UmbreScye

Tianrui Rei looks through the information, and then promptly looks at her own garbs. After glancing back and forth between her own clothes versus the well written document, she sighs a bit in embarrassment. "This is such an informative document, I'm thankful for the author. I should really get a wardrobe update..." She nods, writing down a couple of notes quoting the material. "Time to challenge the fashion limits of the Shuhe!" She chuckles, sauntering off.

Meditative Lesson on Huajiao [OOC: Monday 6/28/2021 @ 5:00 PM EST] [!] A scroll made of bamboo is left in front of every residence in Yong Ping, and other scrolls are posted on notice boards of neighboring allies of the Jade State to garner more interest. “To those seeking guidance and meditation, This continent is riddled with strife, for some it leads to glory and for others an untimely end. Unfortunately, some have forgotten a path of kindness for our fellow beings, a consequence of negative desire. For many lunar cycles, a monk's time was spent hardening the spirit and perfecting untethering of desire bound to the land. However what makes a monk truly devot, is to practice selflessness and kindness. Detaching themselves from negativity and instead offering positivity to others. To show altruism where there is none. Now more than ever, it brings great importance to teach others the same. In order to help spread our philosophy of selflessness and detachment of negative energy, the Yujin Monastery will be hosting a public meditation and seminar on Huajiao in the main temple of Yong Ping. Huajiao is the path to enlightenment and betterment of oneself, and it's encouraged for anyone interested to come. Regardless of background or age, we welcome allies of the Jade State of Yong Ping and others who roam the continent to this lesson. We will teach the basics of Huajiao and conduct meditation led by the Elders of Yujin. The meditative lesson will end with handing out bamboo sticky rice, assorted fruits, and tea. That time will be used for anyone interested in joining the Yujin Monastery, or to ask any more questions. We encourage those who are lost, or seeking guidance, to join us in this meditative lesson. The Yujin Monastery looks forward to greeting new faces and new monks in our fold. 真诚地, 风桂花【Fēng Guìhuā】 青龍【 Qīnglóng】 ~* OOC *~ Huajiao lesson, meditation, and food! Interested in learning about Huajiao, becoming a monk of Yujin Monastery, or just want to hang out for the food? Make sure to come over and say hi!

I understand your ambitions and ideas, Chi as an expanded concept on a cosmic scale is really interesting in regards to asserting an important role in Magical World Lore. I look forward to your lore in the near future, at a glance it sounds like its going to be a big interesting project. I wish you luck on your idea and writing! :D

I'm talking more of the niche of Chi Manipulation fills, this iteration of the rewrite pays homage to the history and cultural origins, but is definitely not enforced in the rewrite. The idea of Chi itself is exotic compared to other magics on the server, which gives it appeal to anyone glancing at it, but conversely it's definitely not a necessary ability to enjoy the culture. Now with this writing, people have a choice to stick with culture or go rogue with their own ideas, which this writing asserts by not enforcing tenets or culture. It opens new ways for monks to explore 'life energy' on a grander scale unhindered by cultural restrictions, which is something I advocate for. When I meant that an expansion isn't necessary right now, is a personal opinion since I'd be more focus on rebuilding our community. In fact, it's more interesting for a stronger version of Chi to be derived and created from RP from extensive study of 'life energy'. In regards to the other magics, it's easy for Chi to disappear and monks go to learn Water/Fire evocation or something similar. You could say the same about most magics and CA's. If others such as yourself want the idea of 'life energy' to evolve in a different way aside from Chi, by no means am I saying that you shouldn't, I think it'd be an interesting road to take especially if Chi fails. Magic at the end of the day is an aesthetic that improves upon pre-existing culture, roles, and RP, which this rewrite fulfills regardless of how potent the abilities are. In my opinion, what gives magic an appeal is when there is a niche type connected to it. Regardless if you respond, it's fine to disagree, and a discussion helps open up new ideas/thoughts. I enjoyed your criticisms and work in the previous iterations of Chi, so I look forward to seeing your written ideals of these concepts in the future!

