1. Lian Mei
- Role: Herbalist
- Backstory: Born in the outskirts of Shang-Yo, Lian Mei learned the art of herbal healing from her grandmother. She sought Joshua’s wisdom after the CON tainted the local waters, causing sickness. Joshua taught her the value of balance and patience, inspiring her to craft a cure using the region’s rarest plants.
2. Kaito Jin
- Role: Warrior of the Swamps
- Backstory: Kaito was a rebellious fighter, leading raids against those he blamed for Shang-Yo’s struggles. Joshua encountered him and challenged his thirst for vengeance. Through reflection and mentorship, Kaito became a protector of the vulnerable, guarding Shang-Yo from CON manifestations.
3. Yara Sun
- Role: Orphaned Storyteller
- Backstory: Yara grew up weaving tales of hope in Shang-Yo’s villages. After losing her parents to the CON, she struggled with despair. Inspired by Joshua’s quiet resilience, Yara used her stories to unite the scattered communities, preserving the culture and values of Shang-Yo.
4. Hiro Takashi
- Role: Engineer
- Backstory: Hiro sought to rebuild Shang-Yo’s crumbling infrastructure, but his plans were thwarted by the CON’s influence. Joshua guided him to focus on small, meaningful changes, teaching Hiro that progress is built brick by brick. Together, they restored vital parts of the biome.
5. Emiko Zhou
- Role: Keeper of the Fireflies
- Backstory: Emiko’s family maintained the mystical fireflies that lit Shang-Yo’s darkest swamps. When the fireflies began to vanish, Emiko turned to Joshua for guidance. With his help, she discovered that the fireflies’ light thrived on harmony and trust within the community.
6. Taro Ling
- Role: Sculptor
- Backstory: Taro sculpted monuments that celebrated Shang-Yo’s beauty, but the CON twisted his visions into grotesque forms. Joshua encouraged Taro to sculpt his fears, using art as a means of healing. Taro’s work became a symbol of transformation and hope.
7. Mai Fen
- Role: Fisherwoman
- Backstory: Mai’s livelihood depended on the rivers of Shang-Yo, but the waters turned deadly under the CON’s influence. Joshua taught her how to navigate the treacherous currents and restore balance, making her a beacon of strength for the river communities.
8. Ren Wu
- Role: Philosopher
- Backstory: Ren sought the meaning of life in Shang-Yo’s mystical landscapes. When his questions led him to despair, Joshua shared his own journey of humility and self-discovery. Ren chronicled these lessons, creating a philosophical framework that inspired future generations.
9. Akari Mizu
- Role: Weaver of Dreams
- Backstory: Akari was known for crafting enchanted tapestries that reflected Shang-Yo’s collective dreams. When her visions darkened under the CON’s shadow, Joshua helped her rediscover her purpose, allowing her to weave hope back into the fabric of their world.
10. Kai Shun
- Role: Outcast Healer
- Backstory: Kai was banished for experimenting with dangerous medicines. Joshua saw his potential and guided him toward safer, ethical practices. Together, they developed remedies that saved countless lives during a CON-induced plague.
11. Nia Huang
- Role: Musician
- Backstory: Nia’s music once united Shang-Yo, but fear silenced her melodies. Joshua encouraged her to play again, even in the face of danger. Her songs became anthems of resistance against the CON’s despair.
12. Jinpei Lao
- Role: Mapmaker
- Backstory: Jinpei charted Shang-Yo’s labyrinthine swamps but lost his way after encountering the CON. Joshua helped him navigate both the physical and emotional terrain, ensuring that Jinpei’s maps would guide others safely through Shang-Yo.
13. Sora Aki
- Role: Guardian of the Wellspring
- Backstory: Sora protected a sacred wellspring believed to hold Yellow’s blessings. When the CON poisoned it, Joshua joined Sora in cleansing the waters, restoring hope and vitality to the surrounding lands.
14. Rina Zhao
- Role: Seamstress
- Backstory: Rina’s intricate designs symbolized Shang-Yo’s unity. When the CON tore apart her community, she lost her creative spark. Joshua’s wisdom rekindled her passion, and her tapestries became a visual testament to the biome’s resilience.
15. Daisuke Hara
- Role: Scholar of the Stars
- Backstory: Daisuke studied the celestial patterns over Shang-Yo, believing they held answers to the CON’s origins. Joshua encouraged him to balance intellectual pursuit with humility, leading Daisuke to uncover critical insights about the simulation and its flaws.
FergusonPoetryProject LLC 