The Zirtese are one of the
young races of Rhunyen. There are a small mammalian race with soft
features vaguely reminiscent to a mix of feline with a bit of
monkey (not literally a monkey-cat, just have some features akin).
They have short fur and a semi-prehensile tail. There are two types
of Zirtese: the shorter (4'), stockier and fairer furred
Nin,
and the taller (5'), thinner, darker furred Zoti.
Both are equally adept at being farmers, collectors, air sailors,
scholars, artificers (inventors), and many are fluent in the ways
of Zanzu -- natural alchemy. The Zirtese are pleasantly open to all
the races, aside from their long-time rivals, the Hoshen. They are
somewhat fearful of Prang, but don't dislike them.
The Zirtese have alliance with the Zu'ar and Drenas, which forms
what is commonly called The Rhun
Realms. The
Rhun Realms are made up of these three races who have a mutual
alliance that allows each to freely travel/trade in and amongst
their lands without concern. The Zirtese are the most "in touch
with nature" explorers of all the races -- with the Zu'ar the most
spiritual about nature -- as they share a great love and facination
with all things in nature. With their Zanzu alchemical wares much
in demand all over the world, the Zirtese have a stable place in
Rhunyen. Unfortunately, all Azor seem to find Zirtese extremely
tasty, so they avoid Azor unless escorted. The Zirtese don't have a
letterform language, but instead use pictographs. To this end Zanzu
recipes and knowledge are never written down to preserve the secret
and reduce dependence on books and notes. Some Zirtese are
tremendous sketch artists due to their pictographic language.
ZANZU:
Zirtese Alchemy
The Zirtese of The Rhun Realms are a combination
alchemist/naturalist (a little tofin pollen mixed with Boskr dung
makes a great healing salve, etc.). They are also tremendous
artificers (inventors) of many strange powders, potions, salves,
and devices to utilize these agents. The Zirtese are renown
for the Zanzu magic, which is rooted in knowledge of plants,
animals, minerals, etc. to create powders, ointments, potions, etc.
that a myriad of uses. Zanzu mystics are in demand across Rhunyen
for their knowledge and wares. Zanzu magic is slow to create, but
easy to use by anyone. Refer to Zanzu wares list of creations
common to Zanzu.
Zanzu
Wares
The race known as the Zirtese are renown for their Zanzu wares are
collected, combined and imbued with essence for many purposes.
Zanzu wares are prized everywhere and demand a higher price outside
the The Rhun Realms.
Quick sample list of powders, potions, salves, etc. in many forms,
including:
Curative
Repellant
Energy
Blinding
Poison
Explosive
Combustible
Corrosive
Bonding Agent
etc.
[more to come]
The Zirtese invented their own unique flyers called Boskyn flyers
-- made from the Boskyn pods -- but have adapted some of their
creations to benefit windships as well. Zirtese discovered a type
of tree that if taught at an early age, can move/flex itself upon
touch, and even after harvesting retain this ability. They call the
poles mad from these trees flexpoles. On windships, flexpoles are a
favored way to affix sails they work better than traditional
riggings and require fewer crew to operate.
