Eisorcei (Ey-SOR-say)
Eisorcei are a humanoid, semi-reptilian species reminiscent of naga and jinn. They tend to settle in desert areas or even underground near geothermic hotspots, and have unusually erratic and unpredictable lifespans -- it is speculated that their ability to 'teleport' themselves as bursts of flame -- which they call their 'flash' -- is a factor. It is also speculated that alongside the klatuut and nae'cthosai, they are one of the oldest races. Their young are known as younglings until they physically mature.
Their societies consist of collectives known as clutches ranging from twenty to two hundred individuals, depending on what their location and resources can support. The needs and wellbeing of the clutch is of tantamount importance, and leaving a clutch is considered rare and often a grave offense. They practice innovative and resourceful farming techniques to support themselves in their preferred arid climes, and their settlements tend to be permanent. For the most part they do not interact with surrounding races or societies. However, two notable exceptions are their rare exports -- via trade, since they do not have a currency of their own -- are glassware and a small selection of vivid pigments know as the Fire-Blessed Colors, which are used worldwide in dyes, paints, etc. and the creation of which is considered a closely-guarded spiritual/cultural secret.
Key Clutches: Hephase (south of Ghun), Jemati (south-central Balaqalneyis), Hiemra (eastern edge of the Bloodless Palm), Tuth (northeast Balaqalneyis)
Basic Information
Anatomy
Bipedal, humanoid, typically four-armed though some 'birth defects' give them only two, prehensile tails, crested heads and backs.
Genetics and Reproduction
All eisorcei are hermaphrodites. Due to a prior long history of isolated communities, this has led to problems associated with inbreeding that may not be rectifiable in the present. They are highly in-tune with how much their location and resources can support, however, and innately practice population control in terms of whether to have children.
Ecology and Habitats
Their ability to control their body temperature through external processes (ectothermy) and -- if necessary -- hibernate due to an inability to function in cold environments has led to a vast preference for warm ones.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Largely vegetarian.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Operate as a tightly-knit community known as a clutch, where the majority of residents have equal authority. Clutches tend to range from twenty or so individuals to as large as around two hundred, depending on what the location can support; population control (in terms of how many children to have at a given time) is thus a subconsciously-understood practice. Child-rearing is a communal effort and there is no real parent/child bond. Leaving a clutch is considered gravely wounding and illogical.
A key feature of eisorcei societies is their himazé, a wiseperson charged with keeping the clutch's histories and preserving its traditions and broader eisorcei beliefs. When a representative of the clutch is needed -- particularly to the outside world -- the himazé often steps into this role. The himazé may also act as the clutch's healer or midwife. They are typically identifiable by the colorful, long beaded lariat worn down their backs.
Facial characteristics
Ears are similar to those of lizards -- small holes protected by a slightly raised area rather than an outer ear. Head crests start at front middle hairline and wrap around to nape of neck and spinal ridge crest. Eyes are typically all-black.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Rarely outside of suitable habitats -- Balaqalneyis has the most desert and most easily-accessible geothermal spots -- and solitary eisorcei elsewhere are rarer still.
Average Intelligence
Average
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Due to a more collective mindset and less importance on the biological parent, younglings are given names agreed-upon by the clutch as a whole and there is no need for surnames; names are unique and not duplicated among the living in a clutch. If there is a need to distinguish between two individuals in different clutches, the following form is used: [Clutch Name]-[Name], e.g., Jemati-Brethoche.
In the rare event that an individual is clutch-less, they are thereafter referenced as Kairt-[Name].
A deceased individual is designated with the prefix 'Ca-'.
Relationship Ideals
They typically pair for life.
Average Technological Level
High; their glasswork is noticeably the most advanced of all races', and their mastery of dew-farming techniques is notable.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Although warfare has never been a cultural focus, light and lamellar armor is common, along with two-pronged spears for weapons known as klalkul.
Interestingly, despite the apparent lack of fungi and mushrooms in the areas the eisorcei make their home, the physical structure of many of their clutches appears to deliberately resemble the pagoda style of the goldtear and similar mushrooms.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Death Practices
Unlike most Icalarans (with the exception of Kivans), eisorcei bury their dead. The preference is to bury them in the designated farming area so as to enrich the soil and, further, so that the deceased can remain in the clutch both physically and in the form of food and water that goes on to nourish those that remain.
Unlike most Icalarans (with the exception of Kivans), eisorcei bury their dead. The preference is to bury them in the designated farming area so as to enrich the soil and, further, so that the deceased can remain in the clutch both physically and in the form of food and water that goes on to nourish those that remain.
Common Taboos
It is seen as a grave misstep to leave one's clutch.
It is seen as taboo to name individuals after historical or mythological figures.
Common Myths and Legends
Divine Origins
In eiscorcei tradition, they believe themselves to be fragments of the Avatar of Aibuynethi, a solar deity. Icalar was created where the Avatar, known as Plut'kesh the Dancer, stepped in his millennia-old dance across the heavens; the first eisorcei were born from drops of his sweat that fell on the ground -- whenever they transform themselves into fire it is seen as a spiritual act representing the evaporation of their ancestors, and as such is not something that should be done lackadaisically. The Dark Seed
There also exists a prophecy of a 'dark seed' -- a kernel of literal dark Ega that will appear in Balaqalneyis and, if 'planted', will cause great woe. It is not fully understood when or how the seed is meant to appear, or what precisely 'planting' means or how to avoid it.
In eiscorcei tradition, they believe themselves to be fragments of the Avatar of Aibuynethi, a solar deity. Icalar was created where the Avatar, known as Plut'kesh the Dancer, stepped in his millennia-old dance across the heavens; the first eisorcei were born from drops of his sweat that fell on the ground -- whenever they transform themselves into fire it is seen as a spiritual act representing the evaporation of their ancestors, and as such is not something that should be done lackadaisically. The Dark Seed
There also exists a prophecy of a 'dark seed' -- a kernel of literal dark Ega that will appear in Balaqalneyis and, if 'planted', will cause great woe. It is not fully understood when or how the seed is meant to appear, or what precisely 'planting' means or how to avoid it.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Infrequent and guarded, especially outside Balaqalneyis. Most of their trade is done via the Hephase Clutch south of Ghûn.
Lifespan
Erratic, from 8-150 years
Average Height
4'9 to 7'0
Average Physique
Usually lean.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Skin pigmentation ranges from light brown through reds to black, with the majority of their body covered in small scales.
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
Related Myths
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