Hish

"As the rocky bluffs below us gave way at last to the dusty, scorching barrens of the Arashi, I soon witnessed for myself the vicious and frenzied scrapping of the Hish clans. Even from the safety of our airship, I was still compelled to ask the pilot if he could speed up." -???'s Journal, Chapter VIII

Hish are a primitive race of reptilians that live out in the sun-baked deserts of the Arashi Wastes. Dwelling in crevasses and hovels beneath the dry earth, Hish are a primal, animalistic species splintered into dozens of tribes, many of which clash with one another on a daily basis. It is thought that the high quantities of Novium in the Wastes has increased their aggression over the years. As a result, Hish have no major settlements or overarching civilisation to speak of.

Whilst relatively humanoid in shape, Hish are covered in millions of tiny scales, and can walk on all fours. Their pronounced claws make them adept climbers, as well as deadly warriors. Depending on the level of sun exposure, their skin tones can vary between browns, reds and greys. In addition, their jaws open outwards, exposing rows of fangs loaded with a highly toxic venom.

Each Hish tribe is typically ruled by a K'vash ("warlord"); an alpha male position, obtained only by killing the previous K'vash. In addition to fighting outsiders, Hish tribes are even known to purge the weak or elderly from their own ranks and cannibalise their remains. Despite their savage nature, some Hish have been known to show signs of higher intelligence, and even on occasion, a limited grasp of the common tongue.