MMM3 - Asian Pantheons FASERIP Marvel

KUI XING F AM (50) A IN (40) S IN (40) E IN (40) R MN (75) I IN (40) P MN (75) Health: 170 Karma: 190 Resources: IN Popularity: 10 BACKGROUND Real Name: Zhong Kuei Occupation: God of paperwork and examinations Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: Most residents of Earth-616 believe Kui Xing to be a fictional mythological deity. Other Known Aliases: K’uei Hsing, Zhong Kuei Place of Birth: China Marital Status: Presumed single Known Relatives: None known Base of Operations: Ta-Lo Past Group Affiliations: None Present Group Affiliations: Xian KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Xian stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Regeneration: RM ability Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000 Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. 148

PETS Sea Turtle: Kui Xing frequently travels on the back of a large sea turtle. The turtle has the following attributes. F A S E R I P Pr Pr Am Am Fb Pr Pr Health: 108 Karma: 10 Hyper-Running: the turtle is deceptively fast, able to travel at UN speed on both land and in water, unhindered. Shell: the turtle’s thick shell provides it with Sh-X protection versus all nonmental forms of damage. Talents: Leadership, Business, Occult Lore, Demonology and Ghost Lore, History: Ta-Lo/Feng-Tu and China, Instructor, Law Contacts: Xian ROLE-PLAYING NOTES Kui Xing is extremely clever and highly organized. He is respectful and loyal to his superiors, and especially devoted to upholding the social order. He values the virtue of intelligence. He has been tasked to hunt, capture, take charge of and maintain discipline and order of all ghosts, and takes this role seriously as his part in ridding Ta-Lo of evil. HISTORY Kui Xing was born on Earth as a brilliant but ugly dwarf named Zhong Kuei. As the god of examinations, he became the deity of scholars who took imperial examinations. Kui Xing is said to have passed his own examination with remarkable success but was denied the usual honours when the emperor beheld his ugly features. Brokenhearted, Kuei attempted suicide. He would have died, according to one account, had not an ao fish (or an ao turtle) borne him to safety. Another account says that Kui actually died. As depicted in art, Kui bends forward like a runner, his left leg raised behind, the other sometimes balanced on the head of a fish (or giant sea turtle). Sometimes he sits astride the animal. In his right hand Kuei holds a writing brush to check off the most outstanding scholar candidates whose names are listed on a paper belonging to Yudi, the great Jade Emperor. In his left hand Kuei holds an official seal (some say a bushel basket to measure the talents of examinees). Kuei Xing resides among the stars as the deity in charge of the Ursa Major constellation. He is also one of two assistants assigned to help Wendi, the god of literature. 149

LEI GONG F MN (75) A AM (50) S MN (75) E AM (50) R GD (10) I TY (6) P EX (20) Health: 250 Karma: 36 Resources: RM Popularity: 20 BACKGROUND Real Name: Lei Gong Occupation: God of thunder Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: Most residents of Earth-616 believe Lei-Gong to be a fictional mythological deity. Other Known Aliases: Lei Kung, Lei Gung, Kei Kung, Tien Chu (variant names), "My Lord Thunder," "Thunder Duke" Place of Birth: Unrevealed, possibly Ta-Lo Marital Status: Married Known Relatives: Yu Huang (possible father, alias Yu Shih), Tien Mu (wife), Sien Tsan Mu (aunt), Xi Wang Mu (step-mother), Ba Niang, Qi Gu Niang, Song Zi Niang, Wang Mu Niang, Meng Po Niang, Chih Nu Niang (half-sisters), Er Lang (cousin) Base of Operations: Ta-Lo Past Group Affiliations: None Present Group Affiliations: Xian KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Xian stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Regeneration: RM ability Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000 Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. Shapeshifting: Amazing rank. Lei Gong has a humanoid bird-like appearance, with wings, beak, and taloned feet. His unusual appearance gives him the following abilities: ● Flight: He can reach speeds of 120 miles an hour (Good airspeed) in the atmosphere unhindered by extra weight and soar at heights of 6,500 feet, but he cannot attain any distance approaching sub-orbital level over the planet. With his wings, he can create enough thrust 150

to carry over five tons in addition to his weight without utilizing his strength. He can cover great distances such as from Mount K'unL'un to the Chinese coast in a matter of minutes. ● Beak/Talons: In his bird-like form, Lei Gong’s beak and talons can scratch through solid steel. Incredible edged damage. EQUIPMENT Drum and Mallet: Lei Gong has also an additional power derived from the properly balance between positive and negative chi within his physical form: Using a drum and a mallet, he can produce destructive blasts of thunder. When wielded by Lei Gong, the drum and mallet provide the following powers: ● Weapon: Lei Gong’s mallet may be used as a striking weapon for Unearthly blunt damage. It may also be used as a thrown weapon with a range of 5 areas and will return to Lei Gong’s hand. Both the drum and the mallet are made of Shift Y strength material. ● Lightning: Striking the mallet to the drum can produce a lightning bolt at Incredible strength. ● Sonic Attack: Striking the drum may also produce a thunderous sound equivalent to an Incredible strength sonic attack. Lei Gong is able to produce the noise without the lightning if he wishes. Talents: Aerial Combat, Martial Arts A, B, D and E, Weapons Specialist: Mallet, Law, History of Ta-Lo and China, Demonology, Meteorology, Acrobatics Contacts: Xian ADDITIONAL NOTES Thor & Hercules: Encyclopaedia Mythologica names Tian-Mu as Lei Gong’s mother, and Lei Zi as his wife. A number of other sources cite Lei Zi as an alternate name for Tian-Mu, and Tian-Mu (sometimes under a variant name) as his wife. Since Marvel sources are unclear, it’s assumed here that Tian-Mu and Lei Zi are one and the same, and married to Lei Gong. ROLE-PLAYING NOTES When so ordered by heaven, Leigong punishes both earthly mortals guilty of secret crimes and evil spirits who have used their knowledge to harm human beings. Lei Gong is said to be extremely prudish, and will not enter a house where copulation is taking place. Pictures of this act are also supposed to have the same effect. HISTORY Lei Gong is the son of Yu Shih, the god of rain, and Tien Mu, the goddess of lightning. It is possible but unconfirmed that Yu Shih and Yu Huang are the same deity. Lei Gong was given the task by heaven to fight the enemies of the gods and to punish and chase away evil spirits. He was also known to attack any mortal man who remained beyond the reach of mortal law. At some point in the past, Lei Gong was traveling on Earth through the woods at the foothills of Mount K'un-L'un with a mortal hunter when they were approached by a small child waving a flag. Suspecting it to be a demon in disguise, Lei Gong slew the creature without hesitating if only to realize too late the being was a harmless tree-spirit protecting the woods. The hunter accompanying Lei Gong was killed in his display of power and restored to life afterward to replace the slain spirit. On Earth, Lei Gong often took the form of a massive human-sized bird to appear to mortals. His worship was eventually taken over by Garuda, the Hindu bird-god, from India. It's believed Lei Gong still returns to China to protect it from dangers that threaten it. 151

NEZHA F MN (75) A AM (50) S IN (40) E MN (75) R GD (10) I EX (20) P AM (50) Health: 240 Karma: 80 Resources: AM Popularity: 20 BACKGROUND Real Name: Unknown Occupation: God of mischief Legal Status: Citizen of China and TaLo Identity: Most residents of Earth-616 believe Nezha to be a fictional mythological deity. Other Known Aliases: Nataku (by the Japanese), Zhongtan Yuanshuai (in Taoist texts), Na Zha Place of Birth: China Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Li Jing (father); Lady Yin (mother); Jinzha, Muzha (brothers) Base of Operations: Ta-Lo Past Group Affiliations: None known Present Group Affiliations: Xian KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Xian stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Regeneration: RM ability Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000 Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and other152

dimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. Six arms: Nezha’s extra limbs give him +1CS to Climbing and Grappling actions, plus one extra attack per turn. Hyper-Speed: Remarkable EQUIPMENT Universe Ring: This is a hoop-shaped weapon similar to a chakram that Nezha can make larger or smaller as needed. When not using it, he wears it as a bracelet on his arm. It is immensely heavy, as only a superhuman can wield it. The ring does Incredible edged damage, and is made of Class 1000-strength material. It always returns to Nezha’s hand when he throws it. Wind Fire Wheels: Nezha wears wheels of fire on his feet for transportation at Unearthly rank land speed. Red Armillary Sash: Nezha’s red silken sash can emit fire and golden rays of light at Amazing intensity. Fire-Tipped Spear: Nezha’s fire-tipped spear does Incredible fire or edged damage, and is capable of starting fires at the same intensity. The spear is made of Class 1000 material. Talents: Weapons Specialist: Universe Ring, Weapons Specialist: Spear, Acrobatics, Tumbling, Gymnastics, Martial Arts A and B, Quick Striking, Edged Weapons Contacts: Xian, Amatsu-Kami ROLE-PLAYING NOTES Despite his considerable power, Nezha has an ebullient, playful persona reflecting his childlike appearance. He sees the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity. True to his role, he is constantly mischief but is not malevolent. HISTORY Nezha is the god of mischief, also called Nataku to the Japanese, and Zhongtan Yuanshuai in Taoist texts. His official Taoist name is "Marshal of the Central Altar" (中壇元帥). He was then given the title "Third Lotus Prince" (蓮花三太子) after he became a deity. He is often depicted as a youth, instead of an adult. Sometimes, he is shown having three heads, and/or six arms. According to Fengshen Yanyi, Nezha was born during the Shang dynasty in a military fortress at Chentang Pass. His father was a military commander named Li Jing, who later became the "Pagoda-wielding Heavenly King". Nezha's mother, Lady Yin, gave birth to a ball of flesh after being pregnant with him for three years and six months. Li Jing thought that his wife had given birth to a demon and attacked the ball with his sword. The ball split open and Nezha jumped out as a boy instead of an infant. Nezha could speak and walk immediately after birth. He was later accepted by the immortal Taiyi Zhenren as a student. He had two older brothers, Jinzha, a disciple of Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun, and Muzha. One day, the people of Chentang Pass asked for rain, and sacrificed much food to the East Sea Dragon King Ao Guang. The King rejected the food, instead wanting girls and boys to eat. He sent Ye Sha to capture for him a girl and boy. Nezha and two other children were playing by the sea when Ye Sha appeared and captured one of Nezha's friends. Nezha then fought him and injured him severely, causing him to return to the King and beg for someone else to take care of Nezha. The Dragon King sent Ao Bing, his third son, but the latter was slain by Nezha. Ao Guang called for his brothers and confronted Nezha and his family. He threatened to flood Chentang Pass and report Nezha to the Jade Emperor. To save his family and the people, Nezha committed suicide himself then carving up his own flesh and dismembering his bones "returning" these to his parents in repayment for the debt of his birth. The Dragon Kings then hosted a huge celebration. After Nezha had committed suicide to return his body to his parents, he appeared in his mother's dream. In the dream, he asked her to build a temple for him, so that his soul would have a place to rest. This constitutes a 153

link to Nezha's birth because the night before Nezha was born, Lady Yin had a dream where a Taoist put something into her bosom and told her to take this child. For both incidences, a dream was used to communicate a message. His mother then secretly built a temple for Nezha and this temple later flourished. This temple became very well-known and grew vastly because Nezha granted miracle cures to the sick and the crippled. However, Li Jing soon found out about this temple and burnt it down because he was still angry at Nezha and felt that he had already caused too much trouble for their family. Li Jing burning the temple caused Nezha to desire his father's death. Thus, enmity between father and son grew. Nezha was later brought back to life by his teacher, Taiyi Zhenren, who used lotus roots to construct a human body for his soul and gave him two new weapons: the Wind Fire Wheels (風火輪) and the Fire-tipped Spear (火尖槍). With the reincarnation of Nezha by his master, Li Jing and Nezha fought many battles. However, Li Jing soon realized that his mortal body was no match for Nezha and so he ran for his life. On the run, he met his second son, Muzha, who fought and was defeated by Nezha. At this, Li Jing tried to commit suicide but was saved by Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun, who also contained Nezha. In the end, Nezha was forced to submit to his father by another deity, Randeng Daoren. In one Chinese text, Nezha was a general under his father, "Pagodawielding Heavenly King" Li Jing. He fought the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, when the latter rebelled against the Jade Emperor. They became friends later. In traditional folklore, Nezha flies around swiftly on his wind fire wheels, so he is also regarded as the tutelary god of many professional drivers, like trucks, taxis, or sightseeing bus drivers. They tend to place a small statue of Nezha in the vehicles for a safe drive. It is also said Nezha is the patron of gamblers - mischievous enough to give winning numbers to lottery winners. 154

