The Xiao Family
An Earth Kingdom Legacy
Introduction
A family forged of outlaws, rogues and those on the brink of society, the Xiao family is a noble family of the Earth Kingdom founded by Run Xiao.
Table of Contents
History
In the BeginningThere are two strong origins that resulted in the creation of the Xiao family as we know it. The first and most direct is the Zhào family of nobility, who were once a prominent family of the Northern Province. They are the direct ancestors of Run Xiao and his own apprentice Longwei Xiao, and roughly fifty five years ago, they died out due to the assassination of over half of their family.
One of the survivors of this, Shan Zhào, retired to a village outside of Ba Sing Se, later dying due to the infection of a wound detailed in the biography of Run Xiao. However, his son - taught ideas like etiquette, honor and politics by his father - went on to enlist in the military without learning of this history for many years. This is where the second origin of the Xiao family enters the field, the Si Wong tribe known as the Shenqi tribe.
These people had been exterminated by the attack of bandits, but their surviving member, Raime Xotu, also enlisted in the military. Speaking of the traditions and values of his tribe to Run, the two often debated and exchanged information, and when he passed away, Run swore on his grave to preserve his memory.
Problem Children
Though the founding of the Xiaos was in Run Xiao and the two cultures he carried with him, what brought them to be more than just him and perhaps a wife or some kids was his siblings. The first of these was Haiki, son in all but name of Raime Xotu and the Mayor of Kyoshi, Fae; Haiki was an extremely powerful Earthbender who had learned from various cultures, but he was an arrogant, violent man who had nowhere to call home.
Run swore on the grave of Raime to create a family of legends, an oath he had repeated since his passing, and in Haiki he saw the first of these. He offered him a home and honor, and in Run, Haiki saw someone worthy of that. Thus, Haiki became the first Xiao since Run. However, Run was not content with only a single warrior.
Receiving reports of the death of a soldier and a serial killer on the loose, Run found the girl known as Xonuh in an alleyway, pondering death. He made no threats and bore neither weapon nor armor, and when exposed to the killing intent of a trained warrior, he smiled. That day, he took in the second Xiao, Xonuh Xiao, and his family became more a group of siblings than the exalted thing he once imagined.
Alongside these two warriors, he brought in his own war comrade, Li Jin, and his fiance, Malin Lai, establishing what is known as the ‘first generation’ of the Xiao family.
The Split
Though the Xiao family is large, at the fullness of its capacity even now, there were once even more. Haiki was a loved and social man, after his first years, and under him, a branch of the family - the Xotus - swelled to as large as the rest of the family. This created a rift in itself, and one day, it became a true and violent clash.
A bandit had fled Hami Village a murderer, and he sought sanctuary in the safety of Fort Shenqi, which is sacred grounds to the Xiaos. Though disliking the man and offering him the bare minimum, Run allowed it as was detailed in the Code. However, Haiki was not the same man Run was; he was propelled by a righteous anger and killed the man, and when confronted, he broke Run’s leg at the cost of his own eye, banished from the family.
The Xotu family under Arusakie is this family, expelled from the Xiaos but no longer hated.
Traditions
TattoosThe Xiaos believe in rite of passage tattoos, marking a particular oath or way of life: only the leaders of the family - the head and branch leaders - can permit the giving of a tattoo, and once you have taken up that mark, something drastic has to be done to remove it; the loss of a limb, scarring of skin or similar, the kind of act that proves your conviction to change. Tattoos can also be utilized as temporary symbols or warpaints, but these still require the authorization of a family leader.
Some such tattoos include but are not limited to;
An innately militant family, the Xiaos see being armed and ready as a sacred thing; a symbol of their respect to their own kin that has died and respect to their founder, who is a warrior. They are expected to have a weapon on them at almost all times, at the very least in public, and when it is not socially acceptable, they try to carry at least a shield.
When a war happens, it is expected for there to be a Xiao in the military. Anything less is a betrayal of the founder, and it is also a disrespect to the many that have served as Captains or even Generals. In addition to this, the Xiaos also firmly believe in contribution in any way; if they have spare funds, it goes to the military in war, and they are among the more known donors of materials for things like armor.
The Code
Though an admittedly simple code, the Xiaos have a set of nigh-absolute rules that the breaking of can result in violence or expulsion from the clan. This is;
1 - The killing of defenseless people will result in expulsion from the family, decided by a branch leader or the family leader
2 - The code will be obeyed above the orders of any monarch, ruler or leader. Anything less will result in expulsion from the family.
3 - Blood ties may let someone be recommended to the family, but in the end, they are not a Xiao unless they swear to the code.
4 - Regardless of any personal grudge, Fort Shenqi is sacred grounds: even the most hated will find truce there or risk expulsion from the family.
5 - Each branch may develop their own branch code, but even they cannot break the code. Only a consensus of the leader and all branch leaders may alter the code.
