Basai

The Basai, or Sand Maedi, are a breed of elf that branched off from the Azlan after their banishment to the Abyss at the end of Age Zero. The Basai blamed the decadence and corruption of the Azlan for the fall of Zakhema. Under the guidance of their prophet Kadesh, the Basai dedicated themselves to Vasht, Elder God of Protection, and returned to Orbis as warriors. The Basai are fanatically devoted to the defense of Zakhemite ruins, particularly the old capital of Navarao, which is the holiest site of the sand elves. Most Basai dwell in Arapa, the heartland of the Azlan, though the once green land is now harsh and dry, dominated by the Tala Desert. Basai are ambivalent in their attitudes to humans, preferring they keep their distance from Arapa. Some Basai, usually exiles, serve as cavalry in the mercenary companies that ply the Suhayl, for the sand elves are said to be the greatest horsemen in all Dar al-Najm. The Sunlands are not the only place where Basai are found. A large population of Basai dwell in Heide. These are the Hadaya, or Gift Elves. They accompanied Amira Feruz al-Mujazi when she married into the Rohun Dynasty in 2984 IR. After over a millenium in the north, the Hadaya have diverged somewhat from their southern brethren, though they maintain their skill at arms. 
Basai usually have dark bronze skin, black hair and eyes of intense violet, pink, silver or other 'crystalline' hues. As befits their nature as warriors, Basai tend to be tall and heavily-muscled, with thick limbs and narrow torsos. Male Basai often grow beards, and they are quite hirsute. The average Basai appears quite large and imposing when placed beside the average human. Among the Arapan Basai the dervishes are the most honored warriors, and the secretive Ikhwan Ruhani enforces order among the Basai clans, which are largely independent of each other, though they all observe ancient laws and customs. Basai warriors often turn back hogboon hordes from the Seiyuf Mountains, and they also war with the Dends and Ajij raiders. The Basai have very hostile attitudes towards the Sanjaks of Khanaan, for the mage clans founded their power on that stolen by the God Thieves. The Mozollan Sea Kingdoms are tolerated and occasionally considered useful. The Torags are used as mediators in matters of trade and they control many of the oases that border Arapa, guiding and protecting the caravans that pass under the gaze of the sand elves. The Ashir of Selm are occasional nuisances, conducting raids on Arapa for the sheer fun of it. Mazar and Har Gena are too distant to be much trouble, and the Jome tribes of the Sawah Jungle rarely leave their green home. Still, the Basai have many foes to test their mettle against, and occasional feuds between Sand Maedi clans ensure that the Basai are rarely at peace.
Category:Races
Category:Maedi