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Topics - Lijiang

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1
Diplomacy and Events / A Prince Abroad
« on: December 16, 2022, 11:35:02 PM »
Prince Chun had hoped to spend the Winter Break from University down on the coast of Lijiang. The weather there was pleasant, not warm but certainly more welcoming than the snow storms in the hills that dominated the south of the country. With just a sweater on you could walk the seafronts and enjoy the nice little seafood restaurants although what was most appealing to Chun would have been the surfing. The sport was relatively new to Lijiang since it had ended the mourning period and the youth of Lijiang had seemingly taken to it and seemingly also some of the beach based culture. Chun had wanted to check it out, as much for the bikini clad girls as the waves but instead his father had insisted that he visit a foreign land to broaden his horizons and help him develop some state craft for his one day future as Dragon-Emperor. Chun had initially suggested Lodja to his father, he hinted it would mean he could stay on the Isle of the Goddess and mingle with ambassadors and politicans all day but in truth he had read of the supposed beautiful women with loose morals and that had swayed his opinion. His next option had been Mersch. He understand his rank and title would ensure that a royal family anywhere he visited would have to ensure his visit was respected and the new Queen there was rather pretty. His father though had blocked both these options as he believed that the relationship blossoming with East Moreland still needed some cultivation. With that in mind phone calls had been made, the ambassador summouned and within 24 hours the two month long trip arranged.

The Prince would be joined on his visit to East Moreland by Ben Tau. Ben was one of many Lijiangians who had ventured away from the Majestic Empire during the period of mourning and while he may not have lived in East Moreland he had spent five years in Bakkermaya and that was effectively the same thing in many ways. Ben was now a member of the Imperial Household despite being only 26 years old he was the deputy on a "desk" there which meant he was responsible for being part of the link between the Dragon-Emperor and the government of East Moreland. For this trip though the fact he looked about eighteen and was all but fluent in Morelandish had been the key to his appointment. They travelled with two Imperial Guardsman who were trained for diplomatic protection and stood out a mile in doing so despite having ditched the ceremonial black scale armour for civilian suits. The Prince hadn't been too disappointed in the choice of East Moreland though. He had spent an interesting few months with Matilda Osman as one of a host of foreign VIP tutors and he considered her a good friend. She had helped him become an expert on the importance of the environment and in particular the oceans and he was hoping to go visit her aquarium in Portworth while he was in East Moreland. Their aircraft was not a private one, the Dragon-Emperor had insisted Chun do this trip as far as possible like a normal student but his mother on the other hand had booked out all the first class tickets so that the four men had the fore-cabin to themselves. Chun had even managed to get a snooze in on the flight and now as they stood ready to retrieve their luggage from the carousel at King Robert International Airport he was exicted to start the experience.

2
Diplomacy and Events / TaoDreher Enterprises
« on: June 19, 2022, 10:06:13 PM »
Jiahao Hsu was no stranger to Altona. Over the last few years the families "Spice Business" had been sending goods to Altona. Whether it was small quantities of vastly overpriced Tumeric, Star Anise or various other exotic flavourings or in some cases just boxes of "leaves" the idea was simple. The Dreher family made regular payments to Jiahao's father Tao who ran one of Lijiang's biggest drug rings among other enterprises. In truth the spice stores sold very little real product but on paper did great business allowing the Drehers to effecively "clean" money for Tao. It had worked well with Lijiangs economy being rather basic and unsophisticated but that was changing on a daily basis and so a new arrangement would perhaps be needed. Beside there were other issues that Tao wanted his son to discuss with their Altonian partners.

As usual Jiahao arrived on a busy scheduled flight via East Moreland, a route that was becoming more used since the two nations had begun co-operation on art and sport. He had his bag checked and some of his "samples" were swabbed for drugs. As always there was nothing, lemongrass and tumeric tended not to be of too much concern to the locals. Once through immigration he looked around for his ride and waited patiently.

3
OOC - Consider the following sent separately by courier to each of the organisers of the Winter Games



We wish you the best of fortune in acquiring the right to host the Winter Games. At present we consider each of the bids to be equally worthy and believe both nations would put on an incredible experience for both participants and spectators. With that in mind we would be more inclined to cast our vote should the following accommodations be made.

1) The Dragon-Emperor is permitted to present medals for two events. We wish to promote sport across our nation and as such having the Dragon-Emperor taking a visible interest in the Games is likely to draw our people's attention to it.

2) As a way of helping promote sport within the Majestic Empire your nation will provide 100 sets of uniform for youth teams across the nation. This may be in any sport you wish and may also feature sponsorship from companies in your nation so far as the companies good and services comply with Lijiang law.

3) Queen Dandan be given a position of prominence during one female event final.

4) A delegation from the Games committee that hosts your games to visit Lijiang within six months to advise on our own intent to bid to host the Summer Games.

5) Upon the honour of your Head of State an agreement that when we do apply for the Summer Games they will give visible support in a manner befitting their status and role for our bid.

We look forward to your reponse

High Lord Li Ki
Leader of the Grand Council

4
Diplomacy and Events / Nuclear Powered Dragon
« on: September 01, 2021, 10:08:53 PM »
Tielin had considered sending one of his High Lords, another test and reward kind of situation. On one had he would show his respect and trust in the noble while at the same time seeing if they had any political acumen. The problem was the recent debacle with the East Moreland state visit and the talks there had shown him that it was important this proceed without a hitch and as such he was heading to Altona himself accompanied only by a few scholars from Lijiang and his seemingly new "Chief Adviser" Jin Odinsson. The Alander had proven to be an interesting man to talk with and also was well versed in international diplomacy. The Dragon-Emperor was glad to reach the city Kingdom and was disappointed he had missed out on the coronation but hoped Rutger wouldn't hold that against him.

Tielin knew there would be members of the international community hoping this would fail but he was confident that he could pull this off. In his mind he needed too. He had been discussing with some of his civil servant that despite strong performances with some international diplomacy many believed he was neglecting some domestic duties and power production would help sure that up. This made him concerned as the fresh air of the Altonan airport rushed into the aircraft. The Dragon-Emperor made his way outside, buttoned up his jacket and made his way towards the host.

5
Diplomacy and Events / The Culture of Diplomacy (Semi-Open)
« on: May 06, 2021, 11:36:32 PM »
OOC - This was a pre-agreed State visit between Lijiang and East Moreland however there is an oppurtunity for anyone to turn up so long as its not expected you get a formal Lijiangian state visit.)



Prince Chun found the whole scenario rather amusing. His father had asked him to play a significant role in the State Visit of East Moreland. It would be the first such visit he had participated in and the ultimate irony was the person who had helped him understand East Moreland culture and traditions was none other than the visiting King's ex-wife Matilda Osman. The former Queen of East Moreland had been over in Lijiang tutoring the children of the Dragon-Emperor and now, with luck, Tielin would watch his son's education pay off.

The family had moved to the Province of  Mùgǔ yesterday and had been given a private tour of the new Cultural Centre. The whole of the Grand Council had also flown down to attend the opening and therefore the formal state greeting could be given. There would be the opening ceremony of the centre, chance for the Morelanders and any other visitors to see the exhibition and then tomorrow they would all fly back to Fengtai where the formal proceedings of a state visit would take place. It was a little disjointed for the traditionalist tastes of some of the High Lords but that appealed to Tielin who believed forming some new traditions would be good for the Empire.

The 13 High Lords stood arranged in a line abreast from where Tielin stood attired in a traditional black Hanfu suit and the Imperial Crown on his head. He disliked the crown as it felt like its top heavy design was like wearing a sail on his head and every stiff breeze became annoying. Stood behind him was his first wife Dragon-Empress Jing attired in a matching black robe with her own Imperial Crown. Tielin believed it looked more elegant and regal than his own and believed his wife probably enjoyed wearing it more than he did his own. Half a step behind Jing was the Azure Queen Dandan and as her title suggested she was attired in blue-green and had a much smaller and silver version of the Dragon-Empresses crown with azure coloured stones inlayed. Stood next to Dandan in order of age were the children of the Imperial Family. As such the group stood ready to greet the visitors. As the Morelander aircraft touched down a military band began to play the East Moreland national anthem. That had caused much confusion in the ranks of the Imperial Regiment as upon finding the tune and several versions of it the tune seemed far too modern for a nation over 1000 years old and this had caused some debate among the sergeants in the band as to how exactly to play it. It had been Prince Chun who had solved this problem by simply asking his tutor Matilda Osman what should be done and as a result traditional instruments would be used as Matilda had assured him King David would appreciate the effort. As the initial melody washed over them the aircraft stopped and six men clad in black armour  stood waiting with spears topped with red and white ribbons. They waited for the East Moreland monarch to descend the aircraft steps and raised their spears in salute.

Tielin stepped forward and with his hands at his side bowed to King David and Queen Stasya. "Your Majesty King David III of East Moreland, Grand Cordon of the Most Glorious Order of the Double Dragon[1] we are honoured to welcome you to our Empire."

Prince Chun was prepared and stepped forward taking a knee before the Morelander King and producing with a practiced presentation the Jian Sword that the King had requested be smithed. Chun had been educating into the significance of the sword in East Moreland society and so they had suspected that making a public gesture of offering the King of East Moreland a sword would be one that would earn the Morelanders favour. Chun held the sheath with the handle of the sword facing David. "Your Majesty we hope that you will accept this blade as a sign of friendship between our nations and a gesture of thanks for returning to the people of the Empire great works of art. We are certain our mutual respect for each other shall grow." He waited for the Morelander to accept the blade before standing, bowing deeply and returning to his line.



At the new cultural centre itself it was hoped some other nations may have accepted the open invite, it was highly unlikely monarchs or high ranking ministers would attend but perhaps a few Ambassadors would grace the event, some respected scholars or perhaps some other notable figures. It was important for High Lord Guangtai that his initiative paid of as it would bring glory to his province and perhaps earn the favour of the Dragon-Emperor. A smart looking silk adorned tent waited for the VIP's, Xu Zengcai was waiting. He had masterminded the arrangements for the day and was currently High Lord Guangtai's project manager for this centre but he had much higher hopes. He hoped soon to impress the Dragon-Emperor to the point he was offered an Imperial position not just a provincial one, he was a man on the raise. To give the matter some significance should some high ranking foreign power arrive the Dragon Emperor had asked his new adviser Jin Odinsson to attend. His hope was the former Nya Alander leaders prestige would rub off, to further support the idea of pandering to any high ranker the Dragon-Emperor's younger brother Lian had been dispatched. He bore the simple title Imperial Knight but was acting as regent of the families home Province of Baoshan for another four years until Chun had completed what his father considered "enough education" in essence then Lian had the rank of a High Lord in all but name and his Imperial connection would make him useful. He was a less serious man than his brother having never truly had the weight of expectation upon him. He had dabbled in a variety of professions, a brief period in the military, then as a member of the Ministry for Education, he had even spent time as a member of the committee on river management before the conflict broke out that had ended up with his older brother being Dragon-Emperor.
 1. I'm IC assuming there would have been cultural links between Lijiang and Ardia Tula (???) who were a chinese nation EM were buddies with and so they'd recognise this honour especially with it mentioning Dragons.

6
Diplomacy and Events / A communication to the Sultan of Waddan
« on: April 23, 2021, 10:53:26 AM »

To:- The Sultan of Waddan

It has been brought to our attention that your nation is one which has been able to offer supplies of rare earth metals. As our nation is in the process of attempting to create larger scale industries it will be likely that in the future we will be in need of such materials. As such I would like to either visit your nation or host Waddanites in the Majestic Empire. I hope that by meeting face to face we can ascertain whether such materials can be made available to my people and if so find a mutually agreeable deal that both our nations may benefit from.

I hope that you will be able to agree to this meeting.

Best Regards

Dragon-Emperor Tielin II

7
Diplomacy and Events / Bagpipes and Dragons
« on: March 18, 2021, 10:58:46 PM »

To:- His Majesty King Finley of Ui Cenneslaig

Our nations share a lengthy border but vast differences of culture, history and traditions. It though is perhaps now time that we seek to become friends rather than just neighbours. I would therefore be deeply honoured if my first overseas visit as Dragon-Emperor could be to your nation. Perhaps you could meet with me in a town or city close to our respective borders where we can discuss matters relating to shared interests and opportunities for mutual co-operation.

Also allow me on this date to extend to your Celtic Christian subjects a joyous St.Patrick's Day and wish them well in their celebration. We hope to hear of their celebration in person when we meet.

Best Regards

Dragon-Emperor Tielin II


8
Sporting Hub / Rugby World Cup 2021
« on: March 07, 2021, 10:37:27 PM »

The day of the opening ceremony had come. The Lijiang national team may have lost three games in a row in their warm up but the preparations had gone well. Their players were primed having had a taste of world class rugby and the fans appetites for the sport had been wetted. It had been left to Dragon-Empress Jing to oversee the opening ceremony and she had utilised the vast number of entertainers who resided in the Golden Enclave. As fans headed to the stadium acrobats, jugglers, Dragon-Dancers and musicians lined the streets at intervals to give fans entertainment as they neared to ground. As they crossed the river close by Dragon-Boat racing was taking place. Locals seemed keen to speak with the foreign fans and welcome them to the Majestic Empire.

