Zhang Shouren

A celebrated Samurai and Red Mage of the late Kai Dynasty, Zhang Shouren was the legendary founder of the Red Lotus school and mentor of Liang Xiao Tian. After being stationed for a time in Maho-Kuni, Shouren became fascinated with the techniques of the local magical adepts, and grew obsessed with incorporating their techniques with swordplay. It was not precisely unheard of--for some time, a number of the highest born Samurai had received some basic training in Black and White magic along side the traditional sword, bow and spear training. What Shouren proposed was extremely radical, however; actually incorporating spellcasting as part of the weapon technique: elemental enhancements to the blade, using magical speed in quick draw techniques, and so on. Shouren developed his technique over a few years, in his spare time, but had a very difficult time finding pupils; he was young, and though enjoyed a good reputation as a fighter, his Red Lotus technique was new and untested, not a long-established tradition with a lineage.

Shouren's first--and for a long time, only--student was Xiao Tian, a young upstart who longed for glory on the battlefield. He proved an incredible talent, and took to Shouren's training quite well. In time, master and student became incredibly close. When Xiao Tian formed the Red Lotus Brigade with the Emperor's blessing, Shouren gladly became his second-in-command, with no bitterness or jealousy at having his one-time student surpass him. He trained Red Lotus recruits, and undertook missions with Xiao Tian from time to time.

Shouren's fate in the wake of the Empire's fall remains a mystery to scholars. Sadly, with the fall of the Empire and its most famous practitioners dead or missing, Red Magic in Crystal vanished along with it.

As a final note, some noted historians of the late Kai period have unearthed evidence that Shouren and Xiao Tian were lovers, though this theory remains controversial. At minimum, it stands among the great friendships of the ages.