History
Worldweep Opening History
Out of every nation in Tian Xia, Quain was hit hardest by the Hero's March. Well-known as the Land of A Thousand Heroes, Quain contributed 999 of its 1000 Grandmasters to the grand assault—only for each and every one to perish far away from home. With only one Grandmaster remaining in the country, Quain was thrown into incredible chaos as the Four Great Sects turned on one another in bloody, open conflict. Mountains were hewn to mere hills, ancient forests leveled to bare stumps, and the Golden River was dyed red with blood. And yet, Quain's troubles would not stop there.
Age of Collapse History
Due to the Weep's hold on the Cycle of Souls, the precious Balance governing Quain was destroyed. What once ensured that the country would forever stand mighty against the various qi-infused monsters that constantly rose from Quain's energy-rich lands now stood broken, unable to fulfill its glorious purpose. No new Grandmasters Ascended during the Age of Collapse. Countless cultivation, martial, and magical techniques were lost in natural disasters, monster attacks, and clan wars. Citizens who once could cultivate happily practicing simple breathing exercises were forced to struggle mightily just to pass the qi-refining stage.
Quain was defenseless against invasion from Lingshen. The neighboring country was nearly unaffected by the Alchemist's actions, and in fact seemed stronger than it was before the Weep opened. Lingshen occupied Quain for over seventy years before leaving, claiming Quain's rampant monster problem was more trouble than it was worth.
Finally, with the loss of all but one of the Grandmasters, the Wish-Cycle could not be completed. The Celestial Dragon refused to descend to the Iron Mountain for any offerings. The Final Grandmaster did not wish to risk giving up their power for a mere 12 years of prosperity. Thus, for over 1000 years, no Celestial Pearls have been earned, and no grand wishes have been made.
Age of Renewal History
Even after the Alchemist's defeat, Quain remains a land punctured by struggle. Even with the Weep gone, no new Grandmasters have Ascended. Some claim the Balance is permanently broken, while others argue that a new God of Perfection must arise. Quain's rich soils and bountiful harvests have returned, but monsters still roam the land in droves. Without the Grandmasters, ordinary people (as much as Quain's people can be called ordinary) still struggle to find footholds on the grand mountain of survival. Martial artists still roam the country aplenty, but the progress of cultivation has been set back over two thousand years of progress. With Lingshen arising once more as a dominant force on the continent, the people of Quain nervously look outwards for solutions.
Government
With no surviving Monarch Emeritus and the Final Grandmaster unwilling to take charge, the Four Great Sects of Quain engaged in bloody civil war over the rulership of the country. They killed, destroyed, and broke each other to the point that, ultimately, each of the four collapsed. Now, hundreds of martial arts sects, new and old, jockey for power in Quain. The Three Golden Laws are all but an afterthought, for Quain is now but a lawless land where only might makes right.
Other notable changes from the past Golarion
Quain's power balances were ultimately decided by the season, as each of the Four Great Sects were stronger in, and associated with, a single season. With the Balance broken and the Wheel of Seasons upturned, Quain's qi-infused lands are erratic, unpredictable, and dangerous. What was once a bountiful land now yields just as many monsters as it does crops.
Real World Inspiration
Quain is heavily inspired by Chinese Wuxia fantasy and Xianxia cultivation fantasy archetypes and tropes.