recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Bailiang

**Bailiang** (百粮; *bǎiliáng*) is a town located in Jidong District, Ji Prefecture. As of 2020, it has a population of around 66,000. It is the second-largest town in the prefecture.

Bailiang began as a small farming township governed by the Nanyang clan, who were constantly competing with the neighbouring Yao clan for power over Ji's eastern reaches. Although the Nanyang were in fact immigrants from Tao Prefecture who had descended from an extinct family of that region, they were determined to extend their control and own at least half of Ji Prefecture. The Yao, who were descended from the first settlers of the land, saw the Nanyang as invaders, and hostility constantly brewed between the two families.

By the mid-1100s, Bailiang was producing crops such as wheat and millet, but it was also a stand of defence for the Nanyang, who invested considerable time and materials into constructing Bailiang Castle which became their base of operations. Finally, in 1190, the Battle of Eastern Ji (贝纪的蒯) occurred and war broke out. The Yao were unseated from their position of power, and the Nanyang went on to become the governers of almost all of Ji Prefecture's eastern lands.

In modern times, Bailiang's economy focuses on the production and processing of crops and vegetables, and over 40% of the town's area is dedicated to commercial farmland. Many of its residents also work in the nearby city of Kundao.
Moyou

**Moyou**(摩有; *móyǒu*) is a town located in Fengnan District, in Feng Prefecture. As of 2018, the town has a population of roughly 52,000. Moyou is located south of the Xiao River and the prefectural seat Hanxun, and is situated roughly 50 miles from the Peili River.

Moyou was discovered and settled by the Tiao clan in the late 10th century. By the 1100s it had been established as a mining town. Inhabitants worked in the cave systems which were found at the foothills of the Yangdu Mountains, collecting materials such as granite, flint and stone. Moyou is one of the only settlements in Feng Prefecture to have a mining history, due to its proximity to the Yangdu range.

To this day, Moyou's economy is largely dependent on its industrial background. The town has developed a small industrial belt developing a range of chemical, steel, cement and fertilizer products. In 1977, the Moyou Institute of Technologies was founded as a way of training the town's young people for industrial careers.
Zhicheng

**Zhicheng**(只称; *zhǐchēng*) is a town located in Fengdong District, Feng Prefecture. As of 2018, the town has a population of around 5,000.

The village of Zhicheng was established in what was once a luscious willow grove, inland of Feng's western coast. Over time, the trees were deforested to make room for the expanding settlement, though the village's name (literally meaning "fragrant willows") was retained.

Zhicheng existed as a farming township for almost four hundred years, until the beginning of the 18th century and the Jing Period. After the discovery of a 'sacred rock' on the village's east side, Qiren influences began to seep into Zhicheng, and before long it became famed for being one of Feng's most religious settlements. To this day, the rock (known as Di-Lang (涤崀, "The Divine Spearhead") is a popular tourist attraction.

In modern times, Zhicheng's economy relies heavily on agriculture. Its population is spread quite far across the town's area, and many miles of surrounding land have been dedicated to farming.
Peili River

The **Peili River** (配离免; *pèilí-miǎn*) is a river located on the north-western coast of Kanton. It flows down from the foothills of the Yangdu Mountains in Ji Prefecture and runs north through the prefectures of Ji and Feng. Its name translates to 'river of fatigue'; perhaps referencing the tiredness felt by one who is attempting to map its route through the difficult terrain.

The Peili River is also known by locals as the River of Sins (炰的免) due to the ancient practice of drowning criminals in its icy waters. This process of execution was thought to cleanse the damned before death. Even now, swimming in or fishing from the waters of the Peili is highly discouraged, as legend states that the river has absorbed the sins of these lost souls and is greatly contaminated.

The river is also special for the many shrines which have been found along its banks, many of them dating back centuries. These shrines were mostly dedicated to minor water deities, such as river sprites.
Lorvyn Campaign Wiki

Hi! this is our DnD campaign. We play DnD together and made a wiki to keep track of the objects, characters, etc.
**Note:** there's a typo on the title and url. It's *Lorvyn*, not Loryvn.

## Important Categories

**Player characters****Non-player characters****Places**

*Need help building out this community?*

* Getting Started
* How to Contribute
* Managing your new community
* Guides
* All Help articles

You can also be part of the larger Fandom family of communities. Visit Fandom's Community Central!
Hansha

**Hansha** (汗啥; *hànshà*) is a town located in Xingkuang District, Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of roughly 50,000. It is widely considered to be the 'sister town' of Shantuan.

Hansha is located near the border of Xingsu Prefecture, and sits on the slopes of the Yangdu foothills. It was originally established by the Bei clan, who abandoned it in the late 1100s after a devastating rockfall destroyed most of the village. The area was rediscovered in 1355 by the Han clan and given its current name, Hansha. Although this name does incorporate the moniker of a clan, it was not changed after the crowning of Emperor Luanshan. This is possibly because the character 汗 (hàn) literally means "cedar tree", and there was once a large number of cedars growing in the area.

In modern times, Hansha is a small, sleepy town; its residents mostly commute to larger cities such as Qiepan and Lakun for work. Its main industry is the making of furniture, which is an old and traditional practice for the community.
Kanbai Plain

The **Kanbai Plain** (侃败讨; *kǎnbài-tǎo*, also known as the Kanbai Bayou) is the name given to the area of grassland which lies to the south of Kanchan, in Xingsu Prefecture.

The plain is mostly wet and marsh-like, with spongy ground and numerous ponds and small lakes. For this reason, it has been impossible to build any kind of sustainable structures on the land.

Historically, Kanbai Plain was owned by the Kanshu clan. According to tales, the land earned the nickname 喪水讨 (*sàng shuǐ tǎo*, "plain of bloody water") due to the numerous executions that occured there. It also appeared in many rural legends, supposedly being a *zeikun* (an area haunted by the spirits of dead).
Taomang

**Taomang** (逃莽; *táomǎng*) is a city located in Jikan District, Ji Prefecture. As of 2020, the city has a population of 620,000.

## History

The area that is now the city of Taomang has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Numerous early graves, zusuan, ancient shrines and burial grounds have been discovered within the city limits, and archeological remains suggest that a major Xuan Period settlement existed in the modern-day city centre.

Taomang first emerged as a base of defense for the Mei clan, who governed over many settlements in the north of Ji Prefecture during the Nen and Mian Periods. Meinuan Fortress, which is now a ruin, was originally built as the home of the Mei clan but over centuries fell into deterioration and was eventually destroyed.

Throughout most of the city's history, it was a centre for coal mining, similarly to its neighbour Yulai. However, Taomang also supplied materials such as granite, marble, flint and unprocessed stone to other regions of Kanton, a lucrate industry which eventually propelled the town towards its current-day development.

During the 18th century, Taomang underwent a period of refurbishment and repair, and many parts of the city were overhauled. The wards of the city's eastern outskirts, previously home to communities of coal miners and their families, had been almost deserted after the mining industry gradually died over the last 50 years or so. These areas were converted into upperclass residential quarters which soon became populated with new, wealthier residents as Taomang became a centre for trade and commerce in the modern era.

### 20th century

On 21st August 1974, a major rockfall occured, triggering landslides and destroying a large portion of Taomang's north-eastern sector.

In 1982, the Taomang Coal Mining Museum (逃莽炭湍別含) was established in the city's centre. The memorial museum provides visitors with the history of coal mining in the area, and its exhibits include a steam locomotive, coal miner's clothes, and historical tools such as pickaxes and lanterns. A very small portion of Taomang Central Mine, once the most lucrative coalmine in the region, is open for exploration and guided tours.

## Geography

Taomang is located east of its sister town, Yulai, and lies just under the foothills of the Yangdu Mountains. Its proximity to these foothills was a major factor in its lucrative coal-mining industry. The city often experiences cool summers and icy winters, often with much snow.

## Economy

Taomang's economy mainly relies on the tertiary sector, although export and production of traditional cuisine also contributes to the city's economy. Tourism is another major factor, as the city is known for its lengthy and interesting history.
Gen Lake

The **Gen Lake** (亘忽; *gen-hu*) is a river located in the north-east of Xingsu Prefecture. It is surrounded by a number of cities, and is the destination of the Tao River which flows north from the Yangdu Mountains. For centuries the freshwater lake has served as a water source for neighbouring settlements, and has irrigated farmland around its shores.

The lake gets its name from its characteristically clear, silvery water, which has been likened to molten metal (the character 亘 means "silver").

Historically, the lake has supplied the surrounding area with fertile, well-watered land and an abundance of freshwater fish. It also contributed largely to the growth of the nearby city Shenmian.

In 1998, the lake became widely known for being the setting of a pivotal scene in the famous thriller film *Where The Water's Deep*.
Cheng Bay

**Cheng Bay** (称淮; *chēnghuái*) is a bay located on the northern coast of Feng Prefecture. The bay lies very close to the town of Nianquan, the community of which relies heavily on Cheng Bay's natural resources. The area is particularly known for its oyster farming.

## History

Cheng Bay was named with the character 称 (*chēng*) which means "willow". Despite there being a lack of willow trees in modern times, it is safe to assume that they once grew in the area. The bay is sometimes referred to as Cheng Temple Bay (称方淮; *chēngfānghuái*) due to the presence of the well-known Chenghuai Temple which stands on its coastline.

From its establishment as a fishing port in the early 14th century, the bay was under the control of the Peacemen of Feng and their vassals. From ancient times, Cheng Bay and its surrounding area has provided people of the surrounding regions with a rich abundance of natural resources. As a result, many small communities sprung up around the bay, and industries of pearl farming, oyster farming, and rice cultivation.

## Geography

The bay is one of the smallest in the country, but is considered to be picturesque with a unique windswept landscape and stunning views out over the East China Sea. Unfortunately, the natural scenery has been polluted somewhat by the amount of industry in the area.

## Chenghuai Typhoon

On August 27 2001, the Chenghuai Typhoon devastated the Cheng Bay area. Rising sea levels and turbulent weather conditions decimated low-lying areas of the coast and destroyed many industrial sites. 208 people were killed or missing, 378 were injured, and over 500 houses were totally or partially destroyed. The damaging effects of the typhoon are still felt by the communities of the surrounding settlements.
Fusun

**Fusun** (付损; *fùsǔn*) is a village located in Xingkuai District, Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of 9,500, making it the largest in the prefecture. Fusun has a history of incorporating surrounding hamlets into its area. The last settlement to be absorbed was the hamlet of Hanjie which was absorbed in 1989. The village itself is situated on the northern coastline of Xingsu Prefecture.

