Li-Ren

This page relates to lore, you can find the original lore here.

Li-Guo Lǐguó 李國 Lǐ-Wen Calligraphy

The Li-Ren (李人) are a subculture of the Cathant Asiatic people who hail from a distant Eastern peninsula called Ai-Zho. As citizens of Li-Guo (李國), the first Cathant civilisation established, Li-Ren pride themselves on their ingenuity, persistence, and the rich history of their Ancestors. As such, the Li-Ren do not hesitate to share aspects of their culture with outsiders. This can be seen in their bountiful trade relations with numerous other nations, where it is not uncommon to see foreigners sporting Li-Ren artisanal wares.

History

Situated in the heart-land of Ai-Zho, the first Li-Ren were a myriad of ethnic minorities that thrived off the yellow silt of the Huang-he river. Much of their early history is shrouded in myth, with only meagre carvings and relics hinting at the society before the Unification of the First Era.

The First Era

The first Emperor Li Huang was an apt politician skilled in diplomacy. He unified the ethnic minorities that had taken residence around the Huang-he river through using his cunning, earning the trust of the people and slowly eliminating his competition until only he stood atop. Although his reign was controversial, Emperor Li Huang established a solid foundation in terms of the early development of a ‘universal’ written language and measurement system for all different dialects of ethnic tribes to communicate with. He also established the earliest semblance of Li-Guo’s judicial system, although historians would look back on his approval of legal polygamous marriage with disapproval after the Fourth Era. Despite his prowess in leading the nation, Emperor Li Huang was unable to prevent the inevitable, as before he could complete his work and stabilise Li-Guo, he died due to sickness. The underlying tensions between the different ethnic groups eventually burst, causing a long period of political infighting that eventually led to Li-Guo’s downfall.

The Second Era

The stability of the Li Empire did not last and soon, the court was embroiled in another round of in-fighting. The greatly weakened power of Li-Guo made it easy for the Hou-zi, a superior foreign race of sentient monkeys to invade and conquer the Li-Ren in one fell swoop. The existing cultural differences between the small minorities were quashed under the indoctrination of Hou-zi, resulting in a homogenous culture largely derived from Hou-zi teachings. Despite recognising the advantages of adopting Hou-zi practice, the proud people of Li-Guo still harbored dreams of a return to their former free state. After many centuries under the yoke of the Hou-zi, the remnants of the Li-Ren decided to act. Using the influence they had carefully cultivated over the ages, the Li family successfully rallied the various human peoples of Ai-Zho, amongst them the Oyashimans, Huinans, Zhous, and Salamduels. They rose up against the Hou-zi Empire and broke free from the shackle of Monkey rule, yet that was not the end of the fighting. Hungry for more, the Li-Ren quickly turned on their allies and conquered them one by one, forming a new era of glory for Li-Guo.

Third Era

With the newly formed Li Kingdom and the conquered human neighbours, the Li Dynasty is formed, and would rule over the Eastern peoples for 400 years. Contrary to expectations, the Hou-zi governors were allowed to remain in Li-Guo as a well-respected minority valued for their cultural knowledge which informed much of the Eastern people’s new cultural practices. Several cultural, religious, and lingual revolutions occurred in this era, with the development of Li-Wen, a derivative dialect of the Hou-zi tongue used throughout Li-Guo as the official language. On the religious front, the Hou-zi spread the teachings of the prophet Hualian, making Hua-jiao the dominant religion among the commoners of the Eastern Peninsula, with off-shoots such as Shidoism and varying interpretations emerging from their scriptures.

Fourth Era

The Li Dynasty has ruled for nearly 400 years in peace thanks to a series of wise and able rulers. However, the peace came to an end with the Emperor Li Liu-Hong, who had ascended the throne and become complacent. He over-indulged in wine and women, with historical annals narrating his Garden of Sweetmeats and his Harem of a Thousand. Taking advantage of the Emperor's lavish lifestyle, corrupt officials began lining their pockets with the people’s taxes, gradually increasing them until the rage finally boiled over. With the Empire rotting from the inside, the former allies of Li-Guo saw this as their chance to seize back their independence, with Oyashima being the first to take the charge. Soon the Huinan, Zhou, and Salamduel people followed in their steps, breaking away and setting up their own civilisations, leaving the once-great Li Dynasty to crumble.

