The Gōngjiàng Sect was one of the Great Clans which rule the Empire of Seven Dragons. Although they still technically hold a seat on the Emperor’s Council, they have become so diminished that they are but a shell of their former glory. Their limited power, wealth, and prestige has caused them to forfeit lands and followers in the clan wars, and they now seek to grow their power outside of the Empire in hopes of finding a way to support the main clan in the capital.
The greatest weakness of the Sect and cause of its precarious position is the internal schism that has turned them against themselves. Long ago, the leaders of the sect mastered all of the martial arts taught by the sect, now however, disciplines learn from only a subset based on which faction of the sect they join, be that the Revered Ancestors tradition or the Artisanal Magics tradition. The two are bitter rivals vying for control of the sect, though they are willing to be allies of convenience against external threats which would destroy the sect entirely.
The Revered Ancestors tradition focuses on gaining knowledge and insight from past masters, seeking the blessings of ancestors, and refining the mind and spirit to impose one’s will on reality. This style draws upon the lost wisdom of the past and emphasizes enlightenment in the present, enabling disciples to tap into their ancestral lineage for powerful techniques.
The Artisanal Magics tradition, on the other hand, is renowned for its mastery of both crafting and arcane manipulation. Disciples of this tradition are skilled in creating and using magic items in unconventional ways and are known for capturing and harnessing hostile magics for their own use.
Both the Ancestor School and the Artisan School are considered pillars of power within the Gōngjiàng Sect, with the leadership of the sect being divided evenly between the two. Unfortunately, internal power struggles are not uncommon as disciples vie for dominance and control over the sect’s limited resources. Despite this rivalry, there is a secret hope among the sect that one day a disciple will rise to become powerful in both traditions, uniting the clan and ushering in a new golden age for the Gōngjiàng Sect.