Tian
The continent of Tian Xia, home to the Dragon Empires, has long been a land of myth and mystery for residents of the Inner Sea region. The dazzling array of cultures there share many practices and philosophies, and the human peoples of these societies acknowledge their mutual beliefs by affixing the word “Tian” to the names of their ethnicities. Traders, teachers, philosophers, and warriors from Tian Xia often venture to the Inner Sea region, and many Tian families have settled there, bringing with them alimentary, artistic, medical, and scientific traditions and innovations that have influenced the native cultures of the transplants’ new homes. Yet aspects of Tian society retain an allure for the peoples of Avistan, and the elegantly carved jade, sumptuous incense, shimmering silks, and unusual weaponry produced in the Dragon Empires continue to be sought-after commodities for sophisticates who want to demonstrate their worldliness and good taste. Tian philosophies, martial arts, and astrology also attract those for whom ancient wisdom and an expanded consciousness prove more intriguing than worldly goods.
Tians demonstrate considerable creativity in adapting their own practices and beliefs to the cultures of their neighbors. Hailing from a land of immortals and dragons, reincarnation and ancient vengeful ghosts, Tians bear traditions and knowledge older than most Inner Sea nations.
In Tian Xia, the Tian-Las exhibit some of the most distinctive clothing styles; they braid their long hair and don light armor that, while devoid of useless adornment, has a functional elegance that many consider beautiful. The Tian-Sings, known for their sharp features and wavy hair, favor elaborate body modification such as piercings and sprawling, bright geometric tattoos. Tian-Mins, who exhibit a wide variety of eye colors, are also fond of tattoos, which often form expansive murals featuring spirits from their folklore. As around the Inner Sea, Tians who have emigrated to other regions often find clever ways to incorporate elements of their homeland’s fashions into the clothing styles of their new homes.
Family fealty forms the backbone of almost every native Tian society. The circumstances of an individual’s birth are often believed to represent both her and her family’s fate and the virtue accrued or lost in past lives. The study of genealogy is a much-respected pursuit, and noble families usually have at least one genealogist on staff, while royal families might have entire schools of genealogists devoted to mapping their family history and creating beautiful representations of it to justify the lords’ rulership to the populace.
Honor codes dictate the shape of everyday actions and interactions for their adherents, and are especially common among families with a history of military service. Ichimeiyo, the code of the warriors known as samurai, is the best-known Tian honor code outside of Tian Xia, but military principles have shaped numerous others. Some include the Tian-Las’ kejher protocols, which enumerate the responsibilities of leaders to their subordinates; the Tian-Shus’ pieng-horma system, which ensures that the needs of each facet of a Tian-Shu community are met; and the Tian-Hwans’ wunishilim covenant, which governs the victors’ treatment of the losing side after a conflict. Even Tians who leave Tian Xia and assimilate into other cultures often find that their family’s code or philosophy has shaped their conceptions of courtesy and honor.
A third element that often influences a Tian’s behavior and relationships is membership in one of the many factions that operate across Tian Xia and beyond. The most prominent of these groups are international, and usually draw membership from Tians with a wide range of philosophies and religious beliefs. Given most factions’ desire to extend their influence beyond Tian Xia, people of Tian descent living on other continents are attractive subjects for recruitment. A few of the best known are the Golden League, a network of families that seeks to manipulate trade through bribes, threats, and assassinations; the Lantern Lodge, which seeks to preserve historical knowledge through its involvement with the Pathfinder Society; the Order of the Black Daimyo, which teaches its samurai to forgo honor and heroism to pursue war and glory; the Way of the Kirin, a decentralized group that supports fair economies and transparent governance for all nations; the human supremacists of the Wuai Ling, which promotes the oppression of tengus, kitsune, nagaji, and other non-human races; and the Zo, a pirate clan that takes instruction from a ghost ship that appears on becalmed waters.
