This is a definite carry-over from the "Wizardry" series, which have always encapsulated both eastern and western medieval motifs... Wizardry is actually more popular in Japan than in the US; there's been a couple of anime-type movies released based on the Sir-tech Wizardry series. I agree, it does seem strange in a predominantly western-oriented Medieval milieu, but the game is predominantly fantasy-oriented (meaning you can get by with anything). Personally, I'd much rather have the eastern elements in a western setting than the "sci-fi" elements every dang CRPG seems to keep trying to incorporate (a la Might & Magic). I can handle cultural anomalies much easier than anachronisms. For that matter, the whole egyptian motif of Cet and the pyramid isn't really western, either; that and the fact there's no true kingdoms with kings, queens, lords, and serfs (unless you count Freyedies as a "king"). There are the leaders of the 3 towns, which I think there's a Duke in Brimloch Roon, but they're more magistrates than rulers, IMO.
I think the only offensive thing about the eastern motif that's been discussed on the board is the terribly non-pc rendition of Torin's accent, LOL! Torin, also, says that he comes from far away from the Gael Serran, so I guess that's how they explain the difference.
Cheers!
-Sazerac
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