Jianghu

From the introduction to Rivers and Lakes:

'Rivers and Lakes' is a literal translation of the Chinese term 'Jianghu'. It describes a world, superficially similar to historical China. In 'wuxia' stories, which concern honour, love and above all combat, the Jianghu is the setting for the story. This world does not correspond to any particular period in Chinese history, although the problems it has may echo those of the past or current events. It is a fantasy world, where practitioners of martial arts reach heights of ability that are simply impossible in the real world. Magic, whatever form it may take, is real. Figures from myth and legend may be present in the world and taking an active interest in events. The details vary from Jianghu to Jianghu, and usually no more than one work takes place in a particular world.

These stories are often about journeys, or feature people who live outside normal society. The events mostly take place in small villages, forests and other wild areas, or around fortresses and army camps. Cities, palaces or courts are generally distant; somewhere to travel to or to escape from. The country is almost always going through a period of turmoil- reflecting unstable periods from China's history- but the extent and type of turmoil varies. It is generally assumed that law and order has broken down to the extent that groups of bandits can operate largely free of interference. Some of the problems the country faces may be internal, the result of a change in dynasty or the legacy of a weak ruler. Some may be external, where China is undermined economically or militarily by an aggressive foreign power. This lawlessness creates many problems, particularly for those with little stake in the eventual outcome of the conflict but who cannot escape its influence. Corruption is endemic. Governors use their soldiers and the threat of the king's armies to keep the local populace in line. Warlords grab territory by force and oppress the peasants within it.

Morality is generally absolute in these stories. A person is either good or evil. Good people are honourable, humble, courageous, and generous. Evil people are mendacious, manipulative and self-serving. This does not mean that the story is an epic conflict between two utterly opposed sides. Two people who are 'good' can still be implacable enemies- generally because their individual conceptions of honour or good are so at odds. A man who believes that the country must be brought under military rule to restore the rule of law may fight with a woman who believes that the peasants should be left to life their lives without paying taxes to a distant ruler. Both may agree on what is right and wrong in theory, but may fight to the death over the best way to achieve what is right. Good people can also be bound by ties of loyalty to evil people- for example a noble captain may be subject to the orders of a corrupt general. Some people cross from one extreme to the other, often as a result of a major plot point. However, there are no principal characters in the story who live as a shade of grey between good and evil.

Historical accuracy should not be high on your list of priorities when playing this game. Little details can be used to help set the mood and add verisimilitude to the story, but the game should not be some sort of history test. Use as little or as much detail in the world as you like.

The parent background is: China.

[ edit this ]