Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 7
Age: 18

Simply called "Zihuan" outside of his country; his birthname is Cao Pi, but due to circumstances at home, it is kept secret. He is difficult to please and a very proud man. He wields two blades fondly named "Ice Storm" that can hook to each other at the hilt, making it a single-handed weapon should one hand be occupied. He doesn't like to use shields, or wear overly heavy armour.

Zihuan crossed far seas at the age of ten to Thedas after war broke loose in his country, and his brother, who was heir at the time, was assassinated. As the next in line, he was sent discreetly to a chantry in Ferelden, where they promised to keep their heir safe until the country was returned to its former state.

Originally, his family requested that he was not introduced to lyrium. However, Zihuan insisted, thinking that by joining the Templar Order, he could do good for the world and eventually help his own people. Thus he began his training as a Templar, for better or for worse.

Through years of studying, he learned to have a dislike for mages, but he recognizes it is purely due to stereotypes and does not often disregard someone simply for being one. He is not afraid of the power the mages wield, and is in fact fascinated by such supernatural abilities. As a human, he is not discriminating towards any other races, for he had many elven friends back home.

He joins the Hero at the same time as Wynne from the Broken Circle questline, seeing it as an opportunity to prove himself worthy as heir and further his ambitions (and, if the Hero is from the Circle, he will recognize them). Throughout the story, he remains by the Hero no matter how strongly he may dislike them, although at that point he will outright refuse to talk to them unless absolutely necessary and will refuse any gifts.
He has respect for Leliana and Zevran, admiring their talents in the shadows, and is on neutral terms with Wynne. He doesn't particularly care about any of the other companions, but he does find Alistair's humour and commentary amusing.

Zihuan is not picky with gifts. While he loves those which remind him of the home he missed, he also enjoys unusual trinkets, simple gifts, and sweet flavoured alcohol.

No matter what choices the Hero of Ferelden makes, he returns to his homeland to reunite with his family and claim the throne with all the knowledge he had gained in Thedas. If romantically involved with anyone regardless of gender, he will break off from the relationship shortly before the journey ends.

Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 8
Age: 28

After returning to his country and claiming the throne, he took a couple years to adjust to his homeland and study its history, resulting in his council ruling for a time. His addiction to lyrium was viewed as a hindrance to his rule, and so he endured withdrawal until he was completely rehabilitated.

As Emperor, Zihuan did not let his past as a Templar influence his treatment towards mages in his country. No matter their abilities, they were his people. He established colleges where they could learn to use and control their magic, but were able to return to their families whenever they desired. Blood magic was a practice rarely spoken of, but was not as taboo as in places like Ferelden. Teaching it was prohibited, but mages already exposed to it were trained enough to avoid potential accidents due to lack of education.

His reign was, in a way, revolutionary for many, and although it was sailing smoothly, he had eyes and ears everywhere, watching and listening for any disruption. He did not wish his kingdom to struggle with the racism and prejudice that was tearing Thedas apart. However, there was still much to be done, and he knew that not everyone was open to such radical reforms.

After the Breach appeared, Zihuan receives a message from Leliana and agrees to aid the Inquisition, on the condition that he sees this 'prophet' at work before making his final decision. Leaving his trusted council in charge, he arrives with some troops by boat and is greeted by spies, who take him directly to Haven.

No matter the Inquisitor's gender or race, he does not appear very impressed. But seeing the chaos personally, he understood the threat it brought to not only this continent, but to his own people far away. He sends word back to his country to bring a portion of his army to aid the Inquisition, and remains in Haven. Because of the time it takes, the reinforcements do not arrive before Haven's destruction, which, in Zihuan's opinion, was probably for the best. They do, however, arrive at Skyhold with supplies and men.

After making it to Skyhold, he is willing to personally charge into battle alongside the Inquisitor with Ice Storm, and will offer political advice "when he feels like it".