Thyrsian ([θɜːrʒən])

Biology & Appearance

The Thyrsians, a subspecies of the Echani, had dark complexions, dark hair and dark eyes. Some could have pale hair and eyes, but this was a genetic mutation. Unlike other Echani, Thyrsians did not share facial similarities to the same extent and could be distinguished from each other much like human siblings. Twins were still common, but more often than not, they were fraternal.

Like other Echani, Thyrsians were the result of Arkanian genetic experimentation and featured the same ability to communicate through physical contact.

Society & Culture

Thyrsians have long been culturally distinct from the rest of Echani society, maintaining their own beliefs that often ran in direct contrast to Echani culture.

Thyrsian society was patriarchal, diverging from the all-female Command that governed the Six Sisters. However, due to regulations, a female delegate represented the Thyrsians in the Echani Command.

They also did not worship Kanir but rather a Warrior Sun God by the name of Ergün.

In combat, Thyrsian warriors were known to favour heavy armour and weapons like force pikes rather than the light armour and ceremonial weaponry favoured by the other Sisters. Their armour was emblazoned with their God's seal and made golden to reflect the sun. Even the weapons they used were dedicated to Ergün, as they were said to be made with ancient techniques passed down by the God himself.

History

In early history, Thyrsus was a member of the Six Sisters only in name, although they were forced to follow the Echani Command's rules and governance.

Thyrsians first made their voices heard in 1154 BBY when they joined Begali's uprising against Eshan. Though Begali would return to Eshan's rule less than a century later, the Thyrsian Sun Guard continued to wage a string of crusades against Eshan until Thyrsian independence was confirmed with the Pact of Almera in 899 BBY. Though still technically under Eshan's rule and a member of the Six Sisters, the Thyrsians maintained a distinct self-governance and did not adhere to any part of their system's culture.