The Vessese
Sons of the Shaitan
The Men of the West—the Vessese—dwell across vast and varied terrain, from the scorched Salt Deserts and fractured badlands to the steaming jungles of Xhao. Their culture, a rich amalgam of Arabic and Asiatic roots, has flourished around the dual pillars of commerce and slavery. Where the Castillians outlaw bondage, the Vessese embrace it. Slavery is not merely a trade; it is a foundational institution, seen as an inevitable and rational element of a person's utility to society. Entire cities are built on the backs of the bound. In Vessos, a man’s worth is often measured not by his birthright, but by his productivity—either as master or chattel. Trade flows through every artery of the empire, from spices and silks to weapons and flesh. The bustling bazaars of Izaa and the black markets of Zagraza are infamous across Acarus for their opulence and amorality alike. Though the continent is smaller than Kalladonia, its people have maintained much of their ancient infrastructure, evading the worst of the cataclysms that drowned the other continents in ruin. Faith in Vessos is likewise distinct. Unlike the polytheistic and dogmatically rigid faith of the Castillians, the Vessese adhere to a unilateral monotheism centered on the worship of Shaitan, the so-called Overlord of the Sands. Revered as one of the last divinities to still intervene in the mortal realm, Shaitan is said to whisper to his faithful through sacred rites and alchemical sacraments such as ambrosia, a jelly-like substance harvested from exotic livestock known only to the Kashirani Imams. To the Vessese, Shaitan is not merely a god, but a living presence in the world—a sovereign spirit who watches over his followers and offers strength, clarity, and dominance to those who revere him. His faith is not one of meek prayers and abstract virtue, but of fire, will, and certainty.
Vessese characters come from a land where pragmatism overrides sentimentality, and survival is often won through cunning rather than raw strength. Raised in an empire where commerce and slavery are inseparable from daily life, the Vessese are accustomed to the negotiation of value—whether that be coin, status, labor, or lives. Theirs is a world where one’s worth must be proven. Vessese are less inclined to entertain idealism and more likely to evaluate people through a lens of utility. This can come across as harsh, even cruel, to outsiders—but to the Vessese, it is simply realism. Whether they are wealthy merchants, desert raiders, or spiritual ascetics, Vessese characters should understand the concept of transactional honor: trust is earned, loyalty is bought, and betrayal is simply a poor investment. Faith in Shaitan imbues many Vessese with a confidence bordering on fatalism. His voice is heard in omens and dreams, and his followers believe they are part of a greater destiny—one written in the sands long before they drew breath. This conviction can manifest as stoicism, charisma, or even religious zealotry. But even among non-believers, the cultural undercurrent of determinism lingers; few Vessese believe in random chance. In social play, Vessese tend to be guarded, shrewd, and difficult to fool. They may not open their hearts easily, but when they do, their loyalty can be profound—so long as it is never taken for granted. They value control, foresight, and power that is earned, not given. A Vessese character is rarely weak of will. Whether slave or prince, their inner world is one of calculation and conviction. They may scheme, they may sermonize, they may even serve—but they always have a plan.
The people of Vessos are as diverse as the biomes they inhabit—salt deserts, jungle floodplains, volcanic badlands—but some common traits prevail. Descended from a lineage that has endured the unrelenting sun and sand for generations, the typical Vessese bears the marks of a desert-forged people. Skin tones range from golden bronze to deep umber, a spectrum shaped by the continent’s brutal climate. Hair is usually black or deep brown, thick and wiry to shield the scalp from the sun. In the jungles of Xhao, lighter complexions and softer features are more common, influenced by their humid, shaded environment. Eyes are often narrow-set and dark, conveying a sense of scrutiny, patience, or veiled intention. Almond-shaped eyes in shades of brown, amber, or even green are particularly common in the coastal provinces. In Kashiran, the heartland of religious fervor, men often wear intricate facial hair—groomed beards, forked mustaches, or sand-dyed braids—as a sign of piety or status. In Zagraza, piercings and facial tattoos signify rank, crime, or survival stories. In terms of stature, Vessese tend to be lean and wiry, built for endurance in punishing climates. While not physically dominant like the Northmen, their frames conceal surprising stamina and explosive speed—traits essential for life in shifting dunes and tangled jungle. Clothing is often layered and practical: light fabrics, long sleeves, and veils to keep sun and sand at bay. Jewelry, often made from bone, obsidian, or polished glass, serves both aesthetic and ritual purposes—especially among followers of Shaitan, who embed spiritual symbols into their adornments. Though culturally and biologically diverse, the Vessese share a visage shaped by adversity, adaptation, and ambition. They are not the children of a unified people—but of survivors.