Fusun is best known for its noodle-based cuisine, most famously the local dish *niànduō* (捻多) which includes distinctive 'twisted' noodles in a creamy fish sauce.

Fusun was first settled by the Lao clan in the 7th century, but was abandoned later for unknown reasons. It remained untouched for almost 700 years, and eventually its community, housing and farmland disintegrated in disuse. In the 1300s Fusun was discovered once again by the Xing clan, who quickly settled the coastal village and built on the ancient ruins. From then, Fusun's population grew rapidly as it experienced a revival.

In modern times, Fusun is a primary exporter of seafood- and noodle-based cuisine, though it also relies heavily on tourism. The village is known to be surrounded with hundreds of small shrines and temples built centuries ago, many of which are dedicated to minor ocean deities.
Yang-shen

**Yang-shen** (杨神; *yángshén*) is the Qiren deity of wind and air, and is one of the weather gods, also known as *tianshen* (天神). In modern-day Qiren, he is regarded as one of the common deities or *cang-shen*. He is also classified as a natural god.

## Belief

It is believed that Yang-shen was born from a huge typhoon created by a fit of anger from the powerful lord of the skies, Tiankang. From this typhoon were born the four main weather spirits: Yang-shen, Fu-mai, Xue-mai, and Meng-shen. Yang-shen was the only *shen* of the four to have the capacity to harness the power of the typhoon, being the first-born, and absorbed this strength.

Yang-shen's abilities are extremely varied, mostly because the telling of his legends varies drastically from region to region. Commonly he is thought to have the power to raise high winds in the form of typhoons and to create generic windy weather. In some beliefs, he likes to eavesdrop on human beings and 'blow' their words into the ears of others (thereby starting false rumours very easily).

## Depiction

Yang-shen is very consistently depicted across all areas and periods of his existence, often resembling a slender, spritely and nimble young man with long black hair and bright blue eyes. He does not wear any clothing except for a thin cloth around his waist, from which hang an assortment of bells and trinkets. It is said that when calling upon Yang-shen, one may be able to hear the sound of his bells as he descends to commune with the summoner.

Yang-shen is notoriously easy to offend and make angry. For this reason, he is often worshipped in a preventative, pacifying way (that is, to appease his spirit and lessen the likelihood of storms, typhoons or high winds).
Kunyou

**Kunyou** (坤有; *kūn-yǒu*) is a minor mountain located on the northern end of the Yangdu Mountains in north-west Kanton. It is the source of the Tao River, and has an elevation of 460 metres. As the smallest mountain in the range, it serves as the transition between Yangdu and the subrange of Tan Shanlai. The Kunyou Pass lies between Kunyou and Mount Zhangshan.

Historically, the foothills of Kunyou served as the home of the powerful Bei clan, who also built a fortress on the highest peak of the mountain (known as 悲彭; *bēi-péng*). The ruins of the fort are now a popular attraction for tourists and hillwalkers alike. In 1956, it was designated a National Treasure by the Kantonese government.

Until the 15th century, Kunyou and its surrounding foothills were heavily populated by members of the Bei clan and their vassals. After the conquest of the Xing clan in 1534, Bei loyalists either followed their chief into fealty or fled the prefecture. For over three hundred years since, the area has been uninhabited. As a way of utilising the land, the Xingsu Prefectural Government established the Kunyou Nature Reserve in 2009.
Mount Weishan

**Mount Weishan** (危山; *wēishān*) is a mountain situated in the Yangdu Mountains, in north-west Kanton. It is also known as Baifang-shan (白方山; "hundred-shrine mountain"). It stands at 980 metres and is seated between Fuling and Mount Zhangshan.

The mountain is notable for being covered in over 120 *zusuan*, the majority of which have been damaged by stormy weather, falling rock or animals such as goats. The shrines seem to have been made over a period of nearly two hundred years (between 400 and 600 AD), and are all dedicated to members of an ancient predecessor of the Kanshu Clan. In 1995, the wide plateau of the mountain (home to 96 shrines) was declared a protected area by the Kanton government.

Although the shrines offer sight-seeing opportunities, most visitors to the mountain gravitate towards the cliff-faces on the eastern face, which offer premium rock-climbing space.
Pingnian

**Pingnian**(坪年; *píngnián*) is a town located in Xingceng District, in Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of around 65,000.

Pingnian was originally settled by the Zou clan, who also managed to establish the township of Dangshi. During this time, the village was nothing more than a trading post for locals to barter and exchange goods. After being taken over by the Shou clan, Pingnian was developed into a slightly larger farming township, supplying produce for the military base of Dangshi and its surrounding settlements.

Nowadays, Pingnian is a relatively wealthy and lively town which thrives on its agricultural economy and production of goods such as cloth, meat, and grains.
Levienne

Levienne potrait by rosyArrogant.

Queen Leshannodel (former Lord)

Levienne is Zhervus' former Asteri Elf servant.

## Description

### Appearance

Levienne wears similar patterns to Zhervus, with the difference of wearing noticeably less jewelry. He covers the higher part of his face with a horned mask.

