Lore:Tsaesci (race)

The     which means Snake Palace, are a race originating from the continent of  , east of  . Their appearance has been described differently on many occasions, with some describing them as being entirely human in appearance,  others attributing to the Tsaesci human upper bodies and serpentine lower bodies , and some claiming them to be entirely snake-like. Adding to these contradictory claims, it is also claimed that the so-called serpent-folk apparently "ate" the men that lived on Akavir, although this statement can be interpreted in many ways.    Some even say that they may be shapeshifters. .

Although immortality is attributed to them in literature,  it is also alleged that longevity is not a trait of the Tsaesci. 

Two Akaviri "Blood Drinker" swords, known as Dawn/Duskfang and Bloodthirst, emulate the rumored traits of their Tsaesci creators. The Tsaesci are said to fight without shields or armor, using only swords such as the Dai-katana in combat.   The nature of the race is a tapestry of historical contradictions, so what little is known about them is uncertain.   However, all known encounters with the Tsaesci have not only shown that they are humanoids, but that they also use armor and shields in combat.

The Tsaesci were also known for their use of magic.   Additionally, they utilize a special magic called 'kiai',  which shares similarities with Shouts of the nordic  . 

History
The Anuad creation myth asserts that the Wandering Ehlnofey were divided onto three continents, with those on Akavir becoming the Tsaesci (and therefore related to the Yokudans and Atmorans).  The Tsaesci once invaded Tamriel in  , but were driven back by the forces of Emperor  .  Surviving Tsaesci in   served as mercenaries and personal guards of nobles.  They left many influences on   institutions and culture, including the doctrines and equipment of the  , the creation of the Akaviri Dragonguard (a personal bodyguard organisation for the Emperor) and  , a reverence among the Imperial aristocracy for all things Akaviri, and the adoption of the dragon as a symbol of the  .  A number of Tsaesci even served the   as Potentates, among them  ,  , and  . The latter two ruled the Second Empire outright during the first half of the  , a period known as the   that was brought on by the demise of the  . 

After the fall of the   in   most Tsaesci fled  , joining other Akaviri that lived in   and the surrounding area. These Akaviri would later be known as    and would help the resurfaced   armies to conquer  . 

Society
thumb|right|Four Tsaesci deity sigils (clockwise): Ilni (weather/air), Myn (sun/fire), Zisa (oceans/water) and Nyfa (earth).
Ancestor worship seems to be an integral part of Tsaesci culture,   although at least four deities, symbolizing different elements, are known: Ilni (weather/air), Myn (sun/fire), Nyfa (earth) and Zisa (oceans/water).    might also be worshipped by the Tsaesci, as origins of his mythology can be traced back to Akavir. 

Water occupies a special place in the Tsaesci faith, as they believe that all waterways connect the realms of the dead and the living. 

The Proving Festival is an important, yearly holiday of the Tsaesci to appease the ancestors and prove one's worth.  It consists of three proofs which a participant has to pass: The first is the Proof of Reverence by which the ancestors are invoked and invited to enter the living world as spirits. The inhabitants of  , imperial descendants of Tsaesci, let a paper lotus be carried down a river. The lotus symbolically swims into the realm of the dead to attract the attention of the ancestors.  The second proof is the Proof of Strength. It serves to show the ancestors ones strength and that one can resist various dangers.  The last proof is the Proof of Wisdom. Traditionally it consisted of scholars drafting grand essays, writers composing ornate poems or philosophers performing lengthy debates. However in Hakoshae the inhabitants use riddles for that purpose. 
 

Notes
 

 

 

"Xhiado Kas" is a known Tsaesci title for The Flame Maiden, given to Luciana Pullo. 
Diagna's cult originated in Yokuda during the "Twenty Seven Snake Folk Slaughter".  Whether the "Snake Folk" were the same as the Tsaesci serpent-folk is unknown.

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References