ReignWulin:Dali

History

• 902: Overthrow of the Nanzhao Dynasty.
• 937: Dali Kingdom established by Duan Siping.
• 1064: Gao Zhisheng named "Grand Protector", given a hereditary Marquis position, for his military victory against a rebellion. The Gao family wields great influence as generals and advisors in Dali from this point forward.
• 1080: Emperor Duan Lianyi is assassinated by the traitor official Yang Yizhen. Gao Zhisheng has Yang Yizhen killed. Emperor Duan Linyi's son, Prince Yanqing, is missing, presumed killed by Yang Yizhen, so Gao Zhisheng instead has Duan Lianyi's nephew, Duan Shouhui, ascend to the throne.
• 1116: The Song Emperor recognizes the current Dali Emperor, Duan Zhengyan, as "King of Dali".
• 1119: Several internal rebellions which the armies are not entirely successful in quelling.
• 1172: Duan Zhixing ascends the throne.
• 1200: Duan Zhixing abdicates from the throne in order to become a monk.
• 1205: Duan Zhixiang, the current Dali Emperor, ascends the throne.

Culture

The 11th king of Nanzhao established Buddhism as the state religion. Ten of the 22 kings of Dali gave up the throne and became monks.

Military

Despite their military prowess and superior numbers, the Mongols cannot breach the defences of the Erhai valley, which is so suited to defense that even just a few defenders can hold out for years.

Disciplines

Solitary Yang Finger

• "Wu Santong saw that she was heading into the kiln, and raised his right hand, and pointed a finger at one of her pressure points, and unleashed 'Solitary Yang Finger' at her. Though his 'Solitary Yang Finger' wasn’t fast enough to hit a pressure point, the move had many changes, and had to be avoided."
• The Duan family awed the martial arts world with their Yi Yang Finger（一阳指), a martial art which had evolved through the Duan family's own unique way of striking acupuncture points. The highest level of the Yi Yang Finger could emit lethal qi from one's fingers.

People

Duan Zhixiang

As Zhixiang put increasing numbers of worthy and talented individuals in his administration, peace and prosperity grew.

Yideng

The Duan family were traditionally deeply devoted Buddhists and once Duan Zhixing realised what he had done he was shaken to the core of his being. He therefore tidied up his affairs and decided to follow an ancient tradition of the royal family - becoming a monk. His Buddhist name was Yideng, meaning Solitary Light, possibly an allusion to his art. For decades afterwards Yideng did not involve himself in any affairs outside of his monkish contemplation. His good friend Hong Qigong was present at his initiation so word was spread out to Jianghu not to disturb the Southern Emperor anymore.

Duan Zhixing inspired such devotion from his subjects that four of his most trusted ministers resigned their posts to become Duan's monkish disciples. They could thus continue protecting and serving the man who would always be their lord and master. Their former posts include Chancellor of State and Commander of the Royal Guard.