Moenah

"She is busy- again." That was the excuse Rhea gave herself, not seeing her mother during the entire frenzy. Most times, it was true- that had usually been the case.

After that House of Lords meeting, hearing the verdict given, she didn't go home right away. She had been in the middle of questioning her very identity that day- her own importance. Most of the things she had remembered up to that point had been crumbling down to the lies that they were, day after day, month after month. And if that wasn't overwhelming enough, she received the missive. Only then did she find herself at the estate, reading the note directed to her. Something about this felt familiar.

Was that it? She's just gone now? She kept asking herself, not even able to remember the last heart-to-heart conversation they had. Just like that, without even a goodbye to her face. Rhea had hoped that maybe, after everything, she would have the chance to clear her thoughts with her mother herself- but of course, she would never get the chance now. Unlike with Charles' death, she was old enough to understand things more clearly now- old enough to know she wouldn't have to wait for her mother to 'come back' from the sky one day.

"You live on in a 'lil lie moreso than any'a us by some, an' thas' the best truth you're going to get from any bullshitter sitting in this palace.” Raised the voice of one of her friends, as she absorbed each word from her seat, head down. “Thas' life, Rhea. Life is death, and it sure isn' fair, but it sure happens. And your peers ignore it.” 

No, this wasn't fair. Although she may never have considered herself the smartest, she could have at least showed her the other things she was good at. Proven to her how useful she could have been. But, just like that, and when what she needed the most was her mother, she was gone. Reading the letter, she couldn't help but wonder- This is how she really felt? It wasn't like there was any way to know now.

Because, losing now both her parents, she also couldn't help but weep.

“So funny, all this.” Comments the growing young lady, taking a peek at the newest addition to this scandal. “When you are no longer needed, you are disposed of.” Looking to the mentioned dismissal in her other hand, she squeezed that paper tight in her palm, her face souring. “... A show of ****.”

Finally old enough to be able to read the words in the papers, in the heart of an adolescent teen was a seed of resentment, growing to its breaking point. The words that could eventually leave her mouth after this incident only boiled up inside, ready to spit out at the first person she saw. She watched as her reality warped before her.

SPRING SAKURA FESTIVAL

[!] Invites would be sent around all of Xin Zhou [Almaris] with colourful depictions of the blooming Sakura trees by Yong Ping’s entrance and a dish of enticing Oyashiman cuisine in the foreground.

As the sun rises to greet the newly blossomed buds of spring, the people of The Jade State of Yong Ping gather under the cherry blossom trees in feast; celebrating the new season of fertility. This year, the citizens  of Yong Ping have prepared a grand event and invite all the residents of Almaris to come and celebrate in the Sakura Festival.

Each Saint's Day of the festival will end in a large and grand feast, sharing with everyone the cuisine and culture of both Li-Ren and Oyashiman. It is highly encouraged to refrain from bringing any weapons to the festival- unless they are participating in the Sakura Festival Hunt. 

Sakura Festival Itinerary

OOC: Friday, May 7th, 7 PM EST

Mochitsuki

Mochi is a delectable sweet that is enjoyed by many of the residents in Yong Ping; however, to make this soft and stretchy treat can be quite tiring. As a test of speed, strength, and endurance, participants paired into teams of two will observe and pound white rice into what is known as mochi. The first team to finish quality mochi will be awarded a one of a kind omamori charm. A demonstration will also be performed to help the participants have a finer grasp.

The Yoake Feast

The Yoake Feast is the first feast of the annual Sakura Festival. Here, participants will be able to experience some of the large variety of Li-Ren and Oyashiman cuisines while also having a first glance of geisha performance. 

Guests will be served light alcohol, tea, and juice, and the entrees will consist of seafood, beef, and pork. As a word of caution, any participants who cause loud or major disruptions will be asked to leave and escorted out.

The First Fireworks 

With a colorful spectacle to end the first day of the festival, fireworks will be set off at the bay for the participants to enjoy. It is highly advised that pets are taken elsewhere due to the noise pollution.

