Dong

Description: Dong and Dong Xiao have been strongly influenced by the Empire of the Sun. Much of its human inhabitants come from the empire and most still serve it in some form. The towns and governing of Dong is undertaken in a manner similar to the Empire with a small royalty being payed to both Alphatia and the Empire. The island itself is relatively flat and covered mostly in farming lands, predominatly rice paddies. The island has three villages Tangkak, Petoh and Nenasi, each controlled by a Damiyo who answer to the Shogun. A township, Temerloh, established to support the Shogun's court exists on the eastern shore of the island. This small town is also home to the School of the Katana, where a sword master recides and teaches. Dong Xiao's only building complex is a large outpost for Xeng Shu warriors protecting this corner of the empire from Alphatian pirates. The outpost was established when the Empire last invaded and was allowed to remain for the payment of a small royalty. The base answers to the Shogun, who uses it to protect Dong from pirates and unregistered traders. Notable Sites: On Dong the most impressive site is the Shogun's township, with its unique Xeng architecture. The three most impressive buildings within are the Shogun's palace, the School of the Katana and the Temple of O-Wata-Tsu-Mi, the sea god. History: Originally Dong and Dong Xiao were part of the Empire, being a staging block from which the empire launched its southern attacks on the Seven Kingdoms and western attacks on Thothia. However with the creation of Alphatia, the Empire has been pushed back until it only truly controls Dong Xiao. The Shogun of Dong has discovered some of the joys of being part of Alphatia and so does not always act as quickly or with as much vigour as is expected by the Empire. Cultural Notes: Only Dong is noted here, as Dong Xiao is a pure military base. Dong has many of the cultures and customs of the empire of Xeng Shu. While it is not expected that anyone not of the empire know these customs, they are also treated poorly often ignored for service and always suspected of crimes they are accused of. This has lead many to believe Dong to be a hostile city, but those that make the effort, are said to enjoy the different culture that Dong represents. Dress, architecture, the common language and food are all Xeng Shu is origin with little attempt in the dry part of the city to integrate the rest of the Alphatian culture. (Player’s note: This is deliberatly vague as the intention is to make Dong a very foreign port. Consider Dong to be similar to the culture established in Legend of the Five Rings or feudal Japan.) However Dong’s city has spread into its bay, and today much of it is floating. Rafts and small skiffs are the common means of transport along its water streets. Here the edges between the Xeng Empire and Alphatian culture are more blurred with many bars and taverns catering to both cultures. In this part of town, a Xeng warrior can well be seen drinking next to a Thothian merchant or Alphatian corsair. Here much of the trade is done, at all times of the day and night. Dong’s floating city is truly the city that never sleeps.