Name: <people>, <orcneas>, <elf>
Appearances: <people> is famous for its extreme polymorphism, where the appearances of members from different bloodlines and social castes vary greatly to both specialise in their intended role, and to reflect their social standing to other members of the society. Most of them, however, can often be organised into one of the two following major groups.
<orcneas>, the most numerous caste, usually have a toned, muscular body built for prolonged menial labour. Usually living deep within the large underbellies of their cities, <orcneas> have hardened, charcoal-black skin to protect themselves from the extreme working conditions they have.
<elf>, as the higher echelon of the society, are treated with proper care, from a variety of high-nutrition food to magical enchantment that facilitate and control their growth. As a result, they tend to have a lithe or curvy body, with smooth, ebony-toned skin, as well as an ageless, attractive feminine appearance, demonstrating their focus on visual and tactile pleasure rather than protection from the elements.
Physiology: Like appearances, <people> has an extremely high level of polymorphism that drastically influences the physiology of <people> of different caste.
<orcneas>, the lowly foundation of the <people> society, usually serve as menial labourers, producing raw materials for the consumption of the city dwellers. Tough working conditions, as well as the lack of proper nutrition or education meant they have low mental capacity, making them suitable for mindless labour and less likely to revolt against their higher brethren. Similarly, their mesomorphic physique means they develop and mature faster than most <people>, but also have the shortest lifespan either due to injuries or biological deterioration. <orcneas> can reach maturity in less than seven years, and usually do not live past their 20th birthday.
Some <orcneas>, called <warriors>, are specifically bred for combat and bodyguard. Unlike normal <orcneas>, who have troubles understanding complicated orders, <warriors> possess higher mental capacity to understand and carry out orders without sacrificing their well-built physique. Such characteristics make them ideal choice both as bodyguards of <elf>, and as unit commanders to coordinate <orcneas> on a smaller scale during the heat of battle. Because of their elevated role, <warriors> tend to receive better treatment in <people> society, both because of their presence in high society functions, and because of the possibility of them leading a <orcneas> uprising using their superior intellect. They mature slower than usual <orcneas>, usually taking around 10 years, and can live for several decades due to their improved treatment.
<elf> are the backbone of <people> society, and as such, their breed, nutrition and education allows them to focus their development on mental and magical capacity, making them significantly smarter and refined than their <orcneas> brethren. Their body is relatively feeble, but it does not pose a significant hindrance of their life, which is mostly supported by the robust <orcneas> under them.
While members of the <elf> caste generally possess a decent understanding of arcane knowledge, and have some degree of ability to use magic, some bloodlines are more devoted to such cause than others. Often called <sage>, they undergo extensive modification - including magical enchantment, a heavy dose of <spice> and vigorous training – to further their arcane ability. As a result, their body is quite feeble, some to the point of being crippled, in exchange of an innate ability to utilise magic at a higher efficiency. Most <elf> are considered adult by their 15th birthday, and many of them can be expected to live for 60 to 70 years.
At the top of the social pyramid lies the exalted caste of <eoten>. Although based on <elf>, their body and mind is highly-specialised as rulers of the people. Handled with extreme care since before birth, <eoten> are invariably bewitching beauties that are the envies of even their <elf> compatriots, housing a refined mind that is dedicated to statesmanship and politics, as well as the daily function of the <people> society. It is believed that members of <eoten> caste takes decades to reach maturity, and can live for at least a century, usually even longer under extensive care, as the long-living rulers of <people>.
Reproduction: Theoretically, all members of <people> are capable of producing fertile offspring with any other members of their people. However, the highly-regimented and controlled society means breeding between different caste is rare and often shunned, and the harsh working conditions of <orcneas> mean most of them are not capable of carrying foetus, and thus have to rely on either specifically-maintained female <orcneas>, or females from other castes, often as a form of punishment.
While most <people> are
viviparous like humans, some bloodlines of <orcneas> are capable of
ovoviviparity. Length of pregnancy varies depending on the caste of both the mother and the foetus, with higher castes generally meaning a longer pregnancy. Generally, <elf> are born after eight to ten months of pregnancy, while <orcneas> are delivered after six months, or sometimes even less due to their relatively low level of development.
Culture: The <people> society is extremely stratified, where social mobility between minor castes within the same major caste is rare, and mobility between major castes will "most likely require divine intervention" as an observer noted. At the very top of the secular hierarchy, the <eoten> guide the direction of the country by their will, while the <elf> citizenry work in their majestic cities as overseers, priests, artisans and merchants. Below them, the lowly <orcneas> caste are the mindless labourers and workers, their back-breaking work providing the raw material and power required for the society to function.
<elf> <people> are an artistic and commercial people, with great innate wits and skills to entertain people and secure their own gain in the process. As a result, they tend to welcome foreign travellers and traders, especially if there is something to be gained from them. However, since most of them do not fit in any of the existing castes of <people> society, intermarriages and assimilations are rare, although foreigners who are granted suitable castes by the ruling <eoten> will be welcomed by <people> as their own kind most of the time.
As a reflection of their lineage-based society, <people> is a highly traditional people with great pride in their bloodlines. From the humble <orcneas> to the exalted <eoten>, almost all houses are known for having their own banner and clothes. While on a first glance, such cloth resemble little more than extremely embroidered carpets or flags, native <people> - even the otherwise illiterate <orcneas> - can easily read the entire history of the bearer's lineage since its foundation. The detailed embroidery marked both the meaning, pronunciation and the tone of which it should be sung, essentially turning the long history of said lineage into a sung epic. Because of its values, disrespecting or damaging such banners is considered sacrilegious, and is a sure-fire way to earn the ire of the entire people.
Dress-code: The extreme heat of desert, especially in the underground catacombs of the cities, means most <people> prefer lighter, simpler dress out of practicality.
