The Thirteen Harmonious Changes

Greetings to you who seek enlightenment. The path of which is both long and very rewarding. This brief synopsis is intended as the barest of introductions which should help to both define and refine our world. This work is intended for those of “The Forest” or anyone who is not from or familiar with The Empire of Perfect Unity.

The first distinction worth noting, is that this is not sorcery. This is not the “magic” as it is known in other worlds. There may be results of this enlightenment that seem magical in nature, and others who are more “Sorcerous” in mind if not in study, may find themselves unable to distinguish between the Metaphysical and other Sorcery Abilities derived from inner will. The distinction of which is the intention of this body of work. There are 922 works of acceptable Philosophy that explore at great length the Thirteen Harmonious Changes. It is with sincere hope, that this meager work will bring about a greater desire to pursue and therefor gain harmony from what is surely a noble endeavor, namely the true following of this philosophy and therefore a proper movement in said lifestyle. I (Explorer Bai) will not delve as much into this philosophy, but will attempt to describe the surface such that the inquisitive scholar may find themselves on this journey. Some terms may be translated as such a way to seem similar to sorcery, but this is for the simplicity of those not yet familiar with the terms used in the Empire. If at any time a word or phrase seems to contradict or seem in conflict with the above description, please forgive a humble soldier who is unworthy of such a scholastic undertaking.

One of the most significant places to start is the order in which the changes are learned. Since the changes are both a reflection upon nature and a joining there of, it is merely an understanding of the world and ones self that permits these changes. It is possible to trick the universe and “say the right things”, but just as a liar may deceive the authorities when he has committed a crime and thereby appear innocent, the crime has still been committed and this deception, in fact, weakens his sense of inner harmony and more often prevents the completion of the path. It is worth noting that there are some who proceed only part of the way along the path, which is acceptable, since knowing one’s limitations is key to inner harmony. This is not the same as someone skipping from one change to the next. One does not climb a mountain from the middle to the top or even the top to the bottom. One starts at the bottom and works his way up. The order in which this philosophy is studied is just as important as the study itself because the wisdom gained along each step is crucial in knowing when to and when not to utilize the changes, as well as understanding them in relation to the universe as a whole. A deception may fool another, but the deceiver is the one who will always suffer and will suffer the longest; as he will doubt others in doubting himself.

It is important to note that there are 2 paths; the first is that of the Stone Lion and the second is that of the Justicar.These paths are not merely titles that utilize two ways. In fact, one may hold the position of a Stone Lion or Justicar, and not be familiar at all with the Changes, but it is the same as saying one will eat, and actually eating. Fulfillment is in the accomplishment, and will be seen and felt by all. This is not to disparage a Justicar or Stone Lion who has not found their way upon the path, but they will in fact concede the degrees by which their jobs can be more easily accomplished in doing so. It is most easy to think of this as a road for which there are always at least 2 directions one may travel. This is over simplifying, but will serve as a starting point. In reference to the C or R following each sub-title, that is indicating if it is a “Change” or a “Ritual”.

Stone Lion

The first direction we shall travel will be that of the Stone Lion.

A note on Stone Lions: The title of Stone Lion is held to be one of three categories, and in fact may be held in any combination there of as alluded to above. It is not for one such as I (Explorer Bai) to comment on the specifics of said categories as my (Explorer Bai) studies have not included the appropriate amount of study and research and to give an in depth level of detail. I (Explorer Bai) can comment as such:

• A Stone Lion may be a soldier that guards The Wall from intruders from the North. They may or may not be enlightened, but they will find their job woefully more difficult if they are not.
• A Stone Lion, may be one who is enlightened, but does not find themselves guarding anything (or even fighting). Again, this would be considered only half a life, for what good is training to accomplish a task, one will never take up. It would be better to focus on something that will contribute to ones well being and therefor the well being of those around you. Although there are scholars who proceed this way, so there are certainly exceptions to this line of thinking.
• A Stone Lion, may be the philosophy or one who follows said philosophy for it’s own sake, without achieving enlightenment or Protecting the Wall.This is an awkward state to find oneself in, and most often this is a temporary state. It is like having an idea of a tool, but neither the crafting of it, or the intention of using it. There are some who meditate on the virtues and consequences of this philosophy, but most often they will find themselves either taking up the path, or moving on to other meditations. Again, there are reason beyond my understanding for exceptions.

All in all, it is the intent of the student that is more important. That is, following this path merely to be a more competent fighter will not actual solve the issue of why fighting is needed at all. Consider carefully, if you are to follow this path, for it is a heavy load to bear both figuratively and metaphorically.

