Infobox
Property Value Name Xerastess Aliases — Category Races Is Subrace No Origin Desert Status Stable Maturation 13 years Lifespan < 85 years Fertility 1.0 – 4.9 (Regulates) Gestation 14-18 month Height 176 – 210 cm Weight 62 – 158 kg Deity Omnivorous Reproduction Sexual\Surrogacy Genders Female\Male Bio Traits Vulnerabilities Climate Dist Feature Anatomy Feature
Overview
Xerastess is a rigid matriarchal hegemony, divided into three distinct sub-races: the avian Harpies, the serpentine Serpents, and the chitinous Arachne (a fusion of spider and scorpion). Once warring clans, they migrated to the continent of Mangfold during the Great Drought, partitioning the desert into zones of control. Over centuries, their Triumvirate evolved into a Monarchy led by House Imgala (Serpents), chosen for their “human-like” appearance, which eases diplomacy with lesser races. They are obsessed with intellect, eagerly purchasing foreign alchemists and engineers to sustain their stagnant empire.
Physiology & Psychology
In the eyes of the Great Houses, strength is a female trait; men are born weak. Their gaze is cold and steeped in ancient stereotypes. They regard Broth men with a measure of respect for their sheer physical might, but Kilui are utterly rejected as inferior beings. To the Xerastess, a male Kilui is nothing more than a domestic pet, while a female Kilui is simply viewed as an error of nature. Their constitution is bound to the sun; their bodies wither and weaken in any climate save for the parched and dry, tethering their power to the wastes.
Culture & Society
Their society is a labyrinth of castes, far more complex than a simple triad. Beyond the Warriors, Priests, and Scholars, the Caste of Bearers plays a sacred, functional role. Their reproduction is a unique art: although it requires two seeds—female and male—the “grain” of life can be placed within a third party.
This Surrogate Mother carries the child, allowing the true parents to regulate the population and excise undesirable traits from the lineage. However, tradition is absolute: the Head of a Great House must carry her own heir herself. Their laws are a snare for the unwary; I have seen foreign men executed for violating traditions they simply could not comprehend.
Origin
The Xerastess were not born in the sands of Mangfold. They are migrants who seized the desert zones by force. House Imgala rose not only by right of blood but because it became the most acceptable face of a terrifying empire. They united out of a necessity that remains a secret within their inner circles, transforming from three scattered clans into a unified monarchical force guarding the southern borders with an iron, scaled fist.
Khash… ram…
Two ssseeds… mixed in the wrong vesssel… a perrrfect child or a perrrfect weapon? They do not know the differrrence.