Mandalan

The Mandalans are a golden-skinned folk, slender of build with almond-shaped eyes and pleasant features. They are known for their enlightened culture and their adherence to a philosophy of non-violence.

Appearance and Attire

• Hairstyle: Males shave their skulls, while females do the same except for a single top-knot of long, black hair.
• Clothing: Both sexes wear loose-fitting silkcloth robes or pajama-style garments.
• Demeanor: They typically exhibit a placid and serene expression.

History and Origins

Dating back to the Forgotten Age, Mandalan ancestors migrated from the Opal Mountains to the eastern coasts.

• Succession of Rule: Over centuries, they have been subjugated by the Zhan, Mazdaks, and most recently, the Quan.
• Endurance: Despite repeated conquests, Mandalan culture remains unchanged, outlasting the many warlike races that have ruled over them.

Culture and Society

Mandalan culture is advanced and centered around the coastal city of Jacinth.

• Dwellings: Those in the city live in elegant dwellings of parchment stretched over wood frames, featuring meditation rock gardens. Village dwellers live in rustic reed and thatch homes.
• Diet: All Mandalans are vegetarians, subsisting on grains, fruits, and green wine.
• Family: They place immense value on family bonds. Marriage is considered a sacred union of souls, and homes often house several generations.

Philosophy of Resistance

While appearing weak and submissive to outsiders, the Mandalans practice a sophisticated form of passive resistance.

• Non-Violence: They abhor physical violence, viewing militarism as primitive.
• The Mystic Warrior: They have developed unique methodologies for dealing with repressive regimes through subtle spiritual and logistical means. [^1]

Mandalan Characters

• Skills: Language (Quan - native), Language (High Talislan - fluent), Cultures (Mandalan) +5, Cultures (Quan) +3, Meditation +2.
• Quirks: Code of Conduct (non-violence).
• Starting Equipment: Silkcloth robe, sandals, shoulder bag, meditation beads.

Relations and Religion

• Current Status: Technically slaves of the Quan Empire, though their "compliance" is often punctuated by inexplicable logistical failures for their masters. [^2]
• Faith: They worship the Creator through personal meditation rather than formal ritual.
• Burial: Simple ceremonies involving shrines of river stones and flowers.
• Language: Their native tongue is Quan. Names are typically hyphenated (e.g., Shan-Yan, Zen-Shen).

[^1]: The concept of the Mystic Warrior allows them to maintain their cultural integrity without resorting to the violence they despise. [^2]: Reports of washed-out roads and disappearing Kang trackers often follow in the wake of Mandalan "submission."