Common Ethnic Traits:

• Suggested naming conventions: Persian, Arabian, Egyptian, and Moorish names

• Ethnic groupings: While the various ethnic groups of the darsian peoples tend to mix with both each other, and Ramacci, creating some genetic diversity, several distinct characteristics can be attributed to three main groups.

• Darsian - Black, brown, and sometimes Silver hair. (From Shiroi ancestry.) See eye colors below.

• Sheqalion - Black hair with brightly saturated blue and green eyes. (They claim this is from their unconfirmed Almoran ancestry)

• Nirdamite - Almost always with white hair, red eyes. 

• Eye colors: Red, Yellow, Green, Brown.

• Complexion: Olive-Brown. Rarely burns, tans well.

• Height average: Darsians generally match the Tamians in height, with males standing around 170.3 cm (5 ft 7 in) and females around 159.8 cm (5 ft 3 in). 

• The peoples of the sands: Darsians are a collective of diverse peoples and customs who share one common identity with one another. They are the peoples of the sands. They tend to endure extreme heat easier than other races, even without their creative approaches to survive in the hostile southern deserts. And their affinity for fire elemental magic is known to be very strong.

• Potential Sorcerer Bloodlines: Celestial, Div, Djinni, Draconic, Elemental (Fire and Air) Efreeti, Ghoul, Marid, Martyred, Infernal, Salamander, Scorpion, Shaitan

 

 

Synopsis:

The Ancient Shiori Empire encompassed many of the lands in Southern Estellon and Northern Nomeria. But unlike their northern Ramacci cousins in the north, the Darsians of northern Nomeria haven't inherited the most hospitable land in existence. While there are expanses of warm grassy planes through out the Darsian empire, dust and stone make up a large part of Northern Nomeria. But the Darsian Peoples are no strangers to the heat, and they know how to make the most of what they have. And they do so with grace, unlike the ice men in the north. They bare a duskier skin tone than that of their Ramacci cousins, and are famous in Estellon for the striking red eyes they are known to sport. Although Darsian peoples are not a single homogenous ethnic group, but rather a collection of peoples who have been bound together for a long time. Many ripped from their homelands and placed where elsewhere after being conquered. However, few Estellonians will be able to distinguish between the sub groups. The Nirdamites, who bare red eyes and white or silver hair. The Sheqalion, who generally have skin almost as dark as the Shongarians, but bare beautiful eyes of the bluest and greenest saturation. And the Darsians, who often have brown hair and brown eyes, resembling a darker skinned Tamian more than the Ramacci. Traits from these three groups have been spread through out all nomeria, along with Shiori and later some Ramacci blood. And as such, merely by looking into their eyes and hair can a Estellonian tell which region they come from. To Estellonians, referring to them as Darsian is merely the safest course of action, as generally only Darsians have reason to come to Estellon.

 

As such, the people of the sands have various diverse customs. But it is their Shiori Heritage which ties it all together. The civilizations in northern Nomeria are old, even by elf standards. The oldest being Sheqalda, the land of pyramids, temples, and god kings known as the Pharos, which was even predated the Shiori Empire, and maintained autonomous rule after being conquered. Where as in the north, arcane magic has always been a closely guarded secret of the light elves, the ancient Darsians had learned how to unlock the powers completely independently, with the help of the Dragons that once were abundant in the Shiori antiquity. And this would be what would forever change life in the desert. And magic is used far more liberally in Nomeria than in Estellon, and wizards who utilize it, the Magicians, are often held in very high regard by their societies. It is seen as essential for survival after all. But the Darsian peoples are creative and inventive, and even now, societies exist who shun the alien force. Other older types of magic also exist. Elemental and Spiritual magic for example, which seems to power many of the ancient temples and tombs Sheqalda. But you often know a Darsian City is on the horizon when you see the blue arcane glow of a light tower piercing through the atmospheric dust. Much like the Ramacci, most Darsians can be found living in cities. Perhaps this is a sociological trait shared by all those with the Shiori legacy. But because of the ever shifting nature of their homeland, the Darsian people have had to become brilliant engineers. And it shows, since their infrastructure has stood the test of time. Their cities often dwarf the size of those found in Estellon, but it's thanks to their infrastructure that they are able to support larger populations. With water being so scarce in the desert, the people have come to take it for granted as it flows through fountains, baths, canals, and in the richest cities, even through pipes right into one's own home. Indeed, most cities are reliant on their rivers to sustain them, but Darsian water dousers have long held the secret for finding abundant subterranean sources. Where as others may perhaps have a more supernatural force.

 

While races like the Scarlics are held in fascination by the fae, the Darsians are held in equal regard by the Djinn. They are observed in many heroic legends as interfering with the lives of mortals, and this does not always prove true only in the stories. The Djinn don't always make themselves known, but are always curious as to what the Darsians do. But Darsian magicians have learned a thing or two about how to contain them, and bind them into contracts servitude to allow them to exploit their wish granting ability. But Djinn are tricky creatures as any tale would warn. And this art has been fading of late, with the number of magicians who know the secrets being increasingly protective over it. After all, knowledge is power to the Darsian Magicians. And many would go through great lengths to keep their secrets from rivals and enemies. That said, many Darsian scholars could be seen in southern Estellon, expanding the libraries of the Scholastic wizards in exchange for pursuing the ancient secrets of the elves. But further north, the Darsians are a far less common site. Especially since the Darsian empire has violently denounced the Fosterin church, and decided to spread the southern religion's influence through Eugencian lands. This religious tension has made it hard for the scholars of both sides, who desperately crave the independent exchange of knowledge and ideals. Some have theorized that perhaps if Darsian Magicians make names for themselves as heroes and adventurers, perhaps it could help soften the racial apprehension that has been growing, but they are far from the only Darsians who have decided to earn a reputation in the field. Nirdamite warriors remain undeterred by the religious tension. For they are famous for their ability to see opportunity where it presents itself. And in the north, where people could earn coin to fight monsters, demons, and the evils of the world? Suffice to say, this bares an appeal.