Qerxi

The qerxi are a humanoid subspecies derived from serpent-kin of the Titian desert. First publicly appearing on the cusp of the fifth dawn era, these folk are native to the province of Kupridop and almost exclusively reside in the buzzing capitol of Qetipup. Their appearance is overtly human with serpent like traits, such as sections of scaled skin and specialized eyecaps. Qerxi personalities tend to appear cold and calculated, often attributed to the dominion of their appointed masters. These folk are something of a commodity, as they are only conceived by ritualistic means.

Having only been under the public eye for a few generations, the qerxi people are subject to breadth of scrutinizing eyes and are usually seen as abhorrent. Contention even arises amongst their own ilk, should they serve different families.

Born of Ritual

The qerxi people are infertile by design, and as such do not reproduce naturally. Eggs are made through a consented ritual between Titiatic shamans and wealthy citizens that requisition a brood. This ritual is commonly known as the Sacrament of Dunes. Crafted through enigmatic magical means, the shamans then care for eggs until they are hatched so that infants may be consigned to their respective owners. There are numerous rumors as to how exactly these rituals began. Some say a loyal corps of city guardsmen were born out of necessity, while tavern murmurs speak of deranged nobles demanding an offspring from their serpent-kin servitors.

A Shackled Life

Qerxi are bred and raised for the purpose of servitude. These hybrid-folk are most commonly found keeping vigilant watch on the manors and establishments of their masters. They know only a life of subjugation, and thereby often reflect a quiet demeanor. Revered for their martial prowess and uncanny coordination, the recent discovery of this mysterious subspecies has widely labelled them as an exotic treasure. This, in turn, has bolstered a public demand to hire them as dancers and escorts.

¹ Dietary habits are largely based around readily available pemmican and dried meats. Although qerxi are an omnivorous folk they will actively seek to avoid grains, fruits, and soft nuts, opting instead to fast rather than digest these foods. Eggs of any kind are graciously received, as well as rougher cuts of cuts of meat. Their stomachs are specially designed to filter materials such as shells and bone. As such, they may safely ingest these products raw, hawking the unprocessed waste some hours after eating.

Origin/Ancestry

Human, Titiatic

Lifespan
75 - 90 years
Diet
Omnivorous¹