike all that in the Immaculate Orderis wielded on the mountain or seer hidden away in a cavern. Additionally,
in accordance to the tenets of the Immaculate Philosophy. many of them do discover refinements of their Essence that
Every one of the Mouths of Peace has been chosen from are unique to the insights that come from prolonged ascetic
among the ranks of lamas who were once vartabeds. practice. Most stories that discuss strange ascetic monks who
are capable of working miracles refer to sybils.
THE ASCETIC TRADITION
There is a third tradition of monastic practice in the OTHER TRADITIONS
Immaculate Order. Although it is not an officially recognized Though the three foregoing traditions are the most
or organized one, the ascetic tradition is quite strong. At any common within the Immaculate Order, there are a few other
given time, perhaps one in 10 monks in Creation is pursuing ways of following the Immaculate Philosophy.
an ascetic path, and many Immaculate monks, whether temple
or cloister trained, undertake asceticism in order to deepen ITINERANT MONKS
their understanding at some point in their lives. An itinerant monk is, in many ways, a monk who adheres
Simply put, the ascetic tradition seeks to escape all of to all three of the major Immaculate traditions. Such monks
civilization. Unlike cloistered monks, ascetics dont seques- travel from place to place, seeking wisdom in the wilderness
ter themselves behind high monastery walls; unlike temple
monks, they dont seek immersion in the daily life of the
Realm. Instead, the ascetic monk flees cities and goes into THE CELESTIALLY GUIDED ITINERANTS
the wilderness, in order to simply dwell there for a time. Occasionally, a monks skill, piety and devotion to
Most ascetic monks put themselves through a very dif- the Immaculate Philosophy is noticed by the Mouth
ficult existence, eating only insects and roots, drinking only of Peace. Such figures may be chosen to join the
cool river water and living either exposed to the elements or Celestially Guided Itinerants, an order of wandering
within naturally occurring shelter. All ascetic monks believe agents of the Mouth of Peace. What the magistrates
that the denial of the bodys needs is the method by which are to the Thousand Scales, the Celestially Guided
the soul is purified and enlightened. Therefore, most ascetic Itinerants are to the Immaculate Orderbringers of
monks remain on the edge of sleep deprivation, starvation scrutiny and justice, in adherence with the laws of the
and exposure, mortifying their bodies in order to elevate their Order and the will of the Mouth of Peace.
souls. These monks often acquire a supernatural reputation The Celestially Guided Itinerants are tremendously
among the common folk, who attribute to them amazing skilled investigators, and are all Dragon-Blooded. They
abilities for their sacrifice and dedication. answer only to the Mouth of Peace and are notorious
Ascetic monks are invariably dressed in tattered vest- for their ability to stumble into false tithing scams,
ments, or are nearly naked, clothed only in what they can corruption in monasteries and other symptoms of the
make by hand, or what superstitious peasants leave out for fact that, for all their preaching of perfection, the Im-
them at the mouths of their caves. maculate Order is still manned by fallible mortals.

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 through starvation and deprivation in the fashion of an ascetic. is said to be cultivating his Essence, as is one who learns the
Yet, they also seek out communities that do not have an Im- sutras. Many monks strive to teach all who wish to learn the
maculate presence nearby, performing the rites of passage and techniques of meditation and the basics of the martial arts.
propitiating the local small gods properly, in the fashion of a Exalted monks are also taught that they should assist their
temple monk. Itinerant monks are often quite skilled in the mortal brethren in learning the techniques of awakening
martial arts, as well, for they seek out masters of the martial their Essence, where such is possible.
arts to train them in their journeys. They are the monks most
likely to be called upon to use them, in order to deal with the EDUCATION
dangers of the road and wilderness. Immaculate monks are also beholden to teach those
At some point in their lives, most monks are instructed to around them. This teaching focuses primarily on the Im-
undertake an itinerant existence. Sometimes, this is just after maculate Texts and the Immaculate Philosophy, though it
their training at the Palace Sublime is over, before they report is understood that mortals are enlightened through educa-
to their new monasteries. Other times, this is after a period of tion of any kind. As such, all monasteries are required to
years, or just before a monk takes over a monastery as vartabed or take in children from the age of five to nine and educate
abbot. Many monks see a period of itinerancy as a rite of passage, them, usually using the holy sutras as the basis for learn-
used to mark dramatic changes in the monks existence. ing to read.
Most itinerant monks adhere to a strictly scheduled route
of travel, allowing them to come to know the people along RITES OF PASSAGE
that route. When such a monk shows up, many marriages that The passage through a single life, while just a blink
have been put off are held and celebrated, babies that have in a souls walk along the Road of Enlightenment, is still
been born since he was last through there are named and noteworthy. Rites of passage serve to bind a community
blessed, and any problems with local spirits are reported to together, thus building civilization. The Immaculate monks
him to deal with. As a result, it sometimes seems that where perform all weddings, binding in union new couples. Monks
an itinerant monk goes, celebration follows. also perform the naming ceremonies of new children, who
are simply called boy or girl until such a ceremony has
SOCIAL DUTIES taken place. Rites of adulthood, funerals and many other such
Regardless of their tradition and style of service, all Im- ceremonies are usually performed under the watchfulness of
maculate monks are expected to fulfill a variety of obligations. the Immaculate monks as well.
Some traditions focus on certain of these duties more than
others, but all understand that these duties are all absolutely
DIVINE INTERCESSION
Dragon-Blooded monks are expected to act as interme-
important and seek to fulfill those they are capable of to the
diaries between men and gods. It is a tenet of the Immaculate
best of their ability.
Philosophy that the Princes of the Earth are the only ones
with the moral and spiritual fortitude to withstand the in-
SEARCH FOR RELICS fluence of the gods without losing their will. As such, the
In hearing the words and understanding the message of the
Immaculate Order not only oversees all the rites of all the
Immaculate Dragons, mortals and Exalted are brought closer
gods (theoretically, at least) in Creation, in accordance to the
to enlightenment. The more an individual hears and under-
Immaculate Calendar, but its monks also go to small gods to
stands, the closer he might come. Therefore, it is considered an
represent mortal populations. Such occurrences are usually
important duty of every Immaculate monk to search for relics
sufficient to cow most small gods, who fear the supernatural
of the First Age, especially writings that contain the words
martial prowess of the Immaculate monks.
of the Immaculate Dragons. Such findings form the basis for
the Immaculate Texts. Even those that are not the words of
the Immaculate Dragons or their apostles are still considered
MISSIONARY WORK
The Immaculate Order maintains that, through the
important, allowing Immaculate scholars to better understand
spread of understanding of ones place under Heaven, Creation
the context in which some sutras were spoken.
is strengthened. Therefore, one of the Immaculate Orders
foremost efforts is in missionary work. The missionary efforts
CULTIVATION OF ESSENCE of the Immaculate Order are not limited to teaching mortals
Every monk is responsible for aiding others in the cul-
the truths of the Immaculate Philosophy, howeverthey
tivation of their Essence. First and foremost, of course, an
also extend to local gods. Normally, when the Immaculate
Immaculate monk must not neglect her own development,
Order achieves sufficient influence in an area, it builds a
but she must also aid others where she can. In some cases,
monastery and populates it.
this aid involves training young Dragon-Blooded (particu-
Then, as the mortal monks go forth and teach the sutras
larly outcastes) how to use their Essence, but this duty is not
and Philosophy to the common men of the area, the Dragon-
limited to the Princes of the Earth. A mortal who learns to
Blooded monks seek out the local gods, calling on them to
find resolve, acceptance and self-reliance in his lifes duties

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 bow before the righteousness of the Immaculate Way. Those For this reason, the Immaculate Order is careful to search
who defy the monks are fought with supernatural martial arts. out heresy. It isnt as though gods are not worshiped, all gods
Then, once gods and commoners have been swayed to the are worshiped in accordance with their duties under Heaven.
Immaculate Philosophy, most abbots invite the local leaders of Therefore, by the teachings of the Order, additional and
an area to the monastery, believing that once the commoners direct worship not only exposes mortals to the potentially
and the gods of the area adhere to the Immaculate Philosophy, corrupting influence of divine majesty, which may cause
the leadership can do nothing but accede as well. them to veer away from their search for enlightenment, but
it gives the god more worship than it is due. It is, in effect,
SOCIAL JUSTICE either bribery or blackmail, depending on the nature of the
The monks of the Immaculate Orderparticularly god in question.
those monks who hold the ideals of Daanad closeteach Heresy is answered with direct, swift action. The Immacu-
that each being is a potential bodhisattva and so should be late monks call out the heretic gods to combat, preferably in
treated accordingly. Everyone in Creation has a place, and the presence of their erstwhile cult. Once the god has been
to fight against that place is wrong, but that does not give beaten either into submission or dispersal, the mortals are
one the right to abuse those below one. Immaculate monks reminded of their duties to seek personal enlightenment, not
are notorious for protesting the tyrannies of rulers in front to provide power to a greedy little god. The difficulties they
of their palaces, refusing to be moved and indeed, willing are praying to be alleviated are part of their natural existence
to sacrifice themselves in some instances (if only to prove and meant to challenge them. By meeting those challenges,
how strongly the Order opposes such a situation). They will they take steps on the Road of Enlightenment; by running
even go so far as to lead uprisings, and the Paragons of the to a spirit to do it for them, they lose their footing.
Immaculate Dragons have spoken out against the excesses As a result of these painful demonstrations, many gods
of even the Great Houses in the past. on the Blessed Isle are quite terrified of being accused of
heresy. At the first sign of any direct worship potentially
THE IMMACULATE CALENDAR developing around them, it isnt uncommon for a god who
The Immaculate Order maintains the Immaculate Calen- has experienced Immaculate retribution to not only refuse
dar, a massive archive of gods both large and small in Creation to allow people to worship him, but to be the one to report
and in Heaven. This calendar records not only the identity the would-be cult at the nearest Immaculate temple!
of a god, but the proper ritual used to propitiate it. Gods are
given direct worship only by the Immaculate monks, who
understand that it is the proper place of those in Creation to
THE WYLD HUNT
The Wyld Hunt is not technically part of the Immaculate
render up worship to those in Heaven. They do not believe, Order proper. Strictly speaking, it is a special organization,
however, that every individual god has the right to coerce partly religious and partly secular, overseen by both. In actual-
more worship than it is due from vulnerable mortals. ity, though, the Wyld Hunt receives most of its support from
As such, the more powerful the god is, the more fre- the Immaculate Order. Even if this wasnt always the case,
quently it is given worship. The Celestines are worshiped on with the disappearance of the Scarlet Empress, the Imperial
a daily basis by all the temple monasteries. Heavenly gods are Bureaucracy has many more issues on its hands.
likewise rendered worship at the Palace Sublime and other
major temple monasteries, with more important gods being MEMBERSHIP
worshiped more frequently. There are two kinds of Wyld Huntsmen, who are usually
When a local god agrees to adhere to the Immaculate referred to as harriers, or shikari. The most common is the
Philosophy, its rites and days of worship are entered in the errant shikari, a hunter who maintains a life outside of the
local copy of the Immaculate Calendar, and the monks of Wyld Hunt. Errant shikari are not supported by the Wyld
that temple perform the rites when its proper ritual days Hunt and usually have duties outside the Hunt chapter house,
come around. Most local gods do not receive more than a be they to the Immaculate Order, the All-Seeing Eye, the
few days of worship a year. Imperial Army, their House or other masters.
The Immaculate Philosophys rituals incorporate worship Less common, but highly praised, are hosted shikari, har-
of the Celestial Bureaucracy in a general way. Temple monks riers who have dedicated their lives to the aims of the Wyld
lead the faithful in sutras and rituals that glorify the gods in Hunt. These are men and women who have usually given all
general, rendering up the proper obeisance of mortals without their personal wealth to the Wyld Hunt as a whole and are
favoring any one god over others. The Immaculate Order supported by it. Hosted shikari own nothing, but they are also
teaches that the gods are properly worshiped in this fashion. the first ones to be given the resources of the Wyld Hunt in the
Although the monks know what gods are being revered on field. The numbers of hosted shikari have swelled somewhat
a given day, the ritual that is performed by the laity is the in recent years, as more than a few scions of House Tepet have
same every day, with the monks symbolically gathering that signed up, wanting to fight the threat of the Anathema in these
worship and apportioning it to the appropriate gods. days after the slaughter of the Tepet Legions.

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 RANKS Below the exarchs are the ostiaries (Backing [Wyld
The Wyld Hunt answers to two forces: the Mouth of Hunt] ), who act as the generals for the chapter houses,
Peace and the Committee on Matters of Venery, a bureau of overseeing the operation of the cadres, including organizing
the All-Seeing Eye that oversees the secular matters of the them. The ostiary acts as the right-hand man for the exarch
Wyld Hunt, keeping track of supplies and payroll, transfers in a chapter house.
of soldiers and resources and the like. It also acts as the chan- Each chapter house has between two and four venerers
nel by which information from the All-Seeing Eye reaches (Backing [Wyld Hunt] ) each. When a cadre is formed,
the Wyld Hunt. it is a venerer who acts as the head of that cadre, and the
The Mouth of Peace is advised by the correctors, a council venerers are expected to know the capabilities of those be-
traditionally made up of monks who have served with the neath them. The venerers of a chapter house form a council
Wyld Hunt and monks that have not, in equal numbers. The that advises the ostiary and the exarch.
correctors monitor the workings of the Wyld Hunt, order Finally, within a given cadre, there are simple shikari
reports on campaigns and perform audits. The correctors and (Backing [Wyld Hunt] ) and those harriers who are more
the Committee on Matters of Venery often work to perform experienced and have survived campaigns against at least
the same deeds, each reporting to their differing superiors. four Anathema. Such heroes are referred to as amercers
They maintain a fairly strong rivalry, and more than one (Backing [Wyld Hunt] ).
canny exarch has used this rivalry to his chapter houses
advantage, playing each side off one another. CHAPTER HOUSES
Individual chapter houses are run by exarchs (Backing Once, there were 11 chapter houses spread across the Blessed
[Wyld Hunt] ), Immaculate-trained hosted shikari who Isle and the Threshold. Now, with the sudden drop in imperial
act as the heads of chapter houses and oversee the administra- funding and the Great Houses working to consolidate their own
tion and training of its resources. Exarchs almost never go power, only six remain, only one of which is in the Threshold
into the field, though more than one has strapped on his old (specifically, in the North, near Cherak). Chapter houses are
armor after a particularly devastating loss of a cadre. always manses under the leadership of an exarch and ostiary.

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 CADRES to another monastery somewhere, or the very experienced,
Any given chapter house has a large number of amercers lamas, Celestially Guided Itinerants and a variety of others.
and shikari, with a handful of venerers to act as cadre leader- Among these scuttle the bureaucrats, under-secretaries and
ship. A chapter house always maintains approximately half minor functionaries who keeps the monolithic Immaculate
of its membership as established cadres, teams who work Order running.
and train together routinely, getting to know one anothers The Bronze Faction likewise considers this the closest
weaknesses and strengths, drawing on the nature of the thing it has to a headquarters in Creation, and many nights
Dragon-Blooded Exaltation to improve one another. Many see three or four of the most unlikely secretaries, monks
established cadres are sworn brotherhoods. and others gathered atop the roof, watching the stars in the
The others form the basis of ad hoc cadres, cadres put sky closely.
together as a team under a given venerer on a case-by-case
basis. This arrangement sacrifices some of the benefits of THE CLOISTER OF WISDOM
established cadres in exchange for supreme flexibility and Less than a days travel from the Palace Sublime lies
the ability to tailor the teams membership to the needs of the Cloister of Wisdom, one of the four officially recognized
the mission. secondary academies. The Cloister is sponsored by the Im-
Originally, cadres of the Wyld Hunt consisted of two to maculate Order, whose goal is to teach students who attend
five Dragon-Blooded, with a host of soldiers and an assortment the Cloister how to be proper Dragon-Blooded in the eyes of
of aides and support for the cadre. The Immaculate Order the Immaculate Dragons. Those on the outside of Dragon-
and the All-Seeing Eye originally tried to make sure that Blooded society assume that those who attend the Cloister
they had at least one of their own in each cadre. end up joining the Immaculate Order, but in actuality, only
With the changes that have shaken Creation, however, the a relatively small percentage ever wind up doing so.
cadres have grown. No longer do Anathema move alone through There are many in Dragon-Blooded societyinclud-
Creation. Instead, they seem to have appeared in numbers great ing such luminaries as Cathak Cainan, the head of House
enough to find one another and band together. Now, a cadre Cathakwho attended the Cloister. These Dragon-Blooded
generally consists of five to 10 Dragon-Blooded harriers, with have no common destination after the Cloister, but wherever
a proportional swelling in support. The Immaculate Order has they end up, they bring with them a solid grounding in Im-
tried to make certain that it has at least two monks in any cadre, maculate morals and ethics, a firm grasp of the Immaculate
and the All-Seeing Eye has done the same. Texts and a clear understanding of their duty as the Princes
of the Earth.
TEMPLES & MONASTERIES The Cloister of Wisdom prides itself in turning out
students who are many things: devout, clear-thinking, in-
The buildings and manses of the Immaculate Order are
novative and adept in combat. The techniques perfected
generally put to a variety of uses. Like most of the Dragon-
by the Immaculate Order in the training of its monks were
Blooded Host, the Exalted monks of the Immaculate Order
adapted for the purposes of the Cloister.
prefer to use a manse for their purposes, but they will work
with whatever is available. TEACHERS
The dominie of the Cloister of Wisdom is the lama
THE PALACE SUBLIME Repentant Blossom of Winter, a powerful Air-aspected
The largest temple of the Immaculate Order, the Palace Immaculate and sorceress several centuries old, with snow-
Sublime seems quite indefensible, made up as it is of a pair of white eyebrows beneath a finely shaven pate and a serene
immensely tall towers and a squat, square keep. Nonetheless, countenance. Repentant Blossom has mastered both the Air
it is home to no less than the Mouth of Peace and four of the and Earth Dragon Styles of Immaculate martial arts and a
five Immaculate Paragons. It is the heart of the Immaculate smattering of Terrestrial styles, and she has the knowledge
Order, and none has ever dared attack it. of up to the Form Charm of Water Dragon Style. She is
At the top of one of the towers is the Contemplative rarely seen on the grounds, for her time is usually taken up
Chamber of the Mouth of Peace, and the next few floors in expanding the education of those the Cloister employs as
beneath that are appointed for her staff. Above the Contem- teachers. Part of their payment for teaching at the Cloister
plative Chamber is a small, modest office wherein Chejop is the privilege of learning at her feet. Some of these teach-
Kejak, head of the Sidereal Bronze Faction, resides, watching ers include:
out over Creation from one of the tallest towers anywhere. Mnemon Araha: Responsible for lessons of ethical
The Palace Sublime is a confusing maze of temple spaces, statecraft and politics, Mnemon Araha is the daughter of
monastic training grounds, offices, council chambers, medita- Mnemon herself. A potent Earth-aspected Dragon-Blood,
tion quarters and vaults of riches and artifacts. The monks who Araha fully supports her mothers aspirations, though she
dwell here are one of two kinds: the very young, undergoing acknowledges that this support must not be permitted to
their first training after their pilgrimage, before being sent on taint her role as a teacher here.

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 Hitayasha: Claiming to be an outcaste who grew up in to learn all the Cloister of Wisdom has to offer. Once that
the Scavenger Lands, Hitayasha is actually Iselsi Hitayasha. time is over, it is done.
In addition to the lessons in herbalism and healing for which This does not mean that classes are easy, though, by
she is known, Hitayasha also recruits for the All-Seeing Eye, any measure. A student who does not excel in a masters
a fact Repentant Blossom is aware of and supports. Hitayasha class will be removed from it, banished and told to never
is careful to keep her familial ties secret, though she believes return. A master who banishes a student will never accept
that Mnemon Araha suspects. that student into one of his classes. The masters also keep
Silk Tide: The famous poet and historian Silk Tide is track of how many classes students are taking and adjust daily
not a Dragon-Blood. In his youth, he toured the Blessed Isle, chore schedules appropriately. A student who is lazy and does
performing his epic historical poetic works for the Great Houses, not take many classes, or who finds himself banished from
who vied to be his sole patron. He always made clear that his classes, often finds he has the hardest backbreaking labor.
loyalty was to the Scarlet Empire as a whole, rather than any one The masters are clear in this. Those who do not work to
House, a stance that found him favor with the Scarlet Empress. enlighten themselves and gain knowledge will quickly wish
When he performed for her, Repentant Blossom was in court, they were given the privilege to do so once more.
and afterward, she invited him to take up a teaching post at the Students who live at the Cloister of Wisdom are expected
Cloister of Wisdom when he wearied of travel. Rumor has that to adhere to at least the First Coil living requirements of
he and Repentant Blossom are lovers, but the truth is almost Immaculate monks. Occasional slips are expected, but these
more intimate than that. She has taught him to awaken his should be spontaneous. Deliberately planning to break those
mortal Essence through the use of martial arts. requirements or worse, aiding others in doing so, is cause for
punishment (usually in the form of additional chores).
STUDENT LIFE The chores here are onerous and exceedingly menial.
Students sleep in large, same-sex dormitories, separated Students sand and oil the wood floors on every level of every
by years. The accommodations are quite plainthe students building daily. Students also tend gardens on the grounds,
sleep on bamboo matsand the food is nutritious but simple. prepare food and mend clothing. Those who excel in their
Students rise with the sun to perform devotions and spend studies, especially in their later years, are often given chores
the rest of the day in study and meditation. Each student is that lead to higher education, such as assignments to copy
responsible for knowing what areas he is weakest in. Students parts of the Immaculate Texts.
are also responsible for seeking out those masters who can
help them improve themselves. No master keeps track of LAYOUT
a students progress, so it falls to the student to strengthen The Cloister of Wisdom is a compound without walls or
himself through study and practice. The core of education even true defenses. It is located in a valley in Incas Prefecture,
here is broad: There are many masters with many talents, from with the easternmost of the surrounding hills ending sud-
religious training to combat tactics and from mathematics denly in a cliff that overlooks the sea. The passage that leads
and engineering to social interaction and proper etiquette. down into the valley crosses a stream with a small footbridge
But there are three categories in which all must excel. First over it. An arch depicting the five Elemental Dragons spans
and foremost, all students must demonstrate mastery of their the steps up to the bridge, and a small sign next to the arch
minds by learning the techniques of meditation. Secondly, requests that visitors use the stone basin of salt water to ritu-
students must master their bodies through the martial arts. ally cleanse themselves before crossing the bridge.
Lastly, students must prove their mastery of spirit by learning There are three primary buildings here: the Cloister
Charms and the manipulation of their personal Essence. Temple, the Hall of Masters and the Garden Hall. The
Students of the first year spend time working on noth- Cloister Temple houses not only a large temple to the Im-
ing but those three areas. When he shows sufficient mastery, maculate Dragons, but a large library and lecture halls, as
a student may seek out other masters to learn from them. well as quiet study and meditation cells, meant for only one
There are no set schedules that students must follow. The person at a time. The Hall of Masters houses the masters of
masters of given subjects simply make it known that they the Cloister, with its ground floor serving as a large dining
will be in a given place at a given time, and those who show hall for both masters and students. The Garden Hall is a large
up will learn what they have to teach. Each year, a student is building that completely encircles a beautiful sand garden.
expected to seek out the masters who are teaching the things The Hall has a wide variety of classrooms and lecture halls,
he desires to learn and to beg those masters to be allowed to and a strictly enforced policy of utter silence in the medita-
come to their classes. tion garden, which has space for seated meditation as well
Unlike other academies, the Cloister of Wisdom does as ample room for the performance of katas.
not permit a student to remain there for more than seven Scattered around the beautifully landscaped grounds
years. Students are expected to be serious learners and to are the five Young Dragon Halls, where students live. Each
learn as much as they can. The masters constantly drill hall houses up to 25 students (up to the schools maximum
into their students the fact that they have only seven years enrollment of 125), but they are not always filled. Each of

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 the Young Dragon Halls is designed in a style that honors Immaculate Dragons), as well as a few other areas for the
one of the Immaculate Dragons, with a meditation garden celebration of rites of passage. Simple, small chambers can
in the middle of the hall, open to the elements. usually be found scattered about, meant for one supplicant
Each of these dormitories, where students sleep five to confer with a monk on issues of a private nature.
to a room on bamboo mats, has a garden that the students Behind these public areas are not just the living areas for
within that given hall are expected to help tend. There are monks, but also the individual temples or shrines for the local
no official schedules or times for these choresstudents are gods or for greater gods that the monastery is responsible for
expected to simply honor their responsibility. Practically helping to directly worship. Such areas are strictly off-limits
speaking, first year students are taken under the wing of older to non-monks, and even then, it is only the Exalted monks
students and taught how to care for the garden of that hall. who carry keys to these chambers.
Generally speaking, a system tends to evolve where one of
the older students takes on the responsibility of caring for his OTHER CONSTRUCTIONS
halls garden and requests help from his dorm-mates. Those Monasteries are not the only structures on which the Im-
few who shirk these requests generally receive discipline at maculate Order depends. The following kinds of buildings are
the hands of the older student, often through duels. rarer than monasteries, but they do serve valuable purposes.
DEFENSES SHRINES
The Cloister of Wisdom, like the Palace Sublime, has no There are usually two kinds of shrines to be found: those
defenses. The arch that lies at its opening has no gate, and to the Immaculate Dragons and those to local small gods in an
the bridge that spans the shallow stream is a courtesy only. area where there are no temple monasteries. The first shrines
There are no walls, and the Cloister could be easily destroyed are usually set aside for itinerant and ascetic monks who find
by anyone with a mind to do so. There is, however, one thing the necessity of a temple space (usually for performing rites
that prevents that: the Exalted within the Cloister. If, for some of passage and the like for those who havent seen a monk
reason, someone chose to make herself an enemy in the eyes in a while). Such shrines are built simply, often out of local
of the Immaculate Order and attacked the Cloister, she would materials, featuring a large stone or wooden statue of a dragon,
still find herself up against some of the most competent martial with a simple bed of sand in front of it for joss sticks.
artists in the Realm. Moreover, the Cloister lies only a half- The second type of shrine is a little rarer, as Immaculate
day from the Palace Sublime, home to four of the Immaculate monks dont like the possibility of cults springing up around the
Paragons, four of the most powerful Essence-wielding Dragon- shrines of little gods. In some cases, however, it is necessary to
Bloods in all of Creation, to say nothing of headquarters for perform the rites of a small god in a space dedicated to it. Such
the Sidereal secret masters of the Order. shrines are found only in areas where an ascetic monk or cloistered
monastery provides the only Immaculate attention, and such
MONASTERIES shrines are always sealed behind heavily locked doors, the key
The Immaculate Order is perhaps best known for its of which remains in the possession of the Immaculate.
monasteries, fine walled enclosures decorated with draconic
iconography, dedicated to either all five of the Immaculate SCHOOLS
Dragons or one of them in particular. The Immaculate Order takes responsibility for teaching
the children of non-patrician families that cannot afford
CLOISTERS tutors of their own. From the ages of five to nine, children
Cloistered monasteries are meant for no one save from all over report to monasteries to learn the basics of
the Immaculate Order. Consisting entirely of bare living reading, writing and mathematics, as well as a heavy dose
spaces, ample training courtyards, martial-arts dojos and of the Immaculate Philosophy. At the age of 10, however,
meditation rooms, cloisters do not have servants to tend to children leave, continuing on to primary schools if their
the inhabitants needs, for the monks themselves perform parents can afford it or to begin working toward the craft
these duties. they will pursue as adults otherwise.
Most cloisters are quite defensible, with tall walls and The Immaculate Order maintains a couple of primary
the means of fighting off a prolonged siege. They also tend schools, though, like other primary schools, they are for those
to boast impressive armories of weapons, and some cloisters who can afford to enroll their children there. Only one, the
might even have armed and armored monastery guardians Academy of Those Who Tread in Sextes Jylis Footsteps, is
at the gates and patrolling the walls. free. Children who reach the appropriate age and demonstrate
admirable piety with a natural intelligence may be sponsored
TEMPLES by the Immaculate Order to attend this primary school. Such
Temple monasteries, on the other hand, tend to be lav- students often end up as part of the Order itself, and the best
ish, with beautiful craftsmanship. There are usually public among them can even find themselves with a sponsorship to
worship areas (normally in a chapel dedicated to the five the Cloister of Wisdom.

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 CHAPTER FIVE

THE LAND

As the very pinnacle of Creation, the Blessed Isle is a The Essence of the Blessed Isle is carefully cultivated
virtual paradise compared to many places in the Threshold. and channeled through sophisticated networks of manses and
It is the longest-settled place in Creation. Where many other geomantic structures. Likewise, the gods of the Blessed
other lands have undergone cycles of civilizationfalling Isle are well aware of the dangers of prideful negligence of
to disaster or war then going through a cycle of wilderness, their duties. These factors, along with the influence of Ex-
only to be civilized againthe Blessed Isle hasnt been an alted magics through history, have assured that the Blessed
untamed wilderness since it was first coalesced from the Isle remains prosperous and rich in resources.
Wyld. While disaster has threatened the Blessed Isle time As the center of Creation, it has perfect weather, for the
and again, and plague and war have destroyed entire swathes climate here is a perfect balance of the influence of the other
of the population, the Isle has always quickly rebuilt. And four poles. Although the places nearer the poles are often
rightly so, for it is the shining source of the light of civiliza- ravaged by these tremendous elemental weather patterns, by
tion on Creation. the time they reach the Blessed Isle, they are not only temper-
These literal millennia of cultivation have turned the ate, but made orderly, predictable and calm by the Elemental
Blessed Isle into something of a pastoral paradise. There Pole of Earth, resulting in ample growing seasons.
are many vistas of natural beauty, but predators have been As a result, the Blessed Isle sees five harvests of rice
hunted to extinction through the Isle, with the exception per year, an unheard-of bounty anywhere else, save a few
of a few imperial game preserves and hunting refuges meant breadbaskets in the Scavenger Lands. There are no petty
for the sport of the Dragon-Blooded. gods of grain and vine that must be appeased, and none of

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 them are permitted to fall down on their promised gifts, for days). Upon its slopes is writ the history of all of Creation,
if they do, the Immaculate Order will send monks to deal and nearly every major figure in history has been here at
with them properly. one point or another. It is an inexorable lure and symbol
All land travels downward from the Imperial Moun- of Creation itself for many, and it draws thousands upon
tain, until it reaches the sea. The Blessed Isle is a place of thousands of pilgrims every year.
rolling hills and wide prairies, divided by a few great rivers
and mountain ranges. Its terrain is marked with the signs of NATURAL FEATURES
centuries of powerful civilizationroads and aqueducts are The Imperial Mountain is the highest of all features in
in plentiful representation, as are small settlements every Creation, natural, divine or man-made. On its face can be
day or so along major roads. found kinds of stone unknown in the rest of Creation, and its
Essence is so powerful that there are a few demesnes located
THE IMPERIAL MOUNTAIN high on its slopes that not even the mightiest architects of
The literal and symbolic heart of all Creation, the the First Age could cap with manses.
Imperial Mountain is the Axis Mundi upon which all of
incarnated reality spins. It rises higher than any other point GEOGRAPHY
in the world and is literally visible from everywhere on the The Imperial Mountain is the greatest mountain in
Blessed Isle (though some places can see it only on very clear Creation, and so, at its lower altitudes, it is very similar to

PREFECTURES AND DOMINIONS

The prefectural and dominion system is a method of establishing borders found almost nowhere else in Cre-
ation. Unlike systems of protectorates, kingdoms and other forms of organization found in the Threshold, they are
not based on areas of defense. They are entirely bureaucratic creations, meant to make the jurisdiction of laws and
taxes in those areas more efficient.
A prefecture is always based around a capital city. In most cases, the prefecture itself is named for the capital
city, though a few exceptions do exist (Ventus Prefecture, for instance). The capital city of a prefecture technically
oversees a number of smaller settlements within the prefecture. Essentially, any city that acts as a prefecture capital
must have a population large enough to realistically support a bureaucracy. It takes a certain level of population to
support an entire class of people who do nothing but keep track of taxes, laws and ordinances.
Dominions are special prefectures. In every case, a prefecture must have several traits before it can be upgraded
to a dominion. All dominions possess multiple cities, any one of which is generally of sufficient size to act as a pre-
fectural capital. Secondly, there must be many smaller settlements within that area. Generally speaking, a prefectural
capital oversees anywhere from a half-dozen to two dozen settlements. If the city-to-settlement ratio exceeds this,
it is generally a good sign that the area is productive enough to warrant an upgrade to a dominion.
One last trait is implicit in the difference between a dominion and a prefecture, and it alone is why some areas
that might normally be considered dominionssuch as the Juche and Scarlet Prefecturesare not. By imperial
decree, dominions fall under the bureaucratic governance of one of the Great Houses. This distinction was originally
instituted by the Empress as a means of subdividing her empire once its population became too large to effectively
govern, without actually dividing up her power. By placing Great Houses in charge of dominions, she made sure
that large Houses had quite a bit with which to occupy their time and resourcefulness, and gave smaller Houses
something to which to aspire.
Unfortunately, the Realm had only really reached the level of civilization where such things were necessary in
the last 300 years, during which time the Arjuf and Lords Crossing Prefectures absorbed several smaller prefectures
around them and became dominions under Houses Ledaal and Tepet, respectively. It was considered unlikely that
Juche would ever be declared a dominion, for that would mean putting the majority of the Empires source of wealth
under the control of one of the Great Houses. It was equally unlikely that the Empress would cede governance of
the Scarlet Prefecture to anyone else, either.
With her disappearance, no further dominions are likely to be established, as it requires the Imperial Seal to do
so. Some of the Great Houses have begun applying pressure on Regent Fokuf to establish new dominions, effectively
legitimizing the power those Great Houses currently have, but they are met with opposition from other Great Houses
(particularly Houses Tepet and Ledaal, who know what kind of advantage they currently have).

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 mountain terrain elsewhere in the world. Its very base is a CLIMATE
tree-covered slope that rises fairly rapidly. Beyond the tree The high peak of the Imperial Mountain is an absolute
line, only hardy, ground-hugging plants exist, including the barrier to clouds and stormsthere are no atmospheric con-
amaranth blossom, a plant considered sacred to Pasiap. It is ditions great enough that they pass above the summit of the
said that, during his battle with the Anathema, every drop of Imperial Mountain. Therefore, all weather conditions break
blood that Pasiap shed upon the Imperial Mountain turned upon the wall of the Omphalos of Creation. Entire cloud
into one of these ivory-hued blossoms. Alchemists and systems bleed away their rain onto these slopes, and all the
herbalists use these plants in concoctions meant to extend great rivers of the Blessed Isle have their genesis here.
life and grant resilience. Nonetheless, the weather of the Imperial
Above the plant-line, the Imperial Mountain is stark Mountain is utterly temperate, cooling in
and barren stone, often rimed with ice at nights and during winter and warming in summer. The
most days. The pathways here are treacherous and not for vegetation on its lower slopes grows
the faint-hearted, even along deliberate trails such as the lushly and well, and its heights are
Spine of the Amaranthine Dragon. Eventually, however, as chillingly cold.
a traveler rises even above the layer of snow and ice found
on other mountains, the Imperial Mountain continues, ANIMALS
ever upward. The lower forested
At this point, there are dangers, for the raw Essence slopes of the Imperial
of the mountains peaks is sometimes treacherous, creating Mountain teem with
demesnes that cannot be capped by manses. These currents of wild animal life the
Earth Essence have been known to crush the bones of those likes of which is rare
caught in their flows, to transform flesh into stone and to
carry men along on waves of purest Essence, absorbing them
into the very stone some distance away.

