Jade City

“The thought made Hilo feel better. The Twice Lucky wasn’t the only No Peak business in the neighborhood, but it was one of the largest and most profitable; the clan needed its tribute money. Even more importantly, No Peak couldn’t afford the loss of face if the place failed or was taken over. If a loyal Lantern Man like Mr. Une lost his livelihood or his life, the responsibility would fall on Hilo.”

Image is important to the success of No Peak, and Hilo recognizes its importance even on the most basic level of clan life. He needs to protect the businesses to preserve tribute and to show that any No Peak business can be a success and have protection.

“But there was no respect in taking a few gems from a sorry old man. That was what these thieves didn’t understand—jade alone didn’t make you a Green Bone. Blood and training and clan made you a jade warrior; that’s how it had always been. Hilo had both personal and clan reputation to uphold at all times. Sho Judonrhu was a drunkard, an old fool, a comical has—been of a Green Bone, but he was still a Finger in the employ of No Peak, and that made an offense against him Hilo’s concern.”

Green Bone warrior culture depends on a combination of jade power and martial arts discipline. The two work in tandem under the network of a clan to create a brotherhood bound by honor. Therefore, it is not merely jade that makes one powerful, but also the culture and society that comes with it.

“There was nothing to be done for the Kekonese boy. Angry young men were prone to jade fever; Hilo had seen it plenty of times. Poor and naive, full of feral energy and ambition, they were drawn to jade like ants to honey. They romanticized the legendary hero-bandit Green Bones that filled comic books and movies with their exploits. They noticed how people said jen with respect and a little fear, and they wanted that for themselves.”

Green Bones are revered in Kekon and hold a special place in its culture. It is also an exclusive title available to few, creating a hunger amongst the disadvantaged, like Bero, who want to be a part of something greater and escape their poor situations. However, without discipline and driven by ambition, jade corrupts its wielder.