Shu

A Thousand Legends ~ Sundered Veil (Currently at capacity.)

Credit to @Gcold for the design 💯

Character Sheet Template

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Image 800 x 800 ___________________________________ P R O F I L E Age ... Race ... Sex ... Height ... Weight ... Level (All players start at level 1.) Health Points Constitution x2 ___________________________________ I N V E N T O R Y … ____________________________________ E Q U I P M E N T - Primary Weapon - Secondary Weapon/Shield - Armor Details (If inapplicable leave blank or mark as NA.) ____________________________________ A T T R I B U T E S Points: 12 (These points are meant to be distributed among the six attributes below. This is to be removed from the CS after points have been distributed. Remember to account for racial bonuses. Do not forget to show your work next to each ability regarding points added and subtracted!) Might: 10 Dexterity: 10 Perception: 10 Wisdom: 10 Charisma: 10 Constitution: 10

____________________________________________________________________________ APPEARANCE ... ____________________________________________________________________________ BACKSTORY ... ____________________________________________________________________________ PERSONALITY ... ____________________________________________________________________________ MOTIVATION AND OUTLOOK Optional ____________________________________________________________________________ MISC ...

One Word (Forum Game)

It was a radical quest to discover dark desires that would cause damage to one's soul! Body odor was stanky, but we soldiered on passed the sweaty goblins. Questionable puddles formed under our large muscles mass, yet the awesomeness

Word association Game!

Brain

The Avatar Upstairs (Forum Game)

Nearly three weeks later and there is still a kobold infestation in this building.

A Thousand Legends: World and Lore

HISTORICAL TIMELINE

1 IE - After saving mortal kind from the yaoguai with the help of the five great dragons the young hero Hui founded the Eternal Empire and the Xiao dynasty becoming The First Emperor.
It was around this same time that the Chromatic Pillars were built - five magical towers that uphold the Celestial Curtain and separate Aniyat from the mortal realm.

2 IE - Building of the Ruby Palace begins.

3 IE - The White Lantern forms, a cult that opposes the newly risen Eternal Empire and the separation of mortals from Aniyat.

5 IE - The Honfokun arrive in Yongcun after being adrift for many moons. After much petition amid much suspicion they are granted a parcel of land by Emperor Xiao Hui in exchange for surrender of their weapons and ships. They name their new land “Karitu” and begin construction of the city of Cimanu.

6 IE - Three assassins make an attempt on the life of Emperor Xiao Hui in the night. All three all killed but discovered to be members of the White Lantern. Xiao Hui proclaims the cult to be enemies of the Empire the following day.

8 IE - A handful of monks stir up unrest against the Empire in villages in Fongmei and Toknam. The monks are banished from Yongcun into the Western Wastes and a number of peasants arrested and jailed for treason. While unproven the monks are suspected to have been members of the White Lantern.

10 IE - Floods along the southern coasts ravage the young cities of Ximan and Bazin and thousands did. White lanterns are found strung along the roads after the floods have passed leaving some to suspect that the White Lantern used magic to cause the flooding.

13 IE - On the day of the Dawn Light celebration as the new year comes a massive horde of zealots marches out from wilderness, lead by monks of the White Lantern, and attempt to storm the capital of Bianwei. The assault fails despite superior number on the attackers’ part and during their retreat hundreds of zealots are ridden down by Imperial cavalry or arrested. Captured White Lantern leaders are executed and their followers all banished to the wastes to die. While they were not destroyed this is the last that would be seen of the White Lantern for some time.

15 IE - After many miscarriages Emperor Xiao Huis’ wife bears a single son named Xiao Fulin.

16 IE - The Ruby Palace is finished and becomes the official seat of both the Emperor and the government of the Eternal Empire.

A Thousand Legends: World and Lore

TBA/WORK IN PROGRESS

A Thousand Legends: World and Lore

ANIYAT

Aniyat, also called the “immortal heavens” and “the spirit world”, is a realm of thousands of otherworldly entities and the place of origin of the Ten Divines. Aniyat is a realm of immortality and power beyond mortal comprehension. Dimensions of all manner are constantly shaped and destroyed while others have existed since the first breath of infinity. It is a plane of balance and entropy at the same time where all can be misunderstood but easily interpreted.

What little is truly known of the immortal heavens are what the Ten Divines taught their mortal subjects. Aniyat was first shaped by those who came before the immortals whom now dwell there. Whom “those before” actually were has been long lost to even the immortals’ memories, all that is certain is that they are gone and their creation has been left to those who have come after.

No immortal is truly alike and yet they are all alike by nature, their immortality making them abrasive, aggressive, and rash. While not outright evil many immortals are cold and uncaring in nature as their infinite existence has made them cynical and arbitrary.

