Jie Meng

**Jie Meng (孟傑)** is Stormwindian Nobility who serves the Kingdom as Margrave Ridgecrest, vassal and servant to Duchess Terez Ascania as a Mage-Knight in her Order of Eastburg, and Court Mage. Meng has served the Alliance and the Kingdom of Stormwind in one way or another since the mists fell from Pandaria. Working with the Alliance to defend their village from Zandalari and Horde raids. They served in the Stormwind and Grand Alliance militaries since those first days honorably, and with distinction. Having earned many accolades and being widely regarded as a War Hero, coupled with their service to the Kingdom of Stormwind's various ministries, Meng hopes to be considered an esteemed public servant. To use such renown that comes with such efforts to win enfranchisement for Pandaren within the Kingdom of Stormwind. A Kingdom that Meng respects deeply as a avid fan of history, and believer in the restoration of a Pandaren Empire.

Meng used to be known as **Shufen Meng (孟淑芬)**, before changing their name and adopting more gender neutral forms of address.

## Personality & Beliefs

Meng is an astute and intelligent Pandaren, who is an adherent member of the Tushui philosophical movement. Due to traumatic incidents during the course of the Fourth War, leading up to the Third Scourge Invasion of Stormwind, Meng suffered from crippling self doubt and a cold heart. Giving many they know a first impression of a very serious and self critical person who threw their entire being into work, and proving themselves. However since a time of recovery and multiple occasions that they have risen to and contributed to the success of the Alliance and Stormwind, they have recovered to capable form. Showing themselves to be a confident and sociable pillar amongst their peers for which Jie thrives when supporting. Though their heart recovered, and the Pandaren was once again much more comfortable in their skin, their knack for inundating themselves with busywork hasn't stopped. Having a very curious and inquisitive mind, many people and projects find themselves given quite the amount of attention by the Knight. Which can in turn make them quite elusive, or a regular sight depending on the individual, as they spend much time dedicated to their most recent obsession.

As a part of their beliefs in the Tushui way, Jie believes in objective morality. Where the ends never justify bad means. They favor a systematic approach to problem solving, in which ideas are carefully considered and debated. Therefore in theory, they much prefer the process of laws. Hoping to rely on them and respecting the institutions that uphold them as well as they can. However Meng is aware of the fact that the law is often times warped by those who legislate it, and is vigilant in pointing out and combating abuses of the law and breaches of morality through this very system. Ever so confident in the laws that they have studied, they have openly disobeyed orders from many authority figures, eventually winning out due to their knowledge of Stormwind's codes, and having the right political cards.

Meng is idealistic, and hopes to help create a world where all people are given some base amount of unmerited grace. Aspiring to be able to legislate and politic such a reality into being. A task increasingly difficult due to the Alliance having suffered many campaigns against the horde, to the point that some of Meng's allies view the horde as no better than base monsters. While Meng is not quick to forgive the Horde either, they much prefer treating all enemies with some base amount of consideration for their personhood. One would think this would make it difficult to then be able to fight with full confidence when the time calls for it, yet this does not stop Meng. When the occasion calls for it, and when all attempts at talking it out fails, the Pandaren is prepared to attack with measured, hard, and decisive strikes in order to get a desired resolution. Though a day being won doesn't stop them from remembering the faces of those lost, and wishing that it wouldn't need to happen again.

As a mage, Meng follows a rather traditional belief in magic as is taught by Stormwind Mage Circles. Understanding the great danger that magic presents, Jie strives to not use powerful spells frivolously, and approaches it's use with a scientific method to prevent accidents. Very conscious and of great desire to not lose control of their senses, the Pandaren has sworn to themselves to never look towards Fel, Shadow, or Necrotic magic. Yet the Pandaren does toe the line with conservative magic beliefs. Testing the boundaries with their Transmutation and Divination schools of teachings to better understand the art of Chronomancy, seeing much benefit to mastering their fate to better the situation of everyone around them with little immediate downsides. Yet as they expand their expertise and knowledge, Meng approaches a point where they will know how to cast magics that can have severe consequences. Will they take a risk in using these in a time of great need is to be seen.