Fifth Era

Tai Ping District, Talon's Port, Almaris

A series of succession wars destroyed what was left of the Li Dynasty, with many families fleeing the Aizho peninsula, setting out on their great ships to head towards a better future. A small few sailed Far West, braving many perilous storms and sea monsters until they finally landed in Almaris where they set their roots anew. This would be later known as the Great Journey to the West by their descendants. Starting over in a new country surrounded by foreign faces and foreign tongues proved difficult, with many of the former glorious houses resorting to less than honourable work during these hard times. Having gone through these trials, the Li-Ren learned from their past mistakes. The matriarch of the Li family ironically was the first to suggest abolishing her claim to the throne out of shame for the past sins of her family. The small community elected a ruling council to govern the people, with a focus on meritocracy rather than lineage based on the ministers’ contribution to the village. Several laws were also passed, most notably the enforcement of monogamous marriage and the banning of katanas (for the Li-Ren disdained to be mistaken as Oyashimans). Having established a foundation, the Li-Ren constructed Tai Ping District in the groves of Talon's Port, founding a home for their people. Over time, Oyashimans migrated over to contribute to the community, putting aside age-old difference for the sake of mutual prosperity. Alas, it was not always peaceful in Tai Ping District.

The Tai Ping Massacre On the 8th year of the New Age, tragedy befell Tai Ping. Their meagre population and lack of military prowess at the time resulted in devastating losses during the Tai Ping Massacre, where 30 innocent lives were taken by a murderous cult. The deaths hit the community hard and for a whole month, the wails of grief could be heard from every corner of the district. Yet what hardship they experienced only pushed them to grow stronger. The Massacre spurred them to establish and train up their troops, employing their connections and doing whatever they could to provide protection for their home. It brought the citizens together closer than ever before as they stood united in their vow, promising to never let another one of their own die in vain.

After the Tai Ping Massacre, the efforts of the citizens paid off as their defences and military capacity were finally enough to protect their peoples. Families settled down and celebrated The Nian Festival of the New Century. Festivities lasted a whole year, with a small festival each month ranging from roof-running Lion Dance Competitions to the infamous Spice Challenge, and the much-celebrated Dragon Parade round the entirety of Almaris. By this time, Tai Ping District was no longer sufficient for the population it housed. Encouraged by the recent turn of events, the Council made a bid for independence and separated from Talons Port to establish their own separate State, Yong Ping.

The Sixth Era (Current Era)

The City State of Yong Ping, Almaris

Named after its citizens' aspirations for their homeland, 'Yong Ping City' [meaning Everlasting Prosperity] was constructed in Year 16 of the New Era. With the establishment of Yong Ping City, the Li-ren and Oyashiman finally had their own place to call home without the need to defer to higher authorities. Visitors and citizens alike flocked to the new land, eager to explore the sights and sceneries offered. Diplomatic relations were established with other Nation-States, the trade economy was booming and housing filled up quite quickly. It seemed that the move for independence also ushered in an era of peace. Whether that is to last remains to be seen...

Appearance

Though the population is predominantly Farfolk with pale to sallow skin, dark hair, and dark eyes, with their long history of trade and diplomacy, other races such as elves and dwarves have made Li-Guo their home, choosing to adopt the customary dress of Hanfu.

Garments

Li-Ren fashion is exemplified in the Hanfu, a garment made of flowing cloth and billowing sleeves that act as extra storage. Both commoners and government officials wearing similar styles of clothing only differentiated by the colour and quality of the garments. Silk is considered the material of choice by high ranking individuals, chosen for its smooth and slippery texture as well as its ability to stay cool to the touch in the warm climate. Vividity and variety of colours used in a piece of garment were used as indicators of wealth, as they showed that the wearer was able to afford for the greater array of dyes. Both male and female garments were adorned with embroidery, with wealthier individuals being able to afford for more detailed and larger works.

Traditional clothing for men consists of a ‘shēnyī’ (a long coat or robe) and a ‘zhōngyī’ (shirts and trousers). The shēnyī is a robe-like garment that covers the entirety of the wearer’s arms, and reaches to their feet, it is generally worn in more formal confrontations. The zhōngyī is worn underneath the shifu and is mostly made of cotton or silk. The whole ensemble is cinched together with a woven belt at the mid-waist, with the option of hanging jewellery as additional embellishment.

The common garment worn by women is a ‘rúqún’, consisting of a long skirt and an upper garment similar to the woven belt on the male counterpart, only that it is cinched round the woman's chest. The rúqún can be embellished further with the layering of sheer gossamer cloth often boasting more detailed and intricate embroidery, thus giving the overall dress an airy and ethereal aesthetic. Decorations such as braids or ornaments may be worn with the upper garment, adding to the beauty of the outfit.

Hairstyles and Head-wear

Both male and females refrain from cutting their hair once they have reached adulthood, between the ages of 15 to 20, allowing their hair to grow long. This follows the ideas and teachings that every inch of an individual is a debt to their parents and to God, that they are of their parent’s flesh and blood; thus to cut your hair is to dishonour your family. The shaving of hair is a common punishment considered equivalent to or worse than death.