The more powerful immortals are capable of shaping and maintaining their own lesser realms and planes within Aniyat crafted to their own desires, will, and tastes. Many immortals will often covet the creations of others, particularly those without the power to mold their own. This often leads to fierce contests and feuds between immortals over ownership of a realm and all within. Many immortals will at times grow bored with what they have created and depart to start anew leaving what was theirs to crumble away or be seized by another of their kind.

The many immortals are constantly in a gambit against one another, most wanting nothing more than to be the most powerful in Aniyat, seeing their creations and vision presiding over all others and setting their own mandate for the plane of infinity. While rarely any sort of “war” breaks out between any of these entities they are no stranger to manipulation, trickery, and subterfuge to bamboozle their rivals.

Only one mortal has ever set foot in Aniyat and returned, the young hero named Hui who would go on to save the world from the yaoguai and found the Eternal Empire. During the Divine Era many mortals would enter Aniyat, none ever to be seen again. Amidst all the speculations and queries the god Qunyi is said to have told his oracles many times “It is not a place for your kind.”
Despite this many have aspired over the generations to enter Aniyat themselves but are unable as the power to do so is limited to monks and oracles who jealously guard this privilege.

THE TEN DIVINES

The Ten Divines were a group of powerful immortals who came down from the heavens and seized lordship of the mortal realm which was, by their accounts to their mortal subjects, “empty” with no account of any master. “Like an empty strip of silk without ink or a painter.” an oracle once said.

The Ten divided the material land among themselves and each set about creating their own people and molding the land like clay in their palms. Each of the gods used their own unique methods to create, Duazhi using cuts of his own flesh and tufts of his hair to create the Mokeu while Qunyi and Kizunatsu used materials from the Aniyat to create Folk and Honfokun.

Of course not all of the Ten Divines would create their own people, such as Aozhim who instead merely erected his own palace high in the mountains over what would be called the Huafen plains which he guarded for himself.

The Ten Divines are;

Qunyi: Creator and guardian of Folk.
Duazhi: Creator and guardian of the Mokeu.
Kizunatsu: Creator and guardian of the Honfokun.
Aozhim: Lord and guardian of the northern plains.
Anai: Guardian of the seas and ocean and brother of Qunyi.
Zuina: Guardian of the underearth and matron of volcanoes.
Daemeonju: Guardian of the forests and creator of wildlife, sister of Aozhim.
Shonuqar: Harvester of lost souls and punisher.
Hanaga and Hanaba: Twin guardians of the far north and south, Hanaga suspected to be the creator of the Kulnar.

Notes and Facts

• All followings people in reincarnation/a cycle of life based upon virtue and merit with notable variations.

• Magic is rare in the world after the departing of the gods. The reason for this being that magic was bestowed by the gods or directly drawn from the heavens themselves. Only monk sects retain any sort of power which they draw upon from the holy sites of old. Various enchanted weapons, items, and relics can be found in the world. These are extremely rare and high-priced.

A Thousand Legends: World and Lore

An Imperial map of Yongcun and the surrounding territories.

YONGCUN

Yongcun is the homeland of Folk and the center of the Eternal Empire, a massive region of rolling hills, deep valleys, open plains, and dense forests. The soils are fertile and make for good farming and the countryside is teeming with wildlife for game. The mighty Emerald River runs down the center of the land and spills out into the sea. Upon the river sits the marvelous capital city of Bianwei, the beating heart of the Eternal Empire and and where Xiao Hui The First Emperor founded the Empire after defeating the yaoguai horde and sealing the portals between the worlds of mortals and immortals.

Yongcun reaches far in all directions and is the largest single state known. The Folk of the land are spread far and aplenty from the other great cities to the small farming villages and open ranges. Life is not without challenges and struggle of course and the people have always done their best under the watchful eyes of the emperors, knowing where their loyalties lie. The people of Yongcun be they Folk, Honfokun, Zauri, or even Mokeu are resilient and adaptive. The weary traveler plods along the roads as the devotee farmer weathers the spring rains and summer heat. The true people of the Empire proud of their land and roots.

A map of central and southern Yongcun.

KARITU

The region that would become Karitu was first granted to the Honfokun by Emperor Xiao Hui in the year 5 IE several weeks after their arrival from across the ocean. After much petition and offers of peace from the Honfo people the Emperor gave them this land in return for their fealty. The ground was rich, the coast abundant with fish, and the region as a whole was safe and suiting for settlement. The Honfokun built the majestic city of Cimanu along the bank of the Sunrise River and for four hundred years it has stood as a monolith.

Karitu is a small realm hosting only the capital and a number of outlying hamlets along the mountains and through the valleys. Despite this it is a prosperous state and attracts travelers, merchants, and nobility from far and wide. Those who do not come for the sights and marvels of Cimanu or the lovely countryside come to indulge in what the Honfo people have to offer from their food to their arts and entertainment.

