𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒢𝒪𝒜𝒯𝒮 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝒯𝐸𝒫𝒫𝐸
𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒩𝐸𝒦𝐻𝐼𝐼
The Azim Steppe is home to a myriad of Xaelic tribes, and in the craggy mountains surrounding the flatlands live another - the Nekhii, otherwise known as 'the goats of the Steppe'.
The Nekhii were originally peaceful goat and sheepherders who took in orphaned stragglers from the other tribes without question or comment. This, regrettably, would more often than not lead to conflict - conflict that would uproot the Nekhii, sending them further and further out of the plains themselves and up into the mountains, where harsh conditions led to more diplomatic approaches to all but the most grievous of contentions.
Despite all of this, the Nekhii thrived, but as years passed, the simple hodge-podge of tribal orphans began to see more and more oddities born to their mixed younglings.
The slopes had forever been treacherous, but hooves with soft padding underneath, and powerful, unguligrade legs would make scaling their home all the easier. Thus, feet began to harden and leg bones began to shift in this backwards but better direction. The air was rare and freezing cold, but warm pelts would cut the chill. Thus, they began to grow hair on their legs where before, the Au Ra had only grown it on their heads.
Other peculiarities would occasionally arise: larger, more flamboyant horns in a variety of shapes, even multiple sets of them. Lighter coloring of horns and scales was greatly coveted, and so it was that a great many took on soft golden hues more closely attributed to their Raen cousins. Golden limbal rings were also observed in high number, no matter the color of the eyes. Fewer in number are the more alarming mutations of soft, elongated ears (perhaps due to the very high possibility of horn trauma, a rule rather than a rarity amongst the Nekhii), stubby and furry tails, and even facial hair on the males.
Despite these radical changes, the Nekhii have remained a peaceful and open tribe. Gregarious and inveterate travelers and explorers, they open their homes and hearths to all and sundry and have no qualms about leaving the mountains of their homeland to see what the rest of the world has to offer. They are jacks-of-all-trades, their interests tending to be wildly varied. Whatever they set their minds to, they tend to excel at - but keeping their interest is key. They are dabblers, and rarely make careers out of any one thing. They are skilled hunters and trackers and craftsmen; they are clever of eye, tongue, and finger. They are also quite keen on shiny trinkets, especially gold, and will go out of their way to acquire whatever catches their eye by most means necessary, despite the fact that they trade in goods and services, rather than gil. They love good food, good drink, good people, and a good party (many hypothesize that many of the original Nekhii were Qalli orphans, as good singing voices are common amongst the tribe) and despite their drifting natures, are exceptionally loyal to those they call friend or family. Honesty is a must in their relationships, and few will tolerate liars or cheats in their lives. Multiple partners are common, though they lean more towards polyandry like their sister tribe the Bayaqud. On the other hand, they can be quick to anger, and have smoldering tempers that will flare at slight provocation. They are stubborn, willful, and slow to admit their faults or apologize. They deal in personal, vigilante justice when they or those they care for are wronged, and they deal it swiftly and without mercy - for after all, the herd must be protected.
The Nekhii are, like many of the Steppe tribes, particular in very many ways.
Every Nekhii today has the furry, goatish legs that gave their ancestors the edge to live fuller, happier lives in the mountains. Most also have golden limbal rings and horns. Spiraling horns, as well as multiple sets, are a mutation seen more and more often.
The softer ears and stubbier tails are less common mutations, as are beards among the men. Generally, the fur on their legs and the hair on their heads share color, but this is not a given. Rectangular pupils are exceptionally rare, and seen as a sign of great portent - though whether evil or good is up for the individual born with them to decide with their actions.
Skin tones are variable, but hair and eye colors tend to more earthy and forest tones.
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