The inside of the Arena was slowly filling up when the Imperial Family arrived, Tielin, his Dragon-Empress, the new Queen, his three children and even his concubine all took seats in the VIP box and when Tielin was seated it was the cue for things to start.

For several minutes there was a nonstop show of traditional dancing, acrobats, juggling and even tightrope walking. It was only once the arena floor thinned out that 24 fabric trains appeared carried by a multitude of people. The head of each one was a large carefully crafted head in the shape of a nations symbolic animal, the Honeybadger for East Moreland, the Fox for Achkaerin and so on. The fabric trains had been decorated to mirror the colours and textures of the animal they represented and now they extended the length of the pitch. It was only then that from beneath them the visiting squads emerged having been mixed in with those of the people tasked with carrying the creations.

As the players lined up alongside their figure head the Dragon-Emperor stood and addressed the crowd. "On behalf of my family and my country I am grateful for you all giving us the opportunity to host such a prestigious event. While the sport is relatively new to our lands it is my hope that you will find us keen to learn and quick to improve. We hope each of you, whether you are a fan, a player or official, enjoy your time here and are able to make friends with people of all nations. To those representing their nation I wish you all the best and look forward to crowning a World Champion here in several weeks time. Thank you for trusting us with your sport and I hope you will leave us all with memories of joy." With that the fabric trains disconnected from the figure-heads which were carried to the captains of each of the visiting team. They were huge and took two people to get them off of the dancer contained inside them and were now a gift to the visiting nations a good luck charm in a way. As the fabric trains disappeared the players were escorted off the pitch and fireworks filled the sky indicating the World Cup was now about to begin.


OOC - Boring explanation time - there are 24 teams entered in this tournament they are divided into four of groups of six teams and will play each other once in those groups, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter finals which is a knockout tournament, group winners play group runners up. Group points are as follows a win gets you two points, a draw one point and there are no points for losing. However the bonus point rule is in effect this means if your team loses a match by seven points or less you get a point, also if you win by scoring four tries (for our purposes this will mean if your team gets more than 28 points) you get a point, Please note you cannot score 28 points and lose 28-33 and get two bonus points it does not work that way.

Group Draw

Fixture wise Groups A and B will play on odd numbered match days, groups C and D will play on even numbered match days.

Spoiler: Fixture List • show


Match Day One

Lijiang v Lodja (at The Dragon Stadium)
Tytor v Fleur (at The Forest Heart Arena)
Bakkermaya v Quintelia (at The Blue Stadium)

Zimalia v Tamora (at The Two Moon Arena)
Vaguzia v Kaitaine (at The Flower)
East Moreland v Jugland (at Hézhun District 4 Arena)

Match Day Two

Royal Seleucid v Iwi (at River Park)
Kaedwen v Seaforth (at The Blue Stadium)
Elania v Centralia (at The Forest Heart Arena)

Merina v Ikhan (at The Flower)
Achkaerin v Argemonto (at Sky Arena)
Safraen v Drenova (at Hézhun District 4 Arena)

Match Day Three

Tytor v Lijiang (at The Flower)
Fleur v Bakkermaya (at Hézhun District 4 Arena)
Quintelia v Lodja (at The Forest Heart Arena)

Vaguzia v Zimalia (at Sky Arena)
Kaitaine v East Moreland (at The Two Moon Arena)
Jugland v Tamora (at River Park)

Match Day Four

Kaedwen v Royal Seleucid (at The Two Moon Arena)
Seaforth v Elania (at River Park)
Centralia v Iwi (at The Flower)

Achkaerin v Merina (at The Blue Stadium)
Argemonto v Safraen (at The Forest Heart Arena)
Drenova v Ikhan (at The Dragon Stadium)

Match Day Five

Lijiang v Quintelia  (at Sky Arena)
Bakkermaya v Tytor  (at Hézhun District 4 Arena)
Lodja v Fleur (at The Two Moon Arena)

Zimalia v Jugland  (at The Blue Stadium)
East Moreland v Vaguzia  (at The Dragon Stadium)
Kaitaine v Tamora (at The Forest Heart Arena)

Match Day Six

Royal Seleucid v Centralia  (at The Blue Stadium)
Elania v Kaedwen  (at The Two Moon Arena)
Seaforth v Iwi (at The Dragon Stadium)

Merina v Drenova  (at River Park)
Safraen v Achkaerin  (at The Flower)
Argemonto v Ikhan (at Hézhun District 4 Arena)

Match Day Seven

Lijiang v Bakkermaya  (at The Forest Heart Arena)
Tytor v Lodja  (at The Dragon Stadium) 
Fleur v Quintelia  (at Hézhun District 4 Arena) 

Zimalia v East Moreland  (at River Park)
Vaguzia v Tamora  (at The Flower)
Kaitaine v Jugland  (at Sky Arena)

Match Day Eight

Royal Seleucid v Elania  (at The Blue Stadium)
Kaedwen v Iwi  (at The Flower)
Seaforth v Centralia (at The Two Moon Arena) 

Merina v Safraen  (at The Dragon Stadium) 
Achkaerin v Ikhan (at Hézhun District 4 Arena) 
Argemonto v Drenova  (at River Park)

Match Day Nine

Fleur v Lijiang  (at River Park)
Quintelia v Tytor  (at The Dragon Stadium)
Lodja v Bakkermaya  (at The Flower)

Kaitaine v Zimalia (at Hézhun District 4 Arena)
Jugland v Vaguzia (at The Two Moon Arena)
Tamora v East Moreland  (at Sky Arena)

Match Day Ten

Seaforth v Royal Seleucid  (at The Forest Heart Arena)
Centralia v Kaedwen  (at The Flower)
Iwi v Elania  (at Hézhun District 4 Arena)

Argemonto v Merina  (at The Two Moon Arena)
Drenova v Achkaerin  (at The Dragon Stadium)
Ikhan v Safraen  (at The Blue Stadium)

9
Diplomacy and Events / The Art of Diplomacy
« on: February 23, 2021, 08:20:06 PM »

To:- His Majesty King David III of East Moreland

It has been brought to the attention of the Majestic Empire that you are in possession of a large personal collection of art-works that potentially originated in Lijiang. We have read reports that the David III Gallery is currently displaying around 100 examples of this prized Lijiangian art form. During the time of our nation being under a period of mourning it is widely reported that many art-works of national importance have been sold overseas and we are keen, if possible, to see them returned to the Majestic Empire. We believe that Your Majesty has acquired these art-works in good faith however also believe that as East Moreland were the authors of the Cultural Exchange Treaty Organisation you would support artefacts being returned to their nation of origin if so requested. It is therefore our hope that you would permit a delegation from the Majestic Empire to visit Northfort and be permitted to examine these art works. If they are found to be originating from our nation then I would like to explore steps to see them return to Lijiang.