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 on the Blessed Isle outside of hunting preserves. Herds of sonal advice on how to live up to the ideal of Pasiaps tenets
wild deer, boar and flocks of game birds are in abundance in their current incarnation by Blissful Insight, the abbot of
here, though there are also bears and the occasional smaller the Victorious Ascendance temple.
hunting cat. The Exalted may continue on to the Immaculate Temple
Beyond the tree line, the numbers of animals grow of Ivory Resplendence, the temple situated just below the
smaller, with eagles and large hunting birds making their very summit of the Imperial Mountain. Very few pilgrims
nests in the heights above the cascades of waters that form make it this far, for it requires another week and a half of
the headwaters of the Blessed Isles rivers. travel for an Exalt to ascend the coldest, bitterest slopes of
Curiously, though, some animals can still be found at the Imperial Mountain.
these points and above. Many of the earth elementals of the Once they achieve the summit, most Exalts spend time
Imperial Mountain, for no reason that sages or priests can meditating upon the very peak, in the spot that Pasiap was
ascertain, seem to mate with animals occasionally, creating a said to have sat and meditated before the great battle with
hearty breed of God-Blooded animals. The stone-tusk boars the Anathema began. It is a moving experience in and of
of the lower forests are particularly well known, as are the itself, but many Earth-aspected Exalts are said to receive
flint-claw eagles, which make their nests quite high above powerful visions directly relevant to their path walking in
the layer that other eagles normally can. the footsteps of Pasiap. Usually by this point, most Exalts
fall into unconsciousness and are taken into the Immaculate
WONDERS Temple by the monks there.
As is appropriate for the very center of Creation, the The abbot of the Immaculate Temple is Abbot Vaicha,
Imperial Mountain is home to many spectacular wonders a powerful Earth-aspected Immaculate monk who has nearly
from every Age. Once home to gods, then the Solars of the reached the end of a Dragon-Blooded life span, and who
First Age and finally to their Dragon-Blooded usurpers, all shows the features of one who is in deep communion with
who have ruled the Blessed Isle have left their mark upon the Essence of his element. It is said that Vaicha communes
the face of the Imperial Mountain. with the stones of the Imperial Mountain themselves. His
ability to know what is happening on its slopes is disconcerting
THE SPINE OF THE AMARANTHINE DRAGON even to Abramchaia, the Bronze Faction Sidereal who acts
The Spine of the Amaranthine Dragon is the pilgrimage as the guardian for the summit of the Imperial Mountain in
path used by those thousands of pilgrims every year who come the guise of Vaichas right-hand man, Righteous Granite.
seeking enlightenment in the place in Creation that embodies
one of the Immaculate Dragons. This winding path begins at RUINS OF MERU
the foot of the Imperial Mountain four days outside of Juche Near the very top of the Imperial Mountain, along its
in the Steady Foundation Pagoda. An entire community has southern and western slopes, lie the ruins of Meru, the First
sprung up around this monastery of the Immaculate Order, City in Creation. Sages have ascertained that it once spanned
providing food, gear and guides for the pilgrimage, as well as the entirety of the Imperial Mountain, wrapping all the way
accommodations for those about to undertake the grueling around it, but only the southern and western portions of the
climb, or resting up from the same. city remain. Strange failures in the magics that maintained
The Spine itself is a path that winds back and forth the city caused the northern portions to collapse sometime
up the eastern face of the Imperial Mountain, dotted with during the fall of the Shogunate, and the entire eastern face
shrines and manse-temples to Pasiap along the way. Most has been cleared by the Immaculate Order (and the Bronze
followers of Pasiap seek to make this trek once during their Faction) during the construction of the Spine of the Ama-
lifetimes, hoping to better understand the immortal Essence ranthine Dragon.
of the Immaculate Dragon of Earth. Of the remnants that adorn the slopes of the Imperial
The temples along the way provide sanctuary and places Mountain, none can be said to be anything other than awe-
for meditation, as well as additional supplies for those who inspiring. Tall buildings of glossy black and white stone, fine
wish to continue to make the journey up the mountain. colored glass and gleaming metal make up its glory. Even
Each of these temples also gives those who make the journey though many of its thoroughfares and streets are impassible
there small embroidered badges that prove that the pilgrims thanks to the rubble of centuries of avalanche and high moun-
made the journey to that temple. These sanctuary temples tain weather beating apart buildings not meant to survive the
are situated so that a pilgrim might encounter one every eons, it is still clearly a city of marvelous wonders.
three days or so. The approaches up the Imperial Mountain to the ruins
This trip can take a healthy pilgrim approximately a of Meru are hazardous, indeed, haunted as they are by terrible
month to reach the Victorious Ascendance of Mankind creatures attracted to the remaining magical emanations of the
Temple, the highest temple to which the un-Exalted may city. When Meru was destroyed, the citys Essence itself was
journey (Exalted pilgrims often make this trip in about three set alight by powerful sorceries, and its lines of Essence were
weeks). At this site, pilgrims are taken aside and given per- severed from all outlying connections. As it died, Meru was

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 effectively cut off from the rest of Creations Essence. Without At any given time, two to four Sidereals, usually Chosen
the constant flow of new Essence down the dragon lines, Merus of Endings and Secrets, man the Ancient Academy along with
environment has become stagnant and poisonous. a small number of gods. These gods, of many different positions
The gods and elementals that remained here were driven in the Celestial Bureaucracy, all have one thing in common:
to madness by this poisoning of the spiritual energy around All were once gods that dwelt in Meru and were assigned to
Meru, and these degenerate and base creatures yet haunt its different positions in the aftermath of the Usurpation.
rubble-choked ruins. The Ruins of the Palace: In what seems to be the center
Dark Meru: The once-lush boulevards and hanging of the ruins sits a crater that still crawls and smokes with
gardens of Meru were not the sum total of the city. Within poisoned Essence. Only by the strange circle of cracked
the very stone of the Imperial Mountain were countless cata- and partially tumbled pillars along the outer edges of the
combs the size of entire cities by themselves, lit by powerful crater, with one tumbling into its depths every few years or
Essence engines run by Solar manses, so that the otherwise so, can one tell that this was once a place of great majesty
dark interiors of the catacombs were bathed in sunlight and beauty.
equivalent to that of the sky outside. It is in Dark Meru that In truth, these are the remnants of the Palace of Meru,
the poor and un-Exalted of the city dwelt, for the mighty where the Great Betrayal took place: a Calibration feast, with
palaces and temples of the Exalted took up the entirety of all of the Solar Exalted invited. Though not every Solar at-
its exterior. This was as it should be, however, for those in tended, there were enough of them to enact the first steps in
Dark Meru lacked nothing, and their homes were far more the Usurpation. That day saw slaughter on such a scale that
defensible than those of the Exalted without. only a battle against one of the Primordials equaled it.
Now, however, the catacombs of Dark Meru truly live up The destruction wrought there did not stay there, of
to their name, for the engines that once lit and warmed them course, but it is clearly the site that suffered the most deso-
have long since been snuffed, plunging it into true darkness. lation. The powers unleashed there have not been seen in
Things dark and terrible prowl through this buried place, but Creation since, and the Bronze Faction gazes upon its wreck-
it is said that the Mountain Folk are known to patrol Dark age and hopes that it never will again.
Meru as well, bound by ancient pacts. These catacombs ex- Even the Sidereals, however, know better than to remain
tend all the way through the heights of the mountain, often here at Calibration. As the sun sets and night falls over the
providing access to sections of the mountainside ruins that city, the Great Palace can be seen once again, and the sounds
are utterly sealed off otherwise. Some of the Sidereals claim of music fill the ruined city. All those who remain in Meru
to have even discovered passages that lead to other portions cannot help but stare as the Great Betrayal plays itself out
of the mountains slopesincluding into a forgotten cellar again and again, etched in the Essence of Meru forever.
of the Immaculate Temple of Ivory Resplendence. The Unfallen Temple: None have ever actually trav-
The Ancient Academy: The original name of the mas- eled to the Unfallen Temple within the memory of any of
sive complex known to the Sidereal Exalted as the Ancient the Sidereals who know of it. Indeed, it can be seen only
Academy is long lost. What is known is that this massive from one of the topmost tower windows of the Ancient
campuswhich extends both above the ground and deep Academy. Those of the Bronze Faction who gaze upon it
within Dark Meruonce served as the combined library, from that vantage cannot help but shiver inwardly, for it is
college and research facility into the arcane arts. Mortals, very nearly the embodiment of what they have worked to
gods and Exalts all gathered there to share and expand their deny: the power of the Solar Exalted.
knowledge to the benefit of Creation as a whole. In its center The Unfallen Temple is the mighty gold, white marble
sat the Glorious Arch, the orichalcum and starmetal gateway and amber glass temple to the Unconquered Sun, where
to Yu-Shan, the home of the gods. the ancient rites to the Unconquered Sun were performed
With the fall of Meru, this place of enlightenment became at the height of the First Age. It served as the last redoubt
a deathtrap, with poisoned Essence transforming even harm- of the Solar Exalted during the fall of Meru, and with their
less artifacts into dangerous instruments. Tens of thousands deaths, these powerful Solar savants and priests touched off
died here during the Usurpation, and thousands have died in an Essence conflagration that destroyed everything around
the years since, as Shogunate Era relic-hunters came seeking the temple.
treasures at this once-great storehouse of lore. Now, the Essence of the area around the Unfallen Temple
The Bronze Faction now has a very solid grip on the is stagnant, poisoned by the deaths of those who fell there.
Ancient Academy, to the point of clearing out many of its Moreover, it is significantly clogged by rubble fused into an
chambers, with the Glorious Arch as its core. The Sidereals impenetrable wall for a half-mile around it in every direction,
have slowly recovered ancient texts and artifacts from its halls, so that the Temple itself seems to rise up out of a mound of
rendering them safe where they can, and marking them as formerly molten glass, steel, jade and orichalcum.
treacherous where they cannot. They have even managed to Likewise, the air above and around the temple is con-
forge a pathway to an outer door, allowing them easy access stantly filled with strange Essence manifestations of lightning
to the surface of Meru from the gateway to Heaven. and solar fire, which utterly destroy nearly anything that gets

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 Manses lie at the cen-
ter of many of these ruins.
The majority of them are
aspected to Earth, but a few
near river headwaters are
Water-aspected, and more
than a few high above the
clouds are Air-aspected.
Some of them are in poor
repair, while others are in
perfect condition. Many of
these manses are claimed
by one of the Great Houses,
the Imperial Bureaucracy or
the Immaculate Order, but
occasionally, an unclaimed
manse can be found.

MANSES
The following are de-
scriptions of a few of the
better known manses that
dot the face of the Imperial
Mountain.
The Immaculate Tem-
ple of Ivory Resplendence
(Earth Manse ):
Literally the highest manse
in all of Creation, the Im-
maculate Temple of Ivory
Resplendence manages to
tap just a portion of the
power that is generated
at the Seat of Pasiap, the
summit of the Imperial
Mountain. It is carefully
tended by monks trained
in geomancy, who perform
daily rituals to bleed off
too close to it. The Sidereals fear, however, that a powerful excess Essence build-up as
enough Solar who managed to get near might be able to part of their duties. In so doing, these monks contemplate
survive the conflagration and enter the Unfallen Temple to the nature of Pasiap and his Essence.
reclaim it in the name of the Unconquered Sun. Only the Dragon-Blooded are permitted entrance into
the Immaculate Temple, where a massive shrine is kept
OTHER RUINS in its uppermost levels, with a white jade statue of Pasiap
Other ruins dot the face of the Imperial Mountain here seated in the lotus position. The wall behind the statue is
and there, usually remnants of small travel towns along the entirely open and views the Seat of Pasiap, so that through
long-since-lost roads to Meru from the First Age. Most of these tricks of perspective and subtle Essence-driven shifts built
ruins, like the remnants of Meru, are found along the southern into the architecture of the room, the statue appears to be
and western faces of the mountain. Some of them, however, can simultaneously in the room with the postulant, and seated in
be found within a days travel of the Spine of the Amaranthine Pasiaps Seat. This is one of the few actual statues of Pasiap
Dragon, off the path for those who know what signs to look permitted by the Immaculate Order, who know that the
for in finding them. These ruins are usually marked with signs Dragon-Blooded are too enlightened to render worship to
indicating that they are dangerous and should be avoided. the statue, unlike mortal adherents of the sect.

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 The Steady Foundation Pagoda (Earth Manse ): The testing as the means toward spiritual enlightenment. Many
first step in the Pilgrimage of the Spine, the Steady Founda- monks seek posts in one of the pagodas or monasteries here
tion Pagoda is actually much larger than a manse of its level shortly after being released from their initial training in the
of power need actually be. In fact, it is the center of a large Palace Sublime, but few stay.
town made up entirely of resources intended for the use of Nearly every monk who does stay is a devotee of Pasiap,
pilgrims and monks seeking to travel along the Spine of the seeking to master the lessons of the Ivory Dragon, as embod-
Amaranthine Dragon. ied in the Earth Dragon Style of martial arts. These monks
often undertake extended forays into the wilderness of the
DEMESNES Imperial Mountain, taking only a small amount of food and
The farther up the Imperial Mountain one travels, the other provisions. Once there, they starve themselves and
more primal the scenery becomes. As a result, the Imperial sleep in the weather, seeking to deprive their bodies and
Mountain remains one of the few places on the Blessed Isle enlighten their souls.
with natural, raw demesnes, uncapped by manses. Many of The monks of this area follow the teachings of Abbot
these sites show ruins that indicate the presence of former Vaicha, seeing in him a bodhisattva who has delayed his own
manses, but these sites are invariably of such power that they elemental enlightenment in order to bring his wisdom to those
cannot be re-capped in this era. who follow the path behind him. Although the Immaculate
These demesnes make travel into the heights of the Order frowns on the idolization of mortals or Exalted in this
Imperial Mountain dangerous, for there is no telling what fashion, this prohibition has not stopped most of the monks
elemental effects they might have on the average traveler. who dwell here from taking him as the example of how to
The majority of them have no real effect on those passing live by Pasiaps ideals.
through quickly, even though the animals that live there
might have their fur turned to the color and pattern of marble, THE KEEPERS OF THE MANDATE
or the beetles might have shells made of sandstone. Others, After the founding of the Scarlet Dynasty, the Bronze
however, are more dangerous, potentially turning travelers Faction approached the Scarlet Empress with concerns over
to stone or entrapping them when they walk into patches general access to the Imperial Mountain. The Sidereals
of stone that randomly liquefy and petrify. stressed the fact that they had no idea what kinds of heresies,
The Seat of Pasiap: This, the very peak of Creation, spiritual traps and magical deadfalls the Solar Anathema
is one of the most powerful demesnes known to exist. Its might have left in their wake, and they urged her to devote
power level cannot be measured by the normal methods of a portion of the Realms resources to defending the Imperial
geomancersit is clearly several orders of magnitude above Mountain from casual explorers.
and beyond those of normal demesnes. Those who sit and As such, the Scarlet Empress decreed the Mandate of the
meditate in this site often experience profound feelings of Imperial Mountain (the first time that Mount Meru was ever
peace and balance from sitting at the center of all things. referred to as the Imperial Mountain in Realm documents),
Those who come here must exercise caution, however, which stated that its slopes were off-limits to the un-Exalted,
for spirits defend the sacredness of the site. The Court of the save in specific areas set aside as pilgrimage paths.
Omphalos, a gathering of powerful earth elementals, defends To help defend and enforce this mandate, she decreed the
this site, and the elementals attack and hurl from the mountain establishment of the Keepers of the Mandate, a small force of
anyone who treats this place with disrespect. foresters, mountaineers and monks who might travel the moun-
System: Meditating on the Seat of Pasiap, which takes tainsides and make sure that its holy purity remains inviolate.
only 10 minutes to perform and requires a successful (Wits The Keepers of the Mandate comprise a tiny group of
+ Occult) roll, results in the recovery of all Personal Es- Immaculate monks (several of whom are actually Sidereals
sence. Dragon-Blooded recover all of their Personal and dedicated to defending the ancient ruins of Meru and other
Peripheral Essence, and Earth Aspects receive a phantom First Age sites) and other Dragon-Blooded, usually taken
pool of 10 motes that are spent as Peripheral Essence. This from volunteers, outcastes and bastards. They are based out
phantom pool of motes dissipates entirely after 24 hours of the monasteries along the Spine of the Amaranthine
unless it is spent. Dragon, which care for them, feed them and prepare them
to continue in their endeavors.
NOTEWORTHY PERSONAE The Keepers of the Mandate travel the slopes of the Im-
For all its seeming barrenness and wilderness, a variety of perial Mountain quite extensively, moving along established
important entities make the Imperial Mountain their home. patrol routes and traveling from one Keepers hideout to
another. They have established hidden sanctuaries in caves
THE IMMACULATE ORDER and concealed valleys, allowing them to travel their routes
The Immaculate monks who dwell upon the face of the in relative safety. Should one become badly injured, she need
Imperial Mountain are often considered ascetics and ancho- only make her way to one of these sanctuaries, where her
rites by their brethren, for they prefer a life of harsh personal brethren are sure to find her.

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 OTHER MAJOR FEATURES The Shattered Bridge: A few days east of Tuchara, along
the Great Coast Road, sits the Shattered Bridge, an ancient
A handful of other major features on the Blessed Isle also ruined bridge similar to that which spans the Imperial River.
warrant attention. Without fail, each of them plays a major It was clearly an impressive piece of architecture, standing
role in shaping the surrounding land and culture. on thin supports that seem to jut out of the very bedrock of
the river bottom. Architects who have studied it indicate
THE GREAT COAST ROAD that the bridge was once capable of being raised and lowered
The Great Coast Road is a remnant of the First Age. It in order to permit passage of ships beneath it.
is a highway that nearly literally encircles the Blessed Isle. It
is considered to begin and end at the Imperial City and is the THE IMPERIAL RIVER
largest single roadway in Creation. A number of other, smaller The Imperial River is born on the slopes of the Imperial
roads of varying quality and age spawn off from the Great Coast, Mountain. It is known that two of its headwaters are power-
for the inhabitants of the Blessed Isle have always incorporated ful demesnes (capped, of course, by manses), and a powerful
the massive highway in all of their own roadway projects. line of Essence flows along its length. It is not uncommon
The Great Coast Road itself is crafted of a curiously hard to see strange spiritual manifestations on this river, as its
gray-black stone, the surface of which is pebbled in order to powerful Essence draws a great many spirits. Indeed, a pow-
provide traction. Ice never forms on the road, nor do snow erful river spirit that wears a dragons shape commands the
or mudslides ever cover it. Moreover, damage to the road Imperial River Court. The Imperial River is not as deep as
is never repaired by human hands. Indeed, no one knows the Caracal, so most of its traffic consists of flat-bottomed
how to work the stone of the road. Damage simply seems barges, many of which are laden with the gems and jade of
to disappear, sealing over with new material and smoothing the Juche Prefecture, bound for the Imperial City.
over gradually until nothing remains of the damage. The Scarlet Span: The Scarlet Span is perhaps the most
All of this is due not to any magical powers inherent in impressive bridge in all of Creation. It stands high above the
the Great Coast Road itself, but due to the Ancient of Stone river, supported on arches of black stone high enough to
Journeys, the god of the Great Coast Road. In exchange for permit even the tallest of riverboats easy passage.
providing the maintenance to what is the cornerstone of the
imperial infrastructure, the Immaculate Order has granted the THE SERPENTINE RIVER
Ancient of Stone Journeys quite a few sacrifice days in the The Serpentine River is the shallowest of the major
Immaculate Calendar, more perhaps than might otherwise rivers in the Blessed Isle (though it is still greater than most
normally be due a god of his power. normal rivers). As a result, passage along its length can be
Generally speaking, when the Great Coast Road passes dangerous, due to a variety of hazards, including white-water
through a prefecture, it is almost guaranteed that the capital rapids and sudden waterfalls. As a result, most of the traffic
city of that prefecture lies along the Great Coast Road. Ad- on it consists of local fishing boats.
ditionally, all manner of roadhouses and caravansaries can be The Dam of Serpents: Near the mouth of the river
found along the length of the Great Coast Road, some in better sits the Dam of Serpents, an impressive dam of First Age
shape and levels of upkeep than others. Bandits know better architecture. Crafted entirely of black stone, it appears as
than to prey upon those who travel these roads, for more than nothing so much as a line of stone serpents rearing up out
once, the Ancient of Stone Journeys has seen their predations of the water, with incredible gouts of water pouring from
and reported them to the nearest Immaculate temple. their mouths. This dam serves two functions. First of all, it
is a bridge permitting those traveling the Great Coast Road
THE RIVERS OF THE BLESSED ISLE passage across the Serpentine.
If the Imperial Mountain is the heart of the Blessed Secondly, however, only half of the water that enters
Isle, then its rivers are its lifeblood. Providing water for the the dam is actually spat back into the river, to be carried
Isles agricultural fields and rice paddies, as well as quick away to the sea. The other half is shunted into a series of
transportation within the island proper for trade, the rivers advanced subterranean aqueducts that carry water to agri-
of the Blessed Isle keep the Realm alive and strong. cultural centers in a several-hundred-mile radius around the
dam itself. Architects and archaeologists suggest that, from
THE CARACAL RIVER the ruins found around the Blessed Isle, many of the other
The Caracal River forms both the eastern boundary major rivers once had similar systems.
of the Arjuf Dominion and the means by which goods and
soldiers from the heart of the Realm reach its southern edge. COAST OF XIANYU
The Caracal is a deep river, with plenty of room for large- The Coast of Xianyu is named for a long-ago hero who
bottomed barges and heavy ships to sail its waters. It is clear hunted down the pirates from the Scavenger Lands that
that it was dredged deeper sometime during the First Age constantly harassed the fishing and farming communities
for this purpose. that dot the coastline. Although there are no pirates to be

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 found here any longer, the stories about their predations still The mouth of the Imperial River is home to the scarlet
exist. Many of the children (and more than a few adults) from crane, a brilliantly crimson, long-legged bird with a crown-like
this part of the Blessed Isle show a marked fascination with crest of feathers. Local legends say that the day after driving
the trade of piracythough after encountering the likes of back the hordes of the Wyld, the first creature the Empress saw
the Lintha or other vicious buccaneers, they tend to discard was a plain river crane. She was so overjoyed at this sight that
these romantic notions. she blessed it, granting it the right to wear her raiment and
The Xianyu Coasts largest prefecture is the Pangu crown from that day on, as a message to all who saw it that she
Prefecture, in the southern part of the region, across the protected them. These same legends claim that these cranes
river mouth from the Imperial City. The other prefectures will return to their former gray color on the day she dies.
are primarily made up of farming or fishing communities.
Inhabitants of the Coast of Xianyu speak a fairly accented PANGU PREFECTURE
Low Realm, which most denizens of the eastern Blessed Isle Despite its nearness to the Imperial City, Pangu Prefecture
can recognize. Indeed, in the Imperial City, storytellers and is considered a rural backwater by most in the Blessed Isle,
theater troupes use approximations of this accent to mockingly known only for its meat-preservation techniques, its feeding
indicate that someone is a hopeless country bumpkin. of the Imperial Army and its stories of long-ago piracy and
heroic pirate-fighting. More politically minded folk recognize
CLIMATE Time Rains clever deals with the legions and wonder what
The climate along the Coast of Xianyu is pleasantly temper- he will do once someone else sits the Scarlet Throne.
ate, with warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Its fields
produce the full five harvests for which the Blessed Isle is famed, NATURAL FEATURES
though the crops before the winter tend to be slightly stunted Pangu has a reputation as the breadbasket of the legions,
and are harvested just before the first frost. Occasional squalls and it is well earned. The farming communities here produce
come in off the Inland Sea, but they rarely build up to the terrible tremendous amounts of rice, grain and livestock meats. In fact,
strengths that are found of ocean storms in the West. Pangu is renowned for its meat-preserving techniques, taken from
sea-salt refineries from coastal towns along the Pangu coast.
ANIMALS Pangu Prefecture consists mainly of low-lying plains and
Few non-domesticated animals remain inland in this coastal areas. The plains have served as agricultural fields
area, save for a variety of birds. There were once breeds of and rice paddies for many generations now. The coastal areas
wild pigs in the area, but those were hunted to extinction have likewise been settled for many generations, and some
two generations ago. Many sea birds still live along the of the towns have had to turn to sea-salt production to make
coasts, though some of them have moved farther away due up for an over-fishing of their local waters.
to over-fishing in some areas.

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 CITIES It is said that there might even be one or two demesnes
There is only one large settlement in Pangu Prefecture: yet uncapped due to their remote location, but this is
the city of Pangu. simply wishful thinking on the part of geomancers. Of
the manses in the area, few are above the three-dot level
PANGU of power, and such holdings invariably belong to either
Population: 16,800 House Cynis or the Immaculate Order, for use as temples
Governor: Sweet Crane, a large woman whose name is or monasteries.
the only delicate thing about her. She is very watchful for The House of High Waves (Water Manse ): On
those who would try to break the law under her leadership the shore of eastern Pangu, within a days cruise by pleasure
and is convinced that most people around her are crooks of barge of the Imperial City, lies the House of High Waves, a
one kind or another. Water-aspected manse built upon a high, sea-sprayed cliff.
The city of Pangu is not particularly large, despite being This is the closest thing that House Cynis has to a major
the largest in the Xianyu Coastal area. Pangu is really the family holding outside the Imperial City. When members of
result of two separate settlementsa rice paddy agricultural the House choose to get out from under the direct view of
area and a fishing townsituated quite close together and the other Houses, this is where they go.
simply merging over time. When the imperial government
decided to situate a small bureaucratic and military outpost NOTEWORTHY PERSONAE
between the two, the establishment of Pangu was complete. It The following are important individuals or groups found
is likely the only prefectural capital that has taken the name in Pangu Prefecture.
of the prefecture it is capital of, rather than the reverse.
GOVERNMENT FIGURES
TOWNS Prefect: The prefect of Pangu Prefecture is an older man
Most of the towns of Pangu Prefecture fit one of two named Time Rain, who is responsible for the fine deal that has
descriptions: a farming community or a fishing town. Farm- seen to the prefectures prosperity for the last 15 years. Mnemon
ing communities are towns of a handful of clans and family Bata, in the Scarlet Prefecture, agrees to purchase all that the
groups, settlements that consist of a caravansary, a market prefecture produces as long as the prices are kept low.
and a couple of bureaucratic buildings, surrounded by farms Magistrates: The magistrate Mnemon Ulkana, a young
on all sides. Fishing towns are usually slightly larger, with Earth-aspected Dragon-Blood defrocked from the Immacu-
homes for those who support the fishingor in more recent late Order and turned away from Mnemon holdings for the
days, sea-salt productionof that town. shame, acts as magistrate in the Pangu Prefecture. Though
Blind Love (Pop. 1,750): One of the fishing towns of none in the prefecture know the precise reason she was cast
Pangu Prefecture, Blind Love is situated almost directly across out, she is well liked by the people of Pangu and is often the
the mouth of the Imperial River from the Imperial City. guest of Time Rain and Sweet Crane. She has some skill in
On clear nights, the lights of the greatest city in Creation the Earth Dragon Style, but she is far from mastery.
can be seen there. Most of its citizens consider themselves
caretakers of the sacred scarlet cranes that nest in the area.
HOUSE CYNIS
House Cynis maintains the House of High Waves, a
More than a little of their river-mouth fishing for mollusks
pleasure palace located on the eastern shore of Pangu. The
and crustaceans goes to feeding these fat, crimson birds that
locals, who consider themselves quite moral, are not fond
wander peacefully through the town and its docks.
of these Dynasts, though they do provide an excellent boost
Unknown to others, Blind Love is home to a cult of
to the local economy, as well as gossip fodder. Locals often
Empress venerationthe reason for their fanatical care of
charge Cynis servants a higher price than is normal and refuse
the scarlet cranes, whose continued red hue is proof enough
to hire their children out to the House to act as servants,
for them that the Scarlet Empress is still alive. Those who
as everyone has heard what goes on in the House of High
belong to this cult work to send their children to the Imperial
Waves. Therefore, the Cynis are usually forced to import
Palace for one of the Great Houses, hoping for word of her
slaves and servants to the palace, or to bring their retinues
return. But their veneration has a grim tone to it, as well,
with them from the Imperial City.
for every Calibration, the cults elders sacrifice a single child
who is deformed, crippled or otherwise imperfect, in prayer to
whatever god or demon has the Scarlet Empress imprisoned, OTHER PREFECTURES OF
hoping to secure her release. THE XIANYU COAST
Most of the other prefectures of the Xianyu Coast are
WONDERS fairly similar to Pangu, in terms of products they create and
Few noteworthy wonders are to be found in Pangu
the general way of life. One other prefecture, however, is
Prefecture, for even the dragon lines in the area are fairly
worth mentioning.
weak, diverted by geomancy to the nearby Imperial City.

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 KAN-TOSHI PREFECTURE ANIMALS
The great pirate-hunter Xianyu is said to have built his great The Jade Coasts flat areas dont have sufficient green
manse-headquarters in Kan-Toshi Prefecture, deep within a set growth to keep large herds of cattle or horses, though
of sea caves. No one has ever discovered such a site, though oc- families often do own one or two such animals for work or
casionally one of the young children of the fisher communities dairy products. Such animals are hearty but unremarkable
here finds a coin or piece of jewelry washed up on shore, and cattle, and a variety of other domesticated animals can be
the stories begin again. Each new discovery is surely evidence of found here as well.
the great wealth that Xianyu is said to have stored away in his The area is well known for its coastal animals, however,
lair. Kan-Toshis prefect, Tidal Pearl, has hired geomancers to from impressively large flocks of sea birds to the oceanic
search for it in the past, however, and she seems to have some mammals that often come to bear their young in cliff-caves
knowledge that leads her to continue to do so. along the coasts. The deep seas along the coast are said to
be home to large sharks (though not quite siaka) and other
THE JADE COAST dangers. Fishermen who wish to make a name for themselves
while on vacation often come to hunt for these large beasts
Unlike the sandy beaches of the Coast of Xianyu to the
north, the Jade Coast consists mainly of rocky coastlines, in- and the massive tarpons that swim these waters.
cluding some of the most impressive cliffs on the Blessed Isle.
At high tide, the waves roar against these tall, white walls like THE SCARLET PREFECTURE
barbarians pounding fruitlessly at the gates of a great city. The Scarlet Prefecture is described in detail in Chapter
The Jade Coast earned its moniker not for the deposits of Six: The Heart of the Realm.
jade that can be found here, but because of the proliferation
of the rich. Successful merchants, patricians and Dynasts all INCAS PREFECTURE
consider this coast to be a prime vacation spot. The jade of the Home to the Palace Sublime and two fair-sized cities,
Jade Coast, therefore, is money, and the frequently glimpsed Incas Prefecture is easily the most important prefecture in
jade armor of arriving or departing Dragon-Bloods. the Jade Coast, aside from the Scarlet Prefecture proper.
Because of this high value, the Jade Coast proper is dotted with Of course, due to the strong influence of the pragmatic
impressive estates, manor houses and manses that take advantage Immaculate Order, which frowns on wasteful behavior, the
of the fantastic scenery. Many lesser Dynasts dream of owning Incas Prefecture actually sees the least amount of the idle
one of the famous manors situated high upon the cliffs, washed rich on holiday. More pious members of vacationing families,
twice a day in the spray from the pounding surf below. however, are known to take pilgrimages down the Great
The cliffs of the Jade Coast make for excellent defenses Coast Road to the Palace Sublime.
as well. Rare and well defended are the few ports of call here,
forcing ships that approach them to risk the military port of NATURAL FEATURES
Sdoia or the bustle of Dragonsmouth. Incas Prefecture is prime farmland. Unlike the other
Of course, the inner prefectures are wonderful farmland coastal prefectures, Incas Prefecture does not lack for food
and usually produce ample food and luxuries for sale to the and other goods. Of course, many of these goods go to
resorts along the Bay Highway andto a lesser degreeto the Palace Sublime, but the prefecture is still prosperous
the Scarlet Prefecture. enough to export a fair amount of its riches to other pre-
Recognizing that there is little actual Dynastic influence fectures. Incas is known for its cattle and dairy products,
in this part of the Blessed Isle, thanks to the overwhelming as well as fruit (Jade Coast plums, used in some of the best
local influence of the Immaculate Order, House Sesus has brandy in the Blessed Isle, grow plentifully here), rice,
turned its sights toward the prefectures and holdings of the grains and vegetables.
Jade Coast. The potential exists there for great income, but Sion and some of the small towns around it are known
pursuing it could bring the House into conflict with House for their ample mulberry patches, which they use as fodder
Mnemon and the Order. for silkworms, used to produce fine silks. Incas prefecture is
known not only for its silks, however, but also for a hearty
CLIMATE breed of cotton that is woven into fine cloth. The presence
Very temperate, the Jade Coasts summers are very hot of all of this fine material is also responsible for the presence
and its winters fairly mild, with occasional cold snaps. It of many fine clothing designers, seamstresses and tailors in
experiences quite a few storms when the weather heats up Sion and northern Incas.
in late spring, through summer and early fall. As a result, The geography of Incas Prefecture is flat, flowing plains
many of the buildings in the area are built quite sturdily in that actually run downward from the cliffs that form their sea-
order to stand up to storms, or made of simple hempen paper edge. As a result, rainstorms from the ocean that break upon
and thin wood, to allow them to blow over and be replaced the cliffs often result in ample natural irrigation that runs down
cheaply and simply. from the cliffs in a thousand little streams and creeks.

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 CITIES The wealth of the city is guarded by the Sion Guardians,
The cities of Incas Prefecture are entirely products of led by Captain Oak. Unbeknownst to any, Oak is the son of a
the presence of those from outside of the prefecture: the patrician mother (of Nobles Owl clan) and a Sidereal father.
military, in the case of Noble, and the Palace Sublime, in Oak remains in contact with his father, occasionally aiding
the case of Sion. For the most part, the people of Incas are him in his work for the Cult of the Illuminated. Oak has even
perfectly content to live their lives in pastoral ease, with helped to smuggle newly Exalted Solars out of the Blessed
only infrequent visits to larger settlements. Isle before, by way of Noble. He is subtle and careful.

