Sarnian

The Sarnian people compose of two near-identical species from the harsh desert planet of Sarnis; where they grew up competing against each other for territory and resources.

At the heart of Sarnian society lies a deep reverence for the land that sustains them. Despite its harshness, the desert is seen not as a foe to be conquered, but as a companion to be respected and nurtured. The Sarnians have developed intricate systems of conservation and sustainability, carefully managing their limited resources to ensure the survival of their people for generations to come.

In the sprawling cities that dot the desert landscape, Sarnian architecture reflects both the pragmatism and the beauty of their culture. Buildings are crafted from the very sands upon which they stand, their forms sculpted by the hands of master artisans who have learned to coax life from the barren earth. Towering minarets rise above the city streets, casting long shadows that provide respite from the relentless heat of the suns.

But for all their ingenuity and resilience, the Sarnians are not without their struggles. The desert is a harsh mistress, and even the most careful plans can be undone by the whims of nature. Sandstorms sweep across the landscape with little warning, swallowing everything in their path and leaving devastation in their wake. Yet, in the face of such adversity, the Sarnians persevere, drawing strength from their bonds of community and their unyielding determination to survive.

Race

Jaqua

Towering and elongated, these humanoid beings possess a striking physique perfectly adapted to their harsh desert environment. Standing at an average height of ten to twelve feet, their slender frames are draped in intricately woven garments designed to shield them from the relentless sun and abrasive sands.

The Jaqua's elongated limbs, sinewy and graceful, enable them to traverse the vast desert expanses with an effortless grace, their footfalls leaving barely a whisper of disturbance in the shifting sands. Their skin, a dusky hue reminiscent of the desert sands themselves, is adorned with swirling patterns that tell the stories of their ancestors and the trials they have overcome.

The most distinctive feature of the Jaqua is their profound affinity for verticality. Unlike the majority of other species, who may spread out horizontally across the landscape, the Jaqua are drawn to the sky, their cities rising like mirages amidst the dunes. Utilizing advanced architectural techniques and a deep understanding of their environment, they construct towering spires and soaring structures.

Each Jaqua city is a marvel of engineering, with intricate networks of walkways and bridges criss-crossing the sky above. The tallest towers reach dizzying heights, their apexes crowned with shimmering crystalline structures that capture and refract the desert sunlight, casting kaleidoscopic patterns across the landscape below.

Within these vertical metropolises, the Jaqua live in harmony with their surroundings, drawing sustenance from the sparse resources the desert provides. They are a deeply spiritual people, revering the ancient rhythms of the desert and paying homage to the spirits they believe dwell within its shifting sands.

Despite their affinity for heights, the Jaqua are not isolationists. They maintain trade routes that stretch across the desert, trading goods and knowledge with neighbouring civilizations. Their cities serve as beacons of light amidst the vast expanse of sand, drawing travellers from far and wide who seek the wisdom and craftsmanship of these remarkable beings.

But while the Jaqua may seem ethereal and aloof, they are also fiercely protective of their desert home. When threatened, they are formidable warriors, their agility and speed making them formidable opponents even against larger, more heavily armed adversaries. This was especially shown during their planet-wide genocide of their Jauqa cousins, under the first order given to them by their Huap prophet.

Jauqa

Once great charismatic cousins to the Jaqua, the Jauqa were a diminutive yet remarkably resilient species, defying cosmic expectations with their unyielding spirit and love for the simple pleasures of life.

Standing at an average height of just 1 meter, they possess robust physiques, characterized by sturdy, stocky builds that belie their unassuming appearance. Their bodies are well-suited to their agrarian lifestyle, with strong, calloused hands capable of toiling tirelessly in the dune mines or tinkering with trinkets and mechanics. Their skin, weathered and bronzed, serves as a natural shield against the scorching suns that dominate the sky. Deep-set eyes, shaded by prominent brows, peer out from beneath protective lids, honed over generations to withstand the glare of the endless deserts. Despite their small stature, Jauqa are surprisingly agile and possess keen senses, traits that have undoubtedly aided in their survival among the dunes of Sarnis.

