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tyriq-edits · 3 months ago

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Research Notes for the Consort of Peace (Part 1)

The different dynasties/Periods of chinese history

Below the cut you will find the first part of my research notes for my Megop AU based on the ancient chinese tale of Wang Zhaojun [here]. Unfortunately it is rather difficult to get access to peer reviewed books about ancient China where I'm from. So for this part a huge chunk of my research unfortunately relies on different documentaries and Youtube videos. If i got anything wrong in my research please feel free to tell me.

Xia Dynasty: 2100 - 1600 BCE

Probably very likely or even most definitely mythical -> the archeological record shows no proof of them ever having existed.

Before them china was ruled by so called “legendary sage emperors”

A guy named Yu had been commissioned by them to find a way to manage to floodings of the Yellow river -> managed to do that and founded the xia dynasty (Madsen 0:34)

Shāng Dynasty: 1600-1050 BCE

Capital near Zhengzhou (Tsin 1)

Bronze artifacts (Madsen 0:58)

Warlike in nature → Similar to the Mycenaeans in ancient Greece.

Technology regarding Bronze smithing improved throughout this dynasty

Probably invented writing/earliest form of chinese writing attributed to them (Madsen 1:10)

Jiǎ gǔ wén -> Oracle Bone inscription (Madsen 1:20) -> Writings on bones and turtle shells for divination

Women had a lot more rights during this time and were politically and militarily engaged → Example Fu Hao (Zhao 2022, 3:20)

Ended in a period of decadence and replaced by the Zhou (Madsen1:35)

Cool fact: Shang King Wu Di (Husband of Fu Hao) would travel around his kingdom disguised as a commoner to understand the troubles of the common people better (Zhao 2022, 5:00)

Zhōu Dynasty: 1050 - 256 BCE

Divided into 2 periods: Western Zhōu (1050-771 BCE) and Eastern Zhōu (771-256)

Eastern Zhōu happens at the same time as the Spring and Autumn Period (770-475 BCE) and the Warring states Period (475-221 BCE)

Capital Western Zhou: Hao (near Xi’an)

Capital Eastern Zhōu: Luoyang (in the province of Henan)

Confusius creates the idea of confucianism around this time (the -> Huge influence on chinese culture (Tsin 1)

Main rule of Confucianism: “do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you” but “felial Piety”/devotion to the family is equally if not even more important

Idea of Mandate of Heaven is created (Madsen) → Joshua Mark however claims the Mandate of heaven was created under the Shang Dynasty, the Zhou just developed it further (Mark, Han 3)

Mandate of Heaven: A king could only rule if he acted just -> He had the heaven’s favour and was granted the right to rule by the heavens. But the heavens could take that right away from him if he acted unjustly.(Madsen 1:51) → The ruler HAD to look after his people in order to keep the mandate of heaven.

Kinda like the “Gracie dei” in western medieval kingdoms except your god given right as a king came with conditions

There will be signs by the heavens before hand -> natural disasters (Madsen 1:55)

Book of Songs was written around this time (taken from personal university class notes)

Functioned under a complex feudalistic system → Decentralised government (Epimetheus 1:50)

The Zhōu decline was long and painful starting with the Spring and Autumn period

In the end China broke into many different kingdoms and states (Zhōu being but one of them)

Warring States Period: 475-221 BCE

The Zhou were, according to Cartwright: “No longer dominant in military terms, the Zhou were forced to rely on armies of other allied states, who on occasion took the opportunity to forward their own territorial claims. For this reason, the Zhou king was compelled to sometimes make the military leader of another state the military leader of the Zhou alliance.” (2) → The greatest of these military leaders received the title of Hegemon.

By the 4th century BCE 100 smaller states had been “consolidated by conquest” (Cartwright 2) into 7 major states: Chu, Han, Qi, Qin, Wei, Yan and Zhao.

“In each state, the ruler declared himself king and independent of the Zhou empire.” (Cartwright 2)

Basically everyone was fighting everyone at all times.

It also marked the beginning of China’s use of a cavalry in the military as well as the chineses’ entry into the iron age through the use of iron swords and crossbows (Cartwright 3)

There were still cultural developments despite the constant wars (Cartwright 5)

Metalworking developed (Iron)

agricultural revolution (Iron tools)

cities grew in size

large defensive walls

towers were erected

Multi-storey citygates to impress visitors

Rulers’ Palaces became more extravagant

Marketplaces → Trade

Industrialised pottery and weapon production

Town planning (Grid pattern similar to Roman and Greek Colonies in the West)

Introduction of bronze coins with a hole in the middle

Philosophy → Writings and contemplation on Confucius, Daoism, Legalism, War Tactics (Sun Tzu)

Qin Dynasty: 221-206 BCE

Before the rise of the Qin Dynasty, the Qin had remained “one of the few states which remained loyal to the Zhou” (Cartwright 4)

Several Qin rulers had received the title of Hegemon from the Zhou kings during this time (Cartwright 4).

Qin conquered all the other nations at the end of the warring states period.

Reunited China into one nation

Rulers of previous dynasties were called kings (Wáng 王)

the Qin ruler (Qin Shi Huang) invented a new title for himself -> Emperor (Huáng Dì 皇帝）(Madsen)

Qin Shi Huang was known for his brutality and draconian rule

Qin Shi Huang “understood that the Zhous's policy of a decentralized government had contributed to its fall and so established a centralized state which decreased the power of the aristocracy, eliminated the borders between different states, and operated according to the precepts of the philosophy of Legalism”. (Mark, Qin 2)

He forced a unified writing systems onto those he conquered and had hundreds of historians executed and historical records burned ->he wanted to unite the people of China under one shared identity and for the “history of China to start with him”.

But his bookburnings had other reasons → Scholars would write tracts criticising Qin Shi Huang’s rule and comparing it with more benevolent rulers of the past Zhou dynasty and saying Qin Shi Huang was ignoring the mandate of heaven by not caring for his subjects correctly (turning them into slaves) (Mark, Qin 5)

People who tried to hide the history books and writings of past dynasties were also executed (Mark, Qin 5)

But not only history books were burned also “any works expressing the concepts from the period of the Hundred Schools of Thought should also be destroyed including the standard educational texts known as the Four Books and Five Classics from the Zhou Dynasty. Anyone speaking on such topics should be killed and any officers or officials who heard of such conversations and did not report them should be likewise.” (Mark, Qin 5)

Only medicine and science books were spared. (Mark, Qin 5)

→ Had scholars executed by burying them alive in a mass grave (Madsen 3:40)

“Shi Huangdi suppressed all freedom of speech, had the legal codes rewritten to adhere more closely with his own personal vision.” (Mark, Qin 6)

“A one hit wonder of a dynasty” (Montgomery)

Joshua Mark: “213 BCE, his need to control every aspect of his subjects' lives, and fear of rebellion, had turned China into a police state in which freedoms were severely limited and the peasant class was reduced to a level of conscript slavery” (2)

Under Qin Shi Huang China saw the first version of the Great Wall (protection against the invading Xiongnu), the Grand Canal, introduction of state coinage, highway constructions, and the terracotta army in his tomb. (Mark, Qin 2)

Joshua Mark: “His early reign seems, at first glance, a model for any monarch in true leadership and care for his people but Shi Huangdi only interpreted the Mandate of Heaven in terms of his own power and self-importance; his subjects were a means to an end, not an end in themselves. Those who worked on the wall, the canal, and other public projects, if they even were initially paid, quickly became conscripts taken from their homes to labor for scraps of food and communal lodgings.” (Qin 4)

“He encouraged science and discouraged letters” (Mark, Qin 4)

Joshua Mark: “The people's lives under the Qin became harsh, narrow, and more uncertain (..) because government officials could take anyone they wanted to work on the emperor's projects, no matter their social class or occupation. Only the emperor's men were allowed weapons so there was no armed resistance possible and, even if arms had been available, Shi Huangdi's network of spies, secret police, and informants would have revealed a plot before it had a chance to be put into action”. (Qin 5)

Shi Huangdi became increasingly more paranoid as time went on leading to more and more restrictive laws → Scared of usurpation and assassination → Grew obsessed with the idea of immortality → Sent officials to find the elixir of immortality

Qin Shi Huang famously died after swallowing mercury, believing it’d turn him immortal.

Shi Huang’s chief advisor Li Siu changed the emperor’s will after his death → Shi Huang intended his “commanding eldest son Fusu” as his heir → Li Siu feared Fusu would replaced him as chief advisor and made the “spoiled, coddled, youngest son” Hu Hai as he was “easy to manipulate” (Mark, Qin 8)

“He (Hu Hai) was famous for his bad temper, ordering the death of anyone who brought him bad news, and his lasting legacy is the origin of the saying “Don't kill the messenger” regarding a negative reaction to receiving unwelcome information.” (Mark, Qin 9)

The Qin Dynasty officially fell under the rule of Qin Shi Huang’s grandson Ziying who was unable to stop the rebellion of Liu Bang of Han and Xiang Yu.

Liu Bang of Han had accepted the surrender of Ziying and treated him well.

Xiang Yu however had Ziying and his entire family executed.

Han Dynasty: 206 BCE - 220 AD

Existed around the same time as the ancient Roman Republic and Empire and the Diadochi all the way up to the reign of emperor/empress Elagabalus. → Even traded with the roman empire → See the Roman Silk ban of 14 AD.

This is the dynasty during which Wang Zhaojun lived during the reign of emperor Yuan

The majority of Chinese people are part of the Han ethnic group, which receives its name from the Han dynasty. (Mark, Han 2)

Divided into the earlier Western and later Eastern Han Period (named after the location of the capitals)

Western Han: 206 BCE - 9 AD

Xin Dynasty: 9 AD - 25 AD → Regent Wang Mang declared the Han Dynasty is over and created the VERY brief XinDynasty after which the Han resumed (Mark, Han 1)

Eastern Han: 25 AD - 220 AD

Joshua Mark: “(The Han Dynasty) established the paradigm for all succeeding dynasties up through 1912 CE.” (Han 1)

Founded by Liu Bang, a commoner (born a peasant, worked as a sheriff) → Later called Emperor Gaozu → Liu Bang straight up rolled Nat20 on every single Charisma and Deception Check and faked his way onto the throne.