In their pursuits as a Knight, Jie is sworn to a code of chivalry, as well as their own personal code of conduct. Having read and been inspired by romanticized stories of Knights, Jie invests much time in courtesy and courtly grace. Though this does not distract Jie from the true purpose of Knighthood. Giving much weight and importance to the harnessing of prowess and displaying military might.

## Description

Jie Meng has a muscular build which is covered in black and white fur. At the higher side of the height scale for females of their species, Jie at around seven feet tall often looks down towards their conversation partners. However their intelligent golden eyes would have no condescending attitude behind them. While they are often seen in full plate armor, they are known to wear a dress uniform or a variety of suits. Those with arcane sight can tell they are magically inclined.

If Meng were to show it with intention by parting the fur, one could tell that they have a wicked scar across the front of their neck. As if it was cut with some sort of sinister blade. Such a wound shouldn't be survivable, and yet the Pandaren still stands.

Meng often styles their hair to be short, so that it does not get in the way of combat or proves itself to be a weapon that could be used against them. However they keep a long front bang to conceal divination magic and slight somatic components they use with their gaze.

## Titles

### Margrave Ridgecrest

A fief rewarded to Meng on April 14th, 634 KC due to their consistent honorable and selfless service to the Kingdom of Stormwind, with their efforts during the Stormwind Civil War being the catalyst for their receipt of Letters Patent. The former County fell upon hard times during the civil war, when it came to public light that the former Count had been funneling funs and materials to the Crown-Claimant Darian Lyonesse. Following a internal struggle, the Count died under mysterious circumstances, yet the damage was done. The County's remaining authority became unable to maintain the rather large and bold land claims and expansions of their traitorous lord. The now Lord Meng continues to try and right the wrongs of Ridgecrest's former Lord, having succeeded in part due to dealings the Lord made with Eastburg, and a continuous campaign at restoration of the fief.

### Lionhearted, Order of Eastburg

Dubbed Sir Jie the Lionhearted by Duchess Ascania, on December 17th, 633 K.Y., Jie Meng was made an official Knight of the Order of Eastburg. Having earned the respect of it's Grandmaster, Alexandria Williams and the Duchess through her dedicated service to the Duchess and her protection, as well as her service to the crown. Meng time and time again proved their bravery in the face of adversity, as well as their loyalty to the values of the Alliance and Stormwind, these factors became the inspiration for the epithet Lionheart.

### Court Mage, Privy Council of Eastburg

Appointed following the prior Court Mage resigned, Meng was appointed as Court Mage to the Privy Council of Eastburg. Providing magical advice and guidance, as well as helping to develop a mage circle to serve the Duchess. The title of Court Mage also bestowed upon the Pandaren the title of 'Guardian of Uldazhan Tower'. A mage tower in the Duskwood section of the Duchy of Eastburg. Meng led a mission to reclaim the tower, and is actively responsible for refitting it and making it ready for service to the Duchy.

### Deputy Lord High Mage, Ministry of Magical Affairs

Meng was hired by the Ministry of Magical Affairs to be the Deputy Lord High Mage serving under Lord High Mage Wardom Greywell during the first term of parliament of 638 KY with the issuing of the Letter of Appointment: Jie Meng. They help the Lord High Mage by sharing with him his responsibilities in running the offices of the Ministry of Magical Affairs, and is empowered to assume the Lord High Mage's authorities should he be indisposed.

### Awards and Honors Committee, Ministry of War

Meng was hired by the Ministry of War to be a Commissioner serving under Lord High Marshal Clogerney Casteele with the issuing of the First War Ministry Appointment Order of 633 Kings Year. They were responsible for heading and staffing the committee of awards and honors. Which takes applications for awards and honors to be distributed to men within military units. They as well draft or approves new honors to be added to the roll of honors. Which decides their precedence to each other. As a commissioner, they were also trusted as a member of the Ministry's command. The position was found to be not a valid commissioner's position within the Charter of Stormwind and was disbanded, but by a unanimous vote they were made a member of the Committee.

### Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pandaria, Ministry of Foriegn Affairs

Upon the signing of the Eighth Foreign Ministry Appointment Order, Meng was made the personal representative of the King of Stormwind to Pandaria and the Pandaren people. Having used the position to handle issues of immigration to Stormwind, and representing the interests of Stormwind to Tushui and Pandaren sympathetic to the cause of the Alliance. They as well have aided the Lord High Chamberlain in various diplomatic undertakings that the Kingdom of Stormwind has attempted with the Horde during times of rising tension following the armistice of the Fourth War.

## Former Titles

### Mayor, Stormwind City Council

A controversial and debated position held by the Pandaren, Meng was appointed Deputy Mayor by Gideon Northgate, with approval by the Lord High Steward Maxen Montclair during a time of emergency. As the seat of Mayor suffered a succession crisis with the resignation of Mayor Calvin Quill, and the kidnapping of Mayor Gideon Northgate. Following his brief return, the resignation of Gideon Northgate had caused the role of Mayor to fall upon Meng's lap again. However, with a entirely empty City Council, Meng does not intend on using the authority of Mayor until the council can be properly staffed, and a Mayor properly elected. Only preserving the seat in the case of dire emergency. They would be removed from this office following the proclamation of Lord High Steward Maxen Montclair, following a political faux pas that was considered potentially seditious during the build up to the Stormwind Civil War. Many firmly disagreed with their removal however, as it created even more propaganda for the dissidents in Westfall to use to show that the House of Nobles was anti-commoner. Meng in a public release stated that they understood and accepted the removal from office, and looked forward to whoever would hold the title during the next election.

### Chief Serjeant-at-arms, Stormwind House of Nobles

 Meng was hired by the Ministry of Parliament to be a Serjeant-at-arms by Lord High Speaker Robert Thaltor as detailed within his First Parliament Appointment Order of 633 Kings Year. Their duties involved protecting the chambers of the House while it was in session. As well as enforcing the will of the Lord High Speaker to remove those disrupting the session of the house. During Lady Ascania's term as Lord High Speaker, Meng was made the 'Chief' Serjeant-at-Arms, and all doorkeepers were then referred to as Serjeant's-at-Arms. They retired in anticipation of being made a Magistrate, wishing to not both be in a position of law enforcement and being a judge of the law. They wished to remove as many conflicts of interest as possible. Their legacy of Chief Serjeant would be well remembered for their organization and setting of it's initial standards. As well as leading it with historic numbers of chamber guards.

### Crown Champion, Ministry of Justice

Meng was made Crown Champion of the Stormwind Ministry of Justice by the Master of Duels Lord Leirelan on May Fourth 633 Kings Year. This appointment was detailed in the Crown Champion Appointment Order: Meng Shufen. Their duties in this capacity was to be an available asset to the Ministry of Justice to represent the crown in trials by combat when those who request them are approved and granted them by the judiciary. They maintained their combat prowess to be a strong advocate for the crown, and ensure the King's justice is always seen through. They resigned from the posting following their appointment to magistrate. Finding it improper to be both a judge by law and by combat.

### Magistrate, Stormwind Judiciary

After a long period of legal study, Meng was appointed to the position of Magistrate by Kalren Geroux with the issuing of her letter of appointment, penned by their friend Alliriel Valtieri on August 31st, 633 KY. As a Magistrate, Meng is now tasked with presiding over trials both civil and criminal. They as well may be called to fulfill certain tasks like granting licenses. Meng has yet to have any major cases of note, though they are diligently aiding Alliriel in the cataloguing of the laws of Stormwind for easier access to the public. Meng quietly stepped away from active service in this role following a high profile court trial involving House Goldcrest, who were being accused of a complex litany of crimes involving their intimate relationship with the Cult of the Dammed. The trial was filled with scandal involving the security and treatment of the cultists, however Meng was still able to complete the proceedings and was not pursued for any penalty regarding those scandals.

### Master Wizard, Sacreline Circle

Meng was enrolled into the Battlemage Corps as an Apprentice with the permission of their mentor Cabalist Melanie Witherseed upon the delivery of a notice of enrollment. As a battlemage, Meng is focusing on the schools of Evocation and Transmutation. Evocation comes naturally to them due to their time spent casting martial frost magic when they perceived themselves as a Death Knight.

