Imperial Playtime

By decree of His Radiant Excellency, Emperor Huang Hyeol-an, starting on New Years Day, 2127 PGE, all people in our glorious empire holding the title of "Emperor" under the age of 14 shall partake in one hour of Imperial Playtime at least five times per week. So speaks the Emperor, and the Emperor's word is law!

Being a blind six year old is not easy. But when that blind six year old child is crowned emperor of one of the most powerful nations in the world, well, "not easy" does not cut it. Young Huang Hyeol-an assumed the throne of Lao-Hua in 2126 PGE, and before that year was over he had been consumed by his ever-growing pile of responsibilities. Losing sleep and appetite, and breaking down in tears daily, a dangerously unhealthy thing to do when you suffer from the red tear curse. His uncle and mentor, Huang Hyo, feared for the boy's life, and came up with the concept of imperial playtime to help.

Imperial playtime is state mandated time dedicated to rest and recreation, with a pre-approved set of activities the emperor can choose from. The emperor has incorporated this little ritual into his schedule, spending one hour per day on leisure during what would normally be considered working hours.

Approved activities:

Board- and dice games
- Games of chance and minor tactics. Somehow, the blind child always seems to win against his servants.
Playroom
- The emperor's playroom contains a number of wooden toys, a rocking horse, dolls, dull tools, and usually a few servants ready to assist in whatever manner they need to. His favorite place to play before turning ten, Hyeol-an rarely use these toys anymore.
Playing Pípá
- A stringed instrument similar to a lute is the emperor's instrument of choice. While he obviously can't read sheet music, through his masteful teachers he has developed a great understanding of music. He is able to learn songs he has heard with ease, and is turning into quite the composer himself.
Quick nap (quarter hour max)
- Proven to greatly improve the emperor's overall sleeping habits, a quick power nap is sometimes preferable or outright necessary to get through the day.
Strolling
- The gardens of the District of Radiance in Akroasis provides great scenery for a stroll. Or so the blind emperor says. He quite enjoys smelling the flowers, a great improvement to the stale air of the governmental meeting chambers.
Wargames
- While the emperor receives formal education in the arts of war, playing tabletop wargames without the burden of responsibility is his favorite activity. Contemplating strategics with his foremost generals, who also needs an hour without worry every now and again, is an ever-increasing interest of the boy.
Wordgames
- With reading and writing off the table, practicing language through games is not only educational, but also fun. Though the emperor struggles a bit with foreign languages, his mastery of Huan is on par with an adult.