[tye]

It all started with the Jade Emperor who needed 12 animals as palace guards. They worked in harmony, balance and protected the Emperor with each of their own individual divine power from evil spirits that lurked. People worshipped them as a whole, giving them the title as Jingshen Shou. Of course that all fell apart once the Jade Emperor's birthday approached. Instead of overwhelming gifts and festivals, he wanted to create time measurement for the people. It was decided that 12 animals should be guardians of the year- but how will it be chosen?

"How about a race?"

Whoever is the fastest, wins.

Jingshen Shou all at once, "I will volunteer!" and as excited they were, eyes twinkled with mischief, greed, anger.

Jade Emperor explained, "The animal that crosses the river and gets to my palace first will be the guardian of the first year. The second animals will the guardian of the second year, and so on."

As you already know how to story goes, even after the race- hostility was beyond the roof. They were no longer known as a unit, fighting for generations over the ancient past. The Emperor no longer lives among them, so each lived in each floor, taking over parts/region of the humongous palace. From the top to bottom floor represents the first and last guardian of each year. Top floor belongs to the Rat, second below the Ox, third - Tiger and so on.
With many arguments and disapprovals the one thing they agreed upon is to invite highly worshiped deity/spirits into their palace. Things have gotten dull and boring, so to spice it up they created their home into guest house/hotel for all spirits of China. Each creature working under a zodiac have a specific role to assist their guests. [That will be up to you]

Wait. What ever happened to the Cat?

His enemy, the Zodiacs received an anonymous letter:

"You think you have won the race? As long that I am still around, it will not end till I get my rightful place. And I do not plan to be the first, second, third, fourth nor fifth.. I want to be the ONLY guardian of every year. I will finally win the race, it is not over.

P.S
This time you will be drowning, Rat. See you soon (: "



At this point of time, tension is very high. They don't know who to trust, some want to keep peace for their guests but others have their own plans.


One playing as the Rat is taken by me. You can make multiple characters, but only one for the zodiac animals. Pictures are fine but it'll be swell if you described your character.

Forum:

Name of Spirit/Deity:
Age:
Worshipped for (example: wealth, fortune, war, greed, spring, rain, youth ):
Appearance:
Background history:
Like/Dislike:
Enemies/Friends:
Role in the Palace [if applied for a zodiac animal]:
Extra:





palace
[[artist unknown: found on pinterest]]

note:
Your characters can look half/partly human or in true physical form. If Zodiac animals end up weak/injured they return into physical form. Relate this to Fruit Basket in a way! <: