Shi

The Shi are the descendants of the crew of a Chinese submarine that crashed in San Francisco during the Great War. They have managed to keep many of their old traditions and customs, which is more than many American groups can say. Somehow, the city was spared a good deal of destruction, although radiation levels were high for a while. As of 2242, two clans currently battle for control of San Francisco, and the style of martial arts that will reign in the future. The Shi manage to run an extensive weapons trade, offering pieces of technology usually only available to groups like the Brotherhood of Steel. Where they manage to get these items is unknown.

The Shi are organised by an Emperor Computer which, while possessing no artificial intelligence, is capable of making predictions based on all factors it has access to, and with astonishing accuracy. Because of this advanced computer, the Shi have plans to expand. While their ultimate goal is unclear, their attempts at creating new kinds of synthetic armour, their eagerness to gain the advanced Enclave technology for the Vertibirds, their experiments in the artificial enhancement of their soldiers using radiation, and their militaristic approach to opposing factions such as the Hubologists suggests that their expansion is likely to be violent.

The Shi are very active researchers. They are nearing a breakthrough in the rediscovery of nuclear power, and are considering methods of space travel. The apparent leader of the Shi is Ken Lee, whose job is advisor to the Emperor. In fact, the reverse is closer to the truth; Ken Lee dictates the Shi actions based on the predictions of the Emperor Computer. They have also learned to synthesize a new fuel using plant extracts and sea life. After integrating preexisting pipelines to their fuel reservoirs they can direct fuel to a number of diverse areas including the PMV Valdez. New weapons research and insights into new ploymeric combat armor with enforced heat and penetration resistance look like promising additions to the Shi armament, particularly when viewed in context with their construction capabilities. It is forecast that with vertibird schematics a prototype could be manufactured in a year and in an additional year mass vertibird production would be viable. Other less militaristic advances include radiation resistant plant life in the Shi botany department led by Dr.Sheng. Although initial experimentation yielded results with unpleasent side effects and it was posited that research be redirected to more critical areas, after Dr. Long Wang injected himself with a FEV derived serum to manufacture super soldiers and melted into a puddle of goo, his genetic research department has been merged with Dr. Shengs botany department and research on radiation resistant plant life has resumed. The research culminated in a radiation consuming, vine that scourged the San Francisco area of radiation after the Enclaves destruction.