Following are the changes and the rituals in the acceptable order:

Implacable Stone Lion (C)

As the name implies, the enlightened cannot move even a single step from their location, or touch the ground with any other part of their body, else the change immediately ends. This is used to defend and as such, no inch may be given, lest the enemy take and gain a foothold.

The words spoken to focus the mind are: “The First change is Implacable Stone Lion; in embracing it, I will become a forbidding guardian, as hard as the north wall itself.” (after 3 seconds of concentration)

What occurs upon this change is that the enlightened immediately gains points of metaphysical protection equal to their Mastery. As well, the enlightened gains a Threshold, which allows them to ignore all damaging effects that only do basic damage, as long as the Change is active. Taking a step, no matter how small, will end the Change, as will touching the ground with any part of the body. As with all metaphysical protections, this metaphysical protection replaces any protection already in place, and cannot affect itself. If an enlightened under this Change accepts any other Change or effect that grants metaphysical protection, this Change ends immediately.

North Wall Scripture (R)

Duration 10 minutes

Guard a doorway. This ritual fails if hostile forces enter through it, you become Unconscious or Critical, or if you move more than 10’ away from the door. This is to help focus on the purpose of the first change.

Mantle of Law (C)

The words spoken to focus the mind are: “The Second change is Mantle of Law; in donning it, forbidden powers will not sway or dishonor me, and I shall be an example to all.”

With this this Change, the enlightened may resist any form for hostile Changes that another may attempt to enact upon them. It may be theorized, that this will also help them to resist other Sorcery type workings. This change remains until the enlightened chooses to end this change, or they may sacrifice this Change in order to repair an item thereby restoring it to harmony and purpose within the Universe.

Twin Stone Understanding (R)

Duration 5 minutes

While sitting upon the ground, hold two stones (each must fill the hand) in your outstretched palms, without dropping them or allowing your hands to rest. This will allow the mind to see the duality of the universe and therefore accept or resist change as needed.

Union of Mind and Body (C)

The words spoken to focus the mind are: “The Third change is Union of Mind and Body; in understanding it, I know that the first path of wisdom is walked with fortitude.”

After this Change, the enlightened can Resist both a mental and physical harmful condition or change. During this Change’s duration, these resists can both be restored, if used, if the enlightened meditates for 5 minutes. Of course, one must meditate on the Union of the Mind and Body and nothing else, including other rituals. The restoration may be attempted as many times as the enlightened wishes within the time limit of the enchantment.

The Smoke Clears (R)

Duration 10 minutes

Meditate cross-legged on the floor, while holding a burning stick of incense in your cupped hands.This will help one realize how quickly things may change or how fluid the universe is and therefore how ephemeral in mind and body we may be.

Awaken the Spiteful Earth (C)

Requirements The enlightened must hold a bag of soil or stones, or a length of sizable jade beads in one of their hands, or all uses are lost.

The words spoken to focus the mind are: “The Fourth change is Awaken the Spiteful Earth; in using it, I will cast down the defiant, so that they might know their true station.”

The words used to enact the Change: *“The spiteful earth awakens, and it shall cast you down!” *

The enlightened manifests their Mastery in a visible way (glowing brown swirls of energy). Targets struck by these are Knocked down; they are forced to their knees or into a sitting or prone position, and they may not stand. Victims of this Change may still attack and defend and they may crawl upon their hands and knees. Other people may carry victims of this Change as they would someone suffering a leg wound. A person who is Strong may sometimes resist the effects of this Change directly.

Five Summer Lesson (R)

Duration 5 minutes

Paint your hand red, in the style of the rebellion, and then thoroughly wash it off. This is done to remember that at one point the Empire was brought to its knees, but it rose again. It is worth noting that this particular ritual is a change from the original, proof that the Empire grows, changes, and adapts as needed.

Way of the Mountain (C)

The words spoken to focus the mind are: “The Fifth change is Way of the Mountain; in becoming it, I bring forth (mastery)-fold things of solidity and hidden purpose.” (after 1 minute of concentration)

This Change grants its target metaphysical protection equal to that of a chain shirt for a number of hours equal to the enlightened ones Mastery. Any target under this Change may focus their Will, or their sense of Toughness, or their inner Attunement to effectively refresh its protection, even if it is completely gone, after 3 seconds of concentration. .

The Scholar’s Sword (R)

Duration 5 minutes

Perform a series of flowing katas with a scholar’s sword (Wen Jian), without stopping for more than 3 seconds.This will help one to remember that to be hit and remain tough is one thing, but preventing the hit is completely different and both serve their purpose.

Ring of Smoke and Cedar (C)

The words spoken to focus the mind are: “The Sixth change is Ring of Smoke and Cedar; in drawing it, I bring calm, and I make useless those things which herald disharmony.”