TIAN-MU F AM (50) A AM (50) S IN (40) E AM (50) R GD (10) I GD (10) P IN (40) Health: 190 Karma: 60 Resources: RM Popularity: 10 BACKGROUND Real Name: Tian-Mu Occupation: Goddess of lightning Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: Most residents of Earth-616 believe Tian-Mu to be a fictional mythological deity. Other Known Aliases: T’ien-Mu, Dian Mu, Lei Zi, Lei Tzu Place of Birth: Unknown, possibly TaLo Marital Status: Married Known Relatives: Yu Huang (possible father, alias Yu Shih), Lei Gong (husband?), Sien Tsan Mu (aunt), Xi Wang Mu (step-mother), Ba Niang, Qi Gu Niang, Song Zi Niang, Wang Mu Niang, Meng Po Niang, Chih Nu Niang (half-sisters), Er Lang (cousin) Base of Operations: Ta-Lo Past Group Affiliations: None Present Group Affiliations: Xian KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Xian stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Regeneration: RM ability Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000 Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. EQUIPMENT Tian-Mu utilizes two circular, handheld mirrors to summon bolts of lightning. The mirrors may be used for the following: ● Create lightning bolts of Amazing intensity. ● Start fires at Remarkable intensity. ● Create blinding light of Amazing intensity. ● “Spotlight” a target for an ally, allowing a +2CS to hit an opponent. Tian-Mu frequently uses this ability when she fights alongside Lei Gong. Talents: Martial Arts A, D, and E, Meteorology, History of Ta-Lo and China Contacts: Xian 155

ADDITIONAL NOTES Thor & Hercules: Encyclopaedia Mythologica names Tian-Mu as Lei Gong’s mother, and Lei Zi as his wife. A number of other sources cite Lei Zi as an alternate name for Tian-Mu, and Tian-Mu (sometimes under a variant name) as his wife. Since Marvel sources are unclear, it’s assumed here that Tian-Mu and Lei Zi are one and the same, and married to Lei Gong. ROLE-PLAYING NOTES Tian-Mu can distinguish good from evil with her mirrors and is the goddess of justice for this reason. She rarely leaves the side of her husband, Lei Gong. HISTORY Little is known of the history and background of Tian-Mu. The wife of Thunder God Lei Gong, who makes the thunder, she creates lightning with the aid of two small circular hand held mirrors. She is one of several gods who work together to produce the phenomena of storms. Other companions are Yun Tong ("Cloud Youth"), who whips up clouds, and Yu Zi ("Rain Master") who causes downpours by dipping his sword into a pot. Roaring winds rush forth from a type of goatskin bag manipulated by Fengbo ("Earl of Wind"), who was later transformed into Feng Po Po ("Lady Wind"). 156

YEN-LO WANG F IN (40) A IN (40) S AM (50) E AM (50) R GD (10) I EX (20) P IN (40) Health: 180 Karma: 70 Resources: UN Resources: UN BACKGROUND Real Name: Yen Lo-Wang Occupation: God of the dead Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: Most residents of Earth-616 believe Yen-Lo Wang to be a fictional mythological deity. Other Known Aliases: Yen Wang, Yen Kuang-Yeh, Ti Tsing Wang Pu'sa (Hindu name), Kshitigarbha (Buddhist name), Yama Raja (Sanskrit name) Place of Birth: possibly Mount K'un L'un Marital Status: Married Known Relatives: Ru-Shou (possible father), Huang Fei Fu (possible mother), Meng-po Niang-niang (niece/wife), Yu Huang Shang-Ti (possible brother-in-law), Xi Wang Mu (possible sister), Ba Niang, Qi Gu Niang, Song Zi Niang, Wang Mu Niang, Chih Nu Niang (sisters-in-law) Base of Operations: Feng-Tu Past Group Affiliations: None Present Group Affiliations: Xian, Yama Kings KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Xian stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Regeneration: RM ability Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000 Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. Yen-Lo Wang has some limited abilities to tap into and manipulate mystical energies relating to the chi or life force. The full extent of his abilities is not known, but he has so far demonstrated the following powers: ● Astral Manipulation: He can sense and perceive ghosts or astral spirits, drawing them forth from mortal beings and creating a semblance of death, later restoring them without harm to the mortals involved, at Unearthly ability. 157

● Teleportation: He can teleport anywhere within Feng-Tu (Shift X ability), but his ability to teleport is not as precise when he is in other dimensions (Unearthly from Ama, Monstrous from other realms). ● Illusionary Reality: He can control and alter the reality within Feng-Tu to resemble realms of paradise per his individual subjects at Unearthly ability, although most Xian are immune to these illusions. Talents: Leadership, Law, Ritual Magics, Occult Lore, Martial Arts A, History: Ta-Lo, Feng-Tu and China, Resist Domination Contacts: Xian, Yama Kings ROLE-PLAYING NOTES Yen-Lo Wang is a shrewd and beneficent deity capable of great compassion. He is a capable and just ruler of great knowledge and judgment. Unlike many other gods of the dead, he is not reckless with his powers, instead reserving punishment toward those unworthy of his presence. HISTORY Yen-Lo Wang may be the son of RuShou, the god of misfortune, who controlled the lands of Western China before the reign of Yu Huang. Along with Gong-Gung, Chu Jung, and Gou Mang, each ruled one of the cardinal points of Western China with GongGung to the North, Chu Jung to the South, Gou Mang to the East, RuShou to the West, and Yuang-Shi at the center. These brothers were always at war with each other with a war between Gong Gung and Chu Jung shattering Mount Buzhou which resulting in a flood that covered China during the reign of Emperor Yao. However, after China unified into an Empire, Yu Huang possibly granted Yen-Lo Wang with dominion over the other-dimensional realm of Feng-Tu, a dimension set aside for the shades (astral spirits) of the worshippers of the Chinese Gods. Worshipped in China as a god of the dead, Yen-Lo Wang shared dominion of Feng-Tu with a bureaucracy of other underworld gods. At some point, Yen-Lo Wang courted the goddess Kwannon and took her to the underworld. Once there, she began to show compassion to the spirits she encountered there. Once Yu Huang discovered Yen-Lo Wang was being too merciful with the dead, he replaced him with Tsi-Kuang wang as god of the underworld with dominion over the Yama Kings over Yen-Lo Wang. Yen-Lo Wang returned Kwannon to Earth afterward. In modern times, Taoism was overwhelmed by foreign religions such as Buddhism and Confucianism, and although he still had modern day worshippers, Yen-Lo Wang was no longer acquiring as many new acquisitions to his realm as he had in ancient times. Yen-Lo Wang was subsequently visited by Seth, the Egyptian god of evil, and Hades, the Olympian god of the dead, in a plot to merge their respective lands of the dead to acquire more souls to their realms. A much more noble deity, Yen-Lo Wang remained uninterested in their plot and refused them than become a part of their schemes. 158

ZHU RONG F AM (50) A IN (40) S IN (40) E AM (50) Health: 180 R GD (10) Karma: 60 I GD (10) Resources: IN P IN (40) Popularity: 10 BACKGROUND Real Name: Zhu-Rong Occupation: God of fire Legal Status: Citizen of Ancient China and Ta-Lo Identity: Most residents of Earth-616 believe Zhu Rong to be a fictional mythological deity. Other Known Aliases: Chu Jung, Chu Jiang, Chu Kiang, Zhu-Jung, Ch'ung, Ju Rong, Zu Rong, Chong Li Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: possibly Single Known Relatives: Pan Ku (possible father), Gaea (possible mother, alias, Hou-Tu), Gong-Gung, Gou Mang, Ru Shou (brothers), Tai Yan (wife), ShouHsing, Lu-Hsing, Fu-Hsing (possible nephews), Nugua (possible niece) Base of Operations: Ta-Lo; Heng Shan Nan in Hunan Province, China Past Group Affiliations: None Present Group Affiliations: Xian KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Xian stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Regeneration: RM ability Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000 Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s 159

language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. Magma Control: Zhu-Rong has the ability to conjure and control magma and molten rock and use it in both offensive and defensive combat, at Unearthly rank. Giant form: Zhu Rong has the ability to manifest as an immensely powerful, enormous (roughly equal to a 50-story skyscraper) being of formidable strength. In this form, Zhu Rong retains all of the powers listed above, plus the following attributes: F A S E R I P Am In ShY ShX Gd Gd Am Health: 490 Karma: 70 Zhanmadao: Zhu Rong’s sword in this form does Unearthly damage and may be used as an edged attack or energy attack (fire). EQUIPMENT Armor: Provides Amazing protection vs. physical attacks; the armor is composed of a Class 1000 material. Weapon: Zhu Rong wields a zhanmadao (traditional Chinese long sabre) in combat. The sabre does Amazing edged damage, and is constructed of Class 1000 material. 160

PETS Zhu Rong sometimes rides a South China tiger for transportation. F A S E R I P Ex Ex EX Rm Pr Pr Gd Health: 90 Karma: 16 Resources: N/A Popularity: 0 Claws/Fangs: Attacks with Edged damage Speed: The tiger can move at 6 areas/round Dimensional Travel: Unearthly ability Talents: Bladed Weapons, Martial Arts A, B and E, Intimidation, Geology Contacts: Xian ROLE-PLAYING NOTES Zhu-Rong is quick to anger, and stubborn. He will not hesitate to do what he thinks is right, even if it means doing so at a great cost. HISTORY Zhu-Rong is the god of fire and the south, who taught mankind about fire. He commands the heavenly ministry of fire and serves as its Lord of Fire (火正). Having waged a destructive battle, Zhurong defeated the god of water Gonggong. This had caused the destruction of the world pillar (Mount Buzhou), which covered the land with rising floods and raging flames, so Nuwa intervened to restore the balance within the cosmos. As a deity so uncompromising, he once executed lord Gun, who stole xirang (a selfrenewing soil belonging to the gods) to save the people from the great flood. After Yu Huang united China and placed the Xian under a bureaucracy, Zhu Rong became known as Chu Jiang, judge of one of the courts of Feng-Tu. Zhu-Rong was summoned to Earth616 by The One (Shu-Hu), whereupon Zhu-Rong descended from the heavens to punish The One for his insolence and attempted to take New York City as retribution. The One was defeated, but Zhu-Rong’s attempted abduction of the city was repelled by Iron Fist (Danny Rand) and his allies. 161

