Worldbuild24 Nangia - Anthropology

Anthropology

Agma Damlag - An import from Zakhara and the Enlightened Faith. Agma Damlag has diverged. The role of the Loregiver and Fate have been mixed with local beliefs. Their Divine Striving is their innate philosophy and the core tenet. Worshippers become more righteous and passionate in their doings in daily life, in service of lunar Goddess, Baginda Sumongsuklay. The moon is both a holy realm and reveals a glimpse into Supreme Reality. When it is eclipsed, it is said that it is the Supreme Evil, a Naga known as Rahuketu, the Not-Goddess, an ancient serpent that encircles phenomenal reality.[i]

Animal-Headed People – The Humanoids of the Sword Islands possess a staggering variety of zoomorphic forms yet possess a common ability to interbreed and with the Kawayanon who dwell with them. Scholars of the Elvish Empire believed this was because they had a malleable Fey ancestry from the Yellow Plant Empire. It is common for any local to display other animal features beyond their bodily type. They are Iro-Iro – Dogfolk, who may be related to the Gouren. Kamikam – Catfolk and Civet people. Monkeyfolk – Laksaman, also called Hanu. Pilandokan – Deerfolk. And Pak-an – Birdfolk, human faces and build, sometimes with separate wings.

Animal Clans of the Khiimori Mountains – Not quite a kind of Animal Nomad, these six clans thrive along the slopes of the Khiimori Mountains to the south of the Valley of the Five Fires. They are Eagle, Worm, Fox, Wolf, Bear and Leopard. They do not ride horses and consider themselves to be part of the environment. Some think they existed before the animal nomads, but much is uncertain as they are difficult to get news from. They must know secret ways over the mountains.[ii]

Balat-Kayo – A people assumed to be transformed into a semi-monstrous form by one of the innumerable spirits of the Sword Islands. In fact, these are what traders might term Half-Orcs. Orcs, had long been confined to the western half of the Known World by their divine father’s conflicts. But with the expansion of the Elvish Merchant Fleets, Gruumsh seeks to counter them in his favored lands. He sent his paladins as mercenaries, and they began to interbreed. Supplying valued warriors for the strife.[iii]

Bungayas – In ancient days there rose a people kin to Halflings and fiery Gensai. They are small and thought to resemble children. Long, unruly reddish hair loosely covers their half-naked bodies, and a feverish, quickly changing mind. Bungayas are said to like pranks, jokes and fire, and deeply dislike working or creatures of water. This is said to be why they live in ramshackle villages or work as rovers and scoundrels. These villages are usually built in the close vicinity to banyan trees.[iv]

Burned Emperors – Few in Jungo speak of the last Age of Chaos, when distant Arkhosia released its grip upon the puppet government in its death throes. That time lasted more than a century and involved a dozen candidates, some backed by remnants of Dragon-cults or hellish navies afloat in the South Wind Sea. Eventually each pretender was destroyed in battle, by their underling’s treachery or by time itself. Allowing the true Emperor to emerge from Shang-Wu, the new capital and now one of the Five Loyal Cities in memory.[v]

Chocho – A race of amphibian people who dwell in the southern reaches of the Druk Yul as the Qelong River forms from ten thousand streams. Descendants of the Naga Qelong, they embody the worst animalistic stereotypes of the mountain and forest folk of the Zomia. That is because people assume they are cannibals when they really are giant salamanders who have gained thumbs and faces by consuming Humanoid flesh. With the chaos in Sajavedra, many are drawn south to the growing mandalas of the Chaom. There they can sell their herbalist arts and act as guides for the power-hunger Maharaja.

Debtors Class – In the Sword Island, most people, including some warriors, owe their debts but not their bodies to a member of the warrior, aristocrat, or ruling classes. Since land is not owned, this is a major source of wealth as it provides labor to work it. Debts can be inherited with varying customs and can be paid off by anyone. Akari also has slaves which are less mobile and have fewer rights. But seen as a form of debtor, inherited from Zakharan traditions. Such classes exists in the Spirit Kingdoms and Jungo as well with varying levels of control.

