On Retainership

Foreword

This written document is meant to expand upon something often practiced within the Jade State, extending unto the Jade Courts in of itself, that of Retainership. In its own way, it is the older version of Wardship, when an individual reaches past the age of majority. A unique position all of its own, one may consider it akin to that of the Gentry in other places, though these individuals and for some families spend their lives and generations working for and tending the family above them. With no official way previous of becoming or declaring that of a Retainer, the Jade Court presents this answer henceforth.

Definition of Retainership

As to the definition of Retainership, it can differ from family to family, depending upon traditions and culture. Even so, there are some things that it means universally:

Oftentimes, a higher-up family would take on a Retainer from another family or an individual on their lonesome. They serve that family to their fullest extent and with the approval of that family, they may approach the Senate with that merit and if passed, be gifted that of the title Baron.

What is to be Expected

If a family or the courts take on a Retainer, it does not always end in that of Nobility for the Retainer, and for some, this may be their last chance at raising in class if not. For others, though, Feathood is an option, a document to come soon after this, though first refer to the Five Ways of Ascension in Nobility within Yong Ping.

If a family or the courts take on a Retainer, the Retainer is expected to take on varying roles needed by those they serve, though it can often depend upon the abilities of the Retainer themself. It is not an easy feat to do so.

If a family or the courts take on a Retainer, they are responsible for their well-being and actions, for better or worse. Ex, if one such family takes on an individual as a Retainer, and this Retainer is recognized by the Zhu for a feat of honor, it’d reflect back on the family that took them in as a merit though the same can be said as to a demerit, as is to two sides of a coin.

If the courts take on a Retainer, they are not afforded the rights of Nobility, nor the duties that a family may have. Though, it is a unique position allowing the Leading Lady of the Courts to bequeath rights of Nobility to the individual that may not otherwise be an option under that of a Family.

If the courts take on a Retainer, they may often work within it for some time, having taken on some form of position best suited to their talents. At the behest of the Leading Lady of the Courts, they may be presented to the Senate and if passed, they can be gifted that of Nobility. A difficult process in itself.

If a family takes on a Retainer, the Retainer takes on the duties of Nobility listed within Nobility Within Yong Ping and are afforded certain rights of Nobility to aid them in their position; the privilege of using a Champion in an Honor Duel, the privilege of seeking a Private Meeting with the Senate, i.e at the behest of their sponsor family, the ability to take on one Ward of their own, the requesting of YPA guards for the family if under danger and the privilege of having the ability to sit within the families dedicated seat in a public meeting, refer to Rights of Nobility for the aforementioned above.

If a family takes on a Retainer, if they are presented before the Senate with the prior approval of the family and be gifted that of Nobility, it counts as a Merit upon their family and that of the family that took them in. If that of Nobility is to be denied, depending on the circumstances behind so, a demerit may be taken from the family and Retainer both.

How to Become or Take on a Retainer

If one such individual, family or the court itself wishes to take on or become a Retainer, there is an official process to go about it. Henceforth, we will expand on how to do so below.

The Seeking Individual

If an individual wishes to become that of a Retainer, they need not be Nobility nor Commoner but simply someone that lives within the borders of the Jade State. Open to those with and without families, it is meant to be on a broad spectrum.

It often helps if this individual had first been a Ward beneath the family in question.

So long as this is achieved, they may go through any of the following processes.

Noble Families

For a noble family to take on a Retainer, there are a few things that must be met first.

They must inform the Leading Lady of the Courts of their intention to take them on as a Retainer, so that documentation can be made as to whether later down the line, the individual may count as a merit or demerit to the family.

Unofficial Retainers taken on may not be granted a merit, nor the gift of Nobility at the end of their tenure. This includes Retainers taken on past that of the allotted limit per family.

After taking on that of a Retainer, if the family wishes to remove them from their purview, they must inform the Leading Lady of the Courts so as to document this.

The Jade Court

For the Jade Court to take on a Retainer, an interview must first take place as to whether they’d be a good fit for the Jade Courts. An interview can be sought via the Directorate of Servitude, alongside the Senior and Junior Ladies of the Courts. If they see the individual fit to become that of a Retainer, the individual is presented to the Leading Lady of the Courts, so that documentation may be made.