SUN WUKONG F MN (75) A SH-Z (500) S SH-X (150) E UN (100) R IN (40) I IN (40) P MN (75) Health: 825 Karma: 155 Resources: MN Popularity: 40 BACKGROUND Real Name: Sun Wukong Occupation: King of the Mountain of Fruits and Flowers, Adventurer, Trickster Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: Most residents of Earth-616 believe Sun Wukong to be a fictional mythological deity. Other Known Aliases: Monkey King, Monkey, Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Hou-zi (alternate spelling), Suen Ng-hung (Cantoneses), Son Gokū (Japanese), Son Ogong (Korean), Tôn Ngộ Không (Vietnamese), Sung Ghokong/Sung Gokhong (Javanese), Sun Ngokong (Thai), Sun Gokong (Malaysian/Indonesian), Dou ZhanSheng ("Victorious Fighting Buddha"), Handsome Monkey God, Great Stone Monkey, Shi-Hou ("Stone Monkey"), Mei Houwang ("Handsome MonkeyKing") Bìmawen ("Keeper of the Heavenly Horses"), Qitan Dasheng ("Equal of Heaven"), Xing-zhe ("ascetic"), Ling-mingden-hou ("Intelligent Stone Monkey"), Sun Zhanglao ("Monk"), Kau-che-thian ("Monkey Equal of Heaven"), Maa-lau zing ("Monkey Imp"), et al. Place of Birth: Mount Huago, China Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Feng Bo (possible father), Fei Lien (possible mother), Chih-Yu (grandfather), Chih-Nu (grandmother), Shen-Nong (greatgrandfather), Sien Tsan Mu (great grandmother) Base of Operations: TaLo; formerly mobile Past Group Affiliations: Sun Wukong at one point had two warrior companions, Zhu Bajie (nick-named "Pigsy") and Sha Wujing (nicknamed "Sandy"). Present Group Affiliations: Xian KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Xian stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Sun Wukong actually has quadruple immortality, gained through Taoist practices, wiping his name from the book of life and death, eating immortal peaches, and eating Laozi's elixir of immortality, respectively. Regeneration: RM ability. Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks. Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000. Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and 162

expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. Shapeshifting: Known as Monkey King’s “72 Heavenly Transformations”, a hyperbole for an endless array of transformations. This skill allows him to grow as tall as the sky or shrink to the size of a gnat, as well as manipulate his body to appear as if, for example, he is capable of cutting open his stomach, inspecting his organs, and instantly healing the wound. This power gives him the following abilities: ● Shapeshifting at Unearthly rank; may impersonate gods, monsters, and humans to animals, insects, and even inanimate objects like buildings. ● Regeneration at Amazing rank ● Growth and Shrinking at Amazing rank. Golden Pupils and Fiery Eyes - His eyes are capable of seeing for hundreds of miles and seeing the true nature of a being, whether they be a god or a demon, in disguise. Provides both True Sight and Telescopic Vision at Amazing rank. Mental Acuity - He can learn new subjects at a superhuman speed. For example, he achieved immortality and masters Daoist magic, martial arts, and Chinese medicine in just three years. He has been described as "someone who, knowing one thing, could understand a hundred." In game terms, this is a form of the Photographic Reflexes power, allowing him to learn a new talent by spending only 100 Karma and observing someone using that talent for 1-100 rounds. Anyone whom Sun Wukong has studied suffers a -2CS to all FEATs during combat. Hyper-Speed: Incredible rank. Hyper-Running: Sun Wukong can run “at the speed of a meteor”. Class 5000 land speed. Matter Duplication: Each of his hairs possesses magical properties, capable of being transformed into clones of the Monkey King himself, and/or into various weapons, animals, and other objects. Remarkable rank; Monkey King can create up to 30 duplicates with identical powers and attributes as himself as per Self-Duplication. The clones will remain active as long as Monkey King is conscious or within a 1-mile radius, and can be dispelled by him at will. Taoist magic - Sun Wukong commands a wide variety of magical abilities, the full extent which has not been explored. Powers which Sun Wukong has demonstrated with this ability include: ● Command gods and spirits: Mental Control at Incredible rank, only works on supernatural entities ● Part fire and water: Treat as Fire Control and Water Control, both at Remarkable rank ● Create an impassable barrier: Up to 5 areas wide, Class 1000 strength, may not be penetrated from either side ● Give others superhuman strength: +1CS to target’s Strength ● Cast illusions: At Incredible ability ● Freeze someone in place: Immobilize target at Amazing rank ● Call for rain and thunder: Summon rain and lightning at Excellent ability ● Bring the dead back to life (via fetching their soul from the underworld): Resurrection at Shift X ability, but requires Sun Wukong to physically journey to the location of the target’s soul to retrieve it. This power also includes Class 1000 ability to travel to any realms of the dead. EQUIPMENT Ruyi Jingu Bang: Monkey owns an enchanted black iron, golden-banded staff called the Ruyi Jingu Bang which glows in his presence to signify him as its true master. It can change its size, multiply with him and fight according 163

to Monkey's whims following his every command. It is also enchanted that only Monkey can weld it, and it can be shrunk and expanded at will, usually reduced to the size of a needle to be hidden behind Monkey's ear. The staff weighs 17,550 lbs; its maximum length is about 12,000 feet. The staff does Amazing blunt damage, and is composed of Class 3000 strength material. When it acts independently of Sun Wukong, the staff fights at Incredible rank with Remarkable agility; if Sun Wukong is incapacitated or is more than 5 areas away, it becomes inanimate again. Armor: Golden chain mail shirt, provides Incredible Body Armor and Resistance vs. Magic Phoenix-Feather Cap (Fèngchìzǐjinguān 鳳翅紫金冠 ): The phoenix-feather cap was one of the treasures of the Dragon Kings, a circlet of red gold adorned with phoenix feathers. Traditionally it is depicted as a metal headband with two striped feathers attached to the front, presumably the signature plumage of the fenghuang or Chinese phoenix. The circlet provides +1CS versus magical attacks. Cloud-Walking Boots (藕絲步雲履 Ǒusībùyúnlǚ): These allow Sun Wukong to jump off of or fly on clouds. Amazing airspeed, clouds must be present for him to use. He can also perform a “Cloud Somersault” that allows him to travel up to 13,468 miles in one somersault (treat as Class 5000 Hyper-Leaping). Talents: Chinese Medicine (treat as First Aid but can also treat long-term ailments), Thief, Pickpocket, Acrobatics, Gymnastics, Tumbling, Climbing, Oriental Weapons, Bladed Weapons, Martial Arts A - E Contacts: Xian, Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing, current Monkey King ADDITIONAL NOTES This entry refers to the original Sun Wukong/Monkey King member of the Xian, not the current mortal one. ROLE-PLAYING NOTES The Monkey King is the ultimate trickster: he managed to earn himself a place among the Xian simply by being a nuisance to them. Sun Wukong is arrogant, cunning, and irreverent, much to the annoyance of everyone around him. He is also possessed of a rapier wit: he is a skilled poet, and enjoys taunting his enemies mercilessly. His ego leads him to be brash and childish, and sometimes quick to temper. Since redeeming himself to the Xian he has reformed by being less selfserving, but he still retains these qualities and admires those who are able to equal his antics. Despite this, Sun Wukong has many positive aspects to his personality. For one, he is a confident, optimistic person. He doesn't just go down when he faces hardships; he devises ways to overcome them, putting a smile on his face even when he has been defeated numerous times. HISTORY Sun Wukong was a monkey born from an ancient stone in China long ago; alternately, some myths state that he was born from an unknown mountain-goddess and Fei Lien, the Chinese wind-god on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit (modern Mount Huago). Over the course of many adventures he became king of the Mountain of Fruits and Flowers, and learned magic and shapeshifting from a Taoist master. On Earth, Monkey became master of the animals of the wild, mostly monkeys, and after bathing in a stream, led them to seek its source. Their journey led to a waterfall that concealed the bridge to Ta-Lo. Having discovered it, Monkey had the monkeys declare him their king. Despite this position, Monkey became quite a Trickster and was often off on adventures. He acquired the staff, Ruyi Jingu Bang, from the ocean treasure of Ao Kuang, the dragon-king of the Eastern Sea, and used it to defeat the dragons of the four seas, also claiming a golden chain mail shirt, a phoenix-feather cap and cloud-walking boots. With these weapons, he subdued the creatures of Earth and slew several demons. He also invaded Feng-Tu, the Chinese underworld, and tore his name from the Book of Life, ensuring his immortality. 164

Because of the chaos Monkey was wreaking on Earth, the gods rallied to control him, but the Jade Emperor instead invited Monkey to heaven, believing that giving him a rank would make him more manageable. Although Monkey believed he would gain a respectable position, he was made Protector of the Stables, and made responsible of the steeds of the gods. Rebelling over the lowly position, he freed all the creatures under his charge in vengeance. Sun's arrogance grew until he declared himself the "Great Sage Equal to Heaven." To placate him, the gods made him Guardian of the Heavenly Peach Garden of Xi Wang Mu, but when he was excluded from a banquet of the gods, he stole the Peaches of Immortality as well as several other relics to use in his escape. Rendered unstoppable, he defeated Erlang Shen and the entire Army of Heaven. Eventually, through the teamwork of Taoist and Buddhist forces, Guan Yin managed to contain Monkey in a magic prison created by Lao-Zi where his essence would be turned into wine. Hiding in a corner to escape the bombarded flames, Monkey escaped forty-nine days later when the gods chanced to look inside the prison. Emerging with the ability to tell good from evil, Monkey destroyed the prison so he couldn't be captured again. Later aiding the monk Tripitaka in a quest for Buddhist scriptures, Sun eventually redeemed himself and became the "Victorious Fighting Buddha" and was welcomed into the kingdom of Ta-Lo. In modern times, a crime lord selfstyled himself as a modern day "Monkey King." He was tricked by a rival into attempting to steal the original's staff, the Ruyi Jingu Bang. In the cave he encountered the spirit of the original Monkey King who, impressed by his audacity, let him take the staff and at least some of the original's powers on the condition he would be judged. If good he would be allowed to go free, but if his heart was weighed down by evil he would be cast down into the Eighth City of Hell. Judged evil, he was cast down where he was trapped for years until one of the hammers of the Worthy created a hole that allowed many demons including himself to escape. Having seen the error of his ways, he dedicated himself to trying to atone for his past deeds and hunting down the other demons that escaped. This new Monkey King was next seen as a member of S.P.E.A.R.'s response team the Ascendants, as they engaged in an aerial battle against the Gorgon's sect of the Hand over the island nation of Madripoor. He was among the warriors, gods and demigods Gilgamesh thought of to join Hercules' Gods of War against the new gods of the Uprising Storm. 165

SHANG-TI F MN (75) A MN (75) S UN (100) E AM (50) R TY (6) I RM (30) P IN (40) Health: 300 Karma: 76 Resources: RM Popularity: 10 BACKGROUND Real Name: Shang-Ti Occupation: God of Goodness Legal Status: Resident of Ta-Lo Identity: Most residents of Earth-616 believe Shang-Ti to be a fictional mythological deity. Other Known Aliases: Yu Huang Place of Birth: Unknown, possibly TaLo Marital Status: Unknown Known Relatives: Unknown Base of Operations: Presumably TaLo Past Group Affiliations: None Present Group Affiliations: Xian KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Xian stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Regeneration: RM ability Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000 Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. Shang-Ti has demonstrated the following additional powers. Growth of MN rank +1 CS increase to his strength. Generation of MN Strength wind by swinging his axe. AM rank ability to instill awe and fear, cause lesser beings to kneel and bow in his presence. 166

