The Court of Emerald Eyes
The Way of Heaven
It remains up to the Shinma to protect humanity from the abuse of demons and wicked shen. This is a task that once fell into the hands of the Wan Xian but when they fell from their celestial posts, it came to be the duty of Heaven’s emissaries and protectors of the elements, the hsien. Though some accepted this punishment and duty grudgingly, all faithful hsien took up this duty. It is now the Way of Heaven to answer the prayers of mortals and to protect them from evil.
Not only do Shinma seek to protect humanity, but to guide and conserve Oriental culture and religions. In many ways, hsien gain their power from the faith and beliefs of mortals. The Westernization of Little Asia would spell doom for the Shinma, forcing them to flee or risk losing their power. Finally, the Shinma’s ties to the elements give them concern over abuse of elements: the razing of forests and even the peddling of fake metals (such as fake jewelry sold on the street as real jewelry) trouble the hsien as it always has.
All in the Court of Emerald Eyes dedicate their supernatural powers these tasks. While some Shinma, particularly the kamuii, may also guard their appropriate element from abuse, protecting humanity comes first. And they have their work cut out for them...
The Courts of Zhongguo
In Zhongguo (the Middle Kingdom: Asia), there exist a number of traditional Courts. These Courts have strongholds and influence throughout the Orient, some stronger than others in some areas. Some are considered twisted and vile, even. A Shinma in the Court of Emerald Eyes may hail from almost any of the Courts discussed in Land of Eight Million Dreams. For the most part, those hsien who come to Little Asia and join the Court will still hold loyalty to that original Court. However, the halls of hsien intrigue have almost no bearing on Little Asia. The Shinma here are free to pursue their celestial duties without distraction.
As noted, almost any Shinma Court is permitted. However, there are a few Courts whose members would be condemned (if not arrested and judged harshly) if they dared come to Little Asia. Consequently, these types are not suitable as player characters for the CoLA game:
- Daitya, the would-be gods of mortals
- Kura Sau, the slaves of the Yama Kings
- Shu Shen, the selfish rebels of hsien society
Not all Shinma must be from a Court, of course. Those who have never held a “noble” position in a Court back East are considered “Wu Hsien”.