There is not a limit to Retainers the Jade Court may take on.

Afterword

With the elaboration as to how that of Retainership works, alongside the general processes and ways of becoming them out to the public as a whole, we look forward to the ever-present expansion of the Jade Courts. Keep a careful eye out on documents following these, namely on that of Feathood.

Signed,

Chen Yunya, the Auspicious Minister of Interior and Revenue of the Jade State of Yong Ping, Nushi of the Chen Household and Leading Lady of the Courts and Arts.

On Wardship

Foreword

This written document is meant to expand upon something often practiced within the Jade State, extending unto the Jade Courts in of itself, that of Wardship. A way to learn things you might not otherwise get the chance to, for those of Nobility to showcase their ways and to afford those a chance to raise in class and lifestyle. With the onslaught of questions from families and individuals alike, the Jade Court presents this answer henceforth.

Definition of Wardship

As to the definition of Wardship, it can differ from family to family, depending upon traditions and culture. Even so, there are some things that it means universally:

Wardship is something that those of commonhood or nobility both could partake in. It is when a Higher-Ranking family, namely a Count and up, takes on a child from a young age who is then raised amongst their family members as one would their own child. Upon reaching the age of majority, they would have that merit which they could bring before the Senate and if passed, be gifted that of the title Baron.

What is to be Expected

If a family or the courts take on a Ward, it does not always end in that of Nobility for the Ward, though there is a next step after going through the process, that of Retainership, which will be expanded upon at a later date.

If a family or the courts take on a Ward, the ward is expected to take on varying tasks or jobs set forth by the family in order to continue to earn the privilege of Wardship.

If a family or the courts take on a Ward, they are responsible for their well-being and actions, for better or worse. Ex, if one such family takes on an individual as a ward, and this ward is recognized by the Zhu for a feat of honor, it’d reflect back on the family that took them in as a merit though the same can be said as to a demerit, as is to two sides of a coin.

If the courts take on a Ward, they are not afforded the rights of Nobility, nor the duties that a family may have. Though, it is a unique position allowing the Leading Lady of the Courts to bequeath rights of Nobility to the individual that may not otherwise be an option under that of a Family.

If the courts take on a Ward, upon the age of majority they may be presented by the Leading Lady of the Courts to the Senate and if passed, they can be gifted that of Nobility. Most often, though, you may see a Ward going onto take a position within the Courts itself affording them many opportunities.

If a family takes on a Ward, the ward takes on the duties of Nobility listed within Nobility Within Yong Ping and are afforded certain rights of Nobility to aid them in their position; the privilege of using a Champion in an Honor Duel, the privilege of seeking a Private Meeting with the Senate, i.e at the behest of their sponsor family and the privilege of having the ability to sit within the families dedicated seat in a public meeting, refer to Rights of Nobility under Nobility in Yong Ping for the aforementioned above.

If a family takes on a Ward, if they are to go before the Senate upon the age of majority and be gifted that of Nobility, it counts as a Merit upon their family and that of the family that took them in. If that of Nobility is to be denied, depending on the circumstances behind so, a demerit may be taken from the family and Ward both.

How to Become or Take on a Ward

If one such individual, family or the court itself wishes to take on or become a Ward, there is an official process to go about it. Henceforth, we will expand on how to do so below.

The Seeking Individual

If an individual wishes to become that of a Ward, they need not be Nobility nor Commoner but simply someone that lives within the borders of the Jade State. Open to those with and without families, it is meant to be on a broad spectrum, though if already part of a family familial permission is first needed in order to undergo the process.

So long as this is achieved, they may go through any of the following processes.

Noble Families

For a noble family to take on a ward, there are a few things that must be met first.

If the ward has a family of their own, familial permission must first be gotten.

They must inform the Leading Lady of the Courts of their intention to take them on as a Ward, so that documentation can be made as to whether later down the line, the individual may count as a merit or demerit to the family.

Unofficial Wards taken on may not be granted a merit, nor the gift of Nobility at the end of their tenure. This includes wards taken on past that of the allotted limit per family.

After taking on that of a Ward, if the family wishes to remove them from their care, they must inform the Leading Lady of the Courts so as to document this.