EQUIPMENT Axe: He wields a mystic battle axe made of UN material and may strike with it for MN damage. Talents: Weapons Specialist: Axe, Martial Arts A-E, Edged Weapons, Thrown Weapons, Oriental Weapons Contacts: Xian ADDITIONAL NOTES There appears to be much historical conflation between Shang-Ti and Yu Huan. It is likely that Shang-Ti has impersonated Yu Huang in the past, adding to the confusion. ROLE-PLAYING NOTES Little is known about Shang-Ti, other than that he is vengeful and violent. HISTORY Yu Huang Shang-Ti (aka, Shangdi) is an ancient Taoist god that was regarded as the ultimate spiritual power by the ruling elite during the Shang Dynasty. He was believed to control victory in battle, success or failure of harvests, weather conditions such as the floods, and the fate of the kingdoms. He is the arbiter of laws, human affairs and politics as well as a master of storms. His origins and histories are unknown. Yu Huang Shang-Ti appeared during the Korean War and destroyed a contingent of North Korean soldiers that were using a giant idol with his likeness to hide a platoon of soldiers sent to ambush the American forces. With the outbreak of the Korean War in the 1950s, a commanding officer in the People's Liberation Army convinced his troops to be loyal to the Communist occupation of Korea by having some of his men pose in a giant mockup of Shang-Ti. This effigy was encountered by American troops Battle Brady and Socko Swenski. They exposed the effigy as a hoax, but were captured and the secret covered up to insure continued loyalty of the Chinese soldiers. However, before Battle Brady and Socko Swenski could be executed the real Shang-Ti arrived and began slaughtering the Chinese troops, either not agreeing with the invasion of South Korea or in anger at the Chinese army for using his image. Eventually the Chinese soldiers who survived surrendered and bowed down to Shang-Ti. Shang-Ti then vanished as suddenly as he appeared, leaving Battle and Socko to wonder if what they witnessed really happened. Shang-Ti has not been seen since, his present activities are unknown 167

OTHER XIAN The following gods and goddesses have been alluded to or confirmed as existing behind the scenes in Marvel comics. CHANG-MU Real Name: Ch'uang-Mu Occupation: Goddess of love, sleep and the bedroom Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Chang-Mu except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: Ch'ang-Mu, Lady of the Bed Chamber Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: Married Known Relatives: Zhang Fei (possible father), Chuang Kung (husband) Group Affiliation: Xian Base of Operations: Ta-Lo History: Chang Mu is the daughter of Zhang Fei, the god of butchers taken as a wife by Chuang Kung, the god of the house. She was worshipped as goddess of the bed chambers and controlled everything that occurred with the bedroom, including sleep and love-making, although she was largely known primarily as a goddess of love. She was also considered one of the Pa Chu or "gods of the home." CHENG-O Real Name: Heng-O Occupation: Goddess of the moon Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Cheng-o except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: Chengo (alternate spelling) Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: Separated Known Relatives: Shun (father, deceased), Chang-Xi (mother), Qui (uncle), He-Bo (brother), Fu-Fei (sister-in-law), Yi (half-brother/ exhusband), nine half-brothers (names unrevealed, deceased), Xihe (stepmother), Yao (maternal grandfather), Yu-Huang (ancestor), Group Affiliations: Xian Base of Operations: Ta-Lo History: Cheng-O is the daughter of the deified Chinese Emperor, Shun (Di Jun) who ruled China around the 22nd Century BC, and Chang-Xi, the moon-goddess, daughter of Emperor Yao, believed to be one of the Chinese gods. Yao had adopted Shun and gave him one of his daughters to take as a wife, but Shun in great wisdom could not risk the chance of offending either sister and married them both. Xi-He, the sun-goddess, conceived him ten sons who all grew up to be mighty gods of the sun, while Chang-Xi gave birth to a daughter, Chang-Xi, and a son, He-Bo, the river-god. Among all of Shun's sons, Yi was the most admired of the Chinese gods, defending China from threats by demons and monsters. When China became flooded by successive rains from heaven, Yi came to slay He-Bo to keep him from flooding, by Cheng-O offered to be his wife if he would spare her brother. Yi relented and took Cheng-O as his bride. Shun then called upon his sons by Xihe to descend from heaven and unite their power to dry the earth after the flood, but the combined power of all the sun-gods was more than he had expected and a serious drought occurred, drying and scorching crops and burning everything in flames. Yi in his haste then slew all his brothers with arrows to stop them from setting the world aflame. Although he saved China, he was penalized for the murders by having his godhood removed and being made mortal. As his wife, Cheng-O also had to suffer his disgrace and became mortal as well, departing Ta-Lo, the realm of the Chinese gods, and being made to live on earth. Although Yi was content to live on Earth, Cheng-O felt she was not suited to live among earth and traveled west to meet Xi Wang Mu, the Queen of the Chinese Gods, who owned the P'an T'ao, the golden apples of immortality, which granted the Chinese gods their youth and eternal life. Cheng-O petitioned the gods for the chance to regain her immortality and was granted an elixir made from the golden apples, 168

enough for both Cheng-O and Yi to become gods once more. For reasons that have never been made clear, Cheng-O drank both portions of the elixir herself. Whether Yi had chosen not to give up his life on earth or whether Cheng-O had become selfish is unrevealed, but when Yu-Huang, Ruler of the Chinese Gods, learned what had happened, he cast a spell that forced Yi and Cheng-O to share their godhood, requiring only one of them could be a god at one time. He split the day between them so that Yi dominated the day and Cheng-O dominated the day. Though still married to each other, Cheng-O and Yi chose to live apart, despite still being in love with each other. Although Yi is content to live on earth, Cheng-O now resides in Ta-Lo. Cheng-O possesses the ability to tap into and manipulate certain powers akin to lunar phenomenon, such as elevating herself upon beams of moonlight and illuminating herself in a soft aura of silver light resembling moonlight. She can also create illusions, casting her image across the night sky, and project beams of energy that can bind and carry other people and objects. Her full range of power is unrevealed; she can only summon her power at night and they tend to wane closer to dawn. ChengO is only able to wield her godly powers at night in the absence of sunlight. Furthermore, when she is in any other realm other than Ta-Lo during daylight, she appears as a very old woman, but during night time, she gains her full power, youth, vitality and resistance to harm. Furthermore, any physical injuries she incurs while in her vulnerable form can be completely removed from her once she regains her godly attributes. However, when she is in Ta-Lo, she always appears in her true godly form, but she is not able to command her godly powers. Cheng-O is adept in a form of unarmed combat resembling mortal Ninjitsu with elements of karate and judo. She keeps a couple of rabbits as pets, rabbits being a Chinese symbol of the moon. CHENG-HSIAN Real Name: Cheng-huan shen Occupation: God of cities and administration Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Cheng-Hsian except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: City-God, Celestial Mandarin, Chang Tung Ch'ang, Shu Jung, Shu Jiang, Yang Ki-Shen, Yu K'ien, Yung-Ku Wang Place of Birth: Beijing, China Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Yu-Huang (uncle), Er Lang (possible brother), Group Affiliation: Xian Base of Operations: Ta-Lo History: Responsible to Yu Hang, the ruler of the Chinese Gods, Cheng Hsian was the tutelary god of walls and ditches and administrator to the gods. He protected cities on Earth from evil spirits with a retinue of trained demons. Prayers were addressed through him to the other gods, and his power interceded the judges of the underworld. He was also Chieftain of the Tu-Ti, tutelary city-gods and one of the Pa Chu or gods of the home. CHIH-NU Real Name: Chih-Nii (original spelling) Occupation: Goddess of weavers Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Chih-Nu except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: Chih-Neu, Chin-Nu, Kien Nu, Heavenly Spinner, Spinning Damsel, Stellar-Goddess, Weaver Damsel Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: Married Known Relatives: Yu Huang (father), Sien Tsan Nu (mother), Chien-Nu (husband), Hou-chi (sister), Chi-Yu (half-brother) Group Affiliation: Xian Base of Operations: Ta-Lo History: One of the most important of the Chinese gods, Chih-Nu used her powers over silk to weave the robes of her father, Yu Huang, Ruler of the Chinese Gods. She was also tricked into becoming the wife of a mortal man named Chien-Nu. Traveling to 169

Earth, Chih-Nu decided to bath in a lake and he stole her clothes to keep her from returning to the heavens. She stayed on Earth and gave him two children, but eventually found her clothes and returned to the heavens. Chien-Nu traveled with their children to Mount Kun-Lun in search of Chih-Yu and was made immortal to live with her in heaven, their children becoming ancestors of later Chinese emperors. Chih-Nu has mystical powers over silk enabling her to mentally weave and creating clothing from any material she desires and cast enchantments on those garments. CHI-YU Real Name: Chi-Yu Occupation: God of war Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Chi-Yu except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: None known Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Shen-Nong (father), Sien Tsan-Mu (mother), Chih-Nu, Hou-Chi (half-sisters) Group Affiliation: Xian Base of Operations: Ta-Lo History: Born on Earth, Chi-Yu fought Yu-Huang, the Yellow Emperor, while they were mortals over control of the line of succession. Though he was supported by Chi Zong Zi, the god of rain, and Fei Lian, the god of wind, Yu-Huang defeated him by inventing the compass and the help of Ba Niang, the goddess of drought. As the inventor of warfare and weapons, Chi-Yu was admitted into the Chinese pantheon as a god of war. ER LANG Real Name: Ehr Lang Shen Occupation: Sentry, God of walls and ditches Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Er Lang except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: Ehr-Lang Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: possibly Single Known Relatives: father, mother (names unrevealed, possibly deceased), Yu-Huang (uncle), Sien Tsan Mu (aunt), Er Lang (possible brother), Yuang Shi Tian Long (possible grandfather), Chi-Yu, ChihNu, Hou-Chi (half-sisters) Group Affiliation: Xian Base of Operations: Ta-Lo History: Born on Earth during YuHuang's earthly rule of China, Er Lang was born the son of one of YuHuang's sisters and a mortal warrior. As an adult, he helped the Zhou army defeat the Shang. Gaining immortality, he was granted the position of guarding the gates of TaLo from invaders. He is typically joined by T'ien K'ou, his dog. He also has exceptional sensory awareness enabling him to peer beyond dimensional barriers. GAN JIANG Real Name: Gan Jiang Occupation: God of blacksmiths Legal Status: Citizen of Ancient China (Fifth Century BC) Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Gan Jiang except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: None known Place of Birth: Wu, China Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Lu Xing (possible father), Mo Ye (wife), Chi (son) Group Affiliation: Xian Base of Operations: Ta-Lo History: Gan Jiang was a blacksmith born in the Fifth Century BC. During the reign of King Helu of Wu, who ruled China from 514 to 496 BC, he was asked by King Helu to create two extraordinary swords, but he decided to keep one and King Helu ordered his death. Hidden by his wife, the sword was used by his son, Chi, to avenge his father's death. Helped by a shaman, Chi faked his death to enter the king's quarters and then slay him in combat. Gan Jiang was deified afterward and became a member of the Xian alongside his wife and son. His mortal remains are protected by a shrine, the Tomb of the Three Kings, in Henan, China. Gan Jiang has supernatural resistance to fire and flame. He is also a talented inventor and blacksmith, capable of creating swords and weapons of great resistance and endurance. 170