I hope we can rely on your support in this matter.

Best Regards

Dragon Emperor Tielin

10
Diplomacy and Events / The Joining of Dragons
« on: February 11, 2021, 10:39:45 PM »
Dragon Priestess Xi Mengyao shouldn't have felt nervous. In her time in charge of the nations faith she had overseen hundreds, if not thousands of weddings but today was like when as a 17 year old she carried out her first ceremony. 12 years later though she was about to join the Dragon-Emperor to a young Queen and unlike every other marriage she'd carried out there would be an international audience. She had woken at sunrise and made her way to the roof of her residency. Several young trainee Priestesses were already on the roof meditating and observing the morning for omens about the day. Mengyao found a quiet spot and put down her own rush mat and sat down cross legged. She spotted a fient white whisp of early morning mist floating up the valley above the river and focused upon that. She cleared her mind focusing just on the movement and determined to herself if it settled over the Imperial Palace opposite then it would be a bad sign for the day ahead and watched intently. Five minutes it took but slowly the mist had moved on drifting down river towards the capital of Fengtai. It would be a good day she determined and so stood rolled up her mat and tucking it under her arm made her way down to her chambers. Having bathed she dressed in the traditional white and pale blue robes it was then that she made her way to the Sanctum's dining hall which later in the day would host the banquet to celebrate the joining of the Dragon-Emperor and the future Queen Dandan however for now it was full of about fifty women eating breakfast. Seeing Mengyao enter they stood and bowed their heads respectfully. "Please, eat, we have a busy day ahead" she gestured for people to sit as she took a bowl of rice porridge. She found a seat next to Zedong, she was one of the eldest Priestesses being in her 80's. Zedong had given 70 years of service to the Priesthood and today would be assisting Mengyao. The pair sat discussing the ceremony once more, over the last few days they'd been over the rituals several times but Mengyao just always seemed to need just one more run through.



Over the opposite side of the valley the Tielin had awakened just after the passing of the mist. He had slept soundly having been exhausted from a day of hunting wild pig in the woods around the Imperial Palace. It was tradition that the groom fed the wedding party and while it was the case that a single boar wouldn't feed the huge mass of guests it was still to be expected he provide something. He had spent the day with members of the Imperial Guard until they'd shot the beast and then the men in the Guard had watched as Tielin had been responsible for gutting and skinning it. Several hours later he had returned to the Palace to deliver the meat to the household staff ready for prepation while he headed to his own chambers covered in blood. This morning his forearms ached from the effort of carving through the various layers of the pig and now when he clenched his hand he could feel the tendons aching. He had bathed and been wrapped in a ceremonial red set of robes. In honour of his future wife being named as Queen of the Azure Dragons he had a bright blue belt tying his outfit together. He would shortly make his way over to the Sanctum of the Two Dragons where the ceremony would take place but for now he would wait for his entourage from the barracks in the city to arrive. The black armour wearing Guardsman would be marching the 10km along the road and Tielin was grateful for them not having to do this in a blistering summer and at that point made his mind to have autumn or spring weddings in future. The road from the capital would see locals come out of their homes to greet the 150 guardsman in the procession and by the time they arrived at the Palace they would be festooned in flowers, garlands and various other decorations given to them by the public keen to honour this happy day.



Dandan was shaking as the servant poured more and more buckets of cold water upon her. She was submerged from neck down in a traditional wooden tub with the water being drawn from a well behind her. The bath house here in the Empresses Palace in the Golden Enclave was full of about twenty of these and usually the noble women permitted to use them would be waited on by the servant girls drawing water from this well and heating it on a traditional wood fired stove. It was important though that Dandan be purified and the cold water was said to draw out impurities in the skin. She was shivering as the girl behind her washed her long black hair. A girl with a kind of harp sat in the corner playing quietly as the girls prepared their future Queen. Once she had been bathed she was dried down and then given a massage with scented oils and at this point she felt more relaxed. Next came the wedding dress. For a Queen's marriage there was no colour seen as standard as the Dragon they had been selected by determined the outfits design and for Dandan it was a bright blue with accents of white. She liked her dress and was now beginning to get excited. She would leave the Enclave along with the Dragon-Empress who for the only time in her life would bow in public to Dandan showing that today was a day where the Azure Dragon was in power. As Dandan appeared on the terraces of the Palace within the Enclave it seemed like the whole population of that settlement had turned up to see her. They knelt in respect as Dragon-Empress Jing stepped forward, bowed to Dandan who returned the gesture instinctively and then accepted the single Lotus flower that she was offered. A waiting horse and carriage would take them to the Imperial Palace and it was flanked by an escort of black armoured horseman. If things had been timed to perfection she would arrive at the Imperial Palace ten minutes or so after the men marching down the road.



High Councillor the Lord Kexing was on meet and greet duties. He was the leader of the The Grand Council of the Majestic Empire and at 82 years of age he believed this would perhaps be the only royal marriage he would ever witness. In some ways he wished he wasn't having to wait at the Lower lodge at the Imperial Palace. It sat just inside the thick white walls among the trees that retained their greeness all year round giving the lodge a darkness which was illuminated today with several burning briars. He would greet the arrivals and let them know about the proceedings for the day which would be rather a lengthy affair.

11
Diplomacy and Events / Educating Lijiang
« on: February 10, 2021, 11:11:34 PM »

To:-

Mr. Ayotunde Clement of Paracambi (Theology and Literature)
Miss Matilda Osman of East Moreland (Marine Biology)
Dr.Marcus Merriman (History)
Mr. Peter Simod (Programming & Computing)
Mrs Samira Hanifnejad (Creative Arts & Media)
Mr Jin Odinsson (International Relations & Media)
Duke James McKenna (Engineering & Physics)

I am writing to you in order to offer you a period of paid employment.

It is my desire that my two eldest children Prince Chun (Aged 17), Princess Wenjun (Aged 14) receive an education that equips them to help lead our homeland into the 21st Century. To do that I wish them to be educated not just in subjects vital to those in leadership but in ideas beyond the traditions of Lijiang. I wish for them to embrace the concept of traditional Lijiang wisdom. We have an old saying that to be truly considered learned a person must travel 100miles from home, read 100 books and have conversations with over 100 people. While this saying is possibly 2000 or so years old the message behind it is clear, to be educated you must be exposed to wisdom, other cultures and people. With this in mind I wish to establish for them a series of tutors who are well respected in their fields to ensure this world class educational experience takes place. I am therefore offering you a contract to tutor my children for the next 12 weeks.