Liu Bang and Xiang Yu, after defeating the Qin dynasty, turned on each other → Liu Bang finally gained the upper hand by kidnapping Xiang Yu's concubine, Lady Yu, who was the great love of his life, and luring the Chu forces into a hopeless situation at the Battle of Gaixia (202 BCE). Lady Yu committed suicide and Xiang Yu, after burying her, fought his way out but was pursued and killed himself rather than be taken. Liu Bang then established the Han Dynasty, ruling as the Emperor Gaozu (r. 202-195 BCE)” (Mark, Qin 9)

Liu Bang later executed and demoted his other generals upon the request of his wife empress Lu Zhi → known as one of China’s most cruel women (Montgomery).

Capital was moved from Luoyang to Chang’an (Mark, Han 3)

“With no experience in government, Gaozu had to rely on earlier models and so adopted the decentralized government of the Zhou and the Legalism of the Qin (though the latter was implemented more benevolently). The decentralized state was divided into 13 administrative districts known as commanderies (also as jun) and awarded ten kingdoms to members of his family whom he expected to rule justly” (Mark, Han 3)

According to Poulpart: “Liu Bang created a new governmental structure composed of three actors with overlapping functions, guaranteeing that one would not dominate the other. This system was relying on a chancellor (chengxiang), who was responsible of the cases that would be managed by the emperor, a supreme Commander (taiwei) responsible of any military action or decision, and an imperial counsellor (yushi dafu) at the helm of the bureaucracy and administrative system.” (1)

As a former peasant Liu Bang understood how commoners had felt under the Qin rulers → Lowered Taxes for commoners, redistributed wealth, made some of the rules less strict (Mark, Han 3)

Liu Bang opened up bureaucratic positions for people of all social classes (Mark, Han 3) → His successor emperor Wen of Han would later take this idea further and introduce the imperial state exam → An Exam people of all social classes could take in order to become imperial civil servant

During the Han period Confucianism was the state religion → According to Confucianism’s ideas the state system of the chinese emperors was superior to every other form of civilisation → Han Emperors used this as explanation for expansionist politics (especially under emperor Wu of Han) → It was their mission given to them by the Mandate of Heaven (Poulpart 1)

Confucianism grew in popularity even amongst commoners but they still practised their own local cults (Poulpart 2) → Confucianism was mostly popular and important within the higher social classes (Poulpart 2)

The Han Dynasty was a period of lots of scientific and artistic advancements, marked by Confucianism and the creation of the silk road under emperor Wu. (Mark, Han 2)

The Hans invented the water wheel, the compass, the seismograph, musical theory and paper (Mark, Han 2)

Creation of the silk road -> Trading routes would reach up to the Roman Empire

The Han also “encouraged literacy and the study of history” (Mark, Han 2) → Sima Qian, the chinese Herodotus, lived during the Han Period

Iron, copper and Salt were regulated by the government → Government held a monopoly on those markets (Poulpart 2) → The Han-Xiongnu wars were partly the reason for that monopoly

Chinese Mythology underwent development during this time → Think Nezha, the Queen mother of the West, Guanyin, Chang’e, the Jade Emperor etc. (Mark, Han 2) → Many of these figures have existed since the Shang Dynasty

Wars with the Xiongnu (A distinct ethnic group from the mongolian Steppe)

Xiongnu wars lasted for 200 years → Will talk about these in more detail in the Xiongnu section

After Liu Bang’s death his wife Lu Zhi was in charge through several puppet rulers (Mark, Han 3) → She was then executed and Emperor Wen of Han took over.

Wen’s son Emperor Jing saw that the decentralised government was not working well → centralised the Han empire (Mark, Han 4)

Reigns of Wen and Jing = Golden Age

After Jing came Emperor Wu → Expansionist policies, made everyone (nobles and commoners) equal under the law code, gave commoners better opportunity to become government officials, adopted Confucianism as the state philosophy (Mark, Han 4)

Expansion into Korea and Vietnam ( → the Trung Sisters Rebellion) and more wars against the Xiongnu (Successful) & establishment of the Silk road (Mark, Han 4)

After Wu → Emperor Zhao → Emperor Liu He → Emperor Xuan → Emperor Yuan (The one from Wang Zhaojun’s tale)

Emperor Yuan (Or Yuandi) → Big supporter of Confucianism → Because of this (filial piety) he gave powerful positions to his wife’s family members → This and “failure to check the power of his eunuch secretaries” lead to the fall of Western Han and rise of the Xin dynasty

Yuan’s son, Emperor Cheng continued his father’s mistake until his cousin Wang Mang seized power and declared himself Emperor in 9 AD. (Encyclopedia Britannica 1) →Xin Dynasty

Wang Mang was meant to act as a regent to Cheng until he came of age → did not give the power back to Cheng when he was an adult

Joshua Mark: “Wang was a Confucian scholar and idealist who believed that a single, strong ruler with a clear vision and the freedom to do as he pleased would be more effective than one who took counsel and had to discuss policy with others before implementing it.” (5) → Wang Mang was kinda useless as a ruler → “The people grew frustrated with his ineptitude and a mob overran the palace, hacked him to pieces, and used his head as a kickball” (Mark, Han 5)

Emperor Xuan → Reestablished the Han Dynasty → Weak and was soon deposed during the Red-Eyebrow-Rebellion (Mark, Han 6)

Emperor Guangwu → Moves capital to Luoyang → Begin of the eastern Han period → created reforms to avert another Xin situation (Mark, Han 6).

“the Han ruling house fairly quickly devolved into a series of monarchs who cared more about indulging their pleasures than ruling a country” (Mark, Han 6) → The emperors left country affairs to their Eunuchs.

By 130 AD the imperial court had become corrupt by Eunuchs who held all the power (Mark, Han 2)

At the same time the Han were spending money on expansionist policies into Korea, Vietnam and on wars against Xianbi (A Nomadic group from the mongol steppe like the Xiongnu and Huns)

Famines, Floods and taxes

The Han Dynasty ended after General Cao Cao defeated the yellow turban rebellion, tried taking over control of the empire. After his defeat via his fellow military commanders, the kingdom was split into three different realms. (Mark, Han 2)

Three Kingdoms: 220-264

After the Fall of the Han Dynasty

Romance of the three kingdoms takes place around this time

Basically summarised as “Warring States Period 2: Electric Boogaloo”

Jin Dynasty: 265 - 420

Very shortly lived Dynasty

Descendants of the generals who usurped the imperial throne

It was of the three kingdoms of the previous era, the Wei Kingdom which prevailed and re-unified China (Madsen 5:00)

United China but their reign was marked by wars and violence (Epimetheus 3:30)

Palace intrigue → Civil war 299 - 301 AD

Jin Dynasty fell at the hands of Xiongnu tribes who “settled in the north of china and proved hard to govern” (Madsen: 5:20)

Xiongnu attacked both of China’s capital cities Luoyang and Chang’an

“Many people fled to the south of Nan Jing where the Jin had set up a government in exile” (Madsen 5:30)

Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties: 386-589

Northern Wei and the Southern Qi empires

Often considered a dark age of Chinese history (Epimetheus 3:40)

“Dominated by warlords who raided the lands and by barbarian invasions” (Epimetheus 3:48)

Buddhism increased in popularity (had been around in China since the Han Dynasty however) (Madsen: 5:40)

At the end the Wei and Qi kingdom had around 9000 buddhist temples combined (Madsen: 5:48) → Many rulers openly supported Buddhism

Sui Dynasty: 581 - 618

Had only 2 reigning emperors

Was able to unify China again

Instead of following the rules of Confucius, the Sui emperors tried to act upon Buddhist principles. (Madsen 6:30)

Their “structural changes which paved the way for a more long-lasting successor, the Tang Dynasty” (Cartwright, Sui 1)

Reinstalled the rule of ethnic han chinese (Epimetheus 3:53)

Integrated the barbarians that had invaded China during the previous period (Epimetheus (4:10)

After 1 million men were taken to Korea for military service → Rebellions arose in China during this time → Rebellion lead by Sui Emperor’s cousin Li Yuan overthrew the Sui → Renamed himself emperor Gaozu (Like Liu Bang of Han)

Tang Dynasty: 618 - 906

The second golden Age

Most C-Dramas i watch tend to take place around this period

Arts flourished around this time → Especially Poetry

Tea became more popular → Tea ceremonies (Madsen 8:10)

The story of Yan Gufei (another one of the 4 beauties of China) is set during this time

Internal stability

Scientific advancement

China’s population grew to 80million (Epimetheus 4:20)

The imperial exam of the han was picked up again and modified → Meritocracy (Madsen 7:30)

Surprisingly tolerant of foreigners for an ancient civilisation → Chang’an was cosmopolitan (Madsen 7:40)

All three religions of China (Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism) thrived during the Tang

Towards the end they began persecuting Buddhists and were deposed after several rebellions (Epimetheus 4:50)

Five Dynasty Period: 907-960:

China broke again

There is once again war between everyone

Song Dynasty: 960 - 1279

Divided into Northern Song(960-1127) and Southern Song (1127-1279) (Tsin 1)

Scientific advancements and military development

Started out with a strong economy but was militarily a lot weaker than previous dynasties (Madsen 8:40)

Mass printing and gunpowder was invented during this period (Epimetheus 5:05)

First Paper currency

Southern Song started after Jurchens attacked the capital city and took the Emperor and several officials hostage → The north of china was lost to the Jurchens → New emperor crowned in the south where the Song remained until 1279 (Madsen 8:50)

Tea houses and night markets became popular around this time

Storytellers within these tea houses (Madsen 9:10)

Art in the form of poetry and landscape paintings flourished during southern Song (Madsen 9:20)

North of China during this time was ruled by the Jurchens who after a while took over the chinese imperial system, language, writing system and way of life (Madsen 10:00)

Yuan Dynasty: 1279 - 1368

Mongol Invasion → Genghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan

Moved the Capital city to Dadu (Today Beijing)

Taken from class notes: Around this time the novel became popular → The Mongol emperors did not care for poetry → They preferred theatre → Journey to the West style stage play → Was written down as a novel → entered the “mainstream”

The Yuan controlled the entire silkroad from China to Europe (Epimetheus 5:30)

Diversity in culture (Epimetheus 5:40)

But Marco polo did note that there was “ethnic tension” in China → Different ethnic groups were placed in different taxation groups (Madsen 13:30)

“A chinese could land with a hefty fine if he fought a mongol, but a mongol could get away scot free if he killed a chinese” (Madsen: 13:40)