Halflings of the Steppes – Unsurprisingly for people who wander, Halflings have traveled east from the Vidya Mountains and over the Forest Wall to the steppes. Due to a lack of rivers to build their barges and fertile land to build their smials, they have become Animal Nomads. Unfortunately, they are still too small to regularly ride ponies, even small steppe ponies. So, they ride large long-haired mastiffs.[vi]

Flower-Liches – A cult which rules openly in the trade city of Kwantoom. They are undead masters of some ancient Dawn Age semi-civilization. Kwantoom is ruled by an undead crime lord called the Shadow Lord, and the Liches are bound to not interfere except in the fabled dragonboat races. Held to warn off foretold danger, the Liches may directly interfere as they can seize the losing crews as payment as well. Under their tutelage, Kwantoom remains prosperous, and the boat race is famous. This sickening devotion has been copied in many fearful cities to all sorts of pact spirits.[vii]

Gouren – Humanoids with the zoomorphic traits of dogs. They are reclusive and usually form their own communities in the wilderness of the Jiang Hu. But can still be found in the larger trading towns and cities. They are generally aggressive and warlike in nature, but some are noted as great artists, poets, and magicians. They are thought to be related to the Iro-Iro Animal-Headed People but are not Fey. There is frequent speculation in the gatherings of magic-users whether they are related to the Adventine dog barbarians of the hilly southern Riverlands, in Brakmar’s hinterland.[viii]

Hengeyokai – The shapeshifting Fey race which is just as animal as they are Human can be found throughout the lands of Nangia and Imaria, with many names. They were forced to flee the Feywild by vengeful Eldrain. They may take any of their three natural forms: animal, human or hybrid. In this way they live the life of their choosing in the wilds or among Demi-Humans. The animals are local to their homes and fixed in form. The Animal-Headed People of the Sword Islands may be their forgotten descendants. Changed by the Yellow Plant Empire as the Elven Empire persecuted them.[ix]

Hobgoblin Khanates – While most Nangian Hobgoblins come from surviving Feywild states like the Bakemono. The steppes are home to those who ride wargs. Untrusting and in harsh lands, hobgoblin Animal Nomads place little emphasis on loyalty even among themselves, succeeding khans by cunning. Living isolated lives to ensure there is enough meat for their mounts and fodder for the few herds they don’t immediately eat. They serve as mercenaries, but while they are skilled riders, they will happily change sides if immediately advantageous. Khan Bouil of the Baize Horde boasts he has been on the winning side for every battle this way.[x]

Issohappa – The name of the land of the Elves. This is frequently confused with all lands west of Arodia, particularly when Zakharan crews include Desert Elves and the Adventine factors of the Elvish Merchant Fleets talk of many different homes. It is assumed by those of the Sword Islands and slightly less so elsewhere that Issohappa is a place of alternating dreadful cold and heat, where water is always scarce, so the inhabitants do not bathe and there are no spices. Those who serve with the fleets can only confirm some of those stories.[xi]

Iyaizu – The Pale Kings are those who have come out of the west for a thousand years now. Coming in their strange swan ships to buy and sell, and carry people from one end of the Known World to the other. The Elven Merchant Fleets may disappear for a century or two if the political situation becomes conflicted, but they always return. They see Nangia in its commodities and the falling Yellow Plant Empire ruins as hauntingly barbaric. This has bred far too many rumors they brush off as idle chatter until it unexpectedly becomes far too dangerous.[xii]

Kadanay – A people who have fallen from their great heights, they once dominated the Sword Isles using their ability to imbue stone and abundant gold with magical properties and use it for their technology. They thrived across the archipelago after the fall of the Yellow Plant Empire, falling to a spiritual apocalypse in Antiquity. It is their ruins and creations that treasure-seekers desire. Now most descendants live on Rusunuga and barely a spark of their powers remain even in Ba-e royalty. But the fiery magenta eyes carry on.[xiii]

