Philosophies

Note that many people pick and choose concepts from these philosophies, and few people are strictly adherent to one set of beliefs (in fact, the mixing of Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism, and Taoism is its own philosophy, called Syncretism (below)). However, where these beliefs conflict, most people have a "preferred" set of beliefs that they follow. Listed below are some of the major and minor philosophies of the Jade Empire. Sometimes a philosophy draws heavily on another; in these cases, a Default will be listed. If not otherwise specified, assume that adherence to one of these philosophies is worth no more than a Quirk.

Major Philosophies

Buddhism

Buddhism has two main sets of tenets. One set is called The Four Noble Truths, and the other is known as The Noble Eightfold Path. Buddhism teaches that suffering is ever-present in the material world, and that desire (for pleasure, material goods, etc.) is the cause of suffering. Only once one reaches Enlightenment (Nirvana) can they escape the cycle of suffering. These teachings are recorded in The Four Noble Truths. The Noble Eightfold Path is a means through which Enlightenment is attained. Buddhism emphasizes charity, restraint, and the pursuit of knowledge (of the self and of the world). Buddhism is particularly common in the more remote areas of the Jade Empire, such as those bordering the Great Inland Sea, and it has a number of adherents among the Stone Men, who value its stoicism. Adherence to the tenets of Buddhism can be as simple as a Quirk, but those who rigidly follow Buddhist doctrine will have one of Disciplines of Faith (Asceticism (for the most devout, self-sacrificing practitioners), Contemplation (for lay practitioners, or for traveling monks who don't take their vows as seriously as they should), Monasticism (for monks in a Buddhist monastery), or Mysticism (for traveling monks)). Many Buddhists also have one or more of Charitable, Pacifism, Selfless, Sense of Duty, or Vows (Chastity and/or Vegetarianism are the most common), as well as the Humble Quirk. Meditation and Philosophy (Buddhism) are almost universal skills, and Panhandling is essential for monks begging for alms. Literature (Buddhist) is also an important skill, and many Buddhists practice the Martial Arts, either for self-defense during their travels or as a means of self-improvement.

Confucianism

The core concepts of Confucianism, also known as Ruism, are Humaneness, as expressed through the pursuit of virtue (specifically kindness towards one's kin, and the pursuit of knowledge); Filial Piety (between parent and child, ruler and subject, elder and younger Brothers, husband and wife, and between friends); and Truth (acting with a reserved curiosity, never assuming they know things when they do not). It is the newest big player on the philosophical scene, with few adherents outside of the Imperial court. Loose adherence to Confucian values is worth no more than a Quirk, with more rigid adherence taking the form of Code of Honor (Confucian). Many such followers also have one or more of Honesty, Sense of Duty (Family or a specific Individual), or Truthfulness. The Humble Quirk is also common. Impulsiveness and Overconfidence both run counter to Confucian thought; thus, Confucianism doesn't suit hot-blooded heroes very well. Philosophy (Confucianism) is common among serious adherents. Philosophy (Confucianism) defaults to Philosophy (Legalism) at -5.

Legalism

Legalism's answer to the problem of chaos is the ascendance of the law as ultimate ruler, regardless of the individual power or ability of the ruling monarch. If everyone is equal under the rule of law, no one can be exempt from it. Legalism is characterized by utilitarianism; using underhanded methods to do away with threats to the current ruler can be a virtuous act so long as they work. For obvious reasons, the study and practice of Legalism is strongly encouraged by the Emperor. Adherence to the principles of Legalism is a Quirk, but many Legalists have Honesty. Adherents, especially actual bureaucrats, will often have Administration, Law (Chinese Civil), and/or Philosophy (Legalism). Philosophy (Legalism) defaults to Philosophy (Confucianism) and Philosophy (Militarism) at -5.

Mohism

Mohism, also sometimes written Moism believes in a more egalitarian kindness than Confucianism. Rather than valuing only kindness towards kin, adherents of Mohism argue for the virtue of Ren, universal care. Mohism is practiced, if not by name, by the majority of the peasants in the empire; there is much importance placed on hospitality. Adherence to Mohism is a Quirk, but many Mohists have one or more of Charitable, Pacifism (Self-Defense Only), Selfless, or Sense of Duty. The principal skill for Mohists is Philosophy (Mohism), but Mohists have a tradition of craftsmanship, and so many have one or more of Carpentry, Engineering (Combat), Strategy (Land), and/or Tactics. Its influence can also be seen in The School of Names (below). Philosophy (Mohism) defaults to Philosophy (Confucianism) at -5 or Philosophy (School of Names) at -4.

