Near 300 years ago, the world shook in cataclysmic pain, as it was struck by a star that fell from the heavens! Tribal Astrologers saw the heavenly object appear long before it struck, and although not all believed it was bound for impact with Rogaria, most of the Tribes heeded their scientists and they evacuated out of the predicted path of the star.

No one could have foreseen the devastating effect once it struck, and Rogaria literally shook as it was dealt a mighty blow. Some claim the star struck Suralta and wiped the surrounding countryside clean of all life… a shockwave spreading countless miles in all direction, destroying those Kraals that had not moved far enough.

Since the impact, dubbed as The Cataclysm by the Tribes, Rogaria has only slowly started recovering. Side effects of the event (which supposedly still smoulders in its crater far away down south) include a deadly and poisonous mist, called the Deathwind that is rumoured to clear entire areas of all life, where it appears. Some rare survivors speak of pale creatures in the mist but this may be attributed to shock.

Whether it is a sign of displeasure from the Old Ones, wreaking symbolic havoc and destruction on a city to make a point, or whether it is karmic retribution by The Sands itself for the heretical activities of the despised and recently emerging so called Caliphate… all of the People are reinforced in their beliefs that they should hold to their way of life and move often and regularly.

Clarification on Sexuality & Gender Roles/Norms

Although they are “humanoid” in appearance, the Sha’éhel are definitely not human or even mammalian for that matter. Procreation among the Sha’éhel is a matter of planning and ritual/science. Any Sha’éhel is able to produce an egg from their body, which carries the potential to hatch into a new Sha’éhel. The caste which produces the egg is not necessarily the caste that will hatch from it, as this is a matter of “programming” the egg according to the needs of the Kraal. The actual “activation” of the egg is an affair handled by the scientists, and is something that will only happen after the necessary protocols are followed and obligations and oaths spoken. See also The Law of Breeding. Sexual relationships for “enjoyment” are non-existent, as sex does not play a part in procreation. All of the potential negative consequences and unwanted power/relationship struggles that are too often prevalent in human society are therefore NOT APPLICABLE to Sha’éhel society. Ever. There is no pleasure to be had from each other’s bodies, and as such sexual predation or rape of any kind is non-existent. These elements are just not a thing in the world we have created. Any roleplay with a classical human take on sexuality and all that jazz is pointless and we strongly encourage you all to embrace this freedom of play where you are not bound by a societal pressure to perform one way or the other. As far as Drychnath are concerned: They could be considered pansexual or asexual as they see fit and they always comply to the race(s) they mingle with… in this case: see above! Furthermore, there is no classic “role” to be played by either males or females. All of the Sha’éhel societal roles and functions are either taken by force or awarded through merit. It is just as common to have a female Mukhtar as it is to have a male dancer.

Only a few generations ago, the world of Rogaria started reacting to the terrible impact of The Cataclysm that wounded it some 300 years ago. This came to the attention of The People, as they started reporting increasingly more frequent and even larger spots of wooded area. These Green Hearts as they were dubbed could encompass many square kilometres and could suddenly have grown where a year before there was only desert.

When the Sha’éhel started carefully exploring these woods, they were met by strange unknown beings. Upright and bipedal as they were themselves, and endowed with not one horn as the Gorash, but two prominent (and sometimes large) horns adorned their heads. These creatures often spoke the same language as the Kraal they encountered, and even when not the case it took them little time to learn the local speech. They are often dressed in furs and leathers (although some of them have taken to wearing armour in the style of The People), and seem to prefer simple weapons of brutish design.

The Drychnath freely told their origins to all who would hear. They were all children of their progenitor Geryonal who supposedly roamed Rogaria, creating the Green Hearts and the Drychnath that populated them. It was quickly decided that these simple folk tales were an embellishment of a legend of these woodland creatures. Furthermore, the Drychnath claimed they wished to become allies and friends of The People and they had no issue with submitting to local Kraal leaders. Their only request was that they be given freedom to roam where they wanted. In return they would hunt and gather for the Kraal, and employ their craft to create art or tools to be used or sold. They wanted no gold or silver in return, merely the right to dwell among the People.

The Drychnath show an incredible affinity with the lush areas of Rogaria, and furthermore they have demonstrated a wonderful mastery over The Elements themselves! Drychnath Elementalists have proven time and again their usefulness in their control over Air, Water, Light and Earth. The more “physically” inclined Drychnath are even capable of carrying arms and wearing armour… but this is the grand jest: They refuse to raise arms against another individual. They are more than capable of defending against the savage monsters that roam the Sands, but against another sentient being they will not participate in violence. They would rather let themselves be slaughtered than to fight an opponent.

Another great mystery, is their habit of occasionally wandering off, usually fully geared up. They do this alone or in group, and almost always towards an unknown destination southward. Most of the times they come back days later, covered in wounds and occasionally missing one among their number. The Lawkeepers and Scientists of the Sha’éhel have not yet discovered what it is they do in their solitary retreats, but it is generally accepted this is most likely a private trial by combat to determine dominance or even mating rights.