Order of the Jade Dragon

The Order of the Jade Dragon is a prestigious and ancient organization of elite Y'azi Dragonborn samurai, established to serve and protect the Dragon Emperor (currently Ryujin Hattori) and uphold the strength of the Y’azi Empire. The Order’s name derives from the symbolic and magical properties of jade, a rare gemstone revered by Y'azi dragonborn for its association with power, protection, and purity.

Symbolism and Appearance

Members of the Order are instantly recognizable by their signature green and gold Y'azi samurai armor, intricately adorned with jade dragon motifs. These enchanted armors grant enhanced protection and magical abilities, reflecting the Order’s connection to the divine. Their weapons, often forged with jade, are as much symbols of their strength as they are tools of war.

Founding and Legacy

The Order was founded during the Third Age by the Twin Dragon Warriors, Kenshiro Takeda (Dragon of the East) and Masaru Hayashi (Dragon of the West), as a samurai order sworn to defend the Emperor and the empire at any cost. These two legendary champions, chosen by the twin draconic gods Fujin and Raijin, imbued the Order with their divine essence and unwavering commitment to honor and duty.

Since its inception, the Order has stood as the most elite and disciplined force within the Y'azi Empire, entrusted with missions of the highest importance. Their loyalty to the Dragon Emperor is absolute, and their presence alone is often enough to deter potential threats.

Residence and Operations

The Order is based in the Palace of the Celestial Dragon, where they train, strategize, and serve as the Emperor's personal guard. Their responsibilities include:

Guarding the Emperor during court assemblies and within the palace.
Accompanying the Emperor on convoys as his vanguard.
Undertaking high-stakes missions and leading battles on the Emperor’s orders.

When not actively deployed, the warriors of the Order engage in rigorous training within the Kenjutsu Dojo and maintain a visible presence in the imperial halls to symbolize the strength and protection of the empire.

Training and Attributes

Membership in the Order is earned through exceptional skill, dedication, and a deep understanding of both martial and arcane disciplines. Candidates are chosen from a young age for their physical prowess and magical aptitude. Their training encompasses:

Combat Mastery: Proficiency in multiple martial arts, weaponry, and tactical warfare.
Arcane Studies: Mastery of magical disciplines, such as Ether-Rifting or Arc-Rifting, to enhance their combat effectiveness and resilience.
Philosophy and Diplomacy: Education in statecraft, literature, and the tenets of honor and loyalty.

Legacy in Y'azi Society

As paragons of honor and discipline, the Order of the Jade Dragon serves not only as warriors but also as advisers to the Emperor and exemplars of dragonborn virtues. Their actions inspire loyalty and reverence across the Y'azi peninsula, and their name carries a weight of both fear and respect.

Many of the Jade Dragonborn samurai hail from the Unknown or Unknown. The Order of the Jade Dragon stands as a living testament to the might, honor, and divine heritage of the Y'azi Empire, its warriors unwavering in their mission to safeguard the realm and uphold the will of the Dragon Emperor.

For their exceptional service to the Y’azi Empire, The Sunsations were bestowed with the honorary title of Shogunate Samurai within the Order of the Jade Dragon—a prestigious recognition reserved only for those who have proven their unwavering courage, loyalty, and martial prowess in the Empire’s defense.

As a symbol of their newfound status, each member of the Sunsations was gifted a sacred Jade Pendant, engraved with the sigil of the Order. This pendant signifies their honorary kinship among the Jade Dragon Samurai and serves as both a mark of distinction and a binding emblem of their oath to the Empire.

While they do not serve within the Order in an official capacity, their deeds in battle, particularly against The Tides of Khaos, have earned them the respect of even the most seasoned samurai. Their names will be recorded in the annals of the Palace of the Celestial Dragon, forever tied to the legacy of the Y’azi Empire.