Xholx

Almost immediately after my feet touched the island, a woman welcomed me with a hug, as if she had long awaited my arrival. I would later learn that foreign merchants such as myself are seen as omens of good portent.

— A Rektouzk trader

  Who could be happier than those who live now within what was once mere legend to them? The Xholx have arrived at the end of a cross-generational journey, and enjoy the riches of their newfound home, Noktyoul. Their origination from the badlands of Lqet, and current isolation upon the Youti islands has allowed their culture to grow and thrive in directions often at odds with their neighbors.   The first, and most striking thing one may note upon first meeting a Xholx is their hairless skin, which appears as somewhat milky amber— the reflective, slightly transparent surface of which reflects the sunlight brilliantly. This skin is rougher, milkier, and opaque at their joints, such as the elbows, knees, and neck. Despite its appearance, however, Xholx skin feels just the same as any other commonly found on humans when touched.   This grants them through unknown means an increased resistance to alchemy. Contrasting their lower arms, Xholx possess extraordinarily thin upper arms— which appear to house little to no muscle at all. However, in truth, the structure of their humeri has several pits and grooves that house musculature, allowing them to stand up to their contemporaries. Upon their foreheads lie round diamond-like depressions, which are typically 1" deep and 1" in diameter for women, or 2" in diameter for men. On the opposite end, strong, bone-like growths on the bottoms of their feet allow them to traverse rough terrain for longer periods, with minimal injury. This brings them to stand around 5'5"-5'8".