Greetings again, honorable citizens of the Empire, and curious guests here to read on the reports of news from our airborne lands. I wish I only had happy news to report, but alas, in all things...there must be balance. First, the bad news...so that the good seems that much brighter.
--Concerning the Red Mists-- Information regarding this infectious red mist has been presented to myself by Varnal, the Minotaur. He is a citizen of Helheim, but also a professor within the CCOA, and I currently have no reason to believe that he has provided false information so far. Varnal provided to the Empire his research notes concerning the 'Red Mists' I held a meeting with the Grandmaster Tatsu of the Three Pillars and Hinami, Onmyodo of Soul of the Jade Oracle's office to discuss a plan regarding this mist and share the research provided to us. It was determined between us to conduct our own investigation and research to gather more information, and to begin preparations to test samples of this mist against our own magics and begin work on crafting a ritual that will work in cleansing infected areas. Currently, there is no known cure. Right now, it is ill advised to travel into lands that have been infected with this 'Red Mist' without protection. Seek out blessings from the air-kami if you must travel through the mists! Or other forms of protection. Do Not Go Unprotected! Currently, we do not believe the mists are a direct threat to the Empire itself due to our location in the skies. However, infected personal should be quarantined and the area around the ground portal watched more heavily. If you must travel to Helheim, it it is advised to find a method to fly rather than travel ground whenever possible. I recommend our people to reach out to Helheim for assistance and encourage their citizens to come to the Three Pillars to learn non-corrupt methods of warding and protection spells. --A Champion is Named-- A little over a month ago, the Emperor announced the return of the Trials of the Jade Champion to see who, among the Empire, was the one to personify the teachings of Bushido. One to be the shining example among us, and become the personal champion of the Emperor. That samurai is, the one, the only... Sasaki Musashi! Musashi completed all tasked laid out by the Trials of the Jade Championship, and was named Jade Champion by the Emperor. Perhaps soon.. in the future, there will be a battle of champions! Greetings Dear Readers,
As our Emperor is fond of saying - I hope your bellies are all full. It has been quite some time since I have reported on the many events happening around our beloved Empire. So, make yourself a good cup of tea, get comfy, and settle in somewhere cozy. There is a lot of news to unpack... First -- Promotions It warms my old heart to see so many of our citizens ascending to new heights within the Celestial Order. If you have been unable to attend recent sessions of Imperial Court, or were unware, please be sure to give congratulations and buy a cup of sake for your fellow citizens! Imperial Court:
Minor Clan Daiymos (Player Clans/Groups)
Samurai: The following Citizens have risen to the ranks of the landless nobility, Samurai. Raise a toast and keep an eye out for them to continue higher to Minor Clan Daiymos!
Special Promotion Report -- The ronin once known as NAMELESS, was not only promoted to Samurai but given a name by the Emperor! Musashi, and promptly adopted into the Oracle's family and is now Sasaki Musashi! Business Updates:
News From Around the Empire: We are fortunate to have recently welcomed two new Major Clans! (Guilds). The Seven Vipers and The Five Rings. The Five Rings assisted Commander Torashi recently in helping to host the Imperial Guard Recruitment Faire on the Festival Island. As always, if you are interested in defending the Empire, seek out a member of the Imperial Guard and join today. The Emperor has decreed the Trials of the Jade Championship to be open. This is a contest to be the Champion of the Jade Lotus Empire, the epitome of all that it is to be a samurai of the Empire. To be the best of the best of us. The Empire also paid a visit to Helheim for the coronation of Queen Buulzibael. As a show of renewed peace and friendship between our kingdoms, the entirety of the Nekoyami population held a parade through the streets of Helheim, passing out gift bags of rice. In the chaos of the nefarious and vile raid set upon our glorious Empire, one of our beloved Nekoyami was SNATCHED against her will and stolen to the dark depths of the Caballa. I am writing this report on behalf of the poor Nekoyami's family. Pako is the oldest daughter of Yan and Zizi, and was the main caretaker of the Home for Displaced Nekoyami of the First Helheim Invasion. She is well known in the Nekoyami community for being kind, generous, and hard-working. Her family wishes to put these messages out in hopes that the person responsible for Pako's disappearance will send their beloved daughter home. ![]() Zizi: "I just want my girl to come home. She is my first-born kitten. Yan and I tried for so long, but we had to be so careful because.. you know... how much our shops hate each other...but when Pako was born, that just didn't matter anymore...she's a good cat...too gentle for life in those caves.." ![]() Yan: "Nekoyami Island just isn't the same without Pako. She's such a sweet, loving soul...she...doesn't deserve a life of terror in those caverns...where they eat Nekoyami... please don't eat my daughter....." ![]() Sisu: "Pako and I ...were gonna get married. We..were gonna have kittens...start a family...together..I had a ring and everything! I was going to propose at the next Kabuki-Cats Play..." Other Nekoyami have reached out to me, wanting to add their messages about Pako.
