Jinzai, Herald of Steam
Overview
- Rank: Lesser Deity
- Symbol: Coiling plume rising from a calm pool
- Home Plane: Quasi-Elemental Plane of Steam
- Alignment: NG
- Portfolio: Steam, Endurance, Primates, Renewal, Hospitality
- Worshipers: Monks, druids, rangers, barbarians, blacksmiths, shugenja
- Cleric Alignments: CG, LG, NG
- Domains: Water, Healing, Community, Strength
- Favored Weapon: Quarterstaff
Origins
Jinzai was born in the mist-draped highlands of eastern Cyrintha, a Vanara shugenja descended from a lineage of sea-watchers and storm-callers. From a young age, he was drawn to the sacred springs hidden deep in the mountain groves—places where cloud met stone and silence held wisdom. In his thirtieth year, he took the Trial of Stillness: thirteen days and nights submerged in a boiling sacred spring without food, words, or motion. On the final morning, the steam rose to the heavens, and he emerged alone—transfigured by the spirits of breath and mist, bearing the divine mark of the Lord of Steam.
Following his ascension, Jinzai departed Cyrintha and claimed a portion of the Quasi-Elemental Plane of Steam as his own. There, he reshaped the realm to reflect his vision of peace and renewal: floating islands cradle serene springs, pine groves sway in the mist, and clouds drift lazily through the air like incense. His retreat lies hidden within a calm and timeless cloudbank—its stone paths warm, its waters eternal, and its silence deep. It is said that none find this sanctuary by force, only by deserving rest.
Description
Jinzai appears as a silver-furred Vanara with half-lidded eyes, a relaxed grin, and the easy gait of one who has mastered stillness. He wears a loose, cloud-colored yukata tied with braided cords, and his long whiskers curl in the warm air like brushstrokes. Always in his hand is a carved gourd of warm plum wine, from which he drinks freely and offers to friends and strangers alike. His presence is heralded by a soft breeze, drifting petals, and a rising hush. He favors tranquil spaces—onsen tucked into misty hills, bamboo groves washed in rain, and quiet pavilions where steam and laughter meet.
Dogma
Let the heart settle like silt in still water. Hardship scalds, but does not break. Cleanse yourself of haste. Share warmth, speak gently, laugh often. Offer comfort as freely as you breathe, and endure what comes with grace. The steam will lift what must be lifted. All things become clear in time, like mountains revealed through morning fog. The symbol of the coiling plume, once his alone, has become a mark of welcome across the spheres—carved into guesthouse gates, worn by innkeepers, or hung outside temples that offer sanctuary. Where you see it, know you may rest.
Home Sphere
Jinzai hails from the Inundatio Sphere, a dominion of drifting oceans and sacred silence. He was born on Cyrintha, a temperate sea-world crowned with archipelagos and ancestral rites. The eastern isles still hold his oldest shrines—tiered temples above steaming cliffs, and floating pavilions where the faithful offer sake, flowers, and quiet laughter to the rising mist.