Exorcism in Sheng

[Zilly]

Within the distant land of Sheng Order prevails in humanities domain.
Under the watchful eye of the Emperor who resides in realms beyond.
Magi toil not for perfection but for balance.
For in extremes we are lost.

The concept of exorcism exists all around Eternia and comes in many forms. But in Sheng it is not just an act one might do.
It's a journey, to become closer to the world we exist in and understand who we are and how the spirits relate to us. It's
an artform that has evolved over the ages to include many disciplines but revolves around one simple concept, removing
an unwanted spirit be it often referred to Yao which has different types. Guai (Supernatural Creature), Mo (Demon),
Xie (Corrupted Spirits/Essence), Gui (Essence, former humans). The phrase "yao mo gui guai" means all varieties of
supernatural and strange beings but can be used as a metaphor to refer to all kinds of bad people.

In service to the Emperor a Magi who desires to become an exorcist must undergo a trial requiring a sponsor
from a member of the imperial family. The trial itself is shrouded in mystery but what is known is that the
aspiring Exorcist and their companions will pass through gates to a spiritual realm requiring imperial blood and
face a series of four trials meant to test their ability, judgement, and character. At the end they will meet
with the guardian of the tree of immortality a legendary peach tree said to bear fruit every few thousand 
years allowing one to live forever. There they will be given the Imperial title and a branch from the tree
as a symbol of their office.

The meaning of Fangxiangshi is difficult to translate into Meranthean but means something
along the lines of 'One Who Sees In All Four Directions'. This is however defined in several
different ways. After all what are the four directions? Well the first and most obvious are those
of the Celestial Compass.

The Tortoise of the North
The symbolism behind the Tortoise is focused around Darkness, Winter, and Regret.
Often called the 'Black Warrior of the North' as well. This direction to the exorcist 
reminds them of their mistakes whilst carrying the burden of their regret.
Within every human the darkness dwells and to be in balance one cannot deny
it's presence. In rituals the Tortoise is often invoked when dealing with a curse
or spirit causing someone great inner turmoil and introspection to the point
of torture and pain.

The Vermillion Bird of the South
Often referred to as the Phoenix. The Bird of the South represents Summer, Fire,
and passion. To the exorcist the bird embodies their desires and hopes, giving them
the inner drive to fight against the darkness and cleanse it from the world of humanity.
In rituals the Bird is usually called upon to deal with a curse or spirit regarding passion, obsession,
and desire.

The Azure Dragon of the East
Representing the East and Spring the dragon represents the chthonic forces of the world.
Often associated with feeling of joy, love, new beginnings. To an exorcist the Dragon
reminds and grounds us to this world. Within the darkness it is easy to lose sight of why
we toil and fight. The Dragon as it represents earth helps keep us mentally present.
Because of these reasons the Dragon is often invoked to steel the Exorcist or others
from a coming danger. Dealing with curses and spirits that prey upon ones heart
and all the things that stem from it especially those that wish to corrupt an entire lineage.

The White Tiger of the West
The western force of Autumn the white tiger stands for many things but to the exorcist
it is best known for fear itself. Fear is something that is dealt with almost constantly when fighting
against the darkness in the world and the tigers bravery will see them through it.
Typically the Tiger is invoked to deal with spirits and curses that have to do with phobia,
nightmares, and dreams. The tiger is difficult to control it is both savage and honorable
requiring intense concentration when attempting to invoke.

The Center
All of these directions lead to one goal that is ever present in the four-fold path and that of the Fangxiangshi.
Balance, we must strive to understand all of these celestial beings for we are them just as they are a part of us.
This goal cannot be attained it can only be sought. A never-ending journey towards true enlightenment and understanding.

Heaven
The realms beyond Eternia. Lands of spirits of all kinds from the most benevolent deities
To the most fiendish and corrupted essence of the Nethradin. Heaven is studied quite often
especially in cases of corrupted essence of former humans and dangerous spirits turned to
darkness or having simply lost control. But it is also a source of powerful allies should one need it.