The Nekoyami are planning to hold a candle-light vigil on Nekoyami Island tomorrow night in honor of their lost friend and family member. We hope...this message reaches the eyes of whoever has taken Pako, and after reading...will give them a change of heart. Bring Pako Home! It has been another busy week around the Empire. Here are some highlights to help you stay up to date on the happenings within the Jade Lotus and news that affects us all. As always, should you have questions about the information provided through the Imperial Herald, reach out to the members of the Imperial Court to get further details.
Lots Going on and to respond to! Here are some upcoming things to look out for:
Are you a new member, or an old member, looking for something to do, or a new story to start?!
The past week (and more) has been eventful in the Empire. Here is a report, for you, on events that have transpired in the recent days and weeks.
And in upcoming events and rumors around the Empire:
The Three Pillars and Jade Research Commission Guilds are looking for active members!
The Jade Research Commission hosts a regular War Games for any that wish to sharpen their battle tactics and test their skills of warfare. The JRC hosts a game regularly and invites people from across the realm, regardless of affiliations. Did you know you can also challenge another group to a War Game? For a modest fee, you can challenge your rivals to a game of war with the JRC's War Game Fort...without all that pesky destruction of your own towns and villages. If interested in hosting your own War Game, contact the Jade Paragon and Daimyo of the Jade Research Commission, Aura-Rah. You can find the Jade Research Commission on one of the lower islands within the floating Imperial Village of the Jade Lotus Empire. Ask any Nekoyami, and they can take you there. This week's War Games came with a special twist! Aethelu, Agnes, and Lexwyn of the defending team had taken a very, very special 'princess' hostage! Yes, that is right, the Emperor played the part of the part of the pretty princess in this week's War Game scenario. And who were the brave souls that assaulted the fort in a heroic effort to rescue the 'princess'? That would be Leao, Sai Hu, and Mimic! The Dastardly Defenders and Keepers of the 'Princess' The Brave Heroes, Saviors of the 'Princess' It was a close fight between both teams, but ultimately... the 'Princess' was rescued. Rumor has it, that Leao stole a kiss from the lovely 'princess' and was... zapped. Great job to both teams, and congrats to the winners of this round's War Games! Enjoy those medals, and keep winning to earn more!
It was Nekoyami Appreciation Day this past Sunday! A time for the Empire to give back to their faithful, hardworking, and ever cheerful feline citizens. If not for their diligence and dedication to all the work they do around the Empire, we would not be the thriving and lively society we are today. Arianrhod, the Brewer Bunny, of Moonsong Brewery welcomed the many, many felines of the Empire, Nekoyami and otherwise, to the brewery on the special day for a very special taste testing of their new Mouser's Matcha Brew.
According to the gossip from the Nekoyami, this brew was ...fantastic, with traces of catnip. There was a massive turnout of Nekoyami to the brewery, including.. and again.. this is by report of the cats, the BUFFEST Nekoyami ever to be seen. A drawing of him in the throng of cats has been included in the report, and I must say...this is the largest Nekoyami ever seen. Chaos ensued when someone tossed a ball of yarn into the crowd, and supposedly...the cats went wild. There was rumor of one cat trying to arrange a.. panty raid? I..for one.. am glad to see that the Nekoyami had a fun filled day of booze, catnip, and celebration. In other news, in further appreciation for their hard work, the Nekoyami have been sent on vacation! After delivering a letter of reparations and supplies to Duchess Buulzibael for damages to a bridge in Helheim, the Nekoyami were released to vacation in the city. I have heard they are having the time of their little nine lives around the city -- exploring, playing, and doing what Nekoyami do best -- work, work, work. Aura-Rah, Paragon of the Jade Lotus, and Daimyo of the Jade Research Commission, calls on all able bodied adventures to the Research Commission's expedition camp set up on the outskirts of the crater beneath the floating islands of the Jade Lotus Empire. You can start your expedition by picking up a report from the meeting table in the center of the camp.