## Awards and Honors

### Awards Explained

Cross of Llane: The use of the statue of Saint Riode proved pivotal in the battle of Booty Bay, by decimating the fleet Meng effectively ended the battle and stopped any more loss of life from the allied fleet. For turning the tide of battle and securing the Grand Alliance's success during Operation: Greenwall, she was granted the Grand Alliance Medal of Valor. Of which equated to Stormwind's Cross of Llane. By earning the Cross of Llane she also has earned admittance into the Order of the Lion as a Knight.

Conspicuous Service Cross: By animating the statue of Saint Riode during the battle of Booty Bay, she was able to fire a beam of holy light into the flagship of the scourge fleet, the Dread Raven. This beam decimated the ship, the light cascading and eventually wiping out the entire enemy fleet. The apparent skill demonstrated that day turned the tide of the battle, and earned her this recognition.

Distinguished Leadership Cross: Received for their efforts leading the Rooks Guard Reserve in the defense of the Kingdom of Stormwind during the third scourge invasion. Including her aiding in the coordination of evacuation and defensive efforts between the different branches of Government and the military.

Commendation for Valor: Received for leading the charge despite their injuries during Operation: Greenwall. Primarily for saving the life of another from the stomach of a sea giant abomination by freezing it's mouth shut.

Military Long Service Medal: Received for serving more than five years in the military.

Prisoner of War Medal: Received after it was revealed that Meng was a prisoner in their own body, due to the possession of a scourge agent. They valiantly combatted the agent's efforts to manipulate them into betraying the Alliance, and survived and thrived where many would falter.

King's Cross x7: Recieved for countless injuries sustained while in service. Including the nearly fatal blow during the Battle of Stormgarde, a serious beating received from the scourge that invaded Stormwind, as well as countless injuries sustained during Operation: Greenwall and Operation: Anchorwake.

Arcane Accolade of Azora: Received for applying a powerful transmutation spell to the statue of Saint Riode on Janiero's Point, Booty Bay. By animating it, they allowed it to face the scourge pirate fleet that was besieging it.

Dire Decoration of Sir Gavinrad: For evoking a divine blessing by restoring the the statue of Saint Riode during the Battle of Booty Bay for Operation: Greenwall. This blessing empowered their allies on Janiero's Point to better combat the scourge invading the isle. This miracle that was evoked through no small part by herself earned them this award.

Meritorious Conduct Medal: Received for her honorable service and dedicated deference to the Army code of conduct. Going so far as to resolutely and politely refuse orders from superiors that would breach the code clearly.

## Gallery

By: LilythKalistaBy: BlumbusaurusBy: ShadocaArt by @dinodraws, Meng saving the Grand Alliance fleet during the final day of Operation: GreenwallArt by @bleugreenart, and my preferred reference to Jie's body shape.Edited by Myself, made in Wow Model ViewerBy: Esiaart, face fixed by a friend.By: KucingKecilTheir certificate certifying them as a Magistrate of StormwindBy: ActualSailboatThe ministry of magical affairs identification paperwork given to Meng by Wardom Greywell.'By: Orfeo, Meng fiercely writing letters.
## External Links

Meng, sometimes as Youhun, has been featured in articles of the Stormwind Daily, as well as has contributed to the Ministry of War and the Alliance Free Press. Here are those relevant articles.

Having served in the Stormwind Army for five years of their life, they became qualified for naturalization as a Stormwind citizen, however was never able to apply for it sooner due to circumstances surrounding their return. However, they had finished the process and is now a naturalized citizen, with these papers to prove it.

Issue 96 of the Stormwind Daily, where Youhun is featured as one of the 'People of Stormwind.'

Issue 133 of the Stormwind Daily, where Youhun's declaration of intent for Councilwoman of Parks and Harbor is published.

Issue 13 of the Alliance Free Press, where Youhun contributed an article on safety precautions to be taken during the Scourge Invasion.

Issue 26 of the Alliance Free Press, where Meng was the special guest editor for the paper in Gideon and Jontont's stead.

A letter written to her Knight Mentor by Julien Emberfall, detailing her heroic actions under his command during Operation: Greenwall.

Issue 64 of the Alliance Free Press, where Meng's induction into the Order of Eastburg was covered.