#Ⓙ : introspection ( ji yan )

[nazorneku]

time for more Ji Yan yapping— pls beware of #wuwa spoilers, even tho i will not go into much detail regarding the whole story and quests, but specific mentions will be present... so caution is advised, regardless

After my previous post, I was asked to elaborate on the matter of why I made Ji Yan so young— The answer is rather simple: it was literally written in the game and spoken out by characters directly, so unless you skip story and cutscenes, you will not miss it.

Will start from the fact that was delivered directly from the man himself. Ji Yan, in his companion quest, mentioned that he was appointed to the role of General at the age of 20.

In his character story, it's written that he is the youngest General in Midnight Rangers' history. Which also implies that Geshu Lin (previous General) is older than Ji Yan.

YangYang also stated that he was assigned to this position after the Battle beneath Crescent. We do not have the exact time frame, but I assume it was short after and not years after.

Narrowing down the timeline, TaoQi explained that the Battle beneath Crescent took place 3 years ago.

Now I will go further with his age and point out other certain things.

In his companion quest, it's again mentioned that Ji Yan was a part of temporary Gulpuff Relay team 10 years ago that set a record, which remains still unbeaten. It also described him as "new recruit". Concluding with everything said above, Ji Yan joined the ranks of Midnight Rangers as medic at the age of 13.

Again in his character story it's written that he was born into the family with a medical background and became his mother's assistant at the age of 10. He still keeps the pill case, disguised as a gourd and it has a lot of sentimental value for him.

There're also some things I want to mention that are related to his story. I see a lot of ppl being upset that his companion quest did not tell them anything 'bout Geshu Lin and ngl I'm like 🤡 that quest isn't 'bout him, but Ji Yan as a character and person, it showcased us his second side. Before we only saw his General side, and the quest showed us his human side, with his own fears and regrets.

In regard to Geshu Lin, despite the drastic and extreme measure with which the previous General commanded the army, Ji Yan still holds respect towards him. They are indeed polar opposites in handling the same position, where Geshu Lin commands "victory at all cost" and Ji Yan aims for "victory with minimal loses". Both cope with the burden of command in different ways - the first willing to sacrifice others to achieve victory, the latter will sacrifice self. NGL their conversations in both Ji Yan's trailer and main story gave me a lot to think 'bout— And then there's this piece from his character story.

Day after day, year after year, he fought in vain until he was the sole survivor on a desolate battlefield. The Tacet Discords transformed into his fallen comrades, encircling and closing in on him. Despite being known for his calm and decisive nature, few were aware of the nightmares that would sometimes jolt him awake, haunted by the voices of the dead. As the general, it was Ji Yan's duty to safeguard not only the borders, but also the entirety of his nation. Every move he made and every plan he enacted carried immense responsibility and consequence. This is why he seems to be always frowning, thinking, and planning ahead. One day, perhaps, he will finally turn around and answer those questions from the dead. He fights for the living, and for the deceased.

Ji Yan is very compassionate, he takes every loss personally and one of the major displays of that is Captain Bei Wang. He was a Midnight Ranger, a friend and last patient, and his death pushed Ji Yan to join the battlefield. And the wind spear he wields now, was modelled after that Bei Wang wielded.

Another meaningful connection to Ji Yan is Mortefi. From the latter's profile we find out that he was saved by Ji Yan and referred to the Academy, in return he provides own help to Midnight Rangers and helped solve a lot of problems. Mortefi has also anger-management issues that can cause Overclocking (overuse or loss of control over the Forte; causes can be emotional and phycological stress, bursts of energy), the scales we see on his body are the result of it. Unlike Ji Yan, whose frequency displays high stability with a low risk of Overclocking. I also do like their communications, 'cause Ji Yan does sound softer around Mortefi and he even smiles, and Mortefi sounds playful around Ji Yan. Considering the general opinion of ppl on Mortefi and him often sounding almost arrogant, it's v peculiar change. And he also doesn't use the title "General", when talking to or 'bout JiYan, which indicates further at their close relationship.

[nazorneku]

as i mentioned before, these portrayal notes are based on what i gathered after playing CBT2— if there will be need to adjust specific aspects once the game will be launched and we will delve further into story than we were allowed before, i will do so goes without saying: any portrayal notes lifting will be met with hard block, 'cause im writing down my personal vision of this character and not creating a public manual

Will start with the most prevalent misconception 'bout this character, that makes me sigh every time people mention it in a serious discussion and then try to argue, obv lacking basic media literacy skills. Ji Yan is a human. Shocking, I know. He was born human and his awakening as resonator also was natural.

