The Esch
A secondborn race, the esch are the descendants of an earth elemental who was killed by demons looking for a people that they could subjugate and use for evil purposes. Though the secondborn races have no native free will, choice was bestowed upon them by the air dragons, who sacrificed themselves in one great act of magic for that purpose. However, the esch are still shaped culturally and emotionally by the stranglehold these demons have on their entire people, and whom they still serve.
A bipedal people, the esch live south of the centaur homeland. Standing from 6 to 7 ½ feet tall, they are grey-skinned with sharply planed features and sharp teeth with distinct fangs which run to a length of approximately 2 inches long. They have thick, coarse hair, ranging from dark brown to black, and hairlines start near the crown of the scalp. Their noses are not highly ridged, and many esch have almost completely flat noses with large nostril slits. Lips are thin and are colored much like the skin of the face. The esch see well in darkness, and have a strong sense of smell. Esch commonly live in underground warrens which are burrowed out in random-seeming fashion in almost any direction. Their tunnels are usually not as high as the esch are tall, as they move through them by crouching and feeling their way along with their hands. |
Primarily carnivorous, the esch diet also consists of root vegetables such as potatoes, beets, onions, and turnips. The esch will also eat carrion, as their digestive systems are very strong and they are not easily susceptible to illness or parasites.
Culturally, they are patriarchal, and have a low opinion of women. Some hold to an old custom of exposing newborn daughters to the elements in order to hasten the birth of sons. |
All pages Copyright© 2012-2022 by Beth Hudson Wheeler and Eleanor C. Ray