Jalí

The Jadecats series takes place in the lost land of Jalí. Legends say that it was rooted in ancient China, or an island nearby, others say Indonesia, or even Malaysia. The truth is, no experts have ever found evidence that such a land ever existed, but stories and tales of adventure have been passed down through the ages with passion, awe, and curiosity.

The ambiance of the land is somewhat medieval, although more reminiscent of settings in old Kung Fu movies. However, while the culture is highly reflective of ancient China, the show will not lend an entirely Chinese predominance to the setting of Jalí. There will be European influences, as well as influences from all the major Asian countries. Ancient Eurasia best describes the setting of Jalí, with the added existence of arcane magic, mystical legends, fantastical creatures, awesome battles and high adventure.

Vinchi

The commercial village most frequently seen in the stories of the Jadecats is the fishing/farming community of Vinchi. It is near their secret training fort and the home of their favorite human, Tai Ni. It is a large town, but not considered a city, with a population of less than a thousand. It houses a port o' call, a town bazaar, and a variety of people and cultures.

Politics

The land of Jalí consists of many cities, towns and villages. Most agricultural and fishing communities answer to a Baron. The cities also have magistrates. Governing over all the cities and towns in the region is an Emperor, Emperor Chen. He is a young ruler, materialistic and aristocratic, but not evil. His concerns are not concerns of the people, but more of maintaining his position as ruler of the realm. There has only been one ruler of rulers in the land and that was the wise and benevolent Jade Emperor.

The leader of the village of Vinchi is Baron Tai Lee, or simply Baron Lee. He is a kind and stately man, concerned equally with matters of the people and officials. He is the father to Tai Ni. His wife, mother of Tai Ni, died in childbirth. He has a fascination with antiques and historic collectibles and runs a museum known throughout the region.

The Kune

Sometimes spelled/pronounced "Kwoon," the Kune is the secret fortress and training ground of the Jadecats. The Kune is a tree-house that has been built and magically melded with a huge oak tree. The Kune consists of three external stories and several internal chambers housing the Jadecats. It is a very secure fortress that is constantly on vigil by the Jadecats. Paper lanterns, filled with luminescent crystals, light the training grounds of the Kune. The top floor is the observation deck. The middle external floor is the meeting chamber. The lowest external floor is the training ground. Lower floors include the mess hall, weapons hall, and sleeping chambers of the Jadecats. An alternate Chinese name for the Kune is "Guan".

Five Elements

The five universal elements or "Wu Xing" brought up in Asian alchemy, Eastern philosophy, the I-Ching, as well as many tales of Taoist folklore, consist of Earth, Fire, Water, Wood, and Metal. Unlike the Western "elements," they do not include Air. These elements comprise the presumed essence of known matter. They can also be categorically divided as follows: The element of Earth ranges from soil to mountains. The element of Fire ranges from sparks to lava. The element of Water ranges from rain to the sea. The element of Wood ranges from grass to the tallest oak. And the element of Metal ranges from lead to gold. Like the theory of "humors" in Western alchemy, the elements also comprise personalities and psychological states, and can be associated with the astrological signs as well.

 

Tao Power

Taoist mysticism is a strange and curious thing. There are many accounts in Asian legends about the powers of Tao magic. Taoism is an Eastern religious philosophy embodied in the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. However, many claim that there is much more to Taoism than just a spiritual path of guidance and simplicity. Tao Magic is not at all like witchcraft, black magic, Wicca, Satanism, or Voodoo. It is a practice of using your internal powers over the external elements. For most who practice it, it is thought of as a way to extend your health and longevity.

In the case of the Jadecats, this power is a command of the five elements. Each of the Jadecats has mastery over one of the five elements. This power can be used by the Jadecats in limited ways as a weapon or constructive aid. Using this power, however, requires deep concentration to manifest and leaves them fatigued. They also are very aware of abusing their power over nature. Because of these conditions, the Jadecats rarely use their power and only in the direst of circumstances. Let's explore each of their Tao Powers.

BOULDER - has power over the element of Earth. As a weapon, he manifests his power in the form of a seismic wave. He usually uses his hammer to strike the ground, focusing the wave in a particular direction. However, he can also punch the ground and make it radiate around him. Other ways in which he's used his powers include cracking rocks apart to free people trapped in avalanches, or turning a hard stone weak in order to break through the walls of man-made structures.

BLAZE - has power over the element of Fire. As a weapon, Blaze has the ability to breathe a jet of flame. He can also increase or decrease the intensity of already existing flames. However, he has not been able to cause items to spontaneously combust, but then all the Jadecats still have much to learn about their abilities.

SPLASH - has power over the element of Water. As a weapon, he can create a tsunami, great tidal waves at sea, that can topple ships or crash into shore. He can also cause existing water to shoot up like a jet stream. He has not been able to create water from air, though, or control weather. But who knows the true extent of his power.

WOODIE - has power over the element of Wood. Used offensively, he can cause wood to splinter, wooden weapons or shields to break, or plants to entangle. He can also change the shape of wood, warping spears or doors. He can not create wood out of thin air, but he can accelerate the growth of sapling plants. He is also the architect of the Kune, allowing its construction to come right from the tree.

SABER - has power over the element of Metal. Or at least he should. Poor Saber has yet to be able to manifest his Tao Power. No one can figure out why. He is trying to overcome his "handicap" in the worst way and is often scoffed at by some of the Jadecats. Although his Tao Power still remains a mystery, it quite possibly could be the most powerful of all.

 

Ghosts

Ghost legends in Chinese folklore are abundant. Some ghosts are bad, especially when in the form of demons that possess creatures, such as the "Great Moguai" and the Ratlord. However, not all ghosts are bad. Many legends speak of ghosts that aid in the quests of heroes. Ghosts are usually remnants of powerful entities that have a mission of themselves. In the case of the Bearded Ghost, he was once the great Damo. Since he was killed, he has remained on this plane to help Kung Fu heroes defeat the minions of evil.

 

Kung Fu

Kung Fu is the physical, mental and spiritual practice of honing your skills through time and effort. Most commonly, it is manifested in the form of self-defense maneuvers and great feats of physical prowess. It is hard to say how far back Kung Fu originated, but it is one of the most colorful and esoteric physical arts known to man. It is most certainly an art form, especially when paying tribute to animals in the form of "animal styles" of Kung Fu.

In the world of the Jadecats, Kung Fu is a powerful weapon in the fight for survival. There is a great distinction in the way different styles fight and it's important for the animation of the Jadecats to portray that.

Here is a partial list of which characters practice what styles:

Boulder - Hung Gar
Blaze - Choy Li Fut
Splash - Hsing-I
Woodie - Chang Chuan
Saber - Tai Chi Chuan

Ratlord - Streetfighting and Kali
Oxlord - Shuai Jiao
Snakelord - Snake-style Kung Fu
Monkeylord - Various Monkey-styles of Kung Fu
Goatlord - Neijia
Tigerlord - Tiger & Panther-style Kung Fu
Rabbitlord - Budo and Naginatajutsu
Horselord - Kendo
Doglord - Bando
Piglord - Spearmastery and Chi Kung
Roosterlord - Eagle & Crane-style Kung Fu
Dragonlord - Dragon-style Kung Fu

 

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