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.

Biology & 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 digging the sands 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 mobile 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.