Kadungganan – Free warriors, unbound to the Debtor System. They can choose who to serve (has its own benefits, such as protection and connections). Commonly become lords by power or acclaim after they’ve accrued a following. To be a Kadungganan is to be innately honorable if not always good. The most terrible raiders and greatest heroes of the Sword Islands are both Kadungganan. Who may have an intertwined history spanning islands, duels, and comradeship. Can always solve problems with violence.[xiv]

Kawayanon – The name of the Human people who inhabit the Sword Islands. Like the Wose of western Adventia, they long lived under the reign of the Fey, the Yellow Plant Empire. In this way they are a more earthy form of the Bamboo Spirit Folk and it is said they grow leaves and twigs on occasion. Like all the inhabitants of that place, their Fey blood lets them mingle with Humanoids more readily. Which is the source of much amazement from merchants.[xv]

Kenku – Not Animal-Headed People and not Hengeyokai. Kenku are just a Humanoid race in the shape of ravens, though some say the ducks of the west have the same origins. They were ravens cursed by The Raven Queen and the Demon Lord Pazuzu for trickery. They may have been planar creatures akin to bird spirits, like tengu from Rokugan. They organize themselves into clan-like groups called flocks. Each flock follows no laws but their own and distrusts outsiders including other kenku. Their natural ability to mimic sounds including voices makes them excellent spies, manipulators, and performers.[xvi]

Korobokuru - These small, Demi-Humans usually reside in secluded villages far from civilization and live simply as hunters, farmers, or artisans. They get along poorly with Humans, who consider them backward and primitive. Korobokuru venerate the Primal spirits that dwell near their communities. They are often confused by merchants with western Dwarves or Gnomes and are somewhere in between. They have served as guides for Animal Nomads and Wild Men to sneak through hidden passes and game trails to wreak havoc on settled lands.[xvii]

Lungyi – It is not known to scholars how Dragonborn, an empire associated with the Sea of Ships could occur on the other side of the Known World. But there are dragons in Nangia. Lungyi are the ruling class of the Bai Hu Hegemony, yet another state with claims to the throne of Jungo from its claim the precursor was Ku Chun, ruled by the Dragon Kings. They have crafted their own sect where they are the pinnacles of enlightenment after reincarnations, followed by their Bantai half-born. This has spread into the southern Nangia by their monastic missions.[xviii]

Mandala System - Instead of states having strict geographical borders, there is instead a powerful centre, and then that power emanates outward: those closest to the centre are more influenced and connected, while those farther are more prone to having their own bespoke cultures and only answer to the mandala out of trade agreements or out of acknowledgement of their power/bonds. The centre plus the surrounding power it exerts over other places are known as a mandala. It is a personal affair.

Mask People - Hunted for their masks, the Mask People are suspicious of everything. This is because they draw their powers from their large, leering masks and can switch from focused to fleeing to madness with a subtle movement of their hands. Their real faces are very rarely seen, and many describe them as Kadungganan. They are the last remnants of the Fey/Human folk of the Yellow Plant Empire, closer to the western Wose than even the Kawayanon. Many also fear them as cannibals, lurking on islands for sailors and that is not all lies.[xix]

Miwo Nu – A mountain people who dwell a weeks’ ride from Kwantoom, in the northern mountains. Which were always a little more independent than the empire thought. They are the guides who help bring the caravans from Xinjiang to Kwantoom and the northern Dragon Rivers. They know how to ride deer, skin muskrats, and weave the silk of snow spiders. The combination of fur and silk they wear is said to be as strong as boiled leather. Some people say they might be part Elven, while others say that knowledge is rarely found in one place.[xx]

Naga - Serpentine creatures with Humanoid faces, more spirit than flesh. They are the guardians of sacred places and secret lore, immune to the ravages of age, hunger, or sleep. Some stay from their mission and take command of primitive reptilian tribes. Servants of Zehir favour invoking them. But the strongest naga are themselves petty Gods of the water and air. Embodying the great rivers of Nangia like the Qelong or the innumerable currents of the Sword Islands. Commanding and merging with the draconic sprits of the northern waters and storms. Beings who do not serve but are worshiped.[xxi]

