The Shui
Typical Appearance: 4 1/2 to 5 feet tall, feathery tufts stick straight up (and back) from their heads. Their mouths are lip-less with sharp ridges of bone instead of teeth. Their bodies (when not shaved) are covered by a light down that can be a shade of cream, brown or gray.
Average Lifespan: 100
Common Religion: Paterithisim
Homeland: Midkoth
Notes:
The Shui are one of the first races in Wythmende to develop a major
civilization. The largest group of Shui have founded a empire called Zonshu
that is located on the eastern side of the [what] mountains. The government
of Zonshu is organized as a feudal society tenuously united under the emperor.
Zonshu is divided into four territories, known as a Duin, governed by
a Guduin. The four Guduin pledge allegiance to the emperor, but find their
power more checked by each other than by the emperor.
There are a couple of other smaller Shui kingdoms. In the Ilai desert there are a number of nomadic groups who are regarded as barbarians by the citizens of Zonshu. In the western forests there is another, smaller, Shui kingdom that avoids Zonshu politics on principle.
The Shui have made great advances in their technology. Unfortunately many discoveries are not utilized to their full capacity, usually for lack of vision in the leaders.
The Shui get along well with the other races. They have been the first to put forth the concept of "quinshui" or "the kindred races," noting that each race on Wythmende shares common traits. That said, they are not above killing or enslaving other races when it fits within their plans.