Taoism

Also written as Daoism, Taoism is arguably the strangest of the major schools of thought. Taoism teaches that there is a fundamental source, pattern, and substance of everything that exists, known as the Tao, and emphasizes the importance of oneness with it. This oneness is obtained through a variety of practices, but arguably the most important of these is wu wei - simplicity, spontaneity, and the Three Treasures (Sanbao) of compassion, frugality, and humility. Taoism has a more eclectic background than most of the other major philosophies. It derives most of its ideas on cosmology and naturalism from the School of Naturalists (below), as well as deriving many mystical ideas from the pantheon of the Jade Empire. This kind of "lay" Taoism is widely practiced. "Esoteric" Taoism consists of the above teachings but also incorporates a very significant mystical portion. Practitioners of this kind of Taoism are commonly known as alchemists, mystics, fortune-tellers, and sorcerers, and they study many forms of mystical practices, including (but not limited to) alchemy, astrology, divination, geomancy (Feng Shui), meditation, medicine, mediumship, occultism, physical exercises (including a handful of Taoist martial arts), sex magic, and spirit-calling, many of which purport to contain the secret to eternal life or other such magical secrets. Adherence to Taoist principles ranges from a Quirk for casual observation to Disciplines of Faith (Contemplation) for most esoteric practitioners or Disciplines of Faith (Mysticism) for some sorcerers. Also common among practicing Taoists is a minor Vow to observe the Three Treasures. The principle skill for Taoists is Philosophy (Taoism). Esoteric Taoism can take the form of a wide range of skills, including Alchemy, Architecture, Artist (Calligraphy or Interior Decorating), Breath Control, Expert Skill (Natural Philosophy), Erotic Art, Esoteric Medicine (Taoist), Exorcism, Fortune-Telling (Astrology, Feng Shui, or I-Ching), Herb Lore, Hidden Lore (Spirits), Literature, Meditation, Naturalist, Occultism, Pharmacy (Herbal), Philosophy (Taoism), Poetry, Ritual Magic (Taoism), and various martial arts skills.

Minor Philosophies

The School of Naturalists

The School of Naturalists, also known as the School of Yin-Yang, synthesized the concepts of yin-yang and those of the Five Elements. Less of a moral philosophy and more a means of explaining the world, The School of Naturalists seeks simply to explain how the universe worked. Its theories of yin-yang and the Five Elements would quickly be incorporated into Taoism (above). Expert Skill (Natural Philosophy) is a must-have, and Alchemy and Occultism are also important.

Syncretism

Syncretism, also known as The Mixed School or the School of Miscellany is an eclectic mix of Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism, and Taoism. Traits are a mishmash of those from Syncretism's component philosophies but usually include at least a point in all of Philosophy (Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism, and Taoism). The Dabbler Perk might be appropriate to represent surface-level knowledge of a number of philosophies.

The School of Names

The School of Names, also known as the Logicians and The School of Forms and Names, is a little-known school of thought that developed from Mohism (above). It is focused on logic and paradoxes, similar to ancient Greek Sophists. The core skill is Philosophy (School of Names), and some members may have one or more of Artist (Calligraphy), Games (Riddles), Literature, and Poetry. Philosophy (School of Names) defaults to Philosophy (Mohism) at -4.

The School of "Minor-Talks"

The School of "Minor-Talks" is not a specific school of thought but rather a collection of ideas and thoughts that originated from ordinary people on the street or at the farms. The "teachings" of this school are thus very wide-ranging in the ideas they put forth, and much of its philosophy is rather mundane and functional. Significant investment in the teachings of the school is rare but takes the form of Philosophy (Minor-Talks). Very prosaic and down-to-earth, practitioners are also likely to know skills such as Animal Handling, Farming, and Naturalist due to the school's origin among the lower classes. Philosophy (Minor-Talks) defaults to Philosophy (Agriculturalism) at -5.

The School of the Medical Skills

The School of the Medical Skills is a term for the study of medicine and physiology. Like The School of Naturalists (above) and The School of the Military (below), it is less of a "philosophy" in the western sense than it is a means of understanding the world. Many of its methods are incorporated into other schools, such as Taoism (above). Representative Skills include Alchemy, Esoteric Medicine (Acupuncture, etc.), First Aid, Naturalist (Earthlike), Herb Lore, Pharmacy (Herbal), Physiology (Human), and Surgery.

The School of the Military

The School of the Military, also known as the Militarists, is a term for both the practical study of warfare and the philosophy of war. Like The School of the Medical Skills (above), it is primarily a means of learning how to wage war, but it also has its philosophical questions, such as why wars are fought and when it is morally right to start one. Representative skills include Connoisseur (Weapons), Expert Skill (Military Science), History (Military), Philosophy (Militarism), Strategy (Land or Naval), and Tactics. Combat skills are also held in high regard. Philosophy (Militarism) defaults to Philosophy (Legalism) at -5.

Yangism

Yangism is an ethical egoist philosophy. Its adherents believe in the importance of maintaining self-interest through the pursuit of individual pleasure. Callous and Selfless are both common among practitioners, as is the Hedonist Quirk. Its only relevant skill is Philosophy (Yangism).

The School of Diplomacy

The School of Diplomacy, also known as The School of Vertical and Horizontal Alliances, is another "functional philosophy". Adherents learned a curriculum similar to that taught in medieval European schools: dialectic, diplomacy, politics, and rhetoric. Adherents are very active participants in politics. Representative skills include Diplomacy, Politics, Public Speaking, and Writing.

Agriculturalism

Agriculturalism, also known as The School of Agrarianism, The School of Agronomists, and The School of Tillers was a political philosophy that advocated peasant utopian communalism and egalitarianism. Agriculturalists believed that Chinese society should be modeled around that of the early sage king Shennong, a folk hero who was portrayed as working in the fields along with the peasants. They encouraged the spread of farming and agriculture. Representative Skills include Animal Handing, Farming, Gardening, Naturalist, and Philosophy (Agriculturalism).