Karitu is no stranger to hardship of course. Cimanu has been sacked twice before and the people put to the sword. And yet the ingenuity and vigor of the Honfokun have twice seen it return to its’ former glory. Famine and drought come but the shrewd leaders of Karitu always know how to prepare hence maintaining the loyalty of their people.

BANHET AND KO’ANG

Banhet and Ko’Ang - the two kingdoms of the Mokeu - overgrown, dense, and dangerous. This entire region is made up of bamboo forests, jungles, and marshes. The only telltale signs of any civilization are the widespread rope bridges that thread their way through the tree lines and over the deep bogs, placed here by the Mokeu. These bridges are mostly used as simple pathways from one area to another but many also lead to the hidden sanctums of the Mokeu chieftains and kings, fortresses of stone and wood where the rulers of the Mokeu reside.

Crocodiles, poisonous serpents, tigers, bears, and other such predators inhabit these realms. As if acting like a natural defense along with the pits of quicksand and the great chasms between the cliffs. These two wild kingdoms are no place for the weak or the feint of heart.

HUAFEN PLAINS

The Huafen Plains are inhabited by a number of loose tribal confederations, Folk whose ancestors fled north after the departure of the gods and the coming of the yaoguai. For many, many generations these tribes have lived by horseback off the land, moving in flight with the wild herds across the plains and through the valleys. They also forage the plants of the wilds and at times during long stays in a single range will plant crops.

The winters are hard and the seemingly endless riding harder but these are their lands and the Folk of the plains will cling to what is theirs. They value their freedom and have three different times have scattered and broken Imperial campaigns into their territory. They war with the Kulnar by the season and their horseback archery gives them the advantage over the slower moving and unmounted giants.

The Huafen Plains are a symbol of independence and the untamable wilderness. Not a place to be conquered but to be part of.

THE WESTERN WASTES

A desolate wasteland that once was teeming with life and grandeur. It was here that the yaoguai first descended upon the mortal realm and brought all of their first fury. The damage that was done was so severe that the earth never healed and the entire region was reduced to sand and ash. Ancient ruins are spread through this forsaken land but little worth the trouble of exploring as very little survived the onslaught of the dark ones. Over the years the fortunate traveler or scholar will find a trinket here that is worth a large sum but this is very rare. There is little life here beyond grubs and beetles and even the bravest shy away from the wastes as survival is near impossible between the vicious sand storms and the lack of food and water.

KULNAR LANDS

TBA/WORK IN PROGRESS

A Thousand Legends: World and Lore

FOLK

Average Lifespan
Roughly sixty to a hundred years.

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Skin Colors
Pale, olive, and light brown.

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Hair Colors
Black and dark brown.

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Eye Colors
Brown, hazel, green, blue, and amber.

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Average Height
Males : 5’8” - 6’0” (172.72 cm - 182.88 cm)
Females : 5’2” - 5’9” (157.48 cm - 175.26 cm)

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Racial Bonuses
+1 Might, + 1 Dexterity, +1 Perception, +1 Intellect

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History

Folk were first created by the god Qunyi when the Ten Divines took lordship of the mortal realm. For an untold amount of time Folk were ruled over by their creator god, as were all mortal races of the world, until the coming of the yaoguai. After Xiao Hui defeated the yaoguai at the end of the Divine Era Folk have taken up the mantle for themselves, their largest known civilization the Eternal Empire of Yongcun. Outside of the Empire there are the tribes of the northern plains and then small enclaves of Folk in Karitu and farther south in the islands.

In the four hundred years since the departing of the gods Folk have spread far across the lands, often encroaching upon the territories of their neighbors. While much of the Eternal Empire is built upon the original lands of the Folk most of the northernmost plains were seized amid wars with the Folkish tribes of the Huafen Plains. The Empires’ constant push north also would bring them to face with the Kulnar, the great giants of the snowy mountains. For the past three hundred years the Kulnar have been sworn enemies of Folk, invading both Yongcun and the Huafen Plains several times.
Even amid their expansiveness Folk have maintained relations with the other peoples, though their relations with the Mokeu particularly have been somewhat tumultuous over the generations - shifting between uneasy treaties and outright war.

It is without doubt that Folk have been very successful since the end of the Divine Era though comparisons between that era and the Imperial Era of mortal rule are complex, inconsistent, and can often turn to heated debates. Most consider Folk to be the dominant race of the known world though despite their vast numbers and widespread culture many would dispute this, some of these points of dispute even holding credence.
In the end it can be agreed on that Folk, both of and outside the Empire, have proven a hardy and capable people with a natural pension for adaption, innovation, and development and capable Folk of all vocations can be found; warriors, inventors, traders, hunters, and so on.