Fort Shenqi & Oath
The estate of the Xiaos is very important to their culture. This is tied into their founding; it is the former ancestral grounds of the Shenqi tribe, and it is where Run Xiao buried his friends and requested to be buried. This fortress is an absolute truce area where even those outside of the family are expected to be given hospitality or at least not harmed.
When you adopt a Xiao into the family, they are expected to swear an oath at the entrance to Fort Shenqi;
Do you, (y/n), swear by your honor and life to defend the Code and the Xiaos, to remember the words of your predecessors and pass down words to your successor?
Do you, (y/n) take the title of Xiao and swear to carry it with pride, in rain and storm and sun and pain?
If you do, then I name you a Xiao. You are severed from the chains of your nation, race, past blood and all other things, if they burden you.
Ceremonies and Events
Duel of the SpiritsA Xiao family tradition of combat devoid of bending, it is traditionally done between people wishing to settle a dispute or someone graduating from an apprenticeship; the two are given weapons and a mask that they see as reflecting themselves and expected to duel with both words and blades.
This originates from the belief that covering one’s mask - becoming faceless - creates a gap between you and your opponent and lets you face them with less of the bias you may give to someone you know closely.
Four Seasons Ceremony
A form of tea ceremony meant to represent the four elements and four seasons, it is a very prestigious event practiced only among family members or welcoming a guest of prestige, such as a spiritual or military leader. Only the family leader and branch leader may approve someone’s right to hold a ceremony, and those with permission to perform it are given the honorary title of ‘tea master’.
It starts with the brewing of matcha, symbolic of the earth and spring, which is presented alongside fresh fish - which are most common in the spring - or in the case of either party being vegetarian or vegan, golden carrots that have received plenty of sunlight. When presented, the brewer will bow once and address the receiver by their formal title and some form of honored address (‘Sir’, ‘Shifu’, ‘Lord’, etc.).
Following this, they present jasmine tea, symbolic of fire and summer, alongside a gift to the receiver of the ceremony. This is often some form of weapon or ore, though on occasion it may be something more personal. After that, the receiver will be given time to relax and gain appetite, whereas the brewer will freshly brew the next two seasons’ teas.
After an intermission, they will present ginseng tea, symbolic of air and summer, alongside a choice of fruit, often apple or watermelon, which is intentionally light. While the receiver remains hungry and refreshed, the brewer will offer a prayer to the spirits who preside over nature and ask for them to protect the receiver.
Finally, alongside stew and bread, white tea, symbolic of water and winter, will be given. This will mark the end of the presentation of food and drink, but the brewer will then offer hospitality to the receiver and invoke the protection of the Xiao ancestors, often the ‘first generation’ - Haiki, Xonuh, Run, Malin and Li Xiao - as they bow and introduce themselves.
A tea master will be granted the Mark of the Wise.
War of Words
A competition requiring at least two people and large amounts of alcohol, this is a competition of poetry and boasting. It begins with each competitor introducing themselves as humbly as possible, and each person takes turns offering a poetic boast.
Whenever someone else makes an even grander claim, the past boaster/s (roughly half the list of competitors if there is more than 2 players) drink. If one makes a boast and it is deemed unworthy or poorly written, they are expected to take a drink. Eventually, once their opponent/s black out drunk, the final poet is judged victorious and is given a token of honor by each other participant, often some simple trinket, ore or weapon.
Though sometimes used to be a challenge of honor, the War of Words is often done during celebrations.
Ritual of Inheritance
A celebratory festival performed only in Fort Shenqi and only when a new Family Leader or Branch Leader is appointed, it is a seven-day event where all Xiaos are expected to attend unless some extreme reason is provided. During this, large amounts of food and drinks are consumed, competitions are held and offerings are given to the spirits and ancestors.
On the first day, gifts are given to the inheritor and their predecessor - whether dead or simply retired - is honored. It is traditional to have a tea master perform a Four Seasons Ceremony for the inheritor, and all present Xiaos introduce themselves to the inheritor, even if they know them.
On the second and third day, oaths are sworn to the inheritor and the fortress itself, and the graves in the fortress are each honored. These are not, however, meant to be solemn days.
On the fourth day, spring and earth are honored with offerings to the spirits of agriculture and past monarchs, while on the night of the fourth day, it is considered unlucky for anyone of age to be sober after the sun falls.
On the fifth day, summer and fire are honored, competitions of martial nature held and ancestors remembered. During the fifth day, if the sun is out, one is expected to be outside.
On the sixth day, fall and air are honored, poetry exchanged and wisdom given, while avatars are remembered. The sixth day is a day of fasting, with the members eating only honey and berries.
On the seventh day, winter and water are honored, life of all forms being celebrated. During the seventh day, food and drink are open to all and it is considered highly auspicious to propose to someone on the seventh day of a Ritual of Inheritance.
Festival of Blood and Oaths
A celebration for a single day and night to honor a new member of the Xiaos that has taken the Oath. During this event, the oathtaker is allowed a single tattoo by the leader who took them in if they desire it, and stores of food, drink and gifts are opened freely. Because it is seen as a new lease on life, Fort Shenqi is covered in lanterns and torches for the day, a ‘day where no darkness is allowed’.
