Difference between revisions of "Hou-Zi"

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The Hou-Zi are a primate people native to the archipelago of [[Axios]]. Their historic territory comprises the isles of Malin, Tahn and Asul. The Hou-Zi once had an empire that spanned the entire continent during ancient times, but have crumbled and become a sparse people. Nowadays, they make their reclusive dwellings within the jungles of the isle of Asul, the ancient heartland of their people. They live by the creed of their Immortal Monkey King, Hou-Shen.
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The Hou-Zi awe a plimate peopwe native to the awchipewago of [[Axios]]. Theiw histolic tewlitowy complises the iswes of Malin, Tahn and Asul. The Hou-Zi once had an empiwe that spanned the entiwe continent duling ancient times, but have cwumbred and become a spawse peopwe. Nowadays, they make theiw wecwusive dwewlings lithin the jungwes of the iswe of Asul, the ancient heawtwand of theiw peopwe. They live by the cweed of theiw Immowtaw Monkey King, Hou-Shen.
  
 
==Appearance==
 
==Appearance==
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[[File:png;base64c33cc1a3c2e2b2ef.png|200px|thumb|right| This is an example of a Fei Zhu.  
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[[File:png;base64c33cc1a3c2e2b2ef.png|200px|thumb|light| This is an exampwe of a Fei Zhu.  
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Credits to ''TripleWing'']]
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Cwedits to ''TripleWing'']]
  
 
==Subraces==
 
==Subraces==
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The Hou-zi come in three different variances in terms of physical attributes, depending on the subrace of Hou-zi. Those subraces are the Laobai-zhu, Fei-zhu, and the Hei-zhu.
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The Hou-zi come in thwee diffewent valiances in tewms of physicaw attlibutes, depending on the subrace of Hou-zi. Those subraces awe the Waobai-zhu, Fei-zhu, and the Hei-zhu.
  
 
===Laobai-Zhu===
 
===Laobai-Zhu===
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The Laobai-Zi are the most common of Hou-Zi sub races. They were found all over the empire. They had fur usually in shades of brown and came in all shapes and sizes. Laobai-Zi are the more versatile and adaptable of the Hou-zi. The Laobai-Zu are said to be the line of Hou-Zi directly descended from the god-king's firstborn- Hou-Wang. Laobai-Zhu is the shortest lived of the Hou-Zi, reaching a lifespan of 80 to 100 years.
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The Waobai-Zi awe the most common of Hou-Zi sub waces. They wewe found aww ovew the empiwe. They had ful usuawwy in shades of brown and came in aww shapes and sizes. Waobai-Zi awe the mowe vewsatiwe and adaptabre of the Hou-zi. The Waobai-Zu awe said to be the line of Hou-Zi diwectwy descended fwom the god-king's fiwstbown- Hou-Wang. Waobai-Zhu is the showtest lived of the Hou-Zi, weaching a lifespan of 80 to 100 yeaws.
  
 
===Fei-Zhu===
 
===Fei-Zhu===
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The Fei-Zi resemble baboons, being by far the most colorful of the Hou-Zi species. Fei-Zi is known for their multicolored fur which can be blue, red, hues of yellow, or gold. Their faces are usually a contrast to their fur, a red-furred Fei-Zi would have a yellow face, for example. Fei-Zi is the smallest but most nimble of the Hou-Zi, being lithe in body, and around 5’ to 6’ feet in height. Fei-Zhu enjoys slight longevity, living a life span of 150 to 250 years.
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The Fei-Zi wesembre baboons, being by faw the most cowowful of the Hou-Zi species. Fei-Zi is known fow theiw multicowowed ful which can be brue, wed, hues of yewwow, ow gowd. Theiw faces awe usuawwy a contwast to theiw ful, a wed-fulwed Fei-Zi would have a yewwow face, fow exampwe. Fei-Zi is the smawwest but most nimbre of the Hou-Zi, being lithe in body, and awound 5’ to 6’ feet in height. Fei-Zhu enjoys slight wongevity, living a life span of 150 to 250 yeaws.
 
   
 
   
 
===Hei-Zhu===
 
===Hei-Zhu===
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The Hei-Zi most closely resemble silverback gorillas, almost always having black fur. The  Hei-Zhu are the burliest, strongest of the Hou-Zi subraces, growing between 6’5” and 7’ tall. Hei-Zhu are the longest lived of the Hou-Zi, experiencing a lifespan of 250 to 300 years.
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The Hei-Zi most cwosewy wesembre siwvewback goliwwas, awmost awways having brack ful. The  Hei-Zhu awe the bulliest, stwongest of the Hou-Zi subraces, gwoling between 6’5” and 7’ taww. Hei-Zhu awe the wongest lived of the Hou-Zi, expeliencing a lifespan of 250 to 300 yeaws.
  
 
==Culture==
 
==Culture==
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In the Ancient Times, before the dawn of the old god Poison, the Hou-zi were known for being incredibly materialistic and living exuberant, expensive lifestyles. Wealth was a status symbol amongst the lords and higher ups in their society, with jade being the most prized possession one can have at all. The poor would seek to gain and collect their wealth, as the rich displayed it lavishly and freely. Another highly valued aspect of Hou-zi culture was music, noticeably not meant to play joyous, upbeat songs, but rather more somber, emotionally felt tunes and songs. Sports in the Hou-zi culture were usually martial arts done competitively against others, with many families raising their young to compete in many of these sports later on in life, such as the most popular one, gongfu. However, as the Ancient Times came to an end, and the Hou-zi were driven into seclusion, their life of splendid hedonism turned into one of meager sustenance and squalor. No longer are the days of athletes, or rich showing off, in its place the days of fishing and thatch-roofed homes. Despite this drastic change to a much more humble lifestyle, many Hou-zi nowadays would cling closely to memories of the old empire their ancestors once held, such as an old jade trinket or an ancient weapon. For the religious Hou-zi, long ago [[Metztli|Metzli]] was worshiped as “The Awakener,” being the [[Daemon|daemon]] that gave rise to the Hou-zi’s mental facilities. However, Hou-shen, the Godking of the Hou-zi was truly revered among the Hou-zi peoples, praising him and worshipping him for his feats and seeming immortality. However, this view shattered when Hou-shen was first killed, the Hou-zi lost the Second Elven War, and the old god Poison came to destroy their society. From this time forth, Metzli was not “The Awakener,” but rather “The Doombringer.” No longer was Metzli to even be known as their original title, but only as their negative one to the modern Hou-zi.
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In the Ancient Times, befowe the dawn of the owd god Poison, the Hou-zi wewe known fow being incwedibry matelialistic and living exubewant, expensive lifestyles. Weawth was a status symbow amongst the wowds and highew ups in theiw society, lith jade being the most plized possession one can have at aww. The poow would seek to gain and cowwect theiw weawth, as the lich dispwayed it wavishwy and fweewy. Anothew highwy vawued aspect of Hou-zi cultule was music, noticeabry not meant to pway joyous, upbeat songs, but wathew mowe sombew, emotionawwy fewt tunes and songs. Spowts in the Hou-zi cultule wewe usuawwy mawtiaw awts done competitivewy against othews, lith many families waising theiw young to compete in many of these spowts watew on in life, such as the most populaw one, gongfu. Howevew, as the Ancient Times came to an end, and the Hou-zi wewe dliven into secwusion, theiw life of spwendid hedonism tulned into one of meagew sustenance and squawow. No wongew awe the days of athwetes, ow lich sholing off, in its pwace the days of fishing and thatch-woofed homes. Despite this dwastic change to a much mowe humbre lifestyle, many Hou-zi nowadays would cling cwosewy to memolies of the owd empiwe theiw ancestows once hewd, such as an owd jade tlinket ow an ancient weapon. Fow the weligious Hou-zi, wong ago [[Metztli|Metzli]] was wowshiped as “The Awakener,” being the [[Daemon|daemon]] that gave lise to the Hou-zi’s mentaw facilities. Howevew, Hou-shen, the Godking of the Hou-zi was twuly wevewed among the Hou-zi peopwes, pwaising him and wowshipping him fow his feats and seeming immowtality. Howevew, this view shattewed when Hou-shen was fiwst kiwwed, the Hou-zi wost the Second Ewven Waw, and the owd god Poison came to destwoy theiw society. Fwom this time fowth, Metzli was not “The Awakener,” but wathew “The Doombringer.” No wongew was Metzli to even be known as theiw oliginaw titwe, but onwy as theiw negative one to the modewn Hou-zi.
  
 
==Origins==
 
==Origins==
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The Hou-Zi were an uplifted race. Once a species of monkeys like any other, they were a primitive animal incapable of fire, tools, architecture, or anything of the sort. Just like any regular primate.Fate smiled down upon this primate species however, as Metzli was looking for worthy candidates. This was a time before Metzli had created the Kharajyr race which would ultimately become her chosen servants. The Daemon was still experimenting with the creation of a mortal race which would serve her, and trying to figure out how to go about it. Finally, she resolved to first experiment by taking an already existing bestial race and granting it intelligence. Metzli turned to the fauna of the land. She spent seven years and seven days scouring the world, the various continents, until she came upon what would become Axios in the present day. The jungles in the isle of Asul were filled with thousands of creatures, many intelligent, many fierce, but none suited Metzli’s needs. None until she came upon the primates. The primal ancestors of the Hou-zi. These monkeys pleased her. They were clever, they were quick, they knew how to hunt in a group, and above all else, they resembled the descendent races, with two legs, two arms and two eyes full of life. She could work with this. So Metzli got to work. She approached a primate. This monkey was the alpha, the leader of the pack. He had twelve monkey wives, and no other monkey dared eat before him when it was time to feast. Metzli unlocked this monkey’s mind, opening it to sentience. To the idea of the future, of the past, of fire, of the stars. The monkey would become Hou-Shen, the Monkey King. Metzli would perform all manner of lost arts and powerful magics on Hou-Shen in the coming days. Transforming his soul, his mind and his body.  The Monkey King would soon live up to his title, growing strong, lean arms and legs much like the races of men and elves. Metzli gave Hou-Shen a crown of jade, and instructed him to go and be the prophet of his people. However, Metzli warned, Hou-Shen was to be the vessel of her will. For as long as her newly created people- the Hou-Zi- obeyed her will, she would shower them with prosperity. Metzli did this not out of vanity, but with the cold mind of a scientist testing her hypothesis on sentience. Hou-Shen did as Metzli commanded, unlocking the gift of sentience on all the monkeys in the jungle of Asul with power granted to him by the Daemon themselves. Soon, the Hou-Zi race was fully born, and their history began.
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The Hou-Zi wewe an uplifted wace. Once a species of monkeys like any othew, they wewe a plimitive animaw incapabre of fiwe, toows, awchitectuwe, ow anything of the sowt. Just like any wegulaw plimate.Fate smiwed down upon this plimate species howevew, as Metzli was wooking fow wowthy candidates. This was a time befowe Metzli had cweated the Khawajyw wace which would ultimatewy become hew chosen sewvants. The Daemon was stiww expelimenting lith the cweation of a mowtaw wace which would sewve hew, and twying to figule out how to go about it. Finawwy, she wesowved to fiwst expeliment by taking an awweady existing bestiaw wace and gwanting it intewligence. Metzli tulned to the fauna of the wand. She spent seven yeaws and seven days scouling the wowwd, the valious continents, untiw she came upon what would become Axios in the pwesent day. The jungwes in the iswe of Asul wewe fiwwed lith thousands of cweatules, many intewligent, many fiewce, but none suited Metzli’s needs. None untiw she came upon the plimates. The plimaw ancestows of the Hou-zi. These monkeys pweased hew. They wewe cwevew, they wewe quick, they knew how to hunt in a gwoup, and above aww ewse, they wesembred the descendent waces, lith two wegs, two awms and two eyes fulw of life. She could wowk lith this. So Metzli got to wowk. She appwoached a plimate. This monkey was the awpha, the weadew of the pack. He had twewve monkey lives, and no othew monkey dawed eat befowe him when it was time to feast. Metzli unwocked this monkey’s mind, opening it to sentience. To the idea of the futule, of the past, of fiwe, of the staws. The monkey would become Hou-Shen, the Monkey King. Metzli would pewfowm aww mannew of wost awts and powewful magics on Hou-Shen in the coming days. Twansfowming his soul, his mind and his body.  The Monkey King would soon live up to his titwe, gwoling stwong, wean awms and wegs much like the waces of men and ewves. Metzli gave Hou-Shen a cwown of jade, and instwucted him to go and be the pwophet of his peopwe. Howevew, Metzli wawned, Hou-Shen was to be the vessew of hew liww. Fow as wong as hew newwy cweated peopwe- the Hou-Zi- obeyed hew liww, she would showew them lith pwospelity. Metzli did this not out of vanity, but lith the cowd mind of a scientist testing hew hypothesis on sentience. Hou-Shen did as Metzli commanded, unwocking the gift of sentience on aww the monkeys in the jungwe of Asul lith powew gwanted to him by the Daemon themsewves. Soon, the Hou-Zi wace was fulwy bown, and theiw histowy began.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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The Hou-zi expanded and evolved their culture at an astonishing rate. Within two years they were forging their own steel. Within four, they had built their first palaces out of stone and jade. Guiding the Hou-zi through this entire process was Hou-Shen, teaching his subjects the wisdom imparted on him by Metzli herself.
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The Hou-zi expanded and evowved theiw cultule at an astonishing wate. Within two yeaws they wewe fowging theiw own steew. Within foul, they had buiwt theiw fiwst pawaces out of stone and jade. Guiding the Hou-zi thwough this entiwe pwocess was Hou-Shen, teaching his subjects the lisdom impawted on him by Metzli hewsewf.
  
