Worldbuilding: The fictional dynasty of Da Yong is in decline. Within its borders, regional warlords carve up the realm and aristocratic clans hold power. Beyond them, the “barbarians” of the northern frontier and the “Baiyue” of the southern lands are poised to strike. Its institutions are a blend of those from the late Tang and Northern Song dynasties. Technology remains at the level of the cold weapon era, and key innovations such as movable-type printing and the curved-shaft plow have yet to appear.
