Shōunshàng: East Asian High Fantasy in D&D rules!

About the adventure

To start, lets get a little spicy with it. I tend to run my games text-only as opposed to voice! I do this to provide a comfortable space for players who might not be so comfortable with voice acting or even their own voice itself, and allow them the space to explore identities, genders or eldritch beings they wouldn't feel comfortable voicing! Overarching themes of this game are focused on individual lives attempting to break through bureaucracy and tradition to overcome a growing threat! This setting has roots in study of the Ten Kingdoms to Song dynasties of China, but it is very much it's own (incredibly magical) thing, so you need not have to break out a history book to keep up! High fantasy with a magitech-steampunk vibe can be found within. Now, lets get onto the setting! Shōunshàng, or, the Empire of Shōunshàng. This Empire has, as far as it's people know, existed since time immemorial. What it's people know, however, is largely up to the interpretation of the central dynasty, the Yian. The nine regions under their control ostensibly serve the Central Administration, but the Administration's grip is not as iron tight as their propaganda would want you to believe. They attempt to hide rebellions behind stories of bandits and lawlessness, and to isolate local leaders who are gaining more loyalty then the Yian would prefer. Those in the know, however, realize there is some instability in the air. Generations ago, a well concealed civil war resulted in the complete destruction and sealing of a section of the Empire that has since been forgotten, which had previously served as their technological base. Since then, there has been a considerable decline in advancement and maintenance of Imperial airships and supply lines. None of this, however, is visible to the common people of the nation. If there is one thing the Yian specialize in, it is clever control of what information it's scholars release, if they release any at all. In most corners of the country, life goes on, as far as they know, as it always has. Lets get to you, though. Your background will be worked out with the DM ahead of time, with documentation prepared for the various regions, classes and castes one could hail from! This game is friendly to both veterans and new players, and will require very little advanced reading, as mostly everything will be worked out with the DM. How much you get into the background of the world can be scaled to how your character is designed. A scholar may know more about the setting if you want to know more, while a citizen of one of the regions will only know what is local to them, and be able to explore the world with fresh eyes. (and an easier background sheet for you) Feel free to ask me questions or enquire within. Character design and setting briefing time are between us!