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Tian Di Hui - The Heaven and Earth Society
Based upon the mortal Tian Di Hui formed in China in the 1760's to overthrow the oppressive Qing dynasty, the Carthian Tian Di Hui of Carcosa was formed from Lili Wu and her sire's life in the Triads. Together, they layed out the initial groundwork for the plan back in the 1960's and 70's, but never had the opportunity to impliment it. It's goal is simple, distinct, and in accordance with the original Tian Di Hui: "To work towards the eventual overthrow of the oppressive rulership of Carcosa, and replace it with a government for the peoples."
While it has been modified and honed somewhat over the years, the main principles of their plan are untouched. The Tian Di Hui, unlike many movements, opposes overt violent opposition on several grounds. First, the ruling caste is too well entrenched and unknown to make violence a viable option. Second, nature abhors a vacuum and there is no certainity that the resulting instability of a violent overthrow would lead to a populist and unoppresive government. Third, overt violence is the tool of our oppressors - to use open warfare is to become that which we abhor. There are various other reasons as well, some personal and some more global, as to why the Tian Di Hui avoids open violence. However, what happens in the shadows is fair game as long as it never comes back to harm the Movement.
The main method the Tian Di Hui uses to achieve its goal is the quiet control of various key mortal influences, the acquiring of blood-debts, recruiting key individuals and setting up a quiet revolution. While some hot-headed individuals may deride such plan as pain-stakingly slow, it suits cautious Mekhet sensibilities - afterall, Kindred do not have short mortal lifespans to worry about.
The other aspect that suits the Mekhet mindset it the secret society within a secret society aspect of the Tian Di Hui - it is, in essence, a Movement within the Movement. In other words, outside of the Tian Di Hui, let alone the Carthian Movement, the Tian Di Hui or its symbols and rites are never mentioned. While members may publically claim membership to the Carthian Movement, nothing is ever spoken of the Tian Di Hui - it is as if it does not exist beyond its sworn members.
While membership is not expressedly exclusive to the Carthian Movement, the nature of the oaths and the requirements to support the Carthian officers of the Tian Di Hua would make membership to the faction almost impossible for members of other Covenants.
Virtually all communications within the Tian Di Hui are done in Mandarin and signed with the the sender's name and the sigil of the faction.
Current Agenda
The Tain Di Hui fully supports the current Carthian Prefect, the Nosferatu Drake, and his mission within the Movement. The only main point of contention is the Prefect's lack of formality, etiquette, and structure. Content to let sleeping dogs lie, the Tian Di Hua play a delicate game of cat and mouse, quietly pressuring the Prefect to adopt a more formal tone, while making sure they do not rock the boat too much.
Structure
For the most part, these positions are are in line with Carthian roles and where these roles do not exist within the Movement as a whole in the city, the Tian Di Hua still have someone in that role for their internal matters.
First Rung - The Family of the Tian Di Hui
The First Rung shall consist of the allies, mortal orchestra and servants of the Tian Di Hui. Members of the First Rung are to have no knowledge as to the secrets or inner workings of the Tian Di Hui, or even its very existence, for it would make them a potential liability to our Purpose. As such they possess no standing within the organization, but are watched over all the same.
Second Rung - The Unsworn of the Tian Di Hui
The Second Rung shall consist of probationary members of the Tian Di Hui, those who have yet to take the Oaths of the Tian Di Hui but are still expected to live up to the basic pillars of the Carthian Idealogy. It is expected that they assist Sworn members when requested to do so and study in preparation for the Taking of the Oaths. As with members of the First Rung, their knowledge of the secrets or inner workings of the Tian Di Hui is to be severely limited (save for what is required to prepare for the Taking of the Oaths).
Third Rung - The Soldiers of the Tian Di Hui
The Third Rung shall consist of the backbone of the Movement and the first ranking of Sworn Members of the Tian Di Hui. They are allowed to take part in discussions at Carthian Meetings, have access to Carthian assets (status 1+), and are expected to work actively towards the goals of the Tian Di Hui as well as strictly abide by the Oaths they have taken.
