The Tianlong hierarchy is currently separated into three primary categories, which continue to split into role-specific ranks:
Royalty and the Imperial Harem
— Emperor (Heaven’s Fang):
The supreme ruler of the Dynasty and Heaven’s living voice on earth. The Emperor’s word is law, their existence is believed to maintain balance between the mortal and celestial realms. Only death or divine intervention can unseat them.
The Imperial Harem is a collection of consorts, mistresses, and concubines bound to the Emperor’s household. Their roles range from companionship to political leverage—gifts from foreign clans, noble families, or rival provinces seeking favor.
— Empress (Heaven's Mercy):
The Emperor’s wife and second in command within the court. She oversees the Imperial household, the harem, and internal affairs. Her influence shapes the moral and spiritual integrity of the Dynasty, and she is expected to be both virtuous and cunning.
— The Huanghou:
Consorts that had the task of advising the empress.
— Sun Consort (Heaven's Heart):
The Emperor’s most favored consort and often the heart of the inner palace. She wields significant soft power through her relationship with the Emperor, acting as confidant and emotional anchor. Her status depends entirely on favor — a fragile but powerful position.
The Concubines:
∘ Lady of Beauty (美人; měirén)
∘ Lady of Gentleness (良人; liángrén)
∘ Learned Lady (八子; bāzi)
∘ Harmonious Lady (七子; qīzi)
— Golden Kin:
Extended members of the Imperial bloodline — uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. They often hold honorary titles or regional authority.
∘ Crown Heir:
The designated successor to the throne. The Heir is trained from youth in diplomacy, philosophy, and war.
∘ Imperial Children:
The sons and daughters of the Emperor, each born beneath immense expectation. Though not all will inherit the throne, their marriages and alliances often decide the future of the Dynasty.
∘ Elders & Matrons:
All retired men & dowager mothers of the Emperor, Empress or other royalty.
The Servant Class:
∘ Shanggong (palace servants):
Personal guards & sentries
∘ Shangfu (personal attendants):
Helps with all personal services, from bathing to food
∘ Shangshi (food service):
Handled offerings and the reception of guests
∘ Shangyi (ceremonial service):
Arranges the banquets & ceremonies
The Imperial Justice System
— Dragon Guard:
Elite protectors stationed within the palace grounds. They are to protect the royal family from both inside and outside threats. They are chosen from the most disciplined soldiers in the empire.
∘ Captain of the Dragon Guard:
The leader of the elite guard sworn to protect the Emperor and Royal Family. Personally chosen by the Emperor, they command both respect and fear.
∘ Imperial Headsman:
The Emperor’s appointed executor of justice. They perform executions and corporal punishment of criminals.
∘ Prisoners:
Those awaiting trial, punishment, or execution. Some are political prisoners or failed nobles.
— Icognito Branch:
These individuals usually live double lives. They have a front as one role, but really, they lurk the corridors at night and know everyone's secrets. They answer to no one but those who hire them — or the Emperor himself.
∘ Spymaster:
A master of whispers. The spymaster understands that all is rarely as it seems, and heads a small network of whisperes that keep the dynasty informed.
∘ Assassins:
They kill in the cover of night, whiping out threats with a silent strike.
— The Jade Council:
The Emperor’s inner circle of advisors. Comprised of ministers overseeing Martial Law, Faith, Diplomacy, and Labor. They interpret Heaven’s will and ensure its reflection in all affairs of the state. Third in command to both the Empress and Emperor.
∘ Lords/Ladies:
Lords and Ladies of the Dynasty.
∘ Academic Chairs:
Those who are in charge of the care and education of all dynasty children. Royal children are assigned individual tutors.
∘ Court Physician:
Healer to the Emperor and nobility, trained in medicine. Their art balances life and death as Heaven commands it. They are usually experts in the healer class skill tree.
— Magistrate of Ceremonies:
Spiritual leaders of the Dynasty. Their job is to reaffirm the Emperor's divine right. They uphold the sancitity of The Five Rites of Breath and The Book of Tèng.
∘ Master of Ceremony:
They interpret omens, oversee major rites, oversee Trials of Heaven, and advise the emperor. They are usually experts in the seer class skill tree.
∘ Sages & Acolytes:
Tends to work in tandem with healers for spiritcraft. Servants of the faith who conduct minor rituals, prepare offerings, and assist priests. Conducts rituals, helps High Priests/Priestesses conduct rituals and rites, and helps observe Trials. Helps train Acolytes.
The Serfs
Offices of the Spring (The Healing Branch)
— Aestheticians:
These tradesmen deal with the procurement & application of various dyes & perfumes. Braiding services are sometimes offered, should the creature be deft enough.
— Medics & Apprentices:
Common healers serving soldiers, travelers, and the poor. Skilled in herbal medicine and healing rituals. Includes Students of the healing arts, guided by masters in the art of healing.
Offices of the Summer (The Martial Branch)
— Imperial General:
Commander of the Dynasty’s armies and guardian of its borders. The generals lead armies, maintain border security, and train officers. They are usually experts in the warrior class skill tree. Their word is law on the field.
— Imperial Soldier & Apprentices:
The heart of the army—trained warriors sworn to the Emperor's and the Dynasty’s defense. The highest ranking soldiers are the officers, mid-level leaders who oversee platoons and manage discipline among troops.
Offices of the Autumn (The Hunter Branch)
— Master Huntsman:
Leader of the Dynasty’s hunters. Provides food and conducts ceremonial hunts honoring the Celestial Dragon, the Emperor, the royal family, and the Dynasty as a whole. Trains other Hunters. They are usually experts in the hunter class skill tree.
— Trackers & Apprentices:
Experienced trackers responsible for feeding the court and maintaining the natural order through controlled culls. Also includes scouts and novices who assist senior hunters and learn the craft.
Offices of the Winter (The Diplomatic Branch)
— Envoy & Attachés:
Ambassadors representing the Dynasty in foreign courts. They negotiate trade, alliances, and peace treaties. They are usually experts in the orator class skill tree. Attachés are Assistant diplomats, interpreters, or scribes who accompany envoys. They learn diplomacy through observation and service.
— Messenger:
Carriers of messages and decrees. Their reliability and discretion are vital, for their words can shift alliances.