Should you be willing to accept the invitation you will be paid a generous salary and provided with more than comfortable accommodation for you and any family you wish to come with you. This will be within the Imperial Palace complex or the Golden Enclave depending on your preference. We will provide you with your own vehicle and driver, all meals and extensive leisure time. You will be expected to deliver one hour of teaching per child per day six days a week as well as setting them private study work. At the end of the contract we have set aside a further 4 weeks in which we shall provide accommodation within the Empire for you and your family to spend recreational and leisure time. Naturally all expenses in travel to and from the Empire will be covered.

It is our hope that you will accept this contract as we believe your contribution to the childrens education will be life changing. Should you wish to discuss this offer or its terms we would be more than happy to discuss them with you.

Best Regards

Dragon-Emperor Tielin II


12

On this the 28th day of January in the 2021st year of the Common Calendar heralds have been sent across the Majestic Empire to inform the population that the in 10 days time the wedding of His Imperial Majesty the Dragon-Emperor shall marry Lady Dandan and make her a Queen of the Majestic Empire. Omens and consultations with the Two Dragons have been taken and this day is marked as auspicious for their joining. Further omens and consultations will take place at a public pre-marriage blessing ceremony in two days time and at this point a decision will be made as to whether to invite dignitaries from other lands beyond the Empire.

Should the omens suggest this is an occasion to be shared with Mundus we shall dispatch invitations to all Heads of State offering them a chance to attend the marriage ceremony. As the Majestic Empire is a land of tradition we shall only be allowing people holding official titles from their Head of State to attend[1]. Each nation may send two representatives and they are required to wear clothing which shall cover legs and arms fully while inside our Temples. The ceremony also involves a significant walk up a steep hill and sadly there is no alternative mode of transport other than to walk. While we are aware many nations traditional formal attire includes ceremonial weapons such as swords these under no circumstances will be allowed into our Temples. Finally it is understood that many nations have traditions of presenting gifts for wedding ceremonies. This is not the case in Imperial weddings and so to avoid awkward situations it is asked that no nation presents gifts during their visit. While we understand some nations see this as a tradition for weddings the Dragon-Emperor and his future wife have asked that should nations feel a gift is traditional in their customs that they donate to an educational charity in their homeland under the name of Lady Dandan but there is no expectation that this happens.

Finally there is tradition that married guests visiting the ceremony will stay in the Golden Enclave. Unmarried couples, if they attend, will be given quarters for males in the Imperial Palace and females in the Golden Enclave.

We shall make an announcement of the 30th day of January in the 2021st year of the common calendar we shall confirm whether foreign guests are permitted as well as conveying the omens for the marriage as tradition dictates.
 1. Nobles or serving government Ministers

13
Diplomacy and Events / Talks between Lijiang and Royal Seleucid
« on: December 30, 2020, 10:26:29 PM »
Day after the Emperors Coronation

The ride from the Imperial Palace to the Plaza at the centre of the capital Fengtai was one that the new Emperor would make a point of eradicating in the next few days. It was 10km and though he didn't mind the half hour or so in the saddle or in a carriage it did seem rather obsolete and probably not that secure. Being flanked by Imperial Guards with spears either side offered protection of course but it wasn't the same as the bullet proof protection he'd seen other nations leaders use. If Lijiang was going to appear a more modern state then this was one quick fix, replace the horse with a car of some sort. He made a mental note to do exactly that as the Plaza came into view. Already a crowd had gathered and many knelt on the ground and pressed their foreheads to the floor as he passed. In the centre of the Plaza was a three berth gallows and a steady line  of rifle toting soldiers ensured the crowds that had gathered were a good twenty meters or so away from proceedings.

Dragon Emperor Tielin guided his horse to where a group of soldiers formed an entrance way through the crowd and once inside their square slid from the saddle handing the reigns to a waiting Private. Beneath the platform of the gallows three men were kneeling on the ground, heavy chains around their wrists. In front of them stood a young girl dressed in the robes of the Priesthood offering them last minute prayers. The Dragon Emperor ignored them and made his way up to the platform that gave him a view over the assembled crowd. He estimated about 10,000 people had turned up to witness the event and that made him nervous as he couldn't tell if these were people who were angry or happy that these three disloyal men were about to die. A man wearing all black approached Tielin and bowed before telling the Emperor everything had been done and that all he would need to do was throw a switch to initiate the drop and send the men into oblivion.

The appointed hour came and the three men were moved onto the gallows and ropes put around their neck after each was permitted to offer final words. They all opted for asking for prayers from the crowd and regretting their actions but they fell on mostly deaf ears. Around 40,000 people had died in the uprising caused by these people and it seemed many of those people's families were in the crowd. It was now time for the Dragon Emperor who would normally have permitted executions to take place out of the public gaze and by the nations Chief Executioner but this was about sending a message that he was now in charge and wouldn't accept people being disloyal. "You have all caused the nation suffering. You have all failed to uphold the most sacred traditions of our Empire and brought disgrace to your ancestors. You shall die for the damage you have caused and I pray your ancestors shall cast you aside. Your deaths shall mark an end of disharmony in the Empire which I shall now lead to a brighter future." With his words spoken the Emperor pulled the switch and the three men dropped through the floor the sound of snaps making Tielin feel a little uneasy. He had been so clear in his thoughts just seconds ago but now he wondered if he should have at least shown one of them mercy. He resisted temptation to peer down through the trap doors and waited for the three doctors waiting below to confirm the men were dead before he descended the gallows and remounted his horse doing his best to show no emotion but unsure whether he had.

His duty done here the Dragon Emperor headed to the Golden Enclave in order to quickly change from his ceremonial robes into a rather more fitting suit like attire. He spent a few moments with his wife before the duo headed to the airport. Lijiang didn't have many international flights however the size of the nation meant that an internal flight could be as long as an international one and so the cities airport was easily capable of accepting the flight from the Seleucid King. The Dragon Emperor had surprised many people when he identified them as this target for the first visit, the Seleucid were not seen as a major power nor where they neighbours but they did have several things the Dragon Emperor liked. First off they had a developed oil industry and with Lijiang having small by comparison reserves it was still an industry they could profit from. Secondly the Seleucid's had made huge strides in diversifying their economy and if Lijiang was to tap into its potential there were lessons they could learn. Finally Tielin knew the Seleucid had a fragile food supply and that was something Lijiang could never face it was essentially just a vast paddy field in many parts of the nation and so perhaps this would ensure the two nations would meet as more equals than if Lijiang had invited another nation.

