Original Link (now dead) - http://www.zogblaster.com/tweb/asherons-call/heritagegroups/sho/sho_content_general.htm
Sho Introduction
| The SHO are a people for whom duty and self-discipline are the highest virtues. Though generally peaceful, they have raised warfare to an art form and a philosophy. While they are slow to be moved, they make formidable enemies - or lifelong friends. The Sho have long been geographically separated from most other cultures. Now, on Dereth, they find themselves in unexpectedly close quarters with the Aluvians and the Gharu’ndim. |
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HISTORY In the beginning (the Sho believe) a divine Creator made three divine spirits, the Elders, to rule the world: the Unicorn of Grace, the Firebird of Splendor, and the Dragon of Power. Humans were created as servants to the Unicorn of Grace. But when mankind forcibly rose above his station, Grace left the world and was hidden, Splendor fled and became elusive, and the now-jealous Dragon of Power became a treacherous ally. This, the wise say, explains much about the world.
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Two centuries ago, the Emperor Kou rose to power in Ryujii. Though he was only 15 when he took the throne, the devout Jojiist knew his destiny was to unite the war-torn Sho under his banner. Iiwah he took by force, invading with a massive fleet; Chiran-tou he took by peace, marrying the daughter of its ruler and moving his throne there. Then, he quickly began reforming Jojiism and encouraging its spread. Thus began the Kou dynasty, and the Sho people were at last unified under one Throne and one vision. |
| The Sho today still enjoy the stability brought by the Kou Dynasty. Monasteries and temples provide a solid foundation of education and training for the populace; they are, aside from the Throne, the true powers in society. However, old rivalries still remain, mostly split along the faultlines of the three Elders and their associated Jojiist principles. There are also increasing rumors of secret groups loyal only to the Dragon, people who despise both Jojiism and the Kou Dynasty. Meanwhile, trade has begun in earnest with the Gharu’ndim and the Milantos, the two nearest kingdoms, and the Sho are growing increasingly aware of the vast lands beyond their borders. The Sho are the most recent people to arrive on Dereth Isle. Surprised to find themselves so close to cultures considered far away at home, they have largely kept to themselves, pouring their energies into building up their towns and defending against marauding monsters. But some wonder: as more Sho arrive, how will they adapt? Will old rivalries continue? Will the foundations of wisdom survive, and grow? |
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THE FOUR STONES OF JOJII When the prophet Jojii received his vision from the Unicorn in Paradise, he learned of the path laid out by the Creator to reach it. This path is built of four principles, or "Stones", which devout Jojiists seek to obey in all aspects of their life. According to the prophet’s teachings, the door to Paradise will open to those who build themselves upon the Four Stones of Jojii:
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