Post by Feathers on Jan 31, 2022 13:21:35 GMT -5
The following is a dossier created by various explorers in contribution to Delia Verlhese Nuvolm's "Adventurer's Compendium and Bestiary" (pages 432-4). The book has been publicly released and distributed by various libraries around the kingdom.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Few possess the tenacity to survive the frigid weather of Snowpeak, let alone develop a flourishing civilization on their own. Yet since ancient times, such a feat had been achieved by the inhabitants of Ama-In society, who until recently have concealed their presence from the outside world. What old scriptures we could find often depict them as inhuman forces of nature, choosing to dwell within castles in the sky and away from the chaotic struggles of lowlanders.
While not completely accurate, there is some merit to this - as their name had been silently carried along by centuries of rumors and folk tales. In their efforts to conceal their presence, they have become something of a myth themselves, appearing only when there is great strife below, or upon the recognition of a hero-to-be. Whilst secretive in nature, the onset of technological advances and political movement in the lowlands have eventually coerced them into opening their gates to the world.
Now it is common knowledge that they are in fact, mortal. They live in communities just like the rest of the world, and engage in trade and warfare amongst themselves as well. Curiously enough, they share a physiology similar to those of Hylian lineage we are familiar with.
Once known as living myths and deities, the people of Ama-In have now become an uncommon sight throughout the land, and so has the title which they refer collectively to themselves: Tengu.
Power Structure
Although the significant portion of Hyrule functions on a dynastic ruling system, geographical features and cultural separation (not to mention the lack of any major divinity to preside over mortal matters) have pushed the Tengu away from similar ruling structures. Cities of the Ama-In are run via meritocracy, often headed by a council of advisers known as ‘Daitengu’. These are in charge of political and economic decisions, as well as proposing new laws that are to be voted on by an altogether separate body.
The executive arm of this governing body is a guild system similar to those found in Hyrule. Headed by a select few commanders, these guilds are made to specialize in specific tasks such as industrial or exploration efforts. They also act as the arms and legs of the government, employed by townspeople as peacekeepers and as a go-to for various requests. The virtue of solidarity and community work is embodied by the unrelenting effort of each individual to strive for perfection. This is further manifested in the strict guild system that maintains high standards within their respective industries. The most influential are those who dedicate themselves to their purpose and outdo all others in their field of expertise.
Commanders of the guild are known as ‘Yamabushi’. Although the title literally translates to ‘mountain warrior’, its meaning holds a connotation unlike that of our common tongue (or the rest of the kingdom’s national language at that). Tengu society strives for perfection, traditionally placing reputation alongside performance as some of the highest standards when judging one’s character. As such, it stands that only the outstanding are granted the title of true warrior. They are paragons, defenders of society and pioneers of innovation that soar heights beyond that of even Snowpeak’s highest vistas. At the top of each branch guild is a carefully selected Yamabushi overseeing and handling general guild affairs.
Characteristics
At a glance, Tengu are hardly different from most humanoid races. In fact, they do share the very same aspects with Hylians, leading many to concur that they were simply another Hylian settlement that progressed separately from the rest of the world. Many have also drawn similarities to the Sheikah, no doubt due to the scarlet eyes they both possess. Further research shows that there are many fundamental differences in physiology and history as to draw a clear line between the two races.
Fantasies of raven-like Tengu with majestic wings or stature as great as the northern giants are likely due to their elaborate costumes and hunting methods. Tengu are in fact lightly built, with powerful sinewy muscles that allow them to cross valleys on foot or scale trees in seconds. Their bones are light and relatively fragile - with a density far less than the average humanoid. Fierce duelists, yet their reputation for martial arts belie the fact that fighters prefer to avoid any strikes coming their way. These people do not want to be hit, resorting to the use of their reflexes and magic to extend the fight as best they can.