As a sort of hazing for the new members, a War of Words is almost always initiated on the night of the Festival between the member and someone else, if they are allowed to drink.
Soul Ink Rite
An event initiated when a member of the Xiaos is given a formal tattoo, the artist will take the receiver into an empty room while they perform the actual tattoo, and during this time, any present members and affiliates of the family are expected to celebrate as intensely as possible. This is often accompanied by duels, alcohol consumption and debates. Once the tattoo is finished, the receiver will exit the room and unveil their new mark, swearing whatever oath it implies before all.
Lifestyle
TrainingA daily component of the Xiao lifestyle is being prepared for combat; it is seen as a spiritual thing, to train and hone yourself, and in this, there are many ways to go about it. Oftentimes, if there is a group of or including Xiaos, they will practice, spar and exercise together with that group.
Archery training and bending training are a key component of this, aiming to be able to hone these skills to the point of being useful in battle. Occasionally competitions will spring up from this, seeing who can hit the farthest shot or perform the swiftest chain of bending moves.
Gear Preparation
Another common Xiao act is to prepare gear - to polish swords, gather up armor, ready arrows. Doing this daily is seen as something akin to daily religious ceremonies, fulfilling what is expected of you as a member of the family, and it is not unusual for any Xiao household to include a luxurious armory.
This does not only extend to basic weapon gathering or maintenance; craftspeople and even scientists are valued in this, and the founder was known to have a soft spot for those who gathered and experimented with explosives such as gunpowder.
Challenging Yourself/"Feats"
The founder of the Xiaos believed that growth was an important part of living well. One such thing he encouraged because of this was feats of various different kinds. Just as his lifestyle was varied and his family diverse, he encouraged all manners of self-challenging. Some examples detailed within Xiao tradition;
Feats of wisdom such as surpassing designs of architecture or writing something impressive - something worthy of bragging among even the most erudite.
Feats of valor such as fighting one of the Sand Sharks that prowled Si Wong or leading a charge across a battlefield - the kind of accomplishment to boast among drunken soldiers.
Feats of might such as defeating a powerful foe or refining a combat technique - an act that even duelists could appreciate.
This is not just simply encouraging competition: it is sacred to the Xiaos to do better, to aim past yourself and push yourself in whatever way you think you can do so. This ambition is taught by the leaders of the family and encouraged through gifts or noble ranks, offering glory to the most successful.
Faith
As a collective, the Xiaos have very little spiritual beliefs, encouraging diversity. However, tied strongly to the Si Wong desert, it is common for them to believe in the pantheon of gods that are said to have placed down the great rock, and many believe in spirits of harvest and the land.
The only solid piece of belief they have is a form of ancestor worship; the militant culture of the Xiaos is deeply tied to a belief in honoring predecessors and earning their protection. Graves are tended to with religious fervor, and to be respected among even enemies is seen as the ‘ideal’ of the family.
As a whole, religious ceremonies are often personal and simple prayers to gravestones or similar. Often, ancestors are invoked during a challenge or war.
Design and Attire
Xiao ConstructionDue to their roots in Sandbender/Si Wong culture, traditional Xiao buildings include forms of sandstone and red sandstone. Jungle and oak wood are their preferred woods for design, sourced from the influx of jungle wood during the age of Fort Taron and the forests near Fort Shenqi.
Leaves, vines and overall life are often seen in their constructs, alongside ores and precious materials due to the wealth of the clan.
Clothing and Accessories
Though insistent on freedom to wear what you desire, the Xiao family does have a few traditional articles of clothing and accessories that their members may wear. These are usually the favored outfits of past members or similar.
The most common of these is the Shenqi Headband, once worn by Raime Xotu and then passed down to Run Xiao. It is worn in memory of the fallen Shenqi tribe and in honor of the past, symbolic of survival in the harsh Si Wong desert where no crops grow and harsh fauna thrive.
Second to this is proof of the cultural variation of the family, an article known informally as Kyoshi Armor but passed down as the Memory of Raime; a set of darkened metal armor resemblant of those of the Kyoshi warriors, though not exactly. Due to the association of it to the honor of its past members, you need the approval of a family leader of the Xiao or Xotu family to wear this. Past wearers include Raime and Haiki Xotu, alongside Nakota Fan Xiao, though these three wore it before it became part of the culture.
Masks are a tradition among the Xiaos, given to anyone who chooses to partake in a Duel of the Spirits as proof of whatever it is they fight for and representation of themselves. Examples of this include an ivory white-and-green fox mask worn by Run Xiao, a clay dragon mask worn by Longwei Xiao and a pure white mask with only one eye and a red stain worn by Zera Xiong (formerly Zera Xiao).
Xiao Family
Nation of Origin:
Earth Kingdom Element:
Earth Social Status:
Nobility Location:
Fort Shenqi, Lower Si Wong Desert
Members
Family Leader: Run Xiao
