Secrets of Shenzhou
Secrets of Shenzhou is a sub-setting for the Realms of Terrinoth and is based on a fan-created expansion for the Runebound game set in Mennara (and used with the kind permission of its creator¸ Thomas King). Far to the east of Terrinoth¸ this empire has existed for centuries. While it is rumored there was ancient contact between the two nations in the past¸ only recently has it become more commonplace. Trade now exists between them¸ though many in the baronies are still unaware of its existence.
Many real-world cultures are already echoed in Mennara. Lorimor is clearly patterned after ancient Rome; Isheim reflects the Vikings; Al-Kalim reflects the Middle East¸ and so on. This is not meant to stereotype such cultures or lump them together. Indeed¸ the Far East cultures of Japan¸ China¸ and other regional nations have rich¸ unique¸ and varied histories and cultural contributions. Like the other cultures reflected in Mennaran nations¸ Shenzhou draws from these real-world examples only to offer familiar examples for players to identify with the setting. These cultures are drawn from with the utmost respect and appreciation for their real-world inspirations. As in many fantasy settings¸ some players may choose to be stealthy Ninjas¸ honorable Samurai warriors¸ or other heroes from works inspired by these remarkable cultures (regardless of how inaccurate the depiction may or may not be in literature¸ film¸ and other media).
The sub-setting of Shenzhou brings many new options for players and GMs in the world of Mennara. Whether running a campaign completely within the Empire¸ or as a place for the PCs to visit¸ the nation has much to offer.
This sub-setting features the history and geography of this new realm¸ as well as new opportunities. Two new Playable Races (the Tengu and the Monkey-Man) are available to players¸ as well as 7 new Careers (complete with talent pyramids and optional special abilities as featured in "Trades of Terrinoth")¸ new Skills and 19 new Talents (including some martial arts talents)!
An optional mechanic is also introduced for bringing Honor¸ Glory¸ and Status into the campaign for social encounters.
New weapons (some also featured in "Grizelda's Gear") and Ninja equipment are available in this tome (including the deck plans for a Junk ship in the same style as "Tariannor's Transports"¸ and 15 new Adversaries are given (and illustrated¸ along with adversary cards). Over 20 new NPCs are detailed within both the Imperial Court and those who oppose them¸ and many are pictured; people PCs may encounter in their travels in Shenzhou. Factions for different organizations within Shenzhou are presented with faction abilities to those in "Fantastic Factions". Finally¸ ways to bring characters to the Empire are presented as Adventure Seeds.
Developed by veteran GM Chris Markham (as Gazrok Games)¸ this is one of many supplements already released for the Foundry and for the Terrinoth setting. Though this supplement is set in the world of Mennara¸ it can be converted for use in your own fantasy world. The Genesys Core Rulebook¸ Realms of Terrinoth sourcebook¸ and either Genesys Dice or the Genesys Dice App are required to use this product.