Earth
Eternia itself and the realm of spirits of the land, The domain of all things natural.
Because it is the realm we dwell in humanity is also part of this domain, understanding
oneself and the people you serve is a guide towards being able to understand those
without as well. Earth can be both mundane and extraordinary from a clump of dirt
to a brilliant diamond the study of earth grounds, protects, and give us a home to live in.

Yang
The light itself, opposed to darkness. It encompasses many things but to an
exorcist in a magical sense it represents the both the metaphysical concept of
light as well as Holy Magic. A powerful tool against the darkness. The use of
it though can lead to one losing balance which is why the directions themselves exist.
To practice Yang will allow you to banish evil but tread carefully not to view humanity
as evil less you become the very demon you oppose.

Yin
Darkness, the very force an exorcist is opposed to and yet is it a tool that can be used
against it? Of course, while most that follow the path of Yang would condemn its use
both the metaphysical darkness and Occultic magics can be engineered against the very
beings that wallow in them like the demons of Hel. However much like the path of Yang
this one is just as dangerous and often requires special sanctions by the Empire to
attempt its use and only for the betterment of it's people. But even so understanding the darkness
is a step towards defeating it even for an exorcist of the light.

Embodied spiritual threats often require an Exorcist to fight them as any magi would.
However after they are defeated the tools below can aid an exorcist in banishing,
capturing, or even attempting to destroy a spiritual thread in our world.

Mudras
Seemingly simple these hand signs used through the four-fold path represent the will of the user and humanity itself.
The practiced precision, a symbol of order, while also being a form of magical incantation. Mudra components in an
exorcism can aid in gathering power and invoking a spell that will help in the Exorcism, however their use during
battle is very limited given the time they take to accomplish. Masters however can form them at such a speed their
opponent can hardly notice.

Music
Music has a rhythm to it, a cadence, and because of that is a symbol of order. Because of this music
most typically a drum is capable of aiding in instilling the authority of the Exorcist over the spirit
in question. Consistency, Harmony, Melody. These things help establish a world in which its
chaos does not belong and can weaken a hostile or corrupted spirit greatly.

Amulets
These are said to carry within them the will of humanity and the authority of the Emperor
himself. They symbolize a tangible manifestation of order and often aid in forcing a Spirit
to expose themself especially if hiding within another in the case of possession. If an amulet
is designed with a specific creature or type in mind they will be even more effective.

Talismans
Slips of paper with esoteric characters written on them similar to Sheng Kanji. These are usually
written for a specific purpose but can be used in exorcisms and curse breaking to call out a particular
emotion, name, or realm. When placed upon the a being they can become exposed allowing an exorcism
to proceed and a curse to be broken.

Branding
Often a final step in the banishing or capture of an embodied spirit such as a demon.
This act calls out the darkness in the spirit for what it is, an enemy of humanity. The
brand itself usually names the creature in some fashion be it simply 'mo' for demon
or something more specific about the spirits nature. This act without sufficiently weakening
the spirit can be extremely dangerous for the will of the exorcist could be less than the will
of the spirit causing horrible magical backlash should they fail.

In Meranthe there is currently only one known Fangxiangshi.
but perhaps in time that will change.

Fire of Two Worlds
The path of Fangxiangshi Yi Su. This discipline of exorcism and magic involves a combination
of Fire and Holy Ether to create a flame that transcends and exists in two states or 'two worlds'.
 A fire capable of healing as easily as it burns. Able to cleave both flesh and essence in the wicked.
Though when wielded with compassion it is capable of mending the body and spirit with its rejuvenating flame.
This discipline was created out of Yi Su's faith in the divine dragons and namely the first Dragon known
in Sheng as Ryujin. The Dragon of flame whose great Fyr created the sun in the sky and aided in the
creation of Eternia itself as they awakened the three other dragons of the 'Dance of Discord'.

The cultivation of this path involves the way of fire, learning the magic of flames and all it entails. Adopting
Yang (Holy) Magic and going through the process of learning to harness such without losing yourself
to righteousness. The third step before attempting to combined the magics involves learning to heal others
through magic. In doing this the exorcist can begin the cultivation of the Fire of Two Worlds by using it outside
of combat to heal. In time doing so will become easier to the point that development within a battlefield is possible.