The Xitaxokhu (pronounced chi-tah-CHOH-khooh) are the fierce sahuagin inhabitants of the Gekhuknaka Trench. From their cities deep below the waves they launch raids for treasure and captives against the surrounding communities on nearby archipelagoes. While widely feared, they are also respected to a degree, as they have routinely proven themselves some of the most capable fighters against the demons who now seasonally infest the Old Twins.
Geography
See also: Gekhuknaka Trench
The Gekhuknaka Trench, where the Xitaxokhu live, is a deep oceanic trench in the western Wounds. Roughly 900 miles in length and up to 40 miles wide, it is the deepest point in the Wounds, reaching depths of over 40,000 feet. The ice-cold waters at those levels of the ocean are home to terrifying sea creatures, largely unknown to the broader world except when, on rare occasion, they rise closer to the surface, die, and wash up to shore. Even to the Xitaxokhu do the trench's deepest points hold untold mysteries.
Though it largely runs southwest to northeast, the Gekhuknaka Trench curves more towards the east on its northern half.
The Gekhuknaka Trench is roughly 560 miles northwest of Cerca, 400 miles south of the Old Twins, and 330 miles west of the Protectors.
Demographics
The Xitaxokhu are entirely sahuagin.
Culture
Religion
Unusually, the Xitaxohku are largely atheistic, giving no heed to any divine entity or spirit. They do respect their ancestors, but not to the point of worship, as once a Xitaxokhu dies they are cast to sea after only a brief funeral.
Society
Xitaxokhu society is sharply militaristic. One's ability in combat is seen as the primary determinant of one's place in society, elevating warriors above a vast class of gatherers, craftspeople, miners, and others. Young sahuagin who wish to elevate themselves into this upper caste undertake a rite of passage in which they travel, usually in small groups, out of the trench and into the seas beyond in search of foes to best. The most daring, or foolhardy, attempt to test themselves against the demons of the Old Twins, for which they are simultaneously feared and appreciated by other denizens of the Wounds. Older sahuagins sometimes attempt the same rites as well.
Even if one is not a member of the warrior class, the same ruthless ambition drives Xitaxokhu society. Demonstrating that one is the best in their trade or role is paramount to ensure the proper amount of respect and deference is given, with commensurate material rewards as well.
The Xitaxokhu also raid nearby settlements of other peoples, above and below the surface alike, for treasure or for captives ransomed back for treasure, who are the only outsiders to see within the Xitaxokhu trench cities. The sound of war-conches of Xitaxokhu raiding parties strikes fear in the inhabitants of the Protectors, Cerca, and even as far south as the Wisps.
Languages
The Xitaxokhu speak Sxarro and rarely any other languages.
Architecture and urbanization
Built into the side of the trenches, Xitaxokhu villages and cities are labyrinthine mazes of water and stone. Away from their cramped main thoroughfares and tunnels, however, their dwellings are surprisingly spacious and well-lit considering their locations thousands of feet below the surface. The Xitaxokhu make no attempt to mask their presence in the dark waters in general, often brightly illuminating the entrances to their communities as if to dare anyone, whether person or creature, to take any action against them.
Government
The Xitaxoxhu are governed by extremely meritocratic autocracies, one in which rulership is based on personal strength and prowess in combat and any can be challenged at any time for the right to rule. Their leaders, then, are their strongest fighters, and the scars they carry are seen as signs of their legitimacy. Xitaxokhu warrior-kings often set forth on expeditions against powerful foes in the seas, mortal and monster alike, to continue to prove themselves to any potential rivals who would covet their position.