Report: “Kaiju sightings have occurred in the immediate area. The sightings have occurred directly south of this location within the crater by a nekoyami claiming to be the king of the rock? Directly north scouts resting at the camp reported odd happenings at the nearby river. Lastly to the west again there were reports of scouts noting odd movement along the river. Please investigate each of these leads, it is recommended to do so in squads of two or three. If contact is made with the creature your first priority is to document behavior and it’s affect on the land. Engage with extreme caution as the prior documented Kaiju is extremely dangerous and volatile, prolonged exposure to the beasts vicinity has also cause severe illness, nausea, and fatigue over the course of a few days. Documentation and retreat heavily advised until further documentation can occur. Be aware the area is somewhat patrolled by orcish hunting parties. It is not out of the ordinary for these parties to be hostile. Good luck and report back your findings to the Paragon or Owslathaf.” --Signed, Aurah-Rah, Paragon, Jade Research Commission It is suggested and highly encouraged that you do not attempt to investigate these Kaiju sightings alone, as they are extremely dangerous and hostile creatures. Bring all documented information of your expedition to the Jade Research Commission. Good luck! Announcements from the Imperial Court
The Emperor hosted a session of court recently, in which all citizens of the Empire were invited along with foreign guests. This is what our esteemed Emperor had to announce: "My loyal subjects...a month ago, I sat here, and spoke to you of the Cabbala threat. How they framed Helheim with the blowing up of our beloved bridge, and how they tried to frame us with the blowing up of Helheim's guard tower. These VILE demons have taken it a step further! They attack our families! They attack our merchants! I have personally visited a citizen, a dear friend of mine, who even now lays bed ridden, who was attacked by their vile dogs while out in the forest. I put out a call to arms to all citizens. If you have the will to fight, join the Imperial Army, so that we may show our strength and the honor of those that serve. The time comes soon, when we will make those under dwellers pay. Outside the threat of chaos threatening our way of life....and despite it, our Empire thrives and grows, as it has always done. I have walked the breath of the capitol, and I've noted each and every one of you have served it with honor and pride. I now leave over to my Imperial Court for their announcements, and then we will receive petitions from citizens and visiting dignitaries." The Emperor has put out a call for all citizens to stand strong against the threat of our oldest enemy, the Cabbala. If you have the courage to face these vile foes, then seek out Commander Kaito to join the Imperial Army. From Aura-Rah, Daimyo of the Jade Research Commission: "Very well said if I do say so myself. These monsters have festered in their caves for far too long but I am sure the emperor has more to say on that in a moment. As for myself, the Jade Research Commission is currently looking into the ongoing Kaiju situation. I know a few of you may have had a few run-ins with them recently. Reports of a previous undocumented one have come in from the area around the crater. The Commission will be launching an expedition to document and hunt the new arrival before following it into the mysterious structure located beneath the crater in.. About a week. Please if you are able bodied and available any assistance into this growing threat will be most appreciated. Simply seek me out for admittance into the Commission." The Kaiju are a threat from the Empire’s ancient past, during the time of Tsuiteru’s reign when the Empire was still hidden from the rest of Sincadere behind its fabled Mist Wall. If you have the courage to delve into the secrets of our past, seek out Aura-Rah in the Jade Research Commission. From Shiroi Tatsu, Daimyo of the Three Pillars Temple: "... The Three Pillars addresses all mages within and without the Empire. As always, our doors remain open to all who feel the call of magic, of the Kami and Yokai. All who seek to delve into knowledge are welcome among our ranks. And now more so than ever. We must always look forward to tomorrow, and we cannot do so without your aid. Among which, the Pillars would like to announce that we have begun more intensive research on more effectively combating the corruption inhabiting the Yokai forest, and purifying those afflicted. As such, all interested in joining the Three Pillars are requested to come speak with me at their earliest convenience." The Yokai Forest that lurks on the darkened island beneath our beloved homes is a new mystery to solve. If you are curious about it or interested in researching non-corruptive magic … then speak to Shiroi Tatsu in the Three Pillars Temple. Other incidents of note from the court was the acceptance of gifts from Leela Spurius-Ryder, Princess of Helheim, and the elven woman, Drahx, leader of the Order of Elenion. Calimaelen, elven healer and citizen of the Empire was relieved of his travel restrictions with a warning not to involve the Empire in future infractions with his