Qerem

Qerem
Image
Plural	Qerem
Spirit Origin	Arihis
Classification	Non-Human
Homeland	Arezilur
Average Height	3 ft 3 in – 3 ft 9 in (100–115 cm)
Average Lifespan	120–150 years
Distinction	Builders of Mireria
Language	Qerem
Factions	Qerem Confederacy

Introduction

The Qerem are a small, long-lived people native to Arezilur, created by Arihis, the Ascendant Spirit of desert, sand and glass. Most live in settled tribes along the north coast of Arezilur and Orinilure, loosely joined in the Qerem Confederacy; others live among the Berturracioi in the cities of Arezilur. They number about 80,000. The Qerem are credited with building Mireria, a city of the desert interior whose location is now unknown.

Etymology

Qerem comes from the Qerem phrase qer keémélé, "desert dwellers".

Origin and Nature

The Qerem were created by Arihis in the Age of Ascendance, after the Great Erosion had carved Arezilur from the land once joined to Khamria. They are attuned from birth to their creator, and they revere Arihis as the one who made them.

History

In the Age of Ascendance the Qerem lived throughout Arezilur. Over time most of them settled along the north coast as independent tribes, and a few tribes remained nomads in the desert. The Qerem built Mireria in the desert interior; the city later passed out of general knowledge.

When the Berturracioi landed at Gristilia around 400 ME and spread inland along the oases, the two peoples came to live side by side, and many Qerem settled in the Berturracio cities. The coastal tribes, more isolated, had less contact with the newcomers.

The tribes of the north coast later joined in the Qerem Confederacy for protection against other nations. It divides into the Eastern Tribes, in Arezilur, and the Western Tribes, on the north coast of Orinilure.

Biology and Physical Traits

The Qerem stand 3 ft 3 in – 3 ft 9 in (100–115 cm) tall and live 120–150 years. They are covered in fine fur, usually sandy brown with a pale face and underside, and a dark line runs back from each eye; the shade of the fur varies from one individual to another. Their ears are very large and their eyes large and dark, and they have long whiskers. Their legs are long and slender, and a long tail ends in a tuft of black and white hair. They walk upright and can run on all fours.

Abilities and Osia

Every Qerem is attuned from birth to Arihis and practices the Path of Arihis. Through it they sense water beneath the sand, feel a sandstorm before it arrives, and move and hold sand. Qerem builders use the path to shape sand into walls.

Culture and Society

The Qerem Confederacy is a loose alliance, formed mostly for protection against other nations; the tribes are largely independent. Each tribe elects its own chief. The chiefs of the Eastern Tribes meet in council at Iĝigij and those of the Western Tribes at Inguĝ, and the two councils meet together only on matters of war or treaty.

Most Qerem live by fishing and farming. Their staple foods are fish, barley, figs and dates, and the beetle Tidğujt is a delicacy. Qerem who live among the Berturracioi work in the trades of the cities. Qerem history is kept by oral tradition.

Notable Settlements

Iĝigij, the largest settlement of the Eastern Tribes
Inguĝ, the largest settlement of the Western Tribes
The Qerem Quarter of Gristilia, home to many of the Qerem who live among the Berturracioi
Mireria, the lost city of the desert, whose location is unknown

Spirituality and Beliefs

The Qerem revere Arihis as their creator. They make pilgrimages to the House of Arihis in the central desert.

Mireria holds a special place in Qerem tradition. Its location is a secret kept by the elders, and accounts of it mix legend and fact. Accounts say that the city moves through the dunes, moved by the collective work of Osiari. The Qerem do not discuss Mireria with outsiders.

Technology and Warfare

The coastal tribes build fishing boats, and the Qerem obtain firearms through trade. They have no industry of their own.

Relations with Other Races

Berturracioi: The two peoples have good relations, and many Qerem live among the Berturracioi, above all in Gristilia. The tribes of the Confederacy are isolated enough to have little contact with them.
Oinien: The Western Tribes have limited dealings with the Oinien of Orinilure, mostly trade.