Nangian Amazon – A somewhat obscure people from the Zomia. The women walk around bare breasted with satin girdles and long pants, if they are not adopting them when serving in Jungo. Besides that, they appear to be merely another tribe who live free of outsider influence in their remote valley. Apparently, they belong to one of the monastery cultures like the Pandawa, practicing with blades and raiding their neighbors. Kwantoom is decadent and equitable enough to hire them as exotic bodyguards and henchwomen. Details about their actual culture are sparse.[xxii]

Nezumi – Humanoid rats which are not related to spirits. It is believed they exist elsewhere in the world but must be greatly secretive. Indeed, the Dwarves and Goblins tell of wars in Antiquity with the skaven, a now gone western variant of great fear and mechanical cunning. Nezumi scavenge and serve as eastern Assassins called Ninja. It is said each has forty brothers and lives only a few years. They live in Shadowlands and other Planar crossings where their constitution allows them to thrive. Locals find them hard to see and outsiders more so.[xxiii]

Ninja – The life of a ninja is death. A form of Assassin originally from Rokugan and now found wherever their merchants sail. They are supposedly members of the warrior class. They frequently worship Vecna for hidden ways, shadow magic and to swell the ranks of the dead. Or Ioun to seek knowledge of death.[xxiv]

Pandawa - The so-called panda-people of southwestern Jungo. Not actually a form of zoomorphic Humanoid, the Panda-Wa (small people resembling panda-bears) live in the valleys as the Druk Yul seep into the tropical jungles. In their own language they are called the Djala and bear little hair except on their tops, pale skin, and dark splotches of pigment around their eyes and backs. Formerly tributaries by force, their society is centered on villages serving central monasteries/breweries. They have developed a dangerous reputation for martial arts, which they practice on tribal enemies like the Chocho. Their costumes are sparse and preferably red.[xxv]

Sages –Masters of secret knowledge and bodily control that allows them to perform feats undreamt of and defeat foes with their bare hands or will. Frequently this overlaps with certain forms of magic, and many lesser sages focus on one path alone, hoping to maximize their efforts rather than master a synthesis. They dwell in isolated monasteries or hermitages to escape distractions with a few chosen disciples. Unfortunately, many are as arrogant and prone to overexaggerated claims, as they poison themselves with alchemical regents or assume their cultivations make them undefeatable. Few live to find or enjoy immortality.

Shanxiao – See Hanu

Spirit Folk - The descendants of Humans and various nature spirits, spirit folk are highly attuned to nature but typically live among humans. Three distinct kinds exist (bamboo, river, and sea spirit folk), and all resemble slender, comely humans. It is quite a surprise to learn that these people have nothing to do with the Yellow Plant Empire and exist as they are. It is said that they maintain their elemental and Primal shrines unbroken in their manors and rural huts, responsible for individual allotments. And though they may call upon their mighty lords, they are bound to serve them.[xxvi]

Snow Tigers – A tribe of the Frostfell, these hardy hunter gatherers live by their skills with tracking and slaying. Though they are not Animal Nomads, they are greatly feared by them. For they are known to ambush riders who enter the taiga or permafrost north of the Khiimori Mountains. That is not to say they are any more unfriendly than others in that region, just more successful. Their hunts summon fur merchants from across the north. Trading for the curved blades of the Mountains of the Moon that so interests them.[xxvii]

Tohey – A highland people who live on the mainland of the Jamiyun Kulisa’s Arrows. Many tribes of farmers or hunter-gatherers have chosen or been pushed into the mini-Zomia where the flatland and coastal states cannot reach. They share a distinct appearance with some of the highland people of Apumbukid and Gatsun. Sailors say they resemble Imarians.[xxviii]

Uji Clans – In Rokugan, the Wild Men and the later farmers worshiped Primal entities as equals with later Gods. With certain ones, the ujigami as patrons of their kin group. As the empire was established, these kin formed the oldest clans. Though they still fill the capital, they serve more for the samurai clans to claim legitimacy from, while they pursue their clan wars. In fact, the court still exerts power in the raising of new uji clans from the rank of the samurai to reward and deny others. Fenghoo, Kani, Ki-Rin, Ku-Ren, Ryu, Sasori, and Tora.[xxix]

