The harsher lands of Hepekeria are home to a race of beings collectively called 'Dekhretyen' in Numec. The Dekhretyen are magical creatures whose nature is fairly well understood, though their origins are somewhat obscure. Many believe that the Dekhretyen are creatures either created by or allied with Agrik, much like the V'Hir, though Ziryabism does not take this view. While there are similarities between their natures, the V'Hir and the Dekhretyen do have some substantial differences, most notably that the Dekhretyen seem to act of their own free will. There are many cases of Dekhretyen allying themselves with humans, and they seem to vary substantially in their dispositions. The Numec consider most to be 'demons' but they also have tales of friendly or helpful Dekhretyen, muddying the issue. Most seem to consider humans annoying inferiors and show no semblance of human morals, frequently finding humans, whether aiding or torturing them, amusing pastimes. Numec stories describe them as whimsical in nature, whether it be cruel or kind.
Dekhretyen range widely in their individual strength and power. Many would be equally matched by two or three good human warriors but some are immensely more powerful. All Dekhretyen are shapeshifters, most being able to assume two or three different forms. The lesser Dekhretyen, called 'Dekhiyen' by the Numec, typically have one humanoid form and one or two mundane animal forms, with dogs, cats, and carrion birds being the most common. None of these forms give the Dekhiyen any particular magical abilities though in all cases they tend to be substantially stronger than what is normal. The humanoid form is usually indistinguishable from a poor human from the local area, quite innocuous looking. Many Dekhiyen, if the Numec are to be believed, have a fondness for for human flesh and will hunt unsuspecting humans. Fortunately they are solitary and cowardly so any competent and alert group should have little trouble.
Baldekhyen are substantially more powerful than their lesser cousins. In addition to the one or two animal forms which Dekhiyen can assume, Baldekhyen can transform into swirling clouds of dust and smoke. This can make them very difficult opponents as they tend to become insubstantial and fly away whenever seriously threatened. Even in this insubstantial form they are able to carry objects, or people, much as they could in their more substantial forms. Baldekhyen humanoid forms tend to appear as large, coarsely-featured people who are otherwise appropriate to the region. Most would stand out in a crowd but are otherwise not obviously inhuman. Again they are substantially stronger than would be expected from their size and appearance. In addition, many are accomplished mages or sorcerers making them quite dangerous. Baldekhyen seem to have a fondness for wealth and luxury and are often encountered in such pursuits. Some even have human slaves or concubines.
Qrudekhyen are the least common and most powerful of the Dekhretyen, sometimes referred to as 'Dekhretyen Lords'. Typically they have all of the abilities of the Baldekhyen but are much larger and more powerful. Most can assume as many as five different animal forms and can alter the appearance of their humanoid forms substantially. This allows them to disguise themselves as ordinary humans if they wish, though most would not stoop to such simple deception, preferring to wield their strength in a more straight forward manner. Without disguise Qrudekhyen tend to appear as very large, ornately clothed and armored, very attractive humans. Between their size and the power they radiate, they are clearly inhuman, even to the casual observer. Most are haughty and supremely self-confident and even those with kindlier natures seem to enjoy intimidating mere humans. Like the Baldekhyen they tend to avarice and most have accumulated substantial fortunes, something which occasionally brings them into conflict with the local human populations, or the occasional band of adventurers.
Despite the title of Dekhretyen Lord, there seems to be no political organization among the Dekhretyen. Each leads a solitary life and avoids contacts with others of its kind. When two do meet they invariably test each other's strength and power and their relationship is based purely on might. This is fortunate for humans for an organized force of Dekhretyen would be quite terrifying. Dekhiyen and some Baldekhyen seem to inhabit oases and wells, but Qrudekhyen prefer more isolated homes. The oasis-dwellers can pose quite a problem for travellers in the desert as they may insist on bribes to keep them from attacking. Dekhiyen usually haunt such places waiting for the unwary or isolated traveller to make himself available for a meal. Many oases are reputed to have huge fortunes at the bottom of their pools, donations to the local Baldekhyen. Most Numec routinely make small offerings at wells and oases to appease the local Dekhret, whether or not they know one is present. It is entirely possible that most watering holes are actually safe and contain large, unprotected stocks of wealth, but testing this theory might be very dangerous.
Local sorcerous traditions, as well as Ziryabism, have developed rituals for binding Dekhretyen into small areas or objects. Such spells tend to be difficult and, if used against a more powerful Dekhret, frequently dangerous. Such bindings are also susceptible to physical damage and if destroyed will release the Dekhret. Dekhretyen, especially the more powerful ones, have long memories and can be quite vindictive so binding one is not a casual undertaking. There are also many stories of Dekhretyen released from such bindings who generously reward the person responsible.