Xarthi

Xarthi are a sapient species native to the realm of Jitua. They occupy a unique position in the hierarchy of Jituan sapients, effectively ruling over all other mortals, but themselves under the rule of the semi-immortal Ishinnhe. They reap many benefits from this position, but it can be a dangerous one for those not completely brainwashed by their elders. For any other species to show defiance is punished harshly. For a xarthi to show even the slightest defiance is absolute sacriledge and is punished even worse.
Their appearance, like the other sapients of their world, is humanoid, but with a major and striking difference: their heads resemble more those of lizards, though they are mammals rather than reptilian. There is said to be something rather canine about their appearance as well, and they share some minor traits with that family. Their skin is various hues of red and gold, their hair metallic and bristly. Xarthi have an excellent sense of smell, seven long fingers on each hand, low-pitched voices compared to other sapients, and move very fast.
In mythology, xarthi are said to have once been immortal, but some of them attacked their mother the Great Dragon as she attempted to discipline them. As punishment, the Sun and the Moon made them mortal. This could be seen as ironic, since their masters the Ishinnhe, now semi-immortals, started out mortal and--according to legend--were created by the blood of the Great Dragon which was spilled as a result of the xarthi's attack.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Each city in Jitua is ruled by a City Order, which is made up entirely of xarthi. The highest in the Orders answer directly to the Ishinnhe Elders, who lay down the laws, and it's the Order's job to carry them out. All Order officials are xarthi, but not all xarthi are Order officials. Any job within the Order is a highly sought-after position, bringing prestige and respect among one's peers.
The Elders also have an army of xarthi, who are sent outside the realm to conquer new ones by force. To date this has only been the case in Ekhanua.

Common Myths and Legends

All xarthi follow the Ishtor religion, which is the religion of the Ishinnhe and mandatory in the realm. Although there is no basis for it in the Ishtor Scriptures, the xarthi--like the Ishinnhe--believe the Lord Elder's claim that he was hand-picked by the gods to rule over all of the Five Realms.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Xarthi make up the Ruling Caste (there are six castes in Jitua, from the Ruling Caste to the Restricted). Their job is basically to oppress all other mortal species, and they do it very well. While the upper castes below them may not be unsatisfied with the status quo, there is understandably a lot of fear and resentment in the lower castes, particularly among the Restricted.
To the Ishinnhe, however, the xarthi are subservient and obedient. Only the highest members of the Order have contact with the Elders who set Jituan law, and to do so is considered a sacred priviledge. To the Lord Elder, the xarthi and Ishinnhe are more or less equally in awe of. (That is to say, very in awe.) It is ultimately at the Lord Elder's decision who is and is not oppressed in his realm.
The xarthi who have been sent into Ekhanua are not yet in a position to oppress all other sapients in that realm, being locked in an ongoing war with the Desert Elves. However they have control of some regions and the sapients who failed to flee them.