This Change creates a circle within which no one may make any attacks at all, either with weapons, with the Changes, or apparently with other sorcery means . This restriction includes attacking those outside the circle, as well. Note that defenses are unaffected. In addition, all within the circle are completely immune to melee, missile and thrown weapon attacks from those outside it. This circle appears as a fragrant ring of umber smoke, which hugs the earth closely as it drifts upward from its circumference.

Three Birds Meditation (R)

Duration 3 seconds

After calling out the name of this ritual, strike a true enemy (who is up and armed when this ritual begins) with three consecutive melee attacks, each of which must cause damage to them. If any are parried, dodged, or resisted in some way, the ritual fails. Just as the skill of the Scholar’s Sword will lead one to know when to divert attacks or when to stand strong, this shows that at times only a strong and true strike will suffice. This is to be used against an enemy that has been shown the opportunity to acquiesce but of course only a fool will stand in the path of a hurricane with no protection. Couple this ritual with the Sixth Change to know when one may negotiate and when one must fight.

Justicar

The next path is the of the Justicar.

A note on Justicars: Like Stone Lions, Justicars can either be followers of the Harmonious Changes or can hold the job of a Justicar without following the Changes, but one typically follows the other just as when it snows, one would make a fire. Even more preferred, one would make a fire in preparation of snow (as determined by the The 989 Mandates of Nature for Meteorological Gifts and Signs). The point being, that one can be a Justicar in both rank and/or philosophy. Justicars have can many jobs and some have but a single focus; but they are all rooted in interpreting and enforcing the Laws. Faith in the Changes, and trust in the Doctrine of Unity are a Justicar’s greatest strength. Wisdom is a Justicar’s greatest tool and one that is sharpened over decades of use.

Inquisitor’s Bearing (C)

Requirements The enlightened must wear plain robes in the modern and approved style (as according to their rank and position), or the Change ends immediately. No armor of any sort, nor any shield or buckler, may be used while this Change is active. Finally, the enlightened may not become Intoxicated, or the Change ends.

The words spoken to focus the mind are: “The Seventh change is Inquisitor’s Bearing; in welcoming it, I abjure all temptation, for the truly wicked fall from on high.”

With this Change, the enlightened is rendered completely immune to Mental effects of all types. While under the effects of this Change, the enlightened is unable to take Inspiration of any sort. Inquisitor’s Bearing lasts a number of hours equal to the enlightened’s Mastery.

All Under One (R)

Duration 1 minute

Authoritatively recite the official hierarchy of the Empire of Perfect Unity from memory, beginning with the Emperor and ending with the Commoner of the Least Rank. In this way, one will be reminded of the proper order of the world and therefore the proper order of ones mind.

Justicar’s Rebuke (C)

Requirements The enlightened must bear one of the badges of the Justicars (a carved staff, a large ledger, or a simple jade pendant) as befitting one of their station, or the Change ends.

The words spoken to focus the mind are: “The Eighth change is Justicar’s Rebuke; in speaking it, the unrighteous are chastened, and the guilty will know shame.”

The words used to enact the Change: “You are only worthy of a Justicar’s rebuke!”

The enlightened manifests their Mastery physically in brown energy. Those affected by this Change are Rebuked.All their mental, physical, and metaphysical attributes will fail them until they have rested.

A Serene House (R)

Duration 5 minutes

Participate in a tea ritual, practice calligraphy, meditatively order your belongings, or clean your living space. Organizing the world around you, you find your physical place in it.

Ghost-Killing Hands (C)

Requirements The enlightened must hold a prayer strip, a blessed parchment that list out the benedictions of the Philosopher in regards to the Spirits of our Ancestors, in at least one hand.

The words spoken to focus the mind are: “The Ninth change is Ghost-Killing Hands; in assuming it, I shall destroy those hungry shades which refuse their proper rest.”

The words used to enact the Change: “I smite you with Ghost-Killing Hands!”

The enlightened manifests their Mastery physically with glowing brown energy. Any Accursed creature struck by this Change is blasted 3 times harder than a normal sword swing. This Change has no effect on non-accursed creatures.

The Middle Way (R)

Duration 5 or 15 minutes

Participate in an intellectual, political, or personal argument between two other parties, continually pointing out, with sober detachment, the wisdom of mutual compromise (5 minutes). This should ideally bring peace and understanding to at least yourself if not the other participants. One need not follow the The Perfected Path of Serene Debate and Tranquil Deliberation, but it is highly recommended.

Alternately, write out a scholarly argument on a controversial subject that soberly considers the merits of each side, in an attempt to bring them into harmony. One should always be aware of Apposite Terms and Definitions in Grammar For the Empire to be as concise and understandable as possible. (15 minutes).

