Sharmendu

Among the Sharmen, the Sharmendu seem to be older spirits, if spirits can age. They lead the Sharmen in rituals, teach the chants and always sing the first and last verses. Their skulls are larger and more striking, especially the curved horns.

While the Sharmen are mostly wrapped up in their robes, the Sharmendu wear them more like a cloaks with stone-like collar around their necks. Beneath this robe, they wear a hide coat, the leather always burnt and charred. Like humans, they have two legs and two arms, and their feet hidden by long, pointy shoes. Those who manage to get a good look at their hands find themn paw-like with four digits, and they can bring flames into being out of thin air.

Usually, these flames are meant for the same rituals in which they chant, being woven into intricate patterns and stunning displays of fire, smoke, and light. During these displays, the Sharmendu moves slowly, almost hypnotically, reciting its chants and, more often than not, supported by a chorus of Sharmen echoing its words.

Like every Sharmen, the Sharmendu will travel far to join their kin for solstice celebrations at the edge of Mount Kaia’s caldera, which has become a recurring and regular part of Triumvian culture. It is customary to leave offerings on the mountain during the night before the solstice.