Lotusfolk

   

Introduction

To the far eastern reaches of the realm, secluded from the conflicts of Gravicus and Armus, lies a strange and storied world in itself. The Lotus State, with centuries of varied cultural development in the isolation of eastern Dahu, presents a vastly unique experience for the occasional traveler. A loosely unified amalgamation of several nations, from the sprawling farmlands of Tian Di Guo, to the mist-shrouded isles of Akagi, the empire nests an intricate, continuous game of diplomatic chess that has continued for centuries. With the emergence of Anoma as a focal point of interest, the pieces of long-dormant powers have begun to move once more. The only question that remains is whether or not the rest of Gaia is ready for the awakening.   The ‘Lotus State’ refers to the formal alliance between several eastern nations in Gaia, joining together to form a larger composite entity. The nations within the Lotus State retain jurisdiction over their respective territories and have their own sovereign governments. One person is selected to be the ‘Messenger of the Lotus Blossom’, meaning that they serve as the leader and representative of all the eastern interests to the best of their ability, should foreign powers ever come into play. The original ‘Messenger of the Lotus Blossom’ was Duong Hyunh from the region of Sinhwa. All of her successors are given access to her estate in her home country, with all of her original manuscripts and references preserved in pristine condition.  

Racial Abilities

The abilities of an Lotusfolk are derived from a pact made with a component of the Great Cosmic Dragon’s horde. Individuals will bind themselves to a concept, and are able to draw upon aspects of its perfection to enter states of heightened awareness and perception. Possible concepts within the hoard of the Great Cosmic Dragon might include a swallow, a sword, a flower, etc. These contracts are a result of a desire to achieve spiritual purity and perfection of self, so one might be able to become part of the hoard upon being freed from the mortal world.   Dreamwalker’s Trance: Lotusfolk are capable of entering a state of extreme focus, eliminating unnecessary thoughts and sensations to achieve heightened awareness and reaction. While in this state, they are capable of feats that require immense precision, such as deftly catching a sword between one’s bare hands. They can choose to enter the trance immediately as an action. If they do so, they must roll 1d4 to determine how many rounds after the first the trance lasts. This forces them to ignore pain and fear, but harms their communication capacity and preventing them from using any Truth. A Lotusfolk may only enter into one Dreamwalker’s Trance per combat. If a Lotusfolk wants to stop their trance before the duration is up, they must roll a 1d20 and get a 15 or greater at the beginning of their turn. If they fail, they continue to dreamwalk for that round.   Spiritual Bond: Lotusfolk are contracted to one ‘concept.’ Depending on the nature of the ‘concept’, and subsequently ‘spirit’ that they are bound to, different effects might manifest. For instance, someone contracted to the concept of a ‘fox’ might find that the animal in question does not fear him or her and can be easier to understand.   See Cold Resistance.

Redlines

• While in Dreamwalker’s Trance, Lotusfolk will often ignore details outside of their immediate area of focus. They will be more difficult to communicate with, and act as if they are in a state similar to extreme drowsiness when addressed. Additionally, while the physical feats that can be accomplished are impressive, they cannot be outright impossible or absurd when factoring in the circumstances, people involved, and environment.
• Spiritual Bond does not grant an extreme boost in skill or give any inherent way to control animals or plants. Though one might be contracted to the ‘concept’ of a sword, they are not immediately a master swordsman or swordswoman (though, they might be quicker to learn.) Likewise, contracts with animal ‘concepts’ does not mean that they will attack targets on command or take actions that would result in self-harm.

 

History

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Rise of The Cultures

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Nations

The Lotus State

On the micro-continent of Yue sits a nation deeply divided, yet united behind an ancient form of governance. Their lands have plentiful resources, more so than Gravica, yet these resources rarely leave the Yue. In truth, the Lotus State was set-up to protect the Akajin people. This came to be because of large-scale raids during the great collapse, which affected multiple empires, and hit the Akajin the hardest.   The formation of the Lotus State came from the fall of the Lotus Empire, which was suffering from plague, famine, and now war. According to records from the time, ten thousand Rehk-Urs supported by Ogris and competent generals landed upon their lands. They intended to ‘colonize’ the rich lands. Eventually, they were picked off one by one like prey beasts. The cities of the past were so decimated, the people so isolated that it was decided that the Akajin people couldn’t be reasonably ruled by an absolute ruler. Power would be divided.   Recently, trade has been opening up. The Rehkaran trade princes have made an invaluable ally out of the Akajin people, giving them favorable trade deals to ceremonially repent for the sins of the past. In reality, this is to build them up as an allied nation. These riches, and the Gravican idea of human hegemony has caused tensions to rise to a boiling point between the Lotus State and the Gildaran alliance.