Arqeshi

Arqeshi
An Arqeshi.
Once Nazetu, purified of the Dark Mother's corruption.

Arqeshi are, for most intents and purposes, merely Nazetu - their origins are alike, their history is largely alike, and their physical appearances are nearly identical. Both are powerful, slimy creatures, built tall and strong. The main difference, however, is this - unlike the Nazetu, Arqeshi have been cleansed by one means or another of Corruption, and of Chakrasul's influence.

The oldest Arqeshi were Nazedha invaders, converted by the prophet Kayalenki in the year 452 MA, following the War of Night. Any Arqeshi born before this time are, by necessity, converts - Nazetu from the mainland or the Nazedha islands who chose to become free of Corruption.

As a result, the Arqeshi are by definition a diasporic population - they are not accepted by their former Nazetu brothers and are generally exiled on principle. The largest community of Arqeshi exists in the southeast, serving the cause of the Light, and though they maintain a number of cultural practices in common with their Nazetu and Nazedha brethren, their ideologies differ starkly.

A typical Arqeshi's diet consists largely of the bounty of the sea - shellfish, fish, seaweed, crabs, and whatever else lingers around the coastline are more likely than not to end up in the stew pot. This food is often highlighted with whatever spices are on hand, the more powerful the better. Arqeshi bread tends toward cram and hardtack, a holdover from their naval heritage.

Although many Nazetu consider the month of Chakros sacred, a time for celebrating the power of Corruption, the Arqeshi interpret it instead as a time of wariness and caution, often fasting and refraining from indulgence to prevent Her from regaining Her power over them. In this time, it is also common to read and reinterpret the religious canon of the Nazedha, contrasting it against the ideals the Arqeshi have embraced upon the mainland.

Racial skills

Upon reaching certain levels, this race gains the following skills.

Level	Name	Description
1	Sliminess	Slowly accrue stinkiness passively, as a result of secreting foul-smelling slime. While stinking, you also swim faster, as a result of moving through the water more efficiently. You may OOZE, taking several seconds of balance to accrue stinkiness.
25	Trawling	You can TRAWL in watery environments to provide yourself sustenance. When in a watery environment, you can trawl the waters for sustenance, in a similar manner to foraging. Also allows you to EAT raw fish.
50	Shedding	When stinky, your natural coating of slime suppress the stench. You may also SHED SLIME as an alternative to scrubbing.
75	Ice Breath	This ability permits the player to freeze players, the ground, or douse firewalls.
100	Shriving	You may shed your slime to instantly cure all afflictions with SHRIVE. Usable once per Howling.