Mai Lin
Quote
""Art can be expressed in many ways, and you should strive to make your swordplay artistic. Encourage and foster art no matter where you are. Welcome those who truly seek redemption with open arms, and show mercy to those who need it.""
Introduction
Mai Lin grew up poor in the city of Xian-Hon Wa, the daughter of a samurai and his widow. Her mother and her suffered after her father's death, and the child saw the cruelty of people, and the way people turn to violence and hate when they are desperate. Eventually she and her mother were taken in by a temple, and she vowed once she completed her education, to use her skills and talents to better society. She is known for always doing the right thing, especially when the right thing is the harder path.
A beautiful, graceful woman, she is skilled in the art of dance, poetry and calligraphy, and is an expert samurai, skilled in the path of the Warrior Poet. She is known for her mercy and compassion, and was recruited as much for her martial skills as she is for her temperament and willingness to use diplomacy and mercy. She is called upon by the Phoenix when alternatives to violence are needed, but violence may erupt. She has taught the Phoenix about the importance of mercy and compassion, even when the right thing to do, is the hard choice.
Mai is a beautiful woman of eastern descent, who is typically garbed in traditional silks and robes of her people, wearing soft slippers. She has black hair, and black eyes, and skin the color of fine porcelain. She is graceful, and wields a katana if it comes to a fight. She eschews armor in combat, as it affects her ability to sword dance.
The Church
The Church of the Dancing Lotus is more a school and charity organization than a temple, in its outlook and mission. Their faith teaches the aspect of Li. To live in Li, is to espouse the Nine Virtues of the Path of Enlightenment: Artistry, Compassion, Courage, Fidelity, Honor, Karma, Love, Respect for Tradition, and Scholarship. They are a pillar of the community, and serve all in the community, regardless of birth station, social status or condition. When they need to fight, they will fight, although they always view it as a last resort.
Paladin Code
The faith counts many Paladins, War Priests and Inquisitors among the faithful, and they all are required to show mercy to those that request it, although treachery under false pretenses is dealt with swiftly. Those that request mercy, and are sincere, are given the opportunity to change their ways, although this does not mean that they are exempt from justice for their crimes. Honor and mercy are paramount ideals to uphold, even when it is difficult to do so.
Temple & Shrines
The main temple is in the city of Xian-Hon Wa, the Temple of the Dancing Lotus. It is a traditional structure, with many functions, including providing instruction in the arts, charity for those who need it, and training for samurai and priests. It is a modest structure, devoid of grandeur and splendor, befitting the low key and humble approach that the faith is known for. It is a center of community in the city, and hosts many events designed to bring the community together, and acts as a bastion of defense in times of need. There are many simple shrines throughout the lands, simple structures that worshippers are encouraged to leave donations for charity at, and the priests that attend them distribute the donations to those that need them.
A Priests Role
The main role of priests are as teachers and diplomats. Mai Lin abhors violence, but will not abstain from it when necessary, but the main focus of her clergy is in the teaching, advancement of the arts and as diplomats. They are all trained to fight if needed, but that is always a last resort. Clergy extol the virtues of art, especially the visual arts, and the art of dance, and provide instruction to any and all who desire to learn and express themselves. They are also protectors of communities, and work to ensure that everyone has equal access to food, shelter, clean water and resources. They are also found as diplomats, and as individuals that will take care of prisoners to ensure they are receiving fair treatment.
Adventurers
Good Adventurers are important to the Church. They often complete quests and investigate disturbances for the Church when their own members are not available or are not nearby. Adventurers often come to the temple for sword instruction, and many bards visit the temples to learn art.
Clothing
Traditional Silks, Kimonos, Soft Slippers, and the like. As a Samurai following the Warrior Poet creed, Mai Lin eschews armor, finding greater mobility and freedom of movement provides a more effective defense than bulky armor. Her garb is traditional to her culture.
Holy Texts
'Spring Blossoms'- A collection of haiku's that have important meanings to them, and contain ordinary wisdom.
Holidays
The Cherry Blossom Festival, held on the Vernal Equinox, is the Holiest of days for the faith, as it heralds the renewal and rebirth after winter.
Aphorisms
He who asks a question might be a fool for five minutes; he who doesnt ask a question remains a fool forever.
The good deeds pay good recompense and the evil pays back with evil.
Holy Symbol
Sun intersected with a Katana, that has a blade made of stained glass
Portfolio
Dance, Poetry, Trust and Mercy
Domains
Domains-Good, Repose, Sun
Sub-Domains-Light, Redemption
Weapon
Katana
Sacred Animal
Hummingbird
Relationships with Other Religions
The Phoenix: Her relationship with the Phoenix is excellent, she provides counsel to the Phoenix regarding diplomacy, and wisdom relating to mercy and compassion, especially for those who choose the path of redemption.
A'Cymorilla Glimmerstar: Cym is Mai's life partner, and wife. They forged a close bond when they realized that they shared many of the same concerns and overlapping ideals, and began to work closely together, allying their temples. Naturally, as they grew closer, their friendship blossomed into more, to the point where they eventually wed.