SHEN NONG Real Name: Shen-Nong Occupation: God of farming and health, former Emperor of China (2737 - 2698) Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Shen-Nong except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: Shen-Nung, Shennung, Nin T'ou, Divine Husband, Ox-Head God Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: Married Known Relatives: Shan-Qing (possible father), Sien Tsan Mu (wife), Yu Huang (brother-in-law), Chi-Yu (son) Group Affiliation: Xian Base of Operations: Ta-Lo History: Born on Earth, Shen Nong was one of the San Huang or "Three Emperors" of China during which he showed mortal man how to farm and till the Earth and the use of medicinal plants. Shen Nong is also credited with inventing the plough. When his Earthly rule was over, he departed Earth for Ta-Lo, the realm of the Chinese gods. On Earth, Shen-Nong was worshipped as an ox-headed deity. A close friend of his successor, Yu-Huang, Shen-Nong became known as Nin T'ou, a judge of the underworld. Shen Nong has mystical powers over the earth and the harvest and sensory awareness of plants, and is able to mentally read plants for their curative and medicinal properties. SIEN TSIAN Real Name: Sien Tsian Nu Occupation: Goddess of silk Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Sien Tsian except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: Sien Tsian Mu, Sien Tsang, Hsi-ting Shih, T'san Nu, Ma't'ou Niang, Lady with the Horse Head, Ma-Mien Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: Married Known Relatives: Yuang-Shi (father), Fu Pao (mother), Yu Huang (brother), Xi Wang Mu (sister-in-law), Ba Niang, Qi Gu Niang, Song Zi Niang, Wang Mu Niang, Chih Nu Niang, Meng Po Niang (nieces), Chen-Kuei, Er Lang (nephews), Shen-Nong (husband), Chi-Yu (son), Chih-Nu, Hou-Chi (daughters by Yu Huang) Group Affiliation: Xian Base of Operations: Ta-Lo History: Taken as a wife by Shen Nong, Sien Tsian ruled as Empress of China in the 28th Century BC, and introduced silk to mortal women, showing them how to weave it into dresses and garments. After she departed Earth, she became known as Ma-Mien, one of the judges of the underworld. She is able to mystically manipulate silk to mentally weave and create garments as well as alter its shape, length and color. YI-TI Real Name: Yi-Ti Occupation: Goddess of wine Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Yi Ti except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: I-Ti Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Yu Huang (father), Sien Tsan (mother), Hou-Chi (sister), Ba Niang, Qi Gu Niang, Song Zi Niang, Wang Mu Niang, Meng Po Niang, Chih Nu Niang (half-sisters), ChenKuei, Er Lang (cousins) Group Affiliation: Xian Base of Operations: Ta-Lo History: According to legend, Yi-Ti created liquor and wine as a gift for her father, Yu-Huang, the ruler of the Gods of China, but he decided to share it with mortals because the gods should not be permitted to become intoxicated. Yi-Ti has an incredible endurance against wine and liquor, and can mystically conjure and create a drink capable of falling any opponent. YU QIANG Real Name: Yu Qiang Occupation: God of the ocean Legal Status: Citizen of Ta-Lo Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Yu-Qiang except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: Yu Chang, Yu Ch'ang Place of Birth: Unrevealed 171

Marital Status: possibly Single Known Relatives: Gong-Gung (possible father), Zhu Rong, Gou Mau, Rou Shou (possible uncles), Khafu (possible brother) Group Affiliation: Xian Base of Operations: Unrevealed, possibly somewhere in the Yellow Sea off T'singtao, China History: Yu Qiang’s exact connections to the Xian are unrevealed, but he is possibly the son of the ancient watergod, Gong-Gung, whose kingdom was in the east of China during the time the Xian lived on Earth. As a shapeshifter, he has appeared as a man with the body of a fish, and above the ocean as a bird with the face of a man. In ancient times, he helped the sea-god, Poseidon, to add binding spells to imprison the Atlantean sorcerer Suma-Ket deep with the Marianas Trench off China. Yu Qiang has mystical power over the sea and tide and can create tsunamis, whirlpools and hurricanes. He can also exist underwater and dive to the crushing depths of the ocean without harm. He appeared, or was at least mentioned, in Namor Annual 2. OTHER DEITIES Traditional Chinese beliefs incorporate hundreds of gods. Below is a list of some of the Chinese gods who have not appeared in Marvel canon; it is unknown whether these beings exist in the universe of Earth616. This list is by no means comprehensive: as might be expected for a thousand-years-old civilization obsessed with bureaucracy, there are literally hundreds of Chinese gods (about 200 to 1,000, depending on your definition). Ch'eng-Huang - God of Walls and Ditches Chu Jung - God of Fire Executions Feng-Po-Po - Goddess of the Winds, she replaced Feng-Po Fu-Hsing - God of Happiness Hou-chi - God of Harvest and Agriculture Hsi Wang Mu - Goddess of Immortality Hu-Tu - Earth Goddess, similar to Gaia, the deification of the earth Kwan Yin - Goddess of Mercy Lao-Tien-Yeh - Chinese Great God Lo-shen - Goddess of Rivers Lu-Hsing - God of Salaries, Wages, and Employment Lu-Pan - God of Carpenters and Masons Ma Zhu - Goddess of Journey Meng-Po-Niang - Goddess who stood just within the gates of hell Tu-Ti - Local Gods. Minor Gods of Towns, Villages, Streets and Households 172

OTHER SUPERNATURAL BEINGS: YAOGUAI These supernatural creatures are referred to as “demon kings”, but are not all demons in the truest sense of the word. Rather, they are mostly malevolent animal spirits or fallen celestial beings that have acquired magical powers through the practice of Taoism. In the story Journey to the West, the Monkey King allies himself with six demon kings: Bull Demon King (牛魔王), the Saurian Demon King (蛟魔王), the Single-horned Demon King (单角魔王), the Roc Demon King (鵬魔王), the Lion Spirit King (獅狔王), the Macaque Spirit King (獼猴王) and the Snub-nosed monkey Spirit King (禺狨王). True demons, similar to Japanese oni, inhabit the lower circles of hell where they do the work of torturing souls and menial tasks. 173

Typical statistics: F A S E R I P Rm In Rm In Gd In In Health: 140 Karma: 50 Resources: N/A Popularity: -10 Powers: Magic: Yaoguai are varied in their abilities but all can wield the forces of Chaos Magic. These beings can cast 1 to 5 spells (generated randomly or at the GM’s choice) at Remarkable ability. Natural Weaponry: Some yaoguai have horns, fangs, and/or other appendages that can be used for an attack, at Excellent damage (usually Blunt or Edged, depending on its nature). Talents: All Yaouguai have Occult Knowledge, and most are skilled in at least one Martial Art and/or weapon skill. Depending on the creature’s occupation, it may have additional Talents as well. Equipment: Many yaoguai are equipped with weapons or body armor typical of medieval-level China. FENGHUANG In the Western world, the fenghuang is often called a “Chinese phoenix”, although this magical bird lacks the powers of the phoenix as envisioned by Western culture. Originally, the fenghuang was described as being made up of the beak of a rooster, the face of a swallow, the forehead of a fowl, the neck of a snake, the breast of a goose, the back of a tortoise, the hindquarters of a stag and the tail of a fish. Today, however, it is often described as a composite of many birds including the head of a golden pheasant, the body of a mandarin duck, the tail of a peacock, the legs of a crane, the mouth of a parrot, and the wings of a swallow. A possible explanation is that there is more than one variety. A common depiction of fenghuang was of it attacking snakes with its talons and its wings spread. They are common in Ta-Lo; elsewhere, it's rumored to only land in areas where there is something precious underneath. Typical statistics: F A S E R I P Ex In Gd In Ty Ex In Health: 110 Karma: 66 Resources: N/A Popularity: 4 Powers: Flight: Amazing level airspeed Beak/Talons: Attack as Edged damage Body Resistance: Excellent protection versus physical damage 174

CELESTIAL DRAGONS Chinese myth and folklore use “Lung Wang” as the generic name for a variety of dragon kings that bring rain to the land. They include those who rule the four oceans with the help of an army of sea creatures, those who rule the heavens, and those who sit on the five cardinal points of the world. In some stories, these dragon kings serve the Jade Emperor, Yu Huang; in others, they serve Yuanshi Tianzong, the “Celestial Venerable of the Primordial Beginning.” Some myths give dragon kings the authority over life and death, because they are responsible for the rain and funerals. They are also the protectors of ferrymen and water carriers and are said to punish anyone who wastes water. Typical statistics: F A S E R I P Rm Rm In Un Ty Ex In Health:210 Karma: 56 Resources: N/A Popularity: 6 Powers: Alter Size: in Chinese mythology, dragons are said to be able to disguise itself as a silkworm, or become as large as our entire universe. Treat as Growth at Shift Z ability, and Shrinking at Amazing. Shapechanging: At Monstrous ability rank. Flight: Remarkable airspeed (15 areas/round). Water Freedom: Amazing ability. They also have the ability to hide in water; 175

treat as Good rank Invisibility in water until detected. Water Form: Many dragons are able to turn into water, at Incredible rank. Summon Weather: Chinese dragons can summon clouds and storms at Amazing ability. Change Color: They can change color as an ability to blend in with their surroundings, as an effective form of camouflage or glow in the dark at Incredible rank. Natural Weaponry: Claws and fangs can attack as Edged damage. Magic: Many dragons are also said to be able to wield the mystic arts; these dragons may cast spells of Personal or Universal energies, at Remarkable ability. Individual spells will vary. All dragons will have the Occult Knowledge talent. HAETAE Described as a cattle-like or lion-like beast with one horn, the haetae is also called xiezhi. Sometimes they are shown as being covered with scales. The haetae has the inherent ability to detect lies, and as such are used by the Xian at criminal court proceedings. It has been described as a righteous beast, which rams the wrong party when it sees a fight, and bites the wrong party when it hears an argument. Typical statistics: F A S E R I P Rm Ex Ex In Ty Mn In Health: 110 Karma: 121 Resources: N/A Popularity: 0 Powers: Detect Lies: Shift X ability Natural Weaponry: Horns, fangs and teeth attack as Edged damage Body Resistance: Remarkable protection versus physical damage Resist Domination: Unearthly resistance to mental attacks such as Mind Control QILIN This fantastic beast is similar to a unicorn and often called one in translations of Chinese stories. Its body is like a deer’s, except that its hooves are like a horse’s. On its head is an enormous horn that looked like a spear. This horn can be used as a weapon to banish evil spirits. The qilin does not attack the innocent, 176

and will quickly protect someone in danger who they perceive to be pure. They are naturally pacifists, refusing to even walk on grass to not harm it, but will fight fiercely against evil opponents. Qilin may be found throughout the Asian mystic realms, as variations of the beasts exist in Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultures. Typical statistics: F A S E R I P Rm Rm Ex Rm Gd Am In Health: 110 Karma: 100 Resources: N/A Popularity: 4 Powers: True Sight: Incredible ability Speed: Qilin can move at 3 areas per round on land Natural Weaponry: Teeth and horns attack as Damage. Hooves can do Blunt damage as a charging attack. Divine Nature: When a Qilin attacks an evil spirit or demon, the attack reduces the target’s body armor by 2 CS. Detect Evil: The Qilin can sense when someone has evil intentions (i.e., intending to cause undue harm) with Monstrous ability. Body Resistance: Excellent vs. physical damage Fire Breath: The Qilin are sometimes said to be able to breathe fire; treat as Fire Emission at Remarkable rank. Longevity: They are extremely longlived, with life spans of thousands of years. 177

CHAPTER 4: MONGOLIAN MYTHOLOGY The region of Central Asia and Mongolia covers a large, ethnically diverse area, historically tied to its nomadic peoples and the Silk Road. In pre-Islamic and early Islamic times, Central Asia was populated by Eastern Iranian-speaking Bactrians, Sogdians, Chorasmians and the seminomadic Scythians and Dahae. After expansion by Turkic peoples, Central Asia also became the homeland for the Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Tatars, Turkmen, Kyrgyz, and Uyghurs, with much cross-cultural contact with inhabitants of India, Mongolia, and China; broadly, the area also includes Tibet and Nepal. Relations between the steppe nomads and the settled people in and around Central Asia were long marked by conflict. The nomadic lifestyle was well suited to warfare, and the steppe horse riders became some of the most militarily potent people in the world, limited only by their lack of internal unity. Any internal unity that was achieved was most probably due to the influence of the Silk Road, which traveled along Central Asia. Periodically, great leaders or changing conditions would organize several tribes into one force and create an almost unstoppable power. These included the Hun invasion of Europe, the Wu Hu attacks on China and most notably the Mongol conquest of much of Eurasia. Consequently, with all of this moving around of nomadic peoples, the beliefs of polytheistic peoples such as the Turks and Mongols blended with other influences such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism. The cosmology of the Marvel Universe also incorporates worship by the pre-Cataclysmic peoples of Hyboria, whose gods have further crossed over with the Mongol-Turkic pantheon. Thus, the Marvel pantheon of the Tenger is focused mainly on the gods of the Mongols and preIslamic Turks, but incorporates elements of all of those listed above. 178

