Golden Lions History

The History of Kozakura and the Rise of the Golden Lions

 

   On the island realm of Kozakura, the mighty Zhang Dynasty ruled with honor and strength for many decades. Under their banner, the Empire expanded its reach across the northern isles, securing its influence in key regions:

• Wa – the empire’s primary hub for imports and exports, vital to its economic power.

• Kozakura – the imperial capital and heart of the Zhang Dynasty’s rule.

• Koryo – a fortified outpost critical to military operations.

   

   The dynasty extended its reach into the rugged lands of Wu Haltai, establishing strongholds and outposts to maintain control. However, one region remained untouched—the Ama Basin, a lawless frontier the Emperor called “The Badlands.” It was here that the dangerous faction known as the Emerald Vipers took root.

To defend his people, Emperor Qin Shin Zhang I, founder of the dynasty, formed an elite military force known as the Golden Lions —a disciplined, fearless army sworn to protect the empire from any threat, foreign or domestic.

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The Great War: Crimson Blade & Golden Lions

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  During the era of the Great Wars, a fierce conflict erupted between the Emerald Vipers and a legendary mercenary force known as the Crimson Blade. At first, the Golden Lions remained neutral, watching the war unfold from afar. That changed when the Emerald Vipers, pushed to desperation after suffering defeat at the hands of the Crimson Blade, launched a full-scale invasion of Kozakura. The empire stood on the brink of collapse. In a bold move, Emperor Qin Shin Zhang I hired the Crimson Blade to fight alongside the Golden Lions. Together, they struck back. The alliance proved powerful, combining the imperial discipline of the Lions with the ruthless precision of the Crimson Blade. In time, the Vipers were driven back into the shadows.

From the ashes of that conflict, a formal alliance was forged between the Zhang Dynasty and the Crimson Blade, sealing a legacy of mutual respect.

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The Return of the Vipers

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  Years passed. Emperors came and went. Peace returned, fragile and uneasy. But peace, as always, was temporary. Under the rule of Emperor Zhang IV, the Emerald Vipers returned with fury. One fateful day, they launched a surprise assault on an imperial outpost in the Ama Basin. A staggering force of 30,000 Vipers overwhelmed a contingent of just 5,000 Golden Lions stationed there. The Lions were forced into retreat, with a remaining 1,000 soldiers sent to reinforce the nearby outpost in Wu Haltai. In a desperate attempt to hold ground, Emperor Zhang IV ordered the outpost at Wu Haltai strengthened, raising its numbers to 6,000 troops. But the Vipers anticipated the move. Before the soldiers could retreat to the mountain stronghold in Wu Haltai, the Emerald Vipers ambushed and slaughtered them, cutting off all reinforcements.

With the fall of Wu Haltai’s outposts, the last great Golden Lions stronghold in the Wu Haltai Mountains fell under siege. Outnumbered and outmatched, the Lions were forced to abandon their bastion. Scattered and hunted, the once-mighty army vanished into legend.

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   For years, the Golden Lions Guard disappeared, thought to be lost forever. But whispers now spread through the land...

• Of banners hidden in mountain caves.

• Of old blades drawn in the dark.

• Of Lions sharpening their claws once more.

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   For the Emerald Vipers rise again, and the Empire must decide whether it will fall or fight.

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Now Kairi Zhang sister of the Current Emperor of Kara-Tur of the North Qin Shin Zhang V. has put of coded messages to those who wish to fight back. it states "Please come to Wu Pi Te Shao Mountains. We will find you and bring you in. Help us train, help us fight back. All is welcome who can fight, if you can not fight no worries there is plenty for others to do as well. For I am the true Empress Kairi Zhang"