The Mongols kept chinese advisors however and adopted the idea of the chinese emperor being “the son of heaven” (Madsen 14:00)

More Europeans visited China around this time (Like Marco Polo)

Just like the Mongol empire as a whole, this period was very short lived

Ming Dynasty: 1368 - 1644

Founded by a commoner (Taizu) after a successful rebellion against the Mongols

Taizu was a harsh ruler → Went after literati (kinda like emperor Qin but with a bit less executions)

The Imperial exam remained under his rule however → one had to study the 4 great Books → Confucius Analects, Mencius, Doctrine of the Mean and the Great Learning (Madsen 15:30)

Another golden age

Construction of the famous forbidden city in 1406-1420

Ming Vases were a popular exported good

Literature and Art flourished

The great Wall of China was expanded to keep the Mongols out

Problems with Pirates

Chinese age of exploration → Explorers went as far as east africa and returned with Giraffe’s to the emperor’s court (Madsen 16:00)

Foreign merchants were limited to outposts but could not really go deeper inside China (Madsen 16:40)

Some emperors had around 10’000 concubines around this dynasty (allegedly)

Famine lead the end of the Ming Dynasty

Qing Dynasty: 1644 - 1912

The Manchu ethnic group ruled China after crossing the great wall (Madsen 17:00)

All men in china were ordered to get the Manchu Hairstyle to show their loyalty to the new Dynasty (Madsen 17:10)

Period of stability followed

Most on the information i could find on the harem system came from this period

Not nearly as glamorous as depicted in C-Dramas (shocker)

“Started as a golden age, ended in disaster” (Epimetheus 5:50) → Opium wars

Fell after the Chinese revolution and the establishment of the Republic of China

The life story of the last Emperor of China is honestly a hot mess.

After the fall of the Qing Dynasty some Consorts and Concubines had to become prostitutes to survive

Sources:

Cartwright, Mark: Warring States Period, World History Encyclopedia, 2017 https://www.worldhistory.org/Warring_States_Period/

Cartwright, Mark: Sui Dynasty, World History Encyclopedia, 2017. https://www.worldhistory.org/Sui_Dynasty/

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Yuandi". Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Apr. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yuandi, Accessed 22 March 2025.

Epimetheus: All China’s Dynasties explained in 7 minutes, Youtube, 2018 https://youtu.be/fFNzX3tYTXU?si=eZd4uWgxxgJTlufI

TSIN, Micheal: China - Timeline of Historical Periods, Asia for Educators, Columbia University, 1995 https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/timelines/china_timeline.htm

MADSEN, Jared: All of China’s Dynasties in ONE Video - Chinese history 101, youtube, 5th August 2022https://youtu.be/Fz_uQNQBK0g?si=Dm4_3DoomfgN7jZo

Mark, Joshua: Han Dynasty, World History Encyclopedia, 2020. https://www.worldhistory.org/Han_Dynasty/

Mark, Joshua: Qin Dynasty, World History Encyclopedia, 2020. https://www.worldhistory.org/Qin_Dynasty/

MONTGOMERY, Lazlo: The Han Dynasty (Part 1), in: the chinese history podcast, Ep. 18 https://open.spotify.com/episode/1umFA07mSPCuPyCCcAKiK4?si=pe4iHig8QFOO6_-kv9XTzg

Poupart, Jean-Baptiste: Han Dynasty, Academia https://academia.edu/resource/work/40640987

Zhao, Xiran Jay: China’s forgotten Warrior Queen – Fu Hao, Youtube, 2022.

https://youtu.be/U0luii3sKjQ?si=MDSuCUOqVKn20TIN

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beevean · 10 months ago

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In Castlevania, fairies reflect their masters.

Alucard's Fairy can heal him of ailments and find secrets, but her most memorable talent is sitting on his shoulder to sing him a lullaby. Alucard is meticulous and, most of all, longs for reprieve, which his Fairy can grant him.

Hector can raise many types of Fairies that can heal him in different ways: he focuses on himself and his self-preservation. His arguably best Fairy, Tiramisu, not only can grant him complete invincibility, but her most memorable talent is being able to decipher Sage Eneomaos' inscriptions, which uncover important secrets. It fits someone who has most likely studied many disciplines, like alchemy, weapons and fighting: like Tiramisu herself, Hector is knowledgeable.

Juste's Fairy doesn't heal him, but can hit enemies with a hammer and deal massive damage. I don't need to explain why she fits Juste to a T.

#castlevania #akumajou dracula #alucard castlevania #hector castlevania #juste belmont #they should be friends and let their fairies be besties

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what-even-is-thiss · 2 years ago

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On my second play through I’m seeing fully just how bad tears of the kingdom’s story is. When you don’t have the starry eyed feeling of your first play through going on the ancient sages just annoy you. I wish they had some personality. Like any personality. You could replace all four of them with a single stone slab with an inscription on it and it would make no difference.

Also Link’s refusal to tell people what he knows becomes annoying. You know about puppet Zelda, dude. You know. You’re aware. We went to the tear of the kingdom together and had a hallucination. We got the master sword. I’ve seen you talk before, elf man. Use your words.

#roman said a thing #totk spoilers

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dailyadventureprompts · 2 years ago

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Faction: The University of Taloncliff

"Enter with open eyes and behold the truths of the world unending" -Inscription beneath the fountain of the pensive sage, in the gatehouse courtyard.

Founded by dedicates of Ioun who wished to study where the land met the sea and sky, the institution that eventually became the University was founded three centuries ago when the sages of Taloncliff found themselves inundated with eager pupils who had travelled far and wide seeking their wisdom.

Growing quickly along with the coastal village that supported it, the university is today one of the most famed and foremost centres of learning on the continent entertaining scholars of what seems like every discipline imaginable. If the party needs to know something, Taloncliff is the place to go.

Adventure Hooks

Gaining access to the halls of knowledge is not as easy the heroes may hope, as only those who have joined the university are allowed to peruse it's near endless archives and deep vaults of lore. That said there are other options: they might find a sympathetic ear at one of the tea-houses wherein students and faculty partake in the boisterous debate discouraged in the august lecture halls, or persuade a smuggler of forbidden literature to clue them in on the tunnels beneath the university's walls.

The easiest way to gain entry by far however, is to simply join as a student, bypassing the yearly enrolment process by earning an invitation as a renowned seeker of knowledge... or by having the party's noble patron purchase your way in.

Alternatively, you could start your campaign with students already enrolled as students of the University, engaging in a few apprentice level adventures before flashing forward to when they've graduated to doing fieldwork.

Also, I'd be remiss if I made a whole faction dedicated to learning and didn't mention my advice/system for how you should let your players research in campaigns, which you should check out before exploring the University's inner workings below the cut.

Though it appears stately and unified from outside, behind its alabaster walls Taloncliff is in fact a contradictory mess of overlapping "Curricula" like a dozen different organizations of varying sizes dressed up in a wizard's robe trying to look important. Each Curricula is named after one of the original Sages and follows generally in their footsteps, here are some of the most relevant:

Curricula Endaris: The prestigious institute of learning to which the noble families of nearby realms send their learning minded scions. Endaris gave council to kings, and her followers teach statecraft, diplomacy, history, as well as the good governance of the land itself. One of the largest factions and the one most likely to receive outside donations, Endaris maintains a strong influence over the rest of the university as holding onto its coin purse.

Curricula Jadek: Adherants of the knowing mistress who maintain the campus as part of their devotion and studies into more mystical forms of knowledge. They tend to be inward focused and act to balance out the other voices, giving them a respect that superscedes rivalry.

Curricula Gazerette: a wizarding school that functions like a music conservatory, looking to instill a basic level of competence in all students while hunting for talent that could be refined into something prodigious. Gazerette wanted only the best from his apprentices, and the cutthroat rivalries between Gazerette wizards are the stuff of legend, going back nearly as far as the university's founding.

Curricula Oddolgyn: Still headed by the ancient eleven astronomer of the same name, last of the original sages. This group operates out of the university's observatory studying the ephemeral patterns of the firmament and the multiverse beyond. Currently small and thought of mostly as dabblers It's been more than a century since they were superseded by Gazerette as the foremost of Taloncliff's mages.

Curricula Narthex: Adventurous and daring, the explorers of the Narthex always seem to be recounting their last great expedition or planning their next, even maintaining their own airship docks to make it easier to seek out new horizons.

Shortly after one of the party have really proven themselves to be a true asset ( or liability) to the school, they'll receive a note that says "seek to Know the secret of the waters, at the place where Torthane met her Mistress". This requires catching up on some very old University gossip, as well as tracking down some otherwise unnoticeable histories that are always misfiled in the library. Doing so reveals Torthane to be one of sage Jadek's first pupils, one who frequently clashed with her austere teacher about his insistence that dedication to Ioun and true knowledge meant abstaining from the physical world and the "earthly knowledge" that came with it. Torthane loved Ioun, but she also loved the ladies, and was said to meet with her lovers right under Jadek's nose in a particular garden that the campus grounds have since grown to encompass.

These clues further lead the party to the statue of the fountain of the pensive sage, which boasts a statue of Jadek poking his staff into a basin of ever rippling water. One who looked closely might notice a glow distorted by the ripples of the fountain, and that if the primary spout is plugged or diverted that the glow originates from where Jadek's staff disturbs the unearthly white sand that rests at the basin's bottom. (Leave a comment if you can figure out what the party will need to draw in the sand to progress)

With the passphrase entered, a secret stair opens in the cobbles surrounding the statue, inviting the party down into a dungeon crawl that takes them to the university's flooded foundations. After battling past arcane traps, more puzzles, and creatures of the tide, they stumble into a room wreathed in cascading water, in which the images of a dozen or more cloaked figures manifest and pass judgment upon them. The question that the figures are to argue: Are these trespassers cringe?

Some of the figures will argue that the party are indeed cringe, a never-before seen collection of narcs, fuckboys, killjoys, and karens. It will be up to the party to plead their case. If they manage to win over a majority of the crowd then the waters will part and they'll be invited into the secret headquarters/speakeasy of Curricula Torthane, the resident secret society of Taloncliff made up of all those who are willing to bend the rules and collaborate in the pursuit of knowledge and those little pleasures that are so often neglected in scholastic dourness. You haven't lived till you've had wizard moonshine, so cheers and bottoms up troublemakers.

Further adventures

I'll be adding more Taloncliff adventures in the future, so feel free to check out my blog.