On his forehead there's a gem, that matches Zhervus', which is encrusted on his choker. Both of these are enchanted so that they can find each other across long distances.

His hair glows when he casts spells, alongside the collection of light blue tattoos across his body.

### Personality

Levienne is formal, serene and mature. He does what he is asked, and can stand by himself during fights.

His main focus is Zhervus: their bond is present during most of his actions, he follows him, and yet allows for him to fail nonetheless, standing beside him and aiding him afterwards.

## Biography

### Background

Levienne's language barrier prevents him from fully bonding with the party, the most they know about him is that he is Zhervus' servant and acts like a guardian to the young tiefling, both having a very close and long lasting bond.

Levienne is known to utilize invisibility as to scout, investigate and hide away from the public eye.

Zhervus has spoken about him desiring to go Helthar.
Andong

**Andong** (俺冬; *āndōng*) is a village located in Xingkuai District, Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of 8,700.

Andong began in the 13th century as a small farming settlement, originally founded by the Jiang clan as a *sengman* or abbey town. The region was solely inhabited by Qiren monks, who created a commune surrounding the ancient Andong Temple which stood as the centrepiece of the village. Through the centuries, Andong eventually transformed into a larger settlement and its boundaries extended. By the mid-1600s, it had a population comprised of both upper-class monks and lower-class peasants who worked the land.

Andong is one of the few villages in Xingsu Prefecture which retains its agricultural roots. The majority of the population work on independent farmsteads, supplying a large amount of unprocessed foodstuffs across the country. The village is also an important producer of organic products. Andong is also notable for its old-fashioned buildings, which are constructed with stone, wood and have thatched roofs.
2011 Guiyan earthquake

The **2011 Guiyan earthquake** (瑰岩谋铠; *guīyán móukǎi*) hit the city of Guiyan in Xingjiang District, Xingsu Prefecture on October 17, 2011 at 7:48pm. Its epicentre was located only 25 miles north of Guiyan's city centre. Registering a magnitude of 6.5, the tremour destroyed most of Guiyan's northern ward and triggered major rockfalls from the Xingshan Mountains. The earthquake left at least 28 people dead or missing.

Rockfalls and a large landslide from the southern face of Mount Fangyan obstructed roads and buried over 25 buildings, killing 18 people in total. Additionally, rubble and debris from the mountainside blocked a tributary of the Siunin river, causing a part of the northern ward to become flooded and heavily water-damaged.

In addition to these events, a theatre caught fire in Guiyan's red light district, killing 6 people and injuring 4. The fire spread through almost a quarter of the district before it was finally extinguished, damaging almost $500,000 worth of property.
Siukuang

**Siukuang** (斯匡; *sīkuāng*) is a city located in Xingjiang District, Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of roughly 1.5 million.

## History

### Early history

The area of Siukuang was originally a small mining town which relied on the coal found in the nearby Tan Shanlai mountains. Founded and governed by the Kanshu clan in the late 7th century, the town quickly grew in population due to its rich natural resources and steady economy. Along with coal mining, Siukuang also featured three granite quarries, none of which are in use now.

Siukuang was one of the only settlements in early Mian Period Xingsu to not undergo a dramatic religious shift; it remains a city in which there are only two temples and four shrines.

### 20th century

In 1962, Siukuang Women's College opened to the public.

In 1963, Siukuang gained city status with 105,000 residents.

In 1978, Siukuang's second known temple was discovered on the outskirts of the city's eastern ward. The temple, Siukuang Mountain Temple, was dedicated to Shanshen and other minor mountain deities. In 1979, the temple was designated a Protected Area.

In 1999, the city's granite quarries officially closed due to safety risks and lack of funding.

### 21st century

In 2004, Siukuang's Women College closed, and was replaced by Siukuang University. The reason for closing is still unclear, although it was supposedly due to a lack of students. Siukuang University was commended for rivaling the acclaimed Hongkai Institute.

## Geography

Siukuang is located 25 miles from the Tao River, and is situated between the cities of Kanchan and Hongkai. It was built in the shadow of the Tan Shanlai subrange, which runs along the entirety of the city's northern ward.

Siukuang experiences cold weather all year round, but is more prone to frost and ice rather than heavy snows. Due to the presence of the Tan Shanlai, the city remains quite sheltered through storms and bad weather.

## Economy

Although coal mining was once Siukuang's primary industry, it is now known as a tertiary region. A number of electronics manufacturers hold offices and factories in the industrial district. Although it is not a commuter city, many of Siukuang's residents work in nearby Hongkai.
Kunyou Pass

The **Kunyou Pass** (坤有量; *kūnyǒu-liàng*) is a mountain pass which runs in a south-west direction through Kunyou and Mount Zhangshan. It serves as the main road passage between Xingsu Prefecture and Feng Prefecture and traverses the range at 430 metres.

In the late 10th century, the plateau through which the road is now built was an area inhabited by vassals of the Kanshu clan, who governed the area at the time. After the Xing conquest of 1534, the pass was converted into a travellers' town, and most of the population left to find work in the developing cities. Its remaining residents were all but wiped out by a severe bout of disease which spread from Pangji Prefecture in the mid-1800s.

