Sand Elf

The Sand Elves are a desert-dwelling elven subrace native to the vast, sun-scorched sands of Azmith. Known for their resilience and beauty, they have endured a tragic history shaped by the harsh realities of their homeland. Their golden or bronzed complexions, sharp features, and natural grace made them highly sought after by Azmith's slave traders, leading to the sorrowful reality that many of their communities were absorbed into the region's infamous slave trade. They are iconic for having shimmering, thick hair that has a sheen almost as lustrous as metal and hair in shades of copper, silver, gold, or obsidian.

History

In ancient times, the Sand Elves thrived in the deserts of Azmith, building small but vibrant communities centered around oases and trade routes. Their adaptability and resourcefulness allowed them to carve out a life in one of the harshest environments, with their culture emphasizing storytelling, craftsmanship, and spiritual reverence for the sun and desert. However, as the slave trade in Azmith grew, the Sand Elves became a prime target due to their perceived value. Traders capitalized on their striking appearance, skilled labor, and grace, selling them at high prices to meet the demands of powerful buyers. Entire villages were raided or coerced into servitude, scattering the Sand Elves across the region and beyond. Despite this dark history, the Sand Elves remain a resilient and proud people. Those who escaped or resisted the trade have continued to preserve their traditions, forming hidden communities in the desert or blending into other societies. Many strive to honor their heritage and rebuild what was lost, keeping alive the hope of a brighter future free from the shadows of oppression.

Geography

Sand Elves are distinct from Azmith, having garnered a notable population, mostly within the slave markets and city center of the Golden City and its constituent settlements.

Relations & Society

The long-standing history of Azmith's ancient powerhouse, the Golden City, has seen entire generations of elves subjected from birth until death within the confines of subjugation and ownership via the slave trade. Sand elf culture is a shattered mosaic of different touchstones and traditions. Freed members of their kind have redefined certain traditions, and vocal lore of their kind is a popular way of retaining their people's culture. The various institutions and culturally oppressive regimes in play throughout the Fire Region's cities have defined Sand Elves as objectified property. Many places worldwide are sympathetic to their kind, though not all are in a position to do more than grimace at the mention of the realities of Sand Elven institutional enslavement.

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Ancestry: Elven
Lifespan: 750 years
Adulthood: 18 years
Average Height (ft.): 1.6m to 1.8m
Average Weight (lbs.): 62kg to 75kg
Type: Mammal
Blood: Red
Contributors: Kashii, Taylorzilla, Yuii

Passive Ideas

Elven Respite - Some elves do not require sleep in the traditional sense, supplementing their evenings with a form of meditation that recovers energy and focus just as well as sleeping. They can feel as well rested as if they slept a full nights rest of at least 8 hours within the span of four hours by taking four uninterrupted hours of this special trance-like meditation state.
Elegant Sands - Many sand elven slaves within Azmith's borders are trained from a young age to be lithe, illustrious, and elegant with their movements. You may have an impressive sense of balance that makes it very difficult to trip you, you might be difficult to grapple without the aid of tools and whilst you're prepped and reeady to defend yourself. You may even choose to have this represented by being able to contort your body in ways that might seem impossible for others.
One with Sun - The desert energies charge sand elves with the powers of the sun and it's light. You might be able to move quicker and more swift than others of your kind, or perhaps your acclimation to the heat of the desert borders on supernatual, preventing you from scalding yourself on non-magical hot surfaces like stoves, coals, a small splash of boiling water, or similar items. (Touching straight fire, magical fire, electricity, or magma all effect you regularly.)