Society and Culture

Even within the borders of the Eternal Empire Folkish culture is filled with uniquenesses - each village, temple, and city even having their own traditions and common practices. These can range from festivals to pilgrimages to marital rites.
For example in many villages the people sprinkle holy oils and blessed water around their doors and windows to keep any wicked spirits from entering their homes, a practice unseen in the cities. In Wanhar and Quizho, which border Karitu, the Folk have adapted many Honfokun customs into their daily lives such as remaining barefoot indoors, fasting for an entire moon after large celebrations, and not eating meat and fish during the spring and summer months. In Bianwei and Toknam it is considered good luck to throw coins and other shimmering trinkets into the Emerald River as an homage to the “life vein of the land”. In the city of Zhongme the somewhat vexed Trailing of Torn Skirts takes place every spring. a particular favorite of males in Zhongme. Gender rule is also different in comparison of the cities and smaller settlements and communities of the Empire, women having more say and right in the former.

Although different local traditions and habits can be found all across Yongcun the official Imperial traditions are shared by all the people. Yearly festivals such as Dawn Light and Wan Yue are looked forward to across the realm. Language is shared in the form of both Old Folk and New Folk, nearly all names and titles coming from the first language given to Folk by the gods.

Among the Folk abroad, including the Huafen Plain tribes, cultural practices and everyday life are more collective as these Folkish groupings tend to either be small in size or share insular ways of life.

Religion

After the departure of the creator Qunyi religion over the centuries became less and less influencing among Folk. Only the Huafen Plain tribes and faraway enclaves retain their piety on the whole. Within the Eternal Empire most cities have cast aside their spirituality seeing religion as more of a unifying element for their people than a doctrine or way of life to be followed. Most who visit the temples go seeking wisdom from the monks or to beg for food and a place to rest. What Folk in Yongcun that would say themselves to be devout are to be found among common peasants though some more traditional nobility still give homage to Qunyi.

Those who do still look to the heavens do their best to follow the teachings of Qunyi and show proper respects. They attend mass prayers, present offerings at holy places, and live to their best by the eight virtues stated by the creator. - Loyalty, piety, kindness, love, honesty, justice, harmony, and peace.

Far to the south in Iqati the Folk of the islands have taken to the ways of the Zauri, giving themselves to the worship of the great dragon Runiq whom they favor as a more present divine over the absent Qunyi. To the north the Folk of the Huafen Plains worship Aozhim, the horned guardian who once watched over the grasslands and ensured they stay bountiful for the herds.

Regardless of how waning faith is among many Folk it cannot be denied that it played a huge part in their society. Most cultural practices have some deep root in the old ways and the legal systems of the Empire are all founded on moral codes derived from the eight virtues.

Notes and Facts

• Folkish culture and society is roughly derived from various ancient Chinese dynasties/eras.

• Old Folk (Mandarin/Pinyin) and New Folk (English) are the Folkish languages and by extension New Folk is the official language of the Eternal Empire and its's vassals.

HONFOKUN

Average Lifespan
Roughly sixty to a hundred years.

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Skin Colors
White, red, blue, purple, green, olive, and light brown.

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Hair Colors
Black, dark brown, light brown, red, and white.

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Eye Colors
Brown, hazel, green, blue, amber, red, white, and gray.

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Average Height
Males : 5’8” - 6’0” (172.72 cm - 182.88 cm)
Females : 5’2” - 5’9” (157.48 cm - 175.26 cm)

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Racial Bonuses
+1 Dexterity, +2 Perception, +2 Intellect, +1 Constitution

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History

Much has been lost of the origins of the Honfokun (also “Honfo”). They first arrived on the shores of Yongcun in the year 5 IE after their homeland was destroyed during the arrival of the yaoguai - confirming that the disaster had affected faraway lands as well. After the destruction of their entire civilization the horned people took to the ocean to find a new home spending many moons in a directionless search. Starvation, sickness, and storms accosted them the entire voyage and by the time they arrived in the lands of Folk they numbered less than two thousand - their entire race nearly annihilated.

The Folk were suspicious at first believing the Honfo to be some form of yaoguai. The Honfo made continuous pleading appeals until Emperor Xiao Hui agreed to grant them a small piece of territory of their own under the condition they surrender all of their weapons and half of their remaining ships. Wary but desperate the Honfo complied. They named their new land Karitu and built the great city of Cimanu, a polished gem and testament to their peoples’ prowess.

Over the generations the Honfo would increase in number and in time the Folk grew warm to their presence, admiring them for their craftsmanship and embracing much of their culture as well. In later years Karitu became a willing vassal of the Eternal Empire and developed strong ties with Yongcun. Through wars, civil strife, and disasters Karitu and the Honfokun people have stood with the Empire for better or worse. At times these relations have frayed but never have they broken.