The Jade Court

For the Jade Court to take on a Ward, an interview must first take place as to whether they’d be a good fit for the Jade Courts. An interview can be sought via the Directorate of Servitude, alongside the Senior and Junior Ladies of the Courts. If they see the individual fit to become that of a Ward, familial permission must be obtained, followed by presenting the individual to the Leading Lady of the Courts, so that documentation may be made.

There is not a limit to wards the Jade Court may take on.

Afterword

With the elaboration as to how that of Wardship works, alongside the general processes and ways of becoming them out to the public as a whole, we look forward to the ever-present expansion of the Jade Courts. Keep a careful eye out on documents following these, namely on that of Retainers.

Signed,

Chen Yunya, the Auspicious Minister of Interior and Revenue of the Jade State of Yong Ping, Nushi of the Chen Household and Leading Lady of the Courts and Arts.

FOREWORD

Previously documented is that of the Overview of the Jade Court, detailing the varying positions within that of the Court itself. Today this document is created so as to showcase who holds these positions as of current, alongside which are still open.

Leading Lady of the Court

As to what the role consists of and does, refer to Overview of the Jade Court.

Held by:

 Nushi Yunya of the Chen Household, @tadabug2000, tadabug2000, beautifulwatty#6584

Senior Court Lady

As to what the role consists of and does, refer to Overview of the Jade Court.

Held by:

Danshaku Izanami Kamiyama, @GammaRose, Gammanokia, NOEL∆NI#0258

Junior Court Lady

As to what the role consists of and does, refer to Overview of the Jade Court.

Held by:

The Jade Directorate of the Temple

As to what the role consists of and does, refer to Overview of the Jade Court.

Held by:

 Gong Ren of the Tianrui Household, @Moo_bot, Moo_Bot, Coffee.exe [BOT]#5456

The Jade Directorate of Ceremonies

As to what the role consists of and does, refer to Overview of the Jade Court.

Held by:

 Shishaku Akemi of the Watanabe Household, @Moonish_Imp, Moonish_Imp, Moonish_Imp#1468

The Jade Directorate of Court Seals

As to what the role consists of and does, refer to Overview of the Jade Court.

Held by:

The Jade Directorate of Servitude

As to what the role consists of and does, refer to Overview of the Jade Court.

Held by:

 Nushi Linli of the Ishikawa Household, @discojazz, Discojazz, jazzie#3925

A Jade Court Curator

As to what the role consists of and does, refer to Overview of the Jade Court.

Held by:

 Vespira L., @PrincessSnowie, PrincessSnowie, PrincessSnowie#0848

Danshaku Edict Kin, @Hopesky123, Animewolf0080, Anime_Wolf#0080

The Jade Court Goat Caretaker

As to what the role consists of and does, refer to Overview of the Jade Court.

Held by:

 Guizu Xue of the Chen Household, @mrfruit_4, mrfruit_4, mr.fruit#5488

 Guizu Zavar of the Tianrui Household, @ColonelKuehl1, ColonelKuehl1, ColonelKuehl#6302

AFTERWORD

With the filling of the ranks of the Jade Court, we look forward to further expansions taking place and the prosperity of the Jade State.

Signed,

Chen Yunya, the Auspicious Minister of Interior and Revenue of the Jade State of Yong Ping, Nushi of the Chen Household and Leading Lady of the Courts and Arts.

FASHION IN THE JADE COURT

FOREWORD

Upon the introduction of the Jade Court, there has been a series of raised questions on that of expected appearance of the Nobility of the Jade State of Yong Ping and those who attend its courts. That of varying dress can relay many a thing with only that of a brief glance and we wish to elaborate on this more today.

Clothing in the Jade Court

In previous documents, an in-depth account as to clothing worn within the Jade State in the varying cultures, alongside that of hair-dos has been made. Keeping that in mind, we aim to not reiterate what is already known but instead expand upon it as a whole.

On Furs

Furs are something that have begun to make their debut in the courts, consisting of varying types and with peculiarities to them. The collected furs most often come from animals found within the Jade States borders, though some may be outsourced from other locations. A heavy ban on killing these animals are in place, instead the preference being sending workers out to collect shedded fur and to care for these varying animals.

