The Isles:
A collection of islands linked more by common culture and racial markings than any overriding political affiliation, The Isles is simply a loose affiliation of island villages and fishing communities. A strong sense of independence, and a near total lack of conventional morality has kept The Isles more or less free from foreign domination for over two hundred years. While foreign aggressors have tried to conquer the Isles in the past (most notably Arkhal during its age of seaward expansion), the people of The Isles simply outlived occupation by surrendering immediately, and then quietly killing the invaders over time. When faced with domination, the typical Islander will simply shrug, go about his business, and then kill the invader while he�s vulnerable. This slow, quiet, and inevitable sense of violent independence also tends to prevent individual village leaders from claiming kingship over all of The Isles; they know what happens to people who try to control Islanders against their wills.
Of particular exception in recent history, was the rise of the martial artist Xi Wen. An exile from Hinjan, Xi Wen came to The Isles and offered to teach his violent combat style to all who had the strength to train. This violent, weaponless, and individual fighting technique had broad appeal to the people of The Isles, and soon, thousands were training in Xi-Wen�s dojo on Something Island. Xi-Wen then invited this fighting force to join him in the destruction and plunder of his home nation of Hinjan. Promising glory, riches, and an easy victory, he easily swayed the closest thing to an army that had ever been created in The Isles. Over two thousand Islanders followed Xi Wen to Hinjan, and, at first, they were quite successful there. Unfortunately for the Islander army, both the followers of Wang Kai Wu, Xi Wen�s old master, and the Champions of the Shining Host bolstered the armies of Hinjan. The Islander army was defeated, and Xi Wen himself was slain in a duel with Wang Kai Wu. Xi Wen�s remaining followers trickled home to The Isles, and although the Something Island dojo still exists, few bother to train there anymore, as most of the true masters are dead. |