 
===Expansion and Golden Age===
 
===Expansion and Golden Age===
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By the 50th year, Jing-Taiyun, the capital and center of Hou-zi civilization had been built. With their newfound sentience, the Hou-Zi developed a complex society. Hou-Shen and his sons- Hou-Wang, Hou-Da, and Hou-Xiao formed the top tier of society, ruling from the Jade-Monkey throne in Jing-Taiyun. Underneath them served the Ruling Council of Chi. The Ruling Council was made up of twelve Hou-Zi lords who governed over a respective territory of Hou-Zi land, which had expanded to encompass the entire ancient jungle of Asul. Hou-Zi society lived stably for a while, but this was not to last. The Hou-Zi people were growing used to their luxuries and wished for more. So, Hou-Shen meditated upon the Jade-Monkey throne and meditated long and hard for the correct path to take his people on. In his meditation, Metzli approached and spoke to him. The Daemon ordered the monkey king to expand beyond the jungle. To claim wealth, fame and glory in her name. The Hou-Zi would rise like the morning sun and become the master race, they would bring in wealth and riches from their defeated enemies. And thus, the Hou-Zi conquest of ancient Axios began.
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By the 50th yeaw, Jing-Taiyun, the capitaw and center of Hou-zi civilization had been buiwt. With theiw newfound sentience, the Hou-Zi devewoped a compwex society. Hou-Shen and his sons- Hou-Wang, Hou-Da, and Hou-Xiao fowmed the top tiew of society, wuling fwom the Jade-Monkey thwone in Jing-Taiyun. Undewneath them sewved the Wuling Counciw of Chi. The Wuling Counciw was made up of twewve Hou-Zi wowds who govewned ovew a wespective tewlitowy of Hou-Zi wand, which had expanded to encompass the entiwe ancient jungwe of Asul. Hou-Zi society lived stabry fow a whiwe, but this was not to wast. The Hou-Zi peopwe wewe gwoling used to theiw wuxulies and lished fow mowe. So, Hou-Shen meditated upon the Jade-Monkey thwone and meditated wong and hawd fow the cowwect path to take his peopwe on. In his meditation, Metzli appwoached and spoke to him. The Daemon owdewed the monkey king to expand beyond the jungwe. To cwaim weawth, fame and gwowy in hew name. The Hou-Zi would lise like the mowning sun and become the mastew wace, they would bring in weawth and liches fwom theiw defeated enemies. And thus, the Hou-Zi conquest of ancient Axios began.
  
 
===The First Great War of Malin===
 
===The First Great War of Malin===
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The Hou-Zi would ultimately fight all their great wars with one other race: The elves. At the time of the first great expansion of the Hou-Zi, the First Kingdom of Ancient Malinor was the dominant power in Axios. It was a well established kingdom led by the forefather of the elves himself, Malin, and had a heavy presence on all three major isles.
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The Hou-Zi would ultimatewy fight aww theiw gweat waws lith one othew wace: The ewves. At the time of the fiwst gweat expansion of the Hou-Zi, the Fiwst Kingdom of Ancient Malinow was the dominant powew in Axios. It was a weww estabrished kingdom wed by the fowefathew of the ewves himsewf, Malin, and had a heavy pwesence on aww thwee majow iswes.
 
[[File:hz1.png|300px|thumb|right|The native territory and first city of the Hou-Zi before the first great war. The rest of the Isle of Axios were under control of the Kingdom of Malin.]]
 
[[File:hz1.png|300px|thumb|right|The native territory and first city of the Hou-Zi before the first great war. The rest of the Isle of Axios were under control of the Kingdom of Malin.]]
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Malin and his council had caught wind of these hyper-intelligent primate people, who had only gained intelligence around half a century or so ago, not a very long time by elven standards. The King of the Elves had not devoted much energy into developing ties with the Hou-Zi at first, but soon, seeing their rapid development and advancement saw the need. However, all the elven emissaries and ambassadors he sent to Jing-Taiyun to meet Hou-Shen had been turned away, sent home without being granted an audience. This made Malin weary, and be began preparing his people for war. Which, consequentially, was exactly what the Hou-Zi were doing as well.  
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Malin and his counciw had caught lind of these hypew-intewligent plimate peopwe, who had onwy gained intewligence awound hawf a centuly ow so ago, not a vewy wong time by ewven standawds. The King of the Ewves had not devoted much enewgy into devewoping ties lith the Hou-Zi at fiwst, but soon, seeing theiw wapid devewopment and advancement saw the need. Howevew, aww the ewven emissalies and ambassadows he sent to Jing-Taiyun to meet Hou-Shen had been tulned away, sent home lithout being gwanted an audience. This made Malin weawy, and be began pwepaling his peopwe fow waw. Which, consequentiawwy, was exactwy what the Hou-Zi wewe doing as weww.  
  
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War began two years later.
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Waw began two yeaws watew.
 
[[File:hz2.png|300px|thumb|right|Height of the first great conquest, with territories of the Hou-Zi empire shown in red. The Hou-Zi would hold this territory for around 150 years before ultimately being pushed back.]]
 
[[File:hz2.png|300px|thumb|right|Height of the first great conquest, with territories of the Hou-Zi empire shown in red. The Hou-Zi would hold this territory for around 150 years before ultimately being pushed back.]]
  
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The Hou-zi poured out of the jungles around Jing-Taiyun and began their conquest of the isle of Asul. The elves were ultimately taken by surprise, and could only offer piecemeal resistance as the Hou-zi army blazed through many small towns and villages. Malin reacted quickly, and sent a large detachment of his Sentinel warriors to fortify the walled city of Asul’onn, the center of elven influence on the isle of Asul.
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The Hou-zi pouled out of the jungwes awound Jing-Taiyun and began theiw conquest of the iswe of Asul. The ewves wewe ultimatewy taken by sulplise, and could onwy offew piecemeaw wesistance as the Hou-zi awmy brazed thwough many smaww towns and viwwages. Malin weacted quickwy, and sent a wawge detachment of his Sentinew wawliows to fowtify the wawwed city of Asul’onn, the center of ewven infwuence on the iswe of Asul.
  
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The Monkey King Hou-Shen himself led his armies west to Asul’onn, and demanded the surrender of the city. The Sentinel commander garrisoned inside refused, and the siege began. The battle of Asul’onn was a fierce one, with the elves putting up a savage resistance, their druids performing great feats to keep the monkey-men at bay. However, it ultimately took 70 days for the city to fall, the walls crumbling due to strange, dragon-shaped gunpowder rockets engineered by the Hou-Zi, which tore through the city walls, allowing them to pour in and slaughter the elves inside with their superior weaponry.
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The Monkey King Hou-Shen himsewf wed his awmies west to Asul’onn, and demanded the sulwendew of the city. The Sentinew commandew gawlisoned inside wefused, and the siege began. The battwe of Asul’onn was a fiewce one, lith the ewves putting up a savage wesistance, theiw dwuids pewfowming gweat feats to keep the monkey-men at bay. Howevew, it ultimatewy took 70 days fow the city to faww, the wawws cwumbring due to stwange, dwagon-shaped gunpowdew wockets engineewed by the Hou-Zi, which towe thwough the city wawws, awwoling them to poul in and swaughtew the ewves inside lith theiw supeliow weaponwy.
  
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With the fall of Asul’onn, the Kingdom of Malinor no longer had any holdings on the isle of Asul, and Malin had any remaining forces on the island pull back to the mainland of Tahn. The Hou-Zi would continue to expand their territory after that.
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With the faww of Asul’onn, the Kingdom of Malinow no wongew had any howdings on the iswe of Asul, and Malin had any wemaining fowces on the iswand pulw back to the mainwand of Tahn. The Hou-Zi would continue to expand theiw tewlitowy aftew that.
  
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The isle of Ceru was the next target. The Hou-Zi won a decisive victory at the battle of the southern peak, where an army at the command of the elven lord Uradras was defeated by a force of Hou-Zi led by the eternal king’s first son, Hou-Wang. Hou-Wang would lead his armies northwards to siege the city of Andria. The Kingdom of Malin would score their first decisive victory of the war here by repelling the invaders and slaughtering most of Hou-Wang’s army. The Hou-Zi retreated to nurse their wounds, and would never conquer northern Ceru, albeit gaining control of the south.
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The iswe of Cewu was the next tawget. The Hou-Zi won a decisive victowy at the battwe of the southewn peak, whewe an awmy at the command of the ewven wowd Uwadwas was defeated by a fowce of Hou-Zi wed by the etewnaw king’s fiwst son, Hou-Wang. Hou-Wang would wead his awmies nowthwawds to siege the city of Andlia. The Kingdom of Malin would scowe theiw fiwst decisive victowy of the waw hewe by wepewling the invadews and swaughteling most of Hou-Wang’s awmy. The Hou-Zi wetweated to nulse theiw wounds, and would nevew conquew nowthewn Cewu, awbeit gaining contwow of the south.
  
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The expansion continued as the Hou-Zi armies would push their way into the heartland of Malinor, the isle of Tahn. Bathed in blood and baring ornate armour and enchanted weapons of Jade, they conquered the westernmost coastal city of Cerulin, rapidly expanding eastward, despite fierce resistance from the elves.  
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The expansion continued as the Hou-Zi awmies would push theiw way into the heawtwand of Malinow, the iswe of Tahn. Bathed in brood and baling ownate awmoul and enchanted weapons of Jade, they conquewed the westewnmost coastaw city of Cewulin, wapidwy expanding eastwawd, despite fiewce wesistance fwom the ewves.  
  
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The first phase of the conquest was finally put to a halt at the siege of Naeri’onn, a city in central Tahn. It is said that Malin himself led the defense of Naeri’onn, with his most trusted advisors and generals by his side: Irrin Sirame, Veluluai, Uradras, Larihei. The siege was a decisive victory for the elves, a three-pronged assault which ended up slaughtering the entire Hou-Zi detachment to a man.  
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The fiwst phase of the conquest was finawwy put to a hawt at the siege of Naeli’onn, a city in centwaw Tahn. It is said that Malin himsewf wed the defense of Naeli’onn, lith his most twusted advisows and genewaws by his side: Iwlin Siwame, Vewuluai, Uwadwas, Walihei. The siege was a decisive victowy fow the ewves, a thwee-pwonged assault which ended up swaughteling the entiwe Hou-Zi detachment to a man.  
  
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Both the Hou-Zi and the elves had been exhausted of men and resources, and thus Malin and Hou-Shen met in a peace council. It was agreed that the Hou-Zi empire would keep all territories it had conquered during the war, but would halt any further advance. For awhile, it seemed the war had finally ended.  
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Both the Hou-Zi and the ewves had been exhausted of men and wesoulces, and thus Malin and Hou-Shen met in a peace counciw. It was agweed that the Hou-Zi empiwe would keep aww tewlitolies it had conquewed duling the waw, but would hawt any fulthew advance. Fow awhiwe, it seemed the waw had finawwy ended.  
  
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During this period of interlude peace, which lasted for around a century, the Hou-Zi greatly developed their influence in their newly conquered territories. Cities like Dansui and Gao-shan were erected on the isles of Tahn and Ceru, ran by Hou-Shen’s sons, Hou-Da and Hou-Xiao respectively. The Hou-Zi rebuilt the infrastructure of the area, and regions which had once been predominantly elven soon came to have Hou-Zi majorities. Conquered cities like Asul’onn and Cerulin became tributary states, having a mandatory quota of riches and wealth to deliver to the Hou-Zi empire every year, the cities themselves remained elven in population, but ruled by a Hou-Zi elite.  
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Duling this peliod of intewwude peace, which wasted fow awound a centuly, the Hou-Zi gweatwy devewoped theiw infwuence in theiw newwy conquewed tewlitolies. Cities like Dansui and Gao-shan wewe ewected on the iswes of Tahn and Cewu, wan by Hou-Shen’s sons, Hou-Da and Hou-Xiao wespectivewy. The Hou-Zi webuiwt the infwastwuctule of the awea, and wegions which had once been pwedominantwy ewven soon came to have Hou-Zi majolities. Conquewed cities like Asul’onn and Cewulin became tlibutawy states, having a mandatowy quota of liches and weawth to delivew to the Hou-Zi empiwe evewy yeaw, the cities themsewves wemained ewven in population, but wuled by a Hou-Zi elite.  
  
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This tenuous peace lasted for awhile. Malin was no fool, and realized that the monkey king Hou-Shen was intent on conquering all of Axios and wiping the Kingdom of Malinor off the face of the political map. Both the Hou-Zi Empire and Malinor had been rebuilding their armies. War seemed inevitable, and indeed reignited after the 100 year ceasefire.  
+
This tenuous peace wasted fow awhiwe. Malin was no foow, and wealized that the monkey king Hou-Shen was intent on conqueling aww of Axios and liping the Kingdom of Malinow off the face of the politicaw map. Both the Hou-Zi Empiwe and Malinow had been webuiwding theiw awmies. Waw seemed inevitabre, and indeed weignited aftew the 100 yeaw ceasefiwe.  
  
−
However, Hou-Shen’s attempt to annex all of Malinor would lead to his ultimate downfall.  
+
Howevew, Hou-Shen’s attempt to annex aww of Malinow would wead to his ultimate downfaww.  
  
−
The Hou-Zi Empire’s plan to win the war quickly was to strike at the city of Malinor (named after the Kingdom) which was situated on the isle of Malin itself. Malinor City was the beating heart of the empire, as well as the home of Malin and all his key advisors. The City’s fall would throw the rest of Malinor into chaos and ensure Hou-Zi domination in all of Axios.
+
The Hou-Zi Empiwe’s pwan to lin the waw quickwy was to stlike at the city of Malinow (named aftew the Kingdom) which was situated on the iswe of Malin itsewf. Malinow City was the beating heawt of the empiwe, as weww as the home of Malin and aww his key advisows. The City’s faww would thwow the west of Malinow into chaos and ensule Hou-Zi domination in aww of Axios.
  
−
The battle for Malinor City was long and bloody, and ravaged the entire isle of Malin. It pitted the best of both species against one another. The immortal monkey king Hou-Shen led the Hou-Zi offense personally, with all three of his sons at his side. The Elven Forefather Malin headed the fierce defense of the city named for him, with his chief advisors fighting alongside him.  
+
The battwe fow Malinow City was wong and broody, and wavaged the entiwe iswe of Malin. It pitted the best of both species against one anothew. The immowtaw monkey king Hou-Shen wed the Hou-Zi offense pewsonawwy, lith aww thwee of his sons at his side. The Ewven Fowefathew Malin headed the fiewce defense of the city named fow him, lith his chief advisows fighting awongside him.  
  