While the party is sure to meet no end of red tape as they explore the campus, they'll make an easy ally in Oroteia, a rising star in the Gazerette and Narthex Curricula who seeks to overturn every expectation placed on her by her by others after discovering her lowborn country origins. Blazing a trail through the University's establishment, she'll see the party as useful allies against whatever campaign level threats the rest of the institution is too set in their ways to even contemplate dealing with.

#faction #wizard #seeking knowledge #ioun #heist #press start #seaside #seaside settlement #mystery #arcane dungeon #arcane #taloncliff

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digitalagepulao · 2 years ago

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Sun Wukong, the Monkey King: my design notes [!! click here for the full line-up !!] [click here for just the goodies on tumblr]

also titled, "I underestimated my file sizes" TAT Separate images and info below the read more, beware this is LONG <3

Stone Monkey: himbs baby, that is all <3 he's mostly based off the François Langur, but some of his anatomy and proportions lean more on the Gray Langur and Macaque side of things. His facial fur sort of forms a pentagon shape for the five elements, and I gave him ginger fur cus it's a common depiction for him but also baby langurs are very bright orange, and him not growing dark feels like an apt display of his more childish side, both good and bad. His nails are golden for a bit of a "hidden gem" from a stone egg. Also keeping the tail either in a spiral of C-curve when "engaged", and when droopy it has a feel of a heavy rope. Old World monkeys don't have prehensile tails, he can use it for balance and basic mobility but it's not a third hand for the sake of keeping his monkey-ness.

Handsome Monkey King: in one of the poems the monkeys are said to weave grass for mattresses, so I can see them coming up with a crown of woven grass and never-fading leaves and flowers for their king at the very least. His face skin is darker as an adult, but not much else changes overall. The fuzzy upper lips and sideburns are a feature of the species I'm basing him on and it felt like a good fit to add. I also love the forest langurs are so long-furred, makes for a good way to give him dimension but also, the linework style reminds me of old woodcut shorthands for fur. Added a jade coin for the symbolism, and it feels fitting that the king of such a miraculous mountain would have a treasure like that on him. Placcid chill eyes are imperative, dude's not had an existential crisis yet, he's straight up vibing.

Sun Wukong: during his odd-ten years away from home, he learned human manners so he can stand but, I can see him still needing to lean on his tail to keep up his balance here and there. As he reaches the Western Continent (India) and learns the Way under Patriarch Subodhi, he adopts proper clothes for an apprentice and eventually becomes a Rishi. He dons his facial paint from then on, and after he masters the Way, there's a brightness in his pupils to show his cultivated immortality. The beads are purple solely to stand out over the deluge of oranges that is his design.

Great Sage Equal to Heaven: really went all out on this one orz this is Wukong at his most egotistical and ambitious, and I wanted his fit to truly embody that. Took bits from Peking Opera costumes and common depiction elements of him, with some bit of extra for appropriate levels of flair, like the phoenix feather design. I wanted to go for a mountain pattern mail but I couldn't figure out how to draw it, so I winged a pattern. I,,, doubt I'll ever draw this armor as detailed as here, but I wanted it to feel a bit overwhelming to look at, while also seeming like it doesn't quite fit him perfectly like it's swallowing him. Bit of a "baby wearing their parent's shoes" kind of vibe; he's stupidly powerful but he doesn't have what it takes to sit on the throne of Heaven. Also I leaned his expression to how he might appear during the Havoc in Heaven and then his bet with the Buddha. Full unbrindled rage murder monkey <3

-- Ruyi Jingu Bang: can't quite move on without my notes on the golden-hooped cudgel, now can I? The secondary hoops are there for further design appeal and for my own visualization of how the staff changes size (the hoops move over the staff's length as if to push it outward or inward). The metal is dark damascus alloy, though the pattern can be omitted for ease of drawing. One hoop end depicts a dragon, the other a phoenix, and in the middle of the staff is the canon inscription as described in the books, in seal script. Glow is optional and mostly for aesthetics.

Sun Pilgrim: out of his stolen armor, Wukong seems to swim in his robes but in a less overwhelming way. Went for the simple fillet headband cus his face is busy enough as it is. I know he's skilled enough to skin a tiger into pretty decent squares, but after one too many battles, anything would get tattered. He wears red, teal, black and yellow, four of the five cardinal colors, while white (the West) is still missing. His red and black half-robe doesn't fully cover the yellow underneath, a call back to his golden armor; he tries to use his wisdom and teachings to fight back the impulses of his past, but they still shine through at times. I kept only the leg bangs for dynamic elements to better show movement, but also one could say he's got.... golden hoops (haha get it, like his cudgel?? :oD)

Victorious Fighting Buddha: leaned hard on the actual portrayals of the Buddha. Seeing that he's depicted with dark/blue skin, it felt appropriate to let the guy grow out of his baby ginger fur and into adult black, but a patch remains where the golden headband used to be. I didn't want to give him long hair so no bun, but instead, his fur has a sorta lotus-petals shape now rather than his single point. His face paint changes into a more domino-mask style, and his brow white line resembles a teardrop urna. I made the mail piece he holds longer to keep the flowy bits of his previous outfits, and I turned Ruyi Jingu Bang into the sword he wields.

Hello hi, this robbed me of three days of my life and I'd like to receive compensation x.x Anyway hope you enjoy this lad, I know I do! Also if you wanna send me asks about him pls feel welcome to, I'd love to chat about this bastard monkey (affectionate) (loving) (i`d die for him)

#jttw #journey to the west #xiyouji #jttw sun wukong #sun wukong #jttw fanart #monkey king #stone monkey #victorious fighting buddha #buddha victorious in strife #sun pilgrim #bell dragon art #expedition to the west au

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monachyric · 5 months ago

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𝑫𝑹 𝑺𝑻𝑬𝑷𝑯𝑬𝑵 𝑺𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑬 𝑽𝑰𝑺𝑼𝑨𝑳𝑺

: ̗̀➛ 𝐻𝐼𝑆 𝐹𝐸𝐴𝑇𝑈𝑅𝐸𝑆: An imperious small goatee and razor-thin moustache are taken care of with ritualistic care. He is extremely precise about shaving. His hair is neatly combed back with curls at the edges. His eyes? Mercurial pools shifting like a kaleidoscope shifting with the magic he emboldens.

: ̗̀➛𝑇𝐻𝐸 𝐴𝐷𝑂𝑅𝑁𝑀𝐸𝑁𝑇𝑆: He adorns an array of gilded relics—earrings catching the whisper of passing light, delicate chains that trace his form like orbiting constellations. Rings and body chains gleam with cryptic inscriptions. He wears an abundance of golden accessorises next to the Eye of Agamotto. Earrings, cuffs, piercings, bands, rings, necklaces and body chains. He dons cuffs which turn and twist with the constellations of the stars in relation to his magic. All represent guards or spells infused in the metal. He does not wear them when it involves meditation or another connection to his spiritual or monk upbringing. ( inspired by Emmrich Volkarin )

: ̗̀➛ 𝑇𝐻𝐸 𝐵𝐿𝑂𝑂𝐷: He has genetic influences from Mongolian and Middle Eastern heritage.

: ̗̀➛ 𝑇𝐻𝐸 𝐶𝑂𝐷𝐸𝑋 𝐶𝐿𝐴𝐷: He wears layered garb-- a dark tinted kasaya's (traditional shaolin monk clothing) folds beneath a disarmingly open, silver-stitched dark tunic-like drape. A ceremonial sash and belt wraps entwine his waist, heavy with baubles and a book holster with a grimoir. His cape drapes across this assemblage.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐸𝐿𝐷𝑅𝐼𝑇𝐶𝐻 𝐼𝑁𝑆𝐼𝐺𝐻𝑇𝑆: Eldritch forces twist on his body. Tattoos, eyes, tentacles. Sometimes the cost of magic cannot be contained as his fingertips tinge black or his sclerae turns to inhuman. Patterns curl over his skin and the cloak. The symbols of his magic change. ( as presented by Abz-J )

: ̗̀➛ 𝐴𝐿𝐴𝐵𝐴𝑆𝑇𝐸𝑅 𝐶𝐴𝐿𝐿𝐼𝐺𝑅𝐴𝑃𝐻𝑌: His hands, gnarly and soft, bear faint scars from his trauma and golden ink stains.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐿𝐼𝑇𝐴𝑁𝑌 𝑂𝐹 𝑇𝐻𝑅𝐸𝐴𝐷: Tiny, invisible glyphs shimmer and move along the seams of his garments like living embroidery, changing subtly depending on the type of magic he's channeling. When spellwork begins, they spark and crackle, forming constellations before dissolving into smoke.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐷𝑈𝑆𝑇𝐵𝑂𝑈𝑁𝐷 𝑊𝐴𝑅𝐷𝐸𝑁: His boots leave prints that do not always match the surface-- sometimes metallic etchings of mystic circles, sometimes patterns like ripples upon water. They are faint and fleeting, erased seconds later.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐸𝑇𝐻𝐸𝑅’𝑆 𝑆𝐶𝐸𝑁𝑇: The smell of other dimension's spices clings. Around him lingers the faint scent of sage, petrichor, and something metallic-- power held just at the edge of perception, leaving behind the idea of rain on stone.

#Emmrich Volkarin is the Dr Strange we never got #--ARCANE ENIGMA || stephen strange--#--HALLOWED CHRONICLES || headcanons #--CURSED PAINTINGS || edits

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sageinscriptions · 27 days ago

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Maelstrom

Wondering where the breeze will take me this time. Floating on the last wave for what seemed like eternity. Dare I say, I'm finally free?

Learning flow vs. force I realize the wind beckons at my arrival. We're here to work our magic To settle in to who we are To share the love bequeathed to us With the world. All while reminding those closest to us They matter too. They have an enormous part in where we've been And where we're going.

It's not us against the world It's our love for the world. As we wait Maelstrom comes in the form of denial, distraction, doubts and fears. And we know where they come from.

Feeling so observed Everyone is watching But the ones staring in the show. We knew this We knew this

The coming between The scent of trouble at every turn Was breathed over our lives since The first hello.

If I could change the world Stand up straight And pull the arrows out of my back Lacing our hearts Keeping all strings intact I'd have the space to fully show you Your importance.

Making our way through the quicksand We were told before we fully understood what it meant. Our hearts knew and our minds weren't ready But we tried to fly anyway.

As the wind blew More than space separated us Only the truths of our hearts shall set us free.

