The State of Zhao

[fetty bridgers 4492]

The State of Zhao
迪斯托里亞 – 趙國

 

Spoiler

 

OOC Note: I’m looking to bring the Distorians (Chinese Farfolks) back to the server. However, the culture and background will shift from the Post-Confucius and Qin-Han Dynasty Era and towards the Three Kingdoms Era. Through this, I hope to create a lot of internal Distorian conflict with the rise and fall of Distorian Warlords. Hopefully, these warlords and their group will maintain a sense of pride and honour and try to avoid creating OOC drama. If interested, please add me on discord at Simba#3399
 

Previous Distorian Wiki: https://bit.ly/2KJ0Krn
Author of Post: OSWGoldenDays (Simba)

 

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A Brief History of the Past Centuries

Nearly 500 years have passed since the dissolution of the Distorian Empire. Since then, Warlords, more commonly known as Jūnfá, have taken over the lands of Distoria. As the Jūnfá fought among each other for power -  war, chaos, and famine ravaged their lands. Soon, their own names and accomplishments would be lost to the annals of history as they brought upon their own destruction. Exhausted from the ceaseless conflict, the remaining warlords decided to seclude themselves for centuries. Conquest among the fractured Distorian states would have to wait.

 

Return of the Warlords

The Lands of Arcas have brought the rise and fall of many civilizations. With war raging in the North amongst the Orenian Empire and the Alliance of Independent States, many Farfolk have retreated to the South to seek refuge. With that, the re-emergence of many Farfolk states has begun. From the Sheikhdom of Al-Faiz, to the Medri Negasi of Seyam, and finally the Warlords of Distoria have begun to herald their presence once more.

The first to establish their name was the Zhao family. Staking their claim upon the deserted ruins of Llyria, the construction of their town would have begun. Seeking to unite the Farfolks, the Zhao family, led by Zhao Yun, have sought to develop relations with neighboring Farfolk communities. 

 

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Culture

Virtues
 

Spoiler

 

榮譽 Honor has become more rampant amongst them. Once bound to a promise or oath, it would be a disgrace to violate such code without clear justification. An individual seeking to disrupt balance, or directly disobeying an oath they promised to follow, will only lead to the demise of the fool. This case does not rely on the status, be it a noble or regular citizen. The broad idea of honor is a subject that travels far beyond the class of a citizen, any who disrupt it will be punished accordingly. As such, a common phrase emerged between all: My word, or my head. 

 

With war having become commonplace after the dissolution of the Distorian Empire centuries ago, the death of a soldier was to be honored. Due to the dedication of a soldier to fight for their homelands, often losing their life on the front lines in order to follow through with this idea, their fellow comrades will regard them highly for defending their home. After the day of fighting, the soldiers would gather, pouring themselves a drink and giving a toast to the moon to pay their respect to their fallen comrade.

 

禮節 Manners are an integral part of Distorian culture. To be informal with a stranger or an elder would be looked down upon. When addressing another, the correct format would be to call them by their surname unless permission from the person was given to call them by their given name. Referring to another quickly with the incorrect given name is incredibly disrespectful, in order to avoid offending an individual it is best to acquaint yourself with them immediately. Do not mistake their politeness with respect when they address foreigners, respect is a concept that is meant to be earned within their lands. Respect is often reserved for those of higher status, and of course the elderly.

 

Furthermore, it is expected that the eldest person, regardless of social rank, would be the first to dine. When dining, it is important to keep the eating utensils (Chopsticks) laid horizontally on the bowl. The youngest will often pour the tea for their elders out of respect. When one sticks their chopsticks into their food and allows it to stand, it is a representation of their sorrow and mourning. However, doing this action during the incorrect time such as a celebration, can lead to a disrespectful display. Doing such improperly, can also be seen as giving those dining with you bad luck.

 

和藹 Charity and humanity amongst the Distorians is glorified. To help your fellow peers in a time of crisis and to give them mercy. Mercy and kindness is reserved for close allying nations, this is heavily dependent on the crisis that they are succumbing to. However, this is often only practiced within one’s own community between one another. Those that were not part of their communities were sometimes not subjugated to the same kindness until it was earned. 

