Mandate of Heaven

[Zhonya's Hourglass]

It is the eve of 2103.

 On the cusp of a new era, a cadre of promising recruits are initiated into the ranks of Ashigaru by the dutybound Murong Ze.

Amid the watchful gaze of the Shogun and Regent, this emerging generation mark the foundational steps that will etch their dynasties into the annals of history.

---

This thread will operate as a board.

What is to come?

The Return of [SHOWDOWN]

Advertisements and Announcements.
Smaller Events and gatherings.

[ruefuny]

To my treasured recruits, the lifeblood of Xuefeng,

Remember that I am here to meet all of your needs. Submit any requests for equipment to myself, or another of our capable smiths if I am unavailable.

If you serve Xuefeng but do not yet carry a sword signifying your allegiance, find me.

If you have worries, fears, find me. Most of you are young, and battle is not a simple matter for the mind or soul.

Though soldiers are a necessary thing, the heart grows sick if gorged eagerly on bloodshed, or grows hard, tight and cold if it keeps the realities of war away.

If I did not give all I could to each and every one of you, I would be a disappointment to myself and all who came before me.

___________________________________________________________

Remember that He treasures us, as He always has, and His hand guides us distantly towards a path of love.

- Murong Ze, proud Captain of the ashigaru of Xuefeng, servant of the Imperial Bloodline

[An addition was quickly made to this, mere minutes after it was posted!]

I have now been informed that Solveig, our young fellow in Xuefeng who follows an upright path outside of the ashigaru, can now offer all sorts of services.
Artificery, alchemy, and most pressingly medicine. Remain aware of her-- And be sure you give thanks.

[BLOX]

With an increase in popularity of Xuefeng, the settlement is now considered a bustling hub of activity, open to tourism.
With an increase in visitors, a new secretary, Ji-yeong, has been appointed to handle the affairs of the ruling class.

All are welcome to come visit, though there are some guidelines that have been published in the interest of dissolving cultural barriers, and promoting respect.
While these apply primarily within city rules, following these rules is key to be seen as respectful, particularly to the Lord and those beneath him.

1. Use of Fel magics within city boundaries is considered disrespectful, and is frowned upon.

2. Associates of the Fel are not permitted within city limits.

3. Please observe any and all customs of the Fourfold path with respect, though participation is not mandatory.

4. Please respect Sheng customs and languages without judgement.

5. Any and all discussion of the Lord's holy bloodline or the ties the Lord has to the Emperor can only be spoken of with his express permission.

6. Requests for the blood of the Lord is heretical and disrespectful to his bloodline, and will be seen as a sign of disrespect.

For any who require the assistance of Lord Mikoto Shinjitsu, please refer to the following, up-to-date status of his availability.

* Lord Mikoto Shinjitsu will not be available for all appointments. Please defer any requests to his secretary, Ji-yeong.
* Please avoid sending letters to Lord Mikoto Shinjitsu personally. Defer any letters to his secretary, Ji-yeong, unless the matter is expressly allowed by the Lord himself.
*This mandate was written with the express approval of the Lord, Mikoto Shinjitsu, by Secretary Ji-yeong.

[BLOX]

With the decisive victory over the forces of RISE, a public notice is raised at the request of Lady Akane Nakano.
A reminder to all who find themselves interested in approaching Xuefeng's boundaries, as well as those who may request for political help.

"The position of Shogun, held by Mikoto Shinjitsu, and the position of Regent, held by Akane Nakano, entitles both to political control over Xuefeng.
For matters of a political nature, Akane Nakano can also be reached for any inquiries."

People inquiring about political affairs are advised to remember that if a political leader can not be reached, or if the matter is not of IMMEDIATE URGENCY, reach out to retainer and secretary of the Nakano-Shinjitsu estate, Ji-Yeong, and something will be organized.

* This mandate was written with express approval from Regent Lady Akane Nakano, by Secretary Ji-yeong.

[BLOX]

The Lady Regent, Akane Nakano, expresses her deepest condolences at her lack of availability for all who sought her out. She has published this missive for all those who have sought out her assistance.


In her absence, Lord Shogun Mikoto Shinjitsu and Secretary Ji-yeong will be handling any assignments in her place. Direct any and all messages to Lady Regent Akane Nakano to Lord Shogun Mikoto Shinjitsu, or to Secretary Ji-yeong.


Please wish our Lady Regent a safe journey, as she embarks on a journey to her homeland.

* This mandate was written with express approval from Regent Lady Akane Nakano, by Secretary Ji-yeong.

[BLOX]

From the desk of the Nakano-Shinjitsu estate

A reminder to all active citizens of Xuefeng, particularly those within the ranks of the military, Ashigaru and Samurai alike, that in these moments of war to observe the rules of proper war-time engagement, as written out by famed Shengese general, Fuyuki Sanada circa 1003AC, in order to maintain a high standard.