Of the many Tian gods, a few of those most frequently worshiped in the Inner Sea region include Hei Feng, the Duke of Thunder, god of sea and storms; Lady Nanbyo, the Widow of Suffering, who brings plague and earthquakes; Qi Zhong, the Master of Medicine, god of healing and magic; Shizuru, the Empress of Heaven, goddess of ancestors, honor, the sun, and swordplay; Tsukiyo, Prince of the Moon, who is patron of samsarans, spirits, and insanity; and Yamatsumi, the Mountain Lord, patron of volcanoes and winter.
Many Tian belief systems correspond more to generalized Inner Sea philosophies than organized religions, though they usually have spiritual components. Some of the most popular include the teachings of Pao-Lung, who preached the potential perfection of each mortal and the divine mandate of noble rule, and the Dragon Empires Zodiac, an astrological system that attempts to discern the magical effects of heavenly bodies upon terrestrial events.
Tian-Dans: The Tian-Dans claim that the blood of dragons courses through their veins, and their innate aptitude for sorcery, as well as the streaks of dragonscale color that sometimes appear naturally in their hair, supports this assertion. A draconic monarchy governs their home nation of Xa Ho, though the rulers are rarely seen out of human form.
Tian-Dtangs: Originally native to Dtang Ma, the Tian-Dtangs are known for their forthright demeanors, openness, and conviviality. One of the most peaceable peoples on a sometimes fractious continent, these scholars and arcane sages often leave their homes open to visitors, welcoming friends and strangers alike to join them in sipping sweet tea and exchanging news and lore in shaded courtyard gardens.
Tian-Hwans: Since the matriarchal nation of Hwanggot threw off the rule of Lung Wa, the power of the fiercely patriotic Tian-Hwans has grown. Their culture places great value on problem-solving and patience, producing master archers, arcanists, and diplomats.
Tian-Las: These bold, nomadic equestrians hail from the far northern steppes of Hongal and the arid plains of Shaguang. Feared by their softer southern neighbors, the Tian-Las are proud of their resourcefulness and ferocity in battle. Tian-Las are known as expert horse breeders, and their steeds are coveted throughout the Dragon Empires.
Tian-Mins: Originating from the peninsula of Minkai, the Tian-Mins abide by complex rules of etiquette and follow strict social codes. They are preoccupied with appearances, and even Tian-Mins of modest means are concerned with hygiene, grooming, and fashion. Honor is also a strong cultural driver, as is respect for ones’ elders.
Tian-Shus: By far the most populous of the Tian races, Tian-Shus believe that everyone has a proper place in life, and as long as each person fulfills the duties of her position, society will prosper. They value outward humility while taking great pride in serving their communities.
Tian-Sings: Hailing from the Wandering Isles of Minata, the Tian-Sings represent a patchwork of peaceful fisherfolk, predatory pirates, and isolationist monks, with seemingly every island or floating raft-city hosting its own unique culture.
The presence of samsarans—quasi-immortal humanoids who recall bits and pieces of their previous lives—in the Dragon Empires has long been raised as evidence supporting the traditional Tian belief in reincarnation. Most Tians conceptualize this process through the metaphor of sangpotshi, the River of Life. Tian beliefs and attitudes about reincarnation differ from culture to culture and faith to faith, but this concept is present in the beliefs of almost all Tians, even those who have lived outside the Dragon Empires for generations. Some view the cyclical nature of the soul’s existence as reassuring, or even as a type of immortality, while others attempt to transcend the cycle through meditation, tolerance, and good deeds. In its darkest forms, this belief can become a sort of fatalistic nihilism, while in its brightest, it compels its adherents to attempt to heal the material world, since they continue to return to it.
Tians generally mask their curiosity about cultures and peoples outside their experience. The codes of etiquette followed by many Tians train them to have exquisite sensitivity to social cues—even foreign ones. A Tian adventuring partner can often provide the group with a polite and diplomatic face. At the same time, that skill in reading others often makes them the first to realize when hostilities are unavoidable, and partners willing to comply with their Tian companion’s sudden and subtle command to attack often find themselves with significant tactical advantages.