But it is not merely their physical attributes that define Jauqa; it is their indomitable spirit and unwavering sense of community. In the bustling Kruerkands, giant mobile cities that the Jauqa call their homes, that dot the wilderness of Sarnis, Jauqa live in a chaotic peace, bound together by strong familial ties and a shared reverence for tradition. Their society is one of simplicity and contentment, where the rhythm of life is dictated not by the frenetic pace of progress but by the timeless cycles of nature and trade. From birth, Sarnian children are taught the value of resourcefulness and adaptation, for survival in the shifting sands demands nothing less. They learn to harness the power of the desert winds, to navigate the treacherous terrain, and to harvest the precious moisture that lies hidden beneath the surface.

Despite their aversion to conflict and their preference for a tranquil existence, Jauqa are not without their share of adventures. Tales abound of intrepid Jauqa explorers venturing forth into the unknown reaches of space aboard their sturdy starships, their insatiable curiosity driving them ever onward in search of new horizons. Though they may lack the imposing stature of other species, Jauqa possess a courage and resilience that belies their size, facing the perils of the cosmos with an unshakeable resolve.

In the realm of technology, Jauqa are adept engineers and craftsmen, possessing a knack for invention that rivals even the most advanced civilizations. Their creations may lack the sleek sophistication of those found elsewhere in the galaxy, but they are imbued with a charm and ingenuity that is uniquely Jauqa. From steam-powered spacecraft to mechanical marvels that traverse the rugged terrain of their home world, Jauqa technology is a testament to their resourcefulness and ingenuity.

Yet for all their ingenuity and adventurous spirit, Jauqa remain deeply rooted in tradition, cherishing the simple pleasures of home and hearth above all else. Whether tending to their knick nacks, gathering for a hearty meal with family and friends, or celebrating the joys of life with music and merriment, Jauqa find fulfilment not in the pursuit of power or prestige but in the bonds of kinship and the beauty of the natural world.

In a galaxy teeming with diversity and wonder, the Jauqa of Sarnis stand as a testament to the enduring power of community, resilience, and the timeless virtues of simplicity and contentment. Though they may be small in stature, their hearts are vast, their spirits indomitable, and their legacy everlasting.

History

1. Origins and Early Civilization

The planet Sarnis, a vast desert world with extreme climates and scarce resources, was home to two species that evolved in parallel: the Jaqua and the Jauqa. Both species adapted uniquely to the harsh environment. The Jaqua, with their towering forms and affinity for verticality, established cities that rose above the desert sands, seeking the sky as their companion. The Jauqa, shorter and more robust, embraced a nomadic lifestyle, crafting mobile cities known as Kruerkands that traversed the dunes in search of sustenance and shelter.

2. The Age of Competition

As the populations of both species grew, so did their competition for resources. The desert’s limited water, arable land, and essential minerals became the center of conflict. The Jaqua, with their towering cities and advanced architecture, sought to dominate the highlands and oases, while the Jauqa, resilient and mobile, laid claim to the underground aquifers and dune-rich regions.

During this period, skirmishes and territorial disputes were common. The Jaqua’s superior height and agility often gave them an advantage in direct confrontations, but the Jauqa's resourcefulness and knowledge of the desert’s secrets allowed them to hold their own.

3. The Desert Peace Accord

Realizing that constant conflict would lead to mutual destruction, both species eventually agreed to the Desert Peace Accord. This treaty divided the planet into zones of influence, with the Jaqua controlling the highlands and major oases, and the Jauqa maintaining their nomadic lifestyle in the open deserts and subterranean regions.

For centuries, this fragile peace allowed both species to coexist, albeit with underlying tensions. Trade routes were established, and a mutual respect for each other’s strengths began to form, though old rivalries never truly disappeared.

4. The Rise of the Huap Prophet

The peace was shattered by the rise of a Jaqua spiritual leader known as the Huap Prophet. Claiming to receive visions from the desert spirits, the Huap Prophet preached that the Jaqua were the chosen stewards of Sarnis, destined to unite the planet under a single rule. His teachings quickly gained followers among the Jaqua, who saw themselves as superior due to their towering forms and architectural achievements.

The Prophet’s rhetoric grew increasingly militant, portraying the Jauqa as a blight on the land, unworthy of the desert’s blessings. Under his guidance, the Jaqua began a campaign of eradication against their cousins, seeing it as a divine mandate.