Physiology

The Honfokun are well recognized for the massive horns that grow from atop their heads, their pointed ears, and their many different skin colors. They are the same height and size as Folk and share most of the same traits including lifespan - anywhere from sixty to a hundred years. Honfo mature and age at the same pace that Folk do, males and females alike considered to be young adults when they have neared their twentieth year.

Married Honfokun women typically bare between three to five children in their lives. Honfokun are incapable of cross-race breeding, any unions between themselves and a person of another race are always sterile.

The horns of a Honfo symbolize strength and constitution and large horns on both males and females are seen as one being strong and unwavering. Honfo will often decorate their horns with paints, chains, gold bands, and thin piercings.
Dehorning or breaking off of horns is seen as humiliating and shameful.

Society and Culture

The Honfokun have a proud and rich culture. Their architecture, artistry, literature, music, poetry and more are all appreciated and often prized by others. Their pension for craftsmanship and invention have lead the other races to admire - or envy - them as resourceful and hardworking. Honfo architecture is the sturdiest known and many nobility in the Empire have their estates and castles erected under the lead of Honfo builders and planners.

The Honfokun are also acclaimed for their hand in advancing medicine in the Empire, something that the Folk had little experience with having relied so long on the healing of the divine magics. Acupuncture was first introduced by early Honfo physicians as were a number of herbal substances used to boost resistance to common sicknesses.

Honfo dishes are a favorite among those that can afford the best. The Honfokun diet consists mostly of fish, pork, beef, chicken, and rice as well as many types of leaf vegetables and fruits. Salted and fermented fish and vegetables are a regular choice of meal among nobility.

“Senshodo” is the Honfokun warriors’ dogma of old, studied by Imperial generals and footmen alike. Senshodo is a moral code more than a martial one in truth and teaches that a warrior must live a life of loyalty, honor, diligence, and courage and be willing to die for what they fold dear and for who they serve. Senshodo of course has its’ own schools of sword, hand-to-hand, and polearm combat technique which have been passed down over generations. The origins of senshodo can be traced back to the first Guardians of Mosati who wrote the Gensauri, a compilation of texts that illuminated the way of the warriors. Sadly these were all lost during the destruction of the Honfokun civilization.

Gender laws are very strict in Honfokun society; men are statesmen, warriors, traders, farmers, hunters, fishers thinkers, and monks and priests. Women are housekeepers, servants, wives, mothers, and second to the men of their lives - and if they have no man in their life they are to find one.
However there is another option for Honfo women and that is to become “ransutor” - “living as a man”. To achieve ransutor a woman must declare her desire to do so and then prove her worth among men through feats of wit, strength, and determination. Once she has done so she is stated as being worthy among men and her life is now anew as she so wishes it.

Religion

Like so much of their early civilization much of the Honfokun ways were lost to the yaoguai scourge, their temples, relics, and records all destroyed in the fires of darkness. What they do cling to is what little was salvaged from their old land and what was remembered and rewritten. Kizunatsu - the creator of the Honfo - shaped his people from the clay of the heavens and then placed them on the seven large Mosati Islands. He took residence on the highest mountain where his people had built a magnificent palace of gold and silver for him.

When their god departed them the Honfokun did not believe that he had been fooled but rather left his creations at the mercy of the dark ones as punishment for their sins. Many claim that before their fall the Honfo people had grown arrogant, slothful, and decadent and earned the scorn of Kizunatsu. Others claim it to have been the fault of the senshodo, that they had used the sacred warriors' way for their greedy ambitions angering the Guardians of Mosati who spirited away Kizunatsu - some say by force others say coercion. Many have questioned this varied theory in the past and pointed out the abandonment of the other peoples by their gods as well. "Then not just ourselves - the whole world truly - had become a sickened and corrupt place." one scholar is quoted to have said.

While there are many branches of theory on the departure of the gods among the Honfokun there is some consensus to the future, that Kizunatsu and perhaps the others gods will return. "The barrier between worlds was raised by mortals, a mere hiccup of an attempt to stop the arrival of any divine", so will say any Honfo monk or scholar. The Honfokun pray for the return of their god and for pardons for their transgressions. Their moral code of old was very similar to that of the Folkish moralities recognized and employed by the Empire hence the Honfokun live by this in hopes of pleasing their god watching from above so that when he does return it will not be with fire from his eyes and maw.

This idea of a future ushered forth by the return of their god have made the Honfokun a more pious people, religion playing a greater part in their lives by comparison of the Folk. While the Honfo do not sneer at their peers they find the decaying faith of Folk discouraging.

