Nine Inkwells

The Nine Inkwells are the nine most prestigious calligraphy schools of Lingshen. In Lingshen, calligraphy is considered the highest of all art forms and is second behind only military skill in determining one's social standing amongst the nobility. The youth of Lingshen's nobility are sent to one of the Nine Inkwell schools to learn not just calligraphy but art, intrigue, and all the other skills required for rulership. The School of Affinities is considered the greatest of these schools.

Calligraphy is taken so seriously that duels are often fought between the students of these rival schools, and it is claimed that the military commander who can write their strategy in the most perfect brushstrokes is guaranteed victory.