Shizuru
The Empress rules and shelters all under Heaven’s gaze. By her grace, the land prospers. By her sword, it knows peace. While Shizuru reigns above, the world must bend toward justice. —Calligraphy scroll in Kasai’s holy shrine to Shizuru
The Empress of Heaven
The peerless jewel and the glory of heaven, Shizuru is the most exalted deity in the pantheons of Tian Xia, worshipped by mortals, spirits, and dragons alike. She rules the Heavenly Bureaucracy with wisdom and benevolence and embodies the virtues of honor, reverence to one’s ancestors, and unyielding bravery. The radiant goddess is the patron of samurai and other honorable swordfighters, and is sometimes credited with bestowing the warrior code of ichimeiyo upon the Dragon Empires. She is charged, too, with ensuring the fertility of the soil, the health of the rivers, and the bounty of farm and field upon which civilization depends. Beneath Shizuru’s golden gaze, the land flourishes, and its people are blessed.
Shizuru is the perfect sovereign and the perfect warrior, encompassing the glory of Tian Xia. In ancient times, when dragons ruled the Tian empires, even the mightiest of them paid homage to Shizuru; when humans rose to make civilizations of their own, it was Shizuru who taught them her code of honor and her flawless swordplay. She rules with immaculate composure born from the confidence of an empress who has fought and won her own battles—Shizuru’s reign is wise, measured, and just, for she has no need to prove herself to others or defend her pride.
Yet for all her golden glory, a shadow lies upon Shizuru’s joy. She loves the moon god Tsukiyo with such devotion that when he was slain by his envious brother Fumeiyoshi, Shizuru convinced the god Qi Zhong to return him to life. Tsukiyo was deeply affected by his death and revival, however, and returned as a god of madness as well as the moon. Shizuru found herself unable to fully understand her lover’s transformation, and struggling to easily accept the changes in his personality and perspective. Today, she harbors fears that Tsukiyo might resent her actions, guilt that she might have acted against his interests, and grief that she cannot fully comprehend the person he has become. Though Shizuru still loves Tsukiyo deeply, she mourns the loss of the uncomplicated love they once shared, and castigates herself for her inability to embrace everything that Tsukiyo now represents, particularly since she is partially responsible for his transformation.
Shizuru is usually depicted as a beautiful samurai in golden lamellar armor, as a regal gold-scaled dragon, or as both simultaneously. Signs of her approval include a golden flash of sunlight on a sword’s blade, a single translucent carp’s scale falling like a feather from the sky,and the calligraphic character for “dragon” appearing in spilled liquid or windblown debris. Her disapproval is signaled by sudden rust or dullness on a blade, armor cracking apart, or plants and wildflowers turning away from the source of disapproval as if the greenery were seeking the sun’s warmth elsewhere.
Among the deities that Shizuru interacts with regularly, she is friendly with Abadar, Irori, and Qi Zhong, the god of medicine, as each of these deities plays an important role in the maintenance of just and stable societies.
She deeply admires Shelyn, in her guise as the Lady of Chrysanthemums, valuing the grace and beauty that Shelyn confers upon her court. Shizuru rarely crosses paths with Iomedae, but when the two goddesses do chance to meet, their interactions are like those of long-lost cousins. Both deities have much in common, but Shizuru is far older than Iomedae—she is an empress who won her crusade, and now has had to concede to the harsh realities of ruling a functional society. Shizuru regards Iomedae’s zeal with tolerant amusement, yet nurtures a small and rebellious fondness for the Inheritor’s unfettered idealism.
Finally, Shizuru remains deeply in love with Tsukiyo, whom she treasures deeply, and yet feels their different perspectives lead them down separate paths most of the time. When Tsukiyo leaves, she lets him go without question, understanding his new need for space if not the reason why. She views their separation as a torment, but one that is painfully bittersweet, for she is unspeakably proud of Tsukiyo and the quiet battles he fights in the darkness. She considers it necessary for Tsukiyo to give comfort to those who Shizuru’s light cannot reach, and prefers to be separated by their obligations than by the chasm between them she does not know how to cross.
Eyes of the Sun: This mischievous pair of identical golden lions claims to be brother and sister, although they regularly change which of them claims to be which. They never appear apart from one another and like to baffle summoners by insisting on ludicrous names. As a result, both lions are usually referred to collectively as the “Eyes of the Sun,” in the interest of both efficiency and dignity. The lions serve Shizuru with unfailing loyalty, but are irreverent (though harmless) pranksters to everyone else, which some believe the Empress permits as useful tests of her subjects’ self-discipline.
Shinonome: The wise and graceful celestial sky dragon Shinonome, whose scales shimmer the pale blues and lavenders of dawn, serves as Shizuru’s herald to both Golarion and the other divinities of the Heavenly Bureaucracy. Utterly devoted to her liege, Shinonome is tireless in her duties, but she strives to serve intelligently and not with blind fanaticism. Her favorite offerings are poems written by master swordsmiths and swords forged by legendary poets.