CENTRAL ASIAN MYTHOLOGY IN A MARVEL CAMPAIGN Using Central Asian mythology in a Marvel game is a bit more challenging than a more established setting like Olympus or Asgard. There’s less source material from the comics, the cosmology is less defined, and there are fewer epic tales from which to draw inspiration. The Tenger may be best used as supporting cast for adventures that span multiple pantheons, or a side-trip for characters in an adventure with a mystic or martial arts feel. Although if you feel up to running a Mongolian adventure, go for it! I’d play it. The Himalayas, on the other hand, are a time-honored backdrop for exploratory adventures such as those featured in early Fantastic Four comics, and are a perfect setting for 1930s-style pulp adventures. Central Asia and adjacent regions like Tibet and Nepal mix well as an alternative to China, Japan, and K’un Lun for the likes of action heroes like Iron Fist, Shang Chi, and even Wolverine or Black Panther. The region also works well as a starting point for mystics like Doctor Strange that incorporate Eastern mysticism, ancient supernatural powers and objects, and secret monastic societies. The “triple soul” of Mongolian shamanism makes permanently defeating an enemy especially difficult, and a Marvel Superheroes plot may involve a quest to destroy all three aspects of a particularly powerful enemy. The Tenger are considerably more tribal and warlike than many other pantheons, and another plot hook may be the Tenger calling the character into service to wage war for their people. SHAMANISM Schools of Magic: Shamanism Magically-empowered worshippers of the Tenger tend to practice a specific school of magic known as shamanism. Shamanism is a set of beliefs and customs practiced by indigenous peoples worldwide, and has much in common with Nature Magic and Druidism. It is a diverse set of practices with many cultural variations, but there tends to be a few common themes to this school of magic: ● Practitioners often reach altered states of consciousness in order to perceive and interact with the spirit world, and channel these transcendental energies into this world. ● There is an emphasis on the natural world and the spiritual energies that tie humanity with nature. ● Practitioners attempt to achieve their magical abilities by communing with spirits, which can be either malevolent or beneficial. 179

● This is usually accomplished by some ritualistic aspect such as a dance, chant, psychoactive substances, sacrifice, meditation, etc. Among the Mongols, there are three branches of shamanism: ● White Shamanism involves communication and entreaty to the Tenger, the main MongolTurkic pantheon. At the GM’s discretion, white shamans may gain bonuses to Entreaty spells that involve an appeal to the Tenger. ● Black Shamanism involves communication and entreaty to the natigai, earth spirits who are lesser in nature. These spirits tend to be evil in nature. At the GM’s discretion, black shamans may receive bonuses to spells involving evil or chaos. ● Yellow Shamanism is similar to White Shamanism, but incorporates aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. At the GM’s discretion, yellow shamans may receive bonuses to spells involving Personal energy. Personal, Universal, and Dimensional spells are available to all schools of Mongolian shamanism, but the schools are exclusive: white or yellow shamans can only venerate white spirits (if they call upon black spirits they lose their right in venerating and calling the white spirits), and black shamans only black spirits (and would be too terrified to call upon white spirits since the black spirits would punish them). In game terms, if a character calls upon the opposite type of spirit, it may be successful, but the shaman will lose the ability to use any spells of his or her “alignment” and may only learn spells of an opposing nature. To start with, shaman characters gain +1CS to their Intuition rank (since much of their power involves the ability to see into the hidden spirit world) but -1CS to Endurance (as most turned to shamanism after suffering from a childhood disease or serious ailment). All shamans receive a -1CS penalty to Resources (minimum of Shift Zero). Shamans may be male or female. All shamans carry some sort of kit with ritual items essential to casting their spells; without these items, the shaman will be unable to cast them. Usually a shaman’s paraphernalia includes a drum; other items may include sacred plants for burning, small scrolls, oracle bones, or various animal parts. Shamanic Ranks: Whereas most schools of magic in the Marvel Universe recognize several levels of mastery, Mongolian shamanism has only two defined levels: ● Less-experienced shamans are known as böge (males) and idugan (females). They are the equivalent to the Novice and Disciple ranks. ● Great shamans are called ĵigari (males) and abĵiya (females). These are equivalent to the Adept and Master ranks. Shamanic Powers: Shamans may use the full range of spells available to a spell-caster, but there are a few that are particularly common. Healing and divination/ precognition spells are common, along with various protective spells. The more powerful spells may have restrictions such as only being performed at a certain time of day, at a particular location, or on a specific day of the year. Other common spells include: True Sight: This is a common power among shamans due to their need to see into the spirit world, and may be accompanied by other sight-related powers. Astral Projection: This is another fairly common power, usually accomplished through ritual to visit divine realms. Dream Travel: Another route to the godly realms is suggested by the Mongol word for shamans’ power dreams — soolong. In standard Mongolian solongo means rainbow, and the shaman may be traveling in his sleep over the rainbow to the upper world in order to retrieve the 180

information he brings back from the dream. Dimensional Travel: Dimensional travel is a common shamanic power, accomplished through a ritual performed at an ovoo. These are piles of stones, usually built high on mountains. Some are enclosed and built with wickers and filled with sand and soils. The ovoo usually looks like a round bundle, and some have domes and square bases. Several poles and branches are stuck into the the top of the ovoo, with all colors of flags and silk lists hanging on them and strings tied between them and the ground. In the ovoo are food such corn, bows and arrows, and Buddha figures. The size ovoos vary greatly. Most of them stand alone, but there are sometimes groups, consisting of 7 or 13 ovoos, with the main one in the center, larger than the others. TALENTS: Equestrian Combat: This talent allows its wielder to fight on horseback without any penalty. The Mongols practically lived on their horses from birth until death, and were skilled at the art of equestrian military tactics. Mountaineering: This is the ability to climb and navigate rough mountainous terrain. Characters with this talent gain +1CS to all FEATS associated with mountain climbing. Outdoor Survival - Arctic/Tundra: This is a familiarity with the arctic, steppe, tundra, and taiga environments. Characters with this Talent gain +1CS to Intuition and Endurance with regards to outdoor survival skills such as keeping warm, finding food, etc. Siege Weaponry: This character gains +1CS to Fighting and Reason with regards to the operation of siege equipment such as catapults, trebuchets, ballistas, etc. WEAPONS: The Mongols, Turks, and other tribes of Central Asia used typical medievallevel weaponry in standard formats such as bows, swords, spears, lances, maces, etc., many of them adapted for use on horseback. From the 13th century on, Mongol armies also incorporated explosives and early firearms. Armor-piercing projectiles: The Mongols were known to use simple firearms with armor-piercing projectiles. These guns have Typical Range and Damage and are of Poor material strength, and reduce the target’s Body Armor by 1 CS. Mongol lances: Some Mongol lances were equipped with a hook and snare to entangle their opponent. These lances do Good damage and are made of Excellent strength material; they are able to be used as a Grappling attack as well as Edged damage. 181

MONGOL-TURKIC COSMOLOGY The Mongols’ conception of heaven, or Uçmag, is vague and tends to change according to the interpretation of the individual. One consistency is that heaven is perceived as a dome that vaults over the earth and is not easily accessed by mortals. It exists as an idyllic realm in opposition to the Underworld, called Tam or Tamag. Souls: In Tengrism (belief and worship of the Tenger) it is believed that humans have not one, but three souls: ● The suld soul, which resides in nature after death. This is the soul of the individual personality. It lives in a person only once, and then is disbursed to nature, eventually becoming a nature spirit. ● The ami (body) soul, which reincarnates. This is the soul that enables the body to live; it is “recycled” into new beings upon death. ● The suns soul, which also reincarnates. It contributes to the formation of a person’s personality, and also carries the collected experiences of past lives within it. This is the soul that journeys to the afterlife upon death. Of the three, the one most vital to life is the suld: if it is separated from the body death is practically inevitable. The other two souls may be separated temporarily from the physical body without harm. The Universe: The universe of the Mongols can be visualized as a circle, not only in the three dimensions, but also in time itself. Everything has a circular motion, the path of the sun from day to day, the cycle of time from year to year, and the cycle of all living spirits as they return to the earth to live again and again. Intersecting the circle are the axes of the four directions and the axis of the center of the world going up to the upper world beyond the eternal heavens and going down beyond Mother Earth to the lower world. Superimposed on this is the image of the universe as seen through the vision of shamanic journeys, by which the shaman can climb the world tree or fly to the upper world, or travel down the spirit river to the entrance to the lower world in the north, or simply find a tunnel in the earth to travel below. Awareness of the 4 directions is fundamental to the Mongolian view of the world. The Mongolian world view looks from north to south. For this reason south is called the "front" direction. Correspondingly, north is called by the same word as "behind" in Mongolian. The right (western) side of the world is regarded as being male in essence, and the home of the Tenger. The eastern, left, side of the world is regarded as female, and the sky spirits of that direction are believed to bring disease and discord. Throughout Siberia people believe that there are three worlds laid upon one another in the universe. Ideas about the upper and lower worlds imply a concept of parallel worlds rather than that of three worlds being literally stacked like layers on a cake. While the sky is believed to be infinite in depth, shamanists nevertheless insist that there is a doorway to go beyond the heavens. In the same way, while the earth is believed to be deep and solid, there are many passages which allow spirits and shamans to penetrate beyond to the lower world. Another aspect of the idea of the other two worlds is the fact that they are very similar to Earth in that they too have a sun, moon, forests, and humanlike inhabitants. The dwellers of the upper and lower worlds are invisible in our middle world, and people traveling from here to those worlds are likewise invisible. The presence of such intruders will be betrayed by a sudden crackle in the fire, barking by foxes, or by being visible to shamans. The lower world is basically similar to this world except that its inhabitants have only one soul, rather than the three possessed by human beings. The ami soul, which causes breathing 182

and warmth in the body, is lacking, so lower world dwellers are cold and have dark blood. Furthermore, some of the dwellers in the lower world are actually the suns souls of human beings awaiting reincarnation. The sun and moon are not as bright as in this world; the Samoyed say it is because the sun and moon of the lower world are actually half rather than full orbs. The lower world has forests, mountains, and settlements just like this world and its inhabitants even have their own shamans. ERGENEKON Ergenekon is a small "pocket" dimension adjacent to Earth; an interdimensional nexus point between Ergenekon and Earth exists somewhere within the most remote regions of the Altai Mountains in Central Asia. Like the other godly realms, it appears to be built on a small planetary object that largely echoes the earthly environment of those who worship its inhabitants. In this case, Ergenekon contains immense, flat steppes, and rugged, snowy mountains, and is populated by the Tenger and local wildlife and flora as one may find in Central Asia. The upper world, like the lower world, appears very similar to this world. The upper world, however, does not normally house the spirits of human beings, although shamans may travel there. It is brighter than this world; some legends say that it has seven suns. Descriptions of the upper world say that it resembles the earth, but nature in that world is still unspoiled and its inhabitants still live in the traditional ways of the ancestors. Sometimes the brightness of the upper world will be revealed when the doorway between the worlds is opened. This is seen as rays of sunlight shooting out from beyond the clouds, and prayers said when this occurs are especially powerful. 183