5. The Jauqa Genocide

The campaign led to a devastating planet-wide genocide. The Jaqua, leveraging their height and strategic positions in the highlands, launched coordinated attacks on the Kruerkands and Jauqa settlements. The Jauqa, despite their ingenuity and tenacity, were overwhelmed by the relentless assault. Entire mobile cities were destroyed, and the once-thriving Jauqa population was decimated.

By the time the dust settled, the Jauqa had been reduced to a fraction of their former numbers, forced to retreat into the most inhospitable parts of the desert, where even the Jaqua dared not follow. The Huap Prophet declared victory, and the Jaqua assumed control over the entire planet, with their grand cities standing as monuments to their supposed divine right.

6. The Aftermath and the Legacy of the Genocide

The aftermath of the genocide left deep scars on Sarnian society. The Jaqua, now the dominant species on Sarnis, turned inward, focusing on the consolidation of their power and the fortification of their cities. However, the guilt of the genocide lingered, with some Jaqua questioning the righteousness of their actions. This led to the rise of various sects and philosophical movements within Jaqua society, some advocating for reconciliation with the surviving Jauqa, while others remained steadfast in their belief of Jaqua superiority.

The Jauqa, though greatly diminished, did not vanish entirely. Those who survived the genocide became a secretive and resilient people, determined to preserve their culture and memory. They retreated into hidden enclaves, deep within the desert or underground, where they continued to live in defiance of their near-extinction. Over time, they developed a deep-seated mistrust of the Jaqua, passing down tales of the genocide to ensure that future generations would never forget the horrors inflicted upon them.

7. Modern Day

In the modern era, the Jaqua and the Jauqa exist in a tense, uneasy coexistence. The Jaqua maintain their grand cities and technological advancements, while the Jauqa, though few in number, have become masters of survival, adapting their technology and knowledge to the most extreme conditions of Sarnis. Trade between the two species has resumed, though it is limited and fraught with suspicion.

The memory of the genocide remains a potent force in Sarnian society. Among the Jaqua, it is a topic of taboo, with some seeking to atone for the sins of their ancestors, while others continue to view the Jauqa as lesser beings. The Jauqa, on the other hand, hold on to their history with fierce pride, teaching their young to be wary of the Jaqua but also to cherish their own culture and resilience.

Trivia

1. Sky Towers: The tallest structures in Jaqua cities are known as Sky Towers, and each city has one that serves as both a religious temple and a place of governance. The height of a Sky Tower is considered a symbol of the city's prosperity and the Jaqua’s connection to the divine.
2. The Kruerkand Whisperers: Among the Jauqa, there is a secretive group known as the Kruerkand Whisperers, who maintain the ancient mobile cities and keep alive the old ways of their people. These individuals are highly respected within Jauqa society, often serving as leaders and spiritual guides.
3. Desert Spirits: Both the Jaqua and Jauqa believe in desert spirits, though their interpretations differ. The Jaqua see these spirits as guiding forces that favor their dominance, while the Jauqa view them as protectors who helped them survive the genocide.
4. Singing Sands: A natural phenomenon on Sarnis, the Singing Sands are vast dunes that produce haunting melodies when the wind blows through them. The Jaqua consider this a blessing from the desert spirits, while the Jauqa believe it is the voice of their ancestors crying out for justice.
5. Huap Relics: Artifacts from the time of the Huap Prophet, known as Huap Relics, are considered sacred by the Jaqua. These relics are said to hold the Prophet’s divine power and are often used in religious ceremonies.
6. Jauqa Invention: Despite their diminished numbers, the Jauqa are credited with several key inventions that have been adopted by the Jaqua, including the wind traps used to collect moisture in the desert and the underground water purification systems.
7. Cultural Exchange: In rare instances, young Jaqua and Jauqa participate in cultural exchange programs, where they live with each other's people to learn about their cultures. These programs are controversial and often lead to mixed results, with some participants fostering understanding and others reinforcing old prejudices.
8. The Festival of Sands: Once every decade, both species come together to celebrate the Festival of Sands, a week-long event that honors the desert and its spirits. During this time, all conflicts are set aside, and both Jaqua and Jauqa engage in rituals, music, and dance to pay homage to their harsh but beloved homeland.