Ascians

Overview

The Ascians are a human race representing the peoples of Asia. Encompassing a wide variety of ethnicities, cultures, and traditions, Ascians originate from the diverse regions of East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia. Within Belegarth, Ascians may draw inspiration from the historical clothing, armor, weapons, martial traditions, and cultural practices of these regions. Ascians are not a distinct fantasy species, but rather a racial identity based on real-world Asian ancestry, adapted to the setting of Belegarth.

Lore

The Ascians hail from a realm far beyond the boundaries of Belegarth, originating from a civilization whose technological advancements allowed them to traverse the multiverse itself. Through centuries of innovation, they discovered a means of crossing between realities, exploring worlds previously thought unreachable. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when they arrived in Belegarth and encountered a wizard whose presence they perceived as a threat. Relying on their advanced weaponry and technology, the Ascians attempted to attack the wizard, only to discover that their inventions were powerless against the magic of this unfamiliar realm.

In retaliation, the wizard cast a powerful spell that brought the entirety of Asia into Belegarth, displacing its people into a world governed by unfamiliar laws and forces. The spell also regressed Ascian civilization by several centuries, stripping them of much of their technological progress and forcing them to abandon the comforts and capabilities upon which their society had been built. Faced with an unfamiliar world and the sudden loss of their former way of life, the Ascians turned to the teachings, traditions, and knowledge of their ancestors. Drawing upon their cultural heritage, they began rebuilding their communities and adapting to the harsh realities of Belegarth, while welcoming and integrating the realm's native inhabitants into their growing society. Though their former civilization has been lost, the Ascians have not abandoned hope. They continue to survive, rebuild, and seek a means of returning to their original realm, determined to reclaim the knowledge and advancements that were taken from them.

Factions

The Ascians are divided into several factions based primarily on their countries and regions of origin. The three largest factions are Japan, China, and Korea, each representing a major branch of Ascian society. These factions maintain their own distinct cultural identities, traditions, and approaches to warfare, drawing inspiration from the historical martial arts, weaponry, and fighting techniques of their respective homelands. Alongside these major factions exist several smaller groups representing other Asian countries and regions. Despite their differences, all factions share a common Ascian identity and the collective struggle to establish themselves in Belegarth.

Appearance

• Physical Appearance: Ascians have the same general physical appearance as modern humans, with no supernatural or distinctive racial features.
• Garb: Traditional and historically inspired clothing, including kimono, hanfu, hanbok, robes, tunics, and loose-fitting trousers.
• Armor: Historically inspired armor, including samurai armor, Chinese lamellar armor, and Korean armor.
• Headwear: Traditional hats, helmets, headbands, and other culturally inspired headwear.
• Footwear: Cloth shoes, boots, and other footwear inspired by historical styles.
• Accessories: Sashes, belts, pouches, and other traditional accessories.
• Colors and Patterns: A wide variety of colors, fabrics, and decorative patterns reflecting the different cultures and regions represented among the Ascians.