Fourth Rung - The Officers of the Tian Di Hui
- The Fourth Rung shall consist of three officers charged with the duty to serve and oversee various aspects the Tian Di Hui and act as an advisors council to the Prefect. All three positions are by appointment of the Prefect. These positions are as follows:
- Sword Master (Myrmidon)
The role of the Sword Master is two-fold. First, he or she is the arbiter of disputes within the Tian Di Hui and is expected to be impartial in his or her dealings with other members of the Tian Di Hui. The judicial judgements of the Sword Master are final and to be respected by all and may only be overturned by the Prefect. Secondly, it is the duty of the Sword Master to impose and execute punishment for breaking any of the the Oaths of the Tian Di Hui.
- Iron Fan Master (Auditor)
The duty of the the Iron Fan Master is to oversee the development of First Rung among the Sworn of the Tian Di Hui and other assets of the Movement as well as providing reports to the council as needed.
- Incense Master (Oath Master)
The Incense Master's role is two-fold. First, it is his or her duty to prepare the Unsworn of the Tian Di Hui (Second Rung) for the Taking of the Oaths. Second, it is his or her duty to plan and orchestrate the Rite of the Chain to be preformed at formal Carthian meetings.
Fifth Rung - The Prefect of the Tian Di Hui
It is the duty of the Precect of the Tian Di Hui to oversee the direction and focus of the Tian Di Hui. While the word of the Prefect is final, the Prefect shall listen to the general concensus of the Sworn (both Soldiers and Officers). The Prefect may be forced to step down by a unanimous decision of the Officers of the Tian Di Hui. Likewise, a Prefect may only be elected by unanimous decision of the Officers as well.
The Seventeen Oaths
The Tian Di Hui does not have set laws, in the traditional sense of the term, relying on the Traditions of the City instead. However, there are a set of seventeen oaths that each sworn member (status 1+) must swear and adhere to. While breaking the oaths carries no specific set penalty (other than the Oath of Loyalty), punishment is meted out by the Myrmidon or Prefect based upon the severity of the offence. Quite often, input from the victim (if there is one) or the other members is given some weight, however. Penalty for breaching the Oath of Loyalty, however, is better defined. Traditionally, it consists of torporing the offender for a set amount of time. However, for lesser transgressions, mercy may be granted by use of the blood-oath or through the powers of domination.
The Oath of Loyalty
1. I, (oathtaker's name), oath my loyalty to the Tian Di Hui and my sworn brothers and sisters of the Movement. I shall not disclose the secrets, signs or rituals of the Tian Di Hui to outsiders, not even to my other allies, clan, or family. I must not disclose any address to outsiders where my sworn brothers and sisters keep their wealth nor must I conspire to make wrong use of such knowledge. If any of my sworn brothers is accused of an offense I shall not inform upon them to the oppressors, for the purposes of obtaining a reward or personal gain. If I have broken my oath of loyalty to the Tian Di Hui, or supplied false particulars about myself for the purpose of joining the Tian Di Hui or I should change my mind and deny my membership of the Tian Di Hui, I will be laid to rest by myriads of swords.
The Oaths of Tolerance
2. Upon entering the gates of the Tian Di Hui, I shall forget any previous grudges I may have borne against my sworn brothers and sisters and shall not cause discord amongst my sworn brothers and sisters by spreading false words about any of them. If I do so, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
3. When sworn brothers and sisters visit my house, I shall provide them with board and lodging. I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui if I treat them as strangers.
