The Guardians of the Four Directions are powerful deities that serve as protectors of the world. They are often referred to as the 'Totems', although 'Totems' can also refer to other other guardian spirit deities.
The Legend
"Legends speak of the four totem animals: Chung ryong, the Blue Dragon; Baekho, the White Tiger; Ju jak, the Great Bird; Hyun moo, the Black Turtle. It is said that the most powerful, devoted, and clever persons can master the ways of the totem animals and tap into their great power. It is believed that, because of the dedication required to acquire complete understanding of the totem animals, only non-subpath walkers can achieve this lofty goal.
Each animal favors one path and each animal can grant at least one spell of great power to chosen followers of its path. So claim the legends. But who among the mortals remembers the ways of the totem animals? Are these secrets myths or will they be unearthed in time? I have spoken with all within the Nexus and no one remembers their ways. But perhaps ancient memories shall be recalled when the Great Shift is complete. And doubtless, the challenges that must be overcome to attain such mastery are great. Will any be mighty enough to succeed?"
The Chung Ryong
Chung Ryong is the blue dragon, and is the totem god of Warriors. This does not mean that you MUST choose Chung Ryong as your totem if you are a Warrior, but its Totem Helm is geared the most towards that path.
Chung Ryong is also the name of the NPC Subpath for Warriors. If you devote yourself to this totem, you are able to forge a Chung Ryong Scale, and learn Chung Ryong's Rage (commonly referred to as Rage, as in "What rage are you on?") in addition to the Dog Spells.
The Chung Ryong is also known as the Guardian of the East. The Blue Dragon rules the East and thus the rising sun. His time of day is dawn, and he presides over the Spring season. It is often thought that this God is the incarnation of Wood (from the Five Elements of Feng Shui).
History and lore to be added later.
The Baekho
Baekho is the white tiger, and is the totem god of Rogues. This does not mean that you MUST choose Baekho as your totem if you are a Rogue, but its Totem Helm is geared the most towards that path.
Baekho is also the name of the NPC Subpath for Rogues. If you devote yourself to this totem, you are able to forge a Nimble Blade, and learn Baekho's Cunning (commonly referred to as Cunning or Cunn for short, as in "What cunning are you on?") in addition to the Dog Spells.
The Baekho is also known as the Guardian of the West. This Guardian Gods time of day is dawn, and it presides over the Autumn season. It is often thought that this God is the incarnation of Metal (from the Five Elements of Feng Shui).
The Ju jak
Ju jak is the red phoenix, and is the totem god of Mages. This does not mean that you MUST choose Ju jak as your totem if you are a Mage, but its Totem Helm is geared the most towards that path.
Ju jak is also the name of the NPC Subpath for Mages. If you devote yourself to this totem, you are able to forge a Ju jak staff, and learn Ju jak Evocation in addition to the Dog Spells.
The Ju Jak is also known as the Guardian of the South. This Guardian Gods time of day is Mid-day, and it presides over the Summer season. It is often thought that this God is the incarnation of Fire (from the Five Elements of Feng Shui).
The first mage in Nexus to learn the ways of Ju jak was JediMaster.
History and lore to be added later.
The Hyun Moo
Hyun Moo is the black turtle, and is the totem god of Poets. This does not mean that you MUST choose Hyun Moo as your totem if you are a Poet, but its Totem Helm is geared the most towards that path.
Hyun Moo is also the name of the NPC Subpath for Poets. If you devote yourself to this totem, you are able to forge a Life Lance, and learn Hyun Moo Resurrection in addition to the Dog Spells.
The Hyun Moo is also known as the Guardian of the North. This Guardian Gods time of day is Night, and it presides over the Winter season. It is often thought that this God is the incarnation of Water (from the Five Elements of Feng Shui).
History and lore to be added later.
Current Status of the Guardians
During the ChiZao Story Arc, it was revealed the Guardians were originally students of ChiZao who rebelled against him when he decided to enslave the world. The Guardians are currently entrapped in the Void, using the majority of their power to reinforce the seal that keeps ChiZao inside the Vortex.
Impact of the Four Totems in Gameplay
When you first create your character, one choice you have is to choose which of the four totem gods you will worship. There are four: Ju jak the phoenix, Chung Ryong the dragon, Hyun Moo the turtle, and Baekho the tiger.
Each Totem also has a Totem Time during which the followers of that God experience certain bonuses.
Players that do not wish to join Player-controlled Subpaths can elect to instead join Non-player controlled Subpaths that are empowered by the Guardians of the Four Directions.