Real-World Influence: Babylonian, Syriac, Hittite, sometimes Berber Hesods are ethnically similar to Crown Sasinthēnes, both stemming from the Peoples of the Ox who inhabited northeastern Ōchis in antiquity. They tend to have mid-brown skin and dark eyes, with darker skin tones around the northern extents like Udniša. Some may have lighter eyes, or even red hair. Where Sasinthēnes are ethnically bifurcated but unified in culture, Hesods hail almost entirely from one ethnic group, but are bifurcated in culture. Owing to their shared roots, many Hesods, particularly the Sagur and the people of Naršun, were receptive to Sasinthēne religion, and given a privileged status, Sasinthēne rule. Many others, especially among the Matašwut, were not. Their deserts were historically much smaller, but grew with the destruction of several dams during the tumult in the first and second centuries.
Generally, Hesods are metropolitan, agrarian, and highly philosophical, having invented the best-known systems of astrology and celestial reckoning. Their philosophical precepts form the backbone of many modern magical schools of thought. Most Hesods are proud of this ancient origin, but are often quite removed from it: some, particularly those most zealously Adanist, exalt it and simultaneously decry it as pagan. Hesods build monuments with celestially-exact angles and favor art that integrates mythical heroes and beasts, sometimes clashingly with Adanist content matter. Their clothing is draped and flowing, made of light fabrics. They typically dress darkly except in the high summer, and wear geometric, floral, or symbolic patterns. Their designs favor the Spring Guides, the Lotus, and a number of prescribed patterns, called ‘Vines’, sometimes including Cotton.
They’re represented by the Caliche language.