Zanji

A humanoid race native to Matarat. Zanji are tall, lanky, and have bodies resembling twisted, dry wood; though they do possess humanoid faces and fibrous plant-like "hair". They typically dress in layered robes and often wear masks signifying their social status, concealing their bodies entirely. Zanji typically relate poorly with humans, and as a result are xenophobic in nature and rarely leave the desert. The Zanji have no means of reproduction, and as such their species has no concept of gender; one of the reasons why there is a cultural disconnect between Zanji and human society. They are born from seeds that fall from the towering tree in the center of their holy city, the Mausoleum of Glass. It is unknown how this phenomenon began, or why they share a humanoid likeness. Only the caretakers of the tree know the truth behind the odd traits of their species.
Zanji-built cities are typically subterranean or built into cliff faces. As they have little need for water, they tend not to settle around oases. In the past hundred years, Zanji have begun to integrate into human Matarati cities as humanity expands further into the desert. Although the social disconnect makes integration awkward, strides have been made in recent decades to bridge the two cultures.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Zanji are something of an anomaly of nature, especially in their native environment. Their bodies are made almost entirely of living wood, though they do possess a beating heart.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

WIP

Common Dress Code

WIP

Culture and Cultural Heritage

WIP

History

WIP

Lifespan

300 years

Average Height

5'8"

Average Weight

130 lbs

Natural Dryness (Ex): Zanji drink water, but they are very dry creatures. To survive, they need to drink only one-quarter the amount of water per day that humanoids of their size normally require.
Sandswim (Su): A Zanji can sandswim through ash, sand and dust at his land speed while wearing light armor or carrying a light load. His speed drops to 5 feet if he wears heavier armor or carries a medium load.
Bark Skin: Starting at level 3 and at every 3 levels thereafter, a Zanji gains +1 natural armor. This bonus is negated when wearing medium or heavy armor.
Heat Endurance: Zanji gain Heat Endurance (see page 50) as a bonus feat.
+2 Int or Wis