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Background

Surrounded by warmongering neighbors on all sides (even the seas), the peninsular Kingdom of Choson has held its own turf for centuries. Made up of tested bureaucrats and a fiercely patriotic military, the royal government carries the loyalty and support of a defensively-minded population. King Son Mujong himself is an eminent martial strategist, also beloved by the common folk of his nation. He is the face of Choson.

In the past, Choson's rival neighbors were either too divided or too underdeveloped to succeed in invading it. The Gorkani barbarians lacked the technological means of conventional warfare, as well as incentives to conquer due to their nomadic lifestyles. The clan-lords of feudal Kozakura were too invested in the internal conflicts and political intrigue of their own country.

Furthermore, Choson has always been the primary trading partner of the mainland empire of Shou Lung. This privilege has brought them special access to goods from the West. Choson also imports many aspects of culture and ideas from their more powerful and influential ally. Their relationship isn't perfect, however; the Dragon Emperor of Shou Lung does not recognize the King of Choson as an equal.

But now, the tides of change have begun to flow.

Following Empire of Kozakura has been partitioned. A coalition of separatist clans have been united under the black banners of the Lion Clan. Their forces are speared by their dictatorial Shogun, Wabunaga Oda: an undefeated samurai general who rules with an iron fist. 

This "rebel" coalition's Realm of the Rising Sun.

Meanwhile on the mainland, the imperial family of Shou Lung is pampered and reclusive, perhaps gullible and misinformed as well; who knows what lies their advisors are feeding their ears. True power over the Shou empire now lies in the hands of a corrupt bureaucracy, which grows its wealth and influence every day. The empire's trade with Choson has stagnated. Diplomatic missions from the smaller kingdom are made in vain, since the imperial government only cares about its foreign relations with the West. 

Under the current status quo, Shou Lung won't bat an eye if even its oldest allies are being threatened. Due to such a weak foreign policy, Shou Lung is now overrun with rebellious warlords, pirates, and shady international organizations like the Zhentarim. In King Mujong's mind, Choson mustn't fall to the same fate.

The wealthy expansion of global trade comes to Kara-Tur as a double-edged sword. Millions from all over the world have taken to these rich seas as prospectors: an umbrella euphemism for buccaneers, smugglers, raiders, merchants, privateers, mercenaries, et cetera. Many of these opportunists have coalesced under a new force, one which prizes fortune and skill over status— one which seeks to undermine the civilized order of law: The Jeweled Fleets.

For Choson's rulers, the bejeweled octopus banners are a challenge to their divinely-ordained authority. Severely outnumbered, Choson's Royal Navy must fight tooth and nail to defend the nation against piracy. Now being supplied by King Mujong's latest foreign ally, the Five Oceans Company, they may finally stand chance.

Choson is on its own for now, and war is brewing. Desperate times are calling for desperate measures...


Where You Come In...

Isle of Jinnae, Kingdom of Choson. Tiger Moon, 3991st year of the Celestial Calendar.

A series of violent murders have taken place across Jinnae. The anonymous killer has quite the bounty on his head: five hundred gold pieces, wanted dead or dead.

On the loose since the Rat Moon, the killer has survived by stealing from the local fishing and lumber villages scattered across the island, leaving behind a trail of blood and corpses as he goes. Then, he slips away into the shadows and cannot be found... or so the locals claim.

Irritated by his quarry's elusiveness, Governor Lee Jaemon has finally decided to call in the cavalry. On the pretext of your skill and background, the governor has invited you five soldiers of fortune to join the manhunt. His general requirements of you were:

  • A decent mercenary record, at least in recent years.
  • Not currently contracted by the royal court of Choson.
  • A complete outsider, knowing next to nothing about Jinnae until now.

For whatever reason, you have eagerly accepted the Governor's invitation. On the __ day of the Tiger Moon, you and your new comrades shall assemble in front of his estate, by the village of Haedon— no earlier, no later.

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