HSIEN SHIH: The Wandering Scholars

By Andrew J. Bonham (paradoxphilosopher@worldnet.att.net)

Description

Few magickal crafts in the modern world are more misunderstood than the Hsien Shih, who are the venerable defenders of a faith far older than the beliefs of the European Traditions. In fact, they claim to be the oldest of all magickal societies. So it goes.

The Hsien Shih (see-in-she) are descendents of the Taoist monks, alchemists, and scholars who have wandered China and its surrounding states since time immemorial. To them, mastery of magick is not a gift, but a way of life, which should be shared.

Inspired in 436 B.C. by the writings of the magus (or Shih, as they prefer) Lao Tzu, several groups of mages in mainland China joined together into a peaceful society, dedicated to bringing enlightenment to a twilight world. They were severely opposed by the Wung Lung, and went into seclusion as they took over China. However, even in those dark days, the simple meal offered by the visiting monk or the healing poultice from the local alchemist helped the Chinese keep faith.

Now, as the modern age reveals its bloated carcass, the Hsien Shih re-emerge from the shadows bolstered by the revival in holistic medicine and mind over matter. They still work for unity, but now they pursue it with a mad frenzy never before seen.

To the Hsien Shih, the world was originally the Tao, a complete, unified existence. At some point in time, the Tao fractured violently into the great halves: the Yin and the Yang. As the cycle of ages continues drawing forward, the Taoists look to these forces as their guides. The world is nothing more than the interplay of the pieces of the Tao, as represented by the Yin and the Yang.

Seemingly in contradiction to their philosophy lies their struggle to gain eternal life. However, to them, one must perfect mind and body, and a perfect body would never die. Thus their external alchemists, the Wei Tan Shih, create bizarre elixirs of vitality; while the internal alchemists, or Nei Tan Shih, seek to use the mind to master the body, brewing elixirs within their own body.

Another common trait of the Hsien Shih is perhaps the most perplexing to viewers who do not understand their philosophy. Since all things are one, but one must perceive this fully, they often experience (or force themselves to experience) profound personality shifts on a regular basis. In addition, most Hsien Shih develop...unique...senses of humor.

While the Hsien Shih recognize evil, they see it as an essential part of nature. Everything must be weighed for balance, and all things must be considered equally, for only then can one embrace the Tao fully.

This belief, however, doesn't limit their activities. To them, life is here to be lived, and nothing will happen without someone turning the wheel of ages. Though often contemplative, almost any of their number will rush into action when the call is sounded. The balance shall be maintained.

Philosophy

All things flow from the Tao. Accept all things, Yin or Yang, for they are all of the Tao. One must seek balance, for as too much vinegar sours the recipe, so also does too much water. Seek this balance in yourself, for when balanced a body and a soul may life forever, and become as gods.

Style

To the Shih, balance is the creation of magick. The strange scholars seek this balance through meditation, riddles, alchemy, martial arts, and the teaching of the young. To them, all of life is magick, with their power just appearing more readily as they literally reshape the Yin and the Yang.

Sphere

Mind and Life (representing the Yin and Yang, spiritual and material).

Common Foci

Meditation, martial arts, devious riddles, and bizarre alchemy (internal and external) all play into this strange craft's tools.

Organization

There is almost no organization among this group, save for their alchemists, who exchange gossip and Craft news through strange potions carried by unwitting messengers. Many Hsien Shih also communicate through waking dreams.

Initiation

The Tao does not find you; you must find the Tao. When a student awakens to the cosmic balance, an established Hsien Shih will introduce them to the Yin and the Yang within themselves. After they have mastered self-control, they're on their own.

Acolytes

Martial artists, Fang Shih (geomancers), venerable teachers, and common laborers.

Concepts

Wandering sage, driven alchemist, noble monk, gifted scholar.

Quote

"Perception of the Tao is true emptiness. Dare you achieve this unity?"

The Balance of Magick

Because of their emphasis on duality and balance, Hsien Shih always learn magick in opposed pairs. Before advancing in magick, the player must have enough experience points to raise both spheres, keeping them at the same level. The exception to this rule is Spirit, which is separate from all things, harkening back to the primal Tao. The one benefit of this is enlightenment. Hsien Shih only pay current rating x 7 for Arete.

Sphere Pairs: Mind - Life, Forces - Matter, Prime - Entropy, Time - Correspondence, Spirit

Harmony of the Worlds (thoughts on the others)

Akashic Brotherhood: Our brothers, in action if not in purpose. Let them pursue their goals, and aid them when you can.

Celestial Chorus: They see the unity of the Tao, but deny its dual nature. Good people nonetheless.

Cult of Ecstasy: They have mastered Yang. Where is their wise old Yin?

Dreamspeakers: These noble shamans must learn to look at the trees as well as the forest. They are closest to true awareness.

Euthanatos: The Wheel of Ages turns skyward as well as towards the grave. Perhaps they will learn in time yet.

Order of Hermes: Magick is like a peach tree. Use it to feed yourself, and you are strong. Use it to feed all men, and you are stronger still. They have much to learn.

Sons of Ether: They feel the Tao around them, but look only at its manifestations, not its source. Fun as hell, however.

Verbena: These throwbacks must move beyond sensations and perceive the greater good. Grow up, or we shall force you.

Virtual Adepts: Young, strong, and misguided. They seek to leave the world, rather than accept it. What a pity.

Wung Lung: These bombastic nobles have subjugated us for centuries. Now is our chance to show them the error of their ways.

Nephandi: These perverters of the truth make the Tao look monstrous. Return them to whence they came.

Technocracy: They seek to control, rather than accept. This is inauspicious, and noxious omens abound.

The Shen: How can we judge that which we do not understand? Leave them to their own, but never turn down the chance to aid one.