Bison Fur

The Bisons of Yong Ping have been an animal the State has long cared for, mainly using them in assistance of caring for the farms along the walls of the Jade State. A territorial being, it takes quite a bit of time to establish trust between the Bison herd and oneself. Once this trust is established, though, workers are sent out to wash and care for the Bisons, brushing them down as they shed in the Spring and bringing back the collected fur.

Panda Fur

Most commonly found roaming the Sakura forests, the Pandas of Yong Ping are something newer to the Jade State overall. As the nation grows to understand the animals, a revelation has been made, mainly being that the Pandas shed year-long and are not limited to certain seasons as other animals may be. Under work, though being established, workers are starting to be sent out to care for the beings, washing and brushing them as they do the Bison.

On Accessories

With any outfit, something to complement the wearer is seen as a must. Providing an outlet of creativity and beauty, each varying piece is meant to aid in the outfit as a whole and not detract from the view.

Hairpieces

Fa-zan | Kanzashi | Binyeo 

These specific hairpieces mentioned are hairpins, mentioned in the order of language; Li-Ren, Oyashiman and Hyeol-Yeon. Quite notably, within all of the aforementioned cultures, there is a Coming of Age ceremony that comes with wearing a hairpin. Until an individual reaches 15, this includes men and women alike, they are not to have hairpins in their hair. Upon reaching the age of 15, they undergo what some may call a ‘hairpin initiation’ as a rite of passage.

A lovely tradition that comes with this, is that upon one's engagement, they may gift their hairpin to their fiancee as a pledge of their future marriage. After the marriage ceremony, their newly made spouse would place the pin upon their significant other's hair. On the opposite side of the coin, it can be used as a form of love token. Lovers when forced apart would break it in half, each keeping half of the hairpin until reunited. Otherwise, those married but apart for a long time would break the hairpin in half, each keeping their own half. If they meet again in the future, the hairpin is put together once more.

Buyao - 步搖

The Buyao is most often an elaborate hairpin, most often made with gold and decorated with highly sought after jewels and carvings. Seawater pearls directly from the Ports or polished jade being a fan favorite, carved designs often consisting of phoenixes, butterflies, birds and other winged animals. 

Buyao is a piece that would be added to tiaras, giving it further intricacies and faint shaking as one would walk.

Shubi - 梳篦

The Shubi are combs made of bamboo, wood or bone more often than not. Intricate detailings would be found along its edges, whether with golden calligraphy, delicately carved lotus flowers or peach blossoms. Depending on the hairstyle preferred, one would pick between a thick-toothed comb or a thin-toothed.

Fengguan - 鳳冠

Fengguan, though also known as the ‘phoenix crown’, is one of the most intricate pieces seen from the aforementioned. Inlaid Bokolo feathers, golden carved dragons, beaded pheasants, seawater pearls and auspicious gemstones all find a place within the piece. It is a crown of constant rebirth, never entirely finished as pendants, beads and ribbons are added frequently, making it a heavy piece to wear on any individual's head.

Bira-bira Kanzashi - びらびら簪

A two-pronged hairpin with metal strips attached to a rounded piece at the end, mainly consisting of bells, silken flowers braided together and colorful ribbons. The hairpin itself is made of gold or silver, accented with jade, red and pink corals and other auspicious jewels. The wearer's family crest is often stamped on the rounded piece at the end.

Hanagushi - 花櫛

Hanagushi is a thin-toothed comb, often made of silver or gold and decorated with folded silk flowers. Varying silk colors are seen most often, giving it a bright visage. More time consuming and uncommon, other silk pieces would be found folded along it, shaping to convey animals or other forms of nature one may find.

Pārusanbāsuto - パールサンバーストティアラ

The Parusanbasuto is a fringed tiara, with rows of seawater pearls topping it, a larger pearl within the center and layered with varying jewels to form a parure Beneath the pearls is exceptionally thin diamond arrays, all leading up to a top line.

Binyeo - 비녀

Binyeo is a hairpin that is long but heavily ornamented, mainly towards the end with intricate shapes and carvings, making the need for it to be well-balanced a hefty one. Often made from gold, silver, brass or amber, the ends piece would have many a contrast of varying colors and materials such as wood, bones and diamonds.