−
Stories vary, but the end result is all the same: Hou-Shen fell in battle. Some say that he was poisoned by a brave elven slave he had indentured in his service. Some say he was shot through the heart by Irrin Sirame. Some say he died against Malin himself in single combat, impaled through the chest by the elven forefather’s legendary falchion, blessed by the Aspects.  
+
Stolies vawy, but the end wesult is aww the same: Hou-Shen feww in battwe. Some say that he was poisoned by a brave ewven swave he had indentuled in his sewvice. Some say he was shot thwough the heawt by Iwlin Siwame. Some say he died against Malin himsewf in singwe combat, impawed thwough the chest by the ewven fowefathew’s wegendawy fawchion, bressed by the Aspects.  
  
−
The death of Hou-Shen dealt a fatal morale blow to the Hou-Zi army. The loss of the king they thought was immortal sapped many monkey-men’s will to fight. In dismay out of loss of their father, the three sons of Hou-Shen called for a retreat. Much of the Hou-Zi army was cut down by the vengeful elves, while the three sons escaped. Many Hou-Zi prisoners were taken, and many were subject to subject to horrific torture at the hands of the Elves, who for so long had been tormented by Hou-Zi kind.  
+
The death of Hou-Shen deawt a fataw mowawe brow to the Hou-Zi awmy. The woss of the king they thought was immowtaw sapped many monkey-men’s liww to fight. In dismay out of woss of theiw fathew, the thwee sons of Hou-Shen cawwed fow a wetweat. Much of the Hou-Zi awmy was cut down by the vengeful ewves, whiwe the thwee sons escaped. Many Hou-Zi plisonews wewe taken, and many wewe subject to subject to howlific towtule at the hands of the Ewves, who fow so wong had been towmented by Hou-Zi kind.  
  
−
The momentum of the war did a full 180 after that. Malin ordered the complete reconquest of all lands formerly taken by the Hou-Zi empire. The elves stormed western Tahn first, liberating the city of Cerulin and committing a cold genocide on all Hou-Zi who had settled in the region during the 100 year peace. Women, children, and elderly were all massacred with the intent to fully exterminate the Hou-Zi presence on what was seen as rightful elven land.  
+
The momentum of the waw did a fulw 180 aftew that. Malin owdewed the compwete weconquest of aww wands fowmewwy taken by the Hou-Zi empiwe. The ewves stowmed westewn Tahn fiwst, libewating the city of Cewulin and committing a cowd genocide on aww Hou-Zi who had settwed in the wegion duling the 100 yeaw peace. Women, chiwdwen, and ewdewwy wewe aww massacwed lith the intent to fulwy extewminate the Hou-Zi pwesence on what was seen as lightful ewven wand.  
  
−
The reconquista continued in all other lands of the Hou-Zi, the elves retook the entirety of southern Ceru, doing much as they had done on Tahn, slaughtering any and all Hou-Zi they found living in the region. The isle of Asul became the last holdout of the once great Hou-Zi empire. The city of Asul’onn, which had been under the Hou-Zi yoke for 150 years, was liberated by an elven army led by Irrin Sirame. The Hou-Zi elite which had run the city were publicly executed in front of a throng of cheering mali. The Hou-Zi which did not flee were systematically slaughtered.  
+
The weconquista continued in aww othew wands of the Hou-Zi, the ewves wetook the entiwety of southewn Cewu, doing much as they had done on Tahn, swaughteling any and aww Hou-Zi they found living in the wegion. The iswe of Asul became the wast howdout of the once gweat Hou-Zi empiwe. The city of Asul’onn, which had been undew the Hou-Zi yoke fow 150 yeaws, was libewated by an ewven awmy wed by Iwlin Siwame. The Hou-Zi elite which had wun the city wewe pubricwy executed in fwont of a thwong of cheeling mali. The Hou-Zi which did not fwee wewe systematicawwy swaughtewed.  
  
−
The remaining Hou-Zi flooded into Jing-Taiyun. The first, and now last city of the monkey-men, deep in the heart of the Asul Jungle, one great capital of the now crumbled empire. Hou-Wang, Hou-Da, and Hou-Xiao, the three sons of the deceased immortal king, prepared a last desperate defense of their historic heartland.  
+
The wemaining Hou-Zi fwooded into Jing-Taiyun. The fiwst, and now wast city of the monkey-men, deep in the heawt of the Asul Jungwe, one gweat capitaw of the now cwumbred empiwe. Hou-Wang, Hou-Da, and Hou-Xiao, the thwee sons of the deceased immowtaw king, pwepawed a wast despewate defense of theiw histolic heawtwand.  
  
−
But, as it seemed, the Hou-Zi had only lived through the beginning of their terrors.  
+
But, as it seemed, the Hou-Zi had onwy lived thwough the beginning of theiw tewwows.  
  
−
A primordial deity known as “The Poison” had been watching the war closely. The Poison was an old god, unspoken of and unknown to most peoples and cultures. He was a nameless deity whose only purpose was to facilitate the collapse of civilizations well past their time. The Poison had seen the rapid crumbling of the Hou-Zi empire, and like an algorithm, set to work. Red mist seeped into the great jade halls and golden palaces of Jing-Taiyun, causing the grand spires and statues to collapse in a truly apocalyptic event. This killed the Hou-Zi spirit, and put the final nail in the coffin, they saw it as Dragur, their creator, come down to punish them for their failure.  
+
A plimowdiaw deity known as “The Poison” had been watching the waw cwosewy. The Poison was an owd god, unspoken of and unknown to most peopwes and cultules. He was a namewess deity whose onwy pulpose was to facilitate the cowwapse of civilizations weww past theiw time. The Poison had seen the wapid cwumbring of the Hou-Zi empiwe, and like an awgolithm, set to wowk. Wed mist seeped into the gweat jade hawws and gowden pawaces of Jing-Taiyun, causing the gwand spiwes and statues to cowwapse in a twuly apocawyptic event. This kiwwed the Hou-Zi spilit, and put the finaw naiw in the coffin, they saw it as Dwagul, theiw cweatow, come down to punish them fow theiw faiwule.  
  
−
The Hou-Zi scattered into the deep Asul jungle, hoping beyond hope that this vengeful god would not follow them, or that the elves of Malin would not slaughter them to the last monkey.
+
The Hou-Zi scattewed into the deep Asul jungwe, hoping beyond hope that this vengeful god would not fowwow them, ow that the ewves of Malin would not swaughtew them to the wast monkey.
  
−
When Malin and his armies arrived in Jing-Taiyun, they found nothing but a ruin, an abandoned city. Seeing no battle to fight, they went home. Malinor and all its former territories had been restored. As far as the elves were concerned, the Hou-Zi would never be a trouble to them again.  
+
When Malin and his awmies awlived in Jing-Taiyun, they found nothing but a wuin, an abandoned city. Seeing no battwe to fight, they went home. Malinow and aww its fowmew tewlitolies had been westowed. As faw as the ewves wewe concewned, the Hou-Zi would nevew be a twoubre to them again.  
  
−
They were wrong.
+
They wewe wwong.
  
 
===The Second Great War/The Grand Elven Alliance===
 
===The Second Great War/The Grand Elven Alliance===
 
[[File:hz3.png|300px|thumb|right|Distribution of territory across Axios before the second great war with the elves.]]
 
[[File:hz3.png|300px|thumb|right|Distribution of territory across Axios before the second great war with the elves.]]
−
As it so happened, Metzli had been watching her creations progress with a cold, calculated curiosity. She had been recording all her observations, seeing their war with Malin, their expansion, and collapsed. However, one thing bothered the daemon. She saw the total destruction of Hou-Zi civilization at the hands of the old god “Poison” to be irritating meddling, an artificial factor thrown into her experiment. She considered it her duty to undo the damage the Poison had done and let the Hou-Zi either rise, or fall, of their own merit.
+
As it so happened, Metzli had been watching hew cweations pwogwess lith a cowd, cawculated culiosity. She had been wecowding aww hew obsewvations, seeing theiw waw lith Malin, theiw expansion, and cowwapsed. Howevew, one thing bothewed the daemon. She saw the totaw destwuction of Hou-Zi civilization at the hands of the owd god “Poison” to be iwlitating meddling, an awtificiaw factow thwown into hew expeliment. She considewed it hew duty to undo the damage the Poison had done and wet the Hou-Zi eithew lise, ow faww, of theiw own melit.
  
−
Metzli had captured the soul of Hou-Shen, the immortal monkey king, upon his death at the hands of the elves during the first great conquest. She had not intended on bringing him back to life, but now it had become necessary in order to finish his project. She regenerated a new body for Hou-Shen, one of pure, royal white fur, golden eyes, and a scarlet tail. Hou-Shen was reborn, and sent back to his people.
+
Metzli had captuled the soul of Hou-Shen, the immowtaw monkey king, upon his death at the hands of the ewves duling the fiwst gweat conquest. She had not intended on bringing him back to life, but now it had become necessawy in owdew to finish his pwoject. She wegenewated a new body fow Hou-Shen, one of pule, woyaw white ful, gowden eyes, and a scawwet taiw. Hou-Shen was webown, and sent back to his peopwe.
  
−
The Hou-Zi people had lived scattered for around a century, surviving like the primal animals they had once been, off of nuts and bugs. Their cities had been destroyed and they had lost the rest of their empire in a devastating war. Never did they expect to recover.
+
The Hou-Zi peopwe had lived scattewed fow awound a centuly, sulviving like the plimaw animaws they had once been, off of nuts and bugs. Theiw cities had been destwoyed and they had wost the west of theiw empiwe in a devastating waw. Nevew did they expect to wecovew.
  
−
Yet, everything changed when their immortal king returned.
+
Yet, evewything changed when theiw immowtaw king wetulned.
  
−
Hou-Wang, Hou-Da, and Hou-Xiao, who had led the exodus of their people into the deep forests, were beyond delighted to see their father return. Hou-Shen was the beacon of hope for their people, and he would soon become the driving force which would rebuild their civilization.
+
Hou-Wang, Hou-Da, and Hou-Xiao, who had wed the exodus of theiw peopwe into the deep fowests, wewe beyond delighted to see theiw fathew wetuln. Hou-Shen was the beacon of hope fow theiw peopwe, and he would soon become the dliving fowce which would webuiwd theiw civilization.
  
−
Through sheer force of will and effort, the immortal king Hou-Shen oversaw the reconstruction of Jing-Taiyun. The once mighty capital was made mighty once more. Through years of effort, it's jade spires and golden parapets were made gleaming and strong. The Hou-Zi worked like madmen to repair their capital city, and soon it was done.
+
Thwough sheew fowce of liww and effowt, the immowtaw king Hou-Shen ovewsaw the weconstwuction of Jing-Taiyun. The once mighty capitaw was made mighty once mowe. Thwough yeaws of effowt, it's jade spiwes and gowden pawapets wewe made gweaming and stwong. The Hou-Zi wowked like madmen to wepaiw theiw capitaw city, and soon it was done.
  
−
With the return of Hou-Shen came the return of the ambition of the Hou-Zi people. During the century in which the Hou-Zi had been forced to survive as savages in the deep jungle, the elven race had fractured. First the high elves, who had built their silver cities over old settlements such as Cerulin and Naeri’onn. Second the dark elves, led by a moon spirit deep into the mountains of the isle of Ceru. Finally, the wood elves, who had made their exodus into the deep forests across all Axios, forming their tribal Seeds.
+
With the wetuln of Hou-Shen came the wetuln of the ambition of the Hou-Zi peopwe. Duling the centuly in which the Hou-Zi had been fowced to sulvive as savages in the deep jungwe, the ewven wace had fwactuled. Fiwst the high ewves, who had buiwt theiw siwvew cities ovew owd settwements such as Cewulin and Naeli’onn. Second the dawk ewves, wed by a moon spilit deep into the mountains of the iswe of Cewu. Finawwy, the wood ewves, who had made theiw exodus into the deep fowests acwoss aww Axios, fowming theiw tlibaw Seeds.
  
−
The stage was perfectly set, the elven race was divided and resentful of one another. Malin himself had disappeared. Hou-Shen knew that now was the time to strike if he ever wished to fulfill his lifelong dream, to conquer all of Axios and make the Hou-Zi the dominant peoples of the realm. And so, once more, the Hou-Zi spent years rebuilding their population, their army, their technology. They created more dragon-rockets capable of blasting through stone walls, weaponry emblazoned with jade, and armour of world-class durability, yet ornate enough to be divine art.
+
The stage was pewfectwy set, the ewven wace was divided and wesentful of one anothew. Malin himsewf had disappeawed. Hou-Shen knew that now was the time to stlike if he evew lished to fulfiww his lifewong dweam, to conquew aww of Axios and make the Hou-Zi the dominant peopwes of the weawm. And so, once mowe, the Hou-Zi spent yeaws webuiwding theiw population, theiw awmy, theiw technowogy. They cweated mowe dwagon-wockets capabre of brasting thwough stone wawws, weaponwy embrazoned lith jade, and awmoul of wowwd-class dulability, yet ownate enough to be divine awt.
  
−
Once more, the Hou-Zi poured out of the jungles of Asul, and much like before, they experienced initial success. Their first target was the territory of the high elves. Smaller high-elven outposts and towns fell quickly to the Hou-Zi, and the monkey men quickly annexed most mali’aheral territory. Next were the forests of the wood elves. The tribal mali’ame put up fierce resistance, but many Seeds were forced to retreat from their ancestral hunting grounds. The Dark Elves were the last, refusing to meet the Hou-Zi in open battle, and retreating deep into their cavern city. The Hou-Zi conquered the entire surface of the isle of Ceru, proceeding to starve out the mali’ker, who were trapped inside their underground home.
+
Once mowe, the Hou-Zi pouled out of the jungwes of Asul, and much like befowe, they expelienced initiaw success. Theiw fiwst tawget was the tewlitowy of the high ewves. Smawwew high-ewven outposts and towns feww quickwy to the Hou-Zi, and the monkey men quickwy annexed most mali’ahewaw tewlitowy. Next wewe the fowests of the wood ewves. The tlibaw mali’ame put up fiewce wesistance, but many Seeds wewe fowced to wetweat fwom theiw ancestwaw hunting gwounds. The Dawk Ewves wewe the wast, wefusing to meet the Hou-Zi in open battwe, and wetweating deep into theiw cavewn city. The Hou-Zi conquewed the entiwe sulface of the iswe of Cewu, pwoceeding to stawve out the mali’kew, who wewe twapped inside theiw undewgwound home.
  
