Yamatan

Starting Languages

When a player selects a culture, they automatically gain ability in the primary language associated with that culture. This language represents the common tongue or dominant language spoken in that cultural region. Each culture provides a pool of additional languages that players can choose from. This pool should include languages associated with neighboring regions, historical influences, or significant trade partners of that culture. The number of additional languages in the pool can vary based on the diversity and historical context of the culture. For example, a culture with extensive trade routes or a history of conquest might have a larger pool. You may select an additional language from this pool for each point of edge you have in Intellect, and another for each additional point you gain as you level up in your adventures.

Starting Arms & Armor

Players are afforded their starting weapons, clothing, & tool proficiencies by the age associated with their homeland. So Stone Age cultures and Dark Age cultures might both grant ability with a mace for example, but only the Dark Age culture would grant ability with guns, for example. Over the course of your adventures you may choose to use your progression to gain proficiency in a different age's tools.

Originated from the far eastern land of Yamatai, these fair-skinned and slender race of humans resemble the people of feudal Japan. Political and cultural beliefs of the Yamatans are very similar to those found in the Edo period of Japan, where an Emperor or an Empress governs the country with the aid and advisement of Generals or Shoguns - political leaders and military warlords who are given absolute authority and power to decide the laws of the land. The warriors of Yamatai resemble the Samurais of feudal Japan. They form the frontline of the Yamatan army and are usually called to be enforcers, peacekeepers, and diplomats, bound to a lifetime of servitude to their Generals. Yamatai is an isolated country that prefers to distance itself from other civilizations. With an abundance of natural resources such as gold, silver, rare metals, seafood and vegetation, the country has been able to thrive for generations without any foreign trade.

Political Hierarchy

Emperor/Empress General (Shogun) Warrior (Samurai) Peasant/Craftsman/Merchant Farmer/Fisherman/Miner

Terrain

Yamatai is mostly made up of grasslands, jungles and snowy mountains. Cities are mostly found near rivers with mountains providing a scenic backdrop, while smaller settlements such as towns and villages are found on rocky grasslands, close to the sea. Temples and other religious structures are usually built on hilltops or in the jungle.

Climate

The climate of Yamatai vary from season to season. Spring usually comes during mid-year and lasts for three months, followed by Summer, Autumn and Winter at the end of the year until the second month of the following year.

Language

Almost all Yamatans speak Yamatai - an ancestral language similar to the traditional Japanese language, with a small tribe of Yamatans speak the shamanic language of the Tengu - ancient beings who are descendants of the Phoenix, known for their magical abilities.

Religion

The Yamatans worship the Golden Phoenix - a giant celestial creature believed to have descended from the heavens and made Yamatai its permanent home from the dawn of time, causing the lands to flourish and made habitable for humans.

Playing a Yamatan Adventurer

Starting Arms & Armor: Dark Ages
Automatic Languages: Yamatai, Trade Tongue
Favoured Tropes: Noble, Noble Warrior, Shaman, Sorcerer, Explorer, Scholar
Bonus Languages: Khitan, Vendhyan, Aquilonia, Pictish, Stygian