{OOC: Hey everyone! This is my first RP for a game of this kind in a very long time, so forgive me if I am a bit rusty compared to you all.}
The Empire of Dae Jin, or Great Jin, is a nation in dire straights. For as long as memory remembers, the empire had been wracked by a terrible civil war. But now things are finally changing. A compromise deal between the loyalists, who still support of the old Dae Imperial Family, and the republicans on the peninsula has given them the strength to defeat their greatest mutual foe, the communist National People’s and Worker’s Liberation Front, and unite the country. Now they must live with that compromise and rebuild the shattered empire…
“Congratulations Father! Long Life!” was the happy cry of the great circle of Imperial Princes and Princesses as they greeted their father, the new Emperor, Dae Geonyu. Long known as simply Crown Prince Geonyu, having declined to formally ascend until he could do so as an actual sovereign, this occasion was a happy one. It bore out the wisdom of his long policy of patience and willingness to compromise. Geonyu did not trust the republicans, and especially the self-styled President Jang Jihye. But he needed her support, and she did likewise require his support. Otherwise, their fragile coalition and peace it gave would collapse. Looking outside at the peaceful streets of the capital of Sanggyeong the Emperor then turned his attention to his children and spoke:
“Thank my sons and daughters for your praise, I have waited many years and walked my hard road for this moment. But! Do not be so quick to give yourselves over to celebration. The empire needs our family and its strength to survive. We cannot live as we once did, we cannot separate ourselves from our people, and we must be involved in the affair of running Dae Jin!”
The princes and princesses were silent as their father told them they would have to ‘get their hands dirty’ as the saying went. Geonyu was disappointed until finally one of his younger sons, Prince Heumsong, spoke up. “Father, I promise to do my best for this great empire of ours. Just tell me what to do and I will do it with pride!”
The Emperor smiled and placed a wrinkled hand on top of Prince Heumsong’s head and gave him an affectionate pat. “This is what I expect of all of you. Follow your brother’s example.” He said this, fixing each of his numerous offspring with a fatherly look of disappointment…
Meanwhile
Ryotongsong was every bit the modern metropolis, built on the site of an ancient fortress. In a country torn by war, the gleaming towers of the ‘city in the valley’ as it was called gave them new hope. During the chaos, Ryotongsong was the capital of the republicans and the seat of democratic government. Now it functioned as simply another city, albeit a very important one. In the great government complexes in the center of the city, Jang Jihye prepared for the last session of the National Parliament. The last months and the intensive negotiations with the Imperial Court had not been easy on Jihye, but she was convinced that even with the concession of a monarchy the continuation of at least a form of representative government was worth of it.
As she made her final preparations a loud knock resounded from the door. “Come in!” the President called, still busily gathering her papers. The small group who entered was the cabinet ministers for Industry, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, and Law. As each minister shook hands with Jihye she became suspicious and placed her hands on her hips.
“What are you four up to? And especially you, Jiyoung!” she said with a pointed look to her sister, Minister of Agriculture Jang Jiyoung. The ministers looked sheepish until Geom Mobaek, the foreign minister, stepped in.
“We simply wanted to wish you luck today, Your Excellency, and for me personally, to tell you the Foreign Office is standing by.” Geom concluded with a smile and feelings in the room eased. The President conversed with each before hurrying out the door, her mind still going over the announcement she planned to make to open the nation back up to the world again.
It was a big leap for a country had endured such isolation for so long, but Jihye was convinced that foreign aid was necessary to rebuild Dae Jin to its former status. Parliament would debate the issue, of course, but in the end, the President knew she would get the legislature’s approval.
The National Hall, Parliament Joint Session Chambers
“… Therefore, I purpose to this august institution that as our final act of governance we re-open formal relations to the outside world. The nation demands no less of us, on such a momentous occasion!” the chamber burst into chaos as the President sat down. The speaker of the lower house, who functioned as moderator during joint sessions, was soon overwhelmed. Jihye sat down and decided to let the debate take its course. Several hours later the speaker and his assistants rang out “Motion Passed!” Thusly the republicans managed to score one final victory even as the next item on the agenda was the dissolution of the Parliament in favor of the previously agreed upon Imperial Assembly and nearly all government titles were changed.
Sanggyeong, the Imperial Palace
“Well, Father, it looks like that woman may yet prove a nuisance to us…” concluded Crown Prince Geonjeong, watching the television report of the final session of the republican legislature. “Perhaps so, my son, perhaps so… but this is but the first stage of the struggle. The game is just beginning.” replied the Emperor, thoughtfully his beard.
Official Diplomatic Communiqué of the Empire of Dae Jin
To all interested nations:
Many years ago, our Empire was a major power in our region of the world. Those days are long gone, and a brutal civil has ravaged us long since. Now our turmoil has ended and our nation is interested in seeing just how much the world has changed.
In the interest of international goodwill and cooperation, we invite foreign nations to send their representatives and any other interested parties to attend the enthronement ceremonies of our new emperor. After the ceremonies, the formal negotiations and finalizing of arrangements will take place.
[X] Geom Mobaek, Foreign Minister