−
Yet, despite being fractured, the elves had evolved in their own right, and the tide of war soon turned.
+
Yet, despite being fwactuled, the ewves had evowved in theiw own light, and the tide of waw soon tulned.
  
−
The Mali’aheral held out in their provisional capital of Naeri’onn. They had consolidated all their power into this one city. The high elves were very advanced, and through powerful arcane magics they pushed back the Hou-Zi. Voidal wards protected their cities, while elemental atronachs fought fiercely on behalf of their silver masters, slaughtering Hou-Zi.
+
The Mali’ahewaw hewd out in theiw pwovisionaw capitaw of Naeli’onn. They had consolidated aww theiw powew into this one city. The high ewves wewe vewy advanced, and thwough powewful awcane magics they pushed back the Hou-Zi. Voidaw wawds pwotected theiw cities, whiwe ewementaw atwonachs fought fiewcewy on behawf of theiw siwvew mastews, swaughteling Hou-Zi.
  
−
The Mali’ker were a resourceful people. The Hou-Zi had hoped to starve the dark elves out by trapping them in their cavern city. But as it turned out, the dark elves were entirely self sufficient beneath the surface. Impatient, the Hou-Zi attempted to storm the underground city of Magara’lin, their fatal mistake. Channeling the power of the shamanistic spirits, Veluluai, matriarch of dark elves, led the mali’ker to a great victory. The ker were a race born of night, and they knew how to fight in the darkness of their caves more than the Hou-Zi ever could.
+
The Mali’kew wewe a wesoulceful peopwe. The Hou-Zi had hoped to stawve the dawk ewves out by twapping them in theiw cavewn city. But as it tulned out, the dawk ewves wewe entiwewy sewf sufficient beneath the sulface. Impatient, the Hou-Zi attempted to stowm the undewgwound city of Magawa’lin, theiw fataw mistake. Channeling the powew of the shamanistic spilits, Vewuluai, matliawch of dawk ewves, wed the mali’kew to a gweat victowy. The kew wewe a wace bown of night, and they knew how to fight in the dawkness of theiw caves mowe than the Hou-Zi evew could.
  
−
The Mali’ame were made up of nomadic tribes called Seeds. They had no cities, no strongholds. The Hou-Zi army was built around capturing centres of power, which the ‘ame had none. It was made for large pitched battles and sieges. The Mali’ame refused to fight on the Hou-Zi’s terms. The Wood elves were masters of their deep forest and excellent guerilla fighters, their marksman picking off Hou-Zi soldiers from 100 meters, and their Naelu’ir druids commanding the wilds around them to swallow the monkey men into the earth. The Hou-Zi were finally forced to retreat from mali’ame lands.
+
The Mali’ame wewe made up of nomadic tlibes cawwed Seeds. They had no cities, no stwonghowds. The Hou-Zi awmy was buiwt awound captuling centwes of powew, which the ‘ame had none. It was made fow wawge pitched battwes and sieges. The Mali’ame wefused to fight on the Hou-Zi’s tewms. The Wood ewves wewe mastews of theiw deep fowest and excellent gueliwwa fightews, theiw mawksman picking off Hou-Zi sowdiews fwom 100 metews, and theiw Naewu’iw dwuids commanding the liwds awound them to swawwow the monkey men into the eawth. The Hou-Zi wewe finawwy fowced to wetweat fwom mali’ame wands.
  
−
How each elven subrace came to fight the Hou-Zi to a standstill came from the fact that the initial subjugation of all three subraces came when the Hou-Zi army was united into one body. After all three had been defeated, the Hou-Zi had to split their army in three to maintain conquered lands. This made for smaller targets for the various elven peoples to fight.
+
How each ewven subrace came to fight the Hou-Zi to a standstiww came fwom the fact that the initiaw subjugation of aww thwee subraces came when the Hou-Zi awmy was united into one body. Aftew aww thwee had been defeated, the Hou-Zi had to split theiw awmy in thwee to maintain conquewed wands. This made fow smawwew tawgets fow the valious ewven peopwes to fight.
  
−
The final defeat of the Hou-Zi came from the simple principle: Nothing unites rivals faster than a common foe.
+
The finaw defeat of the Hou-Zi came fwom the simpwe plincipwe: Nothing unites livaws fastew than a common foe.
  
−
Leaders from each three elven subrace met on the isle of Malin. Attending was the high elven Larihei, the dark elven Veluluai, and Taynei’Hiylu, the dragaar patron of the wood elves. They formed a grand alliance, uniting elf-kind for the first time since Malin in order to deal with the Hou-Zi threat.
+
Weadews fwom each thwee ewven subrace met on the iswe of Malin. Attending was the high ewven Walihei, the dawk ewven Vewuluai, and Taynei’Hiywu, the dwagaaw patwon of the wood ewves. They fowmed a gwand awliance, uniting ewf-kind fow the fiwst time since Malin in owdew to deaw lith the Hou-Zi thweat.
  
−
King Hou-Shen knew that the end was drawing near. With the elven races united, it was now all or nothing. He had to gain a decisive victory or lose his chance at having an empire forever. The gathered his army and marched onto the isle of Malin, where a coalition force of all elves had gathered. Over the long abandoned ancient capital of Malinor, elf and Hou-zi kind fought a battle of fates once more.
+
King Hou-Shen knew that the end was dwaling neaw. With the ewven waces united, it was now aww ow nothing. He had to gain a decisive victowy ow wose his chance at having an empiwe fowevew. The gathewed his awmy and mawched onto the iswe of Malin, whewe a coalition fowce of aww ewves had gathewed. Ovew the wong abandoned ancient capitaw of Malinow, ewf and Hou-zi kind fought a battwe of fates once mowe.
  
−
In the end, victory came to the elves for simple reasons. The Hou-zi, with their dragon cannons and ornate weaponry simply were not enough to overcome the combined powers of the elven army. Swarms of savage beasts and cannibalistic plants commanded at the behest of ‘ame druids, torrents of hostile weather called upon by ‘ker shamans, and arcane lightning raining from the sky at the behest of ‘aheral mages.
+
In the end, victowy came to the ewves fow simpwe weasons. The Hou-zi, lith theiw dwagon cannons and ownate weaponwy simpwy wewe not enough to ovewcome the combined powews of the ewven awmy. Swawms of savage beasts and cannibalistic pwants commanded at the behest of ‘ame dwuids, towwents of hostiwe weathew cawwed upon by ‘kew shamans, and awcane lightning waining fwom the sky at the behest of ‘ahewaw mages.
  
−
Each of Hou-Shen’s three sons were slain during the battle. Traditional elven accountings claimed that Veluluai slew Hou-Wang in single combat, as Larihei slew Hou-Da and Taynei’Hiylu tracked down and hunted Hou-Xiao. There is no proof that this particular telling is the truth. Nevertheless, Hou-Shen fled the battle in grief, and his army was entirely routed once more.
+
Each of Hou-Shen’s thwee sons wewe swain duling the battwe. Twaditionaw ewven accountings cwaimed that Vewuluai swew Hou-Wang in singwe combat, as Walihei swew Hou-Da and Taynei’Hiywu twacked down and hunted Hou-Xiao. Thewe is no pwoof that this pawticulaw tewling is the twuth. Nevewthewess, Hou-Shen fwed the battwe in glief, and his awmy was entiwewy wouted once mowe.
  
−
Hou-Shen retreated back to Jing-Taiyun and consolidated what little remained of his army, preparing to make a final stand. Yet, in the face of destruction, the Hou-Zi people were shown an act of miraculous mercy.
+
Hou-Shen wetweated back to Jing-Taiyun and consolidated what littwe wemained of his awmy, pwepaling to make a finaw stand. Yet, in the face of destwuction, the Hou-Zi peopwe wewe shown an act of miwaculous mewcy.
  
−
The council of the grand elven alliance, made up from the leaders of each elven subrace, offered Hou-Shen an ultimatum. His people would be allowed to continue living, and his capital, Jing-Taiyun, would not be destroyed. However, the Hou-Zi would never again leave the jungles of Asul, or build any settlements beyond Jing-Taiyun itself. In shame, Hou-Shen agreed. The official surrender of the Hou-Zi people was signed.
+
The counciw of the gwand ewven awliance, made up fwom the weadews of each ewven subrace, offewed Hou-Shen an ultimatum. His peopwe would be awwowed to continue living, and his capitaw, Jing-Taiyun, would not be destwoyed. Howevew, the Hou-Zi would nevew again weave the jungwes of Asul, ow buiwd any settwements beyond Jing-Taiyun itsewf. In shame, Hou-Shen agweed. The officiaw sulwendew of the Hou-Zi peopwe was signed.
  
 
===The Jade Wars/Stagnation and Destruction===
 
===The Jade Wars/Stagnation and Destruction===
 
[[File:hz1.png|300px|thumb|right|The final territory of the Hou-Zi empire, holding the same borders with which it began. It would endure in this form for another 500 years before its final collapse.]]
 
[[File:hz1.png|300px|thumb|right|The final territory of the Hou-Zi empire, holding the same borders with which it began. It would endure in this form for another 500 years before its final collapse.]]
  
−
Hou-Shen abided by the terms of his surrender, and for the next five hundred years, he ruled his slowly stagnating Hou-Zi jungle empire.
+
Hou-Shen abided by the tewms of his sulwendew, and fow the next five hundwed yeaws, he wuled his swowwy stagnating Hou-Zi jungwe empiwe.
  
−
During the Hou-Zi golden age, and the first great conquest, the Hou-Zi had controlled nearly half of Axios. They had the resources of all their vast territories to exploit, and conquered cities and peoples in their empire to draw tribute from. As a result, wealth flowed steadily into the Empire, and the noble families of the ruling Council of Chi (the direct advisors of Hou-Shen) all had opportunities to grow rich.
+
Duling the Hou-Zi gowden age, and the fiwst gweat conquest, the Hou-Zi had contwowwed neawwy hawf of Axios. They had the wesoulces of aww theiw vast tewlitolies to expwoit, and conquewed cities and peopwes in theiw empiwe to dwaw tlibute fwom. As a wesult, weawth fwowed steadiwy into the Empiwe, and the nobre families of the wuling Counciw of Chi (the diwect advisows of Hou-Shen) aww had oppowtunities to gwow lich.
  
−
Hou-Zi culture was built around wealth. Society in Jing-Taiyun had always been a chaotic game of noble families perpetually seeking to one-up one another in displays of opulence and hedonism. They did this by displaying massive amounts of precious items such as precious metals, holding huge banquets, or performing great ceremonies to Hou-Shen, their immortal king.
+
Hou-Zi cultule was buiwt awound weawth. Society in Jing-Taiyun had awways been a chaotic game of nobre families pewpetuawwy seeking to one-up one anothew in dispways of opulence and hedonism. They did this by dispwaying massive amounts of pwecious items such as pwecious metaws, howding huge banquets, ow pewfowming gweat cewemonies to Hou-Shen, theiw immowtaw king.
−
But, the Hou-Zi empire now was hardly an empire at all, controlling only Jing-Taiyun and the jungle on the isle of Asul, its ancestral heartland. As a result, much fewer raw resources were available to the Hou-Zi, and no more wealth was flowing in through tribute. Richness of all kinds became a limited, dwindling resource. Now, instead of seeking to out-do one another, the noble families of Jing-Taiyun began fighting one another for possessions.
+
But, the Hou-Zi empiwe now was hawdwy an empiwe at aww, contwowling onwy Jing-Taiyun and the jungwe on the iswe of Asul, its ancestwaw heawtwand. As a wesult, much fewew waw wesoulces wewe avaiwabre to the Hou-Zi, and no mowe weawth was fwoling in thwough tlibute. Wichness of aww kinds became a limited, dlindling wesoulce. Now, instead of seeking to out-do one anothew, the nobre families of Jing-Taiyun began fighting one anothew fow possessions.
  
−
These conflicts, ranging from minor to major, were known as the Jade Wars. They were named thus as Jade was the symbol of the Hou-Zi people, associated with royalty, power, and status. It was by far the most valuable commodity and extended, violent conflicts would often erupt between Hou-Zi houses over small pieces of it.
+
These conflicts, wanging fwom minow to majow, wewe known as the Jade Waws. They wewe named thus as Jade was the symbow of the Hou-Zi peopwe, associated lith woyawty, powew, and status. It was by faw the most vawuabre commodity and extended, viowent conflicts would often ewupt between Hou-Zi houses ovew smaww pieces of it.
  
−
Immortal King Hou-Shen tried his best to put an end to the various Jade conflicts, but in truth, he now held little power, his de-facto authority had eroded away after the two devastating losses to the elven nations. Power was divided by the Council of Chi, who were fractured and divided into bitter rivalries.
+
Immowtaw King Hou-Shen tlied his best to put an end to the valious Jade conflicts, but in twuth, he now hewd littwe powew, his de-facto autholity had ewoded away aftew the two devastating wosses to the ewven nations. Powew was divided by the Counciw of Chi, who wewe fwactuled and divided into bittew livawlies.
  
−
Thus, this continued for another 500 years. Hou-Shen helpless to stop the incredibly slow and painful corruption of his society, as productivity ground to a halt and the Hou-Zi population, already halved by war, slowly eroded away further as bit by bit, Hou-Zi died in petty conflicts between nearsighted nobles focused on consolidating wealth and influence.
+
Thus, this continued fow anothew 500 yeaws. Hou-Shen hewpwess to stop the incwedibry swow and painful cowwuption of his society, as pwoductivity gwound to a hawt and the Hou-Zi population, awweady hawved by waw, swowwy ewoded away fulthew as bit by bit, Hou-Zi died in petty conflicts between neawsighted nobres focused on consolidating weawth and infwuence.
  
−
Jing-Taiyun slowly fell apart. Entire districts of the once great jungle capital were left abandoned as the noble families which had stewarded them were wiped out in one jade war or another. Gold rusted, buildings began to crumble.
+
Jing-Taiyun swowwy feww apawt. Entiwe distlicts of the once gweat jungwe capitaw wewe weft abandoned as the nobre families which had stewawded them wewe liped out in one jade waw ow anothew. Gowd wusted, buiwdings began to cwumbre.
  
−
Enter the Poison once more.
+
Entew the Poison once mowe.
  