Valley People – The mountain corridors and the mighty rivers which flow through them encourage the presence of centralized states, fed by the great trade routes from Arodia to Jungo in ages past. This in turn breeds invaders from the Zomia and beyond, who may themselves be fleeing another foe. Each group conquering or loosely incorporating others into numerous independent Mandala and adopting new traditions as demanded. Currently the dominant Human ethnic groups are the Baw in the center, ancient Qelong and Hongsa, eastern Liên and Ba-e and the western Daung. Older Humanoid or Fey ancestry forms a rural continuation.

Wild Men – A allegedly hidden people, who claim to be descendants from the inhabitants of Rokugan before the rest and taught them the proper ways to appease the Primal spirits. Before they imprisoned them with their strictures and drove them north. But they appear to share much the same culture and persisted as petty lords, bandits and peasantry until the Age of Chaos began. Then a spiritual revival occurred followed by rebellion. They claim to have been taught the ways to summon forth elemental and animal spirits to destroy castles and lay waste to foes. It may be spreading to northern Nangia.[xxx]

Yu-Shentong – Hunters from the Zomia, this small tribe has survived Jungo tributary status by being morbid, pale and scarred to the point magistrates have left the Tunshang Barony to govern them. In this way they have thrived since the lands south of Kwantoom were swallowed by the Jiang Hu. They find frequent employment in Kwantoom as Assassins, and though they dress in normal clothes, their blowgun-daggers and poisons are noticeable. Some poisons come from the Underdark and they must know the ways down below.[xxxi]

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[i] Exact details in Gubta Banwa p.93, p.167

[ii] See Valley of the Five Fires p.5

[iii] Term from The Islands of Sina Una

[iv] See Mad Monks of Kwantoom p.12

[v] Inspired by the spell Vestige of the Burned Emperors, Arcane Power p.84

[vi] See Valley of the Five Fires

[vii] See Flower Liches of the Dragonboat Festival

[viii] See Swords of Wuxia pp.5-6

[ix] See Dragon #404 pp.16-25

[x] Hobgoblins as steppe nomads is of course from Warhammer Fantasy

[xi] See what they will think centuries later Gubat Banwa pp. 542-544

[xii] See what they become to the locals later in Gubat Banwa pp.542-544

[xiii] Very occasionally mentioned in Gubat Banwa

[xiv] See many worked examples in Gubat Banwa

[xv] Mentioned in Gubat Banwa

[xvi] See D&D 4E Monster Manual 2 pp.152-154

[xvii] See Dragon #404 p.16, Oriental Adventures p.12

[xviii] See Gubat Banwa pp. 522-523

[xix] Inspired by the real-life masks of the island of Papua and the Masqueraider class from Dofus/Wakfu

[xx] See Flower Liches of the Dragonboat Races p.14

[xxi] See 4E Monster Manual p.194, Gubat Banwa p.32

[xxii] See Flower Liches of the Dragonboat Races p.88

[xxiii] See Adventures in Rokugan pp.32-33 and Legend of the Five Rings 5E

[xxiv] See textbox in Dragon Magazine #404 p.3 and the opening line is from the Usagi Yojimbo comic series

[xxv] Inspired by the Djala of Exalted and the Pandawa from Dofus/Wakfu

[xxvi] See Dragon Magazine #404 p.16, Oriental Adventures p.13

[xxvii] See Martial Power 2 p.53

[xxviii] See TTI 01 - Mr-Kr-Gr - The Death-Rolled Kingdom p.40

[xxix] The Legend of the Five Rings main five clans with more Japanese names and with all the families broken off as actually clan-level Daimyos alongside the minor clans.

[xxx] What if the Emishi from Princess Mononoke could summon Pokémon as ridable animal-kami for battle.

[xxxi] See Flower Liches of the Dragonboat Races p.16