Kkoch - 꽃 빗

The Kkoch is a comb most commonly made of ivory, bone, tortoise shell or varying woods. It is thick-toothed, with delicate paintings of lotus flowers, beautiful scenery or scrawling calligraphy decorating its main body.

Sinla - 신라

A Sinla is a crown, primarily made of gold, silver or bronze. Abundant use of jade is often used, chains of varying lengths decorating the crown itself and the chains holding blue jade and golden leaves at the ends of it. The crown has tree-like prongs on each side and antler-like prongs on the left and right. Variations are found within it, consisting mainly of varying jades, bones and jewels decorating the piece.

AFTERWORD

This is meant to be the first of many installations to that of the Jade Court as varying members of Nobility are introduced, our growing ways and traditions will ever be expanded upon, allowing a glimpse into the pillars of the Jade State. As this document is long in of itself, this is only the first part of what is meant to be what I shall lovingly refer to as the Jade Courts Catalogue.

May the Jade State of Yong Ping ever prosper.

“No mud, no lotus.”

Signed,

Chen Yunya, the Auspicious Minister of Interior and Revenue of the Jade State of Yong Ping, Nushi of the Chen Household and Leading Lady of the Courts and Arts.

The ports of Oyashima, circa SA 12, 1808.

Heat blistered against her skin, breaths coming frantic and short, cotton strained against her swollen belly. Sweat dotted her temples, feverish gaze sweeping across the port as the darkness of the night pressed in against her. Her gaze landed on the rocking ship, loud in her rushing ears as the moment came nigh. Guards exchanged posts, raucous laughter sounding as they exchanged strings of coin between greased palms, her coin; the last of it is clutched close.

As the newly-arrived guards settle into their shift, one makes an excuse, dipping away from his partner on duty. Putrid, heavy breath hits her and the last of her coin is gone, clanking away in the guards pockets as a bruising grip finds its way to her wrist. Stumbling forward, her head ducked forward, tightly wound curls bouncing with her movement as she’s brought to the docks, nearest the boat. Niceties are exchanged between Guards, a commonality to see those dragging another individual off.

Sweat soaked her neck, forehead scorching as her footsteps stumbled further upon the rickety ramp leading up towards the boat. Each movement lurched, stomach churning as bile rose, retching as acid burned her throat and she’s pulled in further amidst the all too loud waves smacking against the boat. 

Like sardine in a tin, she’s slid into a heavily confined space, a palm raising to shakily support her stomach and the other clutching at a rotting wood pillar, head lolling to rest against the scraping piece. Faces blurred before her, some old and some young, all with varying expressions: fear, apprehension, grief. Such a rare chance met with so many fleeing emotions, each creeping up on her as did her nausea.

The filtered light of the lamps above goes dark as the brig slams closed, leaving only pitch black and heavy breaths. With the loss of one sense, the others only heighten, bringing the heavy scent of salt water and sweat to her nose as she lurched forward as the preparations to leave port soon began.

Shouting sounds, indecipherable as blood rushes in her ears, footsteps pounding above as papers exchange. A cry is quieted, a worried fathers hand covering the near entirety of his daughter's face, almost suffocating in the darkness.

Yasu’s vision faded in and out, time passing though she couldn’t be sure how long. Hours, days. Was it morning? The questions left her as her head bobbed back forward, all contents of her stomach long lost in the coming time that passed, consciousness hardly kept.

A question barely reaches her, creeping away from grasping hands as light blared down into the pitch black brig for the first time in what felt like forever. Words are uttered, soon barked out as she couldn’t bring herself to quite catch them. Though, soon she’s hauled to her feet, unstable as she’s blindly pushed up the steps.

The salty air of the sea met her flushed cheeks, head tilting back as sweat-soaked hair rustled, numb legs continuing its movement forward. Cries of relief follow her and the crack of a ramp being lowered sounds, eyes fluttering as she takes in the bustle of the new city. Trees soar high, homes of brick and terracotta reaching out into the distance as she’d stumble her way down, the first thing she could grasp in a while was that she was free.