The Men of the West—the Vessese—dwell across vast and varied terrain, from the scorched Salt Deserts and fractured badlands to the steaming jungles of Xhao. Their culture, a rich amalgam of Arabic and Asiatic roots, has flourished around the dual pillars of commerce and slavery. Where the Castillians outlaw bondage, the Vessese embrace it. Slavery is not merely a trade; it is a foundational institution, seen as an inevitable and rational element of a person's utility to society. Entire cities are built on the backs of the bound. In Vessos, a man’s worth is often measured not by his birthright, but by his productivity—either as master or chattel. Trade flows through every artery of the empire, from spices and silks to weapons and flesh. The bustling bazaars of Izaa and the black markets of Zagraza are infamous across Acarus for their opulence and amorality alike. Though the continent is smaller than Kalladonia, its people have maintained much of their ancient infrastructure, evading the worst of the cataclysms that drowned the other continents in ruin. Faith in Vessos is likewise distinct. Unlike the polytheistic and dogmatically rigid faith of the Castillians, the Vessese adhere to a unilateral monotheism centered on the worship of Shaitan, the so-called Overlord of the Sands. Revered as one of the last divinities to still intervene in the mortal realm, Shaitan is said to whisper to his faithful through sacred rites and alchemical sacraments such as ambrosia, a jelly-like substance harvested from exotic livestock known only to the Kashirani Imams. To the Vessese, Shaitan is not merely a god, but a living presence in the world—a sovereign spirit who watches over his followers and offers strength, clarity, and dominance to those who revere him. His faith is not one of meek prayers and abstract virtue, but of fire, will, and certainty.
Roleplay Advice: Vessese Characters
Vessese characters come from a land where pragmatism overrides sentimentality, and survival is often won through cunning rather than raw strength. Raised in an empire where commerce and slavery are inseparable from daily life, the Vessese are accustomed to the negotiation of value—whether that be coin, status, labor, or lives. Theirs is a world where one’s worth must be proven. Vessese are less inclined to entertain idealism and more likely to evaluate people through a lens of utility. This can come across as harsh, even cruel, to outsiders—but to the Vessese, it is simply realism. Whether they are wealthy merchants, desert raiders, or spiritual ascetics, Vessese characters should understand the concept of transactional honor: trust is earned, loyalty is bought, and betrayal is simply a poor investment. Faith in Shaitan imbues many Vessese with a confidence bordering on fatalism. His voice is heard in omens and dreams, and his followers believe they are part of a greater destiny—one written in the sands long before they drew breath. This conviction can manifest as stoicism, charisma, or even religious zealotry. But even among non-believers, the cultural undercurrent of determinism lingers; few Vessese believe in random chance. In social play, Vessese tend to be guarded, shrewd, and difficult to fool. They may not open their hearts easily, but when they do, their loyalty can be profound—so long as it is never taken for granted. They value control, foresight, and power that is earned, not given. A Vessese character is rarely weak of will. Whether slave or prince, their inner world is one of calculation and conviction. They may scheme, they may sermonize, they may even serve—but they always have a plan.
Physical Features
The people of Vessos are as diverse as the biomes they inhabit—salt deserts, jungle floodplains, volcanic badlands—but some common traits prevail. Descended from a lineage that has endured the unrelenting sun and sand for generations, the typical Vessese bears the marks of a desert-forged people. Skin tones range from golden bronze to deep umber, a spectrum shaped by the continent’s brutal climate. Hair is usually black or deep brown, thick and wiry to shield the scalp from the sun. In the jungles of Xhao, lighter complexions and softer features are more common, influenced by their humid, shaded environment. Eyes are often narrow-set and dark, conveying a sense of scrutiny, patience, or veiled intention. Almond-shaped eyes in shades of brown, amber, or even green are particularly common in the coastal provinces. In Kashiran, the heartland of religious fervor, men often wear intricate facial hair—groomed beards, forked mustaches, or sand-dyed braids—as a sign of piety or status. In Zagraza, piercings and facial tattoos signify rank, crime, or survival stories. In terms of stature, Vessese tend to be lean and wiry, built for endurance in punishing climates. While not physically dominant like the Northmen, their frames conceal surprising stamina and explosive speed—traits essential for life in shifting dunes and tangled jungle. Clothing is often layered and practical: light fabrics, long sleeves, and veils to keep sun and sand at bay. Jewelry, often made from bone, obsidian, or polished glass, serves both aesthetic and ritual purposes—especially among followers of Shaitan, who embed spiritual symbols into their adornments. Though culturally and biologically diverse, the Vessese share a visage shaped by adversity, adaptation, and ambition. They are not the children of a unified people—but of survivors.
Race Navigation
Old-World Allies
CastilliansDwarves
Elves
Jotunfir
NorthmenHalf-Jotuns
Vessos
The VesseseThe Places Between
BeastkinOutlanders
In Mankind we Trust.
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