There are very few nations in the world that the Shamsar recognize as their equals, but there is only one that they will even entertain as being (perhaps) superior. The Empire of the Star Elves is the most populous state in the world, containing within its borders more than twice as many people as dwell within the Dar-al-Shams. Its armies are legion, its industry unrivalled, its culture the envy of all others. It is said by the Star Elves that their state is the center of the whole world. It is a claim that is difficult to dispute.
Star Elf Traits
Ability Score Increase: Your Dexterity score increases by 2 and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Star Elf Education: A Star elf can choose one skill or tool proficiency. Your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses this chosen proficiency.
Star Elf Martial Training: You are proficient with the Longsword, Heavy Crossbow, and Glaive.
Fleet of Foot: Your base walking speed increases to 35 feet.
Extra Language: You can speak Stellar, Low Solar, and one extra language of your choice. You may be able to read and write any of these languages, depending on your Background.
History
The Star Elves or Nedjar (or in their own language the Héngxīng Rén) are the most mysterious of the elves to the people of the Dar al Shams. Their homeland lies far to the east, beyond the reckoning of Shamsar cartographers. Like the Shamsar and Quanar, the Nedjar have a great empire of their own. The Shamsar call this empire Nedj, but the Nedjar themselves call their state Shén Zhōu, The Divine Land.
Much is still unknown about Nedj, but it is most certainly a great empire of tremendous power and refinement. The Nedjar produce many wonderous products that can be found nowhere else in the world, including silk, tea, fine ceramics, paper, and a type of steel (called Stellar Steel) that is harder and sharper than traditional steel. These and many other wonders have made Nedj rich and powerful, and the Emperor of Nedj is the only sovereign in the world who is considered to be equal to the Khalifa in prestige.
The Nedjar are, in general, pale of skin, with dark eyes and fine black hair, which they care for and dress with great style. They favor colorful garments of many patterns, and their architecture is elaborate and highly ornate, known for tall towers and ornamented rooflines. Like the Shamsar, the Nedjar rule over many other peoples, and make much use of their skills in their armies and in their bureaucracy. Unlike the Shamsar, however, the Nedjar do not have one religion, but many, being unified through their language and culture rather than through faith.
Nedj is a very populous country producing many skilled individuals of all Classes, but the Nedjar are particularly famous for the prowess of their Fighters, the skill of their Bards, and the ingenuity of their Artificers. Nedj is also full of many monastic orders, and the Monks of Nedj are as famous for their piety and devotion as they are for their mastery of unarmed combat. Nedjar Wizards are also world famous, as Nedj is on the very cutting edge of magical and academic pursuits, just as they excel in all the civilized arts and sciences.
The great distance between Nedj and the Dar al Shams means that Nedjar are a rare sight within the Khaliphate, most likely to be found in the great trading cities of the eastern Khalifate. Nedjar trade goods, however, transported to the Khaliphate by intermediaries, are highly prized by Shamsar society, and to own a silk garment or a piece of Nedjar pottery is a sign of true wealth and status within the Dar al Shams.
Comments