Bchoem

Bchoem are Uchem, who were created by the Gchoulems after the Gchoulems were cursed to have stony bodies by Wchaxemn. The Gchoulems originally planned to enslave the Uchem and became their gods, but the Uchem betrayed their creators just like the Gchoulems betrayed theirs, and the Uchem fled south and escaped the Unending Dun. Those who stayed away from the coast became the Hkitem, while those who live in coastal cities are the Bchoem. Over time, pure heartless Uchem became all but extinct; now all Uchem contain at least some semblance of a heart.

Due to having much weaker hearts than other humanoids, Bchoem are often considered to be mercilessly pragmatic. They are crafty, cold, and resourceful, unburdened by the limitations of the heart. For this reason they make ruthless cutthroats and merchants. Despite this great potential, it is uncommon for Bchoem to leave the Free Cities of Nwechou, for the absense of a bold heart also means that they lack the passion and ambition of those with strong hearts. They also have the ability to subsist on loamy soils for weeks, possibly an incidental remnant of their Gchoulem origins. They live a simple godless existence, following one of the two Bchoem Religions while trading, farming, and shunning their uncivilised cousins to the north.