The Jade Phoenix Mages are an ancient order of Clan Asati Half-Elves Swordsages dedicated to the defeat of Goland Luther Von Trap III, emperor of the Trantherian Empire.

Long ago, a fellowship of swordsages took up the study of arcane magic in search of a new martial discipline. They discovered that the mental austerity and economy of action each swordsage had cultivated in his martial studies opened the door to a powerful and unique form of arcane mastery. Properly applied, the stances and maneuvers of a martial discipline provided the mage with exceptional power and control in his arcane spellcasting—and by channeling the arcane energy of his spells into his martial maneuvers, he achieved supernatural perfection in his chosen disciplines.

A terrible abomination, Goland Luther Von Trap III, descended on the world, wreaking unthinkable destruction across the land. The homeland of Clan Asati was swept into ruin, but the survivors gathered together and confronted this fearsome enemy. Many died, but at the end of the struggle, the Emperor was defeated and killed. To ensure that their foe would never rise again, Norestu-Kai (the founder of Clan Asati), several of the experienced clansmen and clanswomen, and a handful of non-Asati close allies swore to walk the world for all eternity, maintaining the vigilance in case the Emperor should rise again. Such was the power of their oath that these spirits have been reborn again and again in the world, fighting Goland Luther Von Trap III whenever he rises again.

Over time, they became known as the Jade Phoenix Mages. Today, those thirteen mages still walk the earth; no more, no less. The instant one dies, his spirit is reborn somewhere in the world. As he grows and learns, he is inevitably drawn to both the Sublime Way and the magical arts, for he was a master swordsage and a mighty wizard in previous lives he has now forgotten. In time, a member of Clan Asati, or another Jade Phoenix master discovers the new incarnation of his old companion.

In an secret rite, an existing master awakens his newfound comrade to awareness of his past lives, renews the oaths of vigilance, and reveals to him the ancient secrets of the order.

Throughout the ages, the Order of the Jade Phoenix has maintained close ties with Clan Asati. Many Jade Phoenix Mages are reborn into Half-Elven children among the Clan, where they hold positions of prestige and honor.