Xiansai

From Diablo Wiki

The Island of Xiansai (pronounced roughly similar to shee-en-sai) is found to the North-eastern side of Tur Dulra.

Nothing is known regarding the island except its location in the map of Sanctuary but there is rampant speculation regarding its distinctly Asian name.

[edit] Wizard

The new Diablo III class, the Wizard is mentioned to be from the island nation in its lore entry. Though only the female Wizard can be confirmed to be from Xiansai, the male version has a distinctly Middle-eastern look, suggesting that he may be from the deserts of Aranoch.

When the game is released, it may be revealed why Xiansai was so prominently featured in the Sanctuary world map, from any quests as well as from the Wizard's backstory.

[edit] Asian Civilization

CAUTION: The following section contains content that has not been confirmed. At this point, it is pure speculation.

The name Xiansai seems to come from the nomenclature system of Chinese cities. This has led to speculation that Xiansai is home to an as yet unexplored Asian-themed civilization. There are many possible references to such a civilization to exist mostly in the Diablo series' many different unique items.

But a very obvious reference is the distinctly east Asian face of the female Wizard in the Diablo III concept art who is said to be from Xiansai in her lore entry.

In Diablo I, Splint Mail looked distinctly like the armor worn by Japanese Samurai warriors. In fact, the mere existence of Splint Mail suggests an Asian influence in the items of the Sanctuary, since it was never used by the Medieval Armies of Europe or for that matter, anywhere except Asia. There was also the Great Sword that looked like a katana, the swords of the samurais and the War Staff that looks like a naginata, a weapon similar to the glaive, used in Medieval Japan.

In Diablo II, there were many more items, mostly uniques, that depicted Asia. The Splint Mail made a return along with most of the various Assassin-only weapons, the Katars. The most obvious reference is seen in the unique items. The items like the Buriza-Do Kyanon, Chu-Ko-Nu and the General's Tan Do Li Ga have a clear Asian reference. There are several types of cultures reflected in them: for example, many items have Chinese namesakes as mentioned. Items with names like Kuko Shakaku reflect Japanese cultures, while The Iron Jang Bong has a Korean name and the Heaven's Brethren and Hwanin's Majesty have names directly from Korean myths. Another less obvious reference is seen in Act V, from Qual-Kehk's gossip. He mentions Larzuk's, in his opinion, insane idea to fill huge pipes with some powder and fill them with metal balls and fire them at the demons. This obviously refers to cannons and their working. Since gunpowder was invented in China, it can be said that it is an indirect reference to a possibly Asian civilization in Sanctuary. Moreover, it is said that Larzuk heard it from travelers, which may be from Xiansai. Alkor the alchemist has a very strong Indian accent, which may also have originated from Xiansai.

Locations in the Diablo universe
High Heavens • Burning Hells Sanctuary — Aranoch • Entsteig • Kehjistan • Khanduras • Mount Arreat • Scosglen • Ureh • Westmarch • Xiansai Related — Towns

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