Notes and Facts

• The Honfokun are an inspired meshing of Japanese and Korean culture.

• The Honfokun old tongue is a rough combination of Japanese and Korean.

• As with Folk commoners and those born illegitimately do not typically have family/clan names. Most have a given name and refer to their birthplace or home village, town, or city to identify themselves.

• Of the listed races Honfukun have the most overall amicable relations with others, their only rival/enemy people being the hated Kulnar in the north.

• “Horn Head” is a slang term for Honfokun, depending on the involved individuals it can be received with peevish endearment or taken as a provocative insult.

MOKEU

Average Lifespan
Roughly thirty to forty years.

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Skin Colors
White, light brown, and black.

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Fur Colors
Light brown, dark brown, black, red, yellow, and white.

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Eye Colors
Brown, hazel, and amber.

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Average Height
Males : 6’0” - 6’5” (182.88 cm - 195.58 cm)
Females : 5’10” - 6’1” (177.8 cm - 185.42 cm)

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Racial Bonuses
+3 Might, +3 Dexterity

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History

The Mokeu were created by Duazhi god-king of the mountains. Duazhi made the Mokeu in his image; tall, limber, and ridden in hair. The Mokeu made the mountains their home and built great strongholds and sky bridges that reached across the chasms. Under the guidance of their creator they were an accomplished and unified people. When Duazhi departed and the yaoguai came the Mokeu were driven down from the mountains as the dark ones destroyed their holdings and cracked apart the mountains. The Mokeu fled into hiding in the forests and marshes where they would remain even after the yaoguai horde was defeated.

Below their sacred mountains the Mokeu would eventually form two kingdoms in the lowlands, Banhet and Ko’Ang. For nearly a century these two kingdoms would war between themselves with neither truly able to gain an advantage over the other. Between conflicts Mokeu war parties would venture into Imperial lands and raid, taking away food supplies and slaves as well, though these raids did not become a major problem until around the year 110 IE when the small cities of Namhu and Ru Jao were both sacked.

In response to this Emperor Xiao Jingguo declared war on both Mokeu kingdoms and sent his armies eastward. The Mokeu in turn fortified their lands and prepared for a long siege, the kingdoms of Banhet and Ko’Ang joined for the first time since their establishment. The war would last for just short of two years, the Empire boasting superior vastly numbers while the Mokeu relied on knowledge of the dense forests and swamps and used ambush and fast attack tactics. Though there were only three major battles there were dozens of skirmishes regularly with deaths in the many thousands. The war ended in 113 IE and both sides came to a truce agreement. This of course would not last and the Empire would in time fight four more wars with both kingdoms - the last ending in 387 IE.

Over the generations both Banhet and Ko’Ang have remained chaotic and sundered. Peace is rare and nearly never is there a time of serenity in both kingdoms. When not warring with each other there are tribal wars within each kingdom or skirmishes with the Kulnar who have come to stalk the valleys of the once sacred mountains. After the last war with the Empire large numbers of Mokeu have began migrating eastward beyond the charted lands, not just exiles but entire tribes at a time - most too petty to survive in the tumultuous Banhet and Ko’Ang. This has lead to many larger tribes growing stronger than ever making some believe that perhaps a more stable time is coming, though to most this is a hollow hope.

Physiology

The Mokeu are resemblant to monkeys that can be found in the jungles. They are taller than Folk and Honfokun and are also stronger and faster. They have a natural immunity to most illnesses and plagues much like the Zauri far to the south. However Mokeu are short-lived, their lifespan between thirty and forty years.

Mokeu are unable to cross-race breed and their beastly appearance makes unions between them and Folk - or Honfokun - be seen as unclean and abominable. Mokeu likewise have no interest in mating with other races, finding “the hairless” and “the scaley” as disgusting.

Due to their short lives Mokeu females are expected to produce as many offspring in their own lives as possible, ideally having four to eight children. This also guarantees the continuation of one’s line given how turbulent and warlike Mokeu society is.

Society and Culture

The Mokeu have little to offer even themselves other than war. They do not boast the towering cities, temples, and monuments that the Folk and Honfokun do - not anymore. Their technology, weapons, and homes are all primitive. They have no poetry, literature, or written language, only that which they speak. Their only music from that of simple drums and flutes that are also used in war.

The Mokeu have no permanent dwellings other than the great tribal strongholds of their kings and chieftains. Forts of wood and stone hidden deep within the forests or sitting perched on boggy islands that can only be reached by the great rope bridges strung through the trees. These high tree-bound bridges also ferry Mokeu across the lands as they tend to prefer avoiding on the ground where they are vulnerable.

Mokeu society is very tightly-knit down to each tribe. Outsiders are always viewed with wariness and every alliance and treaty is struck with tight jaws and narrowed eyes.

