Introduction

There is no organization in all the Empire which has advanced medical and alchemical knowledge to the degree which the Celestial Distillation Sect has. Of the nine Medicine Saints which have graced the Empire, six rose from our halls, and even those few who did not made use of our facilities and knowledge. With the full backing of the wise and gracious Empress Xiang, the Celestial Distillation Sect has only grown more venerable and prestigious. To be accepted into our halls is an honor beyond measure.

The Celestial Distillation Sect offers a comprehensive instruction and apprenticeship program lasting twenty years. Upon completing the curriculum, the Sect will provide a Certificate of Mastery to the graduating student. Holders of such certificates are highly sought after throughout the Empire. In addition, the Sect offers many chances for internal advancement. The Sect is always in need of new pillmakers and physicians for research and Empress Xiang’s Imperial Health projects. Such positions are themselves highly honored and considerably generous with their rewards.

In addition to its unsurpassed medical program, the Celestial Distillation Sect offers numerous elective courses on every subject of import to a Lord or Lady of the Celestial Empire, as well as courses on the related fields of Natural Philosophy and Qi Theory.

History

The Celestial Distillation Sect’s storied history begins long ago during the reign of the most resplendent Sage Emperor. Lady Yi Jiang, first wife of the Sage, was a genius of medicine beyond comparison. Though her abilities in early life were stunted by the fractured and uncivilized nature of the Peaks during those barbarous days, Sage Emperor Qin recognized her genius, and upon their marriage, he provided her with every amenity to advance her art. The exploits of Yi Jiang are the subject of numerous plays and stories and need not be recounted here.

As the Empire’s first Medicine Saint, Saint Jiang’s legacy persisted after her death through her workshop and apprentices. Then housed in a wing of the Imperial palace, the early members of the Celestial Distillation Sect built upon Saint Jiang’s wondrous advances, aiding the emperors of the first dynasty in spreading good health and civilization to even the most remote corners of the Celestial Peaks.

Unfortunately, during the Strife of the Twin Emperors, the Celestial Distillation Sect was among the many places of learning and knowledge which were ransacked and destroyed. It was not until the rule of Emperor Wu of Ao, third in that dynasty, that an Imperial Edict reestablished the Sect. No longer housed in the Imperial Palace but on the second ring of the Imperial Mount, the Celestial Distillation Sect received its official name.

While still under the direct purview of the Imperial family, the Sect was given more latitude in choosing the direction of its research and actions and began accepting applicants from other noble families of the Peaks.

Throughout the Second dynasty, the Sect quietly recovered from the setbacks of the Strife and began to advance Imperial knowledge once more. When the catastrophe in the East shook the Empire, it was the Sect’s Medicine Saint Kang Yu who created the cure for Sun Sickness and saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Imperial citizens, soldiers, and nobles who had been near the border of the Golden Fields.

When the third dynasty rose to power, the Celestial Distillation Sect remained a center of learning, untouched by the petty politics which surrounded and marked the decline of the second. When the great Sect system was implemented, it was only natural that the Celestial Distillation Sect was one of the three sects in the Peaks selected for the honor of becoming more.

The Sect has only grown in prestige since, and the number of skilled physicians graduating from our halls to take up service in our great Empire grows with each passing year.

Enrollment

Unlike more provincial sects, the Celestial Distillation Sect was granted certain privileges in the Imperial enrollment program. All potential disciples must pass a battery of rigorous exams which ensure that the quality of the Sect is not decreased. Examination fees must be paid prior to testing and are not refunded in the case of failure. Examinees under sixteen years of age must receive special dispensation.

The Celestial Distillation Sect does not reject the potential for those of lower birth to achieve greatness however. Those found to have the talent within the Sect’s remit are admitted to the Outer Sect educational program where their lacking knowledge can be brought up to standard over the course of two years. Those who then pass the examinations may join the Sect normally. Those who fail may still find positions as assistants and may retake the exam once loans for testing fees have been paid.

Careers

Master Physician Certification: The certificates of the Celestial Distillation Sect are accepted in even the most provincial reaches of the Empire. Few among the nobility would refuse a disciple’s application, save for the instance of two peers applying for the same position.

Imperial Health Magistrate: The wise Empress Xiang’s reforms require an ever growing number of experts in medicine. The graduates of the Celestial Distillation Sect, naturally, are sought out as administrators and managers of the many lesser physicians who are part of this effort. This position is very well compensated and well honored in the Celestial Peaks.

Master Alchemist Certification: While it is not the Sect’s primary focus, the Sect does offer a comprehensive alchemy program and writs of certification for the art. This field is much less organized however, and some regions of the Empire may require the holder to take further tests before offering employment.

Prominent Modern Members

Sect Mistress Yi Ling: Descended from one of Saint Jiang’s apprentices, who the Saint had kindly adopted, the Sect Mistress also serves as the Head Imperial Physician. In addition to her Sect duties, she attends to the health of our Most Divine Empress and her immediate family and confidants. It is her advice which aids the Empress in bringing her visions for health reform into reality.

Medicine Saint Tong: The only living Medicine Saint in the Empire, the venerable Saint Tong received his title for advancements in the fields of childbirth and rearing. His discoveries have aided many nobles of the Empire whose Ways have made the continuation of their line difficult. Some even claim Saint Tong’s Natal Fortification Elixir offers enhancement to cultivation talent, though Saint Tong himself denies such claims.