Honored Ancestor Benison (C)

Requirements (both versions) The enlightened must hold or wear a prominent keepsake from their honored ancestor or the Change cannot take place.

The words spoken to focus the mind are: (touch) Mediate for 1 minute, than speak thus: “The Tenth change is Honored Ancestor Benison; in voicing it, I ask (enlightened ones ancestor) to bring (his/her) virtue into the world.”

The words spoken to focus the mind are: (special)

“The Tenth change is Honored Ancestor Benison; in voicing it, I pray for noble (enlightened ones ancestor) to show me the way of rightful action.”

The physical manifestation of this Change, after the enlightened focuses their mind, grants the recipient a Resistance to all other Changes and other Sorcery.

The special version of this Change allows the enlightened to receive a mental vision sent to them by the soul of their departed ancestor, which will grant them moral guidance and perhaps specific knowledge. This vision may take some time to form, and the enlightened must meditate quietly the entire time they are waiting. When it arrives, they will receive a vision most often filled with symbolic significance, the power and detail of which is determined by the enlightened ones Mastery. Note that this Change is entirely passive in nature; the enlightened cannot “direct” the vision in any way. This version of the Change may only take place once in a limited amount of time.

The Thousand Accepted Forms (R)

Duration 5 minutes

After reading a poem or story, listening to a song or tale, or studying a piece of calligraphy or artwork, give it a thorough analysis according to the strictures of the Empire’s acceptable artistic forms such as from Humble Musings of Silk and Cherry vol. I - XII, The 974 Proper Designs of Buildings and Landscapes, Apposite Terms and Definitions in Grammar For the Empire or any other such refined works as appropriate to the art form.

Parting the Veil (C)

The words spoken to focus the mind are: “The Eleventh change is Parting the Veil; in performing it, I offer a gift to the ancient dead and humbly ask them to impart their wisdom.” Preformed on the “long” dead.

The words spoken to focus the mind are: “The Eleventh change is Parting the Veil; in performing it, I bring solace to the newly dead and bestow upon them this humble boon.”

In this Change performed on the deceased, an “echo” of their soul is summoned, and the enlightened is allowed to ask a number of questions of it equal to their Mastery.

If cast on the recently dead (one whose soul has not moved on), the target lingers longer in order for possible help; if they still depart, they are granted a Boon, which is a mysterious enchantment useful for souls negotiating the afterlife.

Litany of Reckoning (R)

Duration 1 minute

Call down an angry, yet controlled, judgment of death upon those who wish you or your compatriots immediate, mortal harm, speaking constantly of the nature of their offenses and of their immanent demise. In so doing, you will hopefully chastise the enemy that they may learn and give up. But this is not to mean that you can not defend yourself while doing this.

House of Jade and Marble (C)

Requirements The building must be marked by one or two prominent statues (at least 6” high) at each entrance, else the Change is lost. The statues must be of a style befitting the Empire of Perfect Unity such as approved in the 975 Fortuitous Signs of Building and Repairs and The 974 Proper Designs of Buildings and Landscapes. One should also confer with Masonry and Stone Work as Perfected in 825 Decorous Annotations as this will ensure the proper statues are used.

The words spoken to focus the mind are: (packet) “The Twelfth change is House of Jade and Marble; in forming it, I exalt this place so that its walls will admit only the virtuous.”

This Change protects a building so that it becomes nearly impenetrable. At the time of casting, the enlightened may manifest up to their Mastery in keystones (flat stones marked with a distinctive character). Though the enlightened does not need a key to enter, the door will remain locked for others unless touched by one of the above stones. House of Jade and Marble may be dropped or bypassed by certain powerful effects, but the enlightened ones Mastery is used to resist such effects. Once protected, the Change’s focus statue(s) are entirely immovable and indestructible for the duration of the effect. It is customary on the statue itself to artfully drape a rope bearing a number of knots equal to ones Mastery, or have some other clever way of indicating the level of their enlightenment visually (a bowl of beads in the statue’s hands, a number of ribbons tied to it, a number “carved” into it discreetly, etc.)

Blessings of the Dead (R)

Duration 1 or 10 minutes

Over the corpse of a recently dead individual, speak words of appeasement, serenity, and sacrifice (1 minute). Alternately, speak at length about the nature and deeds of someone close to you, though now departed, asking for their guidance; you need not have an audience for this (10 minutes).It is vital that we all realize the virtues and wisdom of those that have gone before. This will keep us focused on the what is important and also keep us humbled in knowing what may await us.

Penned by the 3rd rank Scholar, Explorer Bai Guey-hu,

called the Ghost Tiger