OOC: Saturday, May 8th

Sakura Hunt -- 2 PM EST

Under the first blooms of the sakura blossoms, the group of hunters would be approached by a fox beckoning them to a hunt across Almaris. Through the great cherry trees, onwards towards—the sly fox would try to lose their trail. Across the lands, the fearsome hunters will encounter boars, bears, and various fauna to spit roast and enjoy at the end of the hunt.

The Hinode Feast + Fireworks Show -- 5 PM EST

The Himode Feast is the second feast of the annual Sakura Festival. Here, participants will be able to experience some of the large variety of Li-Ren and Oyashiman cuisines.

Guests will be served light alcohol, tea, and juice, and dishes will consist primarily of raw beef and pork to be cooked manually at the feast. As a word of caution, any participants who cause loud or major disruptions will be asked to leave and escorted out.

Fashion Show

While the guests are feasting, a showcase of the fashion seen in Yong Ping will be on display, and the stage of the teahouse will be turned into a runway as our models strut their silks!

OOC: Sunday, May 9th, 5 PM EST

The Wen Puppet Show

Gather up the children and the whole family, as the Wen household puts on a puppet show for our guests in the teahouse!

The Dei Feast + Fireworks Show

The Dei Feast is the third feast of the annual Sakura Festival. Here, participants will be able to experience some of the large variety of Li-Ren and Oyashiman cuisines.

Guests will be served light alcohol, tea, and juice, and dishes will consist primarily of raw and cooked seafood. As a word of caution, any participants who cause loud or major disruptions will be asked to leave and escorted out.

OOC: Monday, May 10th, 5 PM EST

Cooking Contest

The Higure Feast + Fireworks Show

The Higure Feast is the fourth feast of the annual Sakura Festival. Here, participants will be able to experience some of the large variety of Li-Ren and Oyashiman cuisines.

Guests will be served light alcohol, tea, and juice, and dishes will consist primarily of soup and noodles. As a word of caution, any participants who cause loud or major disruptions will be asked to leave and escorted out.

OOC: Tuesday, May 11th, 5 PM EST

Yuyami Feast + Fireworks Show

The Yuyami Feast is the fifth and final feast of the annual Sakura Festival. Here, participants will be able to experience some of the large variety of Li-Ren and Oyashiman cuisines while also having a front view seat of the final firework show of the festival the Season of Fertility.

Guests will be served only tea, and juice, and dishes will consist primarily of fried and hot dishes. As a word of caution, any participants who cause loud or major disruptions will be asked to leave and escorted out.

Drinking Contest

For any and all who wish to test the strength of both their stomachs and kidneys, the residents of Yong Ping have collectively prepared a variety of alcoholic drinks to be collectively consumed in contest. For the cost of 5 mina to participate, any participants who are able to hold down their liquor and remain the most sober will win a grand prize of 85% of the earnings collected from those who paid for the event. 

Yong Ping Commemoration Festival

Join us this Grand Harvest for a Fabulous Festival in Yong Ping! 

[OOCLY: Saturday 7pm EST]

To celebrate the anniversary of our dear city’s founding, all are invited to this grand spectacle. From games to performances, there will be something for everyone; even merchants from afar will be satisfied by Yong Ping’s finest wares. 

The event will start off with a grand opening ceremony at the Temple of Enlightenment to commemorate the progress Yong Ping has made thus far.

Then, everyone will gather for a painting of the whole community by the Government House.

[OOC: Screenshot photos with everyone :) ]

After those have all wrapped up, guests are invited to the teahouse to unwind. Music, food, and of course, tea will be available for consumption. Additionally, a dance performance and the following variety of Game Stations will be provided for your entertainment:

Spice Challenge: Test your stomach and your mettle in this indomitable challenge that only one, in the whole of Almaris, has conquered.

Bamboo Clapping Dance: Fancy yourself fast on your feet? Got a sense of rhythm? See how long you can avoid the clapping bamboo sticks in this dance of death.