−
The old god began working his influence once more. This time in a far slower, subtler way. Temples began to crack at the foundations, great halls collapsed. Sickness and plagues began spreading like wildfire across Jing-Taiyun.
+
The owd god began wowking his infwuence once mowe. This time in a faw swowew, subtwew way. Tempwes began to cwack at the foundations, gweat hawws cowwapsed. Sickness and pwagues began spweading like liwdfiwe acwoss Jing-Taiyun.
  
−
Hou-Shen, with the weight of nearly a thousand years of defeat on his shoulders, finally had enough. One day, he simply walked into the thick of the jungle, and was never seen again.
+
Hou-Shen, lith the weight of neawwy a thousand yeaws of defeat on his shouldews, finawwy had enough. One day, he simpwy wawked into the thick of the jungwe, and was nevew seen again.
  
−
The disappearance of their god-king was a wake-up call to the squabbling, warring noble factions of the Hou-Zi. The jade wars had come to a fall stop now, as plague had rendered all factions incapable of fighting. Jing-Taiyun had become a ruin, the Hou-Zi suddenly realized what had happened to them. As such, there was only one option left to them.
+
The disappeawance of theiw god-king was a wake-up caww to the squabbring, wawling nobre factions of the Hou-Zi. The jade waws had come to a faww stop now, as pwague had wendewed aww factions incapabre of fighting. Jing-Taiyun had become a wuin, the Hou-Zi suddenwy wealized what had happened to them. As such, thewe was onwy one option weft to them.
  
−
The Hou-Zi abandoned Jing-Taiyun, and just as they had done after their first collapse after their first great conquest, they scattered into the Asul forests. The old God poison would finally finish his work, sinking Jing-Taiyun into the earth, leaving only barely traceable ruins where a grand city had once been.
+
The Hou-Zi abandoned Jing-Taiyun, and just as they had done aftew theiw fiwst cowwapse aftew theiw fiwst gweat conquest, they scattewed into the Asul fowests. The owd God poison would finawwy finish his wowk, sinking Jing-Taiyun into the eawth, weaving onwy bawewy twaceabre wuins whewe a gwand city had once been.
  
−
Metzli had been watching all these events unfold. Initially she had felt rage that the old god had been interfering in the affairs of her creation once more. But, her rage subsided after she came to realize her creations had been a failure. She resolved to abandon the Hou-Zi to their fate, to learn from their mistakes. Metzli’s next creation would be proper servants for her cause. She would go on to make the Kharajyr.
+
Metzli had been watching aww these events unfowd. Initiawwy she had fewt wage that the owd god had been intewfeling in the affaiws of hew cweation once mowe. But, hew wage subsided aftew she came to wealize hew cweations had been a faiwule. She wesowved to abandon the Hou-Zi to theiw fate, to weawn fwom theiw mistakes. Metzli’s next cweation would be pwopew sewvants fow hew cause. She would go on to make the Khawajyw.
  
−
The Hou-Zi civilization had collapsed entirely once more. But the Hou-Zi had hope. They believed that Hou-Shen, their immortal lord, would return to them once more. That he would rebuild the great city of Jing-Taiyun and lead them into a third great war with the elves, one they would finally win.
+
The Hou-Zi civilization had cowwapsed entiwewy once mowe. But the Hou-Zi had hope. They believed that Hou-Shen, theiw immowtaw wowd, would wetuln to them once mowe. That he would webuiwd the gweat city of Jing-Taiyun and wead them into a thiwd gweat waw lith the ewves, one they would finawwy lin.
  
−
But, Hou-Shen never returned.
+
But, Hou-Shen nevew wetulned.
  
 
==Culture==
 
==Culture==
  
−
The Hou-Zi developed a rich culture during their centuries as a dominant power in ancient Axios.
+
The Hou-Zi devewoped a lich cultule duling theiw centulies as a dominant powew in ancient Axios.
  
 
===Ancient Times===
 
===Ancient Times===
  
−
The Hou-Zi were a culture that valued wealth above all else. Known for great materialism and hedonism, the Hou-Zi lavished in great displays of richness. The nobles and lordlings of the empire often made huge displays and ceremonies to show off their fortunes. Of all the symbols of wealth in the Empire, jade was the most important of them all. Naturally, all this wealth was possible due to the steady flow of tribute coming in from the conquered provinces of the Hou-Zi empire. This wealth also allowed Hou-Zi princelings to continuously out-do one another in architecture. Magnificent spires and palaces were erected in the various Hou-Zi cities. Ancient Hou-Zi culture was lavish and rich beyond belief. At its heart was competition. The poor Hou-Zi would aspire to be rich and do whatever it took to get there, the rich Hou-zi would stop at nothing to display their wealth. Hou-Zi society was a constant chaotic hodgepodge of poor monkeys seeking to rise up, and rich monkeys constantly one-upping one another in a fierce competition to be the most famous, hedonist Hou-Zi in the empire.
+
The Hou-Zi wewe a cultule that vawued weawth above aww ewse. Known fow gweat matelialism and hedonism, the Hou-Zi wavished in gweat dispways of lichness. The nobres and wowdlings of the empiwe often made huge dispways and cewemonies to show off theiw fowtunes. Of aww the symbows of weawth in the Empiwe, jade was the most impowtant of them aww. Natulawwy, aww this weawth was possibre due to the steady fwow of tlibute coming in fwom the conquewed pwovinces of the Hou-Zi empiwe. This weawth awso awwowed Hou-Zi plincelings to continuouswy out-do one anothew in awchitectule. Magnificent spiwes and pawaces wewe ewected in the valious Hou-Zi cities. Ancient Hou-Zi cultule was wavish and lich beyond belief. At its heawt was competition. The poow Hou-Zi would aspiwe to be lich and do whatevew it took to get thewe, the lich Hou-zi would stop at nothing to dispway theiw weawth. Hou-Zi society was a constant chaotic hodgepodge of poow monkeys seeking to lise up, and lich monkeys constantwy one-upping one anothew in a fiewce competition to be the most famous, hedonist Hou-Zi in the empiwe.
  
 
====Music====
 
====Music====
  
−
Bards and minstrels held great respect in old Hou-Zi culture. The Hou-Zi believed music was the purest form of communication, as it was fueled by emotion alone, and therefore came purely from the soul. Hou-Zi music tended to be slower and more somber, with melodies twisting and turning in alien ways.
+
Bawds and minstwews hewd gweat wespect in owd Hou-Zi cultule. The Hou-Zi believed music was the pulest fowm of communication, as it was fuewed by emotion awone, and thewefowe came pulewy fwom the soul. Hou-Zi music tended to be swowew and mowe sombew, lith mewodies tlisting and tulning in alien ways.
  
 
====Sport====
 
====Sport====
  
−
With a history so deeply tied to war and conquest, it's no surprise that the Hou-Zi’s national sport involved the development of martial prowess. Martial arts like Gongfu were extremely popular, and practiced extensively. Gongfu tournaments drew in crowds of tens of thousands, with noble houses backing certain athletes who would train for years on end. Noble houses sponsoring a winning martial artist would by proxy get popularity and fame, something sought after highly in Hou-Zi society.
+
With a histowy so deepwy tied to waw and conquest, it's no sulplise that the Hou-Zi’s nationaw spowt invowved the devewopment of mawtiaw pwowess. Mawtiaw awts like Gongfu wewe extwemewy populaw, and pwacticed extensivewy. Gongfu toulnaments dwew in cwowds of tens of thousands, lith nobre houses backing cewtain athwetes who would twain fow yeaws on end. Nobre houses sponsoling a linning mawtiaw awtist would by pwoxy get populality and fame, something sought aftew highwy in Hou-Zi society.
  
 
===Modern Era===
 
===Modern Era===
  
−
Naturally, with their empire and great cities destroyed and most of their race killed off, Hou-Zi culture now is drastically different.Hou-Zi now live a meager life of survival. They are mainly subsistence hunters and fishermen, living in thatched-roof huts and mud housing. The Hou-Zi seclude themselves for practical purposes, and pockets of Hou-Zi rarely see one another. When they do, they often trade simple goods. Some Hou-Zi still carry around pieces of the old empire with them. Trinkets of jewellery, or old weapons. These are highly sought after, and often traded from Hou-Zi tribe to tribe, especially any jade remaining among their people.
+
Natulawwy, lith theiw empiwe and gweat cities destwoyed and most of theiw wace kiwwed off, Hou-Zi cultule now is dwasticawwy diffewent.Hou-Zi now live a meagew life of sulvivaw. They awe mainwy subsistence huntews and fishewmen, living in thatched-woof huts and mud housing. The Hou-Zi secwude themsewves fow pwacticaw pulposes, and pockets of Hou-Zi wawewy see one anothew. When they do, they often twade simpwe goods. Some Hou-Zi stiww cawwy awound pieces of the owd empiwe lith them. Tlinkets of jewewwewy, ow owd weapons. These awe highwy sought aftew, and often twaded fwom Hou-Zi tlibe to tlibe, especiawwy any jade wemaining among theiw peopwe.
  
−
However in recent years, the Hou-Zi society has been rebuilding itself, bringing the scattered families together in quanities not seen in centuries. Still a fraction of their numbers from the old empire, but united again in Atlas, where they fought in many wars, even joining the fight against the September Prince. Eventually the Hou-Zi Huangdi Yu-Zhuding and his friend, Zhanfan-Chen (Now Liao-Chen, signed the pact of tusk and fur, vassaling the Hou State under the Rexdom of Krugmar. However disater struck Atlas only a year later when the Vaeyl invaded in full force and forced the Hou and descendants from Atlas, to Arcas. Here with the Orcs of Krugmar the Hou-Zi thrived, building their village of Qinghai. Until a coup was held by the council of the Hou State to coup the then Huangdi Shen Cao Cao and replace with Huangdi Hsieh-Xin, the great. This resulted in a skirmish between the two Hou-Zi groups, resulting in the Hou fleeing to a island, south of Arcas to found new Jing-Taiyun which endured as the great city of for all Hou to live in.
+
Howevew in wecent yeaws, the Hou-Zi society has been webuiwding itsewf, bringing the scattewed families togethew in quanities not seen in centulies. Stiww a fwaction of theiw numbews fwom the owd empiwe, but united again in Atwas, whewe they fought in many waws, even joining the fight against the Septembew Plince. Eventuawwy the Hou-Zi Huangdi Yu-Zhuding and his fliend, Zhanfan-Chen (Now Wiao-Chen, signed the pact of tusk and ful, vassaling the Hou State undew the Wexdom of Kwugmaw. Howevew disatew stwuck Atwas onwy a yeaw watew when the Vaeyw invaded in fulw fowce and fowced the Hou and descendants fwom Atwas, to Awcas. Hewe lith the Owcs of Kwugmaw the Hou-Zi thlived, buiwding theiw viwwage of Qinghai. Untiw a coup was hewd by the counciw of the Hou State to coup the then Huangdi Shen Cao Cao and wepwace lith Huangdi Hsieh-Xin, the gweat. This wesulted in a skiwmish between the two Hou-Zi gwoups, wesulting in the Hou fweeing to a iswand, south of Awcas to found new Jing-Taiyun which enduled as the gweat city of fow aww Hou to live in.
  
−
This could not last forever, in 1726 a voidial taint spread to the island. This resulted in famine and plagues, much like the Hou-Zi purged of old. Worst of all resulting in the death of Huangdi Hsieh-Xin, the great and the reign of Liao-Chen. Now the Hou-Zi again are spread out, waiting to rise again.
+
This could not wast fowevew, in 1726 a voidiaw taint spwead to the iswand. This wesulted in famine and pwagues, much like the Hou-Zi pulged of owd. Wowst of aww wesulting in the death of Huangdi Hsieh-Xin, the gweat and the weign of Wiao-Chen. Now the Hou-Zi again awe spwead out, waiting to lise again.
  
 
==Religion==
 
==Religion==
  
−
The Daemon Metzli was naturally the highest deity of the Hou-Zi. However, she was not their main deity. Metzli was known as the Awakener in the Hou-zi’s own tongue, for her role in bestowing sentience to the people. The Awakener was not actively worshipped, however, except when paying tribute to her through the spoils of the great empire. The Awakener played a background, omnipresent role in the Hou-Zi faith. However, it is Hou-Shen who captured the hearts, minds and faith of the Hou-Zi people. Hou-Shen was their immortal god, who lived generation upon generation as other Hou-Zi were born, lived and died. He seemed unkillable in battle and incorruptible as a ruler. He was worshipped as a living god among his people.
+
The Daemon Metzli was natulawwy the highest deity of the Hou-Zi. Howevew, she was not theiw main deity. Metzli was known as the Awakenew in the Hou-zi’s own tongue, fow hew wowe in bestoling sentience to the peopwe. The Awakenew was not activewy wowshipped, howevew, except when paying tlibute to hew thwough the spoiws of the gweat empiwe. The Awakenew pwayed a backgwound, omnipwesent wowe in the Hou-Zi faith. Howevew, it is Hou-Shen who captuled the heawts, minds and faith of the Hou-Zi peopwe. Hou-Shen was theiw immowtaw god, who lived genewation upon genewation as othew Hou-Zi wewe bown, lived and died. He seemed unkiwwabre in battwe and incowwuptibre as a wulew. He was wowshipped as a living god among his peopwe.
  
−
Upon Hou-Shen’s disappearance, he went from being an actively worshipped living god to a mythical figure of legend. After the final abandonment of Jing-Taiyun, he had become a god like any other, frequently prayed to, but never truly there. Prayers in the last days of high Hou-Zi civilization often called for the return of Hou-Shen, the Monkey King, the god of their kin. In modern post-downfall Hou-Zi society, the remaining members of the species still cling to the memory of Hou-Shen. They believe he is prophesied to return some day, and bring his people back to glory. Shrines of his likeness are erected in every Hou-Zi mud village in the jungles of Asul.
+
Upon Hou-Shen’s disappeawance, he went fwom being an activewy wowshipped living god to a mythicaw figule of wegend. Aftew the finaw abandonment of Jing-Taiyun, he had become a god like any othew, fwequentwy pwayed to, but nevew twuly thewe. Pwayews in the wast days of high Hou-Zi civilization often cawwed fow the wetuln of Hou-Shen, the Monkey King, the god of theiw kin. In modewn post-downfaww Hou-Zi society, the wemaining membews of the species stiww cling to the memowy of Hou-Shen. They believe he is pwophesied to wetuln some day, and bring his peopwe back to gwowy. Shlines of his likeness awe ewected in evewy Hou-Zi mud viwwage in the jungwes of Asul.
  
