Elf, Anath (Desert Elf)

Posted by EarthDragon on 22nd August 2015.

All elven races are related, though it may be a distant relationship. Once, all elves were of one race, many thousands of years prior to the emergence of humans, when they were a slave race to mysterious and dark masters of whom they do not willingly speak. Over the aeons of their bondage, they splintered into sub-racial groups, which further split after the events leading to the disappearance of their masters and the breaking of their slavery (events in which the elves took no part, and have no more knowledge of than any other race). All elves have an innate ability to recognise another elf, and identify which sub-type they belong to. This applies even when an elf has not encountered a particular sub-type for centuries (or, indeed, ever). This ability is an instant recognition that works even if an elf is masquerading as another sub-type through disguise or other non-magical means. This ability even has a chance to pierce magical disguises (such as illusions, and polymorph, though not shapechange). The elf who sees another elf under any form of magical disguise makes a Will saving throw against a DC of 15 + caster level of the magical disguise effect, less their Intelligence modifier.

Anath have pointed ears and dwell predominantly in the wilderness of the deep desert. Anath are clannish, nomadic desert-dwellers said to be as fast – and mercurial – as the sirocco. Anath are tireless wanderers, scouring the desert sands for whatever sustenance and riches they can find. They travel on foot in tribal groups, engaging in thieving and raiding, then disappear in a cloud of dust. Some tribes trade on a more-or-less regular basis with the cities of the Unification, but anath are known for their willingness to fleece customers not of their tribe, even other Anath.

Individually, tribal anath are swift, sure, and self-reliant in the extreme. An anath is conditioned to run quickly over sandy and rocky terrain, sometimes for days at a time – an anath warrior can cross better than 50 miles per day. An anath war party on the move is a deadly force of endurance and manoeuvrability. Anath use no beasts of burden for personal transportation, though they do sometimes engage some creatures for baggage or raw materials transport. It is dishonourable among anath to ride on an animal unless wounded and near death – even pregnant women and old anath are expected to keep up with the tribe or be left behind.

   Personality

An Anath would rather live a short, happy life among friends than toil for centuries like a lo’menni. Many take a perverse pride in the stereo-type that labels them as untrustworthy thieves and bandits. Most are possessed by an incurable wanderlust, always moving on to see what lies beyond the next ridge – or what’s in the poorly guarded caravan approaching from the west.

   Physical Description

An Anath stands between 6½ and 7½ feet tall. They are slender, lean, and generally in terrific physical condition. Their features are deeply etched into their weather toughened faces, and their skin made rugged by the windblown sands and baking sun of the wilderness. Anath typically dress to survive in the desert environment. Even when at an oasis or in the cities, Anath tend to prefer their native garb, designed to wrap the wearer against the brutality of the elements.

   Relations

Anath are all brethren within their own tribe, but regard all outsiders as potential enemies. There is no racial unity among the Anath – an Anath from outside the tribe is just as much a foe as a human, so’van, or maenadi. Acceptance of an outsider by an individual Anath can be achieved, but trust will only develop over time. Acceptance of an outsider by an entire tribe is also possible, but rare. It is usually only awarded after some great sacrifice has been made on behalf of the tribe – many outsiders have been accepted posthumously into Anath desert tribes. The only exception to this is the Eled; these elves are universally held in high regard by the Anath.

   Alignment

Anath tend strongly toward chaotic alignments. Whether Anath are good or evil depends a lot on what’s standing between them and their next drink of water.

   Anath Racial Traits