The modern pass, which has concrete roads, signs, traffic lights and rails, was built very recently in the 1990s. Before then, the pass was mostly dirt road, and only navigable with a land vehicle.
Yangyan

**Yangyan** (阳岩; *yángyán*) is a town located in Xingjiang District, Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of 42,000.

Yangyan has experienced a recent spurt in tourism due to the historical value of its ancient castle, Yangyan-mang, which was built approximately 650 years ago. Since receiving World Heritage Site status in 1978, the castle and its grounds have undergone multiple repairs and refurbishments to create an attractive tourist site for the village. As of now, it is Yangyan's most lucrative source of income.

Before the influx of tourists, Yangyan's economy mainly relied on cloth production. Nowadays, the majority of its population work in larger neighbouring towns and cities, the closest being Kanchan and Hongkai. Due to this, it is unofficially recognised as a bedroom community.
Kanton sun-gardens

**Hai-qian** (亥签; *hài-qiān*) are a type of traditional Kanton garden which are most commonly found outside shrines, temples, nutou or any other kind of significant cultural building. The gardens are typically large, and include a high number of carefully-selected wildflowers, along with water fountains, standing stones and seating areas for visitors. Some *hai-qian*, especially those located near temples, may feature small shrines or even *zusuan* as well. They are seasonally different from moon-gardens.

Traditionally, hai-qian are places of mindfulness, tranquility, peace and emotional exploration. Many gardens will host activities such as *miekuang* (also known as Kanton soul-searching), along with communal worship or prayer.

Sun-gardens existed in Kanton as early as the 5th century, originally only found in the grounds of important temples and monastaries. The first recorded mention of *hai-qian* comes from The Book of Life by the renowned 14th century scholar Qingque Tang, who cited them as an aide for monks to 'find the inner pathways of their soul[s]'.

Early *hai-qian* are very rarely found nowadays, as they were continuously updated over the centuries by the newest generations of Qiren monks.

## Features

There are a number of features which distinguish any type of Kanton garden.

* Wildflowers - although their inclusion is becoming more and more uncommon, wildflowers were once considered the spirit of any sun-garden. Flowers have always been thought to be symbolic of purity, innocence and ingenuous sincerity. Their presence in a *hai-qian* opens the mind and soul to a more simplistic, childlike way of living, in which the world becomes more colourful. They also represent the soul's femininity.
* Standing stones - also known as 请埠 (*qǐng-bù*; "upright stones"). These features are more typical in older sun-gardens, and are thought to represent the other aspect of the soul; i.e. the masculine side. Standing stones symbolise wisdom, inner strength and able-mindedness.
* Water fountains - quickly overtaking standing stones as a common asset to any *hai-qian*, water fountains are said to represent the essence of life flowing, like water, through the pathways that fate creates. Unlike European fountains, which typically feature a stone basin in which the water is collected, Kanton water fountains simply feed the earth and plants growing nearby.
* Seating areas - also known as 安大 (*ān-dà*; "sitting spots"). Seats and their position in any sun-garden are very important for the full effects of the environment to be absorbed. Usually they are arranged in a rough, wide spiral shape, leading into a large water fountain which serves as the centrepiece for the garden. Despite the prevalence of seating areas, it is expected for visitors to explore the area themselves.
Qiren shrine-maidens

In Qiren, a ***fangmie*** is a shrine maiden or low-ranking priestess who works and lives in a temple or nearby. Historically, *fangmie* were unmarried virgins who were often related to the *hunsen* of their temple, but in modern times this is almost never the case. Their role was to keep the temple clean, welcome and socialise with visitors, participate in various rituals and ceremonies, and occasionally perform Qing dances.

## Attire and customs

A *fangmie* would traditionally dress in a white *yangzhuang* (阳装; sacred white robes), a pale green *tao* or belt tied with a special knot, and two long white hair ribbons. A *fangmie*'s hair is always kept long, often reaching below the waist, and treated heavily with oils. During Qing dances, she will wear a special pair of sandals known as *qinggan* (庆甘) which are flat and made of stiff dried reeds.

While participating in ceremonies and rituals, a *fangmie* will often use various tools, such as hazel wands (榛咔), bells (敲字), ribbon sticks (尾咔) and various types of incense. Drums, bowls of salt water, and lit candles can also used in ceremonies.

*Fangmie* were not not paid for their work, but gained respect at an early age from members of the local community, and learned useful skills such as cooking, calligraphy, etiquette and healing which will benefit them in later life. *Fang-mie*could choose to work at the temple through adulthood, in which case they would often train to become priestesses (女森), who ranked lower than the male priests but could still conduct ceremonies and held much respect and prestige. Unfortunately female priests were criminalised in the late 19th century as being impure, and in fact all female figures involved in Qiren had their influence reduced drastically as a result of various laws passed at the time.

Sacred prostitution (梣淫美) was once a common practice in Qiren temples, particularly in the south and east of Kanton, according to the belief that sexual intercourse with a shrine maiden could bless and cleanse a man of his sins. Many temples would happily rent out their *fangmie* for a sizeable amount of money; sex work often kept these establishments afloat financially. This was, however, outlawed in 1868 as a sacreligious practice.

