The Wu-Dai-Shi-Guo

The Wu-Dai-Shi-Guo, or more commonly, "The Wu-Dai" is the third artificial body to enter the star-space of Ultima Ceti and is composed of an entire Rusalkan fleet which was fashioned by The Golden Ones into a humongous space station built from the husks of over 10,000 Rusalkan battleships. It has since become a safe haven for pirates, ne'er-do-wells, bounties on the run and those looking to escape into an anarchist, hedonistic paradise ruled by the four gangs of the Wu-Dai

The Blue Devils

The Mongoliad

The Red Poles

The Drowning Suns

Each gang is managed by a council consisting of the head Capo and their bodyguards, the Yojimbo

There are five separate districts within The Wu-Dai - each one being marked as gang territory.

Wei-Chi

Shikuto

Lo-Fan

Kawadori

Fogtown

Alleys and laneways made from broken masts are strapped together by refined bindings and netting which slips between brothels, taverns, casinos and all manner of structures carved from the bottoms of war vessels.

Old and tested ropes which tangle the wreckage together aren't the only foundation. Something intangible keeps each and every piece glued together. An indiscernible and powerful aura surrounds the ruined shape and causes the entire 'station' to take on the appearance of a sphere filled by dozens of solar galleons colliding all on one central point

This quickly became the home of brigands, thieves and all manner of criminals. A veritable landmass in its own right owned by no imperial government. The Wu-Dai was established as a safe haven not only for pirates and bandits but vagabonds, freaks and outcasts from all walks of life.

When the first 'settlers' on the Wu-Dai arrived, they were greeted by the mysterious "Golden Ones" who offered safe harbor, business opportunities, freedom and care. All these prospective settlers would have to do is continue to enjoy themselves and have fun. People were suspicious at first, however, on every occasion these Golden Ones were under scrutiny, they would deliver.

In a show of power, the Gold Ones would build homes, shops and establishments for the settlers. They would carve and construct using the ships as their canvas and whatever one asked for, it would be given. So long as the settlers would stay and live with pleasure at the forefront.

It was then that strange traditions and worship of an entity known as Modamba became prevalent. As civilization began to spread and time went on, the Golden Ones would appear more scarcely.

Modamba was established as being the living essence of the Wu-Dai itself. A god-like concept which isn't worshiped by prayer or battle, but by festivities, drinking, gambling, orgies and all facets of pleasure.

Laws were few but enforced heavily.

1. Do not kill, except when celebrated legally in an arena.
2. Do not worship other deities

In any circumstance where these rules were broken, The Golden Ones would reappear and the perpetrator would never be seen again, however, as businesses boomed, the enforcing of these laws would remain the only time a Golden One would arrive and even then, there was no guarantee one would even see them in such a case.

Natives refer to these years as "The Golden Age"

Tradition was set, and it began to evolve rapidly as generations grew up in such a culture. It became a solid and respected society by its denizens.

The aesthetic and appearance of the Wu-Dai is influenced heavily by Rusalkan culture due to the clearly stylized warships that makeup its composition. The Rusalkan tradition observed in the remnants of their ships through books, statues and other barren memories of their culture were taken and evolved by the many new folk who called that graveyard their home. Eventually it was built and developed into its own style which combines the tradition of many separate cultures all across Ultima Ceti

Booming gambling establishments, huge swathes of working girls and parties on every corner combined with an arena circuit renown throughout the system, intense lightboard races at break-neck speeds and a flourishing theatre and circus scene.

Fashion, music and art on the Wu-Dai have evolved differently to the system which surrounds it. To some who are not accustomed to it, it may be jarring. Many illicit to wear revealing or overly stylized clothing while the music is refined and poetic it is usually composed with hypnotic rhythms and primal female vocalists accompanied by evocative dancers.

On the surface, the Wu-Dai is a paradise. Politicians from other planets and many other important authorities in the system are a perpetual customer. They find comfort in its cannonade walls because here they can safely indulge whatever their heart desires without the expectations that their positions imply.

Behind the scenes, however, things are a little more complex.

The Wu-Dai would completely crumble without the law of the criminal underworld supporting it. Their roots go back to the first settlers and intense wars waged over many centuries have now resulted in four top clans which support, control and sustain themselves. As the Golden Ones have basically disappeared entirely, at this point, arriving to enforce their rules even more rarely than before, the families and clans were left in their stead to handle things alone.

At the top, the Redpoles, run by the cruel yet dangerously beautiful Wu Fen Gong and her Yojimbo, the 'Emerald Dragon' flaunt their control of the drug, prostitution and temporarily, the casino scene. They support and bolster this trade by regularly holding open and private orgy pits at the bath houses as well as more recently, the grand opening of the Palace Gardens Casino. The Redpole family members can be spotted by their incredibly formal attire, often coloured in reds laced with golden trims. All Redpoles don a single golden armband which sits over their clothes.