Two specialized types of warrior distinct to Minkai have become famous throughout the Inner Sea region. The impeccably trained samurai, usually sworn to protect and serve a master, are among the most ferocious escorts a merchant or dignitary could ask for, and high-profile exploration parties sometimes garner samurai protection. Those samurai without masters or who have been disgraced are called ronin, and such free agents sometimes act as mercenaries or highly skilled bandits, or undertake great quests in search of redemption.
Equally famous, though less understood, are the mysterious figures known as ninja, clandestine military operatives who are sometimes employed in national armies, and sometimes belong to shadowy quasimercenary organizations. Ninja are experts at infiltration, sabotage, and assassination, and master a wide variety of weapons, supernatural skills, and poisons.
Tians demonstrate considerable creativity in adapting their own practices and beliefs to the cultures of their neighbors. Hailing from a land of immortals and dragons, reincarnation and ancient vengeful ghosts, Tians bear traditions and knowledge older than most Inner Sea nations.
Appearance
Although the residents of the Inner Sea region tend to think of Tians as having a single culture, the continent of Tian Xia is home to many diverse peoples. Tians typically have warm skin tones, ranging from pale gold to deep brown, and their hair tends to be dark and shiny. Beyond those commonalities, however, there are few other generalizations that can be made about their appearances. The Tian traders who ply the Inner Sea might advertise their wares by cultivating an exotic, wealthy appearance, dressing in embroidered silk robes and accessorizing with an abundance of jewelry and fine perfumes, while Tian residents of the Inner Sea region usually dress in a manner similar to that of their neighbors, perhaps incorporating one or two elements traditional for their ethnicity.In Tian Xia, the Tian-Las exhibit some of the most distinctive clothing styles; they braid their long hair and don light armor that, while devoid of useless adornment, has a functional elegance that many consider beautiful. The Tian-Sings, known for their sharp features and wavy hair, favor elaborate body modification such as piercings and sprawling, bright geometric tattoos. Tian-Mins, who exhibit a wide variety of eye colors, are also fond of tattoos, which often form expansive murals featuring spirits from their folklore. As around the Inner Sea, Tians who have emigrated to other regions often find clever ways to incorporate elements of their homeland’s fashions into the clothing styles of their new homes.
Naming
Tian names are usually arranged with the family name first, followed by the personal name. Tian-Shu masculine names include Bei, Kao, and Si-Dao; feminine ones include Jin-Shan, Lai, and Xiao; and gender-neutral names include Guiying, Ming, and Su. Family names include Dai, Qian, and Yi.Society
Constantly shifting borders, minor invasions, and other interactions have promoted a great deal of cultural cross-pollination in Tian Xia since the fall of the ancient empire of Lung Wa in 4606 AR. As a result, Tians whose families settled in the Inner Sea generations ago may have very different folklore, practices, and opinions of other Tian ethnicities than those native to Tian Xia and recent immigrants. However, some traditions and societal structures are shared by most Tian cultures.Family fealty forms the backbone of almost every native Tian society. The circumstances of an individual’s birth are often believed to represent both her and her family’s fate and the virtue accrued or lost in past lives. The study of genealogy is a much-respected pursuit, and noble families usually have at least one genealogist on staff, while royal families might have entire schools of genealogists devoted to mapping their family history and creating beautiful representations of it to justify the lords’ rulership to the populace.
Honor codes dictate the shape of everyday actions and interactions for their adherents, and are especially common among families with a history of military service. Ichimeiyo, the code of the warriors known as samurai, is the best-known Tian honor code outside of Tian Xia, but military principles have shaped numerous others. Some include the Tian-Las’ kejher protocols, which enumerate the responsibilities of leaders to their subordinates; the Tian-Shus’ pieng-horma system, which ensures that the needs of each facet of a Tian-Shu community are met; and the Tian-Hwans’ wunishilim covenant, which governs the victors’ treatment of the losing side after a conflict. Even Tians who leave Tian Xia and assimilate into other cultures often find that their family’s code or philosophy has shaped their conceptions of courtesy and honor.
