Abbalaya The Abbalayar ( singular Abbalaya ) were a tribe of human s in Calimshan known and feared for their divinatory powers . They were so unique both magically and physically that they were often considered a distinct subrace of human . Etymology . The name " Abbalayar " came from Mount Abbalayat , the holy peak in the Marching Mountains from which all Abbalayar hailed . Description . Abbalayar appeared human at first glance , but upon closer inspection , their distinctive physical qualities became apparent . The strangest feature was their second eyelid . This eyelid was transparent and could shield an Abbalaya from a number of ill effects , such as both natural and magical blinding effects and even the gaze attacks of monsters . All Abbalayar also possessed an extra bone in each finger , which provided them with an extra elegance when casting spells with somatic component s . Abbalayar had pale skin like humans from the north , in stark contrast to the dusky - and tan - skinned Calishite s and Tethyrian s living around them . Their skin also had a subtle red tint to it . Their hair colors were the colors of precious metals — gold , silver , and copper — although these could easily be confused for blonde , white , or red . Abilities . Abbalayar were most known for " the sight " that most of them possessed naturally . These oracle abilities were innate magical powers . Not all Abbalayar shared the same powers , but they were always a form of divination magic . All of the following were known powers of some individuals : When an Abbalaya used one of these powers , she or he became physically weak . A very small number of Abbalayar did not have " the sight " and instead had the physical strength of the dao . Reputation . The Abbalayar were greatly feared by most people for their mystical powers . However , common folk tended to exaggerate the Abbalayar ' s abilities , thinking them as powerful as the Chosen of Mystra or the demigod s , even though Abbalayar were as prone to death as any other human . In Calimshan , many pasha s sought to capture an Abbalaya , hoping to learn its secrets and find the hidden city of Ul ' sahab . It was not uncommon for pretenders to claim to be Abbalayar , in hopes of profiting from such a deception . Fortunately , since the rumors of an Abbalaya ' s power were so great , it was difficult for a false " Abbalaya " to live up to such expectations . For their part , the Abbalayar took advantage of the misconceptions , because they wanted to remain hidden . Society . The home of the Abbalayar was the hidden city of Ul ' sahab , the City of Oracles . All Abbalayar alive as of 1370 DR came from this city , which was said to be a place of " knowledge , peace , and love " . The Abbalayar would take special measures to ensure that their line did not die out . Among the inhabitants of the city , every 20 years , at least fourteen men and women would be selected as the " Gifted " . These Gifted would be sent out into the far corners of Toril to spread the vision of the Abbalayar and to find suitable mates from among the other human cultures . Such Gifted were chosen and dispatched every 20 years , and they were expected to return to Ul ' sahab before the next sending . The Gifted took their quests seriously , and if one remained alive , he or she would always find a way to return home . However , historically , only about half of those sent out ever made it back to Mount Abbalayat alive . Not all children of Abbalayar retained the powers and distinctions of their Abbalaya parent , although the powers could reappear in future generations of offspring . History . The origin of the Abbalayar people is an unsolved mystery . Some scholars of Faerûn believed them to be the offspring of genie s , celestial s , or fiend s , but they did not share the traits common to other genasi or planetouched humans . They certainly did have genie blood , but which variety of genie blood was not clear . During the Calim Empire , when the djinn ruled Calimshan , the tribe now known as the Abbalayar was granted permission to rule Mount Abbalayat . After the genies were expelled from the land , the Abbalayar went into hiding , using magic to conceal their home from outsiders . One of the recurring sendings of the Gifted took place in 1355 DR , three years before the Time of Troubles Notable Abbalayar . The most notable Abbalayar was called " el Nar ' ysr " , " the Phoenix " of Calimshan . Sometime in the tenth century DR , thousands of his prophecies were recorded , called " The Phoenix Prophecies " .