Sage Inscriptions

#Sage Inscriptions #Sage Poetry #ISA #Sage Words #Writing on the Walls #poetry #writing #30.05

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reyaint · 4 months ago

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harry potter dr | khaenri'ah

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date: march 1, 2025. 10:15

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"The gods turned their backs on us, but we do not need their light to find our way."

✧˖*°࿐Khaenri’ah: Homeland of Power

༊*·˚ khaenri’ah, an ancient and hidden nation, serves as the ancestral homeland of the Faulkner family. known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unparalleled magical heritage, Khaenri’ah is a land where tradition and power blend seamlessly. the Faulkners are considered royalty within this mystical realm, their lineage deeply intertwined with its history, magic, and myths.

✧˖*°࿐Government and Leadership

khaenri’ah was a kingdom of wisdom, ruled not by a monarchy in the traditional sense but by an assembly of scholars, warriors, and seers who ensured the balance of knowledge and power. while a High Sovereign presided over Khaenri’ah, their rule was not absolute; they were advised by the Council of Twelve, an elite assembly of the most powerful magic users, historians, and strategists.

the high sovereign: the chosen ruler of Khaenri’ah, their power is not absolute but rather guided by tradition, prophecy, and the wisdom of the Council of Twelve. the Sovereign is expected to embody the ideals of Khaenri’ah—knowledge, power, and the protection of their people.

the council of twelve: an assembly of powerful figures responsible for safeguarding Khaenri’ah’s secrets, studying its magical artifacts, and ensuring the prosperity of the kingdom. the Faulkner family once held a seat within this council, revered for their expertise in runic magic and combat strategy.

✧ 𓂃 › the sage of runes: keeper of ancient texts, guardian of forgotten magic. ⟡ a master of runes, curses, and enchanted inscriptions, this council member safeguards Khaenri’ah’s oldest tomes and lost magical knowledge. their wisdom ensures that no spell or prophecy is forgotten, and they oversee the Celestial Archives hidden beneath Waterlight City.

✧ 𓂃 › the enchantress of the veil: master of illusions, protector of Khaenri’ah’s secrecy. ⟡ this figure ensures that Khaenri’ah remains hidden, cloaking cities and passageways with illusionary magic, shadow enchantments, and memory spells. the Enchantress is also a diplomat, using charm, persuasion, and deception to ensure that Khaenri’ah’s presence remains a myth.

✧ 𓂃 › the blade of the north: commander of the hidden armies, wielder of enchanted steel. ⟡ the commander of the Veilguard, Khaenri’ah’s elite warriors who protect the nation from external threats. this seat is often held by a Faulkner, as their family has long been the sword of the kingdom. the Blade of the North is also the arbiter of battle strategy, war magic, and weapon enchantment.

✧ 𓂃 › the seer of eternity: interpreter of prophecies, guide of the sovereign. ⟡ entrusted with deciphering visions, omens, and celestial signs, this seer advises the High Sovereign on matters of fate. the Seer resides in the Frozen Oracle of Tirnaeth, where they receive visions through the ancient ice.

✧ 𓂃 › the heir of storms: master of elemental magic, wielder of the winds and waters. ⟡ a title often held by a Castillos descendant, the Heir of Storms commands weather magic, storm-calling, and water manipulation. they ensure that Khaenri’ah’s seas remain untamed, using their magic to disrupt enemy fleets, conceal the kingdom in mist, or summon tempests in times of war.

✧ 𓂃 › the guardian of the gates: overseer of those who leave and return to Khaenri’ah. ⟡ this individual is responsible for monitoring all entrances and exits to the hidden nation, ensuring secrecy and security. they oversee the Shrouded Market, where magical relics and intelligence are traded in whispers.

✧ 𓂃 › the archon of the forge: master of creation, keeper of enchanted craftsmanship. ⟡ the Archon of the Forge is responsible for the creation of all enchanted weapons, armor, and artifacts within Khaenri’ah. they preside over The Ember Crucible, a forge that burns with eternal magical flames, said to have been ignited by the ancestors of the kingdom. every weapon forged here carries a fragment of Khaenri’ah’s history.

✧ 𓂃 › the architect of fate: overseer of magical infrastructure, enchanter of Khaenri’ah’s cities. ⟡ the Architect is responsible for infusing Khaenri’ah’s cities with magic, creating defensive barriers, levitating structures, and enhancing the kingdom’s infrastructure. they oversee Haldrias, where enchanted machines and weapons are forged.

✧ 𓂃 › the keeper of souls: healer, binder of life and death ⟡ the Keeper of Souls is responsible for healing magic, soul-binding, and the delicate balance between life and death. they oversee the Sanctuary of Echoes, a hidden temple where the souls of fallen warriors and scholars are honored. some whisper that the Keeper has the power to call back lost souls or sever one’s tether to the mortal plane entirely.

✧ 𓂃 › the warden of stars: celestial navigator, guardian of khaenri’ah’s skies ⟡ the Warden of Stars is the guardian of celestial magic, astrology, and the divine energies that flow through Khaenri’ah. they maintain the Starforged Observatory, where the nation’s most powerful stargazers chart the cosmos, seeking omens and guidance. it is said that the Warden alone knows the true constellations of fate, hidden from the rest of the world.

✧ 𓂃 › the hand of the sovereign, the silent harbinger: personal protector of the high sovereign ⟡ while the Blade of the North commands the armies, the Sovereign’s Hand is a singular force—a warrior, assassin, and bodyguard bound by oath to protect Khaenri’ah’s ruler at all costs. they are a Faulkner by blood, trained in every known form of combat and assassination.

✧ 𓂃 › the keeper of the balance: master of elemental equilibrium ⟡ this council member is charged with maintaining balance between the four elements, ensuring that no magic grows too powerful or unstable. they are both a scholar and a combatant, mastering all elemental forces.

✧˖*°࿐Culture and Society

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋKhaenri’ah is a matriarchal society where women predominantly hold leadership roles, though men are equally respected. the culture is deeply rooted in tradition, with music, dance, and festivals playing a central role in community life. songs performed during gatherings echo the vibrant energy of celebrations, symbolizing the nation’s connection to nature and joy

༊ women often hold leadership roles, embodying the nation’s ideals of grace and resilience. men, however, are equally respected and contribute to the balance of society.

༊ music and dance are sacred, serving as a means of storytelling and a connection to the ancestors. festivals are elaborate, featuring performances that blend magic with artistry.

༊ clothing and jewelry are intricately designed, often infused with magical properties. the people of Khaenri'ah take pride in their craftsmanship, which reflects their connection to nature and magic.

✧˖*°࿐Significance in the World

༊ despite its hidden nature, Khaenri'ah exerts a subtle yet powerful influence on the magical world.

༊ diplomacy: through Vharest City, Khaenri'ah maintains alliances with other magical nations, ensuring its safety and prosperity

༊ cultural exchange: the nation’s art, music, and magical innovations inspire awe and respect among those who encounter them.

༊ magical goods: khaenri’ah exports enchanted artifacts, potions, and textiles, all imbued with their unique magical essence.

༊ military prowess: with its blend of magical and martial expertise, Khaenri'ah is a formidable power, capable of defending its secrets against any threat.

✧˖*°࿐Illusion of Ruin

༊ to the outside world, Khaenri’ah is nothing but a myth—an empire that fell long ago, erased from history. this illusion is carefully maintained through:

༊ temporal warding: spells woven into the very fabric of Khaenri’ah, distorting perception so that no outsider can find its borders unless guided.

༊ selective diplomacy: while Khaenri’ah remains concealed, it does not isolate itself. its people operate behind the scenes, forming alliances with only the most trusted magical elites—families like the Faulkners and the Castillos, who carry the nation’s secrets.

༊ false histories: books and magical records tell of Khaenri’ah’s “fall,” but these accounts were written by the kingdom itself. the truth is hidden within protected archives, known only to those who have proven themselves worthy.

✧˖*°࿐Magic & Innovations

༊ runes magic: khaenri’ah was built upon an intricate system of runes, each containing centuries of knowledge. the Faulkners, known as Guardians of the Runes, were entrusted with the protection and translation of these ancient symbols.

༊ elemental mastery: unlike traditional wizarding schools that favored wands, Khaenri’ah’s mages specialized in pure elemental control—channeling fire, water, wind, and earth directly from their surroundings. the Castillos were particularly renowned for their water-based magic, a gift of their Siren ancestry.

༊ the magic of sound: music and voice were considered a sacred form of spellcasting, with songs capable of healing, enhancing spells, or even bending reality. the Castillos family perfected this art, their voices rumored to hold power equal to the strongest incantations.

༊ wandless spellcasting: magic was innate in Khaenri’ahns. wands were used as amplifiers rather than necessities. this made their people highly unpredictable in battle, as they did not rely on external objects to wield their magic.

༊ bloodline magic: some families within Khaenri’ah, such as the Faulkners, possess inherited abilities that grow stronger with each generation.

༊ the art of the mind: Khaenri’ah excels in occlumency, legilimency, and other mind-based magics. their warriors can mask their presence completely, while their seers can glimpse truths hidden from the rest of the world.

✧˖*°࿐Magical Heritage and Legacy

༊ khaenri’ah is renowned for producing some of the most powerful witches, wizards, and enchantresses. ancient runes and arcane texts are still in use, preserving the nation’s magical knowledge. the Faulkner family is one of Khaenri’ah’s most respected bloodlines, their magical prowess and influence unmatched.

༊ runes and texts: ancient runes are scattered across the land, acting as conduits of magical energy. these runes are protected and studied to ensure the preservation of Khaenri'ah’s power.

༊ arcane texts: libraries in cities like Alynthia and Eryndral house texts that date back millennia. these texts are guarded fiercely, as they contain spells and knowledge that could alter the balance of power in the magical world.

༊ the Auracismdow spell: this signature spell of the Faulkners amplifies the potency of any spell it is cast alongside. a closely guarded secret, Auracismdow is a testament to the Faulkner bloodline’s pure magical essence, often connecting the caster to the strength of their ancestors. some legends even hint at its ability to manipulate time, though this remains unconfirmed.

✧˖*°࿐Myths and Legends

༊ the eternal flame: a legend speaks of an undying flame hidden in the heart of Waterlight City, said to be the source of Khaenri'ah’s magical vitality.

༊ guardians of the land: the people of Khaenri'ah believe they are protectors of a divine balance, tasked with preserving the harmony between magic and nature.