NOBLE THE PALACE SUBLIME

Population: 20,500 Located just outside of Sion, the Palace Sublime is
Governor: Owl Star, of the Owl patrician family of Noble. described in Chapter Four: The Immaculate Order.
Star has been doing the best he can to reduce the troubles
his city has come under lately. THE CLOISTER OF WISDOM
Half military fortification, half marketplace, the city of Like the Palace Sublime, the Cloister of Wisdom is
Noble was originally built to repel Southern invaders in the described in Chapter Four: The Immaculate Order.
early days of the Scarlet Empire. Once the locals determined
that they could easily sell the goods they grew by coming here, WONDERS
a marketplace quickly grew up in Noble, and the city swelled in Most of the noteworthy sites of interest in Incas Prefec-
size. Eventually, it became the favored site for Dragon-Blooded ture are capped manses, as the area has fairly strong dragon
forays into the southeastern jungles of Harborhead. lines. Most such manses belong to the military or to the
Now, however, such endeavors have all but ceased. In Immaculate Order.
the days since the disappearance of the Scarlet Empress,
Noble has had little to offer the Realm as a whole. With NOTEWORTHY PERSONAE
the reduction in time-wasting forays into the South and the Most of the important figures of Incas Prefecture are
minimal likelihood of having to repel Southern invaders, either bureaucrats of patrician blood or Immaculates, with
Noble is shrinking. few exceptions.
It is only the continuing presence of the Fire Fleet, under GOVERNMENT FIGURES
the command of Fleet Admiral Peleps Lundaer, renowned for Prefect: The prefect of Incas is Ledaal Pial, a middle-
being a very capable Wood-aspected Dragon-Blooded, that aged un-Exalted scion of House Ledaal. House Ledaal
keeps Noble alive. In recent years, however, the Fire Fleets managed to gain some measure of control over the
funding has shrunk, reducing its numbers, for House Peleps appointment of a prefect through a complex web of fa-
(and in particular Lord High Admiral Peleps Sorugan) con- vor-trading some 12 years ago, and Ledaal Pial has been
siders the Fire Fleet to be of little true necessity. As a result, prefect of Incas since then. He is quite content to live
the Fire Fleet has little of importance to do and sailors of the his life in the country here, for the House granted him a
Imperial Navy consider assignment to it a choice position. pastoral estate just outside Sion, where the pious Dynast
SION can make monthly trips to pray and meditate at the Pal-
Population: 33,000 ace Sublime itself. Recently, Ledaal Pial was married to
Governor: Sapphire Silk, an ambitious young patrician. a much younger, newly Exalted outcaste with a great deal
Silk has accepted the patronage of the Iselsi in return for of potential whom House Ledaal wished to adopt into the
acting as an agent for that renegade House. House. She is currently serving in the legions, and Pial
Sion started as a small town of weavers and farmers. As time has met her only onceon their wedding day.
passed, however, the quality of its weavers and cloth-makers THE GREAT HOUSES
grew dramatically, and Sion silk became the standard by which The Great Houses are actually poorly represented here,
all other fine cloth was measured among the Great Houses. In save House Iselsi (whose scions usually blend in with other
time, the ample and inexpensive cloth drew clothing designers functionaries in their disguises as agents of the All-Seeing Eye or
and master tailors, and today, Sion is known as the place that Immaculate monks). Most of the Dragon-Blooded encountered
produces the finest clothing in all the Blessed Isle. in Incas Prefecture are likely to be Immaculate monks.
Once a year during Resplendent Fire, the city hosts a
great clothing and cloth festival. This festival features many
fashion shows, some of them perfectly outrageous in their
SDOIA PREFECTURE
Sdoia Prefecture is unlike many of the other coastal
avant-garde pretensions, which are well attended by patri-
prefectures along the Jade Coast. Due to the prominence
cians and even members of the Great Houses. Many yearlong
of the Wood Fleet in Sdoia proper, the entire prefecture
contracts for shipments of cloth to the Great Houses and
seems quite aware of military concerns, having absorbed
other rich patrons are signed during this festival.
some of the military demeanor of its most frequent visitors.

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 The common folk of Sdoia Prefecture consider the citizenry one of his familys traditional rivals to usurp the position of
of surrounding, holiday-oriented prefectures to be wasteful, prefect from them. He has gained great shame for this, but his
fat and useless. Others view the people of Sdoia Prefecture current power allows him only to fume silently when he watches
as strangely obsessed with the doings and attitudes of the the Admiral of the Wood Fleet and the prefect, Rosecloud
Wood Fleet. Hawk, dining together in the Jachin Teahouse, in Sdoia.
Sdoia is an impressive city, built into the face of a sea-
NATURAL FEATURES cliff as it is. At the base of the cliffs sits an extensive system
Sdoia Prefecture provides services and products of primary of docks, built two-tiered, allowing the lower docks to be
interest to shipping and fleet needs. The few agricultural settle- used at low tide, and the upper to be used when the higher
ments away from Sdoia usually produce either hemp, which tides wash over the lower docks.
provides more than half of the rope used by the Wood Fleet, There are several levels of the city, along a zigzag-
or rough canvas used in sailing concerns. Sdoia Prefecture is ging path up the face of the cliff, with buildings built into
almost entirely dependent on the market in Sdoia for its food the very rock of the cliff. The city rises with the cliff-face
needs, with the exception of the local fishing industry. There and then spills out along the top of it. Although a fine rich
are also several cliff-side quarries that provide limestone and neighborhood sprawls out within it, made up of several Im-
other softer stones for a variety of purposes. maculate temples, patrician homes and the House of Sweet
Sdoia Prefectures coastline consists of high cliffs, and the Whispers (the manse that serves as the Fleet Command for
soil is fairly thin as well. The landscape slopes down gradu- the Wood Fleet), most of Sdoia is particularly nautical in
ally from the cliffs, and much of the land near the coast has nature. The majority of it consists of brothels, taverns and
pockets of standing, acrid water here and there, where soil small street fish markets.
has washed away to reveal limestone underneath. The Wood Fleet is indisputably the power in this city.
Many establishments cater exclusively or almost exclusively
CITIES to the men of the Wood Fleets 1,555 ships. With the recent
upswing in the Wood Fleets fortunes, the town has grown as
SDOIA well. Sailors and marines with plenty of coin from successful
Population: 65,000
voyages litter the streets, and the city has grown to accom-
Governor: Saltwind Gull, a bitter patrician of middle-aged
modate their desire and ability to spend. Many merchants
years. Although he always maintained his familys traditional
who have found the rising costs of operating in the Imperial
respectful distance from the Wood Fleet, it served only to allow

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 City disconcerting have hit upon Sdoia as a decent alterna- LAMKAET PREFECTURE
tive destination for their goods. Lamkaet is like so many of the other prefectures along
the Jade Coast. It is filled with rice-paddy communities
WONDERS that usually sell their goods at the market in Lamkaet Town
Most of the manses of the area are claimed by the proper. The prefecture possesses only one landmark of note:
Wood Fleet (though administrated by House Peleps) or the the Proven Worth Chapter House, one of the six still-active
Immaculate Order, including the House of Sweet Whispers, chapter houses of the Wyld Hunt. The Wyld Huntsmen of
in Sdoia itself. this prefecture have heavily influenced the peasants they
The House of Sweet Whispers (Water Manse ): The encounter, who are unusually knowledgeable in the sutras
House of Sweet Whispers acts as the Fleet Command center and know the signs of Anathema as few do anymore.
of the Wood Fleet and is under the control of Fleet Admiral
Peleps Polin.
THE WHITE COAST &
NOTEWORTHY PERSONAE THE PAUHA BASIN
No place in the Blessed Isle is better known for its wines
GOVERNMENT FIGURES and produce than the many orchard and vineyard planta-
Prefect: Rosecloud Hawk, of the influential Rosecloud
tions to be found all along the White Coast and the Pauha
clan of Xoyah Prefecture, won quite a coup against his
Basin. Possessing low-lying land with fine fertile soil that is
familys rivals, the Saltwind clan, whose scions have tradi-
perfect for growing trees and vines but tends to be leached
tionally held the post of prefect in Sdoia Prefecture, when
of richness by normal field crops, the verdant hills of the
he managed to get himself appointed to his current posi-
Pauha Basin produce some of the best and sweetest fruits
tion. His plan was bound to be successful, however. When
and berries in all of Creation.
he set out from his familys estate in Xoyah, hed done his
Shogunate Era poets wrote of the Ten Thousand Hills
research, discovering the Saltwinds traditional aloofness
of Sweet Abandon when referring to the lands now called
from military concerns. When he presented himself to Fleet
the Pauha Basin, and most of their reasons for doing so are
Admiral Peleps Polin, the admiral quickly found work for
still valid. To this day, the plantations here host some of
him as a bureaucrat in Sdoia. It was only a matter of a few
the finest wine festivals, leading to evenings of grand music,
years before, with the patronage of the Fleet Admiral, Hawk
dancing, carousing and sweet drunkenness.
was made prefect.
In between plantations are wild hillsides and hidden
Wood Fleet Admiral: Peleps Polin, a Water-aspected
valleys, with an incredible array of natural vegetation not
scion of House Peleps, takes his duties patrolling the
threatened by most wildlife. In these places grow a wide variety
Scavenger Lands waters quite seriously. His willingness
of herbs and plants used by herbalists, alchemists and sorcerers
to go beyond the traditional bounds of his position have
in their arcane works. The region is home to the so-called
allowed him to turn the Wood Fleet into a money-making
scroll estates, large rental villas used by wealthy occultists
venture, earning him the respect of his House. Were Polin
as bases of operation for herb-picking forays, complete with
born into nearly any other position in the world, he likely
basic occult libraries, workshops and ritual space. All of the
would have made a fearsome pirate, but he has turned his
workers in these places are slaves of House Ragara, which
mercenary ways to the benefit of his family and the Realm
owns the majority of the scroll estates.
as a whole.
The beaches of the White Coast are well named, for most
HOUSE PELEPS of the year, they are clean paradises of white sand. In winter,
The power of the Wood Fleet in Sdoia Prefecture is the though, it is not unusual for these beaches to see terribly cold
power of House Peleps in general. The House maintains weather and for frigid storms to blow in from the North. The
several smaller estates, to serve as get-away places or to White Coast is well known for its small seaside towns and
banish more troublesome House members to. It maintains the incredible array of manse-lighthouses constructed by the
several estates that require the administration of a fleet (in famous Shogunate Era architect Bringer of Light.
this case, of fishermen) and routinely loses money. These It is said that so merciful was this great man that, when
estates it uses to teach difficult scions how to manage a he died, he was raised into Heaven to join the Celestial
fleet effectively. Bureaucracy as the god of lighthouses. The precise truth to
this legend is unknown, though it should be noted that the
Immaculate Calendar does include worship days for a god of
OTHER PREFECTURES OF THE JADE COAST lighthouses known as Gentle Lantern-Bearer.
The majority of the other prefectures along the Jade
Coast are typical agricultural prefectures. The only real ex- CLIMATE
ceptions include the Meadows and Talho Prefectures, which The weather of the White Coast is mild most of the year,
are almost exclusively coastal resort prefectures. with respectable rainfall and few storms, save in winter. Then,

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 these areas see terrible cold fronts sweep down out of the North, or the kind that have just returned from it. In both
North, bringing nearly all work above ground to a halt. cases, they tend to be fairly grim men, and the attitude of
the city reflects this. Chanos has a strong work ethic, with a
ANIMALS soldiers attitude toward partying (i.e., do it while you can,
The needs of agriculture along the White Coast have long for it could be your last chance).
dictated the presence of a variety of domesticated animals, as Chanos is also known for its indoor entertainment. Many
well as those marine mammals apt to be found in northerly of the soldiers enjoy violenceboth watching and participat-
coastal areas, including sea lions, seals and walruses. ingso many of the rougher taverns and caravansaries also have
basement pit fighting leagues. One brothel, the Plum Blossom,
CHANOS PREFECTURE even has fights between their whores, with two sets of bidding
Unlike the rest of the White Coast and Pauha Basin going on in addition to the normal betting pools: one to sleep
prefectures, Chanos Prefecture is a rugged place with few with the winner, the other to sleep with the loser.
comforts. The gateway to the frightening Shadowed Coast, it Not all of its local entertainment is so rough, however.
is hilly and usually too cold to properly support the orchards Chanos is renowned for the Black Robe Discipline of theatrical
and vineyards of the rest of the area. Indeed, its rocky soil performance. This style of puppet drama uses puppets half the
is poor, from centuries of over-farming with methods inap- size of men, crafted of porcelain and attached to the front of
propriate to the land. masked black robes. The movement of the puppeteers feet
moves those of the puppet, while the puppeteer controls
NATURAL FEATURES its arm and head movement with his arms from above the
Although its soil is poor for farming, the prefecture is a puppet. Chanos is also home to an elite class of dramatists
rich one nonetheless. Numerous mines and quarries dot the who specialize in taking old military stories and turning them
rocky countryside of Chanos Prefecture, providing marble, into moving puppet plays.
gemstones and some unique mineral substances of use to The Air Fleet is also stationed out of the city of Chanos,
only alchemists and sorcerers. Many of the prefectures small and its roughly 1,400 ships occupy much of its dock space
villages grew up near mines and act as processing centers for (though most of the fleet is away at any given time). Among
iron ore. As a result, a large number of the smaller creeks these ships is the Utmost Pledge of Victory, the First Age flag-
and streams in Chanos Prefecture are polluted by the runoff ship of Fleet Admiral Ragara Feria.
from this industry. Many artisans and skilled craftsmen also
significantly boost the economy of Chanos Prefecture, having TOWNS
moved there in order to get working materials cheaply. Tabuhareth (Pop. 1250): The mining town of Tabuhareth
During winter, the mining towns build up what they is a commodity hotly contested by the Great Houses. House
call Winters Bountya surplus of raw ore and materials, Ragara claims it currently, and has done so for the last century.
waiting for spring thaws to process. Those who normally House Sesus recently pressed a suit, however, claiming that
work in quarries or processing mills usually take on winter the town was part of the properties of an ancestral manse of
jobs in the mines, further swelling the surplus. House Sesus, according to a set of old legal documents from
Food can be had for little expense, due to the proximity around the founding of the Realm. Of course, with no one
of Chanos to the vineyards and orchards of the rest of the to make a final decision in this matter, the forces that both
White Coast, and to the nearness of the Imperial River Basin Houses have dispatched have already clashed, and the mag-
and its many rice paddies and farmlands. A small company of istrate who stepped in to arbitrate the issue was mysteriously
merchants has become quite prosperous running the caravan murdered. Now, both Houses have sent out-of-favor scions
routes between these breadbaskets and the material and tool to win back the town and its precious gemstone mine. Now,
wealth that is Chanos Prefectures. with the Dragon-Blooded presence on the scene, the damage
can only become greater.
CITIES
WONDERS
CHANOS The manses of Chanos Prefecture are apportioned
Population: 47,000 among many owners. No one House or organization can be
Governor: Agate Blossom, a scion of the Agate clan of said to hold most of them. Many of them are given to the
patricians best known for using his important bureaucratic use of the Air Fleet of the Imperial Navy, however, while
position to convince theater owners to put on his Black Robe the Immaculate Order has very few.
Discipline puppet dramas. The Pillar Hall of the Righteous (Fire Manse ):
Chanos is known as the Gateway to the North. Many The Pillar Hall is one of the six remaining chapter houses
troops are moved from Chanos to the Northern satrapies of the Wyld Hunt. In recent years, however, the Righteous
and beyond. As a result, those soldiers the populace sees are Brethren of the Pillars (as shikari from this chapter house
one of two kinds: the kind that are about to depart for the are called) suffered a tremendous loss. Many of their fel-

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 lows died in attempts to destroy the Anathema known
as the Bull of the North and his minions following
the destruction of the Tepet Legions. To this day, it is
grossly understaffed, and the Azimuth Spire in Arjuf
has discussed returning the Pillar Hall to House Ragara
and dividing up the remaining shikari among the other
chapter houses.
Tojuun Palace (Earth Manse ): The estate of
Ragara Nova just outside Chanos city, Tojuun Palace has
been a haven for the Dragon-Blooded prefect of Chanos
since he was assigned the onerous duty of governing a mere
prefecture. Tojuun Palace is known for its fantastic Dome
of the Night Sky, with walls that become as transparent
as glass when the bearer of the hearthstone wills it, to
provide fine night viewing.

NOTEWORTHY PERSONAE
A variety of important figures resides in Chanos
Prefecture.

GOVERNMENT FIGURES
Prefect: Ragara Nova is a Dragon-Blood with a
reputation as a wastrel and a fop. He was assigned the
prefecture as a means of getting him to shape up and
take responsibility in his House duties. Against all ex-
pectations he seems to have done so, developing a keen
military and tactical sense that his family has urged him
to keep secret, maintaining his reputation as a useless
scion and holding his adeptness as a surprise. Nova has
also developed a long-distance friendship with Tepet
Ejava, whom he met at a gala in Chanos many years ago.
The two often talk for long hours into the night, thanks
to Novas refinement of Charms that allow speech with
another on the wind.
Air Fleet Admiral: The vixen Ragara Feria is the
Air Fleets admiral, granted her commission through
her incredible service in the Imperial Navy. Known as
something of a seductress, Feria is also something much
more than that: a powerful leader. Those who serve under
her are fiercely devoted, to a degree that simple beauty
could not ensure. She has been called upon to use her
position for her Houses benefit several times, and she
has done so, despite considering such acts betrayals of
the trust House Peleps showed her by making her a Fleet
Admiral. The time may come soon when her loyalties
are tested.

HOUSE RAGARA
House Ragara has more than a little influence in the
Chanos and surrounding prefectures, to the point where it
was able to position one of its own scions into the position
of Air Fleet Admiral. Many Ragara consider one of the
four Ragara estates within a weeks ride from Chanos to
be their proper ancestral home.

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 OTHER PREFECTURES OF animal is foreign here. The mountains of Juche Prefecture are
also home to many eagles, wild goats and other high-mountain
THE WHITE COAST wildlife. Of particular note are the feared crag cats, a breed
The other prefectures of the White Coast vie with one of hunting cat adapted for climbing nearly sheer rock faces.
another for the honor of finest wine producer in the Blessed These cats often prey on sheep or goats that wander too far
Isle. The truth is, many of them make similar vintagesall of from their herds, and visiting Dragon-Blooded occasionally
them fine enough to practically guarantee nearly any vintner undertake hunting expeditions to kill many of these luxuri-
fine, fat contracts with merchants for all the wine he cares ously furred creatures.
to make. Life is simple and rustic in the White Coast and
the Pauha Basin, far from the schemes and intrigue of the JUCHE PREFECTURE
Imperial City. According to imperial records, Juche Prefecture covers
the entirety of the Imperial River Basin. The prefecture
THE IMPERIAL RIVER BASIN proper, however, extends only from the Dragons Nest Range
To the minds of most of the Blessed Isle, there is no at the base of the Imperial Mountain to the headwaters of
difference between the Imperial River Basin and Juche the Imperial River.
Prefecture. Indeed, Juche Prefecture takes up the entirety Juche Prefecture maintains the largest Dragon-Blooded
of the region. Despite the incredible size of this prefecture, presence outside the Imperial City. Every House has at least
it is still not accorded full dominion status because of its one or two properties here at the foot of the Imperial Moun-
population density. Although it covers a vast area, the actual tain, as it is important for the Great Houses to lay claim to
population along the Imperial River is fairly small, despite the symbolic center of the Blessed Isle and Creation itself.
its being prime agricultural land. Moreover, since the need for hard labor is so great here, and
The reason for this low population density is simple. Due only the Dragon-Blooded may own slaves, a Dynastic pres-
to the importance of the Imperial River acting as a conduit for ence is utterly necessary here.
powerful Essence lines between the Imperial Mountain and The farmers of Juche Prefecture are well-known sheep
the Imperial City, the Scarlet Throne has enacted severe laws and goat herders. Of particular note is the Juche longhorn,
and regulations to keep the Imperial River and its surrounding known for its thick, soft wool that holds dyes well, making
valley relatively pristine and wild. To change it too dramati- it a favorite for clothiers who craft warm clothing in bright
cally might shift the flow of Essence that provides a significant colors for patrician and Dynastic customers.
amount of power to the Imperial Manse. Therefore, to change
the river overmuch endangers the power of the Imperial Manse, NATURAL FEATURES
which endangers all of Creation in turn. Juche Prefecture is made up of high mountain land, with
As a result of both incredibly high taxes and required just enough farming done in valleys to provide food for the
geomantic maintenance on the part of those who rent property local population (which is significant, given the vast slave
along the Imperial River, only the genuinely wealthy can af- populace). Juche Prefecture not only acts as the main source
ford land along its brilliant blue length. As a result, most of for jade used in coinage and artifacts in the Realm, but it is
the farming estates are massive plantations, maintained by the also the largest quarry source in the Blessed Isle.
Great Houses or patrician families. Extensive retreat housing Most of the settlements in Juche Prefecture are based
has also been built for those who simply wish some time away around local farming, including goat herding, or a mine or
from the chaos and intrigue of the Imperial City. quarry. The largest settlements are founded around both.

CLIMATE CITIES
The river basin of the Imperial River practically defines
the term temperate. The favorable Essence that runs along JUCHE
it keeps the weather here mild, rarely too warm or cold. Population: 130,000
As a result, the lush green lands along the river are highly Governor: Gemstone Jade, granddaughter of the prefect,
desirable property. Gemstone Opal, is the governor of Juche. The Gemstone
Those areas nearer the Imperial Mountain are typical for clan traditionally considers the position of governor of Juche
high-mountain terrain, with snow in its highest reaches much of as an apprenticeship period before assuming the role of
the year. As a result, these areas are favored getaways during the prefect later in life. Jade has a very strong relationship with
truly oppressive heat of deep summer. Every House maintains the Mountain Folk. Although she is careful to maintain the
a charming mountain chateau for precisely such escapes. public appearance of simply being an ally, she has taken a
Mountain Folk lover. Jade is very careful to avoid any hint
ANIMALS that the Mountain Folk have any control over her.
The river basin lands are highly domesticated. Outside Perhaps the third most populous city in all of the Blessed
of a few kinds of birds and small rodents, the idea of a wild Isle, Juche is a bustling center of commerce, art and bureau-

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 cracy. Rather than forcing bureaucrats in the Imperial City of the Imperial Treasury is a gargantuan building, with incred-
to rely on messages from the mine overseers and emissaries ible defenses built into the manse. Additionally, a contingent of
to the Mountain Folk, the Scarlet Empress established an imperial legionnaires and a crack unit of Mountain Folk guard-
extensive ministry in this city: the Imperial Ministry of Jade ians serve as its defenders as well. All of the jade mined in Juche
Management and Mountain Folk Relations. Now a huge goes here. Since it is all technically the property of the Scarlet
and bustling bureaucracy in its own right, the ministry works Throne, it is catalogued and sorted by quality and color. Much
closely with the Gemstone clan of patricians and other local of the jade is minted into currency form here, by automated
figures of importance. processes run by the Essence of the manse itself.
Three Mountain Folk emissaries dwell at the ministry Additionally, the bearer of the manses hearthstone can
proper: Alies Wildflower, Karlie Scarlet and Cory Stone. These imbue a single mote of Essence into an outgoing shipment of
three find themselves in a delicate situation since the disappear- jade, designating a final destination, down to the city level.
ance of the Scarlet Empress. As less and less imperial attention This mote investment fades once the shipment reaches its
has been paid to the ministry, its bureaucrats seem to cast about destination, but until then, the bearer of the hearthstone can
more and more for figures of authority. As a result, the Mountain tell where every piece of that jade shipment is in Creation
Folk are careful to avoid meddling in the fragile politics of the by simply concentrating.
Realm for fear of the wrath of the Dragon-Blooded. A number of ancient ruins can also be found in Juche
Juche is also quite well known for its artisans and jadesmiths. Prefecture. Many of them are ruins from the First Age, set
An entire tradition of sculpting, referred to as the Juche School, deep in mountain valleys. Adventuresome archaeology has
exists, founded over 300 years ago by a skilled Dragon-Blooded long been an interest of many Dragon-Blooded, an endeavor
sculptor who taught his apprentices this unique style. encouraged by the Scarlet Empress in hopes of discovering
Likewise, the Thundercloud style of armor-craft found useful ancient technologies or magics.
its genesis here. This style, which uses fantastic animal and The Kleinen Har Dig: The site known as Kleinen Har
monster symbolism, embossing armor with images of terrible (Old Realm for Vault of Glass) is perhaps one of the best
beasts from the edge of the Wyld, sometimes including fear- known continuing archaeological digs in Juche. Most of
some masks and talons at the end of gauntlets. This style is the work to be done here is fairly safe and dull, but it has
considered very risqu in the aniconic culture of the Blessed uncovered more than a few magical, demonic and automaton
Isle, and many who wear these gryphon, dragon and manti- guardians, necessitating a constant presence by Dragon-
core-styled armors are considered quite rebellious. Blooded warriors and sorcerers. The treasures discovered have
In all, Juche is bustling and busy. There is little time for made it more than worth this necessity. More adamant and
nonsense, and the rulers of the city are well aware of their im- glass-like compounds have been discovered at this single site
portance to the Realm. As a result, the city is kept in excellent during the last decade of work here than in all other Realm
conditionor at least, the best condition that one can expect archaeological sites combined.
from a city whose primary population includes slaves, miners
and quarrymen, and the merchants who deal in such goods. NOTEWORTHY PERSONAE
Juche Prefecture attracts some very powerful and influ-
TOWNS ential individuals.
Arums Rest (Pop. 800): A small village, Arums Rest has
grown up around the Vneef estate of the same name. The estate GOVERNMENT FIGURES
itself is a horsemans paradise, meant as a place for stables and Prefect: Gemstone Opal, the well-regarded matriarch
a center for the Vneef horse-breeding enterprise. More than of the Gemstone family of patricians, acts as the prefect for
a few of the Great Houses scions retreat here during various Juche Prefecture. She is a very strong figure and is known for
parts of the year, seeking a simple life of horseback riding along her ability to hold her own in dealings with Dragon-Blooded.
the Imperial Rivers vistas for a few weeks. Vneef newlyweds Those Terrestrial Exalts who deal with her assuming that she
are often sent here after their Imperial City wedding, arriving will bow and scrape to them because they are the Princes of
to find the entire village has decorated and prepared a festival the Earth are often disappointed and find themselves going
to celebrate the continuation of the Vneef line. away from their dealings with her with the impression of
being scolded by an elder aunt. Of course, she is properly
WONDERS deferential to those who treat her with the respect that she
As one of the cradles of civilization, the Imperial River has earned in running the prefecture impeccably for most of
Basin is home to many old ruins and ancient manses. The her life, a job for which she is training her granddaughter,
manses in Juche Prefecture are, almost to a one, owned by Gemstone Jade.
one of the Great Houses. The Immaculate Order or the
Scarlet Throne owns those rare exceptions.
GREAT HOUSES
Each of the Great Houses is represented in Juche. To
The Foremost Vault of the Imperial Treasury (Earth Manse
not maintain some kind of holdings in this prefecture is con-
): Located just outside Juche proper, the Foremost Vault

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 sidered inauspicious, placing oneself away from the currents Mhaltin and Dhorash Mountains. Local legend states that
of prosperity that flow out of the Imperial Mountain. Those these creeks and riverbeds are the talon-marks of the twin
who tell tales note that just before their fall, the Iselsi had dragons Mhaltin and Dhorash, who despise one another.
sold off their holdings in Juche. The landscape of the Dragonswrath Plains is fairly wet, and
Of particular note in Juche Prefecture is the presence the rains that come in off the ocean and break along the
of House Nellens. House Nellens claims Juche as its primary mountain ranges in spring and autumn swell these bodies
holdings while it negotiates with House Ragara, seeking to of water, turning the area into swampland.
gain appointments in a wing of the Imperial Palace. Of course, this very same trait is what makes the pre-
fectures of the Dragonswrath Plains perfect for growing
OTHER PREFECTURES OF rice. Many of the rivers have been diverted and dammed,
creating ample rice paddies and the ability to open levee
THE IMPERIAL RIVER BASIN gates to water them. The prefectures of the Dragonswrath
The majority of the prefectures south of the Juche Pre- Plains are considered absolutely rustic and backward by the
fecture are referred to as the Imperial River Basin Prefectures. rest of the Blessed Isle. At best, the inhabitants are seen
They are fairly similar and unremarkable, possessing ample as unfortunates trying to carve a life out of swampland. At
farmland, with a scattering of orchards and pastures. Those worst, they are said to be inbred swamp-folk only half a
prefectures that abut the Dhorash Mountains also boast step above Wyld barbarians.
occasional mines and quarries, but these tend to contain Nonetheless, the Dragonswrath Plains are known for a
simpler ores and stone rarely exported and primarily used number of products, including fine leather from a variety of
in the prefectures and the Basin in general. large reptiles that dwell in the regions waterways, and the
produce of cranberry bushes and other select swamp foods.
THE DRAGONSWRATH PLAINS The cooking of the Dragonswrath Plains is quite spicy, and its
The Dragonswrath Plains get their name from the cuisine is considered avant-garde in far-off places, including
hundreds of small rivers and creeks that descend from the the Imperial City.

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 THE MHALTIN AND warships and marines. In short order, citing their feuding as
a disturbance of the imperial peace, Arkan arranged to have
DHORASH MOUNTAINS the local authorities clap the feuding heads of the Heron and
The Mhaltin and Dhorash mountain ranges encircle the Blacklily clans into irons and threatened with execution if
Dragonswrath Plains like two cupped hands. It is thanks to the feuds continued.
these mountains that the Dragonswrath Plains see the amount Unfortunately, while these tactics might have worked
of rainfall that they do. Few weather systems can manage to anywhere else in the Blessed Isle, the headstrong people of
pass these high walls without dropping their precious rain. Sweet Radiance (like their cousins in the mainland Dragon-
Local legends say that these mountain ranges are not simply swrath Plains) dont take to such methods peacefully. There
named after the twin, eternally warring dragons Mhaltin and is a full uprising brewing (organized by a mendicant monk
Dhorashthey claim that the ranges are the dragons. There of Daanad, according to some reports).
is perhaps some truth to this, for savants who have studied the Arkan has asked for more men, and the elders of House
dragon lines here indicate that they are strange and fluctuate Peleps find themselves in a difficult position. They want the
dangerously, though the manses that cap them are in no danger land, but if it becomes public knowledge that they arranged
of damage, unless a manse is truly mediocre in design. for the clumsy overthrow of patrician houses that were
Other dangers have cropped up in these mountains, ruling just fine before their interference, there will be an
however, since the disappearance of the Empress. Many bandit official inquiry. Such attention risks an undesirable amount
gangs have taken up refuge here. While the Dragon-Blooded of public exposure.
of Pasiaps Stair are willing to hunt down and destroy the The situation remains volatile.
occasional bandit camp as a training exercise, most bandits
remain unmolested by any real defense, save what the locals
can provide for themselves. The bandits focus their efforts
SHADOWED COAST
The Shadowed Coast lives up to its name. Home to
primarily on the prefectures of the Dragonswrath Plains, an island of strange occurrences, usually shrouded in storm
being careful to avoid bothering the more carefully watched clouds and sitting (sometimes literally) in the shadow of the
prefectures on the other side of the mountains. Imperial Mountain, the Shadowed Coast has a reputation as
an unpleasant, haunted place.
PASIAPS STAIR
The only real Dragon-Blooded presence in the Dragon- CLIMATE
swrath Plains are the outcastes of Pasiaps Stair, the military The weather in the Shadowed Coast tends toward colder
academy that prepares non-Dynastic Dragon-Blooded who temperate climes. It often sees snow earlier than most other
arise from the population of the Blessed Isle (or occasionally places in the Blessed Isle, thanks to the Imperial Mountains
in a satrapy in the Threshold) for service in the legions. Oc- bulk stopping the progress of the strong winter storms that
casionally, the school permits a few of its students to descend often sweep from the Northeast and causing them to unleash
for infrequent rest and relaxation in the town of Amber their fury on the Shadowed Coast itself.
Well, in Martiss Prefecture. Even though they are merely lost
eggs by the reckoning of the Realm, these students are still ANIMALS
Dragon-Blooded in a place that almost never sees Children The Shadowed Coast still contains many kinds of
of the Dragons other than the vartabeds of the scattered Im- wildlife, a rarity on the Blessed Isle, some of which is even
maculate temples. Therefore, they are accorded tremendous dangerous. The hills contain large populations of bears,
respect and deference. hybrocs and smaller hunting cats, and the Dragon-Bloods
of many Dynastic Houses come here to secure hunting per-
SWEET RADIANCE mits from the prefect, one of the major sources of income
This island, off the coast of the Dragonswrath Plains bears for the prefecture.
two prefectures, Cliffrise and Saltmount Prefectures, named
for the islands sole cities of any decent size. Until recently, the VENTUS PREFECTURE
ruling patrician clans of these two prefectures, Clan Heron of Made up primarily of farming communities, there is little
Cliffrise Prefecture and Clan Blacklily of Saltmount Prefecture, in Ventus Prefecture that interests the rulers of the Great
were locked in a generations-old feud. Although this island was Houses save the hunting that its forested foothills provide.
a natural stop-off point for merchants, who purchased many
of the Dragonswrath goods here without actually having to NATURAL FEATURES
venture into one of its tiny ports, it was considered of little Ventus Prefecture produces more than enough crops
worth, and the feud was largely ignored. to feed itself, selling the surplus to Chanos for the Ragara
That is, until the coming of House Peleps. As part of Legions. Ventus is known for its hardy, cold-resistant crops,
his Houses goal to control the islands off the Blessed Isle, which savants say are actually a product of the soil, somehow
Peleps Arkan arrived one day with a small fleet of personal transformed to resist the worst chills by the miracle workers

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 of the First Age. It also boasts the largest orchards of sweet- the Isle of Voices. Most who live on the Blessed Isle know
tart apples on the Blessed Isle. of the Isle of Voices as a place where magic and demons live.
Its true draws, however, are the forested hillsides, pep- To those who practice the arts of sorcery and thaumaturgy, it
pered with Dynastic hunting lodges. These wilderness areas is a place of promise, where the knowledgeable and the wise
contain many substances used by healers, alchemists and reward the diligent with greater power. To everyone else, it
sorcerers. There are also many deposits of sulfur, mercury is a place of terror, where sorcerers and demonologists need
and coal, though imperial decree forbids processing them, not restrain their sadistic urges as they must in civilization.
for fear of destroying the natural balance that provides the The truth, most likely, is somewhere in between.
rare and valuable substances so sought by savants. The people who work the land and sea around the
island are quite knowledgeable in the folk magics common
CITIES to peasantry, and even to some of the higher thaumatur-
gies of mortals. People who hail from the Isle of Voices are
BRIGHT OBELISK considered to be strange at best, mad at worst, for most
Population: 11,800 people on the Isle of Voices have seen and experienced
Governor: Holly, a descendent of human and Mountain stranger and more arcane things than the average graduate
Folk blood known for her wisdom and impeccable man- of the Heptagram.
ners, despite a questionable birth. In fact, her ability to
win the favor of those in power is what put her in position THE RUINS OF THE VERSINO
as governor. Once a school of sorcery, the Versino was nowhere near
Bright Obelisk is named for the gleaming silver obelisk as prestigious as the Heptagram. Indeed, it was the Scarlet
erected by its founders centuries ago, which is located in the Empires first attempt at creating a scholastic program. (What
center of the town square. Apart from a few Dynasts traveling better field of study than the supremely dangerous sorcery?)
to and from hunting lodges in the foothills, Bright Obelisk Every precaution was taken, from establishing the place
rarely sees any traffic, save for the occasional caravans who on a remote island far from innocents to making sure that
come here to purchase furs and rare herbs. there were no less then 20 Immaculate monks on hand at all
times, to aid with spirits and demons and to act as the moral
TOWNS compass for sorcerers of questionable ethics.
Blackwater (Pop. 1,550): Blackwater is a small mining town Regardless, something went terribly wrong in RY
near an underground lake in the foothills. It is largely unremark- 385. The precise nature of what happened is unknown,
able save for that underground lake, which is an eerily silent, save that some agency was loosed on the Versino that
blue-black abyss. Water from the lake that is drawn up into a its defenders could not overcome. Everyone there was
vessel retains its dark hue and slowly eats through whatever vessel utterly destroyed, save for a single student: the Empresss
contains it. The locals know better than to try to drink or even 16-year-old daughter, Mnemon.
touch the water, for it irritates skin and numbs limbs. Those who The bones of the dead are now long since rendered into
investigate the lake have noted that sometimes movement can dust, but the screams of the dying can still sometimes be heard
be seen just beneath the surface of the water. on the night winds there. The ruins have collapsed in on them-
selves into a pitted crater, and wards of salt and sorcery hem in
WONDERS whatever horrible, cursed things might yet dwell there.
There are few manses or ruins of any true noteworthi-
ness, save for the ruins of the Versino on the Isle of Voices. THE HEPTAGRAM
Most of the manses and similar places of power here are The Heptagram is one of the four Great Academies
apportioned among imperial holdings and a smattering of of the Scarlet Empire. At any given time, there are no
the Great Houses. more than 70 regular students here, plus upward of 10
advanced students, directly apprenticed to one of the
NOTEWORTHY PERSONAE masters of the Heptagram.
Government Figures
The Heptagram is named for its symbol, a seven-pointed
Prefect: Sage Lake, of the old moneyed patrician Sage
star. Each point of this star represents one of the great libraries
family, is the prefect of Ventus Prefecture. The older man
of the academy. These libraries represent the greatest accu-
is something of a drunkard, tending to leave the day-to-day
mulation of lore in all the Realm, and those who study here
operation of the bureaucracy to Holly, the governor of Bright
know precisely how fortunate they are to have access to them.
Obelisk who was once his assistant.
The students of the Heptagram study sorcery, demonology,
alchemy, divination and Essence manipulation to a degree
THE ISLE OF VOICES unseen anywhere else in the Realm (and comparable only
Along the northern shore of the Blessed Isle, under skies in places such as Lookshys own sorcerous academy or the
that often see storms blowing in from the bitter North, lies great collegia of the Shogunate Era).

