Turchian
The Turchian Culture is the largest and most populous in the world, predominantly found in the far east and continually expanding. Turchians are orderly, valuing academia and the arcane, and believe in bringing civilization and order to chaotic regions. Their national religion centers around the Arcane Father and the Alsani Pantheon, with significant populations in Ryadha worshiping Mishani and Rosnumi.
Homeland: The Turchian people primarily reside in the Alsan Caliphate, originating from Alsan—a land known for its harsh, sudden seasons. The population mainly comprises Triaxians (Asir), Ryahd (Half-Asir), and humans (Demi).
Demi Appearance: Turchian demi are typically shorter with lean builds, high cheekbones, and curved noses. They possess light or sun-bleached golden blonde hair, bright gold eyes, and dusky skin tones; freckles are common among those with lighter skin. Those hailing from the northern reaches of the Alsani Caliphate tend to be lighter-skinned and have brown or black hair.
Primary Religion: Yagarashadi
Yagarashadi, or "Heaven's Three Minds," is the guiding faith of the Turchian people, embodying the sacred balance of knowledge, power, and order. It venerates a pantheon of interconnected deities—Rahatha, the Father of the Arcane; Yashadi, the Voice of the Divine; Lady Rosnumi, the Keeper of Lore; Lady Mishani, the Keeper of Secrets; and Savrahamash, the Body and Mind. Together, they represent the divine principles that govern the Turchian worldview: mastery of magic, reverence for leadership, and the pursuit of enlightenment through discipline and structure.
Yagarashadi, or "Heaven's Three Minds," is the guiding faith of the Turchian people, embodying the sacred balance of knowledge, power, and order. It venerates a pantheon of interconnected deities—Rahatha, the Father of the Arcane; Yashadi, the Voice of the Divine; Lady Rosnumi, the Keeper of Lore; Lady Mishani, the Keeper of Secrets; and Savrahamash, the Body and Mind. Together, they represent the divine principles that govern the Turchian worldview: mastery of magic, reverence for leadership, and the pursuit of enlightenment through discipline and structure.
At its heart, Yagarashadi emphasizes the harmonious interplay of arcane knowledge, divine law, and wisdom. Rahatha serves as the spiritual cornerstone, teaching that magic is a divine trust meant to bring order to chaos and advance civilization. This belief is complemented by Yashadi’s doctrine of righteous leadership and sanctified authority, which underscores the responsibility of rulers to uphold justice and ensure cosmic balance. Lady Rosnumi and Lady Mishani guide the faithful in the stewardship of knowledge—Rosnumi emphasizing the preservation and dissemination of truths, while Mishani ensures the careful guarding of secrets and their responsible use. Savrahamash tempers this balance by urging followers to refine their innate abilities, turning trials into opportunities for growth and perfection. Yagarashadi is not merely a religion but a way of life, steeped in rituals, trials, and rites of passage. It teaches that every aspect of existence—be it leadership, learning, or magic—requires dedication, humility, and reverence for the divine order. Followers are encouraged to view their struggles as divine tests, their successes as proof of alignment with the heavens, and their roles within society as sacred responsibilities. Whether governing, studying, or casting spells, adherents are taught to act with integrity, knowing their actions contribute to the greater balance of the world. Through its unyielding focus on unity, discipline, and divine purpose, Yagarashadi reinforces the Turchian ideals of imperial order and academic excellence, ensuring the faith serves not just the individual, but the enduring legacy of their civilization.Common Races: Triaxians (Asir), Humans (Demi), Ryahd (Half-Asir). Background Skills:
Artistry
- Arcane Symbolism, Calligraphy, Lecture.
Lore
- Arcane Traditions, Arcane Wind Reading, Senate Arcana.
Background Traits:
Cold Heart
Patient Optimist - Counts as a Regional Trait, instead of a Religion Trait.
Two-World Magic - Counts as a Regional Trait, instead of a Magic Trait.
Cultural Equipment:
Turchira or "Turchian War Saber"
Turchian Language:
Turchian is a flowing, rich, syllabic language with precise words and phrases. It encompasses two registers: the common vernacular and the elaborate form used by nobles, the latter requiring extensive education to master. Written: The written form is highly complex, with less than 10% of speakers achieving full literacy. Common written Turchian conveys simple ideas, while advanced literacy is reserved for the educated elite.Dialects Core - The most commonly spoken dialect in the central and southern Caliphate. Golden - The dialect of the affluent, requiring intense study to learn properly. Imperial - Spoken mainly outside of Alsan, especially in regions with historical conflicts. Northern - Considered a "rural" variant, found in northern isles and among exiles from Alsan. Trade - A simplified version used among merchants and traders, especially outside the mainland.
Turchian Abilities and Lore
The Turchians are renowned for their meticulous dedication to structure, discipline, and the pursuit of knowledge. Their culture, steeped in academia and arcane mastery, is underpinned by an unshakable belief in the divine order. The Turchians see themselves as harbingers of civilization, spreading enlightenment and stability through their mastery of magic, diplomacy, and governance. Central to Turchian identity is their connection to the Senate Arcana, an institution that not only regulates magical practices but also defines their cultural values of precision, control, and advancement. This ethos extends into their daily lives, where even mundane tasks are often performed with an air of reverence for the order they hold sacred. While the Turchians value cooperation and unity within their society, their righteous imperialism often leads to conflict with neighboring cultures. They view these challenges as divine tests of their resolve and authority, shaping their identity as unyielding stewards of law and progress.Arcane Precision
The Turchians’ deep connection to the arcane is both a source of power and a cultural cornerstone. They believe magic, when mastered and regulated, is a gift from the divine, enabling them to bring order to chaos. This philosophy drives their commitment to meticulous study and their creation of powerful magical traditions, which they guard zealously. Turchians are known for their ability to harness magic not just as a tool, but as a means to elevate society itself.Culture Ability:
Turchians possess an innate connection to the arcane, reflecting their culture's reverence for structure and discipline. Once per week, as an immediate action, a Turchian can activate Spell Resistance equal to 10 + their Hit Dice for one round. To do so, they must be aware of the spell being cast and able to speak, channeling their disciplined focus into this brief but potent defense.Common Superstitions:
- Magic judges the intentions of its wielder; using it selfishly or for evil invites misfortune.
- Too many meals without bread will thin the blood and lead to sickness.
- Men with strong maternal bonds and women with strong paternal bonds will have robust offspring.
- A birthday without sweets or treats is believed to bring bad luck for the following year.
- Speaking ill of the Senate Arcana in public risks invoking subtle but severe consequences.
- Burning a candle down to its base is seen as an omen of financial loss.
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