I don't agree with letting Chi die off, it definitely needed improving but the cultural aspects is what makes Chi an interesting niche and magic to learn. Sun/Moon Chi was initially made as a bonus to the cultural aspect of Huajiao and successor to old Chi, the focus was for Chi to be an existing tangible energy to support its cultural concept from Hou-Zi Huajiao. If we're going all the way back to the first few iterations of Chi, it didn't change that it was for an Eastern Asian monk RP niche and it still retains that even now. As an old Hou-Zi player I don't see how this rewrite hinders the magical concept or even the RP concept, sure Chi could be greater but there isn't any reason or necessity for it right now, other magics could easily fill in the gaps that Chi briefly touches on. It fulfills its original purpose and exists for the RP niche it covers. In its current state as a single slot, this rewrite works fine since the niche it revolves around is a relatively small population.

Glad theres a new rewrite out, the formatting is really nice at a glance. I'll only comment on what I didn't work on; I really like the way the monk abilities pan out in difficulty and intensity, it makes a lot more sense than the original Sun + Moon Chi Manipulation system. Tier progression feels natural and earned, which is nice to see with this rewrite. Smaller criticisms I'll just DM, but overall its an improvement based on the previous rewrites I've seen and I'm lovin' it. +1

Tianrui Rei marveled at the well written advertisement for the YPA, hoping to see some new faces in the army soon.

damn that red tag do be lookin h o t 😎 [[congrats bud!

minecraft

Steaming hot, right off the creative press... Very nice, it was fun watching the drafts and helping out wherever! +1

free him

Quinn O’Rourke blinks at the newspaper, eating some bisquits as she read over the contents. She then points at the section about her tavern, looking to her cousins. “Oh! T’ats me! Oi like t’e formattin’ of t’is newspaper.” She exclaimed with a smile.

~* Summons to the Way of Sun Final Trial *~ [OOC: Saturday 6/27/2020 @ 3:00 PM EST] 4th of Sun’s Smile, 1773 [!] A scroll is posted up as a summons for two individuals, and the Hou-Zi of Arcas. “Nǐ Hǎo Xiōngdì hé Xuéshēng For dozens of lunar cycles, Feng Guihua’s students have been vividly engaged in self-study, traveling all across Arcas in order to experience the life of all creatures. Now, Guihua calls for the attendance of Fènghuáng and Qīng lóng to their final trials to determine their mastery. Along with this, Guihua calls for the entirety of the Hou-Zi and Huajiao monks to come to watch their progress. There will be a buffet prepared, as the duo will be tasked with one last trial of the Way of Sun. They both will prepare the final dance of the Way of Sun together, performing their ultimate stability and balance of their will. This ritual is merely performative to the rest of the group attending, and the success of their dance will ultimately decide if they are ready to be deemed as masters of Way of Sun. This is a celebratory gathering for this trial, and Guihua implores all Hou-Zi & Friends to come to attend. 真诚地, 风桂花【Fēng Guìhuā】 Way of Sun Monk & Councillor of Dengyu Monastery ~* OOC *~ A bit of a small event centered around the Hou-Zi and my two students! Making this a public display, feel free to swing by and watch.

Ra’Ruchee’Kul stares at the trial announcement, reading over the long list of names and the writings of the High Aelkos. “Hm, with change comes undoing the problems of a long troubled past.” The Kha’Pantera exhaled, going to rest in her abode underneath a large tree. A lone elfess sneezes in the afterlife, noticing an old friend remembered her as she watched the events of the Silver State in her ethereal form.