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 TEACHERS
Mnemon Duhalva: The foremost alchemist at the
Heptagram, Duhalva always stood likely to be appointed as
the next dominie. At least, she did before the Scarlet Empress
disappeared. Now, she knows that her future is questionable
at best, and she has done everything she can to demonstrate
her support for the Heptagram itself, going so far as to alienate
members of her family who want her to use her position to
the Houses advantage. She knows that this is likely dooming
her should Mnemon seize the Scarlet Throne, but she hopes
that her loyalty will show through to any other.
Tepet Senex: Called Old Man Tepet behind his back,
Tepet Senex has been at the Heptagram longer than any other
instructor here save the dominie. He desires the position of
dominie when the day comes that Ragara Bhagwei sees fit to
retire or die, but the old master of the Heptagram has thus
far shown no desire to do either. Senex is the one most likely
to question the dominies decisions, but he considers this his
sole prerogative. Dragons help anyone else who shows the
position of the dominie disrespect in his presence.
Sorrowful Leaf: A Wood-aspected Dragon-Blood
originally from the East, Sorrowful Leaf is the acknowledged
expert in the Heptagram on wood elementals and magical
herbalism. She is covered in blue woad tattoos, which lend
her face a particularly sinister aspect while she is teaching.
She is never found without a wood spider nearby to act as
her servant and bodyguard. It is known that she has some
kind of pact with a court of wood elementals somewhere
in the East.

STUDENT LIFE
Students may be taught at the Heptagram for a total
of seven years, one for each of its libraries. It is rare that
students remain for the entire length of this time, however,
as they may graduate after they have completed four years
of instruction. After an initial year in the Hall of Terrestrial
Puissance, a student may choose what library he wishes to
learn in his following years.
The classes are grueling. Early in the year, all of the
students in a given library have group classes, as taught by
multiple teachers, but as they begin to show proficiency,
they find personal instruction to be most useful. It is also
very difficult to achieve a passing notation in the libraries.
Even those students who chose to complete only four years
are unlikely to have attended for merely four actual years.
In general, only half of those students who enroll for a year
in one of the libraries actually pass muster. Those who fail a
year have one of two options: to retake that year and hope to
pass it a second time or to abandon that field of study forever.
Those who move on or fail it a second time are dishonorably
removed from that library and forbidden entrance into its
halls ever again.
All of the students here learn the specifics of mortal
thaumaturgy. While they learn these techniques, however,
the instructors keep an eye out for those Dragon-Blooded who

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 show real talent with the mortal magics. Those who do are ology. Only those who have excelled in their previous classes
often taught those theories as they apply to Exalted sorcery. and managed to acquire a sponsor from among the teaching
Most Dragon-Blooded students are puissant in Terrestrial staff ever receive invitations to learn here. In addition to the
Circle sorcery by the time they have completed two or three techniques of summoning demons by mortal means, students
years, and they usually possess several Occult specialties in here also learn to do so by way of Exalted sorcery.
mortal thaumaturgy as well. The central tower is called the Dominies Tower, and it
is a powerful (i.e., five-dot) Air-aspected manse. It contains
LAYOUT the dominies quarters and personal workspace, as well as
There are 14 great buildings set up in a ring around a tall, the libraries of full Terrestrial sorcery. Rumor has that it also
central tower in the compound that makes up the Heptagram. boasts vaults filled with artifacts and ancient wonders of the
Along the outer ring, the largest of these buildings are the Librar- First Age. The bottom floor of the Dominies Tower is the
ies of the Heptagram, and the smaller buildings between them Great Hall, a huge chamber where the entire population of
are the dormitories. Each one of the dormitories is equipped the school can be gathered.
with eating space, luxurious two-student accommodations, and There is a bell atop the Dominies Tower that remains
personal laboratories and workspace appropriate to the library silent save by the will of the bearer of the hearthstone of the
to which that dormitory is assigned. The Libraries include: Dominies Tower. Should this bell be rung, it is considered
The Hall of Terrestrial Puissance: A students first year imperative that every student and instructor stop what he or
in the Heptagram is spent in the Hall of Terrestrial Puis- she is doing and go immediately to the Great Hall. Needless
sance, learning the very basics of magic itself, as well as to say, this bell rings only in emergencies, for fear of inter-
theories of elemental Essence. Students are taught the use rupting delicate magical operations and the disasters that
of their Charms and gain an understanding of the ways that usually come of doing so.
elementals work. They also study the nuances of elemental
Essence, including ample study of the Immaculate Dragons DEFENSES
and demesnes and manses. The Heptagram is well defended, indeed. Even ignoring
The Hall of the Nesting Dragon: The library where the fact that there are, at any given time, at least 40 Dragon-
theories of mortal geomancy are taught, along with a deeper Blooded sorcerers (and a small handful of Sidereal sorcerers
understanding of demesnes and manses. Those who show as well), the Heptagram grounds and the lands surrounding
the aptitude are given private lessons in manse architecture it for out to two miles are patrolled by bound demons. The
design and building, which they may take over subsequent grounds of the Heptagram are also well patrolled by elementals
years even though they passed the first year. and automaton constructs.
The Hall of the Jade Cauldron: Alchemy, herbalism Powerful spells of warding are woven into the walls of the
and similar endeavors are the topics at the Hall of the Jade Heptagram, spells cast not merely by the Dragon-Blooded,
Cauldron, which teaches the properties of distillation and but by Sidereals wielding Celestial Circle Sorcery. Addition-
alchemical transformation. ally, these Sidereals have woven the fate of the Heptagram
The Hall of Ancient Lore: The Hall of Ancient Lore to aid it in standing against foes and invaders. It is arguably
teaches not only basic mortal enchantment technique, but one of the best-defended places on the Blessed Isle outside
also the art of artificing, the creation of artifacts. Those who the Imperial Manse.
excel here often take another year or two even after they have
passed, in order to permit them to continue working with the
masters of the Hall of Ancient Lore to develop these skills.
THE DRAGONS NEST RANGE
The rocky mountain range that utterly surrounds the
The Hall of the Cerulean Glyph: The magical theories of Imperial Mountain for miles in every direction is called the
warding and sanctification make up the bulk of this Librarys Dragons Nest Range, as the Imperial Mountain sits in its
curriculum. Those who understand the nuances of Exalted midst, like a brooding beast in its nest. These mountains
sorcery are likely to learn a variety of protective and warding (which also include the Juche Prefecture) are fantastically
spells here as well. rich in both Essence and mortal riches. Many of the valleys
The Hall of Celestial Puissance: The students of the tucked away between peaks are also quite fertile, fed as they
Hall of Celestial Puissance learn about the vagaries of the are by the rains that wash down the Imperial Mountain.
Heavenly sky and those that dwell there. It is a course in
not only the nature of those spirits referred to as gods and CLIMATE
their culture, but also the insights into the nature of Fate so Due to its elevation, the lands of the Dragons Nest
often reflected in the sky, through astronomy. Other forms Range tend to be slightly colder than a typical temperate
of divination are studied here, as well, particularly Exalted locale, which serves more to make the seasons more extreme
sorcery of revelation. in weather from one another than to mute any one of them.
The Hall of Verdigris: Not all students are permitted entry The summers here are quite hot, though some of the moun-
into the Hall of Verdigris, the Heptagrams Library of Demon- tainside communities remain quite cool. Winters are heavy

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 and cold, with thick snows descending on the range from who are grieving, rather than sit still to be eventually blamed.
the Imperial Mountain. Parades of homage have been made, and the Great Memorial
of Lords Crossing is a massive marble wall, with the names of
ANIMALS all those slain inscribed upon it. The scions of House Tepet
Unlike in some of the wilder mountain vistas in Juche are not held in higher honors in this Great Memorial but
Prefecture, Lords Crossing Dominion has been settled for are rather scattered in and among the names of the simpler
so long that wildlife here is relatively rare and unassuming. soldiersa decision calculated to communicate the fact that
The wild bears and hunting cats of Juche are almost never House Tepet lost sons and daughters too.
seen here, save when they wander over from the wilds in that Lords Crossing is also well known for the Academy of
prefecture. There is plentiful hunting in the form of herds of the Wondrous Hall, a college of architecture that specializes
deer and elk, as well as boar in some of the lower mountain in Air- and Earth-aspected manse design. It is also widely
valleys. The breeds of goats and sheep ubiquitous in Juche recognized as the foremost academy in the techniques of
are found here as well. hearthstone adaptation.

LORDS CROSSING DOMINION PORTEE

Aside from Juche Prefecture, Lords Crossing Dominion Population: 7,500
is the only prefecture within the Dragons Nest Range. One Governor: Gempeak Thunder, a boisterous patrician
of only two prefectures in the Blessed Isle to be denoted as of the Gempeak family. The Gempeaks have begun to look
a dominion, Lords Crossing is quite important enough to enviously at the wealth of the Whitecloud clan, and Thunder
the Realm to designate it such. Many of the settlements in himself has begun to look upon the Whitecloud matriarchs
the Lords Crossing Dominion are quite old, dating back at widow daughter, Rose, as a potential wife.
least to the Shogunate Era. Portee is dominated by two patrician families: the
Gempeak clan and the Whitecloud clan. For decades, the
NATURAL FEATURES Gempeaks were in a superior position, in terms of both
The mountains that make up the Lords Crossing Do- wealth and political power. Part of that has changed recently,
minion produce ample jade, marble and gemstones, as well however. The matriarch of the Whitecloud clan, Whitecloud
as more common mining and quarry products. Additionally, Orchid, has spent her entire life on the breeding of small,
the fertile valleys and riverside land produce large amounts white lap dogs called Portee ivories.
of rice, vegetables, fruits and hearty cattle. Many agricultural These little dogs have become quite fashionable among
areas also produce gorgeous high-quality cloth and silks. Fi- Dynastic families as perfect lap dogs for ladies and children.
nally, many of the settlements in the dominion take pains to This sudden fad among the Great Houses has resulted in an
provide fine quality bed-and-breakfast style accommodations incredible upswing in the Whitecloud fortune. As a result
for visiting patricians and Dynasts. of both the Whitecloud breeders and the Starlight facility
in Traiter, Lords Crossing Dominion has gained the unlikely
CITIES reputation as the source of many purebred animals.
As a result of the sudden arrival of Dynastic representa-
LORDS CROSSING tives seeking pets for their masters, Portee has built a number
Population: 48,000 of fine new teahouses and luxury accommodations and makes
Governor: Red-headed Sawyer Shadow, said to have quite a bit of money from them.
been born of a Dynasts un-Exalted daughters tryst with a
Southern prince and given to the Sawyer patrician family TRAITER
to adopt, acts as the governor of Lords Crossing. She is a Population: 9,600
passionate woman with keen economic sense and dark good Governor: Starlight Black, a thin, noble-seeming man with
looks. Shadow currently plans festivals to help bolster the close-shorn black hair and a trimmed beard acts as the governor for
morale and economic stability of Lords Crossing. Traiter. He is accustomed to dealing with Dragon-Blooded hunters
Lords Crossing is a massive Shogunate Era city and the and soldiers and is not easily intimidated by mere mortals.
primary residence of House Tepet. A center of trade thanks The Starlight family has made its fortune on the breeding
to the exportation of the great riches of the dominion, the of black, oversized, menacing dogs called blackstar mastiffs.
economy of Lords Crossing Dominion has been cast into some Unlike the sudden fame of the Whitecloud animals, the
chaos with the destruction of the Tepet Legions at the hands of hunters and warriors of the Realm have favored Starlight
the Bull of the North. Nearly every citizen of Lords Crossing hounds for over 100 years, and that trust has been repaid to
(and the dominion as a whole) lost a parent, sibling or child the Starlight clans family wealth many times over, making
in that destruction, and morale is at an all-time low. them the most powerful patricians in Traiter.
House Tepet isnt stupid, thoughits elders are very The Starlight clan maintains a massive estate on the
careful to place themselves directly in the middle of those outskirts of Traiter. This estate is only partially of use to the

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 family. The rest of it consists of extensive facilities for the CLIMATE
breeding of the blackstars, as well as luxurious accommoda- The lands of the Jaen-ha Plains are well regarded for their
tions for would-be buyers, who are required to spend two weeks fairly warm climate, with fair, balmy winds that blow in from
at the facility being introduced to and trained to handle their the South. The summer storms here are often spectacular to
new hound. (Those who have been trained in the past need behold, and once every few years, the Jaen-ha Plains suffer
spend only a week getting to know their new beast.) a hurricane-strength squall, which the architecture is built
to resist.
WONDERS
The vast majority of the manses in Lords Crossing Do- ANIMALS
minion are owned by House Tepet, apportioned among their Although the population of wild animals is practically
scions. Several of these manses no longer have hearthstones, non-existent there, nearly every variety of domesticated
those treasures having been seized as the spoils of war when animal can be found in the prefectures of Jaen-ha. Addi-
their owners fell in combat against the Bull of the North. tionally, many of the lands in this area are fine ranch land,
Even now, the elders of House Tepet agonize over whether with entire ranches specializing in breeding strong horses for
to hire geomancers to alter the architecture of these manses, pulling caravan wagons.
shattering the old hearthstones and beginning the growth
of new ones. Several of these manses are quite powerful,
however, and the risk and expense of changing them is great.
ARJUF DOMINION
Called the Passage into Fire due to its nearly exclusive
The Tepets have many of the masters of the Academy of the use as the travel path into the South by those of the Realm,
Wondrous Hall looking into it, though. the Arjuf Dominion is one of only two actual dominions on
the Blessed Isle. Its strategic influence and financial power
NOTEWORTHY PERSONAE warrant this bureaucratic honor, and its size reflects it.
There are many important figures in Lords Crossing
The Arjuf Dominion descends from the southern foothills
Dominion, thanks to the presence of House Tepet. Those
of the Dragons Nest Range, with the Caracal River as its
in positions of importance are either firm allies of the Tepet
eastern border.
family or strong enough to resist their influence.

GOVERNMENT FIGURES NATURAL FEATURES

Prefect: Carpenter Reason, who is working with Sawyer Arjuf Dominion is made up of coastline, river basin and
Shadow to rebuild the local economy, trying to balance foothills, generally speaking. It produces a fair amount of food,
the need to mourn with the need to get back on ones feet, though the population of Arjuf Dominion is such that there is
including the re-establishment of the Tepet Legions. He is a almost nothing left to export, save for the excellent quantities
self-assured patrician from a long line of patricians of sugar cane grown in the fields in southern Arjuf.
It might be said that Arjufs primary product is trade
HOUSE TEPET itself. Many of the settlements in the dominion focus on
House Tepet claims Lords Crossing Dominion as its trade, although their local agriculture is enough to provide
ancestral holdings away from the Imperial City. Nothing their populations with food. Quite a few of the settlements
goes on here of which the Tepets are not cognizant, generally are based around one or two merchants, many of whom owe
speaking. They are justly famous as fine hosts, often holding fealty to one or two of the trade confederations of Arjuf. Those
lavish summer parties when members of other Houses are confederations are merchant companies that specialize in areas
in the dominion. of the Blessed Isle, buying the unique products of those places,
bringing them to the great markets of the Imperial City and
OTHER HOUSES Arjuf, and bringing needed goods to their target areas.
The sole presence that other Houses maintain in Lords
Crossing Dominion is in the form of summer vacation homes CITIES
in the hills here, for use when the heat of summer drives them
from the Imperial City into the cooler hills at the foot of the ARJUF (CAPITAL)
Imperial Mountain. Many of these summer homes are used Population: 225,000, though there may be up to
as hunting lodges of some sort. half-again this number in the city during the height of
trading season.
THE JAEN-HA PLAINS Governor: Rainbow Faith, a shrewd businesswoman
with a great deal of influence at the citys docks and in the
Approximately half of the Jaen-ha Plains are taken up by
Arjuf Dominion. The other prefectures of the Jaen-ha Plains vast Arjuf Market.
tend to be farming prefectures, made up of small ranching Arjuf is the second largest city in the Blessed Isle, with a
and agricultural settlements. massive population. It has grown quickly, but it has not taken
on the ramshackle appearance that many cities in similar

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 circumstances have, thanks to skilled governors and prefects period, Tuchara was growing, the population attracted by the
and the wise governing of House Ledaal. House Ledaal quite wealth and success of the master armorers, weaponsmiths and
carefully oversees infrastructural and civic necessities, and manse architects that could be found here.
more than a few of its scions are themselves fine architects, The genteel environment that grew up around this artists
city planners and sorcerers employed to aid in the improve- haven is the direct influence of the Sweetsky family and its
ment of the city using Exalted magics. Ledaal patrons. As a result, the city itself is a masterpiece of
Arjuf is the most important port on the Blessed Isle, and it urban planning, with many of the finest artists competing
boasts an incredibly huge bazaar, the Arjuf Market. Ships dock- to create fine works for the city every year. Those who are
ing in the city have their portage fees halved if they sell goods chosen to work on civic projects are permitted to do their
in the market, so it has an incredible variety of things for sale. work in lieu of taxes. This plan, called the Sweetsky Initia-
It outshines even the markets of the Imperial City for the sheer tive, has made Tuchara easily one of the most beautiful cities
variety of products, although the finest and most expensive items on the Blessed Isle.
are usually reserved for the capital of the Scarlet Empire. One artist of note is called only Windrunner, the fore-
House Ledaal uses Arjuf as a port for its Threshold most armorsmith in the elemental style of armor design. Like
explorations. Moreover, the Imperial Merchant Fleet, re- other elemental stylists, his works incorporate smooth flowing
sponsible for patrolling the coastlines of the Blessed Isle, lines, with elemental iconography and uniquely tinted steel
and for preventing piracy near the island, is based out of that highlights certain elemental themes. An Air-aspected
Arjuf as well. Dragon-Blooded of uncertain origins, Windrunner is also
an amazing jadesmith and artificer, though he rarely crafts
NISHIMO artifact armor any longer, having grown weary of sneering
Population: 6,400 legion officers marching off into the Threshold somewhere
Governor: Carver Bear, an overweight former quarry and losing his work.
master. Many in the city blame the Carver family for
Nishimos misfortunes, and Bear doesnt usually listen to TOWNS
such talk without answering with violence. Bear-baiting Yarrowstalk (Pop. 8,000): The river-port town of Yar-
has become something of a local spectator sport, so Bear has rowstalk has fallen on bad times. Once a major stop on the
become something of a recluse. river route between Lords Crossing and Arjuf, trade and travel
Once a booming quarry town that grew into a full city in in general has lessened with the tensions of late. More than
the span of a generation or two, Nishimo was almost entirely this, though, Yarrowstalk is the headquarters for the Office
abandoned after the quarry ran dry and its workers had to find of Harmony, the bureaucracy of the Wyld Hunt. Although
work elsewhere. Only a few buildings made of the original the Office of Harmony receives the support of its governor
local marble remain, as they were pulled down and sold for (Ledaal Zavel, an un-Exalted Dynast of House Ledaal), the
the marble during the hardest times, replaced by ramshackle locals are a little less supportive.
wooden buildings in some cases. In others, there are simply With times as hard as theyve become, they see that the
empty, rubble- and weed-strewn mud lots where houses once Wyld Hunts members do nothing to bolster their economy.
stood, pock-marking the face of the city. The Wyld Hunt considers whoring and drinking unseemly,
Criminals and bandits have taken up residence here, regardless of how it might put coin in the purses of locals.
ranging out occasionally to prey on those prefectures that Therefore, the low tension builds between the locals and
possess fewer defenses. At one point, Nishimo was in danger those who serve at the Office of Harmony and the nearby
of becoming an openly bandit-dominated city, until House Wyld Hunt manse known as the Azimuth Spire.
Ledaal dispatched one of its Dragon-Blooded daughters to
identify and destroy the bandit leaders and installed Ledaal THE HOUSE OF BELLS
mercenaries in the city. The House of Bells is one of the four prestigious secondary
schools of the Blessed Isle. A military academy meant to turn
TUCHARA out not simply soldiers, but competent military leaders and
Population: 21,000 heroes of the Dragon-Blooded Dynasty, the House of Bells is
Governor: Sweetsky Swan, the eldest son of the patri- the first step for those who seek a great future in the legions.
cian Sweetsky family. Though not an artist himself, Swan By unspoken tradition, those who have flunked out of the
is well known as a patron of the arts, sometimes paying the House of Bells will never hold a position of leadership in the
apprenticeship fees for promising young artists, in return for Imperial Army. Those in power in the legions who themselves
receiving incredible works from them for his familys collec- did graduate from the House of Bells make sure of that.
tion once they have attained skill and experience.
Tuchara began as an artists colony, situated at a crossroads TEACHERS
between iron ore mines and silver mines. As a result, many of Most of the instructors of the House of Bells are retired
the best smiths in Arjuf Dominion ended up here. In a short legionnaires who have a vested interest in making sure that

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 the cadets are taught, first and foremost, how not to endan-
ger their fellows. These instructors are terribly harsh and
demanding. The closest a cadet gets to praise in the House
of Bells is when an instructor stops actively haranguing him
for that day. In all other respects, the abuseboth physical
and verbalcomes nonstop. Even if a given cadet is damn
near perfect, she can be taken to task for allowing one of her
squad-mates not to excel.
The dominie of the House of Bells is Cathak Eli, a Fire-
aspected grandson of Cathak Cainan and a driven taskmaster.
He carefully watches his instructors to make sure that they
are rendering an appropriate military education to the cadets
that he considers his property from the moment they arrive
until graduation. Some of the other instructors include:
Dojin: An Earth-aspected outcaste who served for many
years in the Imperial Army, Dojin fought beside Cathak Eli
for most of their mutual career. Dojin and Eli began as rivals,
the Dynast often taunting the young graduate of Pasiaps Stair
for his lack of lineage. But Dojins personal honor always
prevented any retaliation, and when the young soldier saved
Elis life when their legion encountered Fair Folk in the South,
Elis opinion of the young outcaste changed dramatically.
From that day forward, Dojin and Eli have been inseparable,
and there are whispers that they are lovers.
Tepet Chaio: A woman of great honor, Chaio is very
sensitive to her familys recent loss. Those who speak dis-
missively of the tragedy or berate Tepet cadets for the loss
of the Tepet Legions earn Chaios unending ire, and she is
both vindictive and unforgiving. She expects unflinching
excellence from all Tepet cadets, however, and often drives
them to exhaustion, urging them toward improvement by
whispering a litany that consists of the names of the Tepet
scions who died in the engagement with the Bull of the North.
She considers her great-uncle Tepet Arada a base traitor for
his flight after the destruction, and she would like nothing
more than permission to find him.
Ledaal Mazhorie: The battlefield sorcery instructor,
Mazhorie is an Air-aspected master of Terrestrial sorcery and is
also quite skilled at dealing with spirits in wartime situations.
He teaches Dragon-Bloods not simply how to use sorcerous
advantages tactically, but how to combat them.

STUDENT LIFE
Students, who are called cadets, who arrive in the same
year are grouped into a single unit. Within each such unit, the
cadets are divided into squads, and each squad does everything
together: attends lectures, eats, trains and fights other squads
and class years. There is a strong rivalry between naval cadets
and the rest of the House of Bells cadets, and fights between
naval and regular cadets are incredibly frequent.
Individual cadets do not get graded. Squads do, though,
and the testing here is such that the weakest link in a
squad is almost always revealed. Thus does the House of
Bells emphasize the need to see that ones fellows are as
strong as possible, encouraging the weak to work hard and

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 the strong to help them. A squad that suffers from a truly of the Great Houses, should it come to civil war. The dominie and
inept squad-mate might arrange for additional work for instructors of the House of Bells are some of the finest warriors
its failure, and in some cases, even go so far as to arrange in the Realm, and they wield potent weapons given to them by
training accidents for its weak link. their Houses or the Realm for service rendered.
Five days a week, the cadets attend morning lectures in
the Four Keeps, receiving the finest training in tactics, strat- WONDERS
egy, military history, battlefield sorcery and logistics. During Most of the manses of Arjuf Dominion are claimed by
the afternoon, they are in the yard, practicing the nuances House Ledaal. Of course, House Ledaal is quite supportive
of direct combat and the techniques for putting what they of the Immaculate Order, so quite a few of these manses are
learn in morning class into action. leased to the Order for use as monasteries and temples, and,
Occasionally, squads of cadets are taken into the wil- in one case, as a base for the Wyld Hunt.
dernesses nearby and simply left there to put in practice the The Azimuth Spire (Air Manse ): The Azimuth
techniques of wartime survival and guerilla warfare they are Spire, though a powerful manse owned by House Ledaal, was
taught. These expeditions usually take up days on end and rendered to the Immaculate Order and Wyld Hunt as an
are quite hazardous. act of piety on the part of the House. Since that time, it has
It is not uncommon for fatalities and severe injuries to become the primary headquarters for the Wyld Hunt.
occur in training. Although skilled healers are on hand, a The Palace of Vines (Wood Manse ): The Palace
few fatalities occur every year. Cadets who die in training are of Vines is the massive, ancestral holding of House Ledaal
buried in the Cadets Rest, the small graveyard that visitors in Arjuf Dominion, found a days ride west of Arjuf proper.
and new students to the House of Bells ride through on their Currently under the household of elder Ledaal Caros, most
way to the main compound. members of House Ledaal have memories of time spent in
its vine-covered halls, picking sweet berries from sunny,
LAYOUT tucked-away alcoves while their elders met in council to
The House of Bells sprawls over several leagues of terri- discuss the familys future.
tory found southwest of Arjuf, south of the Great Coast Road.
Its grounds include a variety of fields, a stretch of shoreline NOTEWORTHY PERSONAE
where amphibious assaults are practiced and a stretch of rocky Arjuf Dominion boasts quite a number of important
terrain. A five-foot-high stone wall surrounds the entirety of personages to the well-being of the Realm.
the House of Bells compound, pierced by five gates.
A pair of villages called Sword and Shield stands on GOVERNMENT FIGURES
these grounds, intended primarily to provide food and menial Prefect: Ledaal Maris, the mortal daughter of Ledaal Kemar,
labor for the House of Bells. These two villages have also a powerful Dragon-Blooded sorcerer. Maris is ruthless and cun-
been used in training exercises for assaulting and defending ning, with one trait that makes her stand out from others in her
structured battlefields. They are also preferred off-hours rec- positionshe is fanatically loyal to her father. It is a common
reational spots. Both of the villages have a couple of bars and knowledge among the Great Houses that Maris and Kemar are
teahouses, and Sword even maintains a brothel. Shield, with lovers, though the two believe that their secret is unknown.
its less-impressive facilities is intended for lower classmen.
Any student of less than four years who is found at Sword by
THE WYLD HUNT
The Wyld Hunts primary headquarters is in Arjuf
upper classmen is usually beaten within an inch of his life.
Dominion. As such, the Azimuth Spire headquarters is the
The buildings on the grounds include the Students
center of Wyld Hunt operations. Most new members of the
Compound, a series of barracks, one for each of the seven
Hunt come here for training and placement at one of the
years that can be found here, as well as facilities for eating,
other chapter houses, and when an imperial or Immaculate
clothing care, hygiene and an armory. Nearby stands the
envoy pays an official visit to the Wyld Hunt as a whole, it
Five Keeps, a set of large buildings set up with lecture halls
is to Arjuf Dominion that he comes.
and the living facilities of the instructors.
There are also miscellaneous buildings and structures THE MERCHANT FLEET
scattered on the House of Bells grounds, including Fort The Imperial Merchant Fleet is based out of Arjuf proper,
Misery, meant for the practice of siege warfare. Finally, along and its sailors and marines swell the population of that city.
the coast, is a fortified military dock called the Port of Bells, Fleet Admiral Vneef Ririon: The Water-aspected
meant for the training of Imperial Navy cadets. admiral of the Merchant Fleet, Ririon is a tall, gangly
Dragon-Blood. Though not a particularly skilled warrior,
DEFENSES he is an incredible sailor. He is eminently competent, and
The House of Bells is defended by all of its students. All of
while not the most innovative tactician, he is intelligent
them know that at any given time, they could be called upon to
and thorough, providing his deliberate methods success
give their lives in the defense of this academyeven against one
where less-diligent men might fail. He is very close to his

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 family and often spends time with his wife and children in with a layer of caked-on clay, but those who happen upon it can
his estate outside Arjuf. tell that it is clearly an ancient manse. Reaching it is treacher-
ous, however, for it requires navigating through wet clay-fields
HOUSE LEDAAL that can swallow horses and riders entire. A small court of earth
House Ledaal claims Arjuf Dominion as its ancestral fief. and water elementals dwells here, and the gods are still bound
As a dominion, Arjuf Dominion must be governed by one of by ancient pacts to defend the Stalwart Temple.
the Great Houses, a task to which House Ledaal was assigned Although those masters that bound them there were
when that change was made. Although it has proven to be destroyed long ago, the Stalwart Templea Solar manse
something of a drain on Ledaal resources, the House has (with a three-dot rating) and temple to the Unconquered
made Arjuf Dominion run smoothly and without problems, Sunyet remains undiscovered. The spirits here hide it,
administrating the bureaucratic processes and defense of this working together to sink it in mire and conceal its presence by
area almost flawlessly. Those members of House Ledaal who illusions and misdirection. They tell tales among themselves
do not grow up in the Imperial City likely call one of the of the Radiant Dowager, an ancient Solar queen, who will one
many Ledaal estates of Arjuf Dominion home. day return here to reclaim the treasures she left behind.

OTHER PREFECTURES OF THE STORM COAST AND

THE JAEN-HA PLAINS THE AHBREM VALLEY
The other prefectures of the Jaen-ha Plains exist in The land between the Storm Coast and the northern
Arjuf Dominions shadow. The southerly prefectures are shores of the Serpentine River is often called the Ahbrem
major agricultural centers, growing fields of sugar cane and Valley, for the mountain range that cuts directly from the
raising pigs, while those found farther north are excellent western coast to the Dragons Nest Range. The lands here
pasturelands for cattle, horses and sheep. are quite wealthy and prosperous. In fact, it is likely that,
should another dominion ever be established from among
THE PLAINS OF RUSTED IRON the Blessed Islands prefectures, it will be here.
The Plains of Rusted Iron are broad plains scattered with The prefectures of the Storm Coast and the Ahbrem
fields of clay just under the surface of thin, poor soil. Agriculture Valley are agricultural centers. Along the rivers are many
is difficult here, save along the shores of the Serpentine River. Far rice paddies, with other agriculture (particularly tobacco,
more common are potters and porcelain-makers, craftsmen who grains and other field-crops) ranging farther from the
have learned to use the abundant clay of the lowlands between rivers. Mining is also prevalent in these areas, with the
the shore and the Serpentine River to craft fine works of art. foothills of the Ahbrem Mountains pockmarked with
Nonetheless, true craftsmen in these areas are rare, and most mines and quarries.
folk tend small fields of mediocre crops that probably wouldnt
grow if not for the presence of auspicious dragon lines carrying THE AHBREM MOUNTAINS
Essence of enrichment from the Imperial Mountain. Like most of the major mountain ranges on the Blessed
The Plains of Rusted Iron have been named thus because Isle, the Ahbrem Mountains are believed to be a dragon. Un-
they are the site of many ancient battlefields. There are more like the dragons of the Mhaltin and Dhorash ranges, however,
archaeological digs here than anywhere else in the Blessed the dragon Ahbrem is thought to be kindly, like a favored
Isle save the foot of the Imperial Mountain. Most are either uncle who is fond of giving gifts. Most of the peasants of the
sites where great battles of the First Age or Shogunate Era Ahbrem Valley understand that their prosperity comes, in
took place or the funereal grounds that resulted from those one fashion or another, from the mountains. Indeed, the Im-
battles, with mighty domed burial sites built entirely of deep, maculate Order is very careful to make sure that no cults to
red clay the color of rusted iron. the dragon Ahbrem pop up in the wake of such superstitions.
(It should be noted, though, that the Immaculate Order is
RADAMANT PREFECTURE unaware of any such dragon, if it does exist.)
One of the many large prefectures of the Plains of Rusted
Iron, Radamant is of a large size for the same reason that most CLIMATE
of the others are: There are too few large cities in this area The Storm Coast is named that for a reason. Much of the
of the Blessed Isle and too few settlements in general. It is a year, storms come rolling in off the ocean, crashing on the
bit more prosperous, due to having a coastline from which it Ahbrem Valley with great displays of thunder and lightning.
might fish and harvest its own shells (so as to avoid having Spring sees gentler weather, and late-summer and early-au-
to buy them from Diu Xie), but Radamant is quite like most tumn hurricanes are rare, though not unheard of. Perhaps
of the other prefectures here, save for one thing the bitterest time, though, is during the terrible blizzards of
Deep in its interior, in a valley that springtime floods fill with winter, when howling Northern winds descend on the low-
water and clay, lies the Stalwart Temple. Its walls are covered lands between the coast and the Ahbrem Mountains.

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 ANIMALS prefectures past. In truth, these practices are the beginnings
As with most of the Blessed Isle, wild animals are fairly of a full-on heresy, leading to the worship of a variety of
rare here. Domesticated animals are quite plentiful, with a small, local gods. Unfortunately, a traveling Ragara recently
hardy breed of cattle bred to withstand extreme weather, and discovered this state of affairs and reported it back to the
many sheep and goats roaming along the mountain ranges Immaculate Order.
that mark the eastern and southern border of these lowlands. Guin (Pop. 600): In contrast to Glalo, Guin is a river
Of note, however, are the hearth-cats of Stargazer Prefecture, town made up of fanatical adherents of the Immaculate
highly sought-after living relics of the First Age. Philosophy. Unfortunately, this fanaticism recently led to
the torture and murder of an old couple for unwholesomely
EAGLE PREFECTURE propitiating spirits (i.e., putting out milk for a materialized
cat-spirit). This barbaric act shocked the town, whose people
Eagle Prefecture is called the Gateway to the West. It
is also considered the ancestral home of House Sesus. Eagle have covered the fact up out of fear of punishment. Mean-
Prefecture is quite far off from the bustle of the Imperial City while, a terrible river dragon has begun eating livestock and
and from the desperate bureaucracy at the foot of the Imperial threatening fishermen, who must now go farther from their
Mountain. It is a serene place, overlooking the West. homes to escape its hunting grounds. Many believe that the
river dragon was sent as punishment for the atrocity they
NATURAL FEATURES committed, and the town is afraid to report it, for fear that
Most of Eagle Prefecture is coastal or riverside, and fish is one its secret will be uncovered.
of the major foodstuffs of the people here. Most of the farmable
land here is used as pastureland, to provide milk, cheese and meat WONDERS
to sell for high prices to the islands off the western coast. Most of the manses in Eagle Prefecture belong to House
Sesus, with the Immaculate Orders monastery-manses and
CITIES imperial holdings running a close second and third.

