Homebrew Dune Elf Species Details
“So, you really are elves?" Asked Gor'f. "Yes, quite, dwarf. But we're not like those forest elves you've met such as the princess here. We have adapted to the world out here, where the sun is what protects us!" Says Aku'li as she sways with the breeze, her dress closely matching her movement. "You really must broaden your horizons. Otherwise, you'll end up like those prejudiced oafs buried in their books, afraid of a single grain of sand hitting their pale faces, as if shame doesn't hit them daily."
And as she says this, and as much as Bellaris wants to try and defend her people, all she could do was look down. Knowing that she's right, every word. But noticing this, Aku'li changes her position so she's facing Bellaris. "That does not mean that they're not capable of redemption. You and your sister are evidence enough that our people can learn to honor traditions the right way." she says, gesturing to a tapestry hanging behind her throne that pictured the ancient Elven kingdom's insignia on it.
— Thomas Holmes, Exortia: Exploding Horizons; Signals of War
The Dune Elves are one of the four kingdoms born out of the Ancient Elven Kingdom's divide after the ancient war. Among the elven kingdoms, the dune elves are the second oldest, but unlike the Royal Forest Elves, they no longer abide very closely by their ancient laws, though they still found ways to honor them as much as they could. Like their main quintessence, they're not only quick and agile, but like the raging sandstorms of the desert, they're able to dish out intense flurries of slashing blades that inflict damage from almost all directions.
Outgoing and Gracious
Living in the barren desert dunes, hence their namesake, they have learned to become more humble, not only as individuals, but as a kingdom. Knowing that if it weren't for the neighboring Tauren and Centaurkin, their kingdom wouldn't have survived. So as much as possible, with whatever they can, they built a city that's able to accommodate anyone and everyone, no matter the race. They've adapted to most of the races, and became a boisterous and outgoing people, even hosting parties where they taught the people they're accommodating their dances. They also do not keep anything for themselves, even going as far as letting their soldiers go on quests for their clients, just to have what they need. Have these actions been abused and exploited? Absolutely. Do they care? No, not really. Because they have supported the ideal and belief that if you can help anyone, your only obstacle is doubt and prejudice. And they've grown to hate the idea of prejudice.
The Hospitable Desert-Folk
Among the Elven kingdoms, the Dune Elves are the only ones who the other races acknowledge as people they don't have to be on their guard with, at all. Many travelers who have been stranded, and almost died in the desert, have had nothing but great things to say about these Elves. They were fed, let into their homes without much trouble or been shaken down for payment, and were given anything they needed for when they left to travel once more. Because of these stories travelling through word of mouth to all the continents, this solidified the Dune Elves as being the most hospitable kingdom in all of Exortia.
But the hospitality isn't contained to only their kingdom, but to their people most of all, with most of the travelers from their kingdom becoming tavern owners, barkeeps, vendors and traders of every kind, and just overall becoming a very helpful bunch. Believing that this is how they will honor their ancestors, seeing the divide not as something to hate or fear, but something that only propelled and helped the Elven kingdom to become better minded people. Though it may not be as true for the other Elven kingdoms, it is certainly something you can see from the Dune Elves.
Like a Phoenix, Rising from the Ashes
After the ancient war that split apart their once glorious single kingdom, the elven people who eventually became the Dune Elves were almost wiped out when they traveled far to the East, and ended up in Procyon. A place that is so far apart from the forests they once inhabited. But now, after years and years of hardships, toiling away to build a kingdom they could call their home, they became so much more than what their ancestors could hope for. And like a glorious Phoenix rising from the ashes of it's troubled past, they emerged quite magnificently, to the renowned kingdom they've come to be known as.
With that being said, and for as much as they've becoming more welcoming than their forest elven counterparts, the other elven kingdoms are the only race that they refuse to give grace to, stating how they were abandoned and tossed aside for the ideals that they learned through the hardships that these other kingdoms shunned and invalidated them for, not even showing any sign of empathy or sympathy for the people they would once call their own. But that is no longer a big concern for the Dune Elves, as they know that if they only focus on winning back the respect and acknowledgement that they don't even want, all their learnings and beliefs will have been for nothing.
