Xor

Brief History

During Yrian Ascendancy

When the Ancients fell and Yrians rose, it was the Xor that aimed to fill the void. They saw the magic and power of the Ancients and strove to salvage what they could. Through the hero Mansala, the Xor managed to capture one of the final relics in the Isle of Truth, the Lyssarian, most powerful of the crumbling civilization, and use the power therein to achieve their ultimate goal... Immortality. At least in the ageless sense. The Xor can still be killed, they can die of disease, such as in the times of The Purging, but they never die of old age. That is to say, their bodies do not seem to deteriorate like those of the rest of humanity. They do grow older and wiser, but not weaker, not riddled with ailments of the body.

Post Awakening

After The Awakening, they spent hundreds of years isolated from other Yrians, learning to use their new powers and bodies, as well as searching for more relics. Relics were not forthcoming, and they learnt of the shortcomings of their new life. 98% of the female Xor were now infertile. This has led to pureblooded Xor becoming less common, but more valued, and more half Xor being born. To be a pureblooded Xor is to be born a High noble by any other ethnicity standards.

A brief note on Currency

The Xor use a crystal called Vetus as their currency - It is a crystal that is easy to form, but takes time and persistence.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Xor are covered in a natural scale which they augment with further plates being welded onto sensitive areas. They have 6 eyes, armour covered wings, slim muscular frame and 2 arms, with two hooved legs.

Genetics and Reproduction

The reproductive cycle of the Xor is linked to the blood moon, however even then it is a fickle mistress. Most Xor are Barren since their Awakening, but during the blood moon those which are not are courted by the richest and most powerful Xor in an effort to continue their species.

Growth Rate & Stages

The species grow at a similar rate to Humans, however around the same point that Humans become adults, the Xor stop aging altogether. They call this the "Peak", their final form. Xor are not allowed to leave the homeland until they have reached the Peak.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Not much is known about their faces as after their Peak, they weld plated masks onto their face.

Average Intelligence

Very intelligent, raised to be able to handle their perceived responsibility as the beings who followed in the footsteps of the Ancients.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Their link to magic is extraordinary, and they have excellent depth perception.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

They have no family names. Rather they associate themselves within clans or factions. For example, Mansala established the Xuithen and became known as Xuithenla Mansala.
Feminine Names
Suffix -la. E.g. Mansala. This is apparent in the Xor word for woman, Xorla. Historically it is thought that la meant life, with Xor meaning god, thus female's were considered to be the gods of life.
Since many Xor lost the ability to breed, it has become increasingly common for female Xor to take the ra endind and live a life as a male would. For hundreds of years this was considered a shameful act, however as enemies have encroached on Xor land it has been deemed a necessary sacrifice of honour for many female Xor.
Masculine Names
suffix -ra. E.g. Rikura. This is apparent in the Xor word for man, Xorra. Historically it is thought that ra meant death, associated with the male's role as hunters and protectors in the Xor community. Life is considered more holy to the Xor, but they recognise the need for death (ironically), thus men are expected to bare this role without complaint and show as much pride in their ra as the female's la.
Often when leaving the Isle of Truth the Xor choose to leave their name suffix until their return.

Major Organizations

The Pureblood Council (Xuithen) leads much of the official business of the Xor, from large trade agreements to declarations of war. The council countains 3 males and 3 females from the 3 major clans.

Beauty Ideals

Part of gaining immortality changed the physiology of the Xor. Their bodies tended to become more slim, more angular, with sharper teeth and longer, pointed ears. As the Xor have begun to revere the pureblood, these traits have become most desirable.

Gender Ideals

Male Xor are expected to hunt threats to their clans, defend territories and teach young Xor how to fight. Female Xor are expected to learn these things as well up until child birthing age, where they are expected to become part of a union and bring forth new life. Those who cannot bring life into the world renounce their female names and take upon themselves male names and more traditionally male roles. Both genders can and do commit themselves to many roles within a clan, although the prestige status of life bringing makes it the most common desire in female Xor.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Xorxu is the name of the major language, however the dialects change between each clan. The three most distinct dialects are that of the Zu, the Syl, and the Darama. The Zu tend to omit many more words than other Xor, relying more on context and body language. The Syl have many words of their own possibly due to their habitat (the Sylian Dusklands. The Darama share more language with other Yrians due to increased contact.

Common Etiquette Rules

Common Etiquette is to treat Xor females above all. The next in line for public politeness are Xor males, and then Xor children. Outsiders receive politeness based on their status within the Xor community, outside status does not matter.
Bowing is not necessary for anyone, however common courtesy suggests that hands are always on display in formal discourse.

Common Dress Code

Clans tend to have their own traditional attires but one thing that all Xor seem to agree on is not to wear gloves, shoes, or hats. They believe this dulls key senses that connect them to the world around them.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Once a year, the Xor celebrate death and tell stories of old, of the river of the dead filled with the dead Xor souls. A weeklong festival is held in their honour. Not many outsiders get to see the festival of the dead
Half-Xor children are expected to be raised as honoured outsiders until they reach the time when they would conduct the peak ritual, however they are unable to actually perform it due to their tainted genes and are expected to leave their clans at this point.

Scientific Name

Xeno Xorian

Origin/Ancestry

Yrian

Lifespan

Immortal

Average Height

6'6"

Related Ethnicities

• pureblooded Xor