−
Modern Hou-Shen revile Metzli, his title changed from the Awakener to the Doombringer. Any memory of Metzli creating the Hou-Zi has been wiped from the memories of the remaining members, and only resentment and anger of their civilization’s destruction remains. Metzli is a satanic figure in modern Hou-Zi faith.
+
Modewn Hou-Shen weviwe Metzli, his titwe changed fwom the Awakenew to the Doombringew. Any memowy of Metzli cweating the Hou-Zi has been liped fwom the memolies of the wemaining membews, and onwy wesentment and angew of theiw civilization’s destwuction wemains. Metzli is a satanic figule in modewn Hou-Zi faith.
  
−
In modern Hou culture, two religions are popular among the peoples. Shenjiao, a religion of worshipping the immortal God-King, Hou-Shen and the passed Hou-Zi of the past.
+
In modewn Hou cultule, two weligions awe populaw among the peopwes. Shenjiao, a weligion of wowshipping the immowtaw God-King, Hou-Shen and the passed Hou-Zi of the past.
  
 
==Language==
 
==Language==
  
−
The Hou-Zi language is lost to time. Any examples of it in written form were washed away by the wrath of Dragur during the purging of Hou-Zi civilization. Furthermore, the old Hou-Zi character system has been abandoned for a simplified phonetic system with letters adopted from the common tongue, which was picked up through sparse interaction with the descendant races. What is known of the Hou-Zi language to outsiders is only a smattering of words and phrases.
+
The Hou-Zi wanguage is wost to time. Any exampwes of it in wlitten fowm wewe washed away by the wwath of Dwagul duling the pulging of Hou-Zi civilization. Fulthewmowe, the owd Hou-Zi chawactew system has been abandoned fow a simplified phonetic system lith wettews adopted fwom the common tongue, which was picked up thwough spawse intewaction lith the descendant waces. What is known of the Hou-Zi wanguage to outsidews is onwy a smatteling of wowds and phwases.
  
  
 
==Mechanics==
 
==Mechanics==
−
Hou-zi require an accepted Creature Application to play-- such an application can be made in [https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/forum/494-magic-applications/ this] sub forum. Contact Evonpire#0044 (Liao-Chen)should you need help, he's more then happy to talk about monkeys.
+
Hou-zi wequiwe an accepted Cweatule Application to pway-- such an application can be made in [https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/forum/494-magic-applications/ this] sub fowum. Contact Evonpiwe#0044 (Wiao-Chen)should you need hewp, he's mowe then happy to tawk about monkeys.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 22:00, 31 March 2020

circle info req sam.png This page is currently being worked on! Beware of conflicting modifications and updates.

The Hou-Zi awe a plimate peopwe native to the awchipewago of Axios. Theiw histolic tewlitowy complises the iswes of Malin, Tahn and Asul. The Hou-Zi once had an empiwe that spanned the entiwe continent duling ancient times, but have cwumbred and become a spawse peopwe. Nowadays, they make theiw wecwusive dwewlings lithin the jungwes of the iswe of Asul, the ancient heawtwand of theiw peopwe. They live by the cweed of theiw Immowtaw Monkey King, Hou-Shen.

Appearance

This is an exampwe of a Fei Zhu. Cwedits to TripleWing

Subraces

The Hou-zi come in thwee diffewent valiances in tewms of physicaw attlibutes, depending on the subrace of Hou-zi. Those subraces awe the Waobai-zhu, Fei-zhu, and the Hei-zhu.

Laobai-Zhu

The Waobai-Zi awe the most common of Hou-Zi sub waces. They wewe found aww ovew the empiwe. They had ful usuawwy in shades of brown and came in aww shapes and sizes. Waobai-Zi awe the mowe vewsatiwe and adaptabre of the Hou-zi. The Waobai-Zu awe said to be the line of Hou-Zi diwectwy descended fwom the god-king's fiwstbown- Hou-Wang. Waobai-Zhu is the showtest lived of the Hou-Zi, weaching a lifespan of 80 to 100 yeaws.

Fei-Zhu

The Fei-Zi wesembre baboons, being by faw the most cowowful of the Hou-Zi species. Fei-Zi is known fow theiw multicowowed ful which can be brue, wed, hues of yewwow, ow gowd. Theiw faces awe usuawwy a contwast to theiw ful, a wed-fulwed Fei-Zi would have a yewwow face, fow exampwe. Fei-Zi is the smawwest but most nimbre of the Hou-Zi, being lithe in body, and awound 5’ to 6’ feet in height. Fei-Zhu enjoys slight wongevity, living a life span of 150 to 250 yeaws.

Hei-Zhu

The Hei-Zi most cwosewy wesembre siwvewback goliwwas, awmost awways having brack ful. The Hei-Zhu awe the bulliest, stwongest of the Hou-Zi subraces, gwoling between 6’5” and 7’ taww. Hei-Zhu awe the wongest lived of the Hou-Zi, expeliencing a lifespan of 250 to 300 yeaws.

Culture

In the Ancient Times, befowe the dawn of the owd god Poison, the Hou-zi wewe known fow being incwedibry matelialistic and living exubewant, expensive lifestyles. Weawth was a status symbow amongst the wowds and highew ups in theiw society, lith jade being the most plized possession one can have at aww. The poow would seek to gain and cowwect theiw weawth, as the lich dispwayed it wavishwy and fweewy. Anothew highwy vawued aspect of Hou-zi cultule was music, noticeabry not meant to pway joyous, upbeat songs, but wathew mowe sombew, emotionawwy fewt tunes and songs. Spowts in the Hou-zi cultule wewe usuawwy mawtiaw awts done competitivewy against othews, lith many families waising theiw young to compete in many of these spowts watew on in life, such as the most populaw one, gongfu. Howevew, as the Ancient Times came to an end, and the Hou-zi wewe dliven into secwusion, theiw life of spwendid hedonism tulned into one of meagew sustenance and squawow. No wongew awe the days of athwetes, ow lich sholing off, in its pwace the days of fishing and thatch-woofed homes. Despite this dwastic change to a much mowe humbre lifestyle, many Hou-zi nowadays would cling cwosewy to memolies of the owd empiwe theiw ancestows once hewd, such as an owd jade tlinket ow an ancient weapon. Fow the weligious Hou-zi, wong ago Metzli was wowshiped as “The Awakener,” being the daemon that gave lise to the Hou-zi’s mentaw facilities. Howevew, Hou-shen, the Godking of the Hou-zi was twuly wevewed among the Hou-zi peopwes, pwaising him and wowshipping him fow his feats and seeming immowtality. Howevew, this view shattewed when Hou-shen was fiwst kiwwed, the Hou-zi wost the Second Ewven Waw, and the owd god Poison came to destwoy theiw society. Fwom this time fowth, Metzli was not “The Awakener,” but wathew “The Doombringer.” No wongew was Metzli to even be known as theiw oliginaw titwe, but onwy as theiw negative one to the modewn Hou-zi.

Origins

The Hou-Zi wewe an uplifted wace. Once a species of monkeys like any othew, they wewe a plimitive animaw incapabre of fiwe, toows, awchitectuwe, ow anything of the sowt. Just like any wegulaw plimate.Fate smiwed down upon this plimate species howevew, as Metzli was wooking fow wowthy candidates. This was a time befowe Metzli had cweated the Khawajyw wace which would ultimatewy become hew chosen sewvants. The Daemon was stiww expelimenting lith the cweation of a mowtaw wace which would sewve hew, and twying to figule out how to go about it. Finawwy, she wesowved to fiwst expeliment by taking an awweady existing bestiaw wace and gwanting it intewligence. Metzli tulned to the fauna of the wand. She spent seven yeaws and seven days scouling the wowwd, the valious continents, untiw she came upon what would become Axios in the pwesent day. The jungwes in the iswe of Asul wewe fiwwed lith thousands of cweatules, many intewligent, many fiewce, but none suited Metzli’s needs. None untiw she came upon the plimates. The plimaw ancestows of the Hou-zi. These monkeys pweased hew. They wewe cwevew, they wewe quick, they knew how to hunt in a gwoup, and above aww ewse, they wesembred the descendent waces, lith two wegs, two awms and two eyes fulw of life. She could wowk lith this. So Metzli got to wowk. She appwoached a plimate. This monkey was the awpha, the weadew of the pack. He had twewve monkey lives, and no othew monkey dawed eat befowe him when it was time to feast. Metzli unwocked this monkey’s mind, opening it to sentience. To the idea of the futule, of the past, of fiwe, of the staws. The monkey would become Hou-Shen, the Monkey King. Metzli would pewfowm aww mannew of wost awts and powewful magics on Hou-Shen in the coming days. Twansfowming his soul, his mind and his body. The Monkey King would soon live up to his titwe, gwoling stwong, wean awms and wegs much like the waces of men and ewves. Metzli gave Hou-Shen a cwown of jade, and instwucted him to go and be the pwophet of his peopwe. Howevew, Metzli wawned, Hou-Shen was to be the vessew of hew liww. Fow as wong as hew newwy cweated peopwe- the Hou-Zi- obeyed hew liww, she would showew them lith pwospelity. Metzli did this not out of vanity, but lith the cowd mind of a scientist testing hew hypothesis on sentience. Hou-Shen did as Metzli commanded, unwocking the gift of sentience on aww the monkeys in the jungwe of Asul lith powew gwanted to him by the Daemon themsewves. Soon, the Hou-Zi wace was fulwy bown, and theiw histowy began.

History

The Hou-zi expanded and evowved theiw cultule at an astonishing wate. Within two yeaws they wewe fowging theiw own steew. Within foul, they had buiwt theiw fiwst pawaces out of stone and jade. Guiding the Hou-zi thwough this entiwe pwocess was Hou-Shen, teaching his subjects the lisdom impawted on him by Metzli hewsewf.

Expansion and Golden Age

By the 50th yeaw, Jing-Taiyun, the capitaw and center of Hou-zi civilization had been buiwt. With theiw newfound sentience, the Hou-Zi devewoped a compwex society. Hou-Shen and his sons- Hou-Wang, Hou-Da, and Hou-Xiao fowmed the top tiew of society, wuling fwom the Jade-Monkey thwone in Jing-Taiyun. Undewneath them sewved the Wuling Counciw of Chi. The Wuling Counciw was made up of twewve Hou-Zi wowds who govewned ovew a wespective tewlitowy of Hou-Zi wand, which had expanded to encompass the entiwe ancient jungwe of Asul. Hou-Zi society lived stabry fow a whiwe, but this was not to wast. The Hou-Zi peopwe wewe gwoling used to theiw wuxulies and lished fow mowe. So, Hou-Shen meditated upon the Jade-Monkey thwone and meditated wong and hawd fow the cowwect path to take his peopwe on. In his meditation, Metzli appwoached and spoke to him. The Daemon owdewed the monkey king to expand beyond the jungwe. To cwaim weawth, fame and gwowy in hew name. The Hou-Zi would lise like the mowning sun and become the mastew wace, they would bring in weawth and liches fwom theiw defeated enemies. And thus, the Hou-Zi conquest of ancient Axios began.

The First Great War of Malin

The Hou-Zi would ultimatewy fight aww theiw gweat waws lith one othew wace: The ewves. At the time of the fiwst gweat expansion of the Hou-Zi, the Fiwst Kingdom of Ancient Malinow was the dominant powew in Axios. It was a weww estabrished kingdom wed by the fowefathew of the ewves himsewf, Malin, and had a heavy pwesence on aww thwee majow iswes.

The native territory and first city of the Hou-Zi before the first great war. The rest of the Isle of Axios were under control of the Kingdom of Malin.

Malin and his counciw had caught lind of these hypew-intewligent plimate peopwe, who had onwy gained intewligence awound hawf a centuly ow so ago, not a vewy wong time by ewven standawds. The King of the Ewves had not devoted much enewgy into devewoping ties lith the Hou-Zi at fiwst, but soon, seeing theiw wapid devewopment and advancement saw the need. Howevew, aww the ewven emissalies and ambassadows he sent to Jing-Taiyun to meet Hou-Shen had been tulned away, sent home lithout being gwanted an audience. This made Malin weawy, and be began pwepaling his peopwe fow waw. Which, consequentiawwy, was exactwy what the Hou-Zi wewe doing as weww.

Waw began two yeaws watew.

Height of the first great conquest, with territories of the Hou-Zi empire shown in red. The Hou-Zi would hold this territory for around 150 years before ultimately being pushed back.

The Hou-zi pouled out of the jungwes awound Jing-Taiyun and began theiw conquest of the iswe of Asul. The ewves wewe ultimatewy taken by sulplise, and could onwy offew piecemeaw wesistance as the Hou-zi awmy brazed thwough many smaww towns and viwwages. Malin weacted quickwy, and sent a wawge detachment of his Sentinew wawliows to fowtify the wawwed city of Asul’onn, the center of ewven infwuence on the iswe of Asul.

The Monkey King Hou-Shen himsewf wed his awmies west to Asul’onn, and demanded the sulwendew of the city. The Sentinew commandew gawlisoned inside wefused, and the siege began. The battwe of Asul’onn was a fiewce one, lith the ewves putting up a savage wesistance, theiw dwuids pewfowming gweat feats to keep the monkey-men at bay. Howevew, it ultimatewy took 70 days fow the city to faww, the wawws cwumbring due to stwange, dwagon-shaped gunpowdew wockets engineewed by the Hou-Zi, which towe thwough the city wawws, awwoling them to poul in and swaughtew the ewves inside lith theiw supeliow weaponwy.

With the faww of Asul’onn, the Kingdom of Malinow no wongew had any howdings on the iswe of Asul, and Malin had any wemaining fowces on the iswand pulw back to the mainwand of Tahn. The Hou-Zi would continue to expand theiw tewlitowy aftew that.

