A Year and A Day: Gyalpo

Changeling: the Dreaming

Homebrew Rules

Character Creation Guide Download: Gyalpo.pdf

Quoth the Gyalpo –

As the Monk:
“Of course, remember what it says in the scriptures, about breathing in the smoke from the burning carts that carried the prince’s sons that were given as a present by their father who burned down the house… that should be remembered…”

As the Dharmapala:
“A Ro-Lang? I swear that I will bury my foot so far up its butt, that their next incarnation will taste a boot in their mouth.”

Kith Excerpt:

As in many interpretations of the Zo-dor, the Gyalpo’s origins are conflicted. Sometimes they were beautiful princely Monks, but monks who caused great nervousness in surrounding mortals. Sometimes they were Dharmapalas- mighty Demons who served the Buddha. Sometimes they were Bon- animistic deities with a love for the common folk. Sometimes they were simply arrogant Monks who felt themselves superior to the common folk. Perhaps they were both, perhaps they were neither, but the Gyalpo of today wear both faces – that of a beautiful Monk or a raging Dharmapala demon.

Today the Gyalpo can pick which face, each with its own abilities, serves their needs the best. They can wear the trappings of beautiful Godly Monks; glowing with celestial beauty but with loose grasp of the scriptures they peddle. They can wear the face of a great raging demon; complete with great strength but brimming with righteous anger.

While a Werma (Seelie) tribe, their auras are rife with fear, nervousness, and confusion, leading many to believe that they may have some ties to the Mara (Unseeelie). There are two answers, depending on face shown. The beautiful Monk half waxes eloquently but says nothing in a long-winded attempt to dismiss it. The Buddhist Dharmapala Demon grows angry at any seeming links between them and the accursed Mara Tribes, throwing a horrible tantrum and frightening away whomever asked the question. Perhaps time will answer some questions, about them, the Mara, and their true origins. Today, however, the Gyalpo aren’t answering.

Flavor

“One, two, princes kneel before you
That’s what I said now
Princes, princes who adore you
Just go ahead now
One has diamonds in his pockets
That’s some bread, now
This one said he wants to buy you rockets
Ain’t in his head, now.”
– Spin Doctors, “Two-Princes”