Theptircë
The fourth planet from the sun, P’thuselah, in the Osdrubal Sector, Theptircë has three moons and an overall warm temperature with varying wet and dry climates. The dominant sentient species on Theptircë are the Theptircenes as they are called by off-worlders. The planet’s surface is roughly 70% ocean and 30% land with one massive land continent, congested with five subcontinents on its periphery. A great desert rests towards the center of this massive continent. Theptircë is larger than Earth or Asdar in circumference and volume.
Theptircenes
Theptircenes appear as half-human, half-beast creatures: the torso of a human combined with the body of an eight-legged lion. A Theptircene male is about eight feet tall and six or seven feet long. The coats may be one of any number of colors: orange, grey, black, tan, or rust. Their eyes are of white, silver, gold, or beige coloring. There are several different cultures and civilizations of Theptircenes on their homeworld. While they have a chief language, predictably called Theptircene by off-worlders, thousands of regional and local languages are also spoken. It is sometimes a matter of confusion whether ‘Theptircene’ refers to this chief global language or one of the regional tongues.
Theptircenes have three genders: male, female, and androgynous. Androgynes are the most influential in their society as they are innate arcane magic users. Only one in nine (or 11%) born is androgynous. Of the remaining 89%, about 44.5% are female and 44.4% are male. The males are the strongest and usually the largest. Androgynes have both genitalia, but are nearly always sterile, unable to procreate at all.
Theptircene females as a gender are least likely to have magical ability, but they are typically resistant to direct magical influence and mind-control. In addition to conceiving and bearing the young, they are able to use their magic-resistance to protect their young at close ranges.
The males are largest in stature and have a characteristic mane. The warriors of the race, Theptircene males use the dizets in combat. A dizets is composed of several integrated stones. The stones have the appearance of purposely carved implements, but, according to Theptircene legend, they were found individually in nature. The stones combine to create a two-ended ‘halberd-like’ weapon. The stones are either black or red, sharper than obsidian and cohere to each other with a magnetic-like attraction. Their clothes are composed of shells from particular kinds of beetles on their homeworld of Theptircë and such clothes cover typically the hind quarters only (such a vestment is called a ‘setau’).
Theptircene androgynes are the most influential as innately powerful magic-users. They are often the leaders and advisors to communities and nations. Theptircene androgynes have both genitalia, but since they are nearly always unable to procreate, are typically chosen by the community, rather than by heredity.
Other Intelligent Creatures
Several other species of intelligent creatures inhabit Theptircë. The Govi-Ngoli are immense whale-like sea creatures that inhabit the deep ocean. The Theptircenes believe the Govi-Ngoli predate the creation of the Theptircenes themselves. The Shanka-Zdutu are a primate-like species that live in numerous family and tribal groups across much of the main continent. They are less technologically advanced than the Theptircenes. The Zuvanda are a race of dragon-like reptiles who form several clans throughout the continent. The Zuvanda are highly intelligent and generally avoid the Theptircenes. Legends recount that the Zuvanda once ruled the world tens of thousands of Theptircene years in the past. The ancient Theptircenes reluctantly worshiped to secure their grace.
See Also
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