Sythssya

Hailing from the nation of Setsymar, in the deserts of Khassis, the Sythssya are a race of snake-folk, and founders of one of the earliest civilisations in Taeva. While the glory of their old kingdom may have faded in more recent times, the Sythssya are non the less quite proud of their heritage and their legacy as warriors, artisans and scholars. While their old talents are still as sharp today as they were then, the Sythssya nowadays are known for their skill as merchants, relic hunters, and spies.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Humanoid build, two arms and two legs, three fingers and a thumb on each hand, digitigrade legs with four toes and a hind talon on each foot, a 1.1 foot long neck, two eyes with slit pupils, a cobra-like "hood", and a 3.9 foot long tail.

Biological Traits

To some, the Sythssya appear to be similar in appearance across both genders at a glance, not helped by the fact that female Sythssya lack breasts, though there are still some differences that set the genders apart (females are slightly taller, females are more slender, and females have more slender tails).

Genetics and Reproduction

The reproductive process of the Sythssya is very similar to most snakes, with incubation taking about 49-75 days, and the resulting egg taking around 5-6 months to hatch.

Growth Rate & Stages

Infancy: 0-3
Child: 4-11
Adolescence: 12-17
Young adult: 18-25
Adulthood: 26-49
Elder: 50+

Ecology and Habitats

The Sythssya, being very snakelike, function best in hot or warm environments, like their desert homeland.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The diet of the Sythssya largely consists of meats from the local wildlife, hunted near the local oasis' and rivers.

Biological Cycle

When exposed to cold temperatures, the Sythssya will become tired and sickly.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

The Sythssya have a facial structure similar to that of a normal snake, specifically cobras, due to their "hood".

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Sythssya can largely be found around the warmer parts of the world, though their presence is strongest in their homeland of Setsymar, located in the Khassis desert.

Average Intelligence

The Sythssya are of the same level of intelligence as the average human, perhaps slightly higher.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Sythssya have a slightly below average chance of being born with the ability to use magic.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

The Sythssya have an Egyptian/Sumeric feel to their names, with serpentine elements. As far as last-names go, the Sythssya don't appear to have any such names in their language. If a last-name is required, they may instead refer to themselves as "x, son of y", or some variant, though this is rare.

Male names: Zherum, Szarep, Mazekht, Aspen, Rasen, Imshar, Xarser, Tas, Vusrath, Osor

Female names: Raziya, Ansari, Shara, Zhelira, Ishar, Nursha, Veseros, Hash, Torasi, Khesani

Major Organizations

Setsymar

Beauty Ideals

As far as beauty ideals, the Sythssya prefer a lean physique, clean, shiny scales, and vibrant colours in their patterns.

Gender Ideals

Women are often seen as calm and wise, while men are seen as commanding and being individuals of action.

Courtship Ideals

Men are culturally the ones who court their mates, and are expected to provide a gift to their mates family.

Average Technological Level

The larger cities of Setsymar make use of some forms of Magitech, mainly in their infrastructure. The Sythssya are also credited with creating the earliest observatories, in order to aid their pursuits in the field of astronomy.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Sythssyan, Common

Common Etiquette Rules

It's common etiquette for Sythssya to display respect and reverence to those of higher standing in their society, including kneeling or bowing. They also cannot refuse shelter to those in need of it without good reason, and must provide for their guest for at least one full day.

Common Dress Code

Because of their naturally hot home environment, the Sythssya often wear minimal clothing

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The Sythssya were responsible for creating one of the earliest civilisations in Taeva, a fact of which they're quite proud of even to this day. This pride in their heritage is reflected in a number of aspects of their society, from foreign relations, to commerce, to scientific advances, and not being able to live up to this legacy is seen as a personal failure.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Royal tombs: When the king/queen of Setsymar, or any other particularly important individual, dies, their bodies are laid to rest in an ornate tomb, which is designed to reflect their accomplishments in life.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The Sythssya are always eager to improve relations with other races, and have a keen interest in sharing in their knowledge.

Lifespan

80 years

Average Height

Male: 6'7" Female: 6'9"

Average Weight

Male: 94kg Female: 98kg

Average Physique

Generally, the Sythssya have a lean physique.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

All Sythssya have grey or brown scales.

Related Organizations

• Setsymar