Sho

The Sho are a people for whom duty and self-discipline are the highest virtues. Normally peaceful, they have nonetheless raised warfare to an art form.
The Sho view the world in terms of absolute, universal laws. Their guiding principles are represented by the three Elder Spirits: the Unicorn of Grace, the Firebird of Splendor, and the Dragon of Power. They speak succinctly and regard other peoples with suspicion, but a Sho friend is a friend for life.
For centuries, the lands of the Sho were divided between three kingdoms: Ryujii, the Land of the Dragon; Iiwah, the Land of the Firebird; and Chiran-tou, the Land of the Unicorn. It was not until 1046 RC that the Kou Dynasty united the three kingdoms under one banner, founding the Empire of Sho.
The modern Sho Empire is ruled by the Koutei Kou-la, who supports and maintains the many social reforms put in place by her mother Kou-an.  The Koutei rules from the capital in Ryujii, and is paid fealty by the rulers of Iiwah (Ou Gan Lao-gan) and Chiran-tou (Ou Ming).  Each kingdom is divided into a number of provinces, each ruled by a Kun-Chueh who acts as regional governor.  These provinces are in turn divided into prefectures, which are further subdivided into districts.  Each prefecture is ruled by a Ta-Chueh, and the ruler of a district is titled a Shi-Chueh or Nan-Chueh depending on the size and wealth of their holdings.  Individual settlements are ruled by a Jo-Chueh.  Individual families are headed by a Jinin, who represents the family's interests and petitions the local Jo-Chueh in times of need.

Titles of Nobility

Title	Meaning	Area of Influence
Koutei	Emperor	Empire of Sho (Nation and Vassals)
Ou	King	Kingdom (Single Nation)
Kun-Chueh	Governor	Province (4,500-10,000 sq. mi.)
Ta-Chueh	Prefect	Prefecture (1,500-4,000 sq. mi.)
Shi-Chueh	Magistrate	District (400-2,000 sq. mi.)
Nan-Chueh	Magistrate	District (100-500 sq. mi.)
Jo-Chueh	Lord	Settlement
Jinin	Head of Household	Extended family

Encompassed species

• Human

Related Items

• Feathered Razor