EAGLES LAUNCH NOTEWORTHY PERSONAE

Population: 16,000
Governor: Orchid Sand is the son of the prefect. Al- GOVERNMENT FIGURES
though his father is of House Sesus, Sand doesnt have the Prefect: Orchid Coral, a woman of tremendous politi-
same loyalty to that House. Even as a child, he could tell cal influence acts as the prefect for Eagle Prefecture. She is
that it was watching him carefully. He worked to please the married to the Dynast Sesus Lilon, an un-Exalted scion of
Great House, until he realized that his only worth was based House Sesus. As a result of her marriage, she is quite loyal to
on whether or not he Exalted. He has not and is unlikely to House Sesus, which pays her quite well. She tends to badger
do so at this point. Indeed, he will happily take bribes from those merchants and others who travel from Eagles Landing
merchants who seek to make their passage easier, effectively to the Peleps-held Tongma Isle.
countering his mothers efforts to harass them. HOUSE SESUS
Eagles Launch is a major port city along the western House Sesus considers Eagle Prefecture to be its ancestral
shore, and it boasts a deeply impressive market, with all man- holding away from the Imperial City. In recent years, it has
ner of goods from the sea and the traders of the West. Eagles worked to have Eagle Prefecture and some of the surrounding
Launch is also home to a variety of siaka- and whale-hunters, prefectures declared a dominion.
and these adventurers bring great riches to the city as well.
(They also liven things up occasionally by hanging a new
siaka corpse off a 50-foot platform at the Great Docks.)
OTHER PREFECTURES OF
THE STORM COAST
TOWNS The majority of the prefectures in the Storm Coast and
Cloaka (Pop. 1,800): Prism Flame acts as the governor Ahbrem Valley are agricultural or coastal prefectures, with
of Cloaka, and with good reasonher family is the rich- a smattering of mining towns.
est and most influential clan of patricians in the area. The
Prism clan breeds firemanes, incredibly fast horses known for AYREON PREFECTURE
their brilliant red manes. Every summer, the city of Cloaka Ayreon is an all-but-forgotten prefecture in the area. Ignored
hosts a series of horse races, a third of which are open only by Dynasts for quite a long time, it is an excellent example of a
to Dragon-Blooded horsemen, allowing them to compete prefecture that develops in the shadow of the Great Houses, but
against one another for fine rewards, including the pick of beneath their notice. Dominated by a guild of weaponsmiths
the Prism herds. known as the Talon League and the Starfall patrician clan,
Glalo (Pop. 750): Glalo is a small fishing town that Ayreon is home to both fanatical Immaculate devotees and
has slowly readopted a body of quaint traditions from the heresies worshiping a lion god deep in the hills.

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 STARGAZER PREFECTURE homes here. Tongma also boasts a population of boar and
Like many of its neighboring prefectures, Stargazer herds of wild deer in the ample wilderness areas in the
began as a simple agricultural prefecture, growing crops to center of the island.
feed the rest of the Blessed Isle. But perhaps 300 years ago,
the prefect of Stargazer Prefecture, Stargazer Aveal, made WAVEHOLD PREFECTURE
an interesting discovery in an old library: a book that talked The central prefecture of Tongma Island, Wavehold
about a variety of ancient wonders of the First Age. Among Prefecture is home to the Water Fleet, perhaps the largest
them were descriptions of a kind of cat that generated a great of the Imperial Navys fleets. Wavehold Prefecture is almost
deal of heat, sufficient to maintain a comfortable tempera- entirely a naval prefecture, existing to provide one of the
ture around itself. Most interestingly, however, its physical naval fleets a headquarters. It is only in the last 50 years or
description bore similarities to many of the domesticated so that Wavehold has served the function. Before then, the
cats of the region. Water Fleet was based out of Eagle Prefecture. It soon outgrew
So this prefect and her family, the Stargazer clan, un- the bustling trading port, however, and the Imperial Navy
dertook a program in secret, attempting to breed the ancient moved its port of call across the stretch of sea that separates
hearth-cats back into existence. For years, they bred the cats, Tongma Island from the rest of the Blessed Isle.
encouraging the development of those animals that showed
the traits of the ancient hearth-cat. Then, after 50 years of NATURAL FEATURES
trial and error, the first hearth-cat seen in Creation since the Wavehold Prefecture occupies the tallest points on Tongma
twilight years of the First Age was born. Island. From the center of Wavehold, land sweeps downward
The Stargazer clan presented the creatures to the Scarlet toward the other prefectures. Away from the coasts, the land
Empress in court, and she was so pleased with the rediscovery is fairly green and rolling, with more than a few naturally wild
that she officially changed the name of the prefecture to their areas. The biggest of these forests, the High Wood, is said to
family name. She also named the Stargazers the Imperial be home to a mighty stag. According to local legends, it is the
Keepers of the Bloodlines of Hearth-Cats and forbade anyone God-Blooded get of the forest god of the High Wood.
else to breed the animals, save by permission of the Stargazer
family. Now the family is quite rich and influential, with many CITIES
breeding catteries and more than 14 separate bloodlines of
hearth-cats, which must be carefully cultivated to maintain
PORT WAVEHOLD
Population: 24,500
their unique abilities.
Governor: Peleps Haru seeks to rectify the shame of his

TONGMA ISLAND not Exalting by being at the forefront of his Houses efforts to
seize power on Tongma Island. To this end, he has installed
Save for a few coastal areas, Tongma Island is sparsely spies in nearly every settlement of the over 300 that dot the
populated. Between the occasional pirate raid and other island and is quickly ferreting out which bureaucrats in his
dangers from the sea, life can be fairly difficult on the island. employ do not work for him.
A few farming communities exist toward the center of the Port Wavehold is somewhat of a ramshackle city, as its
island, away from the coast, but they dont produce sufficient large size is a very new phenomenon. When the Imperial
food to feed the whole of its population. Navy moved the port of call for the Water Fleet away from
Eagles Launch, it chose the then-smaller Port Wavehold for
CLIMATE the honor of hosting it. Shortly thereafter, the citys popula-
Tongma Island sees fine temperate island weather, with
tion swelled dramatically, forcing the city bureaucracy to
bright, warm summers and chilly winters with plenty of
mandate a quick upswing in the infrastructure that nearly
freezing rain. Lush spring storms often blow from the West
decimated its funds. It stabilized within a few years, though,
during spring, providing fine, salt-scented warm showers
and is now a bustling port city.
that often turn into near-typhoons during late summer and
The city sits on a fairly steep downward slope that over-
early autumn. The occasional typhoon blows in from out of
looks a deep-water harbor bordered by a crescent of land.
a stormy Western horizon, but for the most part, Tongma
On the outer horns of this crescent are two large pillars of
Islands weather systems are tame and comfortable.
red and black jade that burn with fire eternally, powered by
a dragon line that runs the curve of the harbor. The docks
ANIMALS here are impressively extensive, and the city is divided into
Tongma is home to an incredible variety of sea birds,
three sections, separated by height on the slope and acces-
as well as a cove of sea lions along its northern shore, in
sible among one another though tunnels into the slope upon
Sharu Prefecture. Other animals, including a breed of
which they are built. These three sections are Docktown, the
monkeys brought to the island from the West that have
Commons and Upslope, where patrician, Dynastic and rich
adapted to the cooler temperatures of Tongma, make their
merchant holdings overlook the rest of the city.

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 WONDERS Peleps realize how much influence the families wield. It is
The manses and similar areas of Wavehold are not only a matter of time before they do, however, and the Five
specifically held by any one faction. The Immaculate Order Families fear what might happen once that occurs. They
and the Water Fleet hold quite a few of the manses here, pray for a resolution to the question of the Scarlet Throne,
using them for their purposes, and now that House Peleps that they might request an interdiction from the Imperial
has turned its eye to the islands surrounding the Blessed Isle, Bureaucracy on this matter.
it has begun securing several of these as well.
OTHER PREFECTURES OF
NOTEWORTHY PERSONAE
TONGMA ISLAND
GOVERNMENT FIGURES The other two prefectures of Tongma are simple farming
Prefect: Seagull Star acts as the appointed prefect. A and fishing prefectures, for the most part.
member of one of the Five Families of Tongma, Star is doing
everything in his power to prevent the usurpation of power that
House Peleps clearly plans. Unfortunately, he is hard pressed to
THE SILK & PEARL PENINSULA
The Silk & Pearl Peninsula is the closest thing to an
resist the Essence-powered administrative tricks that a skilled untamed frontier the Blessed Isle has. Although it was clearly
Dragon-Blooded bureaucrat has at his disposal. populated in the pastruins all over the place attest to this
Admiral of the Water Fleet: Ledaal Calin is the admiral factthe population here hasnt risen significantly since the
of the Water Fleet, and he takes his job quite seriously. He is Great Contagion. The cities here are bureaucratic necessities.
loyal to the Imperial Navy as a whole, but he is not willing to Rather than placing a prefectural government in a convenient
use his position to help House Peleps seize power on Tongma large town, more than one of the cities of the peninsula was
Island, perhaps the primary reason why it has not done so. established by the Imperial Bureaucracy for the purpose of
He has also forbidden the men under him from taking part making it grow to meet the governments needs.
in such activities. The majority of the settlements here are fishing villages and
Elements within House Peleps have sought to get the man small trading port towns. The cities themselves serve as centers
removed from power, but cooler heads have prevailed. After of trade, taking the extensive goods produced by the settlements
all, House Peleps must maintain a certain number of admiral- and shipping them elsewhere on the island for sale.
ties in the hands of other Houses. Additionally, the man is The shallow seabeds that surround the peninsula are rarely
superbly suited for the job, and the Empress herself appointed of any real use for large ships. Only light ships are able to get
him. Finally, no one really wants to be the admiral of the Water anywhere near the shore. These shallows are home to count-
Fleet. The real reason House Peleps does not remove him is less miles of clam and oyster beds, which are the main product
simple: He is an admiral of incredible skill, and should House of the peninsulas fishing villages. The clams are coveted all
Peleps seek to dominate the waters of the Inland Sea, they over the Blessed Isle for their rich taste, and the oysters here
dont want Ledaal Calin as part of the opposition. provide the pearls for which this area is justly known.
Further inland is a wilderness, but not of trees. These lands
HOUSE PELEPS show definite signs of having once been agricultural fields, but
Since the disappearance of the Empress, House Peleps
now they are merely the home to mile after mile of towering,
has chosen to absent itself from the race of those seeking to
whistling bamboo. Some of these forests have been cleared and
hold the Scarlet Throne. Its scions have not turned their
the land planted with the already-native mulberry bushes, in
backs on power, however. Instead, they have decided to use
order to cultivate silk-worms and the fine pearlsilk of the Silk
this opportunity to cement their hold on as many of the
& Pearl Peninsula, coveted for its strange, ethereal sheen and
small, bureaucratically unimportant islands that surround
incredibly high price. The silk-makers here craft other, lesser
the Blessed Isle as they can. House Peleps has brought a
forms of silk as well, for more common purchasers.
great deal of its resources to bear on this island, sending
in groups of bureaucrats and spies to determine who holds CLIMATE
the power. It is only a matter of time before it belongs to The Silk & Pearl Peninsula is well known as a balmy,
House Peleps. warm place, with gentle rains during the warm months of the
year. Winters tend toward mildness, and the warm, wet air
THE FIVE FAMILIES
here tends to create large banks of fog most mornings, turning
The five most powerful families on Tongma Island
the bamboo forests into places of eerie, ghostly silence. The
maintain a long-standing alliance with one another, work-
weather here is tended by the Principality of the Shore .
ing to keep the lesser families in their places and power
in their own hands. Never have they been more pressed
than with the coming of the Peleps. Clans Seagull, Blue-
ANIMALS
The coastal areas are home to a variety of fish and
star, Wave, Sweetwind and Sealion find themselves hard
large sea serpents, as well as the occasional pod of whales.
pressed. Their only defense is their secrecy. Not even the

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 The farms here possess many of the typical domesticated By current estimates, the farms currently abandoned
animals, though smaller goats are preferred over cattle will be perfectly renewed in two years. At that time, the
for milk. The forests of bamboo are home to a variety of ministry will oversee the return of those families to their
animals, from small groups of wild pigs (not quite large or original homes, while leaving them the option of remain-
fearsome enough to be truly called boars) and a sizeable ing and continuing to act as loggers and lumberjacks should
population of pandas. they choose. Then, the second batch of farms will have to
be abandoned, with those families moving either onto farms
NOTEWORTHY PREFECTURES that are now abandoned or to the Isle of Eternal Leaves to
For the most part, the prefectures of the Silk & Pearl work themselves.
Peninsula are unremarkable. The prefectures themselves The Ministry of Renewal estimates that in five years,
are quite large, due to the scarcity of settlements in the it will have the entire Daoshin Prefecture producing more
peninsula. There are too few large cities that are capable crops than it has in generations, as well as having established
of acting as prefectural capitals, so those cities that do a new lumber economy for the prefectures.
exist are required to oversee villages many times farther
away than is normal. Most of these prefectures are reached CLIMATE
by the Bamboo Road, a circular road that cuts directly The Daoshin Peninsula receives many dry, warm winds
through the incredible forest of bamboo in the center of from the South. This, combined with the slow degradation
the peninsula. It is not unknown for bandits to lurk among of the soil to a dry, dusty mass, was beginning to transform
these dense groves, waiting for traveling merchants and the formerly green fields of its prefectures into dry patches
other easy prey. occasionally blown over by blinding dust storms. That
condition has begun to improve somewhat, with the steps
THE DAOSHIN PENINSULA taken by the Ministry of Renewal, but the hot, dry winds
still chase away much of the moisture of summer days. The
The Daoshin Peninsula is sparsely populated, with large
Daoshin Peninsula is spared most terrible sea-storms by the
prefectural borders due to the difficulty of finding appropri-
Isle of Eternal Leaves.
ately sized cities to act as capitals of those prefectures. The
Daoshin Peninsulas prefectures are sparsely populated due ANIMALS
to deliberate efforts, though, as their farms have been long The Daoshin Peninsula proper has very few true wilder-
since overworked, leaving much of the soil dry and dusty. ness areas left. The farms there usually maintain domesticated
A decade ago, it was decided that the land here needed animals, but just in numbers sufficient to sustain a family. The
assistance. The Empress established the Ministry of Renewal, Daoshin Peninsula is not a ranching or herding locale.
a special and temporary bureaucracy meant to reestablish The Island of Eternal Leaves is a different story. Large
the lands in the peninsula as rich, productive farmland. herds of wild deer roam the forests here, as do wolves, boars
This ministry consists of the prefects of all the prefectures and bears. Large raptors and strix can be found here as well,
in Daoshin, as well as three Immaculate monks and a pair of and the new families here are taught to watch carefully and
Heptagram geomancers, and it is overseen by Ragara Usha, a never go into the forests alone. This proliferation of good
Wood-aspected graduate of the Spiral Academy, appointed hunting has attracted the attention of the Dragon-Blooded,
as the Minister of Renewal. who have begun to show up here in numbers.
One of this ministers first undertakings was to uproot
the population of half the villages in the prefectures. These EMERALD PREFECTURE
people were then moved to the Isle of Eternal Leaves, a large Based around Emerald Port on its westernmost spar of
forested island off the coast of Daoshin that had recently been land, the Emerald Prefecture has seen tremendous growth in
divided into two prefectures. These families were taught log- the recent past. As a result, those few settlements that already
ging techniques, allowing them to continue to be productive existed are becoming overcrowded, while other villages are
by providing lumber to the needs of the Realm. being founded along its outer rim.
In the meantime, the prefects work to renew the farms The forests of Emerald Prefecture are still lush and
that now lie abandoned, adding in soil components long since impressive, clearly holding many secrets. Recently, one
leached out. The Immaculates work with the spirits of the of the first new lumber villages, Three Stags, discovered
area, urging them to assist in the renewal of the land, as is a set of ruins from the First Age. Although the explorers
their mandate under Heaven. (In some cases, they are assured activated some kind of automaton defense that killed those
a higher importance on the Immaculate Calendar in order brave enough to enter the ruins, it was clear that the place
to provide them with the Essence they need to work these was a manse, lined with moonsilver in vital locations.
miracles.) Meanwhile, the geomancers work to improve the The local prefect believes that this is some temple of the
power of the local dragon lines of fertility, aiding the work Anathema from the First Age and has dispatched a request
of the spirits through sorcery and geomancy. for assistance.

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 Arjuf Dominion
Dominion, a Magnitude 6 Dominion
Military: 2 Government: 3 Culture: 4
Abilities: Awareness 3 (Heliograph +1), Bureaucracy 3, Craft 3 (Famed Metalworkers +3), Integrity 2 (Religious
Edict +1), Investigation 2 (Wyld Hunt Presence +3), Occult 2 (Immaculate Alliance with the Red Tables +3),
Performance 3 (Organized Crime +3), Presence 3, Stealth 2, War 4 (The House of Bells +3)
Virtues: Compassion 3, Conviction 3, Temperance 4, Valor 3
Virtue Flaw: Temperance Current Limit: 3
Willpower: 7
Bonus Points: 30 External Bonus Points: 10
Notes: Prefect Ledaal Maris is a sorcerer with legitimacy in Arjuf Dominion. The dominions bonus points have been
used to buy one extra Temperance and Willpower, as well as for the various specialties. Arjufs external bonus points
are not assigned (allowing for easier Storyteller customization). The profits of the dominions ubiquitous merchants
depends on the regions stability. Therefore, its Virtue Flaw often manifests as an unwillingness of the population to
accept change of any sort while in Limit Break, whether that change would benefit them or not.

Lords Crossing Dominion

Dominion, a Magnitude 6 Dominion
Military: 2 Government: 4 Culture: 3
Abilities: Awareness 3 (Heliograph +1), Bureaucracy 2, Craft 3 (Architectural Innovation +3), Integrity 3 (Shared
Loss +1), Investigation 3 (Wide Contact +3), Occult 2, Performance 3 (Fool the Populace +3), Presence 3 (Military
Spectacle +3), Stealth 2, War 4
Virtues: Compassion 3, Conviction 2, Temperance 3, Valor 4
Virtue Flaw: Valor Current Limit: 9
Willpower: 8
Bonus Points: 30 External Bonus Points: 5
Notes: Prefect Carpenter Reason is the dominions legitimate sorcerer. Some of the dominions bonus points were used to
buy an additional dot of War and Willpower. The remainder are tied up in various specialties. Lords Crossing Dominions
external bonus points are not assigned (allowing for easier Storyteller customization). A region thats always prided itself
on the exemplary military service of its people, the recent loss of the Tepet legions has deeply wounded the dominions
pride. During Limit Break, the people of Lords Crossing lose their will to fight, seeing loss as inevitable.

Eagle Prefecture,
Prefecture a Magnitude 6 Dominion
Military: 2 Government: 3 Culture: 4
Abilities: Awareness 2 (Heliograph +1), Bureaucracy 2 (Well-Placed Bribe +1), Craft 3 (Public Works +3), Integrity
4 (Tight-Knit Heritage +2), Investigation 3 (Conduct Interviews +1, Due Diligence +2), Occult 2 (Religious Zealotry
+3), Performance 2, Presence 3 (Organized Crime +1), Stealth 3 (Agents Provocateurs +3), War 3
Virtues: Compassion 3, Conviction 4, Temperance 3, Valor 3
Virtue Flaw: Conviction Current Limit: 4
Willpower: 8
Bonus Points: 30 External Bonus Points: 7
Notes: Orchid Coral, the prefect, is a sorcerer with legitimacy in Eagle Prefecture. A number of it bonus points are tied
up in an extra dot of Temperance and of Willpower. The rest make up its specialties. The dominions external bonus
points are not assigned (allowing for easier Storyteller customization). The piety of the people of Eagle Prefecture is
without question (though it sometimes veers into heresy). The dominions Conviction Virtue Flaw often drives the
inhabitants to commit great atrocities in the name of religion while in Limit Break.

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 CHAPTER SIX THE HEART OF THE REALM 129
Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 CHAPTER SIX
THE HEART OF THE REALM

Many of those who travel to the Scarlet Prefecture GEOGRAPHY

think of it as only the home of the Imperial City, but the Although it is diminutive compared to some of the
capital takes up only a small portion of the prefecture itself. sweeping prefectures that span the Blessed Isle, the Scarlet
Ranging from the most metropolitan to the most rural, and Prefecture has been the single most important region in Cre-
from towering cliffs to gentle valleys, the Scarlet Prefecture ation for over 700 years. A scant 150 miles wide, it stretches
truly is a diverse region. The Imperial City represents only from the Imperial City in the west to the eastern coast of
a portion of its immeasurable variety. the Blessed Isle, where Dragonsmouth, its principal port, is
located. Juche Prefecture borders it on the western edge, and
NATURAL FEATURES its northern and eastern edges are coastline, following the
While the single most notable feature of the Scarlet rocky shores of the Imperial Bay out to where it becomes
Prefecture is undoubtedly man-made, travelers to this region part of the Inland Sea.
are often surprised by the natural beauty of the prefecture. Bordered on one side by the Imperial River Basin and
Even that beauty, however, is as often crafted as natural, the the other by the rocky Jade Coast, the prefecture largely
result of centuries of occupation by some of the most powerful consists of low rolling hills and shallow pastoral valleys. Near
individuals in all of Creation. Regardless, whether formed by the eastern edge, the land becomes decidedly more craggy.
nature or by the hands and wills of the Dragon-Blooded who The cliffs south of Yolin Am are among the highest prized
have made their home there for generations, the natural lands on the Blessed Isle, outside the Imperial City itself.
beauty of the Scarlet Prefecture is a wonder to behold. House Mnemon has a long-term lease on a manor house

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 and particularly extensive grounds just south of the city, but third century of the Realm, construction teams were forced
other of the Great Houses also find the dramatic cliff vistas to look farther and farther away for materials to keep up with
well worth the equally lofty lease rates. the ever-growing demand for new buildings. Forests across
While the Imperial River technically flows alongside, the Blessed Isle were cleared to cater to the Imperial Citys
rather than through, the Scarlet Prefecture, and it is not incessant demand for expansion. Now, the deepest forests
home to any other major river systems, the area does not in the Scarlet Prefecture are those cultivated by the Great
lack for water. Thanks to the combined attentions of the Houses able to afford the luxury of surrounding their dwellings
Children of Pasiap and Daanad, there is not a farming com- outside of the city with large forested tracts of land.
munity or village in the Scarlet Prefecture without access
to at least a functional well to provide them fresh water. In MINERALS
some areas, entire irrigation and aqueduct systems have been Despite its proximity to the Elemental Pole of Earth,
commissioned, although such projects are much more com- the Imperial River Basin is not overly laden with jade or
mon on Dragon-Blooded estates or the wealthiest patricians other precious minerals, that being more the purview of the
holdings. The vast majority of the outlying prefecture relies rugged hills and mountains closer to the Imperial Mountain.
on far simpler and less expensive methods of water distribu- Occasional deposits of beryl and sapphire are discovered in
tion. The Imperial City, of course, has the finest and most the southern edges of the Scarlet Prefecture, but never in
advanced water-provision system in all of Creation. The significant enough amounts to warrant a full-scale excava-
Empresss recent disappearance and the possibility of a power tion operation.
structure change, however, have shifted attention that was
once placed on municipal maintenance and improvement WILDLIFE
into more pertinent areassuch as political maneuvering As often happens with any area where the population
and power-mongering. of cities and farmlands steadily increases, the once-wild
land of the Scarlet Prefecture has been tamed, and the vast
CLIMATE array of flora and fauna that once could be found there has
The climate around the Scarlet Prefecture is near to made way for cultivated crops and domesticated animals.
perfect, although how much of it is natural, and how much Even more than the explosion of civilization, the presence
the result of almost a millennium of constant attention from of thousands of long-lived and adventure-seeking Dragon-
Creations most powerful Dragon-Blooded is uncertain. Five Blooded has decimated the game population of the prefecture
full growing seasons are possible in this area every year, and many times over.
those who ply their trade by tilling the soil in the region are Once thickly populated with boar, bear and stag, as well
well rewarded for their labors. The gentle valleys serve to as countless smaller game species, the larger beasts have been
provide pockets of semitropical weather almost year round, predominantly driven away from the region around the Im-
while the rolling hills provide enough diversity of elevation perial City as land there is cleared for farming and dwelling
to allow for chilly weather in the heights, although hard frosts space. For a sizeable wild population, one must travel far away
are rare within the prefectures borders. Even the coastlines, from the city and the more sizeable towns of the prefecture.
where storms would normally flail the rocky cliffs on a regular Even these areas are nowhere near as densely endowed with
basis, are generally milder in climate than they would be large game as they once were.
without the influence of the high density of elementally A plethora of small game can be found in the prefecture,
aspected individuals who make their homes here. ranging from hares and foxes to pheasants and quail. For
the most part, those animals that remain in any significant
NATURAL RESOURCES numbers in the wild are those considered to be no challenge
for aspiring Dragon-Blooded hunters. Near the Imperial
Eight hundred years of occupation will take their toll on
any area, and the Scarlet Prefecture is no exception. Much City, however, their populations have been devastated by
of the areas once abundant natural resources have long the hungry denizens who dwell in the low-class city that has
since been depleted in the Imperial Citys incessant growth sprung up outside the citys walls. For the most partother
over the past eight centuries, despite the Terrestrial Exalted than those on Dragon-Blooded reserves, protected by threat
attention the region has received. of death from city poachersthe only non-domesticated
animals that remain around the Imperial City are scavengers
WOODLANDS who have adapted to the spread of civilization onto their
Especially around the Imperial City, once-forested lands once-pristine territories. Rats, crimson vultures, raccoons,
have been cleared to allow the area to be used for building wild dogs and feral cats slink through the crowded alleys
or farming. Those trees large enough to be harvested for and convoluted pathways in and around the Imperial City
building materials have long since been incorporated into and have created their own niche there, and to a lesser
dwellings, stores and craft shops within the citys walls. As degree around all of the villages, towns and cities of the
the supply of building materials close to the city waned in the Scarlet Prefecture.

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 AGRICULTURE AND RURAL COMMERCE of transportation routes. As is fitting, it spans the entirety of
While the Scarlet Prefecture is no longer as richly en- the Scarlet Prefecture, running roughly diagonally from its
dowed with metals or lumber as other regions of the Blessed northwest corner to the far southeast where it takes a sharp
Isle are, it is nigh perfect for agriculture. Chief among the southern turn and proceeds along the Jade Coast.
agricultural crops of the area are luxury items, much in demand Many of the lesser roads in the Scarlet Prefecture branch
by the Dragon-Blooded and their patrician compatriots, but off of the Great Coast Road, taking travelers to towns, farm-
which do not travel well by ship or merchant caravan. These ing communities or private estates. Some, such as the Bay
crops include delicate fruits, such as caimowhose fragile, Highway, are well maintainedpublicly or privatelyand
caramel-flavored flesh bruises with anything but the most are marked on maps. Others, depending on the frequency and
vigilant careand duriana prickly fruit that has a picking density of travelers, and the wealth of their end destination,
season of only a single day between its green and overripe are less well preserved and patrolled.
stages. While farmers also plant less care-intensive crops, it Where the Great Coast Road traverses the eastern edge
is the luxury items upon which they often place their hopes of the Scarlet Prefecture, it is sometimes called the Jade Coast
for rising above subsistence farming. Road. Those who travel its length are treated to some of the
Of course, with delicate items, farmers prefer to be as most amazing views to be found anywhere in Creation. The
close as possible to their preferred markets. Yet, as lease rates Jade Coast Road runs southward along the eastern coastline
for land within a days travel of the Imperial City cost more of the Blessed Isle and curving west at Sion, near the Palace
than most farming families could raise in an entire year, the Sublime. Many claim that the portion of the Great Coast Road
lands within a 30-mile radius of the city walls are almost along the Jade Coast was originally a pilgrimage path, but as
entirely leased to Dynasts and patricians. These extensive more and more wealthy devout and aspiring pre-acolytes made
estates host manor houses and vacation homes for those the journey each year, the road was widened and improved
who wish a respite from the hustle, bustle and crowding of to ease their travels. While the Jade Coast area of the Coast
the Imperial City. Road is patrolled by both imperial legionnaires and traveling
Further out, however, especially in the 100 miles of land monks of the Immaculate Order, the presence of well-paid
between the estate ring and the Jade Coast, several decent- caravan guards hired by nobles making the journey down the
sized farming communities can be found, along with other coast also contributes significantly to its safety.
scattered rural undertakings. There are roughly a half dozen
agricultural settlements in the Scarlet Prefecture of note. A THE BAY HIGHWAY (THE STRONG AND
few are true towns, including Nachin, Crescent Mills and the FLOWING THROAT OF THE DRAGON)
immodestly named Glorious Haven. Each such town boasts Running north-south from Dragonsmouth to the Impe-
of thousands of permanent citizens, and each is auspiciously rial City, the Strong and Flowing Throat of the Dragonoften
located along a major trade road into the Imperial City. shortened simply to The Throatis the remains of a First
Others, such as the villages of Juxu or Clear Creek, are off Age road. Also called the Bay Highway, it is still well cobbled
the beaten path and consist of little more than a grouping of for most of its more than 100-mile route, though some of the
a few dozen farm families large enough to support a simple stones have had to be replaced after having been removed
market and teahouse. clandestinely for use in building projects along the way. At
one point, the thefts were so debilitating to travel that the
TRANSPORTATION WITHIN Imperial Bureaucracy was forced to make such theft punish-
able by a months indentured service repairing roads in the
THE PREFECTURE
prefecture for each stone removed. Since then, the road has
Without the presence of major rivers within its borders,
remained mostly unmolested.
much of the travel that happens within the Scarlet Prefec-
As the most common route for military and merchant
ture is done over land. Whether on foot, riding or by cart or
shipments into the Imperial City, the Throat is well main-
palanquin, it is far easier, faster and very often safer to travel
tained and is the best-patrolled minor route in the Realm.
via the established roads. Not only are there conveniently
Small villages dot its length, providing travelers easy access to
located hostels and lodging houses for travelers along the
accommodations. Many of the stopping places include well-
main routes, but all but the most adamant brigands are kept
cleared bivouac areas to accommodate merchant caravans
clear of the imperial roads due to the presence of traveling
or legions on the march, with an emphasis on providing the
legions of the Empresss troops assigned to the task.
basic necessities rather than luxurious lodgings.
THE GREAT COAST ROAD THE PATH OF PLEASANT HILLS
While it completely circumnavigates the Blessed Isle,
Beginning in the upscale town of Yolin Am, the Path
the Great Coast Road can be said to beginand endin
of Pleasant Hills runs just over 100 miles, leadingas do
the Imperial City. Stretching for many thousands of miles,
all good thingsto the Imperial City. It is, like everything
the Great Coast Road is without peer in Creation in terms

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 associated with Yolin Am, pristinely maintained and of im- Alamar, formerly head bureaucrat of House Nellens fishing
maculate appearance. From the town gate for an entire days interests out of the Imperial Bay. Also un-Exalted, Alamar
travel westward, the sides of the Path of Pleasant Hills are provides a good balance for the new governors instinctive
landscaped with dramatic groupings of bamboo and flowers decision-making policies, tempering them with constant
by gardeners in service to the city, making sure that those reminders of the laws and regulations of which she might
who enteror leavethe city will long remember their not always wish to be reminded.
journey. This landscaping includes delicate pavilions where
travelers might rest beside reflecting pools populated with GLORIOUS HAVEN
domesticated waterfowl to foster a sense of serenity and gra- Located at the southeastern edge of the Scarlet Prefecture,
cious accommodation. Glorious Haven caters to those who wish to enjoy the striking
vistas of the Jade Coast but cannot afford to lease their own
URBAN AREAS IN THE PREFECTURE vacation homes there. Its permanent population is relatively
small, numbering just under 5,000, and the vast majority of
Obviously, as the largest city in all of Creation, the Impe-
rial City stands alone as a model of urban civilization in the those who live in Glorious Haven all year are involved in
Scarlet Prefecture. When faced with such a striking primary the service industry in one form or another.
example, it is easy for other notable locations to become At any given time, there are easily as many visitors and
eclipsed by its glory. A number of other towns of note exist guests in the town as permanent residents. Accommodations
within the Scarlet Prefecture, though. in Glorious Haven number more than 100 lodgesvarying
from small wooden houses of only a few rooms to the palatial
DRAGONSMOUTH Jade Auberge, which boasts of its ability to host rival Houses
As the largest port in the Scarlet Prefecturewith more in its sprawling wings without the members ever having to
than 60,000 full-time residentsDragonsmouth is an avenue meet. Glorious Haven welcome tens of thousands of guests
for most of the sea trade that supplies the Dragon-Blooded and every year, and those visitors pay royally for the privilege of
patricians of the Imperial City with food and finished goods. enjoying one of the most dramatic landscapes the Blessed
The notion of goods flowing into Dragonsmouth, down the Isle has to offer.
Strong and Flowing Throat of the Dragon to the all-consuming Glorious Haven is just off the Great Coast Road, and its
throngs of the Imperial City is not lost on those who make their siren call is a temptation few pilgrims making their way south
living unloading cargo day after day in the port town. to the Palace Sublime can resist. Unlike Yolin Am, Glorious
Like the Imperial City itself, Dragonsmouth is built over Haven does not cater only to the wealthiest of the wealthy,
and around the ruins of a First Age fortress. Unlike the capital, making it a popular stopping point for those who aspire to live
however, most of what once was the Eternal Gate fell before the life of the upper crust without bankrupting themselves.
Dragonsmouth was reborn on the same site, victim to attacks Therefore, it does not retain the same bragging rights for the
by sea raiders and disrepair. Little remains of the former stalwart high society of the Realm that a stay in Yolin Am does. Those
settlement save for a few elegantly crafted walls. who visit are more likely to refer to their stay as on the Jade
Upon ascending to the Scarlet Throne, the Empress Coast rather than referencing Glorious Haven itself.
made supply lines a major priority, and Dragonsmouth was
founded on the ruins of the Eternal Gate. Taxes were poured YOLIN AM
into building not only the most extensive dock system on While many of the largestand wealthiestcities in the
the Blessed Isle, but the Imperial Shipworks, rivaling the Realm are located directly along the Great Coast Road, the
shipyards of the Western islands in efficiency. island-bay port of Yolin Am is several days off it, connected
To say Dragonsmouth is a loyal city would be an under- by the Path of Pleasant Hills. Yolin Am is set atop a majestic
statement. Only the most trusted bureaucrats and military wall of cliffs, offering its 13,000 inhabitants a breathtaking
leaders are stationed in the port city, so vital is it to fulfill- view of the Inland Sea. Yet, it is not the cliffs that bring the
ing the needs of the Imperial City itself. The Governor, hoi polloi flocking to Yolin Am, nor the view that has given
Cathak Brynna, is an un-Exalted human who served as the the town its reputation. Like many of the cliffs of the Jade
citys harbormaster for 20 years before being installed as its Coast, the ones upon which Yolin Am rests protect a small
governor. Brynna has always felt the call of the sea. Her bay far below. Unlike other towns on the northern Jade Coast,
decades of work supervising first her familys interests in the however, the bayand the gleaming green-sand beach it
imperial port and then those of the city as well have given protectsis accessible from the cliff tops.
her an understanding of the city on an intrinsic level. Brynna The bay beach is warm and tranquil, quite unlike the
possesses an uncanny knack for knowing which situations rest of the rugged Jade Coast, and has been valued for cen-
can be allowed to work themselves out and which require turies as a respite destination for those desiring to take the
her particular attention. waters. The bay is so shallow that Yolin Am is unreachable
The citys new harbormaster, a position with only slightly by water for any but the smallest of ocean-going vessels,
less influence in the city than the governorship itself, is Nellens but the inlet is ringed at a distance by a small chain of tiny

