The Twilight Empire

Welcome to Tian Zhou...

Nine great powers vie for control amidst a world in ruin after centuries of conflict and war. Ancient institutions scheme amongst the rulership of the land for their own small piece of the empire. This is the world of Eldritch. With this guide, you hold the key to the gates of a world rife with bitter conflict, political turmoil, and mysteries both arcane and unseen. Ancient alliances are broken as quickly as they are forged. Lines are blurred between ally and enemy. Heroes are found in the most unlikely of places. The world is awakening anew. Where will you find your place?

Beyond the tempestuous seas of Western Arnesse lies a realm of vast steppe, snow-encrusted mountains, shadowy forests, and a looming Blight. Here, the Solar and Lunar Wardens – Emperors and Empresses anointed for skill and connection to the divine rather than blood – have guided their people for centuries following the First Eclipse. Their Twilight Empire is built on armies of bureaucrats in addition to soldiers, and still further on hosts of farmers, craftspeople, and herders. One government grapples with maintaining power over hundreds of Clans, each with their own history. In this land, where spirits live alongside farmers and scholars record the appearances of dragon-spirits, the line between myth and fact is blurred and the danger of an unstoppable advance from the North hangs over an Empire.

A Note on Cultural Sensitivity

The intent of this supplement on the Twilight Empire is to produce a setting that evokes the cultural themes of ancient China and Mongolia, while including fundamental elements of the Eldritch setting itself - a low-fantasy, somewhat grimdark, pseudo-medieval world. We've set out to create a culture that feels like it's a part of our fictional setting, with enough similarities to both the historical Chinese and Mongolian cultures of our real world that it feels grounded and believable. Our approach has been to include elements of these cultures’ folklore, history, and customs without being overly contrived, derivative, or disrespectful. We strive to adopt a mentality of continuous learning, and are willing to update this supplement when needed.

Our creative team worked with James Mendez Hodes (jamesmendezhodes.com), a professional cultural consultant, to develop the Twilight Empire based on touchstones from Asian history, religion, and folkways.

Visit the Twilight Empire supplement from the library below to read more about the faction.

See the Player's Guide to see what skills your character would have access to.
All characters from Tian Zhou, except for Nobles, use the same skillsets as existing factions.

Keepers of the Equinox utilize the Auron skills.

Disciples of the Mirror utilize the Vigil skills.

Military members can utilize the Knight skills.

Order of the Literati utilize the Magister skills.

Merchants from Tian Zhou can utilize the Cirque skills.

Anyone from Tian Zhou can utilize the Veteran skills.