People, individuals crowd the docks, arms open as they welcome in families who fled. Her gaze swept over those there, each swipe causing dread to further sink into the depths of her stomach. She didn’t see him. Stumbling, searching, she spun desperately searching for a loved one. He should be here, he got away, didn’t he?

Nothing made sense anymore, vision twisting as she collapsed to the ground, head cracking back against the cobbled alleyway. Something wet her legs, dark hand lifting as her blurred gaze took it in, disembodied as she faintly noted the feeling of being empty, weightless. Head lolling, she’d lost consciousness.

On this day, one Goda Yasu, a refugee from the warring state of Oyashima died from prolonged sickness and childbirth. Her husband, Goda Botan had been thought to be separated from her in a previous escape attempt and within the Tai Ping district , body has never been recovered, sunk into the depths of the ocean at the ports of Oyashima.

Goda Yusa - 1765 to 1808 [SA 12.]

Goda Butan - 1764 to

1808 [SA 12.]

FOREWORD

Upon the introduction of Nobility within the Jade State of Yong Ping, a Jade Court has formed. With the goal of introducing various things and aspects of life to the newly named Nobility of Yong Ping; a series of measures have been taken to set up what is sure to be a good time. In order to achieve this, a number of positions are being introduced and will be granted to those taking an active part in the initial setup of the Jade Courts.

Leading Lady of the Court

The Leading Lady of the Court is the highest ranking court position in the Jade Court, they are an individual that takes on a role different than that of the Senate in court matters, ensuring a standard is met for that of the Nobility of the Jade State of Yong Ping.

 Tasked with setting the example, they are expected to keep up and set the standard for those to follow. They ensure the court is running smoothly with all the essentials it may need. Alongside this, is the hiring of Senior and Junior Court ladies meant to act as a second in all aspects of the Courts. 

Senior Court Lady

The Senior Court Lady is the second highest ranking court position in the Jade Court, they are an individual directly hired by the Leading Lady of the Court and is someone meant to work closely with them with the upkeep of standards and expectations.

 They conduct the interviews of the heads of the Jade Directorate, are in charge of the updating of Court staff for the public, alongside keeping on top of Court matters.

Junior Court Lady

The Junior Court Lady of the Jade Court can be a tedious role, as the third highest ranking court position, they are tasked with a primarily management role.

 Helping to conduct interviews for the lower positions of the Courts, namely Wards and Retainers, they then bring this to the upper-levels for approval. Alongside this is the organization of the courts, keeping a close eye on Court matters and doing the various tasks delegated to them by their higher-ups.

The Jade Directorate of the Temple

The Jade Directorate of the Temple is hired directly by the Senior Court Lady and is in charge of the expansion of religion within the Jade State of Yong Ping.

 They are to direct ceremonies in the temple itself, keep to the care of Monks quarters and introduce new Monks to the way of Temple life.

The Jade Directorate of Ceremonies

The Jade Directorate of Ceremonies is hired directly by the Senior Court Lady and is in charge of various events and matters within the Court. 

They are tasked with the introduction of games, traditions and to ensure each thing is more exciting then the last. They are to interview and speak with potential Curators of the Jade Court and to introduce new and fun ways of doing things.

The Jade Directorate of Court Seals

The Jade Directorate of Court Seals is hired directly by the Senior Court Lady and is in charge of the court archives, the keeping of important documents and the introduction of new ones.

They are to keep the Court relevant, with the finding of various art pieces, bringing forth traditions old and new and keeping a keen eye to our history.

The Jade Directorate of Servitude

The Jade Directorate of Servitude is hired directly by the Senior Court Lady and is in charge of the lower levels of the court, interviewing potential Servants and other various positions such as the Court Goat Caretaker and delegating them their tasks.

 Ensuring the court is fully stocked with necessities, they are to keep the cabinets full, the lower positions running smoothly and ensure the Court standards are upheld.

A Jade Court Retainer

A Jade Court Retainer is one that doesn’t come directly beneath a Noble family of the Jade State but instead under the Jade Court itself.

They do not have specific tasks set, as Retainers can be hired on for any number of reasons, depending on talent and ability. They are called upon when their particular set of talents are needed within the Courts, i.e. varying performances, origami work.