Travel to the upper world requires flight, and shamans often change themselves into birds in order to make the journey. They may also ride upon a flying deer or horse for the journey. The route may be straight upward, or toward the south, to the source of the world river. Some accounts of shaman initiations involve travel to the upper world and initiation by the spirits there before the shamans’ initiation in this world. Another way of travel to the upper world is climbing the toroo, Tree of the Universe, which is represented by a tree at shaman ceremonies. The shaman will climb the tree while in a state of ecstasy and his soul will at the same time ascend the actual toroo tree to the heavens. Locations in Ergenekon Ülgen’s Palace: Ülgen lives on the sixteenth floor of the sky above the stars, sun and moon in a golden house. Mere humans may never reach him, excepting shamans or kams, who possess astral powers. Animals are used for sacrifice in worship of him, especially horses. Once in every third, sixth, ninth, or twelfth year, a shaman may sacrifice a white horse as the first step of reaching Ülgen. Then he must ride its soul, penetrating through all the layers of heaven until he reaches Ülgen. Firstly, the kam (shaman) meets Yayık who is the servant of Ülgen. This entity informs the kam whether or not the offering has been accepted. If the sacrificial rite has been successful, the shaman is able to learn from the omniscient Ülgen of impending dangers, such as bad harvests. Ötüken: Ötüken is a legendary capital city in Turkic mythology and Tengrism; it is also one of the names given to Gaea. According to legend, the mood of the Yer-sub (nature spirits) and Gaea could be reflected in the condition of the trees in Ötüken. If the trees were healthy and strong and are bearing a lot of fruit, it was believed that Gaea was satisfied with humans. Celestial Palace: This palace is home to the deities of the sun, moon, stars, and other celestial phenomena. It stretches through several layers of heaven: Ay makes her home on the sixth level, and Koyash lives on the seventh. ASSOCIATED DIMENSIONS Tamag: Tamag (also tamağ, tamuk, tamug or tamu) is the name of hell in ancient Turkic and Mongolian mythology. In the Mongolian language, it is called Tam. It is the place where the criminals go to be punished after they die. There are several depictions of Tamag, but the common point in almost all views is about fire. Erlik is the deity ruling hell and punishes the sinful people. Further there is another entity named Tami Han governing Tamag in Khakasian lore. Ancient Turks believed that Tamag is underground. Tamag is the opposite of Uçmag (heaven). Erlik lives here and has authority over the disposition of souls, when and where they will incarnate. Shamans often must appeal to him when recovering souls which have prematurely wandered away to the lower world before the body has died. Outside of these situations, people from the middle world rarely enter the realm of Erik except after death. Travel to and from the lower world goes by many routes. One route is by way of the World River, which flows into the lower world, and its entrance is protected by Mongoldai Nagts, who prevents souls from entering the lower world before the body is truly dead. Nevertheless, sometimes souls slip through and must be retrieved before the illness caused by the soul’s absence causes permanent damage. Travel along the World River is very perilous and it is full of rapids. It is said that when a shaman falls dead during a lower world soul retrieval it is because the trip was too dangerous and his soul was lost. During his journey to the Lower World the shaman also may need to confront and placate Mongoldai Nagts and Erleg Khan and convince them to let the soul return. The lower world may also be entered through caves, whirlpools, springs, or one of the many tunnels through the earth 184

which lower world beings use to travel up to this world. Country Betwixt Life and Death: The epic of Geser mentions this place. Little is known about it other than that it is the home of the demon Shiram Minata. It is likely a part of Tamaq, or a sub-dimension closely associated with it; its name implies that it is a sort of waiting place for souls who have died and are waiting for ascension or reincarnation. 185

GODS OF CENTRAL ASIA: TENGER AND OTHER BEINGS Name: Tenger Aliases: Mongolian Gods, Turkic Gods, Turki(c)sh-Mongolian Gods, Tanrilar Base of Operations: Ergenekon Known Representatives: Tengri, Ulgen/Ulgan, Erlik, Koyash Ay, Kuara, Gesar The Tenger (also known as the "Mongolian Gods" or "Turkic Gods") are a race of superhumanly powerful humanoid beings who have been worshipped by the Altaic-speaking Mongol and Turkic cultures of Central Asia from the 8th century AD into modern times, although the god Erlik was worshipped as early as the Hyborian Era. Most of the Tenger dwell in Ergenekon, a small "pocket" dimension adjacent to Earth; an interdimensional nexus point between Ergenekon and Earth exists somewhere within the most remote regions of the Altai Mountains in Central Asia. Very little is known about celestial Ergenekon other than it appears to be built on a small planetary object. The Tenger are called different names by their human worshippers in Turkey, Mongolia and Siberia; for example, the Earth Mother Gaea is known as "Umay" or "Yer" to the Altaic Turks, as "Eje" or "Otuken" to the Mongols, and as "Ajysyt" to the Yakuts. Unlike many of their counterparts in other Earth-based pantheons, the Tenger are still invoked by a small number of Khakas and Tuvan shamans. Erlik is worshipped by the xenophobic Khirgiz tribe of Afghanistan, descendants of the Mongols. Worship of the Tenger is Tengrism. The core beings in Tengrism are the HeavenlyFather (Tengri/Tenger Etseg) and the Earth Mother (Eje/Gazar Eej). It involves shamanism, animism, totemism and ancestor worship. The Tenger's precise origin, like that of all Earth's pantheons, is shrouded in legend. According to ancient myths, the Sky Father Tengri (known as "Tanri" to the Altaic Turks, as "Tengeri" to the Mongols, and as "Tangara" to the Yakuts) embodied the Eternal Blue Sky that predated all things. He found a kindred spirit in the primordial Earth Mother Gaea, and the two sired a son, Erlik. Gaea provided Erlik physical form by shaping his body out of mud, and Tengri imbued the body with life essence ("kut"). However, Erlik soon developed feelings of pride, hubris, and arrogance, forcing Tengri to banish him to the depths of the netherworld, where he became the god of evil & death. Other divine offspring soon followed, including the moon goddess Ay, the sun god Koyash, the thunder god Kuara, and the light god Ulgen. Pleased with the results of these subsequent attempts at creation, Tengri and Gaea then set out to create humanity and charged Ulgen with protecting the fledgling mortal population. Jealous of Ulgen's favored status, Erlik plagued humanity with sickness, disease, and death. In ancient Valusia, Erlik granted the mortally wounded nobleman Vonndhar eternal life in exchange for serving Erlik until 10,000 BC, when he sacrificed his life to Erlik to restore his would-be lover, Jenna of Shadizar. Following the Great Cataclysm circa 18,000 BC, Erlik was worshipped in the remote northern realm of Pathenia. A prophet, the Tarim, was worshipped as Erlik's living avatar and brought Erlik worship to the Hyrkanian tribes who founded the Turanian Empire. Through the Tarim and in alliance with the Celtic goddess Scathach, Erlik arranged for Sonja of Hyrkania to become a mighty warrior. Descended from the Lemurians, the Hyrkanians and Turanians were the ancestors of the Huns, Mongols, Tartars and Turks. Circa 1000 AD, Ulgen was appointed by Tengri to serve as the pantheon's representative at a Council of Godheads meeting to discuss the threat posed by the extraterrestrial Celestials' Third Host. In the early 13th century AD, the warrior Genghis Khan (born Temujin) united many of the nomadic Mongol-Turkic tribes of 186

Central Asia and established the Mongolian Empire. Although it is unrevealed if the Tenger played any role in Khan's military success, Khan based the legitimacy of his power on a mandate from Tengri himself. He crafted a talisman known as the "Spirit Banner of Temujin" by weaving the hair of his most loyal horse and tying it below the blade of his spear; the Spirit Banner was believed to harness the Tengri's power and channel it into Khan. Following Genghis Khan's death, a secret society steeped in advanced science and sorcery emerged that regarded itself as a perpetuation of the Mongolian Empire. In each era, this society selected the most worthy descendant of Genghis Khan as their new leader. Their most sacred talisman is the Spirit Banner of Temujin. Only the true khan can pluck the Spirit Banner from its flaming resting place, confirming his worthiness as their leader. As each khan grows ancient, he seeks a successor. The immortal Lung Dragon known as Mr. Lao has served as royal advisor to each khan for generations - and when a new khan is acclaimed as ruler, Lao ceremonially devours the previous khan. Over 700 years ago, Mr. Lao fought a mighty genie in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, inspiring the current name of the Mongols' secret society: The Atlas Foundation. Today, the Agents of Atlas are under the leadership of former FBI agent James "Jimmy" Woo, who currently holds the title of khan. Although the society has traditionally pursued world domination in the names of Genghis Khan and the Tenger, Woo has attempted to use its covert power and vast influence to advance humanity's greater good. According to one source, the group of 33 Tenger led by Tengri exists alongside a group of 99 tngri, other deities or spirits. Tengri leads those 33, and in early Mongolian texts is also mentioned as leading the 99 tngri. Relationships to Other Pantheons: The Mongols were renowned for their tolerance of other religions, and this is reflected in the close connections they have with the 187

Daevas, Xian, and Yazatas, as well as the Russian Dievas and even various Islamic beings. Perhaps the closest ties they have however, is with the remaining gods of Hyboria, with whom some are descended and others have intermarried or befriended. The Tenger also have ties with K’un Lun and the various supernatural beings who live there and in their associated dimensions. Typical Tenger: The Tenger all possess certain superhuman physical attributes. They are true immortals who cease to age upon reaching adulthood, and they cannot die by conventional means. The Tenger are immune to all terrestrial diseases and are resistant to conventional injury. If a Tenger is wounded, his or her godly life force will enable him or her to recover at a superhuman rate. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it incinerates a Tenger or disperses a major portion of his or her bodily molecules to cause him or her to die. Even then, it may be possible for a god of greater or equal power, or several gods acting together, to revive the deceased Tenger before the god's life essence is beyond resurrection. Tenger flesh and bone are about three times denser than similar human tissue, contributing to the gods' superhuman strength and weight. An average male god can lift about 30 tons; an average goddess can lift about 25 tons. The gods' metabolism gives them superhuman endurance in all physical activities. Many gods also possess additional superhuman powers that may be magical in nature. For instance, the sun god Koyash can produce "solar strands" from his fingertips capable of ensnaring and burning his victims. TENGER (TYPICAL STATISTICS) F IN (40) A IN (40) S IN (40) E AM (50) R GD (10) I EX (20) P RM (30) Health: 170 Karma: 60 Resources: RM Popularity: 2 KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Tenger stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Regeneration: RM ability Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000 Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. PETS/TRANSPORTATION Virtually all of the Tenger possess a horse or other steed. Other pets may include wolves, or birds of prey such as falcons. Talents: All Tenger possess the skill of Horsemanship, and may possess other skills in handling livestock such as cattle or oxen. They also possess the specialized talent of Equestrian Archery, providing a +1CS to fighting actions involving bowmanship while on horseback. Being warlike in nature, most of the Tenger will have one or more fighting talent, including Bladed Weapons, Bows, Blunt Weapons, or any of the various Martial Arts. Those with a shamanistic or mystic background may also possess Occult Lore or other appropriate magic-based Talents. 188

TENGRI F AM (50) A IN (40) S AM (50) E UN (100) R GD (10) I EX (20) P MN (75) Health: 240 Karma: 105 Resources: Sh-X Popularity: 10 BACKGROUND Real Name: Tengri Occupation: Sky Father; god of the sky Legal Status: Citizen of Ergenekon Identity: No Dual Identity Other Known Aliases: Tanri (to the Altaic Turks), Tengeri (to the Mongols), Tangara (to the Yakuts) Place of Birth: Possibly Ergenekon Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Erlik, Koyash, Kuara, Ulgen (sons with Gaea); Ay (daughter with Gaea) Base of Operations: Ergenekon Past Group Affiliations: None Present Group Affiliations: Tenger, Council of Godheads KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Tenger stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Regeneration: RM ability Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000 Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing 189

speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. Magical Powers: Tengri is adept in tapping and manipulating mystical energies, but to an unknown extent. Treat as Monstrous ability magical powers, the effects left to the GM’s discretion. The full range of Tengri’s mystical power is unrevealed. Talents: Leadership, Martial Arts A and D, Horsemanship, Equestrian Combat, Bows, History of Ergenekon and the Tenger, Ancient Weapons (Mongol), Occult Knowledge Contacts: Tenger, Council of Godheads ROLE-PLAYING NOTES Tengri appears to be less hands-on than other Skyfathers in his dealings with mortals, preferring to delegate representation to his lieutenants and messengers. HISTORY In Turkic mythology, Tengri appears as a pure, white goose that flies constantly over an endless expanse of water, which represents time. Beneath this water, Ak Ana ("White Mother") calls out to him saying "Create". To overcome his loneliness, Tengri creates Er Kishi, who is not as pure or as white as Tengri and together they set up the world. Er Kishi becomes a demonic character and strives to mislead people and draw them into its darkness. Tengri assumes the name Tengri Ülgen and withdraws into Heaven from which he tries to provide people with guidance through sacred animals that he sends among them. The Ak Tengris occupy the fifth level of Heaven. Shaman priests who want to reach Tengri Ülgen never get further than this level, where they convey their wishes to the divine guides. Returns to earth or to the human level take place in a goose-shaped vessel. According to Mahmud al-Kashgari, Tengri was known to make plants grow and the lightning flash. Turks used the adjective tengri which means "heavenly, divine", to label everything that seemed grandiose, such as a tree or a mountain. Tengri worship by "infidels" was viewed negatively by Kashgari. The nonMuslim Turks' worship of Tengri was mocked and insulted by al-Kashgari, who wrote a verse referring to them – “The Infidels – May God destroy them!” 190

