Tian Xia zodiac

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Tian Xia zodiac
Dragon Empires zodiac
(Cosmos)

Type
Source: Dragon Empires Gazetteer, pg(s). 51

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. 1.0 1.1 Eren Ahn, et al. “Starlit sentinel” in Tian Xia Character Guide, 94–95. Paizo Inc., 2024
  2. 2.0 2.1 James Jacobs, et al. “Life in the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 51. Paizo Inc., 2011
  3. Jason Bulmahn. “Esoteric Traditions” in Occult Mysteries, 36. Paizo Inc., 2014
  4. Rigby Bendele, et al. “The Stars” in Travel Guide, 120. Paizo Inc., 2022
  5. Richard Pett. “Forest of Spirits” in Forest of Spirits, 53. Paizo Inc., 2011
  6. Eren Ahn, et al. “Dragon Champions of the Zodiac” in Tian Xia Character Guide, 21–22. Paizo Inc., 2024
  7. Eren Ahn, et al. “Dragon Champions of the Zodiac” in Tian Xia Character Guide, 21. Paizo Inc., 2024
  8. Saif Ansari, et al. Harbingers of Fate” in Disciple's Doctrine, inside front cover, 10. Paizo Inc., 2018