Aen Manche

Mockingly called **Aen Manche** by other elven cultures, Blood or Desert elves by humans and **Fir Luidhe** by themselves, these nomad elves inhabit Korath desert. They are the descendents of of exiled and wandering Aen Seidhe and Aen ʼAgde, as well as those who refused to follow the Aen Saevherne's plans for elven race. They perceive themselves as successors to Aen Luidhe who went extinct during the Undod System's destruction.

## History

### 1260s - 1280s

In the mid-1260s the witcher Ryvlyn of Sanzode and his companions wandered through the Korath Desert and interacted with the Kaenatamin tribe of Desert Elves. He developed a strong bond with the tribal leader, Vrirdindun Aen Fitaen.

Due to Fabio Sachs' 1282 expedition reports, it is known that some Mardu have had offspring with these elves. These offspring decided to go their own way and separate from both groups.

## Characteristics

### Physical Traits

The Aen Manche have a pale complexion, though often heavily tanned from the hot sun. Their hair color is usually sandy blonde and bright, with black-haired elves much rarer. Like all elves they are generally quite tall and possess pointed ears.

## Culture

The Aen Manche are used to the harsh desert life, and center their culture around the tight-knit tribes they live in. Loyalty to the tribe and to each other is very important, especially in regards to the sharing of resources and material. They are known for their blood oaths that are signed between various tribal leaders, part of the reason there is little conflict between tribes in the first place.

The Desert Elves are known to make use of heavy tatooes using a native desert plant, and create elagant and elaborate markings on their bodies dyed deep red, earning them the moniker of Blood Elves. There distincitve art style is found on their clothing, weapons, and houses as well, and the Aen Manche are known to be extremely resourceful with what they have. They have mastered the art of survival in the desert, and can easily outmanuever and outmatch attacking forces who would foolishly invade the Korath Desert.

Their tattoos also serve as a form of identification between tribes. During encounters, the tattoos act as a visual language, telling stories of the wearers' heritage, experiences, occupation, and achievements. Additionally, the tattoos are believed to provide spiritual protection against malevolent spirits or forces that are thought to roam the vast expanse of the Korath Desert.

## Religion

The Aen Manche follow a distinctive faith centered around their worship of a deity known as Ifru. In stark contrast to Dana Meadbh, revered by the Aen Seidhe, Ifru embodies a more warrior-like aspect, reflecting the harsh realities of desert life that the Aen Manche have embraced. While Dana Meadbh represents nature, farming, and life, Ifru represents fire, death and the desert, symbolizing the challenges and unforgiving environment that define the Aen Manche's existence.

In the eyes of the Aen Manche, Ifru is not merely a deity but a formidable force that resonates with the challenges they face daily. If Dana Meadbh is the gentle guardian of lush forests and fertile lands, Ifru is the fierce protector of the vast and seemingly inhospitable desert terrain that the Aen Manche call home.

## Notable Aen Manche

### Tribes

* Kaenatamin
* Marashim
* Hurashim (extinct)

### Elves

* Vrirdindun Aen Fitaen
* Hema Aen Fitaen
* Hira Aen Hurashim
* Gaungro Aen Marashim

## Trivia

* Ifru was a war goddess worshipped by the Amazigh people during the conquest of North Africa by the Roman Empire.