ULGEN F MN (75) A IN (40) S IN (40) E UN (100) R GD (10) I EX (20) P AM (50) Health: 255 Karma: 80 Resources: UN Popularity: 6 BACKGROUND Real Name: Ulgen Occupation: Sky/creator god; God of light Legal Status: Citizen of Ergenekon Identity: No Dual Identity Other Known Aliases: Ulgan Place of Birth: Possibly Ergenekon Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Tengri (father); Gaea (mother); Erlik, Kuara, Koyash (brothers); Ay (sister); Karakush Khan, Karshyt Khan, Pura Khan, Burcha Kan, Yashyl Khan, Er-Kanym Khan, Bakty Khan (sons); nine daughters (names unknown) Base of Operations: Ergenekon Past Group Affiliations: None Present Group Affiliations: Tenger, Council of Godheads, Akoğlanlar KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Tenger stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Regeneration: RM ability Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000 Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. Light Projection: Shift X ability rank Energy Manipulation: Amazing rank Earth Manipulation: Incredible rank Enhanced Hearing: Amazing rank Enhanced Sight: Amazing rank Hyper Speed: Excellent rank Water Control: Remarkable ability Magical Powers: Ulgen is adept in tapping and manipulating mystical energies, but to an unknown extent. Treat as Amazing ability magical powers, the effects left to the GM’s discretion. The full range of Ulgen’s mystical power is unrevealed, but most spells will somehow be related to light in their effects. 191

EQUIPMENT Body Armor: RM protection vs. physical damage, AM material strength Spear: EX damage, RM material strength Talents: History of Ergenekon and the Tenger, Leadership, Military, Martial Arts A, B, and C Contacts: Tenger, Akoğlanlar, Akkızlar, Council of Godheads ROLE-PLAYING NOTES Ülgen symbolizes goodness, welfare, abundance, plentiness of food, water, etc. He assumes the protectorship of humankind against his jealous brother, Erlik. HISTORY Ulgen is the god of light and favored son of Sky Father Tengri and the Mongolian incarnation of the Elder Goddess Gaea, sometimes called "Umay". Ulgen is the second-highest deity in the Tenger pantheon, after his father. Often, Ülgen is compared with Tengri and at times they are thought to be on par, or even the same. In some sayings, the name/function of Ülgen may be (partially) interchangeable with that of Tengri. Erlik, Ulgen's brother and eldest son of the pantheon, often plagued humanity with sickness and death out of jealousy towards his brother. The birch tree, regarded as a cosmic axis between earth and sky, is sacred to him, as is the horse (horse-sacrifice was a part of his worship). In Turkic mythology, he created earth, heaven and all living beings. In addition, he controls the atmospheric events and movements of stars. He creates land for people to live on, the heads of both humans and animals and the rainbow. He is also regarded as the patron god of shamans and the source of their knowledge. When the Skyfathers of Earth met in 1000 A.D. to discuss the Celestials, Tengri sent Ulgen to represent their people. 192

ERLIK F MN (75) A IN (40) S IN (40) E UN (100) R GD (10) I AM (50) P UN (100) Health: 255 Karma: 160 Resources: Sh-Y Popularity: -4 / 20 to worshippers BACKGROUND Real Name: Erlik Occupation: God of death and evil Legal Status: Citizen of Ergenekon Identity: No Dual Identity Other Known Aliases: Erlik of Turan, Dark Erlik, Yellow God, Yellow God of Death, others Place of Birth: Possibly Ergenekon Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Tengri, Gaea (parents/creators); Koyash, Kuara, Ulgen (brothers); Ay (sister); “Black Boys” (sons, various); Lilitu, Ardat-Lili (alleged scions) Base of Operations: Unknown Past Group Affiliations: Tenger Present Group Affiliations: Ally of Scathach KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Tenger stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Regeneration: RM ability Body Resistance: RM versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000 Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. Animation: Erlik can animate corpses at Unearthly ability. Darkness Manipulation: Monstrous ability Sense Death: Erlik can sense impending death (target’s Health reduced to 10% or less of its maximum) at Class 3000 ability. Siphon Lifeforce: Erlik has a “death touch” that can siphon 30 points of Health from a target per round of contact. Soul Absorption: When a target reaches 0 Health, Erlik adds the target’s maximum Health to his own, up to his own maximum Health. When this happens, the target’s ami soul is destroyed. 193

Teleport: Class 1000 ability Magical Powers: Erlik is adept in tapping and manipulating mystical energies, but to an unknown extent. Treat as Unearthly ability magical powers, the effects left to the GM’s discretion but will incorporate an element of death, darkness or evil. The full range of Erlik’s mystical power is unrevealed. Talents: Leadership, Occult Knowledge, Horsemanship, History of Ergenekon/Tamag and the Tenger, Demonology, Martial Arts A - E Contacts: Scathach, Black Boys (sons) ADDITIONAL NOTES Robert E. Howard based the character and god "Erlik" on the Mongolian god Erlik, or Erlik Khan. Another Marvel character, Erlik Khan (first appearing in Strange Tales Vol 2 #6, September, 1987), is presumably based on the same god, although he bears little resemblance to its inspiration. ROLE-PLAYING NOTES Erlik is still arrogant and vengeful, although he will support mortal beings if he believes they will help to spread pain and suffering in the earthly realm. HISTORY Erlik was a Tenger, sired by Tengri, the god of the Eternal Blue Sky who predated all things in central Asia, and coupled with Gaea to create the god Erlik, Gaea providing a physical body by shaping it from mud, and Tengri imbuing it with life essence (or kut). Erlik became prideful and arrogant, forcing Tengri to banish him to the underworld, where he became the god of death and evil. Tengri replaced Erlik as architect of the Earthly plane with Ulgen. The banished Erlik descended upon humanity with sin and disease, even finding a small group of worshipers during the Hyborian Age centuries before the other gods became popular. During the Hyborian Age, mortally wounded nobleman Vonndhar of Valusia was granted eternal life by Erlik, in exchange for his service. After the Great Cataclysm circa 18,000 BC, Erlik was worshiped in Pathenia, a remote northern realm. Erlik achieved prominence around 10,000 BC. Around that point, Vonndhar relinquished his life to Erlik to restore his would-be-lover Jenna of Shadizar. The prophet known as the Tarim was worshiped as Erlik's living avatar and brought his worship to the Hyrkanian tribes who founded the Turanian Empire. Erlik was worshiped in Turan, Hyrkania, and Pah-Dishah. Through the Tarim, and allied with the Celtic goddess Scathach, Erlik arranged for Sonja of Hyrkania (a k a Red Sonja) to become a mighty warrior. The Lemurians, Hyrkanians and Turanians were the ancestors of the Huns, Mongols, Tartars and Turks. In the modern era, Erlik is worshipped by the xenophobic Khirgiz tribe of Afghanistan, descendants of the Mongols. Erlik’s sons, the “Black Boys,” are a group of lesser deities, including the gods of courage and smithing, and Erlik will call upon them if needed. 194

KOYASH F AM (50) A IN (40) S MN (75) E MN (75) R GD (10) I EX (20) P IN (40) Health: 240 Karma: 70 Resources: AM Popularity: 6 BACKGROUND Real Name: Koyash Occupation: God of the sun Legal Status: Citizen of Ergenekon Identity: No Dual Identity Other Known Aliases: None Place of Birth: Possibly Ergenekon Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Tengri (father); Gaea (mother); Erlik, Kuara, Ulgen (brothers); Ay (sister) Base of Operations: Ergenekon Past Group Affiliations: None Present Group Affiliations: Tenger KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Tenger stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Regeneration: RM ability Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Invulnerability: RM resistance to cold, heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease at CL1000 Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. 195

Solar Strands: Koyash has the ability to produce "solar strands" from his fingertips capable of ensnaring and burning his victims. This counts as a Grappling/Ensnarement attack that does Amazing damage per turn of entanglement; the strands are of Unearthly material strength. These strands have all the properties of solar energy (for example, they will cause extra damage to undead). Fire Control: UN ability Heat Generation: Incredible rank Light Projection: Incredible rank Magical Powers: Koyash is adept in tapping and manipulating mystical energies, but to an unknown extent. Treat as Amazing ability magical powers, the effects left to the GM’s discretion but will include effects related to the sun. The full range of Koyash’s mystical power is unrevealed. Talents: Agriculture, Horsemanship, Meteorology, Astronomy, History of Ergenekon and the Tenger, Martial Arts A and C Contacts: Tenger ROLE-PLAYING NOTES Koyash overall is benevolent in his role as a provider of light, warmth, and growth; however he is also venerated as a warrior in his role as protector of the land and its people. HISTORY Koyash is a son of Tengri, and the Tenger god of the sun. According to Altaic legend, Koyash assisted his father Tengri in the creation of the world by using rays of sunlight. Solar rays are also considered to be "strings" between the sun and the spirits of plants, animals and humans. Little is known of Koyash’s background. Turks who worship Koyash turn towards the sunrise when praying. Koyash has often been depicted as a fiery bird or a winged horse. These images were often used to adorn things such as ceramic pots and earrings in ancient times. 196

AY F IN (40) A IN (40) S MN (75) E MN (75) R GD (10) I EX (20) P IN (40) Health: 230 Karma: 70 Resources: IN Popularity: 2 BACKGROUND Real Name: Ay Occupation: Goddess of the moon Legal Status: Citizen of Ergenekon Identity: No Dual Identity Other Known Aliases: Ay Ama, Ay Ata, Ay Tanri, Umai, others Place of Birth: Possibly Ergenekon Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Tengri (father); Gaea (mother); Erlik, Koyash, Kuara, Ulgen (brothers); Scions (sons and daughters, various) Base of Operations: Ergenekon Past Group Affiliations: None Present Group Affiliations: Tenger KNOWN POWERS Longevity: CL1000; Tenger stop aging after a certain point in their life, although at what age they cease to get older varies. Regeneration: RM ability Body Resistance: EX versus Physical, Shooting, and Force attacks Invulnerability: RM resistance to heat, radiation, etc. Resist Disease and cold at CL1000. Resurrection: A number of gods may work together to resurrect another deity if his or her life essence is beyond resurrection. Requires a minimum of three deities and expenditure of all Karma; may be performed once per day. Allspeak: As with all gods, Allspeak allows one to understand, speak, and write in all languages. If addressing speakers of more than one language, each will understand the deity’s language in his or her native language. This ability extends to extraterrestrial and otherdimensional languages as well as Earth tongues. Enchantment: As per the description in Realms of Magic, at Amazing ability. Magical Powers: Ay is adept in tapping and manipulating mystical energies, but to an unknown extent. Treat as Amazing ability magical powers, the effects left to the GM’s discretion but will include effects related to the moon and night. The full range of Ay’s mystical power is unrevealed. Talents: History of Ergenekon and the Tenger, Astronomy, Medicine Contacts: Tenger, Scions 197