With the changing of fashion throughout the ages, many different styles of hair have come and go, such as the xiàfǎ, sānfǎ, and yuánfǎ. These hairstyles would be accommodated with various hair accessories as ornaments for the hair, such as hair pins (jiā, which were also used by males) in order to hold their hair in place.

It is also common for females to leave their hair down before marriage, though they may twist sections of their hair up and pin them with a wide assortment of hairpins, the most popular being the bùyáo, an intricate hairpin with delicate jewellery or chains that dangle from the end, swaying as the women move. Once a woman is married, it is common practice to tie up all the hair, symbolising the dedication to the patrilineal family.

Culture

Li-Ren Culture is founded upon the core tenets of Order and Respect, with a strong focus on family. Everyone does their share for the betterment of everyone, where the youth respect their elders and the elders are to take care of the youth as if they were their own, thereby extension treating other Li-Ren as if they were family. The social hierarchy of Li-Guo is an interesting phenomenon amongst the Cathant subraces. Whilst there is a degree of rigidity in terms of respecting your elders and superiors, social mobility is significantly easier than the other Cathant ethnic counterparts, such as Oyashima.

Historically, Li-Guo has always been ruled over by the Imperial Li family, alongside the nobles acquainted with them. Separate to the aristocrats are the cabinet of Ministers and officials which serve to aid the country. These seats are usually taken up by people of the scholar or military class, having proven their worth in their contribution to building the community’s knowledge or ensuring the people’s safety. It is important to note that anyone is capable of applying to be an official, as the Li-Ren pay special respect to those who earn their merit. Underneath the scholar and military class is the peasant or farmer class. Greatly respected for being a pillar of Li-Guo, these people who work the fields are held in high esteem for keeping the country going in rough times. Next on the rung of the social ladder are merchants, who despite the perceived lack of honour in trade are one of the key players and most socially mobile in Li-Guo’s society. Many past instances of merchants hitting it rich and marrying into nobility or getting into government demonstrate that despite the social order, these underdogs are not to be sniffed at. Lowest on the social food chain are criminals or traitors, they are marked by a branded Li character on their face, detailing the crime they committed. They have limited rights in terms of property ownership and business conduct.

Religion

The Li-Rens practice a variety of religions, primarily Huajiao and its off-shoot, Shidoism. Its tenets espouse Balance and Enlightenment, preaching good conduct, good speech, good livelihoods, good effort, and a good conscience. By following these seven paths, one can release themselves from the cycle, ending one’s ignorance and one’s rebirth whilst knowing one's place in the fabric of the world, breaking free from the cycle of reincarnation.

Festivals

New Century

It is Li custom to wear red when welcoming the New Century. Sumptuous feasts are held and Fireworks are lit in order to scare away evil spirits and celebrate new beginnings. There are many performances, in particular Lion dances inspired by martial arts with plenty of tumbling and acrobatics.

Lunar Festival

The Lunar Festival celebrates the waxing of the full moon. Night banquets lit by lanterns are held where people gather with their friends and family, drinking tea and alcohol whilst admiring the natural beauty of the night sky. Mooncakes, sweet lotus-paste filled confectionaries are commonly eaten during the Moon Viewing feasts.

Hell Gate Festival

Once every year the Gates of the Underworld open, the boundary between the Other and the Living thins to the point where you will frequently see spirits walking around. To appease the restless spirits the Li-Ren leave out food and wine as well as small gifts, sometimes conversing with their ancestors or seeking advice from people passed.

Winter Solstice Festival

On the coldest night of the year, the Li people dedicate a whole day to spend with just family. All work is stopped and loved ones gather round the fire, drinking a special warm broth and bonding over fond memories of the past year.

Language

Calligraphy in Li Wen

Li Wen (李文) is vastly different from the existing languages on Arcas, borrowing greatly from the Hou-zi in its use of characters and pronunciation, often very difficult for those unfamiliar to pick up. Each standalone character signifies a concept, a complete opposite to the phonetic system which populates the rest of Almaris. Li-Wen script is written from right to left, top to bottom with a calligraphy brush and ink.

Words are often made of a combination of up to three syllables in phonetics, with five different inflections. One mispronunciation of an inflection can result in calling your mother a horse. It is heavily context-laden and lacks preposition, requiring knowledge of background information before full understanding of a conversation.

Random Tidbits

• Li-Guo is heavily influenced by the Tang dynasty, considered the Golden Age of China.
• The Li-Ren currently reside within the City State of Yong Ping.
• Adapted from [[1]]

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