Setting Details

The Crystal Chrysanthemum

Submitter: Fenris
Description: A fictional Asian-style setting. The Zhong Empire is a land of peace, united under the benevolent eye of the divine Emperor Xao. Peasants toil happily to provide for their betters, who in turn offer their subjects security and stability. Although this rosy picture rarely coincides with reality, all at least publically subscribe to this ideal. As all bodies are united under the Zhong Empire, all souls are united in the study of Zheling, a quasi-religion that teaches the apparent contradictions of social and spiritual harmony and individual potential. It is said that those who truly understand the Dao-Zheling are capable of manifesting superhuman power, but rarely find reason to. The story revolves around Gan Tong, a peasant who without any special training nonetheless demonstrates the power of the most enlightened monks. Many peasants Empire-wide acclaim the prodigy almost as a messiah whose innate power makes it obvious that he should be emperor, while those interested in preserving the status quo condemn his lack of training and discipline. These political upheavals, however, are only seen as obstacles to Gan, who is truly only interested in winning the love of Princess Li Yuan Xao. Assassination attempts, psychic duels, accusations of treachery, and perhaps tragedy for both Gan himself and bystanders follows in his wake as he pursues his love. Gan's greatest tragedy may be in finding that Li's love is more a result of his psychic influence than anything genuine, though it would require an incredible act of will and discipline for Gan to refuse his gift and turn away from his desire.