Tackle the Shoop: In a game similar to tag, you are challenged to find the Shoop within the bounds of the teahouse. Find the shoop and assume its visage and hide well!

While city officials are keeping the details of what will go on there tightly under wraps, locals have been giving their own two cents. Tianrui Ryu, a local soldier, answered enthusiastically, “The party of the century!” We sure hope so. Masamune Musashi, an esteemed Oyashiman admitted, “I actually didn’t realize there was a festival this weekend.” Is Ryu right? Will there be a festival? These are the important questions that you too can answer at the venue!

Join Yong Ping for our first festival commemorating the founding of our city! With festivities, food, and maybe even fighting, there’s truly something for everyone!

Signed, 

Li Xiuying

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Signed,

Li Xiahong

Minister of Rites

Ashes to the Wind

[!] Passed to the citizens of Yong Ping, and other select people across Almaris, was an invitation, the event in question seeming to be somewhat of  a funeral. Details were written on rice paper, with a traditional Oyashiman ink painting depicted above it.

(Weeping, Matsuda Saiko, 1812)

At the request of his closest family, this invitation asks the presence of it’s recipients to attend the memorial procession of the late Solomon Takezo. In remembering his life and guiding his soul to his next life, the service will follow some Oyashiman customs. Attendees are encouraged to wear muted, dark colors, as only his closest relatives will be dressed in black. The only exception to this would be any Li-Ren attendees, the mourning color of that culture being white. 

Guests are encouraged to bring condolence money in a silver envelope, ‘okoden’, and pay their respects to the shrine in front. Once they are seated, people will be allowed to offer a few words, which after, the family will proceed to the front, each in turn offer incense three times to the incense urn before the shrine’s surface. At the end of this ceremony, after the monk’s chant, the guests and family will proceed to the pond in front of the temple, lighting lanterns on behalf of the deceased.

reserved

Describe your very first RP.

A UNION BENEATH THE LANTERNS 

[!] Spread all throughout Almaris, a red packet decorated and laced with golden embroideries was sent out to the whole city of Yong Ping and the citizens of its allies. Each packet’s contents included an invitation, written on rice paper in elegant Li-Wen calligraphy for those fluent in it, and common translation provided beneath it, detailing an event to take place in Yong Ping. For those who received special invitations, not only would they receive the flyer, but included along with it was a portrait of a couple, painted and drawn in the traditional Li-Ren style.

[!] The following people would receive said special invitations:

It is with the utmost excitement that Yong Ping invites you all- citizen, friend, and ally- to celebrate the first marriage within its borders, the union of Xiahong, eldest son of the Li family, and his beloved partner, Wu Zhelan. The procession and ceremony observed will be much like a festival in scale, following the customs native to Li-Guo itself:

親迎 / Qinying - The procession from the groom’s house to obtain his partner. The streets will be decorated in red and gold as they and the congregation advance on to the temple.

入府 / Rufu - Entering the gates of the temple, the couple will conceal their face with a silk fan, symbolizing modesty and goodness.

沃盥 / Woguan - The couple will wash their hands with flowing water, symbolizing the purity and sanctity of the wedding ceremony.

同牢 / Tonglao - Eating one piece of meat from the same vessel, symbolizing the bonding of the new couple.

合卺 / Hejin - Drinking from merged winecups, symbolizing the beginning of couple combining to become one.

Following the ceremony at the temple, the congregation will join the newlyweds and their families to a large banquet at the teahouse, before they retire to their new residence.

Signed by,

Li Xiahong, Minister of Rites, and Wu Zhelan

Li-Wen 李文

Li-Wen is vastly different from any existing languages on Almaris, borrowing greatly from the Hou-zi in its use of characters and pronunciation, often very difficult for those unfamiliar to pick up.  Words are often made of a combination of up to three syllables in phonetics, with five different inflections. Li-Wen is tonal; tones must be correct in order to convey the correct meaning, which makes it more challenging to learn. One mispronunciation of an inflection can result in calling your mother a horse. It is heavily context-laden and lacks preposition, requiring knowledge of background information before full understanding of a conversation.