One would rarely find a Tengu employing the use of a shield or metal armor, for even the cushioned force would often be enough to break bone. When engaging one in combat, outnumber them, or seek to outperform their manipulation of the arena to one’s advantage. Do not let the battle drag on, for they won’t tire. Bind the arms - better the feet if possible - or seek other methods that would leave them unable to flee. Without their agility, the battle can be concluded with just one well-placed blow to the vital points.
Spirituality
The vast majority of communities make their living as hunters and farmers in the mountains. The rest that do not fall under already-mentioned vocations are usually classified as a sort of craftsman focused on specific industries. Their trade encompasses all of Ama-In culture; from architecture to weapon-making, cuisine, jewelry, and more. While this forms the practical side of mundane life, its ties to spirituality is worth mentioning.
Religious beliefs are similar to native animism. From the wind to the mountains-- to the beasts and grain that become food, all things contain spirits that usher the ongoing cycle of life. The crux of Tengu spirituality revolve around the animistic belief of ‘spirits’, invisible forces that inhabit all matter. Their effect is stronger on living beings, while their behavior is influenced by two things: an individual’s magical aptitude, and a karmic relation to the spirits’ disposition. ‘Negative’ actions are believed to reap effects such as droughts, natural disasters, lost socks, etc. Behavior meant to bring about ‘positive’ results are attributed to similarly ‘positive’ phenomenon. This concept extends to large-scale efforts made by the community as a whole. While the morality of actions may be relative, hundreds of teachings have been published on the subject. These are only in traditional tongue however, and are currently unavailable to foreigners.
Festivals
Although the Tengu do not allow visitors to become permanent residents, their festivals have only grown bigger since their society opened its gates. These festivals are a major aspect of a larger group of rituals. They are the center of many beliefs, held mostly to offer thanks or to compel the spirits for certain favors. Likewise, major events are usually held in the form of mass rituals or community-driven festivals.
Many variations exist, but can be narrowed down to the following:
Rituals:
- Life stage-based (Coming of age, Marriage, Funeral rites, etc.)
- Prayer-based rituals
- Rituals to bless new guilds, towns, etc.
- Rituals to open/close a festival
- Personal rituals like prayer, small offerings
Festivals:
- Celebration festivals (Victory, great harvest, etc.)
- Annual Feast Days (Anniversaries, equinox, new year, etc.)
- Religious festivals (Such as festivals thanking certain Kami)
- Special events (Night before a great hunt or battle, the Hoshi no Shiren, etc.)
- Personal events held by guilds or families
Magic
Spells employed by Tengu are based on native faith.
Prayer and action strengthens power, in turn influencing further prayer and action.
Rather than being commanded, spirits are compelled to take certain actions. This is where an individual’s aptitude for magic comes into play, as those with greater favor among the spirits of the land are blessed with more power. It is believed that only spirits willing may be coaxed by the deserving, as to do otherwise is bad karma.
Spells cast by Tengu are often nature-based, and are dependent on whatever’s around the caster. They are able to contain spiritual power within certain objects, and can imbue runes, weapons, tools, and sometimes even locations with this energy. Due to the unpredictability of their spells, casters in their home turf are notoriously difficult to face in combat. Reports of Tengu that can control the weather or summon hordes of living statues exist, but the credibility of such are highly debatable. In most cases, they are known to use magic to enhance their physical abilities or debilitate that of their opponents the same way a typical druid would.
Unfortunately for the Tengu, spiritual energy is also reliant on the caster’s own relationship with the land. The effect is that their magic becomes very difficult to cast outside their sphere of influence, rendering them nearly powerless. For this same reason, Tengu that have been known to mingle with mainland society tend to be warriors or tacticians, rather than mages. Imbued items such as talismans and enchanted weapons can be used as provisions, although these will begin to diffuse magic over time though, and are unsuited for extended travel.