Shizuru is the perfect sovereign and the perfect warrior, encompassing the glory of Tian Xia. In ancient times, when dragons ruled the Tian empires, even the mightiest of them paid homage to Shizuru; when humans rose to make civilizations of their own, it was Shizuru who taught them her code of honor and her flawless swordplay. She rules with immaculate composure born from the confidence of an empress who has fought and won her own battles—Shizuru’s reign is wise, measured, and just, for she has no need to prove herself to others or defend her pride.
Yet for all her golden glory, a shadow lies upon Shizuru’s joy. She loves the moon god Tsukiyo with such devotion that when he was slain by his envious brother Fumeiyoshi, Shizuru convinced the god Qi Zhong to return him to life. Tsukiyo was deeply affected by his death and revival, however, and returned as a god of madness as well as the moon. Shizuru found herself unable to fully understand her lover’s transformation, and struggling to easily accept the changes in his personality and perspective. Today, she harbors fears that Tsukiyo might resent her actions, guilt that she might have acted against his interests, and grief that she cannot fully comprehend the person he has become. Though Shizuru still loves Tsukiyo deeply, she mourns the loss of the uncomplicated love they once shared, and castigates herself for her inability to embrace everything that Tsukiyo now represents, particularly since she is partially responsible for his transformation.
Shizuru is usually depicted as a beautiful samurai in golden lamellar armor, as a regal gold-scaled dragon, or as both simultaneously. Signs of her approval include a golden flash of sunlight on a sword’s blade, a single translucent carp’s scale falling like a feather from the sky,and the calligraphic character for “dragon” appearing in spilled liquid or windblown debris. Her disapproval is signaled by sudden rust or dullness on a blade, armor cracking apart, or plants and wildflowers turning away from the source of disapproval as if the greenery were seeking the sun’s warmth elsewhere.
Relations With Other Religions
Shizuru views the other divinities of Tian Xia as her subjects—divine, of course, and worthy of courtesy, but entitled to no more deference than a gracious empress would show her more independent-minded courtiers. She rarely presses the issue, understanding that celestial relations are best kept harmonious by diplomacy, but underlying all her interactions with other Tian divinities is the unspoken understanding that Shizuru is their ruler. Because of this understanding, Shizuru can tolerate deities such as Yaezhing, the cruel Minister of Blood, and even Lady Nanbyo, the Widow of Suffering. So long as her subjects obey the edicts of the Heavenly Court and pay due homage to her, she feels bound by celestial law and honor to allow them a degree of leeway in handling their own affairs. She does not extend this assumption to foreign gods. These she treats as befits their nature: civilized divinities are accorded the respect due to fellow heads of state, while the fouler and more treacherous gods are dealt with like over-presumptuous demons.Among the deities that Shizuru interacts with regularly, she is friendly with Abadar, Irori, and Qi Zhong, the god of medicine, as each of these deities plays an important role in the maintenance of just and stable societies.
She deeply admires Shelyn, in her guise as the Lady of Chrysanthemums, valuing the grace and beauty that Shelyn confers upon her court. Shizuru rarely crosses paths with Iomedae, but when the two goddesses do chance to meet, their interactions are like those of long-lost cousins. Both deities have much in common, but Shizuru is far older than Iomedae—she is an empress who won her crusade, and now has had to concede to the harsh realities of ruling a functional society. Shizuru regards Iomedae’s zeal with tolerant amusement, yet nurtures a small and rebellious fondness for the Inheritor’s unfettered idealism.
Finally, Shizuru remains deeply in love with Tsukiyo, whom she treasures deeply, and yet feels their different perspectives lead them down separate paths most of the time. When Tsukiyo leaves, she lets him go without question, understanding his new need for space if not the reason why. She views their separation as a torment, but one that is painfully bittersweet, for she is unspeakably proud of Tsukiyo and the quiet battles he fights in the darkness. She considers it necessary for Tsukiyo to give comfort to those who Shizuru’s light cannot reach, and prefers to be separated by their obligations than by the chasm between them she does not know how to cross.
Realm
Shizuru’s domain is the Palace of the Eightfold Mirror, located in the tier of Clarion on Heaven’s celestial mountain. The Palace comprises countless shrines linked by ornamental walkways, torii, and ceremonial fountains, and the sun never sets on its slopes. Some of the shrines belong to Shizuru’s most honored servants, while others house functions of the Heavenly Bureaucracy, such as the eight thousand and eight celestial scribes who dutifully record all the lineages of Tian Xia. At the center of these shrines, guarded by stone lion-dogs, stands the Palace itself. Here, Shizuru carries out her formal duties and, on rare and legendary occasions, convenes the Heavenly Council, the imperial conclave that all Tian divinities are bound to attend.Planar Allies
Shizuru takes on several creatures as servants. Notable creatures include the following.Eyes of the Sun: This mischievous pair of identical golden lions claims to be brother and sister, although they regularly change which of them claims to be which. They never appear apart from one another and like to baffle summoners by insisting on ludicrous names. As a result, both lions are usually referred to collectively as the “Eyes of the Sun,” in the interest of both efficiency and dignity. The lions serve Shizuru with unfailing loyalty, but are irreverent (though harmless) pranksters to everyone else, which some believe the Empress permits as useful tests of her subjects’ self-discipline.
