White Tiger Empire
The woman now known as Empress White Tiger claimed dominion over a large star cluster about 30 standard years ago. An exceptionally powerful Wulin, she claims to be a descendant of the Galactic Dynasty, and rightful heir to the throne. Her abilities as a warrior are only a fraction of her power – she has also shown great ability in strategy, leadership, and charisma, rallying the people to her cause, and expanding her territory into one of the four largest kingdoms in the galaxy.
The citizens of the empire are proud, many believing that she is truly the rightful heir to the Galactic Throne. Those of other kingdoms, especially neighbouring ones, are fearful. Always, she looks to expand her dominion, and while she is not particularly cruel compared to some other kings, she does demand obedience, and her gaze is firmly fixed on the Galactic Throne of Earth.
She has challenged many of the surviving Wulin of territories she conquers to duels. Those she finds to be worthy opponents, and are willing to submit to her rule, are given positions in the Empire (and the males the opportunity to seed a child with her). Those unworthy, or who will not submit, she kills.
In recent years, her children have begun to come of age, and she has been assigning them to expand the empire in her name. The most recent is Princess Fierce Tiger, who has just been assigned a territory, and looks to expand it in the hopes of proving herself a worthy heir.
The Star Tigers[edit]
These beings resemble the tigers of Earth, except that they stand at least three meters tall at the shoulder, are intelligent, and can communicate telepathically with humans and each other. They are able to use chi, and have a warrior culture similar to that of the Wulin.
White Tiger gained her name when she travelled to their homeworld, and challenged and defeated their king in battle - she describes him as the strongest opponent she has ever faced, and the battle resulted in her body being riddled with cuts from his claws, until it resembled a tiger's body itself. She chose to allow the scars to remain as a mark of respect to her foe.
The Star Tigers are often seen in the company of the Empress or her children.
Xiang Province[edit]
Xiang Province lies on the coreward border of the White Tiger Empire - this being the direction in which the Four Kingdoms converge on, it is an important strategic centre, and there are garrisons stationed frequently along the border. The Galactic Core itself is a region that the various nations struggle to get a firm hold on, and as a result are a splintering of dozens of small kingdoms. Naturally, such a location provides ample opportunity for various outlaws and pirates to roam the area.
To the north, on the border with the Black Tortoise Empire, Valorous Tiger is making a concerted effort to crack down on piracy and other such activities, so that merchants may travel free of harassment. But her activities have also caused border friction with the Black Tortoise empire. Further to the south, closer to the Red Phoenix Empire, Cunning Tiger does not harrass the pirates as much so long as they stay on the other side of the border.
In the centre, not far across the border, lies the Many-Hued Jewel Cluster, a star cluster famed for its wealth, as well as for the maze of nebulae and radiation belts that provide an excellent defensive position. Two major ports on the north and south sides provide the only entrances.
To a Tiger Princess just appointed to the province, the cluster would obviously be a major prize, and taking it would involve a display of strategy that would impress the Empress. Would the better strategy be to try and take it swiftly, or to bide one's time and carefully plan things?