༊ creation myths: stories tell of a celestial event that infused the land with magic, giving birth to Khaenri'ah as a haven for the magically gifted.

༊ the lost song of the stars: it is said that a melody exists, sung only by those with pure Khaenri’an blood, that can awaken the hidden magic of the land itself.

༊ the faulkner’s oath: an unbreakable vow taken by each heir of the Faulkner family—to protect Khaenri’ah’s truth, even if it means sacrificing everything.

༊ the castillos’ siren’s call: a secret song that, when sung, can summon a storm powerful enough to shield Khaenri’ah from even the most dangerous enemies.

✧˖*°࿐The Solon Family’s Role in Khaenri’ah

༊ the Faulkners are deeply connected to Khaenri’ah’s myths, often regarded as protectors of its secrets. They are believed to be descendants of ancient Khaenri’an royalty, their influence extending quietly yet powerfully.

༊ guardians of the runes: the family maintains the ancient runes scattered across Khaenri’ah, which are believed to hold the key to its magical strength.

༊ keepers of knowledge: they preserve Khaenri’ah’s arcane texts, passing down their knowledge through generations.

༊ diplomats and warriors: balancing diplomacy with unmatched combat skills, the Faulkners ensure Khaenri’ah’s place as a hidden but formidable power in the magical world.

༊ royal connections: the family’s status as Khaenri’an royalty is both a source of pride and a well-kept secret. they subtly wield their power, ensuring their untouchable status within the magical world.

༊ the Faulkners are guardians of Khaenri’ah’s traditions, preserving its dances, music, and rituals. their magical performances, especially during family celebrations, are legendary, symbolizing their deep connection to their homeland’s beauty and power.

༊ their influence extends beyond Khaenri’ah, blending the mystical traditions of their homeland with the cultural richness of their Irish and Greek roots. the family’s art, fashion, and magical prowess make them icons both within and outside their nation.

✧˖*°࿐The Solon and Cordis Families: Their Place in Khaenri’ah

༊ The Faulkners: known as the Guardians of the Runes, the Faulkner family ensures that Khaenri’ah’s most powerful secrets are preserved. their mastery of magic, combat, and diplomacy makes them untouchable both within the kingdom and in the outside world.

༊ The Castillos: the Keepers of the Veil, the Castillos use their siren magic to protect Khaenri’ah’s secrecy. their enchanting voices weave spells into reality, ensuring that the kingdom remains unseen by those who would seek to destroy it.

"We do not seek thrones. We build them in the minds of others, so that when the time comes, they kneel willingly."

✧˖*°࿐Geography and Key Locations

༊ Khaenri’ah, a hidden ancient nation, is a land of unparalleled beauty and magical resonance. its landscapes range from dense jungles and verdant forests to vast deserts and intricate canyon systems. this harmony between nature and magic defines Khaenri’ah’s identity, with every element of its environment infused with mystical energy.

༊ Waterlight City serves as the capital, an architectural marvel carved into the walls of a sprawling canyon. centered around a crystalline lake, the city’s iconic horn-shaped buildings rise majestically, reflecting the ingenuity and magical prowess of its people. other key cities, such as Eryndral City in the industrial valleys, Alynthia City in the snowy mountains, and Vharest City, a tropical port hub, contribute to Khaenri’ah’s diversity and strength.

༊ the nation thrives on a matriarchal structure, where women predominantly lead, embodying wisdom, strength, and grace. Men, however, are equally respected, contributing to a society built on mutual reverence and collaboration. music, dance, and festivals are integral to Khaenri’ah’s culture, with performances reminiscent of vibrant celebrations. songs and dances are seen as sacred, connecting the people to their ancestors and the natural world.

༊ khaenri’ah is a land of natural splendor and architectural marvels, featuring diverse terrains that include jungles, deserts, forests, and canyons. its cities are testaments to the nation’s harmony between magic and nature

✧˖*°࿐Nirvahn (Northern Province)

⟡ Waterlight City – The Capital of Secrets and Sovereignty

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋ the capital of Khaenri’ah, Waterlight City is a canyon oasis with a vast lake at its heart. iconic horn-shaped architecture adorns its buildings, which are carved into the canyon walls. fertile soil and lush surroundings make it a hub of life and magic. the ancestral home of the Faulkners, where their influence is deeply woven into the city’s governance and magical defenses. the canyon walls house ancient runes left by their ancestors.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋsignificance: waterlight City is the heart of Khaenri'ah’s governance and a hub for magical research. the ancient runes etched into the canyon walls are said to resonate with the energy of the land, forming a protective barrier around the city.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋatmosphere: the air hums with magical energy, and the vibrant markets echo with music and laughter, showcasing the city's blend of tradition and vitality.

༊ the heart of the kingdom: carved into the walls of a sprawling canyon, Waterlight City stands as an architectural marvel. the horn-shaped spires rise high above the crystalline lake at its center, reflecting both the ingenuity and the raw magical force of its people.

༊ the seat of power: home to the High Sovereign and the Council of Twelve, Waterlight is the political and magical nucleus of Khaenri’ah. the Faulkner family’s ancestral halls are housed here, their influence woven into the very stones of the city.

༊ symbol: the silver falcon – represents wisdom, foresight, and unwavering dominion.

༊ element: water and light

༊ role in khaenri’ah: political and magical capital, seat of the Council of Twelve and High Sovereign.

༊ primary magical focus: runic enchantments, prophecy, time-warping spells, and water magic.

༊ geography: nestled within a sprawling canyon oasis, Nirvahn is a province of grand waterfalls, deep ravines, and an ethereal mist that cloaks its cities at dawn. the land hums with residual energy from ancient spells, making it the most magically dense region of Khaenri’ah. Waterlight City, its capital, is carved into the canyon walls, glowing with bioluminescent flora and embedded arcane symbols that power the city’s defense systems.

༊ culture and society: ✧ 𓂃 › nirvahn is the intellectual and magical core of Khaenri’ah. scholars, rulers, and magical artisans refine their craft here, preserving runes, artifacts, and the most powerful spell tomes in hidden libraries. the Faulkner family holds significant influence, having served as protectors of Khaenri’ah’s magical archives and enforcers of its ancient laws for centuries. ✧ 𓂃 › festivals of light: a celebration where the sky is illuminated by floating lanterns imbued with spells that carry messages to the ancestors. ✧ 𓂃 › the celestial archives: an underground vault containing lost knowledge of ancient bloodlines and forgotten incantations.

✧˖*°࿐Haldrias (Eastern Province)

⟡ Eryndral – The Arcane Forge of Khaenri’ah

༊ nestled in valleys and mountains, this industrial yet magical city thrives on innovation while maintaining its connection to nature. a center for innovation, where the Faulkners oversee the blending of magic with industrial advancements.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋsignificance: known as the "Workshop of Khaenri'ah," it is a place where ancient magical techniques are adapted for modern use, ensuring the nation’s technological edge

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋatmosphere: the city buzzes with activity, the sounds of forges and magical contraptions harmonizing with the songs of the surrounding forest.

༊ workshop of the kingdom: situated between mountains and valleys, Eryndral is a fusion of the natural and the arcane, where magical artifacts are crafted and perfected.

༊ arcane industry: the finest runic enchantments, potions, and elemental weaponry are produced here, blending tradition with progress.

༊ symbol: the black serpent – represents transformation, resilience, and power.

༊ element: fire and metal

༊ role in khaenri’ah: the center of combat mastery, alchemical studies, and magical engineering.

༊ primary magical focus: elemental transmutation, metal-bending, fire magic, and combat sorcery.

༊ geography: a land of rocky cliffs, volcanic valleys, and deep underground forges, Haldrias is Khaenri’ah’s industrial heart. rivers of molten rock weave through the land, their mystical properties harnessed to fuel enchanted machinery and weaponry. crystalline caves beneath the surface house rare magical ores, essential for forging relics and battle gear.

༊ culture and society: ✧ 𓂃 › known as The Forge of Khaenri’ah, Haldrias thrives on craftsmanship, innovation, and battle. swords, armor, and enchanted weaponry crafted here are legendary, wielded only by those deemed worthy. the Faulkner and Castillos families are deeply connected to Haldrias, training their warriors in swordsmanship, archery, and elemental combat techniques. ✧ 𓂃 › the ember trials: a sacred test where young warriors undergo a trial by flame, proving their worth before they can inherit their ancestral weapons. ✧ 𓂃 › the alchemist’s crucible: a hidden academy where spellcasters perfect the fusion of magic and science, producing the strongest enchantments.

✧˖*°࿐Tirnaeth (Southern Province)

⟡ Alynthia – The Land of Prophets and Warriors

༊ a cold, mountainous region with snowy winters and cool summers, Alynthia is a place of mystery and beauty, its people known for their resilience and artistry. known for its mystic aura, this cold, mountainous city is a retreat for the family, where they train in combat and study ancient texts.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋsignificance: this city is a center for combat training and the study of ancient texts, making it a place of both physical and intellectual rigor.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋatmosphere: the crisp mountain air carries the echoes of chants and the clash of weapons, blending tranquility with disciplined strength.

༊ the bastion of knowledge: nestled in the snow-capped mountains, Alynthia is both a sanctuary and a fortress. it serves as the primary training ground for Khaenri’ah’s warriors, scholars, and strategists.

༊ the Faulkner stronghold: the family’s warriors train here, their combat techniques blending magic and physical mastery.

༊ symbol: the silver stage – represents wisdom, survival, and spiritual strength.

༊ element: ice and air

༊ role in khaenri’ah: the guardian of history, ancestral magic, and prophecy.

༊ primary magical focus: divination, spirit-walking, ice magic, and celestial navigation.

༊ geography: a land of frostbitten peaks, icy lakes, and towering monoliths, Tirnaeth is known for its haunting beauty. the northern winds carry whispers of forgotten spells, and the ice-covered cliffs hold ancient relics from a time when Khaenri’ah was first formed. here, the connection between past, present, and future is strongest, making it a refuge for prophets and warriors alike.

༊ culture and society: ✧ 𓂃 › tirnaeth is the province where prophets, monks, and warriors train in secrecy, mastering combat techniques that rely on patience, balance, and foresight. the Faulkners and Castillos have deep ties to this land, having produced the most feared warriors in Khaenri’ah’s history. ✧ 𓂃 › the frozen oracle: a sacred shrine where visions of the past and future can be seen through the ice, but only by those with the gift of foresight. ✧ 𓂃 › the moonlit tournament: a brutal yet elegant test of skill, where warriors battle under the full moon, using both magic and physical prowess.

