Eunuch

From PathfinderWiki

The term eunuch generally refers to a male who has been castrated, typically early enough in his life that he does not exhibit adult male characteristics such as body hair and a lower voice.1 The practice is found throughout Golarion, including in Jalmeray,2 Qadira,3 Osirion,4 Katapesh,5 and Thuvia.6 In the Tian Xia nation of Quain, eunuchs make up a class of bureaucrats who serve the nation's ruler,7 while in Lingshen they serve mainly as prostitutes, and in Po Li they are known for their powerful magic.8

Nifrani

A nifrani is a type of Osirian eunuch who serves as a bodyguard for high-status or wealthy women and occasionally men. Nifrani disguise themselves as women in order to better protect their charges. The term is also used as an insult among non-eunuchs in Osirion, most notably used by women against other women.9

Nonhuman eunuchs

Although most eunuchs on Golarion are human, they are not the only race with this particular custom. Ifrit10 nobles on the Plane of Fire specially breed and castrate ogres to serve as harem guards,11 while eunuchs of other races can serve in positions of authority within a palace or noble household.12 In Qadira, wealthy households also keep eunuch ogre guards.13

In religion

Certain cults of Gozreh are said to be run by eunuch priests,14 while the cults of the demon lord Mestama are led entirely by women and eunuchs.15

References

  1. Eunuch on Wikipedia.
  2. James Jacobs, et al. Jalmeray” in The Inner Sea World Guide, 88. Paizo Inc., 2011
  3. James Jacobs, et al. Qadira” in The Inner Sea World Guide, 152. Paizo Inc., 2011
  4. Michael Kortes. Entombed with the Pharaohs, 4. Paizo Inc., 2007
  5. Erik Mona, et al. Howl of the Carrion King, 70. Paizo Inc., 2009
  6. James L. Sutter. Death's Heretic. Paizo Inc., 2011
  7. James Jacobs, et al. “Regions of the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 35. Paizo Inc., 2011
  8. Dave Gross. Master of Devils. Paizo Inc., 2011
  9. Elaine Cunningham. Pathfinder's Journal: Dark Tapestry 4 of 6” in The End of Eternity, 71. Paizo Inc., 2009
  10. Paizo referred to ifrits as efreet and naaris as ifrits until the publication of Highhelm. See also Rage of Elements pg. 3 and Pathfinder Core Preview pgs. 2, 13, 18.
  11. Greg A. Vaughan. “The Impossible Eye” in The Impossible Eye, 41. Paizo Inc., 2009
  12. Greg A. Vaughan. “The Impossible Eye” in The Impossible Eye, 39. Paizo Inc., 2009
  13. James MacKenzie. Our Lady of Silver, 9. Paizo Inc., 2009
  14. Sean K Reynolds, et al. Inner Sea Gods, 71. Paizo Inc., 2014
  15. James Jacobs. “Lords of the Abyss” in Lords of Chaos, Book of the Damned Volume 2, 20. Paizo Inc., 2010

External links

  • Eunuch (real-world concept) on Wikipedia