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 islands. While each is too small to support more than the forcing the water to run around and through the buildings
most basic of structures, industrious architects have built split-foundation base. The manse itself shimmers in the re-
an extensive docking system reaching seaward from this flected light from the constantly flowing stream and remains
chain. This system sits at the edge of an underwater shelf cool and peaceful even during the height of summer. As the
that allows even the deepest-bellied sea vessels to put up in demesne beneath it is more powerful than the manse itself
the expansive docks there. (level 2, compared to the manses level 1), the Iselsi architects
Passengers bound for the Imperial City who wish to who created the manse channeled the extra Essence into a
avoid Dragonsmouth can put into port at the Yolin Am docks striking aesthetic effect. The energy lights the building from
andfor a feebe ferried across the shallow inlet and up the below, casting a beautiful silver-black glow into the spring,
cliffs to the town proper. This route avoids the port town of which is then reflected back up onto the manse itself.
Dragonsmouth altogether, but the convenience is paid for After House Iselsis doomed coup attempt, the manse was
by the added expense of the ferry and the likewise rich fee ceded to House Mnemon, and is the dwelling of Mnemon
for riding in the artifact lift known as Gracious Ascentup the Araska, Water-aspected granddaughter of Mnemon Caras,
sheer cliff face. Therefore, the route is a favorite of travel- who takes no end of pleasure at putting to devout use what
ing patricians or Dragon-Blooded who can both afford the was once a haven of Iselsi treachery.
expense and the bragging rights of having come into the The Deepstone Pearl, the Freeholds hearthstone, al-
prefecture through Yolin Am. lows the bearer to access the manses illuminating influence
The town, for its part, has played up its elitist clientele, even from a distance. The bearers player may also add three
offering some of the most exclusive, extravagant and expen- dice to any sight-related physical Investigation rolls. The
sive lodging and dining to be found in the Scarlet Prefecture. hearthstone glows with the same silver-black gleam as the
For this reason, military or merchant vessels rarely use it, as manse while being used in this fashion.
the expense of ferrying large numbers of troops or extensive
cargoes would be cost prohibitive. Plus, the city is not well THE ENDURING BREATH OF HESIESH (FIRE )
suited to billeting legions inexpensively nor to handling any While manses built over geothermal vents might seem
but the most luxurious of cargo. to be the natural purview of Air-aspected Dragon-Bloods, the
Unlike most areas of Creation where peasants and disen- Enduring Breath of Hesiesh leaves no question as to its fiery
franchised are an expected and common part of the average nature. Situated over a millennia-old fissure that constantly
population, Yolin Am is almost eerily devoid of them. Situated spews explosively hot sulfurous steam into the air, this manse
almost a full days travel north of the intersection with the is as deadly as it is powerful. Save for the Dragon-Blooded
Throat, there is little reason for anyone but the wealthyor members of House Cathak who hold it, few can tolerate
those who cater to themto travel into or out of Yolin Am. continued exposure to the heat produced from the vent,
Osprey Yanisin, the citys governor, maintains a strict loiter- even channeled as it is by the manse itself.
ing law, which is stridently enforced. Those who attempt to While many manses are designed as dwelling places, the
avoid imperial scrutiny by bypassing Dragonsmouth without living quarters at the Enduring Breath of Hesiesh ring the
the ability to fit in with the upper crust of Realm society will manse itself, which takes the shape of a giant dragon sculpture.
quickly draw the attention of the Eagles Talon, Governor It is constructed of mahogany-red obsidian, carefully crafted
Yanisins utterly efficient Guardians of the Realm. so that the blood-colored veins in each individual block flow
to the next, giving the structure the illusion of having been
NOTABLE MANSES crafted from a single stone. The sculpturewhich is large
enough to enter via a cunningly hidden door but inhospitable
Not all of the important features of the Scarlet Prefecture
are located within a city. Nowhere in Creation are there as to any but the most stalwart Fire-aspected Dragon-Bloodis
many dragon lines as on the Blessed Isle, and the Scarlet hollow and situated over the fissure so that the steady stream
Prefecture contains some of the strongest in Creation. Two of elementally hot breath churns up through it, emerging
of the most powerful cross at the location of the Imperial from the dragons mouth and nostrils. This feature is a trick
Manse at the heart of the Imperial Palace, but a plethora of architecture rather than the Essence-diverting effect of
of manses of each element exist within the region, ranging many lesser manses. The expert architects who designed the
from fairly weak to very powerful. Enduring Breath of Hesiesh did their job particularly well,
and the manse channels Essence quite efficiently.
FLAWLESS RILL FREEHOLD (WATER ) The entire manse compound sits atop a craggy hill in
Located at the site where one of the Scarlet Prefectures the southern lands of the Scarlet Prefecture and has been
purest underground streams comes to the surface, this manse steadily churning out its sulfurous smoke since early in the
is one of the most beautiful, if not powerful, manses on the Scarlet Empresss reign.
Blessed Isle. Built by House Iselsi in RY 224, the Flawless Hesieshs Ember, the manses hearthstone, calls upon the
Rill Freeholds walls are crafted of translucent rainbow obsid- hostile environment within the manse to protect its bearer.
ian, which rises up out of the first few feet of the spring bed, When the bearer concentrates to activate the hearthstone,

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 the bearer and companions are protected from ranged weapon and Exalted, and an even larger population who believe they
attacks. The hearthstone wraps its bearer in a cloud of thin, are of singular import. Prior to her disappearance, individual
yellow mist that extends 10 to 15 feet around him. The mist, import was starkly clear: Those who had the Empresss favor
which has a particularly foul sulfurous smell, swirls around the were powerful (although, of course, not compared to the Em-
hearthstones bearer and pushes away any incoming missile press herself), while those who did not scrambled desperately
attacks. Wooden darts and arrows are ignited and fall burning to acquire it. Now, however, things are much more uncertain.
to the ground, while stone, metal or other non-flammable ma- The leaders of the Great Houses hold a great deal of power, as
terials are deflected. Non-magical metal missiles soften upon do those who held important positions at the Empresss behest.
contact with the mist, losing their aerodynamic abilities, and Chejop Kejak is certainly a force with which to be reckoned.
will be unusable if recovered. Although he resides primarily at the Palace Sublime, his
Like the Terrestrial Circle spell Impenetrable Frost Barrier, influence and that of the Immaculate Order runs throughout
this hearthstone gives any ranged attack against the bearer, or the Realm. Less obvious, however are the various magistrates,
anyone standing within the mist, an external penalty equal to ministers, merchants, patricians and politicians who are
twice the bearers permanent Essence rating and is limited to involved in a constantly evolving game of risk and luck just
protection from missiles weighing less than 30 pounds. below the surface of the Scarlet Prefectures society.

FIRST AGE RUINS TEPET FOKUF

The Seat of Splendor upon which the Imperial City was As the August Lord Regent of the Scarlet Throne, Tepet
built is the most notable of the First Age ruins in the Scarlet Fokuf is theoretically, the single most powerful individual in
Prefecture, but it isnt the only one. Some are located in all of Creation. The reality, however, is quite different. Ap-
known places of power. Others seem to have been placed by pointed specifically for his ineffectiveness and lack of ambition,
their First Age architects with seclusion in mindthough Fokuf has proven to be even more of an empty figurehead
few places in the Scarlet Prefecture could truly be considered than those who appointed him intended. After discovering
remote in this day and age. Many have been reclaimed, that the Regent would literally sign and seal any document or
either repaired to be put to use again or dismantled to use decree placed before him, his self-appointed councilors have
the building materials for new structures. Others, however, found themselves bombarded with petitions for the Regents
are left untouched: either remaining undiscovered by some attention. These incessant requests and requisitions are quickly
twist of fate, or labeled as haunted or cursed and avoided by muddying and eating away at what little remains of the tenta-
all but the bravest (or most foolhardy) of souls. tive power balance left in the Empresss absence.
The pressure of the Scarlet Throne rests heavily upon
CARTHANS WASTELAND the Regents shoulders. Never a strong-willed individual,
Located in the furthest southwest corner of the Scarlet Fokuf now spends the vast majority of his time hiding in his
Prefecture, Carthans Wasteland is a mile-wide swath of deso- chambers in the Imperial Palace, engaging in increasingly
late, rocky ground, quite unlike the rest of the surrounding bizarre behavior, leading observers to wonder which will
area. While the fields around it are rich with thick topsoil and crumble first, the Realm or its Regent.
lush grasses, nothing grows in the ruined ground around what
once was rumored to be a well established First Age town. All MNEMON BATA
that remains are the wrecked vestiges of once-tall towers and The headstrong human son of the head of House Mnemon,
sweeping archways, now broken off at jagged angles above the Mnemon Bata is the de facto prefect of the Scarlet Prefecture.
ground like a street-brawlers mismatched teeth, and many deep As an un-Exalted mortal, Bata was not of primary import to his
craters, large enough to hold an entire fang of soldiers. While family until appointed to his position by the Scarlet Empress.
other First Age ruins in the Realm have been picked clean, Now, as head bureaucrat in the most important region of the
none but the most stalwart scavengers have ventured into Realm, his once-condescending siblings and cousins now find
the stony wastelandand of those, only a few have emerged themselves scrambling to court his favor.
again. Even the Scarlet Empress has not sent official reclama- As prefect, Bata does an admirable job, or did before
tion parties into Carthans Wasteland, after the first five scales the Scarlet Empresss disappearance. While it is in his best
of troops she sent were swallowed whole in its rocky depths. interest to make sure that the prefecture runs seamlessly in
Rumors have it that she has had better luck with sending small her absence, he knows that the chances of him being retained
scouting parties, although, officially, the area is designated as if a new regime comes into play are almost zero. Therefore,
forbidden entry, on pain of death. he has implemented a clandestine twofold agenda since the
Empresss absence stretched out beyond previous disappear-
ances. First, he is doing what he can to tilt the scales in favor
PERSONS OF NOTE of a successor rising from his own House, while maintaining an
As the center of the Realm, the Scarlet Prefecture boasts
outwardly impartial political visage. In case this scale-tilting
more than its fair share of notable individuals, both human
is not effective, however, he is also amassing as much portable

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 wealth in the form of jade obols as possible, arranging for it to in Creation. The Immaculate Orders policy that the Dragon-
be sequestered at a private manor in the Threshold. He has no Blooded are the only individuals in Creation who are capable
less than three sailing ships on long-term standby should he of dealing with the spirits appropriately is strictly enforced,
need to flee the Imperial City: one in Dragonsmouth, another especially in the villages and farming communities between
ported in Yolin Am and a third in a tiny fishing village at the Imperial City and the Palace Sublime.
the mouth of the Imperial River. If the chosen successor to This paradoxplentiful worship, but only from a very
the Scarlet Throne proves unlikely to allow Bata to retain specific sourcealong with the rigid control enforced by
his positionor his lifeBatas preparations will allow the high density of Immaculate monks in the region, has led
him to make a discreet and speedy withdrawal from Blessed to some strangeness among the spirit courts in the Scarlet
Isle politics with sufficient wealth to live out the rest of his Prefecture. Here, the structure and hierarchy of the spirit
existence in comfort. Or so he hopes. courts remained uncorrupted by the absence of the Celes-
tial Exalted. The rigid and regimental sacrifices offered by
OSPREY YANISIN the Immaculate Order to the small gods eliminates a great
A quiet man of impeccable bearing, Osprey Yanisin is deal of the jockeying for position that is found outside the
the governor of Yolin Am. Despite being the son of a long Realm where spirits are often worshiped directly, tempting
line of the citys most noble patrician family, Yanisin is quite them to strive for power outside the Celestial Order. There-
handily in the pocket of House Ragara, specifically the Calel fore, despite the absence of the Celestial Exalted who were
household. While no one in Yolin Am would dare ruffle tasked to oversee them, the majority of the spirit censors
the Osprey familys figurative feathers by speaking of it, it in the Scarlet Prefecture remain on duty, and the spiritual
is commonly held that Yanisins father was not his mothers bureaucracy carries on much as it always has.
husband, Cerf, but instead the young and vibrant Ragara Another side effect of the Immaculate Orders strength
Calel Marat. As is common for his family, Marat traveled in the area is that there is a higher proportion of converted
from his home in Juche Prefecture in his youth, spending spirits in the Scarlet Prefecture than in any other location
the majority of one summer coming and goingliterally and in Creation. Assured of a constant source of sacrifice without
figurativelythrough Yolin Am. There, he was seen to spend fear of their adulation being commandeered by interlopers,
an inordinate amount of time in the company of Cerfs young many spirits in and around the Imperial City condone the
wife, Yotaka. Yanisin was born early the next spring. Had constructed Immaculate Philosophy. While they are not a
Cerf not been nearly 30 years older than his young wife, or frequent sight, it is not unheard of for the less powerful of
had they had previous children to carry on the prestigious the little gods to spout Immaculate doctrine, to make ap-
family line, perhaps more note might have been made of the pearances at Immaculate temples, even going so far as to
fact that Yanisins swarthy features were quite unlike those of purport the truth of the Immaculate faith to the humans
his pale, blonde father. Instead, Cerf and the entire Osprey they encounter. Some do so out of feareither of other spirits
line welcomed Yanisins arrival, as the continuation of the or of the inherent threat that in an area so strongly devoted
family name. When his father passed on, Yanisinnow in to the Immaculate Philosophy, their worship could entirely
his late 20swas surprised to find himself appointed as his disappear without the Immaculate Orders reverences. Others
successor. Despite the strings House Ragara likely pulled to see the proselytizing as an easy way to increase the possibility
arrange the appointment, Yanisin has done a respectable they will receive added reverence, unconcerned with the
job, maintaining the high standards his family established deception as long as the sacrifices continue.
for Yolin Am centuries ago. As for the Calel household, it
watches his career with interest from its private docks on one THE ALL-EMBRACING AND INTRICATE
of Yolin Ams ring of islands and from the extensive estate
it recently leased in Yolin Am proper.
PROCESSION OF PAPER
Headed by Shin Lao, the God of Imperial Documents within
the Scarlet Empire, the All-Embracing and Intricate Procession
SPIRIT COURTS of Paper is one of the core spirit courts of the Imperial City.
Nowhere in Creation are the little gods favored with the Reporting directly to the Goddess of Factual Writing Related to
diligence and grandeur with which they are given reverence Imperial Procedures, Shin Lao has been responsible for ensuring
in the Imperial City. Several thousand templesdedicated the veracity of imperial documents for close to four centuries.
to the spirits of everything from organized warfare to baked (He was promoted to the position from the ranks of the Lesser
goods to beeswaxline the streets and pathways of the Gods of Treaties and Treatises of the Imperial City, which he
Imperial Citys Temple District, a greater concentration of now commands.) As suits a spirit of his responsibility, Shin Lao
non-Dragon dedicated temples than can be found in any one appears as a venerable gentleman of modest dress and comports
location anywhere else in the Realm. himself at all times with the utmost of decorum. A tiny pair of
In contrast, outside of the Imperial Citys formal structure spectacles perches on each of his three noses, granting his six
for reverence, the heretical worship of the little gods is more ink-black eyes preternatural sharpness. His tactic in adversarial
tightly monitoredand punishedthan it is anywhere else

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 situations is one of unyielding and yet apologetic calm. He will spent lifetimes stretching their dreams across the framework
wait for decades if need be, for a particular piece of paperwork to of possibility, striving to surpass their masters and mentors in
be handed in properly, but no power in Creation will convince glorious structural homage to the glory of the Scarlet Dynasty
him to hurry along an improperly filed form. and the Elemental Dragons. Here, more than any other place
in Creation, are combined the time, talent and resources to
THE BRIGADE OF WESTERN-FLOWING BREEZES craft a city that truly reflects the majesty of the Elemental
While all spirit courts take their work very seriously, not Dragons and those who represent them in Creation.
all jobs are as mundane as processing paperwork. Bordered Unfortunately, eight centuries of imaginative craftsmen,
to the north by the Imperial Bay and the east by the Inland each dedicated to outdoing those before them, have been
Sea, the entirety of the Scarlet Prefecture would be buffeted granted an almost limitless amount of resources but a very
by sea storms were it not for the faithful diligence of Mar finite space in which to work. Hemmed in by the limits of
Surrease, the First Lady of Western Winds and her Brigade the citys resolute granite walls, architects have been forced
of Western-Flowing Breezes. Sweeping across the land, these in recent centuries to turn their eyes skyward as the limited
air elementals push back the sea winds, wafting the Imperial space neared its capacity. As a result, the citys earliest build-
City in gentle inland breezes. Mar Surrease takes the form of ings are often evidenced by their expansive footprint and
an ethereal gray-green mare with sharp white hooves, and diminutive stature, while recent structures (or architecture
she is always accompanied by at least one of the lesser spirits that has been recently expanded) tower above their elder
who report to her. Those spirits include Karga Shina, the siblings to sometimes ridiculous heights.
elemental of western morning wind; Lu Far Win, the sneaky Jade is, of course, the pinnacle of building materials, re-
minor spirit of winds that carry away unprotected possessions; served by expense for the Imperial Palace and the most elite of
or Cho, the corpulent elemental of summer storms. temples and Dynastic dwellings. But even in the obsidian walls
of a merchants shop or tenement, the unrivaled architects of
THE IMPERIAL CITY the Imperial City showcase their creative genius, creating an
The Imperial City is the ostentatious crown jewel set in overwhelming concentration of municipal beauty unlike any
the finely wrought diadem that is the Realm. Eight centuries of found elsewhere in Creation. Only the huts and hovels that
the greatest and most innovative of Creations architects have surround the exterior of the looming stone city walls lack the

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 sometimes-chaotic but always impressive touch of Pasiaps The changes in the past five years have been subtler than
Children. Nonetheless, they do their own part by playing they might have been, but things are changing nonetheless.
counterpoint to the glory that is the Imperial City. In the upper levels of imperial society, belts are a bit tighter,
purchases and expenditures a bit more thoughtfully weighed.
POPULATION Some of the jade once squandered on luxuries is now being
As befits the center of the Realm, the Imperial City is the stockpiled or diverted to more political or martial pursuits.
greatest municipality in all of Creation. Well more than one Parties and extravaganzas are still thrown, but a bit less often,
million souls dwell within its crowded border walls, with hun- and waste is more tightly controlled. These decisions affect
dreds of thousands more scrambling to survive in the makeshift the common folk of the city more than those who make them.
perimeter town that clings to its exterior. More than half the One traditional party cancelled might be of little concern
Dragon-Blooded population of the Realm calls the Imperial City to a socialite, but to those whose income relies on providing
home. In the five years since the Scarlet Empresss disappearance, the food, flowers, clothing, gifts and entertainment, it is a
many who had previously dwelled elsewhere have been subtly devastating blow.
summoned to the capital by their families as the Great Houses Within the city walls, mortal people worry about whether
consolidate their potential claims to the long-empty throne. they will have enough to pay their rent and feed themselves
When coupled with the influx of servants, slaves, func- and their children each day. Outside the city walls, in the
tionaries and myriad hangers-on who accompanied them, the makeshift town that has grown up around the capital, the
influx of Dragon-Blooded to the Imperial City in the last five number of concerned mortals is even larger.
years would be a significant increase to the citys population in There are several social classes within the Imperial
and of itself. But far from self-sufficient, these newcomers also Citys human population. At the topbut significantly
directly or indirectly create the need for a plethora of other below the Dragon-Bloodedare those affiliated with the
individuals to cater to their needs. Merchants, chefs, tailors, Great Houses. While they are seen as inferior and a disap-
jewelers, weapon- and armorsmiths, cosmetic crafters, apoth- pointment to the families who expected them to Exalt, they
ecaries, shoemakers and scribes cater to the physical needs of are still apart from the rest of humanity by association with
the citys swelling upscale population, while playwrights, actors, the Terrestrial Exalted. This status, and the connections
musicians, singers, courtesans and poets fulfill a more esoteric provided by being raised within the Great Houses, affords
but no less important role. Add in those who provide support them avenues of political and social power unavailable to
or raw materials for these service providers, and it quickly most of the city. They are more likely than any other humans
becomes obvious why the already bloated Imperial City has to hold positions of great responsibility. While it can never
swollen to the bursting point during recent years. fully redeem them in their families eyes, they still serve as
Although they make up the most important portion of useful tools to the Dynasty.
imperial societya fact they would never hesitate to con- Beneath the Dragon-Bloods kin are the patrician families
firm if askedthe Children of the Dragons are drastically of the city. Most are at least distantly related to one of the
outnumbered by the un-Exalted, even within the Imperial Great Houses in some way, although some merely aspire to join
Palace. Human servants, slaves, artists, assistants, tutors and their houses with those of the Dragon-Blooded. Bureaucrats,
tradesmen number more than 300 for every Dragon-Blood the most powerful of the shipping magnates, merchants who
within the city walls, and when the throngs outside the wall traffic in the rarest of luxury itemswhile times are tighter
but still near to the city are taken into consideration, the now than in the past, these individuals are better off than
ratio is closer to 400 to one. most of the citys human population.
Out of the human population, approximately one in Far more numerous are the general population, butch-
every 20 individuals is related to one of the Great Houses in ers and bakers, weavers and tailors, those who provide the
some way: un-Exalted children, patrician spouses, cousins by goods and services that the million or so common folk like
marriage and the like. Unfortunately for them, unless they are themselves need to survive on a daily basis. At a similar
directly relatedwithin a generation or twoby marriage or level are the couriers, copiers, lowest level account keepers,
blood, there is a good probability that the wealth and power political aides and secretariesthe lowest level of political
of the Great Houses has little effect on their day-to-day lives. and bureaucratic toadies who have but the smallest hope of
After the heads of households, powerful Dragon-Bloods, less ever clawing their way up the career ladder and out of this
influential Dragon-Bloods and most powerful of the human class to the one above it.
relations siphon off as much of the family resources as they Below these not-wealthy/not-destitute exists a so-
can, little is left to trickle down to those whose connections cial category all to itself. While the indentured servants
are less direct. Therefore, other than those directly descended and slaves of the city normally have food, clothing and
from or married to one of the Dragon-Blooded, the vast accommodations taken care of, they pay for their some-
majority of the human population lives life quite differently times-luxurious lifestyles in bitter cointheir freedom.
than those of the Terrestrial ruling class do. Either out of poverty or because of some civil penalty,
indentured servants willingly give up a number of years of

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 their lives (most often five, but 10 or 15 is not unheard of), and architects are constantly being hired to simultaneously
exchanging service for sustenance. The fortunate ones may create masterworks that glorify the patrician or Terrestrial
use this time to learn a trade that will allow them to enter families who patronize them, while expanding buildings out
the general population with a marketable skill set at the end to the very perimeters of the space leased from the Empress.
of their indenture. Others find themselves at a loss when So great is the need for space that enterprising individuals
freed from the rigorous guidance of their service contract have even been known to lease property on both sides of an
and quickly find themselves slipping down to the lowest existing thoroughfare and build over the pathway, connect-
social division. The least fortunate either never regain their ing two barely useable small plots into one tall two-legged
freedom or never had it at all, toiling away all their lives tower. In most cases, arches at street level are constructed
as some cavalier Dynasts personal property. to allow the public to continue to traverse the roadway. In
Even below slaves and indentured servants lurk those some circumstances, however, bribes allow the right of thor-
who, through choice or circumstance, have no gainful oughfare to be waived, leading to a building being erected
employment, few material possessions and generally exist that completely blocks the flow of traffic midway down a
through the contributions of others. Beggars, buskers and path. Even the capitals main thoroughfare, the Five Talons
cripples hoping to wheedle a yen from those who have them Road, which once bisected the entirety of the Imperial City,
to spare are a frequent sight in the Imperial City. Cutpurses swerving only to ring the Imperial Palace Grounds, has now
and pickpockets prey upon the unwitting, and although the been reduced to a half dozen sections, each separated from
punishment for thievery is severe, starvation is more of a the others by some glorious new piece of construction.
threat than arrest for most in these times of turmoil. With the exception of the extensive gardens and parks
integrated into the Imperial Palaces grounds, land is at such
SIZE a premium within the citys walls that almost none is spared
Built atop and around the ruins of the First Age strong- for cultivation. Only the kitchens of the Imperial Palace have
hold now known only as the Seat of Splendor, the physical access to enough land to grow anything more extensive than
sprawl of the Imperial City proper is hemmed in by massive potted herbs or citrus trees, allowing salad greens or vining fruits
walls on all sides. It stretches almost 40 square miles, a full and vegetables to be cultivated without wasting valuableand
third of which is occupied by the Imperial Palace and the expensivespace. The vast majority of all productsespecially
palace grounds, leaving the remaining land hard pressed to foodstuffsconsumed by those who dwell in the Imperial City
accommodate the remaining more-than-a-million who make are imported from other places in the Realm.
their home there.
As with all property on the Blessed Isle, every inch of the ROADS AND TRANSPORTATION
Imperial Citys land belongs to the Empress, who leases it out Centuries ago, it is said, the Five Talons Road was so
to those who would live there. During her time on the Scarlet wide that an entire scale could be marched shoulder to
Throne, reducing or increasing lease rates was only one of a vast shoulder down its length. Those days, however, are far in
array of techniques at her disposal for indicating displeasure or the past. Due to the intense crowding within the Imperial
rewarding benefit to her citizens. The rights to lease a plot of City walls, few roads are wide enough for more than a single
land might be revoked or extended depending on her imperial ox-cart to pass down it unobstructed. Some have literally
whim, although most property lines and rates were not overly become footpaths between buildings that, through creative
tinkered with once set in place for the contracted number of architectural expansion over the centuries, have swollen to
years, barring significant justification on the part of the tenant. consume every inch of leased space allotted to them.
Since her disappearance, lease rates have steadily increased Exacerbating the constrictions in recent years is the
apace with the demand for living space as the Great Houses flood of traveling peddlers, entertainers and street-vendors
consolidate their families around them. While most of the who have flocked to the city, hoping to take advantage of the
Dragon-Blooded in the city maintain their primary residences influx of Dragon-Bloods and patricians who have immigrated
within the Imperial Palace, manyespecially the young and there in the wake of the Scarlet Empresss disappearance. Set-
recently Exaltedalso prefer to maintain off-premises dwell- ting up their temporary booths and tents in any unguarded
ings for the purposes of relaxation away from the stresses of life spot, these opportunistic business folk are only slightly less
among their rivals. When coupled with the thronging masses assiduous than the ever-present flood of beggars and paupers
of humanity seeking to make their fortuneor at least suf- who have besieged the city streets.
ficient wage to prevent starvationthere is scarcely an inch
of the Imperial City that is not jealously claimed by one or DISTRICTS
more individuals for daily use. While the Imperial City was more grown in fits and spurts
To deal with the overcrowding, the architects of the than planned out, certain areas have homogenized out of the
Imperial City have employed a multitude of innovative citys chaos over the centuries, resulting in districts devoted
techniques. Buildings are jammed into every available space, primarily to religion, commerce, entertainment and bureau-

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 cracy. That is not to say that one will not find teahouses in Visitors to the Imperial City are sometimes surprised to see that
the Temple District or warehouses in the Garden of Crimson the areas orderly influence seems to affect the areas outside the
Pleasuresquite the opposite. Certain needsfood, access district as well, with some of the most well-maintained areas in the
to jade scrip, lodging and the likeare common enough that city currently being those directly outside the Temple Districts
grouping all access to them in one area of a city the size of walls. The reason, however, is simple. The Immaculate Order
the capital would be terribly inconvenient. The principal city is currently the single most powerful organization in Creation,
districts, however, are where the greatest density and variety and none of the Great Houses associated with other areas of
of a particular service or business can be found. the city wish to appear weak or overtly focused on Dynastic
politics in the Orders eyes. Unfortunately for them, however,
TEMPLE DISTRICT the Order is not so shallow as to be unable to see past a few
Save for the Imperial Palace itself, nowhere in the Imperial blocks of clean streets and scrubbed walls, so their efforts are,
City showcases the height and breadth of the architectural glory for the most part, wasted.
of the Blessed Isle as much as the Temple District. Second in size
only to the space occupied by the Imperial Palace grounds, the THOUSAND SCALES DISTRICT
Temple District boasts the majority of the citys 5,000 temples Little happens in the Realm that is not dictated, regulated
within its several square miles of hallowed ground. Perhaps or recorded by someone in the Imperial City. From the number
1,000 temples are strategically placed throughout the rest of and variety of crops grown by a particular farmer to the length
the city, their locations carefully orchestrated by the needs of and material a patricians robes are allowed to be, the Realm
the Immaculate Order, but within the Temple District itself, abounds with rules, regulations and all of the complications
one is surrounded by some of the greatest and most glorious that come with them. The vast majority of these rules originate
religious structures in Creation. in the capital. Along with internal matters, entire libraries
Many of the citys temples are, of course, dedicated to of policies dictate the manner of trades and treaties with
the Immaculate Dragons. Indeed, with the exception of the the outlying districts and satrapies, as well as the sometimes-
private shrines of the Dragon-Blooded households, the major- ambiguous guidelines for political or commercial interaction
ity of the temples found outside the Temple District itself are with Threshold areas. All in all, most matters of the Realm
thusly devoted. Except on rare occasions, these public temples are firmly wrapped in a tangled knot of paperwork, a process
are open to the public, allowing citizen and patrician alike deftly woven by the Scarlet Empress to make sure that all true
to enter for purposes of spiritual contemplation, prayer and decision-making power originated and ended with herself.
listening to the sutras being read by the Immaculate Order The Thousands Scales District lies at the heart of that
who staff each temple. Many of these temples are among the knot. Whether business, legislature or foreign policy, all mat-
mostly richly decorated and ornate buildings in the city. The ters of state pass through the Thousand Scales District. Before
Order might eschew personal wealth but, as an organization, her absence, this process allowed the Scarlet Empress to keep
it is immensely affluent. her reins on the Realm always near at hand. In the continued
Within the district itself, however, alongside grandiose absence of her iron guidance, however, the denizens of the
temples to the Elemental Dragons are those dedicated to business district have begun to falter as some individuals suc-
ablations for each of literally thousands of small gods. These
temples range from ostentatious structures where weekly
devotions to the Celestines are held to small structures kept THE OFFICE OF THE PARAGON OF SEXTES JYLIS
tightly locked save for the one day a year when a spirit of While the heart of the Immaculate Order lies to
doorways or poultry is given the reverence the Immaculate the south in the Palace Sublime, all entry to the Order
Order has negotiated with it as proper. These ceremonies must begin in the Imperial City. Here, in the small
are not open to those outside the Order, nor are un-Exalted and subdued Procession of Gray within the Temple
members of the Order allowed to perform them. It is the Im- District, supplicants first approach the Order in the
maculate Orders strict policy that it is only meet and proper person of the Paragon of Sextes Jylis. It is not until
for appeasement to come from the Dragon-Blooded, who, as after he accepts themand there is no assurance of
more spiritually pure and advanced than humanity, have the this happening, no matter how wealthy or influential
moral and spiritual wherewithal to deal with them safely. their associationsthat they may begin the weeks-
Much of the Imperial City has begun to deteriorate during long pilgrimage along the Great Coast Road to the
the five years since the Scarlet Empresss disappearance. As the Palace Sublime. This pilgrimage between the initial
Great Houses shift their focus from their centuries-long quest to approval of a postulant and the official acceptance of
curry and maintain her favor, civic maintenance has plummeted the postulant as an acolyte is designed to allow the
in priority, and corruption is at an all time high. The Temple individual one last opportunity to change her mind.
District itself, however, remains both luxuriously appointed and Few do, but after beginning the rigorous trials placed
pristinely maintained, the Immaculate Orders absolute influence upon acolytes, many wish they had.
there having grown even more resolute in the Empresss absence.

