This story takes place nearly a century before the events of the game, Jade Empire. Currently, the ruler is Empress Xia Suyin (played by myself), who is currently dealing with a possible rebellion from members of the Imperial Court who do not like her leadership as well as a possible impeading war with the Kingdom of Xiongnu. At the same time, something is stirring up trouble in the Spirit World, leading to a rise in attacks on mortals from demons and angry spirits.
Since the game did not really go into elaborate detail of the Jade Empire as a whole, I'm going to allow some creative liscence to players for the sake of the story. Remember, this takes place before the fall of the Temple of Dirge, home to the Spirit Monks, so players are allowed to have their characters be Spirit Monks...but not too many. I mean, be original, at least.
I'd prefer those who join have some basic knowledge of the game, but you don't have to be a guru to join
Please be creative with profiles, too.And as far as the storyline goes...if players want their characters to be from the Kingdom of Xiongnu, that's cool, but not to many foreigners preferably. Maybe a few explorers or mercenaries, etc. However, if someone would like to create a profile for the Royal Family of Xiongnu, like say, the king, prince, princess, etc., and that they are sent to the Jade Empire for peace talks or they sneak into the Empire for their own personal reasons, etc.....Just use a good old imagination.
Here is some excerpts from the Celestial Order, which is the belief of the Jade Empire. The Empire is formed on the ideals of balance and peace:
The world is a place of order. When order is not enforced, chaos reigns. Chaos is the natural state of the world. The order that currently exists in the result of the power of the Great Dragon. Out of this steaming chaos, the Great Dragon created the world, perfect in every way. But nature the forces of the universe, demand balance. For every bit of order, there must be corresponding chaos. That first world, that perfect world, was pure order. It could not last.
The perfect order choked life and did not allow growth, and so chaos was allowed back into the world.
The Great Dragon loosed chaos upon the world he had created, separating man from the beasts and laying foundation for the eventual order that would unite humanity: this glorious Jade Empire. The great animals’ spirits of the past were cast out from the human communities, and Man was forever separated and elevated above the common beasts. Man who now the guardian of order, imposing his will on nature and shaping it to his desire.
But balance must exist in all things. Man was a bastion of order, with chaos in his heart. For as long as the world remains in chaos, man will always war and strive against his fellow man. This is the way of nature. Until the Great Dragon returns to bring the world to order or humanity brings itself above the cycle of nature, this is the way it will always be.
The Celestial Bureaucracy is made up of all the servants that the Great Dragon left behind to administer creation. According to the priests and augers, they know nothing of their creator or where it has gone. The Great Dragon has transcended heaven, they say. They, in their faithfulness, remain behind.
Or so they say. Over the millennia, many have fallen from their duties and have become part of the chaos in the world. This, we can only suppose, is part of creation as well. But as representatives of order, humanity suffers most from the attentions of these chaotic spirits and demons.
In general, both the Mortal World and the Spirit World are ruled by the Great Dragon, who rules over the Celestial Beauracracy. Under the Great Dragon are the Twelve Elder Gods, each representing one of the Animals of the Zodiac: The Tiger, The Boar, The Dragon, The Serpant, The Horse, the Dog, The Rat, The Rooster, The Ox, The Rabbit, The Ram, and the Monkey. Each have their own respectable temple within the Jade Empire and servants of their own Order.
((If a player wishes to play the role of one of the Elder Gods...or even the Great Dragon, I will permit it ONLY with a written example of their work. PM me if you are interested))
Some basic info:
Most citizens of the Jade Empire, or its warriors anyway, follow two different paths.
The Open Palm or The Closed Fist
The Open Palm is generally considered the "high road", where its followers consider the acts of compassion, benevolence, and temperance.
The Closed Fist...on the other hand...is called the "Low Path", where its followers believe that strength is the only key to survival.
Tho Fan, the Old Tongue, is spoken by a small percentage of the Empire's population, but almost everyone educated in the Jade Empire can understand it.
The Government of the Jade Empire is divided into Ministries: Here are some examples. More to be added.
