Tian Xia zodiac
Dragon Empires zodiac
The Tian Xia zodiac,1 also known as the Dragon Empires zodiac, is a series of twelve constellations used by astrologers in Tian Xia.23 This zodiac is distinct from others in that instead of being tied to the constellations' positions in the sky, their importance is tied to the phases of the moon.4
Signs
The zodiac's twelve figures are heavily associated with imperial dragons and Tian legends, as well as with specific points in time and phases of the moon. This extends to daylight hours, even when the constellations are not visible.52
- Underworld Dragon
- Also known as the Guardian. Those born under the Guardian are determined and prudent, but may also be distant from others, being flawed with reticence, coldness, and even a brooding nature.6
- Swordswoman
- Also known as the Warrior.
- Sea Dragon
- Sea-folk call him Father Ocean.
- Swallow
- Different cultures see them as different kinds of birds.
- Ox
- Among Tian-Tangs and Tian-Hwans, the Ox is called the Water Buffalo.
- Sovereign Dragon
- Also known as the Empress.
- Ogre
- Forest Dragon
- Blossom
- Also known as the Cherry Tree.
- Dog
- Sky Dragon
- Also known as the Lord of the Sky.
- Archer
- Also known as the Breath.
History
The roots of the zodiac's origins are said to trace back to tales and exploits of the Dragon Champions of the Zodiac; the legendary Tian Shen; and his 12 Impossible Trials of the Zodiac.7
The Oracular Council of Po Li
The Tian Xia zodiac is one of the tools used by the Oracular Council of Po Li to help them craft official state rules that are viewed as sacred by many of the Po Lian populace.8
Starlit sentinels
Starlit sentinels are guardians of Tian Xia granted transformative powers by one of the zodiac's 12 constellations. Only one sentinel for each constellation can be active at any given time.1
References
For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 “Starlit sentinel” in Tian Xia Character Guide, 94–95. Paizo Inc., 2024 .
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 “Life in the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 51. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ “Esoteric Traditions” in Occult Mysteries, 36. Paizo Inc., 2014 .
- ↑ “The Stars” in Travel Guide, 120. Paizo Inc., 2022 .
- ↑ “Forest of Spirits” in Forest of Spirits, 53. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ “Dragon Champions of the Zodiac” in Tian Xia Character Guide, 21–22. Paizo Inc., 2024 .
- ↑ “Dragon Champions of the Zodiac” in Tian Xia Character Guide, 21. Paizo Inc., 2024 .
- ↑ “Harbingers of Fate” in Disciple's Doctrine, inside front cover, 10. Paizo Inc., 2018 .