The Hidden Hand permeates all things, and infuses life with its spark. It can be considered the grand clockmaker, an interested, but passive observer of all creation. His intervention in the world takes the form of Devas, Ashura, Seers, Prophet, and those Chosen to Greatness.
Basic tenets:
[*]All are born to a station, it is up to them to elevate their station to achieve enlightenment.
[*]The highest honor goes to those who escape reincarnation and become one with The Hidden Hand.
[*]The Deva are the Guides to the Hight Path.
[*]The Ashura are the Guides to the Low Path.
[*]Ancestors give wisdom to the living, and as such leave a portion of their essence accessible, and outside of reincarnation to those with the correct knowledge, and those families who properly follow the Rituals of Reverence.
[*]The names of Ascended Emperors shall be recorded, and chanted by the Loremasters of the Dajj for all Eternity.
[b]The Sects:[/b]
The Kai (or Guardians) Were founded over 2000 years ago by the Deva Xai Bo Shung Bat. The Sect was founded specifically to combat the Kailu-dyeyang, their fascination with the Shadow and their Ashura Master Gao Shungbiyam. Kai Dojo contain masters of Wing Chung, All Animal forms, and Meditation.
The Taumintong (Eternal Thought) have no known founding date. Their revered founder, Dhou Bang Zung, was the first known Contemplative Master to teach the Zen Arts of Wing Chung to disciples throughout Ming-Pau. It is said the Grandmasters of the Taumintong are also great Wizards of great power, but it is not known what secrets or artifacts they posses. Their main goal is understanding of Self and the Universe, which they claim are the same.
The Kizayshaya (Seekers of Truth) were founded by twins, the Deva Kizay and the Ashura Shaya. The Kizayshaya are the Inquisitors and the Legates of the Empire. It is their duty to Judge, and when necessary Prosecute. The Dojo’s of the Kizayshaya alone teach the difficult, but rewarding ‘White Crane’ a style of combat that requires balance, discipline and strength.
The Bo (The Watchers) seek signs of Prophets and Seekers, those who have been touched by the Hidden Hand. They also decide who of the Wat may enter the rolls of the Thom. It is not known if the Bo has a Style, but those whom have been observed in combat generally use the Animal Forms. The Bo are generally associated with the Deva Fiyang, Master of Wisdom.
The Niyan (The Hidden) are masters of Shadows, but not seekers of The Shadow. The Niyan were founded by the Emperor Yhou Ping Zhou Deng Fai as his master spies and assassins. It is said they still fulfill this function to this day for the Emperor, and those who can afford them. Their style is Ninjutsu and they are masters of Illusion and Confusion..
Kailu-dyeyang (The Undying) were founded by the Ashura Master Gao Shungbiyam explicitly to explore Shadow and the Afterlife. They are a sanctioned sect of the Empire and as such placed under certain restrictions as to what they may explore. But it is whispered that these restrictions are not followed well. The Kailu-dyeyang perform all rituals and ceremonies of Remembrance, Ascension and passing throughout the Empire. Their style is Jujutsu.
A partial list of Deva and Ashura:
Devas
[*]Shing Pi, Mistress of the Hearth
[*]Zho Yang, Master of Spring
[*]Ghang Jho, Master of Earth
[*]Zin Mi, Mistress of the Moon and Love
[*]Iki Set, Mistress of rebirth and children.
[*]Shang, Master of Family and Martial Courage
Ashura
[*]Biyang Aho, Master of Passion and Rage
[*]Yi Zhi, Mistress of Pestilence
[*]Nang Bog Pha, Master of Conquest
[*]Uoi Bang, Master of Subservience
[*]Sing Na, Mistress of Retribution.
Ancestors of the 7 Great Families:
Each founding Ancestor will have a shrine dedicated to them within the family compound. Acknowledged family members will have their ashes interred in within the shire for reverence by their descendents. When a patrilineal line goes extinct, the Ancestors statue will be buried head down within the shrine, and the grove will be sown with salt, to mourn the passing of the family, and condemning the aspects of all interred ancestors to the Khou-Bok, the voiceless nothingness.
[*]Cho Le Bang,
[*]Rho Guk-Zang Bien
[*]Min Lu Tau
[*]Jho Lung-Go Xi
[*]Pau Samboa Mutiang
[*]Lu Xinmin
[*]Fong Yi Zing