In a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration on their official Twitch channel, Paizo offered fans a deeper look into the much-anticipated Tian Xia World Guide and Tian Xia Character Guide, the latest additions to the Pathfinder Lost Omens series. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Asian folklore and fantasy, these guides aim to transport players to the mystical continent of Tian Xia on the planet Golarion.
The livestream event, led by Pathfinder’s Senior Designer James Case and Senior Developer Eleanor Ferron, featured interviews with a diverse group of freelance contributors including Grady Wang, Hiromi Cota, and Jeremy Blum. Case emphasized the importance of bringing together writers and designers from across Asia and the Asian diaspora to authentically represent the continent’s various cultures, especially in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
The Tian Xia World Guide promises to introduce players to 26 distinct regions within Tian Xia, each with its own unique backstory and challenges. Highlights from the livestream included the transformative journey of Bachuan from imperial oppression to a hopeful era of change, the ongoing rebellion against oni conquerors in Chu Ye, the communal efforts in Kwanlai to overcome poverty, and Linvarre’s fresh declaration of independence.
Ferron took the opportunity to introduce three new ancestries in the Tian Xia Character Guide: the Sarangay, with their carabao-like appearance and magical soul gems; the Yakshas, spirits from the First World feeling abandoned by the gods; and the yaoguai, sentient beings cultivated from animals, plants, or objects. These ancestries add to the already revealed samsaran, tanuki, and wayang, alongside a new versatile heritage, the hungerseed, inspired by oni magic.
In a special reveal, the stream showcased the starlit sentinel archetype, drawing inspiration from the magical girl genre of anime and manga. This archetype allows players to transform into a magical alter ego, blending traditional folklore with contemporary fantasy elements.
The Pathfinder Lost Omens Tian Xia World Guide is set for release on April 24, 2024, followed by the Pathfinder Lost Omens Tian Xia Character Guide on August 28, 2024.