The Hidden Palace of Blanka Sarugami
It took us a long time to read all the lore submissions, and a lengthy internal debate, but we unanimously agreed on this particular entry.
— The Chimpions (@TheChimpions) January 25, 2022
Thank you for such a wonderfully evocative piece of lore. 🤝 https://t.co/MTXNoN7FEY
In the center of the Chimpion archipelago stood the towering Usul Acuminata, a magnificent tree whose roots were the power lines from which all life drew breath and movement. The tree guided the natural cycles of the Jungle, while also providing all inhabitants of Chimpion land with resources and guidance to explore the vast unknown.
Encased in a pyro-crystalline cage deep within the heart of the tree sat the Solar Pearl. The unknowing, one might stand in awe simply due to its almost subtle, emanating blue-violet glow, like a distant yet everlasting sunset. But those privy to this ancient knowledge would understand that the real beauty of this pearl is its infusion with the “Will” of generations upon generations of past Chimpion rulers. Their “Will” were the manifestations of their hopes for future growth and innovation, but also the legacy of the mistakes made and learned.
Those whose Wills burned so strongly were granted an artifact resembling a coin–this was a key symbolising a chance of being recognised at the Hidden Palace of Blanka Sarugami and attaining honorary status before the Triumvirate of Chimpions: the Astralis Venturer, the Claramaranthus Vanquisher, and the Minerasagire Vagabond.
The entrance to the Blanka Sarugami was located at the peak of the Usul Acuminata. Challengers who decide to take their shot have to succeed through three domains:
The first domain served to test the contenders’ hearts: a pit of fire flowers that would burn all beings with insincere intentions. The Minerasagire Vagabond—having lived through eons of civilisations and encountered personalities of every shade—has the power of discerning matters of the heart.
The second domain presented an opportunity for contenders to showcase their talents, in whatever way, shape or form, in a stadium made of solid platinum ore. The Claramanthus Vanquisher judged not purely for the dazzle and grandeur of contenders’ performance, but for ingenuity and intentionality.
Finally, the last domain was overseen by the Astralis Venturer, whose mind holds the records of the land, and memories and emotions of the histories. This final challenge is deceivingly simple. Contenders are asked to pledge an oath of dedication to build the shared future of the Chimpions.
This Triumvirate, along with the originally anointed Two Hundred Faces, have stood unmoving throughout the grains of time to oversee and protect the Chimpions and all its clans.
A Concise History of The Jungle Verses
Era of the Primordial Ones (0–1500)
In the haziness of the cosmic cinders, there lit a spark, a star appeared in the sprawling jungle, the first sun, ascending the cosmos bright as jade. Different clans lived together in harmony and roamed across the lush mystical forest, led by the ancestral Chimpion Triumvirate.
The Age of Shifting Paradigms (1500–1800)
Rapid development flourished throughout the jungle, but there exists a deep secret hidden in the shadows of that knowledge. For whatever reason that divine forces gave inhabitants the key to changing everything, those forces did not explain the costs involved.
The first attack from the Outlanders happened suddenly and unexpectedly. They came seeking the riches of the lands, each attempting to steal the Chimpion’s Solar Pearl, or unveiling and imitating their great powers.
A divide split different Chimpion clans into opposing camps: those who wanted to innovate and push the boundaries of alchemy and mystics through trade and negotiation (collusion?) with the Outlanders, versus those who wanted to slow down and deeply consider the effects of these developments on the Chimpions and the Outside world.
The Scramble for Ancient Splendor (1800–2000)
Different ideologies clashed for two centuries. War ravaged the lands and disillusionment washed over innocents and militants alike.
The Insurgence of the Third Force (2000-2020)
A rebellion from both factions formed. They called themselves the First Two Hundred Faces who served the original intent of the Triumvirate. With their cultivated strength, they put a swift and decisive end to the divide, and aimed to pave forward a path where innovation and consideration for the social, environmental and cultural worked hand-in-hand.
Age of Resettlement (2020-present)
Out of the Great Scramble, few clans stood their ground. The Triumvirate of the Chimpions have been building tenaciously to restore peace, order and prosperity among the lands, using the core principle: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika; Unity in Diversity.