The Ministry of Harmony oversees taxation and keeping the peace within the Empire.
The Ministry of Ethics is considered as the Judicial branch, and oversees the tasks of Inquisitors, who act as Judges in trials.
The Ministry of Commerce handles the trade industry of the Empire, also uses its power to oppose the Slave Trade.
((These are just a few examples. If anyone has some they would like to add, let me know through PM and it will be done.))
Fighting Styles: Here are a few examples, but players are welcomed to create their own.
Martial Arts: Drunken Master- Known as "Drunken Fist" or "Drunken Boxing", it is a category of techniques, forms and fighting philosophy that appear to imitate a drunkard's movements.The postures are created by momentum and weight of the body, and imitation is generally through staggering and certain type of fluidity in the movements. It is considered to be among the more difficult wushu styles to learn due to the need for powerful joints and fingers. While in fiction, practitioners of Drunken Master are often portrayed as being actually intoxicated, its techniques are highly acrobatic and skilled and require a great degree of balance and coordination, such that any person attempting to perform any its techniques while intoxicated would be likely to injure themselves
Iron Palm- Practitioners of Iron Palm throw their entire body into each blow, mixing open-handed strikes with powerful, driving assaults. A low stance ensures that each blow directs momentum from the user's entire body to hit with the force of a sledgehammer. This mixture of power, balance, and brute strength demolishes individual opponents as easily as it scatters groups.
Legendary Strike-Many in the Jade Empire have heard of Legendary Strike, but few have actually seen it in action. Fewer still have mastered this martial style, but those who have are to be feared; their blows rain down too fast to block, and their kicks can quickly put an opponent out for good.
Thousand Cuts-Thousand Cuts is aptly named, though the style does not involve blades. A master of this style relies on numerous light strikes in quick succession instead of singular punishing blows or thunderous kicks. Most opponents reel under such a relentless assault, unable to counter fast enough to find an opening for their own attacks.
Leaping Tiger-With the vigor and speed of the animal for which this martial style was named, Leaping Tiger dazzles onlookers even as it carves up opponents. Practitioners of this Martial style focus so completely on the strength and quickness of the tiger that razor-sharp claws seem to sprout from their fists. The style's quick, leaping techniques and punishing strikes create a flurry of death that can keep even armed opponents at bay.
Viper-Viper emphasizes speed and unpredictability, alternately lulling the opponent with rhythmic movements and striking with incredible speed. Individually, this style's strikes are light, but they are only a part of its arsenal. Those who have mastered Viper's mysteries know a series of pressure points that can sour the blood and disrupt their foes' vital organs. Rare is the warrior who can withstand the lightning quick strikes of Viper while being torn apart from the inside.
White Demon-Many martial artists criticize the White Demon style for being slow and ponderous, but in the hands of a true master it can be one of the deadliest martial styles of all. While it lacks the crowd-pleasing panache of faster styles, white Demon's sheer power and intimidating techniques plow through opponents like an ogre in a teahouse.
Magic ((Same as fighting styles, these are examples, but players may create their own))
Dire Flame-Practitioners of Dire Flame can throw bolts of fire, project explosive fireballs, and even summon dragon-like burning constructs that immolate enemies with tongues of flame. Sometimes the sight of a fighter wielding the power of flame is enough to reduce the bravest of opponents to begging for mercy.
Ice Shard-While many warriors swear by the power of Dire Flame, many others seek to master the powerful Ice Shard. By using their chi to summon forth the soul-chilling cold of the highest mountains, masters of Ice Shard can send daggers of ice flying toward enemies, call a freezing ice storm to slow their shivering foes, or even encase opponents in columns of ice before shattering them with a single blow. Few fighters have the courage to stand up to the cold stare of an Ice Shard master.