The Verdant Scéal Tavern Grand Opening 15th of the First Seed 1771 [OOC: This Sunday, June 7th, 2020 @ 4:00 PM EST] [!] A rather small, yet incredibly formal missive was posted in front of the building in question. Left at the bottom of the printed parchment paper was the O’Rourke Family seal. The public letter would read as follows: “Greetings citizens of the Kaedreni Realm, The once empty tavern of the city of Kaedrin has now been filled with a change of ownership, under Quinn O’Rourke. Although work has already been done, the official opening was necessary for the building itself. With the change in decoratives and menu shifts, there also comes the grand opening of the establishment. This grand opening will consist of tasting the fine liquor brewed in the region, and the usual merry celebration with a toast done by the Tavern Owner. Anyone all over the Orenian lands may come to indulge in the feasting and drinking, as for the opening of the tavern all drink and food will be available. The featured drink for the opening, however, will be freely handed out as a gift for coming to the Verdant Scéal Tavern. During the festivities, the card games will begin. Éireann Blind Man's Bluff - A style of poker where each person is given two cards face down. The dealer will give out shots of whiskey for each person. Each player needs to bet at least one chip to continue playing. A pair of cards that are not matching in suit or symbol is called an Rí, a two-card pair matching suit is called a Banríon, and a two-card perfect pair is called a Foirfe. The highest cards win, which will be explained thoroughly during the game. The loser drinks and there is no set amount of players as multiple decks will be used. The last guest standing will get a neat trophy at the end to boast about. At this time, Quinn O’Rourke is also looking for individuals to come work at the tavern. You must have experience at another establishment to start work immediately, lest you will undergo waiting and hosting training first and foremost. Barkeeps earn 100m per week flat, and any minae they earn during the shift in a similar manner. Before a trainee becomes a Barkeep, they must learn the entire menu and how to make each one. Quinn is looking for a total of 2-3 trainees to have. This Grand Opening is in hopes of gathering new prospects for Kaedrin, and to essentially drink merrily. The Verdant Scéal Tavern looks forward to your attendance on this festive evening. Sincerely, Quinn O’Rourke Tavern Keeper of The Verdant Scéal Tavern

Vescyra Laraethryn reads over the post, and then walks over to her wardrobe to think of a proper dress to wear for the masquerade.

Quinn O’Rourke furrows her brows at the summons, a loud exhale coming from her quarters as she cleans her desk of spare papers. “Oh goodness... W’at are m’e family members gettin’ themselves into...” She remarked only to herself, rubbing the bridge of her nose.

Vescyra Laraethryn lofts a brow at the entrance free, and simply places the missive into her bag. “Ah... I would be bankrupt for my travels, but I suppose I will watch the competition.” She offered lightly, amused by the thought of a chess tournament.

Vescyra Laraethryn witnessed the generous grant, and seemed impressed at the announcement.

Vescyra Laraethryn reads over some of the newly written missives she obtained from a courier, reviewing primarily the ones from Vira’ker. “Curious. Perhaps I will pay a visit to see how this... Long lived state is doing.” She remarked offhandedly, placing a visiting date on her desk as she pondered the route to the place.

Quinn O’Rourke reviews the missive at hand with a small cup of whiskey at her side, holding onto the paper with a careful eye glossing over the contents. She exhaled a bit, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “Ah, t’is is quite t’e mess oi’ve got t’e horrid chance t’eh see...” She grimaced, folding the paper and placing it right into the glove compartment of her desk. “W’at are t’eh odds t’at its at a fifteh fifteh tie huh?” Quinn concluded, laying down to rest after the eventful day.

Fēng Guìhuā briefly reads over the short missive, sipping tea with an uncaring expression of neutrality flashing through her facial features. She quirked a brow at the the conclusion of the missive, a smirk simply appearing on the old Hou-Zi’s face. “Pff, let the Hou pray that these Xiongdi of ours do not fall prey to the impurities of the world. Guìhuā hope these one succeed in the lunar cycles to come, perhaps Guìhuā will be able to meet them during the festival.” She remarked idly in her spot, although harsh in tone, she seemed content that the Hou were blossoming once more.

Vescyra Laraethryn would browse over her cousin’s work, nodding approvingly to the contents of the calendar. She placed the calendar up on the wall to remember the dates, but would go back to her work nonetheless, as unfortunately she was incredibly busy.

Feng Guihua sweats.

