Astera, also called “the School of Twelve” is a highly prestigious school that trains it’s student in Martial Arts and Ki Arts. The school is located at the centre of the land, on Mt. Cielei where the Twelve countries intersect.
While the borders seem blurry, the school grounds are also divided in 13 sections. Each of the 12 Factions has its own territory with dormitory and training grounds of their own. The center is a common area where people attend common classes and assemblies are held.
Each Factions represents another combination of Base and Sub Essence. All students within a faction study under the same Mentor which is the head of the faction and basicly the father or mother of the family.
In addition to the 12 Faction Mentors, there are an additional 2 Mentors responsible for General Studies as well as the Headmaster.
Factions & Mentors
While there are 12 Factions in the school, they do not represent each respective country, rather, bloodlines from certain countries may have certain tendencies.
Factions serve as a student's home and family while in training, their mentors being their parents. Factions are chosen based on three things: Will, Luck and Affinity.
All Factions base their teachings on different Attributes called Essence. General studies consist of normal Humans studies such as Language and Mathematics but also the general magic called “Null Magic”
Headmaster
Jade Emperor, Faye Xinglong (High God - God of Scholars)
The laid back headmaster of the school Faye Xinglong shows up only on rare occasions, at least officially. Rumor has it that he likes to sneak around school hiding his presence and changing his appearance to remain undetected. Those students that do catch his eye might receive favours, though he would never do anything major and influence something directly. Being so far above most of the others, he might often misjudge the problems that plague his temporary favourites and sometimes only add to their troubles while having the best and most innocent intentions towards them. He rarely acts the way one would expect from someone with such a high standing, although when needed he will be the shining and perfect personification of dignity and heaven itself.
General Studies
Nanaya
Students of Astera have to be well versed in all mundane sciences, so that they never bring shame to the school. And Nanaya makes sure that this rule is being followed with utmost strictness. Slacking around is not a term she is accustomed with, so any student lacking discipline and not putting enough effort will have a hard time with the strict mentor. Those who try their best however will find her to be the one of the most supportive and understanding teachers at Astera. Few will show as much pride in their students as Nanaya.
Furdal, Master of the Ancient Treasures
Furdal might as well be as old as the world itself. At least he looks and acts the part. He learned more about the mundane sciences than anyone would care to know. And has probably forgotten quite a big chunk of that knowledge over the countless millennia he has existed. Still, if the students can push through his endless ramblings and deal with him derailing his lessons to tell “the younguns some feisty story of his youth”, they can learn a lot from the old master. Besides that, Furdal is the one in charge of magical treasures and scripts of the school and on certain occasions will bestow those to the students.
Light Factions
Ryuu - Fire : Heavenly Dragon, Baishe (God)
The owner of the white Phoenix, Baishe is the head of the Light Faction. He is stern and demanding of his students, yet at the same time has a gentle heart and goes to great lengths to help those who are worth helping. He places great value in upholding traditions and unruly students might have a hard time with him. The personification of dignity, Baishe seldom shows any negative emotions, making it quite funny, when the stone faced Deity proclaims that he is angry or sad while still looking the same as always.
En - Water : King of the Four Seas, Jubal (Deity)
The Water King Jubal is a very short tempered person. His wrath knows no bounds and it falls mostly to Baishe and Urie to hold him back when he is overdoing it yet again. He is however not a resentful one and is very quick to forgive and forget. On the other hand, you might not find many who like to drink, feast and laugh the way Jubal does, which still makes him pretty popular among all factions. An experienced and knowledgeable healer, he holds the position of the Medicine King in Astera.
Kei - Wind : Furious Tempest, Urie (Deity)
Energetic and joyful Urie is a very mischievous person. She and Hushen can often be found stirring up trouble. Urie has no evil intentions however and does that only to pass some time. Rumors are there to have fun with and she certainly enjoys hearing and occasionally starting different rumors and stories. Especially enjoyable for her are love stories between the students and if you have any love trouble, you can expect having Urie poking her nose into it. A very supportive and nice person, she is well liked among students. The nickname Furious Tempest is not just for show though and those who anger her will be in quite some trouble.
Kou - Earth : Shanxin (Deity)
Shanxin the Smith loves nothing more than creating things. He might appear unfriendly and discourteous but one should not take it to personal, since the possibility is high that Shanxin is yet again deeply in thoughts about whatever creation is on his mind and thus ignores anything happening around him. Ingenious students who share his love for creation, will easily find common ground with the Smith, sparking his interest and inspiration. As long as they don't mind listening and talking for hours and hours, as it can be very hard to stop him once he finds ardour for an idea.
Neutral Factions
Sou - Fire: Vengeful Blaze, Zeni (Deity)
Negligent and neglectful, Zeni is quite the opposite of what one would envisage as a Fire Patron. One should not underestimate her though. Naturally gifted and smart, she is quite capable once she actually sets her mind on a goal. A very competitive and prideful person, she can be very vindictive, especially if her ego is hurt, which earned her the nickname of Vengeful Blaze. Most of the time however it's too much of a hassle for Zeni. Gifted students will have an easier time with her as master, since she is not one to do much supervision.