Goodwill Towards Friendly Travelers
As stated before, the Dune Elves have since expanded their hospitality and became travelling merchants, with most going as far as establishing taverns of their own, in all the other continents. But not just that, they've also built and maintained the reputation that you mustn't believe something that was only said to you. But you must learn to believe something that you can clearly see, hence them travelling so they can prove to the other races that they are as gracious as most have said. And through years of this practice, most people now have goodwill towards the Elven race, whether they be Dune or Forest Elves.
LEARNED TO BELIEVE THERE'S GOOD IN EVERYONE
Due to the life that they live in their own kingdom, they have learned to be trusting towards people. And even if they were abused, unless they were outright in danger, they knew not to fight back. Instead, they focus only on their own things, and work on building the reputation they cherished. With that being said, they're the only Elven kingdom who does not harbor any sort of indifference towards the other kingdoms.
Dwarves. “They are some of the most rowdy people we've met, and we've partied with Minotaurs and Satyrs. But nonetheless, we'll forever be indebted to have known such amazing smiths, giving us the means to protect ourselves the way we meant and want to. And as usual, we'd love for you to try our homemade dwarven ale! It may not be the same as back home, but the closer we can get to how they're made, will only mean we'll be able to give out more to those who want it.”
Trolls, Orcs, Ogres, Goblins. “Trolls and Goblins are just such a fantastically chaotic bunch, comparable to drunken dwarves in their mischievousness, but also in the way in which they get lost in their craft as soon as they need to work. Same would go for the stoic and intimidating Ogres and Orcs who become gigantic snowballs made for hugging when drunk. Any party with them would become a memorable one for everybody, and that is no lie.”
Valorians (Humans). “With all the travelers we've come across, none would match the interesting attitude Valorians have towards the world, and essentially the other races. Their curiosity and patience when it comes to learning something new or doing something to get what they want; the determination they exhibit, is quite inspiring and fascinating. And I think we all could learn a thing or two from Valorians when it comes to perseverance.”
Elf Names
The Dune Elves have long since diverged from the old names, and have made their own way of giving names, mostly using terms in Common that they translate to Elvish. And these terms are just simple words for objects that the parents find fitting or beautiful, and the children, once they reach adulthood, are also free to choose their own name. The Dune Elves way of naming emphasizes on freedom of expression, letting the people's individuality and sense of self determine who they would like to be known as. And it shows through, all the time.
Subrace
The Dune Elves are one of the subraces of the Elves of Exortia. The other subraces have their own stat blocks and traits that you may choose from if you wish to be a different kind of elf from the world of Exortia.
Dune Elf Traits
Your elf character has a variety of natural abilities, the result of thousands of years of elven refinement.Rhythmic Dance-Fighting Style
Dune Elves have refined a fighting style that makes use of their wide and far reaching capabilities with their nimble and agile bodies, enabling them to both move and fight simultaneously without much effort, making it harder to fight them or defend against their attacks.
Precise Eagle-eyes
Having lived in the harsh desert environments, Dune Elves were given the ability to see further than all the other races, due to an instrument they invented. A pair of goggles that not only shield their eyes from the environments, but also give them a clear and precise vision, letting them see an extra mile; much farther than most races.
Size
The Dune Elves are the tallest of the Elven Kingdoms, being over 6 feet and taller, while still being slender.
Spiritual Empowerment
Forest elves have the ability to choose to enter a meditative state that enables them to connect to the spiritual domain, and essentially to their patron paragon, in order to replenish their lost faculties. And while in this trance, their body will be vulnerable while their soul performs incantations to help keep the tether of your soul connected to the spirits. So as long as you can keep your body safe, you'll be able to gain some of your life, energy, or quintessence, and empowering you for a while. Though this empowered state only lasts for up to 5 hours after performing the ritual at the maximum duration.
Agile, Nimble and Flexible
Dune Elves have adapted their bodies to become very nimble and agile due to working with sandstones without much natural strength, and making entrances that are going to be a difficult and tight squeeze for much larger races.