Desert Elves

The Desert Elf could be found in most arid areas of the world where they raised great stallions. These elves are exceptional horse bound warriors who trained upon the sturdy horses from boyhood. The Desert Elf was most noted for their ability to scout and hunt for they could move silently and stay hidden very well. They often live in the harshest areas of the world where no other race could thrive. With their ingrained knowledge of survival and their extreme hardiness, they coexisted with nature primarily in the expansive deserts.

The Desert Elves lived by simple laws that were built on the foundation that only the fittest should survive. The old and the weak were expected to leave the clan as soon as they can no longer care for themselves. This hard attitude allowed the desert elf to survive and multiply, to become a great warrior nation of nomads. Aside from their warlike nature, the Desert Elves were a warm and kind people to those they called friends, and they always kept contracts or promises they made. They often traded with other races, and many of their people were proven craftsmen of domestic goods such as blankets.

Of the two-dozen Elven tribes that roamed the Joda Desert, the largest is known as the Kur'Casna (Band of the Stallion). This band breed and traded the finest horses; large war horses able to run like the smaller breeds. Each tribe was led by a hereditary leader who made all the decisions on important matters. The females usually acted as scouts and developed into excellent horse riders.

Raiding between tribes was very common, though unnecessary killing was frowned upon by all. Young Males usually were required to steal a stallion from a competing tribe in order to prove manhood. Several tribes joined on festival days to trade and rejoice. They also joined together as needed to fight a common enemy. Several of the tribes were linked through family lines and inter-tribal marriages were commonly arranged.

The Desert Elf was quick witted and quick to make a profit; they jealously guarded the routes across the great desert. Tribute was commonly paid to pass through the tribal lands. Many merchants found it easier to simply hire the elves to transport their goods. Trading was secondary only to the raising of herd animals.

Religion was not a major part of the Desert Elf community, but superstition was alive and well. Shamans and Witch doctors provide most of the spiritual guidance to the tribes. Magic was not common and generally distrusted, though tribal leaders sometimes kept a mage for counsel. There were three sacred shrines within the Joda desert that the Desert Elves keep as Holy. These shrines were initially constructed by Dwarven engineers during the construction of the city of Haarp. The purpose of the shrines is not known, and the sages who study them have found no special powers.