partner. And last, but not least… our final noteworthy event from court was the promotion of Torashi Hashimoto. Torashi has served in the Imperial Army with distinction and was instrumental in the rescue of the royal children of the Emperor from the vile clutches of the Cabbala. For his honor and service, he has risen within the Celestial Order to the rank of Samurai (minor noble). Congratulations are in order and buy this new Samurai a drink! The Shibari Showdown The Floating Lotus Okiya hosted its FIRST of a monthly event to showcase the artistic and sensual nature of shibari. It was a night of beauty, sensuality, and rope-bound flesh. Citizens of the Empire and foreigners alike were in attendance to display themselves or enjoy the sights of the evening. Tsuiteru TenTen, Baroness of House Ryu in Helheim was declared the winner. The next showdown is scheduled to take place on July 8th at 11am (SLT). More Slime Crime: A brief update about these slimes that continue to create messy chaos in our peaceful home. The pair of slimes, Kerym (blue) and Kerim (pink) managed to slip out of the Three Pillars Temple and went on a rampage within the Floating Lotus Okiya and the hot springs outside. Thankfully, no one was reported to have received any major injuries during the encounter, and both of the troublesome slimes managed to be subdued. This is also a public service announcement to remind citizens to make sure you tightly seal all containers, especially sake. Business Updates This is a reminder that in order to be considered an official and legal business of the Empire, you must get your business license from the Imperial Herald. Businesses that fail to obtain and maintain a current license risk being fined and will NOT be featured in any business promotions through the Imperial Office or the Imperial Herald Updates.
The following stalls are open for Management
There are currently TWO open buildings for citizens interested in starting their own business, and TWO market stalls available for anyone. Business NOT as UsualThrough the wisdom and benevolence of our Emperor and the Imperial Court, we are transitioning from a sales tax to a flat monthly fee for a business license for all merchants, shops, stalls and any trade conducted within the Jade Lotus territory. The cost for a business license is as follows: First Month: 10 Copper for ALL shops, stalls, merchants, etc.
The current list of businesses are:
The following stalls are open for new Management
There are currently two open buildings for Empire citizens for NEW businesses and two open stalls for non-citizens and foreign traders. About Damn SlimeBeneath the purified islands of the Empire, is the darkened yokai forest. It is a dangerous place within Sincadere, and home to many of the darker denizens of the Empire - yokai, oni, angry spirits… and.. Slimes? A few Oniyami (the small adorable blue oni that tend the yokai forest), were discovered in the village riling the Nekoyami up into a panic about a couple of slimes eating everything in the yokai forest. Including…eating little Oniyami. Brave citizens of the Empire banded together to venture into the darkened woods to confront the pair of goo slinging slime-girls. The pair of goopy girls were confronted with one of the slimes separating from the other. Ultimately, however, the slimes were defeated with minimal injuries to our citizens. Though, a few more of the Oniyami were devoured before they could be saved. And rumor has it that the pink slime absorbed her attackers clothing, while the blue slime got a little ‘intimate’. Ultimately, both slimes were defeated and it was discovered that the pair had absorbed a strange inkly black substance within the yokai forest that had driven the slimes to insatiable hunger. Both slimes are being held within the Three Pillars academy to be studied. The Naylte Cultural FaireNot long after the Empire’s mysterious Mist Wall came down and the people of the Jade Lotus rejoined the realm of Sincadere, the Naylte under the Fuleao Clan appeared. They have since been an ally and surprisingly strong military force within the Empire. Afterall, no one expects to get their ass kicked by a cute, fluffy bunny. However, their ways continue to be a mystery to many of those outside of their clan. With their long, long, long names and aversion to eating plants, perhaps you find yourself asking… Who are the Naylte?! And so, the Naylte Cultural Faire was organized as a way to invite people of the realm to immerse themselves in many of the unique traditions of the Naylte and learn of their history, culture, and language. A day of festivities and educational opportunities was provided by Mirah and Aura to enlighten those curious of the ways of the Naylte. Classes on their language, food, traditions, and history were shared to numerous visitors from across the realm. And rumor has it that even the Emperor was in attendance to learn of the people that had aided the Empire for so long.
Did you know…that bee keeping is a highly regarded position within Naylte culture?! If not, then make sure you show up for the next Naylte Cultural Faire to learn more about the (in)famous bunnies! |
EditorM. Noteworthy prefers to remain anonymous. You, dear reader, will never meet them. Categories
All
Archives
May 2024
|