Valia
"Now, the Valia are quite the spectacle indeed. A spectacle! A true spectacle! That I... Rarely saw! To tell you the truth, my eyes were rarely suited to the desert, it was... Very bright. And the light tricks were! Hard to see! When you could not look them in the eye..." - Matija Saša Lučić, a spiritologist from Cathqouile university, nervously elaborating on the lack of valia inclusion in his memoir Hidden Corners.Beings of pure light, the valia are characterised by light and its many occurrences. Able to manipulate the light spectrum, some learn to create illusions and mirages, while others may learn to project light their selves. A highly decorative tribe, Valia often use their powers to decorate themselves and others, while some may develop flash bombs or learn to dim light entirely. This light is usually characterised by beams of sunlight, the same ones that may warm a summer’s evening or light the day. This is usually white or yellow light, although some valia learn to manipulate the light spectrum to influence its colour as well. There is a differentiation to be made between this spirit – the Valimeana – and the spirit of fire. While valia can’t create flames from their light it does still emit a slight heat. Some have figured out tricks with mirrors to create flames – while many others have taken more subtle approaches. Mirages and illusions are very common amongst the valia, as well as more literal approaches. Valia fighters are known for flash bombs or targeted blindings, making them well-feared combatants. Valia’s main settlement was Tinariwen, a city famous for its knowledge. Tinariwen’s library – the Library of Abdhalla – was renowned for its vaults, holding both books and artefacts dating back (and even beyond) the Dawning. However, recent years have had this title more contested. Recent tensions have boiled over into a conflict within Tinariwen, and in the brisk of this conflict, much of the collection has been moved to Etran. Tinariwen’s conflict has segregated into that of the Sun Guard – the closest thing to the cities’ police – and the Dawnbreakers. The Dawnbreakers are a highly organised revolting group, hoping to overthrow what they see now as a dangerous institution. The Dawnbreakers often comment on the Sun Guard’s brutal tactics, extensive prison system, and high surveillance. Other cities include Etran and Terakreft. Terakreft is famous for its trade – being most accessible to both fenwyn, ry and ihan ae, it’s well known for its vibrancy. The Ajju Market is a melting pot for all 4 groups – as well as nhamy and pirig traders. It’s also one of the stops on the Wander’s Map, a largely publicised network of safe stops for wanders. Etran is to the other end of the desert and has the Eyadu – a medical group. They are well known for their herbal remedies, and people come far and wide to receive treatments. The Eyadu are also known for their fundamental pacifist ideologies, known to not show discrimination along any political lines. They have been seen on both sides of the Tinariwen conflict, on both sides of many storms, and will be treated based on any background for any illness. The valia is an old spirit, dating back to 512. What was before the valia seems to be a bit of mystery, as no large event was listed that preluded the valia nor was any tribe seemed to be in area. Some theories are it use to be Innihan territory – while others claim this area to be “blank space”. While the valia have experienced some impressive storms, but recently storms have been consistent. The Shadows has been taking place in the west of the territory, along the border between the three spirits of the continent. In this range impenetrable dark has been swamping the area at random – going as far as snuffing candles and dimming lights created. The Dullahan Mountains – the area most frequently affected – is now commonly struck off travel plans. In a similar vein, the desert mirages have often been said to be the work of a storm as well – although drawing the line between a supernatural occurrence and a trick of the light has caused issue. Some have reported mirages of not only oasis but childhood homes, old or current workplaces, even favourite cafes. The likelihood of these is often disregarded by the mirages. Residents of Balawey have reported their treetop homes in the middle of the desert – and even Zolognara residents have said their bogland homes are present as well.
Basic Information
Anatomy
"Stay around Terakreft during the Sun Bringing Festival! Everyone lights up, the streets fill with illusions and mirages... It's gorgeous. One of the most beautiful things I've seen. I never tire of it." - Abdoulay Aswan, owner of a stall in the Ajju Market. Her stall overlooks the festival every year, happening at the beginning of the summer.Valia are very human alligned - the most so out of all of the tribes besides ihan ae. Being beings of light, however, the appearance is highly malluable to how the valia in question sees fit. Many choose to represent their light allignment through speckles of sunlight across their skin, glowing finger tips, or bright highlights in hair. Others go further - making entire body parts glow when they wish. Many will dim these at night, but some don't. This will apply for the longevity of it as well. Sometimes, these additions become a permenant feature. Other times, they are a passing fad.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The valia have far less sensetivity to light then other tribes within Alkgnir. In fact, valia are one of the best tribes for astronomy - able to look directly at the sun without being blinded. This isn't total: this is an ease to adjust, sudden bright lights or ones that are inconsistent will cause valia as much issue as any other. Many have photographic memories.
"Awe, you'll always want a valia on board when crossing the desert! They can look at it, after all! Mid day the sands just blind ye, it can be mighty disorientating if you don't have one of them with ya." - Rohkegri Adela Sand-rider, a ry ranger across all of Yulca. She guides people along the Wander's path, a trail that often takes her into the desert.
Cultural Hints
The Valia largely take after Turaeg people, a north African desert tribe. They range over the Sahara, spanning parts of Algeria, Libiya, Mali, and Nigeria.
Lifespan
80 years
Average Height
1.6 - 2.1m
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