The Descended

They are known by the more common and insulting name of Leatherwraps. These desert-dwelling humans are cursed with immortality--or at least not dying of natural aging. Their goddess was born from water spilled by a god. She found them dying in the desert and rescued them. She gave them water that dripped from her hands and they no longer had thirst or hunger. They could no longer die a natural death. However, often the gifts of gods carry the weight of a curse. Their bodies deteriorated with time as if they were dying. After hundreds of years, they have developed regimens of oil and spice-soaked fabric wrapped around their skin to keep the skin moist and supple. This turns the skin into a cured, leathery-looking brown with streaks where it stretches. They live in isolated parts of the desert. It is said that anyone who drinks the water amongst the Descended joins them. Their isolation is self-imposed although others say that if they leave their tomb cities, they fall to the dust they should be.