The Salmu Association(Sal meaning death or kill and Mu referring to martial Lit.Kill Martial Association)
History[]
The Salmu Association was formed during the era of the first administrator to curb the power of the Murim and the Murim-in's that had taken over during the period of governmental instability arising from the previous dynasty(strongly implied to be the Goryeo) and to help restore proper governance to the kingdom by operating outside the laws by acting as a "Governmental Watchdog".
To ensure it could not be corrupted by outside forces and to ensure that the affairs of the Salmu Association could be carried out with minimal government oversight, the responsibility of leading the association was given to the Lee Family(A family of well to do merchants with strong morals and government ties).
Standard Operations and Methods of Conduct[]
As a secret organization, the Salmu Association tends to focus less on martial arts and more on gathering information, funding training of spies and warriors through their orphanages and not revealing their existence to the world. Killings are decided on a case by case basis, and if possible they tend to prefer simply asking that a clan or sect "close it's doors"--this means they do not accept any disciples or interact with the outside world beyond what is neccesary for survival. In cases where a Martial Artist is causing problems that cannot be overlooked for the safety of the citizens and the empire, the Salmu prefer to send out a squad to kill them. If it is a serious problem such as the Five Elemental Clans and their Gods they will request that Orthodox Martial Artists help out while providing resources and funding.
Hierarchy[]
The Lee Family has traditionally held on to power within the Association by personal gratitude and funding through their legitimate merchant activities.
Under them are the Managers, who determine how the resources are implemented and spent.
Under the Managers are the warriors and spies, individuals recruited from either murim or from orphanages.