Stone Immortal-Fighters who study this style gain mastery over the ponderous element of earth, putting the mighty power of stone and crystal at their command. Masters of Stone Immortal have the ability to attack enemies with crystalline missiles, encase foes in stone, or even open the ground beneath an opponent's feet. To command the power of earth requires a mind centered on balance, stability, and order, and so Stone Immortal is a favored style among followers of the Way of the Open Palm. It is far less effective if wielded by those who follow the Way of the Closed Fist.
Tempest-Warriors proficient in Tempest have the winds at their beck and call. Fighters who have faced this style and survived tell tales of blasts of gale-force winds and of powerful whirlwinds that effortlessly sent them flying away from the Tempest master himself. Many practitioners of Tempest face entire gangs without ever taking a wound, as the mighty winds at their command keep their foes at bay. Warriors with the chill of the wind in their hearts find Tempest far easier to command, so it is a favored style of the Way of the Closed Fist, and less effective in the hands of those who follow the Way of the Open Palm.
Support Styles- ((Like Magic and Fighting Styles, these are examples. Players may create their own))
Storm Dragon-The forms and strikes of Storm Dragon enable the master to call upon the power of lightning to damage an opponent. While this style's attacks don't cause any direct damage, its motions summon forth electricity to course through its victim, doing small but constant damage over time. Storm Dragon will rarely win a fight on its own, but combined with other styles it can easily change the tide of a difficult battle.
Heavenly Wave-Fighters skilled in Heavenly Wave learn techniques that can slow their opponents to a crawl. While this Support style does no damage on its own, a master can manipulate the chi in the area around opponents, rendering them sluggish and easily defeated. Even the most lightning-fast of foes can be slowed to a turtle's pace with the skillful application of Heavenly Wave.
Paralyzing Palm-This esoteric style has a sinister reputation, but many more peaceful masters prefer it for its ability to render an opponent helpless without killing him. More unscrupulous masters take advantage of this style's paralyzing blows to weaken foes for the killing blow. It is designed around its magical palm strikes, which can stop a man in his tracks with a single hit.
Hidden Fist-Warrior willing to tread a darker path learn that a confused mind is a weakened one. This infamous Support style is a collection of techniques that render the practitioner's foe disoriented and unable to fight back. A master of Hidden Fist is not above using dirty tricks and forbidden strikes to serve the goal of total domination.
Spirit Thief-Those most adept at manipulating Chi find that even the spiritual energy of others is within their grasp. The strikes and forms of the Spirit Thief style enable practitioners to tap an enemy's vital energies and refill their own reserves. While the techniques of this style do no physical damage to its victims without being charged with the user's Chi, those who face a Spirit Thief master find themselves without the resolve to put their hearts into the fight.
Here are a few ideas as locations, since the game was vague to that extent.
The Jade Empire: Obviously, speaks for itself...it's like a mythical version of China, with spirits and demons living openly among humans but generally keeping to themselves. Also, the Jade Empire is known for its unique techonology, primarily that of Flyers, ships that can soar through the sky. Comprised of many cities and villages, the Empire is renown for its beauty and magic.
But the Empire is not without its dark side. It is home to villains of all sorts, including pirates and rogues, slavers and corrupt politicians. Demons roam the countryside, as well as malevolent spirits. The Jade Empire is surrounded by a vast wall, once meant to protect the young empire nearly a millenia ago, now to stand as a testament to its power.
Land of the Howling Spirits: To the west of the Jade Empire proper lies the Land of Howling Spirits, a range of sheer mountains and desolate, haunted passes. Not many men dwell in this harsh land. It does not support much in the way of communities, and those who dwell there are hardy mountainfolk who rely on themselves and their herds of goats more than trust in nature.There is one exception to this rule. High in the mountains lies a secluded monastery, home to a reclusive and mysterious order known as the Spirit Monks. They tend an unknown charge in their sealed monastery. No one, not even an emperor, has been able to discover what lies within. The monks possess strange powers, but they exist in balance with nature. Eventually that land will be absorbed, and the Empire shall learn its secrets.
The Ocean of Tempus: The vast sea that lies beyond the Western borders of the Empire. It is home to the Water People, also known as the Boat People. They are sea-faring folk who live on their ships and rely on trade and fishing as a way of life. They live on vast ships and travel in groups known as Flotillas. They are generally peaceful, and regard the sea itself almost as a God.
