Qi Zhong

Qi Zhong

(Deity)

Titles

Master of Medicine

Adjective

Qi Zhongite

Realm

Nirvana

Alignment

Neutral good

Areas of Concern

DEG: Healing, Magic, Medicine
TXWG: Cycles, Elements, Health, Medicine

Worshipers

Healers, scholars, wizards, mystic theurges

Edicts

Teach knowledge to others, relieve suffering despite personal difficulty, heal sickness and injuries

Anathema

Deal lethal damage to another creature (unless as part of a necessary medical treatment)

Follower Alignments (1E)

LG	NG	CG
LN	N	CN
LE	NE	CE

Domains (1E)

Good, Healing, Knowledge, Magic, Protection

Subdomains (1E)

Agathion, Divine, Memory, Purity, Restoration, Resurrection

Follower Alignments (2E)

LG	NG	CG
LN	N	CN
LE	NE	CE

Domains (2E)

Healing, knowledge, magic, protection
Alternate: Air, earth, fire, nature, water

Favored Weapon

Heavy mace

Symbol

Wagon wheel with spokes of the five elements

Sacred Animal

Crane

Images of Qi Zhong

Source: Dragon Empires Gazetteer, pg(s). 62 (1E)
Tian Xia World Guide, pg(s). 39 (2E)

Qi Zhong (Qì Zhōng; pronounced chee jon) is the Tian Xia deity of magic, healing, and the elements. Originally worshiped by the Tian-Shu, he is now popular in Jinin, Quain, Tianjing, Xidao, and Zi Ha. His religious symbol is a wagon wheel with spokes made of the five elements: water, earth, metal, fire, and wood.

Appearance

Qi Zhong is depicted as a kindly looking older man who is dressed in healer's robes that shift between the five elements.

History

Qi Zhong is closely tied to the pantheon of Tian Xia, at Shizuru's request, it was Qi Zhong who resurrected the moon god Tsukiyo after he was murdered by his brother Fumeiyoshi. It was Qi Zhong who originally introduced an understanding of the five elements to mortals and instructed them in their relationship with magic, medicine, and martial arts.

Church of Qi Zhong

Qi Zhong's teachings lead his followers to understand their relationship to the elements, resolve their issues and absolve those who wrong them, and to practice patience and deliberation without sloth. His writings also preach pacifism and provide his insights on philosophy and governance. He is thus primarily worshipped by sages, scholars, leaders, and healers, including those who practice traditional Tian medicine. Qi Zhong is also worshipped by wizards and, in particular, many of his worshippers are mystic theurges who blend arcane and divine magic. Qi Zhong's faithful believe it is their duty to share their knowledge and healing abilities with others.

One sect of Qi Zhong worshipers has combined his divine magic with alchemy, though this is not a widely accepted form of his worship. Their practices can be found in the five-volume scroll known as the Five Spoked Cycle. Qi Zhong is said to have taught the secrets of Pei Zin herbalism with Irori prior to the Master of Masters' ascension.

Sacred texts

The Eight Hundred Years of Qi Zhong documents the Master of Medicine's life, and while parts of the text have been lost, the remnants continue to advise his followers on medicinal practices and philosophies on life.

Temples

The Master of Medicine's temples, which are filled with cranes, are houses of healing visited by common folk seeking cures and relief for their ailments. Legends suggest that feeding a crane at a temple five-colored grains would cause Qi Zhong to dispatch one of his faithful with a cure for their illness.

Holidays

Worshipers celebrate the Festival of Longevity in northern Tian Xia, particularly Chu Ye, Kwanlai, and Wanshou. The feast honors those in their communities who live past the age of 96 years. Worshipers in these regions also make offerings to the deity every 12 years of their lives.