Aamanian

Talislanta 4th Edition

Stern of bearing, Aamanians have copper-colored skin, sculpted features, and deep green eyes. In order to promote the Orthodoxist ideal of “oneness in body and spirit”, Aamanians use an extract of the bald nettle plant to remove all facial and body hair, thus achieving a sameness of appearance. Astringents and powders that whiten the skin are also used by many, as an expression of “purity”. Only the most modest attire is permissible in Aaman — colorless smocks, robes designed to conceal the figure, and caps of starched linen.

History

The Aamanians are descended from the ancient Phaedrans (and from them, the Archaeans), rulers of an empire that once encompassed the greater part of the Western Lands. Aaman became an independent nation following the long and bloody Cult Wars, which pitted the Orthodoxists against the Paradoxists of neighboring Zandu.

Society

Aamanian society is rigidly structured and is based on a religious caste system.

• Higher Castes: Work in mercantile guilds, elite ranks of the military, or the clergy and its various branches.
• Lower Castes: Work as farmers, laborers, vendors, or as conscripts in the infantry.
• Slaves: Used for the most odious types of manual labor. They have no rights and are regarded as property.

Relations

Devout fundamentalists, Aamanians shun any form of merry-making or improper behavior and are taught never to question the dictates of their superiors. Disagreement with Orthodoxist doctrine is considered tantamount to heresy and may result in unpleasant consequences; a trip to the House of Penance is the usual remedy.

Visitors from other lands are required to show respect for the local customs. Outsiders are constantly watched by Monitors in the service of the Knights of the All-Seeing Eye, from the moment they enter Aaman to the moment they leave.

Aamanian Characters

Skills:

• Doctrines (Orthodoxy) +4
• Language (High Talislan - native)
• Cultures (Aamanian) +6
• Fashion (Aaman) +3

Quirks: Enemy (Paradoxists).

Open Paths: Acolyte, Apprentice Craftsman, Bodyguard, Captain, Master Craftsman, Merchant, Monitor, Priest, Rural, Sailor, Siege Engineer, Teamster, Urban, Warrior, Witch Hunter.

Starting Equipment:

• Aamanian Holy Symbol (unenchanted)
• Coarse woolen garments
• Bleached erd leather boots
• 20 gl in Aamanian coppers

Note: Aamanian characters may replace any armor received from Paths with Partial Plate armor (lacquered white).

Religion

High Orthodoxy is the official state religion; all other beliefs are regarded as heresy. Aaman’s religious caste system is based on the acquisition and accumulation of mana, or “spiritual purity”, which is measured in units known as “aalms”.

One can attain aalms by:

• Entering the priesthood or a Monastic Order.
• Making donations to a temple.
• Undertaking a pilgrimage to officially sanctioned holy places.

Sanctioned Holy Places:

1. The Well of Saints: Beyond the Volcanic Hills.
2. The Watchstone: Amidst the Plains of Golarin.
3. The Red Desert: In Carantheum.

Funerary Customs: Aamanians bury their dead in plain iron coffins painted white and stamped with the All-Seeing Eye icon. The pious are buried in white funerary shrouds, while those who died “in a state of sin” are buried in black. A stone tablet enumerating the deceased’s final aalms total and cult status serves as a grave marker. [^1]

Language

Aamanians speak a simplified version of High Talislan. Stripped of the flowery turns of phrase and flourishes, the language sounds rigid, overly formal, and restrained. Aamanians converse mainly in clichéd cult dogma and quotations from Orthodoxist scripture.

• Gestures: Gesticulation is practically unknown; hands are usually clasped in a gesture of piety.
• Naming: Male and female cult members always have the “Aa” prefix (e.g., Aamar, Aabas, Aalm, Aama). Converts are given an Aamanian name to distinguish them from “infidels”.

Adventurers

Aamanians rarely travel outside of their homeland except for mercantile business or on pilgrimage.

• Zandu: Traditional enemy (enmity dates back over 500 years). Separated by the Great Barrier Wall.
• Werewood: Aaman pursues a policy of persecution against the Dhuna.
• Arim: Officially neutral.
• Djaffir & Farad: Interests are strictly mercantile.
• Seven Kingdoms: Censured Aaman as a slave-state; relations are infrequent.

[^1]: Even in death, the faithful cannot escape the all-knowing gaze of Aa.