A panther-like Tabaxi uses their dexterous claws to work a weave, making a silken garment of vibrant red. A Luxodon scholar teaches their pupil the art and style of writing upon scrolls, passing down history that other races of Xianya have never lived through. An Arakokra clothed in gold leads a procession with the Emperor to pay respects to the ancestors in a forest of deep crimson leaves, the color of blood. This is the Xianya Dynasty.
Overview
The Xianya Dynasty has lasted nearly 300 years now, and the culture that presides within the region has lasted even longer. Those who visit the Xianya Dynasty find a land rich with beautiful jungles, mountains, and other natural wonders. Though, the Xianya didn’t rise to power because of their natural beauty. They have fortified their position on the ___ peninsula with a strong understanding of warfare of the mind as well as the sword, and it’s this vigilant persistence that draws many to Xianya’s gates seeking knowledge or aid.
This section will detail the key aspects of the Xianya Dynasty, like its races, military, economy, culture, and religions.
Races of Xianya
Races of Xianya primarily include the following:
- Aarakocra of Wilder - The Xianya Dynasty is a family of Aaracokra solidifying the Aarakocra as the ruling class of the country. They primarily make up the region’s nobles.
- Loxodon of Wilder - The Luxodon were the ruling class before the Xianya Dynasty rose to power. Because of their longer lifespan, many Luxodon still remember when the Xianya Dynasty overthrew the previous ruling class of Luxodon. Also because of their extended lifespan, Luxodon make great historians and record keepers, and make up the bulk of the middle class.
- Tabaxi of Wilder - Given the Aarakocra’s raised social status as nobility and the Luxodon’s place as scholars, Tabaxi make up the majority of the working class. Primarily, they excel in the harvesting and creation of silk: the Xianya Dynasty’s main major export.
Government
The Xianya Dynasty is ruled by a noble family with one leader who acts as emperor. There is a small council of nobility, many of whom are family to the emperor but some of whom were friends or advisors chosen specifically by the emperor. Whether or not the emperor listens to their counsel is up to the emperor. Some heed their council’s advice while also delegating tasks to each councilman. Others keep a council for the formality and the occasional party. Regardless, it’s clear that the emperor has complete control of the government.
The title of Emperor comes with some formalities and perks. First, the Xianya Emperor and their family get to reside in the Yellow Palace. The emperor is also the only citizen allowed to wear the color yellow, as it’s considered a sacred color for the emperor alone. Family members will often wear adjacent colors to the emperor’s yellow, like orange or gold.
Military
The people of the Xianya Dynasty know warfare well as they have fought and defended their homeland for thousands of years. They expertly feed and move large masses of troops quickly and effectively. They build strong fortresses and walls to defend their borders. The treacherous landscape of the Xianya Dynasty also acts as a great defense.
The Xianya Dynasty has one of the largest infantry of any military in Wilder, second only to the Ondrul Empire’s cavalry. Most of the infantry is trained to use swords and spears, but some specialize in different weapons.
The Xianya Dynasty is also an effective military because of their use of explosives. It’s used to manipulate the battlefield, collapsing bridges and caves, but also to lay ambushes or traps. They view explosives as purely supplemental rather than as a main focus, and the Xianya Dynasty is careful whose hands get ahold of Xianya explosives.
The Xianya Dynasty’s military, then, is remarkably well rounded, but where they excel more than any other military is in their use of spies. The Xianya Dynasty trains their own elite squadron of spies, but all military leaders are trained how to use spies and convert enemies into spies. It’s this spread of information that ultimately allows the dynasty to command their armies to their ultimate effectiveness. Because of the sporadic makeup of this league of spies, there is no name given to them, which only adds to their mystery.
Economy
The Xianya Dynasty produces many items for trade purposes. Some of the dynasty’s main exports include silk, rice, iron and bronze, and art. The dynasty also makes great use of trade routes all across the eastern portion of Wilder. They have a system of roads and shipping routes that allow Xianya goods to be shipped almost anywhere in Wilder.
Perhaps one of Xianya’s more overlooked economic gains is their vast array of knowledge. Books are written on Xianya’s religions and spread continentally. People travel to Xianya to pay to attend elite schools that pàrticipate of anything from the study of the arts to the creation of new technology.
Culture
The Xianya Dynasty has their fair share of traditions, too, that help them stand out from other cultures:
Religions
The Xianya Dynasty has two primary religions: