Fantasy [kGs] BoD_CS

Pilgrim59 · Dec 15, 2021

Unorthodox Mastermind

Shu Jin

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
A well-thought-out strategy may remedy a forlorn situation. That's what the book says anyways. Come, milord, let us hasten our steps lest the enemy catches up to us.
Full Name
Shu Jin
Courtesy Name
Saimon
Class
Unorthodox Mastermind (Water)
Title/Moniker
Blue Tortoise
Gender
Male
Height
5 ft. 9 in. (175 cm)
Culture Group
Taejin
Age
25
Appearance
Shu Jin is a slender figure with an eloquent voice to augment his serene but firm posture. His honey-like amber eyes gives off an alluring and poised aura that are receptive of those that meets them. His beguiling gaze and articulate tongue, as described within Shu Bai's White Plumes Chronicle, became a paired method that won his master many battles before they were fought. His long dark hair, the source of many women's envy, retains some mahogany shine that serves to further embellish his pale complexion. Aside from his renowned winsomeness, Saimon also possesses an inviting ambiance of a scholarly gentleman - as seen in his choice of simplistic attires and a soft-spoken tone. While a warrior of reasons above the might of arms, his seemingly-frail form is merely a disguise to conceal his draconic gift in the arts of Baqi cultivation.
Personality
A witty and controversial strategist, Shu Jin has only the best of intentions for his lord's ambitions. Despite their meek appearance, Shu Jin is equipped with unorthodox strategies and celestial abilities that makes him a cunning opponent. Accompanied by his sharp tongue and witty quips, the man is capable of taking over a fortified castle without the needs of swords and ladders. While Shu Jin is a tactful man, he often breaks the norms with his own interpretation of morality and ethics. Rather than blindly devoting himself to Chaolong's cause via loyalty alone, Saimon precariously utilizes personnel based on their talents - seeing people for their crafts, not their personal beliefs. An ardent seeker of talents.
Biography
A renowned scholar and strategist from the western lands of Yibei. Well-versed in the arts of war and celestial fundamentals, Shu Jin has pledged his allegiance solely to Chaolong since their fateful encounter at the Crimson River. Styled as Saimon, Shu Jin was born an orphan on the streets of Taeju. Little is known about his early childhood, aside from his time spent in the mountains. It is said that Saimon became blessed with the power of the stars when he climbed Mount Jeosan. Ultimately, it was speculated that he was picked up by the wandering School of Salient Scholars, where he spent much of his teenage years roaming Jianki.

Shu Jin’s name had only resurfaced in Taeju by a poem that he wrote sometime in 148 AC, predicting Seo Ji’s rise to power. He was eventually sought after by the governor of Taeju, of whom was keen on keeping Shu Jin as an advisor - to which he haughtily replied with “The chicken may be delusional to dream of flight, but the Blue Tortoise must remain on land!" This remark was interpreted as an insult to the Governor's ambitions. Shu Jin was nevertheless coerced to serve the Daegu family. Following a series of political rivalries, he was ultimately betrayed by his envious colleagues, framed on accounts of conspiracy against the Daegu household. Discredited by the governor's wife and her manipulative words, Shu Jin was to be executed on accounts of treason for a betrayal he did not commit. When he chose to flee, troubles followed. Even at the edge of the Crimson River, the tenacity of the Night Ravens caught up to the expectation of the strategist. Even with his swift use of the flood to his advantage, Shu Jin finally took a fatal blow, and fell into the Crimson River.

When the Taejin came to, he was pulled from the coursing river by Dao Chaolong, a man of similar circumstances. Owing his life to the exiled governor and rightful ruler of Weilang, Shu Jin swore his fealty to Dao and accompanied the man on their quest to right the wrongs of Heaven. Lending his strategies to Dao, the two were able to win back Weilang and saw justice dispensed. With the land in turmoil, Shu Jin made preparations for the young governor to direct his attention to the Wei Rebels that resided to the north. When the pieces and scenes were set, all they were missing were the actors - a gathering of warriors and like-minded patriots to aid Dao's cause. In the Spring of 150 AC, Shu and Dao looked to the fresh batch of would-be legends that arrived in Weilang. From all the corners of the earth, many would rally to the young governor's cause and answer his call.

Little did the Taejin knew at the time, that he would go down in history as one of the most accomplished strategist of his time. But not all accomplishments are seen to fruition without tragedies.

Relationships
Dao Chaolong
Shu Jin's savior and master, Dao is the force that reeled the Taejin from his inevitable demise. Jin, having sworn an oath to accompany Chaolong until the end of his days mark a genuine relationship of an ambitious governor and their reciprocating strategist. Rather than seeking his destiny with the Daegu clan, Jin chose to confide his faith in Chaolong, following the ardent admiration he held for the descendant of the benevolent Dao Yanjin.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
[Worldly Mystic]
Having spent his time travelling the western lands to acquire knowledge, Saimon is well-versed in navigations and regional geography. Saimon is able to predict the weather and account for the utility of terrains and geographical advantages. Some say that Saimon had mastered the Starline Elements, enabling him to conjure weather and shape the land. In reality, many attribute his ability to utilize people and regional delegation of tasks by his vast knowledge in local customs and climate studies. Either way, Saimon possesses a relatively effective mind to affect positive growth and seasonal administrative gains.

Battlefield Talents
[Strategic Mastermind]
An ardent student of the art of war, Shu Jin possesses a myriad of complex troop formations deep up his sleeves. Developed upon generations of older strategies, many of the more obsolete formations are adapted for use with slight variations. Rather than sticking to one signature formation, Shu Jin disguises his unrefined developments of various formations by constantly changing his employment of troops and generals. Under the Blue Tortoise's advice, even a fool's magnificent dream can become a vivid mark upon the pages of history.

Baqi
School of Salient Scholars
A sect of roaming intellectuals that is well-known by the martial arts community for their powerful arcane abilities. The Salient Scholars are often sought after by different sects throughout Jianki to perform rituals and share cultivation breakthroughs. The school is best known for its high-quality cultivated medicine and enhancement scrolls. Saimon, having accompanied the Salient Scholars across Jianki, is well-versed in various cultivation methods that allows him to treat martial artists without much hassle, while being able to procure for himself quality qi-control scrolls to aid in combat against qi users.

Personal Equipment
Sparrow's Melancholy (Sword)
A legendary blade stemmed into a lightstone boulder, said to only be drawn by a worthy warrior. It was inevitably unearthed by Shu Jin when he dissolved the boulder with his concoction of volcanic water. The sword is said to vibrate when danger is nigh.

Raiments of A Roaming Poet (Cloth-Grade Robes)
Shu Jin's iconic apparel that distinguishes him from most. While his clothes are a derivative of the Hanjin hanfu, its silky lining is influenced by Taeliang embroidery.

Ode to Lady Dang (Legendary Book)
A compilation of poems and haikus written by a general of Jin state for Lady Dang of the Mythic Era. The book is woven with metaphors that mirrored a love-hate relationship between the unnamed general and Lady Dang. While it is perceived as affectionate poetry, many scholars, including Shu Jin, drew military inspiration from the book. The Blue Tortoise once claimed "An Ode to Lady Dang is a war manual cleverly disguised as a courting book."
Retinue
(秘银龟) Mithril Tortoise

Retinue Name: Mithril Tortoises
Retinue Type: Crossbowmen
Retinue Weapon: Crossbow & Pavise Shield
Retinue Armor Grade: Light Lamellar
Retinue Abilities:
+ Thunder Bolts (high-explosive salvoes).
+ Can build trenches and clear barricades.

Retinue History / Legend
Skilled marksmen and hunters that formed the bulk of the Mithril Tortoises, these ardent volunteers are excellent at picking off armored targets with their heavily-modified crossbows. Designed by Saimon himself, these crossbows feature an extremely long range and can be fielded with a variety of ammunition choices for different situations. Having initially been raised as a ranged anti-armor unit to support Dao's vanguard troops, these crossbowmen have since evolved to take on sapper-echelon duties such as entrenchment and clearing barricades. Well-armored to maintain themselves in a defensive formation, these troops often keep hostile archers at bay with their superior range. Equipped with a pavise shield to protect them from missiles and boulders, these crossbowmen can quickly provide cover fire from behind their portable cover. Donning these shields on their back while marching, it earned them the name "Mithril Tortoises." As an innovative Baqi cultivator, Saimon have taken the liberty of augmenting these marksmen with specialized Thunder Bolts to increase their effectiveness against mass of troops and defensive emplacements.

code by Nano

Malphaestus · Dec 15, 2021

Heaven-defying Warlord

Dao Chaolong

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
The world is cruel and the ambitions of man are the mistakes of heaven. Who but us can correct that which was written wrongly?
Full Name
Dao Chaolong
Courtesy Name
Jinlong
Class
Heaven-defying Warlord (Metal)
Title/Moniker
Lord in Metal
Gender
Male
Height
6 ft. (183 cm)
Culture Group
Hanjin
Age
25
Appearance
A tall man of prideful character and radiating aura, Dao carries himself well and with sense of dominance: aware of his station, and the influence he must uphold to curtail doubt and disobedience. Known to carry a perplexing smile, whose intent has been infamously hard to grasp. Still, the man is of little experience, and has little muscle to his frame. Perhaps strangely, then, his arms retain semblance of disproportionality, as if skilled with motion and imbibed with strength. Characterized by the metallic grey of his silken hair, which flows long from the scalp. Lacking throughout the rest of his face, he does not present semblance of wiseness attained from years of experience. In more facets than one, he appears largely unfit to accomplish what he proposes, but through his presentation, and the energy retained within his figure, he has acquired natural charisma. Silhouetted by weighty character and accompanied by a contemplative gaze, Dao Chaolong retains a rich appearance shaped by his past, pointed like the edge of the saber towards the future.
Personality
Dao Chaolong is a man of deep introspectiveness, yet ever-yearning for characters with which to discuss his facinations; seeking the skills of others to bolster his own, and making sure of every opportunity to respond in kind. Even so, he is a figure of great decisiveness. For whilst it may take time to build belief, once he retains it, he will never allow it to falter. Plagued by his past, and the unfairness placed upon him; Dao Chaolong presents a stable foundation for which others can advance, but within he is haunted by the memories of inability and isolation. Ultimately, he is a man who fights the eternal quest to wrestle into his hands 'fabled' control. Deep-seated hatreds for worldly paradigms fan his flame, and through it's furnace is his adamantine will forged and cast. Prone to long-lasting rivalries, he reciprocates good will in proportionate regard. Relying on allies to keep him from becoming his worser self. Ultimately, a competent leader, if brash and at times too decisive. An idealist, revolutionary, and bringer of change; foe to established hierarchies, and unlawful rulers.
Biography
The successor of the once fabled Dao family, Dao Chaolong's life was riddled in early hardships much alike his father. For whilst early in life he had been blessed by the parental presence of extraordinary characters, when fate struck it did so like bolt of lightning. His father's passing during Dao Chaolong's earliest years rendered the spoiled child without semblance of direction. And with his uncle's rapid succession as Patriarch and ruler of the household domain, the child was faced with grueling accusations. For years, the realm had thought him the murderer, and for years, his uncle had placed him in exile. Fate did not see it fit to banish the child yet, however, as his age rendered him life until his adulthood. As such, with but a handful of servants to his name, his true youth took place within the confines of an isolated estate, run-down by neglect, rich in nothing but toil and complaints. The child, Dao Chaolong, who had once traversed the vast halls of palatial Weilang now had none with whom he could spend his time, and even less act his age and play his worries into the aether.

He found, in his twilight, no other respite than the molden scrolls of the abandoned estate's record hall. An avid consumer of the written arts, the child, asked of his servants no other thing than a quill and ink with which to write. Years would pass, and still none would present itself to his neglected soul, and his mind would swell upon itself. Vast fascinations melded into life as depression took every new shade it could muster to paint the world in all more grueling colours. Respite came upon his first adolescent day, when a servant had procured for him the one gift he had yearned for all his life there-to. He would write, and mold his frustrations upon the paper. Astounding his since defeated retainers with his prowess, having never learned the written word, the teen had somehow taught himself to their equalled bewilderment. But just as his mood seemed to swing, the quill could not retain his will, and his steely grip: they broke, one after the other, they all broke.

Caught within a loop of the world, molded by his own will and repressed mind, Dao Chaolong seemed to rise and fall like the tides. But within, hate was battered into shape, and form, waiting simply to be expressed. He was distant to his caretakers, not because they were unkind, but because he was who the world had made him become. A fugitive, forced from his right by the ambitions of unlawful masters and decadent rulers. His own blood, toiling within his own birth-home to undo everything his father had left for him. Confused, he could not express what he would truly feel, and fell instead into himself for answers. The consumption he had made of the written records within the estate were beyond the fathom of mere servants, and they would fetch in their idle hours for new things the 'destined to die' could pass the times with. Their empathy for the man imprisoned within the estate, and within himself, would flower as the years rolled by.

One amongst them took it upon himself to at least ease the apparent burden of Dao Chaolong. Having seen the rate by which he went through quill and ink, he would shape in amateurish fashion an iron quill which would not break under the soon-to-be man's strangely harsh hands. Dao Chaolong, upon receiving such a gift, would shed tears, as his confusion boiled and the ways for which he desired to speak with the world grew all the more contorted. A smile was all he received in reciprocity, but it was a smile rich in worth. One he would carry upon his own face to the end of days. He had amassed enough knowledge with which to see the world beyond his doors for what they truly were, and the illusion of life grew more faint. His destiny to pass away for the completion of his uncle's usurpation drew closer, and he knew it well.

He penned scrolls upon scrolls, if for no other reason than to have his mind within the world of the material, and remove the burden of all his will from his shoulders. The weight of it all, when penned, would be more than two oxen could carry, and so he thought, once done, that it was a fit time to oppose the Heavens. His ire shaped through the process, and his disdain for the present forcing him to desperate action. He was soon a man, and soon the pretense for generosity would fall beyond the politics of the courts. Assasins no doubt already drilled for his elimination, his presence within the estate long known to his uncle. Under cover of darkness, he fled, and made way into the wilderness, no way with which to retain his life now removed from the care of others.

The fleeting moments of the stillnesses within fertile forests and soothing rivers would pass, and so too would his lease on life. One day, he knew, as if told by the heavens and their fate which he so despised, that his time was upon him and his pursuers close. If through subconscious observation, or truly the pen of destiny, it was still undoubtedly true. Just then, he would face himself with what would truly change his fate. An event which made him sure that his story was his own to craft: the meeting with a drowning man by the name of Shu Jin.

Relationships
Shu Jin
Dao Chaolong's strategist and oldest friend. A mind unlike his own, yet so resembling as to be greater than mere happenstance. The first smith through which his will could manifest; the first pencil through which his word was given form. Dao Chaolong, in his ultimately simple perspective, looks upon Shu Jin just as he looks upon his most prized iron quill, and through this perspective their relationship flowered into form and depth. A mind to entertain Dao Chaolong's long-wished desire for companionship, and a true friend through which he may face the world alongside. The shades of grey seem all the brighter since their meeting, and through their meeting he drew courage and began to metamorphose into a true leader.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
[The Will of Change]
Jinlong may introduce more reforms, administrative and bureaucratic, than other rulers of his station. Whether through charm and charisma, or confident fervour, the people who find themselves beneath his rule are smitten by his character. Knowing when to extend the branch, or readying the whip, Chaolong, in his isolation, has developed a character and personality which attracts support. Even through trying times.

[Words of Improvement]
Jinlong may improve industrial reforms and enhance their productivity, referring only to attributes under the influence of Metal. The travesty befallen unto the Weilang region at the behest of his uncle has produced unexpected benefits. Whilst Jinlong was isolated and alone, he was accompanied only by a motley assortment of servants and literature. Through the analysis of these documents, Jinlong cultivated an independent spirit, and a talent for substantially improving concepts which he, himself, are intrigued by.

Battlefield Talents
[Rising Dragon]
Jinlong experiences substantial growth on the fields of battle in immediate proportion to his exposure. Chaolong, long neglected and isolated by his family, when faced with an opportunity to unbind his shackles, has taken every chance to rise beyond what could be expected of him. Within time, what will be expected of him will be unsurmountable, but even so, he will climb. For now, however, he is a cub.

[The Will of Iron]
Any force under his immediate command experiences a substantial morale boost in immediate proportion to Jinlong’s legend. Some may call him the False Dragon of Weilang, but all those who gather beneath his banner can sense his will and stalwart way.

Baqi
The Path of Formless Change (Unaligned)
A path wholly his own, Jinlong willed into being a way towards the future for none but his own feet to tread. It remains formless, and nebulous, but through nothingness form will inevitably appear, and the form of this change is the forms of the Earth and the Heavens, for from nothing, all was made manifest. Then, it stands to reason, that in nothing, one can mold for oneself something new with which to place upon all the rest. Even so, whilst it seems grand and great in prospect, there is no basis with which to build this system from which Jinlong places his future. The extent of his growth as much his own fate, as it is the will of Heaven and the Earth. But perhaps, in time, one may rise above. Beyond all others, and be made one's own master.

Personal Equipment
Quill of the Changing Age
A pure-iron quill, forged from scrap at the request of Jinlong during his isolation through the hands of a since-diseased retainer, which Chaolong has since used to write his will and elaborate his ideas with the written word. Supposedly, the Lord in Metal of Weilang kept breaking his pencils under the forceful grip of his hand. The Manuscript of Formless Change was it’s most recent creation.

Dao-Family Heirloom (Guandao)
The only hidden benefit of his relative’s inhumane governance was the riches which he brought into the family’s coffers. Even so, whilst there is a plentitude of gold sequestered into the Dao family vault, few things therein overshadow that of the family’s ancestral armament. Nameless, befitting an ordinarily minor power such as Weilang, the Guandao is nonetheless equalled by few normal weapons, obscured only by the legends.

Raiments of Metal and Cloth (Heavy Lamellar)
A name given to this frankly mundane piece of heavy lamellar paired with an ornamental overlaying of thick fabric cloth and cloak. Forged by the thankful hands of Weilang’s finest blacksmith during the downfall of Jinlong’s uncle, the name originates in Jinlong’s will to establish closeness between himself and his subjects. Deceptively, the piece of armour is quite durable, and easily repairable.
Retinue
(钢龙塔) Steel Dragon Pagoda

Retinue Name: Steel Dragon Pagoda
Retinue Type: Melee Infantry.
Retinue Weapon: Guandao.
Retinue Armor Grade: Heavy Lamellar.
Retinue Abilities:
+ Draconic Onslaught.
+ Dragon Scale Formation.

Retinue History / Legend
Amassed from the heroes of the first 'revolution,' as named by Jinlong himself, those who had made themselves exceptionally acclaimed through merit of arms and the weight of victories were drafted into the personal retinue of the Dao Dominion's Warlord himself after the conclusion of his revolt against his uncle. Allowed to gather from the rescued riches of his Household's own treasury. The Steel Dragon Pagoda retinue started small, and remains as such, but will eventually grow to become a truly decisive force. Dao Chaolong is not caring from whence the mighty come, for if they are mighty, then they deserve to guard him: so he spoke before the fifty first, and so he will for all the next. Born of ideals, the unit will become much greater than simple wind if they are allowed. Due to Jinlong's indifference for heritage, most amidst the Steel Dragon Pagoda who once lived toiling lives pledge their lives to his cause. Others, characters of nobler upbringing, instead find themselves entrapped within his fervent ideals. Ultimately, whilst there may be sparks of difference within them, they are staunch before the drums of war. The perhaps erratic nature of their master, Jinlong, demands of them constant vigilance and preparedness. They are therefore prepared to walk wherever he goes.

code by Nano

Celestial Speck · Dec 15, 2021

Storm Sprout

Zhou Wín Sen

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
In between the gaze of the moon and the will of the sun, a storm - our will, brews. Let its thunder be our swords, and its rain our arrows.
Full Name
Zhou Wín Sen
Courtesy Name
Méngyáhi
Class
Storm Weaving Warlord (Fire)
Title/Moniker
Storm Sprout
Gender
Male
Height
6 ft. 2 in. (187 cm)
Culture Group
Hanjin
Appearance
With a face that shows tranquility despite his station, and a posture that is calm by default, Wìn can come across as a weak and meek man holding a blade at first glance, with his long effeminate hair being like the early morning rays adding beauty to his features. Yet, even in battle, when those traits are revealed to be nothing but lies to cover for his true skill, they still maintain themselves alongside his tranquil visage, showing to others a man that despite loathing violence, is perhaps, ironically, used to it. His height is a source of intrigue to many, believing it to be some sort of gift from the Heavens alongside his skill with a blade that never seems to leave his side. Very rarely, he may smile, showing within a vulnerability only his closest companions may look upon, beyond the powerful presence his dances in the battlefield invokes.
Personality
With a calm voice and even calmer resolve despite his titles, Wìn is a man with good intentions put into a conflict he hasn't fully accepted as a part of his life. As the youngest heir of the Zhou clan, he has a certain simplistic way of problem solving albeit an incredibly skilled understanding of combat, making him someone his troops look up to, even if he believes that trust is misplaced. Despite his best efforts otherwise, that talent has earned him allies with high ambitions and even higher minds. He still seeks improvement, however. Even with his high skill with his blade, he doesn't consider himself a master in any way, and still seeks new ways to bring strength to him and his troops, even if such thing is not amongst his passions.
Biography

The youngest of two sons and current heir of the Zhou clan, Wìn was born only a year after his older brother, Zhou Yao, during a period where heirs to the clan were desperately needed. With his birth being complicated and nearly slaying his mother, Wìn was born weak and sickly, with a permanent scar on his forehead in the shape of flames being considered a bad omen. Worried about the future of the child, Yao was then chosen to be the next heir to the clan before him, something many, including, to this day Wìn himself, agreed on.

The life between the two from that day on would be wildly different despite being siblings, with Wìn being raised and cared for by mainly his sisters and sickly mother, studying and learning quietly under the tutelage of other clan members, while his brother was trained in both the art of combat and the art of war. While both were equals academically, Wìn always considered his older brother to be superior to him in most aspects. Where he was quiet and indecisive as a child, Yao was knowledgeable and wise, offering his younger sibling advice and even sparing with him, teaching him combat and the dance of swords their family was so renowned for despite Zhou being deemed unfit for combat.

Yet no bond lasts forever, even those of siblings when tragedy knocks at their door. At some point in their lives, Wìn and Yao's mother, Zhou Ju, passed away from the mortal realm without even being able to say goodbye to either child. Wìn shed no tears during her burial, for he knew this was going to occur one day or the other, having passed most of his time with her alongside his sisters and having made peace. Yao, misunderstanding his brother's emotions for a lack of care of their mother, was furious at his brother, mockingly claiming; 'Even boars with horns that threaten their minds live normally, what is your excuse?'

Yet he had none. He couldn't yet raise his voice so fervently, and as such, his expression, so distant and so calm, was seen as uncaring and unfeeling over their mother's passing to his brother. Even though the others around them tried to protect him, he knew that his brother didn't look at him the same way as before. Records from the period after that became muddied and vague, but it is to be assumed that for some reason, Wìn took to training much like his brother before ultimately challenging him to a duel for reasons unknown.

The results shocked some, for in the end: after their bodies danced around one another and their wooden blades hit against one another, Wìn was ultimately victorious, with seemingly little struggle. How could such a sickly child, with bad omens to his name, be able to beat his brother? It was then the realization hit the clan: he was but a small seed this entire time, only needing water to turn into a small sprout. A man born with a talent his brother wasn't born with. Or so, that is what they believed. With fury in his heart, Yao left the clan on his own terms, not even turning back once, forcing Zhou to take the place as the new heir of Zhou clan.

Despite quickly learning to make up for a lost time, his brother still had more knowledge than him in war and tactics. Even if he wields the family's blade in his absence, and even if his skill is ultimately greater than he is, he was born a man, not a commander. For that is the only thing Zhou Wìn doesn't have: the blessing of ambition, and where ambition doesn't exist, regret takes its toll.

Eventually, he heard of Lord in Metal -- Dao Chaolong, and his quest of wishing to reclaim his city, Weilang, from the hands of his family. Sensing an opportunity, Wìn took on the gamble, and with his men, he aided the young tiger cub in his conquest. The gamble paid off, and the city was taken back to its new Lord, the Zhou clan receiving royalties and renown much needed, with its leader gaining a position in the court as the 'peerless swordsman.' His objectives are ultimately simple now, but he hopes he can find new ones.

Relationships
Zhou Clan
The clan he was born from. Despite still being its heir, the clan seemingly puts his trust in Wìn's administrative skills while in combat. He begs to differ, stating that the 'even an apple who falls from a big tree will watch the same tree fall before they're one themselves.' He often writes to his sisters and close siblings poems, but being more professional to his elders and late father, Zhou Lao. Curiously, there are letters addressed to his brother among that pile, yet all unfinished.
Traits & Ancillaries
[Skilled Teacher]
[Blessed Sprout]
Having been claimed by his Elders and peers to possess some manner of 'elusive, blessed talent', Wìn's skill with the blade is sharp, and his mind even sharper in combat, allowing him to quickly train newly recruited troops if time is of the essence, and improve existing ones if given enough time to pass his intent across to them. While his training is harsh and may take time, his patient but decisive personality increases his troops learning speed.

Battlefield Talents
[Keeper of the Front Lines]
While perhaps not as skilled in the art of war, he is skilled in the art of combat. His talent and effective violence on the battlefield increase the efficiency of troops trained under his name, their hearts beating wildly and frantically, but each strike of theirs aiming to become a storm of swords that may overwhelm the enemy when they cannot protect against their lightning any longer. Even then, skill does not equate to morale, and even the wildest of storms may be dispersed by the strongest winds.

Baqi
Little Sprout of a Million Lightning Branches
The Zhou is a renowned, if not a small clan of mercenary swordsmen known long ago to create a daemonic legend under their name. While many of their members don't possess the older glory of ages past, their skill with the art of combat is to be noted. Wìn is a spark of that past, born by circumstance and put to fight via chance: a man meant not to fight but born with the will and talent to do so. His form with the blade is like a dance of a million arms, skilled in how it was crafted by himself and molded by others, but still forever seeking room for growth. To some, he is akin to some great tree that if attempted to be cut, may very well be capable of striking one of its many arms against other swordsmen. But to himself and Elders from his clan, he is still a small sprout. Whether that means he will grow or forever be trapped in this world as a warrior is unknown.

Personal Equipment
Storm-Sprouting Blade 闪电棒 (Sword)
A blade with a long story belonging once to a possible ancestor he's never met, passed from heir to heir amongst his clan. Said to have a blade that draws a lightning needle along its edge, it has been Wìn's most trusted weapon ever since he was given it.

Sun Lily (Swordsman Robes)
A red hanfu with golden linings among its edges. While not necessarily something that keeps him well-armored in conflict, its lightweight form is both comfortable and useful, when he must quickly draw a blade.

Charm of an Everlasting Sprout (Talisman)
A simple talisman Zhou uses as earrings, made by the hands of his youngest sister. While no qi flows through it like others of its type, it is said to act as a charm for WÌn's safety, even after death. Meant to last even after the ages go by, it depicts unskilled handwriting with drawings of storms alongside it.
Retinue
(朱砂闪电鸟) Vermillion Lighting Birds

Retinue Name: Vermillion Lightining Birds
Retinue Type: Swordsmen
Retinue Weapon: Zhanmadao.
Retinue Armor Grade: Light Lamellar
Retinue Abilities:
+ Lighting Charge.
+ Can get through enemy formations with enough speed.

Retinue History / Legend
Originally consisting of members of his clan, this task force focuses on flanking enemy formations and protecting long-range troops from close quarters. These men and women, risking themselves via using little protection yet strong blades, almost seem to 'fly' through the battlefield. The momentum of their charge is like an eagle swooping against deadlier prey, leaving no room for failure least their formation is broken and their strength wanes. While maintaining the same number of troops as other retinues, they often are more effective in attacking and flanking enemy formations already in combat with other troops. Their quickstep allows them to pass by ally and foe with few problems. These troops look upon their leaders with great respect, a fire in their hearts that would almost make one look upon them with amused irony when they're led by such a calm man as Zhou Wín Sen.

code by Nano

ThatWhichShouldBe · Dec 15, 2021

Shining Champion (Wood)

Yang Jiuwan

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
"The order of Heaven? I am an uneducated lay disciple, so I know little of such a thing. All I know is that the people suffer, and I will send ten thousand tyrants to their graves to change that."
Full Name
Yang Jiuwan.
Courtesy Name
Shangyi.
Class
Shining Champion (Wood).
Title/Moniker
Peerless Demon-Conquering Arhat.
Gender
Male
Height
6' 7 or 201 cm.
Culture Group
Seijin.
Age
24
Appearance
He is a giant of a man, garbed in the manner of a wandering monk. This is already quite intimidating, but Yang's presence is an entirely different matter. It is like standing before the mountains, or wading into the sea. A bottomless well of power that could crush one should it choose to move. And yet for all that, he always bears that gentle smile on his face, as if none of that terrible might lay within him at all.
Personality
He is a warm-hearted soul, one with deep sympathy for the plight of the commonfolk. He is also a man of strict principles, living his life according to the iron code of compassion, and the Noble Truths which guide his order. To that end, he is willing to defy all social conventions and rules, for such things cannot contain his will to preserve and defend the future of the people. However, one will observe that when he is not pursuing such a noble purpose, he is rather adorably unaccustomed to life beyond the temple. He finds himself alone and adrift in the world, even as he reaches out to help others. He does his best not to let it show, of course, but one cannot help but notice these things at times.
Biography
Yang Jiuwan was, once, one of the brightest pupils of Dongliang. Training in the temple monastery as a child, he grew to be a well-regarded paragon of the young generation. He spent his days cultivating, and discussing the ancient holy texts with his teachers, and for a time, all was well. Then chaos emerged in the Empire. The discussions grew more heated, and the younger generations whispered(in a metaphorical sense) and worried. On the day the Temple was to close, and all disciples were instructed to leave the mortal world, Yang Jiuwan took a most drastic measure. He spoke, for the first time as long as he could remember. He told his master 'No'. He then left the Temple through the main gate, the younger disciples gathering to watch him leave. His masters would have sought to stop him, had the Head Abbot not intervened. Of his disciple, the Head Abbot said: "Let there be one reminder to the world, that Dongliang has not forsaken the people in its silence. Let it be Shangyi."

For months he wandered the world, battling bandits and setting wrongs right. He became known throughout the Empire as one of the great heroes of the age, a strange monk of Dongliang who refuses to be called as such and grows out their hair, unmatched in combat. Eventually, Yang Jiuwan made his way to the lands of Dao, and there he finally stopped. He was tired, for he was still a man. One cannot fight forever and remain whole. There, he was offered a position, and after much consideration, he accepted.

Relationships
Dongliang
He is still, despite everything, a prized disciple of Dongliang. Should the temple ever wish to speak with Dao, it will be through him.

Zhou Win Sen
Two kindred souls, and constant sparring partners. They sharpen their skills on each other's defenses, and harden their defenses against each other's blows. Blade against staff, rising star against rising star.

Shu Jin
The Peerless Demon-Conquering Arhat and the Blue Tortoise have a shared fondness for Tea, and some semblance of a master-student relationship in that regard. Yang often finds himself learning from Shu about the various ins and outs of fine tea drinking. They also have a shared liking of Tea ceremonies, though Yang is by far the more amateur of the two.

Asahi Enlai
The Arhat has a somewhat antagonistic relationship with the Voyager. A pirate gets on poorly with a monk, and Asahi's occasional mockery of Yang's ignorance does not help these things. That being said, it has not really escalated to anything truly hateful, merely remaining a small 'spat', as it were.

Yu Changmao
The small farmer bears a striking resemblance to these beggars that Yang met early on in his journeys, who of course asked him for some money, which he, being a good lay disciple, gave. Funny how these things work out.

Surname, Given
N/a yet
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents

Minister of the People:
As a monk of Dongliang, he excels at ministering to the needs of the people, spiritual or material. He excels at feeding the poor, giving inspiring sermons, and similar things of such a nature. He has a great ability to monitor how the people feel about their rulers and circumstances, and can advise rulers on when their will contravenes that of the people, or may inadvertently harm those they rule. This may uncover hidden problems that a ruler might otherwise overlook.

Battlefield Talents

Wrathful Form of the Righteous Star:
On the battlefield, he excels at being a singular presence that drives through the enemy. He sweeps the enemy before him aside, becoming an icon of fear in the hearts of the foe, and a beacon of inspiration to his allies. In this, he excels at contesting enemy champions and slaying them with displays of incredible prowess. He may be perhaps the finest single combatant in the Dao's service at the moment.

Baqi

Sacred Mantra of the Victorious Fighting Buddha
To serve the people, one must slay tyrants. This cultivation practice is one little used by members of Dongliang temple for its combative nature. In hindsight, this was an indication of his eventual actions. It is a practice that relentlessly refines the self, honing it into a weapon that might slay demons and dispel evil in the land. Famed practitioners of this style once turned back armies and changed the course of battles, and Yang follows in their footsteps. This practice hones the durability, power, and speed of one's body, rather than granting them greater ability to command the elements, and surges their Qi into their held arms. One's swords do not fly, one's breath does not call upon wind, water, wood, fire, or metal. It is a pure excellence of the martial arts and body that turns blades aside from his flesh through its incredible hardness, and allows him to sunder stone with a strike. In his hands, a staff is capable of slaying a man with ease, and cloth becomes respectable armor on his body.

Imagine how terrifying it would be to face him with a deadly weapon, bearing heavy steel armor on his form. For these are things the Monks who wielded the Sacred Mantra once had, when they shook the very pillars of heaven.

Personal Equipment
This section pertains to their personal gears and anything else of note that they carry on them. They may possess 1 weapon, 1 armor, and 2 extra pieces of personal items on them.

[Weapon Name]
Horizon-Breaking Staff: A staff of solid iron, finely crafted, a gift to Dongliang's greatest student upon his departure from the temple.

[Armor Name]
A Work of Gratitude - Leather: Robes of leather fashioned by a hunting village for their savior. Though he took a lot of convincing, he eventually wore it, and it now serves to protect him.

[Ancillary 1]
Blessed Rosary - These prayer beads confer a resistance to elemental Baqi upon his body, and passively help heal his wounds during the course of battle or rest.

[Ancillary 2]
Prayer Book - The war-prayers written in this book have been rarely spoken by any monk, even when not possessed by Dongliang's silent monks. For they are remnants of an age of war, when faith in the Noble Truths was paired with the sword. Those times seem to have come again, and now these prayers will inspire men to martial valor once more.
Retinue
PRODIGAL SONS OF DONGLIANG
Retinue Name: Righteous Brothers
Retinue Type: Spearmen
Retinue Weapon: Staffs
Retinue Armor Grade: Cloth
Retinue Abilities:
Martial Excellence - These warriors are paragons of cultivation and martial excellence, able to bat arrows from the air or similar displays of great skill.
Heroes - They excel at crushing those elites they battle. When facing heavily armored warriors or famed units possessed by the enemy, they excel in defeating them through their coordination and mastery of arms, picking apart the enemy’s finest.

Retinue History / Legend

Shangyi was not the only brother of Dongliang who chose not to accept isolation. Those few brothers who left with Shangyi, and those monks of Dongliang who wandered the world gathered under his banner, to aid his righteous crusade. In time, other wandering monks and martial artists would join them on their journey, a motley band of warriors who seek out justice in these uncertain times. Now that they have a home to call their own, who knows what wonders they will create?

code by Nano

Remembrance · Dec 15, 2021

Sword Saint

Asahi Enlai

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
I fear not death for the hour of my doom is set and I may never hope to escape it.
Name
Asahi Enlai
Courtesy Name
Xianliang
Class
Sword Saint of the Seven-Slaughtering Swords (Metal)
Title/Moniker
Voyager of the Ryste Ocean
Gender
Male
Height
6ft 5in (198)
Culture Group
Seijin
Age
24
Personality
Due to the neglect of his father and Enlai’s time in the wild and away from the comfort of home, he is greatly independent and a survivalist to a fault. He is not one to keep a companion nor anybody that he has to rely on nor someone who relies on him. His own hide is more important than others, which he is certain of. Enlai stands in a defiant place against his father, with whom he loathes. The lack of attention and love resulted in Enlai working himself to the bone to spite his father by proving himself capable enough to lead his family. This motivation is not only charged with a childhood’s worth of negative memories but by his ambitious tendencies.

Enlai grew up with the idea there are only three types of honor; honor to the clan; to the art, and to the blood. There is no honor in pity. No honor in sacrifice. No honor in needless acts. No honor to charity. These opinions have gone against many and he lies in a contentious place within his inner circles. Enlai is difficult to approach and even harder to gain trust from, for him, trust is to be earned and shared equally.

His family began to understand the teachings of the current Patriarch during their time in Jianki that one’s mortal coil would and will extinguish and that no life could ever be truly eternal; only that of the written story or saga could someone be made absolutely immortal. Enlai respects these tenets, following them with reverence and admiration, to the point to where either he or someone close to him documents his happenings. Young men in the Asahi family are also taught that death will befall them and to accept it graciously for they will be reunited with their ancestors when their hour of death has been set.

“Through action, a Man becomes a Hero.
Through death, a Hero becomes a Legend.
Through time, a Legend becomes a Myth.
And by learning from the Myth, a Man takes action.”
Biography
Born in the far reaches of the Seijin northern lands, Enlai was born to a mighty albeit young Elder and his concubine. He was given education at an early age, learning how to fare in the sea and lead warriors who wore his coat of arms. However, he was allotted little in the way of personal development. Enlai’s family stood in partnership with the Hakkenden-Asahi Alliance, a coalition born out of necessity in the ever-changing continent. This alliance was not out of good deeds, though it may have appeared so. The two families had been warring for centuries until they realized the fate of the continent and joined forces as guardians to each other’s lands, an alliance that brought them to the forefront of the great region.

Enlai was complacent as were his family, the farmlands were prosperous, the sea trade was booming, nothing could stop the Asahi family from growing more and more influential. All stories have a turning point however and on Enlai’s 7th year, a coalition of forces attacked the Hakkenden family while the most powerful of them were attending Enlai’s feast. The coalition, after removing all but a dozen men from the lands of the living, moved with haste to remove the last-surviving members of both the Hakkenden family and those who contributed to the alliance.

Word reached the scouts surveying the vast regions of the Asahi, they soon sent word to patriarch and elders as fast as they could. A serf attending the feast as the patriarch’s scribe wrote that:

“The Patriarch, so filled with anger, told every capable man to load as much food and history as they could onto their boats. He yelled with fury to any man who questioned his actions as he rose from his throne and walked into the courtyard.”
It was said that as the ships left the port, the Patriarch and every Elder except Enlai's father stayed to fight the oncoming horde of enemies. As more distance grew between the ships and the coast, the more that once-mighty palace began to appear as a battlefield between what Enlai thought were gods.

The Asahi family landed at the coast of the Oriban Plains, setting themselves up near Mt. Yan'sa. In these unknown lands, they scarcely any of whom they could rely on, and because their family had been so weakened by the loss of their Patriarch and all but one Elder, Enlai's father proposed a concept called the 'Inheritance Ritual'. This practice would encourage those next in line to become Patriarch to train harder and exceed the Patriarch for the only way the ritual could be absolutely completed would be to kill the current ruler and usurp their place. The 'Inheritance Ritual' was meant to foster not only stronger Patriarchs but naturally raise the power ceiling that had descended upon them.

"He, the new Patriarch of the Asahi family, dictated a ritual so heinous it violated all we knew about the honor within our family. Though, as time moved on, we grew to better understand the intricacies of this act and empathize with the struggles of the current Patriarch. We developed a love of death, nothing of needless death or slaughter but something natural, that there is no escape from it and that none should avoid it."

Enlai lived a comfortable life near the mountain, gathering fresh water and fruits from the abundant forests. During his downtime, he would watch his father train and develop a new technique of his. Even at such a young age, Enlai could see that success in mastering this art would greatly raise the already overflowing power of the family Patriarch. Enlai would emulate this style, using wooden training weapons as a basis. As he grew older, however, he found that he was really only training mastery in any common sword and that he was lacking the understanding of the true concepts behind the technique then dubbed "Seven-Slaughtering Swords".

After a brief yet enlightening talk with his father, he ventured off to become a blacksmith's apprentice though only temporarily. The skill of smithing and forging hadn't come to him easily and it took him a good few years until he considered himself even slightly capable of creating an utterly unique sword. When the time had come for him to begin his forging, he crafted his magnum opus, the Skysinger. He engraved upon it small details, such as the date of creation, where it was made, and his own name. Almost immediately, he went back to his family's holding and truly began his practice.

Several years passed until he was deemed to have mastered the Skysinger, upon that moment, he was released from staying within the confines of his home and the nearby village. Enlai was told by his father to gather experience in the world around them. Around this time, Enlai was at the ripe age of 18 and considered a fully-functioning adult, capable of being fully self-sufficient and independent. Though this did not mean he was left with nothing to get him started, he was allotted a large sum of money to use on his travels. Without any financial advisor to tell him how he should spend his allotment, Enlai got a crew of shipbuilders to construct a massive vessel that could hold a large captain's quarters, modest living space for a crew, and enough sails to carry the ship at harrowing speeds. It did not come at a cheap price, costing him nearly 2/3rds of his budget, the rest being spent on necessities and a Seijin crew who knew not only how to sail a vessel of such immense size but were worthy warriors in of themselves.

Once the ship had been constructed, thus named 'Vengeance', Enlai and his crew set out back to his former home. Before this, his father had grown to resent his former homeland, seeing Jianki as a more bountiful place. Enlai, a young troublemaker, knew he could leave scars within his past lands to impress his father, he also wanted to discover what had happened to the once glorious palace where he used to reside in.

"They came upon a large ship, handled and commandeered by a former resident of our region. So splendid it was, we had not noticed the white plumes of smoke rising from the nearby village. When we heard the cries of men and women, we rushed to find the village in ruins. Rubble piles clumped together, hands outstretched beneath them. Naught a single item nor trinket had been left behind as the invaders trekked back to their vessel. We were no match for them, we believed ourselves hardly capable of even bringing down one of them with us."

A couple of years had gone by, his name had spread across the plains of the northern lands and farther south within Jianki. Having sufficient plunder and riches, they set back out into the Ryste Ocean, to the port near his home in the mountains. The stolen goods were sold off in various marketplaces, fetching decent prices. He had made back a little more than he had started with after he split the riches accumulated to his crew. He got 2 shares of the spoils, the quartermaster got 1 and 1/2, the few who could repair the ship got 1 and 1/4, the rest only 1 share. It was divided up as equally as he could though he understood if any of his crew had worries of lacking a few coins. Yet none did, the crew, having grown so bonded to their captain, had little concerns over missing a small portion of their share. They were equals sharing a common goal, they knew that Enlai had a far more reaching influence but that each man had a say in what they should or shouldn't do.

After another few years of plunder and what only could be described as "needless destruction" by messengers of the various factions whom they targeted, reaching the Oriban Port once again, he found that a man named Dao Chaolong sent for him. Enlai could not deny that he was intrigued by what this nobleman would say to him.

Dao Chaolong, from what Enlai could perceive, was impressed by his ability to not only wreak havoc in foreign lands but trails across the oceans with little to no dangers. He wanted him to fill in a position not yet disclosed. Enlai was overwhelmingly fascinated with this proposition, he had wanted to have time outside of the sea and on land, plus he had plenty of time left to gather more life experience. What better place to gain this experience than a court of conspiring and mischievous holders who seek nothing but power. Enlai accepted without much hesitation or deliberation. In his mind, how could he not accept a proposal with such enticing details and happenings?

Relationships
Cang, Aili Si
The fervor that was his training in his early years greatly distracted him from the pursuits of socializing, however, one person has made an impact far greater than any other. Her passion in her craft sparked something within him, not to mention her pearly skin and silk-like hair. Enlai's memories of her are vague considering the frenzy he was in at that time, nevertheless, her debut during his most impressionable time gave him much to ponder over.

Yang, Jiuwan
A fool of the world, yet eerily proficient in his arts. Enlai thinks rather negatively of Yang Shangyi, his code of honor and blasted 'Noble Truths' bring little to satisfy Enlai's curiosity. He respects the monk's need to be chivalrous but abhors the way he was brought up. For all that it is worth, Enlai believes himself entirely capable of showing this Arhat what true freedom is like.

Yu, Changmao
"Will the yelling ever stop?"

- Diary #4 p.128; written by a stressed out and migraine-heavy Enlai.

Zhou, Win Sen
A man of great swordsmanship but little potential, that is what Enlai thinks of this 'Sprout'. For every goal in life, there must be both barriers and ways to progress past them. For Enlai, he sees Zhou Mengyahi as having reached a barrier in which the tiny sprout must bear its fruit and allow a harvest to take place. He himself cannot see this happening anytime soon.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
[Captain of the Vengeance]
After his departure from his family in his quest to gain 'personal experience', Enlai discovered various techniques upon which he could use during his travels out in the open sea. He discovered pathways and routes typically used by merchant ships and understands them better than most ship navigators, he even knows of routes not public to captains and their respective guides. Enlai could tell the direction of where his ship was headed no matter where they sailed out to; he could be halfway across the ocean and yet still know the precise heading of where they needed to go. For him and his men, there was no such thing as a lack of food, he uncovered ways of foraging within the sea: allowing none of those who followed him to starve.

Battlefield Talents
[Terror of the Coast]
Enlai was born with a natural talent to command and lead men in the most efficient way possible. He knows when to advance, charge, and most importantly, retreat. Coupled with a retinue possessing unparalleled morale, Enlai both personally and indirectly strikes fear in the ranks of the enemies. His infamy and name have yet to spread across the world but once someone hears his name, they understand what he has done.

Baqi
[Pathway of the Seven-Slaughtering Swords]
A path marked out by his father yet it will not and never be Enlai's path to enlightenment. This style was adopted by Enlai during his adolescent years, seeking not only approval but the ever-growing power he could sense from the progenitor of the technique. It demands the forging and mastery of seven unique swords, a route that cannot be side-stepped nor hastened by elixirs or pills. Each sword had to be mastered individually and the way their used be utterly distinct between each one. A path set out by another cannot be tread upon again by different practitioners, thus why Enlai differs in both his first sword and the way he handles it when compared to his father. Even after having fathered sufficient mastery in his first weapon, the Skysinger, he still believes to be lacking in certain areas. Let that not be the deciding factor in his swordsmanship, for many of his men can attest to him splitting shields asunder and lobbing off heads without any worry. His quartermaster lends to it being like "reaping grain within a field for harvest".

Personal Equipment
[Skysinger of the Oriban Plains 天歌]
Forged after his time of being an apprentice to a blacksmith, this weapon is a curved sword much like a sickle though not as audaciously curvaceous as a normal farming tool. The blade's sides are engraved detailing the date it was forged, where it was forged and Enlai's name. The handguard piece, a circular metallic guard, is intricately designed to match the dragon that is marked upon Enlai's right shoulder and back though it is engraved and curved around the inner part of the circular guard. Upon the handle are leather wrappings, allowing a tight and firm grip. The blade is attached through a small wooden pin near the handle, it holds together not only the blade but the handguard as well. This sword’s style is characterized by powerful slashes that aim at both soft tissue and joints. It relies on fast movements and parrying attacks through its unique blade design.

[Display of Ancestry 祖先展示]
A cloth dressing that covers his shoulders and arms though not his chest and back; this is an effort to display the markings that have been imprinted upon his skin. On his hands, he wears metal vambraces; on his waist is a metal guard fashioned in a similar way to his gauntlets. Each metal armor piece is painted blue with a gold trimming.
Retinue
(伟大的异教徒军队) Great Heathen Armada

Retinue Name: Great Heathen Armada
Retinue Type: Close-Quarters Infantry
Retinue Weapon: Kampilan
Retinue Armor Grade: Light Lamellar
Retinue Abilities:
+ Prepared Fallback
+ Unyielding Perseverance

Retinue History / Legend
A crew of the finest forty-five Seijin warriors that Enlai could muster brought aboard the Vengeance, these men are equipped much better than their own leader and bear a morale not seen in many other retinues. They've forged bonds thicker than steel; grown to be men capable of slicing someone into pieces. They were once named the 'Azalean Grand Warriors', though their actions of leaving nothing but ashes and destruction in their wake as they passed through the various oceans and rivers that they sailed upon granted them a new name over time. Their might crushed villages, disemboweling major trade routes, all in hopes of spoils with their wishes being granted. Locals of their favorite raiding spots came to give them the moniker of 'Great Heathen Armada' and it has stuck within the tales and legends told not only by the soldiers but by the scribes as well. Since the Vengeance had been disabled, the merry band of rough yet sturdy men had a hard time acclimating to a landlocked life. Their steps remain ever so wobbly as they no longer have crashing tides hitting upon their only place of safe standing. In spite of this, they still remain a force to be reckoned with, both on the sea and on land.

code by Nano

xAlter · Dec 15, 2021

Infernal Star

Kyungri Dalnim

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
I just don't like you. That's all.
Full Name
Kyungri Dalnim
Courtesy Name
Aera
Class
Infernal Star (Fire)
Title/Moniker
Sun's Grace
Gender
Female
Height
5 ft. 5 in. (165 cm)
Culture Group
Taejin
Age
22
Appearance
A visage of cunning and deceit belying an elegance of a court lady, that is what people see when they look at Dalnim. Her slender, yet powerful physique hints at life and style of a warrior, despite the fine silks she wears. Hidden scars and battle marks hide under her clothing, keeping a life of battle and combat hidden. She walks tall, despite her natural height. It is as if her presence commands a certain level of respect. However, that evil glint in her eye tells a warning of crossing her path. Her long hair flows down her back, to her waist, tied in an ornamental bun, or left in a ponytail. Unbefitting a warrior, one might say. Like a viper she is beautiful, until she reveals her poisonous fangs.
Personality
A small smile, a cunning grin, a vicious streak that stretches for miles. Such is the woman known as Kyungri Dalmin. Simply put, she is a woman who is overconfident, err... confident, in her own skill and prowess. She does not stand for indolence towards her and her own, a proud Taejin and warrior through and through. Seemingly psychotic and obsessive of her lover, these tendencies come out in more sadistic ways. She is not one to wear her heart on her sleeve, choosing to show herself through subtler means, nor is she one to deceive and trick those around her. Honest to fault, Dalmin is more likely to speak her mind and give the brutal truth than save one's honor or feelings with lies.
Biography
Born to a lesser noble house in the Yibei province, Kyungri Dalnim was the lone daughter to a family of five. As the only daughter much of her childhood was lessons to be the wife to some nobleman. Cooking, cleaning, sewing, court manners, and other disciplines of house and home were thrust upon her. Where her brothers were taught politics, debate, commerce, and command and combat techniques. she was relegated to staying inside. A gnawing hunger in her chest wanted her to break free, to escape the shackles of being just another girl.

A stupid plan, one with many flaws and mistakes was her way out. Escape in the middle of the night. and run away. There was no better plan. Packing what little belongings she had, her mother stopped her at her door. "A daughter of mine shouldn't be without protection. Your father won't miss it all too much." Handed to her was Hagikjin, her family's heirloom. Grasping the dangpa, Dalnim gave her mother one last hug and kiss, before she stole into the night.

A challenge by an older man in a game of wits. Dalnim did not think of any harm when she was hungry and alone on the streets. She would lose, yes, but in return gain a mentor. For years, she learned under the master of the Way of Heaven's Fall, honing her craft, until she was told she had learned all she could. It was time to see the world for itself. Now a changed woman, she returned home to see her family. They were... in good health.

Once more arising to the need for challenge and adventure, Dalnim left home to hone her craft and feel the bliss of battle, a craving she never knew she had. She far and wide searching for challenge, to hone her skills. On one such journey to the tribes of Orin, located in Wen, she called the challenge of their mightiest warrior, and in her arrogance, was utterly defeated. Tümen Lei... how she couldn't forget the name, nor how her heart beat in her chest. The fire in her chest burned the brightest that day despite her defeat. Restless nights and near obsessive need forced her parents into calling for an arrangement between her family and the Orin tribe. She wouldn't let the moment of bliss be forgotten, when locked in combat.

In venturing East, she would come across a fellow Taejin and a man by the name of Dao Chenlong. In learning the strife and ambitions of the men she had encountered, she did the most illogical thing for someone seeking freedom, she pledged herself to their cause. This man before her had yet to seek his freedom he sought, and she would aid him. After all, out on the battlefield, would she be able to feel that transcendent moment again, the bliss of battle, and the desire to survive.

Relationships
Tümen Lei
"Gods above I love that woman."
Dalnim's wife and love of her life. Although their relationship was a planned one, as arranged by their respective families, she has learned to love her wholeheartedly. Of course she refuses to vocalize it in public, keeping it hidden behind a veil of disinterest and disdain.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
Silk, Cloth, and Other Textile Fun
Growing up in Taejin culture, Dalmin learned how to weave and produce silk and other luxury textiles. It was in her past time that she learned such skills. Now she uses it to appraise the trade of textiles and teach others about the art as well. She is able to advise merchants on the best deals and improve the overall textile market for those of noble blood, as well as those in lower stations.

Battlefield Talents
Swift as Lightning
Striking fast and striking hard is how they fight. With spears and swords, lightly armored, and joy in their hearts, they dance through the opposition. Dalmin and her soldiers receive increased morale and vigor, a second wind if you will. However, it is not without consequences. A second wind does not mean a fresh start, for injuries can slow even the hardiest of warriors.

Baqi
The Way of the Heaven's Fall
In truth, the Way of Heaven's Fall is not a formal school or sect. In actuality it is a single group of students and a master, one that has remained hidden. Disciples of the Way are proficient users of both weapon and Qi. Characterized by lunging thrusts and powerful jumping attacks, the Way utilizes lightning rather than fire. For what is lightning but another form of fire? It replicates the strikes of Heaven towards the Earth, they say. Spears and glaives laced with lightning, arcing bolts of electricity summoned from above, and a martial prowess full of speed and finesse characterizes the disciples of Heaven's Fall.

Personal Equipment
Hagikjin (Taejin Dangpa)
An ancient relic of the Kyungri family. Said to be passed down from the first matriarch, Kyungri Eun, the spear tips are as peerless the day it was forged. Instead of one spear tip, the Hagikjin has three, with the middle one being larger and more pronounced. The carved wooden polearm depicts the struggle between dragon and tiger. It is a masterful stabbing implement, but also possess quite the capacity for slashing as well. Many runes are also etched into the metal and wood.

Gumiho's Furs (Cloth)
Although made of silk and cloth, the Gumiho's Furs are a durable silk and cloth raiment. A beautiful canvas of orange, black, and white, the raiment's are a gift from her family on the day of her betrothal.

Golden Crane Wings
A pair of ear cuffs stylized to be crane wings. The golden wings extended slightly past her hair when it is down. She received them from her mother when she left to become a disciple of the Way of Heaven's Fall.
Retinue
The Tempest's Wings
Retinue Name: The Tempest's WIngs
Retinue Type: Skirmishers and Light Cavalry
Retinue Weapon: Spears, Guandao, Swords
Retinue Armor Grade: Light Lamellar
Retinue Abilities:
> Will of the Heavens
> Division and disruption of larger enemy forces.

Retinue History / Legend
An auxiliary unit that acts as part of the rearguard rather than the vanguard. Made of volunteers and other disciples of the Way of Heaven's Fall, the Tempest's Wings are more a skirmisher unit, sent in as reinforcements, or to disrupt enemy lines. Focused on speed and agility over power and strength, the members of Tempest's Wings can divide and conquer, outflanking and outmaneuvering the enemy. Having well bred and well trained Orin horses also helps. Like bolts of lightning, they crash upon the enemy, and scatter out, leaving naught but shock in their wake.

code by Nano

Soviet Panda · Dec 16, 2021

Resolute Sentinel

Tatsu Kama

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
War, like many things, are won by the strength of the men on foot rather than by a lord on their horse.
Full Name
Tatsu Kama
Courtesy Name
Senshi
Class
The Resolute Sentinel (Wood).
Title/Moniker
Stalwart Warlord.
Gender
Male.
Height
6'9", 206cm
Culture Group
Seijin.
Age
30
Appearance
With hair cut short to more easily fit under a helmet, and to give as little for the enemy to hold should he lose his helmet, Kama at first glance is a hard man. All angles and hard lines, the only curves softening his profile being those of muscle beneath flesh. His body is littered with scars from years of battle, though none stand out more than the one constantly covered by bandage wraps. He had lost an eye during a particularly fierce battle, the battle some say he lost his faith in nobility.
Personality
Tatsu Kama, once a respected officer within the ranks of the Imperial Army and loyal soldier, is now little better than a cynical boss of fellow his deserters. Though he is a deserter only in name, for he still serves the noble families. His sense of honor holds him tight and refuses to let him leave. However, it has not managed to stop him from blatantly questioning orders and balking at the more suicidal commands.
Biography
Tatsu Kama, or to most others, Senshi, does not like to speak of his past. In his eyes, it is far from the glorious present he is living in, as leader of the Mob. However, with some persistence, it is possible to get the giant to begin talking. He will often begin his tale long windily, hoping to bore his listeners into either ceasing to care and go away or for their eyes to gloss over allowing him to tell them a completely lie and be done with it. However, for most that have constantly bothered, poked, and prodded at him, this does not work.

Tatsu's tale begins as a large majority of people's in Jianki, he was born into a peasant family. And like so many others, as soon as he could walk he was put to work. Perhaps it was the kinds of jobs he worked at that promoted his mammoth size and vast strength, or perhaps it was the ready supply of game meats, who is to say for certain. But as he grew, he obtained the attention of the local Lord. At the time, before their 'dishonor' and renaming to the Mob, they were known as Tora Oku, the Tiger's Fangs. And just as they are now, they were hand picked to join this regiment because of their size and strength. Tatsu was the youngest of those chosen to join, but he was able to easily look even the tallest Tora in the eye without having to even tilt his head.

As the years went by, he climbed swiftly through the ranks of the Tora Oku until he stood at it's pinnacle as the Saiko Ryoshi. He loyally served for all of a year before the fateful battle. They had been sent to subdue a rebellious village that had yet to pay it's tithes, and had not for some months now. Most assuredly they were accruing wealth and men to stage a coup upon the Daimyo. And so, the Tora Oku were dispatched to remind these villagers of why their ruler was who it was. Expecting fierce resistance and a stubborn enemy, Tatsu was the first to enter the dirty village. Beggars scurried out of their way as they passed, and even a roof caved in from the pounding beat of their marching footsteps. But there were no rebellious soldiers, there wasn't even a spark of a fight in them. Surely there was a mistake here?

He spent an entire day within the village before he learned why they had not paid their tithes. They simply did not have enough. It was a struggle just to have enough to survive. The village, once bustling and prosperous, was but a shell of it's former self, alive but only just. Armed with this information, he sent his fastest runner back to his Daimyo to relay this information. For weeks he and the Tora Oku helped in rebuilding the city. Repairing roads and roofs, assisting in the meager harvest of stunted rice plants, anything they could to help. Then the runner arrived, and they were given their orders. The village was to be destroyed. It would be far to much effort to get it back on it's feet. Those villagers would be enslaved, those that resisted would be killed, and whatever they owned would be claimed to pay off their debt to the Daimyo.

Tatsu refused. With the full support of the Mob, for they knew that at that moment they were no longer the Tora Oku.

He did not send a runner, let the lack of his return be answer enough. No, he had better things to do, such as prepare these villagers for a war. He spent as much time as he could arming and training them in the simple motions of spear combat and preparing the makeshift defenses. But he knew it was not enough, even if he did not allow it to show to the villagers. For all they knew, they had an actual chance, that their back up plan of slipping away into the forest. They thought it was the back up plan all the way until the Daimyo's forces marched onto their homes.

Far outnumbered, the villagers began to lose their nerve until one lone figure strode out. No longer was he bedecked in the orange and black regalia of the Tora Oku. No, what strode out to meet the Daimyo's army alone, was the Ogre King himself.

The Daimyo, though a shrewd bastard who cared more for coin than the lives of men, did have some sense of honor and strode out to meet the Ogre on the battlefield, alone as he. There they came to an agreement, the Ogre would fight either the Daimyo or his champion. If the Ogre won, the village would go free and be rebuilt, but he would submit himself to the will of the Daimyo. If the Ogre lost, then he would be dead and the village destroyed. The Daimyo, of course, agreed.

The Daimyo's Champion was half as tall as the Ogre, and probably weighed as much as one of the meaty paws the Ogre called a hand, but he strode with the confidence of a soldier dueling a peasant swinging around a family heirloom. And while he was right, he was also oh, so wrong. As soon as the duel began the Ogre was on him, skillfully slicing with his nagamaki at his opponent. The force of the swing alone meant the Champion had to roll out of the way of the attacks or let them screech off his weapon as he deflected it. Soon he realized his mistake, this was no farmer boy who had grown up plodding around in the rice fields, this was a trained warrior, as trained as he. Recentering himself, the Champion began to retaliate. The Ogre was struck time and time again, but the blows only seemed to further enrage the beast. Steel rang on steel, and the two were splashed with fire as sparks flew from their blades. Never again would the villagers see such an amazing sight, and neither would the soldiers of the Daimyo. The Champion dancing around the Ogre, leaving scarlet cuts across it's exposed flesh as the Ogre gave in kind.

The match seemed to be grinding to a stale mate as one side could not get a sizable advantage of the other. That was when the Champion saw it, a drop of his opponent's guard. He took his chance and swung his katana. First went the Ogre's eye, then he swung again, directing his blade at the blind spot he had created. It bit deep into the Ogre's rattan armor and into his flesh, where it stuck fast. Before he could leap away, the Ogre had his head in one hand, and crushed his skull. The match was over, the Ogre had feinted an opening, trusting in his armor and his resolve to stop the blade before it killed him.

True to his word, the Ogre submitted, and the village was spared. Fully expecting death, Tatsu awaited the guards to come for him for the execution. But instead, it was the Daimyo himself. He explained in no uncertain terms what he was going to do. The Ogre would be executed, but it would not be Tatsu that received the headman's axe. Few people knew of the Ogre's identity, and there was no point wasting such a fine soldier. But he was still to be punished. He and the Mob would be reassigned to an up and coming noble in the guise of guards. Their actually task was to keep this foreigner in line, and should he notice them overstepping, they were to be killed. And so he and the Mob marched out of the city that had fought for for years, and were 'gifted' to the noble Cia clan.

His 'former' Daimyo, however, had been one of the Emperor's notables and was expunged during the coup. Now free of his old master, he was still strapped to the one he had originally been tasked to keep in line. It chafed at him that he was still bound to a noble, but he could not break his code of honor and turn away, to be done with it, killing her if he had to. So here he was, playing nurse maid to an Orin born noble with a Han title and the ability to control lightening, with her all to creepy advisor.

Relationships
Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
1. The Common Word:
  Tatsu does not expect the common man and woman to simply do as their told by a lord using flowery words. No, he expects to to do as he says because he will help them do it, putting his and the Mob's considerable might behind the task at hand.
Battlefield Talents
1. Ogre King:
  The largest of the Mob, Tatsu is an inspiring figure for them and other shock infantry, as they strive to greater feats of strength and courage to prove themselves worthy of joining the ranks of the Mob.
Baqi
This area is reserved for qi cultivators and magic practitioners. If they follow a martial school or sect, you have creative liberty with this section to elaborate on their peculiar practices and abilities. Disregard if non-applicable.

Personal Equipment
This section pertains to their personal gears and anything else of note that they carry on them. They may possess 1 weapon, 1 armor, and 2 extra pieces of personal items on them.

[Weapon Name]
Honor's Bite is the name given the Tatsu's Nagamaki to remind himself of the duality of honor. Of how it can be at times extremely liberating, and at others all to constricting.

[Armor Name]
The Beast Plate is a set of scarred light lamellar armor designed to resemble that of a demon. Though perhaps most important to this motif is the horned red mask with a set of fanciful tusks and bulging yellow eyes.

[Ancillary 1]
First free slot. Disregard if non-applicable.

[Ancillary 2]
Second free slot. Disregard if non-applicable.
Retinue
CUSTOM NAME
Retinue Name: The Mob.
Retinue Type: Shock assault infantry
Retinue Weapon: The Odinata and Nagamaki are the two most popular weapons among the men. However, weapons such as the Eku bo and Kanabo are also present
Retinue Armor Grade: Rattan over leather.
Retinue Abilities:

Demonic Onrush: The shear size and weight the warriors of the Mob possess allows them to crush through all but the most tenacious of defenders off the charge.

Like a Sapling: The reach of their weapons make them surprisingly effective against enemy cavalry, often taking the enemy off guard as their mount is cut down from underneath them.
Retinue History / Legend
The Mob was once a prestigious unit within the Empire. Warriors hand picked for their size and strength so as to be able to wield their massive weapons. However, ever since a certain battle, they had lost their prestige. Stripped of even their name, the Mob was rebranded as a bunch of ruffians and hooligans with no greater purpose other than to swing their ungraceful weapons. Of men that rely on their brute strength and nothing else, ogres given human form.

code by Nano

ElenaIsCool · Dec 17, 2021

The Waltzing Culinarian

So Long

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
Cooking is akin to a musical show; your hands are the instrument, the ingredients the music and the tongue the spectator
Full Name
So Long
Courtesy Name
Ari
Class
The Waltzing Culinarian (Metal)
Title/Moniker
Silk Blade Dancer
Gender
Female
Height
5’5 (165 cm)
Culture Group
Taejin
Age
26
Appearance
So Long has been known to attract people with her simple and youthful face, her body moving in elegance and grace, even after her dancing days were put behind her. Her spotless skin is slightly tanned due to her time in the desert. People feel at ease since she always has a soft smile on her face and the twinkle in her eyes is missed only because they’re found closed at all times. So Long wears simple clothes and no longer dons her dancer’s outfit, the only thing that hints that she is more than a simple chef is the flower brooch on her raven hair, parted on one side for a small braid on a side bang and the rest pulled in a small, low bun.
Personality
So Long’s first meeting with anyone gives off the impression that she is a compassionate, charismatic and carefree soul, always around to give a helping hand and a witty comment if need be with a flair for the dramatic and telling enticing stories. Being an entertainer, she tends to crack jokes and adapts to the crowd as a people-pleaser but that doesn’t mean she won’t stand her ground when she needs to. While she is a pacifist and doesn’t believe in the power of the sword, she will use her silver tongue to do the opposite of pleasing people and give them a tongue lashing if need be. She deals with difficult customers and others alike with patience and grace akin to her dancing style.
Biography
So Long was born as the youngest of three sisters to a farmer couple, her coming to life in exchange of her mother's marking the first of many conflicts between her and the rest of her family. Life as a farming peasant was alright, she made friends easily and helped around the house by cooking with her sisters and in food stalls to get some extra zie. Her family life was another matter, however. So Xing, the eldest, disliked her youngest sister for taking away her mother, a sentiment shared by the others and for that, Ari was constantly belittled by her sisters and her father did nothing to stop their behavior and although he didn't outwardly show it, he sided with the other two. The youngest, however, didn't give them the satisfaction of letting them see they got to her, instead countering with harsh words of her own and retaliation in other ways such as not cooking for them and doing the complete opposite of what her father wished. The only times she felt free was whenever she was cooking or dancing by herself. She had always been intrigued by food, how the different combinations of ingredients could affect the taste and frequented in food stalls, learning from afar or close as much as she could.

She got the chance to do both when a Marishan troupe stopped by her village on her 12th Spring Festival

So Long was helping out in one of the food stalls when the sound of music and excitement reached her ears. The stall owner was eager to let her go, it was the most important festival after all and she was young, she should enjoy herself! Wading over the crowd, climbing more than a few stacked barrels and boxes led her to a scene she would never forget. Right in the middle of the village, atop a platform, was a performance so breathtaking and foreign; fire eating, lion tricks, juggling a bunch of different and dangerous objects but what caught not only So Long's eye that day was the dance. There were three women and one girl her age performing a dance unlike anything So Long had ever seen. Their movements were brash yet hypnotizing, rythmitic to the fast pacing music and wild. Wild was the word to describe everything she saw that day. So Long offered her services as a cook almost immediately and after speaking to the Ringmaster, got herself a job. During their stay at the village, she would watch in secret as the dancers practiced and spent a lot of time with them and the troupe and the girl who she came to know as Abesh, who despite being completely different people, grew a blossoming friendship with. Her continuous absences were excused in the form of Spring Festival celebrations but soon enough, her family got suspicious.

The day before the troupe left, So Xing followed her sister around all day and when she came back home, she was punished. She was not to go near the troupe, she was not to go outside, she was not to dance. So Long tried to argue and plead, to convince her father that this was what she wanted to do but he refused. He refused to let another loved one leave them behind when they needed them the most to what So Long countered that he had never loved her.

Night came and So Long packed her bags. She was outside when she was met by her middle sister, So Mei who helped her and wished her luck before closing the door.

So Long travelled with the troupe as their cook and then as one of the dancers when Abesh found her dancing while cooking and suggested she implement knives to her dance style. Soon enough, the duo of dancers became popular and helped spread the fame and success of the Scarlet Serpent Troupe with Ari as the beautiful Silk Blade Dancer and Abesh as the unpredictable Sandstorm Dancer, their bond growing stronger as they travelled and performed all over Jianki.

Alas, all things must come to an end as the troupe disbanded due to the conflict over who would take the Ringmaster's position after they passed. Before they went their separate ways, Abesh and So Long shared one last, final waltz before promising to dance together again as Abesh had to return home. So Long didn't do the same, instead heading to Weiliang and working in Madame Tian's Tea House until she recieved a fateful letter summoning her to Orchid Manor. Having (hesitantly) left her dancing days behind, So Long took the chance to embrace her second passion while possibly making a difference.
Relationships
Abesh Siris
Having been dance partners and travel companions for many years, Long and Siris share a very close bond, akin to that of sisters despite their wildly different personalities and dance styles like raging fires and calm waters.

So Household
Long isn’t exactly in speaking terms with her family, particularly her father and elder sister who wanted nothing to do with her since she left, something she’s completely fine with. Her second sister, however, shares a better bond with her and they occasionally write to each other.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
N/A

Battlefield Talents
N/A

Baqi
N/A

Personal Equipment

[Weapon Name]
N/A

[Armor Name]

Blessing In Simplicity - Cloth: Just some garments she bought a long time ago.

[Ancillary 1]

Twin Elegant Waves: These are twin knives with a golden hilt the shape of a snake and a curved blade. These are the knives Long dances and does tricks with.

[Ancillary 2]

Desert Flower: A rather revealing but beautiful silk dancing outfit with golden flower patterns made to both be eye catching and easy to move in and has a silk veil. It is very much inspired by the Marishan culture.
Retinue
CUSTOM NAME
Retinue Name: N/A

Retinue Type: N/A

Retinue Weapon: N/A

Retinue Armor Grade: N/A

Retinue Abilities: N/A

Retinue History / Legend
N/A

Huntertabbysandshark3 · Dec 17, 2021

Serpent Scholar

Xiyi

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
no matter the numbers, the weapons or the commander, cut the strings that support them and it will all come tumbling down.
Full Name
Long Xiyi
Courtesy Name
Gao Ying
Class
Serpent Scholar (water)
Title/Moniker
crested dragon
Gender
male
Height
5’9 179.832
Culture Group
Hanjin
Age
28
Appearance
A brief description of how others perceive them physically, as well as any distinguishing features that are not included in your faceclaims.
(Optional if you deem your faceclaims to be sufficient.)
Personality
xiyi keeps a careful balance between a stoic but calm persona befitting of his self proclaimed scholarly nature, with a air of wisdom that command some level of respect, and a more jovial attitude that comes through on occasion those whom do not know him personally are far more likely to witness this aspect. Xiyi biggest personal failing is his tendency to overthink most situations indeed this reflects most poorly in more personal social interaction, giving a bit of an awkward edge.
Biography

Xiyi Long is a somewhat mysterious figure having more or less simply appeared one day, his appearance however makes tracing man’s origins far easier for it is almost certain They where once a lesser dragon that had change their core to become a human.. why as such will likely remain a mystery. Years later they “serpent scholar” as he became known had offered his services to the warlord Dao Chaolong, a reason simple “why remain a footnote when one can impart themselves into histories timeless tapestry”
Relationships
Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.
Traits & Ancillaries
ADMINISTRATIVE TALENTS
even as a human some old habits die hard xiyi longs ability to collect taxes or extract tribute without too much local anger is top notch even if what he brings back isn't the most strightforwardly useful
You may have 1 administrative talent for now. Disregard if non-applicable.

Battlefield Talents

an army is only as good as its logistical support Xiyi has the knowlage of how to get supplies and where to get him in most situation insuring his forced remain wellstocked in any situaiton, or knowing exactly where the enemies are and cutting them off with brutal efficency/

Baqi

challenging the heavens
a bit of an odd name for a somewhat moderately sized sect of cultivators that focus more upon using one's self as a weapon or tool, be it in the form of melee hand to hand combat or the casing of magic through the usage of QI. Xiyi focus on this casting aspect personally using the water in the environment or perhaps other elements later on, currently only improving the vision of Xiyi allowing him to see further without a telescope using the water in the air as a kind of lense

Personal Equipment
This section pertains to their personal gears and anything else of note that they carry on them. They may possess 1 weapon, 1 armor, and 2 extra pieces of personal items on them.

[Weapon hand crossbow ]
A small cross bow a simple personal defence weapon in case of emergencies

[Armor Barlquin's folly] (leather)
leather armour is worn under the ornate cloth and garments while somewhat uncomfortable it offers a nasty surprise for the would-be assassin assuming a simple stab will end thier target

[Ancillary 1]
An ornate leather bound book containing some of xiyi more rambling trains of thought he refers back to it for inspiration or good ideas

[Ancillary 2]
Second free slot. Disregard if non-applicable.
Retinue
serpents fangs
Retinue Name: serpents fangs
Retinue Type: siege engineers
Retinue Weapon: chu-ko-nu
trebuchet
Retinue Armor Grade: Light Lamellar
Retinue Abilities:
Suppression: the blistering rate of fire from the weapon the fangs carry can force many an enemy to remain in cover lest they be cut down with no chance of retaliation good for protecting siege engine

Retinue History / Legend
the serpents fangs are not really anything of legendary renouned but a retinue put together by Xiyi Long, as his personal Gaurds and siege breakers each are selected for thier additue and temperments most being a bit more rash then Xiyi to cover less then quick thinking approch but also a somewhat heavy handed way of inforcing his own orders if things become too roudy.

code by Nano

Petroshka · Dec 17, 2021

Storm Sorceress

Cai Xiuying

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
Without ambition, the land becomes a stagnant pond. Without heights to strive for, we are all left to wallow in its filth.
Full Name
Cai, Xiuying.
Courtesy Name
Zolazyaa
Class
Storm Sorcereress (water).
Title/Moniker
The Storm Dragon.
Gender
Female.
Height
5'7" 170cm.
Culture Group
Orin.
Age
26
Appearance
Xiuying is a fairly average woman, outside of her eyes which occassionally glow white with electricity when she gets emotionally charged. Due to this she often practices restraint thus will have a blank look on her face leaving her to come off as cold, in both expression and tone ever in a intense focus on the task she takes. However many become confused or taken a back by her words when she attempts to crack a joke, or speaks out of line, more so when she actually shows the expressions that she works so hard to conceal. Although this may as well become a boon as well as a curse, her acts of passion become ever more heightened as sparks fly from her, catching those she leads attention. When your perceived cold and emotionless leader gives a electrifying speech how could you not be swayed?
Personality
Although Xiuying appears to be emotionless she is anything but, within her burns a fiery passion that threatens to consume herself and those around her. Born in a nobles court but as an Orin that had an innate affinity for thunder and lightning she was always in a strange position growing up and continues to. Due to this she has come to understand the resentfulness and envy that those who were not born fortunate enough have, while understanding the delicate politics that dominate the world she resides in. In this confusing crossroads Xiuying had many avenues to approach her life, to go back to her people the Orin whom she had not known and had given her away, or to embrace the han and continue down the path that her foster parents had layed out for her. What she choose was a future for herself, to forge a path for her own future and anyone that helps her in achieving it.

Ruthless to her enemies but only ever cordial to her allies, due to her upbringing she can truely fully trust anyone, and anyone that might gain this trust would have had to have achieved something she would consider impossible and foolish. Though she is ruthless to her enemies she makes it a point to allow bystanders be bystanders, as lashing out toward those that did not help would only create enemies within rather than without. She respects the laws and rules of the land and the traditions of the locals towns and cities she visits, however she does not follow a specific one outside of the one of the wider empire.
Biography
It was unknown who Cai's true parents were, and it will perhaps remain a mystery as she was given to the han as a political gift at a very young due to her unusual gifts with lightning. The reasoning was lost to Cai, as she was paraded around her hometown as some novelty to be fancinated by, at first it was rather pleasant for Cai, she and her adoptive family received many gifts from the local nobles in the area. But when the fascination resided the pressure for Cai to live up to her perceived strengths started to amount ever so high. As a boon as well as a curse, her birthright made people praise her accomplishments but just as much as they did they were more than enough cruel when she failed to meet expectations. It fostered the ideal of exceptionalism in Cai's mind, it was simply not enough to be good at something she was tasked with.

At the age of 14 Cai had had the opportunity to go to the capital of the Seo Empire for studying and to be possibly married off to a more influential noble to boost the Cai family name however it was at this moment did the large scale rebellion take place. On her journey there ignorant to the happenings around her, a group of rebels attacked the small caravan that was carting her there believing her to be some influential noble. She would have been captured there if it were not for a small band of Orin that had been nearby, saving her and a few of the escorts which had only been armed civilians. From here they had noticed who she was, rather they remembered her tale, the child of lightning, given to the Han. She was given a choice, to go home and ride out the rebellion with her adoptive family, or join the Orin going north back to their homeland. Stuck between safety and stagnation against unknowns and change, she choose the latter.

The skilled orin were adept at avoiding conflicts and fighting off any would be raiders as they made their way up north trying to reach the Oriban plains, it made her excited, and she wanted to learn their ways. When reaching the Oriban plains she was taken to a local warlord that the group had known, however it was to her shock to find out that they were exiled by this very warlord and had only used her as a way to come back, but she could not do anything about that. The group was given amnesty for this gift and the warlord took her into his tutelage, he wanted to see if she was a real Orin and if growing up with the Han had softened her up. Although hard at first, the lifestyle of the Orin and the harshness that she was treated with had forced her to adapt fast, learning to ride as a Orin does, eat sleep and fight like one, it was all black and white to her time with the Han and she had started to regret her decision to come here.

She was given a moment to prove herself when some rebels had decided to use the Oriban plains as a outpost safe from the Seo Empires reach but they had not expected the Orin barbarians to come protect their land. Given a horse and told to follow a warband she set off determined to make a name for herself, many of the orin men and woman in the warband treated her like the han did when she grew up, a fascination, and when that small period ended they kept her at arms length. But when it was time for war she was joined with the others, given a sword and bow, the warband was set upon the rebels. At first, it was a slaughter, The Orin raiders loosing arrows on horseback and circling the small encampment forcing the rebels to a single location to be shot down one by one. However they quickly built a circle of shields both stationary and on their person and a small impenetrable dome was created protecting them from Orin arrows, the commander was about to signal retreat as it was useless to continue firing upon the formation. But as he did Cai charged at the rebels, putting away her bow and with sword still sheathed, the other Orin watched in disbelief. She got onto her feat balancing herself on the horse and when it came close to stopping out of fear of running into a wall of wood and metal, Cai jumped high. She focused all of her Qi to her palms, as lightning roared and dominated everyone's senses causing everything to become dark except for it. Landing ontop of the dome the lightning surged through the makeshift building and destroyed it, knocking everyone to the ground save for her they became easy pickings for the Orin sharpshooters.

After this battle Cai came back, with the commander and the warriors there singing praises to her feat, the warlord having been impressed gifted her Sky Silver, a prized steed to which Cai graciously accepted. She was also given a Orin name, Zolazyaa, to which she continues to use to this day. Becoming rather popular with her small legend, a not well off couple approached her, claiming to be her true parents, they had indeed similar features to her, and seemed to know her in some instinctual level, so she of course, believed them. She told the warlord of just that, that she believed with her heart that they were in fact her parents, and that had convinced the warlord to given them quarter with her. But they had only used her to get close to the warlord, because the very night that they had stayed with Zolazyaa, they murdered the warlord, an assassination in the making. Blaming herself she left the Oriban plains on Sky Silver, she was once again. Used

This time she had made herself westward to the realm of the Taejin, Zolazyaa didn't stay around in one location for too long wandering from place to place, eating and sleeping only to leave the next day. Until a monk caught her attention, he was in the middle of nowhere without a town in sight high up on a mountain path with incense burning and meditating there, something about him encapsulated her. A strange man alone in the mountains, while she was enthralled by him he spoke up, and the two had conversation, she spoke of her "gifts" and he spoke of being a exceedingly unremarkable man, she spoke of her tale and he spoke of having been from nothing. Truely the opposites had collided with one another, he then started to speak of a way control and channel her gifts into something more controlled and refined, and she took interest. In a cave up in the mountains, learning cultivation techniques from this strange man in the mountains she learned to have her qi flow through her body in a natural way rather than forcing the qi to move where she wanted which had tired her out much faster. Along with such Techniques she learned how to keep a calm in stressful situations with meditation and breathing.

One day, the man simply disappeared, no trace of him was left behind, but the memory of him was there, she supposed it was a sign for her to do something more with this power than wander, afraid of being used. Taking her belongings and Sky silver she made her way back to civilization, word had it that the empire had broken into several different states and vassals, warlords dominate the land. Zolazyaa used this opperutnity to hop from one warlord to another, building her knowledge of politics as well as her reputation, forming her own retinue. It was a Seijin warlord that had given her a leash of sorts, a ogre of a man by the name of Tatsu Kama. Though it wasnt long until another lord assisted for aid, perhaps this is the time for Zolazyaa to make a name for herself?

Relationships
Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
[Cold Logistics] Zolazyaa had the idea of Exceptionalism burned into her, thus efficiency and effectiveness had always come first before the warmth of emotion. She has a talent of cataloging and finding what has become amidst, so for a region to suffer when the allotted funding has been given, she will burn out the corruption that festers upon her factions roots.

Battlefield Talents
[Shock and Awe] Using what she had learned from the Orin, as well as the Han, mixed with her natural abilities has fostered a devastating combination of steel and lightning. As fast as the Orin but with the craft of the Han her calvary charges are a force to be reckoned with. The ability to charge into hard formations of steel and pike and force the enemy to route in fear of the lightning cavalry is nothing to be scoffed at

Baqi
[Awakening The Dragon] A path wholly to herself, it is a path that the strange man on the mountain had lined out for her, it is a path that fuels her ambition or perhaps it is her ambition that fuels it? It flows as Zolazyaa does, it fully depends on the emotions of oneself and harmony between mind and body for a storm requires sky and land. This path is harmonious with metal, being able to manipulate it to a limited degree she can transfer her qi between them and cause her gifts to become enhanced or simply come through where the user wants.

Personal Equipment

[The Azure Claws]
A pair of Steel Tonfas with a pure silver core specially crafted for Xiuying to befit her lightning abilities, more to channel her lightning rather than actual weapons they are still nothing to scoff at, able to be swung at such a force to break bone anyone underestimating such a unthreatening weapon would meet a painful end. Being made of steel and silver they can easily block and deflect any weapon that is sung at her and even break most poorly made ones especially wooden shafts and some cases metal when used in tandem with lightning. However their name sake the Azure claws does not come from its coloring, as it is as plain as a steel rod, but rather when they are used to channel Xiuyings abilities. When her yellow lightning passes through these tonfas they become bright blue, becoming ever more concentrated and lethal.

[The Jiuwei Hu's threads]
Silk onyx and golden robes said to be created by and taken from a nine tailed fox that had disguised itself as a beautiful woman trying to lure men gifted to Xiuying by a lord. However whether or not these claims are true, its fibers seem to be woven so close together that knifes and crude blades have a hard time cutting through it. They are comfortable to wear and are a great item to bring to formal parties and occasions.

[The Lapis Lotus]
A almost ethereal white lotus that fades to blue at its tips, given to Xiuying by a girl she had considered friend when she left her home. Not much is known about it by her except that it is seemingly undying, being immune to decay that most plants go under when uprooted. She wears it as a ornament in her hair and is a reminder of her time growing up and the friends she had met on her long journey.

[Sky Silver] (horse)
A white female Orin horse breed that is said to be the fastest steed in the northern plains that gallops across rivers and mountains as though it were the plains themselves. She was once a prized possession of a powerful Orin warlord before she was gifted to Xiuying after she had proven to the barbarian that she hadn't become soft when in the hands of the Han. Strong and loyal Xiuying values Sky Silver dearly, it is said it may be the first creature she has fully trusted and wouldn't trade the world for her.
Retinue
The Approaching Storm

Retinue Name: The Approaching Storm

Retinue Type: Heavy Shock Calvary
Retinue Weapon: Lance, and Jian
Retinue Armor Grade: Heavy Laminar
Retinue Abilities:
Shattering Charge (requires Xiuying)
Orin and Han mixed Training

Retinue History / Legend

Built upon years of serving warlords, Zolazyaa's Approaching storm retinue has garnered a fearsome reputation of charging into formations of halberd and pike while being hailed upon by arrow and bolt but still coming out fairly intact due to a combination of their armor and speed. Each man and woman has a orin steed that they bond with and Zolazyaa has fostered a mixed art of Orin and Han training, giving them mobility with their heavy armor and unlike most shock calvary, the ability to stay in the fight while infantry supports them after a charge. Although it is unwise for them to stay in the fight for too long they have more than enough protection to get out with minimal injury should things start to get harrowing for them. However, their true potential is when Zolazyaa is with them, allowing for the shattering charge. Zolazyaa uses her Qi to enhance the approaching storm, allowing them more momentum to the point where the sound of hooves sound like a fearsome storm, and their lances able to pierce even the heaviest of armor and shield.

code by Nano

Damafaud · Dec 17, 2021

Soaring Sight of the Sky (Metal)

Cang Aili Si

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
The arrow can pierce a rock. The arrow can pierce the sky. (May the arrow grace me with beauty, valor, and beautiful men)
Full Name
Cang, Aili Si
Courtesy Name
Chienying
Class
Soaring Sight of the Sky (Metal)
Title/Moniker
Graced Archer
Gender
female
Height
5'10" / 176 cm
Culture Group
Orin
Age
19
Appearance
A quiet man of few words. Chienying carries with him an air of mutedness that one naturally glances over. Those who take a second look, however, is often captivated by his face. An androgynous look steeped with deep thoughts and mystery. One that draws forward, yet pushes back at a treshhold.
Personality
Steadfast. Quiet. Dedicated to his craft. A man of few words. Such were the impression many had of Chienying. On the surface, Chienying is a silent expert who strived for nothing but the pursuit of his craft. Though sometimes light-smiled, many dares to disturb the archer when he is deep in thought, when his eyes flash with such intensity and sharpness it threats many to hold their breath. If not for his material needs and friendships, would abandon everything to craft the perfect bow and master his divine archery, so was the consensus of many.

That is so, so far from the truth.

Chienying loves her craft, yes, but she also has a deep attachment to excitement and beauty. She loves traveling and enjoying all the world has to offer. Her head yearns for the cloud, of tales of beautiful fairies and heroic warriors fighting for glory. To her, both are just important. One is the passion of her life, the other is the enjoyment and colors in it. Especially the men. Hot men. That's very important.
Biography

Cang Aili Si, bless her heart, enjoyed roaming freely in the grassland. Until she was nine of age, nothing captivated her better than the breathtaking view of the land, different every time she turned around. Nine was the age their clan's caravan came into contact with a trading merchant from the Taejin. Thus, she was caught asunder by fabric vibrant as flowers, oil as potent as musk, and the strange, peculiar way of how flowing their words go.

Her elder told stories of the Hanjin, the Seijin, and the empress of the south. Bright-eyed Aili Si, enamoured by such fantasy, wanted to go. The cruelty and trickery forewarned through the elder's story did not deter her spirit. Her parents, though reluctant, did not stop her either from pursuing her dream. After all, once before, they were also wanderer of the land before rejoining the nomadic life in the north. What they wanted her to promise, was to not leave until they deemed her ready. Cang Aili Si agreed.

At the age of 16, Cang Aili Si tied her mother in an archery match and prevailed against her elder sister in combat. Through tears of farewell and joy, they agreed on a postal point to exchange letters when they could, and Aili Si departed into a whole new world under the name of Chienying.

The early months were the harshest. Chienying learnt fast enough to hide her gender and that there would be opportunity where she couldn't use her bow. Though separated from her kin, she soon made friends with those of a similar ilk and banded together as they travelled the jianghu together. Their band of brothers grew as they roamed the continent and observed their wonder. They laughed by merriment through destitution and hardship, they mourned loss of their brother, and still they left no regret as they traveled free without care for the world. Such was the carefreeness of youth and their bright-eyed view of the world.

When the brother band rested merry one evening at the inn, with a young master who paid for their drinks and retreated to his room, came in a wave of attackers, with swords unsheathed and roar echoing. The brothers took arm, as did the retinue of the young lord. The two groups worked together to escape, yet Chienying asked them to halt at a spot. A high ground. They waited, and waited. And when horses ran close in all their hurried chase... an arrow pierced the throat of the leader.

Chaolong, the lord name was. He offered a hand to the brothers as they sure would be chased by his enemies now that they had helped him. Chienying agreed, so did many of the brothers, though some bid farewell, not wanting to be embroiled in the politic. Such was how Chienying entered the service of Dao Chaolong in Weilang.

---

When Chienying was ten, she found a forbidden book her elder sister thought she hid well. The book was shortly discovered by her mother and her elder sister was punished, but no one knew Chienying ever read the book. Or that she secretly kept three pages with her.

When Chienying was thirteen, she realised what it meant to like someone. She liked Hanying, from the same clan.

When Chienying was sixteen and left the clan with Hanying, she was all sort of squealing and screaming inside.

Eighteen years old Chienying loved living life on the road with her group of brothers who, through necessity and training, earned their own rough charm. Each was enchanting, handsome, and attractive in their own ways.

Nineteen years old Chienying saw Lord Dao and received an epiphanic revelation from the Heaven: those who had more resources to spend on themselves... would spend more resources to improve themselves.

Hanying, the First Brother, was not keen to be embroiled in politic, but Chienying stayed.

Was this not why she travelled at the first place? To appreciate the beauty of the world? But the world was so vast and life was so short, there was no way she could see everything. So. She shall chose the path with the highest concetration of beauty. And in this world of cultivation and magic, beauty ran parallel with power.

Politic. Here she comes.

Relationships
Asahi, Enlai
Sword Saint, a swordsman from Aili Si's childhood, courtesy name Xianlang. They briefly met as Aili Si's clan settled for about a month near Mt. Yan'sa when she was 11. The youth' one-minded training fascinated Aili Si, though her eyes remember better the intricate tattoo patterns drawn all over his body.

Fang, Xiang
Azure Stallion, a body cultivator expert from Orin, courtesy name Hanying. He left the plain together with Chienying, though later they parted way in good terms. He was already a Greater Disciple Cultivator when they parted.

Yu, Changmao
Sowing Star, a former bandit and an agriculture master, courtesy name Fèi Hù. His bandit group once attacked Chienying's Hued Gang as they travelled. The short yet intense battle ended with a duel that ended with a tie and the death of then Third Brother Liang. Though the duel ended their enmity, the bitter aftertaste couldn't be washed away as easily.

Song, Shen
Perfectionist Mercurial Swordsman, a sabresman and quartermaster, courtesy name Shen. He once served a military outpost where Chienying and his brothers spent a good two months hunting bandits and amassing wealth. The quartermaster's scholarly features and cultured disposition secretly enamoured Chienying. She wept her inevitable departure and mourned him as one of the handsome men that couldn't stay in her life.

Yang, Jiuwan
Shining Champion, a monk under Dao Chaolong, courtesy name Shangyi. Aili Si had little interest in the noble purpose or temples, but he enjoyed the innocent monk's company and occasional gentle preaching that sounded nice to the ears. It helps that Jiuwan is often halfly clothed and his firm, brick-like mortal body was freely shown to public.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents

[The Air of a Wanderer]
Those who wander in the Jianghu sooner or later learn to have some level of distrust toward authority, who in return sees the wanderers as troublemakers. A guard only brings wariness into the traveler, but the same does not apply to Chienying. Young as he was, there lies with him an air and familiarity with the viewpoints of the common wanderers. The wanderers and roaming warriors of Jianghu in general view Chienying more favorably than they would normal authority and trust his words better.

Battlefield Talents

[Piercing a Thousand Li]
From a far, much distant than one thought possible. An arrow pierces through the wind, the windpipe of a general. Chaos ablaze, fire ensued, and the archer remained hidden from sight. With enough time and preparation, no distance is too far for Chienyi's arrows to fly.

Baqi

Eyes of Nine Skies
Several magic arts are taught in the Chienying's clan and Chienying focused exclusively in the eyes art. So far, the extent of her cultivation has sharpened her eyesight like that of an eagle and allowed her to see fine movement from upclose.

Personal Equipment

Cyan Cloud Longbow
A bow made from cyan wood from the far north of the land. A treasured bow from his mother that Chienying believes channels his baqi better and allows him to shoot further. It comes in a cyan wood case, where it is protected from the weather on the move.

Jianghu's Garment (Leather)
Underneath the cloth robe Chienying wears is a sturdy leather armour that fits the body. It is never safe to travel without some protections on.

Jade Flute
A beautiful musical instrument with intricate, detailed patterns of phoenix clouds on it. It is a treasured gift from Chienying's friend and childhood crush Fang Xiang. He claimed the flute to bring fortune and blessing and had the habit of playing the flute whenever he wanted to pray for luck.

Little Sword
A dagger Chienying depends on when forced into close combat. When she can, she tries to coat the dagger with poison.
Retinue
SEVEN HUED GANG
Retinue Name: Seven Hued Gang
Retinue Type: Independent Group
Retinue Weapon: Mixed
Retinue Armor Grade: Leather
Retinue Abilities:

As One Mind: Seven Hued Gang can move as one powerful unit that complements each other skillfully. While extremely powerful in small skirmishes, the power of their cooperation had little effect on a huge battlefield

Faint Presence: The small retinue is able to sneak behind the enemy line or escape unnoticed if so desired. Each member of the gang are competent in some sort of hiding and disguise art, something that they use to cover one another often.
Retinue History / Legend
A group of seven brothers that bonded together as they travelled the Jianghu. After the departure of their leader and vice-leader, Chienying was now recognised as the First Brother, leader of the gang.

First Brother: Chienying. Eyes and pronounced representative of the gang. An archer with amazing eyesight.
Second Brother: Dalang. Battle strategist of the gang. An swordsman with a sharp mind.
Third Brother: Leilin. Left Claw of the gang. A spearsman with great valor and strength.
Fourth Brother: Linley. Quartermaster of the gang. A handsome, silver-tongued hidden weapon expert.
Fifth Brother: Yanmei. Treasurer of the gang. A merchant-minded spearsman.
Sixth Brother: Shuren. Right Claw of the gang. A swordsman with great ferocity and strength.
Seventh Brother: Jingyi. Heart of the gang. A swordsman with a great love for poetry and sharp intuition.

They fight as a unit. The Third and Sixth Brother are often at the forefront, with Fifth and Seventh Brother supporting at their side. Second Brother controls the flow, while First and Fourth Brother aim to land a killing blow from their fluid positioning. In a large-scale skirmish, the brothers circle around the First and Second Brother as they try to survive through the fight.

code by Nano

Orikanyo · Dec 17, 2021

Sowing Star

Yu Changmao

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
Swords make ill plowshares.
Full Name
Changmao, Yu.
Courtesy Name
Fèi hú
Class
Sowing Star(Earth)
Title/Moniker
Agricultural Headsman
Gender
Male.
Height
5' 2" 157 cms
Culture Group
Hanjin.
Age
25 years
Appearance
Short in stature but large in presence, the headsman stands mighty against even the toughest of bullheaded fools. His eyes burrow and supplant pigheadedness and tell of a veritable fount of wit. take care to not be cut by his tongue, fine honed to a razor's edge his foul temper in only condensed by his small size. Trust not your first instincts, this man is finely wrought iron cord for muscle, and packs a mean headbutt for those looming over. There is also no fox here, none at all, your eyes are playing tricks on you.
Personality
A brief description of their personality, interests, etc.

Nary a day goes by without his voice echoing high through the air, a demand, order, word of caution, answer to a question. He is, by all intents and purposes, loud, and proud of this. He is more than willing to raise his voice and often has trouble lowering it... Enough of one where his whispers are a little higher than your average speaking. His laughter is big, his praise high, his reprimands thunderous, he does not hide is expectations of his workers and most of all, himself. Keep however in mind, the loudness does not mean he is angry, nor is he truely maliciously intented. "It just takes alot of yellin' tah get inta yer thick skulls!!!" Perhaps, however, this loud and proud personality... Is to make up for issues with his physical detrements...?
Biography
Is a man always one thing throughout his life? Is a man always a fisherman? A accountant? Naturally, we say no. But why then, does one become a bandit, that you always are one? He was born to such a life, a life of brudgery and theft, intimidation and beatings. But what most don't know, banditry is a multifacetted line of work. Bushcraft, arbory, working with people, understanding a "social" hierarchy, knowing where to push to get what you want. Many things and more are tied to the work, in truth, it only gets worse as you get better at it. But first and foremost, you had to be quick, and ready to run.

It was here, in this life, of stealing, survival, pain and fear of death from ally and foe alike he grew up, albiet not growing UP too much... But his body did grow strong, enough that in time he had managed to wrangle together a group of idiots who actually listened to him, for better or worse. This group, they grew close, friends, brothers, sisters...

So how did he become a farming headman? Well, it had been a lean year or two, with war abound the travelers tended to be soldiers more oft than not, that meant no hits, so that meant you had to get tricky. Food had to come from somewhere, so, stole food becomes crop seeds. Stolen tools became what they would use. Once, they even had to hit a fertilizer wagon from the capital... It was... Unpleasant, but the yield that year on their crops! They were always discrete in their work, hiding their face well, hitting in the dark and shadow, coming from on high and even utilizing horses to scare off people, thinking they were some of the famed Orin riders!

With some... Extravagant costumes, of course.

but over time, their skill set grew, they grew away from banditry, learning how to properly live clean of the filth of theft and desperation... But they never truely lost that edge, and their names had to change. New men and women, new purpose, and at their head the Sowing Star, who spread the seeds first in their new growth beyond evil... Well.. Theft anyways, they never killed anybody.

That'd be awefully rude after all.

So they all discarded their names, Yu Changmao, a man who came from a village of no reknown, master of crop and hoe, aimed to lead his small band of comepletely and without question farmers into new lands for a better life... And lo and behold, some upcoming lord will be needing people!

Wherein better to bring his growing band of compatriots and farmers no?

Excuse their overt muscle and brash exterior, forgive their occasional lack of manner and at time over indulgence of drink.

Yu Changmao, a man with most certainly only the best of peedigrees, is here...

It took a long while though, to become trusted and good enough for his position, but, ability and perseverance in spades is always in demand. The occasional Agricultural manual certainly helps eh?

Relationships
Cang, Aili Si
"A Damnedable fool, don't they know a cornered beast is at it's msot dangerous? Willingness to sacrifice to slay their foe is paramount in such moments... And with the bounty hunters on the heel we couldn't stay... You were the msot direct route to safety.. Why didn't you let us pass... Why did Liao pick a fight.. Such loss of life... Bloodied hands, souls lost to needless conflict.."

Yang, Jiuwan
"...His actions mades my men wonder if we should simply become beggars and farmers, perhaps that is why we are what we are not... heh. One man's foolishness, anothers bounty."

Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
Agricultural Administration, his methods at the time may appear crude, but none can attest against the great works achieved.

Battlefield Talents
Night battles/Sabotage

Baqi
N/A, for now at least.

Personal Equipment

[Weapon Name]
Twin hatchets, no name, used in the past for intimidation and defense, now old habits die hard and used for chopping trees in tandem.

[Armor Name]
Cloth, padded in key locations on the shoulders, gut, knees and shins for ease of movement, lack of snags and possibly turning a deadly cut into a... Nasty bruise...

[Ancillary 1]
Gourd: Sealed tightly, typically full of flammable oil, good for setting fires, tied with red yarn as to not misstake for the drinking gourd.

[Ancillary 2]
Shrouded hood: A face covering hood that can be slipped on within a moment's notice, with some degree of difficulty for the unitiated. Features a cloth face cover, a hood over the head with only eyes uncovered for sight.
Retinue
Midnightmen

Retinue Name: Midnightmen.
Retinue Type: Sabotuers
Retinue Weapon: Fire and fear.
Retinue Armor Grade: Cloth, they need to be quiet and light.
Retinue Abilities:
Burn run: A simple act, set fire to something, typically with oil if not already flammable. Run. Not honorable in the slightest, but effective.

Snatch and grab: Theft, plain and simple, the enemy cannot use what they cannot have, what is now yours however can be used against them. Flawless system.

Retinue History / Legend
To call it a retinue is a offense to all things a retinue is. They are theives in the night and arsonists to what cannot be stolen. They are not murderers outright, but should something be destroyed or an enemy camp put to flame before a fateful battle, they are your men and women. Why are they together? well, they certainly aren't the very same band of bandits that roamed the mountains with a certain white haired midgi- man. Honored history, very honored, but very secret of course.

code by Nano

Thexcentrichilean · Dec 17, 2021

Perfectionist Mercurial Saberman

Song Shen

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
To stagnate out of one’s own free will is an affront to the heavens, and to strive to improve is the ability we were granted to give life meaning
name
Song, Shen.
Courtesy Name
Shen
Class
Perfectionist Mercurial Saberman (Metal)
Title/Moniker
The adaptable quartermaster.
Gender
Male.
Height
5 feet 10 inches/1.77 meters
Culture Group
Seijin
Age
27
Appearance
A man of average stature, bearing pretty and slightly androgenous features, with a very constant polite smile and composed expression during his daily life and work, wearing a set of glasses to strain their sight less while engaging in paperwork. He is usually seen with his hair tied into a simple ponytail unless at home, in which case he lets it hang down his back

Under less conventional circumstances (combat), one will get the chance to witness more varied assortments of expression of twisted delight and happiness, usually uncharacteristic to his usual demeanor.
Personality
The man known as Song Shen presents themselves as polite, composed and very unprejudiced when it comes to his daily life and how he interacts with those he works with, be it soldiers, officers, merchants, etc. Soft-spoken but firm when it's needed, quite an inquisitive individual who wants things done the best way it is possible without demolishing people verbally over mistakes, but instead pointing out what a better course of action could be or change could be done… for which a negative reception of such will get the individual marked as “Minimal contact” until they prove Shen wrong on said assumption.

A perfectionist towards himself in all sensible aspects of his labor and work, he also delights in seeing people improve in their own areas and skills, for its part of his core tenet that improvement is the best way to reaffirm that someone is truly living their life. And for such matter, he is all too willing to aid if asked, as long as it doesn’t detract from his own time of self-improvement pursuits, or is requested to help by a superior or a peer he took a liking to due to their personal integrity (viewed from his own values.)

That is all Song Shen, but the man also bears another side to himself that if around him long enough, they will eventually witness: The wild saberman delighting in violence.

When the matter of combat and manifestations of violence are at hand, the man known as Shen unleashes what could be considered his true nature: A smile that is the purest expression of delight in the face of mortal combat and deadly struggle, a laugh that denotes a sky high excitement and enthusiasm unmatched by the other aspects of his life. A warrior who truly finds joy in the violence and risk of combat, and the thrilling experience of being able to improve their technique with the saber in the process.

But something worth remembering is that both sides are what make Song Shen his own person, and he understands this fact very well. That his calmness lets relationships and work flourish, while his bloodthirsty nature lets him strive for the highest peaks of combat… and with the years has grown to consider both sides as simply parts of the whole self that work mutually to let them grow at the same time.
Biography
Born as the third child to a military family (to a messy child-birth that cost the life of his mother) with some modicum of tradition around Beiyan, but still not quite reaching the level of the provincial elites that are at the top of the military hierarchy, instead being a cut above your usual officiality and elite soldiers, with an ascendant position for the future. This fact is owed to the possession of baqi scroll originally procured and refined by their ancestors to cultivate a path of water alongside the sword, to control their surroundings in a fight.

But unfortunately, this very fact that let the family establish themselves into a good position, was also what made Shen feel unfitting for the expectations placed on him. His oldest brother Song Han had already started their path of cultivation by the time Shen was born, honing their skill with the sword and martials arts to serve the army with merit as his family had done for decades by now. His second sibling, his sister Song Chu, was somewhat reluctantly starting to learn armor smithing and woodcrafting from her mother’s family who specialized in such matters, having a history of aiding the familial warrior side (and other families) with their refined armor-work, keeping them safe.

With those circumstances at hand, despite being all too eager to attempt to learn techniques and become like their elder brother, they struggled immensely every single time they tried the family path of baqi… and as such, eventually, Shen was relegated to learning more administrative duties of managing land and the supplies needed for their retinue and equipment and the like, something that he turned out to be surprisingly good at, being able to detect issues once understanding what to do on the fly, and also holding a surprising capacity for negotiations due to his steadfast nature when it came to his principles. Yet, as this lifestyle tempered his wilder demeanor and nature into something more calm, the fire that burnt in desire for being a warrior kept burning, and he ultimately ended up finding common-ground with his sister, also capable yet not content with her lot in life completely.

Conversing and bonding often due to this gripe and frustration, they ended up getting along surprisingly well, even by familial standards, trying to motivate each other for a future where they would be able to engage in the pursuit of their true passions… up until they both realized that unless they went out of their way to pursue these things with their own power and resolve, it would never come to fruition.

The same day Shen started to try new weapons and ways to use them was the same day his sister Chu started attempting to forge weaponry, stoking each other’s resolve to pursue their passion. Though bearing rough starts for they didn’t have any direct teachers to rely on, both siblings carved their own paths in the way of the saber, and the way of the weaponsmith.

One’s flames of motivation fanning the other’s as they started to truly enjoy life once again, they pushed onwards despite the complaints from their father and family head, Song Hanyi. Shen took the baqi scroll of his family as reference, and every single bit of cultivation and martial skill knowledge he could get his hands on, even engaging in fights with other families in the area in the pretense of spars, and doing odd jobs for their father in exchange for pocket change which he would use to buy Chu materials to practice during her free time.

Eventually, his desire to keep improving couldn’t be contained to their city, he needed to travel and discover more. Needless to say, Hanyi refused to let him go: he could tolerate his son being a troublemaker but not them leaving their ancestral home… so the only way to solve this was by conflict. Song Shen challenged his father in a duel with techniques and equalized power in cultivation… and promptly lost. He tried again, and lost again… and again and again and again.

Hanyi was hoping to make his son give up by being an insurmountable obstacle, to help them realize that staying home was for the best and that they could maybe find a way to make things work. But Shen was all too resolved, and even ultimately enlisted the help of his two siblings to keep pursuing the very best of his technique he could by sparring with Han, and talking with Chu about what kind of saber would work the best for him, and if he could use anything else.

Eventually, training with Han, and confiding with Chu, he would develop his definitive style with the saber: To use the blade with utmost aggressiveness, and the sheath would be made heavier and thicker and plated with metal to also be used as a parrying weapon, denying the opponent the ability to attack as much as possible while enhancing his own offensive prowess… his weapon being made by his dear sister for all the years they had spent since childhood helping each other.

At the age of 18, his final duel with his father would begin, wielding the saber made by Chu and the training obtained by sparring with Han… and his father had understood by this point, that there was no curving his son’s determination, and was promptly defeated in a battle of skill… he couldn’t muster the resolve to stop his son’s unwavering flame in its path. With a bitter smile, Song Hanyi let Shen leave the household while making them promise to visit and keep in touch… something the wild saberman readily agreed with, understanding that his father was proud of what he had been able to achieve.

Setting out with a bag of Zie from his brother, a couple pieces of light lamellar armor from his father and the saber and sheath from his sister, Shen knew he was supported by the Song household in his pursuit, and would push forward in learning to honor that, and his own desire.

Eventually, he found steady work as a quartermaster among marching armies, being more than able to hold his own in combat as well when needed… some money and letters would be sent home with the occasional visit to maintain and improve his saber being done here and there.

One day, with his reputation as a reliable quartermaster and logistics manager building, would eventually end up in the court of Dao Chaolong, interested in the young lord’s ambition, and excited at the prospect of the future conflict brewing… This side would face an uphill battle, but that was exactly the kind of thing he wished for to build up his own skills.

Song Shen, the quartermaster and bookkeeper of armies made himself available and at the service of the new Dao court.

Relationships
Song, Chu
Shen’s dear older sister, and a person he holds up to the utmost respect and loyalty. She was the person that helped him sustain his resolve for learning a path of cultivation befitting his nature, while also being passionate about not letting her own desire for improvement be squandered by doing the things she didn’t care about.

A kind and steadfast woman capable of standing up to anyone criticizing her work or family, Song Chu is the epitome of reliability and passion, showing a strong deal of familial love and piety as well once she found her proper calling in life… she will also give Shen a harsh time should he mistreat her priced saber and sheath pair creation that has been entrusted for him onto him… but will also reprimand him should the weapon remain pristine, for a weapon’s purpose is to experience battle.

A prideful one that enjoys making weapons and seeing them serve people, they are a pillar in Shen’s life, one which will not part with each other as long as they are both alive

Song, Hanyi
Though it originally started as somewhat exasperated and strained as a father/son relationship due to Shen’s wild nature and incompatibility with their ancestral waysm they grew to foster a healthy respect for each other at the strength and skill each accrued as they sparred and dueled many times… with every duel helping them communicate more and more as time went on.

Though originally Hanyi would have shunned and only tolerated his youngest son, nowadays he holds a respect for him and his independence and strength, trusting that the other will remain alive no matter what, and Shen knows that their family will be in good hands, for their father had learned to appreciate their more unorthodox pursuits in the search for their true peaks as people.

A trustworthy, caring but severe man that has a bit of a tendency to be set in his ways, regardless can still be moved with resolve and the skill and power to back said resolve… for Hanyi knows that those that are completely unable to adapt will meet a grim fate one day… a belief that ended up rubbing onto his youngest child, for better or worse.

Song, Han
Though their relationship started a bit with frustration and jealousy from Shen towards his eldest brother, as the child started coming into his own, Hand was more than happy to help them grow, having noticed how frustrated Shen had grown with the path he was being forced to follow, much to their father’s chagrin at the time.

He is a kind, but strong and resolved man that adores his family and will do everything he can to make them happy, even if it sometimes puts them at odds with said people in some ways… but he also holds an inherent trust in their familial ties, and that things will work themselves out after conflict and reasoning.

A warrior cultivating in the path of his family with great success so far, there’s a possibly bright future ahead of this more well-mannered and truly temperate and calm man.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Cang, Aili Si
Between the time he spent wandering around working for soldiers of fortune and some reputable armies and leaving home, there were a couple individuals that got the quartermaster's attention during his work: one of them being the individual known as Aili Si and his brothers. During one of his postings in an army tasked with keeping order between marches, Shen ended up administering the job of bounty hunting of brigands and deserters that were making logistics harder than usual... and most if not all the available bounties at the time had been effectively and swiftly captured, killed and cashed in by Cang and his brothers.

Such performance got the attention of the perfectionist individual, and as such Shen invited the young but obviously core member known as Aili Si alongside others for a nice occasion drinking tea, in which to get to know each other better. Song Shen had even gone as far as suggesting that they follow after him for his next job, alongside their brothers... for capable hands are always welcome in the business of soldiery. Unfortunately for the man, the other had refused the offer... but he reassured them that it didn't offend them, only wishing for their paths to cross again one day, hopefully in still amicable circumstances... which the heavens would bless them both with in the Dao court.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
Instinctual grasp on supply and demand:
Due to his abundant experience for his age as a bookkeeper and quartermaster, which included negotiating with merchants and goods many times, Shen has developed an inherent grasp on connecting the lines of what product is in demand and which one is in high supply in specific areas and industries. This is due to developing a strong understanding of the flow of trade from marching with armies and dealing with many, many merchants, even back home… there’s trends and signs in the markets that things are more expensive or cheaper given the situation, and by hearing the voice of the common-folk one can grasp in what they are lacking or what they could want

And as such, should Shen be placed in duties relating to commerce, he can both further foment its development or negotiate a deal with other places to satisfy a lack of supply or to get rid of a surplus for a good price somewhere else. Having him as a mediator will foment his steadfast reputation and as such manifest a stable atmosphere for trade whenever he is stationed.

Battlefield Talents
A most sharp quartermaster: Coming from the experience of joining campaigns before and making his way up in the logistics departments for money and to exploit his natural skill, Shen holds a great ability to negotiate supplies either from merchants or locals, while also being very capable of dealing with the logistical difficulties that will come from protracted campaigns through decent planning and very good adaptability and resourcefulness coming from reading their situation sharply.

If you plan a march through tough lands or for an extended period of time, and need someone to manage the supply distribution while keeping morale up alongside speed, Song Shen is your man. Just give him a path, and he will negotiate it by any means available to him.

Baqi
The path of the liquid metal (Metal)
Having originally practiced the path of cultivation of the dominating delta from his family, his ultimate style ended up being influenced by the concept of controlling one’s battle not only through their martial arts, but also through the use of their element using projectiles to further corner an opponent’s options which was trained through.

Through the use of his prized saber, its sheath, and the martial art developed around them, Shen utilizes some of the principles of the domineering delta to manifest ways to block an opponent’s escape routes and counters to his violent empowered onslaught.

His path of cultivation is one that took his family’s as a base, but has since grown and adapted by learning from as many possible paths and martial arts as possible, polishing his own path to cultivation with every new encounter. Shen knows his path is still far from completed, and that there still remains many more techniques to create and improve upon, and many paths to learn and take ideas from. But as it stands, with every moment of traning, his foundation grows stronger, safer, more domineering and unique.

The path of the liquid metal is one that builds from others at Shen’s discretion, and will keep growing as long as the Song scion’s determination remains lit and willing to push through every bump and hole on the road. And above all, it follows a specific combat philosophy: Flow in the battlefield like tides, ebbing, weaving and covering all the options, but at the turn of a moment, strike like concentrated heavy metal, crashing through anything getting in one's way. Grace and power, united in one style to dominate your opponent.

Personal Equipment

[Chu Sheng Song Saber and Sheath]
A new paired invention born from Shen’s own ideas of how he wanted to fight, and Chu’s expertise in smithing and woodworking and many occasions of trial and error, they are a very well made blade above the cut of normal weapons, but far from anything legendary. Its current iteration, alongside the thick well made wood sheath with metal plating, are the best Song Chu has been able to make to date, and her ever improving skill has improved them with every visit Shen has paid to their ancestral home. It's a precious weapon that the owner will protect and cherish, yet still use to its fullest potential when combat breaks out, for that’s the ultimate purpose of a well made weapon.

[Song Light Lamellar Armor]
A simple and well made set of Light Lamellar armor that Hanyi commissioned around the time he was dueling with his own youngest son, knowing that one day he wouldn’t be able to hold them down any further, he at least wanted to let them part ways with a good suit of armor (which his sister double-checked to make sure it was good enough for the wild child of the family) to keep them safe for any fights that would come his way. It's not an exceptional piece of armor, but it's one that is well made and has been well maintained by Shen. It also has survived quite a few battles, for the Song family head invested not a small amount of money into this item to assure it was at the very least above average.

[Ancillary 1]
First free slot. Disregard if non-applicable.

[Ancillary 2]
Second free slot. Disregard if non-applicable.
Retinue
CUSTOM NAME

Retinue Name: The band of misfit warriors
Retinue Type: Aggressive melee infantry
Retinue Weapon: Sabers are the dominating arm among them, but there’s still a couple of swordsmen as well
Retinue Armor Grade: Some leather but mostly Light Lamellar
Retinue Abilities:
+The spearhead formation
+Bloodthirsty warcry

Retinue History / Legend
A loose ‘unit’ of individuals that Shen has met during his time as quartermaster and wandering martial artist that took a liking to the young man, and ultimately decided to follow him from job to job as soldiers of fortune due to their connection as battle maniacs. Though numbering less than 15 people, they are a very tightly knit group that take legitimate delight in the heat of battle, and a glorious death in combat will be honored and mourned, but also understood by all members that it meant they were all still not strong enough to come out of conflict without losing one of theirs.

Small in number but veterans of many battles, this set of soldiers are practically impossible to route, and will happily fight to the death for their friend Shen, even if he himself is not the best of leaders in combat.

code by Nano

dragonsfire · Dec 18, 2021

Fanged Priest

Chu, Xinyi

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
"The satiated mind is Supreme. It needs no lord nor Heaven, as all it creates is sacred. Only when starved by fear and control does it defy it's nature and reject its perfect self."
Full Name
Chu, Xinyi.
Courtesy Name
Uwabami
Class
Fanged Priest (Water)
Title/Moniker
To Be Given
Gender
Male
Height
6 ft. (183 cm)
Culture Group
Hanjin
Age
27
Appearance
One is nearly always swept away by the scent of flowering plants and aromatic herbs that radiates from Xinyi upon first meet. Deceptively soft eyes and a kind smile grace a face prepared to maintain a public image, the dominance and drive of his compatriots so clearly lacking in the man. Keen eyes perceive these features, in contrast with reputation, and may clock them as a trick to disarm and pacify, but even so his near-informal relaxed posture tends to be such a hard thing to resist in these trying times.
Personality
A man with a saccharine sweetness to his words and actions, Xinyi strives to establish trust and good will with all he meets, ideally making his bitterness all the more diluted. First and foremost concerned with the faiths and philosophies of others, he frequently speaks of such topics, encouraging even those who live in the moment to spend a bit of time to smell the blossoms and ponder, preferably with him nearby.

Distinction between enemy and ally is loose for Xinyi, accustomed to seeing one become the other on a dime, and he is not one to ignore the flaws nor weaknesses of those close to him. This balance between maintaining relationships and advancing his array of personal goals is one of a few factors that leads to his infamous sluggishness and tarrying, accompanied by careful internal reasoning and long-spanning machinations.

Accounting for these traits, one can expect even a friendly conversation with Xinyi to be fraught with judgments veiled to seem like compliments or explanations, and an attempt to lean the balance of information exchange as heavily as possible. Even so, a soft voice that frequently inquires upon faith, ideals, and reasoning can be a comforting one, and more than a few have tales of complex schemes and secret plots from an unknown benefactor providing assistance or revelation, just a few weeks after a forgotten conversation with Xinyi.
Biography
Chu Xinyi was truthfully born in the River States, far from the palace halls and high culture he would spend his child years around. Perhaps oddly determinant of his identity, the circumstances of his birth were more shameful and unceremonious than one would expect, particularly from the Lord of Cailang of the Duchy of Chu and the well-respected and notable priestess charmed by him.

Eyes first open in a broken and abandoned temple, an oddly quiet baby proves a blessing and a curse, and first steps are a dash away from mom towards the cracked and broken statue of an Immortal. The symbolism repeats a few times before a subconscious fear wells up in the heart of the priestess, she flees her legacy, and her child's, to travel with the lord back to his home.

This is, oddly enough, not the father's first time doing such an exploit. Just barely too important to be removed for his frequent promiscuity, and more guarded than most even in the unique and ferocious politics of the Duchy of Chu, which in and of itself is just far enough from its parent empire to develop a bureaucratic and political infrastructure of its own. He is then raised by his mother, to her Fundamental dismay, as Chu Long Yu occupies his time with his political duties and married family.

The unnamed mother imparts her own years of learning upon her child, whose dedicated interest in the faith of their homeland is refreshing to her so far from home.
The uninvolved father imparts, from a distance, his skill and dedication, always acting on the desire to serve his people and steward the needy, even as his own wrongs run deep and prevent him from being truly honorable.

The child attends court, politics intrigue him much more than his half-siblings. Voracious hunger is his only distraction, but food never comes, never when he wants it. Instead, lessons of humility and restraint are feed to him, the teachings of his mother from different perspectives, yet they are not enough to fill his stomach or his mind.

They speak of harmony; humanities innate goodness is fostered through actions and deeds. Service to fellow man and Heaven, the goodness of lords and a sacred bond to family.
Another whispers, they speak of fallibility and flaw, an eternal battle against the self and nature at once, the Supreme is not supreme, the communal must encourage the self to forgive, and all that is sacred can profane.

Participation in court does not end, a dubious lineage is not enough to stop his ambition, as advisory alongside half-siblings increase family influence and dominion. Distraction is his specialty, though he does not see it as such. Those who attend his ceremonies or banquets speak about the event for weeks, farmers are rewarded twofold for their produce, even as economy dwindles, their survival entirely contingent on the nation's soldiers winning a resource battle.

All the while, whispers continue. A mind still hungry pursues these foreign ways of thinking, and a page of sacrilege is penned. The child finds an argument, a plausible denial of Celestial Mandate. The Fundamentals are questioned too, but the mind is still too fresh to argue principles.

Mother yearns for home, joys of scholarly exchange and worship of hero gods. Her journey is safe, and she is with now older child, filling his mind with untold knowledge. As legacy is unveiled, scholar-saints and philosophers, her son meets family. Powerful and influential, yet not lords, their tales of ancient stories and tragedies open new paths of conceptualization, a seed of destiny is planted.

From one Maerim to the next, child becomes young man. Mother remains in birthplace, while the journey back is more perilous. Awaiting the young man is civil duties and damage control, scandal upon scandal from foolish lord, yet the destined unrest that unseats the father never comes. The paradox is noted, and despite the lack of duty the harmony remains.

The Celestial Mandate is the exception, not the rule. The lord's nature is a beast in its hunger, unable to maintain liberty and stability as personal interest eclipse the Fundamentals of Order. The peasantries hearts and minds weather this injustice, sated by carrion and scraps for generations to come, as their nature is to fall in line with the lord's desires, circumstance is all that secures their rights.

The young man pens more than a single page this time, the skills of observation and reference were learned in the homeland, and with it a tome is filled. An anthology of secrecy, words of criticism and civil secrets disguised between benevolent collections of connected stories and familiar tales. The erudite recognize, a few among the peasantry. Allies and enemies form, yet the young man is none the wiser, too busy indulging in festivals and feasts to recognize these new whispers.

More is created, and less is veiled. Not all is as condemnable, nor is all contained in written work. Oration is learnt, not in the tongues of clever diplomats or sly merchants, but of empathetic and interested storytellers.

Whispers return, out of control of any one individual. Personalization and tailoring are encouraged by some, messages begin spreading far and wide, as script and voice differ person to person. The first shouts arise, bitter voices tinged with fear or righteous fury attempt to stop the spread, some try to target the source, they fail.

The young man takes the situation in stride, passion is stoked and theories blossom, the voices are studied no matter their volume, so bias and intent become more complex than ever. The voices however become actions, something all but the still naive young man expected to happen. Fellow nobility, more legitimate and influential than him, take action. Books are burnt, punishments are delivered, and holdings are threatened, both civilly and physically.

Harmony is only a possibility, beholden to fallibility and flaw. A lord is a beast that leads other beasts, who concedes to obligation only so much as benefits itself. They are not to be trusted to honor or respect, one must question if that is true for all?

Noises prove distracting, too much to finish a piece. It lies tainted by unrespectable bitterness and shortsightedness. To finish the piece, the young man seeks shelter, he finds it among the experienced.

The piece is instead forgotten, as the experienced impart their own works upon the young man. The Fundamental of Fate is found flawed, but the experienced are able to refine and expand beyond criticism, in a way the young man is not yet. The refinement brings cultivation, and a sect's Baqi is revealed, the young man partakes, and matures all the more for it.

-------------------------Incomprehensible Coded Language Lies Here-------------------
---------------------------Theories and Philosophies Yet Untold------------------------

Public eye regains its focus, as the man's sights become broad. Tales of the rotting empire reach his ear in no short supply, and as unwelcome as it often is, his voice becomes one of many that support the idea of a Weeping Willow Coalition, conveyed through his father. Reach and influence become priorities over the next few years, as he rejoins his half-siblings in securing territory and managing the people, now in need of both enrichment and distraction more than ever.

The people are busy training or partying when news of the Scarlet Usurper's march reaches the duchy, and the politics of the coalition keep the father distracted. Eyes and ears among the peasantry allow the man to hear news of a young lord, named of a legacy the fanged priest had almost entirely forgotten. His first and only act of impulse is taken, as personal resources are expended to prepare his men for the arduous march. Another resource is expended, a nation's finest paper and ink contains a promise of aid and support, and good will with father is put into jeopardy, this pursuit must prove fruitful.

The patricide-lord is steeped in his mistakes. One flawed ruler falls as filial line ensures another, the Celestial Mandate weeps. Unrevealed truth keeps the fanged priest on guard, and the actions of his new master are to be scrutinized and inspected, a unique opportunity for observation. His people deserve celebration, their faiths and community must blossom through resolve and generosity

Chu Xinyi arrives, a blank tome awaits his hand on a new journey, and an odd collection are already at the side of Dao Chaolong, more arrive in the coming months. The fanged priest sinks his teeth in, his destiny tastes sweet.

Relationships
Chu, Long Yu
Xinyi has a distant relationship with his father, as do his other three half-siblings, all but one of which were born into illegitimacy. Even so, for one reason or another they have joined their patron in governing, and serve as advisors, commanders, or simply public faces as few dares to openly oppose the increasingly selfish and brutal lords' legitimacy.
His journey to Weilang was not approved of, nor the resources "borrowed" to ensure the trip would be safe and basic necessities could be procured for the first few months. Currently, they are more strained then ever, and Long Yu expects to gain something out of the relationship, lest his long-coming exile finally catch up with him.

River Kingdom Family
Kept secret as best as possible, Xinyi's maternal family are priest-scholars that reside in the River Kingdoms. Their bond remains strong, despite not having spent much time together, and letters are occasionally sent and received detailing recent events and containing best wishes.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
Tactical Indulgence
The behaviors Xinyi encourages, an unintentional result of his philosophies against obligation and authority, are the distracting and time-consuming vices of sloth and gluttony. He throws celebrations extremely frequently, which are always laden with experimental symbolism and opportunities for scholarly developments. When resources are not thin, he encourages acts of revelation or ingenuity be rewarded twofold, by both social and economic means.

Xinyi keeps the population's hands and mouths busy, so long as he is given access to spare resources. Even in times where military development stalls or censorate efforts fail, the people's spirits may stay high, willing and able to continue working and cultivating despite outside circumstances.
Battlefield Talents
N/A

Baqi
Harmony Under the Blasphemous Path
Though Xinyi began as no stranger to martial arts, visits to the verdant fields frequent during stays within Songbei, the introduction to this path challenged his understanding of cultivation. Learnt in an underground cellar, Xinyi likens the path to philosophical growth and development, particularly against the many ideologies and beliefs that sprout from the Fundamentals of Fate. The secret sect taught Xinyi to conceptualize flaws and mistakes, even in combat, as a cloud-like toxin. Qi is then turned into a weapon of its own, as strikes and stabs find purchase in fresh wounds and errant limbs alike to impart fatigue or sickness as retribution.

Xinyi accepts the mystery of this path, aware its role plays some greater part in his life, guided by the hand of heretical priest and hardened monks. A path of cultivation entirely dependent on his own development, the fanged priest lies unaware of its very existence as a challenge against Heaven and it's will, ready to accuse the sacred as flawed and unharmonious.

Personal Equipment
The Untarnished Coda
Xinyi wields a similar weapon to his men, a distinctively wavy Kris. His dagger, encrusted with gold patterning at its base and colored black, is the result of a cultural shift in the Duchy of Chu. The frequency of assassinations and vicious court intrigue have slowly begun to increase in frequency, and dagger-smiths have found their talents put to more and more use in recent years.

Choosing a Kris rather than a more concealable weapon was a performative act, an aesthetically pleasing and storied weapon that could be presented as ceremonial, rather than the hidden blades most had become accustomed to.

Attire of a Scorned Noble (Cloth)
A surprisingly meaningful and valued suit of cloth. The garment is a flowy silk raiment, colored dark purple, that has been patched over the years not with high-quality textiles, but with the dyed scraps of the peasantries course cloth outfits. The result is multicolored garb of varying textures, unaligned with any specific ceremonious or cultural ties, that takes on a distinct meaning for anyone who sees it.

The First Page of Blasphemy
Though technically rudimentary and far from the honed work of scholars in halls of debate, Xinyi still possess and carried his first work of philosophy, created as a young child. Very few eyes have ever seen it, none of which would be prone to use the knowledge of the document against Xinyi.

Reed Jewelry
Largely unique to the River Kingdoms within Jianki, Xinyi's family have gifted to him botanical jewelry crafted of the reeds that grow along rivers. There are quite a few small folktales that are associated with the crafts, and he wears them frequently.
Retinue
CUSTOM NAME

Retinue Name: Branches of Fate
Retinue Type: Peacekeepers
Retinue Weapon: Kalis
Retinue Armor Grade: Light Lamellar (Frequently unarmored within city grounds)
Retinue Abilities:
Shadowing- For the sake of reputation and image, the pious of Chu have begun to develop and study the tactic of hidden combatants. Though Xinyi has neither the skills nor resources to have them act as a secret police force or anything more useful, he relies on their training to pretend to be unaligned patrol forces, Weiling guardsmen, and in rare cases as civilians. All the while following behind him and searching the surrounding area for dangers.

Nonlethal Force- When not using their blades, the retinue is trained in grapples and may knock weak or incapacitated foes unconscious with a fairly low chance of lethally harming them.

Retinue History / Legend
A personal guard just under two dozen-strong that has been "retrofitted" to also serve as peacekeepers, to call them anything greater than a hobbled together group of soldiers and trainees would be a bold lie. Assembled by Xinyi himself, it's rather clear these twenty were chosen for having been fully proselytized by Xinyi, in loose agreement with his splinter-ideologies. Even so, they still have their training under established nation and have been inspired with a zeal to protect their quarry from harm.

code by Nano

Worthlessplebian · Dec 19, 2021

Silthering Serpent

Tang Zhu

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
Where one sees an empty canvas, one may assume that it is without worth. But a sharp mind will tell you of the infinite possibilities that can take shape.
Full Name
Tang Zhu
Courtesy Name
Beitong
Class
Slithering Serpent(Water)
Title/Moniker
The Vermillion Viper
Gender
Male
Height
6'1" (185.53 cm)
Culture Group
Hanjin (Birth Group: Saejin)
Age
23;
Appearance
One whose eyes betray a sense of uninterest, a man with a face of nobility. Few people can find Zhu unappealing yet many can see that he does not exert himself properly. His height could never express itself as Zhu holds himself back by slumping his shoulders and bending his spine. His hands appear soft, as with any artist, but upon closer inspection a man can spot the minute grooves that betray a weapon's handle. Eyes like mahogany, hair as black as pitch with a blade's sharpness. His abdomen burned by the past, often hidden behind clothing. Physique like a warrior's, yet often obfuscated by his careful attentiveness.
Personality
Tang Zhu is a man of few words and even fewer actions, the interest of his eye has always been the tip of the brush, the pool of black ink, and the empty canvas to which he paints away his days. Always respectful, always passive. Epitome of the word: Lethargic. In truth, this is the façade necessary for Tang Zhu to dismiss suspicions of his dual life. Come nightfall (or when matters become pressing), Tang Zhu sheds the false face to become Nekoda Orochi, The Vermillion Viper! A mischievous Machiavelli misappropriating many materials (of financial, informative, or ruinous nature) from the mittens of men, women, Lords, and Ladies. For the right price! A prideful thief who flaunts his skills in a way which few know, so they may become valued customers for the snake to prosper. In combat, he becomes a crimson dervish who laughs uncontrollably, amused by his own musings for the enemy. Semblances of Tang Zhu can still be seen through the mask's red gaze, though they are few and far between. Like the water, he erodes others through repeated prods.

The Viper Knows!
Biography
To know the tale of Tang Zhu, we must first travel to the days of the past. The young son of Tang was once known as the Saejin, Nekoda Orochi, who lived in the bandit settlement, Yajо̄. Unfortunately, before the young Orochi could even formulate his first word, the settlement was struck by the Tang estate and vanquished immediately over night. It is unknown what the small settlement did to attract the ire of the Tang family, who lived in their ancestral siheyuan peacefully for many years. Some recall that they had attacked a Tang carriage, or that one of the thieving rats insulted the Lord Tang. Whatever the case, Yajо̄ was no more. But... instead of Orochi perishing in the ensuing destruction. His life had been spared, miraculously. Taken into the Tang family, Nekoda Orochi's name perished that day but like the immortal jellyfish, Orochi was reborn into Tang Zhu, the seventh son of Lord Tang Bai.

For many years, Tang Zhu grew up in the Tang household as the seventh son. Many did not know of his origins, few dared to question but many spoke in hushed whispers. Unlike his brothers and some of his sisters, Tang Zhu was not taught any formal martial arts by his father or his underlings. To pass the time, Zhu's free time was mainly focused on mastering the art of the brush. It had come deceptively easy for him, clearly a talented boy. By age nine, the boy had produced two pieces that earned the praise of accomplished artists and one of the pieces is displayed proudly by Lord Bai.

Regardless of whatever feelings were hoisted onto Zhu, he never felt like he belonged. Hounded by inexplicable feelings yet never could he discover why.

Until one day, Zhu uncovered another facet of his skills. Snooping for knowledge. His father had taken aside his most trusted ally, Luo Jie and uncovered the sordid act. Everything, from the razed homes to the bisected bodies. The young Zhu's vivid imagination became his undoing as the imagery took shape, his mind shuttered and shattered under the strain. The following hour, the boy passed out in his home as if his body became ravaged by some mysterious illness. Illness, it was but one concocted by the mind's ire. Fever, screams in the night, sweating as if he was under the sun; the grizzly scenes on repeat in his head.

It took several days before these horrid things could pass, but Zhu would never occupy the same spirit again. Gone was the youthful endeavoring of the child, replaced by an emptied husk of tiredness. Even his paintings became drab and unfocused. This spiritual slump lasted for many years, until Zhu found something that reinvigorated his soul. A stone, ordinarily unmarked and of little importance, that he found in his father's quarters. The letters spelled out a name, Nekoda Orochi! His birth name, the one that was taken from him by Lord Tang. Filled with righteous rage, Tang Zhu (Now Nekoda Orochi) began training his mind, body, and techniques in secret to take revenge against his adoptive family. He was not taught to fight, but he would learned himself. Through tasteless hiding, plagiarism, and similar methods. But as Zhu grew in strength, sharpness of mind, and honed edge... The grip of hatred could not last and did not last. The reason why Zhu started this perilous journey to become strong seemed all the more feeble and childish. Yet he could not waste this hard work. He found another passion, one inspired by his bandit parents... Coin.

He became a thief, a spy, a man that worked for the right price. Drawn to the twinkle of currency.

Years later, the Vermillion Viper had been drawn to seek out the Lord in Metal. Believing it to be a business opportunity for Zhu financially and a sublime chance for Zhu to cultivate his skills and expand his horizons and become a leader of his very own clan.

Relationships
Nekoda, Father and Mother
Orochi does not know how his birth parents were, but he keeps their name alive in his heart.

Tang, Bai
Lord, Father, Savior. That is how Zhu looks upon the man that changed his life. Though once he hated him, Zhu looks to him as an inspiration.

Tang, Jia
Adoptive Mother of Zhu, there is not much that can be said, she never embraced him as a son like Lord Bai did.

Luo, Jie
One of Lord Tang's trusted allies, first son of the Luo Family, and ostensibly acts as Zhu's uncle.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
[An Eagle's Eye For Archive]
From The Vermillion Viper's artistic talents, comes the endurance and keenness necessary for the management of several documents and governmental dealings. Whether the tail of the brush or the quill of the pen, any great leader can rest assured that Zhu will ensure that everything is in order. This does not just extend to matters of finances, but of history and culture as well. This also grants him a boon to a managerial position as he can easily coordinate several people with the capacity to remember each and every one of their duties. Of course, this means that very rarely can some hoodwinker pass his watchful vigil.

Battlefield Talents
[The Tidings of Battle] Zhu is acutely connected to the flow of battle, many people that will serve under him will come to know of his talent to accurately guess when and where a fight will take place. This comes from an understanding of the world around him through information gathering, field reconnaissance, and subterfuge.

Baqi

Beitong is self-taught and possesses an improvised style that places emphasis on flowing motions that can lead into defensive postures that are of wood hardness which can be further followed up by a fiery counter-attack.

Personal Equipment

[Yǎnjìngshé yá - The Cobra's Fang]
A straight sword that Tang Zhu commissioned in secret to compliment his alter ego of the Vermillion Viper. A blade of moderate quality that surprises with a honed edge, its' name is etched above the hilt. It is unique in that it possesses no guard to stop an enemy's attack, an intentional design as Zhu favours the sword's concealability and compliments his style of fighting as well.

[Crimson-Faced Gaze of The Blood Snake]
A garb of tough leather that is adorned by a hat of Seijin origin, a paper/bamboo conical-shaped piece that has a red string. The armour comes with leather flaps that cover the side of the head. Finally, the jewel of the armour is the red mask with spirals.

[Talisman Of Remembrance]
A talisman of etched stone that is marked by the name, "Nekoda Orochi."
Retinue
CUSTOM NAME

Retinue Name: N/A;
Retinue Type: N/A;
Retinue Weapon: N/A;
Retinue Armor Grade: N;A
Retinue Abilities:
N/A;

Retinue History / Legend
N/A;

Nessi · Dec 20, 2021

Stone Bastion

Tumen Lei

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
Today, we shall crush our enemies! And then we will drink the night away!
Full Name
Tümen Lei
Courtesy Name
Batu
Class
Stone Bastion(Earth)
Title/Moniker
Mover of Mountains
Gender
Female
Height
6'0(182 cm)
Culture Group
Orin
Age
24
Appearance
Lei is known to many as a "Palace of Muscle". She's muscular, and has long, dark hair that is almost always tied up to keep hair out of her face. Deep scars riddle her entire body, and her hands are rough from years of work. Unlike Her slim wife, Lei, sports a much stockier build, and is the definition of "Big spoon"
Personality
Loud and proud, Lei always makes sure her presence is known when she enters a room. No matter where she is, she always wears a smile as bright as the sun, even in the heart of battle when the odds are stacked against her. Lei is also has patience, and knows her limits, unlike her wife, though she is always ready to reign her in whenever she needs to. Most importantly, Lei views her comrades as family, to whom she would do anything in order to protect from harm, including sacrificing her own life.
Biography
Many know the Orin as fierce warriors who come and take what they want, often killing many who stood in their way. But only a few people other than the Orin know of the traditions and culture that they pass down from generation. Lei's earliest memory was her sitting around a big fire with her fellow tribesmen, and listening to stories only passed down orally. She was particularly fond of a particular story, where the great rider swooped in and saved countless of people from a beast that had hide so thick and strong, that arrows bounced off it. It was at this moment that Lei became inspired to be someone similar to the great rider, a protector, a warrior. Once the fires were put out and everyone prepared to sleep, Lei walked up to her father, and with her little fists clenched, yelled,
"Father, I wanna be a Warrior! "
Lei's father laughed, and ruffled his daughters hair before putting her to bed. Girls were not expected to be warriors, but to keep campsites clean, butcher and cook whatever was brought back from hunts, and to make cloths for their husbands. While Lei displayed a hatred for being stuck on the campsite, her father assumed it was a streak of rebellion, and thought it would be something that Lei would grow out of. However after months and months of his daughter begging and begging, He'd finally give in, and starting at 6 would begin Lei's training, a year earlier than the boys.

Thought it was against tradition, Lei's father put her on the path of Chuluun, keeping her exposure to pain to a minimum. Each day she would get stronger, and eventually she would go beyond night training and would train during the day, away from everyone else of course. Her father would teach her how to shoot a bow and wield a blade, but Lei took the most interest in her fathers weapon, a large axe that much like the path of Chuluun, was passed down through the Tumen family. She was a natural with it, and the axe simply felt like an extension to herself.

When Lei was 16, she would be caught training, and many would disagree with her father's decision, scorning him for raising a failure of a daughter. Hearing such vile words be thrown at Lei's father angered her, so in the midst of the chaos, Lei yelled,

"I'm better than every single warrior in this tribe! I challenge all of you to combat, and when I win, nobody will question my right as a warrior!"

Normally, most would disregard her as a crazy woman, however the warriors took her up on the offer, and the next day they all lined up to fight Lei. One by one she took them down, and by the end of the day, she was the only one who still stood. Bloody, bruised, and battered, but still standing. After that day, Nobody in her tribe questioned her strength, and she was recognized as a warrior through and through, some going as far as to call her big sister.

After that fateful day, Lei would spend her days hunting, pillaging, and drinking, all normal things. She didn't really expect for anymore big events to happen, that was until someone special would enter her life. Kyungri Dalnim, a taejin who demanded to fight the strongest in the village. Dalnim boasted of her strentgth, and was confident in her skill to defeat Lei, so Lei put everything she had into one punch. Unfortunately that one punch would do Dalnim in, and would also spark an unforeseen love, as only weeks after the battle, She would see Dalnim again, this time requesting an arranged marriage, to which her father agreed.

After marrying Dalnim and setting out on adventures, She would meet another individual that would change her life once again, thankfully not in a creepy romantic way. Dao Chaolong, someone who when she simply stood in his presence, knew that he was stronger than her, and she could see that he was determined to fulfill that in which he set out to do. So Lei decided to join him, to help him actualize his vision, and also to protect her wife.

Relationships
Kyungri Dalnim
"She pretends to be a big ol meanie, but she's truly a softie"
Lei's wife whom she has come to love, despite their planned marriage and...interesting first interactions

Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
Everything is under control!

Being of Orin descent, Lei has spent most of her life traveling around and living in the wilderness. Thus she has gained the ability to adapt to her surroundings insanely quickly and help smoothen out the chaos that can be ensued when being in an unfamiliar terrain. Lei also excels and being able to spread supplies, and can make something that is suppose to last 1 week last 2 or even 3 weeks.

Battlefield Talents
Pillar of Valor
No matter how bad the battle is, how large the enemy force is, how glim a situation may seem, the maniacal laughter of Lei is always heard. She stands out on the battlefield, and enemies often focus her, only coming to meet a bitter end from her axe. When her allies see her swarmed by enemies, they to gain the passion that drives Lei, and fight just as hard.

Baqi
Path of Chuluun
The path of Chuluun is a style that was traditionally passed down from father to son in the Tümen family, and is named after Chuluun, the name Lei's tribe uses for the stone totem. It focuses on Reinforcing and strengthen your body so that you may become as hard as stone Via Qi. It requires one to go through years of pain through any means necessary in order for one to have a high pain tolerance. As far as Lei knows, only herself and her father are practitioners of this style.

Personal Equipment

[Guilty Cleaver]
Lei's axe, given to her by her father. While it is long and heavy, in Lei's hands she makes the weapon seem light, and is able to swing the weapon surprisingly quickly.

[Steel armor](heavy lamellar)
Armor that was stolen from a foreigner that was traveling in a caravan. He offered the armor for his life, and while Lei was suspicious of it at first, she came to enjoy the protection it brought.

[Golden ring]
Lei's wedding ring, a sign of her marriage with Dalnim. She keeps it on her person at all times, even when she's sleeping.

[Protective Charm]
A charm Lei's father constructed for her when she left the tribe in order to aid Dao.
Retinue
Orin Raiders
Retinue Name: Orin Raiders
Retinue Type: Cavalry
Retinue Weapon: Recurved Shortbow, Cavalry sabre
Retinue Armor Grade: Leather armor (Light Lamellar)
Retinue Abilities:
Plunder!

Retinue History / Legend
While never given an official name, the Orin riders are comprised of warriors from Lei's tribe who joined her in her efforts to assist Dao. These young men were trained from a young age to be able to be able to quickly shoot down targets while on horseback. They serve as a reinforcement unit on the battlefield, and are also used to disrupt supply lines, often taking said supplies to bolster their own.

code by Nano

velle · Dec 21, 2021

Radiant Starlight

Xiang Jinhua

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
I still want to play some more!
Full Name
Xiang Jinhua
Courtesy Name
Xingjuan
Class
Radiant Starlight (Water)
Title/Moniker
The Jade Princess
Gender
Female
Height
4'7" (145 cm)
Culture Group
Taejin
Age
14 years old
Appearance
A blossoming beauty. Every inch of her appearance where you look at her simply exudes the aura of a young miss from a wealthy noble family. From her pale smooth skin that has never toiled under the harsh rays of the sun nor her hands without the hint of calluses and perhaps never lifted anything heavier than her pair of chopsticks. Her slender body adorned with the softest and luxurious fabrics sewed by the finests seamstresses. Her long silky dark hair is typically tied into two buns held together by flower hair ornaments. Exercising great control over her facial expressions, it is easy to understand what she wishes to convey with one mere look of her face. However, what she is particularly well-known or identified with is her large peach blossom eyes with a charming beauty mark below her left eye that will make her appear more seductive in the future.
Personality
In order to be befitting of the status and prestige that she was born into, grace and elegance has been etched deep into her bones. Although, in contrast to her peers, Jinhua could be described as more of a tomboy. She has no interest in staying at home, simply performing ladylike activities. She is far more interested in being in the action and frequently escapes into town. Her friendly and inquisitive nature makes her approachable to the townsfolk. She is expressive and honest especially in matters pertaining to what she likes and dislikes.

Jinhua is regarded as the pearl in her elders’ palm and treated as such. It is shown in her fearlessness and disregard of the possible consequences of her actions as she would be protected by her family in the end. Even if she were truly to be punished by her elders, she has the confidence that it wouldn’t be too severe. With the blood of merchants running through her veins, she has a keen eye for finding the potential for people and in particular, material objects that will have high monetary value.

It may be attributed to her age, but her mind is not as steady and has plenty of openings that could be exploited compared to those who have been tempered by the visages of time and their experiences. Childish she may be, Jinhua is sensitive to her surroundings and more acutely aware than she may appear to be. A clan as wealthy as her is by no means simple and for her to be favored especially and be able to survive takes considerable skill.
Biography
On the day that she was born, the flowers were in full bloom with a rainbow covering the sky as though welcoming her to the world after a series of continuous rain. The elders were so pleased with her birth that they bestowed her the name, Jinhua in order to embody their wish for her future. They celebrated with great fanfare, spreading the joy to others that almost the whole of Jianki was aware the Xiang clan welcomed a new princess.

She would learn later on when she’s a bit older on how big of a deal it was. They had tossed several red packets out in the streets and all the businesses under them held promotional activities such as discounts under her name. However, it could not even compare to the gifts given to her. There were various rare and precious items given by different clans and individuals with association to her family. Some were given merely for courtesy and there were those that gave it more care since they actually held amiable ties with one another. The gifts that were prepared by her family were on another level. There were several bolts of brocade to be turned into clothes in the future, ornaments made of precious materials, zie, and properties and stores transferred under name. Xiang Jinhua was considered as one of the wealthiest infants of Jianki.

It was possible only since the Xiang clan had the capability to do so. They hold no power in court but they hold considerable influence in commerce with their strong ties to Songryeon League of Trade. They come from a long line of merchants with a strong ties with money. Money is the source of all connections and courage, it is a universal language that can be used no matter where you are. Even from a young age, Jinhua was raised with the values that if it were to bring more trouble than worth and wouldn’t earn money then avoid it. Money comes and goes, what’s important is how one would use it,

Jinhua, strongly manifesting the Merchant blood of the Xiangs would play with the abacus a few months old and would often enjoy being brought to work. She was a bright and loveable child that didn’t shy away paired with her good looks that she had managed to hold a tight grip in the hearts of her seniors and those around her.

The life that she lived was obviously blessed with the heavens appear to be outrightly favoring her. There is no shortage of individuals that envy and are jealous of her. Jinhua has always been a bit of a tomboy who’s fond of escaping the watchful eyes of her nursemaid and attendants. They did not think much of it and passed it off as a child being too naughty. Even when the residence was turned upside down in search of her when she merely escaped to the forest that the residence was connected to and she brought back an injured wolf pup home. It hadn’t been treated too badly.

Her multiple attempts of leaving home secretly were eventually forced to be taken seriously when she had been abducted. Not knowing how to repent, she had previously encountered several close calls and yet she will continue to escape from those meant to protect her. In order to prevent it from happening again, she was given her private retinue early although she was not aware of their existence until very recently. Oftentimes, she would often forget their existence as well.

If there was something else to take note of her life would be how she became a well-known figure among the populace. It had originally begun in her hometown, given her frequent incognito trips though she did not give much effort in hiding it. It was established that she was clearly a daughter of a wealthy family with the manner she threw money around. But it did not prevent the townsfolk from chatting with her given how friendly and down to earth she is. She would not discriminate on buying objects even if it were from a poor peddler that she would be a welcomed customer to businesses. However, what made merchants particularly enthusiastic about her was the manner that she would draw in crowds into buying their products themselves.

Her family had originally alluded to it as a mere coincidence that a random seller of skewers that Jinhua grew addicted to, became so popular that people would line up for it for a long time but wouldn’t be guaranteed a piece unless they came early enough. They eventually understood that this was Jinhua’s strength. Her brutal honesty that does not even spare their own family business has allowed her to gain the trust of the people. She had become some sort of mascot whose opinion is highly regarded by others.

The Xiang were well aware of the current events particularly when Dao Chaolong took his rightful face and became the newly appointed governor of Weilang. As they were discussing the possible changes this new wind might bring, they had received the letter. It hasn’t come off as a surprise given many wished to be allies with them for simply the monetary benefits it would bring.

It has been this time that Jinhua has disturbed their discussion. She has already been getting sick of the usual sights and how her life had become predictable. She wanted to go outside and see the sights, explore somewhere new. Although she had offered herself to be a representative, seeing herself mature enough, it had been clear enough for everyone else in the room that she simply wanted to have fun. The elders weighed the pros and cons but eventually relented to her request after much begging from her. She would be sent there under the guise of training, helping rebuild the commerce in Weilang and observing the state of their own stores located in the province.

However, before she left, she was given a secret mission in regards to the Dao Lord: Jinhua was to see for herself and help assess whether or not he would be worth investing in.

Relationships
Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
[ A Prosperity Magnet ]
Skilled in uncovering diamonds in the rough, Jinhua has a high instinctive awareness in knowing whether or not something would become profitable. With her good looks, expressive charm and friendly personality, she can quickly become a well-known figure no matter where she is and for always providing honest reviews, she is capable of giving opportunities and chances to others that are willing to take it by providing exposure and drawing in crowds. Her strong background and aptitude in commerce gives her insight to the problems that the shop may be facing and provide solutions to those problems in order to help them be successful.

Battlefield Talents
[ Resources for War ]
An important factor to consider in warfare would be the resources and in order to have those resources: money is vital. Although Jinhua has no skill in rallying troops or even considered to be a fighter, she or rather family is capable of shouldering the financial burden in war with the treasury and resources that she possesses.

Baqi
In the process of learning, currently unavailable.

Personal Equipment

[ Rampaging Nine Vipers ]
The nine-section chain whip is a weapon that she is still in the process of learning. Jinhua has yet to make use of it for its intended purpose since she gained interest and started learning how to use the weapon. Instead, she has taken itself as some sort of replacement for ribbon in order to motivate herself for dance practice much to the infuriation of her teacher.

[ The Splendid Robes of Xiang (Cloth) ]
Hailing from Taejin, the fabric material is made of the finest quality of colorful threads made up primarily of cotton and silk that are meant to be soft for the skin but durable enough to protect the wearer from harm. The clothes are typically fashioned in what is deemed to be in popular designs. Jinhua favors the chest-high ruqun style of hanfu especially.

[ The Xiang Family Token ]
A form of identification and gold card that would provide access to vast wealth and services from the businesses under the Xiang clan. It isn’t an exaggeration to state that as long as you would have the token, you would not have to worry about food nor shelter since they have businesses throughout Jianki although proper authorization would still be checked to prevent frauds.

[ A Timeless Jade Bracelet Heirloom ]
A jade bracelet of obviously superior grade which was given to her by her elders upon her birth. The object is said to have special properties that aside from sentimental value, she would always keep close and wear on her person.
Retinue
THE HIDDEN PROTECTORS

Retinue Name: The Hidden Protectors
Retinue Type:
Retinue Weapon: Mixed - mainly swords with close combat weapons
Retinue Armor Grade: Cloth
Retinue Abilities:
[ Covert Protection ]
Without making their presence be known, even to their mistress, they ensure her protection with their excellent concealment abilities and assess the threats around her. Some would be hidden in plain sight with disguises. Once deemed as a threat, they make appropriate measures which typically results in assassination.

[ Information Gathering ]
They gather any information that could make profit flooding in. From information relating to commerce from the bookkeeping of the shops under the Xiang banner to the purchase histories of the families and rare items to be auctioned in Auction Houses. They typically prioritize in the interests of their master or would be most useful for her. However they haven’t been able to show off since their young mistress, herself, doesn’t provide them the opportunity to.

Retinue History / Legend
It would have originally been given to her when she had grown a bit more older when she had reached an age where it would be necessary to have her own people to protect her from dangerous threats and obey her more clandestine instructions that she wouldn’t like other people knowing. However, she proved to be too much of a handful escaping away from the family guards that she was given her retinue early without her knowing. They originally came from the dedicated hidden guards by the family which were handpicked and chosen for Jinhua. There were also those which Jinhua have helped that have eventually ended up in her retinue after the intense training. Although Jinhua hasn’t been able to personally build a bond and interact with them there are those that developed loyalty towards her as some of it were ingrained, some blossomed a protectiveness from watching her group and those with a debt from having her help them before.

code by Nano

FiveElemental · Dec 21, 2021

Fate-Defying Seeker

Han Li Xiao

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
You are a violent and irrepressible miracle. The vacuum of cosmos and the stars burning in it are afraid of you. Given enough time you would wipe us all out and replace us with nothing — just by accident.
Full Name
Han Li Xiao.
Courtesy Name
Hubei
Class
Fate-Defying Seeker (Wood)
Title/Moniker
Young Detective
Gender
Male
Height
5'8''in 175cm
Culture Group
Hanjin
Age
25
Appearance
Hubei is above average when it comes to his beauty, however, can look disheveled as he does not keep his apperance well maintained, especially during an intense investigation. He does properly care for his hygine, and appearance when he is appearing before a court, except for one article of clothing. He is always seen wearing a blue neck cloth. No matter the circumstance, he always wears it. Even if it clashes with the choice of clothing he wears when presetning for the Court.
Personality
Li Xiao is an erratic, imaginative, blunt, detail-oriented person, with a volition and resolve to see though his actions. Li Xiao is, a great detective, a "Detective-God" if you will, which he calls himself on occasion, a pride he wishes to prove to be true, yet simply cannot prove to himself, because his fixation on details, his unique investigation style, and his desire to not let go of his case until the full picture is revealed, has allowed him to make deductions that break the case open on the regular, even if the truth is beyond it's use. His fanatic dedication for the truth, no matter the price on himself, has allowed him to gain expertise in many random and very situational skills. As he needs every tool in his arsenal to find the Truth, with a capital T, as long as he’s not cracking under the pressure of his guilt of the pain and suffering The Truth can bring, and the pressures of the court. A pressure Li Xiao is a keeping at bay. Li Xiao is a man who is haunted by his past, but that won't stop him from solving any case laid in in front of him, while he tries to piece his life back together, even if it takes following some frankly bizarre leads.
Biography
Being born in the year 124 A.C. during a cold winter month of Daegis, to Dee family, a poor noble family who lived in the outskirts of the Jiaki region. Options here were very limited for a peasant in these regions, yet Li Xiao was lucky, lucky to even have huge oppritunities given to him, a life of relative comfort, and privileges that came with it. He was given the goldilocks zone of freedom, not too poor to be burdened with the potential of starving, and not too important that your life was dictated from the moment you were born. He was, the luckiest man alive. Using the oppritunies given to him, he studied as a scholar would, he studied history, linguistics, arithmatics, arts, and most importantly, the "truths" of this world. Yet, he always found this part to be... lacking, in one way or another. The lacking "truths" of this world motivated his curiousity motivated him to sate this longing he felt, this craving. The craving for the truth. This desire for the truth, exported into issues of his Families realm. Where he solved issues and disputes with facts he fanatically sought out. Allowing many peaceful disputes to reign for the people, truths which comforted the people. Which enlightened the people. However, this was merely scratching the surface of the iceberg, and he wished to dig deeper...

He had never heard the proverb, "Curiosity Killed the Cat." until it was too late.

It was an investigation like any other. He was close to cracking the case, a murder most fowl. A farmer died of unknown means, and Li Xiao had figured out the murder weapon, the culprit, and the motive, and most importantly, what he was up against. The farmer was killed by a blade, a blade too long for a common foot soldier, it was a blade of a nobles. The farmer was cut down due to wearing a color of the "Enemy". He had tracked down the culprit, a noble way higher in rank and prestige than his family was. A lone man, struggling against a powerful entity. Yet, his naive self had won over him. He had confronted the noble, without any way of showing power, or authority they had to submit to. He learned an imporant lesson that day. The Truth of Hypocrisy. That day, he was nearly killed, and thrown into a shallow grave, left to rot. While spouting "You're out of line." and "You spit on your family name." Li Xiao also knew. That the Noble truly believed in the things he said. The Noble believed what he was doing was within his rights. How hypocritical, but it was... his truth. Thankfully, for the Noble, the only one who could've corrected him with the Truth, was currently dying. But the Truth was, something died in Li Xiao died that day, the young truth seeker, who wished to see the world a better place, with the truth he learned, and became... something else. Nobody knows what he became, but what he became, will one day, perhaps destroy this world, for The Truth.

He had continued to investigate deeper, rooting out where the Young Noble's ideology came from, he found unsavory truths of the family the Young Noble grew up in, many terrible crimes commited by this family. Crimes too terrible for the court to simply dismiss, and he had destroyed a Family, was it for the Truth? No, he knew that it was for revenge. Revenge for the wrongs commited towards him, and with the truth he knew, he felt fear. Fear the truth could bring. As he had investigated every wrong this family had commited, finding The Truth, was a long, arguous task, where many personal sacrifices were made, all in an effort to destroy a family who had wronged him. Curiosity may had killed the Cat, but many forget, that the cat has nine lives. For with the truth, . For every truth he discovered, he found hypocrisies. Those hypocrisies, only lead him deeper into the rabbit hole. For The Truth, he was willing to defy fate, the heavens themselves, for the Truth. No matter how many truths he had to sift through, he would find a truth he could label with the capital T. His search for the Truth hadn't gone unnoticed, as it attracted the ire of many, and the praises of few. Where, despite the skills he possessed, it did not matter under the ire of politics, as he was a useless tool. "He's too hotheaded" "He's uncontrollable." "He has no regard for his name." However, he his skills has caught the eye of the current head of the Dao family, Dao Chaolong. He had given Xiao legal authority, a place to stay, and most importantly, a promise, a promise that the world he will build, will built on the truths of this world. Truths which would not destroy, but truths which will create.

Relationships
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
DETECTIVE ARRIVING ON THE SCENE
When a horrific situation arises, and the people are terrified, and panicked. Someone has to take immediate control of the situation. Or the Truth may slip his grasp. Li Xiao has cultivated his ability to take change of a tense situation, satisfying the people with tidbits of truth, understanding words, and promises of the Truth. Allowing for people not directly related to the case to disperse in a calm and timely manner, to locate suspects for this case, and to get suspects to stay on the scene.

Battlefield Talents
Li Xiao is not talented in leading people on a Battlefield.

Baqi
Li Xiao is someone who solely relies on the tangible skills he has developed, as he had no innate talent for Baqi. He has studied many Baqi practices as only a means to recognize, identity, and exploit the weaknesses.

Personal Equipment

[Clasps of the Truthbrander]
A simple looking pair of gloves, which has been used with ruthless efficiency to apprehend fleeing suspects, relying on non-lethal unarmed combat, to stun and take down with very little physical harm done to the suspect

[Mantle of the Law]
A black haori with the symbol of the Weilang, allowing for him to assume authority of the Dao family, and make legal arrests under the permission of the current head of the Dao Family. While wearing this Haori, Li Xiao is acting under the Dao family, and the laws set by them.

[Book of the Truth-Seeker]
A hand-held five hundred page book which contains notes, ideas, theories, clues, suspects, and conclusions of many previous cases Li Xiao had solved prior. This notebook contains secrets that would destroy many, and heal many. He guards this book intensly, as if this book fell into the wrong hands, many would suffer.

[Lapis Blue Neck Cloth]
Li Xiao is usually seen wearing this article of clothing around his neck, a simple cloth piece which, he started wearing this the day he was left to die. As a reminder of what he has the power to do.
Retinue
The Truthkeepers
Retinue Name: The Truthkeepers
Retinue Type: Scholars, Engineers, Journalists, Investigators, Poets, Accountants, Mathmaticians, Bookkeeps, Artists
Retinue Weapon: The Quill
Retinue Armor Grade: Variable, mostly Cloth
Retinue Abilities:
Accounting: When processing criminals, people, and cases, the bueacracy is necessary, this group, contains extremly experienced bookkeepers and accountants, who can process legal documents with finess and
Process of Elimination: To find The Truth, you must first find many truths and lay it before you, and find hypocrisies in this truth, and use those hypocrisies to find more truths, until you find a truth which you can place the title of The Truth.

Retinue History / Legend
Every society that wishes to be great, needs a certain kind of people, people who is willing to utilize their skills for the betterment of their communities. That is ultimately, the goal of the Truthseekers, a group of semi-organized citizens who wishes to see their world a better place. They utilize their diverse set of skills and influence to exonerate the innocent, and convict the guilty, with indisputable Truths. Unfortunately, they are barely legally recognized. However, the people greatly trust them due to being a collection of citizens.

code by Nano

Mqueserasera · Dec 22, 2021

Thunder-March Vanguard Captain

Zhu Xuexia

Authority
Expertise
Cunning
Resolve
Instinct
“
”
Dedicate your soul to your Lord, your blood to your People. Speak not of yourself when your soul and blood are at risk. One who does not fight madly for their Lord, nor shed a tear of pain for their People, deserves only pity for their existence.

Full Name
Zhu Xuexia [ 朱雪夏 ]
Courtesy Name
Lianjie [ 莲洁 ]
Class
Thunder-March Vanguard Captain (Fire)
Title/Moniker
Indomitable Tigress
Gender
Female
Height
5'9 (176 cm)
Culture Group
Seijin.
Age
19
Appearance
Xuexia’s every emotion is written plainly on her face. She had naught to hide, apparently a young and inexperienced girl in thoughts and feelings. And yet her words contain the might of thunder, and in her gaze the march of an army. Such contradictory facets rise to her surface and clash to the bewilderment of beholders. For at times her dignified stance and imposing demeanor speak of a figure much larger than life, at others, fluffy locks of hair and rounded eyes betrayed an innocent girl who is rather clueless—she in fact has only begun the early days into adulthood. Her body is toned, her muscles trained, her voice bellows, her grip to match the strength of a dozen men. Her appearance, in short, is true to her person.
Personality
There is little left to be said of Xuexia’s temperaments once one has had the chance to see her in person. She wears her heart on her sleeve, and more. Her loyalty to her Lord matches the legends of devoted retainers in days long past. Little doubt Xuexia would sooner flay her abdomen open than betray the expectation of her Lord. Which speaks great length of her one-track mind, her simplicity in thinking, and her refusal to think beyond pushing harder and harder until reality gives in. But one would do well to refrain from judging the young girl too harshly. She is yet young, yet inexperienced. Among the righteous, honor-bound people of the Zhu clan, she was taught to uphold loyalty and morality above all else. Fanatic, yes. But also a selflessness deserving of admiration. And as far as the matter of loyalty and morality are concerned, she believes her Lord to be just, and in all ways worthy of her devotion. Not for one second could she ever fathom the notion of her Lord being anything but a paragon of virtue.

Xuexia is strict with her subordinates, always demanding only the best from them. But she holds her equals and superiors to even higher standards. Despite paying due respect in court, Xuexia openly questions orders that fail to meet her expectations. She makes known also her doubts of characters she thought undeserving of their positions and favors from the Lord. Only when the words of Dao Chaolong himself are given would she answer dutifully, if not blindly. It is then apparent to everyone in the court of Weilang that she has a distrust for underhanded methods in the political world, and consequently harbors great doubts about the character of her Lord’s teacher and strategist.

Other than that, Xuexia is surprisingly a great cook, despite bearing the unsavory title of “the Kitchen Tyrant”. Her alcohol tolerance is almost nil. Her taste buds favor the extremities of sugary foods.
Biography
It all started small in a village named Xishui on the edge of the Dao Dominion, in years so long past few souls should still remember. But the Zhu clan will never forget. The saviors’ names were never forgotten. And the debt shall be paid till the end of time.

Back then, the people of Xishui depended their livelihood on a meager distributary streaming nearby. Fishes were scarce and the earth could hardly bear a quarter year of farming. While the occasional full meals could sustain the hardy people of the land, the frequent bandit threat took away the little stability they still had. Poverty haunted the regions for generations until Dao Yuan’s descendants came. With their appearance, the outlaws were driven away by force. A new life was injected into the land. With the farming methods renovated, the hard-working people of Xiaxia developed their home into a rich land. Golden farms as far as the eyes could see, while cattle thrive and fat under the hands of diligent folks.

In return, Xishui’s tradition of maintaining a rate of hard labor from the eldest to the youngest gave birth to one of the strongest warriors of the land. These warriors ever remained few in number, as there was never much need for war, instead, they worked as local guardsmen or order enforcers for the Dao. Over the years the Zhu clan loyalty and gratitude never faltered. Not even through the reign of Dao Ren.

The tragedy began with Yanjin’s death and the exile of Chaolong. Vehemently opposed to Dao Ren’s ruling since the first day, the Zhu clan, for the first time since the founding of their village, took arms.

Zhu An and his eldest son Zhu Dang spearheaded the patchwork of an army to strike at the heart of Weilang. But with everyone else having bought the ridiculous accusation Dao Ren had made against his nephew, the Zhu had to fight against the entire Dominion. Their uncoordinated attacks and lack of tactics naturally failed. Zhu Dang fell in battle. Zhu An became disabled. And thus ended only the first of many of the Zhu’s futile attempts.

For the next year, the clan retreated further north, nestling themselves against a mountain’s skirt. They bided their time, but not for long. Four years of age, Xuexia saw her second brother off to the battlefield. She remembered little of him save how kind and gentle he was. In their farewell moment, Zhu Feng gave her a cord brown like the earth. He never returned. That year his march was delayed. Then his weary journey was greeted at the destination by a band of mercenaries and troops borrowed from nearby regions in anticipation of his arrival.

Xuexia’s third brother, Zhu Junya, often told her of the heroic tales he had heard from the elders. He had a poetic soul, Xuexia still remembers. He admired the retainers in legends who fought till the bitter end for their Lords. “I can’t imagine living without a cause, it gives me hope even in the worst of times. A just cause ennobles the heart and gives hope to the people. And it is a sad thing to live only for oneself while others suffer” were his words. He carried them with him on his quest to drive Dao Ren from Weilang and restore the heir to his rightful place. But no history book would ever mark his name. Only his lonely sister still etched the memories of him in her heart. His green cord she clutched tightly against her chest on the anniversary of his depart every year since.

She was not as close to her fourth brother. Zhu Suxin was never good at expressing his feelings. But on the day he left, he kept the tradition by gifting her a blue cord, and in the vast southern plains where the dawn had just broken, he embraced her close for a silent long while. Of all the brothers, he came closest to defeating Dao Ren. But fate would deny his chance at the last moment when a stray arrow cruelly tore open his heart.

At last, with their wealth squandered and their number greatly dwindled over the years, there was not much hope for the fifth son. He had indeed no talent for battles, only ever immersed himself in scrolls and folklores. And yet the clan’s pride demanded that he rode forth. He was younger than Xuexia, only fifteen years old, but being a man he must.

Her younger brother’s purple cord in hand, Xuexia questioned for the first time the reason for their desperation. She had seen off four of her brothers, and one she had never had the chance to meet. Each one was dear to her. They were her whole life, all the friends she had ever known. Over the years they had cared for her, been her playmates and teachers. And one by one they had left, never to return. Their cords were the only things she had besides sweet memories. So she stared out the empty plains and thought of the lord she had never met. Surely he had to be someone great. His divinity must be beyond comprehension to worth the lives of her precious brothers. She couldn’t possibly bear any other explanation. And she vowed to follow the steps of her brothers, dedicating the love she held for them to the unseen lord.

Their first glimpse of hope in years came when Shu Jin sought them out. They placed everything on this last chance, rousing every able man in the clan for the last time, exhausting to the last zie for arms and horses. But it was nowhere near enough. So Zhu An bid a retainer to ride north to seek help. A great Orin clan named Yun-Quishou answered their call. They sent trained men in the way of war, along with supplies and horses for the Zhu’s war effort. But in return, many costly conditions were demanded. Shan Wei, their powerful and greedy chieftain, demanded that his clan was to be paid a large portion of the bounty the Zhu would receive under the rule of the new Weilang Lord, should Dao Chaolong successfully seize power. And that Zhu An’s only daughter would become his eleventh concubine.

Having promised his daughter for the Northern Barbarians, Zhu An led an army southwards in a joint effort to take down Dao Ren. As his only child alive, Xuexia acted as the sole officer and earned an unmatched reputation on the battlefield. Well-trained men and Su Jin’s genius tactics provided Xuexia with the perfect tools to strike deep into the heart of Weilang. After so many years and so many costly losses, the Zhu had at last succeeded in aiding the effort to take back the land for the rightful heir. Zhu An passed away soon after, leaving Xuexia as the head of the Zhu clan. Her intention was to keep the promise with the fiance she had never met, but for the time being, she would spend her days serving her Lord dutifully.

Relationships
Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.

Surname, Given
Relationship details.
Traits & Ancillaries
Administrative Talents
[Beacon of Righterousness]
Xuexia is able to effortlessly make inspiring speeches to raise the loyalty of the people in a region. Her noble character and virtuous actions steadily increase the people’s trust, fealty, and willingness to fight for her. The longer she is stationed in a region, the more devoted and loyal the population becomes.

Battlefield Talents
[Beast of War]
Xuexia has never been trained in the art of war. She fights and dominates, instead, solely by virtue of a gifted intuition, a sharp instinct, brilliant maneuvers executed with godlike swiftness, and merciless blows of thundering decisiveness. By relying solely on her instinct, Xuexia can identify weak points, strange movements, and rare opportunities at a glance where it could take trained eyes hours to deduce.

Baqi
[Super Strength]
The physical strength the Zhu clan’s members possess is anything but ordinary. The clan themselves are only half aware of their art however, as they mainly treat it as a tradition to follow rather than a way to cultivate power. The methods entail consistent sessions of mental mediation and physical labor. Even the head of the clan is compelled by tradition to break a sweat every single day. In return, the children of the clan gradually grow stronger and only reach their peaks in their thirties.

Personal Equipment

[Podao]
An enormous podao that is said to take two grown men to lift off of the ground. Its weight alone could break a horse’s neck; its blade, in the hand of an adequately strong wielder, may cleave through even the hardest heavy lamella.

[Black Lamellar]
A heavy set of lamellar armor as black as the night. From her ornate headgear sprouts a flowing tassel made of white horse tail. Round the armor's skirt and collar, tiger fur is also woven for decoration and intimidation.

[Metal Shield]
A large metal solid shield as heavy as her podao; few infantry weapons could come close to breaking it.

[Familial Bracelet]
A bracelet made of the memorial cords her late brothers gifted her. There are five cords in the five colors of the elements. The red cord is her own but also represents her eldest brother.
Retinue
Ebony Vanguards
乌木先锋队

Retinue Name: Ebony Vanguards
Retinue Type: Armored Cavalry
Retinue Weapon: Ji
Retinue Armor Grade: Heavy Lamellar.
Retinue Abilities:
[Frontline Storming] Under the lead of Xuexia, the Ebony Vanguards storm the enemy lines. A combination of heavy lamellar armors, powerful horses, and valor, that can puncture even the most tightly packed infantry lines.

[Cornered Beast] In desperate times, surrounded and outnumbered, their will to fight grows even fiercer, their tenaciousness intensifies, and they become momentary immune to pain.

Retinue History / Legend
A terror on the battlefield in appearance and might. Consists mostly of the veteran riders hailed from the powerful Orin clan, Yun-quishou, and the remaining few Zhu-clan’s members. Though not as strong as Zhu-an’s children, the Zhu among the vanguards possess overwhelming strength. While the Orin riders are borrowed from Shan Wei, over time Xuexia’s virtues have earned their admiration, loyalty, and a willingness to fight fiercely for her. While not all horses in the retinue are black, as a result of Xuexia's order to pick only the strongest, fiercest horses, the ones chosen all ended up being of the darker shades. The riders' armors are also colored black in the tradition of the Zhu-clan, thus the name.

They made up the vanguards of the assault on Dao Ren during Dao Chaolong's return to claim power. And though their number has dwindled after the battle, Xuexia has been personally overseeing the drafting of new recruits to bolster their force. Under her wings, the Ebony Vanguards will have their resolve, mental fortitude and valor greatly strengthened.

code by Nano

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