History

Worldweep Opening History

The opening of the Weep led to a momentary respite in Shenmen's despair. Normally a land wrapped in the spiderweb of jorogumo control, the spider women temporarily retreated underground for several years following the Weep's creation. Shenmenese citizens were afforded ten years of relief from jorogumo tributes—a mere decade of rest before they returned in full force. Once again, the enigmatic rulers demanded silver, lumber, and handsome young men, and the status quo in Shenmen returned.

Age of Collapse History

Shenmen's history during the Age of Collapse is not well known. When they returned, the jorogumo erected a massive wall of webs around the entire country, ensnaring the country in a massive silken dome, named the Pale Canvas by outsiders. The entire country was cut off from the outside. Neither flame nor blade could pierce this silk, and many outsiders merely gave up on Shenmen's liberation. Only intermittent caravans were permitted through the barrier, and only for the purpose of trade.

Age of Renewal History

Now, after the fall of the weep, the Pale Canvas remains a blot on the map for any traveler in Tian Xia. Holes have opened in its structure, known weaknesses for its citizens to escape through in order to seek asylum from Shenmen's neighbors. They tell stories of their oppression under the jorogumo, but many find them hard to believe in their outlandish nature. They say the jorogumo harness the power of spirits to keep watch over all the citizenry. They say that no young men live past the age of 25. They say that every mote of happiness, every sliver of hope, is quashed like a bug.

Government 

Jorogumo rule Shenmen in small regional hierarchies, who all answer to the Allmother, the oldest and most powerful jorogumo. The spider women squabble over territory, engage in petty politics, and feud like any humanoid government, but they are united in their desire to oppress the populace and engage in their hedonistic whims. The day-to-day of the country is run by the Ghost Magisters, remnants of Imperial Lung Wa that still act as if the empire never fell.

Other notable changes from the past Golarion

None. Shenmen remains as arguably the worst place to live in Golarion.

Real World Inspiration

Shenmen is inspired by many East Asian and Southeast Asian horror stories. Films like A Chinese Ghost Story (1987), Dark Water (2002), The Tag-Along (2015), The Wailing (2016), Incantation (2022) are named inspirations, alongside video game series like Silent Hill and Resident Evil. If you want some recommendations from yours truly, consider the visual novels Higurashi When They Cry and Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo as well.