Tsurani

Tsurani culture is introduced as part of Chapter 3: The Asian Exploration. The new chapter will introduce ship travel for both RPCSS and players, as well as a few expanded asian clothing options (we already have quite a few). Only one completely built estate will be introduced, however, designated spots for ruins that could be estatablished as additional asian, greek and desert estates will be marked on the map and in RPCSS. It is not our intention to re-open the rift as part of the plot line, but travelers from Kelwan will be accepted.

History

Two Estates were established on Sanctuary (unknown to most) via a rift about 100 years before present. An unintentional rift between worlds was established by two Great Ones (the Kelewan title for all powerful Mages), leading to an incursion of a small army from the Minamoto clan. Two families provided the armies, the Tezcoco and the Fujiwara. The armies were led by younger sons from each of the families. They were quickly able to conquer an area large enough to establish two estates, which became the homes of the men and women from the two families. The rift remained open for about 20 years before the present, with trade going back and forth (especially in the form of metal which is very rare on Kelewan). Historical accounts from Meissa mention that at least some trade in silk was made with Andus. The rift subsequently closed without warning, leaving the two estates without Lords or Ladies. It has not reopened since and no Kelewen Great Ones are present on Sanctuary to attempt the reopening. One of the estates (centering on the Tezcoco family) was destroyed, and its few survivors were incorporated into the Fujiwara estate (there was a dynastic marriage between families). The Lordly family has been relatively infertile and the current lord (though elderly) has no children as of yet. Tsurani culture does, however allow for adoption so long as the adoptee is noble (homegrown or even foreign) even after 100 years Kelewen culture would not allow movement by these “servants” no matter how respected to positions.

Tsurani Culture

The Tsurani are an extreme example of a hierarchical caste system. Each person is fixed by the wheel in their place in life and there is no possibility of movement, only a hope that if one lives well than one will be reborn in a higher station (karma). The caste system lowest rung includes people who deal with filth and death, leather workers street clears and public executioners, etc. Entertainers (including courtesans and whores) form the next rung, followed by peasants (the most numerous), craftsmen and soldiers. The highest rung is occupied by the Lords/Ladies and their families. Each member of this class is designated as lord or lady and the head of a family is the Ruling Lord. Please note, though there is no room for social promotion, the relations between casts are conducted respectfully. Most advisors are drawn from the peasant or soldier classes and their advise is always respectfully heard by the Lords and some are very influential. Due to the long period of isolation beyond the rift, Kelewan culture has been watered down and soldiers and even lords often feel the necessity to engage in crafts.

Only the powerful wizards designated as “Great Ones” are outside the caste system. When any child (or adult) shows magical power, they are immediately taken by the Mages from their families (and in a sense are considered as dead, though some retain contact) and brought to the City of the Mages. There they are trained, and upon successful completion are granted the title “Great One.” Great Ones always dress in black robes. The Great Ones are a class unto themselves and are shown enormous respect throughout the Empire. In the past their word was law, while this right has been rescinded, they still wield enormous power (not least because they remain, for the most part, outside politics designated as the “Game of Council.” Here on sanctuary, where no "Great Ones" have been found, Lesser magicians, though not considered to be Great Ones have grown in status. Like the great ones back home they dress in black, and if they serve in an official capacity are granted the curtesy title of "Great One," though their word is NOT law.

Tsurani Culture is a mix of Mesoamerican, Chinese and Japanese Culture. Politically and socially (as may be seen above) and architecturally Japanese and Chinese culture is dominant. Back on Kelewen the Emperor (Light of Heaven) reigns but does not rule. Instead, power is wielded by a Royal Chancellor or a Warlord. The Warlord is chosen from one of the five dominant clans (there are many hundred clans some weaker some stronger. The Minamoto are a second-tier clan, just below the five. The Game of Council are the political stratagems utilized by lords and ladies to gain power in the Council of the Realm. Within a family the word of the Ruling Lord is law, and there are no stratagems, however within the clans and in the great council of state all lords work for their own power and glory. On Sanctuary currently the Game of Council is in abeyance but will no doubt resume when each of the estates has a ruling lord – please note this does not preclude cooperation by the two estates. Each of the Ruling Lord or Ladies will no doubt want the title of warchief for the Sanctuary clan. On Sanctuary both estates are Asian influenced, however a third primarily South/Central American estate has been found occupied by a naga like people south of the two asian estates.

Soldiers owe allegiance to a family, and only those so aligned have any honor. For the most part, a soldier will only serve a family to which he has a family connection (it can be very distant). A soldier whose lord/lady dies becomes a Gray Warrior (unless they are permitted to kill themselves to expiate their shame). Gray Warriors have no honor and are less than slaves.

Slaves are peasants or outsiders captured in battle, and like grey warriors have no honor and can be used any way a lord sees fit. Slaves are occasionally used as gladiators fighting impossible odds. When one destroys another family all of the peasants and craftspeople become slaves. Soldiers either are allowed to kill themselves or become grey warriors. Each large city will have an active slave market.

Other Japanese elements include ritual suicide to expiate dishonour.

The religion owes much more the South American influence and human sacrifice is not unknown, especially when prayer gates are erected. There is room for any Asian or First Nation deities.

Major Kelewen Gods and Goddesses (each of which has a priesthood)

Chochocan - the good god

Juran - the Just

Oxalaca – goddess of the seas

Sibi – goddess of death

Hantukama – god of healing (there are many more)

Lashima – Goddess of Wisdom

Jastur – god of war

Keburchi – god of chaos