A third element that often influences a Tian’s behavior and relationships is membership in one of the many factions that operate across Tian Xia and beyond. The most prominent of these groups are international, and usually draw membership from Tians with a wide range of philosophies and religious beliefs. Given most factions’ desire to extend their influence beyond Tian Xia, people of Tian descent living on other continents are attractive subjects for recruitment. A few of the best known are the Golden League, a network of families that seeks to manipulate trade through bribes, threats, and assassinations; the Lantern Lodge, which seeks to preserve historical knowledge through its involvement with the Pathfinder Society; the Order of the Black Daimyo, which teaches its samurai to forgo honor and heroism to pursue war and glory; the Way of the Kirin, a decentralized group that supports fair economies and transparent governance for all nations; the human supremacists of the Wuai Ling, which promotes the oppression of tengus, kitsune, nagaji, and other non-human races; and the Zo, a pirate clan that takes instruction from a ghost ship that appears on becalmed waters.
Faith
Centuries of trade and other forms of cultural exchange between Tian Xia and the continents of Casmaron, Avistan, and Garund have given rise to considerable religious syncretism. Some Tian gods have gained a measure of popularity in Avistan, while a number of Inner Sea gods—most notably Abadar, Desna, Irori, Lamashtu, Pharasma, and Shelyn—enjoy widespread worship among the peoples of Tian Xia. Tians living outside Tian Xia demonstrate enormous religious creativity in adapting the worship of local gods into their religious practices. Belief in reincarnation is common to almost all Tian faiths and Tian-influenced beliefs in the Inner Sea region.Of the many Tian gods, a few of those most frequently worshiped in the Inner Sea region include Hei Feng, the Duke of Thunder, god of sea and storms; Lady Nanbyo, the Widow of Suffering, who brings plague and earthquakes; Qi Zhong, the Master of Medicine, god of healing and magic; Shizuru, the Empress of Heaven, goddess of ancestors, honor, the sun, and swordplay; Tsukiyo, Prince of the Moon, who is patron of samsarans, spirits, and insanity; and Yamatsumi, the Mountain Lord, patron of volcanoes and winter.
Many Tian belief systems correspond more to generalized Inner Sea philosophies than organized religions, though they usually have spiritual components. Some of the most popular include the teachings of Pao-Lung, who preached the potential perfection of each mortal and the divine mandate of noble rule, and the Dragon Empires Zodiac, an astrological system that attempts to discern the magical effects of heavenly bodies upon terrestrial events.
Culture
The Dragon Empires feature a wide variety of ethnicities, societies, and political structures, and every time Tian explorers return from the deserts of Kelesh, the jungles of Garund, or the wilds of Avistan, they bring back new pieces to incorporate into their cultural patchwork. Yet despite the mutability of Tian culture, several constants remain.Ethnicities
The primary human ethnicities found in the Dragon Empires are delineated as much by shared culture as by genetics, and can often be found in multiple nations. Some of the most numerous and influential groups are detailed here.Tian-Dans: The Tian-Dans claim that the blood of dragons courses through their veins, and their innate aptitude for sorcery, as well as the streaks of dragonscale color that sometimes appear naturally in their hair, supports this assertion. A draconic monarchy governs their home nation of Xa Ho, though the rulers are rarely seen out of human form.
Tian-Dtangs: Originally native to Dtang Ma, the Tian-Dtangs are known for their forthright demeanors, openness, and conviviality. One of the most peaceable peoples on a sometimes fractious continent, these scholars and arcane sages often leave their homes open to visitors, welcoming friends and strangers alike to join them in sipping sweet tea and exchanging news and lore in shaded courtyard gardens.