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 cumb to the temptation of personal gain while others attempt resident god. Dedicated solely to the tallying and security
to hold the Realm together without her leadership. of every jade talent in the banks possession, Sharpest Jade
Hundreds of accounting houses, trader brokerages, Bursar is an unblinking, incorruptible security force the likes
courtrooms and moneylenders fill the constantly crowded of which no embezzler or thief could hope to thwart.
streets of the Thousand Scales District.
THE SPIRAL ACADEMY
THE IMPERIAL TREASURY Of the four secondary schools located on the Blessed Isle,
Jade is the hearts blood of the Realm, the element to the Spiral Academy is the only one that sits at the heart of
which all wealth and power is tied. The Scarlet Empresss the Realm itself. Its massive marble walls tower above other
carefully implemented jade scrip program makes sure that her buildings in the Thousand Scales District, and its grounds
coffers are always full and that all finance, from the seemingly are secure and heavily guarded, for the never-ending flow of
limitless reserves of the Immaculate Order to the copper yen reports, tallies and accounts that flow through the hallways
exchanged by the Realms peasantry are inexorably tied to the of the Spiral Academy are truly the pulse of the Realm. For
Imperial Treasury, and thus to her directly. The Treasury itself all that its students are looked down upon by graduates of the
is, surprisingly, a rather dour building. Old enough to have other three academies, the destruction of the Spiral Academy
claimed a rather vast footprint in the now claustrophobically would likely be a fatal blow to the Realm, especially in the
crowded Thousand Scales District, this two-story marble Scarlet Empresss absence. Not that any individual within the
structure squats at the edge of the districts main square like a academy is of singularly vital import to the Realms welfare,
serious and disapproving grandfather surrounded by a too-large but the destruction or corruption of the sheer quantity of vital
petty and bickering family. Five carved columns support the information held within its walls at any given time would be
pagoda-style roof, each inlaid with repeating patterns of jade a devastating blow to the Imperial Bureaucracy.
that depict the treasurys stylized dragon badge. Armed soldiers By necessity, the Spiral Academy is not physically large.
selected from among the elite of each legions infantry guard the Space is of such a premium within the city that even an in-
treasury night and day, making sure that the precious contents stitution as vital to the health of the Realm as the Academy
of the building do not fall into the wrong hands. During the must constantly justify its need for the space it does occupy,
time before the Empresss disappearance, concern was greatest and expansion would be nigh impossible. Compared to the
that some foreign invaderAnathema, Fair Folk or human sprawling grounds of the House of Bells or even the austere
ruler from one of the far off countries not paying homage to the accommodations of the Cloister of Wisdom, the Academy
Realmmight, by force or guile, make off with the Treasurys is diminutive. Physically, of the four secondary schools in
cache. These days, however, each Great House anxiously the Realm, only the Heptagram is smaller.
proffers a generous supply of its own loyal legions, unwilling Yet, the Spiral Academys 240 aspiring apprentice tal-
to let the others dominate the guardian force and facilitate lymasters and would-be bureaucrats outnumber the student
commandeering the Treasury and its priceless contents. population of any of the other academies, and the sparse living
accommodations necessitated by their close quarters allows
THE BANK OF THE SCARLET THRONE little to distract the studious from the tasks before them. To-
As the largest financial institution in all Creation, the gether, they process a veritable mountain of Realm paperwork
Bank of the Scarlet Throne is under the direct supervision of each year, handlingin the guise of apprenticeships and
Bal Keraz, the head of the Imperial Treasury. The building itself experience-buildinga sizeable portion of the mundane
dates back more than 500 years, being one of the first aspects tallying, accounting, number-crunching and report processing
of the Thousand Scales established under the Scarlet Empresss that keeps the Realm functioning. As the students are not
reign. Unlike other money-lending establishments, it is decid- paid for this work, which is incorporated into their scholastic
edly insecure in appearance, lacking the formidable walls, barred program, the Imperial Bureaucracy keeps its overhead very
windows or reinforced doors of lesser banks. In the five centuries low and has amassed significantly larger coffers than it would
the establishment has been serving the Scarlet Throne, how- without the Academys free paper-pushing labor.
ever, not so much as an eighth yen has gone missing from the The Spiral Academy is administered by the Right and
banks coffers. Roughly once per generation, some braveand Responsible Office of Official Education, headed by the
foolishindividual makes the attempt, either through stealth, Minister of Education, Sesus Valtor, an un-Exalted son of
guile, deceit or force. The would-be perpetrators are inevitably Sesus Magel and Cynis Parovar. Valtor inherited both his
easy to recognize afterward: Their remains are found impaled mothers head for politics and his fathers business sense, and
on the banner post erected above the banks front gates. both are inordinately proud of their sons position, even if
Rumors abound as to the nature of the guardian of the he was not deemed worthy of Exaltation.
Bank of the Scarlet Throne, but only a select few are privy
to the truth. These include Bal Keraz, of course, as well as THE ONYX CURTAIN DISTRICT
the select host of Immaculate monks tasked with the weekly Entertainment is only slightly less important than religion
negotiated sacrifices to Sharpest Jade Bursar, the banks to the majority of the wealthy and powerful population of the

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 Imperial City, and the Onyx Curtain District rivals the size of calligraphed with romanticand earthypoetry singing the
the Temple District. While there is much profit to be made praises of the flowers of the Eventide Conservatory, one of
in the pursuit of leisure within the capital, however, the citys the Gardens two most elite courtesan houses.
entertainment district lacks the direct financial backing of the Set behind the Conservatory, the third building should
Immaculate Order from which the Temple District benefits. be dwarfed by the expansive and more modern towers. Yet, its
For the most part, then, it is less richly turned out than its marble walls gleam with understated grace, and its reputation
more pious neighbor. Exceptions exist, though. The Crane exceeds that of the Eventide Conservatory. The marble build-
Theater, for example, is the oldest professional playhouse in ing known only as Haven is the oldest of those in the Garden,
the Realm, a tiny marble building whose few hundred seats a fact attested to by its single story and sprawling hallways.
must be reserved years in advance. In contrast, the Celestial Its doorways and windows are covered in some of the finest
Stage, while much newer, is capable of seating more than stained-glass work in Creation, elegant patterns that, when lit
5,000 at a time in its towering balconies that completely ring from within, cast beautiful colored light out into the night.
the elevated center stage and is a favorite of many of the citys Haven and the Eventide Conservatory have shared a
population who cannot afford admission into the Crane. civilized, but bitter rivalry since the Conservatorys inception
As well as encompassing the greatest concentration of several hundred years ago. Established early in the Imperial
theaters, playhouses, concert pavilions and art galleries in Citys history by none other than Cynis herself, Haven long
Creation, the Onyx Curtain District houses the Honorable held sole true dominion in the Garden as a source of compan-
Institution of Culinary Delights, the Realms premier school ions any patrician would be honored to have serving tea at his
of cooking and food preparation. Around this establishment, or her side while entertaining. After Cyniss death, however,
some of the citys finestand most exclusiveteahouses and her daughter Wisel established the Eventide Conservatory as
restaurants sit in attendance to the epicurean temple where a direct and lascivious rival of the more traditional Haven,
their masters were taught, and the richest Dynasts and patri- which was inherited by her elder sister Belar. Although the
cians throughout the Realm clamor for its graduates. siblings have long since come to terms with the unrest left in
Even for the less fortunate, visits to public play- or the wake of their mothers passing and handle the literal and
teahouses help ease the stresses of daily life within the Im- figurative affairs of House Cynis jointly, both establishments
perial City. From respectable establishments that are simply remain active in the Garden. While their founders might
less refined versions of those that cater to the Dragon-Bloods have mended their differences, the courtesans of the two
and patricians to the wooden-slatted shacks that ring the pleasure houses have not, and there is a constant effort on the
exterior of the city walls, refreshment and entertainment part of each to entice clients from the other establishment.
is available to almost every class of individual who makes a The sisters who head the Great House look the other way
home in the Imperial City. unless this rivalry escalates to undeniable criminal activity,
as it encourages their employees to constantly put forth their
THE GARDEN OF CRIMSON PLEASURES utmost in an effort to please their clients.
While prostitutesboth male and femaleare ubiquitous There are three main classes of professional prostitute
in any city, the eldest occupation is both organized and heavily in Creation. Whores who trade sexual satisfaction for pay-
taxed in the Imperial City by the Scarlet Empress. Therefore, ment are the most commonin every sense of the word.
those who ply the trade outside the imperial mandates will Whether they work from street corners or small rented rooms
never be in short supply, nor will those who seek out the same in hostels, these men and women (or even children) rarely
in back rooms and dark alleys. To avoid disease and the strong make more than the bare minimum needed to survive. This
possibility of a knife in the back, however, discerning custom- is the case even if they dont end up paying the largest share
ers who are looking for paid companionship most often make of their profits to a whoremonger in exchange for protection
their way through the elaborate alabaster gates of the walled or other nefarious services.
district known as the Garden of Crimson Pleasures. Less common, and often more talented, are the profes-
While this small area comprises only a few dozen city sional entertainers. This class includes exotic dancers,
blocks, the pleasures obtainable therein are as varied and singers of lusty ballads, those who write and recite erotic
numerous as flowers in the imperial gardens. At the center poetry and musicians with nimble fingers and talented
of the district stands a trio of buildings, each notable in its lipsperformers whose talents are for hire both on and
own way. Two are great sweeping towers, their obsidian walls off the stage. Of course, not all entertainers are for hire for
stretching elegantly skyward in arcs and parapets that join sexual services, regardless of how earthy their subject matter
only on the uppermost floors by a delicate skywalk. Balconies might be. Some make a wage entirely on stage, avoiding the
line both towers, each designed to accentuate the graceful necessity of peddling other services to their patrons. With
long lines of the architecture as a whole. At ground level, the steady increase in tax rates across the Realm since the
the towers stand on either side of the main path through Empresss disappearance, however, more entertainers are be-
the Garden. In the space above the walkway between them ing forced to turn to prostitution in conjunction with their
flutters a string of bright silk banners that have been expertly other performances in order to survive.

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 The rarest, and most elite, of those who nominally fall House Cynis has several members who have historically been
under the career of prostitution are the citys courtesans. While known among the worlds most renowned courtesans. Many,
many ply freely in the flesh trade, sexual favors are far from however, are un-Exalted family membersmost likely to be
the be-all and end-all of their repertoire. A skilled courtesan, Cynis or strongly associated with that House. Othersprom-
such as those trained and employed by Haven or the Eventide ising young people from across the Realm who aspire to the
Conservatory under the dominion of House Cynis, is educated life of glamour and mystery afforded to these most elite social
in history, Realm politics, philosophy and literature. She or butterfliesmay apply to train at one of the Gardens courtesan
hefor just under 25 percent of the citys courtesans are palaces. The shortness of their youthful existence, however,
maleis expected to be a talented poet, dancer and singer, puts them at a strong disadvantage over those who study the
performing well enough to entertain publicly in all of these arts before and after their Exaltation. Still, very few can afford
as well as on at least one musical instrument. As masters of the company of a Terrestrial Courtesan, even for a few hours,
social interaction, courtesans are frequently called upon by and so, there is a brisk business even for the less elite.
discerning patricians to facilitate during intense negotiations,
knowing precisely when a gentle word, an offer of refresh- THE EMPYREAN BAZAAR
ment or an apologetic interruption will best serve those who The vast majority of raw materials to supply goods and
hire them. The absence of one trained in the courtly skills at services to any large city comes from outside its walls. The
treaty or trade negotiations in certain circles might even be Imperial City, with its huge population and limited space,
seen as an insult to the guest, an unspoken statement that imports almost all of its raw goods, and a large proportion of
the host is confident enough of her capitulation to allow him its finished merchandise as well. While many of these goods
to eschew the aid of a protocol connoisseur. are bargained for before they ever reach the city gates, com-
Those courtesans who Exalt either before or after their merce of a more direct nature is rampant in the city as well,
training have access to an entire world of new possibilities, and nowhere more so than in the Empyrean Bazaar.
incorporating special skills and Charms known only to their Raw materials are traded predominantly in the Open
kind. Even without supernatural assistance, though, the Market, a sector that encompasses many blocks of stockyards,
courtesans of the Imperial City are renowned throughout auction houses, mercantile establishments and brokerages. Due
Creation as the bastions of social intercourse. to space constraints, many of these raw-goods dealers stock only
Among those most highly acclaimed blossoms of the a sample of their various wares, the majority of their stock being
Garden of Crimson Pleasures, very few are Exalted, though stored in well-guarded warehouses nearer to Dragonsmouth

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 for ease of sea-shipping. Imperial tariffs on warehousing are around it. While the city walls are more rectangular than
yet another of the complex threads the Scarlet Empress used circular, the palace grounds themselves have grown up cen-
to ensure her complete control over the Realm. tered around the Imperial Manseno petitioner being willing
In other areas of the Bazaar, finished goods are more to distance himself any further from the Scarlet Empresss
common. From clothing to carts and from furniture to fish- center of power than completely necessary. As a result, the
hooks, there are few things that cannot be purchased ready grounds are nearly twice as close to the north and south city
made at the Bazaar. Shops vary from massive, obsidian-walled walls as they are to those in the east and west.
structures with many stories owned by wealthy trading families The Imperial Palace itself is centered around the Imperial
to miniscule buildings wedged wherever their owners could Manse, although none of the wings actually directly connect
afford to lease space. Unlicensed vendors lay out blankets to it. Between the manse and the rest of the palace stretches
or set up temporary stalls, which are moved as often as the the Scarlet Garden, a collection of beautiful flowering plants,
citys Black Helms chase them off. trees and shrubbery. All feature crimson foliage or blossoms
Few finished goods of paramount quality are bought and and are carefully selected to complement each others periods
sold in the Imperial City. It simply isnt cost efficient for stores of bloom and decline.
to stock a wide variety of the highest quality goods when the
vast majority of those in the city cannot afford them. Merchants, THE DRAGON GATES
low-level civil servants and laborers might purchase their rice There are five official entrance gates to the Imperial
bowls, combs or new slippers from one of the many stores in the Palaces grounds, although the grounds themselves are not
Empyrean Bazaar. Mass-market goods of this nature, however, walled from the rest of the city, making entrance through the
are unsuited for the demanding tastes of the upper class. gates more a matter of protocol than necessity. Each of the
Should a Dragon-Bloodor wealthy patriciandesire five gates, built in the early years of the third century of the
a new robe, he would not go to the Bazaar to purchase the Realm, corresponds to one of the five Elemental Dragons.
same and expect to return with it at the end of his shopping While not a temple, per se, each is dedicated to and glori-
excursion. Instead, he would do business with the upscale fies the teachings of one of the Immaculate Dragons, and it
Paragon Court, a region of the Bazaar that houses some of the is not uncommon to find trinkets and offerings arranged at
most elite and expensive jewelers, scribes, tailors, shoemak- the base of the gates, a practice that is toleratedalthough
ers, armorers and artisans, all arranged around the First Age frowned uponby the Immaculate Order.
fountain and courtyard that gives the area its name. The gates construction, which began soon after the
While the most powerful might be sufficiently influential to unsuccessful coup attempt by House Iselsi, took more than
summon even the most exclusive of the Paragon Courts artistes 14 years to complete and was seen by some as the Scarlet
to their homes for private appointments, many enjoy the see Empress demonstrating that even the attempted revolution
and be seen atmosphere of the Paragon Court. For them, a of one of her Great Houses was of little consequence to her.
shopping expedition is often as much a social outing of rivalry Other rumors state that the gates are somehow linked to a
and one-upmanship as an actual acquisition of goods. defense system centered around the Imperial Palace, designed
to allow the Empress to single out for remote destruction any
THE IMPERIAL PALACE individual within the miles-wide ring created by the gates.
She had this defense system installed, the rumors say, in case
Covering almost a full third of the square footage within
the Imperial Citys walls, the Imperial Palace is a sprawling any of the Great Houses appears to be in danger of successful
testament to the Realms nearly 800 years of history. Here, revolt. The truth behind this speculation remains unknown,
more than any other place in Creation, the buildings and but the possibility certainly exists. Coincidentally, none of
grounds stand in a slowly evolving record of the triumphs and the Great Houses have staged an overt rebellion in the more
failures of the Empresss reign. Generation after generation than four centuries since the gates completion.
of Great Houses have schemed, plotted and risen in imperial
favor, and as they have done so, their architects have made THE SCARLET PAVILION
their mark on the palace grounds. Wings have been built or, While the heart of the Imperial Palace is certainly the
as families grew in number and power, added onto and built Imperial Manse, no one save for the Scarlet Empress has en-
higher and more ostentatious. And as households split off tered it in well over 1,000 years, and no eyes in Creation save
from the Great Houses or family lines fall out of favor, entire hers have seen inside and lived to hold the secret. Therefore,
buildings and wings are emptied or fall into disuse. Sometimes it is the Scarlet Paviliona massive construct of red jade
they are claimedand usually extensively remodeledby and black marblethat most who have visited the Imperial
those Houses that are currently more populous or popular. Palace associate most closely with the Scarlet Empress.
Audiences with the Empress took place at her whim.
LOCATION Sometimes she forced courtiers and penitents to make their
The Imperial Palace sits directly in the center of the supplications while riding on horseback at the hunt. Others
Imperial City, with the remaining municipal districts ringed had to do so as they attempted to keep pace with her as she was

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 carried through the streets of the Imperial City in her elegant buildings as possible, and since the Empresss disappearance,
crimson palanquin. When it pleased her to have them do so, each of the Great Houses has done what it can to wrangle as
however, supplicants might find themselves kowtowing their much of the property as possible for its own family.
way up a massive aisle lined with ornately carved pillars twice
a mans height in diameter as they reverently approached the GARDENS
Scarlet Throne. While the Throne Room is large enough to To find a swath of green and growing land in the center
house the entire population of a small village, it most often of any municipality can be a surprise, but in a metropolis as
hosted only a handpicked few dozen of the Empresss courtiers, overcrowded and claustrophobic as the Imperial City, bas-
a selection of personal bodyguards and whichever petitioners tions of greenery are few and far between. The only location
she allowed to meet her at any given time. in the entire city where expansive gardensfunctional or
The Throne Room is only one of more than 100 rooms in aestheticare found in any abundance is within the Imperial
the Scarlet Pavilion, which include more traditionally sized Palaces grounds. Here, among the expansive wings of the
offices, libraries, shrines and galleries. Since its construction, Imperial Palace, are some of the most elaborate and ornate
the entirety of the Scarlet Pavilion has been solely for the gardens this side of the Eastern forests. Tended meticulously,
use of the Scarlet Empress. Staffed by those she has chosen most have been in place since the earliest years of the Empresss
personally, not even the Regent dares to use her space in reign, laid out in intricate patterns of beauty and grace long
her absence for anything but the utmost necessities. As a before space was a consideration for design. Ranging from
result, the Throne Room has seen only one court in the ornamental to practical, they provide only a small portion
last five yearsthe one wherein Tepet Fokuf was named of the food and foliage used by those who dwell within the
Regent. Other matters of state are handled out of the office Imperial Palace. Compared to the rest of the capital, though,
chosen for him by the leaders of the Great Housesan of- the expansive stretches of green are an incredible luxury.
fice from which he retires as quickly as he can to his own
chambers in the Tepet Wing to neurotically contemplate SERVANTS AND STAFF
the Immaculate Texts. Not all who dwell on the Imperial Palace grounds are
Dragon-Blooded, of course, nor are they all family members
GREAT HOUSE WINGS of one of the Great Houses. Myriad trusted advisors, servants,
Of the 11 Great Houses currently in existence, only House councilors and slaves make their temporary or permanent
Nellens has not yet claimed a wing of residence in the Impe- homes alongside the more regal residents.
rial Palace, although it is currently in negotiation with House Some reside there out of necessity. For each of the
Ragara for a foothold in a wing for which Ragaras kin no longer thousands of Dragon-Blooded present in the Imperial Palace
finds use. Yet, even the Houses that maintain significant resi- at any given time, there are literally dozens of human staff,
dence in the Imperial Palace also maintain holdings elsewhere. each hand picked by those for whom they work. While those
Those holdings include vacation homes and hunting lodges or human servants who scrape vegetables, clean lavatories, tend
permanent holdings in outlying satrapies they govern. In the the gardens and brush animals might find it preferable to
case of House Nellens, the base of the household is actually maintain homes outside the palace, their doing so would be
outside the Imperial City in the city of Juche. too inconvenient for those they serve. Therefore, they are
The term wing is somewhat deceptive when applied normally afforded modest quarters in the palace area nearest
to the Imperial Palace. The palace is not one building with their place of vocation. This arrangement is a mixed blessing,
multiple wings branching off, but a collection of more than 900 though. On one hand, it protects them from the increasingly
buildings ranging in size from massive halls leased by the Great steep housing rates found elsewhere in the city. (Few Dynasts
Houses to small shrines hidden within carefully crafted gardens would stoop to charging their live-in staff rent.) On the other
where devout residents can often be found in contemplative hand, they are on duty at all times.
meditation. Many of these buildings are connected through Others individuals are granted lodging, either interim
elaborate passageways. Some such pathways are enclosed or long-term, for a variety of other reasons. Tutors might live
hallways or exposed garden paths linking buildings at ground with Dynast sponsors for a period of several years, teaching
level, while others are lofty sky-passages that connect towers their preschool-aged children until they are ready to go on to
high overhead. Rumors suggest that architects in service to primary school. Others migrate through the prefecture teaching
certain of the Great Houses have even designed underground a particular specialty for a short time in a variety of locations.
passageways within the palace grounds, hidden from all but Tutors quarters are normally private and of a modest size and
the head of the Houses most trusted allies. luxury. They are better than lodgings in a tenement or apart-
Each of the Great Houses (with the aforementioned excep- ment in other areas of the city, but certainly nothing like those
tion of House Nellens) has a wing separated from the others that the Dragon-Blooded keep for themselves.
as much as possible by creative architecture and landscaping. In contrast, slaves of Dynasts are most often housed in
Of course, some wings are greater than others. It is a matter of group dormitories. Only the most valued are allowed the
pride to possess as vast a portion of the palaces grounds and privilege of private rooms and the potentiality to form mar-

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 riages and possibly raise children. This right is a bittersweet marble, encompassing no more than a few thousand square
one for the slaves concerned. Dragon-Blooded families feet at ground level. It is a single story tall, and its tiled
separate their slavessending them off to other slaves who roof is entirely shingled in black jade shot through with
act as wet nurses or foster parentswith just as much cold gleaming gold metallic veins. It curves outward to end in
calculation as they do their own when they seem in danger four jade-steel spikes, which rise from each corner like
of becoming too dependent on each other. Some slaves feel gleaming dragon claws. Unlike many of the more than 200
it better not to bear children at all than to risk having them other known war manses scattered throughout the Realm,
separated at birth or during early childhood. the Imperial Manse does not conjure forth tornadoes or
hurricanes, call lightning or shoot balls of flame. It has
THE IMPERIAL MANSE no need of doing so directly, as its depths contain the
Sitting at the center of the Imperial Palace like an First Age engines from which a single entity may com-
elegant spider at the heart of a web of chaos and cunning, mandeer control of any of the other war mansesknown
the Imperial Manse is timeless. While the palace has grown or unknownin Creation.
up around it, the Imperial Manse appears the same today as Along with exerting master-control over the Realms De-
it did on that fateful day when the sworn brotherhood that fense Grid, the manse grants its wielder the ability to manifest
included the woman who would become the Scarlet Empress her image and voice in every city and village in the Realm
desperately found its way inside. simultaneouslyas the Empress did when she announced
Physically, there are far more imposing buildings in her imperial dominion more than 700 years ago.
the Imperial City. The manse itself is a squat tower of Beyond these functions, the Imperial Manses abilities
are largely a matter of speculation. The building itself is
shrouded in mystery. In fact, no one save for the Empress
herself is certain about exactly what element the manse is
THE SCARLET THRONE aspected toand the Empress isnt telling.
Depictions of the five Elemental Dragons twine
In more than a millennium, no human or Dragon-
in upon themselves to form the Scarlet Throne, each
Bloodsave for the Empress herselfhas ever entered
bearing a body carved of red jade and a fierce yet noble
through the Imperial Manses black jade door and returned.
head depicted in its elemental color. The entirety of
Since her disappearance, many have contemplated braving
the throne is carved from the purest jade Creation has
the dangers that destroyed the other four members of the
to offer. Rumor has it that the Throne was created for
Empresss sworn brotherhood, hoping to snatch the Scarlet
the Empress by the Elemental Dragons themselves, as
Throne for themselves. The leaders of the Great Houses have
a sign of her rightful rule. The truth, however, is more
posted copious guards to prevent this, however, and although
sinister. Etera Hej, an un-Exalted commoner whose
there are rumors of individuals clandestinely entering the
ability to sculpt jade was legendary in the early years
manse, none have ever emerged.
of the Scarlet Reign, created the Throne at the Scarlet
Empresss private request. Shortly after finishing the HEART OF THE REALM
chairhis masterwork, which took more than three In recorded history, none but the Scarlet Empress
years of secluded effort to completeHej disappeared herself has had direct contact with the Imperial Manses
and was never heard from again. hearthstone, an oval of smoky quartz crystal that glows with
Adding to the Scarlet Empresss impressive appear- a golden inner light. The gem, known as the Heart of the
ance, the five dragons depicted on the Throne appeared Realm, has never been lent out to anyone since the Empress
to come to life whenever she was seated there. More emerged clutching it in her shaking fist. It was often worn
than one courtier made a hasty retreat from the impe- in the Imperial Crown, but it could also be set in any one
rial presence after watching in terror as the Elemental of a multitude of other pieces of ornate jewelry the Empress
Dragons slowly stirred themselves to life around the had commissioned. A non-hearthstone duplicate was made
Empress. While thusly animated, the Dragons fully of obsidian to allow craftsmen to complete all but the final
assume their natural coloration, and have been known touches on each item without having access to the Heart of
to snap threateningly at those with whom the Empress the Realm itself. When as much as could be done without
is even momentarily displeased. the hearthstone had been completed, the Empress herself
On the single occasion when Regent Fokuf dared to would accompany a carefully selected contingent of guards
seat himself on the Scarlet Throne, the dragons writhed to oversee the final stages and make sure that the Heart never
to life, rearing back to glare disapprovingly at the quak- left her direct supervision. Delicatebut impenetrablesilk
ing pretender. Perhaps this explains his reluctance to gloves are worn by the craftsmen at all times during the brief
remount the Throne, preferring to take what audiences moments they are allowed to handle the hearthstone. The
he cannot avoid in more private chambers. penalty for any individual who knowingly or unknowingly
touches the hearthstone is death.

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 As no one else in recorded history has wielded the Heart powerful manse and hearthstone in Creation. Yet, reliable ac-
of the Realm, no one is certain of the exact extent of powers counts of the Scarlet Empress disappearing in a swirling cloud
the hearthstone has bestowed upon her. Witnesses over the of Essence and reappearing halfway across the Blessed Isleas
past 700 years have reported such a wide variety of abilities well as her immunity to even the most powerful sorceries cast
and powers to the Empress that it seems impossible she is truly against herlead many to believe that the Heart of the Realm
capable of all of them, even with the assistance of the most is more powerful than any other hearthstone in Creation.

The Scarlet Prefecture

Prefecture, a Magnitude 6 Dominion
Military: 3 Government: 3 Culture: 3
Abilities: Awareness 2 (Heliograph + 1, Superior Diplomats + 2), Bureaucracy 4, Craft 2 (Architectural Competi-
tion +3), Integrity 2, Investigation 3 (Spy Networks + 3), Occult 3 (The Sorcerers of the Scarlet Throne +3),
Performance 2 (Fool the Populace +1), Presence 4 (Proximity to the Scarlet Throne +3), Stealth 2, War 4 (Impe-
rial Army Protection +3)
Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 5, Temperance 2, Valor 4
Virtue Flaw: Conviction Current Limit: 7
Willpower: 8
Bonus Points: 30 External Bonus Points: 18
Notes: Both Tepet Fokuf and Mnemon Bata are both sorcerers with legitimacy, though Regent Fokuf seldom ex-
ercises his power. The heads of the Great Houses primarily wield their considerable power behind the scenes as
savants. The prefectures bonus points are tied up in raising the dominions Valor and Presence by one apiece and
in its myriad of specialties. Its external bonus points are not assigned (allowing for easier Storyteller customization).
The citizens of the Scarlet Prefecture are stubbornly loyal to the Realm. The dominions Virtue Flaw leads the
citizenry to continue following their leaders directives even when theyve been shown to be detrimental to their
welfare if not flat-out self-destructive.

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 148
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 CHAPTER SEVEN:
GODS & CREATURES OF THE
BLESSED ISLE

AMERU agreed to see to it that Meru was never again settled, giving
God of Meru Amoth unprecedented power.
Once, there was only great Meru, Jewel of the Gods. Once, Ameru was clad in celestial vestments and armor
The city built by the gods themselves, set upon the slopes befitting his station. He wore mighty pauldrons crafted of
of the Omphalos of Creation, Meru was the place from orichalcum, and his brilliant white and silver robes were
which all the world was guided by the gods, then the inlaid with the pattern of a map of the interlocking streets
Solar Deliberative. The citys god, Ameru, wielded great and passageways of his city. In his hands he bore a tall
power in the Bureau of Humanity, as the embodiment of stone staff, crafted of the heart-stone of the Omphalos of
the Foremost City. Creation and topped with an orichalcum replica of the
Then came the Usurpation, and in that violence, Meru Palace of the Deliberative.
was destroyed, rendered in many places to so much rubble Now, although his appearance has not changed over-
tumbling down the slopes of Mount Meru (as the Imperial much, the god himself has. He appears sickly, his once lustrous
Mountain was once known). Ameru himself appeared in mane of white hair fallingor tornout in clumps, and his
the city then, attempting to stop the destruction of his city, robes are tattered, threadbare and dull. His pauldrons sit in a
aiding in the defense of the Solars, but by the time he ap- corner, for they began to weigh too heavily on his weak back,
peared, it was too latethe damage was done. Precisely what and the pieces of his shattered staff lie on his desk. Ameru sits
happened to him then no one truly knows. There are those in his well-appointed office, a babbling lunatic and cripple.
who postulate that he was attacked by a coalition of Amoth, He still retains the small apartments attached to his office,
the god of ruined cities, and several powerful Sidereals, who and the services of a single godly scribe who learned to ignore

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 Spirit Charms: Ameru was once capable of wielding tremen-
dous power, including sorcery of the Celestial Circle, but he
is now reduced to the following:
Hurry HomeAmeru was once capable of walking the streets
of Meru with but a thought, journeying anywhere in its walls.
He has not returned there for many a year, however. This
costs 10 motes and a temporary Willpower.
Martial PowerOnce a master martial artist, Ameru is still
capable of spending three motes to harden his limbs, allowing
his punches and kicks to inflict lethal damage.
MaterializeIt costs Ameru 40 motes to materialize.
Measure the WindThough Ameru was once the canniest of
bureaucrats, using this Charm to understand where those he spoke
with stood, he almost never has any use for it any longer.
Join Battle: 7
Attacks: Though he is unlikely in his current state to engage
in combat, should some outside intelligence manage to make
Ameru fight somehow, he would use the following attacks.
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 5, Damage 2B, Parry DV ,
Rate 1
Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 5B, Parry DV 2, Rate 2
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 6, Damage 2B, Parry DV 4, Rate 3
Soak: 6L/7B (Divine potency, 5L/5B)
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap
Dodge DV: 4 Willpower: 5
his rambling long ago, but Amerus holdings and treasures Essence: 3 Essence Pool: 55
have long ago been given up to other offices in the Bureau Cost to Materialize: 40
of Humanitymost notably Amoth City-Smiter. Other Notes: None
The traits that follow are for Ameru in his present form.
Should some agency manage not only to rebuild Meru, but FLASHING PEAK
to reacquire his holdings from those who have them now, Goddess of the Imperial Mountain, Shogun of the Hierarchy
Ameru would slowly return to sanity and power, as the citys of Type in the Bureau of Nature
population and influence in Creation grew once more. Appearing as a beautiful, eight-foot-tall woman made
Sanctum: In the ruins of Meru sit the tumbled stones that entirely of polished basalt, Flashing Peak is the goddess of
once were the Civic Plaza of Meru, the grand bureaucratic the Imperial Mountain. More than this, however, she is also
headquarters to the city. In the height of its day, it hosted one of the two leaders of the Bureau of Nature, holding the
the Chapel of Ameru. Behind the Doors of Mystery lay only position of Shogun of the Hierarchy of Type. Flashing Peak
a small alcove, but those with the ability to see such things is one of the most powerful deities in Yu-Shanonly the
could see the entry to the sanctum of Ameru. This doorway heads of the other bureaus and the Celestines themselves
is long since covered over in rubble, and the Sidereals who are her equals.
occasionally visit the ruins believe that something horrible All of this power is directed toward keeping the opera-
has taken up residence there. tion of her bureaucracy as true to the ways of the First Age
Motivation: None, due to the madness that has taken his as possible. She is uninterested in suggestions of divergence
mind. (Once, it was to see the City of Meru grow great and from this norm to account for changes in Creation or
prosperous.) anything else. It has been good enough, and will always be
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2; Charisma 1, good enough, if Flashing Peak has anything to say about it.
Manipulation 1, Appearance 2; Perception 4, Intelligence She is the most strictly legalistic of the heads of Heavens
1, Wits 3 bureaus, applying the laws of Heaven as strictly now as she
Virtues: Compassion 3, Conviction 1, Temperance 2, Valor 1 did during the First Age. She is not stupid, however. She is
Abilities: Awareness 4, Dodge 2, Linguistics (Native: Old aware that many of the censors in this Age are corrupt and
Realm; Others: High Realm) 1, Lore 3 (First Age +2), Mar- that those in charge of the enforcement Heavens laws are
tial Arts 2, Melee 2 (Daiklave +2), Occult 3, Resistance 2, deeply cynical.
Stealth 4 Flashing Peak has never declared her preference for
Backgrounds: Celestial Manse 2, Followers 1, Resources 3, either the goals of the Gold or Bronze Factions. Indeed, she
Sanctum 2 refuses to acknowledge that such a division exists. Anyone

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 who brings it to her attention is quickly dressed down,
asked to kindly refrain from bringing the personal hobbies
of Heavenly dignitaries to light.
Sanctum: Flashing Peak has incredibly opulent estates in
Heaven, but she also maintains a modest sanctum from the
days when she was only the goddess of the Imperial Moun-
tain, before the casting down of the Primordials. The Seat
of Pasiap, at the top of the Imperial Mountain, was once
known as the Chamber of Flashing Peak, where those who
were interested in visiting her sanctum stood to address her.
Fortunately, it is simple for her to visit this site, as it lies less
than an hour from the Glorious Arch.
Motivation: To keep the Imperial Mountain important and
central to Creation, and to cause the Bureau of Nature to
become just as important and central to Heaven.
Attributes: Strength 12, Dexterity 9, Stamina 20; Charisma
9, Manipulation 9, Appearance 6; Perception 8, Intelligence
9, Wits 9
Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 5, Temperance 4, Valor 4
Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness 8, Bureaucracy 9 (First Age
+2), Craft (Earth) 9, Dodge 4, Integrity 8, Investigation 5,
Linguistics (Native: Old Realm; Others: High Realm, Low
Realm, Riverspeak) 3, Lore 6 (First Age +2), Martial Arts
6, Occult 5, Performance 4, Presence 6, Resistance 9, Sail
3, Socialize 5, Survival 5, Thrown 8 (Basalt Tokens +3),
War 5 on the Blessed Isle, but as the head of one of the Heavenly
Backgrounds: Backing 5, Celestial Manse 5, Contacts 5, Bureaus, she may also transport herself immediately anywhere
Followers 5, Influence 5, Resources 5, Sanctum 3 within Yu-Shan. She must still use gates to move between
Spirit Charms: Flashing Peak has all available spirit Charms. Creation and Heaven, though.
Some specifics are given here, however: MaterializeIt costs Flashing Peak 95 motes to materialize.
Avalanche of the Imperial MountainA terrible and fearsome Principle of MotionFlashing Peak usually maintains a res-
supernatural martial artist, Flashing Peak is capable of dealing ervoir of 10 additional actions.
tremendous damage with her bare hands. She automatically Reserve of Will (x4)Flashing Peak has four additional points
inflicts lethal damage with her blows. By spending five motes, of Willpower at her disposal.
she may add five dice to her unarmed damage for the scene. Shoguns PrerogativeWhile in Heaven, Flashing Peak may
Additionally, by spending a Willpower point before making an summon any single one of her subordinates in the Bureau
attack, she may inflict aggravated damage with that strike. This of Nature to her side immediately. She does so only in times
expenditure must be made before the attack roll is made. of danger or other emergency. She must spend a point of
Basalt TokensFlashing Peak can create sharp, rounded Willpower and a number of motes equal to the (Essence +
tokens of basalt, which are utterly unique. She often gives Willpower) of the subordinate she is summoning.
these to messengers, as proof that the message he bears is Terrestrial Circle SorceryFlashing Peak knows all Terrestrial
from her. She creates these tokens by simply spending one Circle spells and may teach them to others.
point of Essence eachup to five at a time. They dissolve Flashing Peak has the First, Second and Third Excellencies
into nothingness at the end of a scene. She can also throw for the following Abilities: Awareness, Bureaucracy, Craft,
these tokens as weapons. Integrity, Martial Arts, Resistance and Thrown.
Celestial Circle SorceryFlashing Peak knows all Celestial Join Battle: 17
Circle spells and may teach them to others. Attacks:
Donning Spiritual ArmorThrough the expenditure of five Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 15, Damage 12L, Parry DV ,
motes, Flashing Peak may add her (Temperance + Essence) to Rate 1
her bashing and lethal soaks. By spending one point of Will- Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 15, Damage 15L, Parry DV 7,
power, she may also add her Essence to her aggravated soak. Rate 2
Essence Plethora (x5)Flashing Peak increases her Essence Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 16, Damage 12L, Parry DV 9,
Pool by 50. Rate 3
Hurry HomeThrough the expenditure of 10 motes and a Basalt Tokens: Speed 4, Accuracy 20, Damage 17L, Rate
Willpower point, Flashing Peak may not only appear anywhere 5, Range 50

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 Soak: 25L/35B (Basalt flesh, 15L/15B, Hardness: 5L/5B)
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap
Dodge DV: 11 Willpower: 10
Essence: 9 Essence Pool: 190
Cost to Materialize: 95
Other Notes: Flashing Peak has a tremendous armory of First
Age artifacts that grant her an incredible array of abilities
above and beyond what is listed here.

