Vesk

## Appearance

   Vesk are sentient hexapedal creatures. Their bodies resemble those of centaurs, with the four of their limbs being used for walking, and the other two - for interacting with objects. Vesk also possess sharp claws on all of their limbs and osteoderms or spikes on their heads, horisontal parts of their backs and tails. The bodies of the creatures are covered in small scales. Their color is usually light brown with darker stripes.

Vesk display sexual dimorphism, with females having tail spikes only near the end, with no big claws on their pinky fingers. Head spikes of female individuals are also pointed more upwards, compared to those of males, with the faces being flatter in comparison as well. Females have more patterns on their skin and are often slightly taller and thinner.

## Diet

Vesk are omnivores with a preference for meat. They can eat a wide variety of foods, but certain things humans can safely consume are poisonous to the vesk. Some examples are alcohol and chocolate. The creatures are also lactose intolerant.

## Origin

Vesk came to Yelaia through Aynestav ("sand bridge"), a thin piece of landmass that once existed between Yelaia and Raazia,  about 7 000 years ago. It is unknown, however, when and how exactly the creatures appeared on Vechelan. Many scientists theorize that vesk were created by a lesser god. However, vesk are not known to have a relationship to any gods, which would highly likely be a part of the creatures' religion if vesk were really created by them.

## Reproduction

Vesk genitals are located between their hindmost legs. Their reproductive system is separate from excretory system and is similar to that of mammals. Male genitals are retractable and hidden inside a sheath.

Vesk give birth to live young.

## Life and culture

### Society

Vesk societies are often matriarchal or having both a female and a male in charge. The creatures live in reservations, mostly on the territory of Rossandia.

### Clothing and body modifications

Traditional vesk clothing usually consists of a blanket that is worn on the horizontal part of the body. It's often embroidered with thread patterns, beads or pieces of fabric of different color. Vesk also wear pants under the blanket. The upper part of the body is often exposed or covered with a poncho-like cloth. Other common clothing items and accessories include cowls, belts with pouches, bracelets, etc. Vesk can also pierce their noses, engrave patterns on their spikes and plates, or make tattoos, though now it is mostly true for older generations.

### Sex

Sex in vesk culture is very sacral, but at the same time not as tabooed as in many human societies. It always has to be consentual and is mainly used not for reproduction, but to strengthen the bond between lovers and as a pleasurable ritual. Before the intercourse, vesk may use aphrodisiacs and other drugs to make the experience more memorable and pleasant.

### Weapons

Vesk traditionally use crossbows for hunting and prefer this type of weapon even after being given modern firearms because of it's stealth. Other common traditional weapons include knives, daggers, bows and battle sickles, often called "corvids" for their resemblance to a raven's beak.

### Drugs

Vesk are known for their use of various psychoactive substances, both for recreational and ritualistic purposes. They also often use stimulators to increase their performance. The creatures are also less likely to develop an addiction.

Lovewort resin is the most common and powerful aphrodisiac and empathogen used by vesk. It is usually dried and smoked afterwards. One of the partners usually makes the first puff and then exhales the smoke inside the mouth of the other. The onset of effects is usually 10-20 minutes after smoking. The effects are similar to those of MDMA, with spontaneus orgasms and more visual disturbances.

In current time many vesk adopted human views on drugs, according to those that are more popular in a specific country.

## Anatomy

* Despite the reptilian look, vesk are actually warm-blooded.
* The creatures have slit-like pupils, like those of snakes or cats.
* Vesk have two hearts: a main one, which is located in ther upper chest, and an additional one in the lower chest.
* The creatures have four pairs of canines.
* Vesk bones are hard and light.
* Vesk blood is violet to dark crimson, depending on the amount. It's also poisonous to many other creatures.
* The lower parts of vesk intestines are spiral, resembling those of sharks.
* The hands of the creatures have a wider range of movement than those of humans.