Tian-Hwans: Since the matriarchal nation of Hwanggot threw off the rule of Lung Wa, the power of the fiercely patriotic Tian-Hwans has grown. Their culture places great value on problem-solving and patience, producing master archers, arcanists, and diplomats.
Tian-Las: These bold, nomadic equestrians hail from the far northern steppes of Hongal and the arid plains of Shaguang. Feared by their softer southern neighbors, the Tian-Las are proud of their resourcefulness and ferocity in battle. Tian-Las are known as expert horse breeders, and their steeds are coveted throughout the Dragon Empires.
Tian-Mins: Originating from the peninsula of Minkai, the Tian-Mins abide by complex rules of etiquette and follow strict social codes. They are preoccupied with appearances, and even Tian-Mins of modest means are concerned with hygiene, grooming, and fashion. Honor is also a strong cultural driver, as is respect for ones’ elders.
Tian-Shus: By far the most populous of the Tian races, Tian-Shus believe that everyone has a proper place in life, and as long as each person fulfills the duties of her position, society will prosper. They value outward humility while taking great pride in serving their communities.
Tian-Sings: Hailing from the Wandering Isles of Minata, the Tian-Sings represent a patchwork of peaceful fisherfolk, predatory pirates, and isolationist monks, with seemingly every island or floating raft-city hosting its own unique culture.
The Spirit World
The spirit world is never far from the material realm in Tian culture. Yokai, a class of spirits that includes benevolent kami, destructive oni, majestic dragons, and minor spirits, wield great power and can manipulate the laws of creation. The souls of the dead do not always hurry to their eternal rest in Tian Xia, and their presence inspires less fear than in the Inner Sea. Nature spirits protect the land, and cunning inventions and beautiful artwork might birth their own guardians. Otherworldly forces directly influence everyday life in most Tian nations, and even those who do not adhere to local beliefs see the influence of spirits firsthand.The presence of samsarans—quasi-immortal humanoids who recall bits and pieces of their previous lives—in the Dragon Empires has long been raised as evidence supporting the traditional Tian belief in reincarnation. Most Tians conceptualize this process through the metaphor of sangpotshi, the River of Life. Tian beliefs and attitudes about reincarnation differ from culture to culture and faith to faith, but this concept is present in the beliefs of almost all Tians, even those who have lived outside the Dragon Empires for generations. Some view the cyclical nature of the soul’s existence as reassuring, or even as a type of immortality, while others attempt to transcend the cycle through meditation, tolerance, and good deeds. In its darkest forms, this belief can become a sort of fatalistic nihilism, while in its brightest, it compels its adherents to attempt to heal the material world, since they continue to return to it.
Martial Arts
Tian Xia’s history of warfare has spurred the development of numerous schools of martial arts, some of which rival Jalmeray’s famed Houses of Perfection in skill and prestige. It has also created unique forms of martial specialists, such as noble samurai and stealthy ninjas. Several Tian governments also recognize the vast destructive potential of magic and seek to regulate its use. Spellcasters may be expected to register with the government, and may not be given a choice about whether to serve in defensive forces if their country comes under attack.Relations
Avistani steel, Garundi magic, and Keleshite luxuries hold an exotic allure for many Tians, and most major Tian cities regularly welcome foreign traders through their gates, buying their goods and sending them forth laden with Tian wares. Individual Tian attitudes toward non-humans vary, and the treatment of non-humans is radically different from nation to nation. The residents of the elven nation of Jinin are an honorable yet standoffish lot, and thus many Tians are respectful of elves, but try to avoid coming across as overly familiar. Most Tians have long regarded the crow-headed tengus as cowards and thieves, but the ever-evolving tengu homeland of Kwanlai is slowly contributing to the concept of tengu respectability. Tians almost universally respect samsarans for their ability to recollect snippets of their past lives, honoring them as wise sages. Their feelings vary about the other races native to the Dragon Empires, such as the reptilian nagaji and the elusive kitsune, yet familiarity with such distinctly non-human races makes Tians generally accepting of unusual and even monstrous races—whether native to Golarion or hailing from afar. Tians used to the pervasive nature of yokai in the Dragon Empires are sometimes taken aback by the spiritually deserted quality of parts of the Inner Sea region.Tians generally mask their curiosity about cultures and peoples outside their experience. The codes of etiquette followed by many Tians train them to have exquisite sensitivity to social cues—even foreign ones. A Tian adventuring partner can often provide the group with a polite and diplomatic face. At the same time, that skill in reading others often makes them the first to realize when hostilities are unavoidable, and partners willing to comply with their Tian companion’s sudden and subtle command to attack often find themselves with significant tactical advantages.