4. If it comes to my knowledge that the oppressors are seeking any of my sworn brothers or sisters who have come from other provinces or from overseas, I shall immediately assist them so that they may either present themselves or may quietly leave the city. If I fail to do so, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
5. If one of my sworn brothers or sisters is involved in a dispute with another member of the Movement, I shall not help either party against the other but instead shall attempt to have the matter settled amicably. If I fail to do so, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
The Oaths of Collective Action
6. After entering the gates of the Tian Di Hui, I shall be loyal and faithful and shall endeavour to unseat the oppressors and bring about political change and the ascension of the Carthian Movement by coordinating my efforts with those of my sworn brethren even though my brethren and I may not be in the same professions. Should I fail to work towards the collective good, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
7. When any of my sworn brothers have been assaulted or accused by others, I must come forward and help him if he is in the right or advise him to desist if he is wrong. If he has been repeatedly insulted by others I shall inform our other brothers and arrange to help him physically or financially. If I do not keep this oath, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
8. I will offer financial assistance to sworn brothers, who are in trouble or in need, in order that they may pay their debts and fulfill their own efforts to self-fulfillment. Should I fail to assist sworn brothers and sisters in need, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
9. I must not give support to outsiders if so doing is against the interests of any of my sworn brothers. If I do not keep this oath, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
The Oaths of Individual Rights
10. I shall acknowledge that the rights afforded myself within the Movement are the same rights that are to afforded to my sworn brothers and sisters. Should I act to deny them of those rights, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
11. I will always acknowledge the station and standing of my sworn brothers. Should I ignore the work and successes of my sworn brothers and sisters, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
12. If any of my sworn brothers are killed, laid to rest, or have departed to some other place, I will assist their allies and childer and family who may be in need - just as I would expect done for me should tables be turned, and will take good care of those entrusted to my keeping.. If I pretend to have no knowledge of their difficulties, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
13. I must not trespass or poach upon the territory occupied by my sworn brothers or sisters, against their wishes. I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui if I pretend to have no knowledge of their rights in such matters.
The Oaths of Self-Fulfillment
14. It is my duty to strive to excel in becoming a more complete being, for it is through bettering my self, that I am better able to assist others. If I fail to strive for this goal, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
15. If I am rightfully accused of committing an offence I must accept my punishment and not try to place blame on my sworn brothers. If I fail to do so, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
16. I must not take advantage of the Tian Di Hui in order to oppress or take violent or unreasonable advantage of others. I must be content and honest. If I break this oath, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
17. I shall act with honor and compassion in all of my dealings with my sworn brothers and sisters. I shall not behave indecently towards or prey upon small children, nor ever commit any indecent assaults on the allies or childer of my sworn brothers or sisters. I shall not take advantage of a sworn brother or sister or force unfair business deals upon him or her, nor conspire with outsiders to cheat them at gambling. I shall not take the allies or retainers of my sworn brothers and sisters under my sway without permission, nor shall I rob or embezzle the assets of my sworn brothers or sisters. Should I fail to act honestly and honorably with my sworn brothers and sisters, I shall submit myself to the will of the Tian Di Hui.
OOC Tian Di Hui Information
Note: All of the below information is OOC and completely off-limits to non-members unless uncovered through the course of IC game play. Although, technically, all information on this page is OOC to non-Tian Di Hui members in the first place.
The Hidden Agenda and Other Secrets
Known to all Tian Di Hua members: While not a member, Kien Zhao is to be afforded all of the basic respect and interaction accorded to any sworn member, save obviously for the sharing of Tian Di Hui secrets and knowledge or even knowledge of the faction's existance, thus treated as "family". In other words, his personal lands are not to trespassed, his assets and retainers off-limits, assistance offered when requested, his status and station to be respected. It is also understood that this has nothing to do with his position as Prince, but who he is as a person.
Known only to those with Tian Di Hua Status 2+: The "oppressors" mentioned within the Tian Di Hua Mission does not refer to the Invictus - Crone Alliance, however they are a good front for the factions purposes. The true "oppressors" are the shadow-government that calls itself the Consilium. It is one thing to be lead by oppressive vampires, but by some shadow group of supernaturals we know nothing about is something else all together. It just so happens that the best way to deal with that issue is to push aside the Invictus - Crone alliance first. It is the belief of the faction that by controlling the city at its very basic level, through allies, blood-debts and influence, the Faction will then be better able to dictate the terms on how the city should be run.
Current Members
Head / Founder of the Faction - Lili Wu
Iron Fan Master - Lili Wu
Sword Master - Adam Corvus
Incense Master - Xaviera Vallejo
Soldiers - Sunshine Adams, Alice Jones
Unsworn - Dante Timeth