Tianshi
The Tianshi (lit. "Celestial Master") are a group of the namesake in the world of Arknights, first mentioned in various stories such as Invitation to Wine and Where Vernal Winds Will Never Blow, and later playing a major role in Here A People Sows. They are government-authorized Casters specialized in various areas of work.
Background[edit]
Simply put, the Tianshi are a band of Yanese imperial Casters who, like any caster across Terra, harness Originium Arts for greater goods. A Tianshi is more than just a skilled caster or academic researcher. Indeed, Yanese academicians sumarize their role in one simple sentence; "To carry on the lost knowledge of the sages of yore and bring peace to the land for all eternity". The name "Tianshi" could be broken down into two elements. "Tian" (天) means "heaven/celestial"; it symbolizes the Tianshi's obedience of Heaven's will, their understanding of how everything works, and their loyalty to the Imperial Court and the people of Yan. "Shi" (师) means "master", and it represents their valuable professional knowledge, talent on Originium Arts, and their status in Yanese society.[1]
The Tianshi's origins date back to thousands of years before the Crystal Age, during the reign of Yan the Chieftain, the first True Lung, who employed sages as his imperial advisors to help him resolve various problems within his newborn empire. Some of these advisors would become the first key members of the Tianshi Bureau, focusing on Originium Arts and technological development.[1] The Tianshi's structure underwent several reforms in Terran year 698.[2] As such, they combine both Originium Arts and technologies to full capacity. They can use specialized devices like SUAVs called the Sky Poles (天桩) that monitor the areas by forming net-like structures, the Tianshi Ruler to accurately pinpoint the location, and the Tianshi Detector — cube-like structure resembling a burr puzzle that is made of multiple tiny Originium detectors.[3] Their military devices are magnificent like the "Palmtop Pavilion" — giant buildings resembling the Chamber of Heaven's Designs' outer pavilion that could magically minimize its size for easy carry, and are often used as garrisons during expeditions to the Infy Icefield.[4] The Tianshi are also responsible for many of Yan's modern infrastructure, from Lungmen's skyline, Shangshu's cableway bridge, and even the construction of the capital, Baizao.[1][5]
Organization[edit]
Anyone could become a Tianshi as long as they qualify series of imperial examinations. The Tianshi Bureau's examination standards are strict, as the candidates are required to not only prove an outstanding talent in the use of Arts, but also a deep, specialized knowledge on the areas they want to fulfill.[6][7] Once they enter the door, the students will officially become disciples of the Tianshi in charge, and their arduous training can take at least a full decade.[1]
The Tianshi have multiple functions: Some serve as imperial guards defending the borders or maintaining civil order, representing a pillar of Yan's military power,[1] while others works under civil services like, for example, the Tumu Tianshi (土木天师) who focus on civil engineering and the Nongye Tianshi (农业天师) who work on agrarian activities. All Tianshi are under the supervision of the Tianshi Bureau, but in recent years, political tension appears between the Tianshi as they are forced to choose their side regarding the Feranmut matter despite their neutrality.[8]
Notable[edit]
| Character | Information | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bai Dingshan | The legendary "Bluethunder Count" of the Lei Fa school and head of the Tianshi Bureau. | Alive |
| Real name He Sheng, an apprentice Nongye Tianshi from Dahuang. | Alive | |
| A Nongye Tianshi from Dahuang and Grain Buds' father. Currently in a catatonic state induced by Collapsal taint. | Alive | |
| An Ageless Tianshi defending the northern borders of Yan from Collapsal incursion for 370 years, currently assigned to Dahuang for recovery. | Active | |
| The sixth of Sui's fragments, and a Nongye Tianshi instructor. | Alive | |
| Assistant Minister of Works, famous for rescuing the trapped residents of Danyan and its surrounding during a winter season. | W.I.A. |
Gallery[edit]
A male Feline Tianshi
A female Liberi Tianshi
A male Lung Nongye Tianshi
A female Lung Nongye Tianshi
References[edit]
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