Resonator Ji Yan's Forte-Awakening was observed at the Yuanwang Camp located in Desorock Highland. This event was characterized by the accumulation of air currents around his body, forming a distinctive lance. Ji Yan bears a distinctive Tacet Mark situated atop his dorsal ridge. Post-Awakening observations found some growths that resemble Loong scale on his left jaw. No indications of progressive expansion have been detected.

He still has his mother. Completely and totally normal human being. Do not confuse this with him being chosen/appointed by an actual dragon, known as Sentinel Jue. Thank you. And if you will also do some math, he should be around 23.

Going further, I will mention that originally Ji Yan was a doctor and until recently I did not have a solid proof for my headcanon why he stopped. He gave up healing, 'cause he saw limitations in this method of saving people and saving lives, thus he became a soldier, so he could protect people and prevent all those injuries from happening in the first place.

The main story and his personal quest show different sides of his, BUT they are equally important to showcase who Ji Yan trully is as a person. As a general we see him reliable and confident, powerful and v skillful warrior, that literally can slice through hordes of enemies. It IS a very strong first impression that sticks with you, 'cause you know this person will be there to protect and defend, he WILL be the tip of the spear that he will launch at the enemy. He is a protector and a defender. BUT in his story we are given a glimpse of his vulnerable and human side, we witness his past and his regrets, his anger, his burden as a leader, that he NEVER made shown in any way or measure. He endured. Silently. I also rly loved that the story was focused on more dark aspects of war and battlefield such as morale, danger and death.

Next will be his voicelines and what additional info I could gather from the sources. He is calm and composed in general, he is v concentrated at all times, he is also prone to provide practical advice and reassurance. He displays a great sense of duty and responsibility, especially considering his role as general. He doesn't have any particular preferences in food, and due to military experience, recognizes its importance and does not squander it. Even despite his aversion towards Bittberries for their bitter taste. He endures unpleasant circumstances, handles things he dislikes with resilience and focuses on what is necessary.

Despite now being a general, Ji Yan still maintains a connection with his family's medical background, as he often discusses medical knowledge with his mother. His cherished item - gourd-shaped pill case indicates a softer, sentimental and more personal side of him.

His ideal and ultimate wish is the peaceful future where a general is no longer needed. And that rly shows him as such a selfless person.

There's also some details in character stories you unlock, when you raise his intimacy level:

The first story shows Ji Yan as a capable and decisive leader, willing to make difficult choices and lead by example. His resilience and strategic prowess make him a formidable force on the battlefield, earning him the respect and admiration of his comrades.

The second story shows Ji Yan beyond his image of general, providing insight on his internal struggles and unwavering commitment to his duty and the people.

The third story shows Ji Yan's two sides: a fierce fighter against enemies and a caring, attentive towards his comrades leader. He monitors the needs and well-being of his soldiers, intervening discreetly to provide support when it's most needed.

[nazorneku]

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 ?

the hierophant The plan is perfect in every way. Everyone where they need to be, at exactly the right moment, with exactly the right smile. You have moved and manipulated the situation, but did you remember to put yourself in the correct position? You, after all, are still a player in the game - whoever thinks they control the pieces still has to make the next move eventually. Whoever is playing the game is playing against an opponent. Ensure that they have not played better than you.

death A cheery woman’s voice chimes from above. "Game over! Please restart and try again." The old woman holds a baby in her arms and makes to pass it to you. Will you take it?

justice What would you do to ensure justice? You know full well I don’t speak of lofty ideals and courts and magistrates, dearest. What would you do to those that hurt you? If I dropped them in your lap, what would you do? What kind of pain could you possibly inflict upon them? You are right to do so. You are right to want to do so. Ignore the screaming, dearest, you are the hand of justice now, and they hurt you. Do not look too closely at their faces, dearest. You are within your rights. You spell out your own rights, now. Are you happy about it? Are you certain that this is the right person you hold by the hair? Does your anger hurt less now?

the hermit It’s a skill, to look inside yourself, one you have mastered. The endless corridors and shifting thoughts are mapped to very carefully. This all takes time, of course. And those twisting hallways are so very difficult to map. It would be so easy to get lost. You know this space so well. Wouldn’t it be a lovely place to stay? So well-known and comforting. Why go back? How nice, how easy, to dissolve, to hide from the rest of the world and all the people in it. Why bother, when you are so good at looking inside yourself. Like enlightenment, the self. Retreating this far inwards is like retreating just as far out, into the vast ether. So comforting. The thing that was you looks at the thing that was the old woman. There is no you anymore. Goodbye. 

tagged by: @knghted tagging: @oniriqes (worstie), @strfe , @songcursed , @endweapon , @chthonicsurge , @ilveilija , @omniterror (Scarlet or Tifa), @chasersglow , @reasoncore , @speedchasing , @sacredflorist , @aetheryic (twins)