Tzishen

Often mistaken for a Pesh Gai’lin at first glance, the Tzishen are deeply stained a dark blue or blood red colour, with intense orange, blue, or red scarification tattoos. Mistaking a Tzishen for a Pesh is a serious mistake, as the Tzishen are often modified at birth to grow a second set of fully functional arms from their shoulders in appreciation of the arms of Anax. The fact that Gai’lin, herself an ancient Tzishen, cut off one of her own arms as a sacrifice to abandon a battle campaign and deny Anax’s rule, makes her a pariah among Tzishen, and they don’t like being equated with a traitor to their cause.

Tzishen are highly adept at using their third and fourth arms, trained in martial arts from an early age to wield a curving sabre in each hand. While the swords are for purely athletic and aesthetic purposes, they are none the less deadly with them. The Tzishen scars are injected with bioluminescent organisms that glow as they become physically active, burning as they release stored Calorics.

Of the Serin, the Tzishen are the most likely to be found drinking and eating, as it is their way to gorge on extremely hot spicy foods and stiff alcohol, then express their power by not letting the excessive pleasure dull their self-control. They don’t avoid temptation; they stare it in the eye and step back from the edge of losing discipline. “It is immature to avoid it,” they say, “it is mastery to have pleasure and not lose yourself to it. Partake in the bliss, but do not lose sight of faith and discipline.”

Unlike the Pesh, the Tzishen are not strict pacifists. They pursue combat not for the victory that Mustani so crave, but for the hardship and test of endurance. It is rare that a Tzishen will intentionally kill an opponent, or even hurt them on purpose, but they will apply wild pressure in the hopes that doing so will further their sparing partner’s appreciation for Serenity in Conflict, a gesture they perceive of as an act of kindness and respect. They wouldn’t want to misconstrue their gentleness for calling you weak, after all. The Tzishen may place themselves on a pedestal, but you can be just as great as they are if you dedicate yourself to the path. They are very inclusive of willing newcomers.

They will often carry a bright smile on their faces when sparring, as to them joy is found in the intensity of the moment, riding a wave of euphoria despite pain and exertion, their minds becoming clear so they can see the light of the infinite under such harsh conditions. Their belief that suffering is freeing allows them to overcome unimaginable hardships day after day and still maintain a delightful outlook despite it. They sing loud, bold, and aren’t afraid to cry or laugh in public.