JIhye (Zhe-yay)
The smallest nation in Xianshou, Jihye has long been known as a reclusive mountain nation of peace and wisdom. Said to have been founded around Qen Psion's final retreat, the country is led by monastic keepers of secrets both magical and psionic. Even the regular people of the land can seem to be quiet and contemplative compared to most, due to a cultural emphasis on wisdom and understanding. It didn't surprise many when the Lord of Jihye chose to stay out of the Dragon War, even while both sides actively courted the nation. Jihye course was changed forever when a power-hungry son of the Elder killed his father and older brother, assumed the throne, and announced that Jihye would join the wars on the side of the Planar powers. The nation entered into the war reluctantly, and a the stirrings of rebellion began almost immediately. The mystical powers of the nation proved incredibly potent, leading to many Xian losses until the Unification of Retto changed the state of the war. Shortly before the Resolution, rebels within Jihye struck down the usurper, claimed popular support, and switched to the side of Xian. Now Jihye is a nation in crisis. The country's actions in the war went against their own tradition and culture, yet showed a dark underside that had been held back, and many wonder why they followed the usurper so readily. Jihye is torn between those who feel the nation must do all it can to apologize for it's role in the war, and those who wish to close it off, isolating the kingdom from the outside world.
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