Goubei

The country home to the Dog clan that is split into four distinct regions of North, East, Central and South with the regions split further into territories and lands control by different clans, families and factions.

Geography

Map

Capital

Yalang is the capital and one of the oldest cities in Goubei, as well as the most populous, thanks to its proximity to the Yalang river and its trading port. Other cities dot the length of the Yalang river and its tributaries, with the south-western region being the most populous area of Goubei

Regions

Society and culture

Domestic Clans/Factions

Tanuki clan

Born from intermarriage between Rat clan sailors and Dog clan residents of Yalang, the members of the Tanuki clan were originally simply mixed-race citizens of Yalang. However, as these intermarriages became more common, the descendants of this union began to develop a distinct cultural identity. Already ostracised for their mixed heritage, an incident around 200 years ago led to their expulsion from Yalang. Most fled by boat - either to the river or the sea - and took up new lives as nomadic traders.

Tortoise clan

Members of the Tortoise clan sometimes venerate their ancestor, the Great Tortoise as a god. There are a number of monasteries across the country dedicated to him, open only to members of the Tortoise clan. They are not a recognised ethnic group, but face both veneration and, sometimes, discrimination, for their unique features.

Culture

Dog clan culture is deeply hierarchical. The greatest virtue in Dog clan culture is loyalty to one's lord, with all Dog clan members being expected to pledge their ultimate allegiance to the Silver Emperor. Paradoxically, however, members of the Dog clan nobility constantly vye amongst themselves for power. All members of Goubei's nobility claim descent (however tenuously) from the first Silver Emperor - therefore, they are all theoretically qualified to take the throne, although members of the current royal family will always be prioritised as candidates. The current ruling dynasty, Luowei, was only recently established after a protracted period of civil war following the complete collapse of the previous royal family. The Dog clan is insular, war-like, and suspicious of foreigners. Their literature and poetry prioritise tales of conflict and loyalty, and the most revered figures in Goubei's history are those who died for the sake of their lord and kingdom. The landed nobility of Goubei engage in polygamy for political reasons. Conflicts between consorts and half-siblings are common, and considered a desirable way to produce competent heirs.

Military

Dog clan military revolves around fast paced combat. Battlefields are large and forces are constantly on the move while they engage in battle. They are well known for their Pegasus riders who are known as the Cloud Knights. Paired with Wolf Knights who can take out archers make for a formidable force. This does not reduce the number of archers as they are key units in the internal conflicts. Many armies employ all three types of units with the addition of the large number of conscripted peasant soldiers. There is a lack of magical strength in their armies because of the natural resistance of the main forces.

The Council

The Council is a body within the Goubie political system originally established of the twelve greatest lords, in addition to the Emperor themselves, to preside over the succession of the Emperor. They have additional responsiblities to assist the Emperor during their rule and in times when there is no clear successor.

Council Members

Portrait	Name	Brief
	Councillor Luowei Tao	Lord of Mishui and the previous Emperor's younger brother
	Councillor Guibin Bozhi	Lord of Gangzhao
	Councillor Jinmao Huiyan	Ruler of Yong Heng Shi
	Councillor Bianmu Haoran	Father of Empress Lihua, Lord of Túnxī a man with a reputation for being fair and upright while still capable of ruthless actions in necessary times
	Councillor Xin Wangshu	Lord of Kanběi
	Councillor Songshi Xinhai	Father of Fourth Consort Songshi Dongmei, Lord of Cǎohǎi and an ambitious man
	General Zheng	A level-headed and cautious man incharge of military affairs involving foreign powers
	Councilor Shān Ri	Lord of Gènhǎi
	Councilor Gou Bó	Lord of Duinán
	Councilor Fan	A renowned general from the Dark Century turned diplomat, incharge of internal military affairs
	Councilor Gu Sù	Lord of Zuǒxun