The Prosperous East: It is considered by most to be the most beautiful and advanced area within the Empire, and its captial city, Phoenix Gate, is the center of trade and prosperity throughout the Jade Empire.
((These were but a few facts I could locate from information of the game. Players will be allowed to create more imaginative additions to the Jade Empire for the sake of the storyline.))
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Also, players will have the option of creating characters to be either human, demon, spirit, etc. Nothing ALL powerful or anything, but you know, something to add a little variety.
Here are the character profiles to help people get an idea. Players may have as many characters they would like.
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Race: Human/Demon ((To be an Elder God, or something else...permission must be granted. PM me!))
Homeland:
Occupation:
Appearance: Photo preferred, but not required.
Personality:
Weapons:
Skills/Abilities:
History:
Anything Extra:
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My Characters:
Name: Empress Xia Suyin, the Glorious Moon
Age: 39
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Homeland: The Jade Empire
Occupation: Empress of the Jade Empire
Appearance:
Personality: Very stern, yet fair. Despite her age, she is considered wise and benevolent and beloved by her people. She is known for being very serious, yet always calm and reserved. She is cunning...but to maintain an Empire while securing her right to rule would require nothing less. Despite her disciplined disposition, she is very protective of her daughter, and has tried her best to be a good mother and a good Empress. Her primary concern is the wellbeing of her people.
Weapons:
A Longsword known as Unyielding Fang, a blade crafted by the blacksmith of the Gods, Shining Fortune, for the first Emperor of the Jade Empire, Sagacious Tien at the creation of the empire. It bears the official seal of the royal family, and has been handed down for generations.
A Staff known as Fallen Star. It is a long golden staff with a unusual crystal sealed at its tip. Supposedly, it came from a star which fell from the Heavens, as a gift from the Gods. It helps hone magical chi.
Skills/Abilities: She is very adept at combat, due to her training under the Imperial Weapons Masters. But she is much more skilled with magic, particularly healing. Her high level of Chi (Spiritual Energy), allows her to see into the Spirit World from time to time, but usually not at a time of her choosing.
In terms of styles, she is exceptional at Ice Shard and Spirit Thief, but knows most of the others as well.
History:
Suyin was born as the only child to the former Emperor Tao Yang. Her mother died in childbirth, and so she was raised by servants while her father tended to matters of the Court. She resented him for seemingly never taking and interest in her, but instead choosing to worry about his precious kingdom instead. She vowed she would never do so to her own children. She lived a pampered life, selfish and bossy, ignorant to the troubles of the peasants. Due to her upbringing, she had a rather high opinion of herself and thought lowly of others.
When she was 17, she was on her way to the Imperial Summer Palace in the Prosperous East to enjoy the annual Summer Festival when her caravan was besieged by bandits. She was able to hold them off for a while, but she was wounded severely and her entourage was slaughtered. She was captured by the bandits, who would in turn, demand ransom. Suyin was kept in their lair for nearly two months, completely exhausted and too weak to escape. She was imprisoned with other peasants who had been captured and soon to be sold off to slavers. Sitting there in that disgusting rathole, she came to understand the plight of the people. During her captivity, she came to understand humility and kindness, despite the cruelty around her. It was at that moment, the bandits stronghold was attacked by rival gang. It was at that moment, she came face to face with Xia Shin. He was a handsome, arrogant rogue, but a good man at heart. He freed the captured princess, despite the opinions of his men to ransom her as well.
Shin vowed to return her to her father. During their travels to return to the Imperial City, the two soon fell in love. However, she knew if she were to return, Imperial Decree would forbid their union considered his low birth. She contemplated never returning to life as a Princess, and settling down with Shin, but then she knew she would never be able to truly make a difference to her people. Suyin returned to the Palace, with Shin as her protector, and the city rejoiced. Even her father was in tears at her arrival. She was surprised, always assuming he cared little for her...but in truth, he was always watching out for her. Just from a distance, since his life as Emperor meant he was to serve the people.