## Contemporary *fangmie*

Contemporary, modern shrine-maidens are often seen at Qiren temples, where they assist with ceremonies, rituals, functions and gatherings, perform ceremonial dances, offer *xianxin* fortune telling, sell souvenirs, and offer tours of the temple grounds. Often, *fangmie* are not related to the head priest or even particularly pious women; many are university students gaining workplace experience, or even teen schoolgirls who are content earning a modest wage.
Kanton Wiki

**Welcome to the Kanton Wiki!**This wiki documents everything that has been so far written about the fictional nation of Kanton. Kanton is an East Asian country located south of Japan, and is the home of the conlang Kantonese. It has a population of roughly 40 million, and is a democratic nation (though it has a long history of monarchical rule). In this wiki, historical events are documented alongside religion, politics, settlements, industries, and cultural principles which can give wider insight into the nation of Kanton.
Nongyun

**Nongyun**(农云; *nóngyún*) is a town located in Xingceng District, in Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, the town has a population of 53,000.

Nongyun was originally under the control of the Zou clan, who also controlled the settlements of Dangshi and Pingnian. It remained as the last stand of the clan until their defeat by the Shou in the latter half of the Mian Period. For a number of years, the Zou family hid there before eventually being forced out of their home by the invading Shou clan.

Like many settlements and townships in its area, Nongyun's economy depended on agriculture, and its residents grew a number of crops such as wheat, barley, yams, rice and potatoes. Animal rearing has remained an institution; in modern times Nongyun beef is widely prized for its flavour and quality.
Festival biscuits

**Yingcao** (萦槽; *yíng-cáo*) are traditional Kanton biscuits most commonly sold during festivals. They are associated with all the entertainment, good cheer, and fun that a celebration brings, which is why their popularity is so enduring. They are small, round and made from lard, sugar and flour, with a mild and sweet flavour similar to shortbread or Japanese chinsuko. *Yingcao* can be flavoured with a wide variety of toppings, such as sesame seeds, almonds, honey, sugar, chocolate, or jam.

It is thought that *yingcao* originated from a kind of flatbread called *jipan*, a sugar-coated doughnut-like treat that is now sold primarily as streetfood. Due to its simple recipe and easiness to make, it has become extremely prevalent across Kanton; however, it is mostly eaten during festivals. How the association between *yingcao* and festivals came about is actually still unknown.

## Shencao (神槽)

Shencao are almost identical to their festival counterpart, but are reserved for religious use, specifically as offerings. They have the same shape and size as *yingcao*, but are typically much drier, harder and more brittle. According to custom, they are placed in front of one's household shrine with a small bowl of salt water, in order to show respect and care for one's ancestral spirits. Unsalted water is widely considered to be poisonous to spirits, and if one does not add salt, they will most likely be cursed by their furious ancestors.
Luanqin

**Luanqin** (栾亲; *luánqīn*) is a city located in Xingbang District, in Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of 118,000, making it the smallest city in the prefecture. Luanqin is located on the foothills of the Xingshan Mountains, south of the Ximian River.

Historically, the economy of the city has relied heavily on agriculture and large-scale farming. Nowadays, most of the residents work in larger nearby cities such as Guiyan. However, a small portion of the city's southern ward has been reserved as a historical attraction, showcasing late Mian Period architecture and housing.

In 2011, Luanqin was hit by one of the many aftershocks which followed the destructive earthquake which occured in Guiyan. The damage was significant and the entire city was greatly affected.
Di-Lang

**Di-Lang** (涤崀; *dílàng*), also known as The Divine Spearhead, is a sacred rock located in the town of Zhicheng, in Fengdong District, Feng Prefecture. In 1976 it was designated a National Treasure by the Kantonese government. The rock is thought to be the manifestation of a minor mountain deity known as *Shan-Jing-De-Jinmu* (山精的劲木).

Di-Lang was first discovered upon the village's settlement, but was not annointed as a *shen-diu* until the early 1700s. As local legend tells it, a wandering priest was walking in the shadow of the stone on a hot summer's day. Hoping to relieve himself of the heat in the shade it provided, the priest laid back against its base and rested. As he pressed his back against its surface, he felt a feeling of holiness and warmth radiating from its surface, which penetrated his very soul and alluded to him that a *shen* was embodying it. Soon after this discovery, a shrine was built at the base of the rock for visitors to come and pray.

Di-Lang is open to tourists and sightseers, but touching the rock or walking beneath its shadow is strictly forbidden.
Mount Fangyan

**Mount Fangyan** (房眼山; *fángyǎn-shān*) is a dormant and inactive volcanic mountain located in the Xingshan Mountains. It is the tallest in the mountain range, standing at 567m, and dwarfs the other peaks in comparison.

## History

The mountain's name literally means "eagle's eye". Birds of prey are commonly sighted in the region, and it is suggested that there are large numbers of eagles living on the peaks of the mountain. In history, Mount Fangyan has been thought to be a sacred place, as eagles represent instinct, intuition and spirituality in Qiren teachings. There is a shrine located on the lower summit of the mountain which was built in the 1500s (Fangyan Shrine).

In folk legend, it is said that Yuyang, the great *sai*, once scaled the mountain in just one week with nothing but the clothes on his back. For this reason, it is sometimes known as Yuyang-shan or Mount Yuyang (余杨山; *yúyáng-shān*) as a way of paying homage to this marvelous accomplishment.
Fanchong

**Fanchong** (矾崇; *fánchóng*) is the last Qiren shrine or temple visit of the year. It usually occurs in the last week of December, around two weeks before the first visit of the New Year, known as *hanchong*. This visit is generally considered much less significant than *hanchong* and places of worship observe much lower numbers of visitors.