~* 凤凰节 *~ Fènghuáng jié - The Phoenix Festival [OOC: 5/16/2020 Saturday @ 3:00PM EST] [!] A scroll was stamped into place in the boards of the monastery, with copies being placed all over Arcas along with this one. “To all the Hou-Zi denizens wandering among the descendants in Arcas, The Hou-Zi have lost much, traveled long throughout Arcas to find a place of their own. Even now, we struggle to keep ourselves together even through this blinding pain and anguish of our people. However, with each loss that the Hou-Zi experience and every new settlement that grows under the Hou name, as a collective population we learn from every mistake that we had made in our history. Many great Hou of various paths alike has fallen, lost to the ever-growing void and lingering hopes that they once held within. Qing Long is a grand example of growth and development, from facing loss and despair first hand. They will lead the proceedings for this Fènghuáng jié, which is meant to highlight the losses of the Hou-Zi populace which contorted into a lesson to remember for many lunar cycles to come. The Fènghuáng jié invites all Hou-Zi on Arcas no matter the origin or background of the individual, as we would enjoy the comfort of our own recalling the losses that our people endured and to recall such with an overshadowing lesson to remember. Of course, valuable individuals that the Hou-Zi either continue to have good relations with or new eager relationships with others which blossomed in the past lunar cycle are all welcome to attend. For those who wish to have a view of the culture of Hou-Zi, and would like to consult our own on such, are more than welcome to come and indulge on the lessons we learned from our losses. ~* 复兴盛宴 *~ Fùxīng shèngyàn - The Feast of Revival Before we begin the following ceremonies and traditions of the Hou-Zi populace in this particular festival, there will be a short feast for all to indulge in. A banquet of sorts, all allowed to partake and feast upon the meals laid out for all the individuals attending the festival. Once all have filled their plates to the brim with various food items and beverages, we will begin with a short speech from Feng-Guihua to address the climate of all the Hou-Zi have lost and learned from. After all the individuals have finished mingling and speaking to each other during this feast, we will move on to the main ceremony. ~* 火凤凰仪式 *~ Huǒ fènghuáng yíshì - The Fire Phoenix Ritual Once the feast and initial mingling are complete, all guests of the monastery as led by the venerable Qing Long will move to the ever-burning pyre which represents the pain and anguish all have faced in the current climate of the world. Forming a circle around the pyre, all individuals will gain a chance to voice their beliefs and thoughts of the continent known as Arcas. We will publicly speak of the losses, any problems, and growing issues of the populace at this pyre as a collective. None will be forced to speak, but it is highly encouraged to do so for the ritual. By the end of the pyre, a single orb will be tossed into the flames as an offering, a wish to learn from these mistakes and improve. Once this main ceremony is complete, the denizens of the realm will move onwards to the final ritual intended for the festival. ~* 水凤凰仪式 *~ Shuǐ fènghuáng yíshì - The Water Phoenix Ritual Once the guests of the monastery complete addressing their concerns and doubts, they will follow Qing Long to complete the next ritual by the river, representing progress and learning from the pain experienced in the pyre. All individuals will be given parchment paper, made from the reeds grown locally in the monastery. They will be asked to form origami with the paper, in order to form a lotus flower. They may write anything they wish on the paper, and decorate it however they like. When they are all finished, they will place the papers in the river to allow it to float off into the distance, a form of remembrance and learning from the past. Food and refreshments will be gifted to those that attend, along with some unique items they may take home to remember the occasion. We welcome all denizens of Arcas to come, and we look forward to your attendance. 真诚地, 青龍【Qīng lóng】 Sun Monk & Student of Dengyu Monastery 风桂花【Fēng guìhuā】 Way of Sun Monk & Teacher of Dengyu Monastery -= OOC =- There is also a lesson before this if you would like to come early! Check out the letter below! Let any of us know if you need help finding it. @Stargazer @UmbreScye @Waibiao [!] A letter was also distributed throughout the monastery and neighboring Hou-Zi temples. [OOC: 5/16/2020 1:40 PM EST before the Phoenix festival!] “你好兄弟： Before the festivities begin, another venerable Hou-Zi by the name of Wài biǎo from a neighboring temple will be arriving to conduct a short lesson and meditation session revolving self-thought. They will be addressing philosophical ideas regarding to the inner-soul and self of an individual, we encourage all Hou-Zi and guests to attend this lesson before the festival. We look forward to your attendance to this lesson. 真诚地, 外表【Wàibiǎo】 花轿的僧和老师 - Huājiào de sēng hé lǎoshī Huajiao Monk & Teacher