Mokeus’ diet consists of bark, broadleaf plants, insects, wild fruits and vegetables, and small animals such as birds, lizards, and frogs. Aside from eating these items raw Mokeu will also make them into stews and kebabs.

Mokeu tribes are lead by the strongest warriors and ideally his offspring should they prove able. When war will not suffice there are trials of strength and speed to establish the chain of strongest to weakest in a tribe. Mokeu are considered adults on their tenth birthday and are expected to have their first kill by the next moon, be it a wild animal or a rival tribe member. Female Mokeu are likewise expected to exhibit strength and are not allowed to have a mate until they have made their first kill, once they have a mate female Mokeu will spend the rest of their life bearing and raising their young.

Religion

One of the reasons of continuing conflict between Banhet and Ko’Ang is the dispute of faith - or some will even say the lead reason. After their fall from splendor the Mokeu were divided between those who chose to revile Duazhi and those who would not. The Mokeu of Banhet have cast off their past ties to Duazhi and instead have looked to a form of ancestor worship. In Banhet it is believed that the spirits of those past inhabit all parts of the jungles and marshes, that the Mokeu and their lands are one. The strongest spirits inhabit the trees, the great predators, and the rocks while the weakest are absorbed into blades of grass, the dirt, and small animals. Many of the more restless spirits will be reborn in the body of a new Mokeu, hence they believe in a kind of reincarnation as the Folk and Honfokun do.

The Mokeu of Ko’Ang see this as blasphemy and ill omens for the day that their god may return, that his wrath will be unleashed at seeing his people veneering grass and rocks instead of their immortal creator. Of the many wars fought between the two kingdoms over the generations a fair number have been wars of faith. Banhet would see their kin that are stuck in the past leave them be or be destroyed while in Ko’Ang many zealous kings have called for “oceans of spilled nonbeliever blood”.
When not at war parties from both kingdoms regularly seek to anger and confound each other in faith usually through torching sacred groves, destroying totems, or simply skulking about killing members of the opposite faith.

Most Mokeu who leave or are exiled from their peoples’ lands have left all faith behind and seek to only live out the remainder of their lives as full and adventurously as they can, embracing whatever comes amid their final breaths.

Notes and Facts

• Mokeu names are roughly derived from Chinese names and have only a single syllable, both in context of their first and last names. Mokeu names are always joined by a hyphen (examples; Pan-Tong, Din-Nang, Min-Wei) and their second is usually their fathers' or a variation of it. (example; the son of Han-Bin would be named Cao-Han). Mokeu will also often call themselves by their tribe. (Cao-Han of the Flaming Fang Tribe)

• "Furred Folk", "Monkey People", and "Beastmen" are derogatory terms for Mokeu.

ZAURI

Average Lifespan
One hundred and fifty to two hundred years.

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Hide Colors
Blue, green, gold, and purple.

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Feather Colors
Blue, green, gold, and purple. (Usually the same color as their hide.)

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Eye Colors
Yellow and black.

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Average Height
Males : 6’4” - 7’0” (193.04 cm - 213.36 cm)
Females : 6’2” - 6’8” (187.96 cm - 203.2 cm)

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Racial Bonuses
+4 Might, +2 Constitution

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History

The Zauri come from the Iqati islands far to the south. Unlike the other peoples the Zauri were uplifted from their bestial forms by their patron god, the great immortal dragon Runiq. It is said that the dragon stopped to rest on the islands when he noticed a large number of bearded and feathered lizards all around. They were fast, hardy, and clever for such simple little creatures. Weary of the entropy of the immortal heavens Runiq decided he would remain on the islands and shaped the creatures anew, creating the Zauri.

When the yaoguai invaded the mortal realm the Iqati islands were spared their rampage as, unlike the other immortals and gods, Runiq remained and defended his creations. The Zauri claim that the great dragon still to this day resides in the islands watching over them. Despite much skepticism, as none outside of the islands have ever laid eyes on Runiq, all those who visit attest that there is a powerful force that fills the air and resonates in the very soul.

The Eternal Empire first discovered the Zauri in the summer of 120 IE when explorers arrived on their shores. While initially fearful the tall lizard people proved to be peaceful and intelligent, willing to receive the new arrivals. The ships would return to Yongcun filled with traded goods that included spices, exotic fruits, pearls, and opals. The Emperor himself would later that year journey south and meet with the High King of Iqati establishing relations and opening trade between the two peoples. Merchants, explorers, and scholars all would eagerly sail for Iqati, many with the blessing of the Zauri chieftains would even remain among the islands calling it their new home.