Generally, *fanchong* entails a brief period of worship or prayer inside a temple or beside a shrine, often asking spirits to forgive any sins committed over the last twelve months. Repentance and promises of resolution are common. In some regions, children are encouraged to write letters of gratitude or apology to their older family members to make up for any bad behaviour, or simply to express appreciation for the hard work of their elders.
Jinjun

**Jinjun** (劲菌; *jìnjūn*) is a town located in Xingjiang District, Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of 87,000.

Jinjun is known for once being a hub of silk production, due to its relatively warm climate. In the modern day, the town is generally thought to be a commuter settlement, with many of its inhabitants working in neighbouring towns and cities.

During the Nen Period, Jinjun was the seat of the powerful Kanshu Clan, who ruled the surrounding area for more than 120 years. During these years, it became known as Kansu, a shortening of Kanshu-su. This also marked the beginning of Jinjun's silk industry, making the town one of the only major silk suppliers in the west Kanton region. Despite its profits from sericulture, Jinjun has not yet managed to achieve city status.
Battle of Feng Peninsula

Modern-day Guizhang Beach, near to where the battle took place.

The **1056 Battle of Feng Peninsula** (冯长的蒯; *féng-zhǎng de kuǎi*) was a battle fought between the warring clans Tiao and Bian in Feng Prefecture. The battle concerned the territory of Feng's northern peninsula, which was the ancestral home of the Bian clan; due to the opportunities it offered, the Tiao desired the land for themselves.

The Tiao attacked in early 1056, soon after New Year, as this was believed to be a rather auspicious period for them. The battle lasted for over 5 days as the Bian forces bravely held their own; however, they were sorely outnumbered and eventually succombed. Chensao, the commander of the Tiao forces, instigated the capture and beheading of the Bian family soon after their defeat.

The battle resulted in the Tiao gaining control of Feng Prefecture's northern peninsula, which was quickly rebuilt into a centre of commercialised fishing.
Kunfu

**Kunfu** (坤富; *kūnfù*) is a town located in Xingkuai District, Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, the town had a population of 38,000. For many years, Kunfu has attracted visitors due to its historical significance.

During the entirety of the Mian Period, Kunfu was dominated by the Shou, who claimed to be descendents of the ancient Pang clan. It developed quickly as a centre of commerce and trade, and absorbed many surrounding hamlets over the span of a few decades. Kunfu is notably home to one of the most elaborate fortresses built during this period, Shoufu Castle. The building, constructed in 1132, has survived remarkably well over the centuries and serves as valuable evidence of architectural techniques of the time. During the Mian Period, Shoufu Castle was one of the main political centres of the south of Xingsu.

Kunfu was actually known as Kunyou for most of its existence, but its name was officially changed in 1951 as it caused considerable confusion between the town and the mountain of the same moniker.

Nowadays, Kunfu's tourism industry is a main contributor to the local economy, though traditional arts such as weaving, incense manufacture and bookbinding still provide supplementary income.
Qiren shrines

A **Qiren shrine**(算; *suàn*) is a structure whose main purpose is provide a place of worship and contact between humans and *shen*. The term *suan* applies only to the specific structure in which the worship is carried out and offerings are laid. Some shrines may not accept offerings at all, while others do not accommodate communication between *shen*and humans, the only activity being servile worship.

Shrines are small structures made of either wood or stone, carved in rectangular shapes with gilded edges. They usually stand at 1-1.5 metres in height. The names of the enshrined or dedicated *shen* will be carved on a plaque on the roof of the shrine. Inside, a visitor will find a bench on which to lay offerings and a small book known as *suandan* on which one may write a prayer instead of thinking it. Sometimes, written prophecies (闲测) can be purchased at a shrine, along with good luck charms; this feature is more common in temples and is only available during Kantonese New Year.

Minature shrines (算列) can occasionally be found on roadsides. Many households also have their own family shrines, known as 偷算. Portable shrines (往算), seen during various religious festivals, serve as floats on which people dressed in *shen* costumes will dance and perform songs. Sometimes, smaller 'travelling shrines' are involved into a pilgrimage known as *qu-hun* (去溷), in which they are carried down by monks to the nearest shore and sent off into the ocean. This is thought to symbolise the passage of the *shen* from the physical plane to their homes in the aether, as the meeting between sea and sky has strong spiritual connotations.
Duan-hun

**Duan-hun** (断昏; *duàn-hūn*) is one of the four Qiren deities of abundance, often referred to as the god of the harvest. In literal translation, his name means "father of the harvest".

## Beliefs

In the Qiren religion, it is believed that Duan-hun was an ancient farmer whose crops consistently failed to produce any kind of worthwhile yield. With his family on the edge of starvation, Duan-hun prayed fervently to Haiga-mai, the merciful sun goddess, to save his wife and son from famine. She took pity on him due to his sincerity and piousness, and sent him a beautiful vision of fields of golden wheat and rice-stalks flourishing under warm sunlight. After receiving this vision, Duan-hun experienced unfailing good fortune during every harvest, and became highly admired in his village.