Basics

With any language, one has to start with the everyday basics the users use for daily life. These are words you'll hear constantly in Yong Ping, and phrases each Li-Ren is guaranteed to know.

Titles, Pronouns, & Family
 

Time

Numbers

Swears, Insults, & Extra Phrases

As for these words right here, I don't think these would be exchanged in teachings with anyone other than the Li-Ren. I'd think these as slang- so we would never teach these in our class, it's just said by or to other Li-Ren.

Naming Practices

What differentiates Li-Ren names from Oyashiman (Japanese) is that Li naming practices consist of a surname of a single syllable which comes before the given name of the person. The given name will then be either one or two syllables long, but never anymore than two. Each name a person is given will have two different characters coming together to create one meaning, and depending on the tone of the character, two names spelt the same can mean different things.

22 hours ago, heartclue said:

Skin name: Rosette Debutante 
Skinner: venclair
Discord: coven#3346
Bid: $8 USD

Skin name: Rosette Debutante 
Skinner: Venclair
Bid: $10 USD

Skin Name: Rosette Debutante

Skinner: Venclair

Bid: $5 USD

Rhea Alexandria would indeed receive her kiss on the head, but like everything else that escaped the mind of the then 4-year-old, she wouldn't think much of it, much less comprehend the sudden news that her father was now dead. Rather than sadness, the only emotion Rhea was really feeling was confusion - why everyone was suddenly crying, why no one would tell her anything, and what they even meant when they finally did. To even get a grasp on death at that age was no easy task. Perhaps when she got older, she would know better, but for a time, Rhea would only follow the imaginary explanation her brain could make up for her father's absence.

[!] A flyer was be distributed round all of Almaris, with it's usual elegant Li-Wen calligraphy and common translation provided underneath. This flyer was special, a gold finish bordering the red sheet, with an illustration of Li-Ren adorned in gold, carrying a Dragon Dance Costume above their heads!

DRAGON DANCE PARADE

The people of Almaris have joined together and taken the time to welcome in the New Century with the people of Tai Ping through our Lunar Festival- first washing away our sins and pasts, to dazzling the sky with beautiful fireworks, and filling our bellies with feast. As the festivities slowly reach a close, there's no better way to end our year of celebrations with a bang. Join us once again for our Dragon Dance Parade!

A long time tradition in our Lunar festival, accompanied by music and dance, we'll be parading our Dragon through the streets of nearly every city, not only bring it's once motionless body to life, but bringing joy and good luck wherever they go! Our Lion Dancer- the winner of our competition just a saint's day ago- will be alongside the nearly 9-meter serpent!

[!] A flyer would be distributed round all of Almaris with, not only elegant calligraphy in Li-Wen and common translation underneath, but a beautiful sketch of a tradition Li-Ren Lion.

LION DANCING COMPETITION

With our bellies full from the beautiful Firework Feast, and our tongues left in flames from the infamous Spice Challenge, through our year-long celebrations of the Nian festival, the time draws near for our famed Lion Dance Competition! We in Tai Ping humbly invite the boldest of competitors to watch- and participate in the most daring contest we’ve had yet!

As the guardians of our people, this competition will be held in honour of the Twin Lions. Arguably the most important aspect of our celebrations, the Twin Lions are best known for their agility and fitness to bring good luck and scare away the evil spirits that may haunt and lurk about- things that should be left in the years past! 

It is only right that the fittest and most agile of climbers, capable of leaping from rooftop to rooftop, be selected to become the avatars of the Lions and honor them with the Lion Dance, to the merry sounds of drums and cymbals! You’ll find the parading Lions run along the streets to bring goodwill and luck to everyone they meet— from the houses, businesses, even to the spice market stalls!

[!] A flyer would be distributed round all of Almaris with elegant calligraphy in Li-Wen and common translation, along with a traditional painting of a fireworks show underneath!