The airport was already busy for the day, two flights coming in from the extreme North and South while a horde of green uniformed military were in attendance as a kind of show of strength. Tielin had read that Heydar was a man with military service so assumed this may show respect but now as he took his position alongside Empress Jing. The two held hands while they awaited for the arrival of King Heydar.

14
Character Guides / Lijiangians
« on: December 28, 2020, 10:06:45 PM »

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Tielin II. First Emperor of the Shaohua Dynasty

Emperor Tielin II was the Lord of Baoshan until ascending the throne. Baoshan was one of the few Provinces which remained largely peaceful during the period of mourning however he did raise his own militia which was used to defend his own lands until he handed over control of them to the Dragon Priestess and the Imperial Guard. Many believe this show of loyalty to the Empire and the Two Dragons was a key event in him being named as the new Dragon Emperor.

He has a younger brother born in 1984 who is a member of the Academy of Scholars were he teaches Philosophy and Ethics. He also has two younger sisters, one of whom is a Priestess at the Shrine of the Two in Baoshan while the youngest of the pair is married to an Imperial Knight. Tielin had been High Lord for  ten years following his father's death in an attack by a bandit group trying to sabotage a railway line through his province. Tielin spent much of his youth under the tutorlidge of his father in preparation for Imperial Service and sat upon various councils as both an Imperial Knight and taking his father's position for various debates in the The Grand Council of the Majestic Empire.

He is 43 years of age was born in 1977  and has been married since 1998 to Empress Jing and has three children, Prince Chun (born 2004), Princess Wenjun (born 2007) and Prince Daoming (born 2014).


15
Vignettes / Tales from the Land of Two Dragons
« on: December 18, 2020, 11:53:05 AM »
Tielin was still adjusting to his new life as the Dragon Emperor. The biggest change to his life was the fact that he never seemed to be alone. HE considered himself a family man and was always keen to spend time with his wife and three children but in the three days since being named Emperor he was forced into sharing his life with an endless round of armour clad soldiers looking as though they were refugees from the 10th Century. Even now he could see the shadow underneath his door move slightly indicating that even as he took a dump someone was outside waiting. It seemed for the rest of his life loneliness was something he would never experience. His business taken care of he exited the bathroom and heard the now familiar snap of a soldier moving to attention and preparing to follow just a few steps behind. He wondered what use the clanging metal clad soldier would be if a madman with a gun appeared but as he exited the Imperial Palace to begin the long descent through the grounds to the front gate he realised that too would not be a problem as he spotted the familiar site of the machine gun toting Imperial Guardsman wandering the courtyard. He sighed as six men similar to the one who had guarded him on his other throne moments ago fell in either side of him with the toilet guard going ahead as they made their way across the courtyard and onto the seemingly never ending steps that descended down the side of a valley where the Palace was sat. At the foot of the slope was a wide slow moving river which on clear autumnal days like today casted a magnificent reflection of the Palace in its clear waters. Across the valley itself was an almost identical copy of the Imperial Palace but this dedicated to the religious management of the nation. It may only be 6am but already groups of pilgrims stood ready to enter and make their daily offerings. Tielin waved a greeting from among his escort to those who noticed him and Tielin was pleased in a way the river separated them as it meant  he wouldn't be asked to give his own blessing to them. A black car was waiting and Tielin kind of half expected the soldiers to enter the car with him meaning he wondered where their black shafted spears would go but instead found three men in suits already sat. "Good Morning Your Majesty" the first said. "We'll be at the capital in fifteen minutes."

"Thank you" Tielin watched as the Palace slunk behind them and they whizzed along the valley road trees dominating each side until the valley began to widen and flatten at which point the countryside opened out in vast swathes of lush fields and paddies. Occasionally the greens were dotted with bundles of bright colours as the country folk toiled over their crops glad to be able to put on clothing that wasn't black, white or brown anymore. Tradition had told people bright colours were disrespectful to the dead Dynasty that had proceeded Tielin's rise to the throne but now colour sprang forth like flowers returning in the spring. It made Tielin happy to see and he felt bad for not engaging with the men in the car on the journey but he somehow felt they would not have enjoyed conversation with him. The car entered the capital and the homes of the locals were squat stone buildings, mostly white with terracotta roof tiles a contrast to their walls. The odd house was still made of wood with artistic dragons heads guarding the doorway to keep evil spirits out and then they hit the grey squat wall of the Golden Enclave. It was a rather misleading name, there was nothing there that was golden at first glance. The walls that guarded the quarter of the city that was dedicated to the Empress, effectively a town within the city into which control was regulated, it had some of its own laws, its own customs and even its own currency and the Empress was the all powerful decision maker. The car stopped at the old gateway where a red door blocked the road. No sooner had the car stopped than the heavy wood was swung open to welcome the Emperor, the sound of a hundred pairs of feet running in unison on cobblestones filled the air as yellow tunic wearing soldiers with spears appeared and formed a guard of honour to channel the Emperor into the safety of the walls. The endless ceremony was beginning already to become tedious but the Emperor nodded his thanks as he walked down the line. As he passed each pair of soldiers they stepped forward to close the channel behind him and turned to face the gatehouse now rather than flanking the Emperor they followed him until he was safe inside the walls, even his bodyguard left outside. The doors were swung shut and his wife, Empress Jing was waiting. She was dressed in traditional attire as would be expected, a gold coloured robe and a purple sash tied around her waist. It was this gold coloured uniform worn by those in the household of the Empress that gave the area its name.

"Good Morning" The Emperess embraced her husband and the pair kissed as they made their way through the streets. In total around 1,000 people lived in the Enclave full time doing a variety of jobs for the Imperials ranging from cooks to teacher to street cleaners. It was a settlement that would be able to house 4,000 people at its height and the people were hopeful that as the Emperor took more wives, more concubines and produced more children each would bring their own household. Legend once told of an Emperor who took 200 wives and 1000 concubines but Tielin like most realised this was just a fairy tale yet to the less well educated in the countryside this was something the Emperor should strive towards. The Enclave was also home to some nobles who had duties attached to care of the Empress and it was one of these that had meant the Emperor was here so early in the morning. "Its a strange morning."

"Yes it his" Empress Jing smiled back as they made their way to the Empresses audience chamber a large room with a red tiles floor split by a yellow carpet that ran between the entrance door and the pair of thrones where the Emperor and Empress would sit. The pair walked the yellow carpet while everyone else fanned out to the red tiles not yet having been permitted to stand of the ground reserved for the Imperial family.

"Was this really necessary?" Tielin asked his wife as the pair sat on their ornate thrones.

"Very" Jing clearly meant business this morning.