A Jade Court Ward

A Jade Court Ward is one that doesn’t come directly beneath a Noble family of the Jade State but instead the Jade Court itself. 

They are often set menial tasks, giving them an education as they’re raised amongst the courts. They’ll often be found delivering missives, being set tasks from varying Directorates, among other things that’ll allow them to learn the ins and outs of the Court at a young age.

A Jade Court Curator

A Jade Court Curator is not a direct part of the Court but still an important position in of itself. They are interviewed and can come from any settlement or nation, provided they have something valuable to offer. This can be mainly considered a merchant role, where artists may be invited in, jewelers or other various skills certified to sell within the Jade Court.

A Jade Court Servant

A Servant of the Jade Court can mean a variety of things, as they are set a variety of tasks from those of the Directorate. 

Most often, you’d see them conducting tea ceremonies for the various meetings happening within the Court, ensuring a standard of cleanliness is upkept and serving during various functions.

The Jade Court Goat Caretaker

A highly important and respected position is that of the Court Goat Caretaker, the Goats within the Jade State have become a national animal that the government and citizenry alike strives to protect and care for.

 The Jade Court Goat Caretaker is to ensure the housing and cleanliness of Goats, their protection from any would-be harmers, training and other various measures that would need to be taken to constitute proper care.

AFTERWORD

With the creation of the Jade Court, there is much work to come. Those of varying talents and skill sets are welcome as we usher in a new era under the reforms of the Jade State. As each pillar we shall soon stand steady upon is constructed, we will need the people, you, to help us in this endeavor. With the official announcement of positions, the Jade Court begins their search for those to take us high and prosper.

“No mud, no lotus.”

Signed,

Chen Yunya, the Auspicious Minister of Interior and Revenue of the Jade State of Yong Ping and Leading Lady of the Courts and Arts.

A Guide to Persona Creation within the Jade State

So! You are looking to make a persona within Yong Ping. There are a few questions you’d need to answer for yourself first, that being the following:

Which of the current cultures do you want your persona based on?

Are you looking to join an existing family or make your own? If looking to join, what are the current existing families?

What is the backstory of your persona or what do you want it to be?

And

What kind of skin would you need and how do you get one?

We’ll now refer to the first question, cultures.

As of current, there are three cultures within the Jade State; the Li-ren, Oyashiman and the Hyeol-yeons. The IRL equivalent being that of the Chinese, Japanese and Korean. The first two mentioned have an extensive history, which there is a multitude of forum posts on while the last is relatively new to the nation but growing.

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/196044-culture-li-ren-culture/

The Li-ren people hail originally from Li-guo, having fled from the ever-warring state to go on to find a place of refuge and safety. They are a people of the arts, often seen with ornate fans and parasols in the higher classes and wearing Hanfus all-around. A diagram below depicts the stylings of a hanfu.

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/203284-a-look-into-li-ren-fashion/

Fun fact, the first Zhu of the Jade State is Li Xiuying, the Li-ren who founded first the Tai Ping district followed by becoming that of a settlement led to Nationhood, the Jade State of Yong Ping.

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/194066-culture-oyashima/?tab=comments

The Oyashiman people originally hail from Oyashima, bound within the confines of a rigid caste-system. They have many special weapons custom to their culture, one of many being the Katana most often used by the Samurai, an honorable class of warriors. The Oyashimans most often wear Kimonos, the diagram of one depicted below.

Fun fact, the Ishikawas are a well-known family of high status both in Oyashima and the Jade State alike. A branch of the family had been founded in a castle of their creation, Tsutenkaku, by one Tsune Hirano. She later went on to become a fervent ambassador alongside our Wise Minister of Education before her passing.

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/203665-culture-the-hyeol-yeon/

The Hyeol-yeon peoples originally hail from the Cunyuan region and are found to be highly religious people who didn’t initially flee their home but have come to settle here. With a variety of religious rites, they are a fan of totems and statues; such as the Jangseung, among other things as they are superstitious people believing in that of Karma. They most often wear a Hanok, the diagram of one depicted down below.