✧˖*°࿐Naidralis (Western Province)

⟡ Vharest – The Hidden Gateway to the World

༊ a tropical coastal city with bustling ports and vibrant trade, Vharest is alive with magical intrigue and cultural exchange. the family’s connection to trade and diplomacy is strongest here, where they maintain alliances with other magical nations.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋsignificance: it serves as Khaenri'ah’s gateway to the outside world, facilitating diplomacy and trade while showcasing the nation’s cultural vibrancy.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋatmosphere: the city is a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and scents, with every corner brimming with life and magic

༊ the veiled city: while Khaenri’ah remains hidden, Vharest is the exception—an illusioned city that appears to outsiders as a ruin, yet thrives beneath its magical disguise.

༊ diplomatic hub: the Castillos family plays a major role here, ensuring that only the most trusted allies are allowed access to Khaenri’ah’s secrets.

༊ symbol: the dark raven – represents secrecy, cunning, and destiny.

༊ element: wind and water

༊ role in khaenri’ah: the center of espionage, diplomacy, and hidden magic.

༊ primary magical focus: illusions, shadow magic, storm manipulation, and mind control.

༊ geography: a province shrouded in perpetual mist and storms, Naidralis is a land of coastal cliffs, hidden grottoes, and vast oceans. beneath its turbulent seas lie submerged ruins and forgotten artifacts, while the skies above shift unpredictably, controlled by ancient siren magic.

༊ culture and society: ✧ 𓂃 › known as The Phantom Province, Naidralis is home to assassins, spies, and diplomats, where deals are forged in whispers rather than steel. the Castillos family holds immense influence, their siren heritage making them unmatched in diplomacy and manipulation. ✧ 𓂃 › the shrouded market: a floating bazaar where rare magical relics, secrets, and forbidden knowledge are traded in shadow. ✧ 𓂃 › the stormcaller’s rite: a sacred ritual where a chosen heir learns to command the sea and sky, binding themselves to the forces of nature.

"Power is not in the hands that wield the sword, but in the mind that knows when to unsheathe it."

✧˖*°࿐Ghostblade: The Mythical Ally

༊ ghostblade's appearance is a stark reflection of his role in Khaenri'ah's history. wrapped in what resemble burial cloths of gray and gold, his glowing purple eyes peer from beneath, casting an otherworldly aura. his dual swords—a longsword and a shortsword—are his signature weapons, both infused with necromantic energy. The runes on these blades glow ominously when he channels his powers, allowing him to raise and command the dead.

✧˖*°࿐Appearance

༊ ghostblade’s burial-like wrappings, complete with broken shackles on his wrists, suggest a past steeped in confinement or rebellion. the five broken links on each shackle may symbolize his triumph over death or captivity. despite his coverings, his facial features are hauntingly defined, with glowing purple eyes that seem to pierce through the soul.

༊ when Ghostblade speaks, his mouth is exposed, revealing a chilling humanity beneath his spectral appearance. his swords are always present on his back, their runes a constant reminder of his connection to the dead.

✧˖*°࿐Artifacts and Symbols

༊ the shackles: the broken shackles on Ghostblade’s wrists are another potent symbol. they may represent his escape from some form of bondage—whether physical, magical, or metaphorical. their presence adds an air of mystery, suggesting a past filled with conflict and defiance.

༊ the black sword: the black sword, in particular, is a conduit of unparalleled necromantic might, capable of resurrecting fallen warriors to fight at his side. these undead are not mindless; they are loyal soldiers, bound to his will. this ability made him a force of nature in battle, capable of turning the tide of wars single-handedly.

✧˖*°࿐Personality and Inner Conflict

༊ ghostblade's demeanor is as cold as the death he commands. He is emotionally distant and distrustful, viewing himself as a villain and warning others not to place their trust in him. his intelligence and broad worldview allow him to see beyond the immediate, often making him a step ahead of his adversaries.

༊ however, beneath the cold exterior lies a complex man. Ghostblade occasionally shows glimpses of emotion and introspection, hinting at a deep inner conflict. he grapples with his own villainous nature and the morality of his actions. his self-awareness adds depth to his character, making him more than just a ruthless necromancer.

✧˖*°࿐Disappearance and Mystery

༊ the question of whether Ghostblade is alive or dead lingers in the minds of many. his disappearance has fueled countless theories, from his retreat into isolation to his death in some forgotten battle. Some even speculate that his spirit lingers, guiding those who seek his knowledge or warning them away from the dark path he once walked.

༊ over a century ago, Ghostblade vanished, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire fear and reverence. some believe he still walks the shadows, while others think he perished in an unknown battle. his disappearance has become a point of speculation, with stories ranging from his retreat into isolation to his transformation into a spectral guardian of Khaenri'ah.

༊ ghostblade's story is a tapestry of power, fear, and mystery, a legacy that continues to influence Khaenri'ah and those who dare to seek the forbidden knowledge he mastered.

✧˖*°࿐The Legend

༊ ghostblade's legend is built on his unmatched prowess as a swordsman and necromancer. stories speak of him cutting down thousands of soldiers and resurrecting them to bolster his own forces. his skill with the blade was so refined that even Shillings, the most renowned assassin of the time, could not withstand more than three moves in a duel against him.

༊ his actions during Khaenri'ah's wars earned him a begrudging respect among its people. despite his dark methods, he was seen as a protector of the nation, a necessary evil in dire times. however, his ruthless efficiency and willingness to kill without hesitation also made him a figure of fear.

༊ ghostblade’s story endures as a testament to the power and peril of walking the line between life and death. his legend is one of greatness tinged with darkness, a reminder of the sacrifices and consequences of wielding ultimate power. whether he is alive or truly gone, Ghostblade’s name continues to echo through history as a symbol of unmatched skill, ruthless ambition, and the eternal mystery of death.

✧˖*°࿐Cultural and Historical Impact

༊ ghostblade's story is a tapestry of power, fear, and mystery, a legacy that continues to influence Khaenri'ah and those who dare to seek the forbidden knowledge he mastered.

༊ ghostblade's disappearance over a century ago remains one of the great mysteries of Khaenri'ah. some believe he still lives, hidden in the shadows, while others think he perished in battle. regardless of his fate, his legacy endures.

༊ in Khaenri'ah, his name is spoken with a mix of reverence and fear. His mastery of necromancy and the blade has inspired countless stories and legends. artifacts and texts associated with him are highly sought after, as they hold the secrets to forbidden magic.

"The stars remember, even when the world forgets. And so do we."

✧˖*°࿐The Ice Princess. Ghostblade’s Mysterious Wife

༊ one of the most enigmatic aspects of Ghostblade’s legacy is his rumored marriage to Yulia, the Ice Princess of a neighboring ancient nation. yulia is known for her impossibly beautiful appearance, with pale hair, piercing blue eyes, and pointed ears, marking her as an ancient and powerful lineage member.

༊ yulia was not only a figure of beauty but also a powerful and caring individual, known for her purity and kindness—traits that contrasted with Ghostblade’s cold and ruthless nature. despite their differences, their union has become a significant part of the Ghostblade legend.

༊ it is said that Yulia’s magical powers, tied to ice and winter, complemented Ghostblade’s necromantic abilities, and together they were an unstoppable force. some believe that Yulia’s influence helped temper Ghostblade’s more destructive tendencies, grounding him in moments of deep reflection.

"To be born of Khaenri’ah is to carry a secret the world is not yet ready to hear."

✧˖*°࿐extras

um so the idea of ghostblade and yulia is from WLOP's ghostblade so full credits ofc. his art and stories a lot of aspects of this and other drs.

like a smaller version of haiqin when first in creation but i think i've expanded it enough

i hope it fits into the harry potter world, but it it doesn't, then fuck it bc its my dr

is my family and my s/o family overpowered? maybe. do i care? no.

#reyaint #reality shifting #shiftblr #reality shifter #shifting #shifting community #shifting motivation #anti shifters dni #dr scrapbook #harry potter dr #hogwarts shifting #shifting to hogwarts #shifting to harry potter

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saltlakritsegott · 29 days ago

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There are many similarities between Khmer art and Javanese art, but do you know that they share a common ancestor and that for more than twice?!

Kedah, Kutai, and Borneo island was a part of funan longtime ago since the era of Kaudinaya to fan shih-man . Then those area was longtime considered like a refuge for the period of Funan and also of Chenla by some kings attacked by Chinese just after the reign of Rudravarman of Funan , and by Chenla during the reign of Jayavarman 1

The inscription of Kotai ( earliest of Java 4 century ) mention to have Mulavarman, the son of Kundunga who was described like a dragon bearded like the Brahmin Kaudinya also composed in the Brahmi script such as the earliest inscription of south east Asia , found in Funan .

Also there is some princess, the daughter of Jayavarman 1 who was married with an Indians Brahmin and was the parents of the Sanna and Santana the 2 parents of Sanjaya dynasty later . Here some explaining:

Inscriptions refer two royal figures of the name Sanna and Sannaha as predecessors of Sanjaya. According to Javanese Tradition (History of Indonesia, B. R. Chatterji), Sanna and Sannaha were brother and sister, Sanjaya was the son of Sannaha. Connecting with the Khmer court of Ba-Phnom, the daughter of Jayavarman I, queen Jayadevi mentioned in one of her inscriptions about donations to a sanctuary of Siva Tripurantaka. This sanctuary was founded by the princess Sophajaya, also a daughter of Jayavarman I who married the Sivaite Brahman Sakravarmin born in India. It is in high probability that this Sivaite Brahman was connected to the sage Agastya who became known as the Sivaite Guru of both South India and Java. This new development that was credited to the sage Agastya in spreading the first time of Sivaite culture in South India was strongly seen as a contributing factor to the emergence of the Sivaite community in Central Java. On the other hand, Sanjaya have been related to the queen Jayadevi who was portrayed as queen Sima in a Chinese account.

The ruler of Ta-Tche sent a bag of gold to be laid down within her frontiers. The people, walking by, avoided the bag and it was untouched for a long time. One day, one of the crown princes stepped over it and the queen was furious. She ordered to have her own son executed, but with the objection of her court, a compromise was set to just cut off the toe that touch the bag of the gold.