As a last note, the crow is a very popular familiar. They’re particularly responsive of a Tengu’s magic, and are often employed as hunters or messenger birds. The bigger ones tend to gather fame, gaining human-like intuition possibly from the spiritual energy they’re exposed to. (Stay on the good side of the ones as big as horses, as their droppings are proportionally as big).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Power Structure
- Characteristics
- Spirituality
- Festivals
- Magic
Introduction
Few possess the tenacity to survive the frigid weather of Snowpeak, let alone develop a flourishing civilization on their own. Yet since ancient times, such a feat had been achieved by the inhabitants of Ama-In society, who until recently have concealed their presence from the outside world. What old scriptures we could find often depict them as inhuman forces of nature, choosing to dwell within castles in the sky and away from the chaotic struggles of lowlanders.
While not completely accurate, there is some merit to this - as their name had been silently carried along by centuries of rumors and folk tales. In their efforts to conceal their presence, they have become something of a myth themselves, appearing only when there is great strife below, or upon the recognition of a hero-to-be. Whilst secretive in nature, the onset of technological advances and political movement in the lowlands have eventually coerced them into opening their gates to the world.
Now it is common knowledge that they are in fact, mortal. They live in communities just like the rest of the world, and engage in trade and warfare amongst themselves as well. Curiously enough, they share a physiology similar to those of Hylian lineage we are familiar with.
Once known as living myths and deities, the people of Ama-In have now become an uncommon sight throughout the land, and so has the title which they refer collectively to themselves: Tengu.
Power Structure
Although the significant portion of Hyrule functions on a dynastic ruling system, geographical features and cultural separation (not to mention the lack of any major divinity to preside over mortal matters) have pushed the Tengu away from similar ruling structures. Cities of the Ama-In are run via meritocracy, often headed by a council of advisers known as ‘Daitengu’. These are in charge of political and economic decisions, as well as proposing new laws that are to be voted on by an altogether separate body.
The executive arm of this governing body is a guild system similar to those found in Hyrule. Headed by a select few commanders, these guilds are made to specialize in specific tasks such as industrial or exploration efforts. They also act as the arms and legs of the government, employed by townspeople as peacekeepers and as a go-to for various requests. The virtue of solidarity and community work is embodied by the unrelenting effort of each individual to strive for perfection. This is further manifested in the strict guild system that maintains high standards within their respective industries. The most influential are those who dedicate themselves to their purpose and outdo all others in their field of expertise.
Commanders of the guild are known as ‘Yamabushi’. Although the title literally translates to ‘mountain warrior’, its meaning holds a connotation unlike that of our common tongue (or the rest of the kingdom’s national language at that). Tengu society strives for perfection, traditionally placing reputation alongside performance as some of the highest standards when judging one’s character. As such, it stands that only the outstanding are granted the title of true warrior. They are paragons, defenders of society and pioneers of innovation that soar heights beyond that of even Snowpeak’s highest vistas. At the top of each branch guild is a carefully selected Yamabushi overseeing and handling general guild affairs.
Characteristics
At a glance, Tengu are hardly different from most humanoid races. In fact, they do share the very same aspects with Hylians, leading many to concur that they were simply another Hylian settlement that progressed separately from the rest of the world. Many have also drawn similarities to the Sheikah, no doubt due to the scarlet eyes they both possess. Further research shows that there are many fundamental differences in physiology and history as to draw a clear line between the two races.
Fantasies of raven-like Tengu with majestic wings or stature as great as the northern giants are likely due to their elaborate costumes and hunting methods. Tengu are in fact lightly built, with powerful sinewy muscles that allow them to cross valleys on foot or scale trees in seconds. Their bones are light and relatively fragile - with a density far less than the average humanoid. Fierce duelists, yet their reputation for martial arts belie the fact that fighters prefer to avoid any strikes coming their way. These people do not want to be hit, resorting to the use of their reflexes and magic to extend the fight as best they can.
One would rarely find a Tengu employing the use of a shield or metal armor, for even the cushioned force would often be enough to break bone. When engaging one in combat, outnumber them, or seek to outperform their manipulation of the arena to one’s advantage. Do not let the battle drag on, for they won’t tire. Bind the arms - better the feet if possible - or seek other methods that would leave them unable to flee. Without their agility, the battle can be concluded with just one well-placed blow to the vital points.