"Very well" Tielin sighed and nodded to a man wearing a traditional attire of a court chamberlain who bowed spun on his heels and hurried off outside moments later he reappeared with a group of people, two men wearing chains around their necks indicating a noble rank, each flanked by a stern faced woman Tielin assumed was their wife and before them a nervous looking girl of about 12 years of age. Tielin waved them forward and walking on the red tiles they approached the foot of the throne steps. "Please stand before us." Tielin motioned that they should step onto the Yellow Carpet and the group bowed once again before shuffling to fill the space directly before them. "Please why is it needed for me to intervene."

"Your Majesty" one of the noble men bowed his head as he began to speak. "My daughter here is 12 years of age is due to marry Lord Hiraw's son next week. Plans have been put in place for months since we arranged a marriage contract. When your wife." He paused for a moment and looked at the Empress nervously, "Her dear Imperial Majesty the Empress" he bowed towards her, "arrived her in the Enclave she ordered the marriage called off. I believe that she has no power under our laws to do so."

JIng didn't wait for her husband to respond. "You live in my Enclave, you live under my laws. I am responsible for the health and well being of everyone here. The day I arrived a 13 year old girl, forced into a marriage with a man in his forties, gave birth to her child here. The birth was obviously a difficult one, imagine a petite child forcing a child out of her. It nearly killed her and even now she is still not well and doctors inform me she is unlikely to ever have children again. Her health ruined, her future in tatters because of a failure to care for our young." The Empress spoke passionately. "I will not allow the same fate to befall others in this enclave."

"But with respect Your Imperial Majesty there is nothing to stop us removing my daughter from here and having her marry beyond your control." One of the nobles said smugly.

"I am afraid dear" Tielin began with a sigh, he had never expected such matters to be a problem he would deal with, "that Lord Tehgin" is correct. A girl may marry as soon as she has started her menstruation." It was a rule Teilin did not necessarily agree with but he understood that the rule allowed peasant families to move on daughters who were often just an extra mouth to feed around the farm.

"Very well" The Empress said in a huff. "I do have it in my power however to take into my service any individual who enters the Enclave. From this day forth any girl entering the enclave who is unmarried shall become one of my household, she therefore may not marry without my consent nor shall any man take her into their bed without my consent. Anyone failing to comply with this shall be punished by death." She announced the new law loudly. "I shall not have another girl being ripped apart by such barbaric abuses, little girls should be little girls not mothers. This begins with your daughter. Come here child." The Empress waved the girl forward and she dutifully obeyed. She had heard of how her friend who had given birth just a few days earlier lay still gravely ill and feared she would suffer a similar fate, one that befell hundreds if not thousands of girls a year. "What is your name?"

"Ziya" the girl said now stood on the lowest step her head bowed. "Your Majesty....Imperial Majesty" she stumbled over her words nervously.

"Ziya, you shall now be responsible for my personal library. You are to report to me every morning at 8am unless I say otherwise." The girl nodded half relieved that she would escape the inevitable pain of early childbirth but on the other hand she would be going against her father's wishes. "Captain of the Guard." A man stepped forward wearing dark armour with a large yellow feather coming from his metal helmet. "Please ensure that no female child under the age of 16 leaves the Enclave without my permission."

"Yes Your Majesty" The Guardsman bowed and having been given his instructions stood back to the side.


"She can't do this" The girls father protested towards the Emperor.

Tielin felt a marker needed to be put down and stood. "SHE!" he exclaimed, "Who is SHE. This is my wife, the Empress of the Majestic Empire, the mother of the nation and you will pay her due respect or you will pay with your life." he descended the stairs and took the spear from one of the guardsman who stepped back to be replaced almost immediately with a now armed spearman as though this was a common event, that in itself worried Tielin. "The Empress rules the Enclave, you live in her land. I do not wish to be dragged out of my Palace away from matters of state to deal with a nobleman who is not intelligent enough to realise how fortunate he is to enjoy the Empresses wisdom." With a dexterity born of years of martial arts training the Emperor easily twirled the spear and left its blade a few inches from the mans face. "Now, who is SHE?" Tielin asked.

The noble sunk to his knees "She is The Dragon Empress of the Majestic Empire of Lijiang, she is the mother of the nation and she is the person who I thank for favouring my daughter with such a honourable duty." The man capitulated before them and the Emperor was satisfied his point had been made, he looked at the soldier who he had taken the weapon from and with a nod indicated he could take the spear back and gently tossed it towards him. He was relieved the soldier caught it easily and without a second thought snapped to attention again at his post. Tielin helped the man to his feet.

"There has been enough problems with nobles arguing as of late." The Emperor was leading the man towards the door now his arm around his shoulder a careful ploy to show the man still had the Emperors friendship but a clear indication that he was done here. "Tomorrow Lord Tehgin you will bring yourself and your daughters future husband to the Palace. The three of us shall practice archery together and I shall review whether this individual is suitable to marry a lady in my families service." Tehgin bowed before the Emperor his honour saved as even though he would lose face for not fulfilling the wedding contract he had now the ability to be seen by his future son-in-laws family as enjoying access to the Emperor, thus making his family even more desirable as a marriage prospect. Tielin was glad the matter was done and having returned to his wife was only too glad to be able to spend the rest of the morning with his own family as they planned their own future in a strange new world to them.

16
International News Networks / News of the Empire
« on: December 13, 2020, 10:50:12 PM »




Quote
NATIONS MOURNING ENDS

Across the Empire Temple Bells were rang to declare that the period of mourning that begun on the 13th Day of December 1900 of the common Earth calendar has ended. The Dragon Priestess, Xi Mengyao, left the Sanctum of the Two Dragons to personally begin ringing the Temple Bells in the Imperial Palace which indicated that a new Dragon Emperor was to be named.

On the 13th December 1900 the Dragon Emperor Junjie VI of the Huang Dynasty died at the age of 63 from complications arising from a wound suffered while hunting. He died with no children despite having had three healthy sons during his lifetime. His first child shared his name and died at age six from a fever while his two other sons passed away from illness before their father. As a result there was no direct descendant of the bloodline started by Shaofeng leaving the then Dragon Priestess to declare a period of mourning. This trigged a period of 120 years during which time decisions about the successor to the bloodline would be determined by the Priesthood as well for proper rituals to be carried out. During this time however cousins of Junjie began to clash over who should inherit the bloodline and this resulted in a series of armed conflicts between militia groups loyal to their feudal overlords.