 

 

Lifestyle
 

Spoiler

 

Though war and conflict is a common lifestyle for Distorians, the common man would appreciate the liberties given to them from the heavens. As such, they would spend many days delving into philosophical ideologies, martial arts and artistic designs such as painting and calligraphy to express such ideas and feelings.


 

Though centuries have passed since the last unified Distorian Empire, the remaining Distorians still prefer to be harmonious. To meditate, to practice martial arts, and to grow old with their family has become a goal sought by all. To defend such liberties, young men would march to their deaths to ensure those they’ve left behind may live in peace and solitude.

 

 

Family
 

Spoiler

 

The importance of family is one of the most notable aspects of Distorian culture. To uphold the family name and not to disgrace the ancestors that came before you. As such, commitment and regular prayers for advice from the ancestors are common. 

 

The head of the family, typically the most able-bodied man, would be given great respect. And thus, would be held at a high standard to match the respect. The eldest son would be the heir to the family fortune and carry on the family name and legacy. As a result, the Eldest son will typically be drilled without rest in fine arts, combat and diplomacy. 

 

As the elders of the household grow to an age where they cannot fend for themselves, they simply become an extension of the household. In which, they are to be respected and treated well. It is expected that their offspring take care of them.

 

Attitude to Others
 

Spoiler

 

Distorians with other Farfolk individuals are usually much more polite and friendly with them, due to striving to continue improving the relationships between each other. With their fellow Distorians, and other farfolk, they are incredibly protective of each other and value each others opinions above all. Being cut from the same cloth, it is rare to find hostility towards other farfolk and in fact it is looked down upon. Unless they are from a hostile nation that intends to fight against Distoria, citizens are recommended to be hospital. Often between each other, being as hospitable as possible can turn out to be an interesting competitive activity. Those that attempt to ‘look’ the friendliest and the most welcoming, are viewed as trustworthy and noble individuals.

 

Their reaction to other races, specifically the original descendants, often retain their usual hospitable nature. However, in this case they can appear condescending towards unsavory individuals who do not have a status within their lands. Most descendants that are not of human blood are often viewed with disdain and caution, but Distorians will still try to appear polite towards them. Their initial reaction will probably lead to boasting about their culture, in relation to the stranger’s background.

 

On the topic of other creatures such as Kha and Hou-Zi, they are seen with the usual disdain given to non-humans. Due to their animal looking exterior, these two species are viewed to be barbaric by some. Their relations with specifically Hou-Zi will vary between the ever shifting cycle of rulers. Hou-Zi can often be rejected by Distorians, although they speak a similar language and have similar cultural attributes. However, magical creatures that sprout from unknown sources are seen with hostility, and unlike the Kha and Hou-Zi they will be treated with great caution.

 

Food
 

Spoiler

 

Baozi and Dumplings

Though similar in the fashion that both are filled with juicy and succulent meat with a large variation of different fillings, the main difference between the Baozi and Dumplings rests in the exterior. For the Baozi, the bun is made out of yeast and flour and steamed in bamboo baskets. A quick, delicious meal for anyone. Dumplings are large flabs of dough that encases its fillings before being steamed. 

 

Peking Duck

The peking duck tends to be the most expensive meal. The dish is thinly sliced duck with a crispy, crunchy exterior. It is most commonly served alongside with a large variation of side dishes ranging from potatoes, cucumbers and pancakes. 

 

Moon Cakes

A rich thick filling usually made from red bean or lotus seed paste is surrounded by a thin crust and may contain yolks from salted duck eggs. Mooncakes are usually eaten in small wedges accompanied by tea.

 

Congee

Congee is essentially a rice porridge made by boiling rice in a great deal of water until it breaks down into a pudding-like consistency. It can be made sweet or savory. A large variation of side dishes could be added to it. 

 

Thank you for your time.
謝謝
(XieXie)

 

[thesaintjaleel 792]

I’ve already told you Simba how I feel on this, but this is seriously an amazing culture and I’m glad we have someone so heavily invested. I do hope this gets the attention it deserves. HUGE +1