FIREWORK FEAST

With our woes and worries washed away by the fire, and the suffering of Tai Ping to be long forgotten, we can only make way for the most joyous events now as we move into the third month of the celebrations!

Now, more than before, families gather together to celebrate the Nian Festival, and it isn’t uncommon to see colorful sparks lighting up Tai Ping’s sky these days. Spice Street Alley is to be filled with merchants and hawkers as lively chatter and laughter herald the New Mid-Century!

Join us on Tai Ping’s Junk boat for a sumptuous feast accompanied with fireworks and traditional dances. Our company is lovely, our food spicy, and the goods are never too pricey!

So come on down to partake in an experience you’ve never had before!

[!] A flyer would be distributed round all of Almaris with elegant calligraphy in Li-Wen and common translation underneath.

WASHING AWAY THE ASHES OF THE PAST AND BEGINNING ANEW

Following the, yet again, traumatizing events of what happened in Tai Ping on the night of our beginnings to our new century, the perfect opportunity has arisen for Tai Ping and it's people to wash away and leave behind our past transgressions, as we come close to our Cleansing Ritual. The second month of the Nian year-long festival heralds a purification rite where each are given a chance to let go of the sins and burdens of their past. 

In the middle of Tai Ping District, folk from all around are invited to join us in our ritual where every household participates in rigorous ‘spring cleaning’ to spark joy, a much needed feeling we should be holding onto for the upcoming events. Old furniture will line the streets, dust balls will be swept into a communal pile, and all miscellany will be piled into a statue to celebrate the year of the Ox.

Finally, as the last step of the ritual, paper slips are handed out for people to write any lingering regrets or sins of their past year. These paper ‘wishes’ are pinned onto the Ox effigy to accompany the ‘Old’ for their last send off.

As flames lick the relics of the past, the smoke rises into the heavens. The darkness of what was before will be set alight by the purification of fire. As is with the precepts of Huajiao, ‘Every End is a New Beginning.’

Watching as everyone practiced and make their own preparations, Xiahong was more than enthusiastic his he decorated his own stall in all red for the year- these events being what he was looking forward to for months! As he donned his red hanfu, he held on tightly to a certain little box, in which he planned on making use of sometime during the celebrations...

The Sky and the Star

The evening creeped in over Talon's Port quite beautifully- the tavern was busy with celebration and chatter, nevertheless, today was a day the people of Tai Ping had been dreading since the very first victim claimed. From the front gates, the Talons citizens would turn their head to the sound of a loud gong. Soon after that, it wasn't long before the sounds of sobbing and wailing trailed into the area. Marching slowly through the streets, dressed in all white, the Li-Ren funeral procession made its way back to their own district going over a mile, exactly 30 bodies on stretchers they alone carried.

When they finally arrived in Tai Ping, one by one, each of them would take a body, gently and respectfully laying them in the pyre in front of the towering shrines. Some family members, some close friends, some even children- the actions of their murderer simply unconscionable, and no one in Tai Ping dare have any forgiveness in their heart for his soul. With that thought reigning strong in the back of their minds, along with the treasured memories of the victims while they were still alive, as the last body was laid on the pyre, it was finally set ablaze. As they bowed their heads in respect, Xiu-ying of the Li household would clasp her hands together, her palms pressing into one another as she intoned to the crowd.

"We gather here today to mourn the losses of the Tai Ping Massacre. The lives of our precious family, friends, and neighbors were snatched violently by a despicable group. Today, we pray that the dead pass on peacefully into their next life - that their karma cultivated in this life bring forth good fortune and prosperity into the next."

As she signaled the end of her speech, Waibiao, the Hou-zi monk, situated himself by the edge of the pond, wringing the water from his robe. He, too, had something to deliver.

"Hualian and his disciples smile upon these fallen this day, the loyalty of Huajiao in full."

He cupped his hands to drink from the pool of the fallen, wetting his lips and raising his head to deliver his small, brief song.

Quote

" Like the night sky, change is nigh,

Come to me dear, do not cry.