Second in power, the Mongoliad, lead by the strength and honour of the Rusalkan, Buzhou Fistfang. The Mongoliad controls the arena scene and most physical sports like lightboard racing, archery, boxing or wrestling. A clan which has consistently upheld their position by employing a great variety of legal blood-sports and athletic entertainment. A Mongoliad family member is often seen wearing green fabrics over their left shoulders.

Third in power, the Drowning Suns. Loan sharks and Modamban religious fanatics. By the will of Sungrave, a huge hulking whale of an elf in a black and white suit with a scar across his face from one corner to the next. The Drowning Suns offer protection for a price and relish in its earnings. They give and collect on loans and are the supporters of business on the Wu-Dai. They believe themselves to be direct descendants of The Golden Ones and employ this by enforcing their rules when The Golden Ones do not act, as well as making sure that outsiders behave. A member of the Drowning Suns is spotted by their silk golden raiment, taking form in either long scarves which fall behind the shoulders or see through gowns and robes.

Fourth in power, the Blue Devils. Previously lead by a blue-skinned Tiefling called Kairon, the Blue Devils held the position of the most powerful gang on the Wu-Dai due to their monopoly on the gambling scene but after the catastrophe of the last gang war rocked the Wu-Dai, their leader was killed and the gang itself crumbled to the bottom. Now lead by Mido Sakigahara, the gang is trying desperately to take any opportunity they can get to earn power once again before they are replaced by one of the desperate clans vying for their position. A member of the Blue Devils could be spotted by their cobalt and black leather jackets often depicting a blue flame burning up around them.

The four clans keep the Wu-Dai in harmony due to a combined ruling called The Velvet Council. This council is a gathering of each family head and with the help of its laws; care to not bring too much attention from the imperial navy.

A war on the Wu-Dai among criminal families and clans is unlike what one might expect. Outright combat resulting in chaos and death is illegal and enforced by powerful, mysterious entities that can not be bargained with. As such, power-struggles must be fought with deception, charisma, backstabbing and intrigue.

Alongside these rules are a collection of traditions that are honoured by locals and respecting visitors of the Wu-Dai.

Such popular traditions are as follows:

Dotting every street corner and bar are 'tribute points' which indicate a location where gold and other treasures can be offered. These tribute points have been around since the golden years and represent a common tradition to offer 35% of your earnings from any competition or gambling establishment to Modamba itself. While it is not necessarily enforced, the most respected individuals take this rule to heart.

A rule reviewed and enforced by the families and most establishments is one pertaining to the name "Wu-Dai-Shi-Guo" specifically. Those who are well respected and powerful individuals refer to the location by its full title. Those who are respected yet not necessarily top dogs would refer to it by the name "Wu-Dai-Shi" while the common folk call it the "Wu-Dai". Those who are dregs, traitors, or untrustworthy individuals are expected to refer to the location by simply "Wu" so that all those they speak to may know of their treachery.

It is a common greeting and farewell to place ones right hand over ones heart, making an M with ones fingers by pinching your middle and ring fingers to your thumb, often accompanied by the phrase "Modamba's Blessing" or "Modamba guide you"

There is also a very strong notion of polygamy and homosexuality on the Wu-Dai and it is unusual to encounter traditional relationships between individuals. It is a tradition that has been encouraged since the Golden Age and is practiced throughout society very significantly.

As well as traditions, there are also a number of superstitions.

"The Rule of Threes" states that three is an unlucky number and that any transaction, concept or coincidence that results in an event happening three times or the number three being prevalent brings bad fortune. If a transaction would normally come to 3 gold pieces, one instead is charged 2 gold pieces and 99 silver pieces. In all walks of life, one will actively not stop at three when it comes to most things and this can be observed from things both large and small across the Wu-Dai.

**Slang and Traditions:**

Chui - (Pronounced Chwey) - Translates to: Basher | Meaning: Someone who runs headstrong into trouble, someone who is forward, someone who uses intimidation, someone who is very strong but not too wise

Zhizhi - Pronounced Tsee Tsee) - Translates to: Cutter | Meaning: Someone who is an adventurer. Someone who travels a lot to make coin, Someone who is a mercenary or someone who fights for money. Usually used in relation to making money

Hundan - Translates to: Asshole

Jinu - Pronounced Jee New - Translates to: Harlot, Whore, Prostitute

Yíngjiē hēi'àn - Pronounced Ying-Jee-Hay-An - Translates to: Greeting the darkness | Meaning: Often used when talking about murder, death or anything related.

Su Ren - Translates to: Dead Man | Meaning: Used to reference someone who is doing something hopeless, or something that will never work - It can be used in a casual setting in regards to something that is not worth doing or is otherwise related.