Tingzun

Tingzun is an Island nation residing south of the mainland. They are in a land conflict with their direct neighbour Kirisaka. Sworn to The Tarvalan Empire, Tingzun makes up a large majority of the Imperial naval power.

## Homeland

Tingzun is an island nation located south of the Mainland of Markoth. The island is shared with neighbour Kirisaka, who they are at war with.

The island itself is very mountainous, with mineral deposits identified in the mountains on the border. Due to this, both sides have been locked in fighting around the area.

## Races in Tingzun

Tingzun is inclusive of all races, but the racial concentrations focus primarily on Kazmir, particular Human Variants, and Merfolk, and Moonscales.

## Full Overview

Tingzun is an island nation, holding a strong naval military power, as well as a disciplined land force. They export a majority of Imperial seafood, and import a large amount of cropped supplies, which, due to the islands rocky nature, are impossible to cultivate on large scale.

The rocky nature of the island lends itself to natural defense, with enemies required to land on one of the very few guarded beaches in order to try and launch an attack on the shores. Tingzun also prides itself on being a skilled ballistics nation, with Tingzun engineers being the primary advisory to the Steward on the subject of Ballistae and catapults.

## Culture

Tingzun - inspired by Feudal Japan/China - is built on a tradition of soldiers being high ranking members of society. They value honour and courage over all, with a *''death before dishonour''* approach taken to military conflicts.

## Leadership

The Magistrate is the current leader of Tingzun, with their council and dignitaries running individual responsibilities.

Prior to the Imperial era, Tingzun was ruled by the Huangdi or Emperor, whose rule was governed by the doctrine of Tianming, “The Mandate”. The doctrine was considered a sacred and divine literature that provided legal authority to the Huangdi.  However the Mandate disclosed that when a current ruler was unworthy or incapable that they must give away their position to a more worthy individual.

When Tarvala arrived he was proclaimed Emperor through the ‘Doctrine of Tianming’ due to the abdication of the previous emperor. Tarvala still allowed the former emperor to rule the nation but with the lesser title of Magistrate, which would be passed on through the rule of primogeniture.

In parallel with the Emperor’s council sit the 5 Dragon Generals; individuals who are chosen for their combat prowess and for their strategic military capabilities.  These warriors are called upon in times of chaos and upheaval to assist the magistrate and their administration with military affairs.

Each of the 5 dragon generals are masters in one or more martial skills, and hold titles pertaining to such. Amongst these titles are the following:

Master of Spear: Zhu Qiang (Lord of the Spear)

Master of Twin swords - Zhu Er Dao (Lord of the two blades)

Master of Magic: Zhu Muo Shu (Lord of Magic)

Master of Bow - Zhu Bō (Lord of the Bow)

Master of Polearm - Zhu Guāndāo (lord of the polearm)

The title of master within the clan holds no connection to gender or other defining features as the clan recognises its warriors through their skills and respectful decorum.

## Battlefield Behaviour

Tingzun are well known for their ability to cooperate with, rally and inspire allied forces, as well as for their tenacity in battle.  Their warriors move as a shoal of killers, surrounding their enemies from multiple angles and then closing in on all sides at once bringing confusion and death before the enemy has time to turn and react.  This strategic manoeuvre is known as ‘the Dancing Dragon’.

Tingzun’s armies hold three key virtues of battle.

1.) “A Serpent is like water, always moving and constantly changing.” Tingzun warriors are known for their fluidity on the battlefield, often changing battle formations, distance and spacing mid combat, always looking for an advantageous moment to strike.

2.) “ A Serpent’s head is one with its tail” Tingzun work in sync striking the target simultaneously so enemy defeat is assured. “Hesitation from one dragon is the death of us all”.

3) “The Serpent roaring at you is not as dangerous as the dragon behind you” Tingzun move around their enemy and assist each other, striking at the back or sides of an enemy who is battling another Tingzun warrior.  Wherever possible the Tingzun move in large numbers to flank enemy battle lines, providing their allies with the opportunity to strike the crucial killing blow.

## Appearance

Colours: Red and Gold with accents of black.

Red is associated with life-generating energy (the sun, blood, and fire) and is the colour of celebrations and prosperity, but in time of war it represents noble sacrifice.

Gold is the colour of riches, nobility and good fortune, representative of Tingzun’s prosperity.

Black represents death; the penalty of those who seek to raise arms against the province shall face.

The clan’s aesthetic is Inspired by Ming Dynasty warriors and Fire Nation, It reflects their love of Serpents (Dragons), which are deeply embedded in the cultural identity of the nation.  As such their clothing is often brighter and more ornate than other sub-factions, with aspects of the Serpent featured throughout.