Sai - Water: Autumn Rain, Lanzui (Twin Deity)
At a young age she linked her cultivation to her twin brother, giving half of it up to save his life. Since that time, half of the cultivation Lanzui gains is transferred to her brother. Due to that, compared to other Faction Heads, Lanzui may lack the strength, however few do possess her iron will and determination to do the right thing. In her view the task of the Neutral Faction is to balance both the Light and Dark out and to prevent them from overpowering each other due to their beliefs and traditions. Although naturally a very quiet and gentle person, she is very stubborn and will stand her ground if necessary. Keeping and maintaining the largest library in Astera, Lanzui is one of the most knowledgeable when it comes to arcane arts. A very caring master, Lanzui views students as her children and is always there for them, almost to the point that it might seem quite overbearing to her students. She never shows any signs of anger or frustration and is often mocked by Gann for it.
Han - Wind: Feilian (Twin Deity)
Lanzui's twin brother Feilian is the second head of the Neutral Faction. Having almost died as a child, he was saved by his sister and since then shares her cultivation. Because of this he is not able to increase his own cultivation, making it hard for him and his sister to keep up with other masters. Having limited Ki he concentrated his efforts mainly in perfecting martial arts and is today among the finest fighters in Astera. In order to keep up with those who have more Ki, he learned to treasure strategy and tactics and believes those to be crucial on the battlefield. There is almost no weapon which he isn't proficient with, making him pretty popular amongst students who want to learn how to use a particular weapon. Due to the standing of his faction, students from both other schools do often ask him for guidance on perfecting their martial art. Feilian is a very earnest and hardworking person and believes that effort is the most important thing. He dotes very much on his beloved twin Lanzui and the only thing that can enrage the otherwise so calm and collected Master, is her being harmed in any way.
Kyou - Earth: Ancient Stone, Gann (Deity)
Jokingly titled the Ancient Stone by his late master, Gann is actually the youngest of the ascended high immortals. Already born with a monstrous cultivation the Earth Patron of the Neutral Faction has most likely the highest potential among all masters. Though at this point he is lacking the necessary experience, often acting too impatient and imprudent. He tries to act more mature than he is, sounding and having the mannerisms of an old man, making the nickname quite fitting. He does that in part because he idolizes Baishe and wants to be more like him and in part because he dislikes being the youngest master. Gann places great value in honor and dignity, the most important thing for him however are his friends. And for him his students are also his friends.
Dark Factions
Tai - Fire: Devouring Flame of the Eastern Peaks, Relong (Deity)
In order to keep the peace in the world, the strong need to have the will to burn away all that is disturbing the harmony. That is the belief Relong holds onto. Sometimes to save a forest, one has to burn away the sick part of it and the determination and dedication to do so, is what the Devouring Flame values mostly in his students. He is a honest and hard man not only to his students, but to himself also. One cannot ask for a sacrifice, of one is not ready to lead by example, that is why all he demands from his students, he also demands from himself. Second only to Jubal, he is also an excellent healer - very few in this world could tell you more about plants and herbs than him.
Shun - Water: Haiya (Deity)
The only interest Haiya has is strength. Train your mind and train your body. Everything else holds almost no meaning for the water master. Besides food. A few do like food quite as much as Haiya. Students who do like cooking and have a talent for it, will certainly enjoy his patronage, since giving him tasty food is quite a sure way to get on his good side. Although even without snacks, it is pretty easy to get friendly with the good natured giant. For all those who like toned bodies and do enjoy crazy regiments of physical training, he is surely the best choice.
Hou - Wind: Bewitching Fox Spirit, Hushen (Deity)
No one can hold the wine better than Hushen, and no one likes it more than Hushen. And since she is one of the most skilled winemakers, her supply will probably never run low. If a student ever feels weary, visiting her plum and peach garden with its hot springs would probably be a welcome diversion to the dreary dullness of daily life. One should just be careful not to catch the attention of the whimsical fox. Depending on her mood, you would meet either a mischievous and prankish fox or a cold, merciless and condescending fox queen. Particularly unlucky fellows might stumble upon Hushen and Urie together, which would most likely end in a very arduous experience. The Fox Spirit specialises in illusions, dreams, charming, mind influencing magic and is exceptionally good in reading other people. If that doesn't succeed, her brutal, monstrous strength is a sight to behold on its own.
Ren - Earth: Black Emperor, Shanwei (God)
Everything that can be used, should be used. Even the dead. That is the rule the Black Emperor abides by. The charismatic and mesmerizing Shanwei looks quite different than what you would imagine hearing about him being a necromancer. Needless to say, when dealing with the Deity of the Death one should be very careful. He is always fair and just, but no one in the Heavens or on Earth is as scheming, devious and calculating as Shanwei. He, his views and methods might be shunned by many, at the end of the day however Shanwei acts bearing the harmony and peace of the world in his mind. He believes that there is always more than one path to the destination and you shouldn't let traditions and beliefs make you blind and stubborn. Surprisingly enough, he does have a weakness for cute and fluffy things, which oftens leads to Hushen scamming the deity that not many else would dare to offend.