Global Project vol. 4 - Louyang
12/23/2004
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This Time, We`ll be Introducing the Chinese Themed Map.
Following the Japanese themed map, Amatsu, and the Taiwanese
themed map, Kunlun, comes the city of Louyang, the Chinese themed map!
While Kunlun features a city floating in the sky and mythical hermits, Louyang will feature a chivalrous tale in the style of ancient China that will be revealed right before your eyes. |
Background Story of Louyang
It is the height of Rune-Midgard`s Golden Age of Exploration. After the discovery of Amatsu and Kunlun,
and pioneer fever swept the Rune-Midgarts Kingdom. Adventurers dreamed of finding new lands, fame and fortune, and of being handsomely rewarded by their ruler, wise and benevolent King Tristram III.
Louyang is one of the new lands that was discovered by brave adventurers from the Rune-Midgard continent. As soon as it was found, it captivated explorers for many reasons. Rumor says that an enormous amount
of treasure, comparable to that in the Schwaltzwald Republic, lies hidden in Louyang. The city of Louyang also has its own unique products, invented by its people, that cannot be found in any other land.
However, unlike Amatsu or Kunlun where foreigners are welcomed, a considerable faction in Louyang ostracizes outside cultures in order to protect their own unique culture.
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Officially, Louyang is ruled by an emperor who delegates rule of the city`s regions to the federal government. However, the people of Louyang actually depend on the Wu Lin, a martial arts organization that acts as Louyang`s unofficial government.
Since the Wu Lin does not collect taxes from the people, or compete with the official government, the federal government has no problem with the Wu Lin. To the common people, fists are more powerful than laws, and so the Wu Lin has grown in number and in influence.
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Before the existence of the Wu Lin organization, Louyang suffered for many years from the frequent invasions of evil creatures. Then, 40 years ago, Bai Long the street knight used his
strength and leadership to gather many warriors to form the Wu Lin, and was able to turn back the invading monsters. Together with his comrades, Bai Long`s valiant efforts brought peace to the city, and the people
of Louyang made him their leader. However, as the glory of his youth faded, so did the peace that was enjoyed in Louyang. As Bai Long aged, many warrior factions began to compete with one another, each of them plotting to take
over Louyang from Bai Long. With dissention among the warriors, the monsters were once again able to advance towards Louyang.
Lamenting over the Louyang warriors that were now fragmented by selfishness, Bai Long decided that he
would welcome outsiders, so long as they were loyal and pure of heart, and gather strong fighters from other lands to wage battle against the monsters. Many middle class people welcomed these foreign adventurers, recognizing the
benefit of cultural exchange and new product imports, as well as the need to protect their city. However, the warrior factions and the older, established families were unhappy with Bai Long`s decision.
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