Shaolin Kung Fu
AKA: Lions of Tang Shao, 少林功夫
Shaolin Kung Fu is one of the oldest martial arts on the continent of Alcirya. It’s roots flow back to the time before the Great Wars of Succession and during the time of Appollonian slavery. It was during this time that 5 ‘children of Palanos’ (Sifu Huiguang, Sifu Zhong Chan Chan, Sifu Tang Shao, Sifu Huike Yan Do, Sifu Renze) discovered the word of Palanos passing through the slave encampments. Unbeknownst to their captors, these five men had begun training and teaching open handed techniques (because slaves were not able to own or use weapons) in preparation for a revolt. Hearing the Word of Palanos, they realized the time was right for rebellion and they rose up against the Appollonians. Encouraged by their success, these monks began traveling the countryside preaching the Word and liberating slave camps. When the fledgling army of Xanthios finally broke ground in, what is now the Shao Nation, their exhausted armies found a shocking surprise; the area had already been liberated! Finding the opportunity to rest before pushing the armies of Appollonia further, the armies of Xanthios made camp for 2 years in the area. After the Army of Xanthios left the area, a new government began to form. Each of the original 5 took up a territory to protect with their soldier-priests now termed ‘monks.’ 5 great temples were erected in the honor of each particular fighting style and peace was known throughout Shao Yan under the guidance and protection of the Temples. Eventually, the temples would consolidate their power as the founders died (it is claimed that they all had extraordinary life spans – 200+ years). Hong Mei (“Red Eyebrows”) was bequeathed leadership of the Shaolin Temples by the last of the Great Masters, Sifu Renze. Upon the death of Hong Mei, Chi Thien Su was named as a successor. During his reign, the temples started to factionalize and oppose his authority. It was at this time that Chu Long Tuyen officially challenged the leadership of Chi Thien Su and his Sifu, Hong Mei, claiming corruption and preaching a new teaching, that of the Tsu-Tao. Chu Long Tuyen, now Bak Mei, attacked and ‘murdered’ (this is contested by followers of Bak Mei) many of the Shaolin monks. The assault was to end after Chi Thien Su was slain by Bak Mei in single combat in defense of the Great Temple of Tang Shao. The other temples became enraged by such an action and brought the full force of their wrath against Bak Mei, destroying the clan. With the loss of Chi Thien Su chaos reigned as followers of each temple waged a war of succession. At it’s end, the Shao Province (west Shao Yan) would be established by the followers of Tang Shao who still practiced the original art of the Old 5 Great Masters. To this end, the Monks of Shaolin were given the responsibility of protection of the nation in it’s entirety and removed from governance in an attempt to keep their art pure.
In today’s Alcirya, the Shaolin Monks are the only protectors of the oppressed in a broken province. The merchant families that ‘rule’ Shao Province are losing power rapidly to brigands, thieves, and under-humans. Largely discredited by a series of Daimyos and the ruling merchant class, the Tang Shao temple and its monks continue to fight for the people of Shao Nation.
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