Xuefeng takes the stance that, though we stand opposite Gloomlight alongside our neighbours, we needn’t mindlessly assail nor attempt to capture them; for there is no honour in winning with underhanded tactics.


Active Xuefeng combatants are advised to observe the following guidelines. A failure to do so may be met with a request to commit seppuku, as the dishonour of underhanded battle for the purposes of territory far outweighs the burden of death.


1. Do not intentionally seek out the blood of any enemy combatants until war-time. Defending oneself is perfectly acceptable.


2. Do not intentionally seek out the capture of any key members of the enemy's forces until war-time. Defending oneself is perfectly acceptable.


3. Respect the borders of the enemy, and do not enter needlessly into any territory not only owned by the enemy, but that the enemy may frequent.*
* If this is not possible, please be aware that Xuefeng may not respond to any calls for an exchange of goods for your wellbeing.


4. Do not intentionally inflict underhanded harm on any enemy combatants, included, but not limited to: poisoning or drugging, the impeding of any daily tasks or other trade services, or luring an individual out with the intention of inflicting bodily harm.


5. Avoid conversing or creating interpersonal connections with those who reside in enemy territory until the tide of battle has concluded so as to avoid conflicts of interest.


6. Should any disaster which immediately puts our home in harm or has the potential to harm Xuefeng occur where-in the assistance of multiple magi is needed, do not attempt to inflict any harm to any enemy personnel present with the intention of furthering the goals in war.


7. Should any public gathering, such as an auction or a tournament, occur, do not attempt to inflict any harm to any enemy personnel present with the intention of achieving the goals set out by this state of war.


Xuefeng combatants are reminded to observe the wise words left by Fuyuki Sanada.

“Mental bearing (calmness), not skill, is the sign of a matured samurai. A Samurai therefore should neither be pompous nor arrogant.”

[BLOX]

From the Desk of the Nakano-Shinjitsu Estate

Secretary Ji-yeong will be leaving Xuefeng.

An increase in medical issues, as suffered from both a worsening state of health and encounters with the Fel on Meranthe, have left her unfit to remain so close to Meranthe. She has, thus, retired, and the spot of secretary remains vacant.

These words were taken from her exit speech before the village.

“Though my magic was inherited from my father, my weak heart was inherited by my mother. I urge you all to treat the next secretary as kindly and warmly as you have treated me. I urge any and all to come see me in the capital jewel sometime. It will be my treat. You can eat whatever you’d like.”

After a momentary laugh from the audience, Secretary Ji-yeong continues.

“We love as we’ve loved, and we hate as we are hated. If my efforts have improved this place even slightly, then I thank you, from the bottom of my heart for allowing this life to have purpose.”

Her head is lowered for the final time.

“I love you, my precious Xuefeng. Eat well, rest well, and train well.”

With that, the secretary embarks on a final journey to a peaceful retirement, never to be seen again.

Any who might wish to pursue this role are encouraged to reach out to the Nakano-Shinjitsu estate's heirs.

(as an OOC note, this character is not being 'quit', just soft retired to make way for some other plans i have, you may still see her around!)

[Bluebird]

From the Desk of the Nakano-Shinjitsu Estate

It has been some time in which the Mandate of Heaven had received any updates since Secretary Ji-yeong and Qiu stepped down.
This update comes to you, the public, with an announcement, as well as a restatement of Xuefeng's laws with a small adjustment to them which will be listed below this missive, after the announcement.

The title of 'Secretary' will be no more, and will instead adopt a new title.

Lady Regent Miyumi Shinjitsu Irontail has come to the decision to assign Heavenly General Yin as Kampaku - the role in which succeeds the title Secretary.
As Kampaku, Yin is considered the Regent's Chief Advisor within Xuefeng - first secretary, above all others, assisting Lady Miyumi's rule.
If unable to get in contact with Lady Miyumi, Yin may be considered another go-to, as all missives and news will be brought to the Regent's attention when she is made available.

The Kampaku has express permission to write and keep the laws of Xuefeng updated, as well.

Beyond this, there are changes brewing within Xuefeng in the coming years following it's resurgence and newfound growth alongside it's young citizens.

Xuefeng remains strong, and is rebuilding itself with strong building blocks.

Laws of Xuefeng [2129 AC]
* Behave with courtesy and respect to your neighbors.

* Do not observe any Fel practices, within public or private.

* Practitioners of the occult are to be registered with either the Regent or the Shogun, if they are a resident of Xuefeng. Those who are yet to register are encouraged to do so, posthaste. NEW

* Treat your seniors and those ranked higher than you with respect, and your juniors and those ranked lower with consideration.

* Do not request blood from a member of the Nakano-Shinjitsu clan, as it is considered disrespectful, and will be treated as a crime.

* Combat near or other defacement of the torii is a grievous offence. For this reason, all magic-based combat is encouraged to occur outside of city bounds or within the designated combat area.

Those of Shengese descent are encouraged, as always, to seek Xuefeng out - whether to become a citizen, or find themselves comforted by the culture of their homeland.