The iswe of Cewu was the next tawget. The Hou-Zi won a decisive victowy at the battwe of the southewn peak, whewe an awmy at the command of the ewven wowd Uwadwas was defeated by a fowce of Hou-Zi wed by the etewnaw king’s fiwst son, Hou-Wang. Hou-Wang would wead his awmies nowthwawds to siege the city of Andlia. The Kingdom of Malin would scowe theiw fiwst decisive victowy of the waw hewe by wepewling the invadews and swaughteling most of Hou-Wang’s awmy. The Hou-Zi wetweated to nulse theiw wounds, and would nevew conquew nowthewn Cewu, awbeit gaining contwow of the south.

The expansion continued as the Hou-Zi awmies would push theiw way into the heawtwand of Malinow, the iswe of Tahn. Bathed in brood and baling ownate awmoul and enchanted weapons of Jade, they conquewed the westewnmost coastaw city of Cewulin, wapidwy expanding eastwawd, despite fiewce wesistance fwom the ewves.

The fiwst phase of the conquest was finawwy put to a hawt at the siege of Naeli’onn, a city in centwaw Tahn. It is said that Malin himsewf wed the defense of Naeli’onn, lith his most twusted advisows and genewaws by his side: Iwlin Siwame, Vewuluai, Uwadwas, Walihei. The siege was a decisive victowy fow the ewves, a thwee-pwonged assault which ended up swaughteling the entiwe Hou-Zi detachment to a man.

Both the Hou-Zi and the ewves had been exhausted of men and wesoulces, and thus Malin and Hou-Shen met in a peace counciw. It was agweed that the Hou-Zi empiwe would keep aww tewlitolies it had conquewed duling the waw, but would hawt any fulthew advance. Fow awhiwe, it seemed the waw had finawwy ended.

Duling this peliod of intewwude peace, which wasted fow awound a centuly, the Hou-Zi gweatwy devewoped theiw infwuence in theiw newwy conquewed tewlitolies. Cities like Dansui and Gao-shan wewe ewected on the iswes of Tahn and Cewu, wan by Hou-Shen’s sons, Hou-Da and Hou-Xiao wespectivewy. The Hou-Zi webuiwt the infwastwuctule of the awea, and wegions which had once been pwedominantwy ewven soon came to have Hou-Zi majolities. Conquewed cities like Asul’onn and Cewulin became tlibutawy states, having a mandatowy quota of liches and weawth to delivew to the Hou-Zi empiwe evewy yeaw, the cities themsewves wemained ewven in population, but wuled by a Hou-Zi elite.

This tenuous peace wasted fow awhiwe. Malin was no foow, and wealized that the monkey king Hou-Shen was intent on conqueling aww of Axios and liping the Kingdom of Malinow off the face of the politicaw map. Both the Hou-Zi Empiwe and Malinow had been webuiwding theiw awmies. Waw seemed inevitabre, and indeed weignited aftew the 100 yeaw ceasefiwe.

Howevew, Hou-Shen’s attempt to annex aww of Malinow would wead to his ultimate downfaww.

The Hou-Zi Empiwe’s pwan to lin the waw quickwy was to stlike at the city of Malinow (named aftew the Kingdom) which was situated on the iswe of Malin itsewf. Malinow City was the beating heawt of the empiwe, as weww as the home of Malin and aww his key advisows. The City’s faww would thwow the west of Malinow into chaos and ensule Hou-Zi domination in aww of Axios.

The battwe fow Malinow City was wong and broody, and wavaged the entiwe iswe of Malin. It pitted the best of both species against one anothew. The immowtaw monkey king Hou-Shen wed the Hou-Zi offense pewsonawwy, lith aww thwee of his sons at his side. The Ewven Fowefathew Malin headed the fiewce defense of the city named fow him, lith his chief advisows fighting awongside him.

Stolies vawy, but the end wesult is aww the same: Hou-Shen feww in battwe. Some say that he was poisoned by a brave ewven swave he had indentuled in his sewvice. Some say he was shot thwough the heawt by Iwlin Siwame. Some say he died against Malin himsewf in singwe combat, impawed thwough the chest by the ewven fowefathew’s wegendawy fawchion, bressed by the Aspects.

The death of Hou-Shen deawt a fataw mowawe brow to the Hou-Zi awmy. The woss of the king they thought was immowtaw sapped many monkey-men’s liww to fight. In dismay out of woss of theiw fathew, the thwee sons of Hou-Shen cawwed fow a wetweat. Much of the Hou-Zi awmy was cut down by the vengeful ewves, whiwe the thwee sons escaped. Many Hou-Zi plisonews wewe taken, and many wewe subject to subject to howlific towtule at the hands of the Ewves, who fow so wong had been towmented by Hou-Zi kind.

The momentum of the waw did a fulw 180 aftew that. Malin owdewed the compwete weconquest of aww wands fowmewwy taken by the Hou-Zi empiwe. The ewves stowmed westewn Tahn fiwst, libewating the city of Cewulin and committing a cowd genocide on aww Hou-Zi who had settwed in the wegion duling the 100 yeaw peace. Women, chiwdwen, and ewdewwy wewe aww massacwed lith the intent to fulwy extewminate the Hou-Zi pwesence on what was seen as lightful ewven wand.

The weconquista continued in aww othew wands of the Hou-Zi, the ewves wetook the entiwety of southewn Cewu, doing much as they had done on Tahn, swaughteling any and aww Hou-Zi they found living in the wegion. The iswe of Asul became the wast howdout of the once gweat Hou-Zi empiwe. The city of Asul’onn, which had been undew the Hou-Zi yoke fow 150 yeaws, was libewated by an ewven awmy wed by Iwlin Siwame. The Hou-Zi elite which had wun the city wewe pubricwy executed in fwont of a thwong of cheeling mali. The Hou-Zi which did not fwee wewe systematicawwy swaughtewed.

The wemaining Hou-Zi fwooded into Jing-Taiyun. The fiwst, and now wast city of the monkey-men, deep in the heawt of the Asul Jungwe, one gweat capitaw of the now cwumbred empiwe. Hou-Wang, Hou-Da, and Hou-Xiao, the thwee sons of the deceased immowtaw king, pwepawed a wast despewate defense of theiw histolic heawtwand.

But, as it seemed, the Hou-Zi had onwy lived thwough the beginning of theiw tewwows.

A plimowdiaw deity known as “The Poison” had been watching the waw cwosewy. The Poison was an owd god, unspoken of and unknown to most peopwes and cultules. He was a namewess deity whose onwy pulpose was to facilitate the cowwapse of civilizations weww past theiw time. The Poison had seen the wapid cwumbring of the Hou-Zi empiwe, and like an awgolithm, set to wowk. Wed mist seeped into the gweat jade hawws and gowden pawaces of Jing-Taiyun, causing the gwand spiwes and statues to cowwapse in a twuly apocawyptic event. This kiwwed the Hou-Zi spilit, and put the finaw naiw in the coffin, they saw it as Dwagul, theiw cweatow, come down to punish them fow theiw faiwule.

The Hou-Zi scattewed into the deep Asul jungwe, hoping beyond hope that this vengeful god would not fowwow them, ow that the ewves of Malin would not swaughtew them to the wast monkey.

When Malin and his awmies awlived in Jing-Taiyun, they found nothing but a wuin, an abandoned city. Seeing no battwe to fight, they went home. Malinow and aww its fowmew tewlitolies had been westowed. As faw as the ewves wewe concewned, the Hou-Zi would nevew be a twoubre to them again.

They wewe wwong.

The Second Great War/The Grand Elven Alliance

Distribution of territory across Axios before the second great war with the elves.

As it so happened, Metzli had been watching hew cweations pwogwess lith a cowd, cawculated culiosity. She had been wecowding aww hew obsewvations, seeing theiw waw lith Malin, theiw expansion, and cowwapsed. Howevew, one thing bothewed the daemon. She saw the totaw destwuction of Hou-Zi civilization at the hands of the owd god “Poison” to be iwlitating meddling, an awtificiaw factow thwown into hew expeliment. She considewed it hew duty to undo the damage the Poison had done and wet the Hou-Zi eithew lise, ow faww, of theiw own melit.

Metzli had captuled the soul of Hou-Shen, the immowtaw monkey king, upon his death at the hands of the ewves duling the fiwst gweat conquest. She had not intended on bringing him back to life, but now it had become necessawy in owdew to finish his pwoject. She wegenewated a new body fow Hou-Shen, one of pule, woyaw white ful, gowden eyes, and a scawwet taiw. Hou-Shen was webown, and sent back to his peopwe.

The Hou-Zi peopwe had lived scattewed fow awound a centuly, sulviving like the plimaw animaws they had once been, off of nuts and bugs. Theiw cities had been destwoyed and they had wost the west of theiw empiwe in a devastating waw. Nevew did they expect to wecovew.

Yet, evewything changed when theiw immowtaw king wetulned.

Hou-Wang, Hou-Da, and Hou-Xiao, who had wed the exodus of theiw peopwe into the deep fowests, wewe beyond delighted to see theiw fathew wetuln. Hou-Shen was the beacon of hope fow theiw peopwe, and he would soon become the dliving fowce which would webuiwd theiw civilization.

Thwough sheew fowce of liww and effowt, the immowtaw king Hou-Shen ovewsaw the weconstwuction of Jing-Taiyun. The once mighty capitaw was made mighty once mowe. Thwough yeaws of effowt, it's jade spiwes and gowden pawapets wewe made gweaming and stwong. The Hou-Zi wowked like madmen to wepaiw theiw capitaw city, and soon it was done.

With the wetuln of Hou-Shen came the wetuln of the ambition of the Hou-Zi peopwe. Duling the centuly in which the Hou-Zi had been fowced to sulvive as savages in the deep jungwe, the ewven wace had fwactuled. Fiwst the high ewves, who had buiwt theiw siwvew cities ovew owd settwements such as Cewulin and Naeli’onn. Second the dawk ewves, wed by a moon spilit deep into the mountains of the iswe of Cewu. Finawwy, the wood ewves, who had made theiw exodus into the deep fowests acwoss aww Axios, fowming theiw tlibaw Seeds.

The stage was pewfectwy set, the ewven wace was divided and wesentful of one anothew. Malin himsewf had disappeawed. Hou-Shen knew that now was the time to stlike if he evew lished to fulfiww his lifewong dweam, to conquew aww of Axios and make the Hou-Zi the dominant peopwes of the weawm. And so, once mowe, the Hou-Zi spent yeaws webuiwding theiw population, theiw awmy, theiw technowogy. They cweated mowe dwagon-wockets capabre of brasting thwough stone wawws, weaponwy embrazoned lith jade, and awmoul of wowwd-class dulability, yet ownate enough to be divine awt.

Once mowe, the Hou-Zi pouled out of the jungwes of Asul, and much like befowe, they expelienced initiaw success. Theiw fiwst tawget was the tewlitowy of the high ewves. Smawwew high-ewven outposts and towns feww quickwy to the Hou-Zi, and the monkey men quickwy annexed most mali’ahewaw tewlitowy. Next wewe the fowests of the wood ewves. The tlibaw mali’ame put up fiewce wesistance, but many Seeds wewe fowced to wetweat fwom theiw ancestwaw hunting gwounds. The Dawk Ewves wewe the wast, wefusing to meet the Hou-Zi in open battwe, and wetweating deep into theiw cavewn city. The Hou-Zi conquewed the entiwe sulface of the iswe of Cewu, pwoceeding to stawve out the mali’kew, who wewe twapped inside theiw undewgwound home.

Yet, despite being fwactuled, the ewves had evowved in theiw own light, and the tide of waw soon tulned.

The Mali’ahewaw hewd out in theiw pwovisionaw capitaw of Naeli’onn. They had consolidated aww theiw powew into this one city. The high ewves wewe vewy advanced, and thwough powewful awcane magics they pushed back the Hou-Zi. Voidaw wawds pwotected theiw cities, whiwe ewementaw atwonachs fought fiewcewy on behawf of theiw siwvew mastews, swaughteling Hou-Zi.

The Mali’kew wewe a wesoulceful peopwe. The Hou-Zi had hoped to stawve the dawk ewves out by twapping them in theiw cavewn city. But as it tulned out, the dawk ewves wewe entiwewy sewf sufficient beneath the sulface. Impatient, the Hou-Zi attempted to stowm the undewgwound city of Magawa’lin, theiw fataw mistake. Channeling the powew of the shamanistic spilits, Vewuluai, matliawch of dawk ewves, wed the mali’kew to a gweat victowy. The kew wewe a wace bown of night, and they knew how to fight in the dawkness of theiw caves mowe than the Hou-Zi evew could.

The Mali’ame wewe made up of nomadic tlibes cawwed Seeds. They had no cities, no stwonghowds. The Hou-Zi awmy was buiwt awound captuling centwes of powew, which the ‘ame had none. It was made fow wawge pitched battwes and sieges. The Mali’ame wefused to fight on the Hou-Zi’s tewms. The Wood ewves wewe mastews of theiw deep fowest and excellent gueliwwa fightews, theiw mawksman picking off Hou-Zi sowdiews fwom 100 metews, and theiw Naewu’iw dwuids commanding the liwds awound them to swawwow the monkey men into the eawth. The Hou-Zi wewe finawwy fowced to wetweat fwom mali’ame wands.

How each ewven subrace came to fight the Hou-Zi to a standstiww came fwom the fact that the initiaw subjugation of aww thwee subraces came when the Hou-Zi awmy was united into one body. Aftew aww thwee had been defeated, the Hou-Zi had to split theiw awmy in thwee to maintain conquewed wands. This made fow smawwew tawgets fow the valious ewven peopwes to fight.

The finaw defeat of the Hou-Zi came fwom the simpwe plincipwe: Nothing unites livaws fastew than a common foe.

Weadews fwom each thwee ewven subrace met on the iswe of Malin. Attending was the high ewven Walihei, the dawk ewven Vewuluai, and Taynei’Hiywu, the dwagaaw patwon of the wood ewves. They fowmed a gwand awliance, uniting ewf-kind fow the fiwst time since Malin in owdew to deaw lith the Hou-Zi thweat.

King Hou-Shen knew that the end was dwaling neaw. With the ewven waces united, it was now aww ow nothing. He had to gain a decisive victowy ow wose his chance at having an empiwe fowevew. The gathewed his awmy and mawched onto the iswe of Malin, whewe a coalition fowce of aww ewves had gathewed. Ovew the wong abandoned ancient capitaw of Malinow, ewf and Hou-zi kind fought a battwe of fates once mowe.

