DAMIJANI, THE RED ELVES
(lore under cut)
Name: Damijani, Damijan, Red Elf
Class: Fae
Subclass: Terrian, Medium
ORIGIN
There are two types of elf on Looming Gaia: "green" elves and "red" elves. Green elves are highly allergic to iron, while red elves are completely resistant to its ill effects.
Red elves also can’t burn, whether by fire or chemical. However, they also can’t communicate with animals like their green cousins.
All red elves (formally called the "Damijani elves") stem from a village of green elves native to Evik's western coast. They were enslaved by Zareen Empire during the Dwarven Expansion, made to work in toxic industrial environments.
Over time, the Damijani began to adapt. They did what was thought impossible for an elf: they became resistant to iron. Today, they no longer resemble their green ancestors and have become a race all their own.
Eventually, Zareen developed automatons which replaced their elven slaves. The empire reserved a space called Damijana for the newly-freed slaves, but it was hardly a kind gesture. The reservation was a toxic scrapyard full of derelict machinery.
Still, the Damijani used their technical experience, their magic, and their unique strengths to make Damijana into what it is today: The most technologically-advanced civilization on Looming Gaia. They were able to build a local fishing industry because of their toxin resistances, able to eat fish from the polluted sea that other peoples wouldn't touch. Their technology is unique to them, using a blend of magic and machine.
CULTURE
-The Damijani traditionally wear an all-black wardrobe to pay respect to their enslaved ancestors, who were always covered head to toe in coal and grime.
-It's considered crass to show skin below the neck. Even their hands are covered by gloves in public. A popular saying in Damijana is “a sin to show skin below the chin”.
-In Damijana, only soldiers are permitted (and required) to shave their heads. Citizens who do so will be arrested until their hair grows back to a "proper" length--meaning long enough to make a braid.
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Masterpost
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