JAGALZA
Satrap of the Realm
The numinous Jagalza is the Satrap of the Realm within
the Bureau of Humanity. As the Satrap of the Blessed Isle,
all City Mothers and City Fathers on the Blessed Isle answer
to her, and she runs a tight ship, careful to make sure that
they all adhere to the dictates of the Immaculate Philosophy.
She is aware of the subtle nuances of every aspect of the Im-
maculate Orders interaction with gods not because she has
any love for the Order, but because she despises it.
Jagalza has close ties to the Bronze Faction and frequently
attempts to convince it to change the Immaculate Orders
position on the worship of gods, to little effect. Since the
disappearance of the Scarlet Empress, she has also begun
speaking with Gold Faction members, seeking to do what
she has always donepreserve the Realm, regardless of who
rules there. Personally, she would prefer that the fractious Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 4, Bureaucracy 8 (Bureau
and constantly warring Exalted did not rule at all, leaving of Humanity +3), Dodge 6, Integrity 5, Investigation 4,
such things to the gods, who are eternal and know their re- Linguistics (Native: Old Realm; Others: High Realm, Low
lationships to one another, but she realizes that is too much Realm) 2, Lore 5, Martial Arts 2, Medicine 3, Melee 6 (Dai-
to hope for in this Age. klaves +2), Occult 6, Performance 4 (Dance +2), Presence
Jagalza appears as a seven-foot-tall woman in brilliant 7, Resistance 6, Ride 3, Socialize 6, War 4
scarlet robes, once emblazoned with the symbol of the Scarlet Backgrounds: Backing 4, Celestial Manse 5, Contacts 5,
Empress. Now, however, her robes shift through a variety Followers 4, Influence 5, Resources 5
of patterns, as the symbols of the various Great Houses ap- Spirit Charms: Jagalza has all the available spirit Charms.
pear and disappear, as a thousand minor events determine Some specifics are given here:
which House comes the closest to ruling. She wears an Celestial Circle SorceryJagalza knows the following Celestial
impressive moonsilver and starmetal headdress, set with Circle spells and can teach them to others: Blood of Boiling
three hearthstones, and she is utterly bald. Her eyes are a Oil and Sapphire Countermagic.
brilliant white hue the color of pale jade, and her skin has Donning Spiritual ArmorThrough the expenditure of five
a luminous, slightly translucent quality, as though she were motes, Jagalza may add her (Temperance + Essence) to her
made of moonstone. bashing and lethal soaks. By spending one Willpower, she
A servant-god always accompanies Jagalza, carrying the may also add her Essence to her aggravated soak.
Utmost Censor, her moonsilver grand daiklave envenomed Essence Plethora (x3)Jagalza has access to 30 additional
with strange poisons she acquires from the Division of End- motes of Essence.
ings, in the Bureau of Destiny. This servant-god shapechanges GeasJagalza may lay a geas upon a spirit, Exalt or mortal
itself into a suit of resplendent red jade and starmetal lamellar for the purpose of fulfilling her duties under Heaven or her
armor upon Jagalza as she takes a battle stance. Motivation. This is considered unnatural mental influence.
Sanctum: Jagalza does not maintain a sanctum in Creation, in- Jagalzas player rolls her (Manipulation + Conviction) against
stead staying at one of her several opulent estates in Heaven. the targets Mental DV. This Charm costs two Willpower
Motivation: To make sure that the Realm stands for all points and requires the investment of a number of motes
eternity. equal to the number of days she wishes the target to be bound
Attributes: Strength 6, Dexterity 8, Stamina 5; Charisma 8, by the geas, to a maximum of 28 days.
Manipulation 8, Appearance 7; Perception 6, Intelligence MaterializeIt costs Jagalza 90 motes to materialize.
5, Wits 5 Principle of MotionJagalza normally maintains a reserve of
Virtues: Compassion 3, Conviction 4, Temperance 5, Valor 5 10 additional actions.

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 Reserve of Will (x3) Jagalza has access to three additional
points of Willpower.
Satraps PrerogativeWhile in Heaven, Jagalza may summon
any single one of her subordinates in the Bureau of Humanity
to her side immediately. She does so only in times of danger
or other emergency. She must spend a point of Willpower
and a number of motes equal to the (Essence + Willpower)
of the subordinate she is summoning.
Terrestrial Circle SorceryJagalza knows all Terrestrial Circle
spells and may teach them to others.
Jagalza has the First, Second and Third Excellencies for the
following Abilities: Bureaucracy, Dodge, Integrity, Lore,
Melee and Presence.
Join Battle: 9
Attacks:
Clinch: Speed 6 Accuracy 10, Damage 6B, Parry DV ,
Rate 1
Kick: Speed 5 Accuracy 10, Damage 9B, Parry DV 4, Rate 2
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 11, Damage 6B, Parry DV 6,
Rate 3
Moonsilver Grand Daiklave (The Utmost Censor): Speed 5,
Accuracy 20, Damage 18L/4*, Parry DV 9, Rate 2
* Weeping Conclusion (poison); Damage 6L/minute, Resist
5L, Tolerance /, Impairment -4
Soak: 11L/14B (Divine lamellar, 8L/9B, Hardness: 5L/5B)
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap Tachi-Kun maintains a strong rivalry with Voharun, the
Dodge DV: 11 Willpower: 10 crow-god of Northern war. Once, in the time of the Solars,
Essence: 8 Essence Pool: 160 Voharun and Tachi-Kun were strong allies, but they have
Cost to Materialize: 90 not gotten along since the Usurpation. Neither, however,
Other Notes: None will reveal the reason.
The central god of war is nearly eight feet tall and power-
TACHI-KUN fully built. He wears an incredible suit of starmetal and jade
Central God of War superheavy plate, with an impressive dragon-face helm. He
The god of war for the center direction, Tachi-Kun is also wields Terrible Mountain Cutter, an impressive divine grand
the god of Exalted warfare, the patron of the tumultuous clash grimcleaver. He is a superb martial artist and soldier, excelling
between those imbued with the power of the gods. In ancient at the use of Charms to their best effects in combat.
days, when the Exalted marched to war, Tachi-Kun was there, Sanctum: In the Imperial City, there is a temple to Tachi-Kun
overseeing the clash of battle-Essence, savoring every shake that is opened only during his festival day. Nonetheless, it has
of the earth and mountain toppled by these heroes. become a tradition for legionnaires who visit the city for the
To say that Tachi-Kun has been disappointed with the first time to come and see the outside of the temple. Within
warriors of the Blessed Isle since the Usurpation is something this temple is an archway behind the altar, and those pass-
of an understatement. He finds the Dragon-Blooded focus on ing immaterial through the archway may enter the opulent
unit tactics and dog-packing to lack the honor and glory of warriors sanctum of Tachi-Kun. The god spends most of his
the ancient wars, when Solars took to the field against their time in his estates in Yu-Shan, however.
foes, each a hero in his own right. Motivation: To foster battle that features incredible Exalted
This isnt to say that Tachi-Kun doesnt support heroics.
the Bronze Faction, of course. He is too wise to see the Attributes: Strength 10, Dexterity 12, Stamina 8; Charisma
suspicious disappearance of Darunla, the wolf-goddess 6, Manipulation 5, Appearance 5; Perception 7, Intelligence
of the East who supported the Solars, shortly after the 5, Wits 7
Usurpation as chanceespecially given that Sunipa, Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 4, Temperance 3, Valor 5
who favors the Dragon-Blooded, was soon after elevated Abilities: Archery 4, Athletics 5, Awareness 6, Bureaucracy 5,
to the position of war-goddess of the East. Tachi-Kun Craft (Earth) 4, Craft (Fire) 4, Dodge 7, Integrity 6, Investiga-
acknowledges that the Dragon-Blooded are mighty war- tion 4, Linguistics (Native: Old Realm; Others: Flametongue,
riors; they are simply not heroes, in his mind. But then, High Realm, Low Realm, Riverspeak) 4, Lore 6, Martial Arts
foot soldiers rarely are. 5, Medicine 3, Melee 7 (Grand Grimcleavers +3), Occult

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 5, Performance 3, Presence 6, Resistance 5, Ride 4, Sail 4,
Socialize 4, Stealth 3, Survival 3, Thrown 4, War 7
Backgrounds: Backing 4, Celestial Manse 5, Contacts 5, Cult
2, Followers 5, Influence 5, Resources 5, Sanctum 3
Spirit Charms: Tachi-Kun has all available spirit Charms.
Some specifics are given here, however:
Donning Spiritual ArmorThrough the expenditure of five
motes, Tachi-Kun may add his (Temperance + Essence) to his
bashing and lethal soaks. By spending one point of Willpower,
he may also add his Essence to his aggravated soak.
Essence Plethora (x3)Tachi-Kun has 30 additional motes
in his Essence pool.
MaterializeIt costs Tachi-Kun 80 motes to materialize.
Principle of MotionTachi-Kun regularly maintains a pool
of eight additional actions.
Reserve of Will (x2)Tachi-Kun has access to two additional
Willpower points.
ShapechangeIn the midst of a battle, Tachi-Kun can change
into a great and terrible dragon, with wicked scything talons
and the ability to fly.
Spirit Cutting Tachi-Kun may attack a physical opponent
when he is dematerialized, or he may attack a dematerialized one
when he is material. Doing so costs one mote per attack.
Terrestrial Circle SorceryTachi-Kun knows all Terrestrial
Circle spells and can teach them to others.
Uncanny ProwessBy expending two motes, Tachi-Kun may tokens of worship or even thanks at the doors to these small
add his Valor to any Dexterity-based roll that has to do with huts, for the Ancient of Stone Journeys is a staunch adherent
his areas of godly influence, such as combat. of the Immaculate Philosophy. Many travelers do stop and
Tachi-Kun has the First, Second and Third Excellencies for picnic in the shade of the great sycamores that grow near
the following Abilities: Awareness, Dodge, Integrity, Martial his shrines, though, and sycamores are sacred to the Ancient
Arts, Melee, Presence and War of Stone Journeys.
Join Battle: 13 The Ancient himself is a tall, impressive figure, some
Attacks: seven and a half feet in height. He wears impressively large
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 17, Damage 10B, Parry DV , boots shod in white jade and long, flowing travelers robes,
Rate 1 secured with a wide leather belt hung with pouches and
Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 17, Damage 13B, Parry DV 8, bags. He carries with him a large sycamore staff shod in
Rate 2 white jade, as well, and this weapon (which takes the traits
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 18, Damage 10B, Parry DV 10, of a grand goremaul) can be used to utterly destroy rubble,
Rate 3 fallen trees and other things that obstruct the Great Coast
Divine Grand Grimcleaver (Terrible Mountain Cutter): Speed Road. The large bag of water that he carries with him has
6, Accuracy 24, Damage 24L/4, Parry DV 10, Rate 2 healing properties, both for mortals and for the road itself,
Soak: 19L/23B (Divine superheavy plate, 15L/15B, Hard- allowing him to pour water on cracks and other damage to
ness: 10L/10B) the road in order to wash away such occurrences. The god
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap has long hair and a beard the color of the Great Coast Roads
Dodge DV: 13 Willpower: 9 stone, and his eyes are the brilliant blue of the horizon on
Essence: 7 Essence Pool: 145 the Blessed Isle.
Cost to Materialize: 80 The Ancient spends very little time in his otherworldly
Other Notes: None sanctum. He can usually be found walking the length of the
Great Coast Road, observing it for damage, obstructions or
THE ANCIENT OF STONE JOURNEYS signs of banditry. He can easily will himself anywhere along
God of the Great Coast Road and Travel on the Blessed Isle the road, but walking the road in this way allows him to make
The Ancient of Stone Journeys is a well-known god, for a complete circuit of the road in two weeks. During Calibra-
his shrines dot the length and breadth of the Great Coast tion, the Ancient hosts a fine celebration in his sanctum,
Road, ready to be opened by the nearest Immaculate on inviting all the gods of the Court of Tireless Treadings, a
one of his several sacrifice days. Travelers do not ever leave court consisting of road gods and other minor travel deities

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 throughout Creation. Traditionally, the Empress sent a gift Other Notes: Those who wear the boots of the Ancient find
to his sanctum during this time, a habit that Mnemon has that they can run along the Great Coast Road at a speed of
taken up in her mothers absence. five miles every hour of running without ever becoming tired.
Sanctum: The Ancients small temple in the Imperial City The character must be running, however, and the effect ends
bears an immaterial portal that leads to his opulently ap- as soon as he steps off the Great Coast Road. The Ancient
pointed suite of rooms. In these rooms, furnished with very of the Stone Journeys rarely lends out his boots, however,
large furniture and high ceilings, the Ancient allows himself though he has been known to do so to itinerant monks who
to sit and relax. Any other time he is encountered, he is need to travel somewhere in an emergency.
standing and walking.
Motivation: To maintain the usefulness and structure of FIELD GOD
the Great Coast Road, fostering travel and trade along its Field gods are the gods of agricultural stretches of land,
length. from rice paddies to wheat fields to orchards and vineyards.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 3, Stamina 5; Charisma 3, Generally, field gods form the majority of the population of
Manipulation 2, Appearance 2; Perception 5, Intelligence a rustic spirit court, though each one rules many acres of a
3, Wits 3 given kind of field. The appearance of a field god changes
Virtues: Compassion 4, Conviction 2, Temperance 3, Valor 2 depending on what is being grown in that field. Rice paddy
Abilities: Athletics 5, Awareness 4, Bureaucracy 3, Craft gods wear short robes of woven rice grains, with big straw
(Earth) 5, Dodge 2, Integrity 3, Investigation 2, Linguistics hats, and possess perpetually wet feet. Gods of wheat fields
(Native: Old Realm; Others: High Realm, Low Realm) 2, are usually gracefully tall and fair in hue, while the goddesses
Lore 2, Martial Arts 1, Medicine 2, Melee 4 (Staves +2), of apple orchards tend to be sweetly rounded, ruddy cheeked
Presence 3, Resistance 4, Stealth 2, Survival 4 and mirthful.
Backgrounds: Backing 5, Influence 3, Resources 3, Sanctum 3 On the Blessed Isle, field gods know better than to demand
Spirit Charms: the sort of harvest sacrifices that they get elsewhere. They also
Ancient WatersThe Ancient may pour the water from his work the hardest of all the field gods in the world, required by
bag onto damage to his road, healing it by paying one mote the Immaculate Philosophy to do their part to ensure a fine
per lethal health level repaired. Likewise, the may grant a harvest. During winter, when there is no life in their fields,
traveler on his road a drink, healing her for one lethal health field gods generally wander their domain morosely, dressed as
level or two bashing health levels for five motes, but only if paupers. When pressed, field gods can quickly transform the
the wounds were taken while the traveler was on the Great crops of their field (even during winter) into weapons.
Coast Road. Sanctum: In one place in every field, a small portion of crop
Essence PlethoraThe Ancient of Stone Journeys has 10 is left unharvested. This fruit-heavy tree, bunch of vines or
additional motes of Essence. square of field is the entryway into the sanctum of that field
Hurry HomeThe Ancient of Stone Journeys may instantly god, whose home seems built into the tree or made out of
transport himself anywhere along the length of the Great the plant it embodies. Field god homes are comfortable, if
Stone Road for 10 motes and a Willpower point. a bit rustic.
MaterializeIt costs the Ancient 55 motes to materialize. Motivation: To see that its field, vineyard, orchard or paddy
ShapechangeThe Ancient sometimes changes his shape produces a fine crop and is protected from harm.
to that of a rich merchant or other traveler, in order to lure Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 3, Stamina 4; Charisma 3,
bandits out into the open. Manipulation 2, Appearance 4; Perception 3, Intelligence
The Ancient of Stone Journeys has the First Excellency 2, Wits 3
for the following Abilities: Awareness, Craft, Melee and Virtues: Compassion 3, Conviction 2, Temperance 3, Valor 2
Resistance. Abilities: Archery 3, Athletics 2, Awareness 3, Bureaucracy
Join Battle: 7 1, Craft (Wood) 3, Dodge 4, Integrity 2, Lore 1, Martial Arts
Attacks: 2, Melee 3, Occult 2, Resistance 2, Stealth 4 (Agricultural
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 4, Damage 3B, Parry DV , Fields +3), Socialize 2
Rate 1 Backgrounds: Backing 2, Influence 1, Sanctum 2
Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 4, Damage 6B, Parry DV 1, Rate 2 Spirit Charms:
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 3B, Parry DV 3, Rate 3 Intrusion Sensing MethodBy committing five motes of Es-
White Jade Grand Goremaul (The Marker of Miles): Speed sence and spending a point of Willpower, the Storyteller
4, Accuracy 11, Damage 20L/5, Parry DV 4, Rate 1 gets a reflexive (Perception + Awareness) roll for the field
Soak: 11L/13B (Resilience of the Eternal Road, 8L/8B) god, adding a number of automatic successes equal to the
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap field gods Compassion, to detect any time an entity with an
Dodge DV: 5 Willpower: 7 Essence of greater than 1 enters its domain.
Essence: 4 Essence Pool: 85 MaterializeIt costs a field god 45 motes to materialize.
Cost to Materialize: 55 Measure the WindThe field god may spend a mote to under-

CHAPTER SEVEN GODS & CREATURES OF THE BLESSED ISLE 155

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 be it along coasts, marshes or in salt mines. The salt gods
exist in order to keep salt as part of the natural world, so it
is against their purpose under Heaven to permit the harvest-
ing of salt. Unfortunately, because salt is so valuable in the
preservation of food and preparation of raw materials, it is
the cornerstone of civilization. Therefore, civilizations in
Creation have long accepted the need to sacrifice to the salt
gods, bribing them to set their duty aside in order to allow
civilization to grow.
Even with the coming of the Immaculate Order, the salt
gods could not be forced to allow this. In fact, some in the Or-
der maintain that it is wrong to even allow them to be bribed,
even though civilization requires salt. Therefore, the Scarlet
Empress herself invoked her right as the ruler of Creation to set
the terms of sacrifice for salt gods all through her Realm. She
would establish a specific sacrificial rate per quintal of salt. In
return, not only would the Scarlet Empire permit the sacrifices
to continue, it would mandate salt sacrificial rate laws.
Ultimately, this rate led to a tax on salt, set at two
percent when it was established in RY 314. As a universal
rate of taxation on salt, it eventually became the rate upon
which banking and lending institutions were based. The salt
rate has fluctuated in the Realm since then, usually varying
between two and eight percent, established by the Empress
by traveling to the Temple of the Salt Gods in the Imperial
City and making a sacrifice in that amount. The salt gods
were forced to accept her terms as ruler of Creation. Produc-
stand the spiritual power of those who come to its fields. ers of salt hired Immaculate monks to perform the necessary
Summon FoodBy spending five motes, the field god may sacrifices, and the system continued.
create wholesome but simple food appropriate to its purview,
in quantities sufficient to feed up to five people. By spending
10 motes, this is food of exquisite quality.
Field gods have the First Excellency for the following Abili-
ties: Awareness, Craft, Dodge and Melee.
Join Battle: 6
Attacks:
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 5, Damage 4B, Parry DV ,
Rate 1
Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 5, Damage 7B, Parry DV 2, Rate 2
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 6, Damage 4B, Parry DV 4, Rate 3
Crop-Sword: Speed 4, Accuracy 8, Damage 7L, Parry DV
4, Rate 2
Crop-Bow: Speed 6, Accuracy 6, Damage 6L*, Rate 2,
Range 150
* Uses broadhead arrows.
Soak: 9L/9B (Spiritual tunic, 7L/5B)
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-1/-2/-2/-2/-4/Incap
Dodge DV: 5 Willpower: 6
Essence: 3 Essence Pool: 60
Cost to Materialize: 45
Other Notes: None

SALT GOD
The salt gods are a very prolific type of little god, found
anywhere salt might be extracted from natural environs,

156
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 In the time since her disappearance, however, things Attacks:
have changed. There is no single standard salt rate any Kick: Speed 5 Accuracy 6, Damage 5L, Parry DV 2, Rate 2
longer, and while some salt gods charge smaller amounts, Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 7, Damage 2L, Parry DV 4, Rate 3
others (such as those in the Eagle Prefecture) have begun Soak: 7L/7B (Salt body, 5L/5B)
charging outrageous amounts, so much that salt production Health Levels: -0/-0/-0/-0/-1/-1/-1/-3/Incap
has ceased in those areas. Dodge DV: 4 Willpower: 5
Salt gods are small humanoid creatures that appear Essence: 2 Essence Pool: 45
entirely crusted over with gleaming salt crystals. They stand Cost to Materialize: 35
about two feet high. There are salt gods every few miles of Other Notes: None
coastline, as well as at salt-gathering sites. (There are ap-
proximately 736 salt gods on the Blessed Isle alone.) Salt gods RAGOLY AGLDE OF THE WINGS CONJOINED IN LURE
do not hesitate to sabotage and steal from operations that try Lord of the Unrivaled Flames
to take salt without paying the salt rate in sacrifices. No one truly knows how old Ragoly Aglde is, though
Sanctum: Each salt god maintains a small sanctum that looks he was certainly over a century in age when the Empress
like a cavern studded with salt crystals the size of human fists. appointed him as the master of the Red Tables Court over
These sanctums are accessible at liminal places, where one a century ago. The God-Blooded son of a powerful ifrit lord
thing becomes another, such as right at the shoreline or at known as the Wings Conjoined in Lure, Ragoly Aglde wields
the doorway into a salt mine. tremendous power that most God-Blooded never achieve.
Motivation: To prevent the unblessed collection of salt. He has certainly lived longer than most God-Blooded do
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2; Charisma 2, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Manipulation 2, Appearance 1; Perception 3, Intelligence Ragoly Aglde is something of a megalomaniac, seeing the
3, Wits 2 fire elementals of the Blessed Isle as his sole dominion. He
Virtues: Compassion 1, Conviction 3, Temperance 2, Valor 2 honors his subjects, seeing in them truly numinous spiritual
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 2, Bureaucracy 3 (Mer- entities, though he does not worship them. After all, he works
cantilism +2), Dodge 2, Integrity 2, Larceny 2, Linguistics closely with the Immaculate Orderalthough it might be
(Native: Old Realm; Others: High Realm, Low Realm) 2, fairer to say that the Immaculate Order watches him closely,
Martial Arts 3, Occult 1, Resistance 2, Stealth 3 to make sure he does not become an object or promulgator
Backgrounds: Cult 1, Resources 3, Sanctum 1 of heresy. Ragoly Aglde despises the Court of the Orderly
Spirit Charms: Flame and will not hesitate to order the destruction of fire
ErodeSalt gods can cause materials to erode and fray, as though elementals that he learns are associated with it.
left exposed to the elements and pounding surf for many weeks. Ragoly Agldes personal power and influence has
In order to use this ability, they must spend three motes, and swelled tremendously, as he alone can grant easy access
then an (Intelligence + Conviction) roll is made. Each success to sorcerers wishing to summon fire elementals easily.
inflicts a point of lethal damage to the object. Salt gods may Those who wish to summon fire elementals who will not
ignore up to five points of lethal soak on an item, unless the item fight their bindings from the Blessed Isle may journey
is made of stone. This Charm cannot affect items made from to the Red Tables and apply for the Imperial Seal of the
the magical materials at all. Salt gods use this ability to sabotage Unrivaled Flames, a red jade token that may be used
mining operations that do not pay their salt rate. during the summoning of a fire elemental. Not everyone
Hurry HomeSalt gods can rise from any source of salt in gains such a token, however. Only those who can pay the
their domain, naturally occurring or mined by spending 10 tremendous bureaucratic fees, render the appropriate gifts
motes and a point of Willpower. and prove that their ability to summon fire elementals is
MaterializeSalt gods must pay 35 motes to manifest. of benefit to the Realm are even considered.
Salt BodySalt gods bodies are made up entirely of salt Ragoly Aglde is usually clad in crimson, gold and black robes.
crystals. As such, they soak lethal damage with their full He has brilliant red hair that he keeps decorated in the height
Stamina, in addition to possessing a measure of armor from of imperial fashion, with beads of jade and gold woven into it.
the durability of their forms. Salt gods inflict lethal dam- His nails are long and lacquered crimson, brushed in black ink
age with their unarmed attacks, and their sense of pain is with the words of fire elemental summoning spells. He is armed
dramatically reduced by the spiritually numbing effects of with his fathers red jade daiklave, the Revered Scion of Hesiesh,
salt, reducing their wound penalties by one. Finally, salt god and he wears a red jade chain shirt beneath his robes.
attacks inflict aggravated damage to hungry ghosts and other Motivation: To honor the memory of his fathers power by
creatures adversely affected by salt. These benefits cost salt one day wielding as much power as he did.
gods an additional 10 motes when manifesting. Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 5, Stamina 3; Charisma 3,
Salt gods have the First Excellency for the following Abili- Manipulation 5, Appearance 4; Perception 3, Intelligence
ties: Bureaucracy, Martial Arts and Stealth. 3, Wits 4
Join Battle: 4 Virtues: Compassion 2, Conviction 3, Temperance 1, Valor 4

CHAPTER SEVEN GODS & CREATURES OF THE BLESSED ISLE 157

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 Dodge DV: 7 Willpower: 7
Essence: 3 Essence Pool: 39
Other Notes: None

CREATURES OF
THE BLESSED ISLE
Crag Cat
The mountains in the
Dragons Nest Range are
known for their populations
of crag cats, leopard-sized wild
hunting cats that have devel-
oped claws and musculature
adapted for climbing nearly
sheer rock faces (+2 bonus to
all climbing-based Athletics
rolls). Crag cats normally
prey on sheep or goats that
wander too far from their
herds, but they are known to
prey on travelers when hungry,
leaping down from cliff-faces
where an attack is unlikely to
come from. Crag cats launching an attack from such a
Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness 3, Bureaucracy 4, Dodge 5, vantage impose a 2 external penalty to their targets (Wits
Integrity 3, Linguistics (Native: Flametongue; Others: High + Awareness) rolls to notice the unexpected attack.
Realm, Low Realm, Old Realm) 3, Lore 4 (Elementals +2), Dog, Blackstar Mastiff
Martial Arts 4, Melee 4 (Daiklaves +1), Occult 5 (Summon- Large hounds used for
ing +2), Performance 2, Presence 4, Ride 2, Socialize 2, War war or hunting, the blackstar
3 (Elementals +2) mastiff is an expensive purebred
Backgrounds: Artifact 4, Backing 4, Influence 3, Inheritance dog sold by the Starlight clan
4, Manse 3, Resources 5 of Lords Crossing Dominion.
Powers: Ragolys elemental heritage grants him a variety of Blackstar mastiffs are purest
useful abilities, including: black, with the occasional
Elemental PowersRagoly can use the Dragons Suspire, El- sprinkling of white, making
emental Expression and Elemental Rejuvenation powers. them look like a field of stars in
Ifrits GiftRagoly Aglde is immune to damage from fire. the night sky. Those who wish
Terrestrial Circle SorceryRagoly Aglde can use the following to purchase a blackstar mastiff
Terrestrial Circle Sorcery spells: Emerald Circle Banishment, must journey to the Starlight
Emerald Countermagic, Summon Elemental. compound in Traiter to stay for
Join Battle: 7 two weeks, being trained at the
Attacks: facility to handle the hounds, as
Clinch: Speed 6, Accuracy 9, Damage 4B, Parry DV , well as being introduced to their
Rate 1 animal. Those who have had the training before need spend
Kick: Speed 5, Accuracy 9, Damage 7B, Parry DV 4, Rate 2 only the week getting to know their beast. A character must
Punch: Speed 5, Accuracy 10, Damage 4B, Parry DV 6, have at least three dots of Resources to be able to afford a
Rate 3 blackstar mastiff.
Red Jade Daiklave (Revered Scion of Hesiesh)*: Speed 4, Blackstar mastiffs come with special leashes with which
Accuracy 13, Damage 11L, Parry DV 6, Rate 3 they are trained, and they remain quite docile while wearing
* By spending a single mote when he attacks, Ragoly may the leashes. A servant or lieutenant can easily lead the beast
use Revered Scion to strike dematerialized spirits. around while it remains leashed. Off the leash, the dog will
Soak: 7L/6B (Red jade chain shirt, 5L/3B, Hardness: never attack anyone without orders, but it will not tolerate
2L/2B) being grabbed. (Fortunately, it ignores incidental touching,
Health Levels: -0/-1/-1/-2/-2/-4/Incap simply growling at the contact.)

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Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 Name Str/Dex/Sta Per/Int/Wits/Will Health LevelsAttack Dodge DV/Soak
(Spd/Acc/Dmg/Rate)
Crag Cat 5/6/4 3/1/3/5 -0/-1x2/-2x2/ Bite: 6/9/6L/1, 4/2L/4B
-4/I Claw: 6/12/5L/2
Abilities: Athletics 3 (Climbing +2), Awareness 3, Dodge 3, Integrity 2, Investigation 2, Martial Arts 3
(Claws +2), Presence 2, Resistance 2, Stealth 4 (Mountains +2), Survival 2
Dog, Blackstar 4/3/4 3/2/3/3 -0/-1/-1/-2/-4/I Bite: 5/6/5L/1 2/0L/4B
Mastiff
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 3, Dodge 1, Integrity 2, Investigation 1, Martial Arts 2 (Bite +1),
Presence 2 (Warning Growl +1), Resistance 3, Stealth 1, Survival 3 (Tracking +3)
Dog, Portee 1/3/2 2/2/2/3 -0/-2/-4/I None 3/0L/2B
Ivory
Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 2, Dodge 3, Integrity 2, Investigation 1, Martial Arts 1, Presence 1,
Resistance 2, Stealth 3, Survival 1
Giant Panda 5/2/5 2/2/2/3 -0x2/-1x3/ Bite: 5/6/7L/1, 2/2L/5B
-2x2/-4/I Claw: 5/5/6L/2
Abilities: Athletics 3 (Climbing +2), Awareness 2, Dodge 2, Integrity 3, Investigation 2, Martial Arts 3,
Presence 3, Resistance 3, Stealth 2 (Bamboo Forests +1), Survival 3
Hearth-Cat 1/3/2 2/2/3/3 -0/-2/-4/I None 3/0L/2B
Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 2, Dodge 4, Integrity 2, Investigation 1, Martial Arts 2, Presence 3,
Resistance 3 (Cold +3), Stealth 3, Survival 2
Horse, Firemane 5/3/4 2/2/3/3 -0/-1x2/ Bite: 5/6/2L/1, 3/0L/4B
-2x2/-4/I Kick: 6/7/7L/1
Abilities: Athletics 4 (Gallop +2), Awareness 2, Dodge 3, Integrity 1, Investigation 1, Martial Arts 2,
Presence 3, Resistance 2, Survival 2
Scarlet Crane 2/4/3 3/1/2/3 -0/-1/-2/-4/I Beak: 6/5/3L/1 4/0L/3B
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 3, Dodge 4, Integrity 2, Investigation 2, Martial Arts 1, Presence 3,
Resistance 2, Stealth 2 (Riverside +2), Survival 2
Tongma Monkey 1/5/2 2/2/3/3 -0/-2/-4/I Bite: 4/6/1L/1 4/0L/2B
Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness 2, Dodge 3, Integrity 3, Investigation 3, Martial Arts 1, Presence 2,
Resistance 1, Stealth 3, Survival 2, Thrown 2

A hound will obey the following commands from its master their owners. They have incredibly noble features, however,
and may possibly be trained for more: Home (returns to its for small dogs, with high ears and eyes that are always a
home kennel or where its leash is, whichever is closer), Heel bright blue or green. The little dogs never make any sound,
(return to its masters side and remain there), Guard (attack as the ability to bark was bred out of them, and they cling
anyone that comes too close to tenaciously to their own-
his master, with the exception ers. They are all easily
of those the hound is near con- trained to perform amusing
stantly, such as lieutenants or little tricks, as well. The
servants), Attack (attack a single Whitecloud clan of Lords
target, singled out by his master), Crossing Dominion is care-
Track (follow a scent) and Sit ful to sell only females and
(sit or lie down in the place he neutered males, in order to
is at now, without moving until retain the exclusive ability
either his master calls again, or to breed the animals.
an hour passes, at which point Giant Panda
he will find his master). The giant panda is a
Dog, Portee Ivory large bear-like animal, white
Portee ivories are small, in color and covered with
neurotic little dogs that cling to black spots. Though they

CHAPTER SEVEN GODS & CREATURES OF THE BLESSED ISLE 159

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11
 can eat eggs, fish and insects, giant pandas feed primarily on favored for their endurance and speed. They are never
bamboo and are quite common in the massive bamboo forests used for pulling carriages or hauling packs. Many Dynastic
of the western Blessed Isle. Pandas prefer to avoid humans, but families are known to use these horses, particularly House
they are capable of attackthough they do so invariably out Cathak, which gives a firemane to each Cathak child before
of irritation, rather than any predatory instinct. Hunters and she goes into the military.
trappers often kill pandas for their pelts. Scarlet Crane
Hearth-Cat Long-legged water birds
First created during the First of a deep crimson hue, scarlet
Age, a hearth-cat is a small house- cranes are known for their
cat, with a smooth pelt of deep crown-like head crests of
crimson, gray and white swirls, feathers. Supposedly turned
often looking like patterns of fire. their crimson hue by the Scar-
The cats eyes are a cheery amber let Empresss blessings, scarlet
and tend to reflect back firelight cranes are found only along
with gold flashes. Hearth-cats the length of the Imperial
have a magical ability to emit heat River. Thaumaturges who use
sufficient to keep a person warm one of the scarlet feathers of
during cold winter nights. This these cranes in creating items
heat is emitted in a fairly tight of good fortune gain an addi-
area, so the cat normally snuggles tional die in doing so during
up to a sleeping person or sits on the creation process.
someones lap, emitting heat for as Tongma Monkey
long as it purrs. Tongma monkeys are
These cats are relatively common in the Blessed Isle curious creatures, with long
now, thanks to their popularity, but they are quite expen- curling tails, big ears and eyes
sive in the Threshold. Their bloodlines must be kept pure that make their little faces look
in order to retain their magical abilitiescrossbreeding quite comical. They are known
them with any other animal loses the ability. A character to imitate the sounds of laugh-
must have at least two dots of Resources to be able to ter and can copy the laughs of
afford a hearth-cat in the Blessed Isle. In the Threshold people they are around with
(particularly the North), the Resources minimum rises uncanny accuracy. Tongma
by one dot. monkeys are often trained by
Horse, Firemane sailors from the island of Tong-
Firemanes, known for their ma and love scrambling over
black or dark red coats and deep the rigging. The monkeys eat
red tails and manes are bred in the primarily fruit and insects.
city of Cloaka in Eagle Prefecture.
These horses are strong runners,

160
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 Once the abode of the gods and

THE COMPASS OF CELESTIAL DIRECTIONS, VOL. I THE BLESSED ISLE

home to the Old Realms Law-
givers and their Lunar consorts,
the Blessed Isle is now the center
of the Creation-spanning Scarlet

Empire, ruled by the Empress

and her Terrestrial Exalted
children. Spared the worst of
the Contagion, the Fair Folk
invasion that followed and the
centuries of conflict and want
that reduced the rest of the world
to barbarism and savagery, the
Isle remains the jewel of Creation.

But now, the architect of the

Blessed Isles long peace, the
Scarlet Empress, has vanished.
With no clear heir, the Great
Houses gird themselves for civil
war. On top of that, the long-
forgotten Lawgivers have
returned to reclaim dominion
over Creation. Will the Blessed
Isles tranquility be shattered
at last, or is there still some
way to shield Creations heart
from the Time of Tumult?

The first of five Celestial Direction

books devoted to fleshing out the bare
bones of Creations supernatural locales
presented in the Exalted core book, this
book includes:
Mass combat traits for the Realms
Imperial Army, from the standard
heavy infantry to the cutthroats of the
Vermilion Legion, as well as dominion
traits for the Mandate of Heaven
Traits for the Blessed Isles native gods
and beasts

ISBN 1-58846-690-6 WW80215 $24.99 U.S.

WHITE WOLF
WW80215

www.white-wolf.com/exalted
PRINTED IN CANADA

Bombadil Goh (order #84005) 24.80.120.11