Anubians
Physical Description and Geographic Location-
Live on the Anubian Penensula, the Northwestern region of Shontari
- Cold-Adapted Physique: Anubians possess a hardy and robust physique, well-suited to withstand the harsh conditions of the arctic tundra. Their bodies are lean yet muscular, honed through generations of survival in the frigid wilderness. Thick layers of insulating fat beneath their skin provide protection against the biting cold, while their strong limbs and sturdy build enable them to navigate the treacherous terrain with ease.
- Enchanted Robes and Linen: Anubians often don flowing robes and garments made from fine linen, tailored and magically enhanced to withstand the harsh elements of their icy homeland. These robes are typically adorned with intricate embroidery, hieroglyphic patterns, and depictions of sacred symbols or stylized representations of thier gods. The colors of their attire often reflect the natural hues of their surroundings, with earthy tones and cool blues prevalent in their clothing.
- Head Coverings and Headdresses: Head coverings and headdresses are integral components of Anubian attire, serving as symbols of status, religious significance, and protection against the cold. Many Anubians wear elaborate headdresses adorned with feathers, jewels, and ornate filigree, often incorporating symbolic motifs such as the Eye of Horus or the wings of Ma'at. These headdresses are worn with pride during ceremonial occasions, signifying the wearer's connection to the divine and their role as custodians of ancient wisdom.
- Mystical Aura: Anubians possess an aura of mysticism and otherworldly grace, stemming from their profound connection to mystical and religious magic. Their eyes often gleam with an otherworldly light, reflecting the depths of their spiritual insight and connection to the divine. Some Anubians bear subtle arcane markings or glyphs upon their skin, signifying their affinity for magic and their role as conduits of the sacred energies that flow through their ancient rituals and ceremonies.
Gods and Heroes-
- Worship the Neutral and Evil Pantheons, with specific reverence for The King of Kings , The Guide , The Keeper, and The Prince of Undeath
- Hold the "demigods" of Nefertari Sandsinger and Amenhotep Sunbearer in reverence, two individuals who still rune and dominate thier society.
Defining Cultural Aspects-
- Religious Reverence: The Anubians hold deep reverence for their pantheon of gods and goddesses, drawn from ancient Egyptian mythology. Their culture is steeped in religious rituals, ceremonies, and observances that honor the divine and seek to maintain cosmic balance and order.
- Ancestral Veneration: Anubian society places great importance on honoring their ancestors and preserving their cultural heritage. Ancestral spirits are believed to watch over and guide the living, and rituals are performed to ensure their continued favor and protection.
- Mystical Tradition: The Anubians have a strong affinity for mystical and magical practices, with shamanism, divination, and spiritual healing forming integral parts of their cultural identity. They believe in the existence of hidden realms, spirits, and supernatural forces that influence the world around them.
- Artistic Expression: Art and craftsmanship are highly valued in Anubian culture, with artisans skilled in the creation of intricate sculptures, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and ornate artifacts. These works of art serve as expressions of cultural identity and spiritual symbolism, often depicting scenes from mythology and religious iconography.
- Social Hierarchy: Anubian society is structured around a rigid social hierarchy, with priests, priestesses, and religious leaders occupying the highest positions of authority and prestige. Status and rank are determined by one's piety, devotion to the gods, and adherence to sacred traditions.
- Ceremonial Festivals: The Anubians celebrate a calendar of ceremonial festivals and religious holidays throughout the year, marked by colorful processions, feasts, and offerings to the gods. These festivals serve as occasions for communal gathering, spiritual renewal, and the reaffirmation of cultural identity.
- Funerary Practices: Death is viewed as a sacred transition in Anubian culture, and elaborate funerary rites and burial practices are observed to ensure the safe passage of the deceased to the afterlife. Tombs, mausoleums, and mortuary temples are constructed as eternal resting places for the departed, filled with treasures and provisions for the journey to the realm of the gods.
- Sacred Temples and Monuments: Anubian culture is renowned for its majestic temples, monuments, and tombs, constructed as tributes to the gods and as repositories of ancient knowledge and wisdom. These structures are adorned with elaborate carvings, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and intricate murals depicting scenes from myth and legend. Temples serve as centers of religious worship and spiritual enlightenment, with priests and priestesses presiding over sacred ceremonies and rituals conducted within their hallowed halls.
Other Notes-
History-
- Ancient Origins: The Anubians trace their lineage back to the dawn of civilization, emerging as a distinct cultural group in the frozen tundra of their homeland. For centuries, they flourished in isolation, their society guided by the teachings of their revered shamans and the wisdom of their ancestors.
- Dragon Domination: When the dragons descended upon the continent, seeking to assert their dominance over mortalkind, the Anubians initially sought to appease their draconic overlords, fearing the wrath of these powerful beings. They labored under the yoke of draconic oppression, their once-proud culture stifled by fear and subjugation.
- Rise of the Lich Lords: Amidst the darkness of draconic rule, two Anubian heroes emerged: Amenhotep Sunbearer, a lich cleric of unparalleled piety and devotion, and Nefertari Sandsinger, a lich sorcerer whose mastery of arcane magic was unmatched. Together, they defied the dragons and rallied their people to resist.
- Joining the 15: Amenhotep and Nefertari played pivotal roles in uniting the disparate tribes of Anubians, forging alliances with other oppressed races and joining "the 15" in their rebellion against the dragons. With their guidance, the Anubians rose up in defiance, their spirits ignited by the flames of freedom and the promise of a better tomorrow.
- War of Liberation: The Anubians fought valiantly alongside their allies, engaging the dragons in fierce battles and reclaiming their ancestral lands from draconic tyranny. Led by Amenhotep and Nefertari, they unleashed the full force of their mystical powers upon their oppressors, driving them back and reclaiming their sovereignty.
- Legacy: In the aftermath of the war, the Anubians emerged as champions of liberty and guardians of the sacred flame of freedom. Amenhotep and Nefertari were hailed as heroes, their names forever etched into the annals of history as symbols of Anubian resilience and defiance in the face of adversity.