Upon his death, Duan-hun's pure spirit was enshrined by the village priests and rose to the First Heaven, becoming a human deity. Understanding the dread of a poor harvest, Duan-hun can be summoned to ask for help in creating a bountiful yield at the end of summer.

## Description

Duan-hun has the power to care for and tend failing crops into full health and abundance, sweeping fields of rice and wheat with his blessing and causing them to grow healthily. He is regarded as one of the most helpful and agreeable *shen*, being very difficult to anger or offend.

In popular culture, Duan-hun is often depicted as a round-bellied, laughing, twinkle-eyed old man with a long flowing white beard, wearing light robes of yellow or orange. He is also commonly barefoot, which is why his feet never leave marks in the fields which he blesses. It is uncommon for Duan-hun to take animal form, as he does not have a need for this ability.
Offshore Shopping District

**Offshore Shopping District** (谱兽渀潘; *pǔshòu-bènpān*, known locally as 谱兽) is a shopping district located in the eastern ward of Hongkai, in Xingjiang District, Xingsu Prefecture. It is situated very near to Hongkai Harbour, and attracts a good number of tourists and visitors. The district was opened in 1992 due to an overcrowding of businesses in Hongkai's city centre.

Although the full name of the district is officially recognised, locals prefer to call it 谱兽 (*pǔshòu*), which is a contraction of the English word 'offshore'. It is also a play on words: the character 谱 means "shop" or "store", while 兽 can mean "plateau" or "flat area".
Wangman

**Wangman** (往満; also known as 汆満) were travellers' posts situated around Kanton, generally located in the west and midlands of the country, and nearby frequently-travelled routes or rivers. These post towns were places where travellers could rest on a long journey, sleep, eat and interact with the locals before continuing to their destination. Riverside *wangman* (免往満) were often much less common than roadside wangman (年往満), which were located beside many of Kanton's most well-used roadways.

A *wangman* town would often have two or three very large *nutou* inns being run within its boundaries, which often charged high prices. The cheaper option was to board at a smaller establishment called a *cuanda* (汆大), which was often little more than a shed with cots or sleeping mats laid out for patrons. These *cuanda* could also be used if the inns were full, or if one was arriving very late at night without time to find a room. The rest of the town was inhabited by locals who would often run their businesses from dealing and bartering with travellers and merchants.

Many riverside *wangman*, such as the town of Yushen in Ji Prefecture, offered accommodation on riverboats or barges which were known as *miancuan* (免汆). These would take the place of *cuanda*, and were often cheap, too. The only difference was that a traveller was usually lodging with a family who lived in the riverboat themselves.
Shen-diu

In Qiren belief, ***shendiu*** (神丢; 'body of the shen') or ***bao-shendiu*** (保神丢; 'natural manifestation of the shen') are physical objects, almost always naturally-occuring, which are worshipped at or nearby Qiren shrines and temples in which spirits have been enshrined. Sometimes, worship of a *shendiu* is also referred to as *shen-giudai*(神革袋, 'spirit replacement' or 'spirit substitute').

In spite of what the name might suggest, *shendiu* are not themselves living *shen*, but rather residencies, habitations or manifestations of spirits on the physical plane which make them accessible to human beings for worship.

## Description

It is believed that shen are likely to manifest physically in the natural world through forms which represent their role in the pantheon. The most common *shendiu* are naturally-occuring forms, such as trees, rivers, stones, mountains/volcanoes, waterfalls, lakes, and rock formations. Sacred trees are known as 神泍 (a famous example of a tree shendiu is Jin-Lia, located in Jinmu Forest). Sacred rocks are known as 神埠 (Di-Lang, located in Feng Prefecture, is an example of this type). Sacred rivers are known as 神免, and so on. Occasionally, *shendiu* may also be manmade objects. However, they must be blessed and 'opened up' by a priest so that the energy of the *shen* is able to enter. Some statues of venerated humans are good examples of manmade *shendiu*.

Possibly the most famous mountain shendiu is Hansai, a volcano located on the Kawu range. It is believed to be the home of the Dragon of Hansai, a dragon spirit which lives inside the volcano. The entire mountain is considered sacred ground; in order to climb it, one must undergo various purification rituals.

Many *shendiu* have nearby temples or shrines in which visitors are able to worship and pray to the spirit which is thought to inhabit it.
Zhangshan Waterfall

**Zhangshan Waterfall** (掌山彩; *zhǎngshān-cǎi*) is a waterfall located on the southern face of Mount Zhangshan in the Yangdu Mountains. It is the highest waterfall in the range, descending more than three-quarters of the way down the summit of Zhangshan.

The waterfall has often been sited as the most well-known and popular mountain waterfall in west Kanton, mostly due to its impressive height and the shrine which sits nearby. The shrine itself was constructed 350 years ago, and is dedicated to Shanshen, the most powerful mountain deity. In wintertime, access to the shrine is prohibited due to safety risks; when ice and frost form on the rocks it becomes extremely hazardous. However, in summer the waterfall sees a large number of visitors. The area has been classified as a National Treasure by the Kanton government.

In local legend, the Zhangshan waterfall is said to be the birthplace of the benevolent spirit Shuima, whose travels across ancient Kanton created all the springs and rivers in the land.