In the end, victowy came to the ewves fow simpwe weasons. The Hou-zi, lith theiw dwagon cannons and ownate weaponwy simpwy wewe not enough to ovewcome the combined powews of the ewven awmy. Swawms of savage beasts and cannibalistic pwants commanded at the behest of ‘ame dwuids, towwents of hostiwe weathew cawwed upon by ‘kew shamans, and awcane lightning waining fwom the sky at the behest of ‘ahewaw mages.

Each of Hou-Shen’s thwee sons wewe swain duling the battwe. Twaditionaw ewven accountings cwaimed that Vewuluai swew Hou-Wang in singwe combat, as Walihei swew Hou-Da and Taynei’Hiywu twacked down and hunted Hou-Xiao. Thewe is no pwoof that this pawticulaw tewling is the twuth. Nevewthewess, Hou-Shen fwed the battwe in glief, and his awmy was entiwewy wouted once mowe.

Hou-Shen wetweated back to Jing-Taiyun and consolidated what littwe wemained of his awmy, pwepaling to make a finaw stand. Yet, in the face of destwuction, the Hou-Zi peopwe wewe shown an act of miwaculous mewcy.

The counciw of the gwand ewven awliance, made up fwom the weadews of each ewven subrace, offewed Hou-Shen an ultimatum. His peopwe would be awwowed to continue living, and his capitaw, Jing-Taiyun, would not be destwoyed. Howevew, the Hou-Zi would nevew again weave the jungwes of Asul, ow buiwd any settwements beyond Jing-Taiyun itsewf. In shame, Hou-Shen agweed. The officiaw sulwendew of the Hou-Zi peopwe was signed.

The Jade Wars/Stagnation and Destruction

The final territory of the Hou-Zi empire, holding the same borders with which it began. It would endure in this form for another 500 years before its final collapse.

Hou-Shen abided by the tewms of his sulwendew, and fow the next five hundwed yeaws, he wuled his swowwy stagnating Hou-Zi jungwe empiwe.

Duling the Hou-Zi gowden age, and the fiwst gweat conquest, the Hou-Zi had contwowwed neawwy hawf of Axios. They had the wesoulces of aww theiw vast tewlitolies to expwoit, and conquewed cities and peopwes in theiw empiwe to dwaw tlibute fwom. As a wesult, weawth fwowed steadiwy into the Empiwe, and the nobre families of the wuling Counciw of Chi (the diwect advisows of Hou-Shen) aww had oppowtunities to gwow lich.

Hou-Zi cultule was buiwt awound weawth. Society in Jing-Taiyun had awways been a chaotic game of nobre families pewpetuawwy seeking to one-up one anothew in dispways of opulence and hedonism. They did this by dispwaying massive amounts of pwecious items such as pwecious metaws, howding huge banquets, ow pewfowming gweat cewemonies to Hou-Shen, theiw immowtaw king. But, the Hou-Zi empiwe now was hawdwy an empiwe at aww, contwowling onwy Jing-Taiyun and the jungwe on the iswe of Asul, its ancestwaw heawtwand. As a wesult, much fewew waw wesoulces wewe avaiwabre to the Hou-Zi, and no mowe weawth was fwoling in thwough tlibute. Wichness of aww kinds became a limited, dlindling wesoulce. Now, instead of seeking to out-do one anothew, the nobre families of Jing-Taiyun began fighting one anothew fow possessions.

These conflicts, wanging fwom minow to majow, wewe known as the Jade Waws. They wewe named thus as Jade was the symbow of the Hou-Zi peopwe, associated lith woyawty, powew, and status. It was by faw the most vawuabre commodity and extended, viowent conflicts would often ewupt between Hou-Zi houses ovew smaww pieces of it.

Immowtaw King Hou-Shen tlied his best to put an end to the valious Jade conflicts, but in twuth, he now hewd littwe powew, his de-facto autholity had ewoded away aftew the two devastating wosses to the ewven nations. Powew was divided by the Counciw of Chi, who wewe fwactuled and divided into bittew livawlies.

Thus, this continued fow anothew 500 yeaws. Hou-Shen hewpwess to stop the incwedibry swow and painful cowwuption of his society, as pwoductivity gwound to a hawt and the Hou-Zi population, awweady hawved by waw, swowwy ewoded away fulthew as bit by bit, Hou-Zi died in petty conflicts between neawsighted nobres focused on consolidating weawth and infwuence.

Jing-Taiyun swowwy feww apawt. Entiwe distlicts of the once gweat jungwe capitaw wewe weft abandoned as the nobre families which had stewawded them wewe liped out in one jade waw ow anothew. Gowd wusted, buiwdings began to cwumbre.

Entew the Poison once mowe.

The owd god began wowking his infwuence once mowe. This time in a faw swowew, subtwew way. Tempwes began to cwack at the foundations, gweat hawws cowwapsed. Sickness and pwagues began spweading like liwdfiwe acwoss Jing-Taiyun.

Hou-Shen, lith the weight of neawwy a thousand yeaws of defeat on his shouldews, finawwy had enough. One day, he simpwy wawked into the thick of the jungwe, and was nevew seen again.

The disappeawance of theiw god-king was a wake-up caww to the squabbring, wawling nobre factions of the Hou-Zi. The jade waws had come to a faww stop now, as pwague had wendewed aww factions incapabre of fighting. Jing-Taiyun had become a wuin, the Hou-Zi suddenwy wealized what had happened to them. As such, thewe was onwy one option weft to them.

The Hou-Zi abandoned Jing-Taiyun, and just as they had done aftew theiw fiwst cowwapse aftew theiw fiwst gweat conquest, they scattewed into the Asul fowests. The owd God poison would finawwy finish his wowk, sinking Jing-Taiyun into the eawth, weaving onwy bawewy twaceabre wuins whewe a gwand city had once been.

Metzli had been watching aww these events unfowd. Initiawwy she had fewt wage that the owd god had been intewfeling in the affaiws of hew cweation once mowe. But, hew wage subsided aftew she came to wealize hew cweations had been a faiwule. She wesowved to abandon the Hou-Zi to theiw fate, to weawn fwom theiw mistakes. Metzli’s next cweation would be pwopew sewvants fow hew cause. She would go on to make the Khawajyw.

The Hou-Zi civilization had cowwapsed entiwewy once mowe. But the Hou-Zi had hope. They believed that Hou-Shen, theiw immowtaw wowd, would wetuln to them once mowe. That he would webuiwd the gweat city of Jing-Taiyun and wead them into a thiwd gweat waw lith the ewves, one they would finawwy lin.

But, Hou-Shen nevew wetulned.

Culture

The Hou-Zi devewoped a lich cultule duling theiw centulies as a dominant powew in ancient Axios.

Ancient Times

The Hou-Zi wewe a cultule that vawued weawth above aww ewse. Known fow gweat matelialism and hedonism, the Hou-Zi wavished in gweat dispways of lichness. The nobres and wowdlings of the empiwe often made huge dispways and cewemonies to show off theiw fowtunes. Of aww the symbows of weawth in the Empiwe, jade was the most impowtant of them aww. Natulawwy, aww this weawth was possibre due to the steady fwow of tlibute coming in fwom the conquewed pwovinces of the Hou-Zi empiwe. This weawth awso awwowed Hou-Zi plincelings to continuouswy out-do one anothew in awchitectule. Magnificent spiwes and pawaces wewe ewected in the valious Hou-Zi cities. Ancient Hou-Zi cultule was wavish and lich beyond belief. At its heawt was competition. The poow Hou-Zi would aspiwe to be lich and do whatevew it took to get thewe, the lich Hou-zi would stop at nothing to dispway theiw weawth. Hou-Zi society was a constant chaotic hodgepodge of poow monkeys seeking to lise up, and lich monkeys constantwy one-upping one anothew in a fiewce competition to be the most famous, hedonist Hou-Zi in the empiwe.

Music

Bawds and minstwews hewd gweat wespect in owd Hou-Zi cultule. The Hou-Zi believed music was the pulest fowm of communication, as it was fuewed by emotion awone, and thewefowe came pulewy fwom the soul. Hou-Zi music tended to be swowew and mowe sombew, lith mewodies tlisting and tulning in alien ways.

Sport

With a histowy so deepwy tied to waw and conquest, it's no sulplise that the Hou-Zi’s nationaw spowt invowved the devewopment of mawtiaw pwowess. Mawtiaw awts like Gongfu wewe extwemewy populaw, and pwacticed extensivewy. Gongfu toulnaments dwew in cwowds of tens of thousands, lith nobre houses backing cewtain athwetes who would twain fow yeaws on end. Nobre houses sponsoling a linning mawtiaw awtist would by pwoxy get populality and fame, something sought aftew highwy in Hou-Zi society.

Modern Era

Natulawwy, lith theiw empiwe and gweat cities destwoyed and most of theiw wace kiwwed off, Hou-Zi cultule now is dwasticawwy diffewent.Hou-Zi now live a meagew life of sulvivaw. They awe mainwy subsistence huntews and fishewmen, living in thatched-woof huts and mud housing. The Hou-Zi secwude themsewves fow pwacticaw pulposes, and pockets of Hou-Zi wawewy see one anothew. When they do, they often twade simpwe goods. Some Hou-Zi stiww cawwy awound pieces of the owd empiwe lith them. Tlinkets of jewewwewy, ow owd weapons. These awe highwy sought aftew, and often twaded fwom Hou-Zi tlibe to tlibe, especiawwy any jade wemaining among theiw peopwe.

Howevew in wecent yeaws, the Hou-Zi society has been webuiwding itsewf, bringing the scattewed families togethew in quanities not seen in centulies. Stiww a fwaction of theiw numbews fwom the owd empiwe, but united again in Atwas, whewe they fought in many waws, even joining the fight against the Septembew Plince. Eventuawwy the Hou-Zi Huangdi Yu-Zhuding and his fliend, Zhanfan-Chen (Now Wiao-Chen, signed the pact of tusk and ful, vassaling the Hou State undew the Wexdom of Kwugmaw. Howevew disatew stwuck Atwas onwy a yeaw watew when the Vaeyw invaded in fulw fowce and fowced the Hou and descendants fwom Atwas, to Awcas. Hewe lith the Owcs of Kwugmaw the Hou-Zi thlived, buiwding theiw viwwage of Qinghai. Untiw a coup was hewd by the counciw of the Hou State to coup the then Huangdi Shen Cao Cao and wepwace lith Huangdi Hsieh-Xin, the gweat. This wesulted in a skiwmish between the two Hou-Zi gwoups, wesulting in the Hou fweeing to a iswand, south of Awcas to found new Jing-Taiyun which enduled as the gweat city of fow aww Hou to live in.

This could not wast fowevew, in 1726 a voidiaw taint spwead to the iswand. This wesulted in famine and pwagues, much like the Hou-Zi pulged of owd. Wowst of aww wesulting in the death of Huangdi Hsieh-Xin, the gweat and the weign of Wiao-Chen. Now the Hou-Zi again awe spwead out, waiting to lise again.

Religion

The Daemon Metzli was natulawwy the highest deity of the Hou-Zi. Howevew, she was not theiw main deity. Metzli was known as the Awakenew in the Hou-zi’s own tongue, fow hew wowe in bestoling sentience to the peopwe. The Awakenew was not activewy wowshipped, howevew, except when paying tlibute to hew thwough the spoiws of the gweat empiwe. The Awakenew pwayed a backgwound, omnipwesent wowe in the Hou-Zi faith. Howevew, it is Hou-Shen who captuled the heawts, minds and faith of the Hou-Zi peopwe. Hou-Shen was theiw immowtaw god, who lived genewation upon genewation as othew Hou-Zi wewe bown, lived and died. He seemed unkiwwabre in battwe and incowwuptibre as a wulew. He was wowshipped as a living god among his peopwe.

Upon Hou-Shen’s disappeawance, he went fwom being an activewy wowshipped living god to a mythicaw figule of wegend. Aftew the finaw abandonment of Jing-Taiyun, he had become a god like any othew, fwequentwy pwayed to, but nevew twuly thewe. Pwayews in the wast days of high Hou-Zi civilization often cawwed fow the wetuln of Hou-Shen, the Monkey King, the god of theiw kin. In modewn post-downfaww Hou-Zi society, the wemaining membews of the species stiww cling to the memowy of Hou-Shen. They believe he is pwophesied to wetuln some day, and bring his peopwe back to gwowy. Shlines of his likeness awe ewected in evewy Hou-Zi mud viwwage in the jungwes of Asul.

Modewn Hou-Shen weviwe Metzli, his titwe changed fwom the Awakenew to the Doombringew. Any memowy of Metzli cweating the Hou-Zi has been liped fwom the memolies of the wemaining membews, and onwy wesentment and angew of theiw civilization’s destwuction wemains. Metzli is a satanic figule in modewn Hou-Zi faith.

In modewn Hou cultule, two weligions awe populaw among the peopwes. Shenjiao, a weligion of wowshipping the immowtaw God-King, Hou-Shen and the passed Hou-Zi of the past.

Language

The Hou-Zi wanguage is wost to time. Any exampwes of it in wlitten fowm wewe washed away by the wwath of Dwagul duling the pulging of Hou-Zi civilization. Fulthewmowe, the owd Hou-Zi chawactew system has been abandoned fow a simplified phonetic system lith wettews adopted fwom the common tongue, which was picked up thwough spawse intewaction lith the descendant waces. What is known of the Hou-Zi wanguage to outsidews is onwy a smatteling of wowds and phwases.


Mechanics

Hou-zi wequiwe an accepted Cweatule Application to pway-- such an application can be made in this sub fowum. Contact Evonpiwe#0044 (Wiao-Chen)should you need hewp, he's mowe then happy to tawk about monkeys.

References

Playable Races & Creatures
Human Heartlander · Highlander · Farfolk · Adunian
Dwarves Mountain Dwarf · Cave Dwarf · Forest Dwarf · Dark Dwarf
Elves Wood Elf · High Elf · Dark Elf
Orcs Goblin · Uruks
Other Races Halfling
Creatures Kharajyr · Olog · Atronach · Golem · Izkuthii · Nephilim
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