Xanthos

[Grieverjoe]

Xanthos

Description:
The Xanthos are a separate race of evolved Humans that resemble angels. However, they are NOT angels and have no affiliation with the supernatural beings. To call a Xanthos an “angel” is considered a racial insult.
Xanthos are heavily reliant on their military prowess, making it mandatory for every individual to serve at least 4 years in the Xanthos Army during his or her lifetime, beginning their training at age 20.
The Xanthos are very proud and regal in their mannerisms, usually choosing not to mingle with other species. They have a deadly racial rivalry with the Donoban to the point of marking them as sworn enemies.
The Xanthos are ruled by a King and Queen and are based on one of the Western continents.
Their belief system is simple, involving A God and a Goddess that are the creators of everything. The God’s name is Saur and the Goddess is named Metriel. All Xanthos (save for heretics of sorts) worship these two deities.
The Xanthos believe in honor, intelligence and pride above everything else.

Appearance:
The Xanthos look just like normal Human beings, albeit having pointed ears, resembling those of Elfin heritage. The Xanthos, however, possess two feathered wings. The wings vary in size and color, depending on the Xanthos. All Xanthos are born with wings. In the rare event that a Xanthos is born wingless, the baby was left on the wild to die, but it is common for these rejected children to be adopted by Humans. The children would then be raised as a Human, oftentimes never knowing of their prestigious heritage.
Xanthos age, grow old and die just like normal Human beings; however they have a higher resistance to common disease than Humans and live longer. Average life-expectancy for both males and females is between 250 and 400 years, with exceptions to the rule.
Since they are an evolved form of Humans, Xanthos skin color varies, as well as features and body composition, though it is common for their people to be well fit and in shape, since they are required to undergo military training, virtually since birth.

Society
The Xanthos, being above all a militaristic species, place emphasis on military fitness since they’re young.
It was customary that, before an individual would go to war, a celebration be held. As such, Xanthos cities were usually festive, given that the majority of the population was enlisted in the military.
To die on the battlefield in the service of the King was the ultimate honor one could achieve. Warriors who fell at the enemies’ hands would be granted a place in the all-military cemetery known as the Celestial Land of Rest, thus earning that person the title of ‘Hero’. Naturally, and because of the nature of this favor, there were many “heroes” in Xanthos history.
The Xanthos are proud of their heritage – some of them, fanatically so. They believe themselves to be superior to every other race and sometimes will act arrogant towards those of non-Xanthos descent.
Xanthos live in villages, towns and cities, having a single family serve as the link between the people and their King. Known as “Rajah”, this link served as the equivalent Mayor in Human society.

Military:
Every Xanthos is required by law to serve at least 4 years of his or her life in the military, starting at age 20. Training begins by undergoing a trial known as the Shaping, known to the humans as “Boot camp.” In here, recruits go through 3 months of rigorous physical, moral and spiritual training. Upon arriving to the training halls, Xanthos are split into platoons, which would serve as the individual’s home for the next three months. Males and females are separated and train separately, no contact between the two is allowed during the Shaping.
During the first month or phase, the recruits are taught the basic military custom and traditions, as well as given history lessons of their proud race.
The second phase consists mainly of combat training and physical enhancement, as well as exercises and training that sharpen the mind and cunning of recruits. After all, a dumb Xanthos is a dead Xanthos.
During the third phase, the recruits receive the final tweaks to their combat and spiritual training. Most Xanthos, being naturally proficient with Myst, choose the path of the Mystic, although each Xanthos is allowed to choose a different MOS altogether.
The rank structure is based on the Human guard, where the entirety of the Army is led by a single General who answers to the King and Queen. Different sections, or Units are led by lower ranking officials. There can be an unlimited number of ranks in the army at one time, but there can only be one General.
The Xanthos Army is currently under the command of General Eva Seraph.
Military information can be found here http://forums.ithilear.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=17

Economy
The economy of the Xanthos is guided by their exquisite works of art. Music, literature, paintings, sculptures, metalwork… All these help shape the economy. Xanthos artworks are amongst the highest sought-after by collectors. Their works fetch quite the hefty price.
Another thing that the Xanthos are known for is their horses. These are used for transportation, for racing, for farming or simply to be kept as pets. Xanthos-raised horses tend to be stronger, faster and live longer than horses from other races.

Abilities:
The Xanthos have a higher level of spiritual (magic) strength than Humans, Donoban and Demis combined. Also noteworthy is their ability to withstand high amounts of pain and quickly heal wounds or broken bones.
Their level of physical fitness is on par with that of Humans, surpassed by both Donoban and Demis. They make some of the best Mystics on the land.
Xanthos, which are born with wings, also have the ability to fly.

Compatibility:
Xanthos very rarely breed with other species, limiting their choices to Humans, Elves and Halfblood R`iestrana. Children born to a non-Xanthos parent have a 50% chance of inheriting wings. The child will also inherit the Xanthos-parent’s Myst abilities.
If a halfblood child is born wingless, it is up to both parents whether or not they will keep it and how to raise it.
As far as Donoban go, a Xanthos may have a perfectly civil conversation with a Donoban, should they meet outside the battlefield. However, due to racial differences, it will be highly unlikely for the two to become friends, much less breed. Both societies brand the befriending of the other race as treason.

Alignment
Any.

General Eva Seraph, the current commanding General of the Xanthos (wings hidden).
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