The story portrays a provocation orchestrated by the kingdom of the Great Kingdom (Ta-Tche) which was no other than a Chinese reference to new formed Malayu kingdom under the control of Water Chenla.

The title SivaKandavarman, in particular, could be related to Skandacisya, mentioned to be the son of Aswataman (and the nagi queen) whom we had identified as king Hun-Tien of the Funan Empire (Kambuja Desa: The Funan court: King Hun Tien and the establishment of Funan). That could be the early ancestral lineage of the Pallava court when Aswataman still ruled the Menam Valley. Before they were driven out from Funan by the Chenla's uprising, evidences show that their residence was located on the Kedah mountain of Malaya and Ganthari was their new country founded as a reminiscence of Parthia (Nokor Khme: The Impact of Krakatoa: The Sea Trade Route). In that case, Skandacisya have been related to king Mulavarman who left an inscription at Kotei that was dated at the beginning of the fifth century. Other inscriptions that were erected by king Purnavarman at the middle of the same century were found at western part of Java (ISSA: The Indianization: The First Evidence of the Indianization of the Farther India). They are evidences that Ganthari already extended itself to western Java and probably to South India where they established Kanchipura as a seaport to control the straight of Malaka.

Indonesian and Cambodian share definitely the same bloodline of rulers in the past and can be considering in each other to be descendants of ancients brothers and countrymen

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everytangbo · 7 months ago

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Porcelain, crashing down and shattering in a million tiny pieces. Nothing satisfied quite like the formulaic punchline of knocking a vase off the shelf. It didn’t matter whether it was cheap stoneware or pompous glossy porcelain, hard or soft; breaking things was a child’s play Chung Myung had long since mastered. And the game came with a bonus: a guessing round. Guess-guess what’ll break worse—their noses or their pride? Pride was always the safest bet.

Vases—petty, bitter things—cracked on their own, spitting blame for their own fragility. And as —One should thank a senior for a bit of wisdom—, every action inspires an equal reaction . What followed was a symphony of shattered egos, branching out like the flavors of fine liquor:

The first type retreated into silence—his favorites. Bone-dry pottery, they were juniors who overestimated their own strength, brittle from being pulled out of the kiln too early. Their cracks were lessons waiting to be filled in, and Chung Myung was happy to oblige.

The second type sulked and sputtered excuses. They weren’t giving it their all, they were injured, they were just testing his strength. Funny, all of them had the same tears, and wine always tasted better with their salt in it.

But the worst? The elders, the so-called sages who had long since grown fat on the prestige of their sects. People deemed to be above him, if not in strength in wisdom. Those fancy vases painted with corny landscapes and hollow and cryptic inscriptions quoting long-dead sages who’d mastered the art of sitting still—of course they would echo someone else’s wisdom when they have nothing to say on their own. Those vases shattered the prettiest, their porcelain pride cracking like snowflakes under his fist.

And when they do they call him unrefined, disrespectful. They cursed his name. Chung Myung didn’t care. Respect, he’d decided, was something you earned, not demanded. And yet they clung to it, afraid to face the truth they refused to see in their reflection:

Even the highest vases shatter when they hit the ground.

And so, went off fighting porcelains, little fragile vases with brittle egos. Empty vases. Because, even when the taoist teachings, his seniors were so eager to follow, could insist about the importance of nothingness such as ‘It is the void between the walls where one finds his home’ or ‘is in the empty space that a vase finds its usefulness’ — well, the emptiness is only useful when there's something filling it. Like spirit, a good strong liquor. Those are the vases he liked. He liked to run empty, of course.

(continue on AO3)

🌸🌸🌸

Well isn't it lovely when we get to see both perspectives? Tang Bō already had his time to fangirl in his little diary. But now that Chung Myung is here, I wanted it give him a voice in this mile stone of his: make a friend.

#tang bo's diaries #tang bo #chung myung

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the-mountain-flower · 2 months ago

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The Legend of Alinua

Chapter Seven: Secrets Of The Kingdom

Ao3 Link (lol)

Previous chapter

Next chapter

The image on Erin’s hand was indeed the mark of the Triforce. Specifically the Triforce of Power, one of three pieces of an ancient relic nearly as old as Hyrule itself. Just one piece of this golden power could grant abilities comparable to the gods themselves.

And it was one of the few things capable of freeing an ancient evil called the Void from its prison beneath the earth, which would allow it to devour the planet, and likely all of creation.

It was for this reason that Void had tricked Erin to the pedestal, as his new power meant he was now a target for its attempts to escape its prison.

The magic the Sheikah guard used on him after the possession had taken hold, woke Erin up enough to regain control, even if only for a the time being. It was the same piece of the Triforce that made him a target, that allowed him to regain any amount of control over himself.

Oh, and on top of all of that, there was a prophecy. Well, everyone called it a prophecy, but it was actually a reoccurring pattern that had been going for almost the entirety of recorded history. One that not only predicted his own situation, but that the way to prevent the destruction of Hyrule was with the help of people whom no one even knew if they existed in the present.

Erin leaned back and placed a hand over his face in shock. “Fuck.”

Theia, the archivist he’d met earlier, crossed her arms. “You got that information you wanted so badly. Was it worth it?”

Erin shook his head morosely.

“Well, now you’ll have someone guarding you at all times, in case the Void gets any ideas. We’re preparing search parties that’ll journey to the sacred places we know are still standing to search for any sign of the sages or other bearers of the Triforce. Until then, you’re staying in Kakariko.”

“Wait,” Erin asked when he realized there was still one part of the situation left unexplained. “What about Tess?”

“Who?”

“Tess, my sister, the one whom that ‘echo’ thing was impersonating. That... that didn’t have actually have anything to do with her, right? Just because that thing pretended to be her doesn’t mean...” Erin trailed off when he saw Theia’s expression.

“Do you know if it was a perfect echo?”

“It wasn’t, and fake-Tess said it didn’t need to be.”

“Then it’s possible she’s fine.” Theia said. “But it’s also possible the Void just didn’t think it was worth the effort to make an exact copy. Echoes have to be learned, and they can only be learned from the original.”

“You... you don’t mean-”

“I mean we really can’t know. But most people aren’t equipped to handle any encounters with the Void’s power.”

“But Tess isn’t most people! She’s- Wait, I can know!” He rushed to open his bag.

“What are you-”

“We have paired wind lacrimas! I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner.” Erin grabbed his half of the pair and held it up, willing the power within to obey the inscriptions.

The stone in his hand gave a faint, purple glow indicative of wind magic being activated.

“Tess? Tess, can you-”

The lacrima’s glow flickered, then faded, leaving only the passive light that came from it as a result of the magic stored in the stone.

Erin tried again, but was met with the same result.

His blood ran cold. “It’s... it’s not working.”

“What does that mean?” Theia asked.

“I means that something happened to the other one.”

That didn’t necessarily mean anything. That didn’t mean...

Erin took a deep, shaky breath. It’s all my fault.

“Couldn’t you try to send her a letter?” Theia asked.

“I... maybe. She travels a lot, so whoever delivers it may have a hard time tracking her down, but, maybe.”

That also meant that if something had happened to her, that he likely had no way of knowing it.

Theia said something else, and Erin only barely heard her well enough to respond, the words meaningless to his racing mind.

He should have noticed the imposter wasn’t Tess. He should’ve tested the lacrima before. He should have made the echo tell him what happened to his sister. He shouldn’t have followed it so far when there was something so obviously wrong. He should never have let his hand be placed on the pedestal. He should’ve...

He shouldn’t have messed up so badly. He should have done better.

It‘s all my fault.

Falst’s paws pounded on the forest floor, wind blowing in his face and through his fur as he ran. He’d already been delayed by having to sneak past a new monster camp, and he couldn’t waste any more time. He needed to reach Alinua’s cottage as fast as possible. He needed to make sure she was safe, and when the sun was up, he could warn her of what he’d found.

Falst stumbled over his feet, surprise and fear stopping him in his tracks. He was close. He recognized this area, so near that he could already smell his destination upwind of him.

He also recognized the potent, nasty smell that was mixed in with the familiar ones. The smell of monsters.

No!

Falst ran as quickly as he possibly could, adrenaline racing through his veins as fast as he rushed past the tress.

Before he knew it, he’d reached Alinua’s cottage.

Or, what was left of it.

Falst yelped and stepped back when, in his hurry, he stepped on a piece of debris, flung several meters from the ruins of the house itself. He continued forward as carefully as he could, stepping over wood and plants and destroyed furniture to what remained of the foundation. Even the gardens were razed, every plant torn from its roots and dirt overturned as if giant hands had taken chunks directly from the ground. Massive stems and vines had appeared with roots in the ground where produce previously grew, and freshly torn-up plant material scattered the area.

After several minutes of searching, Falst’s ears, which had been pressed to his head ever since he saw the wreckage, perked up when he found Alinua’s scent. It was everywhere the cottage was, of course, but when he checked the area just outside of it he caught a trail going away from the ruins, towards the road that lead to a nearby village. It was stronger, maybe a day old at least, and only grew stronger as he followed the path of her scent.

But there was something else with her, two other presences. The scent of another hylian, one he didn’t recognize. And… something he couldn’t even begin to identify. Both of them followed the same path as Alinua, equally as strong in the way that indicated they had been moving together.

Falst looked to the sky above the treetops. How long until morning came, the soft hues of sunrise revealing themselves and turning the sky into swaths of orange and pink and heralding his change? He needed to make use of what time he had left in this form, since it would be harder to follow Alinua’s trail when the sun rose.

The sight of her destroyed home only renewed Falst’s determination. He wasn’t going to lose his only friend.

Once again, Falst ran.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I tried to make it clear enough for those who haven't played/are familiar with Echoes of Wisdom, but just in case anyone's still confused, here's the gist of it: Echoes are magical imitations of something or someone, and as Theia said, they have to be learned from the original. In the game you can echo objects and monsters (the latter being a large portion of the combat system), but the primary antagonist of the game also uses echoes (an ability stolen from the source of echo magic) of people at various points of the game in its attempts to sabotage Zelda's attempts to save the world. Hope this helps :)

Remember to drink water, eat food, take your meds (if applicable), and get enough sleep. Love you all, and have a great [insert time here]! <3

#the legend of alinua #the mountain flower art #aurora #aurora comic #comic aurora #comicaurora #aurora webcomic #the legend of zelda #writing #fanfiction #fanfic #ao3 fanfic #ao3 link #crossover #adamant prison

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