Eunuch
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
- ↑ Eunuch on Wikipedia.
- ↑ “Jalmeray” in The Inner Sea World Guide, 88. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ “Qadira” in The Inner Sea World Guide, 152. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ Entombed with the Pharaohs, 4. Paizo Inc., 2007 .
- ↑ Howl of the Carrion King, 70. Paizo Inc., 2009 .
- ↑ Death's Heretic. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ “Regions of the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 35. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ Master of Devils. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ “Pathfinder's Journal: Dark Tapestry 4 of 6” in The End of Eternity, 71. Paizo Inc., 2009 .
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ “The Impossible Eye” in The Impossible Eye, 41. Paizo Inc., 2009 .
- ↑ “The Impossible Eye” in The Impossible Eye, 39. Paizo Inc., 2009 .
- ↑ Our Lady of Silver, 9. Paizo Inc., 2009 .
- ↑ Inner Sea Gods, 71. Paizo Inc., 2014 .
- ↑ “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