Why traditional/herbal medicine?
Unlike most potions, ethers, remedies, and panacea that are mass produced on the markets, the medicines and remedies offered at Shingetsu are made for everyday consumption to naturally strengthen one's body overtime. They are more akin to health supplements, vitamins, and other consumables that would aid in a healthy lifestyle.The goal is to strengthen the body and health in a more preventive way rather than a reactive way like those found in the common marketplace. Make no mistake, they can be used to help recover from more serious ailments as well, but it would take longer.Where these remedies lose in matters of quickness, they make up for in reach where even magic cannot help one's body. As well as accessibility, even more common folk can afford such treatments.
On Aetherial Healing
None can deny that aetherial healing is a quick and convenient way to bolster one's natural recovery, but it cannot cure what the body itself can't. Healing and purification will only aid one's life force and what the target body can handle itself. While a skilled healer can attempt to even surpass the impossible, they cannot save someone who's suffering from ailment their body cannot naturally recover from alone or have had their life force depleted. By strengthening the body's ability to combat illness, one might even say aetherial healing's reach benefits from traditional herbal practices. Powerfully potent healers are also rare and for those who require constant care or lack funds to pay for such services one should look towards other options. There is also those who have peculiarities or sensitivity around such bursts of aether. For them, we recommend traditional forms medicines and treatments or alchemy.
Who are the Shingetsu?
After the party finally brought down the traitor of the original Wàngyuè [望月] sect, Fuzi, and saved "Yugen" from being left behind on the collapsing mountain side, "Yugen" formed the Shingetsu along side Cota and Katsu. Their purpose simple, to provide traditional Far Eastern medicines and treatment developed by the long fallen Wàngyuè. As well as develop new formulas and treatments to prevent tragedies like what happened to the Wàngyuè from happening once more.
The Shingetsu travel all over The World giving away and vending traditional Far Eastern herbal medicines, Far Eastern oddities, and surplus supplies from the Mangetsu lands while making further connections with other parties in trade. On occassion the Shingetsu will offer support or accept request of sponsorship to organizations or individuals requiring aid or consultations.
The actual name of the group is Xinyue [新月], however the name Shingetsu was adopted to match the more familiar language of Hingashi's trade port, Kugane.
Who are the Mangetsu?
Long ago, during a time long before Doma, was a the sect known as Wàngyuè nestled in the karsts and lands north of The Dragon's Mouth. Known for their skills in creating potent “miracle” medicines, the Wàng were seen as a 'benevolent' group of mystical 'divine creatures'. Emphasizing with the poor and those lacking strength of their own, they often appeared randomly to other nearby spoken, offering medicines or teachings of their sect for little to nothing in return.
However, this seemingly benevolent sect of auspicious folk were not without their woes. Many knew of their skirmishes with their sister sect, Shùo. As well as the all out war between the two that eventually came, lasting some sennights. However, what none know is how both sects seemed to seemingly completely vanish over night during such events. Left to time and obscured by history, hundreds of cycles later they fell to rare myth and legend.
Hundreds of years later from their fall, on a day roughly twenty-five or so cycles ago during the invasion of Doma as well as the march on various other parts of Othard by the Garlean Empire saw some refugees discovering the long abandoned main estate of Wàngyuè. Take by overgrowth, falling apart, and some even completely destroyed--yet it was better than nothing. The refugees settled, taking what they could to rebuild and hide away in some parts.
[OOC] Frequently Asked Questions
How does someone get involved with the Shingetsu?
Just walk up and roleplay with us! We're a pretty laid back group. As long as you're not purposely causing issues to be malicious out of character we typically respond (assuming we see it)!
How do you join the Shingetsu or Far Eastern Fables?
We are a very story focus group. To join us you must present a well enough hook and reason to do so. Please note that upon first meetings characters aren't always going to immediately sympathize with your's. It's not that we're not interested out of character, but it's hard for someone to latch on to someone they just met for no reason! Additionally, you are the mover of your own joy. Do not expect the leader/officers to handhold you to all your roleplay. Go out there and start writing stories!
What is the main focus of the Shingetsu and Far Eastern Fables?
The Shingetsu is a subsect of the Mangetsu that specializes in traditional Far Eastern Medicines, healing, and warding techniques. It's heavily based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and other forms of more traditional Asian herbal remedies (such as Kampo and Hanyak). The idea stems from game lore in which traditional medicines are used oppose to healing aethers and refined alchemies to empower the body itself in resisting ailments.
Far Eastern Fables got its name from the fact that the founders write stories of their Far Eastern characters (such as Yugen and Cota) and stories of their western or otherwise characters (such as Katsu) in the Far East. That doesn't mean you have to be a character from the Far East or a western character traveling there to join, but a majority of the events we hold will be about the Far East, markets, or festivals. Focus on the 'Fables' part of the free company name!
I read on the rules that Warriors of Light aren't allowed?
For continuities sake, we do not allow major NPCs or MSQ canon equivalent WoLs. If you do roleplay as the canon WoL, you are still free to RP with us--however we prefer you keep your more 'intense' escapades to yourself. Story writing gets really difficult when three seperate individuals are roleplaying as /THE/ WoL in the same room at the same time while not being an active party of WoLs, but have all experienced the same thing alone themselves. (Not to mention a bit awkward...)
Additionally, we are low to medium powered characters. For every 'buff' your character has we expect to see a 'debuff' of equal value. Contrary to popular belief (looking at Mr. 6k year old dragonman) we are not a high powered company that caters to individuals who simply want to power fantasy through stories. You are welcome to do such elsewhere! However it is not our cup of tea. Your character will struggle when they are met with difficulties, grow stronger when they triumph over them, and live with the living story and world around them. Otherwise it wouldn't really be an interesting story! (In our opinion at least.)
I don't want to join, but I do want to host/write stories with the group, can I?
Of course! Just note that our rules need to apply to your stories and you will have to use our dice system. It is a bit different from what most are used to, but it was picked to keep things simple while giving enough variation in outcomes. You fail, you give and take, or you succeed.
For more information you can contact us on discord!