Adventurers
Several factions based in Tian Xia subsidize adventurers, including the manipulative Golden League, the ruthless Zo pirates, the knowledge-hungry Lantern Lodge, and multiple merchant organizations that seek new trade routes and markets. In addition, many Tians see adventuring as a good way to learn more about the world.Two specialized types of warrior distinct to Minkai have become famous throughout the Inner Sea region. The impeccably trained samurai, usually sworn to protect and serve a master, are among the most ferocious escorts a merchant or dignitary could ask for, and high-profile exploration parties sometimes garner samurai protection. Those samurai without masters or who have been disgraced are called ronin, and such free agents sometimes act as mercenaries or highly skilled bandits, or undertake great quests in search of redemption.
Equally famous, though less understood, are the mysterious figures known as ninja, clandestine military operatives who are sometimes employed in national armies, and sometimes belong to shadowy quasimercenary organizations. Ninja are experts at infiltration, sabotage, and assassination, and master a wide variety of weapons, supernatural skills, and poisons.
Where on Golarion?
Tian Xia is a massive continent separated from the Inner Sea region by the Obari Ocean, the sprawling continent of Casmaron, and the Embaral Ocean. It reaches the Crown of the World at its northernmost border, and extends far past the equator at its southernmost point. It is larger than both Avistan and Garund combined, and some would say it surpasses the Inner Sea in cultural richness as well as size.There are two significant trade routes from the Inner Sea region to Tian Xia. The first is the Path of Aganhei, which was discovered in 1300 AR by the Tian-Min explorer Amatatsu Aganhei; it begins in the arid steppes of Hongal, crosses the Crown of the World, and then branches into the Land of the Linnorm Kings and the Realm of the Mammoth Lords. This is the only known overland route between the two continents. The second route between the Inner Sea and Tian Xia is through the Tian trade city of Goka, and then by ship and caravan through Keleshite-controlled Casmaron. Though many explorers and wanderers use this route, it’s difficult for traders to get their goods through Casmaron without Keleshite merchants taking a healthy piece of the potential profits.
Playing a Tian
The people of Tian Xia encompass numerous ethnicities, yet those in the Inner Sea region share many characteristics.If you’re Tian, you likely:
- Have traveled far, read much, and experienced life as part of numerous cultures.
- Are precise in your self-presentation, regular in your daily habits, and skilled at picking up on expected behavior.
- Believe in reincarnation, and that a world of spirits exists alongside mundane reality.
- Are patient in the face of others’ ignorance about your culture and attempt to gently educate them without shaming them.
- Respect your family and seek to honor its name in your day-to-day life and accomplishments.
- Assume most non-Tians don’t understand your background or beliefs.
- Believe you have met a dragon, have battled hostile spirits, or remember past lives.
- Don’t realize that the Tian people include numerous diverse ethnicities.
- Expect you to be an expert on medicine, martial arts, tea, and social niceties.
- Think you must be a newcomer to the region, even if your family has lived there for generations.
- Assume you worship an obscure and incomprehensible Tian deity or follow an esoteric spiritual philosophy.
- View you as either a sophisticated trader, a disciplined martial artist, a monastic scholar, or a mystic who ventures into the spirit world.
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