Shinonome: The wise and graceful celestial sky dragon Shinonome, whose scales shimmer the pale blues and lavenders of dawn, serves as Shizuru’s herald to both Golarion and the other divinities of the Heavenly Bureaucracy. Utterly devoted to her liege, Shinonome is tireless in her duties, but she strives to serve intelligently and not with blind fanaticism. Her favorite offerings are poems written by master swordsmiths and swords forged by legendary poets.
Holy Books & Codes
Only a single holy text is credited to Shizuru herself.
Fifteen Wisdoms: The Empress of Heaven’s primary holy text, this scroll lists 15 short aphorisms, each one followed by a brief paragraph that elaborate upon it. The aphorisms advocate restraint, self-discipline, and the need for certainty before committing oneself to action—but require total devotion to the cause once the decision to act has been made. Most scholars believe that the Wisdoms themselves are the direct word of Shizuru, and the interpretive paragraphs have been added by the wisest and most learned of her priests.
Fifteen Wisdoms: The Empress of Heaven’s primary holy text, this scroll lists 15 short aphorisms, each one followed by a brief paragraph that elaborate upon it. The aphorisms advocate restraint, self-discipline, and the need for certainty before committing oneself to action—but require total devotion to the cause once the decision to act has been made. Most scholars believe that the Wisdoms themselves are the direct word of Shizuru, and the interpretive paragraphs have been added by the wisest and most learned of her priests.
Holidays
Although not a regular holiday, any lunar or solar eclipse is marked by solemn celebration. On these rare occasions, Shizuru is able to reunite with Tsukiyo. Sadly, such moments are always too fleeting, and at the conclusion of the eclipse, the lovers once again part.
Festival of the Ruling Sun: Shizurans celebrate the summer equinox, when daylight is longest. The Festival is marked by feasting, flower dances, and the ceremonial taking and renewal of vows. The day is also commemorated with mochi towers: stacks of soft, flattened rice cakes dyed a vibrant green with pandan leaf, and crowned with an orange to represent the sun overlooking the verdant land.
Heaven’s Beneficence: Believed to be when Shizuru grants her blessing to all under her gaze, this day is celebrated on the first day of the Sky Dragon’s month, and is considered doubly auspicious in years that fall under the Sky Dragon’s sign. It is a day for self-improvement and new beginnings, and is often chosen for weddings and the launch of major endeavors. It is also a day to remember the honored dead with prayers, incense, and symbolic gifts of fruit and wine placed on their memorial markers.
Festival of the Ruling Sun: Shizurans celebrate the summer equinox, when daylight is longest. The Festival is marked by feasting, flower dances, and the ceremonial taking and renewal of vows. The day is also commemorated with mochi towers: stacks of soft, flattened rice cakes dyed a vibrant green with pandan leaf, and crowned with an orange to represent the sun overlooking the verdant land.
Heaven’s Beneficence: Believed to be when Shizuru grants her blessing to all under her gaze, this day is celebrated on the first day of the Sky Dragon’s month, and is considered doubly auspicious in years that fall under the Sky Dragon’s sign. It is a day for self-improvement and new beginnings, and is often chosen for weddings and the launch of major endeavors. It is also a day to remember the honored dead with prayers, incense, and symbolic gifts of fruit and wine placed on their memorial markers.
Symbol
Edicts
practice with a weapon every day, honor your ancestors, protect nature and society from corruption and destruction
Anathema
abandon a companion in need, dishonor yourself, parlay with truce breakers, separate lovers
Areas of Concern
ancestors, honor, the sun, and swordplay
Centers of Worship
Amanandar, Goka, Jinin, Minkai, Quain, Shokuro, Xa Hoi, Zi Ha
Favored Weapon
katana
Domains
duty, perfection, sun, vigil
Alternate Domains
sorrow
Divine Ability
Strength or Wisdom
Divine Font
heal
Divine Skill
Society
Divine Classification
God
Religions
Church/Cult
Spouses
Tsukiyo
(husband)
Siblings
Children
Aphorisms
Shizuran aphorisms include the following sayings.All under Heaven’s gaze is beauty: Shizurans appreciate both the crowning arts of civilization and the wonders of the natural world, valuing neither above the other, for both represent Shizuru’s glory. This can also be used as an admonition against those who judge others by their appearance or trade, as mortal beings of all kinds are necessary to keep the earth in harmony.
The sun is crying: Often used to save face by attributing the speaker’s own tears on a sunlit day to Shizuru, this phrase is used for situations that involve complex emotions that aren’t easy to express, such as feeling both happy and sad at the same time. Sun showers are considered a sign that the goddess herself is both happy and sad; sun showers during a wedding are considered a sign of a love so powerful that it reminds Shizuru of Tsukiyo.
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