In 2016 with the period of mourning drawing to a close these armed attacks began once more after 10 years of quiet. It was only in December 2017 by the common Earth calendar that the new Dragon Priestess Xi Mengyao determined that action must be taken to ready the Empire for the new Emperor and activated the Guard of the Empire to bring an end to the situation. The Guard is a force loyal to the Priestess and utilises a militia of its own drawn from the general population. Within 48 hours of this action the Council of Sorrow, a body made up of the descendants of 12 Feudal Lords unable to inherit the throne appointed by the High Priestess on the day of Emperor Junjie VI's death, had also granted her the use of the Armed Forces. By the end of February 2017 by the common Earth calendar the coalition of the Imperial Armed Forces and the Guard of the Empire had ended the conflicts between four cousin families of Emperor Junjie VI. Dragon Priestess Xi Mengyao then determined who the new Emperor would be and imprisoned the daughters of the other three families in the Imperial Palace where they have remained as security against further conflict by their fathers. Since then the Dragon Priestess has been helping prepare the new Emperor for this day.

As the bells began to ring thousands of people around the Imperial Palace gathered at the gates to hear the Dragon Priestesses announcement. Wearing traditional red robes and with a horn bow strung on her back the 27 year old Dragon Priestess was carried to the roof of the gatehouse and gave her proclamation.

Dragon Priestess Xi Mengyao[1]
Quote from: Proclamation of the Dragon Priestess
120 years ago today we witnessed the passing of Emperor Junjie VI. The Two Dragons had seen fit to call his sons to the afterlife before him and as such the Huang Dynasty came to an end after almost 600 years. The Dynasty was rightly mourned and while we offered our tears to help them reach the afterlife scoundrals saw fit to try and seize power for themselves. For nearly 80 of the 120 years of mourning we witnessed Feudal Lords with tissue paper thin claims on the throne grab what they could rather than what they deserve. Having consulted with the Two Dragons I determined that the Empire needs to return to normal as soon as possible and therefore on this 120th Anniversary of Emperor Junjie's passing we shall end our mourning and begin to celebrate. It is with great pride that I have permission of the Two Dragons to name Lord Tielin shall mark the creation of the Shaohua Dynasty. He is a direct descendant of the youngest brother of Emperor Junjie and kept his militant forces out of conflict and instead placed himself under the direct control of the Guard of the Empire displaying endless loyalty to the Two Dragons. All the Empire must celebrate the beginning of new things as we welcome His Imperial Majesty Emperor Tielin II. Long may the Dragons fly above the Shaohua Dynasty


His Imperial Majesty Emperor Tielin II. First Emperor of the Shaohua Dynasty[2]

Later in the day the new Emperor was escorted into his new home at the Imperial Palace by men of the Guard of the Empire. He will be official crowned in the coming days when all Feudal Lords are summoned to the Palace. Currently the daughters of three other households are resident in the Palace and their futures will be determined by the Emperor once he has been crowned.

Emperor Tielin II was the Lord of Baoshan until ascending the throne. He is 43 years of age and has been married for 21 years to Jing and has three children, Prince Chun (Aged 16), Princess Wenjun (Aged 13) and Prince Daoming (Aged 6). The Emperor is expected to name his wife Jing as Empress the same day that he is crowned. As Emperor he shall now be able to take further wives who shall be named as Queen rather than Empress.

Across the nation as celebration begun the public have called for several hopes to be fulfilled. Many desire now a period of peace and stability so that farms can operate without fear of rouge military forces taking their produce without compensation where as some merchants are hopeful of being able to trade with little limitations and hopefully new trade routes being opened. One of the few Lijiangians who has ventured outside the nation during the period of mourning, a practice seen as disrespectful, is Lin Peng who spent time in several nations as a scholar of traditional Lijiangian Literature. He believes the nation has much to catch up on. "We are a nation that to my views is a good forty years behind many. The internet is a thing of great use that I think we may have only about 5% of the nation capable of utilising. Our trade ports are not large enough. We have a massive untapped potential. We have natural resources a plenty, resources Mundus needs, gas, coal, oil, vast tracks of farmland that go beyond the hundred million or so mouths we have to feed. The Empire could become an economic powerhouse if the Emperor manages what we have been given correctly. My concern is the new Emperor is unprepared for the world outside our borders."
 1. RL-Yukee Chen
 2. RL-Xiaoming Huang

17
Factbooks and Maps / The Majestic Empire of Lijiang
« on: December 13, 2020, 08:01:00 PM »

When we hark back to the beginning of the Universe there dwelled just two Dragons, Fucanglong and his mate Qinglong. As these two Dragons danced among the cosmos they produced the first star and from that all existence began to come slowly into life. After some time though the two dragons became bored of the endless birth, death and rebirth of the galaxies and solar systems and so created Yifeng the first human male to be caretaker of the Universe while the two dragons could return to their dance of love. Following some time though Yifeng became lonely tending to the Universe and jealous of the love between Fucanglong and his mate Qinglong. He begged the Dragons to come and speak with him and begged for them to grant him a partner to love how they loved each other. The two Dragons agreed to give Yifeng his wish but in return he must give up his immortality and ensure the bloodline he would begin gave thanks to the Dragons for their existence. Having been on the brink of insanity because of his isolation Yifeng agreed and so the two Dragons created Liying to be the first human female. Yifeng and Liying lived 1000 years and produced several hundred children who they taught to respect the Dragons and do prayers to them. Upon Liying's 1000th birthday she gave birth to her final child, a daughter called Xiaotong, before promptly dying in the arms of Yifeng who died seconds after his wife of a broken heart. At the exact moment of the first human couples death the Dragons returned and were so heart broken that they insisted all humanity mourn for 120 years. They gave instructions that the eldest living descendent of Yifeng and Liying, a man called Shaofeng would resume their duties of managing the Universe while the bloodline of Xiaotong would act as the dragons conduit with humanity.

In the time that has followed since this cosmic lovestory began the Dragons have continued their dance leaving the descendants of Shaofeng to rule in their place as Dragon Emperor. Meanwhile those of the Xiaotong bloodline have acted as Dragon Priestesses to ensure that should the Two Dragons need to commune with humanity they have a mouthpiece. Sadly mismanagement, arrogance and disputes over the millenia have seen the influence of the land known as Lijiang wither away as the Dragon Emperors became more concerned with worldly rather than cosmic matters. Today the Majestic Empire is hamstrung by old traditions which have seen it largely left behind by other nations on Earth unfamiliar with the Two Cosmic Dragons.



NATION QUICK FACTS

Population: Approx 120million
GDP per Capita: $4,780
Capital City: Fengtai (Approx 1.8million people)
Head of State: Dragon Emperor Tielin II
System of Government: Feudal Monarchy

18
Introductions / 哈囉 from Lijiang
« on: December 13, 2020, 07:22:56 PM »
哈囉 (Hello)

Planned on joining your region about a year ago but life took over. Looking forward to doing more than exploring and being part of Independent Order.

My plan is my nation to be based loosely on pre-communist China and be rather superstitious yet nowhere near the size of real life China.

 

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