As a reward, the Emperor vowed that Shin would be rewarded whatever he desired. His only request was to remain at Suyin's side. As unusual a request, it was feared the rogue wanted nothing more than the title of Emperor. But the Emperor himself was wise, and he saw into Shin's heart. He knew the man truly loved his daughter, and so the union was allowed. The two were married.
Following the death of the Emperor a year later, Shin and Suyin were crowned as Emperor and Empress. With the arrival of their own daughter, Lin, life seemed perfect. And the two ruled fairly for a few. Sadly, Shin fell ill when Lin was only six, and passed away within a few months. The entire Empire mourned his passing, but none so more than Suyin herself. She felt a part of her died that day, but even so, the Empire needed her, and so she remains as a strong and benevolent Empress.
Anything Extra: Nothing yet, really.
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Name: Princess Xia Lin, the Radient Pearl
((Undergoes the persona of "Jade Lilly" when she ventures out into the world in disguise))
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Homeland:The Jade Empire
Occupation: Princess
Appearance:
Personality: Headstrong with a fiery temper. While is she very smart and well-educated, she is a little naive to the ways of the world. She usually sees life is full of moral absolutes, or rather...the world is black and right: good and evil. She has a good heart, but her temper generally strikes others as selfish and arrogant. Due to her upbringing in a pampered palace, that's not entirely undeserved.
Weapons: She has two sai daggers.
A longsword, known as Celestial Wind.
Skills/Abilities: She is adept as swordsmanship, but like her mother, she is more skilled with magic. She is skilled in styles such as Spirit Thief and Stone Immortal, as well as Ice Shard. She is a Master of the Viper Style.
History: She was born to the Emperor and Empress of the Jade Empire, and has lived a pampered life. Regardless, her devoted mother has always instilled within her heart good moral values and understanding of the world. However, she is rebellious by nature, and often sneaks away from the Imperial City in disguise whenever possible.
Anything Extra:
Name: Silver Wren
Age:28
Gender: female
Race: Human
Homeland: Land of Howling Spirits
Occupation: Former Spirit Monk, now a wanderer.
Appearance:
Personality: Calm and reserved. She is witty and charming, but generally prefers to keep to herself. Even though she is a loner by nature, she has a tendancy to voice her opinions, regardless as to whether or not they're wanted. She's fearless and not hesitant to stand up when challenged.
Weapons: A Longsword known as the Spirit Fang, supposedly created for an Elder God, but found its way to the hands of Mortals.
Skills/Abilities: Master of Leaping Tiger and Drunken Master, skilled with Heavenly Wave and Spirit Thief.
History: Her parents died when she was very little, and so she was inducted into the Order of the Spirit Monks and raised as one alongside her twin sister Gold Nightingale. The sisters were always the more headstrong of their fellow pupils and tended to get into more trouble each and every day. But they were still considered once the better students in terms of skill.
One day, when they were 12, the two siblings ventured out of the temple of Dirge during some free time to explore the mountains, as they had every day. They found a cavern which they did not recognize and chose to investigate. Unfortunately, they awoke a sleeping Ogre. Despite their skills, they could not defeat the Ogre. Luckily, their battle seemed to have disturbed the foundation of the cavern, and a cave-in began. The ogre was crushed immediately. While the two sisters attemtping to escape, Nightingale was trapped as well. Before Wren could do anything, her twin was completely buried in rubble.
That day seemed to have scarred Silver Wren for life, and she became more distant from her fellow students. When she turned 21, she decided to leave the Order and strike out on her own. She felt haunted by the death of her sister, and chose to wander the Jade Empire instead of remain in Dirge. She hides her sadness behind a mask of charm and wit, and rarely allows others to see her sadness. Through her travels, she was joined by a mischievious demon who was trapped in the form of a wolf by the Great Dragon, and he acts as her companion and friend.
Anything Extra:
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Ya'll get the idea
