NVR Report on Cao Cao’s Jūntuán

Cao Cao’s Jūntuán, also known simply as the Jūntuán, is an imperialistic and totalitarian dictatorship that practices slavery. Founded by Luca "Cao Cao" Mercer and Benjamin Walker (who adopted the name Liao Jian), the Jūntuán emerged through conquest and enslavement of tribes in the Plutesian southwest. Drawing inspiration from the military of Three Kingdoms-era China, it adopts its language and aesthetics.

The Flag of Cao Cao’s Jūntuán

Cao Cao, previously known as Luca Mercer, holds the title "King of Wei" and promotes himself as "the Son of Chìdì," aiming to control the southwest of the Wasteland. His ambitions extend to New Pärski, envisioned as the "New Luoyang," and ultimately conquering the New Valedda Republic to merge both strengths into a new empire, with himself as the Wei Emperor.

The Jūntuán military comprises several classes: Shibing, or standard troops, who are hereditary and forbidden from marrying outside military families; Hu Jun and Yi, non-native auxiliaries and conscripts respectively, lacking the same level of training; and Tuntian, military agricultural colonies composed partly of state-owned slaves.

The elite Qinjin, or "Trusted Companions," include the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, tasked with protecting Cao Cao, and the Liang Kai, heavily armored shock troops led by the Shàngxiào.

The Personal Troops of Cao Cao, the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.

The Jūntuán enforces the Cult of Chìdì, a pseudo-Chinese neopagan-based cult of personality where disobedience to Cao Cao is seen as disobedience to Chìdì. Despite its distasteful practices, the Jūntuán brings stability and economic prosperity to conquered lands, exemplified by the Pax Sinica and the Wu Zhu, its stable and valuable currency.

The current hierarchy of the Jūntuán is led by Cao Cao, supported by three key figures: Jiangjun Zhang Bao, commander of overall military forces; Hǔ Bào Qí Jiàng Li Jia, leader of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry; and Xiaolian leader Shao Cai, overseeing intelligence operations.

Slavery within Cao Cao’s Jūntuán, while a horrific institution, holds significant cultural and practical importance within the state. Some of the most notable examples of slaves in the Jūntuán are the Zǐgōng, which primarily serve as surrogates for powerful clan members, the Bānyùn Gōng, which serve as laborers owned by either members of the Jūntuán or the state, the Chúfàng Gōngrén—kitchen workers responsible for food preparation, serving households and the state depending on ownership.

The institution of slavery in the Jūntuán has remained in the Jūntuán because those who could rise up to combat slavery become part of the institution themselves through the social mobility of Jūntuán slaves which is a possibility for both men and women.

For Men: Capable individuals have the opportunity to rise within the Jūntuán hierarchy. Those who prove their worth can ascend to higher ranks, shedding their status as slaves and even gaining ownership of slaves themselves.

Xuan Yu, Colonel of Cao Cao’s Jūntuán who began as a Tuntian slave named Irfarram and rose to the rank of Colonel after joining the Jūntuán as a Yi and distinguishing himself in combat and in strategic command. He was later rewarded with slaves of his own after his ascension.

For Women: Knowledgable women may aspire to become Priestesses of Chìdì, a prestigious position immune to individual ownership. However, attaining this status is extremely arduous. An alternative path is to become a concubine of Jūntuán officers from influential clans. Although such concubines may not attain the same status as those born free, their proclamation as official concubines signifies their liberation from slavery and the potential to own slaves themselves.

Tan Yuhan, Dà Jìsī (High Priestess) of the Cult of Chìdì who began as a slave to the Duan Clan and rose to become the Dà Jìsī after garnering the support of the previous Dà Jìsī and Hǔ Bào Qí Jiàng Li Jia.