Guanyin Dynasty

The Guanyin Dynasty is the ruling imperial bloodline of Kun'lao. Hailing from the Imperial Capital, the Guanyin Family is one of the longest ruling bloodlines in The Prisma. Although most of these claims come from mere legend, the Guanyin Family is fabled to be of Deva blood, descending from a Deva known as the Heavenly Sovereign. Although they are not traditionally fighters, they are nonetheless an extremely influential lineage in Prisma.

History

Legend says that the Guanyin Family originates from a warrior empress, the child of a Deva known as the Heavenly Sovereign and a human. Known as the Emerald Empress, this half-Deva managed to unite the 1111 islands that make up Kun'lao and end a period of great bloodshed. Despite these territories being made up of numerous cultures and philosophies, the Emerald Empress and her children managed to establish rule afterwards through heavenly decree, founding the Guanyin Dynasty.

Heavenly Sovereign's Daughter became the first empress, and over the generations there would be many emperors and empresses. It is said that the first few emperors of Kun'lao ruled a golden age unlike anything Prisma would ever witness. However, in this golden age, the nobility of Kun'lao would grow soft and selfish. The rich and powerful wished to expand the borders of the empire, but conflicts with the spirits and Devas prevented Kun'lao from expanding. Unfortunately, it was under Guanyin IV's rule where The Shattering would occur.

Despite being partly responsible for The Shattering, the Guanyin Family persistsed. In the Second Era, the Imperial Capital managed to usher in another priod of great stability alongside the 8 Heavenly Cities. The Third Era saw Guanyin XXIV assassinated by a cult known as the Order of the Scorpion, an organization which sought to bring about a demon invasion in Kun'lao. It was led by the tyrant known as Guan Zhou, who named himself emperor and ruled for nearly a century. However, a band of heroes eventually discovered that the previous emperor had sired an illegimate child. This child would work alongside these heroes to defeat the descendents of Guan Zhou, ushering a period of peace.

The fourth and fifth era saw the Guanyin bloodline continue. The current head of the throne is Guanyin XXXIV.

Culture

The Guanyin Family has numerous traditions associated with itself. The family usually marries other Imperial Royalty, with the exception usually being some person of influence from one of the Core islands of Kun'lao. Ruling monarchs are expected to have many children, to ensure the continuation of the bloodline. The Emperor is head of state, but does not have the immense power one would typically associate with a monarch. The emperor really only rules the Imperial Capital, with Kun'lao otherwise existing as more of a confederation. Many other islands in Kun'lao may even have their own kings or emperors. What separates the Emerald Emperor from any other emperor, however, is that the monarch of Guanyin is a religious figure, someone seen as a universally divine being in Kun'lao culture. The Imperial Capital collects from all islands in Kun'lao, and then uses their army of bureacrats and the imperial senate to properly decide how funds are redestributed to other islands. The amount of soft power needed to properly rule as monarch in such a system requires immense expertise, even if the senate helps them maintain a relatively stable amount of political stability as well.

The Guanyin Family live rather wealthy lives. They mostly interact with other imperial nobles, senators, or the Yuan Monks who accompany them. The Emperald Guard serve as bodyguards and personal assassins for the Guanyin as well, with individuals among both groups often fostering strong relationships. They are typically well-educated, and well-versed in all manner of expertise needed to rule Kun'lao. Any child of the emperor can theoretically rule, with the next in line being decided through the emperor simply announcing who they feel is best fit to lead. It is not uncommon for there to be battles of succession, with different Heavenly Cities and senators favoring different potential future emperors.