Board Thread:Custom Lore Development/@comment-26535281-20170628164131

Feudalism is rather well founded in Xin, but is not wholly dominating. Although Feudal lords do exist they do not hold much political power when compared to the central government. Although feudal lords do have much more autonomy then any State official or bureaucrat.

Feudal lords are known as Xia in Xin. Xia are split into two groups, Zhuxia and Shizuxia, Lord and Clan Xia. Now the difference is simple Zhuxia have a personal fief and a bit of political power while also being nobles. Shizuxia are either the sons or family members of a Zhuxia and are comparable to lower knights in western standards. They are also the title given to lords who have lost political power or live within the cities.

The fiefs exist outside of the cities in the country side of the Empire. Now not all of the country side is feudal land as farms, mines, and other areas rich in resources are directly controlled by the State. Now the land the Xia get is, well the land the state doesn't want or need. Only around to keep the Xia happy and not becoming rebellious.

A Zhuxia, for the most part, rules with a iron fists. They can rule as they see fit within their own fief as long as a tithe of warriors is paid to the state. Zhuxia are known to form and break alliances between other clans and lords which the state tolerates because this controlled in fighting produces some of the finest warriors for the State.

Now this infighting takes place in either honor duels or in events known as 'Flower Wars' in which both lords gather their armies and have a 'mini-battle' until one side is either annihilated or gives up. 