Though the end may near, do not fear,

Your loved ones are still here.

Though small we are, we are not far,

Our hearts will keep them,

Like the sky and the star. "

Perhaps it was the smell of burning ash finally reaching their senses, or the heartfelt tune of Waibiao's song, but just like that, the Li-Ren began to fall apart. Once again, Talons would hear the sounds of their wails, their agony, their pain. Both the Li and the Chen household were the loudest among them, both matriarchs just barely escaping the clutches of the murderer themselves at the time of the massacre. But, now, all that sat on the pyre was ash - and with heavy hearts, the victim's ashes were collected in urns and the procession would move to the Tai Ping crypts, granting the souls their final offerings to carry with them as their souls moved on. No doubt would this event forever leave a scar on Tai Ping, but with time, the scar should heal. And each attendee would keep every victims memory alive.

As the sky kept the stars.

[!] Flyers made of rice paper would be distributed across Talons, the calligraphy written in Li-Wen, ink brush strokes seen across the top of the paper. There would be a brief poem to start off the flyer, only legible to those who could read Li-Wen.

Mourning the Lost

Four elven days ago, our community was stricken with unimaginable grief as the people of our city, in our own district, had their lives so suddenly taken from them by men whose souls need not respect, nor remembrance. The living who survived their hand go on to bury the victims, still, no doubt, shaken from the entire event.

We ask that you join us in the funeral procession of those lost to the hands of the Tai-Ping murderers, so that their souls may find rest and peace.

In traditional Li-Ren fashion, mourners and attendees are expected to wear a white headband, a show of respect for those that have passed, and avoid red, as the color symbolizes happiness, and usually worn at events such as weddings. Everyone is encouraged to bring offerings for the dead, such as food, incense, and so forth.

The procession shall be held by the Huajiao monks near the Shrines.

[!] Flyers made of rice paper would be distributed across Almaris, a small ink-brush doodle of what looks like a fun child’s game dominating the page.

Battle of the Bei-Blades

Calling out to all the kids in Almaris, big and small, as well as the playful at heart - challenge your friends in this fun new game of ‘Bei-Blading’ at Tai Ping District, Talons Port!
 

This traditional Li-Ren sport consists of a match between two expert ‘Bei-bladers’, equipped with their trusty spinning tops. Each contestant will face off against one opponent per heat, with three attempts to ‘Let it rip’ allowed. The winners of each round will proceed to the final match where the winner will be rewarded with an exclusive ‘White Eyes Blue Dragon’ limited edition Bei-blade (ONLY 2 ARE IN CIRCULATION)

[A depiction of a normal Li-Ren Bei-Blade Spinner]

The rules are as follows:

Each match is a 1v1 face-off where each contestant is required to bring their own Bei-Blade or buy it from the venue for 3 mina.

Both contestants will wind up their Bei-Blade and unleash it at the same time (one emote). Contestants are encouraged to shout ‘Let it rip!’ for flavor - but this is optional. This will be counted as the first ‘whip’ of the spinning top. (roll 20)

The contestant with the weaker Bei-blade will be allowed to take their second ‘whip’ first, using the string of the Bei-Blade to strike it at an angle such as to increase the spinning speed of their top. The opponent will then be allowed to counteract after with their own ‘whip’. (roll 20 again)

The above ruling is repeated one last time as both contestants execute their third ‘whip’ to encourage the battle between their Bei-Blades.

Winner of the match is determined by the velocity of their Bei-Blade and/or if the opponent’s Bei-Blade is knocked out of the ring. (if you roll a 1)

Li Xiahong takes a peek at the familiar flyer, smiling to himself as he skimmed through it. Placing it on a surface next to him, he began to warm up his vocal chords, gently patting his throat, as he prepared to make his little debut!

Application
Username: imMonaaaah
Character Name: Solange de la Baltas
Age: 37
Area of Interest/Skill: Ballet/Dance, Poetry
Level of Knowledge: Ballet > Most likely a master by now ; Poetry > more so a Journeyman