Fun fact, the Hyeol-yeon people were initially introduced to the Jade State through a series of pirate attacks that lasted years. Having been forcibly taken from their home, they had been enslaved on the Pirates ships and later freed by the Yong Ping Army and led back to the Jade State in order to recuperate, over five-hundred people were given their freedom and went on to incorporate themselves into the city.

Before going into that of open families, it is always open to make a family of your own. Whether a lower class one within the slums or finding yourselves within the Port district as sailors, there are many options to those open to making a persona within the Jade State.

The families listed below are ones currently open to accepting new members, though keep in mind to contact them first. 

The Tianrui family

The Tianrui family is based on two cultures, Li-ren and Oyashiman, through a series of long history. Mainly that of Elves, there’d be some humans pocketed throughout, with a heavy presence in the military and merchant work. Leading the prosperous Tianrui Teahouse and with a member as Duhu of the Army, they are a family of great size to be reckoned with.

Point of Contact: Tianrui Ren, Moo_Bot, Coffee.exe [BOT]#5456.

The Chen family

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/202483-the-chen-family-history-%E9%99%B3%E5%AE%B6/

The Chen family is one that mainly focuses on that of the arts. Known for their love for calligraphy, dance and poetry, they aim to bring further beauty to the Jade State. Keeping this in mind, if one were to watch them closely, they are a family of drama with a taste for the finer things due to their higher status in the caste system alongside many a Minister and Government worker coming from their family. Consisting mainly of Li-rens, there would be a few Hyeol-yeon spotted among their ranks, alongside elves and humans alike.

Point of Contact: Chen Yunya, tadabug2000, beautifulwatty#6584 or Chen Wenping, Bemoblue, Samuel The Cannibal#9401.

We’re getting closer now to the full creation of your persona, though backstory is an important factor. Referring to any of the cultures above, of course any backstory can be created from that but for those who need a little help, here are a few events that have happened that may help towards creating one for yourself.

The Tai Ping Massacre

For those looking for a persona that’d be in their forties or above, the Tai Ping Massacre happened during a time when the two cultures at the time [Li-ren and Oyashiman] had founded a district within the settlement Talons Port. A group of serial killers had harassed the district for a Dragon's week, with the grand total count of deaths being 30 at the end. Bodies had been strung up from every crevice, laid across every roof and blood permeated the air leaving quite the traumatizing irp year.

The Fleeing of the Refugees

Nearly forty years ago now, when news of Yong Ping first being founded spread to Aeldin, alongside a new venture made to bring forth unity between the ever-warring cultures [Li-ren and Oyashiman], both had fled to the newly found settlement. Tensions were tight, having fled from the bloodshed only to be close to those they’ve fought for many, many years but with time and effort, the cultures have come to respect each  other with time.

The Freeing of the Hyeol-Yeon

Nearly twelve years ago now, when the pirate attacks began and it was found they held Slaves, the Yong Ping Army boarded their ship and through a hard-fought battle, freed five-hundred people who then went on to incorporate into the city as refugees.

The Brewing Tsunami

Only eight years ago now, a great disaster and yet one that was a religious moment, Susanoo, a Kami, had warned the people of the Jade State of a coming tsunami and to rush to the temple. Those that heeded the warning were spared, the large waves crashing down, only to split before the temple and spare those within. The people who hadn’t found themselves in the temple weren’t so lucky, some children having been orphaned during this time.

The Final Destruction of the Pirates

Just under a year ago now, the Pirates encampment has been fully destroyed. Many had died due to the Pirates attacking and killing their own and during this time, there had been twenty-one orphaned children saved and brought to the temple to be cared for properly.

A diagram of clothing of all three cultures.

When going about seeking a skin for your persona, you have a few options. With the use of @skinner in our main Discord, you can commission a skin from one of our fine skinners. If unsure on that option, there are free to use skins which will be linked below, alongside templates for those wishing to make their own.

Hanfu Templates

Li-Ren Free to Use

Kimono Templates

Oyashiman Free to Use

Hanbok Free to Use

Any Free to Use

If you have any questions as to further character creation, join the Yong Ping discord today and look under #information for more, alongside #characterreferences in channels. We look forward to having you!

https://discord.gg/7sUf6WFXHJ