In time the Zauri would begin traveling to the mainlands to the north. Most would take to the coastal cities, including Cimanu, avoiding the inlands by nature of their island background. Many Zauri would take to the culture of the Honfokun and remain in Karitu, Zauri warriors fascinated by the senshodo warrior code and often seeking to be mentored by such masters. Most Zauri who journey to Yongcun or Karitu - that are not emissaries or traders themselves - are aspiring young adventurers and warriors, though some are exiles, clanless, and outlaws. Many Zauri immigrants have even joined the Imperial Army and would go on to carve their name on the battlefield in the service of the Xiao dynasty.

Physiology

The Zauri are the second tallest people after the Kulnar standing above the average Mokeu who themselves are larger than Folk and Honfokun. They have sturdy frames and their tough leathery hide can act as a natural defense against weak attacks and blunt strikes. Like the Mokeu they have an immunity to most illnesses and diseases. Zauri are among the most long-lived of the known races with lifespans ranging from one hundred and fifty to two hundred years old.

Zauri are hatched from eggs, a female Zauri will lay a single batch of three to six eggs in her life. When the eggs hatch the young are placed in a sort of underground cellar-like nursery safe from harm until they are of age. At age five Zauri are the equivalent of a ten year old Folk child and at age ten a fifteen year old. By age fifteen they are considered a young adult and are expected to choose a profession and jaracal to follow.

Zauri cannot cross-race breed and much like with Mokeu any couplings between them and Folk or Honfokun are seen as deviant.

Society and Culture

Much like the Honfokun the Zauri are a people of tradition and honor. Males and females have strict dogmas of life - or “jaracal” - to live by. Likewise each way of life has its’ own jaracal to be fulfilled be one a warrior, shaman, hunter, or fisher. Along with their life dogma Zauri also follow the principles of virtue as set forth by Runiq while avoiding the six sins of the "unguided flesh".

Zauri society in a sense is tribal like that of the Mokeu and very insular, though not to the unwelcoming extent of the Mokeu. A good clan leader and High King is welcoming to visitors but still puts his family and people first. Each island of Iqati is ruled by a single clan who are served by smaller vassal clans on their island, some ruling clans having fewer subordinates than others. The many clans all answer to the High King who in turn is directed by the Oracles, an all male coven of sages who commune with Runiq.

Gender laws among the Zauri of Iqati are existent but less binding than those of the Honfokun and Mokeu. While female Zauri are usually seen as housekeepers and wives any female Zauri with the desire to be something else, such as a warrior or huntress, are allowed to do so. Although the final say often comes down to her clan and close family in the end.

Zauri dwell in densely packed villages surrounded by large palisades to protect them from tidal waves and hurricanes. They live in huts made of palm wood, reed, and a yellow clay that is thick and acts as a natural mortar. The insides of these huts are typically one large open area separated by narrow walls or curtains.

The Zauri have few cultural practices of their own making other than clan gatherings where great feasts and hunts take place. Zauri music is little and like the Mokeu they have no written language but instead keep their stories and histories through carvings, wall painting, and tablets etched with charcoal. Over the generations the Zauri have shown a fondness for Honfokun music and food, favoring their fish and meat dishes as these are central to the Zauris' diet.

Religion

The Zauri pay their devotions to the immortal dragon Runiq, their creator and protector. Through the Oracles the High King receives the mandate of Runiq and with the blessing of the creator of his people the High King maintains order and stability in the Iqati islands. All commands received from the mouths of Runiq are to be followed and any who disobey the immortal dragon or try and circumvent his will shall be severely punished for their blasphemy. In exchange for the guidance of Runiq the Zauri give offerings of food and wealth alike, wealth usually being in the form of pearls, opals, or other trinkets. At certain times of the year, usually during the summer moons, great bonfires are lit at night on deserted islands to give homage to the holy fires of Runiq.

No one other than the Zauri have ever bore witness to the great dragon and even then many among their own have not and never will see him. No Folk or other converts to the following of the great dragon have ever seen him, Runiq only allowing his children to cast their eyes upon him. While many doubt his existence - including small enclaves of Zauri - none can doubt that there is an aura that resonates across Iqati, like the eyes of something great and powerful but firm at heart are upon you.

Notes and Facts

• Zauri names are taken from Polynesia and Southeast Asia.

• Zauri weapons are mostly made from iron with steel weapons reserved for clan leaders and more renowned warriors. This is due to the scarcity of such metals in the islands. Zauri-made armor of leather and hide.

KULNAR

TBA/WORK IN PROGRESS

A Thousand Legends: World and Lore

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for backstory and references. To be gradually expanded upon.

ART CREDITS

A C, L T - ArtStation
Asaissuperdry - DeviantArt
Alayna Danner - Pinterest
David Lee - ArtStation
Devtexture - DeviantArt
Emmy Wahlbäck - ArtStation
Small-town girl