The Sparkling Gem of the Desert
The Kharassa
They of the Shining Lakes
They of the Shining Lakes
I
The sisters of the Saffekh, the Kharassa are the people of the lakes, a kingdom of three fully independent diaconates each ruled by a Komotigui, who reports to a divinely mandated Mansa. The Kharassa enjoy just enough surplus along the lakesides to survive, and enough wealth from traders attempting to shelter while crossing the Sands to fill their lakes with gold. Despite the lavish lives the Kharassa lead, they are strictly religious and incredibly demanding of their children. When a Kharassa mother is pregnant, she receives from the Komotigui a Tyrannosauridae egg that has been selected for her child. The child grows alongside its tyrannosaur until it reaches adulthood, at which point it must use magic to bond to the bloodthirsty beast, or be eaten by it. For children who cannot cast magic and thus cannot defend themselves from their soon-to-be-bonded beasts, the Kharassa believe it is the will of God (whom they call Say’àmara) for the child to be eaten; as they were impure and incapable. As such, those with the ability to teach magic often find themselves handsomely paid among the Kharassa.
II
...to be continued...
III
Bone Mages
A tattoo mage, nyamakala inscribe magic onto their bones, turning their identity into a spellcraft.
Starting Abilities
Living Hex
When you suffer a wounded or worse effect, you may invoke a reactive curse inscribed into your bones. Choose the creature responsible. Until the end of the round, it rolls initiative at disadvantage and treats one limb zone of your choice as if opportunistic zones apply.
Caster
You gain access to three spells of your choice, from the Starting Spell List. Your starting conduit is your own body (counted as a martial weapon for proficiencies and prerequisites).
The Desert's Authority
Bolon-kan channel magic through their iron mace-staves and demand authority wherever they go.
Starting Abilities
Voice of the Iron Law
Once per long rest, when you speak a demand, you may choose to invoke the Iron Law. Choose an individual. For the next ten minutes, your statements are treated as commands and the target must comply or withdraw from your presence entirely.
Caster
You gain access to three spells of your choice, from the Starting Spell List. Your starting conduit is a Mace.
God's Storytellers
The storytellers of the Kharassa, jeli nyama cast magic through music and oral tradition, channeling through their 21 stringed kora.
Starting Abilities
Song of the First Deed
At the start of combat, after initiative is rolled, you may choose up to three allies who can hear you (including yourself). Each ally gains an extra reaction to use during the first round.
Caster
You gain access to three spells of your choice, from the Starting Spell List. Your starting conduit is your instrument (counted as a staff for proficiencies and prerequisites).
Water Diviners
Sogolon read fate through tokens and signs, serving as fortune tellers for those lost souls of the desert.
Starting Abilities
Forseen Wound
At the start of combat, before any turns are taken, you may secretly conduct a divination. Choose one creature you can see (ally or enemy). Then choose an outcome and keep it hidden.
Foreseen Wound. If your creature is hit this round, you may negate the injury.
Foreseen Opening. If your creature misses an attack by 2-5, it is instead treated as a glancing blow.
You may reveal the omen only if the event occurs.
Caster
You gain access to three spells of your choice, from the Starting Spell List. Your starting conduit is either a Dagger or Staff.