Spirituality
The vast majority of communities make their living as hunters and farmers in the mountains. The rest that do not fall under already-mentioned vocations are usually classified as a sort of craftsman focused on specific industries. Their trade encompasses all of Ama-In culture; from architecture to weapon-making, cuisine, jewelry, and more. While this forms the practical side of mundane life, its ties to spirituality is worth mentioning.
Religious beliefs are similar to native animism. From the wind to the mountains-- to the beasts and grain that become food, all things contain spirits that usher the ongoing cycle of life. The crux of Tengu spirituality revolve around the animistic belief of ‘spirits’, invisible forces that inhabit all matter. Their effect is stronger on living beings, while their behavior is influenced by two things: an individual’s magical aptitude, and a karmic relation to the spirits’ disposition. ‘Negative’ actions are believed to reap effects such as droughts, natural disasters, lost socks, etc. Behavior meant to bring about ‘positive’ results are attributed to similarly ‘positive’ phenomenon. This concept extends to large-scale efforts made by the community as a whole. While the morality of actions may be relative, hundreds of teachings have been published on the subject. These are only in traditional tongue however, and are currently unavailable to foreigners.
Festivals
Although the Tengu do not allow visitors to become permanent residents, their festivals have only grown bigger since their society opened its gates. These festivals are a major aspect of a larger group of rituals. They are the center of many beliefs, held mostly to offer thanks or to compel the spirits for certain favors. Likewise, major events are usually held in the form of mass rituals or community-driven festivals.
Many variations exist, but can be narrowed down to the following:
Rituals:
- Life stage-based (Coming of age, Marriage, Funeral rites, etc.)
- Prayer-based rituals
- Rituals to bless new guilds, towns, etc.
- Rituals to open/close a festival
- Personal rituals like prayer, small offerings
Festivals:
- Celebration festivals (Victory, great harvest, etc.)
- Annual Feast Days (Anniversaries, equinox, new year, etc.)
- Religious festivals (Such as festivals thanking certain Kami)
- Special events (Night before a great hunt or battle, the Hoshi no Shiren, etc.)
- Personal events held by guilds or families
Magic
Spells employed by Tengu are based on native faith.
Prayer and action strengthens power, in turn influencing further prayer and action.
Rather than being commanded, spirits are compelled to take certain actions. This is where an individual’s aptitude for magic comes into play, as those with greater favor among the spirits of the land are blessed with more power. It is believed that only spirits willing may be coaxed by the deserving, as to do otherwise is bad karma.
Spells cast by Tengu are often nature-based, and are dependent on whatever’s around the caster. They are able to contain spiritual power within certain objects, and can imbue runes, weapons, tools, and sometimes even locations with this energy. Due to the unpredictability of their spells, casters in their home turf are notoriously difficult to face in combat. Reports of Tengu that can control the weather or summon hordes of living statues exist, but the credibility of such are highly debatable. In most cases, they are known to use magic to enhance their physical abilities or debilitate that of their opponents the same way a typical druid would.
Unfortunately for the Tengu, spiritual energy is also reliant on the caster’s own relationship with the land. The effect is that their magic becomes very difficult to cast outside their sphere of influence, rendering them nearly powerless. For this same reason, Tengu that have been known to mingle with mainland society tend to be warriors or tacticians, rather than mages. Imbued items such as talismans and enchanted weapons can be used as provisions, although these will begin to diffuse magic over time though, and are unsuited for extended travel.
As a last note, the crow is a very popular familiar. They’re particularly responsive of a Tengu’s magic, and are often employed as hunters or messenger birds. The bigger ones tend to gather fame, gaining human-like intuition possibly from the spiritual energy they’re exposed to. (Stay on the good side of the ones as big as horses, as their droppings are proportionally as big).